Ta(CNDipp) : An Isocyanide Analogue of Hexacarbonyltantalum(0).

Hexakis(2,6-diisopropylphenylisocyanide)tantalum is the first isocyanide analogue of the highly unstable Ta(CO) and represents the only well-defined zerovalent tantalum complex to be prepared by conventional laboratory methods. Two prior examples of homoleptic Ta complexes are known, Ta(benzene) and Ta(dmpe) , dmpe=1,2-bis(dimethylphosphano)ethane, but these have only been accessed via ligand co-condensation with tantalum vapor in a sophisticated metal-atom reactor. Consistent with its 17-electron nature, Ta(CNDipp) undergoes facile one-electron oxidation, reduction, or disproportionation reactions.