 Some derivatives with large R groups can be used to stabilize low valent main group and transition metal complexes.Unlike the situation for the acetylacetonates, the steric properties of the coordinating atoms in NacNac− ligands is adjustable by changes in the R substituent.Attachment to a metal center is usually carried out by initial deprotonation of HNacNac with "n"-butyllithium; the lithium derivative is then treated with a metal chloride to eliminate LiCl.