Rösch B, Gentner T, Eyselein J, Langer J, Elsen H, Harder S (2021)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2021
Book Volume: 592
Pages Range: 717-721
Journal Issue: 7856
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03401-w
A complex of a metal in its zero oxidation state can be considered a stabilized, but highly reactive, form of a single metal atom. Such complexes are common for the more noble transition metals. Although rare examples are known for electronegative late-main-group p-block metals or semimetals1-6, it is a challenge to isolate early-main-group s-block metals in their zero oxidation state7-11. This is directly related to their very low electronegativity and strong tendency to oxidize. Here we present examples of zero-oxidation-state magnesium (that is, magnesium(0)) complexes that are stabilized by superbulky, monoanionic, β-diketiminate ligands. Whereas the reactivity of an organomagnesium compound is typically defined by the nucleophilicity of its organic groups and the electrophilicity of Mg2+ cations, the Mg0 complexes reported here feature electron-rich Mg centres that are nucleophilic and strongly reducing. The latter property is exemplified by the ability to reduce Na+ to Na0. We also present a complex with a linear Mg3 core that formally could be described as a MgI-Mg0-MgI unit. Such multinuclear mixed-valence Mgn clusters are discussed as fleeting intermediates during the early stages of Grignard reagent formation. Their remarkably strong reducing power implies a rich reactivity and application as specialized reducing agents.
APA:
Rösch, B., Gentner, T., Eyselein, J., Langer, J., Elsen, H., & Harder, S. (2021). Strongly reducing magnesium(0) complexes. Nature, 592(7856), 717-721. https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03401-w
MLA:
Rösch, Bastian, et al. "Strongly reducing magnesium(0) complexes." Nature 592.7856 (2021): 717-721.
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