Arenediazonium complexes of cobalt(I): Synthesis and properties

Arenediazonium complexes of cobalt(I) of the type [Co(RN<inf>2</inf>)L<inf>4</inf>] [BPh<inf>4</inf>]<inf>2</inf> [L = P(OEt)<inf>2</inf>Ph, P(OEt)<inf>3</inf>, or P(OMe)<inf>3</inf>; R = 4-CH<inf>3</inf>C<inf>6</inf>H<inf>4</inf>, 3-CH<inf>3</inf>C<inf>6</inf>H<inf>4</inf>, 2-CH<inf>3</inf>C<inf>6</inf>H<inf>4</inf>, C<inf>6</inf>H<inf>5</inf>, 4-CH<inf>3</inf>OC<inf>6</inf>H<inf>4</inf>, 4-ClC<inf>6</inf>H<inf>4</inf>, or 4-FC<inf>6</inf>H<inf>4</inf>] have been prepared; their characterization by i.r., ¹H, and ³¹P-{¹H} n.m.r. spectra is reported. Reactivity with π-acceptor ligands such as CO, NO, isocyanide, and phosphite is also described. Finally, the reaction of the arenediazonium complexes with chloride ions affording the cobalt(II) derivatives [CoClL<inf>4</inf>]⁺ has been investigated; the function of RN<inf>2</inf> as an oxidizing agent in this reaction is also discussed.