Steric Control in Low-Valent Mn Diamide Complexes: Contrasting Magnesium and Manganese in N2 and Benzene Activation
Despite the rich chemistry of transition metal complexes in homogeneous N2 reduction, manganese has remained curiously underexplored in this field. One key reason is its pronounced tendency to form highly stable Mn–Mn bonds upon reduction, which inhibits reactivity toward N2. In their latest study, the Limberg group, in collaboration with the Jones group (Monash University, Melbourne) and the Maron group (Université de Toulouse), demonstrates how steric frustration, induced by super-bulky ligand frameworks, can suppress metal–metal interactions. This approach enables N2 coordination and leads to the first isolation of an anionic manganese diazenide complex. Furthermore, the study builds on previous research into magnesium-mediated N2 activation and offers a compelling comparison between manganese and magnesium — two elements that share more than just similar names.
