Formation and Reactivity of a Co₄‑μ-Alkyne Cluster from a Co(I)-Alkene Complex

Abstract

Highly reactive Co­(I) complex [CpCo­(H₂CCHSiMe₃)₂] (<b>1</b>) easily forms a tetranuclear Co₄ cluster in hydrocarbon solvents under mild conditions, possessing a bridging alkyne ligand stemming from an unusual C–H activation of the H₂CCHSiMe₃ ligand. The cluster was structurally characterized, and the catalytic reactivity in [2+2+2] cycloaddition, hydroformylation, and hydrogenation reactions investigated. Interesting differences were found and compared to the mononuclear complex <b>1</b>, which could be relevant for the real catalytically active species