Synthesis of Bis(imino)pyridine Iron Amide and Ammonia Compounds from an N-H Transfer Agent

Addition of the [NH] transfer reagent Hdbabh (dbabh = 2,3:5,6-dibenzo-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene) to the bis(imino)pyridine iron bis(dinitrogen) complex, ((PDI)-P-iPr)Fe(N-2)(2) ((PDI)-P-iPr = 2,6-(2,6-(Pr2C6H3N)-Pr-i=CMe)(2)C5H3N), furnished the corresponding iron amide and ammonia compounds, resulting from cleavage of the strained amine. Isotopic labeling studies support N-H bond activation by a transient, parent imide, [((PDI)-P-iPr)FeNH].