Six‐Coordinate Group 13 Complexes: The Role of d Orbitals and Electron‐Rich Multi‐Center Bonding

Bonding in six‐coordinate complexes based on Group 13 elements (B, Al, Ga, In, Tl) is usually considered to be identical to that in transition‐metal analogues. We herein demonstrate through sophisticated electronic‐structure analyses that the bonding in these Group 13 element complexes is fundamentally different and better characterized as electron‐rich hypervalent bonding with essentially no role for the d orbitals. This characteristic is carried through to the molecular properties of the complex.     

Electrothermal atomization with a metal micro-tube in atomic absorption spectrometry

The processes of atom formation and dissipation in a molybdenum micro-tube atomizer have been studied to obtain information on the reaction involved. Vapor temperature was found to be close to atomizer surface temperature. Appearance temperatures and activation energies were obtained for Al, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn and Te in argon and argon-hydrogen atmospheres. The atom formation processes are divided into two groups : the reduction of the metal oxide followed by the atomization of free metal, and thermal dissociation of the metal oxide. Hydrogen significantly changes atom formation processes for some metals compared to those in pure argon. The dissipation process of atoms from the micro-tube atomizer appears to be purely gas-phase diffusional.     

Theoretical study of hydrogenated Mg, Ca@Al12 clusters

The studies on the structure and electronic properties of hydrogenated metal embedded Al(12) cage clusters have been performed by density functional theory calculations. We have investigated aluminum cluster hydrides with 12 and 14 hydrogen atoms, respectively. Insertion of the Mg, Ca alkali metals remarkably enhances the stability of the aluminum clusters. The hydrogen atom prefers to occupy on-top sites along the surface of the clusters. Mulliken population analysis indicates that significant charge transfer occurs between the Mg and Ca atoms and the Al atoms. Our computations suggest that these clusters appear to be physically and chemically stable.     

Theoretical assessing on the coordination mode and bonding in heteronuclear group‐13 dimetallocene

In this article, the coordination mode, the nature of metal–ligand interaction and dimetallic bonding in heteronuclear group‐13 dimetallocene (CpMM′CpI₂; Cp = C₅H₅, M/M′=B, Al, Ga, In, and Tl) have been investigated within the framework of the atoms in molecules theory, electron localization function, and energy decomposition analysis. The calculated results show that the symmetries of the title compounds, the coordination modes between the metal and ligand, the strength and nature of M‐ligand interaction and M M′ bond are well correlated with the periodicity changing of group‐13 metal atom going from the lighter to the heavier (B, Al, Ga, In, and Tl). The heavier group 13 metal atom is corresponding to the higher symmetry, stronger metal–ligand interaction, and weaker dimetallic bond. The covalent characters of both metal–ligand interaction and dimetallic bond are decreasing in the sequence of M′=Al, Ga, In, and Tl, for the same M atom.     

Bonding in Diborane–Metal Complexes: A Quantum‐Chemical and Experimental Study of Complexes Featuring Early and Late Transition Metals

The coordination chemistry of the doubly base‐stabilised diborane(4), [HB(hpp)]₂ (hpp=1,3,4,6,7,8‐hexahydro‐2H‐pyrimido‐[1,2‐a]pyrimidinate), was extended by the synthesis of new late transition‐metal complexes containing Cu^I and Rh^I fragments. A detailed experimental study was conducted and quantum‐chemical calculations on the metal–ligand bonding interactions for [HB(hpp)]₂ complexes of Group 6, 9, 11 and 12 metals revealed the dominant B? H? M interactions in the case of early transition‐metal fragments, whereas the B? B? M bonding prevails in the case of the late d‐block compounds. These findings support the experimental results as reflected by the IR and NMR spectroscopic parameters of the investigated compounds. DFT calculations on [MeB(hpp)]₂ and model reactions between [B₂H₄ ? 2NMe₃] and [Rh(μ‐Cl)(C₂H₄)₂] showed that the bicyclic guanidinate allows in principle for an oxidative addition of the B? B bond. However, the formation of σ‐complexes is thermodynamically favoured. The results point to the selective B? H or B? B bond‐activation of diborane compounds by complexation, depending on the chosen transition‐metal fragment.     

Structure and Bonding in Organometallic Anions of Heavy Group 14 and 15 Elements

Alkali metal organometallic complexes (containing C–metal bonds) and the frequently structrually related alkali metal amides and alkoxides have been investigated extensively both in the solid state and in solution in the past two decades. However, until recently, the related complexes containing the heavier metallic and semi-metallic p block elements and the alkali and alkaline earth metals had rarely been studied in their own right. Recent solid-state structural studies have illustrated the immense structural diversity and bonding modes to be found within these species. One of the principal focuses of recent studies has been complexes containing organometallic anions of p block metals (e.g., triorganostannates, containing R₃Sn^?) in which metal–metal bonds occur between the heavy p block metal and the alkali or alkaline earth metal and the investigation of the nature of this bonding. The development of new synthetic routes has also allowed the preparation of a variety of anionic ligands with p block metal centers which promise new opportunities in coordination chemistry. In addition, the synthesis of a family of homologous anionic π complexes has given a fresh direction in the chemistry of p block metal metallocene complexes.     

Magnesiacyclopentadienes as Alkaline‐Earth Metallacyclopentadienes: Facile Synthesis,Structural Characterization,and Synthetic Application

Metallacyclopentadienes have attracted much attention as building blocks for synthetic chemistry as well as key intermediates in many metal‐mediated or metal‐catalyzed reactions. However, metallacyclopentadienes of the alkaline‐earth metals have not been reported, to say nothing of their structures, reaction chemistry, and synthetic applications. In this work, the first series of magnesiacyclopentadienes, spiro‐dilithio magnesiacyclopentadienes, and dimagnesiabutadiene were synthesized from 1,4‐dilithio 1,3‐butadienes. Single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis of these magnesiacycles revealed unique structural characteristics and bonding modes. Their reaction chemistry and synthetic application were preliminarily studied and efficient access to amino cyclopentadienes was established through their reaction with thioformamides. Experimental and DFT calculations demonstrated that these magnesiacyclopentadienes could be regarded as bis(Grignard) reagents wherein the two Mg C(sp²) bonds have a synergetic effect when reacting with substrates.     

Magnesiacyclopentadienes as Alkaline‐Earth Metallacyclopentadienes: Facile Synthesis,Structural Characterization,and Synthetic Application

Metallacyclopentadienes have attracted much attention as building blocks for synthetic chemistry as well as key intermediates in many metal‐mediated or metal‐catalyzed reactions. However, metallacyclopentadienes of the alkaline‐earth metals have not been reported, to say nothing of their structures, reaction chemistry, and synthetic applications. In this work, the first series of magnesiacyclopentadienes, spiro‐dilithio magnesiacyclopentadienes, and dimagnesiabutadiene were synthesized from 1,4‐dilithio 1,3‐butadienes. Single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis of these magnesiacycles revealed unique structural characteristics and bonding modes. Their reaction chemistry and synthetic application were preliminarily studied and efficient access to amino cyclopentadienes was established through their reaction with thioformamides. Experimental and DFT calculations demonstrated that these magnesiacyclopentadienes could be regarded as bis(Grignard) reagents wherein the two Mg? C(sp²) bonds have a synergetic effect when reacting with substrates.     

Inverse sandwich complexes based on low‐valent group 13 elements and cyclobutadiene: A theoretical investigation on E‐C4H4‐E (E = Al,Ga, In,Tl)

The chemistry of the low‐valent Group 13 elements (E = B, Al, Ga, In, Tl) has formed the recent hot topic. Recently, a series of low‐valent Group 13‐based compounds have been synthesized, i.e., [E‐Cp*‐E]⁺ (E = Al, Ga, In, Tl) cations, which have been termed as the interesting “inverse sandwich” complexes. To enrich the family of inverse sandwiches, we report our theoretical design of a new type of inverse sandwiches E‐C₄H₄‐E (E = Al, Ga, In, Tl) for stabilizing the low‐valent Group 13 elements. The calculated dissociation energies indicate that unlike [E‐Cp‐E]⁺ that dissociates via loss of the charged atom E⁺, E‐C₄H₄‐E dissociates via loss of the neutral atom E with the bond strengths of Al > Ga > In > Tl. Moreover, E‐C₄H₄‐E are more stable in dissociation than [E‐Cp‐E]⁺ cations. By comparing with other various isomers, we found that the inverted E‐C₄H₄‐E should be kinetically quite stable with the least conversion barriers of 33.5, 33.5, 35.2, and 36.9 kcal/mol for E = Al, Ga, In, and Tl, respectively. Furthermore, replacement of cyclobutadiene‐H atoms by the highly electron‐positive groups such as SiH₃ and Si(CH₃)₃ could significantly stabilize the inverted form in thermodynamics. Possible synthetic routes are proposed for E‐C₄H₄‐E. With no need of counterions, the newly designed neutral complexes E‐C₄H₄‐E welcome future synthesis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Structurally Defined Allyl Compounds of Main Group Metals: Coordination and Reactivity

Organometallic allyl compounds are important as allylation reagents in organic synthesis, as polymerization catalysts, and as volatile metal precursors in material science. Whereas the allyl chemistry of synthetically relevant transition metals such as palladium and of the lanthanoids is well‐established, that of main group metals has been lagging behind. Recent progress on allyl complexes of Groups 1, 2, and 12–16 now provides a more complete picture. This is based on a fundamental understanding of metal–allyl bonding interactions in solution and in the solid state. Furthermore, reactivity trends have been rationalized and new types of allyl‐specific reactivity patterns have been uncovered. Key features include 1) the exploitation of the different types of metal–allyl bonding (highly ionic to predominantly covalent), 2) the use of synergistic effects in heterobimetallic compounds, and 3) the adjustment of Lewis acidity by variation of the charge of allyl compounds.     

Diagonally Related s‐ and p‐Block Metals Join Forces: Synthesis and Characterization of Complexes with Covalent Beryllium–Aluminum Bonds

Additions of beryllium–halide bonds in the simple beryllium dihalide adducts, [BeX₂(tmeda)] (X=Br or I, tmeda=N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine), across the metal center of a neutral aluminum(I) heterocycle, [:Al(^DipNacnac)] (^DipNacnac=[(DipNCMe)₂CH]^?, Dip=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl), have yielded the first examples of compounds with beryllium–aluminum bonds, [(^DipNacnac)(X)Al‐Be(X)(tmeda)]. For sake of comparison, isostructural Mg–Al and Zn–Al analogues of these complexes, viz. [(^DipNacnac)(X)Al‐M(X)(tmeda)] (M=Mg or Zn, X=I or Br) have been prepared and structurally characterized. DFT calculations reveal all compounds to have high s‐character metal–metal bonds, the polarity of which is consistent with the electronegativities of the metals involved. Preliminary reactivity studies of [(^DipNacnac)(Br)Al‐Be(Br)(tmeda)] are reported.     

Comparison of the Reactivities and Selectivities of Group 9 [Cp*MIII] Catalysts in C−H Functionalization Reactions

Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl (Cp*)‐based Group 9 metal (Co, Rh, or Ir) catalysts have emerged as powerful tools for C?H functionalization reactions. Whilst a diverse range of organic transformations have been developed by using [Cp*M^III] catalysts, they have often exhibited orthogonal reactivities and varied selectivities that depended on the choice of the central metal atom. An understanding of the physicochemical properties of the metals, as well as of their reaction mechanisms, has led to significant expansion of the synthetic scope of C?H functionalization reactions. This Focus Review summarizes and discusses the comparative catalytic reactivities and selectivities of the [Cp*M^III] catalysts, with an emphasis on metal‐dependent pathway‐switching by considering the mechanistic rationale.     

Dynamic factors in the reactions between the magic cluster Al(13)⁻ and HCl/HI

The icosahedral Al is a "magic" cluster with remarkable stability due to its high symmetry and closed valence shells. Its reactivity has provided a molecular model for understanding oxidation and dissolution processes in bulk metals. By first principles calculations, we demonstrated the importance of dynamic factors in the Al + HX reactions, with HX being either HCl or HI. There was a barrier to the dissociative adsorption of HX on the surface of an Al cluster, which involved charge transfer from Al. Furthermore, the H atom could be bonded to the cluster in multiple ways, similar to the top, bridge and hollow adsorption sites on Al(111) surface. With a large amount of energy (～40 kcal mol(-1)) deposited during the formation of Al(13)HX(-), the H atom could easily migrate among these sites, similar to the diffusion of hydrogen on metal surfaces. These factors were therefore important considerations in the formation and dissociation of Al(13)HX(-), and more generally in reactions involving other metal clusters.     

Coordination complexes bearing potentially tetradentate phenoxyamine ligands

A series of metal complexes containing potentially tetradentate phenoxyamine ligands is described. The ligands are found to bind to main-group metals and first-row transition-metal centres with variable denticity depending upon the requirements of the particular metal centre. Bidentate [Al(III)], tridentate [Mg(II), Ca(II), Zn(II)] and tetradentate [K(I), Cr(III), Fe(II), Co(II)] binding modes have been established unambiguously through single-crystal X-ray structure determinations.     

Base Metal Catalyzed Isocyanide Insertions

Isocyanides are diverse C₁ building blocks considering their potential to react with nucleophiles, electrophiles, and radicals. Therefore, perhaps not surprisingly, isocyanides are highly valuable as inputs for multicomponent reactions (MCRs) and other one‐pot cascade processes. In the field of organometallic chemistry, isocyanides typically serve as ligands for transition metals. The coordination of isocyanides to metal centers alters the electronic distribution of the isocyano moiety, and reaction pathways can therefore be accessed that are not possible in the absence of the metal. The tunable reactivity of the isocyanide functional group by transition metals has evolved into numerous useful applications. Especially palladium‐catalyzed isocyanide insertion processes have emerged as powerful reactions in the past decade. However, reports on the use of earth‐abundant and cheap base metals in these types of transformations are scarce and have received far less attention. In this Minireview, we focus on these emerging base metal catalyzed reactions and highlight their potential in synthetic organic chemistry. Although mechanistic studies are still scarce, we discuss distinct proposed catalytic cycles and categorize the literature according to 1) the (hetero)atom bound to and 2) the type of bonding with the transition metal in which the (formal) insertion occurs.     

Infrared spectra of CH3-MF and several fragments prepared by methyl fluoride reactions with laser-ablated Cu, Ag, and Au atoms

Reactions of laser-ablated, excited group 11 metal atoms with CH(3)F isotopomers have been carried out, leading to the generation of CH(3)-MF and CH(2)F-M complexes for Cu, Ag, and Au in addition to smaller complexes for gold. The products in the infrared spectra identified on the basis of their frequencies, isotopic shifts, and correlation with DFT calculated frequencies reveal that M-F insertion by the coinage metals and H atom release readily occur. The relatively low dissociation energies of CH(3)-AuF to give several smaller Au complexes are consistent with the observation of these fragments. The C-Au bonds of CF-AuH and CH(2)-AuF exhibit considerable π character, and the methylidene CH(2)-AuF contains a true double bond. In contrast, the bond orders of CH(2)-Au and CH(2)-AuH are lower, indicating that F bonded to Au contracts the gold 5d orbitals for better overlap with the carbon 2p orbital for π bonding.     

Structure and bonding in first-row transition metal dicarbide cations MC2+

A theoretical study of the first-row transition metal dicarbide cations MC2+ (M=Sc-Zn) has been carried out. Predictions for different molecular properties that could help in their eventual experimental detection have been made. Most MC2+ compounds prefer a C2v symmetric arrangement over the linear geometry. In particular, the C2v isomer is specially favored for early transition metals. Only for CuC2+ is the linear isomer predicted to be the global minimum, although by only 1 kcal/mol. In all cases the isomerization barrier between cyclic and linear species seems to be very small (below 2 kcal/mol). The topological analysis of the electronic density shows that most C2v isomers are T-shaped structures. In general, MC2+ compounds for early transition metals have larger dissociation energies than those formed by late transition metals. In most cases the dissociation energies for MC2+ compounds are much smaller than those obtained for their neutral analogues. An analysis of the bonding in MC2+ compounds in terms of the interactions between the valence orbitals of the fragments helps to interpret their main features.     

Alkali‐Metal‐Mediated Magnesiations of an N‐Heterocyclic Carbene: Normal,Abnormal, and “Paranormal” Reactivity in a Single Tritopic Molecule

Herein the sodium alkylmagnesium amide [Na₄Mg₂(TMP)₆(nBu)₂] (TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidide), a template base as its deprotonating action is dictated primarily by its 12 atom ring structure, is studied with the common N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) IPr [1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene]. Remarkably, magnesiation of IPr occurs at the para‐position of an aryl substituent, sodiation occurs at the abnormal C4 position, and a dative bond occurs between normal C2 and sodium, all within a 20 atom ring structure accommodating two IPr^2?. Studies with different K/Mg and Na/Mg bimetallic bases led to two other magnesiated NHC structures containing two or three IPr^? monoanions bound to Mg through abnormal C4 sites. Synergistic in that magnesiation can only work through alkali‐metal mediation, these reactions add magnesium to the small cartel of metals capable of directly metalating a NHC.     

Alkali‐Metal‐Mediated Magnesiations of an N‐Heterocyclic Carbene: Normal,Abnormal, and “Paranormal” Reactivity in a Single Tritopic Molecule

Herein the sodium alkylmagnesium amide [Na₄Mg₂(TMP)₆(nBu)₂] (TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidide), a template base as its deprotonating action is dictated primarily by its 12 atom ring structure, is studied with the common N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) IPr [1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene]. Remarkably, magnesiation of IPr occurs at the para‐position of an aryl substituent, sodiation occurs at the abnormal C4 position, and a dative bond occurs between normal C2 and sodium, all within a 20 atom ring structure accommodating two IPr²⁻. Studies with different K/Mg and Na/Mg bimetallic bases led to two other magnesiated NHC structures containing two or three IPr⁻ monoanions bound to Mg through abnormal C4 sites. Synergistic in that magnesiation can only work through alkali‐metal mediation, these reactions add magnesium to the small cartel of metals capable of directly metalating a NHC.