Strukturen von polaren Magnesiumorganylen: Synthese und Struktur von Basen‐Addukten des Magnesiumindenids

An improved X‐ray structure determination of magnesium indenide Mg(C₉H₇)₂ ( 1 ) at low temperature was carried out. Four donor‐acceptor complexes of Mg(C₉H₇)₂ ( 1 ) with O‐ and N‐donor Lewis bases were synthesized and characterized by X‐ray structure analysis. With dioxane and tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) two simple monomeric complexes, [Mg(C₉H₇)₂(dioxane)₂]·1.5dioxane ( 2a ) and [Mg(C₉H₇)₂(TMEDA)] ( 3 ), were formed. With the O‐donors tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) two ionic magnesium compounds 4 and 5 could be synthesized which have a [MgL₆]²⁺ cation [L = THF and DMSO] and two uncoordinated indenide anions.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Rare Earth Metal Chlorides Bearing Bridged-Indenyl Ancillary Ligand

Two new rare earth metal chloride complexes supported by a bridged‐indenyl ancillary ligand, [C₉H₆SiMe₂‐ (CH₂)₂SiMe₂C₉H₆]Ln(µ‐Cl)₂Li(TMEDA) [Ln=Y ( 1 ), Lu ( 2 )], were synthesized via salt metathesis reaction. Reaction of C₉H₇SiMe₂(CH₂)₂SiMe₂C₉H₇ with 2 equiv. of n‐butyllithium in hexane at room temperature afforded [C₉H₆SiMe₂‐ (CH₂)₂SiMe₂C₉H₆]Li₂ as white powder in 95% isolated yield. Further treatment of [C₉H₆SiMe₂(CH₂)₂SiMe₂‐ C₉H₆]Li₂ with anhydrous LnCl₃ in 1:1 molar ratio in THF/TMEDA at room temperature provided the bridged‐indenyl rare earth metal chlorides 1 and 2 in 86%–89% isolated yields. Both complexes were characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X‐ray single crystal structure analysis. The central metals in both complexes are eight‐coordinated by two indenyl ligands in η⁵‐fashion, and two chlorine atoms to adopt a distorted tetrahedral geometry.     

Yttrium bis(alkyl) and bis(amido) complexes bearing N,O multidentate ligands. Synthesis and catalytic activity towards ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide

Methoxy‐modified β‐diimines HL ¹ and HL ² reacted with Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ to afford the corresponding bis(alkyl)s [L¹Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] ( 1 ) and [L²Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] ( 2 ), respectively. Amination of 1 with 2,6‐diisopropyl aniline gave the bis(amido) counterpart [L¹Y{N(H)(2,6‐iPr₂? C₆H₃)}₂] ( 3 ), selectively. Treatment of Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ with methoxy‐modified anilido imine HL ³ yielded bis(alkyl) complex [L³Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF)] ( 4 ) that sequentially reacted with 2,6‐diisopropyl aniline to give the bis(amido) analogue [L³Y{N(H)(2,6‐iPr₂? C₆H₃)}₂] ( 5 ). Complex 2 was “base‐free” monomer, in which the tetradentate β‐diiminato ligand was meridional with the two alkyl species locating above and below it, generating tetragonal bipyramidal core about the metal center. Complex 3 was asymmetric monomer containing trigonal bipyramidal core with trans‐arrangement of the amido ligands. In contrast, the two cis‐located alkyl species in complex 4 were endo and exo towards the O,N,N tridentate anilido‐imido moiety. The bis(amido) complex 5 was confirmed to be structural analogue to 4 albeit without THF coordination. All these yttrium complexes are highly active initiators for the ring‐opening polymerization of L ‐LA at room temperature. The catalytic activity of the complexes and their “single‐site” or “double‐site” behavior depend on the ligand framework and the geometry of the alkyl (amido) species in the corresponding complexes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5662–5672, 2007     

Metallorganische Verbindungen der Lanthanoide. 155 [1] Synthese und Charakterisierung neuer Lanthanoidocen‐Komplexe mit silylierten Cyclopentadienylliganden

Organometallic Compounds of the Lanthanides. 155 [1] Synthesis and Characterization of New Lanthanocene Complexes containing Silylated Cyclopentadienyl Ligands The trichlorides of yttrium, samarium, and lutetium react with two equiv. of K[C₅H₄SiEt₃] ( 1 ) to form the dimeric compounds [(η⁵‐C₅H₄SiEt₃)₂LnCl]₂ (Ln = Y ( 2 ), Sm ( 3 ), Lu ( 4 )). These react with one equiv. of methyllithium to give the corresponding dimeric lanthanocenemethyl complexes [(η⁵‐C₅H₄SiEt₃)₂LnMe]₂ (Ln = Y ( 5 ), Sm ( 6 ), Lu ( 7 )). The reaction between samarium trichloride and lutetium trichloride, respectively with two equiv. of K[1, 3‐C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂] followed by one equiv. of methyllithium results in the formation of the monomeric methyl complexes [η⁵‐1, 3‐C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂]₂LnMe(THF) (Ln = Sm ( 8 ), Lu ( 9 )). The new compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, ¹H‐ and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, as well as 1 — 7 by single crystal X‐ray structure analysis.     

A Soft Grip: Magnesium Complexes with a Phosphine‐Modified Phosphonium Diylidic Lewis Base

Simple strategies to obtain magnesium complexes with the soft chelating diylidic ligand [Ph₂PCHPPh₂(fluorenylidene)]^? (dppmflu^?) were developed to evaluate the influence of the hard acid (cation) and soft base (anion) mismatch on the stability and reactivity of the formed derivatives. Deprotonation of the precursor Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂(flu) (dppmfluH) by an alkylmagnesium derivative or magnesium amide provided access to [{Mg(dppmflu)(μ‐nBu)}₂], [Mg(dppmflu){N(SiMe₃)₂}], and [{Mg(dppmflu)(μ‐Me)}₂], which were used as starting materials for further investigations. The reaction of [{Mg(dppmflu)(μ‐nBu)}₂] with PhSiH₃ in the presence of THF allowed isolation of the magnesium hydride complex [{Mg(dppmflu)(μ‐H)(thf)}₂] without a stabilizing nitrogen donor ligand. Prolonged heating enforced ligand redistribution and [{Mg(dppmflu)(μ‐H)(thf)}₂] was converted to [Mg(dppmflu)₂] and MgH₂. The homoleptic derivative [Mg(dppmflu)₂], in which the magnesium center is in a very soft ligand environment, can open a THF molecule by frustrated Lewis pair reactivity to give [{Mg(dppmflu)(μ‐OC₄H₈dppmflu)}₂].     

Dinuclear Dysprosium and Ytterbium Complexes Incorporating N,N‐Bis(pyrrolyl‐α‐methyl)‐N‐methylamine Ligand: Syntheses and Structures

Reaction of DyCl₃ with two equivalents of NaN(SiMe₃)₂ in THF yielded {Dy(μ‐Cl)[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂(THF)}₂ ( 1 ). X‐ray crystal structure analysis revealed that 1 is a centrosymmetric dimer with asymmetrically bridging chloride ligands. The metal coordination arrangement can be best described as distorted trigonal bipyramid. The bond lengths of Ln–Cl and Ln–N showed a decreasing trend with the contraction of the size of Ln³⁺. Treatment of N,N‐bis(pyrrolyl‐α‐methyl)‐N‐methylamine (H₂dpma) with 1 and known compound {Yb(μ‐Cl)[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂(THF)}₂, respectively, led to the formations of [Dy(μ‐Cl)(dpma)(THF)₂]₂ ( 2 ) and {Yb(μ‐Cl)[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂(THF)}₂ ( 3 ). Compounds 2 and 3 were fully characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, elemental analysis, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Structure determination indicated that 2 and 3 exhibit as centrosymmetric dimers with asymmetrically bridging chloride ligands. One pot reactions involving LnCl₃ (Ln = Dy and Yb), LiN(SiMe₃)₂, and H₂dpma were explored and desired products 2 and 3 were not yielded, which indicated that 1 and {Yb(μ‐Cl)[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂(THF)}₂ are the demanding precursors to synthesize Dysprosium and Ytterbium complexes supported by dpma^2– ligand. Compounds 2 and 3 are the first reported lanthanide complexes chelated by dpma^2– ligand.     

Calcium-mediated dearomatization, C-H bond activation, and allylation of alkylated and benzannulated pyridine derivatives

A facile and general synthetic pathway for the production of dearomatized, allylated, and C? H bond activated pyridine derivatives is presented. Reaction of the corresponding derivative with the previously reported reagent bis(allyl)calcium, [Ca(C₃H₅)₂] ( 1 ), cleanly affords the product in high yield. The range of N‐heterocyclic compounds studied comprised 2‐picoline ( 2 ), 4‐picoline ( 3 ), 2,6‐lutidine ( 4 ), 4‐tert‐butylpyridine ( 5 ), 2,2′‐bipyridine ( 6 ), acridine ( 7 ), quinoline ( 8 ), and isoquinoline ( 9 ). Depending on the substitution pattern of the pyridine derivative, either carbometalation or C? H bond activation products are obtained. In the absence of methyl groups ortho or para to the nitrogen atom, carbometalation leads to dearomatized products. C(sp³)? H bond activation occurs at ortho and para situated methyl groups. Steric shielding of the 4‐position in pyridine yields the ring‐metalated product through C(sp²)? H bond activation instead. The isolated compounds [Ca(2‐CH₂‐C₅H₄N)₂(THF)] ( 2 b ?(THF)), [Ca(4‐CH₂‐C₅H₄N)₂(THF)₂] ( 3 b ?(THF)₂), [Ca(2‐CH₂‐C₅H₃N‐6‐CH₃)₂(THF)_n] ( 4 b ?(THF)_n; n=0, 0.75), [Ca{2‐C₅H₃N‐4‐C(CH₃)₃}₂(THF)₂] ( 5 c ?(THF)₂), [Ca{4,4′‐(C₃H₅)₂‐(C₁₀H₈N₂)}(THF)] ( 6 a ?(THF)), [Ca(NC₁₃H₉‐9‐C₃H₅)₂(THF)] ( 7 a ?(THF)), [Ca(4‐C₃H₅‐C₉H₇N)₂(THF)] ( 8 b ?(THF)), and [Ca(1‐C₃H₅‐C₉H₇N)₂(THF)₃] ( 9 a ?(THF)₃) have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy and metal analysis. 9 a ?(THF)₄ and 4 b ?(THF)₃ were additionally characterized in the solid state by X‐ray diffraction experiments. 4 b ?(THF)₃ shows an aza‐allyl coordination mode in the solid state. Based on the results, mechanistic aspects are discussed in the context of previous findings.     

Metallorganische Verbindungen der Lanthanoide. 88. Monomere Lanthanoid(III)-amide: Synthese und Röntgenstrukturanalyse von [Nd{N(C6H5)(SiMe3)}3(THF)], [Li(THF)2(μ-Cl)2Nd{N(C6H3Me2-2,6)(SiMe3)}2(THF)] und [ClNd{N(C6H3-iso-Pr2-2,6)(SiMe3)}2(THF)]

Organometallic Compounds of the Lanthanides. 88. Monomeric Lanthanide(III) Amides: Synthesis and X-Ray Crystal Structure of [Nd{N(C₆H₅)(SiMe₃)}₃(THF)], [Li(THF)₂(μ-Cl)₂Nd{N(C₆H₃Me₂-2,6)(SiMe₃)}₂(THF)], and [ClNd{N(C₆H₃-iso-Pr₂-2,6)(SiMe₃)} ₂(THF)] A series of lanthanide(III) amides [Ln{N(C₆H₅) · (SiMe₃)}₃(THF)_x] [Ln = Y ( 1 ), La ( 2 ), Nd ( 3 ), Sm ( 4 ), Eu ( 5 ), Tb ( 6 ), Er ( 8 ), Yb ( 9 ), Lu ( 10 )] could be prepared by the reaction of lanthanide trichlorides, LnCl₃, with LiN(C₆H₅)(SiMe₃). Treatment of NdCl₃(THF)₂ and LuCl₃(THF)₃ with the lithium salts of the bulky amides [N(C₆H₃R₂-2,6)(SiMe₃)]^? (R = Me, iso-Pr) results in the formation of the lanthanide diamides [Li(THF)₂(μ-Cl)₂Nd{N(C₆H₃Me₂-2, 6)(SiMe₃)}₂(THF)] ( 11 ) and [ClLn{N(C₆H₃-iso-Pr₂-2,6)(SiMe₃)} ₂(THF)] [Ln = Nd ( 12 ), Lu ( 13 )], respectively. The ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR and mass spectra of the new compounds as well as the X-ray crystal structures of the neodymium derivatives 3 , 11 and 12 are discussed.     

Syntheses and Characterization of Samarium and Erbium Borohydrido Complexes Supported by N‐Aryliminopyrrole Ligand

Reaction of potassium salt of N‐aryliminopyrrole ligand [2‐(2, 6‐iPr₂C₆H₃N=CH)–C₄H₃NK] ( 1 ) with samarium tris‐boro‐hydride [Sm(BH₄)₃(THF)₃] gave a samarium ate complex [η²‐{2‐(2, 6‐iPr₂C₆H₃N=CH)–C₄H₃N}₃Sm(η¹‐BH₄){K(THF)₆] ( 2 ); whereas similar treatment with erbium borohydride [Er(BH₄)₃(THF)₃] afforded the mono(iminopyrrolyl) complex [η²‐{2‐(2, 6‐iPr₂C₆H₃N=CH)–C₄H₃N}Er(η³‐BH₄)₂(THF)₂] ( 3 ). In the solid‐state structures, the samarium complex 2 shows a rarely observed η¹ and the erbium complex 3 shows a usual η³ coordination mode of the borohydrido ligand.     

Lutetium‐Methanediide‐Alkyl Complexes: Synthesis and Chemistry

The first four‐coordinate methanediide/alkyl lutetium complex (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(μ₂‐CHSiMe₃)(THF)₂ (BODDI=ArNC(Me)CHCOCHC(Me)NAr, Ar=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃) ( 1 ) was synthesized by a thermolysis methodology through α‐H abstraction from a Lu–CH₂SiMe₃ group. Complex 1 reacted with equimolar 2,6‐iPrC₆H₃NH₂ and Ph₂C?O to give the corresponding lutetium bridging imido and oxo complexes (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(μ₂‐N‐2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃)(THF)₂ ( 2 ) and (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(μ₂‐O)(THF)₂ ( 3 ). Treatment of 3 with Ph₂C?O (4 equiv) caused a rare insertion of Lu–μ₂‐O bond into the C?O group to afford a diphenylmethyl diolate complex 4 . Reaction of 1 with PhN=C?O (2 equiv) led to the migration of SiMe₃ to the amido nitrogen atom to give complex (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃)₂‐μ‐{PhNC(O)CHC(O)NPh(SiMe₃)‐κ³N,O,O}(THF) ( 5 ). Reaction of 1 with tBuN?C formed an unprecedented product (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃){μ₂‐[η²:η²‐tBuNC(=CH₂)SiMe₂CHC?NtBu‐κ¹N]}(tBuN?C)₂ ( 6 ) through a cascade reaction of N?C bond insertion, sequential cyclometalative γ‐(sp³)‐H activation, C?C bond formation, and rearrangement of the newly formed carbene intermediate. The possible mechanistic pathways between 1 , PhN?C?O, and tBuN?C were elucidated by DFT calculations.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Nickel(II) Complex Containing 2‐(t‐Butylaminomethyl)pyrrole

Two aminopyrroles, 2‐(t‐butylaminomethyl)pyrrole ( HL1 ) and 2, 5‐di(t‐butylaminomethyl)pyrrole ( HL2 ), were synthesized and the hydrogen‐bond interactions were observed in the single‐crystal X‐ray structures of HL1 ·HCl and HL2. Bis[2‐(t‐butylaminomethyl)pyrrole]nickel( II ) [ Ni(L1) ₂] was prepared by treatment of the NiCl₂ with 2 equiv. of mono‐deprotonated HL1 in THF solvent. The solid‐state structure of Ni(L1) ₂ shows the N₄‐coordinated nickel atom, with a geometry corresponding to a square‐planar structure, in which two intramolecular C‐H···Ni interactions are present at the axial positions with contact distances of 2.77 Å. The complex displays an irreversible reduction response at ?0.66 V (vs. Fc⁺/Fc) in CH₃CN. Furthermore, ¹H, ¹³C‐HSQC NMR experiments performed at room temperature revealed that the two methylene protons of the chelating L1^?1 are chemically nonequivalent and one of them is coupled to the amino proton. The coupling constants (J_HH') observed are close to the values predicted from the vicinal Karplus correlation diagram.     

Bis(arylimido) Molybdenum(VI) Amidinate and Guanidinate Complexes; Molecular Structures of [(ArN)2MoMe{N(Cy)C[N(i‐Pr)2]N(Cy)}] (Ar = 2,6‐i‐Pr2C6H3; Cy = Cyclohexyl) and [(2,6‐i‐Pr2C6H3N)2MoCl2] · [NH=C(C6H5)CH(SiMe3)2]

The reaction of [(ArN)₂MoCl₂] · DME (Ar = 2,6‐i‐Pr₂C₆H₃) ( 1 ) with lithium amidinates or guanidinates resulted in molybdenum(VI) complexes [(ArN)₂MoCl{N(R¹)C(R²)N(R¹)}] (R¹ = Cy (cyclohexyl), R² = Me ( 2 ); R¹ = Cy, R² = N(i‐Pr)₂ ( 3 ); R¹ = Cy, R² = N(SiMe₃)₂ ( 4 ); R¹ = SiMe₃, R² = C₆H₅ ( 5 )) with five coordinated molybdenum atoms. Methylation of these compounds was exemplified by the reactions of 2 and 3 with MeLi affording the corresponding methylates [(ArN)₂MoMe{N(R¹)C(R²)N(R¹)}] (R¹ = Cy, R² = Me ( 6 ); R¹ = Cy, R² = N(i‐Pr)₂ ( 7 )). The analogous reaction of 1 with bulky [N(SiMe₃)C(C₆H₅)C(SiMe₃)₂]Li · THF did not give the corresponding metathesis product, but a Schiff base adduct [(ArN)₂MoCl₂] · [NH=C(C₆H₅)CH(SiMe₃)₂] ( 8 ) in low yield. The molecular structures of 7 and 8 are established by the X‐ray single crystal structural analysis.     

Bimetallic Rare Earth Alkyl Complexes Bearing Bridged Amidinate Ligands: Synthesis and Activity for L-Lactide Polymerization

Four novel bridged‐amidines H₂L {1,4‐R¹[C(=NR²)(NHR²)]₂ [R¹=C₆H₄, R²=2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃ (H₂L¹); R¹=C₆H₄, R²=2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃ (H₂L²); R¹=C₆H₁₀, R²=2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃ (H₂L³); R¹=C₆H₁₀, R²=2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃ (H₂L⁴)]} were synthesized in 65%–78% isolated yields by the condensation reaction of dicarboxylic acid with four equimolar amounts of amines in the presence of PPSE at 180°C. Alkane elimination reaction of Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ (Ln=Y, Lu) with 0.5 equiv. of amidine in THF at room temperature afforded the corresponding bimetallic rare earth alkyl complexes (THF)(Me₃SiCH₂)₂LnL¹Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) [Ln=Y ( 1 ), Lu ( 2 )], (THF)(Me₃SiCH₂)₂LnL²Ln‐ (CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) [Ln=Y ( 3 ), Lu ( 4 )], (THF)(Me₃SiCH₂)₂YL³Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) ( 5 ), (THF)(Me₃SiCH₂)₂YL⁴‐ Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) ( 6 ) in 72% –80% isolated yields. These neutral complexes showed activity towards L‐lactide polymerization in toluene at 70°C to give high molecular weight (M>10⁴) and narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n≦1.40) polymers     

Ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic esters by pincer complexes derived from alkaline earth metals

We report the synthesis and characterization of new Ca(II) and Mg(II) complexes of the type [Ph―PPP]MR (M = Ca, R = N(SiMe₃)₂ ( 1 ); M = Mg, R = ⁿBu ( 2 )) where Ph―PPP^? is a tridentate monoanionic ligand (Ph―PPP―H = bis(2‐diphenylphosphinophenyl)phosphine). Reaction of the opportune metal precursor (Ca[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂.THF₂ or MgⁿBu₂) with 1 equiv. of the pro‐ligand Ph―PPP_―H produces the corresponding calcium amido ( 1 ) or magnesium butyl ( 2 ) complex in high yield. Solution NMR studies show monomeric and kinetically stable structures for both species. The obtained complexes efficiently mediate the ring‐opening polymerization of ?‐caprolactone showing a turnover frequency of 40 000 h^?1. In the presence of a hexogen alcohol, up to 2000 equiv. of monomer are converted by using a low loading of catalyst (5 µmol). Kinetic studies show a first‐order reaction in monomer concentration. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rare‐Earth‐Metal–Hydrocarbyl Complexes Bearing Linked Cyclopentadienyl or Fluorenyl Ligands: Synthesis,Catalyzed Styrene Polymerization,and Structure–Reactivity Relationship

A series of rare‐earth‐metal–hydrocarbyl complexes bearing N‐type functionalized cyclopentadienyl (Cp) and fluorenyl (Flu) ligands were facilely synthesized. Treatment of [Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(thf)₂] with equimolar amount of the electron‐donating aminophenyl‐Cp ligand C₅Me₄H‐C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂ afforded the corresponding binuclear monoalkyl complex [({C₅Me₄‐C₆H₄‐o‐NMe(μ‐CH₂)}Y{CH₂SiMe₃})₂] ( 1 a ) via alkyl abstraction and C? H activation of the NMe₂ group. The lutetium bis(allyl) complex [(C₅Me₄‐C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂)Lu(η³‐C₃H₅)₂] ( 2 b ), which contained an electron‐donating aminophenyl‐Cp ligand, was isolated from the sequential metathesis reactions of LuCl₃ with (C₅Me₄‐C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂)Li (1 equiv) and C₃H₅MgCl (2 equiv). Following a similar procedure, the yttrium‐ and scandium–bis(allyl) complexes, [(C₅Me₄‐C₅H₄N)Ln(η³‐C₃H₅)₂] (Ln=Y ( 3 a ), Sc ( 3 b )), which also contained electron‐withdrawing pyridyl‐Cp ligands, were also obtained selectively. Deprotonation of the bulky pyridyl‐Flu ligand (C₁₃H₉‐C₅H₄N) by [Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(thf)₂] generated the rare‐earth‐metal–dialkyl complexes, [(η³‐C₁₃H₈‐C₅H₄N)Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(thf)] (Ln=Y ( 4 a ), Sc ( 4 b ), Lu ( 4 c )), in which an unusual asymmetric η³‐allyl bonding mode of Flu moiety was observed. Switching to the bidentate yttrium–trisalkyl complex [Y(CH₂C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂)₃], the same reaction conditions afforded the corresponding yttrium bis(aminobenzyl) complex [(η³‐C₁₃H₈‐C₅H₄N)Y(CH₂C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂)₂] ( 5 ). Complexes 1 – 5 were fully characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR and X‐ray spectroscopy, and by elemental analysis. In the presence of both [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] and AliBu₃, the electron‐donating aminophenyl‐Cp‐based complexes 1 and 2 did not show any activity towards styrene polymerization. In striking contrast, upon activation with [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] only, the electron‐withdrawing pyridyl‐Cp‐based complexes 3 , in particular scandium complex 3 b , exhibited outstanding activitiy to give perfectly syndiotactic (rrrr >99 %) polystyrene, whereas their bulky pyridyl‐Flu analogues ( 4 and 5 ) in combination with [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] and AliBu₃ displayed much‐lower activity to afford syndiotactic‐enriched polystyrene.     

Tetraazadibora[3, 3]paracyclophane

Starting from the para‐phenylenediamine derivative HN(SiMe₃)‐C₆H₄‐NH(SiMe₃), a lithiation and subsequent borylation give [(MeO)₂B]N(SiMe₃)‐C₆H₄‐N(SiMe₃)[B(OMe)₂] ( 1 ), the hydridation of which yields Li₂[(H₃B)N(SiMe₃)‐C₆H₄‐N(SiMe₃)(BH₃)] ( 2 ). Applying ZrCl₄ upon 2 initiates a condensation to give the title compound [‐N(SiMe₃)‐p‐C₆H₄‐N(SiMe₃)‐BH‐]₂, a hetero[3, 3]paracyclophane with two N‐B‐N chains that connect the para‐phenylene units. The product 3 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁.     

Mono(amidinate) rare earth metal bis(alkyl) complexes: Synthesis,structure and their activity for l-lactide polymerization

Alkane elimination reaction between Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ (Ln = Y, Lu) with one equivalent of the amidines with different steric demanding HL ([CyC(N-2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)₂]H (HL₁), [CyC(N-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)₂]H (HL₂), [PhC(N-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)₂]H (HL₃)) in THF afforded a series of mono(amidinate) rare earth metal bis(alkyl) complexes [CyC(N-2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)₂]Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) (Ln = Y (1), Lu (3)), [CyC(N-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)₂]Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF)₂ (Ln = Y (4), Lu (6)), and [PhC(N-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)₂]Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF)₂ (7) in 75–89% isolated yields. For the early lanthanide metal Nd, THF slurry of NdCl₃ was stirred with three equiv of LiCH₂SiMe₃ in THF, followed by addition of one equiv of the amidines HL₁ or HL₂ gave an “ate” complex [CyC(N-2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)₂]Nd(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(μ-Cl)Li(THF)₃ (2) in 48% yield and a neutral [CyC(N-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)₂]Nd(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF)₂ (5) in 52% yield, respectively. They were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, NMR spectroscopy (except for 2 and 5 for their strong paramagnetic property). Complexes 2, 3, 4 and 5 were subjected to X-ray single crystal structure determination. These neutral mono(amidinate) rare earth metal bis(alkyl) complexes showed activity towards l-lactide polymerization to give high molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution polymers.     

Synthesis of ferrocene‐containing N‐aryloxo β‐ketoiminate lanthanide complexes and polymerization of ε‐caprolactone

The synthesis, characterization and ε‐caprolactone polymerization behavior of lanthanide amido complexes stabilized by ferrocene‐containing N‐aryloxo functionalized β‐ketoiminate ligand FcCOCH₂C(Me)N(2‐HO‐5‐Bu^t‐C₆H₃) (LH₂, Fc = ferrocenyl) are described. The lanthanide amido complexes [LLnN(SiMe₃)₂(THF)]₂ [Ln = Nd ( 1 ), Sm ( 2 ), Yb ( 3 ), Y ( 4 )] were synthesized in good yields by the amine elimination reactions of LH₂ with Ln[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃(µ‐Cl)Li(THF)₃ in a 1:1 molar ratio in THF. These complexes were characterized by IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy was added for the analysis of complex 4 . The definitive molecular structures of complexes 1 and 3 were determined by X‐ray diffraction studies. Complexes 1 – 4 can initiate the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone with moderate activity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthese und Struktur von Sr6P8‐Polyedern in gemischten Phosphaniden/Phosphandiiden des Strontiums

Synthesis and Structures of Sr₆P₈ Polyhedra in Mixed Phosphanides/Phosphandiides of Strontium The strontiation of H₂PSiⁱPr₃ ( 1 ) with (THF)₂Sr[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ in THF yields colorless tetrakis(tetrahydrofuran‐O)strontium bis(triisopropylsilylphosphanide) ( 3 ). The central alkaline earth metal atom has an octahedral environment with the phosphanide ligands in trans position. The homometalation in toluene leads to the elimination of 1 and THF. Cooling of this solution gives crystals of colorless tetrakis(tetrahydrofuran‐O)hexastrontium‐tetrakis(triisopropylsilylphosphanide)‐tetrakis(triisopropylsilylphosphandiide) ( 4 ). The equimolar reaction of H₂PSi^tBu₃ ( 2 ) with (THF)₂Sr[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ in toluene yields in the first step heteroleptic dimeric {(Me₃Si)₂NSr(THF)₂[P(H)Si^tBu₃]}₂ ( 5 )₂. This compounds monomerizes in THF to (Me₃Si)₂N–Sr(THF)₄[P(H)Si^tBu₃] ( 6 ), which forms an equilibrium with the homoleptic dismutation products (THF)₂Sr[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ and (THF)₄Sr[P(H)Si^tBu₃]₂ ( 7 ). Compound ( 5 )₂ undergoes a intramolecular strontiation and bis(tetrahydrofuran‐O)hexastrontium‐tetrakis[tri(tert‐butyl)silylphosphanide]‐tetrakis[tri(tert‐butyl)silylphosphandiide] ( 8 ) is isolated. The central Sr₆P₈‐polyhedra of 4 and 8 are very similar.     

Solvent dependence of the solid‐state structures of salicylaldiminate magnesium amide complexes

There are challenges in using magnesium coordination complexes as reagents owing to their tendency to adopt varying aggregation states in solution and thus impacting the reactivity of the complexes. Many magnesium complexes are prone to ligand redistribution via Schlenk equilibrium due to the ionic character within the metal–ligand interactions. The role of the supporting ligand is often crucial for providing stability to the heteroleptic complex. Strategies to minimize ligand redistribution in alkaline earth metal complexes could include using a supporting ligand with tunable sterics and electronics to influence the degree of association to the metal atom. Magnesium bis(hexamethyldisilazide) was reacted with salicylaldimines [¹L = N‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)salicylaldimine and ²L = 3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐N‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)salicylaldimine] in either nondonor (toluene) or donor solvents [tetrahydrofuran (THF) or pyridine]. The structures of the magnesium complexes were studied in the solid state via X‐ray diffraction. In the nondonor solvent, i.e. toluene, the heteroleptic complex bis{μ‐2‐[(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)iminomethyl]phenolato}‐κ³N,O:O;κ³O:N,O‐bis[(hexamethyldisilazido‐κN)magnesium(II)], [Mg₂(C₁₉H₂₂NO)₂(C₆H₁₈NSi₂)₂] or [¹LMgN(SiMe₃)₂]₂, (1), was favored, while in the donor solvent, i.e. pyridine (pyr), the formation of the homoleptic complex {2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐[(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)iminomethyl]phenolato‐κ²N,O}bis(pyridine‐κN)magnesium(II) toluene monosolvate, [Mg(C₂₇H₃₈NO)₂(C₅H₅N)₂]·C₅H₅N or [{²L₂Mg₂(pyr)₂}·pyr], (2), predominated. Heteroleptic complex (1) was crystallized from toluene, while homoleptic complexes (2) and the previously reported [¹L₂Mg·THF] [Quinque et al. (2011). Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. pp. 3321–3326] were crystallized from pyridine and THF, respectively. These studies support solvent‐dependent ligand redistribution in solution. In‐situ¹H NMR experiments were carried out to further probe the solution behavior of these systems.