Site Preference in Multimetallic Nanoclusters: Incorporation of Alkali Metal Ions or Copper Atoms into the Alkynyl‐Protected Body‐Centered Cubic Cluster [Au7Ag8(C≡CtBu)12]+

The synthesis, structure, substitution chemistry, and optical properties of the gold‐centered cubic monocationic cluster [Au@Ag₈@Au₆(C≡C^tBu)₁₂]⁺ are reported. The metal framework of this cluster can be described as a fragment of a body‐centered cubic (bcc) lattice with the silver and gold atoms occupying the vertices and the body center of the cube, respectively. The incorporation of alkali metal atoms gave rise to [M_nAg_8?nAu₇(C≡C^tBu)₁₂]⁺ clusters (n=1 for M=Na, K, Rb, Cs and n=2 for M=K, Rb), with the alkali metal ion(s) presumably occupying the vertex site(s), whereas the incorporation of copper atoms produced [Cu_nAg₈Au_7?n(C≡C^tBu)₁₂]⁺ clusters (n=1–6), with the Cu atom(s) presumably occupying the capping site(s). The parent cluster exhibited strong emission in the near‐IR region (λ_max=818 nm) with a quantum yield of 2 % upon excitation at λ=482 nm. Its photoluminescence was quenched upon substitution with a Na⁺ ion. DFT calculations confirmed the superatom characteristics of the title compound and the sodium‐substituted derivatives.     

catena‐Poly[[silver(I)‐μ‐[9,10‐bis(1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)anthracene]‐κ2N3:N3′] bis(nitrato‐κO)silver(I)]

Yellow needle‐shaped crystals of the title compound, {[Ag(C₃₀H₂₂N₄)][Ag(NO₃)₂]}_n, were obtained by the reaction of AgNO₃ and 9,10‐bis(benzimidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)anthracene (L) in a 2:1 ratio. The asymmetric unit consists of two Ag^I cations, one half L ligand and one nitrate anion. One Ag^I cation occupies a crystallographic inversion centre and links two N‐atom donors of two distinct L ligands to form an infinite one‐dimensional coordination polymer. The second Ag^I cation lies on a crystallographic twofold axis and is coordinated by two O‐atom donors of two nitrate anions to form an [Ag(NO₃)₂]⁻ counter‐ion. The polymeric chains are linked into a supramolecular framework via weak Ag...O [3.124 (5) Å] and Ag...π (2.982 Å) interactions (π is the centroid of an outer anthracene benzene ring). The π interactions contain two short Ag...C contacts [2.727 (6) and 2.765 (6) Å], which can be considered to define Ag–η²‐anthracene bonding interactions. In comparison with a previously reported binuclear Ag^I complex [Du, Hu, Zhang, Zeng & Bu (2008). CrystEngComm, 10 , 1866–1874], this new one‐dimensional coordination polymer was obtained by changing the metal–ligand ratio during the synthesis.     

Cu Doping-Induced Transformation from [Ag62S12(SBut)32]2+ to [Ag62−xCuxS12(SBut)32]4+ Nanocluster

The change in the valence state of nanocluster can induce remarkable changes in the properties and structure. However, achieving the valence state changes in nanoclusters is still a challenge. In this work, we use Cu²⁺ as dopant to “oxidize” [Ag₆₂S₁₂(SBu^t)₃₂]²⁺ (4 free electrons) to obtain the new nanocluster: [Ag_62−xCu_xS₁₂(SBu^t)₃₂]⁴⁺ with 2 free electrons. As revealed by its structure, the [Ag_62−xCu_xS₁₂(SBu^t)₃₂]⁴⁺ (x=10∼21) has a similar structure to that of [Ag₆₂S₁₂(SBu^t)₃₂]²⁺ precursor and all the Cu atoms occupy the surface site of nanocluster. It′s worth noting that with the Cu atoms doping, the [Ag_62−xCu_xS₁₂(SBu^t)₃₂]⁴⁺ nanocluster is more stable than [Ag₆₂S₁₂(SBu^t)₃₂]²⁺ at higher temperature and in electrochemical cycle. This result has laid a foundation for the subsequent application and exploration. Overall, this work reveals crystals structure of a new Ag−Cu nanocluster and offers a new insight into the electron reduction/oxidation of nanocluster.     

Synthesis and Structure of (N,)C,N‐chelated Organoantimony(III) and Bismuth(III) Cations and Isolation of Their Adducts with Ag[CB11H12]

The treatment of N,C,N‐chelated antimony(III) and bismuth(III) chlorides [C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH=NR)₂]MCl₂ [R = tBu and M = Sb ( 1 ) or Bi ( 2 ); R = Dmp and M = Sb ( 3 ) or Bi ( 4 )] (Dmp = 2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃) with one molar equivalent of Ag[CB₁₁H₁₂] led to a smooth formation of corresponding ionic pairs {[C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH=NR)₂]MCl}⁺[CB₁₁H₁₂]^– [R = tBu and M = Sb ( 7 ) or Bi ( 8 ), R = Dmp and M = Sb ( 9 ) or Bi ( 10 )]. Similarly, the reaction of C,N‐chelated analogues [C₆H₂‐2‐(CH=NDip)‐4,6‐(tBu)₂]MCl₂ [M = Sb ( 5 ) or Bi ( 6 ), Dip = 2′,6′‐iPr₂C₆H₃] gave compounds {[C₆H₂‐2‐(CH=NDip)‐4,6‐(tBu)₂]MCl}⁺[CB₁₁H₁₂]^– [M = Sb ( 11 ) or Bi ( 12 )]. All compounds 7 – 12 were characterized with ¹H, ¹¹B and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, ESI‐mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, and molecular structures of 7 – 9 and 12 were determined by the help of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. In contrast, all attempts to cleave also the second M–Cl bond in 7 – 12 using another molar equivalent Ag[CB₁₁H₁₂] remained unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the reaction between 7 (or 8 ) and Ag[CB₁₁H₁₂] produced unprecedented adducts of both reagents namely {[C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH=NtBu)₂]SbCl}₂²⁺[Ag₂(CB₁₁H₁₂)₄]^2– ( 13 ) and {[C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH=NtBu)₂]BiCl}⁺[Ag(CB₁₁H₁₂)₂]^– ( 14 ) in a reproducible manner. The molecular structures of these sparingly soluble compounds were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

The Coordination Behavior of Oxygen-depleted Calixarenes towards d10 Noble Metal Ions

A calix[4]arene, in which two of the phenol functions are replaced by pyrazole units, [H₂(bpzCal)], was investigated as a ligand for Cu⁺, Ag⁺ and Au⁺ ions. Using [Cu(MeCN)₄]BF₄ and AgSbF₆ as the precursors, complexes [MH₂(bpzCal)]X (M = Cu, X = BF_4; M = Ag, X = SbF₆) were formed, where the calixarene ligands adopt a 1,3-alternate structure and the metal ions are coordinated linearly by the two pyrazolyl donors. [CuH₂(bpzCal)]BF₄ displayed a – for copper(I) complexes – unusual stability towards O₂, which is due to the steric protection of the Cu^I center. By contrast a dinuclear copper(I) complex [Cu₂(bpzCal)] that was obtained through treatment of [H₂(bpzCal)] with two equivalents of Cu(HMDS) is rather sensitive towards O₂. The preparation of a gold complex required the employment of a gold precursor, which contains one labile and one stabilizing neutral ligand, namely [(PPh₃)Au(NCMe)]SbF₆, which led to the formation of [(PPh₃)AuH₂(bpzCal)]SbF₆. In this complex [H₂(bpzCal)] acts only as a monodentate ligand for the gold center. Taken together, the results demonstrate the potential of [H₂(bpzCal)] in providing rather different coordination spheres for metal ions.     

A study of the protonation and alkylation oft-butyl isocyanide intrans-[M(CNBu-t 2(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)2] (M = Mo or W): Formation of carbyne-type complexes and theirtrans- tocis-isomerization

Summary Treatment of complexestrans-[M(CNBu-t)₂(dppe)₂][(1) M = Mo or W, dppe = Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂] with protic acid gives a mixture of the aminocarbyne complexestrans- pluscis-[M(CNHBu-t)(CNBu-t)(dppe)₂]⁺ (2) and the hydridocompounds [MH(CNBu-t)₂(dppe)₂]⁺ (3), whereas reaction with an alkylating agent (R⁺) appears to give the dialkylaminocarbyne compounds [M(CNRBu-t)(CNBu-t)(dppe)₂]⁺ (4) also as a mixture of thetrans andcis isomers.     

Two New Silver(I) Ammine Complexes by Displacement Reaction Between [Ag(NH3)2]+ Ions and Different Pyridine‐4,5‐Imidazoledicarboxylic Acids

[Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺ ions are chosen as an initial reaction precursor because of its simple displacement reaction and intrinsic arrangement as well as specific coordination directionality. Two new silver(I) ammine complexes, Ag₂(NH₃)HL² ( 2 ) and Ag₂(NH₃)₂HL³ ( 3 ), were obtained by a simple substitution reaction between [Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺ ions and pyridine‐4,5‐imidazoledicarboxylic acid [H₃L² = 2‐(3′‐pyridyl) 4,5‐imidazoledicarboxylic acid and H₃L³ = 2‐(4′‐pyridyl) 4,5‐imidazoledicarboxylic acid]. Silver dimers are connected into a 2D layer and 1D chain in complexes 2 and 3 , respectively. In complex 2 two kinds of displacement reactions (mono‐substituting and bis‐substituting) occurred between the ammine molecules in [Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺ ions and H₃L², however, only the mono‐substituting reaction occurs in complex 3 .     

Silver(I) and copper(I) complexes with ferrocenyl ligands bearing imidazole or pyridyl substituents

The reactions between five ferrocenyl derivatives containing both a CO and at least an imidazole or pyridine nitrogen atom and AgPF₆, AgOTf, or [Cu(NCCH₃)₄]PF₆ precursors were studied. The ligand {[bis(2-pyridyl)amino]carbonyl}ferrocene (L3), derived from (2-pyridyl)amine, favored tetrahedral coordination of Ag⁺ (with two ligands) and of Cu⁺ (with two acetonitrile ligands left from the precursor). In all the other ligands, both metal centers coordinated linearly to two ligands, preferring the imidazole or pyridinic nitrogen to other nitrogen atoms (amine) or oxygen donors.When the counter anions were triflate, the crystal structure showed a dimerization of the complex, with the ferrocenyl moieties occupying cis positions, by means of a weak Ag?Ag interaction. This was shown experimentally in the crystal structure of complex [Ag(L1)₂]OTf (L1 = ferrocenyl imidazole) and in the presence of peaks corresponding to {Ag₂(L2)₃(OTf)}⁺ and {Ag₂(L2)₄(OTf)}⁺ in the mass spectra of [Ag(L2)₂]OTf (L2 = ferrocenyl benzimidazole). In all complexes containing PF₆, there was no evidence for dimerization. Indeed, in the crystal structure of [Ag(L2)₂]PF₆, the ferrocenyl moieties occupy trans positions and the metal centers are far from each other. DFT calculations showed that the energy of the cis and trans conformers is practically the same and the balance of crystal packing forces leads to dimerization when triflate is present.     

Coinage Metal Complexes with Di-tertiary-butyl Sulfide as Precursors with Ultra-Low Decomposition Temperature

We report here the synthesis of [Cu₂(TFA)₄(^tBu₂S)₂] ( 1 ), [Ag₄(TFA)₄(^tBu₂S)₄] ( 2 ) and [AuCl(^tBu₂S)] ( 3 ) (TFA=trifluoroacetate), which decompose in solution medium at ultra-low temperature (e. g., in boiling toluene) to afford phase-pure and highly crystalline Cu₉S₅, Ag₂S and metallic Au nanoparticles, respectively. The low decomposition temperature of these precursors is attributed to the facile decomposition mechanism in the di-tertiary-butyl sulfide ligand. These results are a significant step in the direction of establishing a general low-temperature strategy spanning a range of systems including thermodynamically metastable materials and incorporate them in technologies that are sensitive to the harsh conditions.     

Preparation and Characterization of Dinuclear Chromium(III) Complexes of a Hexadentate Tetraaza‐Dithiophenolate Ligand

The ability of the tetraaza‐dithiophenolate ligand H₂L² (H₂L² = N,N′‐Bis‐[2‐thio‐3‐aminomethyl‐5‐tert‐butyl‐benzyl]propane‐1,3‐diamine) to form dinuclear chromium(III) complexes has been examined. Reaction of Cr^IICl₂ with H₂L² in methanol in the presence of base followed by air‐oxidation afforded cis,cis‐[(L²)Cr^III₂(μ‐OH)(Cl)₂]⁺ ( 1a ) and trans,trans‐[(L²)Cr^III₂(μ‐OH)(Cl)₂]⁺ ( 1b ). Both compounds contain a confacial bioctahedral N₂ClCr^III(μ‐SR)₂(μ‐OH)Cr^IIIClN₂ core. The isomers differ in the mutual orientation of the coligands and the conformation of the supporting ligand. In 1a both Cl^? ligands are cis to the bridging OH function. In 1b they are in trans‐positions. Reaction of the hydroxo‐bridged complexes with HCl yielded the chloro‐bridged cations cis,cis‐[(L²)Cr^III₂(μ‐Cl)(Cl)₂]⁺ ( 2a ) and trans,trans‐[(L²)Cr^III₂(μ‐Cl)(Cl)₂]Cl ( 2b ), respectively. These bridge substitutions proceed with retention of the structures of the parent complexes 1a and 1b .     

Spectroscopic and structural properties of complexes of 3,3′-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)-2,2′-bipyridine with copper(I) and silver(I)

The pseudo-tetrahedral complexes [CuL₂]PF₆·7H₂O·CH₃OH (1) and [AgL₂]CF₃SO₃·H₂O (2) (L?=?3,3′-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)-2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized and characterized through crystal structure analyses, electrochemistry, and spectroscopic methods. X-ray structural analyses of 1 and 2 indicate that sterically constrained N₄ ligands L are cis and behave as bidentate chelates to a single metal ion in a pseudo-tetrahedral fashion through the benzimidazole. As two benzimidazolyl rings exhibit considerable steric hindrance, the bipyridine unit of L remains uncoordinated. The pseudo-tetrahedral cation [CuL₂]⁺ shows a quasi-reversible Cu^I/Cu^II oxidation–reduction wave in the CV in DMF (counter-ion PF₆^?). The fluorescence titration of L with copper(I), silver(I), and also with pH have been conducted to examine the selectivity. The ligand shows remarkably high selectivity and sensitivity for Ag(I).     

The Effect of Guest Metal Ions on the Reduction Potentials of Uranium(VI) Complexes: Experimental and Theoretical Investigations

Two mononuclear uranyl complexes, [UO₂L¹] ( 1 ) and [UO₂L²] ⋅ 0.5 CH₃CN ⋅ 0.25 CH₃OH ( 2 ), have been synthesized from two multidentate N₃O₄ donor ligands, N,N′-bis(5-methoxysalicylidene)diethylenetriamine (H₂L¹) and N,N′-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)diethylenetriamine (H₂L²), respectively, and have been structurally characterized. Both complexes 1 and 2 showed a reversible U^VI/U^V couple at −1.571 and −1.519 V, respectively, in cyclic voltammetry. The reduction potential of the U^VI/U^V couple shifted towards more positive potential on addition of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, and Ag⁺ metal ions to acetonitrile solutions of complex 2 , and the resulting potential was correlated with the Lewis acidity of the metal ions and was also justified by theoretical DFT calculations. No such shift in reduction potential was observed for complex 1 . All four bimetallic products, [UO₂L²Li_0.5](ClO₄)_0.5 ( 3 ), [UO₂L²Na(ClO₄)]₂ ( 4 ), [UO₂L²Ag(NO₃)(H₂O)] ( 5 ), and [(UO₂L²)₂K(H₂O)₂]PF₆ ( 6 ), formed on addition of the Li⁺, Na⁺, Ag⁺, and K⁺ metal ions, respectively, to acetonitrile solutions of complex 2 , were isolated in the solid state and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In all the species, the inner N₃O₂ donor set of the ligand encompasses the equatorial plane of the uranyl ion and the outer open compartment with O₂O′₂ donor sites hosts the second metal ion.     

Thallium(I), Silver(I), and Mixed Thallium(I)/Copper(I) Clusters with Bridging {Me2Si(N‐C6H4‐2‐SPh)2}2– Ligands

The S‐functionalized aminosilane Me₂Si(NH‐C₆H₄‐2‐SPh)₂ (H₂L) ( 1 ) was prepared from dichlorodimethylsilane and lithiated 2‐(phenylthio)aniline. Treatment of compound 1 with two equivalents of n‐butyllithium led to the dilithium derivative Li₂L, which was used in subsequent reactions with MCl (M = Tl, Cu, Ag) to prepare the complexes [Tl₂L] ( 2 ), [Cu₂Tl₂L₂] · 2THF ( 3a ), [Cu₂Tl₂L₂(THF)₂] ( 3b ), and [Ag₄L₂(THT)₂] ( 4 ) (THT = tetrahydrothiophene). Compound 2 consists of two thallium atoms, which are connected by a L^2– ligand to give a puckered Tl₂N₂ ring with Tl–N distances of 255(1)–268(1) pm. Compounds 3a and 3b are heterobimetallic complexes, which are based on [Cu₂L₂]^2– cores featuring a Cu₂N₄Si₂ ring with linearly coordinated copper atoms [Cu–N: 190.7(3)–192.5(3) pm] and two peripherally attached Tl atoms [Tl–N: 272.7(3)–281.9(3) pm]. The molecular structure of the tetranuclear silver(I) complex 4 is closely related to the structure of compounds 3a and 3b by replacement of the Cu and Tl atoms with Ag atoms. The Ag–N distances are 217.5(3)–245.7(3) pm.     

Lanthanide(II) Complexes of the Dihydrotriazinido Ligand [N{C(Ph)=N}2C(tBu)Ph]−

The potassium dihydrotriazinide K(L^Ph,tBu) ( 1 ) was obtained by a metal exchange route from [Li(L^Ph,tBu)(THF)₃] and KOtBu (L^Ph,tBu = [N{C(Ph)=N}₂C(tBu)Ph]). Reaction of 1 with 1 or 0.5 equivalents of SmI₂(thf)₂ yielded the monosubstituted Sm^II complex [Sm(L^Ph,tBu)I(THF)₄] ( 2 ) or the disubstituted [Sm(L^Ph,tBu)₂(THF)₂] ( 3 ), respectively. Attempted synthesis of a heteroleptic Sm^II amido‐alkyl complex by the reaction of 2 with KCH₂Ph produced compound 3 due to ligand redistribution. The Yb^II bis(dihydrotriazinide) [Yb(L^Ph,tBu)₂(THF)₂] ( 4 ) was isolated from the 1:1 reaction of YbI₂(THF)₂ and 1 . Molecular structures of the crystalline compounds 2 , 3· 2C₆H₆ and 4· PhMe were determined by X‐ray crystallography.     

From a Phosphaketenyl‐Functionalized Germylene to 1,3‐Digerma‐2,4‐diphosphacyclobutadiene

The first 4π‐electron resonance‐stabilized 1,3‐digerma‐2,4‐diphosphacyclobutadiene [L^H₂Ge₂P₂] 4 (L^H=CH[CHNDipp]₂ Dipp=2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃) with four‐coordinate germanium supported by a β‐diketiminate ligand and two‐coordinate phosphorus atoms has been synthesized from the unprecedented phosphaketenyl‐functionalized N‐heterocyclic germylene [L^HGe‐P=C=O] 2 a prepared by salt‐metathesis reaction of sodium phosphaethynolate (P≡C?ONa) with the corresponding chlorogermylene [L^HGeCl] 1 a . Under UV/Vis light irradiation at ambient temperature, release of CO from the P=C=O group of 2 a leads to the elusive germanium–phosphorus triply bonded species [L^HGe≡P] 3 a , which dimerizes spontaneously to yield black crystals of 4 as isolable product in 67 % yield. Notably, release of CO from the bulkier substituted [L^tBuGe‐P=C=O] 2 b (L^tBu=CH[C(^tBu)N‐Dipp]₂) furnishes, under concomitant extrusion of the diimine [Dipp‐NC(^tBu)]₂, the bis‐N,P‐heterocyclic germylene [DippNC(^tBu)C(H)PGe]₂ 5 .     

Anion Effects on the Formation of Silver(I) Complexes with the Flexible Ligand 4,4′‐Bis(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐ylmethyl)biphenyl

The reaction of 4,4′‐bis(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐ylmethyl)biphenyl (btmb) with silver(I) salts of BF₄^–, NO₃^– and N₃^– led to the formation of four new silver(I) coordination polymers {[Ag(btmb)]BF₄}_n ( 1 ), {[Ag₂(btmb)₃](NO₃)₂(H₂O)₅}_n ( 2 ), [Ag₂(btmb)(N₃)₂]_n ( 3 ), and [Ag(btmb)(N₃)]_n ( 4 ). Their coordination number varies from 2 (in 1 ) to 3 (in 2 ), 4 (in 3 ), and 5 (in 4 ). Different from the single chain structure of 1 , complex 2 displays a 1D ladder‐like double chain framework, whereas complex 3 exhibits a 2D layered architecture. Complex 4 has the same anion as complex 3 but shows a different metal‐to‐ligand ratio and a 1D double‐zigzag chain structure. Both 3 and 4 have Ag ··· Ag argentophilic interactions. The ligand btmb adopts both cis or trans configuration in the studied complexes. A trans‐ or cis‐btmb ligand link silver ions with Ag ··· Ag distances of ≈?18 and 13 Å, respectively. BF₄^– and NO₃^– are non‐coordinating anions in 1 and 2 . N₃^– is the bridging anion in 3 (1,3‐bridging fashion) and 4 (1,1‐bridging fashion). These findings suggest that the coordination numbers around the Ag^I ion correlate to the coordination abilities of anions and the btmb to silver ratio. In addition, the influence of anions on thermal stability were also investigated. This work is a good example that nicely supports the less explored field of anion‐dependent structures of complexes with non‐pyridyl ligands.     

Dioxygen Activation by Non‐Adiabatic Oxidative Addition to a Single Metal Center

A chromium(I) dinitrogen complex reacts rapidly with O₂ to form the mononuclear dioxo complex [Tp^tBu,MeCr^V(O)₂] (Tp^tBu,Me=hydrotris(3‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylpyrazolyl)borate), whereas the analogous reaction with sulfur stops at the persulfido complex [Tp^tBu,MeCr^III(S₂)]. The transformation of the putative peroxo intermediate [Tp^tBu,MeCr^III(O₂)] (S=³/₂) into [Tp^tBu,MeCr^V(O)₂] (S=¹/₂) is spin‐forbidden. The minimum‐energy crossing point for the two potential energy surfaces has been identified. Although the dinuclear complex [(Tp^tBu,MeCr)₂(μ‐O)₂] exists, mechanistic experiments suggest that O₂ activation occurs on a single metal center, by an oxidative addition on the quartet surface followed by crossover to the doublet surface.     

Molybdenum(VI) Bis(imido) Complexes: From Frustrated Lewis Pairs to Weakly Coordinating Cations

Molybdenum(VI) bis(imido) complexes [Mo(NtBu)₂(L^R)₂] (R=H 1 a ; R=CF₃ 1 b ) combined with B(C₆F₅)₃ ( 1 a /B(C₆F₅)₃, 1 b /B(C₆F₅)₃) exhibit a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) character that can heterolytically split H−H, Si−H and O−H bonds. Cleavage of H₂ and Et₃SiH affords ion pairs [Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂][HB(C₆F₅)₃] (R=H 2 a ; R=CF₃ 2 b ) composed of a Mo(VI) amido imido cation and a hydridoborate anion, while reaction with H₂O leads to [Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂][(HO)B(C₆F₅)₃] (R=H 3 a ; R=CF₃ 3 b ). Ion pairs 2 a and 2 b are catalysts for the hydrosilylation of aldehydes with triethylsilane, with 2 b being more active than 2 a . Mechanistic elucidation revealed insertion of the aldehyde into the B−H bond of [HB(C₆F₅)₃]⁻. We were able to isolate and fully characterize, including by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, the inserted products Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂][{PhCH₂O}B(C₆F₅)₃] (R=H 4 a ; R=CF₃ 4 b ). Catalysis occurs at [HB(C₆F₅)₃]⁻ while [Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂]⁺ (R=H or CF₃) act as the cationic counterions. However, the striking difference in reactivity gives ample evidence that molybdenum cations behave as weakly coordinating cations (WCC).     

Thermochromic Luminescent Nest‐Like Silver Thiolate Cluster

A novel discrete open high‐nuclearity nest‐like silver thiolate cluster complex, [Ag₃₃S₃(StBu)₁₆(CF₃COO)₉(NO₃)(CH₃CN)₂](NO₃) ( 1 ), has been isolated with nitrate and S^2? anions acting as structure‐directing templates. Its similar nest‐like structure has been assembled into an extended layer [Ag₃₁S₃(StBu)₁₆(NO₃)₉]_n ( 2 ) by adjustment of auxiliary ligand. More interestingly, both complexes exhibit temperature‐dependent luminescence of high sensitivity with a large fluorescence enhancement (12‐fold for 1 , 21‐fold for 2 ), which can be easily recognized by the naked‐eye (dramatic red‐shift Δ=104 nm for 1 , larger Δ=113 nm for 2 at 77 K compared to those at 298 K). The correlation between luminescent thermochromism and temperature‐dependent variation of the coordination modes of template NO₃^? anion, Ag???S and Ag???Ag distances are also elucidated through variable‐temperature single‐crystal X‐ray crystal structure (VT‐SCXRD) analyses.     

Aluminum/Nitrogen Cycles and an Open Cage with Al–H and N–H Functions

The cyclic tert‐butyl‐amino alane dimer [tBu–N(H)AlH₂]₂ ( 1 ) was obtained from reaction between alane with tert‐butylamine and its boranate derivative [tBu–N(H)–Al(BH₄)₂)]₂ ( 2 ) subsequently from 1 by hydride/chloride exchange using PbCl₂ followed by reaction with LiBH₄. Both compounds form four‐membered Al₂N₂ cycles with typical Al–N bond lengths of 1.940(5) Å ( 1 ) and 1.945(5) Å ( 2 ) as found from X‐ray diffraction analysis. The tert‐butyl substituents at the nitrogen atoms may be situated at the same side of the ring (cis) or at opposite sides (trans). For compound 1 both isomers are present in solution, showing particular temperature dependent NMR shifts. In the solid both compounds 1 and 2 adopt the trans arrangement. When 1 is reacted with PbCl₂ in half of the molarity ratio used for 2 , surprisingly the novel compound 3 , a zwitterion, can be obtained: [(tBu–N)(Al–H)₃(tBu–N(H))₃Cl((H)N–tBu)₃(Al–H)₂(Al–Cl)(N–tBu)]⁺[(tBu–N)(tBu–N(H))(AlCl₂)₂]^–. X‐ray structure analysis reveals that the anion is made of a tert‐butyl amino aluminum dichloride dimer (central Al₂N₂ ring) with one of the two nitrogen atoms being deprotonated. The cationic counterpart consists of three entities: (i) There is a first seco‐norcubane like Al₃N₄ basket with tert‐butyl groups at the nitrogen atoms, two hydride and one chloride ligand at the aluminum atoms and three hydrogen atoms on the open side of the basket, all pointing in the same direction; (ii) There is a second similar Al₃N₄ basket with the same substituent pattern except that all aluminum atoms have exclusively hydrogen ligands; (iii) Both baskets coordinate a central chloride through the six protons at the open nitrogen face of the baskets in such a way that the chloride lies in the center of a H₆ trigonal anti‐prism [mean H–Cl–H = 56.1(9)°]. As each of the open cages has a positive charge the overall charge by combination with the chloride adds to +1. The structure of the cationic part of 3 is unprecedented in AlN polycycles.