Synthesis and structure of η 1-N-diphenyldiazomethane complexes of niobo- and tantalocene monohydrides

Abstract

Interaction of niobo- and tantalocene trihydrides (Cp 2 MH 3; M  Nb, Ta) with diphenyldiazomethane under mild conditions leads to monohydride complexes of a new type, Cp 2 M(H) (η 1-NNCPh 2), where M  Nb I and Ta II. I and II have been characterized by a 1H NMR study, and I also by an X-ray single crystal diffraction study at 183 K ( R = 0.029 for 1510 reflections). The molecule of I is of a bent sandwich type with the distances NbCp(plane) of 2.13 (Å, NbN 1.850 (Å) (multiple bond), NbH 1.65 (Å) and HNBN angle of 94°.