Synthesis of Bis(imino)pyridine Iron Amide and Ammonia Compounds from an N−H Transfer Agent

Addition of the [NH] transfer reagent Hdbabh (dbabh = 2,3:5,6-dibenzo-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene) to the bis(imino)pyridine iron bis(dinitrogen) complex, (^iPrPDI)Fe(N₂)₂ (^iPrPDI = 2,6-(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃NCMe)₂C₅H₃N), furnished the corresponding iron amide and ammonia compounds, resulting from cleavage of the strained amine. Isotopic labeling studies support N−H bond activation by a transient, parent imide, [(^iPrPDI)FeNH].