A début for base stabilized monoalkylsilylenes

The first base stabilized monoalkylsilylenes LSitBu (2) and LSi[C(SiMe(3))(3)] (3) (L = PhC(NtBu)(2)) were synthesized by the facile metathesis reactions of LitBu and KC(SiMe(3))(3) with LSiCl (1). The reaction of LSitBu (2) with N(2)O afforded the dimer [LSitBu(μ-O)](2) (4) which contains a four-membered Si(2)O(2) ring.     

Synthesis and characterization of an amidinate-stabilized cis-1,2-disilylenylethene [cis-LSi{C(Ph)=C(H)}SiL] and a singlet delocalized biradicaloid [LSi(μ(2)-C(2)Ph(2))(2)SiL

The synthesis and characterization of novel cis-1,2-disilylenylethene [cis-LSi{C(Ph)=C(H)}SiL] (2; L=PhC(NtBu)(2)) and a singlet delocalized biradicaloid [LSi(μ(2)-C(2)Ph(2))(2)SiL] (3) are described. Compound 2 was prepared by the reaction of [{PhC(NtBu)(2)}Si:](2) (1) with one equivalent of PhC[triple chemical bond]CH in toluene. Compound 3 was synthesized by the reaction of 1 with two equivalents of PhC[triple chemical bond]CPh in toluene. The results suggest that the reaction proceeds through an [LSi{C(Ph)==C(Ph)}SiL] intermediate, which then reacts with another molecule of PhC[triple chemical bond]CPh to form 3. Compounds 2 and 3 have been characterized by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. X-ray crystallography and DFT calculations of 3 show that the singlet biradicals are stabilized by the amidinate ligand and the delocalization within the "Si(μ(2)-C(2)Ph(2))(2)Si" six-membered ring.     

Alkyne insertion into cyclometallated pyrazole and imine complexes of iridium, rhodium and ruthenium; relevance to catalytic formation of carbo- and heterocycles

The cyclometallated complexes [MCl(C^N)(ring)] (HC^N = 2-phenylpyrazole, M = Ir, Rh ring = Cp*; M = Ru, ring = p-cymene) readily undergo insertion reactions with RC≡CR (R = CO(2)Me, Ph) to give mono insertion products, the rhodium complex also reacts with PhC≡CH regiospecifically to give an analogous product. The products of the reactions of the cyclometallated imine complexes [MCl(C^N)Cp*] (HC^N = PhCH=NR, R = Ph, CH(2)CH(2)OMe, Me; M = Ir, Rh) with PhC≡CPh depend on the substituent R; when R = CH(2)CH(2)OMe a monoinsertion is observed, however for R = Me the initial insertion product is unstable, undergoing reductive elimination with loss of the organic fragment, and for R = Ph no metal-containing product is isolated. With PhC≡CH the cyclometallated imine complexes can give mono or di-insertion products. The implications for catalytic synthesis of carbo- and heterocycles by a tandem C-H activation, alkyne insertion mechanism are discussed.     

Synthesis, structures, and reactivity of yttrium alkyl and alkynyl complexes with mixed Tp(Me2)/Cp ligands

The structurally characterized Tp(Me2)-supported rare earth metal monoalkyl complex (Tp(Me2))CpYCH(2)Ph(THF) (1) was synthesized via the salt-metathesis reaction of (Tp(Me2))CpYCl(THF) with KCH(2)Ph in THF at room temperature. Treatment of 1 with 1 equiv of PhC≡CH under the same conditions afforded the corresponding alkynyl complex (Tp(Me2))CpYC≡CPh(THF) (2). Complex 1 exhibits high activity toward carbodiimides, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, and CS(2); treatment of 1 with such substrates led to the formation of a series of the corresponding Y-C(benzyl) σ-bond insertion products (Tp(Me2))CpY[(RN)(2)CCH(2)Ph] (R = (i)Pr(3a), Cy(3b), 2,6-(i)Pr-C(6)H(3)(3c)), (Tp(Me2))CpY[SC(CH(2)Ph)NPh] (4), (Tp(Me2))CpY[OC(CH(2)Ph)NPh] (5), and (Tp(Me2))CpY(S(2)CCH(2)Ph) (6) in 40-70% isolated yields. Carbodiimides and isothiocyanate can also insert into the Y-C(alkynyl) σ bond of 2 to yield complexes (Tp(Me2))CpY[(RN)(2)CC≡CPh] (R = (i)Pr(7a), Cy(7b)) and (Tp(Me2))CpY[SC(C≡CPh)NPh] (9). Further investigation results indicated that 1 can effectively catalyze the cross-coupling reactions of phenylacetylene with carbodiimides. However, treatment of o-allylaniline with a catalytic amount of 1 gave only the benzyl abstraction product (Tp(Me2))CpY(NHC(6)H(4)CH(2)CH═CH(2)-o)(THF) (10), without observation of the expected organic hydroamination/cyclization product. All of these new complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic properties, and their solid-state structures were also confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Reactivity of a silylsilylene bearing a functionalized diaminochlorosilyl substituent

The reactivity of the silylsilylene [{PhC(NtBu)(2)}SiSi(Cl){(NtBu)(2)C(H)Ph}] (2) towards diphenylacetylene, azobenzene, 2,6-diisopropylphenyl azide, sulfur, and selenium is described. The reaction of 2 with one equivalent of azobenzene in toluene afforded compound 3, which is the first example of a 1,2-diaza-3,4-disilacyclobutane containing a pentacoordinate silicon center. The formation of 3 can be explained by a [1+2] cycloaddition of the divalent Si center in 2 with PhN=NPh to form a diazasilacyclopropane intermediate, which then undergoes a 1,2-chlorine shift to release the ring strain to form 3. Similarly, the reaction of 2 with one equivalent of diphenylacetylene in toluene afforded the 1,2-disilacyclobutene 4, which contains a pentacoordinate silicon center. The reaction of 2 with 1.6 equivalents of 2,6-diisopropylphenylazide in toluene afforded the silaimine [LSi(=NAr)N(Ar)L'] (5, L=PhC(NtBu)(2) , L'=Si(Cl){(NtBu)(2)C(H)Ph}, Ar=2,6-iPr(2)C(6)H(3)). The formation of 5 can be explained by an oxidative addition of the divalent Si center in 2 with ArN(3) to afford a silaimine intermediate, which then reacts with another molecule of ArN(3) to give compound 5. The reaction of 2 with elemental sulfur in toluene afforded the chlorosilanethione [LSi(S)Cl] (6) and dithiodisiletane [{Ph(H)C(NtBu)(2) }Si(μ-S)](2) (7). Treatment of 2 with elemental selenium in THF afforded the di(silaneselone) [LSi(Se)Si(Se)L] (8). Evidently, the divalent Si center in 2 undergoes oxidative addition with chalcogens to afford a silylsilanechalcogenone intermediate, which then displaces ":Si{(NtBu)(2)C(H)Ph}" and "ClSi{(NtBu)(2) C(H)Ph}" to form 6 and 8, respectively. Moreover, compound 8 was synthesized by the reaction of [{PhC(NtBu)(2)}Si:](2) (10) with elemental selenium in THF. The results show that the reactions of 2 are initiated by oxidative addition of the divalent silicon center, and then the intermediate formed undergoes a rearrangement involving the diaminochlorosilyl substituent to form compounds 3-8. These products have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography.     

(C5Me5)2U][(mu-Ph)2BPh2] as a four electron reductant

Examination of the reactivity of [(C5Me5)2U][(mu-Ph)2BPh2] as a "blank" for comparison with the four- and eight-electron reductive chemistry of the sterically crowded (C5Me5)3U and [(C5Me5)2U]2(C6H6) complexes revealed that the tetraphenylborate complex surprisingly functions as a four-electron reductant by combining [BPh4]1- and U(III) reduction; all three complexes cleave the N=N bond in PhN=NPh to form the bis(organoimido) U(VI) complex, (C5Me5)2U(NPh)2, and they also reduce PhC[triple bond]CPh to form (C5Me5)2U(C4Ph4).     

Trapping reactions of an intermediate containing a tungsten-phosphorus triple bond with alkynes

The thermolysis of the phosphinidene complex [Cp*P[W(CO)5]2] (1) in toluene in the presence of tBuC(triple bond)CMe leads to the four-membered ring complexes [[[eta2-C(Me)C(tBu)]Cp*(CO)W(mu3-P)[W(CO)3]][eta4:eta1:eta1-P[W(CO)5]WCp*(CO)C(Me)C(tBu)]] (4) as the major product and [[W[Cp*(CO)2]W(CO)2WCp*(CO)[eta1:eta1-C(Me)C(tBu)]](mu,eta3:eta2:eta1-P2[W(CO)5]] (5). The reaction of 1 with PhC(triple bond)CPh leads to [[W(Co)2[eta2-C(Ph)C(Ph)]][(eta4:eta1-P(W(CO)5]W[Cp*(CO)2)C(Ph)C(Ph)]] (6). The products 4 and 6 can be regarded as the formal cycloaddition products of the phosphido complex intermediate [Cp*(CO)2W(triple bond)P --> W(CO)5] (B), formed by Cp* migration within the phosphinidene complex 1. Furthermore, the reaction of 1 with PhC(triple bond)CPh gives the minor product [[[eta2:eta1-C(Ph)C(Ph)]2[W(CO)4]2][mu,eta1:eta1-P[C(Me)[C(Me)]3C(Me)][C(Ph)](C(Ph)]] (7) as a result of a 1,3-dipolaric cycloaddition of the alkyne into a phosphaallylic subunit of the Cp*P moiety of 1. Compounds 4-7 have been characterized by means of their spectroscopic data as well as by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis.     

Aluminacyclopropene: syntheses, characterization, and reactivity toward terminal alkynes

Reactions of LAl with ethyne, mono- and disubstituted alkynes, and diyne to aluminacyclopropene LAl[eta2-C2(R1)(R2)] ((L = HC[(CMe)(NAr)]2, Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3); R1 = R2 = H, (1); R1 = H, R2 = Ph, (2); R1 = R2 = Me, (3); R1 = SiMe3, R2 = C[triple bond]CSiMe3, (4)) are reported. Compounds 1 and 2 were obtained in equimolar quantities of the starting materials at low temperature. The amount of C2H2 was controlled by removing an excess of C2H2 in the range from -78 to -50 degrees C. Compound 4 can be alternatively prepared by the substitution reaction of LAl[eta2-C2(SiMe3)2] with Me3SiC[triple bond]CC[triple bond]CSiMe3 or by the reductive coupling reaction of LAlI2 with potassium in the presence of Me3SiC[triple bond]CC[triple bond]CSiMe3. The reaction of LAl with excess C2H2 and PhC[triple bond]CH (<1:2) afforded the respective alkenylalkynylaluminum compounds LAl(CH=CH2)(C[triple bond]CH) (5) and LAl(CH=CHPh)(C[triple bond]CPh) (6). The reaction of LAl(eta2-C2Ph2) with C2H2 and PhC[triple bond]CH yielded LAl(CPh=CHPh)(C[triple bond]CH) (7) and LAl(CPh=CHPh)(C[triple bond]CPh) (8), respectively. Rationally, the formation of 5 (or 6) may proceed through the corresponding precursor 1 (or 2). The theoretical studies based on DFT calculations show that an interaction between the Al(I) center and the C[triple bond]C unit needs almost no activation energy. Within the AlC2 ring the computational Al-C bond order of ca. 1 suggests an Al-C sigma bond and therefore less pi electron delocalization over the AlC2 ring. The computed Al-eta2-C2 bond dissociation energies (155-82.6 kJ/mol) indicate a remarkable reactivity of aluminacyclopropene species. Finally, the 1H NMR spectroscopy monitored reaction of LAl(eta2-C2Ph2) and PhC[triple bond]CH in toluene-d8 may reveal an acetylenic hydrogen migration process.     

Side-on bound complexes of phenyl- and methyl-diazene

Treatment of trans-[FeCl(2)(dmpe)(2)] with phenylhydrazine and 1 equiv of base afforded the side-on bound phenylhydrazido complex cis-[Fe(η(2)-NH(2)NPh)(dmpe)(2)](+). Further deprotonation of the phenylhydrazido complex afforded the side-on bound phenyldiazene complex cis-[Fe(η(2)-HN═NPh)(dmpe)(2)] as a mixture of diastereomers. Treatment of cis-[RuCl(2)(dmpe)(2)] with phenylhydrazine or methylhydrazine afforded the end-on bound phenylhydrazine or methylhydrazine complexes cis-[RuCl(η(1)-NH(2)NHR)(dmpe)(2)](+) (R = Ph, Me). Treatment of the substituted hydrazine complexes with base afforded the side-on bound phenylhydrazido complex cis-[Ru(η(2)-NH(2)NPh)(dmpe)(2)](+) as well as the phenyldiazene and methyldiazene complexes cis-[Ru(η(2)-HN═NR)(dmpe)(2)] (R = Ph, Me). cis-[RuCl(η(1)-NH(2)NHR)(dmpe)(2)](+) (R = Ph, Me), cis-[M(η(2)-NH(2)NPh)(dmpe)(2)](+) (M = Fe, Ru) and cis-[Ru(η(2)-HN═NPh)(dmpe)(2)] were characterized structurally by X-ray crystallography. cis-[Ru(η(2)-HN═NPh)(dmpe)(2)] is the first side-on bound phenyldiazene complex to be structurally characterized. In the structure of cis-[Ru(η(2)-HN═NPh)(dmpe)(2)], the geometry of the coordinated diazene fragment is significantly nonplanar (CNNH angle 137°) suggesting that the complex is probably better described as a Ru(II) metallodiaziridine than a Ru(0) diazene π-complex.     

Cyanide-bridged linkage isomers with catecholateruthenium(II) centres bound to Mn(I) or M(alkyne) units

Two series of stable cyanide-bridged linkage isomers, namely [(o-O2C6Cl4)(Ph3P)(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)MnL(NO)(eta-C5Me5)] (XY = CN or NC, L = CNBu(t) or CNXyl) and [(o-O2C6Cl4)L(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)M(CO)(PhC-CPh)Tp'] {M = Mo or W, L = PPh3 or P(OPh)3, Tp' = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate} have been synthesised; pairs of isomers are distinguishable by IR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The molecular structure of [(o-O2C6Cl4)(Ph3P)(OC)2Ru(mu-NC)Mo(CO)(PhC-CPh)Tp'] has the catecholate-bound ruthenium atom cyanide-bridged to a Mo(CO)(PhC[triple band]CPh)Tp' unit in which the alkyne acts as a four-electron donor; the alignment of the alkyne relative to the Mo-CO vector suggests the fragment (CN)Ru(CO)2(PPh3)(o-O2C6Cl4) acts as a pi-acceptor ligand. The complexes [(o-O2C6Cl4)(Ph3P)(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)Mn(NO)L(eta-C5Me5)] undergo three sequential one-electron oxidation processes with the first and third assigned to oxidation of the ruthenium-bound o-O2C6Cl4 ligand; the second corresponds to oxidation of Mn(I) to Mn(n). The complexes [(o-O2C6Cl4)L(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)M(CO)(PhC[triple band]CPh)Tp'] are also first oxidised at the catecholate ligand; the second oxidation, and one-electron reduction, are based on the M(CO)(PhC[triple band]CPh)Tp' fragment. Chemical oxidation of [(o-O,C6Cl4)(Ph3P)(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)MnL(NO)(eta-C5Me5)] with [Fe(eta-C5H4COMe)(eta-C5H5)][BF4], or of [(o-O2C6Cl4)L(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)M(CO)(PhC[triple band]CPh)Tp'] with AgBF4, gave the paramagnetic monocations [(o-O2C6Cl4)(Ph3P)(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)MnL(NO)(eta-C5Me5)]+ and [(o-O2C6Cl4)L(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)M(CO)(PhC[triple band]CPh)Tp']+, the ESR spectra of which are consistent with ruthenium-bound semiquinone ligands. Linkage isomers are distinguishable by the magnitude of the 31P hyperfine coupling constant; complexes with N-bound Ru(o-O2C6Cl4) units also show small hyperfine coupling to the nitrogen atom of the cyanide bridge.     

Chelate-controlled synthesis of racemic ansa-zirconocenes

The reaction of Zr[PhN(CH(2))(3)NPh]Cl(2)(THF)(2) (5) with lithium ansa-bis-indenyl reagents Li(2)[XBI](Et(2)O) (XBI = (1-indenyl)(2)SiMe(2) (SBI, 7a), (2-methyl-1-indenyl)(2)SiMe(2) (MSBI, 7b), (2-methyl-4,5-benz-1-indenyl)(2)SiMe(2) (MBSBI, 7c), (2-methyl-4-phenyl-1-indenyl)(2)SiMe(2) (MPSBI, 7d), and 1,2-(1-indenyl)(2)ethane (EBI, 7e)) affords rac-(XBI)Zr[PhN(CH(2))(3)NPh] (8a-e) in high yield. The meso isomers were not detected by (1)H NMR. X-ray crystallographic studies show that the Zr[PhN(CH(2))(3)NPh] rings in 5, 8a, 8c, and (C(5)H(5))(2)Zr[PhN(CH(2))(3)NPh] (10) adopt twist conformations that position the N-Ph groups on opposite sides of the N-Zr-N plane. This conformation complements the metallocene structures of rac-8a-e but would destabilize the corresponding meso isomers. It is proposed that the Zr[PhN(CH(2))(3)NPh] ring adopts a similar twist conformation in the stereodetermining transition state for addition of the second indenyl ring in these reactions, which leads to a preference for rac products. The results of metallocene syntheses from other Zr amide precursors support this proposal. 8a-e are converted to the corresponding rac-(XBI)ZrCl(2) complexes (9a-e) by reaction with HCl.     

新型取代基炔类分子的合成及其与B(C6F5)3的反应

合成了5种不同取代基的炔类化合物Mes2HSiC≡CPh(1,Mes=2,4,6-Me3C6H2)、[tBuC(NAr)2]GeC≡CPh(2,Ar=2,6-iPr2C6H3)、[PhC(NtBu)2]SnC≡CPPh2(3)、[HC(CMe)2(NAr)2]Sn C≡CPPh2(4)和[HC(CMe)2(NAr)2]ZnC≡CPPh2(5),研究了这些化合物与B(C6F5)3的反应.在与B(C6F5)3的反应中,1和2均发生1,1-碳硼化反应生成烯烃化合物(Ph)(Mes2HSi)C=C(C6F5)B(C6F5)2 (6)和{[tBuC(NAr)2]Ge}(Ph)C=C(C6F5)B(C6F5)2 (7), 7是一种GeⅡ/B松散Lewis酸碱对化合物;3~5则都发生B(C6F5)3与配体金属基的位置交换、进而配体金属基转换键合PPh2的反应,分别生成新颖的分子内双性离子炔烃化合物[PhC(NtBu)2]SnP(Ph2)C≡CB(C6F5)3 (8)、[HC(CMe)2(NAr)2]SnP(Ph2)C≡CB(C6F5)3(9)、[HC(CMe)2(NAr)2]ZnP(Ph2)C≡CB(C6F5)3 (10).文中还讨论了反应机理.     

An ylide-like phosphasilene and striking formation of a 4π-electron, resonance-stabilized 2,4-disila-1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene

The first N-donor-stabilized phosphasilene LSi(SiMe(3))═PSiMe(3) (L = PhC(NtBu)(2)) has been synthesized in 87% yield through 1,2-silyl migration of the (Me(3)Si)(2)P-substituted, N-heterocyclic silylene [LSi-P(SiMe(3))(2)]. Remarkably, the latter reacts with dichlorotriphenylphosphorane Ph(3)PCl(2) to give the unprecedented 4π-electron Si(2)P(2)-cycloheterobutadiene [(LSi)(2)P(2)] with two-coordinate phosphorus atoms. The striking molecular structures as well as the (29)Si and (31)P NMR spectroscopic features of both products indicate the presence of zwitterionic Si═P bonds which is also in accordance with results by DFT calculations.     

Mechanistic investigations of imine hydrogenation catalyzed by cationic iridium complexes

Complexes [IrH2(eta6-C6H6)(PiPr3)]BF4 (1) and [IrH2(NCMe)3(PiPr3)]BF4 (2) are catalyst precursors for homogeneous hydrogenation of N-benzylideneaniline under mild conditions. Precursor 1 generates the resting state [IrH2{eta5-(C6H5)NHCH2Ph}(PiPr3)]BF4 (3), while 2 gives rise to a mixture of [IrH{PhN=CH(C6H4)-kappaN,C}(NCMe)2(PiPr3)]BF4 (4) and [IrH{PhN=CH(C6H4)-kappaN,C}(NCMe)(NH2Ph)(PiPr3)]BF4 (5), in which the aniline ligand is derived from hydrolysis of the imine. The less hindered benzophenone imine forms the catalytically inactive, doubly cyclometalated compound [Ir{HN=CPh(C6H4)-kappaN,C}2(NH2CHPh2)(PiPr3)]BF4 (6). Hydrogenations with precursor 1 are fast and their reaction profiles are strongly dependent on solvent, concentrations, and temperature. Significant induction periods, minimized by addition of the amine hydrogenation product, are commonly observed. The catalytic rate law (THF) is rate = k[1][PhN=CHPh]p(H2). The results of selected stoichiometric reactions of potential catalytic intermediates exclude participation of the cyclometalated compounds [IrH{PhN=CH(C6H4)-kappaN,C}(S)2(PiPr3)]BF4 [S = acetonitrile (4), [D6]acetone (7), [D4]methanol (8)] in catalysis. Reactions between resting state 3 and D2 reveal a selective sequence of deuterium incorporation into the complex which is accelerated by the amine product. Hydrogen bonding among the components of the catalytic reaction was examined by MP2 calculations on model compounds. The calculations allow formulation of an ionic, outer-sphere, bifunctional hydrogenation mechanism comprising 1) amine-assisted oxidative addition of H2 to 3, the result of which is equivalent to heterolytic splitting of dihydrogen, 2) replacement of a hydrogen-bonded amine by imine, and 3) simultaneous H delta+/H delta- transfer to the imine substrate from the NH moiety of an arene-coordinated amine ligand and the metal, respectively.     

The versatile reactivity of cyclo-(P5tBu4)- with complexes of the nickel triad

Na[cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4))] (1) reacts with [NiCl(2)(PEt(3))(2)] and [PdCl(2)(PMe(2)Ph)(2)] with elimination of tBuCl and formation of the corresponding metal(0) cyclopentaphosphene complexes [Ni{cyclo-(P(5)tBu(3))}(PEt(3))(2)] (2) and [Pd{cyclo-(P(5)tBu(3))}(PMe(2)Ph)(2)] (3). In contrast, complexes with the more labile triphenylphosphane ligand, such as [MCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)] (M=Ni, Pd), react with 1 with formation of [NiCl{cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4))}(PPh(3))] (4) and [Pd{cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4))}(2)] (5), respectively, in which the cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4)) ligand is intact. In the case of palladium, the cyclopentaphosphene complex [Pd{cyclo-(P(5)tBu(3))}(PPh(3))(2)] (6) in trace amounts is also formed. However, [Ni{cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4))}(2)] (7) is easily obtained by reaction of two equivalents of 1 and one equivalent of [NiCl(2)(bipy)] at room temperature. Complex 7 rearranges on heating in n-hexane or toluene to the previously unknown [Ni{cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4))PtBu}{cyclo-(P(4)tBu(3))}] (8), which presumably is formed via the intermediate [Ni{cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4))}{cyclo-(P(4)tBu(3))PtBu}], which, after an unexpected and unprecedented phosphanediide migration, gives 8, but always as an inseparable mixture with 7. In the reaction of 1 with [PtCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)], ring contraction and formation of [PtCl{cyclo-(P(4)tBu(3))PtBu}(PMe(2)Ph)] (9) is observed. Complexes 3-5 and 7-9 were characterised by (31)P NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray structures were obtained for 5-9.     

Catalytic addition of amine N-H bonds to carbodiimides by half-sandwich rare-earth metal complexes: efficient synthesis of substituted guanidines through amine protonolysis of rare-earth metal guanidinates

Reaction of [Ln(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(thf)(2)] (Ln=Y, Yb, and Lu) with one equivalent of Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4)H)NHR' (R'=Ph, 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2), tBu) affords straightforwardly the corresponding half-sandwich rare-earth metal alkyl complexes [{Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4))(NR')}Ln(CH(2)SiMe(3))(thf)(n)] (1: Ln = Y, R' = Ph, n=2; 2: Ln = Y, R' = C(6)H(2)Me(3)-2,4,6, n=1; 3: Ln = Y, R' = tBu, n=1; 4: Ln = Yb, R' = Ph, n=2; 5: Ln = Lu, R' = Ph, n=2) in high yields. These complexes, especially the yttrium complexes 1-3, serve as excellent catalyst precursors for the catalytic addition of various primary and secondary amines to carbodiimides, efficiently yielding a series of guanidine derivatives with a wide range of substituents on the nitrogen atoms. Functional groups such as C[triple chemical bond]N, C[triple chemical bond]CH, and aromatic C--X (X: F, Cl, Br, I) bonds can survive the catalytic reaction conditions. A primary amino group can be distinguished from a secondary one by the catalyst system, and therefore, the reaction of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-5-aminoisoquinoline with iPrN==C==NiPr can be achieved stepwise first at the primary amino group to selectively give the monoguanidine 38, and then at the cyclic secondary amino unit to give the biguanidine 39. Some key reaction intermediates or true catalyst species, such as the amido complexes [{Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4))(NPh)}Y(NEt(2))(thf)(2)] (40) and [{Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4))(NPh)}Y(NHC(6)H(4)Br-4)(thf)(2)] (42), and the guanidinate complexes [{Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4))(NPh)}Y{iPrNC(NEt(2))(NiPr)}(thf)] (41) and [{Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4))(NPh)}Y{iPrN}C(NC(6)H(4)Br-4)(NHiPr)}(thf)] (44) have been isolated and structurally characterized. Reactivity studies on these complexes suggest that the present catalytic formation of a guanidine compound proceeds mechanistically through nucleophilic addition of an amido species, formed by acid-base reaction between a rare-earth metal alkyl bond and an amine N--H bond, to a carbodiimide, followed by amine protonolysis of the resultant guanidinate species.     

Experimental and DFT study of the tautomeric behavior of cobalt-containing secondary phosphine oxides

New cobalt-containing secondary phosphine oxides [(mu-PPh(2)CH(2)PPh(2))Co(2)(CO)(4){mu,eta-PhC[triple chemical bond]CP(==O)(H)(R)}] (8 a: R=tBu; 8 b: R=Ph) were prepared by reaction of secondary phosphine oxides PhC[triple chemical bond]CP- (==O)(H)(R) (6 a: R=tBu; 6 b: R=Ph) with dppm-bridged dicobalt complex [(mu-PPh(2)CH(2)PPh(2))Co(2)(CO)(6)] (2). The molecular structures of 8 a and 8 b were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Although palladium-catalyzed Heck reactions employing 8 b as ligand gave satisfying results, 8 a performed poorly in the same reaction. Judging from these results, a tautomeric equilibrium between 8 b and its isomeric form [(mu-PPh(2)CH(2)PPh(2))Co(2)(CO)(4){mu,eta-PhC[triple chemical bond]CP(OH)(Ph)}] 8 b' indeed takes place, but it is unlikely between 8 a and [(mu-PPh(2)CH(2)PPh(2))Co(2)(CO)(4){mu,eta-PhC[triple chemical bond]CP(OH)(tBu)}] (8 a'). The DFT studies demonstrated that reasonable activation energies for the tautomeric conversions can be achieved only via a bimolecular pathway. Since a tBu group is much larger than a Ph group, the conversion is presumably only feasible in the case of 8 bright harpoon over left harpoon8 b', but not in the case of 8 aright harpoon over left harpoon8 a'. Another cobalt-containing phosphine, namely, [(mu-PPh(2)CH(2)PPh(2))Co(2)(CO)(4){mu,eta-PhC[triple chemical bond]CP(NEt(2))(tBu)}] (7 a), and its oxidation product [(mu-PPh(2)CH(2)PPh(2))Co(2)(CO)(4){mu,eta-PhC[triple chemical bond]CP(==O)(NEt(2))(tBu)}] 7 a' were prepared from the reaction of PhC[triple chemical bond]CP(NEt(2))(tBu) (5 a) with 2. The molecular structures of 7 a and 7 a' were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The phosphorus atom is surrounded by substituents in a tetrahedral environment. A P--N single bond (1.676(3) A) is observed in the molecular structure of 7 a. Heck reactions employing 7 a/Pd(OAc)(2) as catalyst system exhibited efficiency comparable to that of 8 a/Pd(OAc)(2).     

Reaction of an alkyne with dinickel-diphenylsilyl complexes. An emissive disilane formed via the consecutive Si-C and Si-Si bond-making processes

[{Ni(dmpe)}(2)(μ-SiHPh(2))(2)] (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane) reacted with PhC≡CPh to yield fluorescent 1,2-bis{(E)-1,2-diphenylethenyl}-1,1,2,2-tetraphenyldisilane via addition of the Si-H bond of the ligand to the alkyne and subsequent coupling of the tertiary silyl ligands forming the Si-Si bond.     

Synthesis and characterization of a singlet delocalized 2,4-diimino-1,3-disilacyclobutanediyl and a silylenylsilaimine

The synthesis and characterization of a singlet delocalized 2,4-diimino-1,3-disilacyclobutanediyl, [LSi(μ-CNAr)(2)SiL] (2, L: PhC(NtBu)(2), Ar: 2,6-iPr(2) C(6) H(3)), and a silylenylsilaimine, [LSi(=NAr)-SiL] (3), are described. The reaction of three equivalents of the disilylene [LSi-SiL] (1) with two equivalents of ArN=C=NAr in toluene at room temperature for 12 h afforded [LSi(μ-CNAr)(2)SiL] (2) and [LSi(=NAr)-SiL] (3) in a ratio of 1:2. Compounds 2 and 3 have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Compound 2 was also investigated by theoretical studies. The results show that compound 2 possesses singlet biradicaloid character with an extensive electronic delocalization throughout the Si(2)C(2) four-membered ring and exocyclic C=N bonds. Compound 3 is the first example of a silylenylsilaimine, which contains a low-valent silicon center and a silaimine substituent. A mechanism for the formation of 2 and 3 is also proposed.     

P=C bonds as building blocks for three- and four-membered heterocyclic cations: synthesis, structures and mechanistic studies

The activation of the P=C bond of phosphaalkenes with electrophiles is investigated as a means to prepare and characterize unusual organophosphorus compounds. Treatment of RP=CHtBu (1a: R=tBu; 1b: R=1-adamantyl) with HOTf (0.5 equiv) affords diphosphiranium salts [RP-CHtBu-PR (CH(2)tBu)]OTf ([2a]OTf and [2b]OTf), each containing a three-membered P(2)C ring. In contrast, the addition of MeOTf (0.5 equiv) to either 1a or 1b affords diphosphetanium salts [RP-CHtBu-P(Me)R-CHtBu]OTf ([3a]OTf and [3b]OTf) containing four-membered P(2)C(2) heterocycles. The phosphenium triflate [tBuP(CH(2)tBu)]OTf ([5a]OTf) and methylenephosphonium triflate [tBu(Me)P=CHtBu]OTf ([7a]OTf) are identified spectroscopically as intermediates in the formation of [2a](+) and [3a](+), respectively. The phosphenium triflate intermediate can be trapped with 2-butyne to afford phosphirenium salt [MeC=CMe-tBuPCH(2)tBu]OTf ([6a]OTf). Treatment of diphosphetanium [3a]OTf with an excess MeOTf affords [Me(2)P-CHtBu-PMetBu-CHtBu](OTf)(2) ([4a](OTf)(2)), a compound containing a diphosphetanium dication. The molecular structures are reported for [2a]OTf, [2b][H(OTf)(2)], [3a]I, [3b]I, [4a](OTf)(2), and [6a]OTf.