Präkeramische Polyazane über die Sol‐Gel‐Route im Ammonosystem und aus molekularen Einkomponentenvorläufern — ein Leistungsvergleich

Preceramic Polyazanes via Sol Gel Route in the Ammono System and via Molecular Single Source Precursors — a Comparison of Performance All steps of the sol gel process in the oxo system can be transferred analogously to the ammono system. For this purpose, element alkyl amides of titanium, zirconium, tantalum and boron, have been co‐ammonolised with silicon alkyl amides in aprotic solvents. Pyrolysis of the resulting polyazanes yields multinary nitridic ceramic powders. For the model systems Si(NHMe)₄/Ti(NMe₂)₄, Si(NHMe)₄/Zr(NMe₂)₄, Si(NHMe)₄/Ta(NMe₂)₅, and Si(NHMe)₄/B(NMe₂)₃ the corresponding polymeric polyboro‐, polytitano‐, polyzirkono‐ and polytantalosilazanes were synthesised. Pyrolysis in flowing ammonia at 1000°C results in ternary amorphous silicon nitrides; further heating in nitrogen leads to partly crystalline composites. The process of pyrolysis as well as the morphology and composition of the final pyrolysis products were analysed by means of NMR, MAS‐NMR, FT‐IR, DTA‐TG‐MS, XRD, SEM, EDX, and elemental analyses. In order to verify this new and convenient access to multinary nitride ceramics, single source precursors were synthesised and, via polymer intermediates, processed to ceramic powders. A specially developed reaction sequence is generally applicable to syntheses of single source precursors for various ternary metal silicon nitrides. Dilithiated silazanes of the type Si(NMe₂)₂(NLiR)₂, with R = t‐Butyl, SiMe₃, CH₃, synthesised and structurally characterised for the first time, are good silicon synthones. While forming nitrido bridges, those compounds react with e.g. two‐ or four valent transition metal chlorides, to silicon transition metal adducts. Actually, we have analysed the reaction of Si(NMe₂)₂(NLiR)₂ and TiCl₄, ZrCl₄, TaCl₅, CrCl₃, MnCl₂, and ZnCl₂, respectively. The adducts as formed were crosslinked with ammonia and pyrolysed. In the case of the chlorides of the 4.—6. group metals, amorphous ceramics were obtained. Treatment at higher temperatures results in composites of transition metal nitride and an amorphous matrix. MnSiN₂ and a new hexagonal modification of ZnSiN₂ were obtained in the systems Mn/ Si/ N and Zn/ Si/ N. Surprisingly, during the synthesis of ZnSiN₂, ZnCN₂ was obtained as a side product.     

CH Bond Activation during and after the Reactions of a Metallacyclic Amide with Silanes: Formation of a μ‐Alkylidene Hydride Complex,Its H–D Exchange,and β‐H Abstraction by a Hydride Ligand

Metallacyclic complex [(Me₂N)₃Ta(η²‐CH₂SiMe₂NSiMe₃)] ( 3 ) undergoes C?H activation in its reaction with H₃SiPh to afford a Ta/μ‐alkylidene/hydride complex, [(Me₂N)₂{(Me₃Si)₂N}Ta(μ‐H)₂(μ‐C‐η²‐CHSiMe₂NSiMe₃)Ta(NMe₂)₂] ( 4 ). Deuterium‐labeling studies with [D₃]SiPh show H–D exchange between the Ta?D ?Ta unit and all methyl groups in [(Me₂N)₂{(Me₃Si)₂N}Ta(μ‐D)₂(μ‐C‐η²‐CHSiMe₂NSiMe₃)Ta(NMe₂)₂] ([D₂]‐ 4 ) to give the partially deuterated complex [D_n]‐ 4 . In addition, 4 undergoes β‐H abstraction between a hydride and an NMe₂ ligand and forms a new complex [(Me₂N){(Me₃Si)₂N}Ta(μ‐H)(μ‐N‐η²‐C,N‐CH₂NMe)(μ‐C‐η²‐C,N‐CHSiMe₂NSiMe₃)Ta(NMe₂)₂] ( 5 ) with a cyclometalated, η²‐imine ligand. These results indicate that there are two simultaneous processes in [D_n]‐ 4 : 1) H–D exchange through σ‐bond metathesis, and 2) H?D elimination through β‐H abstraction (to give [D_n]‐ 5 ). Both 4 and 5 have been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.     

Solid‐State NMR and DFT Studies on the Formation of Well‐Defined Silica‐Supported Tantallaaziridines: From Synthesis to Catalytic Application

Single‐site, well‐defined, silica‐supported tantallaaziridine intermediates [≡Si‐O‐Ta(η²‐NRCH₂)(NMe₂)₂] [R=Me ( 2 ), Ph ( 3 )] were prepared from silica‐supported tetrakis(dimethylamido)tantalum [≡Si‐O‐Ta(NMe₂)₄] ( 1 ) and fully characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and ¹H,¹³C HETCOR and DQ TQ solid‐state (SS) NMR spectroscopy. The formation mechanism, by β‐H abstraction, was investigated by SS NMR spectroscopy and supported by DFT calculations. The C?H activation of the dimethylamide ligand is favored for R=Ph. The results from catalytic testing in the hydroaminoalkylation of alkenes were consistent with the N‐alkyl aryl amine substrates being more efficient than N‐dialkyl amines.     

1,1‐Ethylboration of alkyn‐1‐yl‐chloro(methyl)silanes: alkenes with chloro(methyl)silyl and diethylboryl groups in cis positions

The 1,1‐ethylboration of alkyn‐1‐yl‐chloro(methyl)silanes, Me₂Si(Cl)? C?C? R ( 1 ) and Me(H)Si(Cl)? C?C? R ( 2 ) [R = Bu ( 2a ), CH₂NMe₂ ( 2b )] requires harsh reaction conditions (up to 20 days in boiling triethylborane), and leads to alkenes in which the boryl and silyl groups occupy cis ((E)‐isomers: 3a , 3b , 5a , 5b ) or trans positions ((Z)‐isomers in smaller quantities: 4b and 6b ). The alkenes are destabilized in the presence of SiH(Cl) and CH₂NMe₂ units ( 5b , 6b ). NMR data indicate hyper‐coordinated silicon by intramolecular N? Si coordination in 3b and 5b , by which, at the same time, weak Si? Cl? B bridges are favoured. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New octahedral Ta(V) hydrazido-substituted compounds for atomic layer deposition: Syntheses,X-ray diffraction structures of TaCl(NMe2)3[N(TMS)NMe2] and Ta(NMe2)4[N(TMS)NMe2], and fluxional behavior of the amido and hydrazido ligands in solution

The synthesis and structural characterization of new tantalum(V) compounds containing a single hydrazido(I) ligand are reported. Hydrazinolysis of TaCl(NMe₂)₄ using trimethylsilyl(dimethyl)hydrazine affords the compound TaCl(NMe₂)₃[N(TMS)NMe₂] in essentially quantitative yield. Metathetical replacement of the chloride ligand in TaCl(NMe₂)₃[N(TMS)NMe₂] by LiNMe₂ gives the all-nitrogen coordinated compound Ta(NMe₂)₄[N(TMS)NMe₂]. VT ¹H NMR studies support the existence of low-energy pathways involving rotation about the Ta–N bonds of the ancillary amido and hydrazido ligands in both hydrazido-substituted compounds. X-ray crystallographic analyses confirm the octahedral disposition about the tantalum metal in TaCl(NMe₂)₃[N(TMS)NMe₂] and Ta(NMe₂)₄[N(TMS)NMe₂] and the presence of an η²-hydrazido(I) ligand. Preliminary data using Ta(NMe₂)₄[N(TMS)NMe₂] as an ALD precursor for the preparation of tantalum nitride and tantalum oxide thin films are presented.     

Sol–gel derived Si/C/O/N‐materials: molecular model compounds,xerogels and porous ceramics

Polymeric Si/C/O/N xerogels, with the idealized polymer network structure comprising [Si O Si(NCN)₃]_n moieties, were prepared by reactions of hexachlorodisiloxane (Cl₃Si O SiCl₃) with bis(trimethylsilyl)carbodiimide (Me₃Si NCN SiMe₃, BTSC). NMR and FTIR spectra indicate the existence of ‐NCN‐ and Si O Si‐ units in the xerogels and also in the ceramic materials obtained upon pyrolysis. The feasibility of this reaction protocol was confirmed on the molecular level by the deliberate synthesis of the macrocyclic compound [SiPh₂ O SiPh₂(NCN)]₂, the crystal structure and spectroscopic data of which are reported. The influence of pyridine as a catalyst for the cross‐linking reaction was studied. The degree of cross‐linking increased within the polymers with the addition of pyridine. It was shown by the reaction of hexachlorodisiloxane with excess pyridine that the latter appears to activate only one out of the two ‐SiCl₃ moieties under formation of hexacoordinated silicon compounds. The crystal structure of Cl₃Si O SiCl₃(pyridine)₂ is presented. Quantum chemical calculations are in support of this adduct being a potential intermediate in the pyridine catalyzed sol–gel process. The ceramic yield after pyrolysis of the Si/C/O/N‐xerogels at 1000 °C, which reaches values up to 50%, was found to depend on the aging protocol (time, temperature), whereas no correlation was found with the amount of pyridine added for xerogel synthesis. The Si/C/N/O‐ceramics obtained after pyrolysis at 1000 °C under NH₃ are completely amorphous. Chemically they have to be considered as hybrids between an ideal [SiOSi(NCN)₃]_n network and glass‐like Si₂N₂O. The products are mesoporous with closed pores and a broad pore size distribution. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(aminoborane) as a new boron nitride precursor

During the solution reaction of NaBH₄/(NH₄)₂SO₄ in tetraglyme to form borazine, polymeric aminoborane (NH₂BH₂)_x has been isolated as a white powder. The powder was characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry, infrared and mass spectroscopies, and powder X‐ray diffraction. Solid‐state ¹⁵N and ¹¹B nuclear magnetic resonance firmly proved that the chain‐like poly(aminoborane) evolved a partially condensed B₃N₃ ring structure by dehydrogenative condensation between chains at 200 °C. Pyrolysis of the polymer in a nitrogen stream up to 1400 °C led to a 75% yield of hexagonal boron nitride with an interlayer spacing of 3.37 Å. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Fluxionality of Strained Hypercoordinate Silicon‐Bridged [1]Ferrocenophanes

The first hypercoordinate sila[1]ferrocenophanes [fcSiMe(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)] ( 5 a ) and [fcSi(CH₂Cl)(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)] ( 5 b ) (fc=(η⁵‐C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵‐C₅H₄)) were synthesized by low‐temperature (?78 °C) reactions of Li[2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂] with the appropriate chlorinated sila[1]ferrocenophanes ([fcSiMeCl] ( 1 a ) and [fcSi(CH₂Cl)Cl] ( 1 d ), respectively). Single‐crystal Xray diffraction studies revealed pseudo‐trigonal bipyramidal structures for both 5 a and 5 b , with one of the shortest reported Si???N distances for an sp³‐hybridized nitrogen atom interacting with a tetraorganosilane detected for 5 a (2.776(2) Å). Elongated Si? C_ipso bonds trans to the donating NMe₂ arms (1.919(2) and 1.909(2) Å for 5 a and 5 b , respectively) were observed relative to both the non‐trans bonds ( 5 a : 1.891(2); 5 b : 1.879(2) Å) and the Si? C_ipso bonds of the non‐hypercoordinate analogues ([fcSiMePh] ( 1 b ): 1.879(4), 1.880(4) Å; [fcSi(CH₂Cl)Ph] ( 1 e ): 1.881(2), 1.884(2)). Solution‐state fluxionality of 5 a and 5 b , suggestive of reversible coordination of the NMe₂ group to silicon, was demonstrated by means of variable‐temperature NMR studies. The ΔG^≠ of the fluxional processes for 5 a and 5 b in CD₂Cl₂ were estimated to be 35.0 and 37.6 kJ mol^?1, respectively (35.8 and 38.3 kJ mol^?1 in [D₈]toluene). The quaternization of 5 a and 5 b by MeOTf, to give [fcSiMe(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₃)][OTf] ( 7 a‐ OTf) and [fcSi(CH₂Cl)(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₃)][OTf] ( 7 b‐ OTf), respectively, supported the reversibility of NMe₂ coordination at the silicon center as the source of fluxionality for 5 a and 5 b . Surprisingly, low room‐temperature stability was detected for 5 b due to its tendency to intramolecularly cyclize and form the spirocyclic [fcSi(cyclo‐CH₂NMe₂CH₂C₆H₄)]Cl ( 9 ‐Cl). This process was observed in both solution and the solid state, and isolation and Xray characterization of 9 ‐Cl was achieved. The model compound, [Fc₂Si(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)₂] ( 8 ), synthesized through reaction of [Fc₂SiCl₂] with two equivalents of Li[2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂] at ?78 °C, showed a lack of hypercoordination in both the solid state and in solution (down to ?80 °C). This suggests that either the reduced steric hindrance around Si or the unique electronics of the strained sila[1]ferrocenophanes is necessary for hypercoordination to occur.     

The Synthesis of Functionalised Diaryltetraynes and Their Transport Properties in Single‐Molecule Junctions

The synthesis and characterisation is described of six diaryltetrayne derivatives [Ar‐(C?C)₄‐Ar] with Ar=4‐NO₂‐C₆H₄‐ ( NO₂4 ), 4‐NH(Me)C₆H₄‐ ( NHMe4 ), 4‐NMe₂C₆H₄‐ ( NMe₂4 ), 4‐NH₂‐(2,6‐dimethyl)C₆H₄‐ ( DMeNH₂4 ), 5‐indolyl ( IN4 ) and 5‐benzothienyl ( BTh4 ). X‐ray molecular structures are reported for NO₂4 , NHMe4 , DMeNH₂4 , IN4 and BTh4 . The stability of the tetraynes has been assessed under ambient laboratory conditions (20 °C, daylight and in air): NO₂4 and BTh4 are stable for at least six months without observable decomposition, whereas NHMe4 , NMe₂4 , DMeNH₂4 and IN4 decompose within a few hours or days. The derivative DMeNH₂4 , with ortho‐methyl groups partially shielding the tetrayne backbone, is considerably more stable than the parent compound with Ar=4‐NH₂C₆H₄ ( NH₂4 ). The ability of the stable tetraynes to anchor in Au|molecule|Au junctions is reported. Scanning‐tunnelling‐microscopy break junction (STM‐BJ) and mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ) techniques are employed to investigate single‐molecule conductance characteristics.     

Charge referencing issues in XPS of insulators as evidenced in the case of Al‐Si‐N thin films

Accurate charge referencing in XPS of insulating specimens is a delicate issue. This difficulty is illustrated in the case of Al‐Si‐N composite thin films deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering with variable composition from pure aluminum nitride to pure silicon nitride. The samples were mounted with Au‐coated metallic clamps. Argon sputter cleaning was required to remove a surface native oxide before analysis. For charge referencing implanted argon atoms from the sputter gas and a small amount of gold re‐deposited from the metallic clamps onto the specimen surface during sputter cleaning were evaluated. For the argon atoms, a surprisingly large chemical shift (～1 eV) and a significant peak broadening (0.6 eV) of the Ar 2p_3/2 photoelectron line were found with varying the Si content of the films. This could be related to chemical and structural changes of the Al‐Si‐N films. Hence implanted argon could not be used for charge referencing of Al‐Si‐N samples. In contrast to the implanted argon, the Au 4f_7/2 line width of the gold re‐deposited onto the sample surface did not depend on the Si content of Al‐Si‐N films. A constant energy shift (～1.2 eV) of the Au 4f_7/2 line as compared with bulk gold was, however, found, which was related to the size of gold particles formed on the insulating films. Therefore gold could be reliably used to study chemical shifts of sample‐relevant species in Al‐Si‐N films, but the absolute binding energies of Al 2p, Si 2p and N 1s photoelectrons could not be determined. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(pyrazolyl)borate tantalum amide complexes and their reactivities toward oxygen

Reaction of TaCl(NMe2)4 (1) with KTp* [Tp* = tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borohydride] yields two products: Tp*Ta(NMe2)4 (2), in which one N atom of the Tp* ligand binds to Ta, and [Tp*Ta(NMe2)4]· 2KTp* (3) where three N atoms of the Tp* ligand in [Tp*Ta(NMe2)4] (2a) bind to Ta. Addition of excess 1 to 3 did not exclude KTp*. Further reaction of 2 with oxygen affords Tp*BH(NMe2) (4). TpTa(NMe2)4 (5) has been synthesized by a similar procedure through the reaction of 1 with TpK [Tp = tris(pyrazolyl)borohydride...     

[2+4] and [2+2] Cycloaddition Reactions of N‐Sulfinyl Carboxylic Acid Amides with (CF3)2BNMe2. Crystal Structure of cyclo‐(CF3)2B‐NMe2‐S(=O)‐N=C(p‐CH3C6H4)‐O

N‐sulfinylacylamides R‐C(=O)‐N=S=O react with (CF₃)₂BNMe₂ ( 1 ) to form, by [2+4] cycloaddition, six‐membered rings cyclo‐(CF₃)₂B‐NMe₂‐S(=O)‐N=C(R)‐O for R = Me ( 2 ), t‐Bu ( 3 ), C₆H₅ ( 4 ), and p‐CH₃C₆H₄ ( 5 ) while N‐sulfinylcarbamic acid esters R‐O‐C(=O)‐N=S=O react with 1 to yield mixtures of six‐membered (cyclo‐(CF₃)₂B‐NMe₂‐S(=O)‐N=C(OR)‐O) and four‐membered rings (cyclo‐(CF₃)₂B‐NMe₂‐S(=O)‐N(C=O)OR) for R = Me ( 6 and 9 ), Et ( 7 and 10 ), and C₆H₅ ( 8 and 11 ). The structure of 5 has been determined by X‐ray diffraction.     

Preparation and pyrolysis of a blended precursor possessing Ti?N and Al?N bonds

The preparation and pyrolysis of a blended precursor possessing Ti? N and Al? N bonds were investigated. The precursor was prepared by mixing (HAlN ⁱPr) _n, whose main compo‐nent was a cage‐type compound, and an aminolysis product of Ti(NMe₂)₄ with MeHNCH₂CH₂NHMe with a molar ratio of Ti:Al = 2:1. IR analysis of the products pyrolyzed under NH₃–N₂ indicated that a large proportion of the organic groups in the precursor were removed by an amine‐exchange reaction during the pyrolysis under NH₃; thus, the products contained only a small amount of carbon. On the contrary, a considerable amount of carbon was present in the product pyrolyzed under Ar. Composites consisting of AlN and an NaCl‐type compound were obtained after pyrolysis of the precursor under both NH₃–N₂ and Ar. The composition of the NaCl‐type compound depended significantly on the pyrolysis atmosphere. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Low‐Temperature Atomic Layer Deposition of MoS2 Films

Wet chemical screening reveals the very high reactivity of Mo(NMe₂)₄ with H₂S for the low‐temperature synthesis of MoS₂. This observation motivated an investigation of Mo(NMe₂)₄ as a volatile precursor for the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of MoS₂ thin films. Herein we report that Mo(NMe₂)₄ enables MoS₂ film growth at record low temperatures—as low as 60 °C. The as‐deposited films are amorphous but can be readily crystallized by annealing. Importantly, the low ALD growth temperature is compatible with photolithographic and lift‐off patterning for the straightforward fabrication of diverse device structures.     

N(B(NMe2)2)(Si(NMe2)3)(Ti(NMe2)3), [N(Si(NMe2)3)(Ti(NMe2)2)]2 und N(SiMe3)(Si(NMe2)3)(Ti(NMe2)3) — Synthese und Charakterisierung neuer molekularer Einkomponentenvorläufer für nitridische und carbonitridische Keramiken

N(B(NMe₂)₂)(Si(NMe₂)₃) (Ti(NMe₂)₃), [N(Si(NMe₂)₃)(Ti(NMe₂)₂)]₂ und N(SiMe₃)(Si(NMe₂)₃)(Ti(NMe₂)₃) — Synthesis and Characterization of New Molecular Single-source Precursors for Nitride and Carbonitride Ceramics Synthesis and spectroscopic data of the title compounds are reported. [N(Si(NMe₂)₃)(Ti(NMe₂)₂)]₂ crystallizes in the space group P1 , a = 8.406(7), b = 10.673(8), c = 10.872(6) Å, α = 68.45(4)°, β = 71.72(4)°, γ = 78.11(7)°, 2 877 diffractometer data (F_o ? 2σF_o), R = 0.051. The compound is characterized by a planar four-membered Ti₂N₂-ring with exocyclic tris(dimethylamino)silyl substituents attached to the nitrogen atoms of the ring.     

Rivalry under Pressure: The Coexistence of Ambient‐Pressure Motifs and Close‐Packing in Silicon Phosphorus Nitride Imide SiP2N4NH

Non‐metal nitrides such as BN, Si₃N₄, and P₃N₅ meet numerous demands on high‐performance materials, and their high‐pressure polymorphs exhibit outstanding mechanical properties. Herein, we present the silicon phosphorus nitride imide SiP₂N₄NH featuring sixfold coordinated Si. Using the multi‐anvil technique, SiP₂N₄NH was obtained by high‐pressure high‐temperature synthesis at 8 GPa and 1100 °C with in situ formed HCl acting as a mineralizer. Its structure was elucidated by a combination of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and solid‐state NMR measurements. Moreover, SiP₂N₄NH was characterized by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and (temperature‐dependent) powder X‐ray diffraction. The highly condensed Si/P/N framework features PN₄ tetrahedra as well as the rare motif of SiN₆ octahedra, and is discussed in the context of ambient‐pressure motifs competing with close‐packing of nitride anions, representing a missing link in the high‐pressure chemistry of non‐metal nitrides.     

A Gallium‐Substituted Distibene and an Antimony‐Analogue Bicyclo[1.1.0]butane: Synthesis and Solid‐State Structures

RGa {R=HC[C(Me)N(2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃)]₂} reacts with Sb(NMe₂)₃ with insertion into the Sb? N bond and elimination of RGa(NMe₂)₂ ( 2 ), yielding the Ga‐substituted distibene R(Me₂N)GaSb?SbGa(NMe₂)R ( 1 ). Thermolysis of 1 proceeded with elimination of RGa and 2 and subsequent formation of the bicyclo[1.1.0]butane analogue [R(Me₂N)Ga]₂Sb₄ ( 3 ).     

Facile Access to an NHC‐Coordinated Silicon Ring Compound with a Si=N Group and a Two‐Coordinate Silicon Atom

Reaction of the bicyclo[1.1.0]tetrasilatetraamide Si₄{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₄ 1 (Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) with 5 equiv of the N‐heterocyclic carbene NHC^Me4 (1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) affords a bifunctional carbene‐coordinated four‐membered‐ring compound with a Si=N group and a two‐coordinate silicon atom Si₄{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₂(NHC^Me4)₂(NDipp) 2 . When 2 reacts with 0.25 equiv sulfur (S₈), two sulfur atoms add to the divalent silicon atom in plane and perpendicular to the plane of the Si₄ ring, which confirms the silylone character of the two‐coordinate silicon atom in 2 .     

A Series of Isolable Silanoic Thio‐, Seleno‐, and Telluroesters (LSi(X)OR) with Donor‐Supported SiX Double Bonds (L=β‐Diketiminate; X=S,Se, Te)

The first silicon analogues of carbonic (carboxylic) esters, the silanoic thio‐, seleno‐, and tellurosilylesters 3 (Si?S), 4 (Si?Se), and 5 (Si?Te), were prepared and isolated in crystalline form in high yield. These thermally robust compounds are easily accessible by direct reaction of the stable siloxysilylene L(Si:)OSi(H)L′ 2 (L=HC(CMe)₂[N(aryl)₂], L′=CH[(C?CH₂)‐CMe][N(aryl)]₂; aryl=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃) with the respective elemental chalcogen. The novel compounds were fully characterized by methods including multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Owing to intramolecular N→Si donor–acceptor support of the Si?X moieties (X=S, Se, Te), these compounds have a classical valence‐bond N⁺–Si–X^? resonance betaine structure. At the same time, they also display a relatively strong nonclassical Si?X π‐bonding interaction between the chalcogen lone‐pair electrons (n_π donor orbitals) and two antibonding Si? N orbitals (σ*_π acceptor orbitals mainly located at silicon), which was shown by IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Accordingly, the Si?X bonds in the chalcogenoesters are 7.4 ( 3 ), 6.7 ( 4 ), and 6.9 % ( 5 ) shorter than the corresponding Si? X single bonds and, thus, only a little longer than those in electronically less disturbed Si?X systems (“heavier” ketones).     

Hydrophilic Quaternary Ammonium‐Group‐Containing [FeFe]‐Hydrogenase Models: Synthesis,Structures, and Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production

The first quaternary ammonium‐group‐containing [FeFe]‐hydrogenase models [(μ‐PDT)Fe₂(CO)₄{κ²‐(Ph₂P)₂N(CH₂)₂NMe₂BzBr}] ( 2 ; PDT=propanedithiolate) and [(μ‐PDT)Fe₂(CO)₄{μ‐(Ph₂P)₂N(CH₂)₂NMe₂BzBr}] ( 4 ) have been prepared by the quaternization of their precursors [(μ‐PDT)Fe₂(CO)₄{κ²‐(Ph₂P)₂N(CH₂)₂NMe₂}] ( 1 ) and [(μ‐PDT)Fe₂(CO)₄{μ‐(Ph₂P)₂N(CH₂)₂NMe₂}] ( 3 ) with benzyl bromide in high yields. Although new complexes 1 – 4 have been fully characterized by spectroscopic and X‐ray crystallographic studies, the chelated complexes 1 and 2 converted into their bridged isomers 3 and 4 at higher temperatures, thus demonstrating that these bridged isomers are thermodynamically favorable. An electrochemical study on hydrophilic models 2 and 4 in MeCN and MeCN/H₂O as solvents indicates that the reduction potentials are shifted to less‐negative potentials as the water content increases. This outcome implies that both 2 and 4 are more easily reduced in the mixed MeCN/H₂O solvent than in MeCN. In addition, hydrophilic models 2 and 4 act as electrocatalysts and achieve higher i_cat/i_p values and turnover numbers (TONs) in MeCN/H₂O as a solvent than in MeCN for the production of hydrogen from the weak acid HOAc.