Two new bulky amido ligands useful for the preparation of metal complexes and examples of their reactivity

We have prepared and characterized two new bulky amido ligands unexpectedly prepared in an attempt to synthesize [(adamantyl)(2,6-iPr2C6H3)NH]. Rather than reacting at the primary -NH2 functionality, the adamantyl group attacked the 4-position of the 2,6-iPr2C6H3NH2 group to yield substituted ligands. These new ligands afford steric bulk, improved solubility in organic solvents, and an increased tendency to form crystalline compounds.