Acenaphthene-1,2-diimine chromium complexes

The reaction of (dpp-BIAN) Mg(THF)(3) (1) with anhydrous CrCl3 in THF at 80 degrees C affords the mixed chromium-magnesium complex (dpp-BIAN) Cr(mu-Cl)(3)Mg(THF)(3) (2). The treatment of 2 with 1,4-dioxane causes the elimination of MgCl2 and the formation of dimeric [(dpp-BIAN) Cr(mu-Cl)(THF)](2) (3). The reaction of (dpp-BIAN)Na-2 with CrCl3 gives the chlorine-free compound [Na(THF)(6)][(dpp-BIAN)(2)Cr] (4). Paramagnetic complexes 2, 3 and 4 have been characterized by IR and electronic absorption spectroscopy. The magnetic susceptibilities of 2 and 4 have been determined in solution using Evans' method. The molecular structures of 2-4 have been established by single crystal X-ray analysis.