Unexpected Migratory Insertion Reactions of M(alkyl)2 (M=Zn,Cd) and Diamidocarbenes

The electrophilic character of free diamidocarbenes (DACs) allows them to activate inert bonds in small molecules, such as NH₃ and P₄. Herein, we report that metal coordinated DACs also exhibit electrophilic reactivity, undergoing attack by Zn and Cd dialkyl precursors to afford the migratory insertion products [(6‐MesDAC‐R)MR] (M=Zn, Cd; R=Et, Me; Mes=mesityl). These species were formed via the spectroscopically characterised intermediates [(6‐MesDAC)MR₂], exhibiting barriers to migratory insertion which increase in the order MR₂ = ZnEt₂ < ZnMe₂ < CdMe₂. Compound [(6‐MesDAC‐Me)CdMe] showed limited stability, undergoing deposition of Cd metal, by an apparent β‐H elimination pathway. These results raise doubts about the suitability of diamidocarbenes as ligands in catalytic reactions involving metal species bearing nucleophilic ligands (M‐R, M‐H).