Versatile Reactivity of Scorpionate‐Anchored Yttrium?Dialkyl Complexes towards Unsaturated Substrates

A series of unusual chemical‐bond transformations were observed in the reactions of high active yttrium? dialkyl complexes with unsaturated small molecules. The reaction of scorpionate‐anchored yttrium? dibenzyl complex [Tp^Me2Y(CH₂Ph)₂(thf)] ( 1 , Tp^Me2=tri(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) with phenyl isothiocyanate led to C?S bond cleavage to give a cubane‐type yttrium–sulfur cluster, {Tp^Me2Y(μ₃‐S)}₄ ( 2 ), accompanied by the elimination of PhN?C(CH₂Ph)₂. However, compound 1 reacted with phenyl isocyanate to afford a C(sp³)? H activation product, [Tp^Me2Y(thf){μ‐η¹:η³‐OC(CHPh)NPh}{μ‐η³:η²‐OC(CHPh)NPh}YTp^Me2] ( 3 ). Moreover, compound 1 reacted with phenylacetonitrile at room temperature to produce γ‐deprotonation product [(Tp^Me2)₂Y]⁺[Tp^Me2Y(N=C?CHPh)₃]^? ( 6 ), in which the newly formed N?C?CHPh ligands bound to the metal through the terminal nitrogen atoms. When this reaction was carried out in toluene at 120 °C, it gave a tandem γ‐deprotonation/insertion/partial‐Tp^Me2‐degradation product, [(Tp^Me2Y)₂(μ‐Pz)₂{μ‐η¹:η³‐NC(CH₂Ph)CHPh}] ( 7 , Pz=3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl).     

Water‐Promoted Generation of a Diazairida Homobarrelene by CC Coupling Between an Iridacyclic Alkylidene and Acetonitrile

The stable cationic iridacyclopentenylidene [Tp^Me2Ir(?CHC(Me)?C(Me)C H₂(NCMe)]PF₆ ( A ; Tp^Me2=hydrotris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) has been obtained by α‐hydride abstraction from the iridacyclopent‐2‐ene [Tp^Me2Ir(CH₂C(Me)?C(Me)C H₂)(NCMe)]. Complex A exhibits Brønsted–Lowry acidity at the Ir? CH₂ and proximal (relative to Ir? CH₂) methyl sites. The coordination of an extra molecule of acetonitrile to the iridium center initiates the reversible isomerization of the chelating carbon chain of A to the monodentate butadienyl ligand of complex [Tp^Me2Ir(CH?C(Me)C(Me)?CH₂)(NCMe)₂]PF₆, which is capable to engage in a water‐promoted C? C coupling with the MeCN co‐ligands. The product is an aesthetically appealing bicyclic structure that resembles the hydrocarbon barrelene.     

Investigation of the C−H Activation Potential of [Hydrotris(1H‐pyrazolato‐κN1)borato(1−)]iridium (IrTpx) Fragments Featuring Aromatic Substituents x at the 3‐Position of the Pyrazole Rings,The Choice of the Precursor

A series of pyrazole‐substituted [hydrotris(1H‐pyrazolato‐κN¹)borato(1−)]iridium complexes of the general composition [Ir(Tp^x)(olefin)₂] (Tp^x=Tp^Ph and Tp^Th) and their capability to activate C−H bonds is presented. As a test reaction, the double C−H activation of cyclic‐ether substrates leading to the corresponding Fischer carbene complexes was chosen. Under the reaction conditions employed, the parent compound [Ir(Tp^Ph)(ethene)₂] was not isolable; instead, (OC‐6‐25)‐[Ir(Tp^PhκC^Ph,κ³N,N′,N″)(ethyl)(η²‐ethene)] ( 1 ) was formed diastereoselectively. Upon further heating, 1 could be converted exclusively to (OC‐6‐24)‐[Ir(Tp^Phκ²C^Ph,C^Ph,κ³N,N′,N″)(η²‐ethene)] ( 2 ). Complex 1 , but not 2 , reacted with THF to give (OC‐6‐35)‐[Ir(Tp^Phκ³N,N′,N″)H(dihydrofuran‐2(3H)‐ylidene)] ( 3 ), a cyclic Fischer carbene formed by double C−H activation of THF. Accordingly, complexes of the general formula [Ir(Tp^x)(butadiene)] (see 4 – 6 ; butadiene=buta‐1,3‐diene, 2‐methylbuta‐1,3‐diene (isoprene), 2,3‐dimethylbuta‐1,3‐diene) reacted with THF to yield 3 or the related derivative 9 . The reaction rate was strongly dependent on the steric demand of the butadiene ligand and the nature of the substituent at the 3‐position of the pyrazole rings.     

Copper–Carbene Intermediates in the Copper‐Catalyzed Functionalization of OH Bonds

Copper–carbene [Tp^xCu?C(Ph)(CO₂Et)] and copper–diazo adducts [Tp^xCu{η¹‐N₂C(Ph)(CO₂Et)}] have been detected and characterized in the context of the catalytic functionalization of O?H bonds through carbene insertion by using N₂?C(Ph)(CO₂Et) as the carbene source. These are the first examples of these type of complexes in which the copper center bears a tridentate ligand and displays a tetrahedral geometry. The relevance of these complexes in the catalytic cycle has been assessed by NMR spectroscopy, and kinetic studies have demonstrated that the N‐bound diazo adduct is a dormant species and is not en route to the formation of the copper–carbene intermediate.     

Water Soluble Gold(I)‐diacetyl‐1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane‐arylazoimidazole Complexes: Synthesis and Spectroscopic Study

Reaction of [Au(DAPTA)(Cl)] with RaaiR’ in CH2Cl2 medium following ligand addition leads to [Au(DAPTA)(RaaiR’)](Cl) [DAPTA＝diacetyl-1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane, RaaiR’＝p-R-C6H4-N＝N- C3H2-NN-1-R’, (1—3), abbreviated as N,N’-chelator, where N(imidazole) and N(azo) represent N and N’, respectively; R＝H (a), Me (b), Cl (c) and R’＝Me (1), CH2CH3 (2), CH2Ph (3)]. The 1H NMR spectral measurements in D2O suggest methylene, CH2, in RaaiEt gives a complex AB type multiplet while in RaaiCH2Ph it shows AB type quartets. 13C NMR spectrum in D2O suggest the molecular skeleton. The 1H-1H COSY spectrum in D2O as well as contour peaks in the 1H-13C HMQC spectrum in D2O assign the solution structure.     

Rare‐Earth‐Metal Methyl,Amide, and Imide Complexes Supported by a Superbulky Scorpionate Ligand

The reaction of monomeric [(Tp^tBu,Me)LuMe₂] (Tp^tBu,Me=tris(3‐Me‐5‐tBu‐pyrazolyl)borate) with primary aliphatic amines H₂NR (R=tBu, Ad=adamantyl) led to lutetium methyl primary amide complexes [(Tp^tBu,Me)LuMe(NHR)], the solid‐state structures of which were determined by XRD analyses. The mixed methyl/tetramethylaluminate compounds [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe({μ₂‐Me}AlMe₃)] (Ln=Y, Ho) reacted selectively and in high yield with H₂NR, according to methane elimination, to afford heterobimetallic complexes: [(Tp^tBu,Me)Ln({μ₂‐Me}AlMe₂)(μ₂‐NR)] (Ln=Y, Ho). X‐ray structure analyses revealed that the monomeric alkylaluminum‐supported imide complexes were isostructural, featuring bridging methyl and imido ligands. Deeper insight into the fluxional behavior in solution was gained by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic studies at variable temperatures and ¹H–⁸⁹Y HSQC NMR spectroscopy. Treatment of [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe(AlMe₄)] with H₂NtBu gave dimethyl compounds [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe₂] as minor side products for the mid‐sized metals yttrium and holmium and in high yield for the smaller lutetium. Preparative‐scale amounts of complexes [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe₂] (Ln=Y, Ho, Lu) were made accessible through aluminate cleavage of [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe(AlMe₄)] with N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda). The solid‐state structures of [(Tp^tBu,Me)HoMe(AlMe₄)] and [(Tp^tBu,Me)HoMe₂] were analyzed by XRD.     

Diimido‐, Imido(oxo)‐, Dioxo‐ und Imido(alkyliden)‐Halbsandwich‐Verbindungen über selektive Hydrolyse und α—H‐Abstraktion an Organylkomplexen des sechswertigen Molybdäns und Wolframs

Diimido, Imido Oxo, Dioxo, and Imido Alkylidene Halfsandwich Compounds via Selective Hydrolysis and α—H Abstraction in Molybdenum(VI) and Tungsten(VI) Organyl Complexes Organometal imides [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)₂Ph] (M = Mo, W, R = H, Me, R′ = Mes, tBu) 4 — 8 can be prepared by reaction of halfsandwich complexes [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)₂Cl] with phenyl lithium in good yields. Starting from phenyl complexes 4 — 8 as well as from previously described methyl compounds [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)₂Me] (M = Mo, W), reactions with aqueous HCl lead to imido(oxo) methyl and phenyl complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)(O)(R)] M = Mo, R = Me ( 9 ), Ph ( 10 ); M = W, R = Ph ( 11 ) and dioxo complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(O)₂(CH₃)] M = Mo ( 12 ), M = W ( 13 ). Hydrolysis of organometal imides with conservation of M‐C σ and π bonds is in fact an attractive synthetic alternative for the synthesis of organometal oxides with respect to known strategies based on the oxidative decarbonylation of low valent alkyl CO and NO complexes. In a similar manner, protolysis of [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)W(NtBu)₂(CH₃)] and [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Mo(NtBu)₂(CH₃)] by HCl gas leads to [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)W(NtBu)Cl₂(CH₃)] 14 und [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Mo(NtBu)Cl₂(CH₃)] 15 with conservation of the M‐C bonds. The inert character of the relatively non‐polar M‐C σ bonds with respect to protolysis offers a strategy for the synthesis of methyl chloro complexes not accessible by partial methylation of [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)Cl₃] with MeLi. As pure substances only trimethyl compounds [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NtBu)(CH₃)₃] 16 ‐ 18 , M = Mo, W, R = H, Me, are isolated. Imido(benzylidene) complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)(CHPh)(CH₂Ph)] M = Mo ( 19 ), W ( 20 ) are generated by alkylation of [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)Cl₃] with PhCH₂MgCl via α‐H abstraction. Based on nmr data a trend of decreasing donor capability of the ligands [NtBu]^2— > [O]^2— > [CHR]^2— ? 2 [CH₃]^— > 2 [Cl]^— emerges.     

3‐Rhoda‐1,2‐diazacyclopentanes: A Series of Novel Metallacycle Complexes Derived From CN Functionalization of Ethylene

Rh‐containing metallacycles, [(TPA)Rh^III(κ²‐(C,N)‐CH₂CH₂(NR)₂‐]Cl; TPA=N,N,N,N‐tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine have been accessed through treatment of the Rh^I ethylene complex, [(TPA)Rh(η²‐CH₂CH₂)]Cl ([ 1 ]Cl) with substituted diazenes. We show this methodology to be tolerant of electron‐deficient azo compounds including azo diesters (RCO₂N?NCO₂R; R=Et [ 3 ]Cl, R=iPr [ 4 ]Cl, R=tBu [ 5 ]Cl, and R=Bn [ 6 ]Cl) and a cyclic azo diamide: 4‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3,5‐dione (PTAD), [ 7 ]Cl. The latter complex features two ortho‐fused ring systems and constitutes the first 3‐rhoda‐1,2‐diazabicyclo[3.3.0]octane. Preliminary evidence suggests that these complexes result from N–N coordination followed by insertion of ethylene into a [Rh]?N bond. In terms of reactivity, [ 3 ]Cl and [ 4 ]Cl successfully undergo ring‐opening using p‐toluenesulfonic acid, affording the Rh chlorides, [(TPA)Rh^III(Cl)(κ¹‐(C)‐CH₂CH₂(NCO₂R)(NHCO₂R)]OTs; [ 13 ]OTs and [ 14 ]OTs. Deprotection of [ 5 ]Cl using trifluoroacetic acid was also found to give an ethyl substituted, end‐on coordinated diazene [(TPA)Rh^III(κ²‐(C,N)‐CH₂CH₂(NH)₂‐]⁺ [ 16 ]Cl, a hitherto unreported motif. Treatment of [ 16 ]Cl with acetyl chloride resulted in the bisacetylated adduct [(TPA)Rh^III(κ²‐(C,N)‐CH₂CH₂(NAc)₂‐]⁺, [ 17 ]Cl. Treatment of [ 1 ]Cl with AcN?NAc did not give the Rh?N insertion product, but instead the N,O‐chelated complex [(TPA)Rh^I ( κ²‐(O,N)‐CH₃(CO)(NH)(N?C(CH₃)(OCH?CH₂))]Cl [ 23 ]Cl, presumably through insertion of ethylene into a [Rh]?O bond.     

Synthesis and Characterization of donor‐functionalized ansa‐Cyclopentadienyl‐Indenyl and ansa‐Indenyl‐Indenyl Complexes of Yttrium,Samarium, Thulium,and Lutetium

The stepwise reaction of Me₂SiCl₂ with K[C₅H₃ ^tBuMe‐3] or Li[C₉H₇] and then with K[C₉H₆CH₂CH₂‐ NMe₂‐1] followed by double deprotonation with NaH or LiBu, yields the two dimethylsilicon bridged cyclopentadienyl‐indenyl and indenyl‐indenyl donor‐functionalized ligand systems K₂[(C₅H₂ ^tBu‐3‐Me‐5)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)] ( 1 ), and Li₂[(1‐C₉H₆)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)] ( 2 ), respectively. Treatment of 1 with YCl₃(THF)₃, SmCl₃(THF)_1.77, TmI₃(DME)₃, and LuCl₃(THF)₃ gives the mixed ansa‐metallocenes [(C₅H₂ ^tBu‐3‐Me‐5)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)]LnX (X = Cl, Ln = Y ( 3 ), Sm ( 4 ), Lu ( 5 ); X = I, Ln = Tm ( 6 )), respectively. The reaction of 2 with LuCl₃(THF)₃ yields [(1‐C₉H₆)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)]LuCl ( 7 ). Compound 4 reacts with LiMe to give the corresponding alkyl derivative [(C₅H₂ ^tBu‐3‐Me‐5)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)]Sm(CH₃) ( 8 ). The new complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, MS spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of 5 and 6 were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction.     

Modification of Yttrium Silyl-Bridged Amide Alkyl Complexes through Si−H/C−H Cross-Dehydrocoupling of Silanes with a Silylamino Ligand: Synthesis,Reactivity, and Mechanism

A new method for the modification of a silylamino ligand has been developed through mono and dual C(sp³)−H/Si−H cross-dehydrocoupling with silanes. The reaction of [LY{η²-(C,N)-CH₂Si(Me₂)NSiMe₃}] (L=bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-β-diketiminato, L′ ( 1^L ′); L=tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate, Tp^Me2 ( 1^TpMe2 )) with 2 equivalents of PhSiH₃ in toluene gave the complexes [LY{η²-(C,N)-C(SiH₂Ph)₂Si(Me₂)NSiMe₃}] (L=L′ ( 2^L’ ); L=Tp^Me2 ( 2^TpMe2 )). Moreover, 1^TpMe2 reacted with the secondary silanes Ph₂SiH₂ and Et₂SiH₂ to afford the corresponding mono C−H activation products [Tp^Me2Y{η²-(C,N)-CH(SiHR₂)Si(Me₂)NSiMe₃}] (R=Ph ( 4 b ); R=Et ( 4 c )). The equimolar reaction of 1^TpMe2 with PhSiH₃ also produced the mono C−H activation product 4 a ([Tp^Me2Y{η²-(C,N)-CH(SiH₂Ph)Si(Me₂)NSiMe₃}(thf)]). A study of their reactivity showed that 4 a facilely reacted with 2 equivalents of benzothiazole by an unusual 1,1-addition of the C=N bond of the benzothiazolyl unit to the Si−H bond to give the C−H/Si−H cross-dehydrocoupling product [(Tp^Me2)Y{η³-(N,N,N)-N(SiMe₃)SiMe₂CH₂Si(Ph)(CSC₆H₄N)(CHSC₆H₄N)}] ( 5 ). These results indicate that this modification endows the silylamino ligand with novel reactivity.     

Phosphido‐diphosphine pincer group 3 complexes as efficient initiators for lactide polymerization

New Group 3 metal complexes of the type [LM(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF)_n] supported by tridentate phosphido‐diphosphine ligands [(o‐C₆H₄PR₂) ₂ PH; L1‐H : R = iPr; L2‐H : R = Ph] have been synthesized by reaction of L1‐H and L2‐H with [M(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂)] (M = Y and Sc). All the new complexes [(o‐C₆H₄PR₂) ₂ PM(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF)_n] [M = Y, R = iPr (1), R = Ph (2); M = Sc, R = iPr (3), R = Ph (4)] were studied as initiators for the ring opening polymerization of lactide. The yttrium complexes ( 1 and 2 ) exhibited high activity and good polymerization control, shown by the linear fits in the plot of number‐averaged molecular weight (M_n) versus the percentage conversion and versus the monomer/initiator ratio and by the low polydispersity index values. Interestingly, very good molar‐mass control was observed even when L ‐Lactide was polymerized in the absence of solvent at 130 °C. A good molar‐mass control but lower activities were observed in the polymerization reaction of lactide promoted by the analogous scandium complexes 3 and 4 . © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1374–1382, 2010     

Reactivity of an N,N‐Chelated Germylene Toward Substituted Alkynes,Alkenes, and Allenes

Treatment of N,N‐chelated germylene [(iPr)₂NB(N‐2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃)₂]Ge ( 1 ) with ferrocenyl alkynes containing carbonyl functionalities, FcC≡CC(O)R, resulted in [2+2+2] cyclization and formation of the respective ferrocenylated 3‐Fc‐4‐C(O)R‐1,2‐digermacyclobut‐3‐enes 2 – 4 [R = Me ( 2 ), OEt ( 3 ) and NMe₂ ( 4 )] bearing intact carbonyl substituents. In contrast, the reaction between 1 and PhC(O)C≡CC(O)Ph led to activation of both C≡C and C=O bonds producing bicyclic compound containing two five‐membered 1‐germa‐2‐oxacyclopent‐3‐ene rings sharing one C–C bond, 4,8‐diphenyl‐3,7‐dioxa‐2,6‐digermabicyclo[3.3.0]octa‐4,8‐diene ( 5 ). With N‐methylmaleimide containing an analogous C(O)CH=CHC(O) fragment, germylene 1 reacted under [2+2+2] cyclization involving the C=C double bond, producing 1,2‐digermacyclobutane 6 with unchanged carbonyl moieties. Finally, 1 selectively added to the terminal double bond in allenes CH₂=C=CRR′ giving rise to 3‐(=CRR′)‐1,2‐digermacyclobutanes [R/R′ = Me/Me ( 7 ), H/OMe ( 8 )] bearing an exo‐C=C double bond. All compounds were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C{¹H} NMR, IR and Raman spectroscopy and the molecular structures of 3 , 4 , 5 , and 8 were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The redox behavior of ferrocenylated derivatives 2 – 4 was studied by cyclic voltammetry.     

Gemischte Sandwichkomplexe der 4 f‐Elemente: Enantiomerenreine Cyclooctatetraenyl‐Cyclopentadienyl‐Komplexe des Samariums und Lutetiums mit donorfunktionalisierten Cyclopentadienylliganden

Organometallic Compounds of the Lanthanides. 139 Mixed Sandwich Complexes of the 4 f Elements: Enantiomerically Pure Cyclooctatetraenyl Cyclopentadienyl Complexes of Samarium and Lutetium with Donor‐Functionalized Cyclopentadienyl Ligands The reactions of [K{(S)‐C₅H₄CH₂CH(Me)OMe}], [K{(S)‐C₅H₄CH₂CH(Me)NMe₂}] and [K{(S)‐C₅H₄CH(Ph)CH₂NMe₂}] with the cyclooctatetraenyl lanthanide chlorides [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Ln(μ‐Cl)(THF)]₂ (Ln = Sm, Lu) yield the mixed cyclooctatetraenyl cyclopentadienyl lanthanide complexes [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Sm{(S)‐η⁵ : η¹‐C₅H₄CH₂CH(Me)OMe}] ( 1 a ), [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Ln{(S)‐η⁵ : η¹‐C₅H₄CH₂CH(Me)NMe₂}] (Ln = Sm ( 2 a ), Lu ( 2 b )) and [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Ln{(S)‐η⁵ : η¹‐C₅H₄CH(Ph)CH₂NMe₂}] (Ln = Sm ( 3 a ), Lu ( 3 b )). For comparison, the achiral compounds [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Ln{η⁵ : η¹‐C₅H₄CH₂CH₂NMe₂}] (Ln = Sm ( 4 a ), Lu ( 4 b )) are synthesized in an analogous manner. ¹H‐, ¹³C‐NMR‐, and mass spectra of all new compounds as well as the X‐ray crystal structures of 3 b and 4 b are discussed.     

Sekundäre Hydroxyalkylphosphane: Synthese und Charakterisierung mono‐, bis‐ und trisalkoxyphosphan‐substituierter Zirconiumkomplexe und des heterobimetallischen Dreikernkomplexes [Cp2Zr{O(CH2)3PHMes(AuCl)}2]

Secondary Hydroxyalkylphosphanes: Synthesis and Characterization of Mono‐, Bis‐ and Trisalkoxyphosphane‐substituted Zirconium Complexes and the Heterobimetallic Trinuclear Complex [Cp₂Zr{O(CH₂)₃PHMes(AuCl)}₂] The secondary hydroxyalkylphosphanes RPHCH₂OH [R = 2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂ (Mes) ( 1 ), 2,4,6‐ⁱPr₃C₆H₂ (Tipp) ( 2 )], 1‐AdPH‐2‐OH‐cyclo‐C₆H₁₀ ( 3 ) and RPH(CH₂)₃OH [R = Ph ( 4 ), Mes ( 5 ), Tipp ( 6 ), Cy ( 7 ), ^tBu ( 8 )] were obtained from primary phosphanes RPH₂ and formaldehyde ( 1 , 2 ) or from LiPHR and cyclohexene oxide ( 3 ) or trimethylene oxide ( 4 ‐ 8 ). Starting from 5 or 7 and [Cp^R₂ZrMe₂] [Cp^R = C₅EtMe₄ (Cp°), C₅H₅ (Cp), C₅MeH₄ (Cp′)], the monoalkoxyphosphane‐substituted zirconocene complexes [Cp^R₂Zr(Me){O(CH₂)₃PHMes}] [Cp^R = Cp° ( 9 ), Cp ( 10 )] were prepared. With [Cp^R₂ZrCl₂], the bisalkoxyphosphane‐substituted complexes [Cp′₂Zr{O(CH₂)₃PHMes}₂] ( 11 ) and [Cp₂Zr{O(CH₂)₃PHCy}₂] ( 12 ) are obtained, and with [Tp^RZrCl₃], the trisalkoxyphosphane‐substituted zirconium complexes [Tp^RZr{O(CH₂)₃PHMes}₃] [Tp^R = trispyrazolylborato (Tp) ( 13 ), Tp^R = tris(3,5‐dimethyl)pyrazolylborato (Tp*) ( 14 )] are prepared. The reaction of 5 with [AuCl(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) yielded the mononuclear complex [AuCl{PHMes(CH₂)₃OH}] ( 15 ). The trinuclear complex [Cp₂Zr{O(CH₂)₃PHMes(AuCl)}₂] ( 16 ) was obtained from [Cp₂ZrCl₂] and 15 . Compounds 1 ‐ 16 were characterized spectroscopically (¹H‐, ³¹P‐, ¹³C‐NMR; IR; MS) and compound 2 also by crystal structure determination. The bis‐ and trisalkoxyphosphane‐substituted complexes 11‐14 and 16 were obtained as mixtures of two diastereomers which could not be separated.     

Water‐Promoted Generation of a Diazairida Homobarrelene by C?C Coupling Between an Iridacyclic Alkylidene and Acetonitrile

The stable cationic iridacyclopentenylidene [Tp^Me2Ir(CHC(Me)C(Me)C H₂(NCMe)]PF₆ ( A ; Tp^Me2=hydrotris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) has been obtained by α‐hydride abstraction from the iridacyclopent‐2‐ene [Tp^Me2Ir(CH₂C(Me)C(Me)C H₂)(NCMe)]. Complex A exhibits Brønsted–Lowry acidity at the Ir CH₂ and proximal (relative to Ir CH₂) methyl sites. The coordination of an extra molecule of acetonitrile to the iridium center initiates the reversible isomerization of the chelating carbon chain of A to the monodentate butadienyl ligand of complex [Tp^Me2Ir(CHC(Me)C(Me)CH₂)(NCMe)₂]PF₆, which is capable to engage in a water‐promoted C C coupling with the MeCN co‐ligands. The product is an aesthetically appealing bicyclic structure that resembles the hydrocarbon barrelene.     

Synthesis of ferrocene‐containing N‐aryloxo β‐ketoiminate lanthanide complexes and polymerization of ε‐caprolactone

The synthesis, characterization and ε‐caprolactone polymerization behavior of lanthanide amido complexes stabilized by ferrocene‐containing N‐aryloxo functionalized β‐ketoiminate ligand FcCOCH₂C(Me)N(2‐HO‐5‐Bu^t‐C₆H₃) (LH₂, Fc = ferrocenyl) are described. The lanthanide amido complexes [LLnN(SiMe₃)₂(THF)]₂ [Ln = Nd ( 1 ), Sm ( 2 ), Yb ( 3 ), Y ( 4 )] were synthesized in good yields by the amine elimination reactions of LH₂ with Ln[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃(µ‐Cl)Li(THF)₃ in a 1:1 molar ratio in THF. These complexes were characterized by IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy was added for the analysis of complex 4 . The definitive molecular structures of complexes 1 and 3 were determined by X‐ray diffraction studies. Complexes 1 – 4 can initiate the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone with moderate activity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

N‐Methylimidazolkomplexe des Berylliums: [Be(Me‐Im)4]I2 und [Be3(μ‐OH)3(Me‐Im)6]Cl3

Tetra(N‐methylimidazole)‐beryllium‐di‐iodide, [Be(Me‐Im)₄]I₂ ( 1 ), was prepared from beryllium powder and iodine in N‐methylimidazole suspension to give yellow single crystal plates, which were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. Compound 1 crystallizes tetragonally in the space group I 2d with four formula units per unit cell. Lattice dimensions at 100(2) K: a = b = 1784.9(1), c = 696.2(1) pm, R₁ = 0.0238. The structure consists of homoleptic dications [Be(Me‐Im)₄]²⁺ with short Be–N distances of 170.3(3) pm and iodide ions with weak interionic C–H ··· I contacts. Experiments to yield crystalline products from reactions of N‐methylimidazole with BeCl₂ and (Ph₄P)₂[Be₂Cl₆], respectively, in dichloromethane solutions were unsuccessful. However, single crystals of [Be₃(μ‐OH)₃(Me‐Im)₆]Cl₃ ( 2 ) were obtained from these solutions in the presence of moisture air. According to X‐ray diffraction studies, two different crystal individuals ( 2a and 2b ) result, depending on the starting materials BeCl₂ and (Ph₄P)₂[Be₂Cl₆], respectively [ 2a : Space group P2₁/n, Z = 4; 2b : Space group P , Z = 2]. As a side‐product from the reaction of N‐methylimidazole with (Ph₄P)₂[Be₂Cl₆] single crystals of (Ph₄P)Cl·CH₂Cl₂ ( 3 ) were identified crystallographically (P2₁/n, Z = 4) which are isotypical with the corresponding known bromide (Ph₄P)Br·CH₂Cl₂.     

Light‐Induced Rearrangement of Thioether‐Substituted Phosphanide Ligands: Scope and Limitations of a Remarkable Isomerization

Treatment of the thioether‐substituted secondary phosphanes R²PH(C₆H₄‐2‐SR¹) [R²=(Me₃Si)₂CH, R¹=Me ( 1_PH ), iPr ( 2_PH ), Ph ( 3_PH ); R²=tBu, R¹=Me ( 4_PH ); R²=Ph, R¹=Me ( 5_PH )] with nBuLi yields the corresponding lithium phosphanides, which were isolated as their THF ( 1 – 5_Pa ) and tmeda ( 1 – 5_Pb ) adducts. Solid‐state structures were obtained for the adducts [R²P(C₆H₄‐2‐SR¹)]Li(L)_n [R²=(Me₃Si)₂CH, R¹=nPr, (L)_n=tmeda ( 2_Pb ); R²=(Me₃Si)₂CH, R¹=Ph, (L)_n=tmeda ( 3_Pb ); R²=Ph, R¹=Me, (L)_n=(THF)_1.33 ( 5_Pa ); R²=Ph, R¹=Me, (L)_n=([12]crown‐4)₂ ( 5_Pc )]. Treatment of 1_PH with either PhCH₂Na or PhCH₂K yields the heavier alkali metal complexes [{(Me₃Si)₂CH}P(C₆H₄‐2‐SMe)]M(THF)_n [M=Na ( 1_Pd ), K ( 1_Pe )]. With the exception of 2_Pa and 2_Pb , photolysis of these complexes with white light proceeds rapidly to give the thiolate species [R²P(R¹)(C₆H₄‐2‐S)]M(L)_n [M=Li, L=THF ( 1_Sa , 3_Sa – 5_Sa ); M=Li, L=tmeda ( 1_Sb , 3_Sb – 5_Sb ); M=Na, L=THF ( 1_Sd ); M=K, L=THF ( 1_Se )] as the sole products. The compounds 3_Sa and 4_Sa may be desolvated to give the cyclic oligomers [[{(Me₃Si)₂CH}P(Ph)(C₆H₄‐2‐S)]Li]₆ (( 3_S )₆) and [[tBuP(Me)(C₆H₄‐2‐S)]Li]₈ (( 4_S )₈), respectively. A mechanistic study reveals that the phosphanide–thiolate rearrangement proceeds by intramolecular nucleophilic attack of the phosphanide center at the carbon atom of the substituent at sulfur. For 2_Pa / 2_Pb , competing intramolecular β‐deprotonation of the n‐propyl substituent results in the elimination of propene and the formation of the phosphanide–thiolate dianion [{(Me₃Si)₂CH}P(C₆H₄‐2‐S)]^2?.     

Combined Experimental and Computational Investigations of Rhodium‐Catalysed CH Functionalisation of Pyrazoles with Alkenes

Detailed experimental and computational studies have been carried out on the oxidative coupling of the alkenes C₂H₃Y (Y=CO₂Me ( a ), Ph ( b ), C(O)Me ( c )) with 3‐aryl‐5‐R‐pyrazoles (R=Me ( 1 a ), Ph ( 1 b ), CF₃ ( 1 c )) using a [Rh(MeCN)₃Cp*][PF₆]₂/Cu(OAc)₂ ? H₂O catalyst system. In the reaction of methyl acrylate with 1 a , up to five products ( 2 aa – 6 aa ) were formed, including the trans monovinyl product, either complexed within a novel Cu^I dimer ( 2 aa ) or as the free species ( 3 aa ), and a divinyl species ( 6 aa ); both 3 aa and 6 aa underwent cyclisation by an aza‐Michael reaction to give fused heterocycles 4 aa and 5 aa , respectively. With styrene, only trans mono‐ and divinylation products were observed, whereas with methyl vinyl ketone, a stronger Michael acceptor, only cyclised oxidative coupling products were formed. Density functional theory calculations were performed to characterise the different migratory insertion and β‐H transfer steps implicated in the reactions of 1 a with methyl acrylate and styrene. The calculations showed a clear kinetic preference for 2,1‐insertion and the formation of trans vinyl products, consistent with the experimental results.     

Reactivity of Dialumane and “Dialumene” Compounds toward Alkenes

The reactions of dialumane [L(thf)Al? Al(thf)L] ( 1 , L=[{(2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃)NC(Me)}₂]^2?) with stilbene and styrene afforded the oxidation/insertion products [L(thf)Al(CH(Ph)? CH(Ph))AlL] ( 2 ) and [L(thf)Al(CH(Ph)? CH₂)Al(thf)L] ( 3 ), respectively. In the presence of Na metal, precursor 1 reacted with butadienes, possibly through the reduced “dialumene” or the “carbene‐like” :AlL species, to yield aluminacyclopentenes [LAl(CH₂C(Me)?C(Me)CH₂)Na]_n ( 4 a ) and [Na(dme)₃][LAl(CH₂C(Me)?CHCH₂)] ( 4 b , dme=dimethoxyethane) as [1+4] cycloaddition products, as well as the [2+4] cycloaddition product 1,6‐dialumina‐3,8‐cyclodecadiene, [{Na(dme)}₂][LAl(CH₂C(Me)?C(Me)CH₂)₂AlL] ( 5 ). The possible mechanisms of the cycloaddition reactions were studied by using DFT computations.