[Molecular design and control of functional expression of ate complexes]

As a new type of zincate, "highly coordinated" zincates, Me3Zn(R)Li2 (R = Me, CN, SCN) were designed. On the basis of their excellent chemical yields and chemoselectivities, these species were considered to be differentiated from ordinary triorganozincates, R3ZnLi. The structures of the newly designed zincates were discussed on their spectroscopic studies. All results strongly support the fact that these newly designed zincates are new category of zincate species. Various dialkylzinc hydride "ate" complexes were also designed and the reactivities of these zincates toward the carbonyl compounds investigated. The results clearly reveal that dimethylzinc hydrides are the most powerful and selective zincate for the reduction of the carbonyl group.