title: A masked two-coordinate cobalt(I) complex that activates C-F bonds.
abstract: We report the isolation, characterization, and reactions of the unsaturated complex L(tBu)Co (L(tBu) = bulky β-diketiminate ligand). The unusual slipped κN,η(6)-arene binding mode in L(tBu)Co interconverts rapidly and reversibly with the traditional κ(2)N,N' ligation mode upon binding of Lewis bases, making it a "masked" two-coordinate complex. The mechanism of this isomerization is demonstrated using kinetic studies. L(tBu)Co is a stable yet reactive synthon for low-coordinate cobalt(I) complexes and is capable of cleaving the C-F bond in fluorobenzene.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States.
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Dugan
authors.forename: Xianru
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Elena V
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Rybak-Akimova
authors.forename: Olayinka
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Olatunji-Ojo
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Cundari
authors.forename: Patrick L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Holland