Ligand exchange reaction between an alkylzinc primary amide and a dialkylmagnesium compound: Crystal structures of [(thf)MeMg-mu-N(H)SiiPr3](sub 2) and (tmeda)Mg[N(H)SiiPr3](sub 2)

The reaction of dialkylmagnesium with alkylzinc triisopropylsilylamide leads to a ligand exchange reaction and the formation of magnesium bis(triisopropysilylamide) that can be crystallized after the addition of 1,2-bis(dimethylamino)ethane (TMEDA). The tetracoordinate nitrogen atoms show rather long Mg-N bond lengths of 210.7 pm due to the bridging position of the triisopropylsilylamide anion.