Bonding in Diborane–Metal Complexes: A Quantum‐Chemical and Experimental Study of Complexes Featuring Early and Late Transition Metals

The coordination chemistry of the doubly base‐stabilised diborane(4), [HB(hpp)]₂ (hpp=1,3,4,6,7,8‐hexahydro‐2H‐pyrimido‐[1,2‐a]pyrimidinate), was extended by the synthesis of new late transition‐metal complexes containing Cu^I and Rh^I fragments. A detailed experimental study was conducted and quantum‐chemical calculations on the metal–ligand bonding interactions for [HB(hpp)]₂ complexes of Group 6, 9, 11 and 12 metals revealed the dominant B? H? M interactions in the case of early transition‐metal fragments, whereas the B? B? M bonding prevails in the case of the late d‐block compounds. These findings support the experimental results as reflected by the IR and NMR spectroscopic parameters of the investigated compounds. DFT calculations on [MeB(hpp)]₂ and model reactions between [B₂H₄ ? 2NMe₃] and [Rh(μ‐Cl)(C₂H₄)₂] showed that the bicyclic guanidinate allows in principle for an oxidative addition of the B? B bond. However, the formation of σ‐complexes is thermodynamically favoured. The results point to the selective B? H or B? B bond‐activation of diborane compounds by complexation, depending on the chosen transition‐metal fragment.     

Synthesis and structure of cationic guanidinate-bridged bimetallic {Li7M} cubes (M = Mn, Co, Zn) with inverse crown counter anions

The reactions of the heteroleptic lithium amide [Li(3)(μ-hmds)(2)(μ,μ-hpp)] (1), where [hmds](-) = hexamethyldisilazide and [hpp](-) = hexahydropyrimidopyrimidide, with MnCl(2), CoCl(2) or ZnBr(2) result in the formation of the separated ion-pairs [MLi(7)(μ(8)-O)(μ,μ-hpp)(6)](+)[A](-), which each consist of a {MLi(7)} oxo-centred cube structural motif (M = Mn 2, Co 4, Zn 5), with each face of the cube being bridged by an [hpp](-) ligand. In the case of M = Mn and Co, the counter ion, [A](-), is the pentagonal anionic inverse crown [{Li(μ-hmds)}(5)(μ(5)-Cl)](-) (3), whereas the reaction with M = Zn produces the known tris-amido zincate [Zn(hmds)(3)](-) counter anion.     

M2(hpp)4Cl2 and M2(hpp)4, where M = Mo and W: preparations, structure and bonding, and comparisons with C2, C2H2, and C2Cl2 and the hypothetical molecules M2(hpp)4(H)2

The reaction between M(2)Cl(2)(NMe(2))(4), where M = Mo or W, and Hhpp (8 equiv) in a solid-state melt reaction at 150 degrees C yields the compounds M(2)(hpp)(4)Cl(2) 1a (M = Mo) and 1b (M = W), respectively, by the elimination of HNMe(2) [hpp is the anion derived from deprotonation of 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidine, Hhpp]. Purification of 1a and 1b is achieved by sublimation of the excess Hhpp and subsequent recrystallization from either CH(2)Cl(2) or CHCl(3) (or CDCl(3)). By single-crystal X-ray crystallography, the structures of 1a and 1b are shown to contain a central paddlewheel-like M(2)(hpp)(4) core with Mo-Mo = 2.1708(8) A (from CH(2)Cl(2)), 2.1574(5) A (from CDCl(3)), W-W = 2.2328(2) A (from CDCl(3)), and M-N = 2.09(1) (av) A. The Cl ligands are axially ligated (linear Cl-M-M-Cl) with abnormally long M-Cl bond distances that, in turn, depend on the presence or absence of hydrogen bonding to chloroform. The quadruply bonded compounds M(2)(hpp)(4), 2a (M = Mo), and 2b (M = W), can be prepared from the reactions between 1,2-M(2)R(2)(NMe(2))(4) compounds, where R = (i)()Bu or p-tolyl, and Hhpp (4 equiv) in benzene by ligand replacement and reductive elimination. The compounds 2a and 2b are readily oxidized, and in chloroform they react to form 1a and 1b, respectively. The electronic structure and bonding in the compounds 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b have been investigated using gradient corrected density functional theory employing Gaussian 98. The bonding in the M-M quadruply bonded compounds, 2a and 2b, reveals M-M delta(2) HOMOs and extensive mixing of M-M pi and nitrogen ligand lone-pair orbitals in a manner qualitatively similar to that of the M(2)(formamidinates)(4). The calculations indicate that in the chloride compounds, 1a and 1b, the HOMO is strongly M-Cl sigma antibonding and weakly M-M sigma bonding in character. Formally there is a M-M triple bond of configuration pi(4)sigma(2), and the LUMO is the M-M delta orbital. An interesting mixing of M-M and M-Cl pi interactions occurs, and an enlightening analogy emerges between these d(4)-d(4) and d(3)-d(3) dinuclear compounds and the bonding in C(2), C(2)H(2), and C(2)Cl(2), which is interrogated herein by simple theoretical calculations together with the potential bonding in axially ligated compounds where strongly covalent M-X bonds are present. The latter were represented by the model compounds M(2)(hpp)(4)(H)(2). On the basis of calculations, we estimate the reactions M(2)(hpp)(4) + X(2) to give M(2)(hpp)(4)X(2) to be enthalpically favorable for X = Cl but not for X = H. These results are discussed in terms of the recent work of Cotton and Murillo and our attempts to prepare parallel-linked oligomers of the type [[bridge]-[M(2)]-](n)().     

First complexes of scandium and yttrium with NNO and NNS heteroscorpionate ligands

The reaction of ScCl(3)(THF)(3) or YCl(3) in a 1:1 molar ratio under reflux for 8 h with [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)] [bdmpza = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate], [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)] [bdmpzdta = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)dithioacetate], and (Hbdmpze) [bdmpze = 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)ethoxide] affords the corresponding complexes [MCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzx)(THF)] (x = a, M = Sc (1), Y (2); x = dta, M = Sc (3), Y (4); x = e, M = Sc (5), Y (6)). However, when the reaction was carried out for 1 h under reflux between ScCl(3)(THF)(3) and [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)], a new anionic complex [Li(THF)(4)][ScCl(3)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)] (7) was obtained. Reaction of [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)] with YCl(3) in a 2:1 molar ratio under reflux for 8 h gave the complex [YCl(kappa(3)-bdmpza)(2)] (8). The same reaction, but with the lithium compound [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)], led to the formation of an anionic complex [Li(THF)(4)][YCl(3)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)] (9). The X-ray crystal structures of 7 and 9 were established. Finally, the addition of 1 equiv of [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)] or [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)] to a solution of YCl(3) in THF under reflux, followed by the addition of 1 equiv of 1,10-phenanthroline, resulted in the formation of the corresponding complexes [YCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzx)(phen)] (x = a (10), x = dta (11)). These complexes are the first examples of group 3 metals stabilized by heteroscorpionate ligands. In addition, we have explored the reactivity of some of these complexes with alcohols and amides. For example, the direct reaction of [YCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpza)(THF)] (2) with several alcohols gave the alkoxide complexes [YCl(kappa(3)-bdmpza)(OR)] (R = Et (12), iPr (13)). Finally, the reaction between [ScCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)(THF)] (3) or [Li(THF)(4)][ScCl(3)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)] (7) and LiN(SiMe(3))(2).Et(2)O in 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios gave rise to the complexes [ScCl(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta){N(SiMe(3))(2)}] (14) and [Sc(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta){N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)] (15), respectively.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of a new family of heterometallic cyanide-bridged Fe(III)2M(II)2 (M=Mn, Ni, and Co) square complexes

New heterobimetallic tetranuclear complexes of formula [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Mn(II)(bpy)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·CH(3)CN (1), [Fe(III){HB(pz)(3)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Ni(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (2a), [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Ni(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (2b), [Fe(III){HB(pz)(3)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Co(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (3a), and [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Co(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (3b), [HB(pz)(3)(-) = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate, B(Pz)(4)(-) = tetrakis(1-pyrazolyl)borate, dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine] have been synthesized and structurally and magnetically characterized. Complexes 1-3b have been prepared by following a rational route based on the self-assembly of the tricyanometalate precursor fac-[Fe(III)(L)(CN)(3)](-) (L = tridentate anionic ligand) and cationic preformed complexes [M(II)(L')(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) (L' = bidentate α-diimine type ligand), this last species having four blocked coordination sites and two labile ones located in cis positions. The structures of 1-3b consist of cationic tetranuclear Fe(III)(2)M(II)(2) square complexes [M = Mn (1), Ni (2a and 2b), Co (3a and 3b)] where corners are defined by the metal ions and the edges by the Fe-CN-M units. The charge is balanced by free perchlorate anions. The [Fe(L)(CN)(3)](-) complex in 1-3b acts as a ligand through two cyanide groups toward two divalent metal complexes. The magnetic properties of 1-3b have been investigated in the temperature range 2-300 K. A moderately strong antiferromagnetic interaction between the low-spin Fe(III) (S = 1/2) and high-spin Mn(II) (S = 5/2) ions has been found for 1 leading to an S = 4 ground state (J(1) = -6.2 and J(2) = -2.7 cm(-1)), whereas a moderately strong ferromagnetic interaction between the low-spin Fe(III) (S = 1/2) and high-spin Ni(II) (S = 1) and Co(II) (S = 3/2) ions has been found for complexes 2a-3b with S = 3 (2a and 2b) and S = 4 (3a and 3b) ground spin states [J(1) = +21.4 cm(-1) and J(2) = +19.4 cm(-1) (2a); J(1) = +17.0 cm(-1) and J(2) = +12.5 cm(-1) (2b); J(1) = +5.4 cm(-1) and J(2) = +11.1 cm(-1) (3a); J(1) = +8.1 cm(-1) and J(2) = +11.0 cm(-1) (3b)] [the exchange Hamiltonian being of the type H? = -J(S?(i)·S?(j))]. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to substantiate the nature and magnitude of the exchange magnetic coupling observed in 1-3b and also to analyze the dependence of the exchange magnetic coupling on the structural parameters of the Fe-C-N-M skeleton.     

Intervalent Bis(μ‐aziridinato)MII?MI Complexes (M=Rh,Ir): Delocalized Metallo‐Radicals or Delocalized Aminyl Radicals?

Reactions of the methoxo complexes [{M(mu-OMe)(cod)}(2)] (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene, M=Rh, Ir) with 2,2-dimethylaziridine (Haz) give the mixed-bridged complexes [{M(2)(mu-az)(mu-OMe)(cod)(2)}] [(M=Rh, 1; M=Ir, 2). These compounds are isolated intermediates in the stereospecific synthesis of the amido-bridged complexes [{M(mu-az)(cod)}(2)] (M=Rh, 3; M=Ir, 4). The electrochemical behavior of 3 and 4 in CH(2)Cl(2) and CH(3)CN is greatly influenced by the solvent. On a preparative scale, the chemical oxidation of 3 and 4 with [FeCp(2)](+) gives the paramagnetic cationic species [{M(mu-az)(cod)}(2)](+) (M=Rh, [3](+); M=Ir, [4](+)). The Rh complex [3](+) is stable in dichloromethane, whereas the Ir complex [4](+) transforms slowly, but quantitatively, into a 1:1 mixture of the allyl compound [(eta(3),eta(2)-C(8)H(11))Ir(mu-az)(2)Ir(cod)] ([5](+)) and the hydride compound [(cod)(H)Ir(mu-az)(2)Ir(cod)] ([6](+)). Addition of small amounts of acetonitrile to dichloromethane solutions of [3](+) and [4](+) triggers a fast disproportionation reaction in both cases to produce equimolecular amounts of the starting materials 3 and 4 and metal--metal bonded M(II)--M(II) species. These new compounds are isolated by oxidation of 3 and 4 with [FeCp(2)](+) in acetonitrile as the mixed-ligand complexes [(MeCN)(3)M(mu-az)(2)M(NCMe)(cod)](PF(6))(2) (M=Rh, [8](2+); M=Ir, [9](2+)). The electronic structures of [3](+) and [4](+) have been elucidated through EPR measurements and DFT calculations showing that their unpaired electron is primarily delocalized over the two metal centers, with minor spin densities at the two bridging amido nitrogen groups. The HOMO of 3 and 4 and the SOMO of [3](+) and [4](+) are essentially M--M d-d sigma*-antibonding orbitals, explaining the formation of a net bonding interaction between the metals upon oxidation of 3 and 4. Mechanisms for the observed allylic H-atom abstraction reactions from the paramagnetic (radical) complexes are proposed.     

Facile synthesis of rhodium and iridium complexes bearing a [PEP]-type ligand (E = Ge or Sn) via E-C bond cleavage

Rhodium and iridium complexes bearing a tridentate [PEP] type ligand ([PEP] = {o-(Ph(2)P)C(6)H(4)}(2)E(Me); E = Ge or Sn) were synthesized through the phosphine exchange reaction accompanied by selective E-C bond cleavage. The ligand precursors {o-(Ph(2)P)C(6)H(4)}(2)EMe(2) (E = Ge or Sn) were readily obtained in excellent yields by treating {o-(Ph(2)P)C(6)H(4)}(2)Li with 0.5 equivalents of Me(2)ECl(2). Tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(i) carbonyl hydride M(H)(CO)(PPh(3))(3) (M = Rh, Ir) cleaved one of the E-Me bonds of {o-(Ph(2)P)C(6)H(4)}(2)EMe(2) exclusively to afford the trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) complexes, [PEP]M(CO)(PPh(3)). Square-planar rhodium complexes [PEP]Rh(PPh(3)) were also prepared from the reactions of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(i) hydride Rh(H)(PPh(3))(4) with {o-(Ph(2)P)C(6)H(4)}(2)EMe(2). Further, the trans influence of group 14 elements E (E = Si, Ge, Sn) in [PEP]Rh(PPh(3)) is discussed in terms of the (1)J(Rh-P) coupling constants, indicating that E exhibited a stronger trans labilizing effect in the order Sn < Ge < Si.     

Isomerism in rhodium(I) N,S-donor heteroscorpionates: ring substituent and ancillary ligand effects

The heteroscorpionate ligands [HB(taz)(2)(pz(R))](-) (pz(R) = pz, pz(Me2), pz(Ph)) and [HB(taz)(pz)(2)](-), synthesised from the appropriate potassium hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate salt and 4-ethyl-3-methyl-5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazole (Htaz), react with [{Rh(cod)(μ-Cl)}(2)] to give [Rh(cod)Tx] {Tx = HB(taz)(2)(pz), HB(taz)(2)(pz(Me2)), HB(taz)(2)(pz(Ph)), HB(taz)(pz)(2)}; the heteroscorpionate rhodaboratrane [Rh{B(taz)(2)(pz(Me2))}{HB(taz)(2)(pz(Me2))}] is the only isolable product from the reaction of [{Rh(nbd)(μ-Cl)}(2)] with K[HB(taz)(2)(pz(Me2))]. Carbonylation of the cod complexes gave a mixture of [Rh(CO)(2)Tx] and [(RhTx)(2)(μ-CO)(3)] which reacts with PR(3) to give [Rh(CO)(PR(3))Tx] (R = Cy, NMe(2), Ph, OPh). In the solid state the complexes are square planar with the particular structure dependent on the steric and/or electronic properties of the scorpionate and ancillary ligands. The complex [Rh(cod){HB(taz)(pz)(2)}] has the heteroscorpionate κ(2)[N(2)]-coordinated to rhodium with the B-H bond directed away from the rhodium square plane while [Rh(cod){HB(taz)(2)(pz(Me2))}] is κ(2)[SN]-coordinated, with the B-H bond directed towards the metal. The complexes [Rh(CO)(PPh(3)){HB(taz)(2)(pz)}] and [Rh(CO)(PPh(3)){HB(taz)(2)(pz(Me2))}] are also κ(2)[SN]-coordinated but with the pyrazolyl ring cis to PPh(3); in the former the B-H bond is directed towards rhodium while in the latter the ring is pseudo-parallel to the rhodium square plane, as also found for [Rh(CO)(2){HB(taz)(2)(pz(Me2))}]. The analogues [Rh(CO)(PR(3)){HB(taz)(2)(pz(Me2))}] (R = Cy, NMe(2)) have the phosphines trans to the pyrazolyl ring. Uniquely, [Rh(CO)(PPh(3)){HB(taz)(2)(pz(Ph))}] is κ(2)[S(2)]-coordinated. A qualitative mechanism is given for the rapid ring-exchange, and hence isomerisation, observed in solution.     

Transition metal complexes with wide-angle dithio-, diseleno- and ditelluroethers: properties and structural systematics

The ligands o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)EMe)(2) (E = S or Se) have been prepared and characterised spectroscopically. A systematic study of the coordination chemistry of these, together with the telluroether analogue, o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)TeMe)(2), with late transition metal centers has been undertaken. The planar complexes [MCl(2){o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)SMe)(2)}] and [M{o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)EMe)(2)}(2)](PF(6))(2) (M = Pd or Pt; E = S or Se), the distorted octahedral [RhCl(2){o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)EMe)(2)}(2)]Y (E = S or Se: Y = PF(6); E = Te: Y = Cl) and [RuCl(2){o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)EMe)(2)}(2)] (E = S, Se or Te), the dithioether-bridged binuclear [{RuCl(2)(p-cymene)}(2){micro-o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)SMe)(2)}] and the tetrahedral [M'{o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)EMe)(2)}(2)]BF(4) (M' = Cu or Ag; E = S, Se or Te) have been obtained and characterised by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, (63)Cu, (77)Se{(1)H}, (125)Te{(1)H} and (195)Pt), electrospray MS and microanalyses. Crystal structures of the parent o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)SMe)(2) and seven complexes are described, which show three different stereoisomeric forms for the chelated ligands, as well as the first example of a bridging coordination mode in [{RuCl(2)(p-cymene)}(2){micro-o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)SMe)(2)}]. These studies reveal the consequences of the sterically demanding o-xylyl backbone, which typically leads to unusually obtuse E-M-E chelate angles of approximately 100 degrees .     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of new tetranuclear Ru-Hbpp-based water-oxidation catalysts

The preparation of three new octadentate tetranucleating ligands made out of two Ru-Hbpp-based units [where Hbpp is 3,5(bispyridyl)pyrazole], linked by a xylyl group attached at the pyrazolate moiety, of general formula (Hbpp)(2)-u-xyl (u = p, m, or o) is reported, together with its dinucleating counterpart substituted at the same position with a benzyl group, Hbpp-bz. All of these ligands have been characterized with the usual analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The corresponding tetranuclear ruthenium complexes of general formula {[Ru(2)(trpy)(2)(L)](2)(μ-(bpp)(2)-u-xyl)}(n+) [L = Cl or OAc, n = 4; L = (H(2)O)(2), n = 6] and their dinuclear homologues {[Ru(2)(trpy)(2)(L)](μ-bpp-bz)}(n+) [L = Cl or OAc, n = 2; L = (H(2)O)(2), n = 3] have also been prepared and thoroughly characterized both in solution and in the solid state. In solution, all of the complexes have been characterized spectroscopically by UV-vis and NMR and their redox properties investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry techniques. In the solid state, monocrystal X-ray diffraction analysis has been carried out for two dinuclear complexes {[Ru(2)(trpy)(2)(L)](μ-bpp-bz)}(2+) (L = Cl and OAc) and for the tetranuclear complex {[Ru(2)(trpy)(2)(μ-OAc)](2)(μ-(bpp)(2)-m-xyl)}(4+). The capacity of the tetranuclear aqua complexes {[Ru(2)(trpy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2)(μ-(bpp)(2)-u-xyl)}(6+) and the dinuclear homologue {[Ru(2)(trpy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](μ-bpp-bz)}(3+) to act as water-oxidation catalysts has been evaluated using cerium(IV) as the chemical oxidant in pH = 1.0 triflic acid solutions. It is found that these complexes, besides generating significant amounts of dioxygen, also generate carbon dioxide. The relative ratio of [O(2)]/[CO(2)] is dependent not only on para, meta, or ortho substitution of the xylylic group but also on the concentration of the starting materials. With regard to the tetranuclear complexes, the one that contains the more sterically constrained ortho-substituted ligand generates the highest [O(2)]/[CO(2)] ratio.     

An uncommon highly oxidized multiple bonded Re2(8+) species

A long-sought metal-metal bonded species with an M(2)(8+) core has been structurally characterized. The diamagnetic compound {[Re(2)(hpp)(3)(OH)(O(3)SCF(3))](2)(μ-O)(2)}(O(3)SCF(3))(2), 2, has two σ(2)π(4) electron-poor triple-bonded Re(2)(8+) units embraced by three bicyclic guanidinate ligands (hpp) and axial OH and triflate groups; the two dimetal units are held together by bridging oxo-groups.     

Hydrolytic behaviour and chloride ion binding capability of [Ru(η6-p-cym)(H2O)3]2+: a solution equilibrium study

Hydrolysis of an organometallic cation, [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(3)](2+) (p-cym = 1-isopropyl-4-methylbenzene), in the presence of 0.20 M KNO(3) or KCl as supporting electrolyte was studied in detail with the combined use of pH-potentiometry, (1)H-NMR, UV-VIS and ESI-TOF-MS. Stoichiometry and stability constants of chlorido, hydroxido and mixed chlorido-hydroxido complexes formed in aqueous solution have been determined. At pH < 4.0 where hydrolysis of [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(3)](2+) is negligible with increasing chloride ion concentration two chlorido complexes, [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(2)Cl](+) and [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-Cl)(3)](+), are detectable. At pH > 5.0, in chloride ion free samples the exclusive formation of [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-OH)(3)](+) is found. However, if chloride ion is present (in the range 0-3.50 M) novel mixed chlorido-hydroxido species, [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(2)-Cl)](+) and [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-OH)(μ(2)-Cl)(2)](+) can also be identified at pH > 4.0. The results obtained in this study may help in rationalizing the solution behaviour of half-sandwich [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(XY)Z] type complexes which, after dissociation of both the monodentate Z and the chelating XY, are capable of yielding the free aqua species [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(3)](2+). Our results demonstrate that different chloride ion concentrations can influence the speciation in the acidic pH range but at biologically relevant conditions (pH = 7.4, c(Cl(-)) = 0.16 M) and at c(M) = 1 μM [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-OH)(3)](+) is predominant in the absence of any coordinating ligands.     

Niobium- and tantalum-based ethylene polymerisation catalysts bearing methylene- or dimethyleneoxa-bridged calixarene ligands

Treatment of p-tert-butylcalix[6]areneH(6) (H(6)tBu-L) or p-tert-butylcalix[8]areneH(8) (H(8)tBu-L(1)) with [MCl(5)] (M=Nb, Ta) in refluxing toluene or dichloromethane affords, after work-up, the complexes [{M(NCMe)Cl(2)}(2)(tBu-L)] (M=Nb (1), Ta (2)) and [(MCl(2))(2)(tBu-L(1)H(2))] (M=Nb (4), Ta (5)), respectively. Complex 1, as well as [{Nb(2)(mu-O)(2)(mu-Cl)(tBu-LH)}(2)] (3), is also available from [NbOCl(3)] and H(6)tBu-L. Reaction of [MOCl(3)] (M=Nb, Ta) with Li(3)(tBu-L(2)) in diethyl ether, where H(3)tBu-L(2) is p-tert-butylhexahomotrioxacalix[3]areneH(3), affords, after work-up, the trimeric complexes [{M(tBu-L(2))(mu-O)}(3)] (M=Nb (6), Ta (7)). The behaviour of 1 to 7 (not 3), as well as the known complexes [{(MCl)p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene}(2)] (M=Nb (8), Ta (9)) and [(MCl(2))p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene(OMe)] (M=Nb (10), Ta (11)), as pro-catalysts for the polymerisation of ethylene has been investigated. In the presence of dimethyl (or diethyl)aluminium chloride, methylaluminoxane or trimethylaluminium, these niobium and tantalum procatalysts are all active (<35 g mmol(-1) h(-1) bar(-1)), for the polymerisation of ethylene affording high-molecular-weight linear polyethylene. The dimethyleneoxa-bridged systems (derived from 6 and 7) are more active (84 and 46 g mmol(-1) h(-1) bar(-1), respectively) than the methylene-bridged systems. The molecular structures of 1-6 and 10 (acetonitrile solvate) are reported.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Heterodinuclear IrCo, RuCo, IrNi, and RuNi Complexes Containing Pyrazolate and Pyrazolylborate Ligands

Treatment of the metallo ligands [ML(pz)(2)(Hpz)] (pz = pyrazolate; L = C(5)Me(5), M = Ir (1); L = mesitylene, M = Ru (3)) with [M'Cl{HB(3-i-Pr-4-Br-pz)(3)}] (M' = Co (4), Ni (5)) yields heterodinuclear complexes of formula [LM(&mgr;-pz)(2)(&mgr;-Cl)M'{HB(3-i-Pr-4-Br-pz)(3)}] (L = C(5)Me(5); M = Ir; M' = Co (6), Ni (7). L = mesitylene; M = Ru; M' = Co (8)). The related complex [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(pz)(2)(Hpz)] (2) reacts with equimolar amounts of 4 or 5 to give mixtures of the corresponding bis(&mgr;-pyrazolato) &mgr;-chloro complexes [(eta(6)-p-cymene)Ru(&mgr;-pz)(2)(&mgr;-Cl)M'{HB(3-i-Pr-4-Br-pz)(3)}] (M' = Co (9), Ni (10)) and the triply pyrazolato-bridged complexes [(eta(6)-p-cymene)Ru(&mgr;-pz)(3)M'{HB(3-i-Pr-4-Br-pz)(3)}] (M' = Co (11), Ni (12)). Complex 1 reacts with 5 in the presence of KOH to give the IrNi complex [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Ir(&mgr;-pz)(3)Ni{HB(3-i-Pr-4-Br-pz)(3)}] (13) whereas its reaction with 4 and KOH rendered the bis(&mgr;-pyrazolato) &mgr;-hydroxo complex [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Ir(&mgr;-pz)(2)(&mgr;-OH)Co{HB(3-i-Pr-4-Br-pz)(3)}] (14). The molecular structure of the heterobridged IrCo complex (6) and those of the homobridged RuNi (12) and IrNi (13) complexes have been determined by X-ray analyses. Compound 6 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, with a = 10.146(5) ?, b = 18.435(4) ?, c = 22.187(13) ?, beta = 97.28(4) degrees, and Z = 4. Complex 12 is monoclinic, space group P2(1), with a = 10.1169(7) ?, b = 21.692(2) ?, c = 11.419(1) ?, beta = 112.179(7) degrees, and Z = 2. Compound 13 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Cc, with a = 13.695(2) ?, b = 27.929(6) ?, c = 13.329(2) ?, beta = 94.11(4) degrees, and Z = 4. All the neutral complexes 6, 12, and 13 consist of linear M.M'.B backbones with two (6) or three (12, 13) pyrazolate ligands bridging the dimetallic M.M' units and three substituted 3-i-Pr-4-Br-pz groups joining M' to the boron atoms. The presence in the proximity of the first-row metal M' of the three space-demanding isopropyl substituents of the pyrazolate groups induces a significant trigonal distortion of the octahedral symmetry, yielding clearly different M'-N bond distances on both sides of the ideal octahedral coordination sphere of these metals.     

Molecular wheels of ruthenium and osmium with bridging chalcogenolate ligands: edge-shared-octahedron structures and metal-ion binding

Inventing new wheels: reaction of [M(3)(CO)(12) ] (M=Ru, Os) with 4-RC(6)H(4)SH afforded [{M(S-4-RC(6)H(4))(2)(CO)(2)}(8)] (R=H; I) or [{M(S-4-RC(6)H(4))(2)(CO)(2)}(6)] (R=Me, iPr; II; see scheme), all of which have been structurally characterized. The octamers I are unique metal molecular wheels featuring skew-edge-shared octahedra with a central planar M(8) octagon. [{Ru(S-4-iPrC(6)H(4))(2)(CO)(2)}(6)] selectively binds a Cu(+) or Ag(+) ion to form [M'{Ru(S(4-iPr-C(6)H(4)))(2)(CO)(2)}(6)](+) (III).     

Auration, argentation, and mercuration reactions of an iridaphosphirene

The reactions of the iridaphosphirene complex [Ir{=C(tBu)P(Cy)}(CO)(PPh3)2] (Cy = cyclohexyl) with either [AuCl(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) or AgCl result in the products [Ir{=C(tBu)P[M(Cl)](Cy)}(CO)(PPh3)2], M = Au or Ag. The aurated product can additionally be obtained on reaction of the iridaphosphirene with [AuCl(CNtBu)], via loss of the isocyanide ligand. Treatment of [Ir{=C(tBu)P(Cy)}(CO)(PPh3)2] with [AuCl(PPh3)] in the presence of silver triflate leads to the isolation of the salt, [Ir{=C(tBu)P[Au(PPh3)](Cy)}(CO)(PPh3)2][SO3CF3]. Reaction of the iridaphosphirene with PhHgCl in the absence or presence of silver triflate affords the mercurated species [Ir{=C(tBu)P[Hg(Ph)](Cy)}(CO)(PPh3)2]X, X = Cl or CF3SO3, respectively. The former exhibits a weakly mercury-coordinated chloride ion. The X-ray crystal structures of all of the complexes are described.     

Facilitating access to the most easily ionized molecule: an improved synthesis of the key intermediate, W2(hpp)4Cl2, and related compounds

A far superior synthesis is reported for W(2)(hpp)(4)Cl(2), a key intermediate in the synthesis of the most easily ionized closed-shell molecule W(2)(hpp)(4) (hpp = the anion of the bicyclic guanidine compound 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidine). At 200 degrees C, the one-pot reaction of the air-stable and commercially available compounds W(CO)(6) and Hhpp in o-dichlorobenzene produces W(2)(hpp)(4)Cl(2) in multigram quantities with isolated yields of over 90%. At lower temperatures, the reaction can lead to other compounds such as W(Hhpp)(2)(CO)(4) or W(2)(mu-CO)(2)(mu-hpp)(2)(eta(2)-hpp)(2), which are isolable in good purity depending upon the specific conditions employed. These compounds provide insight into the reaction pathway to W(2)(hpp)(4)Cl(2) and W(2)(hpp)(4). Two additional derivatives, W(2)(hpp)(4)X(2) where X is PF(6)(-) or the anion tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate (TFPB), have also been synthesized and structurally characterized. A comparison of the electrode potentials of W(2)(mu-CO)(2)(mu-hpp)(2)(eta(2)-hpp)(2) and the di-p-anisylformamidinate analogue shows that oxidation of the hpp compound is significantly displaced (1.12 V) and shows that the bicyclic guanidinate ligand is considerably better than the formamidinate anion at stabilizing high oxidation states. A differential pulse voltammogram of W(2)(hpp)(4)(TFPB)(2) in THF shows two reduction processes with an E(1/2) of -0.97 V for the first and -1.81 V (vs Ag/AgCl) for the second. DFT calculations on the W(2)(hpp)(4)(2+) units in W(2)(hpp)(4)X(2) compounds show that the metal-metal bonding orbitals are destabilized by the axial ligands, which accounts for significant variations in the W-W distances. The low-energy gas-phase ionizations of W(2)(hpp)(4) are also reported and discussed.     

A homoleptic hydrotris(methimazolyl)borate complex of titanium

The reaction of [Ti(2)(micro-Cl)(2)(thf)(2)(eta-C(8)H(8))(2)] with Na[HB(mt)(3)] (mt = methimazolyl) provides the unusual salt [Ti{HB(mt)(3)}(2)][TiCl(4)(thf)(2)], the cation of which features homoleptic Ti(III)S(6) coordination.     

Synthesis and characterisation of group nine transition metal complexes containing new mesityl and naphthyl based azaindole scorpionate ligands

Two novel boron-based flexible scorpionate ligands based on 7-azaindole, Li[HB(azaindolyl)(2)(1-naphthyl)] and Li[HB(azaindolyl)(2)(mesityl)] {Li[(Naphth)Bai] and Li[(Mes)Bai] respectively}, have been prepared (mesityl = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl). These salts have been isolated in two forms, either as dimeric structures which contain bridging hydride interactions with the lithium centres or as crystalline material containing mono nuclear bis-acetonitrile solvates. The newly formed ligands have been utilised to prepare a range of group nine transition metal complexes with the general formula [M(COD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(Ar)}] (where M = rhodium, iridium; Ar = 1-naphthyl, mesityl; COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) and [Rh(NBD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(Ar)}] (where NBD = 2,5-norbornadiene; Ar = 1-naphthyl, mesityl). These new complexes have been compared to the previously reported compounds which contain the related scorpionate ligands Li[HB(azaindolyl)(2)(phenyl)] and K[HB(azaindolyl)(3)] {Li[(Ph)Bai] and K[Tai] respectively}. Structural characterisation of the complexes [Rh(COD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(mesityl)}], [Ir(COD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(mesityl)}] and [Rh(NBD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(naphthyl)}] confirm the expected κ(3)-NNH coordination mode for these new ligands. Spectroscopic analysis suggests strong interactions of the B-H functional group with the metal centres in all cases.     

Trapping of hemiquinone radicals at Mo and P sites by phosphide-bridged dimolybdenum species: chemistry of complexes [Mo2(eta5-C5H5)2(OC6H4OH)(mu-PR2)(CO)4] and [Mo2(eta5-C5H5)2{mu-PR(OC6H4OH)}(CO)4]- (R = Cy, Ph)

The phosphide-bridged dimolybdenum complexes (H-DBU)[Mo2Cp2(mu-PR2)(CO)4] (R= Cy, Ph; DBU = 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0.]undec-7-ene) react with p-benzoquinone to give the hemiquinone complexes [Mo(2)Cp2(OC6H4OH)(mu-PR2)(CO)4]. The latter experience facile homolytic cleavage of the corresponding Mo-O bonds and react readily at room temperature with HSPh or S2Ph2 to give the thiolate complexes [Mo2Cp2(mu-PCy2)(mu-SPh)(CO)4] or [Mo2Cp2(mu-PR2)(mu-SPh)(CO)2]. In contrast, PRH-bridged substrates experience overall insertion of quinone into the P-H bond to give the anionic compounds (H-DBU)[Mo(2)Cp2{mu-PR(OC6H4OH)}(CO)4], which upon acidification yield the corresponding neutral hydrides. The cyclohexyl anion experiences rapid nucleophilic displacement of the hemiquinone group by different anions ER- (ER = OH, OMe, OC4H5, OPh, SPh) to give novel anionic compounds (H-DBU)[Mo2Cp2{mu-PCy(ER)}(CO)4], which upon acidification yield the corresponding neutral hydrides. The structure of four of these hydride complexes [PPh(OC6H4OH), PCy(OH), PCy(OMe), and PCy(OPh) bridges] was determined by X-ray diffraction methods and confirmed the presence of cis and trans isomers in several of these complexes. In addition, it was found that the hydroxyphosphide anion [Mo2Cp2{mu-PCy(OH)}(CO)4]- displays in solution an unprecedented tautomeric equilibrium with its hydride-oxophosphinidene isomer [Mo2Cp2(mu-H){mu-PCy(O)}(CO)4]-.