Manganese(II) Silylamides

Mn[N(SiMe3)2]2(THF) (I) (Me = methyl, THF = tetrahydrofuran) was obtained on large scale from “active” MnCl2 and LiN(SiMe3)2 in THE in 85–93% yield. The novel, theoretically interesting tetra‐coordinated Mn[N(SiMe3)2]2L2 series was derived from I, where L = THF, pyridine and t‐butyleyanide. All these species are quite stable thermally and exhibit exteme oxygen sensitivity. Preparation, properties, and reactions of unsymmetrically substituted (“hemi”) XMnY type compounds are presented also, where X = Cl, NO3 and n = butyl, and Y = N(SiMe3)2 and OR. From ClMnN(SiMe3)2, with or without coordinated THF being present, the unusual (Mn{SiMe3)2, was isolated as yellow crystals. The “hemi” Mn(II)‐system exhibits only moderate thermal stability and tends to disproportionate. Many derivatives are photosensitive, especially with UV light.