Late Metal Scaffolds that Activate Both, Dinitrogen and Reduced Dinitrogen Species NxHy

In the context of biological nitrogen fixation, the question whether molybdenum or iron is the site for substrate binding and reduction is still discussed controversially. Therefore, the development of relevant model compounds containing early or late transition metals is essential in understanding the nature and behavior of intermediates bound to the FeMo‐cofactor. Ligated early transition metal atoms are known to strongly activate N 2 and mediate its cleavage, but the resulting complexes contain metal‐nitrogen bonds, which often elude further conversion. The contrary situation is observed for late‐metal dinitrogen chemistry, which is in the focus of this research report. Systems were selected, that not only bind dinitrogen but also N 2 reduction intermediates N x H y z – ( x = 1, 2; y = 1–4; z = 1–3) that might form on the way from N 2 to NH 3 , so that more comprehensive reactivity patterns emerge. This includes Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Ni, and Cu based compounds.