Hydrogen bonding interaction between imidazolyl N–H group and peroxide: Stabilization of Mn(III)-peroxo complex TpiPr2Mn(η2-O2)(imMeH) (imMeH = 2-methylimidazole)

A mononuclear side-on peroxo managanese (III) complex, TpiPr2Mn(η2-O2)(imMeH) (3) was prepared by the reaction of [TpiPr2Mn(O)]2 with excess amount of H2O2 in the presence of 2-methylimidazole (imMeH). Its X-ray structure clearly demonstrated the involvement of intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction between η2-peroxide and imidazolyl N–H functional group. Complex 3 was stable, green in color and unable to oxygenate triphenylphosphine and ethyl vinyl ether.