Facile synthesis of cyclopropene analogues of aluminum and an aluminum pinacolate, and the reactivity of LAl[eta(2)-C(2)(SiMe(3))(2)] toward unsaturated molecules (L=HC[(CMe)(NAr)](2), Ar=2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3))

Reduction of LAlI(2) (1) (L = HC[(CMe)(NAr)](2), Ar = 2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3)) with potassium in the presence of alkynes C(2)(SiMe(3))(2), C(2)Ph(2), and C(2)Ph(SiMe(3)) yielded the first neutral cyclopropene analogues of aluminum LAl[eta(2)-C(2)(SiMe(3))(2)] (3), LAl(eta(2)-C(2)Ph(2)) (4), and LAl[eta(2)-C(2)Ph(SiMe(3))] (5), respectively, whereas reduction of 1 in the presence of Ph(2)CO gave an aluminum pinacolate LAl[O(2)(CPh(2))(2)] (6), irrespective of the amount of Ph(2)CO employed. The unsaturated molecules CO(2), Ph(2)CO, and PhCN inserted into one of the Al-C bonds of 3 leading to ring enlargement to give novel aluminum five-membered heterocyclic systems LAl[OC(O)C(2)(SiMe(3))(2)] (7), LAl[OC(Ph)(2)C(2)(SiMe(3))(2)] (8), and LAl[NC(Ph)C(2)(SiMe(3))(2)] (9) in high yields. In contrast, 3 reacted with t-BuCN, 2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)N(3) (Trip = 2,4,6-i-Pr(3)C(6)H(2)), and Ph(3)SiN(3) resulting in the displacement of the alkyne moiety to afford LAl[N(2)(Ct-Bu)(2)] (10) with an unprecedented aluminum-containing imidazole ring, and the first monomeric aluminum imides LAlNC(6)H(3)-2,6-Trip(2) (11) and LAlNSiPh(3) (12). All compounds have been characterized spectroscopically. The variable-temperature (1)H NMR studies of 3 and ESR measurements of 3 and 4 suggest that the Al-C-C three-membered-ring systems can be best described as metallacyclopropenes. The (27)Al NMR resonances of 2 and 3 are reported and compared. Molecular structures of compounds 3, 4, 6.OEt(2), 8.OEt(2), and 9 were determined by single-crystal X-ray structural analysis.     

Kinetic and donor stabilization of organotellurenyl iodides and azides

The first tellurium compounds containing the extremely bulky tris(phenyldimethylsilyl)methyl (Tpsi) and 2,6-bis(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl)phenyl (2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)) moieties have been synthesized and isolated. Careful oxidation of the tellurolate TpsiTeLi (1) resulted in the formation of the crowded ditellane (TpsiTe)(2) (2), and iodination of 2 gave the alkanetellurenyl iodide TpsiTeI (3). In a similar fashion, the terphenyl-substituted ditellane (2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)Te)(2) (9) and the arenetellurenyl iodide 2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)TeI (10) were prepared. Reaction of the iodides TpsiTeI (3) and 2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)TeI (10), as well as TripTeI, MesTeI (Trip = 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl, Mes = 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl), and the donor-stabilized 2-Me(2)NCH(2)C(6)H(4)TeI, with AgN(3) resulted in the formation and isolation of the corresponding tellurenyl azides TpsiTeN(3) (4), TripTeN(3) (7), MesTeN(3) (8), 2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)TeN(3) (11), and 2-Me(2)NCH(2)C(6)H(4)TeN(3) (12). Furthermore, the corresponding tris(ethyldimethylsilyl)methyl-containing (Tesi) tellurium compounds (TesiTe)(2), TesiTeI (5), and TesiTeN(3) (6) have been prepared but could not be isolated in pure form. The crystal structures of TpsiTeLi (1), (TpsiTe)(2) (2), TpsiTeN(3) (4), 2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)TeI (10), 2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)TeN(3) (11), and 2-Me(2)NCH(2)C(6)H(4)TeN(3) (12) have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Additionally, computational studies of the molecules for which experimental structural data were available were performed.     

Reaction of m-terphenyldichlorophosphanes with sodium azide: synthesis and characterization of stable azidocyclophosphazenes

Reaction of the m-terphenyldichlorophosphanes 2,6-(2-MeC(6)H(4))(2)C(6)H(3)PCl(2) (1), 2,6-(4-t-BuC(6)H(4))(2)C(6)H(3)PCl(2) (2), or 2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)PCl(2) (3) with excess NaN(3) in acetonitrile at room temperature afforded the corresponding bisazidophosphanes 2,6-(2-MeC(6)H(4))(2)C(6)H(3)P(N(3))(2), 2,6-(4-t-BuC(6)H(4))(2)C(6)H(3)P(N(3))(2) (5), or 2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)P(N(3))(2) (6) (Mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)), respectively. These compounds are thermally labile and decompose into a number of azidophosphazenes. The azidocyclophosphazenes [NP(N(3))(C(6)H(3)(4-t-BuC(6)H(4))(2)-2,6)](3) (4) and [NP(N(3))C(6)H(3)Mes(2)-2,6](2) (8) have been isolated from these mixtures. All compounds were characterized by (1)H, (13)C, (31)P NMR and IR spectroscopy. Crystal structures of 2, 4, and 8 were determined.     

Synthesis and Ligand Substitution Reactions of a Mesitylphosphido-Bridged Platinum(II) Dimer

The stable primary phosphine complexes trans-M(PH(2)Mes)(2)Cl(2) (1, M = Pd; 2, M = Pt; Mes = 2,4,6-(t-Bu)(3)C(6)H(2)) were prepared from Pd(PhCN)(2)Cl(2) and K(2)PtCl(4), respectively. Reaction of Pt(COD)Cl(2) (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) with less bulky arylphosphines gives the unstable cis-Pt(PH(2)Ar)(2)Cl(2) (3, Ar = Is = 2,4,6-(i-Pr)(3)C(6)H(2); 4, Ar = Mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)). Spontaneous dehydrochlorination of 4 or direct reaction of K(2)PtCl(4) with 2 equiv of PH(2)Mes gives the insoluble primary phosphido-bridged dimer [Pt(PH(2)Mes)(&mgr;-PHMes)Cl](2) (5), which was characterized spectroscopically, including solid-state (31)P NMR studies. The reversible reaction of 5 with PH(2)Mes gives [Pt(PH(2)Mes)(2)(&mgr;-PHMes)](2)[Cl](2) (6), while PEt(3) yields [Pt(PEt(3))(2)(&mgr;-PHMes)](2)[Cl](2) (7), which on recrystallization forms [Pt(PEt(3))(&mgr;-PHMes)Cl](2) (8). Complex 5 and PPh(3) afford [Pt(PPh(3))(&mgr;-PHMes)Cl](2) (9). Addition of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) to 5 gives the dicationic [Pt(dppe)(&mgr;-PHMes)](2)[Cl](2) (10-Cl), which was also obtained as the tetrafluoroborate salt 10-BF(4)() by deprotonation of [Pt(dppe)(PH(2)Mes)Cl][BF(4)] (11) with Et(3)N or by reaction of [Pt(dppe)(&mgr;-OH)](2)[BF(4)](2) with 2 equiv of PH(2)Mes. Complexes 8, 9, and 10-Cl.2CH(2)Cl(2).2H(2)O were characterized crystallographically.     

2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)](2)Ga(+)Li[Al(OCH(CF(3))(2))(4)](2)(-) (Mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)): A compound containing a linear unsolvated two-coordinate gallium cation

The title compound [2,6-Mes(2)C(2)H(3)](2)Ga(+)Li[Al(OCH(CF(3))(2))(4)](2)(-), 1, containing a linear two-coordinate gallium cation, has been obtained by metathesis reaction of [2,6-Mes(2)C(2)H(3)](2)GaCl with 2 equiv of Li[Al(OCH(CF(3))(2))(4)] in C(6)H(5)Cl solution at room temperature. Compound 1 has been characterized by (1)H, (13)C((1)H), (19)F, and (27)Al NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Compound 1 consists of isolated [2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)](2)Ga(+) cations and Li[Al(OCH(CF(3))(2))(4)](2)(-) anions. The C-Ga-C angle is 175.69(7) degrees, and the Ga-C distances are 1.9130(14) and 1.9145(16) A. The title compound is remarkably stable, is only a weak Lewis acid, and polymerizes cyclohexene oxide.     

In(8)(C(6)H(3)-2,6-Mes(2))(4) (Mes=C(6)H(2)-2,4,6-Me(3)): A Metal-Rich Main-Group Cluster with a Distorted Cubane Structure

A distorted In(8) cubane core (see picture) is present in the novel indium cluster In(8)(C(6)H(3)-2,6-Mes(2))(4) (Mes=C(6)H(2)-2,4,6-Me(3)), which was synthesized by the reaction of LiC(6)H(3)-2,6-Mes(2) with InCl. It has an average In-In bond length of 2.92 ? and represents a new addition to the range of heavier Group 13 element clusters.     

Monomeric, two-coordinate Mn, Fe and Co(II) complexes featuring 2,6-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)phenyl ligands

The synthesis and characterization of the monomeric, two-coordinate transition-metal complexes (2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3))(2)M (Mes = mesityl, 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2), M = Mn, Fe, Co) are reported; (2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3))(2)Co is the first structurally authenticated two-coordinate, homoleptic cobalt(II) complex featuring sigma-bonded aryl ligands.     

A monomeric thallium(I) amide in the solid state: synthesis and structure of TlN(Me)ArMes2 (ArMes2 = C6H3-2,6-Mes2)

Reaction of TlCl and [LiN(Me)Ar(Mes)2](2) [Ar(Mes)2 = C(6)H(3)-2,6-(C(6)H(2)-2,4,6-Me(3))(2)] in Et(2)O generated the thallium amide, TlN(Me)Ar(Mes)2 (1). X-ray data showed that it has a monomeric structure with an average Tl-N distance of 2.364(3) Angstroms. There was also a Tl-arene approach [Tl-centroid = 3.026(2) Angstroms (avg)] to a flanking mesityl ring from the terphenyl substituent. DFT calculations showed that this interaction is weak and supported essentially one coordination for thallium. The electronic spectrum of 1 is hypsochromically shifted in comparison to the monomeric TlAr(Trip)2 (Trip = C(6)H(2)-2,4,6-Pr(i)(3)).     

Characterization of the sterically encumbered terphenyl-substituted species 2,6-Trip2H3C6Sn-Sn(Me)2C6H3-2,6-Trip2, an unsymmetric, group 14 element, methylmethylene, valence isomer of an alkene, its related lithium derivative 2,6-Trip2H3C6(Me)2Sn-Sn(Li)(Me)C6H3-2,6-Trip2, and the monomer Sn(t-Bu)C6H3-2,6-Trip2 (Trip = C6H2-2,4,6-i-Pr3)

The reaction of the recently reported sterically encumbered terphenyl tin(II) halide species Sn(Cl)C6H3-2,6-Trip2 (Trip = C6H2-2,4,6-i-Pr3), 1, with 1 equiv of MeLi or MeMgBr afforded 2,6-Trip2H3C6Sn-Sn(Me)2C6H3-2,6-Trip2, 2, which is the first stable group 14 element methylmethylene (i.e., CH3CH) analogue of ethylene (H2CCH2). Reaction of 1 with 1.5 equiv of MeLi yielded the stannylstannate species 2,6-Trip2H3C6(Me)2Sn-Sn(Li)(Me)-C6H3-2,6-Trip2, 3, whereas reaction of 1 with 1 equiv of t-BuLi gave the heteroleptic stannanediyl monomer Sn(t-Bu)C6H3-2,6-Trip2 (4). The compounds 2-4 were characterized by 1H, 13C (7Li, 3 only), and 119Sn NMR spectroscopy in solution and by UV-vis spectroscopy. The X-ray crystal structures of 2-4 were also determined. The formation of the stannylstannanediyl 2 instead of the expected symmetrical, valence isomer "distannene" form (Sn(Me)C6H3-2,6-Trip2)2, 6, is explained through the ready formation of LiSn(Me)2C6H3-2,6-Trip2, 5, which reacts rapidly with 1 to produce 2 which can then react with a further equivalent of MeLi to give 3. The stability of singly bonded 2 in relation to the formally doubly bonded 6 was rationalized on the basis of the difference in the strength of their tin-tin bonds. In contrast to the methyl derivatives, the reaction of 1 with t-BuLi proceeded smoothly to give the monomeric compound 4. Apparently, the formation of a t-Bu analogue of 5 was prevented by the more crowding t-Bu group. Compound 2 is also the first example of a stable molecule with bonding between a two-coordinate, bivalent tin and four-coordinate tetravalent tin. Both compounds 2 and 3 display large J 119Sn-119Sn couplings between their tin nuclei and the tin-tin bond lengths in 2 (2.8909(2) A) and 3 (2.8508(4) A) are relatively normal despite the presence of the sterically crowding terphenyl substituents.     

Chemical reactivity and electrochemistry of metal-metal-bonded zincocenes

Attempts to prepare mixed-ligand zinc-zinc-bonded compounds that contain bulky C(5)Me(5) and terphenyl groups, [Zn(2)(C(5)Me(5))(Ar')], lead to disproportionation. The resulting half-sandwich Zn(II) complexes [(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))ZnAr'] (Ar' = 2,6-(2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3))(2)-C(6)H(3), 2; 2,6-(2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))(2)-C(6)H(3), 3) can also be obtained from the reaction of [Zn(C(5)Me(5))(2)] with the corresponding LiAr'. In the presence of pyr-py (4-pyrrolidinopyridine) or DBU (1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene), [Zn(2)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)] reacts with C(5)Me(5)OH to afford the tetrametallic complexes [Zn(2)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))L(μ-OC(5)Me(5))](2) (L = pyr-py, 6; DBU, 8), respectively. The bulkier terphenyloxide Ar(Mes)O(-) group (Ar(Mes) = 2,6-(2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2))(2)-C(6)H(3)) gives instead the dimetallic compound [Zn(2)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(OAr(Mes))(pyr-py)(2)], 7, that features a terminal Zn-OAr(Mes) bond. DFT calculations on models of 6-8 and also on the Zn-Zn-bonded complexes [Zn(2)(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(OC(5)H(5))(py)(2)] and [(η(5)-C(5)H(5))ZnZn(py)(3)](+) have been performed and reveal the nonsymmetric nature of the Zn-Zn bond with lower charge and higher participation of the s orbital of the zinc atom coordinated to the cyclopentadienyl ligand with respect to the metal within the pseudo-ZnL(3) fragment. Cyclic voltammetric studies on [Zn(2)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)] have been also carried out and the results compared with the behavior of [Zn(C(5)Me(5))(2)] and related magnesium and calcium metallocenes.     

Stabilization of unsolvated europium and ytterbium pentafluorophenyls by pi-bonding encapsulation through a sterically crowded triazenido ligand

The one-pot transmetalation/deprotonation reaction of the bulky triazene Dmp(Tph)N3H with bis(pentafluorophenyl)mercury and europium or ytterbium affords the structurally characterized unsolvated metal(II) pentafluorophenyl triazenides [Dmp(Tph)N3MC6F5] (M = Eu, Yb; Dmp = 2,6-Mes2C6H3 with Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2; Tph = 2-TripC6H4 with Trip = 2,4,6-(i)Pr3C6H2) or, depending on the molar ratio, the solvated complex [Dmp(Tph)N3YbC6F5(THF)].     

Synthesis and structural variations of substituted phenylamide complexes of the heavy alkaline earth metals calcium, strontium and barium

Starting material KN(H)C(6)H(3)-2,6-F(2) was prepared via a transamination reaction from KNH(2) and 2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3)NH(2) in THF and crystallized from 1,4-dioxane (diox) as the three-dimensional polymer [(diox)(1.5)K{N(H)-2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3)}.diox(0.5)](infinity) (1). The metathesis reaction of (THF)(4)CaI(2) with KN(Me)Ph in THF yields monomeric (THF)(4)Ca[N(Me)Ph](2) (2) with a nearly linear N-Ca-N moiety of 179.84(8) degrees . The metathesis reaction of (THF)(4)CaI(2) with KN(H)Mes yields trinuclear (THF)(6)Ca(3)[N(H)Mes](6) (3) with a linear Ca(3) fragment and bridging 2,4,6-trimethylphenylamido groups. The reaction of 1 with (THF)(4)CaI(2) gives dinuclear (THF)(5)Ca(2)[N(H)-2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3)](4).2THF (4) with three bridging and one terminally bound 2,6-difluorophenylamide. A similar reaction of (THF)(5)SrI(2) with KN(H)-2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3) yields dinuclear (THF)(6)Sr(2)[N(H)-2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3)](3)I.THF (5) in which the iodide anion binds terminally. This iodide ligand cannot be substituted as easily by excess KN(H)-2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3). The metathesis reaction of (THF)(5)BaI(2) with KN(H)-2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3) leads to the formation of [(THF)(2)Ba{N(H)-2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)](infinity) (6) which crystallizes as a one-dimensional polymer with bridging 2,6-difluorophenylamide anions and additional Ba-F-bonds.     

Donor-Free Alkali Metal Thiolates: Synthesis and Structure of Dimeric, Trimeric, and Tetrameric Complexes with Sterically Encumbered Terphenyl Substituents

The synthesis and characterization of the tetrameric lithium thiolate (LiSC(6)H(2)-2,4,6-Ph(3))(4).C(7)H(8) (1), the trimeric lithium thiolate (LiSC(6)H(3)-2,6-Mes(2))(3).C(6)H(14)()()(2) (Mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)), the thiol HSC(6)H(3)-2,6-Trip(2) (3) (Trip = 2,4,6-i-Pr(3)C(6)H(2)), and the complete alkali metal series of dimeric thiolates (MSC(6)H(3)-2,6-Trip(2))(2) (M = Li (4, 5), Na (6), K (7), Rb (8), Cs (9)) are described. The compounds were characterized by (1)H, (7)Li, and (13)C NMR and IR spectroscopy and by X-ray crystallography. The compounds 1 and 2 crystallize as four- and three-rung ladder framework structures. The compounds 4-9 crystallize as dimers with M(2)S(2) cores. In addition, the metal ions interact with the ortho aryl groups to varying degrees in all the structures. The extent of these interactions appears to be determined mainly by ionic sizes and geometric factors. The coordination geometry of the thiolato sulfurs also varies from pyramidal in 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 and one planar and one slightly pyramidal sulfur geometry in 7 to both sulfurs being planar coordinated in 8 and 9. Crystal data at 130 K are as follows: (LiSC(6)H(2)-2,4,6-Ph(3))(4).C(7)H(8) (1), a = 15.961(2) ?, b = 16.243(3) ?, c = 17.114(3) ?, alpha = 89.375(14) degrees, beta = 85.334(14) degrees, gamma = 63.343(12) degrees, V = 3950(1) ?(3), space group P&onemacr;, Z = 2, R(1) = 0.082; (LiSC(6)H(3)-2,6-Mes(2))(3).C(6)H(14)()()(2), a = 14.554(4) ?, b = 14.010(4) ?, c = 32.832(8) ?, beta = 95.20(2) degrees, V = 6667(2) ?(3), space group P2(1)/n, Z = 4, R(1) = 0.089; HSC(6)H(3)-2,6-Trip(2) (3), a = 8.180(2) ?, b = 25.437(5) ?, c = 15.752(3) ?, V = 3278(1) ?(3), space group Pnma, Z = 4, R(1) = 0.045; (LiC(6)H(3)-2,6-Trip(2))(2) (4), a = 12.652(2) ?, b = 14.218(1) ?, c = 18.713(2) ?, alpha = 83.56(1) degrees, beta = 84.36(1) degrees, gamma = 73.82(1) degrees, V = 3205(1) ?(3), space group P&onemacr;, Z = 2, R(1) = 0.055; (LiC(6)H(3)-2,6-Trip(2))(2).C(7)H(8) (5), a = 15.383(3) ?, b = 14.381(2) ?, c = 16.524(2) ?, beta = 111.10(1), V = 3410.3(9) ?(3), space group P2(1)/n, Z = 2, R(1) = 0.086; (NaSC(6)H(3)-2,6-Trip(2))(2).0.5C(7)H(8) (6), a = 13.952(2) ?, b = 20.267(2) ?, c = 24.475(3) ?, beta = 98.673(9) degrees, V = 6842(1) ?(3), space group P2(1)/n, Z = 4, R(1) = 0.068; (KSC(6)H(3)-2,6-Trip(2))(2).C(7)H(8) (7), a = 13.683(4) ?, b = 15.071(4) ?, c = 17.824(5) ?, alpha = 82.73(2), beta = 86.09(2), gamma = 88.46(2), V = 3637(2) ?(3), space group P&onemacr;, Z = 2, R(1) = 0.072; (RbSC(6)H(3)-2,6-Trip(2))(2).C(7)H(8) (8), a = 19.710(3) ?, b = 20.892(3) ?, c = 18.755(2) ?, beta = 106.900(9) degrees, V = 7389(2) ?(3), space group P2(1)/n, Z = 4, R(1) = 0.069; (CsSC(6)H(3)-2,6-Trip(2))(2) (9), a = 13.109(3) ?, b = 15.941(3) ?, c = 17.748(4) ?, alpha = 101.65(2) degrees, beta = 100.76(2) degrees, gamma = 104.25(2) degrees, V = 3410(1) ?(3), space group P&onemacr;, Z = 2, R(1) = 0.048.     

The reactivity of gallium-(I), -(II) and -(III) heterocycles towards Group 15 substrates: attempts to prepare gallium-terminal pnictinidene complexes

The reactivity of a series of Ga(I), Ga(II) and Ga(III) heterocyclic compounds towards a number of Group 15 substrates has been investigated with a view to prepare examples of gallium-terminal pnictinidene complexes. Although no examples of such complexes were isolated, a number of novel complexes have been prepared. The reactions of the gallium(I) N-heterocyclic carbene analogue, [K(tmeda)][:Ga{[N(Ar)C(H)](2)}] (Ar = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) with cyclo-(PPh)(5) and PhN[double bond, length as m-dash]NPh led to the unusual anionic spirocyclic complexes, [{kappa(2)P,P'-(PhP)(4)}Ga{[N(Ar)C(H)](2)}](-) and [{kappa(2)N,C-PhNN(H)(C(6)H(4))}Ga{[N(Ar)C(H)](2)}](-), via formal reductions of the Group 15 substrate. The reaction of the digallane(4), [Ga{[N(Ar)C(H)](2)}](2), with (Me(3)Si)N(3) afforded the paramagnetic, dimeric imido-gallane complex, [{[N(Ar)C(H) ](2)}Ga{mu-N(SiMe(3))}](2), via a Ga-Ga bond insertion process. In addition, the new gallium(III) phosphide, [GaI{P(H)Mes*}{[N(Ar)C(H)](2) }], Mes* = C(6)H(2)Bu(t)(3)-2,4,6; was prepared and treated with diazabicycloundecane (DBU) to give [Ga(DBU){P(H)Mes*}{[N(Ar)C(H)](2)}], presumably via a gallium-terminal phosphinidene intermediate, [Ga{[double bond, length as m-dash]PMes*}{[N(Ar)C(H)](2) }]. The possible mechanisms of all reactions are discussed, all new complexes have been crystallographically characterised and all paramagnetic complexes have been studied by ENDOR and/or EPR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis and structures of aluminum alkanethiolate complexes

The homoleptic aluminum thiolate complex [Al(mu-S-t-Bu)(S-t-Bu)(2)](2) was prepared by reacting AlBr(3) with NaS-t-Bu while the analogous 2-propanethiolate complex [Al(mu-S-i-Pr)(S-i-Pr)(2)](2) was synthesized by reacting AlH(3)(OEt(2)) with i-PrSH. In the solid state, the dimers have tetrahedral Al atoms and anti-Al(mu-SR)(2)Al four-member rings. The attempted synthesis of [Al(mu-S-t-Bu)(S-t-Bu)(2)](2) by reacting Al(N-i-Pr(2))(3) with t-BuSH in THF solvent yielded the thermally stable THF adduct Al(S-t-Bu)(3)(THF). The same reaction in diethyl ether solvent produced a mixture of [Al(mu-mgr;-S-t-Bu)(S-t-Bu)(2)](2) and the salt [i-Pr(2)NH(2)][Al(S-t-Bu)(4)]. In the solid-state structure of the salt, the anion [Al(S-t-Bu)(4)](-) has a distorted tetrahedral geometry. Reactions of [Al(NMe(2))(3)](2) and AlH(3)(NMe(2)Et) with the alkanethiols yielded stable amine adducts Al(SR)(3)(R'NMe(2)) (R = i-Pr or t-Bu; R' = H or Et). The ligand adducts Al(S-i-Pr)(3)(HNMe(2)) and Al(S-t-Bu)(3)(THF) have distorted trigonal pyramidal geometries in the solid state. Three of the new compounds, [Al(mu-S-i-Pr)(S-i-Pr)(2)](2) and Al(SR)(3)(HNMe(2)) (R = i-Pr or t-Bu), are viable precursor candidates for the chemical vapor deposition of aluminum sulfide films because they are thermally stable, volatile liquids at moderate temperatures.     

Cycloaddition of phosphanylidene-sigma4-phosphoranes ArP=PMe3 and quinones to yield 1,3,2-dioxophospholanes

The reaction of phosphanylidene-[sigma](4)-phosphoranes ArP=PMe(3)(Ar = 2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3) or 2,4,6-t-Bu(3)C(6)H(2)) with select ortho-quinones yields 1,3,2-dioxophospholanes, one of which shows interesting [small pi]-stacking of the aromatic groups in the solid state.     

Steric control of substituted phenoxide ligands on product structures of uranyl aryloxide complexes

A series of uranyl aryloxide complexes has been prepared via metathesis reactions between [UO(2)Cl(2)(THF)(2)](2) and di-ortho-substituted phenoxides. Reaction of 4 equiv of KO-2,6-(t)()Bu(2)C(6)H(3) with [UO(2)Cl(2)(THF)(2)](2) in THF produces the dark red uranyl compound, UO(2)(O-2,6-(t)()Bu(2)C(6)H(3))(2)(THF)(2).THF, 1. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of 1 reveals a monomer in which the uranium is coordinated in a pseudooctahedral fashion by two apical oxo groups, two cis-aryloxides, and two THF ligands. A similar product is prepared by reaction of KO-2,6-Ph(2)C(6)H(3) with [UO(2)Cl(2)(THF)(2)](2) in THF. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of this compound reveals it to be the trans-monomer UO(2)(O-2,6-Ph(2)C(6)H(3))(2)(THF)(2), 2. Dimeric structures result from the reactions of [UO(2)Cl(2)(THF)(2)](2) with less sterically imposing aryloxide salts, KO-2,6-Cl(2)C(6)H(3) or KO-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of [UO(2)(O-2,6-Cl(2)C(6)H(3))(2)(THF)(2)](2), 3, and [UO(2)Cl(O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))(THF)(2)](2), 4, reveal similar structures in which each U atom is coordinated by seven ligands in a pseudopentagonal bipyramidal fashion. Coordinated to each uranium are two apical oxo groups and five equatorial ligands (3, one terminal phenoxide, two bridging phenoxides, and two nonadjacent terminal THF ligands; 4, one terminal chloride, two bridging phenoxides, and two nonadjacent terminal THF ligands). Apparently, the phenoxide ligand steric features exert a greater influence on the solid-state structures than the electronic properties of the substituents. Emission spectroscopy has been utilized to investigate the molecularity and electronic structure of these compounds. For example, luminescence spectra taken at liquid nitrogen temperature allow for a determination of the dependence of the molecular aggregation of 3 on the molecular concentration. Electronic and vibrational spectroscopic measurements have been analyzed to examine trends in emission energies and stretching frequencies. However, comparison of the data for compounds 1-4 reveals that the innate electron-donating capacity of phenoxide ligands is only subtly manifest in either the electronic or vibrational energy distributions within these molecules.     

Solid-state and high-resolution liquid 119Sn NMR spectroscopy of some monomeric, two-coordinate low-valent tin compounds: very large chemical shift anisotropies

High-resolution liquid- and solid-state 119Sn NMR spectroscopy was used to study the bonding environment in the series of monomeric, two-coordinate Sn(II) compounds of formula Sn(X)C6H3-2,6-Trip2 (X = Cl, Cr(eta 5-C5H5)(CO)3, t-Bu, Sn(Me)2C6H3-2,6-Trip2; Trip = C6H2-2,4,6-i-Pr3). The trends in the principal components of the chemical shift tensor extracted from the solid-state NMR data were consistent with the structures determined by X-ray crystallography. Furthermore, the spectra for the first three compounds displayed the largest 119Sn NMR chemical shift anisotropies (up to 3798 ppm) of any tin compound for which data are currently available. Relaxation time based calculations for the dimetallic compound 2,6-Trip2H3C6Sn-Sn(Me)2C6H3-2,6-Trip2 suggests that the chemical shift anisotropy for the two-coordinate tin center may be as much as ca. 7098 ppm, which is as broad as the 1 MHz bandwidth of the NMR spectrometer.     

Zwitterionic stabilization of a reactive cobalt tris-isocyanide monoanion by cation coordination

A break with tradition: The cation, [Ph(3) P?N?PPh(3) ](+) ([PPN](+) ), was found to provide a stabilizing η(2) -arene interaction to the coordinatively unsaturated, tris-isocyanide monoanion, [Co(CNAr(Mes2) )(3) ](-) (Ar(Mes2) =2,6-(2,4,6-Me(3) C(6) H(2) )C(6) H(3) ); Co=purple, N=light purple, and P=orange). The resulting zwitterion is a source of [Co(CNAr(Mes2) )(3) ](-) anions, performing nucleophilic additions, carbon-element bond activations, and multistep decarbonylations.     

Gold(I) phosphido complexes: synthesis, structure, and reactivity

Deprotonation of the phosphine complexes Au(PHR(2))Cl with aqueous ammonia gave the gold(I) phosphido complexes [Au(PR(2))](n)() (PR(2) = PMes(2) (1), PCy(2) (2), P(t-Bu)(2) (3), PIs(2) (4), PPhMes (5), PHMes (6); Mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2), Is = 2,4,6-(i-Pr)(3)C(6)H(2), Mes = 2,4,6-(t-Bu)(3)C(6)H(2), Cy = cyclo-C(6)H(11)). (31)P NMR spectroscopy showed that these complexes exist in solution as mixtures, presumably oligomeric rings of different sizes. X-ray crystallographic structure determinations on single oligomers of 1-4 revealed rings of varying size (n = 4, 6, 6, and 3, respectively) and conformation. Reactions of 1-3 and 5 with PPN[AuCl(2)] gave PPN[(AuCl)(2)(micro-PR(2))] (9-12, PPN = (PPh(3))(2)N(+)). Treatment of 3 with the reagents HI, I(2), ArSH, LiP(t-Bu)(2), and [PH(2)(t-Bu)(2)]BF(4) gave respectively Au(PH(t-Bu)(2))(I) (14), Au(PI(t-Bu)(2))(I) (15), Au(PH(t-Bu)(2))(SAr) (16, Ar = p-t-BuC(6)H(4)), Li[Au(P(t-Bu)(2))(2)] (17), and [Au(PH(t-Bu)(2))(2)]BF(4) (19).