Coordinative versatility in main group complexes of C-2,6-terphenyl substituted amidinates

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of two C -2,6-terphenyl substituted amidines, N , N’ -dicyclohexyl-2,6-di(4-tolyl)benzamidine and N , N’ -dicyclohexyl-2,6-dimesitylbenzamidine, are described. Both crystallize as the E-syn isomer, though interconversion between the E - syn and Z - syn isomers is observed for both in solution. These amidines are readily deprotonated by either n -butyllithium in THF or AlMe 3 in toluene, affording the THF solvated lithium and dimethylaluminium amidinate complexes respectively. These complexes have been characterized in the solid-state using single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The identity of the 2,6-substituents on the secondary arene rings of the terphenyl group plays a significant role in the coordination motif adopted by the amidinate, as well as the potential to access bis(amidinato)metal complexes.