Oxidative group transfer to Co(I) affords a terminal Co(III) imido complex.

The synthesis of the first terminal imido complex of cobalt, [PhBP3]CoN-p-tolyl, is reported. Its synthesis proceeds by oxidative group transfer from cobalt(I) upon addition of tolyl azide at room temperature. This species and a related eta1-diazoalkane adduct have been structurally characterized. The diamagnetic imido complex [PhBP3]CoN-p-tolyl reacts with CO to liberate isocyanate and the cobalt(I) dicarbonyl complex [PhBP3]Co(CO)2.