Theoretical studies of the oxidative addition of PhBr to Pd(PX3)2 and Pd(X2PCH2CH2PX2) (X = Me, H, Cl)

The density functional theory calculations were used to study the influence of the substituent at P on the oxidative addition of PhBr to Pd(PX₃)₂ and Pd(X₂PCH₂CH₂PX₂) where X = Me, H, Cl. It was shown that the C_ipso-Br activation energy by Pd(PX₃)₂ correlates well with the rigidity of the X₃P-Pd-PX₃ angle and increases via the trend X = Cl < H < Me. The more rigid the X₃P-Pd-PX₃ angle is, the higher the oxidative addition barrier is. The exothermicity of this reaction also increases via the same sequence X = Cl < H < Me. The trend in the exothermicity is a result of the Pd(II)-PX₃ bond strength increasing faster than the Pd(0)-PX₃ bond strength upon going from X = Cl to Me. Contrary to the trend in the barrier to the oxidative addition of PhBr to Pd(PX₃)₂, the C_ipso-Br activation energy by Pd(X₂PCH₂CH₂PX₂) decreases in the following order X = Cl > H > Me. This trend correlates well with the filled d_π orbital energy of the metal center. For a given X, the oxidative addition reaction energy was found to be more exothermic for the case of X₂PCH₂CH₂PX₂ than for the case of PX₃. This effect is especially more important for the strong electron donating phosphine ligands (X = Me) than for the weak electron donating phosphine ligands (X = Cl).     

Si-Fluoro substituted quasisilatranes (N → Si) FYSi(OCH2CH2)2NR

The reaction of fluorosilanes XYSiF₂ (X = Y = F; X = F, Y = Ph; X = Ph, Y = Me) with diethanolamines and their O-trimethylsilyl derivatives affords novel Si-fluoro substituted quasisilatranes 3, 5 and 9. These compounds were characterized by the multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Experimental and theoretically calculated electron density distribution functions in crystal structure of 9 have shown that the N → Si coordination bond corresponds to polar bond with pronounced ionic contribution. Calculated N → Si bond order in the compound 9 does not exceed 1/3 of the normal Si-N bond. A strong N → Si coordination bond exists in compounds 3, 5 and 9 the length of which varies in the range 1.98-2.175 Å.     

Backbone modified small bite-angle diphosphines: Synthesis and molecular structures of [M(CO)4{X2PC(RR)PX2}] (M = Mo, W; X = Ph, Cy; R = H, Me, Et, Pr, allyl, R = Me, allyl)

A range of new small bite-angle diphosphine complexes, [M(CO)₄{X₂PC(R¹R²)PX₂}] (M = Mo, W; X = Ph, Cy; R¹ = H, Me, Et, Pr, allyl, R² = Me, allyl), have been prepared via elaboration of the methylene backbones in [M(CO)₄(X₂PCH₂PX₂)] as a result of successive deprotonation and alkyl halide addition. When X = Ph it proved possible to replace both methylene protons but for X = Cy only one substitution proved possible. This is likely due to the electron-releasing nature of the cyclohexyl groups but may also be due to steric constraints. Attempts to prepare the bis(allyl) substituted complex [Mo(CO)₄{Ph₂PC(allyl)₂PPh₂}] were only moderately successful. The crystal structures of nine of these complexes are presented.     

Dihalogen-halogenomethyl complexes of indium(III) X2InCH2X (X = Br, I): Simultaneous coordination of soft and hard ligands

Halogenomethyl-dihalogen-indium(III) compounds X₂InCH₂X (X = Br, I) obtained from indium monohalides and methylene dihalides were reacted with the soft donor ligands dialkylsulfides, R₂S (R = CH₃, CH₂Ph) to afford the corresponding dialkylsulfonium methylide complexes of InX₃, X₃InCH₂SR₂ (X = Br, R = CH₃, 1; X = I, R = CH₃, 2; X= I, R = CH₂Ph, 3). Compound 1 was reacted with the hard donor ligands dimethylsulfoxide or triphenylphosphine oxide to give the corresponding 1:1 adduct, Br₃(L)InCH₂S(CH₃)₂ (L = (CH₃)₂SO, 4; L = (C₆H₅)₃PO, 5). Compounds 1-5 were fully characterized in solution by NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by X-ray methods.     

Photophysical properties and computational investigations of tricarbonylrhenium(I)[2-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzo[d]-X-azole]L and tricarbonylrhenium(I)[2-(benzo[d]-X-azol-2-yl)-4-methylquinoline]L derivatives (X = N-CH3, O, or S; L = Cl, pyridine)

We report a combined experimental and computational study of new rhenium tricarbonyl complexes based on the bidentate heterocyclic N-N ligands 2-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzo[d]-X-azole (X = N-CH₃, O, or S) and 2-(benzo[d]-X-azol-2-yl)-4-methylquinoline (X = N-CH₃, O, or S). Two sets of complexes are reported. Chloro complexes, described by the general formula Re(CO)₃[2-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzo[d]-X-azole]Cl (X = N-CH₃, 1; X = O, 2; X = S, 3) and Re(CO)₃[2-(benzo[d]-X-azol-2-yl)-4-methylquinoline]Cl (X = N-CH₃, 4; X = O, 5; X = S, 6) were synthesized heating at reflux Re(CO)₅Cl with the appropriate N-N ligand in toluene. The corresponding pyridine set {Re(CO)₃[2-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzo-X-azole]py}PF₆ (X = N-CH₃, 7; X = O, 8; X = S, 9) and {Re(CO)₃[2-(benzo[d]-X-azol-2-yl)-4-methylquinoline]py}PF₆ (X = N-CH₃, 10; X = O, 11; X = S, 12) was synthesized by halide abstraction with silver nitrate of 1-6 followed by heating in pyridine and isolated as their hexafluorophosphate salts. All complexes have been fully characterized by IR, NMR, electrochemical techniques and luminescence. The crystal structures of 1 and 7 were obtained by X-ray diffraction. DFT and time-dependent (TD) DFT calculations were carried out for investigating the effect of the organic ligand on the optical properties and electronic structure of the reported complexes.     

Tin(IV) and organotin(IV) derivatives of bis(pyrazolyl)acetate: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and behaviour in solution.: X-ray single crystal study of bis(pyrazol-1-yl)acetatotri-iodotin(IV) [SnI3(bdmpza)]

Novel heteroscorpionate-containing tin and organotin(IV) complexes, [SnR_nX_3 − n(L)], R = Me, Buⁿ, Ph, or cy; X = Cl, Br or I, n = 0, 1, 2 or 3; L = bis(pyrazol-1-yl)acetate (bpza) or bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate (bdmpza), have been synthesized and characterized by spectral (IR, ¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR, ^119mSn Mössbauer) and analytical data. In [SnI₃(bdmpza)], the ligand is fac-N,N′,O-tridentate, the three iodine atoms thus also fac about the six-coordinate tin(IV) atom. Neutral bpzaH reacts with BuⁿSnCl₃, PhSnCl₃ and SnCl₄ in Et₂O in the absence of base, yielding 1:1 adducts [XSnCl₃(bpzaH)] (X = R or Cl).     

Alkaline earth metal poly(hydrogen fluorides) hexafluoroarsenates(V) and hexafluorophosphate(V): M2(H2F3)(HF2)2(AF6) (M = Ca, A = As; M = Sr, A = As, P)

New compounds of the type M₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(AF₆) with M = Ca, A = As and M = Sr, A = As, P) were isolated. Ca₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(AsF₆) was prepared from Ca(AsF₆)₂ with repeated additions of neutral anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF). It crystallizes in a space group P4₃22 with a = 714.67(10) pm, c = 1754.8(3) pm, V = 0.8963(2) nm³ and Z = 4. Sr₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(AsF₆) was prepared at room temperature by dissolving SrF₂ in aHF acidified with AsF₅ in mole ratio SrF₂:AsF₅ = 2:1. It crystallizes in a space group P4₃22 with a = 746.00(12) pm, c = 1805.1(5) pm, V = 1.0046(4) nm³ and Z = 4. Sr₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(PF₆) was prepared from Sr(XeF₂)_n(PF₆)₂ in neutral aHF. It crystallizes in a space group P4₁22 with a = 737.0(3) pm, c = 1793.7(14) pm, V = 0.9744(9) nm³ and Z = 4. The compounds M₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(AF₆) gradually lose HF at room temperature in a dynamic vacuum or during being powdered for recording IR spectra or X-ray powder ray diffraction patterns. All compounds are isotypical with coordination of nine fluorine atoms around a metal center forming a distorted Archimedian antiprism with one face capped. This is the first example of the compounds in which H₂F₃⁻ and HF₂⁻ anions simultaneously bridge metal centers forming close packed three-dimensional network of polymeric compounds with low solubility in aHF. The HF₂⁻ anions are asymmetric with usual F?F distances of 227.3-228.5 pm. Vibrational frequency (ν₁) of HF₂⁻ is close to that in NaHF₂. The anion H₂F₃⁻ exhibits unusually small F?F?F angle of 95.1°-97.6° most probably as a consequence of close packed structure.     

New stable germylenes, stannylenes, and related compounds: 6. Heteroleptic germanium(II) and tin(II) compounds [(SiMe3)2N-E-OCH2CH2NMe2]n (E = Ge, n = 1; Sn, n = 2): synthesis and structure

New stable heteroleptic germanium(II) and tin(II) compounds [(SiMe₃)₂N-E¹⁴-OCH₂CH₂NMe₂]_n (E¹⁴ = Ge, n = 1 (1), Sn, n = 2 (2)) have been synthesized and their crystal structures have been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. While compound 1 is monomer stabilized by intramolecular Ge ← N coordination, compound 2 is associated to dimer via intermolecular dative Sn ← O interactions.     

The preparation of HCF2CdX and HCF2ZnX via direct insertion into the carbon halogen bond of CF2HY (Y = Br, I)

The difluoromethylcadmium and zinc reagents have been prepared in DMF via direct insertion of Cd⁰ into the carbon halogen bond of CF₂HY (Y = Br, I). These reagents are stable at 65-75 °C and exhibit prolonged stability and activity at room temperature. Metathesis of the difluoromethylcadmium reagents with Cu(I)X (X = Br, Cl) at −55 °C rapidly produces difluoromethylcopper. The copper reagent is significantly less stable than the cadmium or zinc reagent and rapidly decomposes at room temperature. The difluoromethylcadmium and copper reagents exhibit good reactivity with allylic halides, propargylic derivatives and 1-iodoalkynes to provide good yields of the corresponding difluoromethylalkenes, difluoromethylallenes and difluoromethyl-2-alkynes. Alkylation is successful only with reactive alkyl halides. Generally, the difluoromethylcopper reagent is more reactive than the difluoromethylcadmium reagent and generally exhibits higher regioselectivity in reactions that can occur by either α- or γ-attack.     

Random exchange in the spin ladder Cu(quinoxaline)X2 (X = Cl, Br)

Mixed halide versions of the spin ladder copper quinoxaline dihalide (X = Cl, Br) have been synthesized. X-ray crystallographic analysis shows the structures of the mixed halide versions are the same as those as the pure halide compounds; in the mixed-halide compounds, the larger bromide ions are preferentially found in the terminal, rather than the bridging, sites of the Cu₂X₄ dimeric units. Susceptibility studies show the rung interactions (within the dimeric units) remain unchanged upon mixing but the rail interactions (through the quinoxaline molecules) change systematically.     

Unsaturation in trinuclear cobalt carbonyl compounds of the type ECo3(CO)n (E = CH,CF, P,As; n = 9, 8, 7, 6) with Co3E tetrahedrane structures

Theoretical studies on the known trinuclear cobalt carbonyl derivatives ECo₃(CO)₉ (E = CH, CF, P, As) predict structures with carbonyl groups bridging each edge of the Co₃ triangle in contrast with experiment where structures with all terminal carbonyl groups are found in all cases. However, the energy differences are predicted to be rather small ranging from 4 ± 2 kcal/mol for FCCo₃(CO)₉ to 10 ± 3 kcal/mol for AsCo₃(CO)₉. The global minima for the unsaturated ECo₃(CO)_n (n = 8, 7, 6) derivatives generally have two (for n = 8) or three (for n = 7 and 6) carbonyl groups bridging the edges of the Co₃ triangle. However, structures with all terminal carbonyl groups are also found in all cases as well as higher energy structures in which one of the carbonyl groups bridges all three cobalt atoms. The fluoromethinyl derivatives FCCo₃(CO)_n (n = 9, 8, 7) are anomalous since their unbridged structures or structures with a carbonyl group bridging all three cobalt atoms are closer in energy to the doubly or triply bridged global minima than is the case for the other ECo₃(CO)_n derivatives.     

Theoretical study on the substitution and insertion reactions of silylenoid H2SiLiF with CH3XHn−1 (X = F, Cl, Br, O, N; n = 1, 1, 1, 2, 3)

The substitution and insertion reactions of H₂SiLiF (A) with CH₃XH_n−1 (X = F, Cl, Br, O, N; n = 1, 1, 1, 2, 3) have been studied using density functional theory. The results indicate that the substitution reactions of A with CH₃XH_n−1 proceed via two reaction paths, I and II, forming the same product H₂SiFCH₃. The insertion reactions of A with CH₃XH_n−1 form H₂SiXH_n−1CH₃. The following conclusions emerge from this work. (i) The substitution reactions of A with CH₃XH_n−1 occur in a concerted manner. The substitution barriers of A with CH₃XH_n−1 for both pathways decrease with the increase of the atomic number of the element X for the same family systems or for the same row systems. Path I is more favorable than path II. (ii) A inserts into a C-X bond via a concerted manner, and the reaction barriers increase for the same-row element X from right to left in the periodic table, whereas change very little for the systems of the same-family element X. (iii) The substitution reactions occur more readily than the insertion reactions for A with CH₃XH_n−1 systems. (iv) All substitution and insertion reactions of A with CH₃XH_n−1 are exothermic. (v) In solvents, the substitution reaction process of A with CH₃XH_n−1 is similar to that in vacuum. The barrier heights in solvents increase in the order CH₃F < CH₃Cl < CH₃Br < CH₃OH < CH₃NH₂. The solvent polarity has little effects on the substitution barriers. The calculations are in agreement with experiments.     

Binuclear cyclopentadienylcobalt sulfur and phosphinidene complexes Cp2Co2E2 (E = S, PX): Comparison with their Iron carbonyl analogues

Density functional theory studies on a series of Cp₂Co₂E₂ derivatives (E = S and PX; X = H, Cl, OH, OMe, NH₂, NMe₂) predict global minimum butterfly structures with one Co-Co bond for the “body” of the butterfly and four Co-E bonds at the edges of the “wings” of the butterfly. Tetrahedrane structures with both Co-Co and E-E bonds are higher in energy for Cp₂Co₂S₂ and Cp₂Co₂(PH)₂ and are not found in the other systems. This differs from the corresponding Fe₂(CO)₆S₂ and Fe₂(CO)₆(PX)₂ derivatives where tetrahedrane structures are predicted to be the lowest energy structures for all cases except X = NR₂ and OH and such a tetrahedrane structure is found experimentally for Fe₂(CO)₆S₂. The butterfly structures for the Cp₂Co₂E₂ derivatives are of two types. For Cp₂Co₂(PX)₂ (X = H, OH, OMe, NH₂, NMe₂) the lowest energy structures are unsymmetrical butterflies Cp₂Co₂(P)(PX₂) with two X groups on one phosphorus atom and a lone pair on the other (naked) phosphorus atom. Related low-energy unsymmetrical butterfly Fe₂(CO)₆(P)(PX₂) structures, not observed in previous theoretical studies, are now found for the corresponding Fe₂(CO)₆(PX)₂ derivatives. Symmetrical butterfly singlet diradical structures with one X group on each phosphorus atom in relative cis or trans positions are also found for the Cp₂Co₂(PX)₂ derivatives and are the global minima for Cp₂Co₂(PCl)₂ as well as Cp₂Co₂S₂. In all cases the cis structures are of lower energy than the corresponding trans structures. Rhombus structures having neither Co-Co nor E-E bonds are also found for all of the Cp₂Co₂(PX)₂ derivatives but always at higher energies than the butterfly structures, ranging from 17 to 29 kcal/mol above the global minima.     

Reductive elimination of halogens assisted by phosphine ligands in Fe(CO)4X2 (X = I, Br) complexes

Fe(CO)₄X₂ complexes [X = I (1), Br(1′)] react with phosphine ligands L (L = PMe₃, PEt₃, PMe₂Ph, PMePh₂, PPh₃) via a two-step mechanism: in the first step fac-Fe(CO)₃LX₂ complexes are formed; in the second step two parallel pathways, a and b, are observed; in pathway a, reductive elimination with formation of equimolar amounts of Fe(CO)₃L₂ (5) and phosphonium salts [LX]⁺X⁻ is observed; in pathway b, disubstituted dihalide complexes cis,trans,cis-Fe(CO)₂L₂X₂ are formed. The relative weights of pathways a and b depend on the basicity, steric hindrance and concentration of ligand L, on the nature of the halogen and on temperature. A radical mechanism which accounts for most of the experimental results is proposed.     

Jahn-Teller-distorted dimeric anions in (cat)[Mn2F8(H2O)2]·2H2O (cat = pipzH2, dabcoH2) and (dabcoH2)2[Mn2F8(H2PO4)2]

Using biprotonated dabco (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) or pipz (piperazine) as counter cations, mixed-ligand fluoromanganates(III) with dimeric anions could be prepared from hydrofluoric acid solutions. The crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction on single crystals: dabcoH₂[Mn₂F₈(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O (1), space group P2₁, Z = 2, a = 6.944(1), b = 14.689(3), c = 7.307(1) Å, β = 93.75(3)°, R₁ = 0.0240; pipzH₂[Mn₂F₈(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O (2), space group , Z = 2, a = 6.977(1), b = 8.760(2), c = 12.584(3) Å, α = 83.79(3), β = 74.25(3), γ = 71.20(3)°, R₁ = 0.0451; (dabcoH₂)₂[Mn₂F₈(H₂PO₄)₂] (3), space group P2₁/n, Z = 4, a = 9.3447(4), b = 12.5208(4), c = 9.7591(6) Å, β = 94.392(8)°, R₁ = 0.0280. All three compounds show dimeric anions formed by [MnF₅O] octahedra (O from oxo ligands) sharing a common edge, with strongly asymmetric double fluorine bridges. In contrast to analogous dimeric anions of Al or Fe(III), the oxo ligands (H₂O (1,2) or phosphate (3)) are in equatorial trans-positions within the bridging plane. The strong pseudo-Jahn-Teller effect of octahedral Mn(III) complexes is documented in a huge elongation of an octahedral axis, namely that including the long bridging Mn-F bond and the Mn-O bond. In spite of different charge of the anion in the fluoride phosphate, the octahedral geometry is almost the same as in the aqua-fluoro compounds. The strong distortion is reflected also in the ligand field spectra.     

Ligand substitution in the heterometallic cluster Cp*IrOs3(μ-H)2(CO)10

The reactions of the heterometallic cluster Cp*IrOs₃(μ-H)₂(CO)₁₀ with phosphines, isonitriles and pyridine under TMNO activation afforded the substitution products Cp*IrOs₃(μ-H)₂(CO)_10−nL_n (n = 1, 2; L = PPh₃, P(OMe)₃, ^tBuNC, CyNC or py) in good yields. For the monosubstituted derivatives, the substitution site was exclusively at an osmium atom in an axial position for L = phosphine or phosphite. Spectroscopic evidence suggested the presence of isomers in solution for the PPh₃ derivative. In contrast, for L = isonitrile, the ligand occupied an equatorial site. In the disubstituted derivatives, the group 15 ligands were coordinated to two different osmium atoms, one each at an axial and an equatorial site. The isomerism and fluxional behaviour of some of these clusters have also been examined.     

Synthesis, structure and some reactions of (C5Me4hex)2Ru2(CO)4

The synthesis of the new cyclopentadiene, C₅Me₄(hex)H is described and its reaction with Ru₃(CO)₁₂ to yield (C₅Me₄hex)₂Ru₂(CO)₄ (hex = n-hexyl) is reported. The X-ray crystal structure of the dimer confirms the structure with bridging and terminal CO groups. Reactions of the dimer to yield (C₅Me₄hex)Ru(CO)₂X (X = Cl, Br, I) are reported. IR, NMR and mass spectra are reported for all new compounds. The solubility of the dimer is found to be 10 times greater than that for (C₅Me₅)₂Ru₂(CO)₄.     

Reaction studies on some functionalized alkyl transition metal compounds and the crystal structure of [Cp(CO)3W{(CH2)3NO2}]

The reactions of the halogenoalkyl compounds [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)_nX}] (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅; n = 3-5; X = Br, I) and [Cp(CO)₂(PPhMe₂)Mo{(CH₂)₃Br}] with the nucleophiles Z = CN⁻ and gave compounds of the type [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)_nZ}] for the tungsten compounds, whilst cyclic carbene compounds were obtained from the reactions of the molybdenum compound. The reactions of [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)_nBr}] (n = 3, 4) and [Cp(CO)₂(PPhMe₂)Mo{(CH₂)₃Br}] with gave [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)_nONO₂}] and [Cp(CO)₂(PPhMe₂)Mo{(CH₂)₃ONO₂}], respectively. The reaction of [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)_nBr}] with AgNO₂ gave [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)_nNO₂}]. In the solid state the complex [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)₃NO₂}] crystallizes in a distorted square pyramidal geometry. In this molecule the nitropropyl chain deviates from the ideal, all-trans geometry as a result of short, non-hydrogen intermolecular N-O?O-N contacts. The reactions of the heterobimetallic compounds [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)₃}ML_y] {ML_y = Mo(CO)₃Cp, Mo(CO)₃Cp^∗ and Mo(CO)₂(PMe₃)Cp; Cp^∗ = η⁵-C₅(CH₃)₅} with PPh₃ and CO were found to be totally metalloselective, with the ligand always attacking the metal site predicted by the reactions of the corresponding monometallic analogues above with nucleophiles. Thus the compounds [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)₃}C(O)ML_z] {ML_z = Mo(CO)₂YCp, Mo(CO)₂YCp^∗ and Mo(CO)Y(PMe₃)Cp; Y = PPh₃ or CO} were obtained. Similarly, the reaction of [Cp(CO)₂Fe{(CH₂)₃}Mo(CO)₂(PMe₃)Cp] with CO gave only [Cp(CO)₂Fe{(CH₂)₃C(O)}Mo(CO)₂(PMe₃)Cp]. Hydrolysis of the bimetallic compound, [Cp(CO)₃W(CH₂)₃C(O)Mo(CO)(PPh₃)(PMe₃)Cp], gave the carboxypropyl compound [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)₃COOH}]. Thermolysis of the compound [Cp(CO)₂Fe(CH₂)₃Mo(CO)₃(PMe₃)Cp] gave cyclopropane and propene, indicating that β-elimination and reductive processes had taken place.     

Switching of global minima of novel germylenic reactive intermediates via halogens (X): C2GeH2 vs. C2GeHX at ab initio and DFT levels

For 30 C₂GeHX germylenic isomers, one cyclic structure, X-germacyclopropenylidene, and three acyclics are considered, which include: ethynyl-X-germylene, X-vinylidenegermylene, and (X-ethynyl)germylene (X = H, F, Cl, and Br). The global minimum among six isomeric C₂GeH₂ (where X = H), is found to be cyclic, aromatic, singlet germacyclopropenylidene. In contrast, among the 24 corresponding halogermylenes, C₂GeHX (where X = F, Cl, and Br), the global minima switch to acyclic, singlet ethynylhalogermylenes, at eight reasonably high ab initio and DFT levels. The direct resonance interaction between X and the divalent center Ge in the singlet acyclic ethynylhalogermylene structures, is claimed to justify switching of the calculated global minima in the halo derivatives. GIAO-NICS calculations indicate that the X-germacyclopropenylidene isomer is more aromatic for X = H than X = F, Cl, or Br. The angle ∠XGeC bending potential energy curves show the singlet and triplet ethynylgermylene crossing at ≈146°, for X = H.     

The photochemistry of (η-2-R-C3H4)Fe(CO)(NO)(X) (R = H or Cl; X = CO or PPh3) in room temperature solution or frozen gas matrixes

A photochemical study of allyl iron complexes of the type, (η³-2-R-C₃H₄)Fe(CO)(NO)(X) (R = H or Cl; X = CO or PPh₃) is presented. These compounds were studied in solid matrixes at 20 K, and at room temperature, by a combination of laser flash at 355 nm and steady-state photolysis. The predominant photochemical process for these compounds is loss of a CO ligand. In addition, exhaustive irradiation of (η³-2-R-C₃H₄)Fe(CO)(NO)(PPh₃) with λ_exc > 300 nm provided evidence for a haptotropic shift of the allyl group from η³ to η¹ coordination.