Synthetic utility of [(C5Me5)2Ln][(mu-Ph)2BPh] in accessing [(C5Me5)2LnR]x unsolvated alkyl lanthanide metallocenes, complexes with high C-H activation reactivity

The loosely ligated [BPh4]1- ion in [(C5Me5)2Ln][(mu-Ph)2BPh2] can be readily displaced by alkyllithium or potassium reagents to provide access to unsolvated alkyl lanthanide metallocenes, [(C5Me5)2LnR]x, which display high C-H activation reactivity. [(C5Me5)2SmMe]3, [(C5Me5)2LuMe]2, [(C5Me5)2LaMe]x, (C5Me5)2Sm(CH2Ph), [(C5Me5)2Sm(CH2SiMe3)]x, and [(C5Me5)2SmPh]2 were prepared in this way. [(C5Me5)2SmMe]3 metalates toluene, benzene, SiMe4, and (C5Me5)1- ligands to make (C5Me5)2Sm(CH2Ph), [(C5Me5)2SmPh]2, [(C5Me5)2Sm(CH2SiMe3)]x, and (C5Me5)6Sm4[C5Me3(CH2)2]2, respectively. These C-H activation reactions can be done using an in situ synthesis of [(C5Me5)2LnMe]x such that the [(C5Me5)2Ln][(mu-Ph)2BPh2]/LiMe/RH combination provides a facile route to a variety of unsolvated [(C5Me5)2LnR]x products.     

Stable heteroleptic complexes of divalent lanthanides with bulky pyrazolylborate ligands--iodides, hydrocarbyls and triethylborohydrides

The reaction of YbI(2) with KTp(Me2) gives (Tp(Me2))YbI(THF)(2) (1-Yb) as a thermally unstable product. Use of the more hindered KTp(tBu,Me) gave (Tp(tBu,Me))LnI(THF)(n) (Ln = Sm, n = 2, 2-Sm; Ln = Yb, n = 1, 2-Yb). The crystal structures of both these compounds are reported. Adducts with neutral ligands such as pyridines and isonitriles can be prepared and the crystal structures of [(Tp(tBu,Me))YbIL(n)] (L = CN(t)Bu, n = 1; L = 3,5-lutidine, n = 2) are described. 2-Sm can be oxidized using AgBPh(4) to give [(Tp(tBu,Me))SmI(THF)(2)]BPh(4). Compounds 2-Sm and 2-Yb are useful starting materials for the preparation of heteroleptic compounds by metathesis with appropriate potassium reagents. The preparations and characterization of the hydrocarbyls (Tp(tBu,Me))Ln{CH(SiMe(3))(2)} (Ln = Sm, 5-Sm; Yb, 5-Yb) and [(Tp(tBu,Me))Ln{CH(2)(SiMe(3))}(THF)] (Ln = Yb, 6a-Yb) and the triethylborohydrides [(Tp(tBu,Me))Ln(HBEt(3))(THF)(n)] (Ln = Sm, n = 0, 7-Sm; Yb, n = 1, 7-Yb) are reported, as well as the crystal structures of 5-Sm and 5-Yb, and the THF adducts 6a-Yb and [(Tp(tBu,Me))Sm{CH(SiMe(3))(2)}(THF)], 5a-Sm.     

Coordination and reductive chemistry of tetraphenylborate complexes of trivalent rare earth metallocene cations, [(C5Me5)2Ln][(μ-Ph)2BPh2

The reactivity of the tetraphenylborate salts of the rare earth metallocene cations [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)] (Ln = Y, 1; Sm, 2) has been investigated with substrates that undergo reduction with f element complexes to probe metal-substrate interactions prior to reduction. Results with NaN(3), 1-adamantyl azide, acetone, benzophenone, phenanthroline, pyridine, azobenzene, and phenazine are described. Not only were coordination complexes isolated, but substrate reduction by (BPh(4))(-) was also observed. Complex 1 reacts with NaN(3) to form the azide [(C(5)Me(5))(2)YN(3)](x), 3, which crystallizes as [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(μ-N(3))](3), 4, when obtained from 1 and 1-adamantyl azide. The samarium analogue [(C(5)Me(5))(2)SmN(3)](x), 5, can be produced similarly from 2 and NaN(3) and crystallized from MeCN as [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(NCMe)(μ-N(3))](3), 6, and {[(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(μ-N(3))][(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(NCMe)(μ-N(3))]}(n), 7. Complexes 1 and 2 react with stoichiometric amounts of acetone and benzophenone to form the ketone adducts [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln(OCMe(2))(2)][BPh(4)] (Ln = Y, 8; Sm, 9) and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln(OCPh(2))(2)][BPh(4)] (Ln = Y, 10; Sm, 11), respectively. Phenanthroline (phen) coordinates to 1 to form [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(phen)][BPh(4)], 12. Complexes 1 and 2 react with pyridine (py) to form [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln(py)(2)][BPh(4)], (Ln = Y, 13; Sm, 14). Complexes 3, 8, 10, and 12 can also be made from the solvated cation [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(THF)(2)][BPh(4)]. The reaction of 1 with PhNNPh yields the diamagnetic adduct [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(PhNNPh)][BPh(4)], 15, which transforms in benzene to the radical anion complex (C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(PhNNPh), 16, via a one electron reduction by (BPh(4))(-). Complex 1 similarly reacts with phenazine (phz) to produce the first rare earth phenazine radical anion complex {[(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y](2)(phz)}{BPh(4)}, 17. Further reduction of phenazine by (BPh(4))(-) in 17 yields [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y](2)(phz), 18, which contains the common (phz)(2-) dianion. The reduction of fluorenone by (BPh(4))(-) is also reported.     

Organolanthanide-based synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles from nitriles and diazo compounds

The reaction of [(C5Me5)2Ln][(mu-Ph)2BPh2] complexes with the lithium salt of (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane, Li[Me3SiCN2], gave products formulated as the dimeric isocyanotrimethylsilyl amide complexes {(C5Me5)2Ln[mu-N(SiMe3)NC]}2 (Ln = Sm, 1; La, 2). Reactions of (C5Me5)2Sm and [(C5Me5)2Sm(mu-H)]2 with Me3SiCHN2 also form 1. Complexes 1 and 2 react with Me3CCN to form the 1,2,3-triazolato complexes (C5Me5)2Ln(NCCMe3)[NNC(SiMe3)C(CMe3)N] (Ln = Sm, 3; La, 4). Complex 2 reacts with Me3SiN3 to make the isocyanide ligated azide complex {(C5Me5)2La[CNN(SiMe3)2](mu-N3)}3, 5.     

Synthesis, structure and hydrosilylation activity of neutral and cationic rare-earth metal silanolate complexes

Rare-earth metal alkyl tri(tert-butoxy)silanolate complexes [Ln{mu,eta2-OSi(O(t)Bu)3}(CH2SiMe3)2]2 (Ln = Y (1), Tb (2), Lu (3)) were prepared via protonolysis of the appropriate tris(alkyl) complex [Ln(CH2SiMe3)3(thf)2] with tri(tert-butoxy)silanol in pentane. Crystal structure analysis revealed a dinuclear structure for with square pyramidal geometry at the yttrium centre. The silanolate ligand coordinates in an eta2-bridging coordination mode giving a 4-rung truncated ladder and non-crystallographic inversion centre. Addition of two equiv. of 12-crown-4 to a pentane solution of 1 or 3 respectively gave [Ln{OSi(O(t)Bu)(3)}(CH2SiMe3)2(12-crown-4)].12-crown-4 (Ln = Y (4), Lu (5)). Crystal structure analysis of 5 showed a slightly distorted octahedral geometry at the lutetium centre. The silanolate ligand adopts an eta(1)-terminal coordination mode, whilst the crown ether unit coordinates in an unusual kappa3-fashion. Reaction of 1-3 with [NEt3H]+[BPh4]- in thf yielded the cationic derivatives [Ln{OSi(O(t)Bu)3}(CH2SiMe3)(thf)4]+[BPh4]- (Ln = Y (6), Tb (7) and Lu (8)); coordination of crown ether led to compounds of the form [Ln{OSi(O(t)Bu)3}(CH2SiMe3)(L)(thf)n]+[BPh4]- (Ln = Y, Lu, L = 12-crown-4, n = 1 (9,10); Ln = Y, Lu, L = 15-crown-5, n = 0 (11,12)). Reaction of 1 with [NMe2PhH]+[B(C6F5)4]-, [Al(CH2SiMe3)3] or BPh3 in thf gave the ion pairs [Y{OSi(O(t)Bu)3}(CH2SiMe3)(thf)4]+[A]- ([A]- = [B(C6F5)4]- (13), [Al(CH2SiMe3)4]- (14), [BPh3(CH2SiMe3)]- (15)), whilst two equiv. [NMe2PhH]+[BPh4]- with 1 in thf produced the dicationic ion triple [Y{OSi(O(t)Bu)3}(thf)6]2+[BPh4]-2 (16). Crystal structure analysis revealed that 16 is mononuclear with pentagonal bipyramidal geometry at the yttrium centre. The silanolate ligand coordinates in an eta(1)-terminal fashion. All diamagnetic compounds have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 13 were tested as olefin hydrosilylation pre-catalysts with a variety of substrates; 1 was found to be highly active in 1-decene hydrosilylation.     

Reduction of dinitrogen with an yttrium metallocene hydride precursor, [(C5Me5)2YH]2

Treatment of [(C(5)Me(5))(2)YH](2), 1, with KC(8) under N(2) in methylcyclohexane generates the unsolvated reduced dinitrogen complex, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 2, and extends the range of yttrium and lanthanide LnZ(2)Z'/M (Z = monoanion; M = alkali metal) dinitrogen reduction reactions to (Z')(-) = (H)(-). The hydride complex, 1, is unique in this reactivity compared to other alkane-soluble yttrium metallocenes, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)YX](x) {X = [N(SiMe(3))(2)](-), (Me)(-), (C(3)H(5))(-), and (C(5)Me(5))(-)} which did not generate 2 when treated with KC(8). [(C(5)Me(5))(2)LnH](x)/KC(8)/N(2) reactions with Ln = La and Lu did not give isolable dinitrogen complexes. Complex 2 and the unsolvated lutetium analogue, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Lu](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 3, were obtained using benzene as a solvent and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)] as precursors with excess KC(8). Complex 2 functions as a reducing agent with PhSSPh to form [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(μ-SPh)](2), 4, in high yield.     

Synthesis, structure and catalytic activity of alkali metal-free bent-sandwiched lanthanide amido complexes with calix[4]-pyrrolyl ligands

Simple silylamine elimination reactions of calix[4]-pyrrole [R(2)C(C(4)H(2)NH)](4) (R = Me (1), {-(CH(2))(5)-}(0.5) (2)) with 2 equiv. of [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](3)Ln(μ-Cl)Li(THF)(3) (Ln = Nd, Sm, Dy) in reflux toluene, afforded the novel dinuclear alkali metal-free trivalent lanthanide amido complexes (η(5):η(1):η(5):η(1)-R(8)-calix[4]-pyrrolyl){LnN(SiMe(3))(2)}(2) (R = Me, Ln = Nd (3), Sm (4), Dy (5); R = {-(CH(2))(5)-}(0.5), Ln = Nd (6), Sm(7)). The complexes were fully characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray analyses. X-ray diffraction studies showed that each lanthanide metal was supported by bispyrrolyl anions in an η(5) fashion and along with three nitrogen atoms from N(SiMe(3))(2) and two other pyrroyl rings in η(1) modes formed the novel bent-sandwiched lanthanide amido bridged trivalent lanthanide amido complexes, similar to ansa-cyclopentadienyl ligand-supported lanthanide amides with respect to each metal center. The catalytic activities of these organolanthanide complexes as single component l-lactide polymerization catalysts were studied.     

Protonation of a lanthanum phosphide-alkyl occurs at the P-La not the C-La bond: isolation of a cationic lanthanum alkyl complex

Protonation of the heteroleptic, cyclometalated lanthanum phosphide complex [((Me3Si)2CH)(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)P]La(THF)[P(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)(CH(SiMe3)(SiMe2CH2))] with [Et3NH][BPh4] yields the cationic alkyllanthanum complex [(THF)4La[P(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)(CH(SiMe3)(SiMe2CH2))]][BPh4].     

Formation of a bridging planar trimethylenemethane dianion from a neopentyl precursor via sequential beta-alkyl elimination and C-H activation

The reaction of neopentyllithium, Me3CCH2Li, with [(C5Me5)2Sm][(mu-Ph)2BPh2], 1, was investigated as a route to the unsolvated alkyl, [(C5Me5)2Sm(CH2CMe3)]x, and found to generate the first f element trimethylenemethane dianion complex, [(C5Me5)2Sm]2[mu-eta3:eta3-C(CH2)3], 2. Formation of the [C4H6]2- trimethylenemethane ligand from the [C5H11]1- neopentyl precursor can be explained by a combination of a beta-methyl elimination reaction to form isobutene and [(C5Me5)2SmMe]3, 3, with subsequent C-H activation reactions. This sequence has been modeled in several ways, including the synthesis of 2 from reactions of 3 with CH2=CMe2 and 3 with the 2-methylallyl complex, (C5Me5)2Sm[CH2C(Me)CH2], 4.     

Scandium and yttrium metallocene borohydride complexes: comparisons of (BH4)1- vs. (BPh4)1- coordination and reactivity

The synthetically accessible borohydride complexes (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Ln(THF)(BH(4)) and (C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln(THF)(BH(4)) (Ln = Sc, Y) were examined as precursors alternative to the heavily-used tetraphenylborate analogs, [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Ln][BPh(4)] and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln][BPh(4)], employed in LnA(2)A'/M reduction reactions (A = anion; M = alkali metal) that generate "LnA(2)" reactivity and form reduced dinitrogen complexes [(C(5)R(5))(2)(THF)(x)Ln](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)) (x = 0, 1). The crystal structures of the yttrium borohydrides, (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Y(THF)(μ-H)(3)BH, 1, and (C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(THF)(μ-H)(2)BH(2), 2, were determined for comparison with those of the yttrium tetraphenylborates, [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Y][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)], 3, and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)], 4. The complex (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BH(2), 5, was synthesized and structurally characterized for comparison with (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BH(2), 6, [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc][(μ-Ph)BPh(3)], 7, and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sc][(μ-Ph)BPh(3)], 8. Structural information was also obtained on the borohydride derivatives, (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BC(8)H(14), 9, and (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BC(8)H(14), 10, obtained from 9-borabicyclo(3.3.1)nonane (9-BBN) and (C(5)Me(4)R)(2)Sc(η(3)-C(3)H(5)), where R = H, 11; Me, 12. The preference of the metals for borohydride over tetraphenylborate binding was shown by the facile displacement of (BPh(4))(1-) in 3, 4, 7, and 8 by (BH(4))(1-) to make the respective borohydride complexes 1, 2, 5, and 6. These results are consistent with the fact that the borohydrides are not as useful as precursors in A(2)LnA'/M reductions of N(2). An unusual structural isomer of [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 13', was isolated from this study that shows the variations in ligand orientation that can occur in the solid state.     

Planar trimethylenemethane dianion chemistry of lanthanide metallocenes: synthesis, structure, density functional theory analysis, and reactivity of [(C5Me5)2Ln]2[mu-eta3:eta3-C(CH2)(3] Complexes

The unusual formation of planar trimethylenemethane (TMM) dianion complexes of lanthanide metallocenes, [(C5Me5)2Ln]2[mu-eta3:eta3-C(CH2)3] (Ln = Sm, 1; La, 2; Pr, 3; Nd, 4; Y, 5) has been examined by synthesizing examples with metals from La to Y to examine the effects of radial size on structure and to provide closed shell examples for direct comparison with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Synthetic routes to 1-4 have been expanded from the [(C5Me5)2Ln][(mu-Ph)2BPh2]/neopentyl lithium reaction involving beta-methyl elimination to a [(C5Me5)2Ln][(mu-Ph)2BPh2]/isobutyl lithium route. The synthetic pathways are sensitive to metal radius. To obtain 5, the methylallyl complex, (C5Me5)2Y[CH2C(Me)CH2], 6, was synthesized and treated with [(C5Me5)2YH]x. In the Lu case, the neopentyl complex [(C5Me5)2LuCH2C(CH3)3]x, 7, was isolated instead of the TMM product. X-ray crystallography showed that the metrical parameters of the planar TMM dianions in each complex are similar. The structural data have been compared with DFT calculations on the closed-shell lanthanum and lutetium complexes that suggest only limited covalent interactions with the lanthanide ion. Benzophenone (2 equiv) reacts with 1 to expand the original four-carbon TMM skeleton to a dianionic bis(alkoxide) ligand containing a symmetrically substituted C=CH2 moiety in [(C5Me5)2Sm]2[mu-(OCPh2CH2)2C=CH2], 8. In this reaction, the TMM complex reacts as a bifunctional bisallylic reagent that generates an organic framework containing a central vinyl group.     

Synthesis and structures of the C5Me4SiMe3-supported polyhydride complexes over the full size range of the rare earth series

The acid-base reaction of [Ln(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(thf)(2)] with Cp'H gave the corresponding half-sandwich rare earth dialkyl complexes [(Cp')Ln(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(thf)] (1-Ln: Ln=Sc, Y, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu; Cp'=C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3)) in 62-90% isolated yields. X-ray crystallographic studies revealed that all of these complexes adopt a similar overall structure, in spite of large difference in metal-ion size. In most cases, the hydrogenolysis of the dialkyl complexes in toluene gave the tetranuclear octahydride complexes [{(Cp')Ln(μ-H)(2)}(4)(thf)(x)] (2-Ln: Ln=Sc, x=0; Y, x=1; Er, x=1; Tm, x=1; Gd, x=1; Dy, x=1; Ho, x=1) as the only isolable product. However, in the case of Lu, a trinuclear pentahydride [(Cp')(2)Lu(3)(μ-H)(5)(μ-CH(2)SiMe(2)C(5)Me(4))(thf)(2)] (3), in which the C-H activation of a methyl group of the Me(3)Si unit on a Cp' ligand took place, was obtained as a major product (66% yield), in addition to the tetranuclear octahydride [{(Cp')Lu(μ-H)(2)}(4)(thf)] (2-Lu, 34%). The use of hexane instead of toluene as a solvent for the hydrogenolysis of 1-Lu led to formation of 2-Lu as a major product (85%), while a similar reaction in THF yielded 3 predominantly (90%). The tetranuclear octahydride complexes of early (larger) lanthanide metals [{Cp'Ln(μ-H)(2)}(4)(thf)(2)] (2, Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) were obtained in 38-57% isolated yields by hydrogenolysis of the bis(aminobenzyl) species [Cp'Ln(CH(2)C(6)H(4)NMe(2)-o)(2)], which were generated in-situ by reaction of [Ln(CH(2)C(6)H(4)NMe(2)-o)(3)] with one equivalent of Cp'H. X-ray crystallographic studies showed that the fine structures of these hydride clusters are dependent on the size of the metal ions.     

Cationic rare-earth metal trimethylsilylmethyl complexes supported by THF and 12-crown-4 ligands: synthesis and structural characterization

To expand the limited range of rare-earth metal cationic alkyl complexes known, a series of mono- and dicationic trimethylsilylmethyl complexes supported by THF and 12-crown-4 ligands with [BPh4]-, [BPh3(CH2SiMe3)]-, [B(C6F5)4]-, [B(C6F5)3(CH2SiMe3)]-, and [Al(CH2SiMe3)4]- anions were prepared from corresponding neutral precursors [Ln(CH2SiMe3)3Ln] (Ln = Sc, Y, Lu; L = THF, n = 2 or 3; L = 12-crown-4, n = 1) as solvent-separated ion pairs. The syntheses of the monocationic derivatives [Ln(CH2SiMe3)2(12-crown-4)n(THF)m]+[A]- are all high yielding and proceed rapidly in THF solution at room temperature. A "one pot" procedure using the neutral species directly for the syntheses of a number of lutetium and yttrium dicationic derivatives [Ln(CH2SiMe3)(12-crown-4)n(THF)m]2+[A]-2 with a variety of different anions, a class of compounds previously limited to just a few examples, is presented. When BPh3 is used to generate the ion triple, the presence of 12-crown-4 is required for complete conversion. Addition of a second equiv of 12-crown-4 and a third equiv of [NMe2PhH]+[B(C6F5)4]- abstracts a third alkyl group from [Ln(CH2SiMe3)(12-crown-4)2(THF)x]2+[B(C6F5)4]-2 (Ln = Y, Lu). X-ray crystallography and variable-temperature (VT) NMR spectroscopy reveal a structural diversity within the known series of neutral 12-crown-4 supported tris(trimethylsilylmethyl) complexes [Ln(CH2SiMe3)3(12-crown-4)] (Ln = Sc, Y, Sm, Gd-Lu) in the solid and solution states. The X-ray structure of [Sc(CH2SiMe3)3(12-crown-4)] exhibits incomplete 12-crown-4 coordination. VT NMR spectroscopy indicates fluxional 12-crown-4 coordination on the NMR time scale. X-ray crystallography of only the second structurally characterized dicationic rare-earth metal alkyl complex [Y(CH2SiMe3)(12-crown-4)(THF)3]2+[BPh4]-2 shows exocyclic 12-crown-4 coordination at the 8-coordinate metal center with well separated counteranions. 11B and 19F NMR spectroscopy of all mono- and dicationic rare-earth metal complexes reported demonstrate that the anions are symmetrical and noncoordinating on the NMR time scale. A series of trends within the 1H and 13C{1H} NMR resonances arising from the Ln-CH2 groups and, in the case of yttrium, the 1JYC coupling constants at the Y-CH2 group and the 89Y chemical shift values are discussed.     

Organolathanide-catalyzed regioselective intermolecular hydroamination of alkenes, alkynes, vinylarenes, di- and trivinylarenes, and methylenecyclopropanes. Scope and mechanistic comparison to intramolecular cyclohydroaminations

Organolanthanide complexes of the type Cp'(2)LnCH(SiMe(3))(2) (Cp' = eta(5)-Me(5)C(5); Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Lu) and Me(2)SiCp' '(2)LnCH(SiMe(3))(2) (Cp' ' = eta(5)-Me(4)C(5); Ln = Nd, Sm, Lu) serve as efficient precatalysts for the regioselective intermolecular hydroamination of alkynes R'Ctbd1;CMe (R' = SiMe(3), C(6)H(5), Me), alkenes RCH=CH(2) (R = SiMe(3), CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)), butadiene, vinylarenes ArCH=CH(2) (Ar = phenyl, 4-methylbenzene, naphthyl, 4-fluorobenzene, 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzene, 4-methoxybenzene, 4-(dimethylamino)benzene, 4-(methylthio)benzene), di- and trivinylarenes, and methylenecyclopropanes with primary amines R' 'NH(2) (R' ' = n-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, phenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-(dimethylamino)phenyl) to yield the corresponding amines and imines. For R = SiMe(3), R = CH(2)=CH lanthanide-mediated intermolecular hydroamination regioselectively generates the anti-Markovnikov addition products (Me(3)SiCH(2)CH(2)NHR' ', (E)-CH(3)CH=CHCH(2)NHR' '). However, for R = CH(3)CH(2)CH(2), the Markovnikov addition product is observed (CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)CHNHR' 'CH(3)). For internal alkynes, it appears that these regioselective transformations occur under significant stereoelectronic control, and for R' = SiMe(3), rearrangement of the product enamines occurs via tautomerization to imines, followed by a 1,3-trimethylsilyl group shift to stable N-SiMe(3)-bonded CH(2)=CMeN(SiMe(3))R' ' structures. For vinylarenes, intermolecular hydroamination with n-propylamine affords the anti-Markovnikov addition product beta-phenylethylamine. In addition, hydroamination of divinylarenes provides a concise synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinoline structures via coupled intermolecular hydroamination/subsequent intramolecular cyclohydroamination sequences. Intermolecular hydroamination of methylenecyclopropane proceeds via highly regioselective exo-methylene C=C insertion into Ln-N bonds, followed by regioselective cyclopropane ring opening to afford the corresponding imine. For the Me(2)SiCp' '(2)Nd-catalyzed reaction of Me(3)SiCtbd1;CMe and H(2)NCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH(3), DeltaH() = 17.2 (1.1) kcal mol(-)(1) and DeltaS() = -25.9 (9.7) eu, while the reaction kinetics are zero-order in [amine] and first-order in both [catalyst] and [alkyne]. For the same substrate pair, catalytic turnover frequencies under identical conditions decrease in the order Me(2)SiCp' '(2)NdCH(SiMe(3))(2) > Me(2)SiCp' '(2)SmCH(SiMe(3))(2) > Me(2)SiCp' '(2)LuCH(SiMe(3))(2) > Cp'(2)SmCH(SiMe(3))(2), in accord with documented steric requirements for the insertion of olefinic functionalities into lanthanide-alkyl and -heteroatom sigma-bonds. Kinetic and mechanistic evidence argues that the turnover-limiting step is intermolecular C=C/Ctbd1;C bond insertion into the Ln-N bond followed by rapid protonolysis of the resulting Ln-C bond.     

C2-symmetric bis(oxazolinato)lanthanide catalysts for enantioselective intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization

C(2)-symmetric bis(oxazolinato)lanthanide complexes of the type [(4R,5S)-Ph(2)Box]La[N(TMS)(2)](2), [(4S,5R)-Ar(2)Box]La[N(TMS)(2)](2), and [(4S)-Ph-5,5-Me(2)Box]La[N(TMS)(2)](2) (Box = 2,2'-bis(2-oxazoline)methylenyl; Ar = 4-tert-butylphenyl, 1-naphthyl; TMS = SiMe(3)) serve as precatalysts for the efficient enantioselective intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization of aminoalkenes and aminodienes. These new catalyst systems are conveniently generated in situ from the known metal precursors Ln[N(TMS)(2)](3) or Ln[CH(TMS)(2)](3) (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Y, Lu) and 1.2 equiv of commercially available or readily prepared bis(oxazoline) ligands such as (4R,5S)-Ph(2)BoxH, (4S,5R)-Ar(2)BoxH, and (4S)-Ph-5,5-Me(2)BoxH. The X-ray crystal structure of [(4S)-(t)BuBox]Lu[CH(TMS)(2)](2) provides insight into the structure of the in situ generated precatalyst species. Lanthanides having the largest ionic radii exhibit the highest turnover frequencies as well as enantioselectivities. Reaction rates maximize near 1:1 BoxH:Ln ratio (ligand acceleration); however, increasing the ratio to 2:1 BoxH:Ln decreases the reaction rate, while affording enantiomeric excesses similar to the 1:1 BoxH:Ln case. A screening study of bis(oxazoline) ligands reveals that aryl stereodirecting groups at the oxazoline ring 4 position and additional substitution (geminal dimethyl or aryl) at the 5 position are crucial for high turnover frequencies and good enantioselectivities. The optimized precatalyst, in situ generated [(4R,5S)-Ph(2)Box]La[N(TMS)(2)](2), exhibits good rates and enantioselectivities, comparable to or greater than those achieved with chiral C(1)-symmetric organolanthanocene catalysts, even for poorly responsive substrates (up to 67% ee at 23 degrees C). Kinetic studies reveal that hydroamination rates are zero order in [amine substrate] and first order in [catalyst], implicating the same general mechanism for organolanthanide-catalyzed hydroamination/cyclizations (intramolecular turnover-limiting olefin insertion followed by the rapid protonolysis of an Ln-C bond by amine substrate) and implying that the active catalytic species is monomeric.     

Synthesis and characterisation of lanthanide phenolate compounds and their catalytic activity towards ring-opening polymerisation of cyclic esters

Five new heteroleptic lanthanide(III) phenolate compounds have been synthesised in high yield, four via a transamination reaction between Ln(N(SiMe(3))2)3 and two equivalents of the phenol, HOC(6)H(2)(2,4-Bu(t))-6-CH(2)N(Me)CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2) [corrected] (LH) in thf {L(2)LnN(SiMe(3))2 where Ln = La (1); Nd (2); Sm (3); Yb (4)}. The fifth compound, [L(2)La][BPh(4)] 5 was formed by conversion of 1 by treatment with one equivalent of [Et(3)NH][BPh(4)] in toluene. Compound 3 was subjected to a single-crystal X-ray analysis and revealed a five-coordinate, distorted trigonal bipyramidal samarium(III) metal centre where each phenolate ligand is bidentate coordinating through the phenolate oxygen and nitrogen yielding six-membered chelate rings. Compound 1 exhibited fluxional behaviour in C(4)D(8)O solution which was temperature dependent. All five compounds were assessed as catalyst precursors towards the ring-opening polymerisation of both L-lactide and epsilon-caprolactone. These polymerisation studies revealed that catalysts containing larger lanthanide metals were more efficacious than those with smaller lanthanide metals. Furthermore, replacement of the [N(SiMe(3))2] initiating group in 1 with [BPh(4)] in 5 reduced catalytic activity by this compound. Detailed kinetics analysis of the ring-opening polymerisation of L-lactide by compound 1, the most efficacious catalyst precursor analysed in this study, revealed the following rate law: -d[LA]/dt = k[LA](2)[1](1) which is second order in lactide and first order in catalyst. End-group analysis by ESI mass spectrometry revealed the presence of phenolate end-groups and lactide cycles, the latter formed by intra-molecular, intrachain transesterification.     

Flexibility in the coordination chemistry of the 2,3-dimethylindolide ligand with potassium,yttrium, and samarium

The coordination chemistry of the 2,3-dimethylindolide anion (DMI), (Me(2)C(8)H(4)N)(-), with potassium, yttrium, and samarium ions is described. In the potassium salt [K(DMI)(THF)](n), 1, prepared from Me(2)C(8)H(4)NH and KH in THF, the dimethylindole anion binds and bridges potassium ions in three different binding modes, namely eta(1), eta(3), and eta(5), to form a two-dimensional extended structure. In the dimethoxyethane (DME) adduct [K(DMI)(DME)(2)](2), 2, prepared by crystallizing a sample of 1 from DME, DMI exists as a mu-eta(1):eta(1) ligand. Compound 1 reacts with SmI(2)(THF)(4) in THF to form the distorted octahedral complex trans-(DMI)(2)Sm(THF)(4), 3, in which the dimethyindolide anions are bound in the eta(1) mode to samarium. Reaction of 2,3-dimethylindole with Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(THF)(2) afforded the amide complex (DMI)(3)Y(THF)(2), 4, in which the dimethylindolide anions are also bound in the eta(1) mode to yttrium. Compound 1 also reacts with (C(5)Me(5))(2)LnCl(2)K(THF)(2) (Ln = Sm, Y) to form unsolvated amide complexes (C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln(DMI) (Ln = Sm, 5; Y, 6), in which DMI attaches primarily through nitrogen, although the edge of the arene ring is oriented toward the metals at long distances.     

Organolanthanide-catalyzed intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization/bicyclization of sterically encumbered substrates. Scope, selectivity, and catalyst thermal stability for amine-tethered unactivated 1,2-disubstituted alkenes

This paper reports the organolanthanide-catalyzed intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization of amine-tethered unactivated 1,2-disubstituted alkenes to afford the corresponding mono- and disubstituted pyrrolidines and piperidines using coordinatively unsaturated complexes of the type (eta(5)-Me(5)C(5))(2)LnCH(TMS)(2) (Ln = La, Sm), [Me(2)Si(eta(5)-Me(4)C(5))(2)]SmCH(TMS)(2), and [Me(2)Si(eta(5)-Me(4)C(5))((t)BuN)]LnE(TMS)(2) (Ln = Sm, Y, Yb, Lu; E = N, CH) as precatalysts. [Me(2)Si(eta(5)-Me(4)C(5))((t)BuN)]LnE(TMS)(2) mediates intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization of sterically demanding amino-olefins to afford disubstituted pyrrolidines in high diastereoselectivity (trans/cis = 16/1) and good to excellent yield. In addition, chiral C(1)-symmetric organolanthanide catalysts of the type [Me(2)Si(OHF)(CpR*)]LnN(TMS)(2) (OHF = eta(5)-octahydrofluorenyl; Cp = eta(5)-C(5)H(3); R* = (-)-menthyl; Ln = Sm, Y), and [Me(2)Si(eta(5)-Me(4)C(5))(CpR*)]SmN(TMS)(2) (Cp = eta(5)-H(3)C(5); R* = (-)-menthyl) mediate asymmetric intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization of amines bearing internal olefins and afford chiral 2-substituted piperidine and pyrrolidine in enantioselectivities as high as 84:16 er at 60 degrees C. The substrate of the structure NH(2)CH(2)CMe(2)CH(2)CH=CH(CH(2))(2)CH=CH(2) is regiospecifically bicyclized by [Me(2)Si(eta(5)-Me(4)C(5))((t)BuN)]LnE(TMS)(2) to the corresponding indolizidine skeleton in good yield and high diastereoselectivity. Thermolysis of (eta(5)-Me(5)C(5))(2)LaCH(TMS)(2) in cyclohexane-d(12) at 120 degrees C rapidly releases CH(2)(SiMe(3))(2) and leads to possible formation of fulvene (eta(6)-Me(4)C(5)CH(2)-) species. The thermolysis product readily reverts to active catalysts upon protonolysis by substrate and exhibits the same catalytic activity as the (eta(5),eta(1)-Me(5)C(5))(2)LaCH(TMS)(2) precatalyst at 120 degrees C in the cyclization of cis-2,2-dimethylhept-5-enylamine. Catalytically-active lanthanide-amido complexes (eta(5)-Me(5)C(5))(2)La(NHR)(NH(2)R)(n) and [Me(2)Si(eta(5)-Me(4)C(5))((t)BuN)]Sm(NHR)(NH(2)R)(n) are shown to be thermally robust species.     

Reactivity of the inversely polarized phosphaalkenes RP=C(NMe2)2 (R = tBu, Me3Si, H) towards arylcarbene complexes [(CO)5M=C(oEt)Ar] (Ar= Ph, M = Cr, W; Ar = 2-MeC6H4, 2-MeOC6H4, M = W)

The reaction of the arylated Fischer carbene complexes [(CO)5M=C(OEt)Ar] (Ar=Ph; M = Cr, W; 2-MeC6H4; 2-MeOC6H; M = W) with the phosphaalkenes RP=C(NMe2), (R=tBu, SiMe3) afforded the novel phosphaalkene complexes [[RP=C(OEt)Ar]M(CO)5] in addition to the compounds [(RP=C(NMe2)2]M(CO)5]. Only in the case of the R = SiMe3 (E/Z) mixtures of the metathesis products were obtained. The bis(dimethylamino)methylene unit of the phosphaalkene precursor was incorporated in olefins of the type (Me2N)2C=C(OEt)(Ar). Treatment of [(CO)5W=C(OEt)(2-MeOC6H4)] with HP=C(NMe2)2 gave rise to the formation of an E/Z mixture of [[(Me2N)2CH-P=C(OEt)(2-MeOC6H4)]W(CO)5] the organophosphorus ligand of which formally results from a combination of the carbene ligand and the phosphanediyl [P-CH(NMe2)2]. The reactions reported here strongly depend on an inverse distribution of alpha-electron density in the phosphaalkene precursors (Pdelta Cdelta+), which renders these molecules powerfu] nucleophiles.     

Solution structures and dynamic properties of chelated d(0) metal olefin complexes [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(+) (R = H, Me): Models for the [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(R')(olefin)(+) intermediates in "constrained geometry" catalysts.

To model the Ti-olefin interaction in the putative [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(R')(olefin)(+) intermediates in "constrained geometry" Ti-catalyzed olefin polymerization, chelated alkoxide olefin complexes [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(+) have been investigated. The reaction of [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]TiMe(2) (1a,b; R = H, Me) with HOCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2) yields mixtures of [eta(5)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)NH(t)Bu]TiMe(2)(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2)) (2a,b) and [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]TiMe(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2)) (3a,b). The reaction of 2a/3a and 2b/3b mixtures with B(C(6)F(5))(3) yields the chelated olefin complexes [[eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))][MeB(C(6)F(5))(3)] (4a,b; 71 and 89% NMR yield). The reaction of 2b/3b with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] yields [[eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (5b, 88% NMR yield). NMR studies establish that 4a,b and 5b exist as mixtures of diastereomers (isomer ratios: 4a/4a', 62/38; 4b/4b', 75/25; 5b/5b', 75/25), which differ in the enantioface of the olefin that is coordinated. NMR data for these d(0) metal olefin complexes show that the olefin coordinates to Ti in an unsymmetrical fashion primarily through C(term) such that the C=C pi bond is polarized with positive charge buildup on C(int). Dynamic NMR studies show that 4b/4b' undergoes olefin face exchange by a dissociative mechanism which is accompanied by fast inversion of configuration at Ti ("O-shift") in the olefin-dissociated intermediate. The activation parameters for the conversion of 4b to 4b' (i.e., 4b/4b' face exchange) are: DeltaH = 17.2(8) kcal/mol; DeltaS = 8(1) eu. 4a/4a' also undergoes olefin face exchange but with a lower barrier (DeltaH = 12.2(9) kcal/mol; DeltaS = -2(3) eu), for the conversion of 4a to 4a'.