Stabilization toward air and structure determination of pyrophoric ZnR₂ compounds via supramolecular encapsulation

Dialkylzincs (ZnR₂, R = Me or Et) are widely used reagents in organic synthesis and materials chemistry. However, at standard conditions, they exist as pyrophoric liquids reacting violently with water and dioxygen, thus being dangerous and difficult to use in daily laboratory work. Here, we show that these zinc dialkyls can be efficiently stabilized toward air by supramolecular encapsulation within a host system based on heteroleptic alkylzinc complexes. The noncovalent immobilization of ZnR₂ molecules within the resultant crystalline networks allows their structural characterization in a new confined environment. The great potential of the reported assemblies is demonstrated by efficient separation of ZnMe₂ from a mixture of ZnMe₂/ZnEt₂. The reported approach paves the way for original supramolecular systems for capture, stabilization, and storage of dangerous reagents.