Dinitrogen Cleavage by a Diniobium Tetrahydride Complex: Formation of a Nitride and Its Conversion into Imide Species

Breaking up isn't hard to do: When a solution of the hydride complex [K(dme)]2[{Nb}2(μ-H)4] (see scheme) is exposed to N2, the nitride complex [K(thf)2]2[{Nb}2(μ-N)2] and H2 form with concomitant cleavage of the dinitrogen triple bond. The nitride ligands undergo alkylation with MeI in a stepwise fashion, resulting in formation of a bis(imide) complex via a nitride imide complex.