Electron Transfer and CO Addition to Polynitrido Cobalt Carbonyl Clusters: Parallel Pathways for Conversion of the [Co10N2(CO)19]4-Anion to the Novel [Co11N2(CO)21]3-Anion

The redox aptitude of the dinitrido anion [Co10N2(CO)19]4-has been tested from both chemical and electrochemical points of view, together with its reactivity toward CO that induces disproportionation. In any case, through a remarkable overlapping of intermediate steps, the new anion [Co11N2(CO)21]3-(4) is eventually obtained. A detailed study of the pathways to 4 allowed the identification of three labile intermediates by their characteristic IR spectra as well as their electrochemical and paramagnetic properties. The unprecedented structure of trianion 4 has been studied in details in two different crystalline salts.