Reductive Retrocyclization of a Mangana(II)cyclopentasilane to Form Manganese(0) Bis(η2‐disilene) Complexes.

Ligand‐exchange reactions on a mangana(II)cyclopentasilane complex that contains two THF ligands with aryl isocyanides led to the formation of manganese(0) bis(η2‐disilene) complexes via a retrocyclization. In stark contrast, ligand‐exchange reactions with CNtBu, an N‐heterocyclic carbene, or pyridine‐based ligands furnished manganese(II) complexes wherein the manganacyclopentasilane framework remained intact. The thermolysis of the obtained bis(η2‐disilene) complex in the presence of mesityl isocyanide led to the formation of a cyclotetrasilane via the formal dimerization of the two η2‐disilene moieties. The insertion of a mesityl isocyanide into the Mn−Siβ bond results in the formation of a manganese(II) complex supported by a [SiCSi]‐type tridentate ligand scaffold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]