Thermodynamic, kinetic, and computational study of heavier chalcogen (S, Se, and Te) terminal multiple bonds to molybdenum, carbon, and phosphorus

Enthalpies of chalcogen atom transfer to Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3, where Ar = 3,5-C6H3Me2, and to IPr (defined as bis-(2,6-isopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) have been measured by solution calorimetry leading to bond energy estimates (kcal/mol) for EMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (E = S, 115; Se, 87; Te, 64) and EIPr (E = S, 102; Se, 77; Te, 53). The enthalpy of S-atom transfer to PMo(N[ t-Bu]Ar) 3 generating SPMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 has been measured, yielding a value of only 78 kcal/mol. The kinetics of combination of Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 with SMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 yielding (mu-S)[Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3]2 have been studied, and yield activation parameters Delta H (double dagger) = 4.7 +/- 1 kcal/mol and Delta S (double dagger) = -33 +/- 5 eu. Equilibrium studies for the same reaction yielded thermochemical parameters Delta H degrees = -18.6 +/- 3.2 kcal/mol and Delta S degrees = -56.2 +/- 10.5 eu. The large negative entropy of formation of (mu-S)[Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3]2 is interpreted in terms of the crowded molecular structure of this complex as revealed by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure of Te-atom transfer agent TePCy3 is also reported. Quantum chemical calculations were used to make bond energy predictions as well as to probe terminal chalcogen bonding in terms of an energy partitioning analysis.     

Ligand rotation in [Ar(R)N]3M-N2-M'[N(R)Ar]3(M, M' = MoIII, NbIII; R = iPr and tBu) dimers

Earlier calculations on the model N2-bridged dimer (micro-N2)-{Mo[NH2]3}2 revealed that ligand rotation away from a trigonal arrangement around the metal centres was energetically favourable resulting in a reversal of the singlet and triplet energies such that the singlet state was stabilized 13 kJ mol(-1) below the D(3d) triplet structure. These calculations, however, ignored the steric bulk of the amide ligands N(R)Ar (R =iPr and tBu, Ar = 3,5-C6H3Me2) which may prevent or limit the extent of ligand rotation. In order to investigate the consequences of steric crowding, density functional calculations using QM/MM techniques have been performed on the Mo(III)Mo(III) and Mo(III)Nb(III) intermediate dimer complexes (mu-N(2))-{Mo[N(R)Ar]3}2 and [Ar(R)N]3Mo-(mu-N2)-Nb[N(R)Ar]3 formed when three-coordinate Mo[N(R)Ar]3 and Nb[N(R)Ar]3 react with dinitrogen. The calculations indicate that ligand rotation away from a trigonal arrangement is energetically favourable for all of the ligands investigated and that the distortion is largely electronic in origin. However, the steric constraints of the bulky amide groups do play a role in determining the final orientation of the ligands, in particular, whether the ligands are rotated at one or both metal centres of the dimer. Analogous to the model system, QM/MM calculations predict a singlet ground state for the (mu-N2)-{Mo[N(R)Ar]3}2 dimers, a result which is seemingly at odds with the experimental triplet ground state found for the related (mu-N2)-{Mo[N(tBu)Ph]3}2 system. However, QM/MM calculations on the (mu-N2)-{Mo[N(tBu)Ph]3}2 dimer reveal that the singlet-triplet gap is nearly 20 kJ mol(-1) smaller and therefore this complex is expected to exhibit very different magnetic behaviour to the (mu-N2)-{Mo[N(R)Ar]3}2 system.     

Increased reactivity of the *Cr(CO)3(C5Me5) radical with thiones versus thiols: a theoretical and experimental investigation

2-pyridinethione (2-mercaptopyridine, H-2mp) undergoes rapid oxidative addition with 2 mol of the 17-electron organometallic radical *Cr(CO)3Cp (where Cp*=C5Me5), yielding hydride H-Cr(CO)3Cp* and thiolate (eta1-2mp)Cr(CO)3Cp*. In a slower secondary reaction, (eta1-2mp)Cr(CO)3Cp* loses CO generating the N,S-chelate complex (eta2-2mp)Cr(CO)2Cp* for which the crystal structure is reported. The rate of 2-pyridine thione oxidative addition with *Cr(CO)3Cp* (abbreviated *Cr) in toluene best fits rate=kobs[H-2mp][*Cr]; kobs(288 K)=22 +/- 4 M(-1) s(-1); DeltaH++=4 +/- 1 kcal/mol; DeltaS++=- 40 +/- 5 cal/mol K. The rate of reaction is the same under CO or Ar, and the reaction of deuterated 2-pyridine thione (D-2mp) shows a negligible (inverse) kinetic isotope effect (kD/kH=1.06 +/- 0.10). The rate of decarbonylation of (eta1-2mp)Cr(CO)3Cp* forming (eta2-2mp)Cr(CO)2Cp* obeys simple first-order kinetics with kobs (288 K)=3.1x10(-4) s(-1), DeltaH++=23 +/- 1 kcal/mol, and DeltaS++=+ 5.0 +/- 2 cal/mol K. Reaction of 4-pyridine thione (4-mercaptopyridine, H-4mp) with *Cr(CO)3Cp* in THF and CH2Cl2 also follows second-order kinetics and is approximately 2-5 times faster than H-2mp in the same solvents. The relatively rapid nature of the thione versus thiol reactions is attributed to differences in the proposed 19-electron intermediate complexes, [*(S=C5H4N-H)Cr(CO)3Cp*] versus [*(H-S-C6H5)Cr(CO)3Cp*]. In comparison, reactions of pyridyl disulfides occur by a mechanism similar to that followed by aryl disulfides involving direct attack of the sulfur-sulfur bond by the metal radical. Calorimetric data indicate Cr-SR bond strengths for aryl and pyridyl derivatives are similar. The experimental conclusions are supported by B3LYP/6-311+G(3df,2p) calculations, which also provide additional insight into the reaction pathways open to the thione/thiol tautomers. For example, the reaction between H* radical and the 2-pyridine thione S atom yielding a thionyl radical is exothermic by approximately 30 kcal/mol. In contrast, the thiuranyl radical formed from the addition of H* to the 2-pyridine thiol S atom is predicted to be unstable, eliminating either H* or HS* without barrier.     

Investigating CN- cleavage by three-coordinate M[N(R)Ar]3 complexes

Three-coordinate Mo[N((t)Bu)Ar]3 binds cyanide to form the intermediate [Ar((t)Bu)N]3Mo-CN-Mo[N((t)Bu)Ar]3 but, unlike its N2 analogue which spontaneously cleaves dinitrogen, the C-N bond remains intact. DFT calculations on the model [NH2]3Mo/CN- system show that while the overall reaction is significantly exothermic, the final cleavage step is endothermic by at least 90 kJ mol(-1), accounting for why C-N bond cleavage is not observed experimentally. The situation is improved for the [H2N]3W/CN- system where the intermediate and products are closer in energy but not enough for CN- cleavage to be facile at room temperature. Additional calculations were undertaken on the mixed-metal [H2N]3Re+/CN- /W[NH2]3 and [H2N]3Re+/CN-/Ta[NH2]3 systems in which the metals ions were chosen to maximise the stability of the products on the basis of an earlier bond energy study. Although the reaction energetics for the [H2N]3Re+/CN /W[NH2]3 system are more favourable than those for the [H2N]3W/CN- system, the final C-N cleavage step is still endothermic by 32 kJ mol(-1) when symmetry constraints are relaxed. The resistance of these systems to C-N cleavage was examined by a bond decomposition analysis of [H2N]M-L1[triple bond]L2-M[NH2]3 intermediates for L1[triple bond]L2 = N2, CO and CN which showed that backbonding from the metal into the L1[triple bond]L2 pi* orbitals is significantly less for CN than for N2 or CO due to the negative charge on CN- which results in a large energy gap between the metal d(pi), and the pi* orbitals of CN-. This, combined with the very strong M-CN- interaction which stabilises the CN intermediate, makes C-N bond cleavage in these systems unfavourable even though the C[triple bond]N triple bond is not as strong as the bond in N2 or CO.     

Activation of arene C[bond]H bonds by a cationic hafnium silyl complex possessing an alpha-agostic Si[bond]H interaction

The reaction of Cp2Hf(SiMes2H)Me (1) with B(C6F5)3 produces zwitterionic Cp2Hf(eta2-SiHMes2)(mu-Me)B(C6F5)3 (2), which is stable for >8 h at -40 degrees C in toluene-d8. Spectroscopic data provide evidence for an unusual alpha-agostic Si-H interaction in 2. At room temperature, 2 reacts with the C-H bonds of aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene and toluene to produce Cp2Hf(Ph)(mu-Me)B(C6F5)3 (3), isomers of Cp2Hf(C6H4Me)(mu-Me)B(C6F5)3 (4-6), and Cp2Hf(CH2Ph)(mu-Me)B(C6F5)3 (7), respectively. The reaction involving benzene is first-order in both 2 and benzene; rate = k[2][C6H6]. Mechanistic data including activation parameters (DeltaH = 19(1) kcal/mol; DeltaS = -17(3) eu), a large primary isotope effect of 6.9(7), and the experimentally determined rate law are consistent with a mechanism involving a concerted transition state for C-H bond activation.     

A nitridoniobium(V) reagent that effects acid chloride to organic nitrile conversion: synthesis via heterodinuclear (Nb/Mo) dinitrogen cleavage, mechanistic insights, and recycling

The transformation of acid chlorides (RC(O)Cl) to organic nitriles (RC[triple bond]N) by the terminal niobium nitride anion [N[triple bond]Nb(N[Np]Ar)3]- ([1a-N]-, where Np = neopentyl and Ar = 3,5-Me2C6H3) via isovalent N for O(Cl) metathetical exchange is presented. Nitrido anion [1a-N]- is obtained in a heterodinuclear N2 scission reaction employing the molybdenum trisamide system, Mo(N[R]Ar)3 (R = t-Bu, 2a; R = Np, 2b), as a reaction partner. Reductive scission of the heterodinuclear bridging N2 complexes, (Ar[R]N)3Mo-(mu-N2)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3 (R = t-Bu, 3b; R = Np, 3c) with sodium amalgam provides 1 equiv each of the salt Na[1a-N] and neutral N[triple bond]Mo(N[R]Ar)3 (R = t-Bu, 2a-N; R = Np, 2b-N). Separation of 2-N from Na[1a-N] is readily achieved. Treatment of salt Na[1a-N] with acid chloride substrates in tetrahydrofuran (THF) furnishes the corresponding organic nitriles concomitant with the formation of NaCl and the oxo niobium complex O[triple bond]Nb(N[Np]Ar)3 (1a-O). Utilization of 15N-labeled 15N2 gas in this chemistry affords a series of 15N-labeled organic nitriles establishing the utility of anion [1a-N]- as a reagent for the 15N-labeling of organic molecules. Synthetic and computational studies on model niobium systems provide evidence for the intermediacy of both a linear acylimido and niobacyclobutene species along the pathway to organic nitrile formation. High-yield recycling of oxo 1a-O to a niobium triflate complex appropriate for heterodinuclear N2 scission has been developed. Specifically, addition of triflic anhydride (Tf2O, where Tf = SO2CF3) to an Et2O solution of 1a-O provides the bistriflate complex, Nb(OTf)2(N[Np]Ar)3 (1a-(OTf)2), in near quantitative yield. One-electron reduction of 1a-(OTf)2 with either cobaltocene (Cp2Co) or Mg(THF)3(anthracene) provided the monotriflato complex, Nb(OTf)(N[Np]Ar)3 (1a-(OTf)), which efficiently regenerates complexes 3b and 3c when treated with the molybdenum dinitrogen anions [N2Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3]- ([2a-N2]-) or [N2Mo(N[Np]Ar)3]- ([2b-N2]-), respectively.     

Benzonitrile extrusion from molybdenum(IV) ketimide complexes obtained via radical C-E (E = O, S, Se) bond formation: toward a new nitrogen atom transfer reaction

Beta-elimination is explored as a possible means of nitrogen-atom transfer into organic molecules. Molybdenum(IV) ketimide complexes of formula (Ar[t-Bu]N)3Mo(N=C(X)Ph), where Ar = 3,5-Me2C6H3 and X = SC6F5, SeC6F5, or O2CPh, are formally derived from addition of the carbene fragment [:C(X)Ph] to the terminal nitrido molybdenum(VI) complex (Ar[t-Bu]N)3Mo identical with N in which the nitrido nitrogen atom is installed by scission of molecular nitrogen. Herein the pivotal (Ar[t-Bu]N)3Mo(N=C(X)Ph) complexes are obtained through independent synthesis, and their propensity to undergo beta-X elimination, i.e., conversion to (Ar[t-Bu]N)3MoX + PhC identical with N, is investigated. Radical C-X bond formation reactions ensue when benzonitrile is complexed to the three-coordinate molybdenum(III) complex (Ar[t-Bu]N)3Mo and then treated with 0.5 equiv of X2, leading to facile assembly of the key (Ar[t-Bu]N)3Mo(N=C(X)Ph) molecules. Treated herein are synthetic, structural, thermochemical, and kinetic aspects of (i) the radical C-X bond formation and (ii) the ensuing beta-X elimination processes. Beta-X elimination is found to be especially facile for X = O2CPh, and the reaction represents an attractive component of an overall synthetic cycle for incorporation of dinitrogen-derived nitrogen atoms into organic nitrile (R-C identical with N) molecules.     

Mono- und Di-t-butylcyclopentadienyl-Carbonyl-Komplexe des Eisens und Molybdäns. Die Kristallstruktur von [Cp″Mo(Co)2]2 (Cp″ = n5-C5H3t-Bu2-1,3)

Mono- and Di-t-Butylcyclopentadienyl Carbonyl Complexes of Iron and Molybdenum — Crystal Structure of [Cp″Mo(CO)₂]₂ (Cp″ = n⁵-C₅H₃-t-Bu₂-1,3) Cothermolysis of M(CO)_m (M = Fe, m = 5; M = Mo, m = 6) with t-Bu-substituted cyclopentadienyls constitutes a simple synthesis of complexes of the type [Cp*M(CO)_n]₂ (CP* = n⁵-C₅H₃ (t-Bu), R, R = H, t-Bu; M = Fe, Mo; n = 2, 3). Each synthesis has an optimal temperature. The yield of Fe complexes decreases at temperatures above 130°C because of decomposition of the product. Optimal yields of [Cp*Mo(CO)₃]₂ are obtained at 130–140°C, whereas at 160°C complexes of the type [Cp*Mo(CO)₂]₂ with formal Mo? Mo triple bonds are obtained. The structure of the complexes is discussed on the basis of ¹H-, ¹³C-NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry. The structure of [Cp″Mo(CO)₂]₂ (Cp″ = n⁵-C₅H₃t-Bu₂-1,3) was determined by X-ray crystallography at ?95°C. It crystallises in the space group Pbca, with cell constants a = 1808.6(6), b = 1308.5(4), c = 2507.9(9) pm, Z = 8, R = 0.031 for 3794 reflections. The Mo? Mo bond length of 253.3 pm is very long for a formal triple bond. The Cp″? Mo? Mo? Cp″ axis is non-linear.     

P-S Bond scission by bis(cyclopentadienyl)molybdenum(IV) dichloride, Cp(2)MoCl(2)(aq): first documented example of an organometallic complex hydrolyzing thiophosphinates

Thiophosphinate hydrolysis involving P-S bond scission is desirable for the degradation of organophosphate neurotoxins, and we report the first case for such a hydrolytic process by an organometallic compound. The metallocene, bis(cyclopentadienyl)molybdenum(IV) dichloride, Cp(2)MoCl(2) (Cp = eta(5)-C(5)H(5)), hydrolyzes a variety of thioaryl diphenylphosphinates in an aqueous THF solution. P-S scission of p-methoxythiophenyl diphenylphosphinate has a 500-fold rate of acceleration in the presence of Cp(2)MoCl(2)(aq) with activation parameters of 20(3) kcal mol(-)(1) and -15(3) cal mol(-)(1) K(-)(1) for DeltaH(double dagger) and DeltaS(double dagger), respectively. These activation parameters and the rate acceleration are consistent with an intermolecular hydrolytic process in which the Cp(2)Mo serves as a Lewis acid to activate the phosphinate for nucleophilic attack. Furthermore, rho = 2.3 (25 degrees C) which indicates a single nonconcerted mechanism in which the rate determining step is the nucleophilic attack on the activated phosphinate.     

Molybdenum chalcogenobenzimidato complexes: radical synthesis and nitrile extrusion via beta-EPh (E = S, Se, and Te) elimination

Molybdenum chalcogenobenzimidates of formula (Ph[PhE]C=N)Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)(3) (Ar = 3,5-C(6)H(3)Me(2)) have been obtained by treatment of Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)(3) sequentially with benzonitrile and 0.5 equiv of PhEEPh (E = S, Se, and Te). Molecular structure determinations have been carried out for the S and Se variants. The Te variant extrudes PhCN forming structurally characterized (PhTe)Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)(3) with facility assessed via stopped-flow kinetic measurements, while the Se and S analogues exhibit increasing stability. Quantum chemical calculations and solution calorimetry have been employed as an aid to interpretation of the PhCN extrusion reaction.     

Hydricities of BzNADH, CH5Mo(PMe3)(CO)2H, and C5Me5Mo(PMe3)(CO)2H in acetonitrile

The thermodynamic hydride donor abilities of 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BzNADH, 59 +/- 2 kcal/mol), C(5)H(5)Mo(PMe(3))(CO)(2)H (55 +/- 3 kcal/mol), and C(5)Me(5)Mo(PMe(3))(CO)(2)H (58 +/- 2 kcal/mol) have been measured in acetonitrile by calorimetric and/or equilibrium methods. The hydride donor abilities of BzNADH and C(5)H(5)Mo(PMe(3))(CO)(2)H differ by 13 and 24 kcal/mol, respectively, from those reported previously for these compounds in acetonitrile. These results require significant revisions of the hydricities reported for related NADH analogues and metal hydrides. These compounds are moderate hydride donors as compared to previously determined compounds.     

A cycle for organic nitrile synthesis via dinitrogen cleavage

In the presence of NaH, the reaction between N2 and Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (Ar = 3,5-C6H3Me2) proceeds at room temperature to afford NMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (95%). Lewis acidic silyl triflates (Me3SiOTf + pyridine or (i-Pr)3SiOTf) mediate a reaction between acid chlorides and NMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 to yield acyl imidos [RC(O)NMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3][OTf] (R = Me, 92%; Ph, 75%; t-Bu, 64%). The reduction of [RC(O)NMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3][OTf] by magnesium anthracene followed by treatment with Me3SiOTf affords molybdenum ketimides, R(Me3SiO)CNMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (R = Me, 82%; Ph, 77%; t-Bu, 46%). Exposing R(Me3SiO)CNMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 to SnCl2 or ZnCl2 produces ClMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (71-93% for SnCl2) and RCN (97-99%). Magnesium metal reduces ClMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 to Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (74%), completing a synthetic cycle. New strategies for the functionalization of sterically hindered nitrides and nitrile extrusion from d2 ketimides are presented in the context of a new route for derivatizing N2.     

beta-Diiminato ligand (L) transformations in reactions of KL with PI3 and I2 [L = {N(C6H3Pr(i)2-2,6)C(H)}2CPh

The reaction of the potassium beta-diiminate KL (L = [{N(Ar)C(H)}(2)CPh](-); Ar = C(6)H(3)Pr(i)(2)-2,6) with PI(3) unexpectedly produced a phosphenium salt of the intermolecularly C,C-coupled ligand [P(I){N(Ar)CH}(2)C(C(6)H(4)-4)C(Ph)(CH[double bond, length as m-dash]NAr)(2)](+)[I(3)](-), while an intramolecularly N,N-coupled salt [N[upper bond 1 start](Ar)C(H)C(Ph)C(H)N[upper bond 1 end](Ar)](+)[I(5)](-) was isolated from KL + I(2).     

Experimental and computational studies of hydrogen bonding and proton transfer to [Cp*Fe(dppe)H

The present contribution reports experimental and computational investigations of the interaction between [Cp*Fe(dppe)H] and different proton donors (HA). The focus is on the structure of the proton transfer intermediates and on the potential energy surface of the proton transfer leading to the dihydrogen complex [Cp*Fe(dppe)(H2)]+. With p-nitrophenol (PNP) a UV/Visible study provides evidence of the formation of the ion-pair stabilized by a hydrogen bond between the nonclassical cation [Cp*Fe(dppe)(H2)]+ and the homoconjugated anion ([AHA]-). With trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), the hydrogen-bonded ion pair containing the simple conjugate base (A-) in equilibrium with the free ions is observed by IR spectroscopy when using a deficit of the proton donor. An excess leads to the formation of the homoconjugated anion. The interaction with hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) was investigated quantitatively by IR spectroscopy and by 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy at low temperatures (200-260 K) and by stopped-flow kinetics at about room temperature (288-308 K). The hydrogen bond formation to give [Cp*Fe(dppe)H]HA is characterized by DeltaH degrees =-6.5+/-0.4 kcal mol(-1) and DeltaS degrees = -18.6+/-1.7 cal mol(-1) K(-1). The activation barrier for the proton transfer step, which occurs only upon intervention of a second HFIP molecule, is DeltaH(not equal) = 2.6+/-0.3 kcal mol(-1) and DeltaS(not equal) = -44.5+/-1.1 cal mol(-1) K(-1). The computational investigation (at the DFT/B3 LYP level with inclusion of solvent effects by the polarizable continuum model) reproduces all the qualitative findings, provided the correct number of proton donor molecules are used in the model. The proton transfer process is, however, computed to be less exothermic than observed in the experiment.     

Synthesis, X-ray and neutron diffraction characterization, and ionic conduction properties of a new oxothiomolybdate Li3[Mo8S8O8(OH)8[HWO5(H2O)]] x 18H2O

The new oxothiomolybdate anion [Mo8S8O8(OH)8[HWO5(H2O)]]3- (denoted HMo8W3-) has been synthesized in aqueous solution by an acido-basic condensation reaction. Four (Mo(V)2S2O2) building blocks are connected through hydroxo bridges around a central [W(VI)O6] octahedron. X-ray and neutron diffraction studies have been performed on single crystals of the lithium salt Li3[Mo8S8O8(OH)8[HWO5(H2O)]] x 18H2O (Li3HMo8W x 18H2O) in an aqueous grown from HMo8W3- solution of LiCl (1 M). The neutron diffraction experiment enabled us to locate both the protons and the lithium ions. In the structure of Li3HMo8W x 18H20, ring-shaped anions interleaved by a cluster of disordered hydrogen-bonded water molecules stack on top of each other along lithium pillars. The lithium columns are formed by alternating edge-sharing octahedra and tetrahedra, with one lithium site in four being totally vacant. Ionic conductivity measurements on pressed pellets have shown that Li3HMo8W x 18H2O is a good ionic conductor at room temperature (sigma = 10(-5) S cm(-1)), but the ionic conductivity on single crystals is smaller by two orders of magnitude and is isotropic; this suggests the main path of conduction involves surface protons rather than lithium ions of the bulk.     

Reaction of Mo(CO)6 with Alkoxide: Synthesis and Structure of the Mo(0)-OR Complex [Et4N]3[Mo2(CO)6(μ-OC6H4OCH2C6H5)3]

The reaction of molybdenum hexacarbonyl with C6H5CH2OC6H4ONa and Et4NBr in CH3CN at 60 ℃ afforded the di-nuclear Mo(0) compound [Et4N]3[Mo2(CO)6(μ-OC6H4OCH2- C6H5)3] 1. 1 crystallizes in monoclinic, space group P21/c with a=15.359(2), b=18.378(3), c=24.952(2)(A), β=102.268(4)°, V=6882.3(16) (A)3, Mr=1348.34, Z=4, Dc=1.301 g/cm3, F(000)=2832 and μ= 0.424 mm-1. The final R=0.0606 and wR=0.1552 for 9396 observed reflections (Ⅰ ＞ 2σ(Ⅰ)). 1 contains a [Mo2O3]3- core in triangular bi-pyramidal configuration and each Mo atom adopts a distorted octahedral geometry with three carbon atoms from carbonyls and three μ-O atoms from C6H5CH2OC6H4O- bridging ligands. The Mo…Mo distance is 3.30(8) (A), indicating no metalmetal bonding. A formation pathway via forming a di-molybdenum(0) di-bridging OR compound [Mo2(μ-OR)2(CO)8]2- has been figured out and the reaction of Mo(CO)6 with alkoxide has also been discussed.     

Solvent effects and activation parameters in the competitive cleavage of C-CN and C-H bonds in 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile using [(dippe)NiH]2

The reaction of [(dippe)NiH]2 with 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile (2M3BN) in solvents spanning a wide range of polarities shows significant differences in the ratio of C-H and C-CN activated products. C-H cleavage is favored in polar solvents, whereas C-C cleavage is favored in nonpolar solvents. This variation is attributed to the differential solvation of the transition states, which was further supported through the use of sterically bulky solvents and weakly coordinating solvents. Variation of the temperature of reaction of [(dippe)NiH]2 with 2M3BN in decane and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) allowed for the calculation of Eyring activation parameters for the C-CN activation and C-H activation mechanisms. The activation parameters for the C-H activation pathway were DeltaH(double dagger) = 11.4 +/- 5.3 kcal/mol and DeltaS(double dagger) = -45 +/- 15 e.u., compared with DeltaH(double dagger) = 17.3 +/- 2.6 kcal/mol and DeltaS(double dagger) = -29 +/- 7 e.u. for the C-CN activation pathway. These parameters indicate that C-H activation is favored enthalpically, but not entropically, over C-C activation, implying a more ordered transition state for the former.     

Proton transfer to nickel-thiolate complexes. 1. Protonation of [Ni(SC(6)H(4)R-4)(2)(Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))] (R = Me, MeO, H, Cl, or NO(2))

The kinetics of the equilibrium reaction between [Ni(SC(6)H(4)R-4)(2)(dppe)] (R= MeO, Me, H, Cl, or NO(2); dppe = Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2)) and mixtures of [lutH](+) and lut (lut = 2,6-dimethylpyridine) in MeCN to form [Ni(SHC(6)H(4)R-4)(SC(6)H(4)R-4)(dppe)](+) have been studied using stopped-flow spectrophotometry. The kinetics for the reactions with R = MeO, Me, H, or Cl are consistent with a single-step equilibrium reaction. Investigation of the temperature dependence of the reactions shows that DeltaG = 13.6 +/- 0.3 kcal mol(-)(1) for all the derivatives but the values of DeltaH and DeltaS vary with R (R = MeO, DeltaH() = 8.5 kcal mol(-)(1), DeltaS = -16 cal K(-)(1) mol(-)(1); R = Me, DeltaH() = 10.8 kcal mol(-)(1), DeltaS = -9.5 cal K(-)(1) mol(-)(1); R = Cl, DeltaH = 23.7 kcal mol(-)(1), DeltaS = +33 cal K(-)(1) mol(-)(1)). With [Ni(SC(6)H(4)NO(2)-4)(2)(dppe)] a more complicated rate law is observed consistent with a mechanism in which initial hydrogen-bonding of [lutH](+) to the complex precedes intramolecular proton transfer. It seems likely that all the derivatives operate by this mechanism, but only with R = NO(2) (the most electron-withdrawing substituent) does the intramolecular proton transfer step become sufficiently slow to result in the change in kinetics. Studies with [lutD](+) show that the rates of proton transfer to [Ni(SC(6)H(4)R-4)(2)(dppe)] (R = Me or Cl) are associated with negligible kinetic isotope effect. The possible reasons for this are discussed. The rates of proton transfer to [Ni(SC(6)H(4)R-4)(2)(dppe)] vary with the 4-R-substituent, and the Hammett plot is markedly nonlinear. This unusual behavior is attributable to the electronic influence of R which affects the electron density at the sulfur.     

Insertion reactions of trans-Mo(dmpe)2(H)(NO) with imines

The insertion chemistry of the hydride complex trans-Mo(dmpe)(2)(H)(NO) (1) (dmpe = bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane) with imines has been investigated. It was found that disubstituted aromatic imines RCH[double bond]NR' (R, R' = Ar) insert into the Mo-H bond of 1, while a series of various mono- and other disubstituted imines do not react. The insertion products trans-Mo(dmpe)(2)(NO)[NR'(CH(2)R)] (R = R' = Ph (2); R = Cp(2)Fe, R' = Ph (3); R = Ph, R' = Cp(2)Fe (4); R = 1-naphthyl, R' = Ph (5)) have been isolated and fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The imine PhCH[double bond]NC(10)H(7) (C(10)H(7) = 1-naphthyl) reacted with 1 establishing an equilibrium to produce the nonisolable complex trans-Mo(dmpe)(2)(NO)[NC(10)H(7)(CH(2)Ph)] (6). The equilibrium constant for this reaction has been derived from VT-NMR measurements, and the Delta H and Delta S values of this reaction were calculated to be -48.8 +/- 0.4 kJ.mol(-1) and -33 +/- 1 J.K(-1).mol(-1) reflecting a mild exothermic process and its associative nature. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses were carried out on 2-5.     

Dimers of and tautomerism between 2-pyrimidinethiol and 2(1H)-pyrimidinethione: a density functional theory (DFT) study

Density functional theory (BLYP, B3LYP, B3P86, B3PW91) with the 6-31+G(d,p), 6-311+G(d,p), and cc-pVTZ basis sets has been used to calculate structural parameters, relative energies, and vibrational spectra of 2-pyrimidinethiol (1) and 2(1H)-pyrimidinethione (2) and their hydrogen-bonded homodimers (C(2) 3, C(2h) [4](double dagger), C(2h) 5), monohydrates, and dihydrates and a heterodimer (6). Several transition state structures proposed for the tautomerization process have also been examined. At the B3PW91/6-311+G(d,p)//B3PW91/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory 2-pyrimidinethiol (1) is predicted to be 3.41 kcal/mol more stable (E(rel)) than 2(1H)-pyrimidinethione (2) in the gas phase and 2 is predicted to be 6.47 kcal/mol more stable than 1 in aqueous medium. An unfavorable planar intramolecular strained four center transition state (TS1) for the tautomerization of 1 and 2 in the gas-phase lies 29.07 kcal/mol higher in energy than 2-pyrimidinethiol (1). The C(2) 2-pyrimidinethiol dimer (3) is 6.84 kcal/mol lower in energy than the C(2) homodimer transition state structure ([11](double dagger)) that connects dimers 3 and 4. Transition state [11](double dagger) provides a facile pathway for tautomerization between 1 and 2 in the gas phase (monomer-dimer promoted tautomerization). The hydrogen bonded 2-pyrimidinethiol- - -H(2)O and 2-pyrimidinethiol- - -2H(2)O structures are predicted to be 1.27 and 1.55 kcal/mol, respectively, higher in energy than 2(1H)-pyrimidinethione- - -H(2)O and 2(1H)-pyrimidinethione- - -2H(2)O. Water promoted tautomerization via cyclic transition states involving one water molecule (TS- - -H(2)O, [12](double dagger)) and two water molecules (TS- - -2H(2)O, [13](double dagger)) lie 11.42 and 11.44 kcal/mol, respectively, higher in energy than 2-pyrimidinethiol- - -H(2)O and 2-pyrimidinethiol- - -2H(2)O. Thus, the hydrated transition states [12](double dagger) and [13](double dagger) are involved in the tautomerism between 1 and 2 in aqueous medium.