NMP makes the difference - facilitated synthesis of [FeFe] hydrogenase mimics.

To overcome the limitations of high reaction temperatures and long reaction times of conventional synthesis routes towards [FeFe] hydrogenase (Hase) mimicking complexes, we introduced a more efficient synthesis route in the presence of aprotic polar co-solvents such as -methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). Versatile (di)thiol or disulfide ligands as well as selenium and tellurium analogues were converted to their corresponding complexes. While both reaction times and temperatures were reduced significantly, yields could be increased.