Synthesis, NMR characterisation and X-ray structures of mixed chalcogenido PNP ligands containing tellurium: crystal structures of SeiPr2PNP(H)iPr2 and [NaN(EPiPr2)2]infinity (E = Se, Te)

Reaction of HN(PiPr2)2 with one equivalent of selenium in hexane at room temperature yields the monoselenide as the P-H tautomer Se=PiPr2-N=P(H)iPr2 (2b). Deprotonation of 2b with n butyllithium in the presence of TMEDA at -78 degrees C followed by addition of tellurium produces the air-sensitive, mixed chalcogenido complex (TMEDA)Li(SePiPr2)(TePiPr2)N] (8Li) in >97% purity after recrystallisation. Similarly, deprotonation of Te=PiPr2-N=P(H)iPr2 (2c), followed by addition of sulfur, gives the sulfur analogue (TMEDA)Li(SPiPr2)(TePiPr2)N] (7Li) in >99% purity. The symmetrical complexes (TMEDA)Li(SePiPr2)2N] (4Li) and (TMEDA)Li(TePiPr2)2N] (5Li) are produced by similar methods. Compounds 2b, 4Li, 5Li, 7Li and 8Li were characterised in solution by multinuclear (1H, 31P, 77Se and 125Te) NMR spectroscopy and their solid-state structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. The X-ray crystal structures of the polymeric chains NaN(EPiPr2)2]infinity (4Na, E = Se and 5Na, E = Te) are also reported.