Heterobimetallic s-block hydrides by σ-bond metathesis

Abstract

Reactions between PhSiH3 and alkali-metal diamidoalkylmagnesiates ([M{N(SiMe3)2}2MgBu], M = Li, Na, K) provide either selective alkyl metathesis or the formation of polyhydride aggregates contingent upon the identity of the Group 1 metal. In the case of [M{N(SiMe3)2}2MgBu], this reactivity results in a structurally unprecedented dodecametallic decahydride cluster species.

Keywords: hydrides; magnesium; metathesis; potassium; sodium.