Synthesis and reactivity of cobalt boryl complexes

The reaction between [Co(PMe3)(4)] and B-2,(4-Mecat)(2) (4-Mecat = 1,2-O-2-4-MeC6H3) or between [Co(PMe2Ph)(4)] and B-2(cat)(2) (cat = 1,2-O2C6H4) affords the paramagnetic Co(II) bisboryl complexes [Co(PMe3)(3){B(4-Mecat)}(2)] and [Co(PMe2Ph)(3) {B(cat)}(2)] respectively, both of which have been structurally characterised. ESR data and preliminary diboration and boryl transfer reactivity studies are also presented. The reaction between [CoMe(PMe3)(4)] and B-2(cat)(2) affords the Co(I) monoboryl complex [Co(PMe3)(4){B(cat)}].