Mono- and bimetallic amidinate samarium complexes – synthesis, structure, and hydroamination catalysis

In order to investigate the difference between mono- and bimetallic systems in the catalytic hydroamination/cyclization reaction two mono- and bimetallic amidinate samarium catalysts, featuring comparable coordination environments, were synthesized. Both systems comprise two {N(SiMe3)2}− leaving groups to minimize the steric influence of the corresponding amidinate ligand. The bimetallic system is based on a bis(amidinate) 4,6-dibenzofuran derivative, while N,N′-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)benzamidinate was employed as ligand for the monometallic catalyst. For the hydroamination/cyclization reaction five different substrates were investigated. Additionally, kinetic studies were carried out to gain deeper understanding of the mechanism.