The synthesis, structure and reactivity of aldehyde substituted η-allylic complexes of molybdenum

Reaction of cis-[Mo(NCMe)₂(CO)₂(η⁵-L)][BF₄] (L=C₅H₅ or C₅Me₅) with 1-acetoxybuta-1,3-diene gives the cationic complexes [Mo{η⁴-syn-s-cis-CH₂CHCHCH(OAc)}(CO)₂(η⁵-L)][BF₄], which, on reaction with aqueous NaHCO₃/CH₂Cl₂, afford good yields of the anti-aldehyde substituted complexes [Mo{η³-exo-anti-CH₂CHCH(CHO)}(CO)₂(η⁵-L)] 2 (L=C₅Me₅), 4 (L=C₅H₅)]. The corresponding η⁵-indenyl substituted complex 5 was prepared by protonation (HBF₄·OEt₂) of [Mo(η³-C₃H₅)(CO)₂(η⁵-C₉H₇)] followed by addition of CH₂=CHCH=CH(OAc) and hydrolysis (aq. NaHCO₃/CH₂Cl₂). An X-ray crystallographic study of complex 2 confirmed the structure and showed that there is a contribution from a zwitterionic form involving donation of electron density from the molybdenum to the aldehyde carbonyl group. Treatment of 2 and 4, in methanol solution, with NaBH₄ afforded the alcohols [Mo{η³-exo-anti-CH₂CHCHCH₂(OH)}(CO)₂(η⁵-L)] [6 (L=C₅H₅), 8 (L=C₅Me₅)]; however, prolonged (30 h) reaction with NaBH₄/MeOH surprisingly gave good yields of the methoxy-substituted complexes [Mo{η³-exo-anti-CH₂CHCHCH₂(OMe)}(CO)₂(η⁵-L)] [7 (L=C₅H₅), 9 (L=C₅Me₅)], the structure of 7 being confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography. This methoxylation reaction can be explained by coordination of the hydroxyl group present in 6 and 8 onto B₂H₆ to form the potential leaving group HOBH₃⁻, which on ionisation affords [Mo(η⁴-exo-buta-1-3-diene)(CO)₂(η⁵-L)]⁺ which is captured by reaction with OMe⁻. Complex 8 is also formed in good yield on reaction of 2 with HBF₄·OEt₂ followed by treatment of the resulting cation [Mo{η⁴-exo-s-cis-syn-CH₂CHCHCH(OH)}(CO)₂(η⁵-C₅Me₅)][BF₄] with Na[BH₃CN]. Reaction of 4 with the Grignard reagents MeMgI, EtMgBr or PhMgCl afforded moderate yields of the alcohols [Mo{η³-exo-anti-CH₂CHCHCH(OH)R}(CO)₂(η⁵-C₅H₅)] [11 (R=Me), 12 (R=Et), 13 (R=Ph)]. Similarly, treatment of 2 with MeLi gave the corresponding alcohol 14. An attempt to carry out the Oppenauer oxidation [Al(OPr′)₃/Me₂CO] of 11 resulted in an elimination reaction and the formation of the η³-s-pentadienyl complex [Mo{η³-exo-anti-CH₂CHCH(CHCH₂)}(CO)₂(η⁵-C₅H₅)], which was structurally identified by X-ray crystallography. Interestingly, oxidation of 6 with [Bu₄ⁿN][RuO₄]/morpholine-N-oxide affords the aldehyde complex, 4 in good yield. Finally, reaction of 11 with [NO][BF₄] followed by addition of Na₂CO₃ affords the fur-3-ene complex [Mo{η²-

(H)Me}(CO)(NO)(η⁵-C₅H₅)].     

Lithiated γ-O-functionalized propyl phenyl sulfides and sulfones of the type Li[CH(SOxPh)CH2CH2OR] (x = 0, 2). [Li{CH(SPh)CH2CH2Ot-Bu}(tmeda)] – A structurally characterized organolithium inner complex

Lithiation of O-functionalized alkyl phenyl sulfides PhSCH₂CH₂CH₂OR (R = Me, 1a; i-Pr, 1b; t-Bu, 1c; CPh₃, 1d) with n-BuLi/tmeda in n-pentane resulted in the formation of α- and ortho-lithiated compounds [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR}(tmeda)] (α-2a–d) and [Li{o-C₆H₄SCH₂CH₂CH₂OR)(tmeda)] (o-2a–d), respectively, which has been proved by subsequent reaction with n-Bu₃SnCl yielding the requisite stannylated γ-OR-functionalized propyl phenyl sulfides n-Bu₃SnCH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR (α-3a–d) and n-Bu₃Sn(o-C₆H₄SCH₂CH₂CH₂OR) (o-3a–d). The α/ortho ratios were found to be dependent on the sterical demand of the substituent R. Stannylated alkyl phenyl sulfides α-3a–c were found to react with n-BuLi/tmeda and n-BuLi yielding the pure α-lithiated compounds α-2a–c and [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR}] (α-4a–b), respectively, as white to yellowish powders. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂Ot-Bu}(tmeda)] (α-2c) exhibited a distorted tetrahedral coordination of lithium having a chelating tmeda ligand and a C,O coordinated organyl ligand. Thus, α-2c is a typical organolithium inner complex.Lithiation of O-functionalized alkyl phenyl sulfones PhSO₂CH₂CH₂CH₂OR (R = Me, 5a; i-Pr, 5b; CPh₃, 5c) with n-BuLi resulted in the exclusive formation of the α-lithiated products Li[CH(SO₂Ph)CH₂CH₂OR] (6a–c) that were found to react with n-Bu₃SnCl yielding the requisite α-stannylated compounds n-Bu₃SnCH(SO₂Ph)CH₂CH₂OR (7a–c). The identities of all lithium and tin compounds have been unambiguously proved by NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn).     

Study on structural properties and solution dynamics of zinc complexes with the (N,N-dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocenyl ligand

The reaction of {C,N-[Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵-C₅H₃(CH₂NMe₂)-2)]}Li, (FcN)Li, with zinc chloride affords the diorganozinc complex (FcN)₂Zn (1). In solution, 1 appears as a mixture of rac and meso diastereomers, whereas in the solid state it crystallizes solely as a rac diastereomer. The ratio of rac/meso diastereomers in solution is solvent-, temperature- and concentration-dependent, consistent with an intermolecular exchange between diastereomers. An intramolecular dynamic phenomenon involving dissociation and recoordination of Zn---N bonds was also observed. The reaction of 1 with zinc chloride yields the monoorganozinc compound (FcN)ZnCl (2) as a slightly soluble yellow microcrystalline powder.     

Complexes containing the unit Rh2 P PM (M = Cr or Mn, P P = bis(diphenylphosphino) alkane); the independence of the metal centres

Treatment of (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Rh₂(CO)η¹-Ph₂P(CH₂)_n PPh₂(μ-η¹:η¹-CF₃C₂CF₃) (I) with (η⁵-CH₃C₅H₄)Mn(CO)₂(thf) or Cr(CO)₅(thf) gives the hetero-trinuclear products (η-C₅H₅)₂Rh₂(CO)(μ-CF₃C₂CF₃)μ:η¹:η¹-Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂(η-CH₃C₅H₃C₄)Mn(CO₂) (II, n = 1–4) and (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Rh₂(CO)(μ-CF₃C₂CF₃)μ:η¹:η¹-Ph₂P(CH₂)nPPh₂Cr(CO)₅ (IV, n = 1–4) in good yields. In these products, the configuration of the CO and bisphosphine units on the Rh-Rh bond is trans. Related reactions between (η⁵:η⁵-C₅H₄CH₂C₅H₄)Rh₂(CO)η¹-Ph₂P(CH₂)nPPh₂(μ-η¹:η¹- (V) and the same solvated manganese and chromium complexes give (η⁵:η⁵-C₅H₄CH₂C₅H₄)Rh₂(CO)(μ-CF₃C₂CF₃)μ:η¹:η¹-Ph₂P(CH₂) (VI, n = 1, 2 or 4) and (η⁵:η⁵-C₅H₄CH₂C₅H₄)Rh₂(CO)(μ-CF₃C₂CF₃)μ:η¹:η¹-Ph₂P(CH₂) (VIII). The complexes (VI) and (VIII) have a mutually cis arrangement of CO and the bisphosphine on the Rh-Rh bond. Attempts to induce the complexes (IV), (V), (VI), and (VIII) to form clusters by loss of CO and Rh-M bond formation were not successful. Treatment with trimethylamine oxide or sunlight irradiation generally resulted in loss of the hetero-metal and formation of the dirhodium phosphine oxide complexes (III, n = 2 or 4) and (VII, n = 2, 3).     

Synthesis and reactivity of neodymium(III) amido-tethered N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

The reaction of the heteroleptic Nd(III) iodide, [Nd(L′)(N″)(μ-I)] with the potassium salts of primary aryl amides [KN(H)Ar′] or [KN(H)Ar^*] affords heteroleptic, structurally characterised, low-coordinate neodymium amides [Nd(L′)(N″)(N(H)Ar′)] and [Nd(L′)(N″)(N(H)Ar^*)] cleanly (L′ = t-BuNCH₂CH₂[C{NC(SiMe₃)CHNt-Bu}], N″ = N(SiMe₃)₂, Ar′ = 2,6-Dipp₂C₆H₃, Dipp = 2,6-Prⁱ₂C₆H₃, Ar^* = 2,6-(2,4,6-Prⁱ₃C₆H₂)₂C₆H₃). The potassium terphenyl primary amide [KN(H)Ar^*] is readily prepared and isolated, and structurally characterised. Treatment of these primary amide-containing compounds with alkali metal alkyl salts results in ligand exchange to give alkali metal primary amides and intractable heteroleptic Nd(III) alkyl compounds of the form [Nd(L′)(N″)(R)] (R = CH₂SiMe₃, Me). Attempted deprotonation of the Nd-bound primary amide in [Nd(L′)(N″)(N(H)Ar^*)] with the less nucleophilic phosphazene superbase Bu^tNP{NP(NMe₂)₃}₃ resulted in indiscriminate deprotonations of peripheral ligand CH groups.     

Effect of chelating agent on the oxidation rate of PCP in the magnetite/H2O2 system at neutral pH

The complex [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ reacts with two molar equivalent of pyridine carboxylic acids ligands Py-2-COOH(a), Py-3-COOH(b) and Py-4-COOH(c) to yield rhodium(I) dicarbonyl chelate complex [Rh(CO)₂(L^/)](1a) {L^/ = η²-(N,O) coordinated Py-2-COO⁻(a^/)} and non-chelate complexes [Rh(CO)₂ClL^//](1b,c) {L^// = η¹-(N) coordinated Py-3-COOH(b), Py-4-COOH(c)}. The complexes 1 undergo oxidative addition (OA) reactions with different electrophiles such as CH₃I, C₂H₅I, C₆H₅CH₂Cl and I₂ to give penta coordinated Rh(III) complexes of the types [Rh(CO)(CORⁿ)XL^/], {n = 1,2,3; R¹ = CH₃(2a); R² = C₂H₅(3a); X = I and R³ = CH₂C₆H₅ (4a); X = Cl}, [Rh(CO)I₂L^/](5a), [Rh(CO)(CORⁿ)ClXL^//] {R¹ = CH₃(6b,c); R² = C₂H₅(7b,c); X = I and R³ = CH₂C₆H₅ (8b,c); X = Cl} and [Rh(CO)ClI₂L^//](9b,c). The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Kinetic data for the reaction of 1a–b with CH₃I indicate a first order reaction. The catalytic activity of 1a–c for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid and its ester is evaluated and a higher turn over number (TON = 810–1094) is obtained compared with that of the well-known commercial species [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ (TON = 653) at mild reaction conditions (temperature 130 ± 5 °C, pressure 35 ± 5 bar).     

The d metal-sulfosalicylate complexes: Herring-bone, ladder and double-stranded chain frameworks with green luminescences

Assembly of 5-sulfosalicylic acid (H₃L) and d¹⁰ transition metal ions (Cd^II, Ag^I) with the neutral N-donor ligands produces five new complexes: [Cd₂(HL)₂(4,4′-bipy)₃]_n·2nH₂O (1), {[Cd₂(μ₂-HCO₂)₂(4,4′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₄][Cd(HL)₂(4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)₂]}_n (2), {[Cd(4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)₄][HL]·H₂O}_n (3), [Cd(HL)(dpp)₂(H₂O)]_n·4nH₂O (4), {[Ag(4,4′-bipy)][Hhbs]}_n (5) (4,4′-bipy=4,4′-bipyridine, dpp=1,3-di(pyridin-4-yl)propane, H₂hbs=4-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid, the decarboxylation product of H₃L). Complex 1 adopts a 5-connected 3D bilayer topology. Complex 2 has the herring-bone and ladder chain, which are extended to a 3D network via hydrogen bonding. In 3–4 complexes, 3 is a 3D supermolecular structure formed by polymeric chains and 2D network of HL²⁻, while 4 gives the double-stranded chains. In 5, ladder arrays are stacked with the 2D networks of Hhbs⁻ anions in an –ABAB– sequence. Complexes 1–4 display green luminescences in solid state at room temperature, while emission spectra of 3 and 4 show obvious blue-shifts at low temperature.     

Reactions of nickelocene with lithium and magnesium alkyls containing β-hydrogen atoms

The reaction of nickelocene with BrMgR, where R=CH₂CH(CH₃)C₆H₅, C₂H₅, (CH₂)₇CH₃ and CH₂CH₂CH₃, have been studied. It was found that the presence of β-hydrogen in R did not cause the total splitting of the carbon–nickel bond but alkylidynetrinickel clusters were formed. It is the first example of the synthesis of alkylidynetrinickel clusters (NiCp)₃CR′ from the organonickel species possessing β-hydrogen. Besides trinickel clusters, the following compounds were always formed in all the studied reactions: (NiCp)₄H₂, (NiCp)₆, CpNi(η³-C₅H₇) and (NiCp)₂(μ-C₅H₆). The structure of (NiCp)₃CCH(CH₃)Ph has been determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study.     

Synthesis and reaction chemistry of 4-nitrile-substituted NCN-pincer palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes (NCN = [NC-4-C6H2(CH2NMe2)2-2,6])

Nitrile-functionalized NCN-pincer complexes of type [MBr(NC-4-C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6)] (6a, M = Pd; 6b, M = Pt) (NCN = [C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6]⁻) are accessible by the reaction of Br-1-NC-4-C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6 (2b) with [Pd₂(dba)₃ · CHCl₃] (5a) (dba = dibenzylidene acetone) and [Pt(tol-4)₂(SEt₂)]₂ (5b) (tol = tolyl), respectively. Complex 6b could successfully be converted to the linear coordination polymer {[Pt(NC-4-C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6)](ClO₄)}_n (8) upon its reaction with the organometallic heterobimetallic π-tweezer compound {[Ti](μ-σ,π-CCSiMe₃)₂}AgOClO₃ (7) ([Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti).The structures of 6a (M = Pd) and 6b (M = Pt) in the solid state are reported. In both complexes the d⁸-configurated transition metal ions palladium(II) and platinum(II) possess a somewhat distorted square-planar coordination sphere. Coordination number 4 at the group-10 metal atoms M is reached by the coordination of two ortho-substituents Me₂NCH₂, the NCN ipso-carbon atom and the bromide ligand. The NC group is para-positioned with respect to M.     

Heterobimetallic aluminium and zinc complex with N-arylanilido-imine ligand: Synthesis, structure and catalytic property for ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone

Treatment of a N-arylanilido-imine ligand [ortho-C₆H₄(NHAr)CHN]₂CH₂CH₂ (Ar = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) (LH₂) with one equiv. of AlMe₃ affords a monometallic complex [C₆H₄(NHAr)–CHN)]CH₂CH₂(C₆H₄(NAr)CHNAlMe₂) (1). The monometallic complex 1 reacts with one equiv. of ZnEt₂ to give a heterobimetallic complex [C₆H₄(NAr)–CHNZnEt]CH₂CH₂[C₆H₄(NAr)–CHNAlMe₂] (2). Both complexes were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses, and the molecular structures of 1 and 2 were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The complexes 1 and 2 both are efficient catalysts for ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone in the presence of benzyl alcohol yielding polymers with narrow polydispersity values and complex 2 initiates the polymerization in a controllable manner.     

Alcohol adducts of zinc dichloride: Molecular structure of [ZnCl2(THF){1-HOC(C6H11)2-2-NMe2C6H4}]

The aminoalcohols 1-HOCR₂-2-NMe₂C₆H₄ [R = Ph (1), R = C₆H₁₁ (2)] and 1-HOCPh₂CH₂-2-NMe₂C₆H₄ (3) react with ZnCl₂ in tetrahydrofuran to give the alcohol adducts [ZnCl₂(THF){1-HOCR₂-2-NMe₂C₆H₄}] [R = Ph (4), R = C₆H₁₁ (5)] and [ZnCl₂(THF){1-HOCPh₂CH₂-2-NMe₂C₆H₄}] (6). The complexes 4–6 were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and 5 was also structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

H NMR Dynamic study of thermal Z/E isomerization of 5-substituted 2-alkylidene-4-oxothiazolidine derivatives: Barriers to rotation about CC bond

The rotational barriers between the configurational isomers of two structurally related push–pull 4-oxothiazolidines, differing in the number of exocyclic CC bonds, have been determined by dynamic ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The equilibrium mixture of (5-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-4-oxothiazolidin-2-ylidene)-1-phenylethanone (1a) in CDCl₃ at room temperature to 333 K consists of the E- and Z-isomers which are separated by an energy barrier ΔG^# 98.5 kJ/mol (at 298 K). The variable-temperature ¹H NMR data for the isomerization of ethyl (5-ethoxycarbonylmethylidene-4-oxothiazolidin-2-ylidene)ethanoate (2b) in DMSO-d₆, possessing the two exocyclic CC bonds at the C(2)- and C(5)-positions, indicate that the rotational barrier ΔG^# separating the (2E,5Z)-2b and (2Z,5Z)-2b isomers is 100.2 kJ/mol (at 298 K). In a polar solvent-dependent equilibrium the major (2Z,5Z)-form (>90%) is stabilized by the intermolecular resonance-assisted hydrogen bonding and strong 1,5-type S · · · O interactions within the SCCCO entity. The ¹³C NMR Δδ_C(2)C(2′) values, ranging from 58 to 69 ppm in 1a–d and 49-58 ppm in 2a–d, correlate with the degree of the push-pull character of the exocyclic C(2)C(2′) bond, which increases with the electron withdrawing ability of the substituents at the vinylic C(2′) position in the following order: COPh COEt > CONHPh > CONHCH₂CH₂Ph. The decrease of the Δδ_C(2)C(2′) values in 2a–d has been discussed for the first time in terms of an estimation of the electron donor capacity of the S fragment on the polarization of the CC bonds.     

Novel structures of cyclometallated complexes of palladium(II) derived from terdentate ligands. Crystal and molecular structure of [Pd{C6H4C(H)=NCH2CH2CH2NMe2}(X)] (X=Cl, Br, I)

Treatment of N-(2-chlorobenzylidene)-N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (1) and N-(2-bromo-3,4-(MeO)₂-benzylidene)-N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (20) with tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) in toluene gave the mononuclear cyclometallated complexes [Pd{C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(Cl)] (2) and [Pd{3,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₂C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(Br)] (21), respectively, via oxidative addition reaction with the ligand as a C,N,N terdentate ligand. Reaction of 2 with sodium bromide or iodide in an acetone–water mixture gave the cyclometallated analogues of 2, [Pd{C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(Br)] (3) and [Pd{C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(I)] (4), by halogen exchange. The X-ray crystal structures of 2, 3 and 4 were determined and discussed. Treatment of 2, 3, 4 and 21 with tertiary monophosphines in acetone gave the mononuclear cyclometallated complexes [Pd{C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(L)(X)] (6: L=PPh₃, X=Cl; 7: L=PPh₃, X=Br; 8: L=PPh₃, X=I; 9: L=PMePh₂, X=Cl; 10: L=PMe₂Ph, X=Cl) and [Pd{3,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₂C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(L)(Br)] (22: L=PPh₃; 23: L=PMePh₂; 24: L=PMe₂Ph). A fluxional behaviour due to an uncoordinated CH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂ could be determined by variable temperature NMR spectroscopy. Treatment of 2, 3 and 4 with silver trifluoromethanesulfonate followed by reaction with triphenylphosphine gave the mononuclear complex [Pd{C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(PPh₃)][F₃CSO₃] (11) where the Pd–NMe₂ bond was retained. Reaction of 2, 3 and 4 with ditertiary diphosphines in a cyclometallated complex–diphosphine 2:1 molar ratio gave the binuclear complexes [{Pd[C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂](X)}₂(μ-L–L)][L–L=PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂(dppb) (13, X=Cl; 14, X=Br; 15, X=I; L–L=PPh₂(CH₂)₅PPh₂(dpppe): 16, X=Cl; 17, X=Br; 18, X=I) with palladium–NMe₂ bond cleavage. Treatment of 2, 3 and 4 with ditertiary diphosphines, in a cyclometallated complex–diphosphine 2:1, molar ratio and AgSO₃CF₃ gave the binuclear cyclometallated complexes [{Pd[C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂]}₂(μ-L–L)][F₃CSO₃]₂ (11: L–L=PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂(dppb), X=Cl; 12: L–L=PPh₂(CH₂)₅PPh₂ (dpppe), X=Cl). Reaction of 2 with the ditertiary diphosphine cis-dppe in a cyclometallated complex–diphosphine 1:1 molar ratio followed by treatment with sodium perchlorate gave the mononuclear cyclometallated complex [Pd{C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(cis-PPh₂CH=CHPPh₂–P,P)][ClO₄] (19).     

η-Alkynyl and vinylidene transition metal complexes: 10. Reaction of the metal-acetylide [(η-C5H5)(CO)(NO)W---CC---C(CH3)3]Li with 1,2-diiodoethane as electrophile and with various nucleophiles

Treatment of the η¹-acetylide complex [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(CO)(NO)W---CC---C(CH₃)₃]Li (4) with 1,2-diiodoethane in THF at −78 °C, followed by the addition of Li---CC---R [R=C(CH₃)₃, C₆H₅, Si(CH₃)₃, 6a–6c] or n-C₄H₉Li and protonation with H₂O, afforded the corresponding oxametallacyclopentadienyl complexes (η⁵-C₅H₅)W(I)(NO)[η²-O=C(CC---R)CH=CC(CH₃)₃] (7a–7c), 8c and (η⁵-C₅H₅)W(I)(NO)[η²-O=C(n-C₄H₉)CH=CC(CH₃)₃] (9). The formation of these metallafuran derivatives is rationalized by the electrophilic attack of 1,2-diiodoethane onto the metal center of 4 to form first the neutral complex [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(I)(CO)(NO)W---CC---C(CH₃)₃] (5). Subsequent nucleophilic addition of Li---CC---R 6a–6c or n-C₄H₉Li and a reductive elimination step followed by protonation leads to the products 7a–7c and 9. One reaction intermediate could be trapped with CF₃SO₃CH₃ and characterized by a crystal structure analysis. The identity of another intermediate was established by infrared spectroscopic data. The oxametallacyclopentadienyl complex 10 forms in the presence of excess 1,2-diiodoethane through an alternative pathway and crystallizes as a clathrate containing iodine.     

Synthesis, structure and DNA binding studies of mononuclear copper(II) complexes with mixed donor macroacyclic ligands, 2,6-bis({N-[2&3-(phenylselenato)alkyl]}benzimidoyl)-4-methylphenol

Two new phenol based macroacyclic Schiff base ligands, 2,6-bis({N-[2-(phenylselenato)ethyl]}benzimidoyl)-4-methylphenol (bpebmpH, 1) and 2,6-bis({N-[3-(phenylselenato)propyl]}benzimidoyl)-4-methylphenol (bppbmpH, 2) of the Se₂N₂O type have been prepared by the condensation of 4-methyl-2,6-dibenzoylphenol (mdbpH) with the appropriate (for specific reactions) phenylselenato(alkyl)amine. These ligands with Cu(II) acetate monohydrate in a 2:1 molar ratio in methanol form complexes of the composition [(C₆H₂(O)(CH₃){(C₆H₅)CN(CH₂)_nSe(C₆H₅)}{(C₆H₅)CO}₂Cu] (3 (n = 2), 4 (n = 3)) with the loss of phenylselenato(alkyl)amine and acetic acid. In both these complexes, one arm of the ligand molecule undergoes hydrolysis, and links with Cu(II) in a bidentate (NO) fashion, as confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography of complex 3. The selenium atoms do not form part of the copper(II) distorted square planar coordination sphere which has a trans-CuN₂O₂ core. The average Cu–N and Cu–O distances are, respectively, 1.973(3) and 1.898(2) Å. The N–Cu–N and O–Cu–O angles are, respectively, 167.4(11)° and 164.5(12)°. The compounds 1–4 have been characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, mass spectrometry, IR, electronic, ¹H and ⁷⁷Se{¹H} NMR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The interaction of complex 3 with calf thymus DNA has been investigated by a spectrophotometric method and cyclic voltammetry.     

Syntheses, crystal structure and electrochemical characterization of ferrocene-containing nickel(II) complexes with 4,11-dihydro-5,7,12,14-tetramethyldibenzo[b,i][1,4,8,11]tetraazacyclotetradecine

In the title complexes, {[(η-C₅H₅)Fe(η-C₅H₄)(CO)](C₂₂H₂₁N₄)Ni} (1) and {[(η-C₅H₅)Fe(η-C₅H₄)(CO)]₂(C₂₂H₂₀N₄)Ni} (2), one and two electroactive ferrocenes (Fc) were grafted onto the methine of the nickel complex Nitmtaa (H₂tmtaa = 4,11-dihydro-5,7,12,14-tetramethyldibenzo[b,i][1,4,8,11]tetraazacyclotetradecine) through the carbonyl groups. The two new complexes were characterized by IR, UV, MS and NMR spectra as well as by DSC measurements. The crystal structure of 1 was determined. Ni coordinates to four nitrogen atoms of tmtaa, and it is almost in the same plane as the N₄ plane. The mean Ni–N bond distance in the N₄ plane is 1.866 Å. The non-planar, saddle-shaped conformation of H₂tmtaa is almost retained in the nickel complex. The symmetry axis of ferrocene is almost parallel to the N₄ plane in Nitmtaa. The dihedral angle between the N₄ plane in Nitmtaa and the cyclopentadienyl ring in ferrocene is 98.5°. The electrochemistry of 1 and 2 was studied by cyclic voltammetry in CH₂Cl₂/1 × 10⁻¹ M n-Bu₄NClO₄ using a glass carbon working electrode. Because of the electron transfer between the electroactive ferrocene and the completely conjugated system of Nitmtaa, the complexes show novel electrochemical properties and the ferrocenes in 1 and 2 act as electron acceptors.     

The synthesis and characterisation of some closed polyhedral metallocarbon clusters

Ligands containing unsaturated C₂ and C₄ units have been reacted with triruthenium dodecacarbonyl to produce new organometallic clusters with simple closo-Ru_xC_y polyhedral frameworks which may be regarded as quasi-carboranes. The thermolysis of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] with 1,4-diphenybutadiene yields the new clusters [Ru₃(CO)₈(μ₃-CPh(CH)₂CPh)] 2 and [Ru₄(CO)₉(μ₄-CPhCCH₂CH₂Ph)] 3, while treatmentof a solution of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] and diphenylacetylene with trimethylamine N–oxide (Me₃NO) yields [Ru₂(CO)₆(μ-{C₂Ph₂}₂CO)] 4 as the major product and the new cluster [Ru₄(CO)₁₁(μ₄-C₂Ph₂)₂] 5. The solid-state structures of 2, 3 and 5 have been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and are shown to possess closo-Ru₃C₄ pentagonal bipyramidal, closo-Ru₄C₂ octahedral and closo-Ru₄C₄ dodecahedral skeletons, respectively. The structure and bonding in all three clusters may be rationalised using the Wade–Mingos polyhedral skeletal electron pair approach.     

New dimeric, trimeric and supramolecular organotin(IV) dithiocarboxylates: Synthesis, structural characterization and biocidal activities

Some new tri-, chlorodi- and diorganotin(IV) dithiocarboxylates (1–10) of 4-benzylpiperidine-1-carbodithioate ligand (L), with general formulae R₃SnL {R = n-C₄H₉ (1), C₆H₁₁ (2), CH₃ (3) and C₆H₅ (4)}, R₂SnClL {R = n-C₄H₉ (5), C₂H₅ (7), CH₃ (9)} and R₂SnL₂ {R = n-C₄H₉ (6), C₂H₅ (8), CH₃ (10)}, have been synthesized by the reaction of organotin(IV) chlorides with the ligand-salt in the appropriate molar ratio. Elemental analysis, Raman, IR, multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn) and X-ray crystallographic studies have been undertaken to elucidate the structures of the complexes, both in solution and in solid state. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction study indicate trimeric, dimeric, supramolecular cyclic and supramolecular zig–zag chain structures for complexes 2, 4, 6 and 9, respectively. Square-pyramidal geometry is attributed to complex 9 on the basis of the τ value (0.4). A subsequent antimicrobial study indicates that the compounds are biologically active.     

Seeking new metalloligands: Synthesis and reactivity of palladacycles with pyridine and pyrimidine rings

Treatment of the Schiff base ligands 4-(NC₅H₄)C₆H₄C(H)N[2′-(OH)C₆H₄] (a), 3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₄C(H)N[2′-(OH)-C₆H₄] (b) and 3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₄C(H) N[2′-(OH)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃] (c) with palladium (II) acetate in toluene gave the poly-nuclear cyclometallated complexes [Pd{4-(NC₅H₄)C₆H₃C(H)N[2′-(O)C₆H₄]}]₄ (1a), [Pd{3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N[2′-(O)-C₆H₄]}]₄ (1b) and [Pd{3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N[2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃]}]₄ (1c) respectively, as air stable solids, with the ligand acting as a terdentate [C,N,O] moiety after deprotonation of the –OH group. Reaction of the cyclometallated complexes with triphenylphosphine gave the mononuclear species [Pd{4-(NC₅H₄)C₆H₃C(H) N[2′-(O)C₆H₄]}(PPh₃)], (2a), [Pd{3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H) N[2′-(O)C₆H₄]}(PPh₃)], (2b) and [Pd{3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N[2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃)}(PPh₃)], (2c) in which the polynuclear structure has been cleaved and the coordination of the ligand has not changed [C,N,O]. When the cyclometallated complexes 1b and 1c were treated with the diphosphines Ph₂P(CH₂)₄PPh₂ (dppb), Ph₂PC₅H₄FeC₅H₄PPh₂ (dppf) and Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂ (t-dppe) in a 1:2 molar ratio the dinuclear cyclometallated complexes [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N{2′-(O)C₆H₄}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(CH₂)₄PPh₂)], (3b), [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H) N{2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(CH₂)₄PPh₂)], (3c), [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N{2′-(O)C₆H₄}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄)PPh₂)], (4b), [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H) N{2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(η⁵C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵C₅H₄)P-Ph₂)], (4c) and [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N{2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(CHCH)PPh₂)], (5c) were obtained as air stable solids.     

Synthesis and properties of novel ortho-metalated cobalt(I) and iron(II) complexes through Csp2-H bond activation of dibenzylphenylphosphine

Dibenzylphenylphosphine in the reaction with CoMe(PMe₃)₄ afforded complex [(Me₃P)₃Co((ortho-C₆H₄)∩P(C₆H₅)(CH₂C₆H₅))] (1) by C_sp2-H activation via ortho-metalation with P atom as anchoring group. An unexpected dinitrogen iron(II) complex [(Me₃P)₂(N₂)Fe((ortho-C₆H₄)₂∩P(C₆H₅))] (2) stabilized by two five-membered chelate rings as [CPC]-pincer ligand was formed through the reaction of dibenzylphenylphosphine with FeMe₂(PMe₃)₄ via double C_sp2-H activation. The reactions of complexes 1 and 2 with carbon monoxide delivered carbonyl complexes [(Me₃P)(CO)₂Co((ortho-C₆H₄)∩P(C₆H₅)(CH₂C₆H₅))] (3) and [(Me₃P)₂(CO)Fe((ortho-C₆H₄)₂∩P(C₆H₅))] (4). An iodo methyl cobalt(III) complex [(Me₃P)₂(Me)(I)Co((ortho-C₆H₄)∩P(C₆H₅)(CH₂C₆H₅))] (5) was isolated through the reaction of 1 with iodomethane. The structures of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were determined by X-ray diffraction.