Preparation and Properties of RMgN< Compounds Having Coordinating Oxygen Atoms in the Amino Component

Compounds of composition RMgN(CH₂CH₂OMe)₂ and RMg(N15C5) were prepared (HN15C5 = 1,4,7,10-tetraoxa-13-azacyclopentadecane). Crystal structures of the compounds in which R is ethyl showed the solids to have dimeric structures with four-membered rings formed by two nitrogen and two magnesium atoms, and molecular weight measurements found RMgN(CH₂CH₂OMe)₂ (R = ethyl or neopentyl) to be dimeric in benzene solutions. A crystal structure was determined of a compound of composition (Et₂Mg)₂EtOMg(N15C5) that was obtained as a minor and accidental component.