Coordination chemistry of CNH2, the simplest aminocarbyne

The coordination chemistry of the simplest aminocarbyne group, CNH2, best d escribed as a carbene (iminomethylenium or 2-azavinylidene), is presented, comprising the syntheses of its complexes, its electronic and structural fe atures, and the chemical and electrochemical reactivity involving in partic ular deprotonation reactions (which are highly promoted by oxidation) with formation of CNH (hydrogen isocyanide) and CN (cyanide) complexes. The inte rconversion of the CNHx (x = 0, 1 or 2) species is also analysed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.