Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity of a New Mononuclear Benzyl−Cobalt Complex Containing Mixed Tridentate Imino−Oxime and Diamine Ligands

The complex
[C6H5CH2Co(L)(LR)]ClO4
(3),
where L = 2-((2-pyridylethyl)imino)-3-butanone
oximato
and LR = 2-((2-pyridylethyl)amino)-3-aminobutane,
has
been prepared by reduction with NaBH4 of the
complex
[CoIII(L)2]ClO4, followed by
addition of C6H5CH2Cl.
The
compounds was characterized in the solid state by X-ray
analysis. The complex undergoes Co−C homolytic
cleavage under acidic conditions, giving dibenzyl under a
nitrogen atmosphere and benzaldehyde in the presence
of air.