Triggering electron transfer in Co(I) dimers: computational evidences for a reversible disproportionation mechanism.

An inner-sphere disproportionation mechanism of the Co(I) precursor CoCl(PPh3)3 is described through a Density Functional Theory study. The essential role of oleylamine in this process is unravelled.  A detailed analysis of the electronic structure of Cobalt dimers of the general formula Co2Cl2Ln  (L = NH3 and PH3)  demonstrates that electron transfer is triggered by asymetric coordination of amine and phosphine to stabilize a mixed-valence Co(II)-Co(0) dimer.  This is consistent with the HSAB statement that both amine and phosphine ligands are required to stabilize the reaction products, respectively Co(II) and Co(0) centers.  We propose a quasi-athermic multi-step disproportionation mechanism with low activation barriers where the electron transfer goes through simple ligand exchanges between Co.