N–H bond activation of 2-aminobenzophenone by trimethylphosphine complexes of nickel and cobalt

2-Aminobenzophenone (1) reacted with NiMe2(PMe3)3 and CoMe3(PMe3)3 afforded N–H bond cleavage products, the tetra-coordinate square-planar nickel complex (2), and the hexa-coordinate octahedral dimethyl cobalt(III) complex (3) with a cationic [N, O]-chelate ligand while the reaction of Co(PMe3)4 with 2-aminobenzophenone (1) delivered only a π-(CO) coordinate complex (o-NH–C6H4–eta2-C(O)–C6H5)Co(PMe3)3 (4) in a tetrahedral coordination geometry. The structures of complexes 2–4 were determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction. The formation mechanism of complex 2 was discussed.

Graphical abstract2-Aminobenzophenone (1) reacted with NiMe2(PMe3)3 and CoMe3(PMe3)3 afforded N–H bond cleavage products, (2), and (3) while the reaction of Co(PMe3)4 with 1 delivered a π-(CO) coordinated complex (o-NH–C6H4–eta2-C(O)–C6H5)Co(PMe3)3 (4). The structures of complexes 2–4 were determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction. The formation mechanism of complex 2 was discussed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide