Diketimine

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Diketimines are the nitrogen equivalent of diketones, in which the oxygen atoms have been replaced by NR(R = aryl, alkyl) groups.

[edit] Preparation

Diketimines are easily prepared through a condensation reaction from diketones like Acetylacetone (2,4-pentanedione) and a primary alkyl or aryl amine in an acidic solution of ethanol. The reaction occurs quite slowly, and as such it is often necessary to reflux the solution for several days to ensure complete conversion. Diketimines prepared from acetylacetone are often referred to as "nacnac," a modification of the abbreviation acac.

[edit] Use

Diketimines make good ligands for coordination chemistry, and if prepared with a suitably large R group, can been used to stabilize low-valent main group and transition elements.