Chemical Synthesis with Gaseous Molecular Ions: Harvesting [B12Br11N2]− from a Mass Spectrometer

Mass spectrometry frequently reveals the existence of transient gas phase ions that have not been synthesized in solution or in bulk. These elusive ions are, therefore, often considered to be primarily of analytical value in fundamental gas phase studies. Here, we provide proof-of-concept that the products of ion-molecule reactions in mass spectrometers may be collected on surfaces to generate condensed matter and thus serve as building blocks to synthesize new compounds. The highly reactive fragment anion [B₁₂Br₁₁]⁻ was generated in a mass spectrometer and converted to [B₁₂Br₁₁N₂]⁻ in the presence of molecular nitrogen followed by its mass-selection and soft-landing on surfaces. The molecular structure of [B₁₂Br₁₁N₂]⁻, which has not been synthetically obtained before, was confirmed by conventional methods of molecular analysis, including nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy. The [B₁₂Br₁₁N₂]⁻ ion is stable on surfaces and in solution at room temperature, but thermal annealing induces elimination of N₂ and provides access to the highly reactive intermediate [B₁₂Br₁₁]⁻ in the condensed phase, which can be further used as a reagent, for example, for electrophilic aromatic substitutions. Thus, isolation of [B₁₂Br₁₁N₂]⁻ expands the repertoire of the available diazo ions that can be employed as versatile intermediates in various chemical transformations.     

Synthesis, IR spectra, and solid-state luminescence of triphenylguanidinium salts with the anions B10H 10 2− , B12H 12 2− , B9C2H 12 2− , [Co(C2B9H11)2]−, and [Ni(C2B9H11)2]−

Triphenylguanidinium Ph₃GH⁺ salts with the anions B₁₀H ₁₀ ^2? , B₁₂H ₁₂ ^2? , B₉C₂H ₁₂ ^2? , [Co(C₂B₉H₁₁)₂]^?, and [Ni(C₂B₉H₁₁)₂]^? were synthesized and described by DTA, IR spectroscopy, and solid-state luminescence. By IR spectroscopy, it was shown that intermolecular interactions involving the NH groups of the cation are enhanced in the sequence [Co(C₂B₉H₁₁)₂]^? ～ [Ni(C₂B₉H₁₁)₂]^? < B₉C₂H ₁₂ ^2? < B₁₂H ₁₂ ^2? < B₁₀H ₁₀ ^2? .     

Theoretical study of H2 elimination from [B n H n + 1]− monoanions (n = 6–9, 11)

Transition states of elementary reactions of H₂ molecule elimination from [B _n H _{n + 1}]^? anions (n = 6–9, 11) in which nucleophilic/electrophilic vacancies form at boron atoms have been localized by the density functional theory method (in the B3LYP/6-311++G** approximation). For a series of [B _n H _{n + 1}]^? anions (n = 6–12), the activation barriers to H2 elimination have been compared to consider the possibility of substitution for exopolyhedral hydrogen atoms by the mechanism with the first rate-limiting stage of formation of [B _n H _{n ? 1}]^? (n = 6–12) intermediates with a vacant “bare” vertex of the boron cluster. For the [B _n H _n ]^2?, [B _n H _{n + 1}]^?, and [B _n H _{n ? 1}]^? anions (n = 6–12), the electronic chemical potential μ and Pearson hardness η have been evaluated since these characteristics make it possible to assess the propensity of different reagents to react with each other in terms of the empirical HSAB principle (soft with soft and hard with hard). The application of this principle is exemplified by the interaction of the [B₁₀H₉]^? and [B₁₂H₁₁]^? anions with acetonitrile CH₃CN, furan C₄H₄O, and 18-crown-6.     

Iodination of B12H11OC(O)CH2–3, B12H11OH2–, and B12H11SCN2–

Reactions of iodination of monosubstituted derivatives of B₁₂H₁₁X^2–anion (X = OC(O)CH₃, OH, SCN) were studied. The reactions were shown to proceed smoothly to give B₁₂H₁₀(OC(O)CH₃)I^2–((carboxy)(iodo)[decahydro[I _h1551-²⁰-closo]dodecaborate(2–)] anion), B₁₂H₁₀(OH)I^2–((hydroxo)(iodo)[decahydro[I _h1551-²⁰-closo]dodecaborate(2–)] anion), and B₁₂H₁₀(SCN)I^2–((thiocyanato)(iodo)[decahydro[I _h1551-²⁰-closo]dodecaborate(2–)] anion) in high yields, irrespective of the solvent used (benzene, H₂O–ROH, where R = C₂H₅, CH₂CH₂CH₃).¹     

Novel Reaction of the [HFe3(CO)11]− reagent with alkynes: A new synthesis of cyclobutenediones

Reaction of the [HFe₃(CO)₁₁]⁻ species generated in situ using Fe(CO)₅ and NaBH₄/CH₃COOH in THF with alkynes, followed by CuCl₂.2H₂O oxidation leads to the corresponding cyclobutenediones in 60–73% yields.     

Origin of the different reactivity of the high-valent coinage-metal complexes [RCuiiiMe3]− and [RAgiiiMe3]− (R=allyl)**

High-valent tetraalkylcuprates(iii ) and -argentates(iii ) are key intermediates of copper- and silver-mediated C−C coupling reactions. Here, we investigate the previously reported contrasting reactivity of [RMⁱⁱⁱ Me₃]⁻ complexes (M=Cu, Ag and R=allyl) with energy-dependent collision-induced dissociation experiments, advanced quantum-chemical calculations and kinetic computations. The gas-phase fragmentation experiments confirmed the preferred formation of the [RCuMe]⁻ anion upon collisional activation of the cuprate(iii ) species, consistent with a homo-coupling reaction, whereas the silver analogue primarily yielded [AgMe₂]⁻, consistent with a cross-coupling reaction. For both complexes, density functional theory calculations identified one mechanism for homo coupling and four different ones for cross coupling. Of these pathways, an unprecedented concerted outer-sphere cross coupling is of particular interest, because it can explain the formation of [AgMe₂]⁻ from the argentate(iii ) species. Remarkably, the different C−C coupling propensities of the two [RMⁱⁱⁱ Me₃]⁻ complexes become only apparent when properly accounting for the multi-configurational character of the wave function for the key transition state of [RAgMe₃]⁻. Backed by the obtained detailed mechanistic insight for the gas-phase reactions, we propose that the previously observed cross-coupling reaction of the silver complex in solution proceeds via the outer-sphere mechanism.     

Transformations of [Au(CN)2]− at the contact with activated carbon surface

We have studied the processes occurring when alkaline aqueous solution of Na[Au(CN)₂] is brought in contact with activated carbon surface. It has been shown that the adsorption of the gold cyanide complex occurs via several independent routes, one of them being accompanied with the partial breakdown of the inner sphere of the compound and free cyanide ions release into the solution. The latter process decreases the gold recovery by aqueous NaOH during the high-temperature (150°C) desorption. A prolonged storage of the adsorbent saturated with [Au(CN)₂]^? in air produces a similar result. The reasons of the observed phenomena have been discussed.     

Theoretical study of molecular hydrogen elimination from the undecahydrodecaborate monoanion [B10H11]−. Exopolyhedral substitution intermediates: [B10H9]− monoanion and neutral [B10H10] cluster

The elementary reaction of molecular hydrogen elimination from the [B₁₀H₁₁]^? anion, which is presumably the rate-limiting stage of acid-catalyzed reactions of substitution of exopolyhedral H atoms in the [B₁₀H₁₀]^2? decahydro-closo-decaborate anion, has been calculated by the density functional theory method (in the B3LYP/6-311++G** approximation). Specific transition states of H₂ elimination in which vacancies form near the boron atoms have been localized. It has been demonstrated that regioselectivity of substitution reactions can be related to the significant difference between the activation barriers for the pathways of H₂ elimination from boron atoms with different coordination numbers (CN 6 and 5). The electron density of the [B₁₀H₉]^? anion that forms after hydrogen molecule elimination has a characteristic shape of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital for the interaction with nucleophilic reagents; in acid-catalyzed reactions, different anions, for example, a carboxylic acid residue, can act as such. The direct reaction of the [B₁₀H₉]^? intermediate with nucleophilic anions is hindered by the Coulomb charge repulsion. To overcome this hindrance, the possibility of [B₁₀H₉]^? protonation to form the neutral [B₁₀H₁₀] system has been considered. It has been shown that the proton affinity of the [B₁₀H₉]^? anion is ～280–290 kcal/mol. For the [B₁₀H₁₀] cluster, the lowest-lying and low-lying isomers have been considered. For all the systems under consideration, the electronic chemical potential and Pearson hardness have been evaluated.     

Iridium Cluster Chemistry: The Synthesis and the Solid State Structures of [HIr5(CO)12]2− and [HIr4(CO)10PPh3]−

The cluster [HIr₅(CO)₁₂]^2- (1) was prepared by condensation of [HIr₄(CO)₁₁]^- and [Ir(CO)₄]^- (molar ratio 1:1) in refluxing THF, with almost quantitative yields. Its solid state structure was determined by X-ray diffraction at low temperature on the salt [PPh₃CH₂Ph]₂[HIr₅(CO)₁₂]. The metal atoms define a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement. The hydride ligand was located indirectly as a bridge between apical and equatorial metal atoms. The phosphine-substituted cluster [HIr₄(CO)₁₀PPh₃]^- (2) was synthetized by CO displacement on [HIr₄(CO)₁₁]^-, in THF at room temperature. This reaction is selective, with no traces of polysubstitution products. In the solid state, the hydride and the triphenylphosphine are axially bound on basal iridium atoms; the terminal hydrogen atom was directly located by X-ray analysis at a Ir–H distance of 1.57(9) Å. On the contrary, two isomers are present in THF solution, and they interconvert rapidly at room temperature, as shown by¹H and ³¹P NMR spectra.     

Structure of thiocarbamide-containing cobalt(III) dioximates with [BeF4]2− and [BF4]− anions

The crystal structure of the complexes [Co(DH)₂(Tu)₂]₂[BeF₄]·C₂H₅OH (I) and [Co(DfH)₂(Tu)₂][BF₄] 0.5H₂ (II) (where DH^? is the dimethylglyoxime monoanion, DfH^? is the α-benzyldioxime monoanion, and Tu is thiourea) has been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The coordination polyhedron of the Co³⁺ atom is an N₄S₂ octahedron formed by four nitrogen atoms of the dioxime molecule and two sulfur atoms of the fragments of thiourea (Tu); the latter have parallel and perpendicular orientations relative to the dioxime residue. The deviation of the cobalt atom from the four-angle plane (formed by the nitrogen atoms of the dimethylglyoxime residues) does not exceed 0.019 Å. The Co-N and Co-S distances vary from 1.877(3) Å to 1.901(3) Å and from 2.280(1) Å to 2.307(1) Å, respectively. The statistically disordered cations [BeF₄]^2? and [BF₄]^? play an important role in crystal formation — they form a complex system of hydrogen bonds.     

The reaction of CpWMe(CO)3 with LiEt3BH. Formation of the formyl complex trans-[CpWMe(CHO)(CO)2]− and the (hydrido)(acyl) complex trans-[CpWH(COMe)(CO)2]−

Addition of LiEt₃BH to CpWMe(CO)₃ results in consecutive formation of trans-[CpWMe(CHO)(CO)₂]⁻ (some of which exists in solution as two rotamers of a BEt₃ adduct) and trans[CpWH(COMe)(CO)₂]⁻. Reaction of the latter with CHI₃ and subsequent treatment of the product with either (i) Me₃SiCl, followed by filtration through SiO₂ or (ii) Me₃OBF₄ gives hydroxy- or methoxy-carbenes CpWI[C(OR)Me](CO)₂ (R H or Me), respectively.     

Synthesis,Electronic Properties and Reactivity of [B12X11(NO2)]2− (X=F–I) Dianions

Nitro-functionalized undecahalogenated closo-dodecaborates [B₁₂X₁₁(NO₂)]²⁻ were synthesized in high purities and characterized by NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy, single crystal X-diffraction, mass spectrometry, and gas-phase ion vibrational spectroscopy. The NO₂ substituent leads to an enhanced electronic and electrochemical stability compared to the parent perhalogenated [B₁₂X₁₂]²⁻ (X=F–I) dianions evidenced by photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and quantum-chemical calculations. The stabilizing effect decreases from X=F to X=I. Thermogravimetric measurements of the salts indicate the loss of the nitric oxide radical (NO^.). The homolytic NO^. elimination from the dianion under very soft collisional excitation in gas-phase ion experiments results in the formation of the radical [B₁₂X₁₁O]^2−.. Theoretical investigations suggest that the loss of NO^. proceeds via the rearrangement product [B₁₂X₁₁(ONO)]²⁻. The O-bonded nitrosooxy structure is thermodynamically more stable than the N-bonded nitro structure and its formation by radical recombination of [B₁₂X₁₁O]^2−. and NO^. is demonstrated.     

Stereochemical effects during [M-H]− dissociations of epimeric 11-OH-17β-estradiols and distant electronic effects of substituents at C(11) position on gas phase acidity

The affinity of estradiol derivatives for the estrogen receptor (ER) depends strongly on nature and stereochemistry of substituents in C₍₁₁₎ position of the 17β-estradiol (I). In this work, the stereochemistry effects of the 11α-OH-17β-estradiol (III_α) and 11β-OH-17β-estradiol (III_β) were investigated using CID experiments and gas-phase acidity (ΔH_acid^∘) determination. The CID experiments showed that the steroids decompose via different pathways involving competitive dissociations with rate constants depending upon the α/β C₍₁₁₎ stereochemistry. It was shown that the fragmentations of both deprotonated [III_α-H]⁻ and [III_β-H]⁻ epimers were initiated by the deprotonation of the most acidic site, i.e. the phenolic hydroxyl at C₍₃₎. This view was confirmed by H/D exchange and double resonance experiments. Furthermore, the ΔH_acid^∘ of both epimers (III_α and III_β), 17β-estradiol (I), and 17-desoxyestradiol (II) was determined using the extended Cooks’ kinetic method. The resulting values allowed us to classify steroids as a function of their gas-phase acidity as follows: (III_β)≫(II)>(I)>(III_α). Interestingly, the α/β C₍₁₁₎ stereochemistry appeared to influence strongly the gas-phase acidity. This phenomenon could be explained through stereospecific proton interaction with π-orbital cloud of A ring, which was confirmed by theoretical calculation.     

C_2B_(10)H_(12),NB_(11)H_(12)和C_2B_(10)H_(11)Cl振动光谱的从头计算研究

利用Gaussian 92从头算程序在6-3lG基组下对C_2B_(10)H_(12),NB_(11)H_(12)和C_2B_(10)H_(11)Cl进行几何优化和振动频率的理论计算,结果与实验基本符合.优化几何与振动光谱均表明,从B_(12)H_(12)~2到上述化合物的取代过程中,几何结构基本保持二十面体构型不变;振动模式表明C_2B_(10)H_(11)Cl的光谱中低频处有一个(C_2B_(10)H_(11))-Cl间的类似于双原子分子的振动,而无C-Cl伸缩振动,     

Tris(pentafluoroethyl)silanol Derivatives and the Lewis Amphoteric Tris(pentafluoroethyl)silanolate Anion, [Si(C2F5)3O]−

While alkyl-substituted siloxanes are widely known, virtually nothing is known about perfluoroalkyl siloxanes and their congener species, the silanols and silanolates. We recently reported on the tris(pentafluoroethyl)silanide ion, [Si(C₂F₅)₃]⁻, which features Lewis amphoteric character deriving from the pentafluoroethyl substituents and their strong electron-withdrawing properties. Transferring this knowledge, we investigated the Lewis amphoteric behavior of the tris(pentafluoroethyl)silanolate, [Si(C₂F₅)₃O]⁻. In order to examine such Lewis amphoteric behavior, we first developed a strategy for the synthesis of the corresponding silanol Si(C₂F₅)₃OH, which readily condenses at room temperature to the hexakis(pentafluoroethyl)disiloxane, (C₂F₅)₃SiOSi(C₂F₅)₃. Deprotonation of Si(C₂F₅)₃OH employing a sterically demanding phosphazene base allows the characterization of the first example of a dimeric triorganosilanolate: the dianionic hexakis(pentafluoroethyl)disilanolate, [{Si(C₂F₅)₃O}₂]²⁻, implies Lewis amphoteric character of the monomeric [Si(C₂F₅)₃O]⁻ anion.     

ab initio calculation study on vibrational spectra of C_2B_(10)H_(12),NB_(11)H_(12) and C_2B_(10)H_(11)Cl

Geometrical optimization and theoretical calculation of the vibrational frequencies have been performed for C2B10H12, NB11H12 and C2B10Cl by using Gaussian 92 program at 6-31G basis set. The results obtained in this work are in agreement with experimental ones. The optimized geometry and vibrational spectra show that the icosahedral configuration remains unchanged upon converting from B12H122- to the title compounds. The vibrational spectrum of C2B10H11Cl features the absence of C-Cl stretching vibration. But the (C2B10H11)-Cl vibration mode in the low frequency region is as the case for two-atom molecules if the group (C2B10H11) is considered as a pseudoatom     

Synthesis and Characterisation of New Metallacycles Containing [Ph2P(E)NP(E)Ph2]− (E = S OR Se) Ligands

Abstract

Reaction of [Ph₂P(E)NP(E)Ph₂]^? (E = S or Se) with a series of late transition-metal dimers, in thf or MeOH, leads to facile bridge cleavage and formation of new mononuclear compounds.     

Halide-Free Synthesis of New Difluoro(oxalato)borate [DFOB]−-Based Ionic Liquids and Organic Ionic Plastic Crystals

The implementation of next-generation batteries requires the development of safe, compatible electrolytes that are stable and do not cause safety problems. The difluoro(oxalato)borate ([DFOB]⁻) anion has been used as an electrolyte additive to aid with stability, but such an approach has most commonly been carried out using flammable solvent electrolytes. As an alternative approach, utilisation of the [DFOB]⁻ anion to make ionic liquids (ILs) or Organic Ionic Plastic Crystals (OIPCs) allows the advantageous properties of ILs or OIPCs, such as higher thermal stability and non-volatility, combined with the benefits of the [DFOB]⁻ anion. Here, we report the synthesis of new [DFOB]⁻-based ILs paired with triethylmethylphosphonium [P₁₂₂₂]⁺, and diethylisobutylmethylphosphonium [P_122i4]⁺. We also report the first OIPCs containing the [DFOB]⁻ anion, formed by combination with the 1-ethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium [C₂mpyr]⁺ cation, and the triethylmethylammonium [N₁₂₂₂]⁺ cation. The traditional synthetic route using halide starting materials has been successfully replaced by a halide-free tosylate-based synthetic route that is advantageous for a purer, halide free product. The synthesised [DFOB]⁻-based salts exhibit good thermal stability, while the ILs display relatively high ionic conductivity. Thus, the new [DFOB]⁻-based electrolytes show promise for further investigation as battery electrolytes both in liquid and solid-state form.     

Vibrational spectra and structure of the heptahydrodiborate ion, [B2H7]− in glycol ethers

The i.r. and Raman spectra of the heptahydroborate ion, [B₂H₇]⁻, and its deuterated derivative, [B₂D₇]⁻, have been obtained in solution and assignments have been made of the observed bands. The data are interpreted as indicating a bent C₂ structure in solution. Normal coordinate calculations based on this model are presented.