Synthesis of a terminal zinc hydride compound, [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]ZnH, from a hydroxide derivative, [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]ZnOH: Interconversions with the fluoride complex, [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]ZnF

The terminal zinc hydride complex, [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]ZnH, can be conveniently obtained from the hydroxide derivative, [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]ZnOH, by reaction with H3NBH3. The zinc hydride complex [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]ZnH is reactive and the Zn–H bond undergoes (i) insertion of CO2 to produce the formate complex, [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]Zn(κ1–O2CH), (ii) protolytic cleavage with Me3SiOH to afford [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]ZnOSiMe3, and (iii) metathesis with Me3SnF to form the zinc fluoride derivative, [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]ZnF. The fluoride derivative, which may also be formed by the reactions of [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]ZnOH with [Me3O][BF4] or Me3SnF, can be converted back to [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]ZnH upon treatment with either H3NBH3 or (MeO)3SiH.

Graphical abstractThe terminal zinc hydride complex, [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]ZnH, can be conveniently obtained from the hydroxide and fluoride derivatives, [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]ZnOH and [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]ZnH, by reaction with H3NBH3, while treatment of the zinc hydride with Me3SnF regenerates [TpBut,MeTpBut,Me]ZnF.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide