Two-coordinate Co and Ni complexes of a bulky imidazolin-2-iminato ligand and facile synthesis of heterobimetallic complexes

We report the synthesis of homoleptic two-coordinate Co and Ni complexes supported by a sterically hindered NIm^Dipp ligand (1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-iminato). Their formulation as two-coordinate complexes was verified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, and their M-N bond distances are between those in the reported transition-metal imido and amido complexes, suggesting a multiple-bond character. These coordinatively unsaturated complexes readily react with GeCl₂·dioxane, affording bimetallic Co/Ge and Ni/Ge complexes, demonstrating facile and rational syntheses of heterobimetallic complexes.