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 [Co^III(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.