Towards a Molecular Understanding of Cation–Anion Interactions—Probing the Electronic Structure of Imidazolium Ionic Liquids by NMR Spectroscopy,X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Theoretical Calculations

Ten [C₈C₁Im]⁺ (1‐methyl‐3‐octylimidazolium)‐based ionic liquids with anions Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, [NO₃]^?, [BF₄]^?, [TfO]^?, [PF₆]^?, [Tf₂N]^?, [Pf₂N]^?, and [FAP]^? (TfO=trifluoromethylsulfonate, Tf₂N=bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, Pf₂N=bis(pentafluoroethylsulfonyl)imide, FAP=tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate) and two [C₈C₁C₁Im]⁺ (1,2‐dimethyl‐3‐octylimidazolium)‐based ionic liquids with anions Br^? and [Tf₂N]^? were investigated by using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), NMR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. While ¹H NMR spectroscopy is found to probe very specifically the strongest hydrogen‐bond interaction between the hydrogen attached to the C² position and the anion, a comparative XPS study provides first direct experimental evidence for cation–anion charge‐transfer phenomena in ionic liquids as a function of the ionic liquid’s anion. These charge‐transfer effects are found to be surprisingly similar for [C₈C₁Im]⁺ and [C₈C₁C₁Im]⁺ salts of the same anion, which in combination with theoretical calculations leads to the conclusion that hydrogen bonding and charge transfer occur independently from each other, but are both more pronounced for small and more strongly coordinating anions, and are greatly reduced in the case of large and weakly coordinating anions.     

Chiral Fluorinated α‐Sulfonyl Carbanions: Enantioselective Synthesis and Electrophilic Capture,Racemization Dynamics,and Structure

Enantiomerically pure triflones R¹CH(R²)SO₂CF₃ have been synthesized starting from the corresponding chiral alcohols via thiols and trifluoromethylsulfanes. Key steps of the syntheses of the sulfanes are the photochemical trifluoromethylation of the thiols with CF₃Hal (Hal=halide) or substitution of alkoxyphosphinediamines with CF₃SSCF₃. The deprotonation of RCH(Me)SO₂CF₃ (R=CH₂Ph, iHex) with nBuLi with the formation of salts [RC(Me)? SO₂CF₃]Li and their electrophilic capture both occurred with high enantioselectivities. Displacement of the SO₂CF₃ group of (S)‐MeOCH₂C(Me)(CH₂Ph)SO₂CF₃ (95 % ee) by an ethyl group through the reaction with AlEt₃ gave alkane MeOCH₂C(Me)(CH₂Ph)Et of 96 % ee. Racemization of salts [R¹C(R²)SO₂CF₃]Li follows first‐order kinetics and is mainly an enthalpic process with small negative activation entropy as revealed by polarimetry and dynamic NMR (DNMR) spectroscopy. This is in accordance with a C_α? S bond rotation as the rate‐determining step. Lithium α‐(S)‐trifluoromethyl‐ and α‐(S)‐nonafluorobutylsulfonyl carbanion salts have a much higher racemization barrier than the corresponding α‐(S)‐tert‐butylsulfonyl carbanion salts. Whereas [PhCH₂C(Me)SO₂tBu]Li/DMPU (DMPU = dimethylpropylurea) has a half‐life of racemization at ?105 °C of 2.4 h, that of [PhCH₂C(Me)SO₂CF₃]Li at ?78 °C is 30 d. DNMR spectroscopy of amides (PhCH₂)₂NSO₂CF₃ and (PhCH₂)N(Ph)SO₂CF₃ gave N? S rotational barriers that seem to be distinctly higher than those of nonfluorinated sulfonamides. NMR spectroscopy of [PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂R]M (M=Li, K, NBu₄; R=CF₃, tBu) shows for both salts a confinement of the negative charge mainly to the C_α atom and a significant benzylic stabilization that is weaker in the trifluoromethylsulfonyl carbanion. According to crystal structure analyses, the carbanions of salts {[PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂CF₃]Li? L }₂ ( L =2 THF, tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA)) and [PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂CF₃]NBu₄ have the typical chiral C_α? S conformation of α‐sulfonyl carbanions, planar C_α atoms, and short C_α? S bonds. Ab initio calculations of [MeC(Ph)SO₂tBu]^? and [MeC(Ph)SO₂CF₃]^? showed for the fluorinated carbanion stronger n_C→σ* and n_O→σ* interactions and a weaker benzylic stabilization. According to natural bond orbital (NBO) calculations of [R¹C(R²)SO₂R]^? (R=tBu, CF₃) the n_C→σ*_{S? R} interaction is much stronger for R=CF₃. Ab initio calculations gave for [MeC(Ph)SO₂tBu]Li ? 2 Me₂O an O,Li,C_α contact ion pair (CIP) and for [MeC(Ph)SO₂CF₃]Li ? 2 Me₂O an O,Li,O CIP. According to cryoscopy, [PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂CF₃]Li, [iHexC(Me)SO₂CF₃]Li, and [PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂CF₃]NBu₄ predominantly form monomers in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at ?108 °C. The NMR spectroscopic data of salts [R¹(R²)SO₂R³]Li (R³=tBu, CF₃) indicate that the dominating monomeric CIPs are devoid of C_α? Li bonds.     

Fluoro‐ and Perfluoralkylsulfonylpentafluoroanilides: Synthesis and Characterization of NH Acids for Weakly Coordinating Anions and Their Gas‐Phase and Solution Acidities

Fluoro‐ and perfluoralkylsulfonyl pentafluoroanilides [HN(C₆F₅)(SO₂X); X=F, CF₃, C₄F₉, C₈F₁₇] are a class of imides with two different strongly electron‐withdrawing substituents attached to a nitrogen atom. They are NH acids, the unsymmetrical hybrids of the well‐known symmetrical bissulfonylimides and bispentafluorophenylamine. The syntheses, the structures of these perfluoroanilides, their solvates, and some selected lithium salts give rise to a structural variety beyond the symmetrical parent compounds. The acidities of representative subsets of these novel NH acids have been investigated experimentally and quantum‐chemically and their gas‐phase acidities (GAs) are reported, as well as the pK_a values of these compounds in acetonitrile (MeCN) and DMSO solution. In quantum chemical investigations with the vertical and relaxed COSMO cluster‐continuum models (vCCC/rCCC), the unusual situation is encountered that the DMSO‐solvated acid Me₂SO–H‐N(SO₂CF₃)₂, optimized in the gas phase (vCCC model), dissociates to Me₂SO‐H⁺–N(SO₂CF₃)₂^? during structural relaxation and full optimization with the solvation model turned on (rCCC model). This proton transfer underlines the extremely high acidity of HN(SO₂CF₃)₂. The importance of this effect is studied computationally in DMSO and MeCN solution. Usually this effect is less pronounced in MeCN and is of higher importance in the more basic solvent DMSO. Nevertheless, the neglect of the structural relaxation upon solvation causes typical changes in the computational pK_a values of 1 to 4 orders of magnitude (4–20 kJ mol^?1). The results provide evidence that the published experimental DMSO pK_a value of HN(SO₂CF₃)₂ should rather be interpreted as the pK_a of a Me₂SO‐H⁺–N(SO₂CF₃)₂^? contact ion pair.     

An Internal Fluorescent Probe Based on Anthracene to Evaluate Cation–Anion Interactions in Imidazolium Salts

A series of fluorescent imidazolium‐based salts containing the cation [AnCH₂MeIm]⁺ (in which An=anthracene and Im=the imidazolium cation) with Cl^?, BF₄^?, PF₆^?, SO₃CF₃^?, [N(CN)₂]^?, [N(SO₂CF₃)₂]^?, or PhBF₃^? anions have been prepared and characterized. X‐ray diffraction analysis of four of the salts reveals a number of C? H???X‐type (X=O, N, F) hydrogen bonds between the hydrogen atoms from the imidazolium ring and in some cases from the anthracene ring with the electronegative atoms of the anions. Additionally, C? H???π interactions can be found in all the salts analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, whereas π–π stacking is observed only in the salt containing the phenyltrifluoroborate anion. Fluorescence emission analysis in acetonitrile shows that the fluorescence of these salts varies significantly according to the nature of the anion, and correlates to the extent of ion pairing present in solution. Photodimerization of these salts was observed, and in one case a dimer has been isolated and characterized by X‐ray crystallography.     

Solvolysis Products of the Types [RhMeL2(Me3[9]aneN3)]2+ and [RuCl3—XLX(Me3[9]aneN3)](x)+ (x = 1‐2) and Preparation and Structure of [Ru([9]aneS3)(Me3[9]aneN3)](CF3SO3)2

Solvolysis of [RhMe(CF₃SO₃)₂(Me₃[9]aneN₃)] ( 1 ) (Me₃[9]aneN₃ = 1, 4, 7‐trimethyl‐1, 4, 7‐triazacyclononane) in CH₃CN, DMSO or pyrazole (L) leads to substitution of both trifluoromethylsulfonate ligands and formation of the cationic complexes [RhMeL₂(Me₃[9]aneN₃)](CF₃SO₃)₂ 3—5 . In contrast, treatment of [RuCl₃(Me₃[9]aneN₃)] ( 2 ) with Ag(CF₃SO₃) in a 1:3 ratio for 2h in CH₃CN leads to formation of the tetranuclear complex [{RuCl₃(Me₃[9]aneN₃)}₂Ag₂(CF₃SO₃)(CH₃CN)](CF₃SO₃) · CH₃CN ( 6 ) with a novel [(RuCl₃)₂Ag₂] core. More forcing conditions enable the substitution of respectively one or two chloride ligands by CH₃CN (reflux 18h) or DMF (85°C, 1h) to afford [RuCl₂(CH₃CN)(Me₃[9]aneN₃)](CF₃SO₃) ( 7 ) and [RuCl(DMF)₂(Me₃[9]aneN₃)](CF₃SO₃)₂ ( 8 ). The heteroleptic sandwich complex [Ru([9]aneS₃)(Me₃[9]aneN₃)](CF₃SO₃)₂ ( 9 ) can be prepared by reduction of 2 with Zn powder in acetone in the presence of 3 equiv. of Ag(CF₃SO₃), followed by addition of [9]aneS₃ (1, 4, 7‐trithiacyclononane). The redox potential E°(Ru³⁺/Ru²⁺) of +1.87 V vs NHE for 9 is only —0.12 V lower than that of the homoleptic complex [Ru([9]aneS₃)₂]²⁺. Crystal structures are reported for 3 — 9 .     

Synthesis and Properties of the Weakly Coordinating Anion [Me3NB12Cl11]−

The weakly coordinating anion [Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁]^? has been prepared by a simple two‐step procedure. The anion [Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁]^? is easily obtained in batches of up to 20 g by chlorination of the known [H₃NB₁₂H₁₁]^? anion with SbCl₅ at about 190 °C and subsequent N‐methylation with methyl iodide. Starting from Na[Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁], several synthetically useful salts with reactive cations ([NO]⁺, [Ph₃C]⁺, and [(Et₃Si)₂H]⁺) were prepared. Full spectroscopic (NMR, IR, Raman, TGA, MS) characterization and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies confirmed the identity and purity of the products. The thermal, chemical, and electrochemical stability as well as the basicity of the [Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁]^? anion is similar to that of the structurally related weakly coordinating 1‐carba‐closo‐dodecaborate and closo‐dodecaborate anions. The facile preparation of the [Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁]^? anion and its ideal chemical and physical properties make it a cheap alternative to other classes of weakly coordinating anions.     

Chirale Halbsandwich‐Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl‐Rhodium(III)‐ und Iridium(III)‐Komplexe mit Schiff‐Basen aus Salicylaldehyd und α‐Aminosäureestern [1]

Chiral Half‐sandwich Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl Rhodium(III) and Iridium(III) Complexes with Schiff Bases from Salicylaldehyde and α‐Amino Acid Esters [1] A series of diastereoisomeric half‐sandwich complexes with Schiff bases from salicylaldehyde and L‐α‐amino acid esters including chiral metal atoms, [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)(Cl)M(N,O‐Schiff base)], has been obtained from chloro bridged complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(Cl)M(μ‐Cl)]₂ (M = Rh, Ir). Abstraction of chloride from these complexes with Ag[BF₄] or Ag[SO₃CF₃] affords the highly sensitive compounds [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(N,O‐Schiff base]⁺X^? (M = Rh, Ir; X = BF₄, CF₃SO₃) to which PPh₃ can be added under formation of [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(PPh₃)(N,O‐Schiff base)]⁺X^?. The diastereoisomeric ratio of the complexes ( 1 ‐ 7 and 11 ‐ 12 ) has been determined from NMR spectra.     

Preparation and properties of stable mono-, tris-, tetrakis- or hexakis(pentahalophenyl)thalliate(III) complexes

Reaction of TlR₂X, TlX₃ and [TlX₄^? with RLi ( R = C₆F₅ or C₆Cl₅) leads to derivatives containing anions of the types [TlR₄]^?, [TlR₂R′₂]^? or [TlR₆]^3?. Reactions of TlCl₃ with [TlR₄]^? lead to [(μ-Cl)(TlR₂Cl)₂]^? (R = C₆F₅) or [TlRCl₃]^? (R = C₆Cl₅) while addition of X^? (X = Br^? or SCN^?) to Tl(C₆Cl₅)₃ gives [Tl- (C₆Cl₅)₃X]^?. All the novel anions were isolated as salts of bulky cations (Me₄N, Bu₄N, PPN or Ph₃BzP).     

Synthesis and properties of pentamethylmetallocene derivatives Cp*MCp (M = Ru, Fe). Crystal structure of the salt [CpRuC5Me4CH2+OC6H2(NO2)3-]

Photolysis of a solution of Cp*RuCp (1) in CF₃CO₂H generates salt [CpRu(C₅Me₄CH₂)]-(O₂CCF₃)(2 • O₂CCF₃). The reaction of compound 1 with oleum at 20 °C through the intermediate dication [η⁵-(CH₂C₅Me₄)Ru(μ:η⁵,ν⁵-C₅H₄C₅H₅)Ru(C₅Me₄CH₂)-η⁶]²⁺ leads to the triply charged cation η⁷CH₂)₂C₅Me₃Ru(μη⁵,η⁵-C₅H₄C₅H₄)Ru(C₅Me₄CH₂)-η⁶]³⁺. Synthesis of pentamethylmetallocene derivatives CpMC₅Me₄X (M = Ru, Fe; X = CHO, CH₂OH, CH₂An) has been accomplished. The reactions of 1-hydroxymethyl-2,3,4,5-tetramethylruthenocene with acids CF₃CO₂H, HBF₄, CF₃CO₂H/NaB[C₆H₃(CF₃)₂]₄, and picric acid C₆H₂(NO₂)₃OH afforded salts 2•X (X = CF₃CO₂, BF₄, B[C₆H₃(CF₃)₂]₄), and (2,3,4,5-tetram ethylruthenocenyl)methyl picrate [CpRu(C₅Me₄CH₂)-η⁶][(C₆H₂(NO₂)₃O] (2•C₆H₂(NO₂)₃O). Structure of the latter was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Imidazolium Salts Bearing Fluorinated Anions

The reaction of 1‐methylimidazole and α,α‐dibromo‐p‐xylene was followed by a metathesis reaction with fluorinated anion sources, which yielded new fluorinated imidazolium salts [C₆H₄(CH₂(C₄H₆N₂)₂]²⁺ 2[A]^– where A = BF₄ ( 2 ), PF₆ ( 3 ), CF₃SO₃ ( 4 ), and CF₃COO ( 5 ). The compounds were characterized by ¹H‐, ¹³C‐, ¹⁹F‐, ³¹P NMR, and IR spectroscopy. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction data of compounds 2 , 3 , and 4 were also reported, whereas compound 5 was found to be a liquid. The solid compounds crystallized in the monoclinic P2₁/c space group and have similar crystallographic parameters. The study revealed that the different fluorinated anions affected the spatial arrangement of atoms and the extent of cation–anion interactions, hence, influenced the stability and coordination properties of the imidazolium salts. A trend was observed which related the strength of cation–anion interaction to physical properties such as melting point.     

Ionic Fluids Containing Both Strongly and Weakly Interacting Ions of the Same Charge Have Unique Ionic and Chemical Environments as a Function of Ion Concentration

Liquid multi‐ion systems made by combining two or more salts can exhibit charge ordering and interactions not found in the parent salts, leading to new sets of properties. This is investigated herein by examining a liquid comprised of a single cation, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ([C₂mim]⁺), and two anions with different properties, acetate ([OAc]^?) and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([NTf₂]^?). NMR and IR spectroscopy indicate that the electrostatic interactions are quite different from those in either [C₂mim][OAc] or [C₂mim][NTf₂]. This is attributed to the ability of [OAc]^? to form complexes with the [C₂mim]⁺ ions at greater than 1:1 stoichiometries by drawing [C₂mim]⁺ ions away from the less basic [NTf₂]^? ions. Solubility studies with molecular solvents (ethyl acetate, water) and pharmaceuticals (ibuprofen, diphenhydramine) show nonlinear trends as a function of ion content, which suggests that solubility can be tuned through changes in the ionic compositions.     

Synthesis and the crystal structures of a monoanionic tetrafluorodentate ligand and its complex with lanthanum ion

New organotitanium fluorides [Hdmpy]⁺[(C₅Me₄R)₂Ti₂F₇]⁻ (R=Me 4, Et 5, dmpy=2,6-dimethylpyridine, lutidine) have been prepared from (C₅Me₄R)TiF₃ and 2,6-dimethylpyridine·(HF)₂. The compounds 4 and 5 react with La(CF₃SO₃)₃ to give [La{(C₅Me₄R)₂Ti₂F₇}₃] (R=Me 6, Et 7) containing the [(C₅Me₄R)₂Ti₂F₇]⁻ anion as a tetrafluorodentate ligand in the crystal structures of 4 and 7. The cation–anion pair is connected by a hydrogen bond in 4 and the all-fluorine environment of 12 fluorine atoms coordinated to a lanthanum ion is found in 7.     

Synthese,Struktur und Reaktivität des Ferrioarsaalkens [(η5‐C5Me5)(CO)2FeAs=C(Ph)NMe2]

Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of the Ferrioarsaalkene [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(CO)₂FeAs=C(Ph)NMe₂] Reaction of equimolar amounts of the carbenium iodide [Me₂N(Ph)CSMe]I and LiAs(SiMe₃)₂ · 1.5 THF afforded the thermolabile arsaalkene Me₃SiAs = C(Ph)NMe₂ ( 1 ), which in situ was converted into the black crystalline ferrioarsaalkene [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(CO)₂FeAs=C(Ph)NMe₂)] ( 2 ) by treatment with [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(CO)₂FeCl]. Compound 2 was protonated by ethereal HBF₄ to yield [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(CO)₂FeAs(H)C(Ph)NMe₂]BF₄ ( 3 ) and methylated by CF₃SO₃Me to give [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(CO)₂FeAs(Me)C(Ph)NMe₂]‐ SO₃CF₃ ( 4 ). [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(CO)₂FeAs[M(CO)_n]C(Ph)NMe₂] ( 5 : [M(CO)_n] = [Fe(CO)₄]; 6 : [Cr(CO)₅]) were isolated from the reaction of 2 with [Fe₂(CO)₉] or [{(Z)‐cyclooctene}Cr(CO)₅], respectively. Compounds 2 – 6 were characterized by means of elemental analyses and spectroscopy (IR, ¹H, ¹³C{¹H}‐NMR). The molecular structure of 2 was determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Complexes of Monocationic Group 13 Elements with Pentaphospha‐ and Pentaarsaferrocene

Reactions of the sandwich complexes [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐E₅)] (Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅; E=P ( 1 ), As ( 2 )) with the monovalent Group 13 metals Tl⁺, In⁺, and Ga⁺ containing the weakly coordinating anion [TEF] ([TEF]=[Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄]^?) are described. Here, the one‐dimensional coordination polymers [M(μ,η⁵:η¹‐E₅FeCp*)₃]_n[TEF]_n (E=P, M=Tl ( 3 a ), In ( 3 b ), Ga ( 3 c ); E=As, M=Tl ( 4 a ), In ( 4 b )) are obtained as sole products in good yields. All products were analyzed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, revealing a similar assembly of the products with η⁵‐bound E₅ ligands and very weak σ‐interactions between one P or As atom of the ring to the neighbored Group 13 metal cation. By exchanging the [TEF] anion of 4 a for the larger [FAl] anion ([FAl]=[FAl{OC₆F₁₀(C₆F₅)}₃]^?), the coordination compound [Tl{(η⁵‐As₅)FeCp*}₃][FAl] ( 5 ) without any σ‐interactions of the As₅‐ring is obtained. All products are readily soluble in CH₂Cl₂ and exhibit a dynamic coordination behavior in solution, which is supported by NMR spectroscopy and ESI‐MS spectrometry as well as by osmometric molecular‐weight determination. For a better understanding of the proceeding equilibrium DFT calculations of the cationic complexes were performed for the gas phase and in solution. Furthermore, the ³¹P{¹H} magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra of 3 a–c are presented and the first crystal structure of the starting material 2 was determined.     

Highly trifluoromethylated platinum compounds

The homoleptic, square‐planar organoplatinum(II) compound [NBu₄]₂[Pt(CF₃)₄] ( 1 ) undergoes oxidative addition of CF₃I under mild conditions to give rise to the octahedral organoplatinum(IV) complex [NBu₄]₂[Pt(CF₃)₅I] ( 2 ). This highly trifluoromethylated species reacts with Ag⁺ salts of weakly coordinating anions in Me₂CO under a wet‐air stream to afford the aquo derivative [NBu₄][Pt(CF₃)₅(OH₂)] ( 4 ) in around 75 % yield. When the reaction of 2 with the same Ag⁺ salts is carried out in MeCN, the solvento compound [NBu₄][Pt(CF₃)₅(NCMe)] ( 5 ) is obtained in around 80 % yield. The aquo ligand in 4 as well as the MeCN ligand in 5 are labile and can be cleanly replaced by neutral and anionic ligands to furnish a series of pentakis(trifluoromethyl)platinate(IV) compounds with formulae [NBu₄][Pt(CF₃)₅(L)] (L=CO ( 6 ), pyridine (py; 7 ), tetrahydrothiophene (tht; 8 )) and [NBu₄]₂[Pt(CF₃)₅X] (X=Cl ( 9 ), Br ( 10 )). The unusual carbonyl–platinum(IV) derivative [NBu₄][Pt(CF₃)₅(CO)] ( 6 ) is thermally stable and has a ν_CO of 2194 cm^?1. The crystal structures of 2? CH₂Cl₂, 5 , [PPh₄][Pt(CF₃)₅(CO)] ( 6′ ), and 7 have been established by X‐ray diffraction methods. Compound 2 has shown itself to be a convenient entry to the chemistry of highly trifluoromethylated platinum compounds. To the best of our knowledge, compounds 2 and 4 – 10 are the organoelement compounds with the highest CF₃ content to have been isolated and adequately characterized to date.     

Easy Access to the Copper(III) Anion [Cu(CF3)4]−

CuCl or pre‐generated CuCF₃ reacts with CF₃SiMe₃/KF in DMF in air to give [Cu(CF₃)₄]^? quantitatively. [PPN]⁺, [Me₄N]⁺, [Bu₄N]⁺, [PhCH₂NEt₃]⁺, and [Ph₄P]⁺ salts of [Cu(CF₃)₄]^? were prepared and isolated spectroscopically and analytically pure in 82–99 % yield. X‐ray structures of the [PPN]⁺, [Me₄N]⁺, [Bu₄N]⁺, and [Ph₄P]⁺ salts were determined. A new synthetic strategy with [Cu(CF₃)₄]^? was demonstrated, involving the removal of one CF₃^? from the Cu atom in the presence of an incoming ligand. A novel Cu^III complex [(bpy)Cu(CF₃)₃] was thus prepared and fully characterized, including by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The bpy complex is highly fluxional in solution, the barrier to degenerate isomerization being only 2.3 kcal mol^?1. An NPA study reveals a huge difference in the charge on the Cu atom in [Cu(CR₃)₄]^? for R=F (+0.19) and R=H (+0.46), suggesting a higher electron density on Cu in the fluorinated complex.     

Low-Valent MxAl3 Cluster Salts with Tetrahedral [SiAl3]+ and Trigonal-Bipyramidal [M2Al3]2+ Cores (M=Si/Ge)

Schnöckel's [(AlCp*)₄] and Jutzi's [SiCp*][B(C₆F₅)₄] (Cp*=C₅Me₅) are landmarks in modern main-group chemistry with diverse applications in synthesis and catalysis. Despite the isoelectronic relationship between the AlCp* and the [SiCp*]⁺ fragments, their mutual reactivity is hitherto unknown. Here, we report on their reaction giving the complex salts [Cp*Si(AlCp*)₃][WCA] ([WCA]⁻=[Al(OR^F)₄]⁻ and [F{Al(OR^F)₃}₂]⁻; R^F=C(CF₃)₃). The tetrahedral [SiAl₃]⁺ core not only represents a rare example of a low-valent silicon-doped aluminium-cluster, but also—due to its facile accessibility and high stability—provides a convenient preparative entry towards low-valent Si−Al clusters in general. For example, an elusive binuclear [Si₂(AlCp*)₅]²⁺ with extremely short Al−Si bonds and a high negative partial charge at the Si atoms was structurally characterised and its bonding situation analysed by DFT. Crystals of the isostructural [Ge₂(AlCp*)₅]²⁺ dication were also obtained and represent the first mixed Al−Ge cluster.     

Formation of Methane versus Benzene in the Reactions of (C5Me5)2Th(CH3)2 with [CH3PPh3]X (X=Cl,Br, I) Yielding Thorium‐Carbene or Thorium‐Ylide Complexes

The reaction of (C₅Me₅)₂Th(CH₃)₂ with the phosphonium salts [CH₃PPh₃]X (X=Cl, Br, I) was investigated. When X=Br and I, two equivalents of methane are liberated to afford (C₅Me₅)₂Th[CHPPh₃]X, rare terminal phosphorano‐stabilized carbenes with thorium. These complexes feature the shortest thorium–carbon bonds (≈2.30 Å) reported to date, and electronic structure calculations show some degree of multiple bonding. However, when X=Cl, only one equivalent of methane is lost with concomitant formation of benzene from an unstable phosphorus(V) intermediate, yielding (C₅Me₅)₂Th[κ²‐(C,C′)‐(CH₂)(CH₂)PPh₂]Cl. Density functional theory (DFT) investigations of the reaction energy profiles for [CH₃PPh₃]X, X=Cl and I showed that in the case of iodide, thermodynamics prevents the production of benzene and favors formation of the carbene.     

C(CF3)2OH → OCH(CF3)2 Isomerism in some sulfur and phosphorus compounds

The insertion of (CF₃)₂CO into the PH bond of Me_nH_3?nP yields Me_nH_2?nPC(CF₃)₂OH and Me_nH_1?nP[C(CF₃)₂OH]₂ (n=O, 1), respectively [1]. MeP[C(CF₃)₂OH]₂ rearranges giving the diphosphine [MePOCH(CF₃)₂]₂ and the phosphorane MeP[OCH(CF₃)₂]₄. Me₂PH reacts with (CF₃)₂CO forming several products, e.g. MePF[OCH(CF₃)₂]₂ and Me₂PPMe₂ [1]. The phosphines tBu(R)PH(R=Me, tBu), however, add (CF₃)₂CO giving rise to the phosphinites tBu(R)POCH(CF₃)₂, which furnish stable phosphonium salts upon treating with MeI. (CF₃)₂CO inserts into the SH bond of RSH to yield RSC(CF₃)₂OH (R=H,Me,Ph), which were reacted with MeI, too. Reacting SCl₂ with LiOCH(CF₃)₂ gives S[OCH(CF₃)₂]₂ which is oxidised by chlorine to the sulfurane ClS[OCH(CF₃)₂]₃ [2]. The sulfurane is able to transfer (CF₃)₂CHO groups to phosphorus (III) compounds, e.g. P[OCH(CF₃)₂]₃ and Me₃P yielding P[OCH(CF₃)₂]₅ and [Me₃POCH(CF₃)₂]⁺Cl^?. ClS[OCH(CF₃)₂]₃ gives a stable salt upon reaction with SbCl₅, like ClP[OCH(CF₃)₂]₄. The mechanisms for these reactions are discussed.     

Structural Design of Ionic Conduction Paths in Molecular Crystals for Selective and Enhanced Lithium Ion Conduction

The molecular crystals [Li{N(SO₂CF₃)₂}{C₆H₄(OCH₃)₂}₂] and [Li{N(SO₂CF₃)₂}{C₆F₂H₂(OCH₃)₂}₂] with solid‐state lithium ion conductivity have been synthesized by the addition of two equivalents of 1,2‐dimethoxybenzene or 1,2‐difluoro‐4,5‐dimethoxybenzene to Li{N(SO₂CF₃)₂}, respectively. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of ionic conduction paths with an ordered arrangement of lithium ions in these crystal structures, afforded by the self‐ assembled stacking of molecular‐based channels consisting of N(SO₂CF₃)₂ anion and 1,2‐dimethoxybenzene frameworks as a result of intermolecular aromatic and hydrogen interactions. These compounds show selective lithium ion conductivity as the anions behave as a component unit of the conduction paths. The relationship between the crystal structure and ionic conductivity of the molecular crystals provides a clue to the development of novel solid electrolytes based on molecular crystals showing fast and selective lithium ion conduction.