Synthesis and reactivity of a transition metal complex containing exclusively TEMPO ligands: Ni(η2-TEMPO)2.

The reaction of Ni(COD)(2) with two equivalents of the TEMPO radical at 68 °C affords the 16 e(-) "bow-tie" complex Ni(η(2)-TEMPO)(2), 1, in 78% yield. Compound 1 reacts with tert-butyl isocyanide and phenylacetylene at room temperature to yield the 16 e(-) distorted square planar nickel complexes Ni(η(2)-TEMPO)(η(1)-TEMPO)(CN(t)Bu), 2, and Ni(η(2)-TEMPO)(η(1)-TEMPOH)(CCPh), 4, respectively. The facile reactivity of 1 is aided by the transition of the TEMPO ligand from an η(2) to η(1) binding mode. Complex 4 is an unusual example of hydrogen atom transfer from phenylacetylene to a coordinated TEMPO ligand.