The interaction of N,N '-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene with o-benzosemiquinonato zinc(II) and indium(III) complexes

The N-heterocyclic carbene N,N'-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (NHC) interacts with non-transition metal complexes bearing redox-active o-benzosemiquinonato ligands in two ways: as a neutral donor or as a reducer. The reaction of NHC with (3,6-SQ)(2)Zn.Et2O gives the carbene adduct (3,6-SQ)(2)Zn.{CN(Me2Ph)(CH)(2)N(Me2Ph)} (1) while reaction with (3,6-SQ)(3)In forms the ionic complex [(3,6-SQ)(2)(3,6-Cat)In](-) {HCN(Me2Ph)(CH)(2)N(Me2Ph)}(+) (2) as the main product.