Synthetic and structural investigations of monomeric dilithium boraamidinates and bidentate NBNCN ligands with bulky N-bonded groups

The dilithiated boraamidinate complexes [Li(2)[PhB(NDipp)(2)](THF)(3)] (7a) (Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) and [Li(2)[PhB(NDipp)(N(t)Bu)](OEt(2))(2)] (7b), prepared by reaction of PhB[N(H)Dipp][N(H)R'] (6a, R' = Dipp; 6b, R' = (t)Bu) with 2 equiv of (n)BuLi, are shown by X-ray crystallography to have monomeric structures with two terminal and one bridging THF ligands (7a) or two terminal OEt(2) ligands (7b). The derivative 7a is used to prepare the spirocyclic group 13 derivative [Li(OEt(2))(4)][In[PhB(NDipp)(2)](2)] (8a) that is shown by an X-ray structural analysis to be a solvent-separated ion pair. The monoamino derivative PhBCl[N(H)Dipp] (9a), obtained by the reaction of PhBCl(2) with 2 equiv of DippNH(2), serves as a precursor for the synthesis of the four-membered BNCN ring [[R'N(H)](Ph)B(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)C(n)Bu] (10a, R' = Dipp). The X-ray structures of 6a, 9a, and 10a have been determined. The related derivative 10b (R' = (t)Bu) was synthesized by the reaction of [Cl(Ph)B(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)C(n)Bu] with Li[N(H)(t)Bu] and characterized by (1)H, (11)B, and (13)C NMR spectra. In contrast to 10a and 10b, NMR spectroscopic data indicate that the derivatives [[DippN(H)](Ph)B(NR')(2)CR(NR')] (11a: R =( t)Bu, R' = Cy; 11b: R = (n)Bu, R' = Dipp) adopt acyclic structures with three-coordinate boron atoms. Monolithiation of 10a produces the novel hybrid boraamidinate/amidinate (bamam) ligand [Li[DippN]PhB(N(t)Bu)C(n)Bu(N(t)Bu)] (12a).     

Lithiation of tris(alkyl- and arylamido)orthophosphates EP[N(H)R]3 (E = O,S, Se): imido substituent effects and P=E bond cleavage

In the solid state, OP[N(H)Me](3) (1a) and OP[N(H)(t)Bu](3) (1b) have hydrogen-bonded structures that exhibit three-dimensional and one-dimensional arrays, respectively. The lithiation of 1b with 1 equiv of (n)BuLi generates the trimeric monolithiated complex (THF)[LiOP(N(t)Bu)[N(H)(t)Bu](2)](3) (4), whereas reaction with an excess of (n)BuLi produces the dimeric dilithium complex [(THF)(2)Li(2)OP(N(t)Bu)(2)[N(H)(t)Bu]](2) (5). Complex 4 contains a Li(2)O(2) ring in an open-ladder structure, whereas 5 embraces a central Li(2)O(2) ring in a closed-ladder arrangement. Investigations of the lithiation of tris(alkyl or arylamido)thiophosphates, SP[N(H)R](3) (2a, R = (i)Pr; 2b, R = (t)Bu; 2c, R = p-tol) with (n)BuLi reveal interesting imido substituent effects. For the alkyl derivatives, only mono- or dilithiation is observed. In the case of R = (t)Bu, lithiation is accompanied by P-S bond cleavage to give the dilithiated cyclodiphosph(V/V)azane [(THF)(2)Li(2)[((t)BuN)(2)P(micro-N(t)Bu)(2)P(N(t)Bu)(2)]] (9). Trilithiation occurs for the triaryl derivatives EP[N(H)Ar](3) (E = S, Ar = p-tolyl; E = Se, Ar = Ph), as demonstrated by the preparation of [(THF)(4)Li(3)[SP(Np-tol)(3)]](2) (10) and [(THF)(4)Li(3)[SeP(NPh)(3)]](2) (11), which are accompanied by the formation of small amounts of 10.[LiOH(THF)](2) and 11.Li(2)Se(2)(THF)(2), respectively.     

Preparation and x-ray structures of alkali-metal derivatives of the ambidentate anions [tBuN(E)P(mu-NtBu)2P(E)NtBu]2- (E = S, Se) and [tBuN(Se)P(mu-NtBu)2PN(H)tBu)]-

The ambidentate dianions [(t)BuN(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu](2)(-) (5a, E = S; 5b, E = Se) are obtained as their disodium and dipotassium salts by the reaction of cis-[(t)Bu(H)N(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(H)(t)Bu] (6a, E = S; 6b, E = Se), with 2 equiv of MN(SiMe(3))(2) (M = Na, K) in THF at 23 degrees C. The corresponding dilithium derivative is prepared by reacting 6a with 2 equiv of (t)BuLi in THF at reflux. The X-ray structures of five complexes of the type [(THF)(x)()M](2)[(t)BuN(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu] (9, M = Li, E = S, x = 2; 11a/11b, M = Na, E = S/Se, x = 2; 12a, M = K, E = S, x = 1; 12b, M = K, E = Se, x = 1.5) have been determined. In the dilithiated derivative 9 the dianion 5a adopts a bis (N,S)-chelated bonding mode involving four-membered LiNPS rings whereas 11a,b and 12a,b display a preference for the formation of six-membered MNPNPN and MEPNPE rings, i.e., (N,N' and E,E')-chelation. The bis-solvated disodium complexes 11a,b and the dilithium complex 9 are monomeric, but the dipotassium complexes 12a,b form dimers with a central K(2)E(2) ring and associate further through weak K.E contacts to give an infinite polymeric network of 20-membered K(6)E(6)P(4)N(4) rings. The monoanions [(t)Bu(H)N(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu)](-) (E = S, Se) were obtained as their lithium derivatives 8a and 8b by the reaction of 1 equiv of (n)BuLi with 6a and 6b, respectively. An X-ray structure of the TMEDA-solvated complex 8a and the (31)P NMR spectrum of 8b indicate a N,E coordination mode. The reaction of 6b with excess (t)BuLi in THF at reflux results in partial deselenation to give the monolithiated P(III)/P(V) complex [(THF)(2)Li[(t)BuN(Se)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)PN(H)(t)Bu]] 10, which adopts a (N,Se) bonding mode.     

Ligand exchange reaction between an alkylzinc primary amide and a dialkylmagnesium compound: crystal structures of [(thf)MeMg-mu-N(H)SiiPr3]2 and (tmeda)Mg[N(H)SiiPr3]2

The reaction of alkylzinc triisopropylsilylamide with dialkylmagnesium leads to a ligand exchange. Besides the starting materials, heteroleptic alkylmagnesium triisopropylsilylamide and homoleptic magnesium bis(triisopropylsilylamide) are detected by NMR spectroscopy. After the addition of 1,2-bis(dimethylamino)ethane (TMEDA) to the reaction mixture, (tmeda)Mg[N(H)SiiPr3]2 (1) precipitates as colorless cuboids (C24H60MgN4Si2, a = 2269.6(2), b = 1029.58(5), c = 1593.2(1) pm, beta = 120.826(8) degrees , monoclinic, C2/c, Z = 4). The amide nitrogen atoms are coordinated planarily with strongly widened Mg-N-Si bond angles of 139.2(1) degrees . The metalation of triisopropylsilylamine with dimethylmagnesium in THF yields quantitatively heteroleptic [(thf)MeMg-N(H)SiiPr3]2 (2) which crystallizes as colorless needles (C28H66Mg2N2O2Si2, a = 1982.4(2), b = 2034.1(1), c = 907.22(6) pm, beta = 95.021(9), monoclinic, P2(1)/n, Z = 4). Because of the bridging position of the triisopropylsilylamide anion, the tetracoordinate nitrogen atoms show rather long Mg-N bond lengths of 210.7 pm (average value).     

A general and modular synthesis of monoimidouranium(IV) dihalides

The conproportionation reaction between the dimeric diimidouranium(V) species [U(N(t)Bu)(2)(I)((t)Bu(2)bpy)](2) ((t)Bu(2)bpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridyl) and UI(3)(THF)(4) in the presence of additional (t)Bu(2)bpy yields U(N(t)Bu)(I)(2)((t)Bu(2)bpy)(THF)(2) (2), an unprecedented example of a monoimidouranium(IV) dihalide complex. The general synthesis of this family of uranium(IV) derivatives can be achieved more readily by adding 2 equiv of MN(H)R (M = Li, K; R = (t)Bu, 2,6-(i)PrC(6)H(3), 2-(t)BuC(6)H(4)) to UX(4) in the presence of coordinating Lewis bases to give complexes with the general formula U(NR)(X)(2)(L)(n) (X = Cl, I; L = (t)Bu(2)bpy, n = 1; L = THF, n = 2). The complexes were characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of compounds 2 and {U[N(2,6-(i)PrC(6)H(3))](Cl)(2)(THF)(2)}(2) (4). (The X-ray structures of 5 and 6 are reported in the Supporting Information.)     

Crystalline metal (Li, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sn, Pb) complexes of the new chelating N,N'-dianionic [1,2-N(R)C6H4(CH2NR)](2-) ligand (R = SiMe3, CH2Bu(t))

2-Aminomethylaniline was converted into the N,N'-bis(pivaloyl) (1) or -bis(trimethylsilyl) (2) derivative, using 2 Bu(t)C(O)Cl or 2 Me(3)SiCl (≡ RCl), respectively, with 2 NEt(3), or for 2 from successively using 2 LiBu(n) and 2 RCl. N,N'-Bis(neopentyl)-2-(aminomethyl)aniline (3) was prepared by LiAlH(4) reduction of 1. From 2 or 3 and 2 LiBu(n), the appropriate dilitiodiamide {2-[{N(Li)R}C(6)H(4){CH(2)N(Li)R}(L)](2) (L absent, 4a; or L = THF, 4b) or the N,N'-bis(neopentyl) analogue (5) of 4a was prepared. Treatment of 4a with 2 Bu(t)NC, 2 (2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3)NC) or 2 Bu(t)CN (≡ L') furnished the corresponding adduct [2-N{Li(L')R}C(6)H(4){CH(2)N(Li)R}] (4c, 4d or 4e, respectively), whereas 4b with 2 PhCN afforded [2-{N(Li)R}C(6)H(4){CH(2)C(Ph) = NLi(NCPh)}] (6). The dimeric bis(amido)stannylene [Sn{N(R)C(6)H(4)(CH(2)NR)-1,2}](2) (7) was obtained from 4a and [Sn(μ-Cl)NR(2)](2), while the N,N'-bis(neopentyl) analogue 8 of 7 was similarly derived from [Sn(μ-Cl)NR(2)](2) and 5. Reaction of two equivalents of the diamine 2 with Pb(NR(2))(2) yielded 9, the lead homologue of 7. Oxidative addition of sulfur to 7 led to the dimeric bis(diamido)tin sulfide 10. Treatment of 2 successively with 'MgBu(2)' in C(5)H(12) and THF gave [Mg{N(R)C(6)H(4)(CH(2)NR)}(THF)](2) (11a), which by displacement of its THF by an equivalent portion of Bu(t)CN or PhCN produced [Mg{N(R)C(6)H(4)(CH(2)NR)}(CNR')(n)] [R' = Bu(t), n = 1 (11b); R' = Ph, n = 2 (11c)]. The Ca (12), Sr (13) or Ba (14) analogues of the Mg compound 11a were isolated from 2 and either the appropriate compound M(NR(2))(2) (M = Ca, Sr, Ba), or successively 2 LiBu(n) and 2 M(OTos)(2). The new compounds 1-14 were characterized by microanalysis (C, H, N; not for 1, 2, 3, 5), solution NMR spectra, ν(max) (C≡N) (IR for 4c, 4d, 4e, 6, 11b, 11c), selected EI-MS peaks (for 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10), and single crystal X-ray diffraction (for 4a, 4b, 11a).     

Synthesis and structures of aluminum and magnesium complexes of tetraimidophosphates and trisamidothiophosphates: EPR and DFT investigations of the persistent neutral radicals {Me2Al[(mu-NR)(mu-NtBu)P(mu-NtBu)2]Li(THF)2}(*) (R = SiMe3, tBu)

Reactions of (RNH)(3)PNSiMe(3) (3a, R = (t)()Bu; 3b, R = Cy) with trimethylaluminum result in the formation of {Me(2)Al(mu-N(t)Bu)(mu-NSiMe(3))P(NH(t)()Bu)(2)]} (4) and the dimeric trisimidometaphosphate {Me(2)Al[(mu-NCy)(mu-NSiMe(3))P(mu-NCy)(2)P(mu-NCy)(mu-NSiMe(3))]AlMe(2)} (5a), respectively. The reaction of SP(NH(t)Bu)(3) (2a) with 1 or 2 equiv of AlMe(3) yields {Me(2)Al[(mu-S)(mu-N(t)Bu)P(NH(t)()Bu)(2)]} (7) and {Me(2)Al[(mu-S)(mu-N(t)()Bu)P(mu-NH(t)Bu)(mu-N(t)Bu)]AlMe(2)} (8), respectively. Metalation of 4 with (n)()BuLi produces the heterobimetallic species {Me(2)Al[(mu-N(t)Bu)(mu-NSiMe(3))P(mu-NH(t)()Bu)(mu-N(t)()Bu)]Li(THF)(2)} (9a) and {[Me(2)Al][Li](2)[P(N(t)Bu)(3)(NSiMe(3))]} (10) sequentially; in THF solutions, solvation of 10 yields an ion pair containing a spirocyclic tetraimidophosphate monoanion. Similarly, the reaction of ((t)BuNH)(3)PN(t)()Bu with AlMe(3) followed by 2 equiv of (n)BuLi generates {Me(2)Al[(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(mu(2)-N(t)Bu)(2)(mu(2)-THF)[Li(THF)](2)} (11a). Stoichiometric oxidations of 10 and 11a with iodine yield the neutral spirocyclic radicals {Me(2)Al[(mu-NR)(mu-N(t)Bu)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)]Li(THF)(2)}(*) (13a, R = SiMe(3); 14a, R = (t)Bu), which have been characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Density functional theory calculations confirm the retention of the spirocyclic structure and indicate that the spin density in these radicals is concentrated on the nitrogen atoms of the PN(2)Li ring. When 3a or 3b is treated with 0.5 equiv of dibutylmagnesium, the complexes {Mg[(mu-N(t)()Bu)(mu-NH(t)()Bu)P(NH(t)Bu)(NSiMe(3))](2)} (15) and {Mg[(mu-NCy)(mu-NSiMe(3))P(NHCy)(2)](2)} (16) are obtained, respectively. The addition of 0.5 equiv of MgBu(2) to 2a results in the formation of {Mg[(mu-S)(mu-N(t)()Bu)P(NH(t)Bu)(2)](2)} (17), which produces the hexameric species {[MgOH][(mu-S)(mu-N(t)()Bu)P(NH(t)Bu)(2)]}(6) (18) upon hydrolysis. Compounds 4, 5a, 7-11a, and 15-17 have been characterized by multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (31)P) NMR spectroscopy and, in the case of 5a, 9a.2THF, 11a, and 18, by X-ray crystallography.     

Lateral Metallation and Redistribution Reactions of Sodium Ferrates Containing Bulky 2,6-Diisopropyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)anilide Ligands

Alkali-metal ferrates containing amide groups have emerged as regioselective bases capable of promoting Fe−H exchanges of aromatic substrates. Advancing this area of heterobimetallic chemistry, a new series of sodium ferrates is introduced incorporating the bulky arylsilyl amido ligand N(SiMe₃)(Dipp) (Dipp=2,6-iPr₂-C₆H₃). Influenced by the large steric demands imposed by this amide, transamination of [NaFe(HMDS)₃] (HMDS=N(SiMe₃)₂) with an excess of HN(SiMe₃)(Dipp) led to the isolation of heteroleptic [Na(HMDS)₂Fe{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}]_∞ ( 1 ) resulting from the exchange of just one HMDS group. An alternative co-complexation approach, combining the homometallic metal amides [NaN(SiMe₃)Dipp] and [Fe{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₂] induces lateral metallation of one Me arm from the SiMe₃ group in the iron amide furnishing tetrameric [NaFe{N(SiCH₂Me₂)Dipp}{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}]₄ ( 2 ). Reactivity studies support that this deprotonation is driven by the steric incompatibility of the single metal amides rather than the basic capability of the sodium reagent. Displaying synergistic reactivity, heteroleptic sodium ferrate 1 can selectively promote ferration of pentafluorobenzene using one of its HMDS arms to give heterotrileptic [Na{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}(HMDS)Fe(C₆F₅)]_∞ ( 4 ). Attempts to deprotonate less activated pyridine led to the isolation of NaHMDS and heteroleptic Fe(II) amide [(py)Fe{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}(HMDS)] ( 5 ), resulting from an alternative redistribution process which is favoured by the Lewis donor ability of this substrate.     

Transamination chemistry of sodium TMP-zincate: synthesis and crystal structure of a chiral amidozincate

In a new type of reactivity for sodium TMP-zincate [(TMEDA)NaZn((t)Bu)(2)(TMP)] (1), transamination reactions with the amines diisopropylamine, DA(H), hexamethyldisilazane, HMDS(H) and chiral (R)-N-benzyl-alpha-methylbenzylamine have produced new sodium amido-di-tert-butyl zincates (all structurally characterised) with concomitant loss of TMP(H).     

Comparative study of the coordination chemistry and lactide polymerization of alkoxide and amide complexes of zinc and magnesium with a beta-diiminato ligand bearing ether substituents

A series of beta-diiminato complexes of the form (BDI-3)MX where (BDI-3) = [CH(CMeNC(6)H(4)-2-OMe)(2)]; M = Zn, Mg; X = O(i)()Pr, O(t)()Bu, or N(SiMe(3))(2) has been synthesized. The (BDI-3) ligand is bidentate in (BDI-3)ZnN(SiMe(3))(2) and tetradentate in (BDI-3)MgN(SiMe(3))(2). The alkoxide complexes are shown to be active for lactide polymerization. Polymerization of rac-lactide with (BDI-3)ZnO(i)Pr gives a moderate preference for heterotactic PLA. Polymerization of rac-lactide with [(BDI-3)MgO(t)Bu](2) shows a slight preference for heterotactic PLA in CH(2)Cl(2) but is highly stereoselective in THF in the production of heterotactic PLA.     

Tungsten imido complexes as precursors to tungsten carbonitride thin films

Thin films of tungsten carbonitride have been formed on glass by low-pressure chemical vapour deposition (LP)CVD at 550 degrees C from four closely related precursors: [W(mu-N(t)Bu)(N(t)Bu)Cl(2)(H(2)N(t)Bu)](2), [W(N(t)Bu)(2)Cl(2)(TMEDA)] (TMEDA = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine), [W(N(t)Bu)(2)Cl(2)(py)(2)] (py = pyridine) and [W(N(t)Bu)(2)Cl(N{SiMe(3)}(2))]. The grey mirror-like films were grown with a nitrogen or ammonia bleed gas. In all cases the chlorine content of the deposited films was less than 1 at% and the oxygen content of the films was lower for those grown using ammonia. Surprisingly, the use of ammonia did not significantly change the carbon content of the resulting films. Despite the coordination environment around the metal being essentially the same and the materials having a comparable volatility, some differences in film quality were observed. The films were uniform, adhesive, abrasion resistant, conformal and hard, being resistant to scratching with a steel scalpel. X-Ray powder diffraction patterns of all the films showed the formation of beta-WN(x)C(y). As a comparison the aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AA)CVD of [W(mu-N(t)Bu)(N(t)Bu)Cl(2)(H(2)N(t)Bu)](2) was investigated and amorphous tungsten carbonitride films were deposited.     

Cubic and spirocyclic radicals containing a tetraimidophosphate dianion [P(NR)3(NR')]*2-

The reaction of Cl(3)PNSiMe(3) with 3 equiv of LiHNR (R = (i)Pr, Cy, (t)Bu, Ad) in diethyl ether produces the corresponding tris(amino)(imino)phosphoranes (RNH)(3)PNSiMe(3) (1a, R = (i)Pr; 1b, R = Cy; 1c, R = (t)Bu; 1d, R = Ad); subsequent reactions of 1b-d with (n)BuLi yield the trilithiated tetraimidophosphates {Li(3)[P(NR)(3)(NSiMe(3))]} (2a, R = Cy; 2b, R = (t)Bu; 2c, R = Ad). The reaction of [((t)BuNH)(4)P]Cl with 1 equiv of (n)BuLi results in the isolation of ((t)BuNH)(3)PN(t)Bu (1e); treatment of 1e with additional (n)BuLi generates the symmetrical tetraimidophosphate {Li(3)[P(N(t)Bu)(4)]} (2d). Compounds 1 and 2 have been characterized by multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (31)P) NMR spectroscopy; X-ray structures of 1b,c were also obtained. Oxidations of 2a-c with iodine, bromine, or sulfuryl chloride produces transient radicals in the case of 2a or stable radicals of the formula {Li(2)[P(NR)(3)(NSiMe(3))]LiX.3THF}* (X = Cl, Br, I; R = (t)Bu, Ad). The stable radicals exhibit C(3) symmetry and are thought to exist in a cubic arrangement, with the monomeric LiX unit bonded to the neutral radical {Li(2)[P(NR)(3)(NSiMe(3))]}* to complete the Li(3)N(3)PX cube. Reactions of solvent-separated ion pair {[Li(THF)(4)]{Li(THF)(2)[(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)]Li(THF)(2)} (6) with I(2) or SO(2)Cl(2) produce the persistent spirocyclic radical {(THF)(2)Li(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(mu-N(t)Bu)Li(THF)(2)}* (10a); all radicals have been characterized by a combination of variable concentration EPR experiments and DFT calculations.     

Coordination chemistry and reactivity of monomeric alkoxides and amides of magnesium and zinc supported by the diiminato ligand CH(CMeNC(6)H(3)-2,6-(i)Pr(2))(2). A comparative study

The preparation and characterization of a series of closely related magnesium and zinc compounds are reported: LMg(N(i)Pr(2))(THF), 1; LZn(N(i)Pr(2)), 2; LMg(O(t)Bu)(THF), 3; LZn(O(t)Bu), 4; and LZn(OSiPh(3))(THF), 6; where L = CH(CMeNC(6)H(3)-2,6-(i)Pr(2))(2). Their dynamic solution behavior has been examined by variable-temperature NMR studies and reveals that THF reversibly dissociates in toluene-d(8) or CD(2)Cl(2) and that exchange with free THF occurs by a dissociative process. Compounds 1-4 and 6 all initiate and subsequently sustain ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactides. For a related series of compounds LMX(THF)(n)(), where n = 1 or 0, the rate of initial ring-opening follows the order M = Mg > Zn and X = O(t)Bu > N(i)Pr(2) > NSi(2)Me(6) > OSiPh(3). In THF at 25 degrees C, compounds 3 and 4 polymerize 100 equiv of rac-lactide to >95% conversion in 5 and 80 min for M = Mg and Zn, respectively, and yield ca. 90% heterotactic PLA, (isi + sis tetrads). The reactions proceed faster in methylene chloride, but for M = Mg, a Bernoulian distribution of tetrads is formed from rac-lactide (3iii:2isi:sii:sis:iis) prior to trans-esterification. Polymerization of L-LA in toluene-d(8) and THF-d(8) by 3 and 4 have been studied by VT (1)H NMR spectroscopy: the resting state for zinc is proposed to be a monomeric species akin to LZn(eta(2)-OCHMeC(O)OMe), whereas the magnesium complex appears to be dimeric LMg(mu-OP)(2)MgL. None of the compounds is capable of initiating homopolymerization of propylene oxide (PO) or cyclohexene oxide (CHO), although the magnesium amide 1 effects ring-opening by allylic proton abstraction and the dimeric compound [LMg(mu-OC(6)H(9))](2), 7, is formed. Reactions with carbon dioxide are also described, along with the characterization of LZnO(2)CN(i)Pr(2), 8, which is shown to be inert with respect to CHO and PO at room temperature. All the compounds are hydrolytically sensitive, and LZn(mu-OH)(2)ZnL, 5, has been isolated from hydrolysis of compound 4. The crystal and molecular structures are reported for compounds 1-5, 7, and 8. These results are compared with those recently reported by Coates et al.     

Kinetics and mechanism of ketone enolization mediated by magnesium bis(hexamethyldisilazide)

Magnesium bis(hexamethyldisilazide), Mg(HMDS)(2), reacts with substoichiometric amounts of propiophenone in toluene solution at ambient temperature to form a 74:26 mixture of the enolates (E)- and (Z)-[(HMDS)(2)Mg(2)(mu-HMDS){mu-OC(Ph)=CHCH(3)}], (E)-1 and (Z)-1, which contain a pair of three-coordinate metal centers bridged by an amide and an enolate group. The compositions of (E)-1 and (Z)-1 were confirmed by solution NMR studies and also by crystallographic characterization in the solid state. Rate studies using UV-vis spectroscopy reveal the rapid and complete formation of a reaction intermediate, 2, between the ketone and magnesium, which undergoes first-order decay with rate constants independent of the concentration of excess Mg(HMDS)(2) (DeltaH++ = 17.2 +/- 0.8 kcal/mol, DeltaS++ = -11 +/- 3 cal/mol.K). The intermediate 2 has been characterized by low-temperature (1)H NMR, diffusion-ordered NMR, and IR spectroscopy and investigated by computational studies, all of which are consistent with the formulation of 2 as a three-coordinate monomer, (HMDS)(2)Mg{eta(1)-O=C(Ph)CH(2)CH(3)}. Further support for this structure is provided by the synthesis and structural characterization of two model ketone complexes, (HMDS)(2)Mg(eta(1)-O=C(t)Bu(2)) (3) and (HMDS)(2)Mg{eta(1)-O=C((t)Bu)Ph} (4). A large primary deuterium isotope effect (k(H)/k(D) = 18.9 at 295 K) indicates that proton transfer is the rate-limiting step of the reaction. The isotope effect displays a strong temperature dependence, indicative of tunneling. In combination, these data support the mechanism of enolization proceeding through the single intermediate 2 via intramolecular proton transfer from the alpha carbon of the bound ketone to the nitrogen of a bound hexamethyldisilazide.     

Coordination chemistry of N-heterocyclic stannylenes: a combined synthetic and Mössbauer spectroscopy study

The N-heterocyclic stannylenes (NHSns), [(Dipp) N(CH(2))(n)N(Dipp)S n] (Dipp = 2,6- (i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3); n = 2, 1; n = 3, 5) and [((t)Bu) N(CHMe)(2)N((t)Bu)S n] (10) are competent ligands toward a variety of transition metal centers, as seen in the complexes [W(CO)(5)·1] (2), [(OC)(4)Fe(μ-1)(2)Fe(CO)(4)] (3), [(OC)(4)Fe(μ-1)Fe(CO)(4)] (4), [Fe(CO)(4)·5](n) (6, n = 1 or 2), [(OC)(4)Fe(μ-5)Fe(CO)(4)] (7), [Ph(3)PPt(μ-1)(2)PtPPh(3)] (8), [Fe(CO)(4)·10] (11), and [(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(OC)(2)Mn·10] (12). X-ray crystallographic studies show that the NHSns are structurally largely unperturbed binding to the metal, but in contrast to the parent NHCs, NHSns often adopt a bridging position across dinuclear metal units. The balance between terminal and bridging positions for the stannylene is evidently closely balanced as shown by the observation of both monomers and dimers for 6 in the solid state and in solution. (119)Sn and (57)Fe Mo?ssbauer spectroscopy of the complexes shows the tin atoms in such complexes to be consistent with electron deficient Sn(II) centers.     

Surprisingly Different Reaction Behavior of Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal Bis(trimethylsilyl)amides toward Bulky N‐(2‐Pyridylethyl)‐N′‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)pivalamidine

N‐(2,6‐Diisopropylphenyl)‐N′‐(2‐pyridylethyl)pivalamidine (Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐N(H)‐C₂H₄‐Py) ( 1 ), reacts with metalation reagents of lithium, magnesium, calcium, and strontium to give the corresponding pivalamidinates [(tmeda)Li{Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐N‐C₂H₄‐Py}] ( 6 ), [Mg{Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐N‐C₂H₄‐Py}₂] ( 3 ), and heteroleptic [{(Me₃Si)₂N}Ae{Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐N‐C₂H₄‐Py}], with Ae being Ca ( 2 a ) and Sr ( 2 b ). In contrast to this straightforward deprotonation of the amidine units, the reaction of 1 with the bis(trimethylsilyl)amides of sodium or potassium unexpectedly leads to a β‐metalation and an immediate deamidation reaction yielding [(thf)₂Na{Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐N(H)}] ( 4 a ) or [(thf)₂K{Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐N(H)}] ( 4 b ), respectively, as well as 2‐vinylpyridine in both cases. The lithium derivative shows a similar reaction behavior to the alkaline earth metal congeners, underlining the diagonal relationship in the periodic table. Protonation of 4 a or the metathesis reaction of 4 b with CaI₂ in tetrahydrofuran yields N‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)pivalamidine (Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐NH₂) ( 5 ), or [(thf)₄Ca{Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐N(H)}₂] ( 7 ), respectively. The reaction of AN(SiMe₃)₂ (A=Na, K) with less bulky formamidine Dipp‐N=C(H)‐N(H)‐C₂H₄‐Py ( 8 ) leads to deprotonation of the amidine functionality, and [(thf)Na{Dipp‐N=C(H)‐N‐C₂H₄‐Py}]₂ ( 9 a ) or [(thf)K{Dipp‐N=C(H)‐N‐C₂H₄‐Py}]₂ ( 9 b ), respectively, are isolated as dinuclear complexes. From these experiments it is obvious, that β‐metalation/deamidation of N‐(2‐pyridylethyl)amidines requires bases with soft metal ions and also steric pressure. The isomeric forms of all compounds are verified by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis and are maintained in solution.     

Synthesis and structures of monomeric magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium amides involving the N,N-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)(trimethylsilyl)amido ligand

An extended family of aryl-substituted alkaline earth metal silylamides M{N(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)(SiMe3)}donor(n) was prepared using alkane elimination (Mg), salt elimination (Ca, Sr, Ba), and direct metalation (Sr, Ba). Three different donors, THF, TMEDA (TMEDA = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine), and PMDTA (PMDTA = N,N,N',N',N'-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) were employed to study their influence on the coordination chemistry of the target compounds, producing monomeric species with the composition M{N(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)(SiMe3)}2(THF)2 (M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba), M{N(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)(SiMe3)}2TMEDA (M = Ca, Ba), and M{N(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)(SiMe3)}2PMDTA (M = Sr, Ba). For the heavier metal analogues, varying degrees of agostic interactions are completing the coordination sphere of the metals. Compounds were characterized using IR and NMR spectroscopy in addition to X-ray crystallography.     

Low-valent chemistry of cobalt amide. Synthesis and structural characterization of cobalt(II) amido, aryloxide, and thiolate compounds

The binuclear cobalt(II) amide complex [(CoL2)2-(TMEDA)] (1) [L = N(Si(t)BuMe2)(2-C5H3N-6-Me); TMEDA = Me2NCH2CH2NMe2] has been synthesized by the reaction of anhydrous CoCl2 with 2 equiv of [Li(L)(TMEDA)]. X-ray crystallography revealed that complex 1 consists of two [CoL2] units linked by one TMEDA ligand molecule, which binds in an unusual N,N'-bridging mode. Protolysis of 1 with the bulky phenol Ar(Me)OH (Ar(Me) = 2,6-(t)Bu2-4-MeC6H2) and thiophenol ArSH (Ar = 2,4,6-(t)Bu3C6H2) gives the neutral monomeric cobalt(II) bis(aryloxide) [Co(OAr(Me))2(TMEDA)] (2) and dithiolate [Co(SAr)2(TMEDA)] (3), respectively. Complexes 1-3 have been characterized by mass spectrometry, microanalysis, magnetic moment, and melting-point measurements, in addition to X-ray crystallography.     

Syntheses, structures, and reactivities of heteroleptic magnesium amide thiolates

The syntheses and characterizations of a family of novel heteroleptic magnesium amide thiolates are presented. The compounds are synthesized by ligand redistribution chemistry involving reactions of equimolar amounts of magnesium amides and magnesium thiolates. Utilization of the smaller thiolates [Mg(SPh)2]n and [Mg(S-2,4,6-iPr3C6H2)2]n results in the isolation of dimeric species, [Mg(THF)(N(SiMe3)2)(mu-SR)]2 (R = Ph (1), 2,4,6-iPr3C6H2 (2)), with four-coordinate metal centers and bridging thiolate functions. The sterically more encumbered thiolate S-2,4,6-tBu3C6H2 induces the formation of the four-coordinate, monomeric species Mg(THF)2(N(SiMe3)2)(S-2,4,6-tBu3C6H2) (3)). Careful choice of reaction conditions allows the successful syntheses of pure heteroleptic compounds; however, it remains difficult to obtain the compounds in high yields, since a tendency toward product symmetrization and ligand redistribution under re-formation of the starting materials is prevalent. One of these symmetrized products is also included in this report: the dimeric, four-coordinate magnesium thiolate [Mg-(THF)(S-2,4,6-tBu3C6H2)(mu-S-2,4,6-tBu3C6H2)]2 (4), isolated as the product of the reaction between [Mg-(N(SiMe3)2)2]2 and Mg(THF)2(S-2,4,6-tBu3C6H2)2. All compounds were characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, and X-ray crystallography. Crystal data obtained with Mo K alpha (lambda = 0.710 73 A) radiation are as follows. 1: C16H31MgNOSSi2, a = 11.2100(1) A, b = 17.4512(3) A, c = 11.2999(2) A, beta = 97.952(1) degrees, V = 2189.32(6) A3, Z = 4, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, R1 (all data) = 0.0934. 2: C25H49MgNOSSi2, a = 11.1691(1) A, b = 11.0578(1) A, c = 26.0671(4) A, beta = 99.906(1) degrees, V = 3171.44(6) A3, Z = 4, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, R1 (all data) = 0.0557. 3: C36H71MgNO3SSi2, a = 42.8293(16) A, b = 10.9737(5) A, c = 16.8305(7) A, beta = 98.755(3) degrees, V = 7818.1(6) A3, Z = 8, monoclinic, space group C2/c, R1 (all data) = 0.1331. 4: C80H132Mg2O2S4, a = 18.8806(2) A, b = 19.3850(2) A, c = 27.3012(4) A, beta = 97.250(1) degrees, V = 9912.4(2) A3, Z = 4, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, R1 (all data) = 0.1023.     

Synthesis and Structures of Sb[N(H)(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3))](3) and Bi[N(H)(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3))](3): Implications for the Steric Limits of Supermesityl Substitution

Syntheses and isolations of the tris(amino)stibine and tris(amino)bismuthine E[N(H)(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3))](3) (E = Sb, Bi) from ECl(3) and LiN(H)(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3)) are described, together with spectroscopic and structural characterization [crystal data for C(54)H(90)N(3)Sb, M = 903.04, space group P&onemacr;, a = 11.491(5) ?, b = 24.652(7) ?, c = 10.002(5) ?, alpha = 98.38(3) degrees, beta = 96.44(5) degrees, gamma = 77.25(3) degrees, V = 2724(2) ?(3), D(c) = 1.101 Mg/m(3), Z = 2, R = 0.0547; crystal data for C(54)H(90)BiN(3), M = 990.27, space group P&onemacr;, a = 11.511(5) ?, b = 24.785(15) ?, c = 9.981(5) ?, alpha = 98.06(5) degrees, beta = 96.50(4) degrees, gamma = 77.40(5) degrees, V = 2742(2) ?(3), D(c) = 1.200 Mg/m(3), Z = 2, R = 0.0619]. The compounds bear the "bulky" 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl substituent (known as supermesityl or Mes), and their formation is considered in the context of the same reactions for PCl(3) and AsCl(3), which have been previously shown to produce the aminoiminopnictine structures [N(H)(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3))]P=N(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3)) and [N(H)(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3))]As=N(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3)). The observations establish the limits of the steric control by the supermesityl substituent and provide qualitative support for the thermodynamic significance of substituent steric strain.