Controlled syntheses, characterization, and reactivity of neutral and anionic lanthanide amides supported by methylene-linked bis(phenolate) ligands

A series of neutral and anionic bis(phenolate) lanthanide amides were synthesized by general metathesis reactions, and their reactivity was explored. Protolytic ligand exchange reactions of MBMPH2 (MBMP = 2,2'-methylene bis(6-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenolate)) with [Ln{N(TMS)2}2(mu-Cl)(THF)]2 (TMS = SiMe3) afforded the desired bridged bis(phenolate) lanthanide chlorides [(MBMP)Ln(mu-Cl)(THF)2]2 [Ln = Nd (1), Yb (2)] in high isolated yields. These lanthanide chlorides were found to be useful precursors for the synthesis of the corresponding lanthanide derivatives. Reactions of 1 and 2 with 2 equiv of NaN(TMS)2 in THF produced the expected neutral bis(phenolate) lanthanide amido complexes (MBMP)Ln[N(TMS)2](THF)2 [Ln = Nd (3), Yb (4)] in high yields. Whereas the reactions of 1 and 2 with LiN(TMS)2 in a 1:4 molar ratio gave the anionic bis(phenolate) lanthanide amides as discrete ion-pair complexes [Li(THF)4][(MBMP)Ln{N(TMS)2}2] [Ln = Nd (5), Yb (6)] in high isolated yields. Further study revealed that 5 and 6 can also be conveniently synthesized in high yields by the direct reactions of MBMPH2 with [Ln{N(TMS)2}2(mu-Cl)(THF)]2 in a 2:1 molar ratio, and then with 4 equiv of nBuLi. The reactivity of the neutral and anionic bis(phenolate) lanthanide amides was comparatively investigated. It was found that the insertion reactions of carbodiimide into the Ln-N bond of neutral lanthanide amido complexes 3 and 4 gave the anticipated bis(phenolate) lanthanide guanidinate complexes [(mu-O-MBMP)Nd{(iPrN)2CN(TMS)2}]2 (7) and (MBMP)Yb[(iPrN)2CN(TMS)2] (8), respectively, in high yields, whereas the similar reaction of carbodiimide with anionic amido complex 5 provided the unexpected ligand-redistributed products, and the homoleptic ion-pair bis(phenolate) neodymium complex [Li(DME)2(THF)][(MBMP)2Nd(THF)2] (9) was finally isolated as one of the products. Furthermore, the anionic bis(phenolate) lanthanide amides showed higher catalytic activity for the polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone than the neutral ones. All of the complexes were characterized with elemental analysis and IR spectra, and the definitive molecular structures of 1-3 and 5-9 were provided by single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

Application of bis(iminophosphorane) in heterocyclic synthesis: new entries to symmetrically or unsymmetrically substituted thieno[2,3-d:5,4-d']dipyrimidine-4,5(3H,6H)-diones

The bis(carbodiimides) 4, obtained from bis-aza-Wittig reactions of bis(iminophosphorane) 3 with 2 equiv of aromatic isocyanates, were reacted with secondary amine to give symmetrically substituted 2,7-diaminothieno[2,3-d:5,4-d']dipyrimidine-4,5(3H,6H)-dione 6 in the presence of a catalytic amount of EtO(-)Na(+). Reactions of 4 with phenols or ROH in the presence of a catalytic amount of potassium carbonate or RO(-)Na(+) gave symmetrically substituted 2,7-diaryl(alkyl)oxythieno[2,3-d:5,4-d']dipyrimidine-4,5(3H,6H)-diones 6 in satisfactory yields. However, iminophosphoranes 9 were obtained via reaction of bis(iminophosphorane) 3 with 1 equiv of aromatic isocyanate and subsequent reaction with an amine in the presence of a catalytic amount of EtO(-)Na(+). Further reaction of iminophosphoranes 9 with aromatic isocyanates and various nucleophile generated unsymmetrically substituted thieno[2,3-d:5,4-d']dipyrimidine-4,5(3H,6H)-diones 12 in good yields.     

Unsymmetrical tren-based ligands: synthesis and reactivity of rhenium complexes

Reaction of bis(2-aminoethyl)(3-aminopropyl)amine with C(6)F(6) and K(2)CO(3) in DMSO yields unsymmetrical [(C(6)F(5))HNCH(2)CH(2)](2)NCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)NH(C(6)F(5)) ([N(3)N]H(3)). The tetraamine acts as a tridentate ligand in complexes of the type H[N(3)N]Re(O)X (X = Cl 1, Br 2) prepared by reacting Re(O)X(3)(PPh(3))(2) with [N(3)N]H(3) and an excess of NEt(3) in THF. Addition of 1 equiv of TaCH(CMe(2)Ph)Br(3)(THF)(2) to 1 gives the dimeric compound H[N(3)N]ClReOReBrCl[N(3)N]H (3) in quantitative yield that contains a Re(V)[double bond]O[bond]Re(IV) core with uncoordinated aminopropyl groups in each ligand. Addition of 2 equiv of TaCH(CMe(2)Ph)Cl(3)(THF)(2) to 1 leads to the chloro complex [N(3)N]ReCl (4) with all three amido groups coordinated to the metal, whereas by addition of 2 equiv of TaCH(CMe(2)Ph)Br(3)(THF)(2) to 2 the dibromo species H[N(3)N]ReBr(2) (5) with one uncoordinated amino group is isolated. Reduction of 4 under an atmosphere of dinitrogen with sodium amalgam gives the dinitrogen complex [N(3)N]Re(N(2)) (6). Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations have been carried out on complexes 1, 3, 5, and 6.     

Rare-earth metal complexes supported by 1,omega-dithiaalkanediyl-bridged bis(phenolato) ligands: synthesis, structure, and heteroselective ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide

Monomeric yttrium and lutetium bis(phenolato) complexes [Ln(OSSO){N(SiHMe 2) 2}(THF)] (Ln = Y, Lu) were prepared from the reaction of silylamido complexes [Ln{N(SiHMe 2) 2} 3(THF) 2] with 1 equiv of tetradentate 1,omega-dithiaalkanediyl-bridged bis(phenol) (OSSO)H 2 1- 9 in moderate to high yields. In contrast to the rigid configuration of scandium analogues, the yttrium complexes 2b and 3b and the lutetium complex 3c that contain a C 2 bridge between the two sulfur donors of the ligand are symmetric in solution. The monomeric nature of these complexes was indicated by an X-ray diffraction study of the yttrium complex 6b. The yttrium center in 6b is coordinated to the tetradentate [OSSO]-type ligand, one silylamido group and one THF ligand with the two oxygen donors of the [OSSO]-type ligand located trans. Corresponding bis(phenolato) silylamido complexes of larger rare-earth metals could not be obtained from similar reactions: Reaction of [La{N(SiHMe 2) 2} 3(THF) 2] with 1,2-xylylene-linked bis(phenol) gave a dinuclear lanthanum complex 6d of the formula [La 2(OSSO) 3] with two inequivalent eight-coordinate metal centers. The yttrium and lutetium complexes efficiently initiated the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactides in THF. The heteroselectivity during the ROP of rac-lactide was enhanced when the steric demand of the bis(phenolato) ligand was increased, either by extending the bridge length or by introducing bulky ortho-substituents in the phenoxy units. A C 3 bridge within the ligand backbone is essential to allow configurational interconversion of the active site between Lambda and Delta configuration during polymerization, allowing accommodation of both enantiomers of the monomer in an alternating fashion.     

Biphenolate phosphine complexes of tin(IV)

The preparation and structural characterization of tin(IV) complexes supported by (2,2'-phenylphosphino)bis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenolate) ([OPO]2-) are described. The reaction of in-situ prepared Li2[OPO] with SnCl4 in THF at -35 degrees C produced [OPO]SnCl2(THF) as a THF adduct. Addition of SnCl4 to a THF solution of H2[OPO] in the presence of 2 equiv of NEt3 at room temperature led to the formation of the "ate" complex {[OPO]SnCl3}(HNEt3). The metathetical reactions of Li2[OPO] with R2SnCl2 (R=Me, n-Bu) in THF at -35 degrees C generated the corresponding five-coordinate dialkyl complexes [OPO]SnR2. In addition to the multinuclear NMR spectroscopic data for all new compounds, X-ray structures of [OPO]SnCl2(THF), [OPO]SnMe2, and [OPO]Sn(n-Bu)2 are presented.     

A chloro-bridged dimanganese complex and an oxo-bridged dititanium complex of a ditopic bis(pyrazol-1-yl)borate ligand

The synthesis and crystal structure analysis of the ditopic p-phenylene-bridged bis(pyrazol-1-yl)borate [[p-C6H4(Bpz2tBu)2]Li2] (LLi2; pz=pyrazol-1-yl) is described. A salt metathesis reaction between LLi2 and MnCl2 in THF leads to the dinuclear complex [L[Mn(THF)]2(mu-Cl)2] featuring a central diamond MnII-(mu-Cl)2-MnII core (X-ray crystal structure analysis). Treatment of LLi2 with 2 equiv of [Ti(NMe2)3Cl] gives the dinuclear titanium compound [L[Ti(NMe2)3]2]. Upon reaction of LLi2 with [Ti(NMe2)2Cl2] and water, the mu-oxo-bridged dititanium species [L[Ti(NMe2)Cl]2(mu-O)] is obtained in excellent yield (X-ray crystal structure analysis).     

Carbon-bridged bis(phenolato)lanthanide alkoxides: syntheses, structures, and their application in the controlled polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone

A convenient method for the synthesis of lanthanide alkoxo complexes supported by a carbon-bridged bis(phenolate) ligand 2,2'-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenoxo) (MBMP2-) is described. The reaction of (C5H5)3Nd with MBMPH2 in a 1:1 molar ratio in THF gave the bis(phenolato)lanthanide complex (C5H5)Nd(MBMP)(THF)2 (1) in a nearly quantitative yield. Complex 1 further reacted with 1 equiv of 2-propanol in THF to yield the bis(phenolato)lanthanide isopropoxide [(MBMP)2Nd(mu-OPr(i))(THF)2]2 (2) in high yield. Complex 2 can also be synthesized by the direct reaction of (C5H5)3Nd with MBMPH2 in a 1:1 molar ratio and then with 1 equiv of 2-propanol in situ in THF. Thus, the analogue bis(phenolato)lanthanide alkoxides [(MBMP)2Ln(mu-OR)(THF)2]2 [R = Pr(i), Ln = Yb (3); R = Me, Ln = Nd (4), Yb (5); R = CH2Ph, Ln = Nd (6), Yb (7)] were obtained by the reactions of (C5H5)3Ln (Ln = Nd, Yb) with MBMPH2 and then with 2-propanol, methanol, or benzyl alcohol, respectively. The ytterbium complex {[(MBMP)2Yb(THF)2]2(mu-OCH2Ph)(mu-OH)} (8) was also isolated as a byproduct. The single-crystal structural analyses of complexes 1-3 and 8 revealed that the coordination geometry around lanthanide metal can be best described as a distorted tetrahedron in complex 1 and as a distorted octahedron in complexes 2, 3, and 8. A O-H...Yb agostic interaction was observed in complex 8. Complexes 2-7 were shown to be efficient catalysts for the controlled polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone.     

Synthesis and structure of diamido ether uranium(IV) and thorium(IV) halide "ate" complexes and their conversion to salt-free bis(alkyl) complexes

The high-yield synthesis, spectroscopic and structural determination of three new uranium(IV) and thorium(IV)ate complexes supported by three different diamido ether ligands are reported. The reaction of Li2[2,6-iPr2PhN(CH2CH2)]2O (Li2[DIPPNCOCN]) with 1 equiv. of UCl4 in THF generates [DIPPNCOCN]UCl3Li(THF)2(1), while reaction in toluene/ether gives salt-free [DIPPNCOCN]UCl2.1/2C7H8(2), which was identified by paramagnetically shifted 1H NMR. Reaction of 0.5 equiv. of {[tBuNON]UCl2}2([tBuNON]=[(CH3)3CN(Si(CH3)2)]2O2-) with 3.5 equiv. LiI in toluene and a minimal amount of THF results in [tBuNON]UI3Li(THF)2(3) and is very similar in structure to 1. {[MesNON]ThCl3Li(THF)}2(4), a dimeric complex with a Th2Li2Cl6 core, is prepared by reaction of Li2[2,4,6-Me3PhN(Si(CH3)2)]2O (Li2[MesNON]) with ThCl4 in THF. The analogous reaction in toluene did not yield the salt-free complex but rather a sterically crowded diligated compound, [MesNON]2Th (5), which was also structurally characterized. Complex 5 was prepared rationally by reacting 2 equiv. Li2[MesNON] with ThCl4 in toluene. The reaction of 1 and 3 with 2 equiv. of LiCH2Si(CH3)3 generates the stable, salt-free organoactinides [DIPPNCOCN]U(CH2Si(CH3)3)2(6) and [tBuNON]U(CH2Si(CH3)3)2(7). Complex 6 was structurally characterized. These reactions illustrate the viability of ate complexes as useful synthetic precursors.     

Suzuki cross-coupling on enantiomerically pure epoxides: efficient synthesis of diverse, modular amino alcohols from single enantiopure precursors

Suzuki arylation of enantiopure (4-bromophenyl)- or (3,5-dibromophenyl)glycidyl ethers has been achieved in toluene under Buchwald conditions [ArB(OH)2 (1.1 equiv), Cs2CO3 (2 equiv), Pd2(dba)3.C6H6 (1 mol %), S-Phos (4 mol %), toluene, 100 degrees C] allowing for the formation of modular arylglycidyl ethers not directly available in enantiopure form by epoxidation routes. These bulky ethers, when submitted to regioselective and stereospecific ring opening with ammonia [aq NH3, LiClO4 (1 equiv), THF, microwave irradiation (80 W), 125 degrees C] in a sealed tube, provide access to novel enantiopure beta-amino alcohols which, in turn, provide an easy access to structurally complex C2 symmetrical bisoxazolines.     

Assembly of triangular trimetallic complexes by triamidophosphine ligands: spin-frustrated Mn2+ plaquettes and diamagnetic Mg2+ analogues with a combined through-space, through-bond pathway for 31P-31P spin-spin coupling

The reactions of 2 equiv of the ligand precursor P(CH2NHPh)3 or P[CH2NH-3,5-(CF3)2C6H3]3 with 3 equiv of Mn[N(SiMe3)2]2 provide high-yielding routes to the triangular trinuclear Mn(II) complexes [P(CH2NPh)3]2Mn3(THF)3.1.5THF and [P(CH2N-3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)3]2Mn3(THF)3. The solid-state structures of these paramagnetic complexes have approximate C3 symmetry. The magnetic moments from 300 to 1.8 K could be fit as a magnetic Jahn-Teller distorted isosceles triangle. These complexes exhibit spin frustration and possess an S = 1/2 ground state, as revealed by a plot of magnetization versus field at 1.8 K; at fields above 3.8 T, the occupation of an excited state with S = 3/2 becomes significant. The diamagnetic magnesium analogues were prepared by the reaction of the ligand precursor P(CH2NHPh)3, P[CH2NH-3,5-(CF3)2C6H3]3, or P(CH2NH-3,5-Me2C6H3)3 with nBu2Mg. The solid-state structures of [P(CH2NPh)3]2Mg3(THF)3.1.5THF and [P(CH2N-3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)3]2Mg3(THF)3 were determined. Solution 1H NMR spectroscopy was used to demonstrate that the solid-state structures are maintained in solution. The aryl group of the terminal amido donor exhibits slow rotation on the NMR time scale, and this was found to be an electronic effect. Solution 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy revealed an unexpected 15 Hz coupling between phosphorus nuclei in these complexes. Calculations on a model complex using density functional theory demonstrates that this coupling occurs via a combined through-space, through-bond pathway.     

Homoleptic 2-mercapto benzothiazolate uranium and lanthanide complexes

Treatment of [Ln(BH 4) 3(THF) 3] (Ln = Ce, Nd) with 3 and 4 mol equiv of KSBT in tetrahydrofuran (THF) led to the formation of [Ln(SBT) 3(THF)] and [K(THF)Ln(SBT) 4], respectively. The uranium(IV) compound [U(SBT) 4(THF) 2] was obtained from U(BH 4) 4 and was reversibly reduced by sodium amalgam into the corresponding anionic uranium(III) complex. The crystal structures of [Ln(SBT) 3(THF) 2] (Ln = Ce, Nd), [K(15-crown-5) 2][Nd(SBT) 4], [U(SBT) 4(THF)], and [K(15-crown-5) 2][U(SBT) 4(py)] show the bidentate coordination mode and the thionate character of the SBT ligand.     

Dilithiation of Bis(benzene)molybdenum and subsequent isolation of a molybdenum-containing paracyclophane

The homoleptic sandwich complex bis(benzene)molybdenum, [Mo(eta6-C6H6)2], was successfully dilithiated by employing an excess of BuLi in the presence of N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (up to 6 equiv each) at slightly elevated temperatures furnishing the highly reactive, ring metalated species [Mo(eta6-C6H5Li)2].tmeda in high yields. Alternatively, this compound was synthesized upon prolonged sonication with 5 equiv of tBuLi/tmeda without heating. An X-ray crystal structure determination revealed a symmetrical, dimeric composition in the solid state, i.e., a formula of [Mo(eta6-C6H5Li)2]2.(thf)6, where the six-membered rings are connected by two pairs of bridging lithium atoms. The synthesis of an elusive ansa-bridged complex failed in the case of a [1]bora and a [1]sila bridge due to the thermal lability of the resulting compounds. Instead, reverse addition of the dilithio precursor to an excess of the appropriate element dihalide facilitated the isolation of several unstrained, 1,1'-disubstituted derivatives, namely, [Mo{eta6-C6H5(BN(SiMe3)2X)}2] (X = Cl, Br) and [Mo{eta6-C6H5(SiiPr2Cl)}2], respectively. However, the incorporation of a less congesting [2]sila bridge was accomplished. In addition to the formation of [Mo{(eta6-C6H5)2Si2Me4}], a molybdenum-containing paracylophane complex was isolated and characterized by means of crystal structure analysis. The ancillary formation of 1 equiv of bis(benzene)molybdenum strongly suggests that this species is generated by deprotonation of the ansa-bridged complex by the dilithiated precursor and subsequent reaction with a second equivalent of the disilane.     

Synthesis and characterization of three homoleptic alkoxides of uranium: [Li(THF)]2[UIV(OtBu)6], [Li(Et2O)][UV(OtBu)6], and UVI(OtBu)6

Addition of 6 equiv of LiOtBu to a THF/Et2O solution of UCl4 at -25 degrees C generates [Li(THF)]2[U(OtBu)6] (1) in 61% yield. 1 is soluble in polar organic solvents and is stable for several days in THF. However, 1 slowly decomposes in benzene or hexanes, forming the dinuclear uranium(IV) species [Li(THF)][U2(OtBu)9] (2) as one of the decomposition products. Alternatively, 2 can be directly prepared in moderate yield by the addition of 4.5 equiv LiOtBu to UCl4 in hexanes/THF at room temperature. The decomposition of 1 has been studied by 1H and 7Li{1H} NMR spectroscopies to elucidate the nature of this transformation. Oxidation of 1 occurs readily in the presence of 0.5 or 1 equiv of I2 to give [Li(Et2O)][U(OtBu)6] (3) and U(OtBu)6 (4), respectively, in good yields. Alternately, 3 can be generated by comproportionation of 1 and 4. 1-4 have been fully characterized, including analysis by X-ray crystallography. In the solid-state these complexes possess large U-O-Cq bond angles, suggestive of a significant U-O pi interaction. In addition, we have studied the redox properties of 4 by cyclic voltammetry.     

Ytterbium and samarium bis(diphosphanylamides): syntheses and structures of lanthanide complexes having two [(Ph2P)2N]- ligands in the coordination sphere

Bis(diphosphanylamide) complexes of the lanthanides have been synthesized. Two approaches to obtain these compounds are shown. Reaction of YbCl3 with a slight excess of [K(THF)n][N(PPh2)2] gives [((Ph2P)2N)2 YbCl(THF)2], which can be further reacted with K(C5Me5) to give the corresponding pentamethylcyclopentadienyl complex [((Ph2P)2N)2Yb(C5Me5)]. In a second approach to bis(diphosphanylamide) complexes of the lanthanides, Na(C(5)H(5)) was treated with SmCl3 to generate [(C5H5)SmCl2(THF)3] in situ. Further reaction with 2 equiv of [K(THF)n][N(PPh2)2] gave the desired complex [((Ph2P)2N)2Sm(C5H5)(THF)].     

Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical studies of beta,beta'-fused metallocenoporphyrins

Beta,beta'-Fused monoruthenocenylporphyrins, Cp*Ru(III)[1,2-[M(II)-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-porphyrinato]-3-methyl-cyclopentadienide] (M = Ni (20), Cu (21), Zn (22)), and bisferrocenoporphyrins, Fe(II) bis[1,2-[M(II)-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato]-3-methyl-cyclopentadienide] (M = Ni (24), Cu (25), Zn (26)), were synthesized and characterized. A novel synthetic approach to beta,beta'-fused porphyrins through Pd(0)-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition was implemented in this work. UV-vis spectra of these compounds show largely broadened and red-shifted bands (relative to their precursors) indicating potential electronic communication between the attached organometallic moiety and the porphyrin core. The electrochemistry of these molecules suggests significant electronic interactions between the metallocene and metalloporphyrin in molecules 20 and 24. The crystal structure of the bisferrocenoporphyrin 26, Fe(II) bis[1,2-[Zn(II)-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato]-3-methyl-cyclopentadienide], was determined: [Cp2Fe[ZnTPP(THF)]2][Cp2Fe[ZnTPP(THF)ZnTPP(MeOH)]].3MeOH.6THF, M = 3804.35, monoclinic, space group P21/c, a = 33.327(5) A, b = 19.145(3) A, c = 29.603(5) A, beta = 106.309(2) degrees , V = 18128(5) A3, Z = 4. In this molecule, one porphyrin ring is rotated by about 72 degrees with respect to the other in the 5-fold axis of the Cp ring.     

Soluble molecular compounds with the Mg-O-Al structural motif: a model approach for the fixation of organometallics on a MgO surface

We report a facile route to the molecular compounds with the Mg-O-Al structural motif. The reaction of Mg[N(SiMe3)2]2 (1) with a stoichiometric amount of LAlOH(Me) (2) [L = CH{(CMe)(2,6-iPr2C6H3N)}2] in THF/n-hexane at 0 degrees C results in the formation of the heterobimetallic compound (Me3Si)2NMg(THF)2-O-Al(Me)L (3) in high yield. The similar reaction of 1 equiv of Mg[N(SiMe3)2]2 and 2 equiv of LAlOH(Me) results in the formation of trimetallic compound L(Me)Al-O-Mg(THF)2-O-Al(Me)L (4). Structural analyses of 3 and 4 have been carried out, revealing the presence of the Mg-O-Al motif. A tentative assignment of the Mg-O-Al vibrations has been made and was supported by calculations.     

Synthesis and structures of heteroleptic silylenes

The reaction of benzamidinato silicon trichloride [{PhC(NR)2}SiCl3] [R = Bu(t) (1), SiMe3 (2)] with 2 equiv of potassium in THF afforded mononuclear chlorosilylene [{PhC(NBu(t))2}SiCl] (3) and [{PhC(NSiMe3)2}2SiCl2] (4), respectively. Compound 4 was formed by the disproportionation of unstable [{PhC(NSiMe3)2}SiCl]. The reaction of [{PhC(NBu(t))2}SiCl3] (1) with 1 equiv of LiR (R = NMe2, OBu(t), OPr(i), PPr(i)2) in THF yielded [{PhC(NBu(t))2}SiCl2R] [R = NMe2 (5), OBu(t) (6), OPr(i) (7), PPr(i)2 (8)]. Treatment of 5-8 with 2 equiv of potassium in THF resulted in the novel heteroleptic silylene [{PhC(NBu(t))2}SiR] [R = NMe2 (9), OBu(t) (10), OPr(i) (11), PPr(i)2 (12)]. Compounds 4, 9, and 12 have been analyzed by X-ray crystallography.     

First complexes of scandium and yttrium with NNO and NNS heteroscorpionate ligands

The reaction of ScCl(3)(THF)(3) or YCl(3) in a 1:1 molar ratio under reflux for 8 h with [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)] [bdmpza = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate], [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)] [bdmpzdta = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)dithioacetate], and (Hbdmpze) [bdmpze = 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)ethoxide] affords the corresponding complexes [MCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzx)(THF)] (x = a, M = Sc (1), Y (2); x = dta, M = Sc (3), Y (4); x = e, M = Sc (5), Y (6)). However, when the reaction was carried out for 1 h under reflux between ScCl(3)(THF)(3) and [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)], a new anionic complex [Li(THF)(4)][ScCl(3)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)] (7) was obtained. Reaction of [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)] with YCl(3) in a 2:1 molar ratio under reflux for 8 h gave the complex [YCl(kappa(3)-bdmpza)(2)] (8). The same reaction, but with the lithium compound [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)], led to the formation of an anionic complex [Li(THF)(4)][YCl(3)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)] (9). The X-ray crystal structures of 7 and 9 were established. Finally, the addition of 1 equiv of [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)] or [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)] to a solution of YCl(3) in THF under reflux, followed by the addition of 1 equiv of 1,10-phenanthroline, resulted in the formation of the corresponding complexes [YCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzx)(phen)] (x = a (10), x = dta (11)). These complexes are the first examples of group 3 metals stabilized by heteroscorpionate ligands. In addition, we have explored the reactivity of some of these complexes with alcohols and amides. For example, the direct reaction of [YCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpza)(THF)] (2) with several alcohols gave the alkoxide complexes [YCl(kappa(3)-bdmpza)(OR)] (R = Et (12), iPr (13)). Finally, the reaction between [ScCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)(THF)] (3) or [Li(THF)(4)][ScCl(3)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)] (7) and LiN(SiMe(3))(2).Et(2)O in 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios gave rise to the complexes [ScCl(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta){N(SiMe(3))(2)}] (14) and [Sc(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta){N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)] (15), respectively.     

Ionic rotors. preparation, structure, and dynamic solid-state 2D NMR study of the 1,4-diethynylbenzenebis(triphenylborate) dianion

The reaction between p-(LiC2)2C6H4 (generated in situ from butyllithium and dialkynylbenzene) and 2 equiv of BPh3 affords high yields of [Li(THF)4]2[p-(Ph3BC2)2C6H4], a heretofore missing member of the isoelectronic [p-(Ph3EC2)2C6H4] (E = groups 13-15 element) series. The central phenylene linker is free to rotate in the solid state, as determined by a variable-temperature solid-state 2D spin-echo NMR spectroscopic study. At room temperature, the rate of rotation is at least 20 times faster than that of its carbon-based analogue, presumably a result of Coulombic repulsions minimizing noncovalent interactions between rotating units in the borate salt.     

Synthesis and characterization of benzoxazine-functionalized amine bridged bis(phenolate) lanthanide complexes and their application in the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters

The synthesis and structures of lanthanide complexes supported by benzoxazine-functionalized amine bridged bis(phenolate) ligand 6,6'-(2-(8-tert-butyl-6-methyl-2H-benzo[e][1,3]oxazin-3(4H)-yl)ethylazanediyl)bis(methylene)bis(2-tert-butyl-4-methylphenolato) (L(2-)) are described. Salt metathesis reaction between lanthanide trichloride and 2 eq of LNa(2) in THF at room temperature afforded the corresponding "ate" complexes [L(2)LnNa(THF)(2)] (Ln[double bond, length as m-dash]Y (1), Nd (2), Er (3), Yb (4)). Further treatment of the product with 18-crown-6 afforded discrete ion-pair complexes [L(2)Ln][(18-crown-6)Na(THF)(2)] (Ln[double bond, length as m-dash]Y (5), Yb (6)). The single-crystal structural analyses of 1 and 3-6 revealed that the lanthanide cation and the sodium cation were bridged by two phenolate oxygen atoms in complexes 1, 3 and 4, while in complexes 5 and 6, the anion comprises a lanthanide cation coordinated by two L(2-) and the cation is comprised of a sodium cation surrounded by an 18-crown-6 and two THF molecules. These complexes were found to exhibit distinct activities towards the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and l-lactide.