Redox chemistry of the triplet complex (PNP)[Co.sup.I]

The reactivity of (PNP)Co (where PNP is the monoanion [(['Bu.sub.2]PC[H.sub.2]Si[Me.sub.2]).sub.2][N.sup.-] toward potential one- and two-electron oxidants such as [O.sub.2], Ph[N.sub.3], [N.sub.3.sup.-], RSi[H.sub.3], [I.sub.2] and RR'C[N.sub.2] is reported. The results provide insight into reducing power of (PNP)Co which is greater than its rhodium analog by CO stretching frequencies.