Formation of vinylic dipyrroles by the deprotonation of meso-alkyl and meso-benzyl dipyrrin HCl salts.

Under basic conditions, dipyrrin salts bearing alkyl and benzyl groups at the meso-position undergo deprotonation to give vinylic dipyrroles, rather than the corresponding free-base dipyrrins. The deprotonation is reversible and quantitatively returns the dipyrrinato framework under acidic conditions.

Synthesis and reactivity of a dipyrrinatolithium complex.

The synthesis and characterization of the first dipyrrinato-alkali-metal complex is reported herein. The novel reactivity of this lithium complex is demonstrated in the preparation, isolation, and characterization of a heteroleptic zinc(II) complex in high yield.