Reaction of Pentelidene Complexes with Diazoalkanes: Stabilization of Parent 2,3‐Dipnictabutadienes

The reaction of the phosphinidene complex [Cp*P{W(CO)₅}₂] ( 1 a ) with diphenyldiazomethane leads to [{W(CO)₅}Cp*P=NN{W(CO)₅}=CPh₂] ( 2 ). Compound 2 is a rare example of a phosphadiazadiene ligand (R‐P=N?N=CR′R′′) complex. At temperatures above 0 °C, 2 decomposes into the complex [{W(CO)₅}PCp*{N(H)N=CPh₂)₂] ( 3 ), among other species. The reaction of the pentelidene complexes [Cp*E{W(CO)₅}₂] (E=P, As) with diazomethane (CH₂NN) proceeds differently. For the arsinidene complex ( 1 b ), only the arsaalkene complex 4 b [{W(CO)₅}₂{η^1:2‐(Cp*)As=CH₂}] is formed. The reaction with the phosphinidene complex ( 1 a ) results in three products, the two phosphaalkene complexes [{W(CO)₅}₂{η^1:2‐(R)P=CH₂}] ( 4 a : R=Cp*, 5 : R=H) and the triazaphosphole derivative [{W(CO)₅}P(Cp*)‐CH₂‐N{W(CO)₅}=N‐N(N=CH₂)] ( 6 a ). The phosphaalkene complex ( 4 a ) and the arsaalkene complex ( 4 b ) are not stable at room temperature and decompose to the complexes [{W(CO)₅}₄(CH₂=E?E=CH₂)] ( 7 a : E=P, 7 b : E=As), which are the first examples of complexes with parent 2,3‐diphospha‐1,3‐butadiene and 2,3‐diarsa‐1,3‐butadiene ligands.     

Untersuchungen zur P–P‐Bindungsknüpfung in der Koordinationssphäre von Übergangsmetallen

Investigations of P–P Bond Formation Reactions in the Coordination Sphere of Transition Metals The reaction of [CpW(CO)₃]^– with PCl₃ leads to the transition metal substituted dichlorphosphines [{CpW(CO)₃}PCl₂] ( 1 ) and [{Cp(CO)₃W}PCl₂{WCl(CO)₂Cp}] ( 2 ). The X‐ray structure of 2 reveals the Lewis acid/base character of this compound. Reactions of 1 and [Cr(CO)₅Cp*PCl₂], respectively, with metalates of the type [M(CO)₃Cp′]^– (M′ = Mo, W; Cp′ = η⁵‐C₅H₄tBu) afford the cyclo‐P₃ complexes [(η³‐P₃)MCp′(CO)₃] ( 3 ) (M = W) and ( 4 ) (M = Mo) and the compounds [(μ,η²‐P₂{Cr(CO)₅}₂){Mo(CO)₂Cp}₂] ( 5 ) and [{μ₃‐PW(CO)₃Cp′}{W(CO)₂Cp′}₂] ( 6 ), respectively. Complex 6 possesses a planar homoleptic W₃P moiety revealing delocalised multiple bonds within the W₂P‐subunit. Reducing [(CO)₅WPCl₃] with magnesium leads to the formation of the phosphinidene complex [{(CO)₅W}₂PCl], whereas the reduction of [CpW(CO)₃PCl₂] ( 1 ) with magnesium yields the cyclo‐P₃ complex 3 together with P₄ phosphorus.     

Ring Expansions of Nonpolar Polyphosphorus Rings

The reaction of the phosphinidene complex [Cp*P{W(CO)₅}₂] ( 1 a ) (Cp*=C₅Me₅) with the anionic cyclo-P_n ligand complex [(η³-P₃)Nb(ODipp)₃]⁻ ( 2 , Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl) resulted in the formation of [{W(CO)₅}₂{μ₃,η^3:1:1-P₄Cp*}Nb(ODipp)₃]⁻ ( 3 ), which represents an unprecedented example of a ring expansion of a polyphosphorus-ligand complex initiated by a phosphinidene complex. Furthermore, the reaction of the pnictinidene complexes [Cp*E{W(CO)₅}₂] (E=P: 1 a , As: 1 b ) with the neutral complex [Cp′′′Co(η⁴-P₄)] (Cp′′′=1,2,4-tBu₃C₅H₂) led to a cyclo-P₄E ring (E=P, As) through the insertion of the pentel atom into the cyclo-P₄ ligand. Starting from 1 a , the two isomers [Cp′′′Co(μ₃,η^4:1:1-P₅Cp*){W(CO)₅}₂] ( 5 a , b ), and from 1 b , the three isomers [Cp′′′Co(μ₃,η^4:1:1-AsP₄Cp*){W(CO)₅}₂] ( 6 a – c ) with unprecedented cyclo-P₄E ligands (E=P, As) were isolated. The complexes 6 a – c represent unique examples of ring expansions which lead to new mixed five-membered cyclo-P₄As ligands. The possible reaction pathways for the formation of 5 a , b and 6 a – c were investigated by a combination of temperature-dependent ³¹P{¹H} NMR studies and DFT calculations.     

The Butterfly Complex [{Cp*Cr(CO)3}2(μ,η1:1-P4)] as a Versatile Ligand and Its Unexpected P1/P3 Fragmentation

The versatile coordination behavior of the P₄ butterfly complex [{Cp*Cr(CO)₃}₂(μ,η^1:1-P₄)] ( 1 ) towards Lewis acidic pentacarbonyl compounds of Cr, Mo and W is reported. The reaction of 1 with [W(CO)₄(nbd)] (nbd=norbornadiene) yields the complex [{Cp*Cr(CO)₃}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:1:1-P₄){W(CO)₄}] ( 2 ) in which 1 serves as a chelating P₄ butterfly ligand. In contrast, reactions of 1 with [M(CO)₄(nbd)] (M=Cr ( a ), Mo ( b )) result in the step-wise formation of [{Cp*Cr(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^3:1:1-P₄){M(CO)₅}] ( 3 a,b ) and [{Cp*Cr(CO)₂}₂-(μ₄,η^3:1:1:1-P₄){M(CO)₅}₂] ( 4 a,b ) which contain a folded cyclo-P₄ unit. Complex 4 a undergoes an unprecedented P₁/P₃-fragmentation yielding the cyclo-P₃ complex [Cp*Cr(CO)₂(η³-P₃)] ( 5 ) and the as yet unknown phosphinidene complex [Cp*Cr(CO)₂{Cr(CO)₅}₂(μ₃-P)] ( 6 ). The identity of 6 is confirmed by spectroscopic methods and by the in situ formation of [{Cp*Cr(CO)₂(tBuNC)}P{Cr(CO)₅}₂(tBuNC)] ( 7 ). DFT calculations throw light on the bonding situation of the reported products.     

Reaction of Tungsten–Phosphinidene and –Arsinidene Complexes with Carbodiimides and Alkyl Azides: A Straightforward Way to Four‐Membered Heterocycles

The reaction of the phosphinidene and arsinidene complexes [Cp*E{W(CO)₅}₂] (E=P ( 1 a ), As ( 1 b ); Cp*=C₅Me₅) with carbodiimides leads to the new four‐membered heterocycles of the type [Cp*C(NR)₂E{W(CO)₅}₂] (E=P: R=iPr ( 2 a ), Cy ( 3 a ); E=As: R=iPr ( 2 b ), Cy ( 3 b )). The reaction of phosphinidene complex 1 a with alkyl azides yields the triazaphosphete derivatives [Cp*P{W(CO)₅}N(R)NN{W(CO)₅}] (R=Hex, Cy) ( 4 ). These unprecedented N₃P four‐membered triazaphosphete complexes can be regarded as stabilized intermediates of the Staudinger reaction, which have not been previously isolated. All of the isolated products were characterized by NMR, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Selective Formation and Unusual Reactivity of Tetraarsabicyclo[1.1.0]butane Complexes

The selective formation of the dinuclear butterfly complexes [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^1:1‐E₄)] (E=P ( 1 a ), As ( 1 b )) and [{Cp*Cr(CO)₃}₂(μ,η^1:1‐E₄)] (E=P ( 2 a ), As ( 2 b )) as new representatives of this rare class of compounds was found by reaction of E₄ with the corresponding dimeric carbonyl complexes. Complexes 1 b and 2 b are the first As₄ butterfly compounds with a bridging coordination mode. Moreover, first studies regarding the reactivity of 1 b and 2 b are presented, revealing the formation of the unprecedented As₈ cuneane complexes [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂{Cp′′′Fe(CO)}₂(μ₄,η^1:1:2:2‐As₈)] ( 3 b ) and [{Cp*Cr(CO)₃}₄(μ₄,η^1:1:1:1‐As₈)] ( 4 ). The compounds are fully characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as by X‐ray structure analysis. In addition, DFT calculations give insight into the transformation pathway from the E₄ butterfly to the corresponding cuneane structural motif.     

Synthesis,Structure, Bonding,and Reactivity of Metal Complexes Comprising Diborane(4) and Diborene(2): [{Cp*Mo(CO)2}2{μ‐η2:η2‐B2H4}] and [{Cp*M(CO)2}2B2H2M(CO)4], M=Mo,W

The reaction of [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ‐Cl)₂B₂H₆] ( 1 ) with CO at room temperature led to the formation of the highly fluxional species [{Cp*Mo(CO)₂}₂{μ‐η²:η²‐B₂H₄}] ( 2 ). Compound 2, to the best of our knowledge, is the first example of a bimetallic diborane(4) conforming to a singly bridged C_s structure. Theoretical studies show that 2 mimics the Cotton dimolybdenum–alkyne complex [{CpMo(CO)₂}₂C₂H₂]. In an attempt to replace two hydrogen atoms of diborane(4) in 2 with a 2e [W(CO)₄] fragment, [{Cp*Mo(CO)₂}₂ B₂H₂W(CO)₄] ( 3 ) was isolated upon treatment with [W(CO)₅?thf]. Compound 3 shows the intriguing presence of [B₂H₂] with a short B?B length of 1.624(4) Å. We isolated the tungsten analogues of 3 , [{Cp*W(CO)₂}₂B₂H₂W(CO)₄] ( 4 ) and [{Cp*W(CO)₂}₂B₂H₂Mo(CO)₄] ( 5 ), which provided direct proof of the existence of the tungsten analogue of 2 .     

Synthesis,Structure, Bonding,and Reactivity of Metal Complexes Comprising Diborane(4) and Diborene(2): [{Cp*Mo(CO)2}2{μ‐η2:η2‐B2H4}] and [{Cp*M(CO)2}2B2H2M(CO)4], M=Mo,W

The reaction of [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ‐Cl)₂B₂H₆] ( 1 ) with CO at room temperature led to the formation of the highly fluxional species [{Cp*Mo(CO)₂}₂{μ‐η²:η²‐B₂H₄}] ( 2 ). Compound 2, to the best of our knowledge, is the first example of a bimetallic diborane(4) conforming to a singly bridged C_s structure. Theoretical studies show that 2 mimics the Cotton dimolybdenum–alkyne complex [{CpMo(CO)₂}₂C₂H₂]. In an attempt to replace two hydrogen atoms of diborane(4) in 2 with a 2e [W(CO)₄] fragment, [{Cp*Mo(CO)₂}₂ B₂H₂W(CO)₄] ( 3 ) was isolated upon treatment with [W(CO)₅⋅thf]. Compound 3 shows the intriguing presence of [B₂H₂] with a short B−B length of 1.624(4) Å. We isolated the tungsten analogues of 3 , [{Cp*W(CO)₂}₂B₂H₂W(CO)₄] ( 4 ) and [{Cp*W(CO)₂}₂B₂H₂Mo(CO)₄] ( 5 ), which provided direct proof of the existence of the tungsten analogue of 2 .     

The Potential of Molybdenum Complexes Bearing Unsubstituted Heterodiatomic Group 15 Elements as Linkers in Supramolecular Chemistry

The reactions of tetrahedral molybdenum complexes bearing unsubstituted heterodiatomic Group 15 elements, [Cp₂Mo₂(CO)₄(μ,η²:η²‐PE)] (Cp=C₅H₅; E=As ( 1 ), Sb ( 2 )), with Cu^I halides afforded seven unprecedented neutral supramolecular assemblies. Depending on the Mo₂PE units and the Cu^I halide, the oligomers [?{Cp₂Mo₂(CO)₄}{μ₄,η²:η²:η²:η¹‐PE}?₄?{CuX}{Cu(μ‐X)}?₂] (E=As (X=Cl ( 3 ), Br ( 4 )); E=Sb (X=Cl ( 6 ), Br ( 7 ))) or the 1D coordination polymers [{Cp₂Mo₂(CO)₄}{μ₄,η²:η²:η¹:η¹‐PAs}{Cu(μ‐I)}]_n ( 5 ) and [{Cp₂Mo₂(CO)₄}{μ₄,η²:η²:η²:η¹‐PSb}₂{Cu(μ‐X)}₃]_n (X=I ( 8 ), Br ( 9 )) are accessible. These solid‐state aggregates are the first and only examples featuring the organometallic heterodiatomic Mo₂PE complexes 1 and 2 as linking moieties. DFT calculations demonstrate that complexes 1 and 2 present a unique class of mixed‐donor ligands coordinating to Cu^I centers via the P lone pair and the P?E σ‐bond, revealing an unprecedented coordination mode.     

E4 Butterfly Complexes (E=P,As) as Chelating Ligands

The coordination properties of new types of bidentate phosphane and arsane ligands with a narrow bite angle are reported. The reactions of [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^1:1‐P₄)] ( 1 a ) with the copper salt [Cu(CH₃CN)₄][BF₄] leads, depending on the stoichiometry, to the formation of the spiro compound [{{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:1:1‐P₄)}₂Cu]⁺[BF₄]^? ( 2 ) or the monoadduct [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:2‐P₄){Cu(MeCN)}]⁺[BF₄]^? ( 3 ). Similarly, the arsane ligand [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^1:1‐As₄)] ( 1 b ) reacts with [Cu(CH₃CN)₄][BF₄] to give [{{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:1:1‐As₄)}₂Cu]⁺[BF₄]^? ( 5 ). Protonation of 1 a occurs at the “wing tip” phosphorus atoms, which is in line with the results of DFT calculations. The compounds are characterized by spectroscopic methods (heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy and IR spectrometry) and by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.     

N‐Functionalized Ferrocenes: Subvalent Group XIV Element Chlorides and tert‐Butyllithium‐Induced C−C Bond Cleavage under Mild Conditions

The ferrocene derivative (η⁵‐Cp)Fe{η⁵‐C₅H₃‐1‐(ArNCH)‐2‐(CH₂NMe₂)} ( 1 ; Ar=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃)) reacts diastereoselectively with LiR by carbolithiation and subsequent hydrolysis to give (η⁵‐Cp)Fe{η⁵‐C₅H₃‐1‐(ArHNCHR)‐2‐(CH₂NMe₂)} ( 3 : R=tBu; 4 : R=Ph; 5 : R=Me) in high yields. For R=tBu, the organolithium derivative (η⁵‐Cp)Fe{η⁵‐C₅H₃‐1‐(ArLiNCHR)‐2‐(CH₂NMe₂)} ( 2 ) was isolated. Compound 2 reacts with GeCl₂?dioxane and SnCl₂ to give the metallylene amide chlorides (η⁵‐Cp)Fe{η⁵‐C₅H₃‐1‐(ArMNCHtBu)‐2‐(CH₂NMe₂)} 6 (M=GeCl) and 7 (M=SnCl), respectively, which each contain three stereogenic centers. The potential of 7 as a ligand in transition‐metal chemistry is demonstrated by formation of its complex (η⁵‐Cp)Fe{η⁵‐C₅H₃‐1‐(ArMNCHtBu)‐2‐(CH₂NMe₂)} [ 9 , M= Sn(Cl)W(CO)₅]. Treatment of 3 with tert‐butyllithium at room temperature causes an unprecedented carbon–carbon bond cleavage whereas under kinetic control, lithiation at the Cp‐3 position takes place, which leads to the isolation of (η⁵‐Cp)Fe{η⁵‐C₅H₃‐1‐(ArHNCHtBu)‐2‐(CH₂NMe₂)‐3‐SiMe₃} ( 10 ).     

The Parent Diarsene HAs=AsH as Side‐on Bound Ligand in an Iron Carbonyl Complex

The terminal diarsene HAs=AsH ligand attracts special interest concerning its bonding relation in comparison to its isolable relative, ethene. Herein, by the methanolysis of [{Fe(CO)₄}As(SiMe₃)₃] ( 1 ) the synthesis of [{Fe(CO)₄}(η²‐As₂H₂)] ( 2 ) is reported, containing a parent diarsene as unprecedented side‐on coordinated ligand. Following this synthetic route, also the D‐labeled complex [{Fe(CO)₄}(η²‐As₂D₂)] ( 2D ) could be isolated. The electronic structure and bonding situation of 2 was elucidated by DFT calculations revealing that 2 is best described as an olefin‐like complex. Moreover, the reactivity of 2 towards the Lewis acids [{M(CO)₅}(thf)] (M=Cr, W) was investigated, leading to the complexes [Fe(CO)₄AsHW(CO)₅]₂ ( 3 ) and [{Fe(CO)₄}₂AsH{Cr(CO)₅}] ( 4 ), respectively.     

Insight into the Reaction of a Dinuclear Phosphinidene Complex with Nitriles

The phosphinidene complex [Cp*P{W(CO)₅}₂] ( 1 ; Cp*=C₅Me₅) reacted with malononitrile to give the 1,2‐dihydro‐1,3,2‐diazaphosphinine derivative 2 . The reaction of 1 with 1,4‐benzodinitrile gave [1,4‐{{W(CO)₅}₂P‐N=C(Cp*)}₂(C₆H₄)] ( 3 ), the first example of a cumulene‐like aminophosphinidene complex. The reaction of 1 with aniline gave the aminophosphinidene complex [(Ph)N(H)P{W(CO)₅}₂] ( 4 ). To compare the reactivity of benzonitrile and aniline with 1 , the phosphinidene complex 1 was reacted with three different isomers of aminobenzonitrile (2‐, 3‐, and 4‐aminobenzonitrile). These reactions gave an insight into the reaction pathway of 1 with benzonitrile derivatives. Compounds 5 , 6 a , 6 b , and 7 , which are derivatives of 1,2‐dihydro‐1,3,2‐diazaphosphinine or benzo‐2H‐1,2‐azaphospholes, were, as well as all other products, characterized by mass spectrometry, NMR and IR spectroscopy, and X‐ray structure analysis.     

The Complexed 1,3‐Diphospha‐2‐Arsaallyl Radical and Its Cationic and Anionic Derivatives

Photolysis of [Cp*As{W(CO)₅}₂] ( 1 a ) in the presence of Mes*P?PMes* (Mes*=2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenyl) leads to the novel 1,3‐diphospha‐2‐arsaallyl radical [(CO)₅W(μ,η²:η¹‐P₂AsMes*₂)W(CO)₄] ( 2 a ). The frontier orbitals of the radical 2 a are indicative of a stable π‐allylic system that is only marginally influenced by the d orbitals of the two tungsten atoms. The SOMO and the corresponding spin density distribution of the radical 2 a show that the unpaired electron is preferentially located at the two equivalent terminal phosphorus atoms, which has been confirmed by EPR spectroscopy. The protonated derivative of 2 a , the complex [(CO)₅W(μ,η²:η¹‐P₂As(H)Mes*₂)W(CO)₄] ( 6 a ) is formed during chromatographic workup, whereas the additional products [Mes*P?PMes*{W(CO)₅}] as the Z‐isomer ( 3 ) and the E‐isomer ( 4 ), and [As₂{W(CO)₅}₃] ( 5 ) are produced as a result of a decomposition reaction of radical 2 a . Reduction of radical 2 a yields the stable anion [(CO)₅W(μ,η²:η¹‐P₂AsMes*₂)W(CO)₄]^? in 7 a , whereas upon oxidation the corresponding cationic complex [(CO)₅W(μ,η²:η¹‐P₂AsMes*₂)W(CO)₄][SbF₆] ( 8 a ) is formed, which is only stable at low temperatures in solution. Compounds 2 a , 7 a , and 8 a represent the hitherto elusive complexed redox congeners of the diphospha‐arsa‐allyl system. The analogous oxidation of the triphosphaallyl radical [(CO)₅W(μ,η²:η¹‐ P₃Mes*₂)W(CO)₄] ( 2 b ) also leads to an allyl cation, which decomposes under CH activation to the phosphine derivative [(CO)₅W{μ,η²:η¹‐P₃(Mes*)(C₅H₂tBu₂C(CH₃)₂CH₂)}W(CO)₄] ( 9 ), in which a CH bond of a methyl group of the Mes* substituent has been activated. All new products have been characterized by NMR spectrometry and IR spectroscopy, and compounds 2 a , 3 , 6 a , 7 a , and 9 by X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

An Approach to Mixed PnAsm Ligand Complexes

The reaction of a P₄ butterfly complex with yellow arsenic yields the largest mixed P_nAs_m ligand complexes synthesized to date. [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^1:1‐P₄)] reacts with As₄ to yield [{Cp′′′Fe}₂(μ,η^4:4‐P_nAs_4‐n)] and [Cp′′′Fe(η⁵‐P_nAs_5‐n)]. Mass spectrometry together with NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography give clear evidence about the arrangement of the E positions within the cyclo‐E₅ and E₄ moieties of the products. Moreover, the results of DFT calculations agree well with the experimental determined outcomes. By coordinating the E₄ complex [{Cp′′′Fe}₂(μ,η^4:4‐P_nAs_4‐n)] with CuCl, a rearrangement of the E positions occurs in favor with a preferred phosphorus coordination towards copper atoms in the resulting 1D polymeric chain.     

Highly Dynamic Coordination Behavior of Pn Ligand Complexes towards “Naked” Cu+ Cations

Reactions of Cu⁺ containing the weakly coordinating anion [Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄]^? with the polyphosphorus complexes [{CpMo(CO)₂}₂(μ,η²:η²‐P₂)] ( A ), [CpM(CO)₂(η³‐P₃)] (M=Cr( B1 ), Mo ( B2 )), and [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐P₅)] ( C ) are presented. The X‐ray structures of the products revealed mononuclear ( 4 ) and dinuclear ( 1 , 2 , 3 ) Cu^I complexes, as well as the one‐dimensional coordination polymer ( 5 a ) containing an unprecedented [Cu₂( C )₃]²⁺ paddle‐wheel building block. All products are readily soluble in CH₂Cl₂ and exhibit fast dynamic coordination behavior in solution indicated by variable temperature ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy.     

tBuC≡P als Edukt für die Bildung eines Rhenium‐Zweikernkomplexes mit einem verbrückenden,chiralen Phosphinidenoxid‐Liganden

^tBuC≡P as a Synthon for the Formation of a Dinuclear Rhenium Complex with a Bridging and Chiral Phosphinidene Oxide Ligand The one‐pot reaction of [{Cp*(OC)₂Re}₂] (Re = Re) ( 3 ) with ^tBuC≡P ( 4 ) and the subsequent oxidation with (Me₃Si)₂O₂ ( 5 ) affords [Re(CO)₂C₅Me₄CH₂{μ‐HC(Bu^t)P(O)}Re(CO)₂Cp*] ( 6 ), a dinuclear rhenium complex with a bridging and chiral phosphinidene oxide ligand. Its structure was confirmed by an X‐ray crystal structure determination.     

Niob- und Tantalkomplexe mit P2- und P4-Liganden

Niobium and Tantalum Complexes with P₂ and P₄ Ligands The photolysis of [Cp″Ta(CO)₄] 1 (Cp″ = C₅H₃^tBu₂?1,3) and P₄ affords Cp″(CO)₂Ta(η⁴?P₄) 2 , [{Cp″(CO)Ta}₂(m??η^2:2?P₂)₂] 3 and [Cp₃″(CO)₃Ta₃(P₂)₂] 4 . In a photochemical reaction 2 and [Cp*Nb(CO)₄] 5 form [{Cp*(CO)Nb}{Cp″(CO)Ta}(m??η^2:2?P₂)₂] 6 and [{Cp*(CO)₂Nb} {Cp*Nb}{Cp″(CO)Ta}(m?₃?η^2:1:1?P₂)₂] 7 , a compound with the novel m?₃?η^2:2:1?P₂-coordination mode. The reaction of 2 and [Cp*Co(C₂H₄)₂] 8 leads to [{Cp*Co} {Cp″(CO)Ta}(m??η^2:2?P₂)₂] 9 , a heteronuclear complex with an ?early”? and a ?late”? transition metal. Complexes 2, 3, 7 and 9 have been further characterized by X-ray structure analyses.     

Experimental and Computational Studies on the Reactivity of a Terminal Thorium Imidometallocene towards Organic Azides and Diazoalkanes

The reaction of the base‐free terminal thorium imido complex [{η⁵‐1,2,4‐(Me₃C)₃C₅H₂}₂Th?N(p‐tolyl)] ( 1 ) with p‐azidotoluene yielded irreversibly the tetraazametallacyclopentene [{η⁵‐1,2,4‐(Me₃C)₃C₅H₂}₂Th{N(p‐tolyl)N?N? N(p‐tolyl)}] ( 2 ), whereas the bridging imido complex [{[η⁵‐1,2,4‐(Me₃C)₃C₅H₂]Th(N₃)₂}₂{μ‐N(p‐tolyl)}₂][(n‐C₄H₉)₄N]₂ ( 3 ) was isolated from the reaction of 1 with [(n‐C₄H₉)₄N]N₃. Unexpectedly, upon the treatment of 1 with 9‐diazofluorene, the NN bond was cleaved, an N atom was transferred, and the η²‐diazenido iminato complex [{η⁵‐1,2,4‐(Me₃C)₃C₅H₂}₂Th{η²‐[N?N(p‐tolyl)]}{N?(9‐C₁₃H₈)}] ( 4 ) was formed. In contrast, the reaction of 1 with Me₃SiCHN₂ gave the nitrilimido complex [{η⁵‐1,2,4‐(Me₃C)₃C₅H₂}₂Th{NH(p‐tolyl)}{N₂CSiMe₃}] ( 5 ), which slowly converted into [{η⁵‐1,2,4‐(Me₃C)₃C₅H₂}{η⁵:κ‐N‐1,2‐(Me₃C)₂‐4‐CMe₂(CH₂NN?CHSiMe₃)C₅H₂}Th{NH(p‐tolyl)}] ( 6 ) by intramolecular C? H bond activation. The experimental results are complemented by density functional theory (DFT) studies.     

Rearrangement of a P4 Butterfly Complex—The Formation of a Homoleptic Phosphorus–Iron Sandwich Complex

The versatile coordination behavior of the P₄ butterfly complex [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^1:1-P₄)] ( 1 , Cp′′′=η⁵-C₅H₂^tBu₃) towards different iron(II) compounds is presented. The reaction of 1 with [FeBr₂⋅dme] (dme=dimethoxyethane) leads to the chelate complex [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:2-P₄){FeBr₂}] ( 2 ), whereas, in the reaction with [Fe(CH₃CN)₆][PF₆]₂, an unprecedented rearrangement of the P₄ butterfly structural motif leads to the cyclo-P₄ moiety in {(Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂)₂(μ₃,η^1:1:4-P₄)}₂Fe][PF₆]₂ ( 3 ). Complex 3 represents the first fully characterized “carbon-free” sandwich complex containing cyclo-P₄R₂ ligands in a homoleptic-like iron–phosphorus-containing molecule. Alternatively, 2 can be transformed into 3 by halogen abstraction and subsequent coordination of 1 . The additional isolated side products, [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:2-P₄){Cp′′′Fe(CO)}][PF₆] ( 4 ) and [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:4-P₄){Cp′′′Fe}][PF₆] ( 5 ), give insight into the stepwise activation of the P₄ butterfly moiety in 1 .