Under reducing conditions the complex [(ArO)2Nb(μ-Cl)Cl2]2 undergoes a series of color changes which ultimately result in the splitting of atmospheric N2 to form nitride species. Nb(
The methylidene complex can be prepared readily in high yield from the reaction of [(Ar′O)2Nb(CH3)2Cl] (Ar′ = (2,6-CHPh2)2-4-tBu-C6H2) and two equivalents of H2CPPh3. The nucleophilic methylidene of [(Ar′O)2NbCH2(CH3)(H2CPPh3)] can undergo Wittig-like or protonation chemistry to form structurally similar molecules.