Photochemische Reaktionen von Cyclopentadienylbis(ethen)rhodium mit Phenanthren,Acenaphthylen und Triphenylen,sowie ungewöhnlicher H-Austausch zwischen η2-koordinierten Phenanthren- bzw. Acenaphthylen- und η5-Cyclopentadienyl-Liganden

Photochemical Reactions of Cyclopentadienylbis(ethene)rhodium with Phenanthrene, Acenaphthylene, and Triphenylene, and Unusual H Exchange between η²-Coordinated Phenanthrene or Acenaphthylene and η⁵-Cyclopentadienyl Ligands During UV irradiation of [CpRh(C₂H₄)₂] (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅) in hexane/ether in the presence of phenanthrene one ethene ligand is displaced by coordination of the 9,10 double bond of phenanthrene, and (η⁵-cyclopentadienyl) (η²-ethene)(η²-9,10-phenanthrene)rhodium ( 1 ) is formed. The analogous reaction in hexane in the presence of acenaphthylene occurs with formation of the complexes (η²-1,2-acenaphthylene)(η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)(²-ethene)rhodium 2 and bis(η²-1,2-acenaphthylene)(η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)rhodium 3 in which one and two ethene molecules of [CpRh(C₂H₄)₂], respectively, are substituted by η²-1,2-acenaphthylene. The irradiation of [CpRh(C₂H₄)₂] with triphenylene in hexane yields the compounds [CpRh(η⁴-1,2,3,4-triphenylene)] ( 4 ), [(CpRh)₂(μ-η³: η³-triphenylene)] ( 5 ), and [(CpRh)₃(μ₃-η²: η²: η²-triphenylene)] ( 6 ). Despite the partially very low yields the new complexes could be unequivocally characterized spectroscopically and in the case of 1 and 3 by X-ray structural analysis. The compounds 1 and 2 in solution reveal a novel dynamic behaviour; via an intramolecular C? H activation, exchange occurs between the protons of the η²-coordinated arene and the Cp ligand. The complex 4 in solution is fluxional, too.     

2, 4‐Dimethylpenta‐1, 3‐dien‐ und 2, 4‐Dimethylpentadienyl‐Komplexe des Rhodiums und Iridiums

2, 4‐Dimethylpenta‐1, 3‐diene and 2, 4‐Dimethylpentadienyl Complexes of Rhodium and Iridium The complexes [(η⁴‐C₇H₁₂)RhCl]₂ ( 1 ) (C₇H₁₂ = 2, 4‐dimethylpenta‐1, 3‐diene) and [(η⁴‐C₇H₁₂)₂IrCl] ( 2 ) were obtained by interaction of C₇H₁₂ with [(η²‐C₂H₄)₂RhCl]₂ and [(η²‐cyclooctene)₂IrCl]₂, respectively. The reaction of 1 or 2 with CpTl (Cp = η⁵‐C₅H₅) yields the compounds [CpM(η⁴‐C₇H₁₂)] ( 3a : M = Rh; 3b : M = Ir). The hydride abstraction at the pentadiene ligand of 3a , b with Ph₃CBF₄ proceeds differently depending on the solvent. In acetone or THF the “half‐open” metallocenium complexes [CpM(η⁵‐C₇H₁₁)]BF₄ ( 4a : M = Rh; 4b : M = Ir) are obtained exclusively. In dichloromethane mixtures are produced which additionally contain the species [(η⁵‐C₇H₁₁)M(η⁵‐C₅H₄CPh₃)]BF₄ ( 5a : M = Rh; 5b : M = Ir) formed by electrophilic substitution at the Cp ring, as well as the η³‐2, 4‐dimethylpentenyl compound [(η³‐C₇H₁₃)Rh{η⁵‐C₅H₃(CPh₃)₂}]BF₄ ( 6 ). By interaction of 2, 4‐dimethylpentadienyl potassium with 1 or 2 the complexes [(η⁴‐C₇H₁₂)M(η⁵‐C₇H₁₁)] ( 7a : M = Rh; 7b : M = Ir) are generated which show dynamic behaviour in solution; however, attempts to synthesize the “open” metallocenium cations [(η⁵‐C₇H₁₁)₂M]⁺ by hydride abstraction from 7a , b failed. The new compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopically, 4b and 5a also by X‐ray structure analysis.     

Das Tris(cyclopentadienyl)methylsilan-Trianion – ein neues Ligandensystem und Komplexbildung mit Rhodium

The Tris(cyclopentadienyl)methylsilane Trianion – a New Ligand System and Complex Formation with Rhodium Starting from MeSiCl₃ the title compound was synthesized by two steps as the virtually insoluble trithallium salt ( 1 ). Reaction of 1 with [(C₂H₄)₂RhCl]₂ in pentane gives {MeSi[C₅H₄Rh(C₂H₄)₂]₃} ( 2 ). Under UV irradiation of 2 in pentane in the presence of benzene only two [C₅H₄Rh(C₂H₄)₂] units of 2 react with loss of ethene and formation of the μ-η³ : η³ benzene compound {MeSi[(C₅H₄Rh)₂(C₆H₆)][C₅H₄Rh(C₂H₄)₂]} ( 3 ). The novel complexes 2 and 3 were characterized spectroscopically and by X-ray structure analysis.     

Direct Evidence for a [4+2] Cycloaddition Mechanism of Alkynes to Tantallacyclopentadiene on Dinuclear Tantalum Complexes as a Model of Alkyne Cyclotrimerization

A dinuclear tantalum complex, [Ta₂Cl₆(μ‐C₄Et₄)] ( 2 ), bearing a tantallacyclopentadiene moiety, was synthesized by treating [(η²‐EtC?CEt)TaCl₃(DME)] ( 1 ) with AlCl₃. Complex 2 and its Lewis base adducts, [Ta₂Cl₆(μ‐C₄Et₄)L] (L=THF ( 3 a ), pyridine ( 3 b ), THT ( 3 c )), served as more active catalysts for cyclotrimerization of internal alkynes than 1 . During the reaction of 3 a with 3‐hexyne, we isolated [Ta₂Cl₄(μ‐η⁴:η⁴‐C₆Et₆)(μ‐η²:η²‐EtC?CEt)] ( 4 ), sandwiched by a two‐electron reduced μ‐η⁴:η⁴‐hexaethylbenzene and a μ‐η²:η²‐3‐hexyne ligand, as a product of an intermolecular cyclization between the metallacyclopentadiene moiety and 3‐hexyne. The formation of arene complexes [Ta₂Cl₄(μ‐η⁴:η⁴‐C₆Et₄Me₂)(μ‐η²:η²‐Me₃SiC?CSiMe₃)] ( 7 b ) and [Ta₂Cl₄(μ‐η⁴:η⁴‐C₆Et₄RH)(μ‐η²:η²‐Me₃SiC?CSiMe₃)] (R=nBu ( 8 a ), p‐tolyl ( 8 b )) by treating [Ta₂Cl₄(μ‐C₄Et₄)(μ‐η²:η²‐Me₃SiC?CSiMe₃)] ( 6 ) with 2‐butyne, 1‐hexyne, and p‐tolylacetylene without any isomers, at room temperature or low temperature were key for clarifying the [4+2] cycloaddition mechanism because of the restricted rotation behavior of the two‐electron reduced arene ligands without dissociation from the dinuclear tantalum center.     

Zweikernige silylenverbrückte Cyclopentadienylrhodiumbis(ethen)-Komplexe,photochemische Reaktion mit Benzolderivaten und selektiver Einschluß von Methylcyclopentan in das Kristallgitter von [Me2Si{3-But-C5H3Rh(C2H4)2}2]

Dinuclear Silylene Bridged Cyclopentadienylrhodiumbis(ethene) Complexes, Photochemical Reaction with Benzene Derivatives, and Selective Inclusion of Methylcyclopentane into the Crystal Lattice of [Me₂Si{3-Bu^t-C₅H₃Rh(C₂H₄)₂}₂] By reaction of [{(C₂H₄)₂RhCl}₂] with Na₂[Me₂Si(C₅H₄)₂] or with Li₂[Me₂Si(3-Bu^t-C₅H₃)₂] in THF the dinuclear silylene bridged complexes [Me₂Si{C₅H₄Rh(C₂H₄)₂}₂] 1 and [Me₂Si{3-Bu^t-C₅H₃Rh(C₂H₄)₂}₂] 2 , respectively, were synthesized. Due to the asymmetric substitution of the five-membered rings and their hindered rotation around the Si? C axes, 2 is formed as three isomers. The X-ray structure analysis of 2 obtained from hexane reveals the selective inclusion of methylcyclopentane, the content of which in the solvent is about 17%, into the crystal lattice. UV irradiation of 1 in hexane in the presence of benzene causes elimination of the ethene ligands yielding the μ-η³:η³ benzene complex [Me₂Si(C₅H₄Rh₂)₂C₆H₆] which cannot be separated from unreacted 1 . However, separation is possible in case of the hexamethylbenzene compound 4 analogous with 3 .     

Cation‐Mediated Conversion of the State of Charge in Uranium Arene Inverted‐Sandwich Complexes

Two new arene inverted‐sandwich complexes of uranium supported by siloxide ancillary ligands [K{U(OSi(OtBu)₃)₃}₂(μ‐η⁶:η⁶‐C₇H₈)] ( 3 ) and [K₂{U(OSi(OtBu)₃)₃}₂(μ‐η⁶:η⁶‐C₇H₈)] ( 4 ) were synthesized by the reduction of the parent arene‐bridged complex [{U(OSi(OtBu)₃)₃}₂(μ‐η⁶:η⁶‐C₇H₈)] ( 2 ) with stoichiometric amounts of KC₈ yielding a rare family of inverted‐sandwich complexes in three states of charge. The structural data and computational studies of the electronic structure are in agreement with the presence of high‐valent uranium centers bridged by a reduced tetra‐anionic toluene with the best formulation being U^V–(arene^4?)–U^V, KU^IV–(arene^4?)–U^V, and K₂U^IV–(arene^4?)–U^IV for complexes 2 , 3 , and 4 respectively. The potassium cations in complexes 3 and 4 are coordinated to the siloxide ligands both in the solid state and in solution. The addition of KOTf (OTf=triflate) to the neutral compound 2 promotes its disproportionation to yield complexes 3 and 4 (depending on the stoichiometry) and the U^IV mononuclear complex [U(OSi(OtBu)₃)₃(OTf)(thf)₂] ( 5 ). This unprecedented reactivity demonstrates the key role of potassium for the stability of these complexes.     

A Neutral Tetraphosphacyclobutadiene Ligand in Cobalt(I) Complexes

The unusual reactivity of the newly synthesized β‐diketiminato cobalt(I) complexes, [(L^DepCo)₂] ( 2 a , L^Dep=CH[C(Me)N(2,6‐Et₂C₆H₃)]₂) and [L^DippCo ? toluene] ( 2 b , L^Dipp=CH[CHN(2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)]₂), toward white phosphorus was investigated, affording the first cobalt(I) complexes [(L^DepCo)₂(μ₂:η⁴,η⁴‐P₄)] ( 3 a ) and [(L^DippCo)₂(μ₂:η⁴,η⁴‐P₄)] ( 3 b ) bearing the neutral cyclo‐P₄ ligand with a rectangular‐planar structure. The redox chemistry of 3 a and 3 b was studied by cyclic voltammetry and their chemical reduction with one molar equivalent of potassium graphite led to the isolation of [(L^DepCo)₂(μ₂:η⁴,η⁴‐P₄)][K(dme)₄] ( 4 a ) and [(L^DippCo)₂(μ₂:η⁴,η⁴‐P₄)][K(dme)₄] ( 4 b ). Unexpectedly, the monoanionic Co₂P₄ core in 4 a and 4 b , respectively, contains the two‐electron‐reduced cyclo‐P₄^2? ligand with a square‐planar structure and mixed‐valent cobalt(I,II) sites. The electronic structures of 3 a , 3 b , 4 a , and 4 b were elucidated by NMR and EPR spectroscopy as well as magnetic measurements and are in agreement with results of broken‐symmetry DFT calculations.     

Binuclear Aromatic C−H Bond Activation at a Dirhenium Site

The electronically unsaturated dirhenium complex [Re₂(CO)₈(μ‐H)(μ‐Ph)] ( 1 ) has been found to exhibit aromatic C?H activation upon reaction with N,N‐diethylaniline, naphthalene, and even [D₆]benzene to yield the compounds [Re₂(CO)₈(μ‐H)(μ‐η¹‐NEt₂C₆H₄)] ( 2 ), [Re₂(CO)₈(μ‐H)(μ‐η²‐1,2‐C₁₀H₇)] ( 3 ), and [D₆]‐ 1 , respectively, in good yields. The mechanism has been elucidated by using DFT computational analyses, and involves a binuclear C?H bond‐activation process.     

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.     

[Co(g5‐Me5C5)(g3‐tBu2PPCH–CH3)] aus [Co(g5‐Me5C5)(g2‐C2H4)2] und tBu2P–P=P(Me)tBu2

Coordination Chemistry of P‐rich Phosphanes and Silylphosphanes. XVII [1] [Co(g⁵‐Me₅C₅)(g³‐^tBu₂PPCH–CH₃)] from [Co(g⁵‐Me₅C₅)(g²‐C₂H₄)₂] and ^tBu₂P–P=P(Me)^tBu₂ [Co(η⁵‐Me₅C₅)(η³‐^tBu₂PPCH–CH₃)] 1 is formed in the reaction of [Co(η⁵‐Me₅C₅)(η²‐C₂H₄)₂] 2 with ^tBu₂P–P 4 (generated from ^tBu₂P–P=P(Me)^tBu₂ 3 ) by elimination of one C₂H₄ ligand and coupling of the phosphinophosphinidene with the second one. The structure of 1 is proven by ³¹P, ¹³C, ¹H NMR spectra and the X‐ray structure analysis. Within the ligand ^tBu₂P¹P²C¹H–CH₃ in 1 , the angle P1–P2–C1 amounts to 90°. The Co, P1, P2, C1 atoms in 1 look like a „butterfly”︁. The reaction of 2 with a mixture of ^tBu₂P–P=P(Me)^tBu₂ 3 and ^tBu–C?P 5 yields [Co(η⁵‐Me₅C₅){η⁴‐(^tBuCP)₂}] 6 and 1 . While 6 is spontaneously formed, 1 appears only after complete consumption of 5 .     

Synthese,Struktur und Reaktivität von Tris‐, Bis‐ und Mono(2,4‐dimethylpentadienyl)‐Komplexen des Neodyms,Lanthans und des Yttriums

The tris(2,4‐dimethylpentadienyl) complexes [Ln(η⁵‐Me₂C₅H₅)₃] (Ln = Nd, La, Y) are obtained analytically pure by reaction of the tribromides LnBr₃·nTHF with the potassium compound K(Me₂C₅H₅)(thf)_n in THF in good yields. The structural characterization is carried out by X‐ray crystal structure analysis and NMR‐spectroscopically. The tris complexes can be transformed into the dimeric bis(2,4‐dimethylpentadienyl) complexes [Ln₂(η⁵‐Me₂C₅H₅)₄X₂] (Ln, X: Nd, Cl, Br, I; La, Br, I; Y, Br) by reaction with the trihalides THF solvates in the molar ratio 2:1 in toluene. Structure and bonding conditions are determined for selected compounds by X‐ray crystal structure analysis and NMR‐spectroscopically in general. The dimer‐monomer equilibrium existing in solution was investigated NMR‐spectroscopically in dependence of the donor strength of the solvent and could be established also by preparation of the corresponding monomer neutral ligand complexes [Ln(η⁵‐Me₂C₅H₅)₂X(L)] (Ln, X, L: Nd, Br, py; La, Cl, thf; Br, py; Y, Br, thf). Finally the possibilities for preparation of mono(2,4‐dimethylpentadienyl)lanthanoid(III)‐dibromid complexes are shown and the hexameric structure of the lanthanum complex [La₆(η⁵‐Me₂C₅H₅)₆Br₁₂(thf)₄] is proved by X‐ray crystal structure analysis.     

Molecular Thorium Trihydrido Clusters Stabilized by Cyclopentadienyl Ligands

Hydrogenolysis of alkyl‐substituted cyclopentadienyl (Cp^R) ligated thorium tribenzyl complexes [(Cp^R)Th(p‐CH₂‐C₆H₄‐Me)₃] ( 1 – 6 ) afforded the first examples of molecular thorium trihydrido complexes [(Cp^R)Th(μ‐H)₃]_n (Cp^R=C₅H₂(^tBu)₃ or C₅H₂(SiMe₃)₃, n=5; C₅Me₄SiMe₃, n=6; C₅Me₅, n=7; C₅Me₄H, n=8; 7 – 10 and 12 ) and [(Cp^#)₁₂Th₁₃H₄₀] (Cp^#=C₅H₄SiMe₃; 13 ). The nuclearity of the metal hydride clusters depends on the steric profile of the cyclopentadienyl ligands. The hydrogenolysis intermediate, tetra‐nuclear octahydrido thorium dibenzylidene complex [(Cp^ttt)Th(μ‐H)₂]₄(μ‐p‐CH‐C₆H₄‐Me)₂ (Cp^ttt=C₅H₂(^tBu)₃) ( 11 ) was also isolated. All of the complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. Hydride positions in [(Cp^Me4)Th(μ‐H)₃]₈ (Cp^Me4=C₅Me₄H) were further precisely confirmed by single‐crystal neutron diffraction. DFT calculations strengthen the experimental assignment of the hydride positions in the complexes 7 to 12 .     

Mono and dinuclear iridium, rhodium and ruthenium complexes containing chelating carboxylato pyrazine ligands: Synthesis, molecular structure and electrochemistry

The mononuclear complexes [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)IrCl(L¹)] (1), [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)RhCl(L¹)] (2), [(η⁶-p-PrⁱC₆H₄Me)RuCl(L¹)] (3) and [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)RuCl(L¹)] (4) have been synthesised from pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (HL¹) and the corresponding complexes [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)IrCl₂}₂], [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)RhCl₂}₂], [{(η⁶-p-PrⁱC₆H₄Me)RuCl₂}₂], and [{(η⁶-C₆Me₆)RuCl₂}₂], respectively. The related dinuclear complexes [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)IrCl}₂(μ-L²)] (5), [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)RhCl}₂(μ-L²)] (6), [{(η⁶-p-PrⁱC₆H₄Me)RuCl}₂(μ-L²)] (7) and [{(η⁶-C₆Me₆)RuCl}₂(μ-L²)] (8) have been obtained in a similar manner from pyrazine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (H₂L²). Compounds isomeric to the latter series, [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)IrCl}₂(μ-L³)] (9), [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)RhCl}₂(μ-L³)] (10), [{(p-PrⁱC₆H₄Me)RuCl}₂(μ-L³)] (11) and [{(η⁶-C₆Me₆)RuCl}₂(μ-L³)] (12), have been prepared by using pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (H₂L³) instead of H₂L². The molecular structures of 2 and 3, determined by X-ray diffraction analysis, show the pyrazine-2-carboxylato moiety to act as an N,O-chelating ligand, while the structure analyses of 5-7, confirm that the pyrazine-2,5-dicarboxylato unit bridges two metal centres. The electrochemical behaviour of selected representatives has been studied by voltammetric techniques.     

2H‐Azirines as Ligands: Structural Characterization of the First Neutral and Cationic (η5‐C5Me5)Rh(III) 2H‐Azirine Complexes

The synthesis and structural characterization of two azirine rhodium(III ) complexes are described. The stabilization, N‐coordination and phenylgroup π‐stacking of the highly reactive and strained 3‐phenyl‐2H‐azirine by transition metal coordination is observed. The reaction of the dimeric complex [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)RhCl₂]₂ with 3‐phenyl‐2H‐azirine (az) in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature in a 1:2 molar ratio afforded the neutral mono‐azirine complex [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)RhCl₂(az)]. The subsequent reaction of [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)RhCl₂]₂ with six equivalents of az and 4 equivalents of AgOTf yielded the cationic tris‐azirine complex [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Rh(az)₃](OTf)₂. After purification, all complexes have been fully characterized. The molecular structures of the novel rhodium(III ) complexes exhibit slightly distorted octahedral coordination geometries around the metal atoms.     

Dramatic electronic effect of fluoro substituents on the olefin polymerization activity of mono β‐diiminato titanium complexes

A series of new mono β‐diiminato titanium complexes [(N(Ar)C(CH₃))₂ CH]TiCl₃ ( 3a : Ar = 2.6‐F₂C₆H₃; 3b : Ar = C₆F₅; 3c : Ar = 2.6‐Me₂C₆H₃) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of 3a revealed that the β‐diiminato ligand in our complex is more close to the η²‐coordination mode with little delocalization of the double bonds, which is different from the strong delocalization in the ligands of η⁵‐coordinated (Tolnacnac)TiCl₃ and η²‐coordinated (Dipnacnac)ZrCl₃. The significant electronic effects of fluoro‐substituents on the olefin polymerization activity of mono β‐diiminato titanium complexes were found. Titanium complexes with fluorine‐containing β‐diiminato ligands, on activation with MMAO, are extremely active catalysts for polymerization of ethylene. The activity of copolymerization of ethylene and 1‐hexene is higher than homopolymerization of ethylene and increases with the increase of 1‐hexene concentrations, which show the positive “comonomer effect.” The molar percentage of 1‐hexene incorporation and polymer microstructures can also be modulated by the initial comonomer concentrations. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 211–217, 2008     

Bis(pyrene)metal complexes of vanadium,niobium and titanium: isolable homoleptic pyrene complexes of transition metals

Reduction of VCl₃(THF)₃ (THF is tetrahydrofuran) and NbCl₄(THF)₂ by alkali metal pyrene radical anion salts in THF affords the paramagnetic sandwich complexes bis[(1,2,3,3a,10a,10b‐η)‐pyrene]vanadium(0), [V(C₁₆H₁₀)₂], and bis[(1,2,3,3a,10a,10b‐η)‐pyrene]niobium(0), [Nb(C₁₆H₁₀)₂]. Treatment of tris(naphthalene)titanate(2−) with pyrene provides the isoelectronic titanium species, isolated as an (18‐crown‐6)potassium salt, namely catena‐poly[[(18‐crown‐6)potassium]‐μ‐[(1,2‐η:1,2,3,3a,10a,10b‐η)‐pyrene]‐titanate(−I)‐μ‐[(1,2,3,3a,10a,10b‐η:6,7‐η)‐pyrene]], {[K(C₁₂H₂₄O₆)][Ti(C₁₆H₁₀)₂]}_n. The first two compounds have very similar packing, with neighboring molecules arranged orthogonally to one another, such that aromatic donor–acceptor interactions are likely responsible for the specific arrangement. The asymmetric unit contains a half‐occupancy metal center η⁶‐coordinated to one pyrene ligand, with the full M(pyrene)₂ molecule generated by a crystallographic inversion center. In the titanium compound, the cations and anions are in alternating contact throughout the crystal structure, in one‐dimensional chains along the [101] direction. As in the other two compounds, the asymmetric unit contains a half‐occupancy Ti atom η⁶‐coordinated to one pyrene ligand. Additionally, the asymmetric unit contains one half of an (18‐crown‐6)potassium cation, located on a crystallographic inversion center coincident with the K atom. The full formula units are generated by those inversion centers. In all three structures, the pyrene ligands are eclipsed and sandwich the metals in one of two inversion‐related sites. These species are of interest as the first isolable homoleptic pyrene transition metal complexes to be described in the scientific literature.     

Selective,Cytotoxic Organoruthenium(II) Full‐Sandwich Complexes: A Structural,Computational and In Vitro Biological Study

A structurally diverse range of lipophilic, cationic η⁶‐arene η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl (η⁵‐Cp*) full‐sandwich complexes of ruthenium(II) have been prepared and structurally characterized by Fourier‐transform IR and NMR spectroscopy, electrospray mass spectrometry, and elemental microanalyses. Computational experiments incorporating the Hartree–Fock theory and the second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory predict each complex to possess a uniform δ+ electrostatic potential, with the cationic charge of the [RuCp*]⁺ moiety completely delocalizing throughout the molecular structure of each metallocene. In vitro cytotoxicity studies demonstrate these delocalized lipophilic cations to be potent growth inhibitors of eleven unique tumorigenic cell lines, while exhibiting significantly lower levels of toxicity towards both a normal human fibroblast and a mouse macrophage cell line. Single‐crystal X‐ray structural determinations are additionally reported for five complexes, [Ru(η⁶‐C₆H₅(CH₂)₂CH₃)(η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅)]BPh₄, [Ru(η⁶‐C₆H₅CO₂CH₂CH₃)(η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅)]BF₄, [Ru(η⁶‐C₁₀H₈)(η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅)]BPh₄, [Ru(η⁶‐C₁₄H₁₀)(η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅)]BPh₄, and [Ru(η⁶‐C₁₆H₁₀)(η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅)]BPh₄.     

Comparative Study of Phosphine and N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Stabilized Group 13 Adducts [L(EH3)] and [L2(E2Hn)]

Quantum chemical calculations using density functional theory at the BP86/TZ2P level have been carried out to determine the geometries and stabilities of Group 13 adducts [(PMe₃)(EH₃)] and [(PMe₃)₂(E₂H_n)] (E=B–In; n=4, 2, 0). The optimized geometries exhibit, in most cases, similar features to those of related adducts [(NHC^Me)(EH₃)] and [(NHC^Me)₂(E₂H_n)] with a few exceptions that can be explained by the different donor strengths of the ligands. The calculations show that the carbene ligand L=NHC^Me (:C(NMeCH)₂) is a significantly stronger donor than L=PMe₃. The equilibrium geometries of [L(EH₃)] possess, in all cases, a pyramidal structure, whereas the complexes [L₂(E₂H₄)] always have an antiperiplanar arrangement of the ligands L. The phosphine ligands in [(PMe₃)₂(B₂H₂)], which has C_s symmetry, are in the same plane as the B₂H₂ moiety, whereas the heavier homologues [(PMe₃)₂(E₂H₂)] (E=Al, Ga, In) have C_i symmetry in which the ligands bind side‐on to the E₂H₂ acceptor. This is in contrast to the [(NHC^Me)₂(E₂H₂)] adducts for which the NHC^Me donor always binds in the same plane as E₂H₂ except for the indium complex [(NHC^Me)₂(In₂H₂)], which exhibits side‐on bonding. The boron complexes [L₂(B₂)] (L=PMe₃ and NHC^Me) possess a linear arrangement of the LBBL moiety, which has a B?B triple bond. The heavier homologues [L₂(E₂)] have antiperiplanar arrangements of the LEEL moieties, except for [(PMe₃)₂(In₂)], which has a twisted structure in which the PInInP torsion angle is 123.0°. The structural features of the complexes [L(EH₃)] and [L₂(E₂H_n)] can be explained in terms of donor–acceptor interactions between the donors L and the acceptors EH₃ and E₂H_n, which have been analyzed quantitatively by using the energy decomposition analysis (EDA) method. The calculations predict that the hydrogenation reaction of the dimeric magnesium(I) compound L′MgMgL′ with the complexes [L(EH₃)] is energetically more favorable for L=PMe₃ than for NHC^Me.     

β‐Diketiminatoytterbium aryloxides: synthesis,structural characterization,and catalytic activity for addition of amines to carbodiimides

The steric effect of an aryloxido group on the synthesis and molecular structures of ytterbium aryloxides supported by β‐diketiminato ligand L (L = [N(2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃)C(Me)]₂CH^?) is reported. Reactions of β‐diketiminatoytterbium dichloride, LYbCl₂(THF)₂, with NaOAr¹ in THF (Ar¹ = [2,6‐^tBu₂‐4‐MeC₆H₂], THF = tetrahydrofuran) at 60°C gave the corresponding ytterbium complexes LYb(OAr¹)Cl(THF) ( 1 ) and LYb(OAr¹)₂ (1), depending on the molar ratio of dichloride to sodium aryloxide, respectively, while the same reactions with NaOAr² and NaOAr³ (Ar² = [2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃], Ar³ = [2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃]) in 1:1 or 1:2 molar ratio in THF afforded only bisaryloxide complexes LYb(OAr²)₂(THF) (1) and LYb(OAr³)₂(THF) ( 4 ) in good yields, respectively. Complexes 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 were fully characterized, including X‐ray crystal structure analyses. All the complexes are efficient pre‐catalysts for the catalytic addition of amines to carbodiimides giving guanidines. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural Variations and Molecular Dynamics of Rare‐Earth Metal Complexes with the N,N‐Bis(2‐{pyrid‐2‐yl}ethyl)hydroxylaminato Ligand

The reaction of the donor‐functionalised N,N‐bis(2‐{pyrid‐2‐yl}ethyl)hydroxylamine and [LnCp₃] (Cp=cyclopentadiene) resulted in the formation of bis(cyclopentadienyl) hydroxylaminato rare‐earth metal complexes of the general constitution [Ln(C₅H₅)₂{ON(C₂H₄‐o‐Py)₂}] (Py= pyridyl) with Ln=Lu ( 1 ), Y ( 2 ), Ho ( 3 ), Sm ( 4 ), Nd ( 5 ), Pr ( 6 ), La ( 7 ). These compounds were characterised by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy (for compounds 1 , 2 , 4 and 7 ) and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments. The complexes exhibit three different aggregation modes and binding motifs in the solid state. The late rare‐earth metal atoms (Lu, Y, Ho and Sm) form monomeric complexes of the formula [Ln(C₅H₅)₂{η²‐ON(C₂H₄‐η¹‐o‐Py)(C₂H₄‐o‐Py)}] ( 1 – 4 , respectively), in which one of the pyridyl nitrogen donor atoms is bonded to the metal atom in addition to the side‐on coordinating hydroxylaminato unit. The larger Nd³⁺ and Pr³⁺ ions in 5 and 6 make the hydroxylaminato unit capable of dimerising through the oxygen atoms. This leads to the dimeric complexes [(Ln(C₅H₅)₂{μ‐η¹:η²‐ON(C₂H₄‐o‐Py)₂})₂] without metal–pyridine bonds. Compound 7 exhibits a dimeric coordination mode similar to the complexes 5 and 6 , but, in addition, two pyridyl functions coordinate to the lanthanum atoms leading to the [(La(C₅H₅)₂{ON(C₂H₄‐o‐Py)}{μ‐η¹:η²‐ON(C₂H₄‐η¹‐o‐Py)})₂] complex. The aggregation trend is directly related to the size of the metal ions. The complexes with coordinative pyridine–metal bonds show highly dynamic behaviour in solution. The two pyridine nitrogen atoms rapidly change their coordination to the metal atom at ambient temperature. Variable‐temperature (VT) NMR experiments showed that this dynamic exchange can be frozen on the NMR timescale.