Alkylcobalt(III) compounds with ammine ligands

Amminecobalt(III) compounds with a coordinated primary alkyl group (ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, 2-phenylethyl, 3-aminopropyl) have been prepared using monoalkylhydrazines as alkylating agents. The identities have been established using solution 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The pentaammine(alkyl)cobalt(III) cations decompose in neutral aqueous solution to give alkyl radicals.