Magnitude and origin of the attraction and directionality of the halogen bonds of the complexes of C6F5X and C6H5X (X = I, Br, Cl and F) with pyridine

The geometries and interaction energies of complexes of pyridine with C₆F₅X, C₆H₅X (X=I, Br, Cl, F and H) and R_FI (R_F=CF₃, C₂F₅ and C₃F₇) have been studied by ab initio molecular orbital calculations. The CCSD(T) interaction energies (E_int) for the C₆F₅X–pyridine (X=I, Br, Cl, F and H) complexes at the basis set limit were estimated to be ?5.59, ?4.06, ?2.78, ?0.19 and ?4.37 kcal mol^?1, respectively, whereas the E_int values for the C₆H₅X–pyridine (X=I, Br, Cl and H) complexes were estimated to be ?3.27, ?2.17, ?1.23 and ?1.78 kcal mol^?1, respectively. Electrostatic interactions are the cause of the halogen dependence of the interaction energies and the enhancement of the attraction by the fluorine atoms in C₆F₅X. The values of E_int estimated for the R_FI–pyridine (R_F=CF₃, C₂F₅ and C₃F₇) complexes (?5.14, ?5.38 and ?5.44 kcal mol^?1, respectively) are close to that for the C₆F₅I–pyridine complex. Electrostatic interactions are the major source of the attraction in the strong halogen bond although induction and dispersion interactions also contribute to the attraction. Short‐range (charge‐transfer) interactions do not contribute significantly to the attraction. The magnitude of the directionality of the halogen bond correlates with the magnitude of the attraction. Electrostatic interactions are mainly responsible for the directionality of the halogen bond. The directionality of halogen bonds involving iodine and bromine is high, whereas that of chlorine is low and that of fluorine is negligible. The directionality of the halogen bonds in the C₆F₅I– and C₂F₅I–pyridine complexes is higher than that in the hydrogen bonds in the water dimer and water–formaldehyde complex. The calculations suggest that the C? I and C? Br halogen bonds play an important role in controlling the structures of molecular assemblies, that the C? Cl bonds play a less important role and that C? F bonds have a negligible impact.     

Ion Pairing and Salt Structure in Organic Salts through Diffusion,Overhauser, DFT and X‐ray Methods

Pulsed gradient spin‐echo (PGSE) diffusion characteristics for a) the new [brucinium][X] salts 6 a – f [ a : X=BF₄^?; b : X=PF₆^?; c : X=MeSO₃^?, d : X=CF₃SO₃^?; e : X=BArF^?; f : X=PtCl₃(C₂H₄)^?], b) 4‐tert‐butyl‐N‐benzyl analogue, 7 and c) the aryl carbocations (p‐R‐C₆H₄)₂CH 9 a (R=CH₃O) and 9 b (R=(CH₃)₂N), (p‐CH₃O‐C₆H₄)_xCPh_3?x⁺ 10 a – c (x=1–3, respectively) and (p‐R‐C₆H₄)₃C⁺ 11 (R=(CH₃)₂N) and 12 (R=H) all in several different solvents, are reported. The solvent dependence suggests strong ion pairing in CDCl₃, intermediate ion pairing in CD₂Cl₂ and little ion pairing in [D₆]acetone. ¹H, ¹⁹F HOESY NMR spectra (HOESY: heteronuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy) for 6 and 7 reveal a specific approach of the anion with respect to the brucinium cation plus subtle changes, which are related to the anion itself. Further, for carbocations 9 – 12 , (all as BF₄^? salts) based on the NOE results, one finds marked changes in the relative positions of the BF₄^? anion. In these aryl cationic species the anion can be located either a) very close to the carbonium ion carbon b) in an intermediate position or c) proximate to the N or O atom of the p‐substituent and remote from the formally positive C atom. This represents the first example of such a positional dependence of an anion on the structure of the carbocation. DFT calculations support the experimental HOESY results. The solid‐state structures for 6 c and the novel Zeise's salt derivative, [brucinium][PtCl₃(C₂H₄)], 6 f , are reported. Analysis of ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR and other NMR measurements suggest that the η²‐C₂H₄ bonding to the platinum centre in 6 f is very similar to that found in K[PtCl₃(C₂H₄)]. Field dependent T₁ measurements on [brucinium][PtCl₃(C₂H₄)] and K[PtCl₃(C₂H₄)], are reported and suggested to be useful in recognizing aggregation effects.     

Trivalent‐Intermediate Valent Cerium Ordering in CeRuSn – A Static Intermediate Valent Cerium Compound with a Superstructure of the CeCoAl Type

New equiatomic stannide CeRuSn was synthesized from the elements by arc‐melting. CeRuSn was investigated by X‐ray powder and single crystal diffraction: C2/m, a = 1156.1(4), b = 475.9(2) and c = 1023.3(4) pm, β = 102.89(3)°, wR2 = 0.0466, 1229 F² values and 38 variables. CeRuSn adopts a superstructure of the monoclinic CeCoAl type through a doubling of the subcell c axis. In the superstructure two crystallographically independent cerium sites occur. Based on the interatomic distances the two sites can be assigned to trivalent Ce2 and intermediate valent Ce1. This trivalent‐intermediate valent cerium ordering is underlined by magnetic susceptibility measurements χ_m(T): below 150 K χ_m, measured with decreasing temperature, follows a Curie‐Weiss law χ_m = C_m/(T–θ_p) giving C_m = 0.38 emuK/mol as Curie constant per CeRuSn mol; a value showing that only half of the cerium atoms are trivalent in CeRuSn (C_m = 0.807 emuK/mol for one free Ce³⁺ ion). A remarkable feature of the CeRuSn structure are the short Ce1–Ru1 (233 pm) and Ce1–Ru2 (246 pm) distances. The crystal chemistry of CeRuSn is discussed on the basis of a group‐subgroup scheme.     

Rare-earth metal allyl and hydrido complexes supported by an (NNNN)-type macrocyclic ligand: synthesis, structure, and reactivity toward biomass-derived furanics

The preparation and characterization of a series of neutral rare‐earth metal complexes [Ln(Me₃TACD)(η³‐C₃H₅)₂] (Ln=Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) supported by the 1,4,7‐trimethyl‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane anion (Me₃TACD^?) are reported. Upon treatment of the neutral allyl complexes [Ln(Me₃TACD)(η³‐C₃H₅)₂] with Brønsted acids, monocationic allyl complexes [Ln(Me₃TACD)(η³‐C₃H₅)(thf)₂][B(C₆X₅)₄] (Ln=La, Ce, Nd, X=H, F) were isolated and characterized. Hydrogenolysis gave the hydride complexes [Ln(Me₃TACD)H₂]_n (Ln=Y, n=3; La, n=4; Sm). X‐ray crystallography showed the lanthanum hydride to be tetranuclear. Reactivity studies of [Ln(Me₃TACD)R₂]_n (R=η³‐C₃H₅, n=0; R=H, n=3,4) towards furan derivatives includes hydrosilylation and deoxygenation under ring‐opening conditions.     

A Tetravalent Cerium Complex Containing a CeO Bond

Whereas terminal oxo complexes of transition and actinide elements are well documented, analogous lanthanide complexes have not been reported to date. Herein, we report the synthesis and structure of a cerium(IV) oxo complex, [Ce?O(L_OEt)₂(H₂O)]?MeC(O)NH₂ ( 1 ; L_OEt^?=[Co(η⁵‐C₅H₅){P(O)(OEt)₂}₃]^?), featuring a short Ce?O bond (1.857(3) Å). DFT calculations indicate that the hydrogen bond to cocrystallized acetamide plays a key role in stabilizing the Ce?O moiety of 1 in the solid state. Complex 1 exhibits oxidizing and nucleophilic reactivity.     

Single‐Step Gas‐Phase Polyperfluoroalkylation of Naphthalene Leads to Thermodynamic Products

High‐temperature gas‐phase, solvent‐ and catalyst‐free reaction of naphthalene with an excess of R_FI reagent (R_F?CF₃, C₂F₅, n‐C₃F₇, and n‐C₄F₉) was used for the first time to produce a series of highly perfluoroalkylated naphthalene products NAPH(R_F)_n with n=2–5. Four 95+ % pure 1,3,5,7‐NAPH(R_F)₄ with R_F?CF₃, C₂F₅, n‐C₃F₇, and n‐C₄F₉ were isolated using a simple chromatography‐free procedure. These new compounds were fully characterized by ¹⁹F and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography (for R_F?CF₃ and C₂F₅), atmospheric‐pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry, and cyclic and square‐wave voltammetry. DFT calculations confirm that the proposed synthesis yields the most stable isomers that have not been accessed by alternative preparation techniques.     

Reactivity of the Latent 12‐Electron Fragment [Rh(PiBu3)2]+ with Aryl Bromides: Aryl?Br and Phosphine Ligand C?H Activation

Oxidative addition of aryl bromides to 12‐electron [Rh(PiBu₃)₂][BAr^F₄] (Ar^F=3,5‐(CF₃)₂C₆H₃) forms a variety of products. With p‐tolyl bromides, Rh^III dimeric complexes result [Rh(PiBu₃)₂(o/p‐MeC₆H₄)(μ‐Br)]₂[BAr^F₄]₂. Similarly, reaction with p‐ClC₆H₄Br gives [Rh(PiBu₃)₂(p‐ClC₆H₄)(μ‐Br)]₂[BAr^F₄]₂. In contrast, the use of o‐BrC₆H₄Me leads to a product in which toluene has been eliminated and an isobutyl phosphine has undergone C? H activation: [Rh{PiBu₂(CH₂CHCH₃C H₂)}(PiBu₃)(μ‐Br)]₂[BAr^F₄]₂. Trapping experiments with ortho‐bromo anisole or ortho‐bromo thioanisole indicate that a possible intermediate for this process is a low‐coordinate Rh^III complex that then undergoes C? H activation. The anisole and thioanisole complexes have been isolated and their structures show OMe or SMe interactions with the metal centre alongside supporting agostic interactions, [Rh(PiBu₃)₂(C₆H₄O Me)Br][BAr^F₄] (the solid‐state structure of the 5‐methyl substituted analogue is reported) and [Rh(PiBu₃)₂(C₆H₄S Me)Br][BAr^F₄]. The anisole‐derived complex proceeds to give [Rh{PiBu₂(CH₂CHCH₃C H₂)}(PiBu₃)(μ‐Br)]₂[BAr^F₄]₂, whereas the thioanisole complex is unreactive. The isolation of [Rh(PiBu₃)₂(C₆H₄O Me)Br][BAr^F₄] and its onward reactivity to give the products of C? H activation and aryl elimination suggest that it is implicated on the pathway of a σ‐bond metathesis reaction, a hypothesis strengthened by DFT calculations. Calculations also suggest that C? H bond cleavage through phosphine‐assisted deprotonation of a non‐agostic bond is also competitive, although the subsequent protonation of the aryl ligand is too high in energy to account for product formation. C? H activation through oxidative addition is also ruled out on the basis of these calculations. These new complexes have been characterised by solution NMR/ESIMS techniques and in the solid‐state by X‐ray crystallography.     

Enhancement of TbIII–CuII Single‐Molecule Magnet Performance through Structural Modification

We report a series of 3d–4f complexes {Ln₂Cu₃(H₃L)₂X_n} (X=OAc^?, Ln=Gd, Tb or X=NO₃^?, Ln=Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er) using the 2,2′‐(propane‐1,3‐diyldiimino)bis[2‐(hydroxylmethyl)propane‐1,3‐diol] (H₆L) pro‐ligand. All complexes, except that in which Ln=Gd, show slow magnetic relaxation in zero applied dc field. A remarkable improvement of the energy barrier to reorientation of the magnetisation in the {Tb₂Cu₃(H₃L)₂X_n} complexes is seen by changing the auxiliary ligands (X=OAc^? for NO₃^?). This leads to the largest reported relaxation barrier in zero applied dc field for a Tb/Cu‐based single‐molecule magnet. Ab initio CASSCF calculations performed on mononuclear Tb^III models are employed to understand the increase in energy barrier and the calculations suggest that the difference stems from a change in the Tb^III coordination environment (C_4v versus C_s).     

Coordination Chemistry of Diiodine and Implications for the Oxidation Capacity of the Synergistic Ag+/X2 (X=Cl,Br, I) System

The synergistic Ag⁺/X₂ system (X=Cl, Br, I) is a very strong, but ill‐defined oxidant—more powerful than X₂ or Ag⁺ alone. Intermediates for its action may include [Ag_m(X₂)_n]^m+ complexes. Here, we report on an unexpectedly variable coordination chemistry of diiodine towards this direction: ( A )Ag‐I₂‐Ag( A ), [Ag₂(I₂)₄]²⁺( A ^?)₂ and [Ag₂(I₂)₆]²⁺( A ^?)₂?(I₂)_x≈0.65 form by reaction of Ag( A ) ( A =Al(OR^F)₄; R^F=C(CF₃)₃) with diiodine (single crystal/powder XRD, Raman spectra and quantum‐mechanical calculations). The molecular ( A )Ag‐I₂‐Ag( A ) is ideally set up to act as a 2 e^? oxidant with stoichiometric formation of 2 AgI and 2 A ^?. Preliminary reactivity tests proved this ( A )Ag‐I₂‐Ag( A ) starting material to oxidize n‐C₅H₁₂, C₃H₈, CH₂Cl₂, P₄ or S₈ at room temperature. A rough estimate of its electron affinity places it amongst very strong oxidizers like MF₆ (M=4d metals). This suggests that ( A )Ag‐I₂‐Ag( A ) will serve as an easily in bulk accessible, well‐defined, and very potent oxidant with multiple applications.     

Luminescent Amphiphilic 2,6‐Bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine?Platinum(II) Complexes: Synthesis,Characterization, Electrochemical,Photophysical, and Langmuir–Blodgett Film‐Formation Studies

A new series of platinum(II) complexes with tridentate ligands 2,6‐bis(1‐alkyl‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine and 2,6‐bis(1‐aryl‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine (N7R), [Pt(N7R)Cl]X ( 1 – 7 ) and [Pt(N7R)(C?CR′)]X ( 8 – 17 ; R=n‐C₄H₉, n‐C₈H₁₇, n‐C₁₂H₂₅, n‐C₁₄H₂₉, n‐C₁₈H₃₇, C₆H₅, and CH₂‐C₆H₅; R′=C₆H₅, C₆H₄‐CH₃‐p_, C₆H₄‐CF₃‐p, C₆H₄‐N(CH₃)₂‐p, and cholesteryl 2‐propyn‐1‐yl carbonate; X=OTf^?, PF₆^?, and Cl^?), has been synthesized and characterized. Their electrochemical and photophysical properties have also been studied. Two amphiphilic platinum(II)? 2,6‐bis(1‐dodecyl‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine complexes ( 3‐Cl and 8 ) were found to form stable and reproducible Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films at the air/water interface. These LB films were characterized by the study of their surface‐pressure–molecular‐area (π–A) isotherms, XRD, and IR and polarized‐IR spectroscopy.     

Cationic Allyl Complexes of the Rare‐Earth Metals: Synthesis,Structural Characterization,and 1,3‐Butadiene Polymerization Catalysis

Monocationic bis‐allyl complexes [Ln(η³‐C₃H₅)₂(thf)₃]⁺[B(C₆X₅)₄]^? (Ln=Y, La, Nd; X=H, F) and dicationic mono‐allyl complexes of yttrium and the early lanthanides [Ln(η³‐C₃H₅)(thf)₆]²⁺[BPh₄]₂^? (Ln=La, Nd) were prepared by protonolysis of the tris‐allyl complexes [Ln(η³‐C₃H₅)₃(diox)] (Ln=Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm; diox=1,4‐dioxane) isolated as a 1,4‐dioxane‐bridged dimer (Ln=Ce) or THF adducts [Ln(η³‐C₃H₅)₃(thf)₂] (Ln=Ce, Pr). Allyl abstraction from the neutral tris‐allyl complex by a Lewis acid, ER₃ (Al(CH₂SiMe₃)₃, BPh₃) gave the ion pair [Ln(η³‐C₃H₅)₂(thf)₃]⁺[ER₃(η¹‐CH₂CH?CH₂)]^? (Ln=Y, La; ER₃=Al(CH₂SiMe₃)₃, BPh₃). Benzophenone inserts into the La? C_allyl bond of [La(η³‐C₃H₅)₂(thf)₃]⁺[BPh₄]^? to form the alkoxy complex [La{OCPh₂(CH₂CH?CH₂)}₂(thf)₃]⁺[BPh₄]^?. The monocationic half‐sandwich complexes [Ln(η⁵‐C₅Me₄SiMe₃)(η³‐C₃H₅)(thf)₂]⁺[B(C₆X₅)₄]^? (Ln=Y, La; X=H, F) were synthesized from the neutral precursors [Ln(η⁵‐C₅Me₄SiMe₃)(η³‐C₃H₅)₂(thf)] by protonolysis. For 1,3‐butadiene polymerization catalysis, the yttrium‐based systems were more active than the corresponding lanthanum or neodymium homologues, giving polybutadiene with approximately 90 % 1,4‐cis stereoselectivity.     

NMR Spectroscopy and X‐Ray Characterisation of Cationic N‐Heteroaryl‐Pyridylamido ZrIV Complexes: A Further Level of Complexity for the Elusive Active Species of Pyridylamido Olefin Polymerisation Catalysts

New [(N^?,N,N^?)ZrR₂] dialkyl complexes (N^?,N,N^?=pyrrolyl‐pyridyl‐amido or indolyl‐pyridyl‐amido; R=Me or CH₂Ph) have been synthesised and tested as pre‐catalysts for ethene and propene polymerisation in combination with different activators, such as B(C₆F₅)₃, [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄], [HNMe₂Ph][B(C₆F₅)₄] or solid AlMe₃‐depleted methylaluminoxane (DMAO). Polyethylene (M_w>2 MDa and M_w/M_n = 1.3–1.6) has been produced if pre‐catalysts were activated with 1000 equivalents of DMAO (based on Al) [activity >1000 kg_PE (mol_[Zr] h mol atm)^?1] or by using a higher pre‐catalyst concentration and a mixture of [HNPhMe₂][B(C₆F₅)₄] (1 equiv) and AliBu₂H (60 equiv). In the case of propene polymerisation, activity has been observed only if pre‐catalysts were treated with an excess of AliBu₂H prior to addition of DMAO, which led to highly isotactic polypropylene ([mmmm]>95 %). Neutral pre‐catalysts and ion pairs derived from their activation have been characterised in solution by using advanced 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy experiments. The detection and rationalisation of intercationic NOEs clearly showed the formation of dimeric species in which some pyrrolyl or indolyl π‐electron density of one unit is engaged in stabilising the metal centre of the other unit, which relegates the counterions in the second coordination sphere. The solid‐state structure of the dimeric indolyl‐pyridyl‐amidomethylzirconium derivative, determined by X‐ray diffraction studies, points toward a weak Zr???η³‐indolyl interaction. It can be hypothesised that the formation of dimeric cationic species hampers monomer coordination (especially of less reactive α‐olefins) and that addition of AliBu₂H is crucial to split the homodimers.     

Pincer‐Type Heck Catalysts and Mechanisms Based on PdIV Intermediates: A Computational Study

Pincer‐type palladium complexes are among the most active Heck catalysts. Due to their exceptionally high thermal stability and the fact that they contain Pd^II centers, controversial Pd^II/Pd^IV cycles have been often proposed as potential catalytic mechanisms. However, pincer‐type Pd^IV intermediates have never been experimentally observed, and computational studies to support the proposed Pd^II/Pd^IV mechanisms with pincer‐type catalysts have never been carried out. In this computational study the feasibility of potential catalytic cycles involving Pd^IV intermediates was explored. Density functional calculations were performed on experimentally applied aminophosphine‐, phosphine‐, and phosphite‐based pincer‐type Heck catalysts with styrene and phenyl bromide as substrates and (E)‐stilbene as coupling product. The potential‐energy surfaces were calculated in dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvent and demonstrate that Pd^II/Pd^IV mechanisms are thermally accessible and thus a true alternative to formation of palladium nanoparticles. Initial reaction steps of the lowest energy path of the catalytic cycle of the Heck reaction include dissociation of the chloride ligands from the neutral pincer complexes [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd(Cl)] [X=NH, R=piperidinyl ( 1 a ); X=O, R=piperidinyl ( 1 b ); X=O, R=iPr ( 1 c ); X=CH₂, R=iPr ( 1 d )] to yield cationic, three‐coordinate, T‐shaped 14e^? palladium intermediates of type [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd]⁺ ( 2 ). An alternative reaction path to generate complexes of type 2 (relevant for electron‐poor pincer complexes) includes initial coordination of styrene to 1 to yield styrene adducts [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd(Cl)(CH₂?CHPh)] ( 4 ) and consecutive dissociation of the chloride ligand to yield cationic square‐planar styrene complexes [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd(CH₂?CHPh)]⁺ ( 6 ) and styrene. Cationic styrene adducts of type 6 were additionally found to be the resting states of the catalytic reaction. However, oxidative addition of phenyl bromide to 2 result in pentacoordinate Pd^IV complexes of type [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd(Br)(C₆H₅)]⁺ ( 11 ), which subsequently coordinate styrene (in trans position relative to the phenyl unit of the pincer cores) to yield hexacoordinate phenyl styrene complexes [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd(Br)(C₆H₅)(CH₂?CHPh)]⁺ ( 12 ). Migration of the phenyl ligand to the olefinic bond gives cationic, pentacoordinate phenylethenyl complexes [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd(Br)(CHPhCH₂Ph)]⁺ ( 13 ). Subsequent β‐hydride elimination induces direct HBr liberation to yield cationic, square‐planar (E)‐stilbene complexes with general formula [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd(CHPh?CHPh)]⁺ ( 14 ). Subsequent liberation of (E)‐stilbene closes the catalytic cycle.     

Stannylium ions, a tin(II) arene complex, and a tin dication stabilized by weakly coordinating anions

The reactivity of aryl‐substituted stannylenes, Ar₂Sn ( 4 ), towards silylarenium borates, [R₃SiArH][B(C₆F₅)₄] ( 3 ), was investigated. The reaction with 2,3,4‐trimethyl‐6‐tert‐butylphenyl (mebp)‐substituted stannylene gave silyl‐substituted stannylium ions 2 a , b , which were characterized by NMR spectroscopy supported by the results of quantum‐mechanical computations of molecular structures and magnetic properties. The tri‐iso‐propylphenyl‐substituted stannylium ions 2 c , d undergo a decomposition reaction in toluene to give the dicationic tin–arene complex [Sn(C₇H₈)₃]²⁺ ( 5 ) in the form of the [B(C₆F₅)₄] salt in high yields. The 5 [B(C₆F₅)₄]₂ salt was identified by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and by Mössbauer spectroscopy. The bonding situation was investigated by using natural bond orbital (NBO) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) calculations. The substitution of the weakly coordinating borate anion by the carboranate [CB₁₁H₆Br₆]^? results in replacement of the toluene ligands and formation of tin(II) carboranate with only weak Sn²⁺–anion interactions as suggested by the solid‐state structure of the isolated salt.     

Square Planar Nickel（II） Complexes with Halogenated o-Diiminobenzosemiquinonato Ligation： Synthesis,Characterization, and Redox Property

Seven square planar bis（o-diiminobenzosemiquinonato）nickel（II） complexes, [Ni（o-C6H4（NH）（NAr））2] （Ar= Mes, 1; p-F-C6H4, 2; p-CI-C6H4, 3）, [Ni（o-4,5-F2-C6H2（NH）（NPh））2] （4）, and [Ni（o-4,5-CIz-C6H2（NH）（NAr））2] （Ar =Ph, 5; 2,6-F2-C6H3, 6; 2,6-C12-C6H3, 7）, have been synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR, IR, UV-Vis-NIR, elemental analyses, HRMS, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies （1 and 7）. The cyclic voltammograms of these complexes exhibit two reversible redox processes of [NiLe]0n- and [NIL2]l /2 , and one irreversible process of [NiL2]~n＋. Substituent effects on the redox properties of these complexes, in addi- tion with those of the known complexes [Ni（o-C6Ha（NH）（NPh））2] （8） and [Ni（o-3,5-Butz-C6Hz（NH）2）2] （9）, are identified by comparing the half-wave potentials of the reduction waves, as 1 ~ 9 〈 8 ~ 2 〈 3 〈 4 〈 5 〈 7 〈 6, reflect- ing the ease of reduction of [NIL2] parallels the electron-donating and -withdrawing ability of the substituent group. Reduction of 1 with one or two equivalents of sodium metal in THF has led to the isolation of [Na（THF）3][I] and [Na（THF）3]2[1]. The structure data of these two complexes revealed by low-temperature X-ray crystallography suggest their corresponding electronic structures of [Nill（lL-1 ）（IL2-）]1- and [Ni1]（1L2 ）212-, which are in line with those of [9]n （n = 1-, 2-） suggested by spectroelectrochemical study.     

Kinetics and mechanism of ruthenium (III) catalyzed oxidation of ethanol by cerium (IV) in aqueous sulfuric acid media

The kinetics of oxidation of ethanol by cerium(IV) in presence of ruthenium(III) (in the order of 10^?7 mol dm^?3) in aqueous sulfuric acid media have been followed at different temperatures (25–40°C). The rate of disappearance of cerium(IV) in the title reaction increases sharply with increasing [C₂H₅OH] to a value independent of [C₂H₅OH] over a large range (0.2–1.0 mol dm^?3) in which the rate law conforms to: where [Ru]_T gives the total ruthenium (III) concentration. The values of 10^?3k_c and 10^?3k_d are 3.6 ± 0.1 dm³ mol^?1 s^?1 and 3.9 ± 0.2 s^?1, respectively, at 40°C, I = 3.0 mol dm^?3. The proposed mechanism involves the formation of ruthenium(III)^? substrate complex which undergoes oxidation at the rate determining step by cerium(IV) to form ruthenium(IV)^? substrate complex followed by the rapid red-ox decomposition giving rise to the catalyst and ethoxide radical which is oxidized by cerium(IV) rapidly. The mechanism is consistent with the existence of the complexes Ru^III · (C₂H₅OH) and Ru^III · (C₂H₅O^?) and both are kinetically active. The overall bisulphate dependence conforms to: k_obsd = A[Ru]_T/{1 + C[HSO₄^?]} where A = 2.2 × 10⁴ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1, C = 1.3 at 40°C, [H⁺] = 0.5 mol dm^?3, and I = 3.0 mol dm^?3. The observations are consistent with the Ce(SO₄)₂ as the kinetically active species. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A Nickel(II) Nitrite Based Molecular Perovskite Ferroelectric

The X‐site ion in organic–inorganic hybrid ABX₃ perovskites (OHPs) varies from halide ion to bridging linkers like HCOO^?, N₃^?, NO₂^?, and CN^?. However, no nitrite‐based OHP ferroelectrics have been reported so far. Now, based on non‐ferroelectric [(CH₃)₄N][Ni(NO₂)₃], through the combined methodologies of quasi‐spherical shape, hydrogen bonding functionality, and H/F substitution, we have successfully synthesized an OHP ferroelectric, [FMeTP][Ni(NO₂)₃] (FMeTP=N‐fluoromethyl tropine). As an unprecedented nitrite‐based OHP ferroelectric, the well‐designed [FMeTP][Ni(NO₂)₃] undergoes the ferroelectric phase transition at 400 K with an Aizu notation of 6/mmmFm, showing multiaxial ferroelectric characteristics. This work is a great step towards not only enriching the molecular ferroelectric families but also accelerating the potential practical applications.     

Syntheses,Structures and Characterizations of Two Vanadium(V) Complexes:[2-MePyH][V^vO2(C14H9N2O3Br)] and [2-EtPyH][V^VO2(C14H9N2O3Br)]

Two new oxovanadium(V) complexes, [2‐MePyH][V^vO₂(L)] (3) and[2‐EtPyH][V^vO₂,(L)] (4) (salicylaldehyde 5‐bromo salicyloylhydrazone is abbreviated as H₂L; 2‐MePyH is protonated 2‐Mepyridine; 2‐EtPyH presents protonated 2‐Et‐pyridine) were obtained from a reaction of VOSO₄ and H₂L in acetonitrile‐methanol with small quantity of 2‐Me‐pyridine or 2‐Et‐pyridine, and characterized by X‐ray diffraction and spectroscopic methods. Crystal data: [2‐MePyH][VO₂(L)] (3), C₂₀H₁₇N₃O₅BrV, M_r = 510.2, monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 0.7363(1) nm, 6 = 0.9514(1) nm, c = 2.8594(2) nm, β = 95.305(2)°, Z = 4 and V=1.9946(3) nm³, μ(Mo Kα) = 2.539 mm^?1; [2‐EtPyH][VO₂(L)] (4), C₂₁H₁₉N₃ O₃BrV, M_r = 524.2, triclinic, P1 , a = 0.8051(1) nm, b = 0.9413(1) nm, c = 1.4648(2) nm, α=99.1900(10)°, α = 99.4530(10)°, γ = 104.6670(10)°, Z = 2 and V= 1.0355(2) nm³, μ(Mo Kα) = 2.448 mm^?1, X‐Ray analyses revealed that the crystal structures of 3 and 4 have similar packing modes.     

Heavy Carbene Analogues: Donor‐Free Bismuthenium and Stibenium Ions

Kinetically stabilized congeners of carbenes, R₂C, possessing six valence electrons (four bonding electrons and two non‐bonding electrons) have been restricted to Group 14 elements, R₂E (E=Si, Ge, Sn, Pb; R=alkyl or aryl) whereas isoelectronic Group 15 cations, divalent species of type [R₂E]⁺ (E=P, As, Sb, Bi; R=alkyl or aryl), were unknown. Herein, we report the first two examples, namely the bismuthenium ion [(2,6‐Mes₂C₆H₃)₂Bi][BAr^F₄] ( 1 ; Mes=2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂, Ar^F=3,5‐(CF₃)₂C₆H₃) and the stibenium ion [(2,6‐Mes₂C₆H₃)₂Sb][B(C₆F₅)₄] ( 2 ), which were obtained by using a combination of bulky meta‐terphenyl substituents and weakly coordinating anions.     

Synthesis of Heteroleptic Cerium(IV) Complexes Using a Heptadentate (N4O3) Tripodale Schiff‐base Ligand

The Cerium(IV) complexes [{N[CH₂CH₂N=CH(2‐O‐3,5‐^tBu₂C₆H₂)]₃}CeCl] ( 1 ) and [{N[CH₂CH₂N=CH(2‐O‐3,5‐^tBu₂C₆H₂)]₃}Ce(NO₃)] ( 2 ) were derived from the condensation of tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine and 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylaldehyde and the appropriate Ce starting material CeCl₃(H₂O)₆ and (NH₄)₂[Ce(NO₃)₆], respectively. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies reveal monomeric complexes.