Preparation and characterization of ruthenium(II), rhodium(III) and iridium(III) complexes of isocyanide bearing the azo group

Reactions of [(η⁶-arene)RuCl₂]₂ (1) (η⁶-arene=p-cymene (1a), 1,3,5-Me₃C₆H₃ (1b), 1,2,3-Me₃C₆H₃ (1c) 1,2,3,4-Me₄C₆H₂(1d), 1,2,3,5-Me₄C₆H₂ (1e) and C₆Me₆ (1f)) or [Cp*MCl₂]₂ (M=Rh (2), Ir (3); Cp*=C₅Me₅) with 4-isocyanoazobenzene (RNC) and 4,4′-diisocyanoazobenzene (CN–R–NC) gave mononuclear and dinuclear complexes, [(η⁶-arene)Ru(CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₅)Cl₂] (4a–f), [Cp*M(CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₅)Cl₂] (5: M=Rh; 6: M=Ir)_, [{(η⁶-arene)RuCl₂}₂{μ-CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₄NC}] (8a–f) and [(Cp*MCl₂)₂(μ-CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₄NC)}] (9: M=Rh; 10: M=Ir)_, respectively. It was confirmed by X-ray analyses of 4a and 5 that these complexes have trans-forms for the ---N=N--- moieties. Reaction of [Cp*Rh(dppf)(MeCN)](PF₆)₂ (dppf=1,1′-bis (diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) with 4-isocyanoazobenzene gave [Cp*Rh(dppf)(CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₅)](PF₆)₂ (7), confirmed by X-ray analysis. Complex 8b reacted with Ag(CF₃SO₃), giving a rectangular tetranuclear complex 11b, [{(η⁶-1,3,5-Me₃C₆H₃)Ru(μ-Cl}₄(μ-CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₄NC)₂](CF₃SO₃)₄ bridged by four Cl atoms and two μ-diisocyanoazobenzene ligands. Photochemical reactions of the ruthenium complexes (4 and 8) led to the decomposition of the complexes, whereas those of 5, 7, 9 and 10 underwent a trans-to-cis isomerization. In the electrochemical reactions the reductive waves about −1.50 V for 4 and −1.44 V for 8 are due to the reduction of azo group, [---N=N---]→[---N=N---]²⁻. The irreversible oxidative waves at ca. 0.87 V for the 4 and at ca. 0.85 V for 8 came from the oxidation of Ru(II)→Ru(III).     

Synthesis and properties of halogen- or methyl-containing poly(diphenylacetylene) membranes

Novel diphenylacetylenes with both trimethylsilyl groups and other substituents (R₂C₆H₃CCC₆H₄-p-SiMe₃, R = m,p-Cl,Cl, m,m-Cl,Cl, m,p-Br,Br, m,m-Br,Br, m,p-Me,Me, m,m-Me,Me, 1a–f, respectively) were polymerized with TaCl₅–n-Bu₄Sn to produce solvent-soluble polymers (2a–f). Most polymers (2a–e) had high molecular weight over 1 × 10⁶, and gave free-standing membranes by the solution casting method. Desilylation of these Si-containing polymer membranes was carried out with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), which afforded solvent-insoluble desilylated polymer membranes (3a–e). According to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), both Si-containing and desilylated polymers showed high thermal stability (T₀ ≥ 420 °C). The fractional free volume (FFV) of both Si-containing and desilylated polymer membranes (2a–d, 3a–d) were fairly large (ca. 0.27–0.32), while the FFVs of membranes (2e, 3e) were rather small (0.28 and 0.24). The oxygen permeability coefficients (P_O2) of 2a was as high as 5400 barrers, which is the largest among all the poly(diphenylacetylene) derivatives. Polymers 2b–d also exhibited high oxygen permeability, and their desilylated ones 3b–d retained similar high oxygen permeability. On the other hand, the P_O2 values of 2e and 3e were 1200 and 530 barrers, respectively, which are smaller than those of the halogen-containing polymers (2a–d and 3a–d).     

Enantioselective organic syntheses using chiral transition metal complexes V. (2S,3S)-Bis(dibenzophospholyl)butane, a rigid (S,S)-CHIRAPHOS analog

The P–Ph cleavage of phenyldibenzophosphole (1) with lithium in THF gives lithium dibenzophospholide (2). Reaction of 2 with ethyleneglycol ditosylate produces the known chelate ligand 1,2-bis(dibenzophospholyl)ethane (3) in good yield. Similarly, 2 and (2R,3R)-butanediol ditosylate give the new chiral chelate ligand (2S,3S)-bis(dibenzophospholyl)butane (4). Ligand exchange of [CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl] with 3 or 4 yields the halfsandwich complexes [CpRu(C₁₂H₈PC₂H₄PC₁₂H₈)Cl] (5) and [CpRu((S,S)-C₁₂H₈PCHMeCHMePC₁₂H₈)Cl] (6). Complex 6 was characterized crystallographically (monoclinic, space group P2₁ (no. 4), a=820.6(4), b=1501.0(3), c=1172.8(6) pm, β=108.87(2)°, V=1.367(1)×10⁹ pm³, Z=2). The most conspicuous feature of the structure of 6 is the perfect coplanarity of the two dibenzophosphole moieties imposed by their steric interaction with the Cp ligand. Complex 6 and the thiophene complex [CpRu((S,S)-C₁₂H₈PCHMeCHMePC₁₂H₈)(SC₄H₄)]BF₄ (7) derived therefrom are remarkably unreactive with regard to ligand substitutions. A possible explanation is the lack of intramolecular

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–C stabilization en route to the transition state of ligand substitution. The enantiomeric purity of 6 and 7 could nevertheless be demonstrated by conversion to diastereomerically pure [CpRu((S,S)-C₁₂H₈PCHMeCHMePC₁₂H₈)((S)-CNCHMePh)]BF₄ (8).     

Synthesis and characterisation of new 2-bromovinyl selenides and their platinum group metal complexes

The synthesis of the 2-bromocyclooctenyl selenides, C₈H₁₂(Br)SeR (3a: R = Me; 3b: R = Et; 3c: R = CH₂Ph), and the 2-bromocyclohexenyl selenides, C₆H₈(Br)SeR (4a: R = Me; 4b: R = Et; 4c: R = CH₂Ph), is described. Compounds 3a–e and 4a, b react with K₂PtCl₄ to yield square planar platinum (II) complexes of the form trans-PtL₂Cl₂ (5a: L = 3a; 5b: L = 3b; 5c: L = 3c; 6a: L = 4a; 6b: L = 4b). The analogous palladium(II) complex trans-PdL₂Cl₂ (7c: L = 4c) has been prepared from Pd(C₆H₅CN)₂Cl₂. All new compounds have been characterised by NMR, infrared and mass spectroscope and microanalysts. Complexes 5a–c, 6a, b and 7c exist as a racemic mixture of two diastereoisomers related by inversion at selenium. NMR spectroscope shows that interconversion between these two isomers is slow for 5a–e, but faster for 6a, b and 7c.     

Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity in Heck-type reactions of orthometallated Pd and Pt complexes derived from (1R,2R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane

The chiral bis-imine (1R,2R)-C₆H₁₀-[E---N=CH---C₆H₃---3,4-(OMe)₂]₂ 1 (LH) reacts with [Pd(OAc)₂] (1:1 molar ratio; OAc=acetate) giving the orthometallated [Pd(OAc)(C₆H₂---4,5-(OMe)₂---2-CH=N-(1R,2R)-C₆H₁₀---N=CH---C₆H₃-3′,4′-(OMe)₂-κ-C,N,N)] 2 (abbreviated as [Pd(OAc)(L-κ-C,N,N)]), through C---H bond activation on only one of the aryl rings and N,N-coordination of the two iminic N atoms. 2 reacts with an excess of LiCl to give [Pd(Cl)(L-κ-C,N,N)] 3. The reaction of 3 with AgClO₄ and neutral or anionic ligands L′ (1:1:1 molar ratio) affords [Pd(L-κ-C,N,N)(L′)](ClO₄) (L′=PPh₃ 4a, NCMe 5, pyridine 6, p-nitroaniline 7) or [Pd(I)(L-κ-C,N,N)] 8. Complex 4a reacts with wet CDCl₃ giving [Pd(C₆H₂---4,5-(OMe)₂---2-CH=N-(1R,2R)---C₆H₁₀---NH₂-κ-C,N,N)(PPh₃)](ClO₄) 4b as a result of the hydrolysis of the C=N bond not involved in the orthometallated ring. The molecular structure of 4b·CH₂Cl₂ has been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. Cleavage of the Pd---N bond trans to the C_aryl atom can be accomplished by coordination of strongly chelating ligands, such as acetylacetonate (acac) or bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe), forming [Pd(acac-O,O′)(L-κ-C,N)] 9 and [Pd(L-κ-C,N)(dppe-P,P′)](ClO₄) 12, while classical N,N′-chelating ligands such as 1,10-phenantroline (phen) or 2,2′-bipyridyl (bipy) behave as monodentate N-donor ligands yielding [Pd(L-κ-C,N,N)(κ¹-N-phen)](ClO₄) 10 and [Pd(L-κ-C,N,N)(κ¹-N-bipy)](ClO₄) 11. Treatment of 1 with PtCl₂(DMSO)₂ (1:1 molar ratio) in refluxing 2-methoxyethanol gives Cl₂Pt[(NH₂)₂C₆H₁₀---N,N′] 13a and [Pt(Cl)(C₆H₂---4,5-(OMe)₂---2-CH=N-(1R,2R)---C₆H₁₀---NH₂-κ-C,N,N)] 13b, while [Pt(Cl)(L-κ-C,N,N)] 14 can be obtained by reaction of [Pt(μ-Cl)(η³-2-Me---C₃H₄)]₂ with 1 in refluxing CHCl₃. Complexes 2 and 3 catalyzed the arylation of methyl acrylate giving good yields of the corresponding methyl cinnamates and TON up to 847 000. Complex 3 also catalyzes the hydroarylation of 2-norbornene, but with lower yields and without enantioselectivity.     

Synthesis, structure and properties of delocalized transition metal chelates: Diazoketiminato chelates of Co(III) and Pt(II)

The reactions of HL 1 [where HL is 1N-(2-pyridyl-2-methyl)-2-arylazoaniline and is formulated as ArN = NC₆H₄N(H)(CH₂C₅H₄N); Ar = C₆H₅ (for HL¹) or p-MeC₆H₄ (for HL²) or p-ClC₆H₄ (for HL³)] with K₂PtCl₄ and Co(ClO₄)₃ · 6H₂O afforded the (L)PtCl and [(L)₂Co]ClO₄ complexes, respectively. The HL ligands bind the platinum(II) and cobalt(III) centres in a tridentate (N,N,N) fashion, forming new diazoketiminato chelates upon dissociating the amino proton. The X-ray structures of (L³)PtCl and [(L³)₂Co]ClO₄ were determined. Redox properties of the new complexes have been examined.     

N,N′-bis(substituted-phenyl)oxamides and their dinuclear pentacoordinate nickel(II) complexes

The preparation, spectroscopic characterization and magnetic study of N,N′-bis(substituted-phenyl)oxamidate-bridged nickel(II) dinuclear complexes of formula {[Ni(N₃-mc)]₂(μ-CONC₆H₄-X)}(PF₆)₂ (N₃-mc = 2,4,4-trimethyl-1,5,9-triazacyclo-dodec-1-ene (Me₃-N₃-mc) or 2,4,4,9-tetramethyl-1,5,9-triazacyclododec-1-ene (Me₄-N₃-mc), X = 2-Cl, 4-Cl, 2-OCH₃, 4-OCH₃) are reported. These paramagnetic nickel(II) complexes have been characterized by both one- and two-dimensional (COSY) ¹H NMR techniques. The COSY spectrum of 5 has allowed to achieve the assignment of the phenyl protons of the N,N′-diphenyloxamidate. The crystal structures of [Ni(Me₃-N₃-mc)(μ-CONC₆H₄-4-Cl)]₂(PF₆)₂ (6), [Ni(Me₃-N₃-mc)(μ-CONC₆H₄-4-OMe)]₂(PF₆)₂ (8) and [Ni(Me₄-N₃-mc)(μ-CONC₆H₄-2-Cl)]₂(PF₆)₂ (9) have been determined and their magnetic properties have been studied. The value of magnetic coupling between the two nickel(II) ions across the oxamidate bridge [J = − 37.6 (6), −39.9 (8) and −39.7 cm⁻¹ (9)] is sensitive to the distortion of the coordination sphere of the metal ions and the topology of the molecular bridge.     

Thermal decomposition study on mixed ligand thymine complexes of divalent nickel(II) with dianions of some dicarboxylic acids

Thermal decomposition of mixed ligand thymine (2,4-dihydroxy-5-methylpyrimidine) complexes of divalent Ni(II) with aspartate, glutamate and ADA (N-2-acetamido)iminodiacetate dianions was monitored by TG, DTG and DTA analysis in static atmosphere of air. The decomposition course and steps of complexes [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₄H₅NO₄)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·H₂O, [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₅H₇NO₄)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·H₂O and [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₆H₈N₂O₅)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·1.5H₂O were analyzed. The final decomposition products are found to be the corresponding metal oxides. The kinetic parameters namely, activation energy (E*), enthalpy (ΔH*), entropy (ΔS*) and free energy change of decomposition (ΔG*) are calculated from the TG curves using Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger equations. The stability order found for these complexes follows the trend aspartate > ADA > glutamate.     

Studies of N-heterocyclic compounds with triosmium clusters: Formation of the heterocyclic-linked dicluster compound [Os 6(μ-H)2(μ3-C6H4N3)2(CO)18]

The cluster [Os₃(CO)₁₀(MeCN)₂] reacts with indazole (C₇H₆N₂) to give two isomeric products [0s₃(μ-H)(μ-C₇H₅N₂)(CO)₁₀] in which the five-membered ring has been metallated with N-H cleavage to give an N,N-bonded isomer or with C-H cleavage to give a C,N-bonded isomer. These two isomers have very similar X-ray structures but can be clearly distinguished by ¹H NMR methods. They are shown to correspond to related clusters derived from pyrazole. Benzotriazole (C₆H₅N₃) also reacts (as shown earlier by others) to give two isomers: an N,N-bonded species [Os₃(μ-H)(μ-C₆H₄N₃)(CO)₁₀] coordinated only through the five-membered ring and a minor C,N-bonded isomer [Os₃(μ-H)(μ-C₆H₄N₃)(CO)₁₀], metallated at the C₆ ring and coordinated through both rings. The former isomer reacts with Me₃NO in acetonitrile to give [Os₃(μ-H)(μ-C₆H₄N₃)(CO)₉(MeCN)] which thermally looses MeCN to produce the coupled product [Os₆(μ-H)₂(μ₃-C₆H₄N₃)₂(CO)₁₈] which was shown by X-ray structure determination to have all six nitrogen atoms coordinated to osmium, a novel situation for coordinated benzotriazole. The two Os₃ units are linked together by an OsNNOsNN ring in a boat conformation with the whole cluster adopting C₂ symmetry.     

Bis(2-bromoethyl) selenium dibromide as the selenium-introducing reagent: One-pot preparation of 2,5-bis(alkoxymethyl)tetrahydroselenophenes by the cyclization of 1,5-hexadiene

The reaction of bis(2-bromoethyl)selenium dibromide (1a) with 1,5-hexadiene (2) in methanol or ethanol affords 2,5-bis(alkoxymethyl)tetrahydroselenophene-1,1-dibromides (R = CH₃ (3b), R = C₂H₅ (3c)) via 2,5-bis(bromomethyl)tetrahydroselenophene-1,1-dibromide (3a). The reaction of 1a with 2 in 1-propanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol or 1-butanol in the presence of sodium carbonate gave 2,5-bis(alkoxymethyl)tetrahydroselenophene (R = C₃H₇ (4a), R = (CH₃)₂CHCH₂ (4b) and R = C₄H₉ (4c)) via 3a. The ratios of the trans and cis isomers of 3a–3c are 3:2. In addition, the structure of trans-2,5-bis(methoxymethyl)tetrahydroselenophene-1,1-dibromide (trans-3b) was determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Linked amido-indenyl complexes of titanium

Titanium complexes Ti(η⁵ : η¹-C₉H₆SiMe₂NCMe₃)X₂(X = Cl, Me, CH₂SiMe₃, CH₂Ph) containing the tert-amino-functionalized indenyl ligand C₉H₆SiMe₃NCMe₃ have been synthesized by the reaction of the dilithium derivative Li₂[C₉H₆SiMe₂NCMe₃ ] with TiCl₃ (THF)₃ followed by oxidation or by the alkylation of the dichloro derivative. Unexpectedly, the reaction of C₉H₆(SiMe₃)(SiMe₂Cl) with TiCl₄ does not give Ti(η⁵-C₉H₆SiMe₂Cl)Cl₃.     

Zr-TUD-1: A novel heterogeneous catalyst for the Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley reaction

A series of Schiff-base complexes has been synthesized by the condensation of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane with salicylaldehyde, 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde, followed by the metallation with manganese (1, 2, 3a), cobalt (3b), copper (3c) and iron (3d) salts. These Schiff-base ligands L₁–L₃ and complexes 1, 2, 3a–d were then characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, UV–vis spectra, and DSC measurement. Schiff-base Mn complex (3a) resulting from N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthalidene)cyclohexanediamine (L₃) ligand was considerably active for the catalytic epoxidation of styrene under mild conditions, in which the highest yield of styrene oxide reached 91.2 mol%, notably higher than those achieved from simple salt catalysts Mn(Ac)₂·4H₂O and MnSO₄·H₂O. However, another two salen–Mn complexes 1 and 2 derived from ligands N,N′-bis(salicylidene)cyclohexanediamine (L₁) and N,N′-bis(2-pyridine carboxalidene)cyclohexanediamine (L₂) exhibited relatively poor activity under identical experimental conditions.     

Studies on the syntheses of heterocycles from 3-arylsydnone-4-carbohydroximic acid chlorides with N-arylmaleimides, [1,4]naphthoquinone and aromatic amines

3-Arylsydnone-4-carbohydroximic acid chlorides (1) could react with N-arylmaleimides (3a–b) or 2-methyl-N-phenylmale-imide (3c) to give 3-(3-arylsydnon-4-yl)-5-aryl-3a,6a-dihydro-pyrrolo[3,4-d]isoxazole-4,6-diones (4a–h) or 6a-methyl-3-(3-arylsydnon-4-yl)-5-phenyl-3a,6a-dihydro-pyrrolo[3,4-d]isoxazole-4,6-diones (4i–l), respectively. However, 3-(arylsydnon-4-yl)-naphtho[2,3-d]isoxazole-4,9-diones (6a–d) were obtained in good yield by the reaction of carbohydroximic acid chlorides 1 with [1,4]naphthoquinone. Furthermore, 2-(3-arylsydnon-4-yl)benzoxazoles (9a–d) and 2-(3-arylsydnon-4-yl)benzothiazoles (9e–h) were obtained via the reaction of carbohydroximic acid chlorides 1 with ortho-substituted aromatic amines 7a and b.     

Spatial structure of β-substituted alkoxyvinyl trifluoromethyl ketones

Spatial structure of six β-substituted enones, with common structure R₁O–CR₂CH–COCF₃, were R₁ = C₂H₅, R₂ = H (ETBO); R₁ = R₂ = CH₃ (TMPO); R₁ = C₂H₅, R₂ = C₆H₅ (ETPO); R₁ = C₂H₅, R₂ = 4- O₂NC₆H₄ (ETNO); R₁ = C₂H₅, R₂ = C(CH₃)₃ (ETDO) were investigated by ¹H and ¹⁹F NMR, infrared spectroscopy and AM1 calculations. NMR spectra revealed that enones (MBO), (ETBO) and (TMPO) are exclusively (3E) isomers, whereas in (ETPO), (ETNO) and especially in (ETDO) the percentage of (3Z) isomers is significant and depends on the nature of solvents. Conformational behaviour of studied enones are determined by the rotation around of CC double bond, C–C and C–O single bonds (correspondingly trifluoroacetyl and alkoxy groups), and (EZZ) conformer being the most stable in all cases. IR spectra revealed that with the exception of (ETDO) (EZZ) conformer is most populated in all cases. Bulky substituents like phenyl or tert-butyl group at β-position of enone result in the equilibrium mainly between (EZZ) and (ZZZ) forms, whereas β-hydrogen and β-methyl substituents determine the equilibrium between (EZZ) and (EEZ) or (EZE) conformers.     

The use of thermotropic liquid crystals in organometallic chemistry. Synthesis of new mercury, silver and gold complexes with 4,4′-disubstituted azob

Liquid crystalline 4-XC₆H₄N=NC₆H₄X-4′ [X = C₄H₉ (1a), C_1OH₂₁ (1b), OC₄H₉ (1c), OC₈H₁₇(1d)] can be easily prepared in high yields from the corresponding anilines. In order to study the influence of metals on the thermal properties of these materials, we have obtained adducts [AuCl ₃(4-C₄H₉OC₆H₄N=NC₆H₄OC₄H₉-4′)] (2) and [Ag(OC1O₃)L₂] [L = 4-XC₆H₄N=NC₆H₄X-4′; X = OC₄H, (3a), OC₈H₁₇ (3b)]. The silver adducts show themotropic behaviour. Mercuriation of dialkylazobenzenes 1a-b takes place with [Hg(OAc)₂] and LiCl to give [Hg(R)Cl] [R = C₆H₃(N=NC₆H₄X-4′)-2, X-5; X = C₄H₉ (bpap) (4a), C₁₀H₂₁ (dpap) (4b)] while dialkoxyazobenzenes 1c–d require [Hg (OOCCF₃)₂] to obtain [Hg(R)Cl] [R = C₆H₃(N---NC₆H₄X-4′)-2, X-5; X = OC₄H₉ (bxpap) (4c), OC ₈H₁₇ (4d)]. 4a-c react with NaI to give [HgR₂] [R= bpap (5a), dpap (5b), bxpap (5c), oxpap (5d)l. Both chloroaryl-, 4a and 4c, and diaryl-mercurials, 5a and 5c, act readily as transmetailating agents towards [Me₄N] [AuCl₄] in the presence of [Me₄N]Cl to give [Au(η²-R)Cl₂] [R = bpap (6a), bxpap (6b)]. After reaction of [AuCl ₃(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) with [Me₄N]Cl and 4b (1:2:1), [Me₄N][Au(dpap)Cl₃] (7) can be isolated. C---H activati bxpap (8b)]. None of the complexes 4–8 shows mesomorphic behaviour.     

Synthesis, characterization, and X-ray crystal structures of W(VI) alkyl complexes with chelating diamide and imido co-ligands

The complex W(NPh)Cl₂[o-(NSiMe₃)₂C₆H₄] 3 was synthesized from PhN = WCl₄ · OEt₂ and N,N′-(Li₂[o-(NSiMe₃)₂C₆H₄] and reacts with Lewis bases to form the adducts W(NPh)Cl₂[o-(NSiMe₃)₂C₆H₄](L) (L = PMe₃, THF, 3-picoline, ^tBuNC, MeCN) 4a–e. Crystals of 4a are triclinic, space group P1¯, with a = 9.562(1), b = 10.277(1), c = 14.920(2) Å, = 82.15(1), β = 80.18(1), γ = 80.41(1)°, and Z = 2. The structure was solved by the heavy atom method and refined to R = 0.0408 for 4224 observed (I > 2σ(I)) reflections. The dialkyl complexes W(NPh)R₂[o-(NSiMe₃)₂C₆H₄] (R = Me, Et, CH₂Ph, CH₂CMe₃, CH₂CMe₂Ph) 5–9 are formed through subsequent reactions of 3 with the corresponding Grignard reagent. Crystals of complex 5 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 10.3545(2), b = 17.9669(1), c = 13.3168(1) Å, β = 103.826(1)°, and Z = 4. The structure of complex 5 was solved by direct methods in SHELXTL5 and refined to R = 0.0247 for 4572 observed reflections. Compound 5 has a square pyramidal geometry in which the imido ligand occupies the apical position and reacts with PMe₃ to form the adduct W(NPh)Me₂[o-(NSiMe₃)₂C₆H₄](PMe₃) 5a. Crystals of complex 5a are monoclinic, space group C2/m, with a = 13.5336(1), b = 14.4291(1), c = 15.3785(1) Å, β = 110.365(1)°, and Z = 4. The structure of compound 5a was solved by direct methods in shelxtl5 and refined to R = 0.0272 for 3057 observed reflections. Crystals of the bis-neopentyl complex 8 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 10.6992(4), b = 18.3144(7), c = 16.0726(6) Å, β = 92.042(1)°, and Z = 4. The structure of 8 was solved by direct methods in shelxtl5 and refined to R = 0.0261 for 5881 observed reflections. Complex 8 has a trigonal bipyramidal geometry with both neopentyl groups and one amido nitrogen in the equatorial plane.     

Novel cyclopentadienyl silanes and disilanes: synthesis, structure and gas-phase pyrolysis

The new chloro(cyclopentadienyl)silanes Cp′SiH_yCl_3−y (Cp′=Me₄EtC₅, y=1: 1; Cp′=Me₄C₅H, y=1: 2; y=0: 3; Cp′=Me₃C₅H₂, y=1: 4 and pentachloro(cyclopentadienyl)disilanes Cp′Si₂Cl₅ (Cp′=Me₅C₅ 5, Me₄EtC₅ 6, Me₄C₅H 7, Me₃C₅H₂ 8, Me₃SiC₅H₄ 9) are synthesized in good yields via metathesis reactions. Treatment of 1–9 with LiAlH₄ leads under Cl–H exchange to the hydridosilyl compounds Cp′SiH₃ (Cp′=Me₄EtC₅ 10, Me₄C₅H 11, Me₃C₅H₂ 12) and to the hydridodisilanyl compounds Cp′Si₂H₅ (Cp′=Me₅C₅ 13, Me₄EtC₅ 14, Me₄C₅H 15, Me₃C₅H₂ 16, Me₃SiC₅H₄ 17). Complexes 1–17 are characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, and ²⁹Si-NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and CH-analysis. The structures of 6, 7 and 9 are determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Pyrolysis studies of the cyclopentadienylsilanes 10–12 and disilanes 13–17 show their suitability as precursors in the MOCVD process.     

Photolysis of benzoyl esters of 2,2′-dinitrodiphenylcarbinols in neutral and basic media

The photolysis of 2,2′-dinitrodiphenylmethylbenzoates (1a–1d) in 2-propanol gives dibenzo-[c, f]-[1,2]diazepin-11-one-oxides (5a–5d) as the major product. Dibenzo[c, f]-[1,2]diazepin-11-ones (2a–2d), 2,2′-dinitrobenzophenones (3a–3d), 2-amino-2′-nitrobenzophenones (4a–4d) and N-hydroxyacridones (6a–6d) are also formed in the reaction. When the irradiation is carried out in benzene, 3-(2′-nitrophenyl)-2,1-benzisoxazoles (7a–7d) are also obtained together with the above products.     

Practical dihydroxylation and C–C cleavage of unsaturated fatty acids

Unsaturated fatty acids [C₈H₁₇CH=CH(CH₂)_nCO₂H] (n=7, 11) acids are cleanly dihydroxylated by hydrogen peroxide in the presence of catalytic amounts of H₂WO₄. Under molecular oxygen, in the presence of catalytic amounts of N-hydroxyphthalimide and Co(acac)₃, the diols resulting from erucic (n=11) and oleic (n=7) acid undergo C–C cleavage.     

Synthesis and structure of a novel molybdenum imido calix[6]arene

Treatment of p-tert-butylcalix[6]areneH₆ (H₆L) with [Mo(OBu^t)₂{[2,2′-(N)-C₆H₄]₂(CH₂CH₂)}] in refluxing toluene affords, after work-up, the complex [Mo(2-NC₆H₄CH₂CH₂C₆H₄NHC(Me)NH-2^/)LH₂]·4MeCN (1), which contains an 11-membered metallocyclic ring as characterised by Synchrotron X-radiation.