The 1:1 reaction of ZnRz with a-imino ketones [R1N=C(R2)C(R3)=O] leads to quantitative formation of dinuclear [RZn(R)(R1)NC(R2)=C(R3)0I2 (1) (for R = primary and secondary alkyls) and [RZn(R')-N=C(R2)C(R3,R)OI2 (2) (for R = aryl, methyl, and tertiary alkyl). An X-ray structure determination of [EtZn(Et)(t-Bu)NC(H)=C(Me)O]2 (la) has established the dinuclear structure that consists of a N,Ochelate coordinated [Et(t-Bu)NC(H)=C(Me)O]-monoanionic ligand and a central four-membered Zn202 ring formed by intermolecular Zn-0 coordination. The Zn atoms are tetrahedrally surrounded by two 0 atoms, one N atom, and one C atom. Crystals of la are triclinic, space group P1, with cell constants a = 7.57 (1) A, b = 8.82 (2) A, c = 11.14 (1) A, (Y = 102.6 ( 1 ) O , / 3 = 91.8 (l)', y = 114.4 ( 2 ) O , and 2 = 1.The structure was refined to a final R of 0.089 with 1051 reflections. Product formation in the Znh/cu-imino ketone system depends on the nature of the R group that migrates from Zn to the NCCO skeleton. Different radical activity of R (for R = Et, i-Pr, t-Bu, and Bz) as generated in the 1:l complex, with the ligand bonded in the N,O-chelate coordination mode (see A in Scheme 11), is the predominant factor for the discrimination between imino N-addition (for R' = Et, LPr, and Bz; 20%) and carbonyl C-addition (R' = t-Bu and Bz; 80%). For R = Me and p-tolyl alternative routes involving a N-monodentate coordination mode and/or heterolytic activation may also account for the exclusive formation of carbonyl C-addition products. I I 8 . (1) (a) University of Amsterdam. (b) University of Utrecht. (2) (a) Mauze, B.; Miginiac, M. Bull. SOC. Chim. and references therein. (b) van Koten, G.; Jastrzebski, J. T. B. H.; Vrieze, K. J. Organomet. Chem. 1983, 250, 49 and references therein. (5) (a) Klerks, J. M.; Jastrzebski, J. T. B. H.; van Koten, G.; Vrieze, K. J. Organomet. Chem. 1982,224,107. (b) Klerks, J. M.; Stufkens, D. J.; van Koten, G.; Vrieze K. J. Organomet. Chem. 1979, 181, 271. (c) Jastrzebski, J. T. B. H.; van Koten, G.; Vrieze, K., unpublished results.An interesting aspect of the R-DAB/ZnR2 system is the detailed mechanistic information that could be obtained through the isolation and characterization of (dia-and paramagnetic) organozinc intermediates from these reac-Pattison, J.; Wade, K. J. Chem. SOC. A 1968, 57. (9) (a) Alcaide, B.; Lopes-Mardomingo, C.; Perez-Oeeorio, R.; Plumet, J. The formal addition of the Pt-H bond of the cationic complex [trans-Pt(H)(PEtJ2(acetone)]+ across the C-C triple bonds of alkynyl ligands affords cationic dinuclear complexes containing bridging alkenylidene ligands. The synthesis and characterization of eight such complexes are reported.On the basis of structural data for a member complex, these molecules are believed to possess Pt-Pt, Pt-Fe, Pt-Au, Pt-W, Pt-Ni, or Pt-Pd bonds. Diagnostic spectroscopic characterization data are provided. Furthermore, a similar addition of a Pt-Me bond across an acetylide ligand also affords a dinuclear p-alkenylidene complex.