Si-H activation of hydrosilanes leading to hydrido silyl and bis(silyl) nickel complexes

A general route for the synthesis of novel NHC stabilized nickel bis(silyl) and nickel hydrido silyl complexes is presented. The reaction of [Ni(2)((i)Pr(2)Im)(4)(COD)] 1 ((i)Pr(2)Im = 1,3-di-isopropyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene) with hydrosilanes H(n)SiR(4-n) leads to complexes of the type [Ni((i)Pr(2)Im)(2)(SiH(n-1)R(4-n))(H)] or [Ni((i)Pr(2)Im)(2)(SiH(n-1)R(4-n))(2)].     

Syntheses, X-ray structures and AACVD studies of group 11 ditelluroimidodiphosphinate complexes

Reactions of Na(tmeda)[N((i)Pr(2)PTe)(2)] with CuCl, AgI or AuCl (in the presence of PPh(3)) in THF produced the coinage metal ditelluroimidodiphosphinate complexes {Cu[N((i)Pr(2)PTe)(2)]}(3), (5), {Ag[N((i)Pr(2)PTe)(2)]}(6) (6) and Au(PPh(3))[N((i)Pr(2)PTe)(2)] (7), respectively. Complexes 5, 6 and 7 were characterized in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. Complex 5 is trimeric and exhibits a highly distorted Cu(3)Te(3) ring. In contrast, the Ag(I) complex 6 is a hexamer, and forms a twelve-membered Ag(6)Te(6) ring. The replacement of the (i)Pr groups on phosphorus by Ph results in an intriguing structural change to a tetramer with a boat-shaped Ag(4)Te(4) ring in {Ag[N(Ph(2)PTe)(2)}(4).2THF (8). The gold(I) complex 7 is monomeric. Aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) of compounds 5, 6 and 7 yields CuTe, Ag(7)Te(4), AuTe(2) and Au films, respectively. The films were grown at temperatures of 300-500 degrees C and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX).     

Ternary nanoclusters of CuHgS,CuHgSe, and CuInS

Two copper-mercury-chalcogenide clusters [Hg(15)Cu(20)E(25)(PPr(3))(18)] (1, E = S; 2, E = Se) are synthesized in good yield from the reaction of (Pr(3)P)(3)Cu-ESiMe(3) and (Pr(3)P)(2).Hg(OAc)(2) at low temperatures. Single-crystal X-ray analyses illustrate that the two ternary clusters are isomorphous and consist of a phosphine-stabilized core of mixed Hg, Cu, and E centers. Thermolysis of 1 leads to the formation of mercury metal and various forms of copper-sulfide. The copper-indium-sulfide cluster [Cu(6)In(8)S(13)Cl(4)(PEt(3))(12)] (3) is similarly prepared in 50% yield from (Et(3)P)(3)Cu-SSiMe(3), InCl(3), and S(SiMe(3))(2).     

Neutral and cationic alkylmanganese(II) complexes containing 2,6-bisiminopyridine ligands

Manganese alkyl complexes stabilised by 2,6-bis(N,N'-2,6-diisopropyl-phenyl)acetaldiminopyridine ((iPr)BIP) have been selectively prepared by reacting suitable alkylmanganese(II) precursors, such as homoleptic dialkyls [(MnR(2))(n)] or the corresponding THF adducts [{MnR(2)(thf)}(2)] with the mentioned ligand. For R=CH(2)CMe(2)Ph or CH(2)Ph, formally Mn(I) derivatives are produced, in which one of the two R groups migrates to the 4-position of the central pyridine ring in the (iPr)BIP ligand. In contrast, a true dialkyl complex [MnR(2)((iPr)BIP)] can be isolated for R=CH(2)SiMe(3). In solution, this compound slowly evolves to the corresponding Mn(I) monoalkyl derivative. A detailed study of this reaction provides insights on its mechanism, showing that it proceeds through successive alkyl migrations, followed by spontaneous dehydrogenation. Protonation of [Mn(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)((iPr)BIP)] with the pyridinium salt [H(Py)(2)][BAr'(4)] (Ar'=3,5-C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)) leads to the cationic species [Mn(CH(2)SiMe(3))(Py)((iPr)BIP)](+). Alternatively, the same complex can be produced by reaction of the pyridine complex [{Mn(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(Py)}(2)] with the protonated ligand salt [H(iPr)BIP](+)[BAr'(4)](-). This last reaction allows the synthesis of analogous cationic alkylmanganese(II) derivatives, when precursors of type [MnR(2)((iPr)BIP)] are not available. Treatment of these neutral and cationic (iPr)BIP alkylmanganese derivatives with a range of typical co-catalysts (modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), B(C(6)F(5))(3), trimethyl or triisobutylaluminum) does not lead to active ethylene polymerisation catalysts.     

C-F activation of fluorinated arenes using NHC-stabilized nickel(0) complexes: selectivity and mechanistic investigations

The reaction of [Ni2((i)Pr2Im)4(COD)] 1a or [Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(eta(2)-C2H4)] 1b with different fluorinated arenes is reported. These reactions occur with a high chemo- and regioselectivity. In the case of polyfluorinated aromatics of the type C6F5X such as hexafluorobenzene (X = F) octafluorotoluene (X = CF3), trimethyl(pentafluorophenyl)silane (X = SiMe3), or decafluorobiphenyl (X = C6F5) the C-F activation regioselectively takes place at the C-F bond in the para position to the X group to afford the complexes trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(C6F5)]2, trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(4-(CF3)C6F4)] 3, trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(4-(C6F5)C6F4)] 4, and trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(4-(SiMe3)C6F4)] 5. Complex 5 was structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. The reaction of 1a with partially fluorinated aromatic substrates C6H(x)F(y) leads to the products of a C-F activation trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(2-C6FH4)] 7, trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(3,5-C6F2H3)] 8, trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(2,3-C6F2H3)] 9a and trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(2,6-C6F2H3)] 9b, trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(2,5-C6F2H3)] 10, and trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(2,3,5,6-C6F4H)] 11. The reaction of 1a with octafluoronaphthalene yields exclusively trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(1,3,4,5,6,7,8-C10F7)] 6a, the product of an insertion into the C-F bond in the 2-position, whereas for the reaction of 1b with octafluoronaphthalene the two isomers trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(1,3,4,5,6,7,8-C10F7)] 6a and trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(2,3,4,5,6,7,8-C10F7)] 6b are formed in a ratio of 11:1. The reaction of 1a or of 1b with pentafluoropyridine at low temperatures affords trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(4-C5NF4)] 12a as the sole product, whereas the reaction of 1b performed at room temperature leads to the generation of trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(4-C5NF4)] 12a and trans-[Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(F)(2-C5NF4)] 12b in a ratio of approximately 1:2. The detection of intermediates as well as kinetic studies gives some insight into the mechanistic details for the activation of an aromatic carbon-fluorine bond at the {Ni((i)Pr2Im)2} complex fragment. The intermediates of the reaction of 1b with hexafluorobenzene and octafluoronaphthalene, [Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(eta(2)-C6F6)] 13 and [Ni((i)Pr2Im)2(eta(2)-C10F8)] 14, have been detected in solution. They convert into the C-F activation products. Complex 14 was structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. The rates for the loss of 14 at different temperatures for the C-F activation of the coordinated naphthalene are first order and the estimated activation enthalpy Delta H(double dagger) for this process was determined to be Delta H(double dagger) = 116 +/- 8 kJ mol(-1) (Delta S(double dagger) = 37 +/- 25 J K(-1) mol(-1)). Furthermore, density functional theory calculations on the reaction of 1a with hexafluorobenzene, octafluoronaphthalene, octafluorotoluene, 1,2,4-trifluorobenzene, and 1,2,3-trifluorobenzene are presented.     

Experimental and theoretical investigations of the redox behavior of the heterodichalcogenido ligands [(EP(i)Pr2)(TeP(i)Pr2)N](-) (E = S, Se): cyclic cations and acyclic dichalcogenide dimers

The two-electron oxidation of the lithium salts of the heterodichalcogenidoimidodiphosphinate anions [(EP (i)Pr 2)(TeP (i)Pr 2)N] (-) ( 1a, E = S; 1b, E = Se) with iodine yields cyclic cations [(EP (i)Pr 2)(TeP (i)Pr 2)N] (+) as their iodide salts [(SP (i)Pr 2)(TeP (i)Pr 2)N]I ( 2a) and [(SeP (i)Pr 2)(TeP (i)Pr 2)N]I ( 2b). The five-membered rings in 2a and 2b both display an elongated E-Te bond as a consequence of an interaction between tellurium and the iodide anion. One-electron reduction of 2a and 2b with cobaltocene produces the neutral dimers (EP (i)Pr 2NP (i)Pr 2Te-) 2 ( 3a, E = S; 3b, E = Se), which are connected exclusively through a Te-Te bond. Two-electron reduction of 2a and 2b with 2 equiv of cobaltocene regenerates the corresponding dichalcogenidoimidodiphosphinate anions as ion-separated cobaltocenium salts Cp 2Co[(EP (i)Pr 2)(TeP (i)Pr 2)N] ( 4a, E = S; 4b, E = Se). The ditellurido analogue Cp 2Co[(TeP (i)Pr 2) 2N] ( 4c) has been prepared in the same manner for comparison. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the preferential interaction of the iodide anion with tellurium is determined by the polarization of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital [sigma*(E-Te)] of the cations in 2a and 2b toward tellurium and that the formation of the dimers 3a and 3b with a central Te-Te linkage is energetically more favorable than the structural isomers with either E-Te or E-E bonds. Compounds 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, and 4c have been characterized in solution by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by X-ray crystallography.     

Correlation of spectroscopically determined ligand donor strength and nucleophilicity of substituted pyrazoles

The relative ligand donor strengths of 10 pyrazole-derived ligands has been determined with great accuracy, making use of the interdependence between the donor strength of the co-ligand and the (13)C NMR chemical shift of the (i)Pr(2)-bimy carbene signal in trans-[PdBr(2)((i)Pr(2)-bimy)L] complexes ((i)Pr(2)-bimy = 1,3-diisopropylbenzimidazolin-2-ylidene; L = pyrazole-derived ligand). Even subtle variations in the substitution pattern of the pyrazole backbone up to three bonds away from the coordinating nitrogen could be detected reliably using this methodology. Alkylation experiments conducted on the pyrazoles using electrophiles of varied reactivity (ethyl bromide, ethyl iodide, and trimethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate) served as a benchmark to rank the pyrazoles in three groups of gradually increasing nucleophilicity, which correlated well with their determined donor strength.     

Ferrocenyl functionalized silver-chalcogenide nanoclusters

New (chalcogenoethyl)ferrocenylcarboxalate functionalized silver chalcogenide nanoclusters were synthesized using a combination of silylated chalcogen reagents at low temperatures. The addition of E(SiMe(3))(2) to reaction mixtures of FcC{O}OCH(2)CH(2)ESiMe(3) (E = S, Se) and (Ph(3)P)(2)·AgOAc affords nanoclusters with approximate molecular formulas [Ag(36)S(9)(SCH(2)CH(2)O{O}CFc)(18)(PPh(3))(3)] (1), [Ag(100)Se(17)(SeCH(2)CH(2)O{O}CFc)(66)(PPh(3))(10)] (2), and [Ag(180)Se(54)(SeCH(2)CH(2)O{O}CFc)(72)(PPh(3))(14)] (3) as noncrystalline solids. Compositions were formulated on the basis of elemental analysis, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering experiments. Solutions of these polyferrocenyl assemblies display a single quasi-reversible redox wave with some adsorption to the electrode surface as studied by cyclic voltammetry. With the smaller clusters 1, the addition of [Bu(4)N][HSO(4)] results in a shift of the reduction wave to less positive potentials than those of the complex in the absence of these oxoanions. No further shift is observed after the addition of approximately 1 equivalent of HSO(4)(-)/ferrocene branch. Cyclic voltammograms of the larger clusters 2 and 3 show the appearance of a new, irreversible wave at less positive potentials than the initial wave upon the addition of HSO(4)(-). The appearance of this new wave together with the disappearance of the reduction wave indicates a stronger interaction between the nanoclusters and the hydrogen sulfate anion.     

High tacticity control in organolanthanide polymerization catalysis: formation of isotactic poly(alpha-alkenes) with a chiral C3-symmetric thulium complex

The thulium complexes [Tm((i)Pr-trisox)(CH(2)SiMe(2)R)(3)] (R = Me , Ph ) were synthesized from the thulium trialkyl precursors [Tm(CH(2)SiMe(2)R)(3)(thf)(2)]; reaction of with two equivalents of [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] gave a cationic complex 1c, which was found to polymerize 1-hexene, 1-heptene and 1-octene to give the corresponding polyolefins with moderate to good activities and with minimum isotacticity of 90%, 83% and 95%, respectively.     

Synthesis and structures of some new types of lithium beta-diketiminates

The tetracyclic dilithio-Si,Si'-oxo-bridged bis(N,N'-methylsilyl-beta-diketiminates) 2 and 3, having an outer LiNCCCNLiNCCCN macrocycle, were prepared from [Li{CH(SiMe(3))SiMe(OMe)(2)}](infinity) and 2 PhCN. They differ in that the substituent at the beta-C atom of each diketiminato ligand is either SiMe(3) (2) or H (3). Each of and has (i) a central Si-O-Si unit, (ii) an Si(Me) fragment N,N'-intramolecularly bridging each beta-diketiminate, and (iii) an Li(thf)(2) moiety N,N'-intermolecularly bridging the two beta-diketiminates (thf = tetrahydrofuran). Treatment of [Li{CH(SiMe(3))(SiMe(2)OMe)}](8) with 2Me(2)C(CN)(2) yielded the amorphous [Li{Si(Me)(2)((NCR)(2)CH)}](n) [R = C(Me)(2)CN] (4). From [Li{N(SiMe(3))C(Bu(t))C(H)SiMe(3)}](2) (A) and 1,3- or 1,4-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2), with no apparent synergy between the two CN groups, the product was the appropriate (mu-C(6)H(4))-bis(lithium beta-diketiminate) 6 or 7. Reaction of [Li{N(SiMe(3))C(Ph)=C(H)SiMe(3)}(tmeda)] and 1,3-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2) afforded 1,3-C(6)H(4)(X)X' (X =CC(Ph)N(SiMe3)Li(tmeda)N(SiMe3)CH; X' = CN(SiMe3)Li(tmeda)NC(Ph)=C(H)SiMe3)(9). Interaction of A and 2[1,2-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2)] gave the bis(lithio-isoindoline) derivative [C6H4C(=NH)N{Li(OEt2)}C=C(SiMe3)C(Bu(t))=N(SiMe3)]2 (5). The X-ray structures of 2, 3, 5 and 9 are presented, and reaction pathways for each reaction are suggested.     

Pyridine substituted N-heterocyclic carbene ligands as supports for Au(I)-Ag(I) interactions: formation of a chiral coordination polymer

Reaction of 1,3-bis(2-pyridinylmethyl)-1H-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [H(pyCH(2))(2)im]BF(4), with silver oxide in dichloromethane readily yields [Ag((pyCH(2))(2)im)(2)]BF(4), 1.BF(4)(). 1.BF(4) is converted to the analogous Au(I)-containing species, [Au((pyCH(2))(2)im)(2)]BF(4), 3, by a simple carbene transfer reaction in dichloromethane. Further treatment with two equivalents of AgBF(4) produces the trimetallic species [AuAg(2)((pyCH(2))(2)im)(2)(NCCH(3))(2)](BF(4))(3), 4, which contains two silver ions each coordinated to the pyridine moieties on one carbene ligand and to an acetonitrile molecule in a T-shaped fashion. Monometallic [Ag((py)(2)im)(2)]BF(4), 5, and [Au((py)(2)im)(2)]BF(4), 6, are made analogously to 1.BF(4) and 3 starting from 1,3-bis(2-pyridyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene tetrafluoroborate, [H(py)(2)im]BF(4). Addition of excess AgBF(4) to 6 yields the helical mixed-metal polymer, ([AuAg((py)(2)im)(2)(NCCH(3))](BF(4))(2))(n), 7 which contains an extended Au(I)-Ag(I) chain with short metal-metal separations of 2.8359(4) and 2.9042(4) A. Colorless, monometallic [Hg((pyCH(2))(2)im)(2)](BF(4))(2), 8, is easily produced by refluxing [H(pyCH(2))(2)im)]BF(4) with Hg(OAc)(2) in acetonitrile. The related quinolyl-substituted imidazole, [H(quinCH(2))(2)im]PF(6), is produced analogously to [H(pyCH(2))(2)im]BF(4). [Hg((quinCH(2))(2)im)(2)](PF(6))(2), 9, is isolated in good yield as a white solid from the reaction of Hg(OAc)(2) and [H(quinCH(2))(2)im]PF(6). The reaction of [H(quinCH(2))(2)im]PF(6) with excess Ag(2)O produces the triangulo-cluster [Ag(3)((quinCH(2))(2)im)(3)](PF(6))(3), 11. All of these complexes were studied by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and complexes 3-9 were additionally characterized by X-ray crystallography. These complexes are photoluminescent in the solid state and in solution with spectra that closely resemble those of the ligand precursor.     

Highly luminescent gold(I)-silver(I) and gold(I)-copper(I) chalcogenide clusters

The reactions of [AuClL] with Ag(2)O, where L represents the heterofunctional ligands PPh(2)py and PPh(2)CH(2)CH(2)py, give the trigoldoxonium complexes [O(AuL)(3)]BF(4). Treatment of these compounds with thio- or selenourea affords the triply bridging sulfide or selenide derivatives [E(AuL)(3)]BF(4) (E=S, Se). These trinuclear species react with Ag(OTf) or [Cu(NCMe)(4)]PF(6) to give different results, depending on the phosphine and the metal. The reactions of [E(AuPPh(2)py)(3)]BF(4) with silver or copper salts give [E(AuPPh(2)py)(3)M](2+) (E=O, S, Se; M=Ag, Cu) clusters that are highly luminescent. The silver complexes consist of tetrahedral Au(3)Ag clusters further bonded to another unit through aurophilic interactions, whereas in the copper species two coordination isomers with different metallophilic interactions were found. The first is analogous to the silver complexes and in the second, two [S(AuPPh(2)py)(3)](+) units bridge two copper atoms through one pyridine group in each unit. The reactions of [E(AuPPh(2)CH(2)CH(2)py)(3)]BF(4) with silver and copper salts give complexes with [E(AuPPh(2)CH(2)CH(2)py)(3)M](2+) stoichiometry (E=O, S, Se; M=Ag, Cu) with the metal bonded to the three nitrogen atoms in the absence of AuM interactions. The luminescence of these clusters has been studied by varying the chalcogenide, the heterofunctional ligand, and the metal.     

Synthesis of linear and cyclic carbophosphazenes via an oxidative chlorination strategy

The use of a mild, oxidative chlorination route for the synthesis of linear and cyclic carbophosphazenes is described. For example, chlorination of the linear PNCN chain Ph(2)P-N=C(Ph)-N(SiMe(3))(2) (1) with C(2)Cl(6) led to the clean formation of the previously known 8- and 6-membered rings [Ph(2)PNC(Ph)N](2) (2) and [Ph(2)PNC(Ph)NP(Ph)(2)N] (3), respectively. In a similar fashion, the N-alkyl-substituted PNCN derivatives, Ph(2)P-N=C(Ph)-N((t)Bu)SiMe(3) (4) and Ph(2)P-N=C(Ph)-N(i)Pr(2) (7) were readily converted by C(2)Cl(6) into the halogenated derivatives ClPh(2)P=N-C(Ph)=N(t)Bu (5) and [ClPh(2)P=N=C(Ph)-N(i)Pr(2)]Cl (8), respectively. Protonation of 5 was accomplished using HCl and gave the carbophosphazenium salt [ClPh(2)P=N-C(Ph)=N((t)Bu)H]Cl (6). In addition, the isolation of a rare 8-membered P(2)N(4)C(2) heterocycle [(Cl(3)P=N)ClPNC(Ph)NP(Cl)(2)NC(Ph)N] (9) from the reaction of PCl(5) and Li[PhC(NSiMe(3))(2)] is reported. Treatment of 9 with one equivalent of GaCl(3) led to the discovery of an unusual Lewis acid-induced ring contraction reaction whereby the (PNCN)(2) ring in 9 is converted into the novel 6-membered P(2)N(3)C heterocyclic adduct [(Cl(3)P=N)ClPNP(Cl)(2)NC(Ph)N].GaCl(3) (10) with concomitant release of PhCN. Structural characterization of compounds 1, 5, 6, and 8-10 by single-crystal X-ray diffraction is also provided.     

Large effects of ion pairing and protonic-hydridic bonding on the stereochemistry and basicity of crown-, azacrown-, and cryptand-222-potassium salts of anionic tetrahydride complexes of iridium(III)

The compounds [K(Q)][IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)] (Q = 18-crown-6, R = Ph, (i)Pr, Cy; Q = aza-18-crown-6, R = (i)Pr; Q = 1,10-diaza-18-crown-6, R = Ph, (i)Pr, Cy; Q = cryptand-222, R = (i)Pr, Cy) were formed in the reactions of IrH(5)(PR(3))(2) with KH and Q. In solution, the stereochemistry of the salts of [IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)](-) is surprisingly sensitive to the countercation: either trans as the potassium cryptand-222 salts (R = Cy, (i)Pr) or exclusively cis (R = Cy, Ph) as the crown- and azacrown-potassium salts or a mixture of cis and trans (R = (i)Pr). There is IR evidence for protonic-hydridic bonding between the NH of the aza salts and the iridium hydride in solution. In single crystals of [K(18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)] (R = Ph, (i)Pr) and [K(aza-18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)], the potassium bonds to three hydrides on a face of the iridium octahedron according to X-ray diffraction studies. Significantly, [K(1,10-diaza-18-crown-6)][trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] crystallizes in a chain structure held together by protonic-hydridic bonds. In [K(1,10-diaza-18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(PPh(3))(2)], the potassium bonds to two hydrides so that one NH can form an intra-ion-pair protonic-hydridic hydrogen bond while the other forms an inter-ion-pair NH.HIr hydrogen bond to form chains through the lattice. Thus, there is a competition between the potassium and NH groups in forming bonds with the hydrides on iridium. The more basic P(i)R(3) complex has the lower N-H stretch in the IR spectrum because of stronger N[bond]H...HIr hydrogen bonding. The trans complexes have very low Ir-H wavenumbers (1670-1680) due to the trans hydride ligands. The [K(cryptand)](+) salt of [trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)](-) reacts with WH(6)(PMe(2)Ph)(3) (pK(alpha)(THF) 42) to give an equilibrium (K(eq) = 1.6) with IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) and [WH(5)(PMe(2)Ph)(3)](-) while the same reaction of WH(6)(PMe(2)Ph)(3) with the [K(18-crown-6)](+) salt of [cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)](-) has a much larger equilibrium constant (K(eq) = 150) to give IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) and [WH(5)(PMe(2)Ph)(3)](-); therefore, the tetrahydride anion displays an unprecedented increase (about 100-fold) in basicity with a change from [K(crypt)](+) to [K(crown)](+) countercation and a change from trans to cis stereochemistry. The acidity of the pentahydrides decrease in THF as IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)/[K(crypt)][trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 42) > IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2)/[K(crypt)][trans-IrH(4)(PCy(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 43) > IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)/[K(crown)][cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 44) > IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2)/[K(crown)][cis-IrH(4)(PCy(3))(2)]. The loss of PCy(3) from IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2) can result in mixed ligand complexes and H/D exchange with deuterated solvents. Reductive cleavage of P-Ph bonds is observed in some preparations of the PPh(3) complexes.     

The coordination chemistry of selenophosphite ligands. Synthesis and characterization of heterometallic tetranuclear clusters [M{CpFe(CO)(2)P(Se)(OR)(2)}(3)](PF(6)) (M = Cu, Ag; R = (n)Pr, (i)Pr) and [Cu(mu-X) {CpFe(CO)(2)P(Se)(O(i)Pr)(2)}](2) (X = Cl, Br)

A neutral selenium donor ligand, [CpFe(CO)(2)P(Se)(OR)(2)] is used for the construction of Cu(I) and Ag(I) complexes with a well-defined coordination environment. Four clusters [M{CpFe(CO)(2)P(Se)(OR)(2)}(3)](PF(6)), (where M = Cu, R = (n)Pr, ; R = (i)Pr, and M = Ag, R = (n)Pr, ; R = (i)Pr, ) are isolated from the reaction of [M(CH(3)CN)(4)(PF(6))] (where M = Cu or Ag) and [CpFe(CO)(2)P(Se)(OR)(2)] in a molar ratio of 1 : 3 in acetonitrile at 0 degrees C. The reaction of [CpFe(CO)(2)P(Se)(O(i)Pr)(2)] with cuprous halides in acetone produce two mixed-metal, Cu(I)(2)Fe(II)(2) clusters, [Cu(mu-X) {CpFe(CO)(2)P(Se)(O(i)Pr)(2)}](2) (X = Cl, ; Br, ). All six clusters have been fully characterized spectroscopically ((1)H, (13)C, (31)P, and (77)Se NMR, IR), and by elemental analyses. X-Ray crystal structures of and consist of discrete cationic clusters in which three iron-selenophosphito fragments are linked to the central copper or silver atom via selenium atoms. Both clusters and crystallize in the noncentrosymmetric, hexagonal space group P6[combining macron]2c. The coordination geometry around the copper or silver atom is perfect trigonal-planar with Cu-Se and Ag-Se distances, 2.3505(7) and 2.5581(7) A, respectively. X-Ray crystallography also reveals that each copper center in neutral heterometallic clusters and is trigonally coordinated to two halide ions and a selenium atom from the selenophosphito-iron moiety. The structures can also be delineated as a dimeric unit which is generated by an inversion center and has a Cu(2)X(2) parallelogram core. The dihedral angle between the Cu(2)X(2) plane and the plane composed of Cp ring is found to be 24.62 and 84.58 degrees for compound and , respectively. Hence the faces of two opposite Cp rings are oriented almost perpendicular to the Cu(2)X(2) plane in , but are close to be parallel in . This is the first report of the coordination chemistry of the anionic selenophosphito moiety [(RO)(2)PSe](-), the conjugated base of a secondary phosphine selenide, which acts as a bridging ligand with P-coordination on iron and Se-coordination to copper or silver.     

Preparation and structure of mono- and binuclear half-sandwich iridium, ruthenium, and rhodium carbene complexes containing 1,2-dichalcogenolao 1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes

The synthesis of half-sandwich transition metal complexes containing both 1,2-dichalcogenolato-1,2-dicarba-closo-docecaborane (Cab(E,E)) [Cab(E,E)=E(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10)); E = S, Se] and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands is described. Addition of mono-NHC ligand to the 16e half-sandwich dichalcogenolato carborane complexes [Cp*Rh(Cab(E,E))], [Cp*Ir(Cab(S,S))], [(p-cymene)Ru(Cab(S,S))] (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) gives corresponding mononuclear 18e dithiolate complexes of the type [LM(Cab(E,E))(NHC)]: [Cp*M(Cab(S,S))(1-ethenyl-3-methylimidazolin-2-ylidene)] (M = Ir (2), Rh (3)), [Cp*Rh(Cab(E,E))(3-methyl-1-picolyimidazolin-2-ylidene)] [E = S (6), Se (7)], [(p-cymene)Ru(Cab(S,S))(NHC)] [NHC = 1-ethenyl-3-methylimidazolin-2-ylidene (4), 3-methyl-1-picolyimidazolin-2-ylidene (8)], whereas bis-NHC give centrosymmetric binuclear complexes [{Cp*M(Cab(S,S))}(2)(1,1'-dimethyl-3,3'-methylene(imidazolin-2-ylidene))] [M = Rh (10), Ir (11)]. The complexes were characterized by IR, NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. In addition, X-ray structure analyses were performed on complexes 2-4, 6, 8, 10 and 11.     

Single-site beta-diiminate zinc catalysts for the alternating copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides: catalyst synthesis and unprecedented polymerization activity

Synthetic routes to zinc beta-diiminate complexes are reported. The synthesis of 11 beta-diimine [(BDI)-H] ligands, with varying N-aryl substituents and bridging structures, is described. These ligands are converted to (BDI)ZnX complexes (X = OAc, Et, N(SiMe3)2, Br, Cl, OH, OMe, O(i)Pr). X-ray structural data revealed that all zinc complexes examined exist as micro-X-bridged dimers in the solid state, with the exception of the zinc ethyl and amido complexes which were monomeric. Complexes of the form (BDI)ZnOR (R = alkyl, acyl) and (BDI)ZnN(SiMe3)2 are highly active catalysts for the alternating copolymerization of epoxides and CO2. Copolymerizations of cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and CO2 with (BDI-1)ZnX [(BDI-1) = 2-((2,6-diisopropylphenyl)amido)-4-((2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino)-2-pentene)] and (BDI-2)ZnX [(BDI-2) = 2-((2,6-diethylphenyl)amido)-4-((2,6-diethylphenyl)imino)-2-pentene)], where X = OAc, Et, N(SiMe3)2, Br, Cl, OH, OMe, O(i)Pr, were attempted at 50 degrees C and 100 psi CO2. Complexes with X = OAc, N(SiMe3)2, OMe, O(i)Pr all produced polycarbonate by the alternated insertion of CHO and CO2 with similar catalytic activities, comparable molecular weights, and narrow molecular weight distributions (MWD approximately 1.1), indicating the copolymerizations are living. Furthermore, ligand effects were shown to dramatically influence the polymerization activity as minor steric changes accelerated or terminated the polymerization activity.     

Highly diastereoselective dihydride formation by activation of methanol with IrCl((S)-binap)(PPh3)

Reaction of [IrCl((S)-binap)(PPh3)] ((S)-3) with methanol gave one of the diastereomers of the cis,mer-dihydride, cis,mer-OC-6-44-A-[IrCl(H2)((S)-binap)(PPh3)] ((S)-4a) stereoselectively, the structure of which was determined crystallographically, whereas the reaction of (S)-3 with H2 produced a 1:1 mixture of the diastereomers of the cis,mer-dihydride, (S)-4a and cis,mer-OC-6-44-C-[IrCl(H2)((S)-binap)(PPh3)] ((S)-4b).     

Platinum complexes of naphthalene-1,8-dichalcogen and related polyaromatic hydrocarbon ligands

Platinum bisphosphine complexes bearing dichalcogen-derivatised naphthalene, acenaphthene or phenanthrene ligands have been prepared by either oxidative addition to zero-valent platinum species or from [PtCl(2)(PPhR(2))] (R=Ph or Me) and the disodium or dilithium salts of the parent disulfur, diselenide or mixed S/Se species. The parent naphthalene, acenaphthene and phenanthrene chalcogen compounds were treated with either [Pt(PPh(3))(4)] or [Pt(C(2)H(4))(PMe(3))(2)] (prepared in situ from [PtCl(2)(PMe(3))(2)], ethene and sodium naphthalide or super hydride [LiBEt(3)H]) to give the appropriate platinum(II) species. The dilithium salts of 1,8-E(2)-naphthalene (E=S or Se) prepared in situ by reduction of the E-E bond with [LiBEt(3)H] were treated with [PtCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)] to give [Pt(1,8-E(2)-nap)(PPh(3))(2)]. The tetraoxides [Pt(1,8-(S(O)(2))(2)-nap)(PR(3))(2)] (PR(3)=PPh(3) or PMe(2)Ph) were prepared in a similar metathetical manner from the appropriate [PtCl(2)(PR(3))] complexes and the disodium salt of naphthalene 1,8-disulfinic acid (1,8-(S(O)ONa)(2)-nap). The X-ray structures of selected examples reveal bidentate coordination with the naphthalene-E(2) unit hinged (111-137 degrees) with respect to the coordination plane. The naphthalene ring suffers significant distortion from planarity.     

Cationic aluminum alkyl complexes incorporating aminotroponiminate ligands

The synthesis, structures, and reactivity of cationic aluminum complexes containing the N,N'-diisopropylaminotroponiminate ligand ((i)Pr(2)-ATI(-)) are described. The reaction of ((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlR(2) (1a-e,g,h; R = H (a), Me (b), Et (c), Pr (d), (i)Bu (e), Cy (g), CH(2)Ph (h)) with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] yields ((i)()Pr(2)-ATI)AlR(+) species whose fate depends on the properties of the R ligand. 1a and 1b react with 0.5 equiv of [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] to produce dinuclear monocationic complexes [([(i)Pr(2)-ATI] AlR)(2)(mu-R)][(C(6)F(5))(4)] (2a,b). The cation of 2b contains two ((i)()Pr(2)-ATI)AlMe(+) units linked by an almost linear Al-Me-Al bridge; 2a is presumed to have an analogous structure. 2b does not react further with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)]. However, 1a reacts with 1 equiv of [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] to afford ((i Pr(2)-ATI)Al(C(6)F(5))(mu-H)(2)B(C(6)F(5))(2) (3) and other products, presumably via C(6)F(5)(-) transfer and ligand redistribution of a [((i)()Pr(2)-ATI)AlH][(C(6)F(5))(4)] intermediate. 1c-e react with 1 equiv of [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] to yield stable base-free [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlR][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] complexes (4c-e). 4c crystallizes from chlorobenzene as 4c(ClPh).0.5PhCl, which has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. In the solid state the PhCl ligand of 4c(ClPh) is coordinated by a dative PhCl-Al bond and an ATI/Ph pi-stacking interaction. 1g,h react with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] to yield ((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(R)(C(6)F(5)) (5g,h) via C(6)F(5)(-) transfer of [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlR][(BC(6)F(5))(4)] intermediates. 1c,h react with B(C(6)F(5))(3) to yield ((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(R)(C(6)F(5)) (5c,h) via C(6)F(5)(-) transfer of [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlR][RB(C(6)F(5))(3)] intermediates. The reaction of 4c-e with MeCN or acetone yields [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(R)(L)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] adducts (L = MeCN (8c-e), acetone (9c-e)), which undergo associative intermolecular L exchange. 9c-e undergo slow beta-H transfer to afford the dinuclear dicationic alkoxide complex [(((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(mu-O(i)()Pr))(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)](2) (10) and the corresponding olefin. 4c-e catalyze the head-to-tail dimerization of tert-butyl acetylene by an insertion/sigma-bond metathesis mechanism involving [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(C=C(t)Bu)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (13) and [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(CH=C((t)()Bu)C=C(t)Bu)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (14) intermediates. 13 crystallizes as the dinuclear dicationic complex [([(i Pr(2)-ATI]Al(mu-C=C(t)Bu))(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)](2).5PhCl from chlorobenzene. 4e catalyzes the polymerization of propylene oxide and 2a catalyzes the polymerization of methyl methacrylate. 4c,e react with ethylene-d(4) by beta-H transfer to yield [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlCD(2)CD(2)H][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] initially. Polyethylene is also produced in these reactions by an unidentified active species.