Multielectron Redox Activity Facilitated by Metal-Metal Interactions in Early/Late Heterobimetallics: Co/Zr Complexes Supported by Phosphinoamide Ligands

Linkage of a Lewis acidic early transition metal (Zr) and an electron-rich late transition metal (Co) using ambidentate phosphinoamide ligands leads to complexes featuring dative M-M interactions. By removing electron density from the Co center, these metal-metal interactions facilitate a two-electron reduction at cobalt at potentials 0.6-0.9 V more positive than in analogous monometallics.