π-Spacer-coupled Diimidosulfinates

Abstract

To synthesize ligands that are capable of coordinating two metals, 1,4-dilithiumbenzene and 4,4´-dilithiumbiphenyl were reacted with different sulfurdiimides to give coupled diimidosulfinates. [(THF)4Li2{(NSiMe3)2S}2biphenyl] (1) and [(THF)1.5Li2{(NSiMe3)2S}2biphenyl]∞ (2) could be isolated and structurally characterized. While 1 forms distinct molecules in the solid state, 2 crystallizes in infinite chains. The lithium complex with a benzene group as spacer could not be isolated due to co-complexed lithium bromide. Subsequent metal exchange reactions with dimethylaluminum chloride afforded [{Me2Al(NtBu)2S}2biphenyl] (3) and [{Me2Al(NSiMe3)2S}2(C6H4)] (4).