Synthesis of chromium(III) bis(benzamidinate) complexes via single electron oxidation

Oxidation of Cr[(Me3SiN)2CPh]2 (1) with silver benzoate or iodine provides neutral Cr(III) bis(benzamidinato) complexes, which react with C3H5MgCl to form the η3-allyl complex. The reaction of 1 with excess allyl benzoate was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy. The X-ray structures of 2, 3, and 5 are reported.