One- and Two-Electron Redox Catalysis with Lutetium Enabled by a Tris(Amido) Redox-Active Ligand

Recently rare earth elements have been used to catalyze alkyl–alkyl cross coupling and other organic transformations. Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of a tris(amido) Lu complex, 1-Lu, analogous to the Sc and Y rare earth complexes known to participate in these transformations. Complex 1-Lu displays similar solid state structural properties as its Group 3 congeners, but EPR spectroscopy reveals differing behavior. 1-Lu also was found to break the trends of reaction rates related to oxidation potential and is able to catalyze an alkyl–alkyl cross-coupling reaction faster than the Sc and Y analogs. The complex 1-Lu was also demonstrated to participate in two-electron redox catalysis.