From MgBr via single-electron transfer (SET) to a paramagnetic Mg(II) compound and back to Mg(I): [MgBr(L(1))˙]2 and [K(thf)3]2[Mg2(L(1))2], L(1) = RN=C(Me)C(Me)=NR, R = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl.

Since Mg(+) ions are isoelectronic to Na atoms, an easy single electron transfer (SET) can be expected for MgBr. Even at 190 K, the radical MgBr (obtained via its sophisticated condensation) in a metastable solution transfers its electron to a diazadiene entity. A paramagnetic Mg(II) compound [MgBr(L(1))˙]2 (4; L(1) = DippN=C(Me)C(Me)=NDipp) is formed consisting of a singly reduced ligand. As shown by EPR investigations, dimeric 4 dissociates in ethereal solvents to two monomeric subunits. In addition, 4 can subsequently be reduced with potassium to furnish again a Mg(I) compound, namely [K(thf)3]2[Mg2(L(1))2] (3).