Synthesis, reactivity, and electrochemical behaviour of new five-co-ordinate nitrosyl cobalt complexes

The synthesis and characterization of some new five-co-ordinate mononitrosyl cobalt complexes of the type [CoL4(NO)][BPh4]2[L = P(OMe)3, P(OEt)3, or PPh(OEt)2] is described. The reactivity of these compounds with π-acceptor ligands such as NO, CO, phosphite, and isocyanide is discussed. Furthermore, the reaction with molecular oxygen and with halide ions (X–) has been investigated and a new method of obtaining the cations [CoXL3(NO)]+ has been achieved. The cathodic and anodic behaviour of the complex [Co{P(OEt)3}4(NO)][BPh4]2 at a platinum electrode in acetonitrile is also reported.