Synthesis,structure, and reactivity of some sterically hindered (Silylamino)phosphines

A series of new (silylamino)phosphines that contain sterically bulky silyl groups on nitrogen were prepared by deprotonation/substitution reactions of the hindered disilylamines t-BuR(2)Si(Me(3)Si)NH (1, R = Me; 2, R = Ph) and (Et(3)Si)(2)NH (3). Sequential treatment of the N-lithio derivatives of 1-3 with PCl(3) or PhPCl(2) and MeLi gave the corresponding (silylamino)phosphines t-BuR(2)Si(Me(3)Si)NP(R')Me (5, R = Me, R' = Ph; 6, R = Ph, R' = Me) and (Et(3)Si)(2)NP(R)Me (11, R = Me; 12, R = Ph) in high yields. Two of the P-chloro intermediates t-BuR(2)Si(Me(3)Si)NP(Ph)Cl (7, R = Ph; 9, R = Me) were also isolated and fully characterized. Hydrolysis of 7 afforded the crystalline PH-substituted aminophosphine oxide t-BuPh(2)SiN(H)P(Ph)(=O)H (10). Thermal decomposition of 7 occurred with elimination of Me(3)SiCl and formation of a novel P(2)N(2) four-membered ring system (36) that contains both P(III) and P(V) centers. Reactions of the N-lithio derivatives of amines 1 and 2 with phosphorus trihalides afforded the thermally stable -PF(2) derivatives t-BuR(2)Si(Me(3)Si)NPF(2) (13, R = Me; 14, R = Ph) and the unstable -PCl(2) analogue 17 (R = Ph). Reduction (using LiAlH(4)) of the SiPh-substituted dihalophosphines 14 and 17 gave the unstable parent phosphine t-BuPh(2)Si(Me(3)Si)NPH(2) (15). The P-organo-substituted (silylamino)phosphines underwent oxidative bromination to afford high yields of the corresponding N-silyl-P-bromophosphoranimines t-BuR(2)SiN=P(R')(Me)Br (18, R = R' = Me; 19, R = Me, R' = Ph; 20, R = Ph, R' = Me) and Et(3)SiN=P(R)(Me)Br (23, R = Me; 24, R = Ph). Subsequent treatment of these reactive PBr compounds with lithium trifluoroethoxide or phenoxide produced the corresponding PO derivatives t-BuR(2)SiN=P(R')(Me)OR' ' (25 and 26, R' ' = CH(2)CF(3); 28-30, R' ' = Ph) and Et(3)SiN=P(R)(Me)OR' (31 and 33, R' = CH(2)CF(3); 32 and 34, R = Ph), respectively. Many of the new compounds containing the bulky tert-butyldiphenylsilyl group, t-BuPh(2)Si, were solids that gave crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction studies. Consequently, the crystal structures of three (silylamino)phosphines (6, 7, and 14), one (silylamino)phosphine oxide (10), one N-silylphosphoranimine (30), and the cyclic compound 36 were determined. Among the (silylamino)phosphines, the P-N bond distances [6, N-PMe(2), 1.725(3) A; 7, N-P(Ph)Cl, 1.68(1) A, 14, N-PF(2), 1.652(4) A] decreased significantly as the electron-withdrawing nature of the phosphorus substituents increased. The N-silylphosphoranimine t-BuPh(2)SiN=PMe(2)OPh (30), which is a model system for poly(phosphazene) precursors, had a much shorter P=N distance of 1.512(6) A and a wide Si-N-P bond angle of 166.4(3) degrees. A similar P=N bond distance [1.514(7) A] and Si-N-P angle [169.9(6) degrees ] were observed for the exocyclic P=N-Si linkage in the ring compound 36, while the phosphine oxide 10 had P-N and P=O distances of 1.637(4) and 1.496(3) A, respectively, and a Si-N-P angle of 134.3(2) degrees.     

Bimetallic fluorine-substituted anilido-aldimine zinc complexes for CO2/(cyclohexene oxide) copolymerization

Regioselective nucleophilic aromatic substitution of an o-fluorine occurs to afford fluorine-substituted o-phenylene-bridged bis(anilido-aldimine) compounds o-C6H4[(C6H2R2)N=CH-C6F4-(H)N(C6H3R'2)]2 when Li(H)N-C6H3R'2 (R' = iPr, Et, Me) is reacted with o-C6H4[(C6H2R2)N=CH-C6F5]2 (R = iPr, Et, Me) in a nonpolar solvent such as diethyl ether or toluene. Successive additions of Me2Zn and SO2 gas to the bis(anilido-aldimine) compounds afford quantitatively dinuclear mu-methylsulfinato zinc complexes o-C6H4[[(C6H2R2)N=CH-C6F4-N(C6H3R'2)-kappa2N,N]Zn(mu-OS(O)Me)]2 (R = iPr, R' = iPr, 3a; R = iPr, R' = Me, 3c; R = Et, R' = (i)Pr, 3d; R = Et, R' = Et, 3e; R = Et, R' = Me, 3f; R = Me, R' = iPr, 3g; R = Me, R' = Et, 3h; R = Me, R' = Me, 3i). The molecular structure of 3c was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Fluorine-substituted complexes 3a-i show significantly higher TOF (turnover frequencies) than the unfluorinated analogues for CO2/(cyclohexene oxide) copolymerization. The TOF is highly sensitive to the substituents R and R', and the highest TOF (2480 h(-1)) is obtained with 3g (R = Me, R' = iPr). Complex 3g is less sensitive to the residual protic impurities present in the monomers and shows activity at such a low catalyst concentration as [Zn]:[cyclohexene oxide] = 1:50,000, at which the unfluorinated analogue is completely inactive. By realizing the activity at such an extremely low [Zn]:[cyclohexene oxide] ratio, we achieve a high TON (turnover number) up to 10,100. High-molecular-weight polymers (M(n), 100,000-200,000) are obtained with a rather broad molecular-weight distribution (M(w)/M(n), 1.3-2.5). The obtained polymers are not perfectly alternating, and variable carbonate linkages (65-85%) are observed depending on the N-aryl ortho substituents R and R' and the polymerization conditions.     

Bimetallic anilido-aldimine zinc complexes for epoxide/CO2 copolymerization

Acyclic o-phenylene-bridged bis(anilido-aldimine) compounds, o-C(6)H(4){C(6)H(2)R(2)N=CH-C(6)H(4)-(H)N(C(6)H(3)R'(2))}(2) and related 30-membered macrocyclic compounds, o-C(6)H(4){C(6)H(2)R'(2)N=CH-C(6)H(4)-(H)N-C(6)H(2)R(2)}(2) (o-C(6)H(4)) are prepared. Successive additions of Me(2)Zn and SO(2) gas to the bis(anilido-aldimine) compounds afford quantitatively dinuclear mu-methylsulfinato zinc complexes, o-C(6)H(4){(C(6)H(2)R(2)N=CH-C(6)H(4)-N(C(6)H(3)R'(2))-kappa(2)-N,N)Zn(mu-OS(O)Me)}(2) (R = iPr and R' = iPr, 29; R = Et and R' = Et, 30; R = Me and R'= Me, 31; R = Me and R' = iPr, 32; R = Et and R' = Me, 33; R = Et and R' = iPr, 34; R = iPr and R' = Et, 35) and o-C(6)H(4){C(6)H(2)R'(2)N=CH-C(6)H(4)-N-C(6)H(2)R(2)-kappa(2)-N,N)Zn(mu-OS(O)Me)}(2) (o-C(6)H(4)) (R = Et and R'= Et, 36; R = Me and R' = Me, 37; R = iPr and R' = Me, 38; R = Et and R' = Me, 39; R = Me and R'= iPr, 40). Molecular structures of 34 and 40 are confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Complexes 30-35 show high activity for cyclohexene oxide/CO(2) copolymerization at low [Zn]/[monomer] ratio (1:5600), whereas the complex of mononucleating beta-diketiminate {[(C(6)H(3)Et(2))N=C(Me)CH=C(Me)N(C(6)H(3)Et(2))]Zn(mu-OS(O)Et)}(2) shows negligible activity in the same condition. Activity is sensitive to the N-aryl ortho substituents and the highest activity is observed with 32. Turnover number up to 2980 and molecular weight (M(n)) up to 284 000 are attained with 32 at such a highly diluted condition as [Zn]/[monomer] = 1:17 400. Macrocyclic complexes 36-40 show negligible activity for copolymerization.     

Lithium aluminates on a molecular titanium oxide

Lithium aluminates Li[Al(O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))R'(3)] (R' = Et, Ph) react with the μ(3)-alkylidyne oxoderivative ligands [{Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(μ-O)}(3)(μ(3)-CR)] [R = H (1), Me (2)] to afford the aluminum-lithium-titanium cubane complexes [{R'(3)Al(μ-O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))Li}(μ(3)-O)(3){Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))}(3)(μ(3)-CR)] [R = H, R' = Et (5), Ph (7); R = Me, R' = Et (6), Ph (8)]. Complex 7 evolves with the formation of a lithium dicubane species and a Li{Al(μ-O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))Ph(3)}(2)] unit.     

Synthesis,structure, and reactivity of some N-phosphorylphosphoranimines

A large series of new N-phosphorylphosphoranimines that bear potentially reactive functional groups on both phosphorus centers were prepared by silicon-nitrogen bond cleavage reactions of N-silylphosphoranimines. Thus, treatment of the N-silylphosphoranimines, Me(3)SiN=P(Me)(R)X (R = Me, Ph; X = OCH(2)CF(3) and R = Me, X = OPh), with phosphoryl chlorides, RP(=O)Cl(2) (R' = Cl, Me, Ph), readily afforded the corresponding N-phosphoryl derivatives, R'P(=O)(Cl)-N=P(Me)(R)X, in high yields. Subsequent reaction with 1 or 2 equiv of the silylamine, Me(3)SiNMe(2), resulted in ligand exchange at the phosphoryl (P=O) group to give the P-dimethylamino analogues, R'P(=O)(NMe(2))N=P(Me)(R)X (R' = Cl, NMe(2), Me, Ph; R = Me, Ph; X = OCH(2)CF(3), OPh). These new N-phosphorylphosphoranimines (and one thiophosphoryl analogue) were obtained as thermally stable, distillable liquids and were characterized by NMR ((1)H, (13)C, and (31)P) spectroscopy and elemental analysis. One member of the series, Cl(2)P(=O)N=P(Me)(Ph)OCH(2)CF(3) (4), was also studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction which revealed that the formal P(O)-N single bond [1.55(1) A] is shorter than the formal N=PR(2)X double bond [1.60(1) A]. Such structural features are compared to those of similar compounds and discussed in relationship to the unexpected thermolysis pathways observed for these N-phosphorylphosphoranimines, none of which produced poly(phosphazenes).     

PtII-mediated 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of oxazoline N-oxides to nitriles as a key step to dihydrooxazolo-1,2,4-oxadiazoles

A novel type of heterocycle, viz., 2,3a-disubstituted 5,6-dihydro-3aH-[1,3]oxazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]oxadiazoles, was generated by an intermolecular PtII-mediated 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (1,3-DCA) between the oxazoline N-oxide C(Me)2CH2OC(R)=N+(O-) (R = Me, Et) and coordinated nitriles in the complexes trans/cis-[PtCl2(R'CN)2] [R' = Me, Et, CH2Ph, Ph, N(C5H10)]. The reaction is unknown for free RCN and oxazoline N-oxides, but under PtII-mediated conditions, it proceeds smoothly (CH2Cl2, 20-25 degrees C, 18-20 h) and gives pure complexes [PtCl2{N=C(R')ONC(R)OCH2CMe2}2] [R/R' = Me/Me, 1; Me/Et, 2; Me/CH2Ph, 3; Me/Ph, 4; Me/N(C5H10), 5; Et/Me, 6; Et/Et, 7; Et/CH2Ph, 8; Et/Ph, 9; Et/N(C5H10), 10] in 42-84% yields after column chromatography. Compounds 1-10 were characterized by elemental analyses (C, H, N), FAB+-MS, IR, and 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies, and X-ray diffraction (for 1, 2, 5, and 9). With the exception of benzonitrile complexes, 1,3-DCA of oxazoline N-oxides to the PtII-ligated nitriles occurred diastereoselectively and afforded mixtures of enantiomers. Depending on the substituents on nitriles, asymmetric atoms in both of the formed heterocyclic ligands have the same (SS/RR) or different (SR/RS) configurations. The heterocyclic ligands were liberated from 1-4 and 6-9 by treatment with excess ethane-1,2-diamine (en) in CH2Cl2 for 1 day at 20-25 degrees C (for R' = Me, Et, CH2Ph) and at 50 degrees C (for R' = Ph) to achieve the free organic species and the well-known [Pt(en)2](Cl)2; the products were separated, and 2,3a-disubstituted 5,6-dihydro-3aH-[1,3]oxazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]oxadiazoles (11-18) were characterized by ESI+-MS and 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies.     

Synthesis and characterization of R2PN=P(iBuNCH2CH2)3N: a new bulky electron-rich phosphine for efficient Pd-assisted Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions

Pro-azaphosphatrane 1a [P(iBuNCH2CH2)3N] reacts with iodine under mild conditions to give [IP(iBuNCH2CH2)3N]I in excellent yield, which on subsequent reaction with ammonia followed by deprotonation with KOtBu provided HN=P(iBuNCH2CH2)3N (3a) in quantitative yield. Reaction of 3a with R'2PCl afforded sterically bulky electron-rich phosphines of the type R'2PN=P(iBuNCH2CH2)3N (4) [R'=Ph (4a), iPr (4b), tBu (4c)]. The Pd(OAc)2/4c catalyst system was particularly efficient for the coupling of arylboronic acids with aryl bromides as well as aryl chlorides to give biaryls in excellent yields.     

Amidoximes provide facile platinum(II)-mediated oxime-nitrile coupling

The nucleophilic addition of amidoximes R'C(NH(2))═NOH [R' = Me (2.Me), Ph (2.Ph)] to coordinated nitriles in the platinum(II) complexes trans-[PtCl(2)(RCN)(2)] [R = Et (1t.Et), Ph (1t.Ph), NMe(2) (1t.NMe(2))] and cis-[PtCl(2)(RCN)(2)] [R = Et (1c.Et), Ph (1c.Ph), NMe(2) (1c.NMe(2))] proceeds in a 1:1 molar ratio and leads to the monoaddition products trans-[PtCl(RCN){HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}]Cl [R = NMe(2); R' = Me ([3a]Cl), Ph ([3b]Cl)], cis-[PtCl(2){HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}] [R = NMe(2); R' = Me (4a), Ph (4b)], and trans/cis-[PtCl(2)(RCN){HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}] [R = Et; R' = Me (5a, 6a), Ph (5b, 6b); R = Ph; R' = Me (5c, 6c), Ph (5d, 6d), correspondingly]. If the nucleophilic addition proceeds in a 2:1 molar ratio, the reaction gives the bisaddition species trans/cis-[Pt{HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}(2)]Cl(2) [R = NMe(2); R' = Me ([7a]Cl(2), [8a]Cl(2)), Ph ([7b]Cl(2), [8b]Cl(2))] and trans/cis-[PtCl(2){HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}(2)] [R = Et; R' = Me (10a), Ph (9b, 10b); R = Ph; R' = Me (9c, 10c), Ph (9d, 10d), respectively]. The reaction of 1 equiv of the corresponding amidoxime and each of [3a]Cl, [3b]Cl, 5b-5d, and 6a-6d leads to [7a]Cl(2), [7b]Cl(2), 9b-9d, and 10a-10d. Open-chain bisaddition species 9b-9d and 10a-10d were transformed to corresponding chelated bisaddition complexes [7d](2+)-[7f](2+) and [8c](2+)-[8f](2+) by the addition of 2 equiv AgNO(3). All of the complexes synthesized bear nitrogen-bound O-iminoacylated amidoxime groups. The obtained complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, high-resolution ESI-MS, IR, and (1)H NMR techniques, while 4a, 4b, 5b, 6d, [7b](Cl)(2), [7d](SO(3)CF(3))(2), [8b](Cl)(2), [8f](NO(3))(2), 9b, and 10b were also characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Regioselective HON-addition of bifunctional hydrazone oximes to Pt(IV)-bound nitriles

Treatment of trans-[PtCl(4)(RCN)(2)](R = Me, Et) with the hydrazone oximes MeC(=NOH)C(R')=NNH(2)(R' = Me, Ph) at 45 degrees C in CH(2)Cl(2) led to the formation of trans-[PtCl(4)(NH=C(R)ON=C(Me)C(R')=NNH(2))(2)](R/R' = Me/Ph 1, Et/Me 2, Et/Ph 3) due to the regioselective OH-addition of the bifunctional MeC(=NOH)C(R')=NNH(2) to the nitrile group. The reaction of 3 and Ph(3)P=CHCO(2)Me allows the formation of the Pt(II) complex trans-[PtCl(2)(NH=C(Et)ON=C(Me)C(Ph)=NNH(2))2](4). In 4, the imine ligand was liberated by substitution with 2 equivalents of bis(1,2-diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) in CDCl(3) to give, along with the free ligand, the solid [Pt(dppe)(2)]Cl(2). The free iminoacyl hydrazone, having a restricted life-time, decomposes at 20-25 degrees C in about 20 h to the parent organonitrile and the hydrazone oxime. The Schiff condensation of the free NH(2) groups of 4 with aromatic aldehydes, i.e. 2-OH-5-NO(2)-benzaldehyde and 4-NO(2)-benzaldehyde, brings about the formation of the platinum(II) complexes trans-[PtCl(2)(NH=C(Et)ON=C(Me)C(Ph)=NN=CH(C(6)H(3)-2-OH-5-NO(2))2](5) and trans-[PtCl(2)(NH=C(Et)ON=C(Me)C(Ph)=NN=CH(C(6)H(4)-4-NO(2))2](6), respectively, containing functionalized remote peripherical groups. Metallization of 5, which can be considered as a novel type of metallaligand, was achieved by its reaction with M(OAc)(2).nH(2)O (M = Cu, n= 2; M = Co, n= 4) in a 1:1 molar ratio furnishing solid heteronuclear compounds with composition [Pt]:[M]= 1:1. The complexes were characterized by C, H, N elemental analyses, FAB+ mass-spectrometry, IR, 1H, 13C[1H] and (195)Pt NMR spectroscopies; X-ray structures were determined for 3, 4 and 5.     

Iron complexes for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone: steric and electronic effects imposed by alkyl substituents at phosphorus

A series of iron(II) complexes, trans-[Fe(NCMe)(2)(PR(2)CH(2)CH═NCH(2)CH(2)N═CHCH(2)PR(2))][BPh(4)](2) (5, R = Cy; 7, R = iPr; 9, R = Et) were prepared via the template synthesis in one-pot involving air-stable phosphonium dimers, [cyclo-(-PR(2)CH(2)CH(OH)-)(2)](Br)(2) (4, R = Cy; 6, R = iPr; 8, R = Et), KOtBu, [Fe(H(2)O)(6)][BF(4)](2) and ethylenediamine in acetonitrile. In the synthesis of 9, a methanol/acetonitrile solvent mixture was required; otherwise an intermediate iron bis(tridentate) complex, [Fe(PEt(2)CH(2)CH═NCH(2)CH(2)NH(2))(2)](2+), formed as determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The crude iron(II) complexes from a template synthesis with ethylenediamine or (S,S)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine are stirred in acetone under a CO atmosphere (～2 atm) overnight to displace a NCMe ligand; however, in addition to this, bromide displaces an NCMe ligand as well to form a new class of the iron complexes trans-[Fe(CO)(Br)(PR(2)CH(2)CH═NCHR'CHR'N═CHCH(2)PR(2))](+) (10 R = Cy, R' = H; (S,S)-11, R = Cy, R' = Ph; 12, R = iPr, R' = H; (S,S)-13, R = iPr, R' = Ph; 14, R = Et, R' = H; (S,S)-15, R = Et, R' = Ph). These complexes were isolated in moderate yields (55-84%) as tetraphenylborate salts. Complexes 10-15 were tested for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone in basic iso-propanol at 25 and 50 °C. The complexes 10-13 (where R = Cy or iPr) were inactive while the complexes 14 and (S,S)-15 (where R = Et) were active at 25 °C but had better activity at 50 °C. Complex (S,S)-15 was higher in activity than complex 14, achieving turnover frequencies as high as 4100 h(-1), conversions of acetophenone to (R)-1-phenylethanol as high as 80% and an enantiomeric excess (e.e.) of 50% in the product. As catalysis progressed, the e.e. diminished to as low as 26%.     

Construction of titanasiloxanes by incorporation of silanols to the metal oxide model [(Ti(eta 5-C5Me5)(mu-O))3(mu3-CR)]: DFT elucidation of the reaction mechanism

A family of novel titanasiloxanes containing the structural unit {[Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))O](3)} were synthesized by hydron-transfer processes involving reactions with equimolecular amounts of mu(3)-alkylidyne derivatives [{Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(mu-O)}(3)(mu(3)-CR)] (R=H (1), Me (2)) and monosilanols, R(3)'Si(OH), silanediols, R(2)'Si(OH)(2), and the silanetriol tBuSi(OH)(3). Treatment of 1 and 2 with triorganosilanols (R'=Ph, iPr) in hexane affords the new metallasiloxane derivatives [{Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(mu-O)}(3)(mu-CHR)(OSiR(3)')] (R=H, R'=Ph (3), iPr (4); R=Me, R'=Ph (5), iPr (6)). Analogous reactions with silanediols, (R'=Ph, iPr), give the cyclic titanasiloxanes [{Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(mu-O)}(3)(mu-O(2)SiR'(2))(R)] (R=Me, R'=Ph (7), iPr (8); R=Et, R'=Ph (9), iPr (10)). Utilization of tBuSi(OH)(3) with 1 or 2 at room temperature produces the intermediate complexes [{Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) (mu-O)}(3)(mu-O(2)Si(OH)tBu)(R)] (R=Me (11), Et(12)). Further heating of solutions of 11 or 12 affords the same compound with an adamantanoid structure, [{Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(mu-O)}(3)(mu-O(3)SitBu)] (13) and methane or ethane elimination, respectively. The X-ray crystal structures of 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 13 have been determined. To gain an insight into the mechanism of these reactions, DFT calculations have been performed on the incorporation of monosilanols to the model complex [{Ti(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(mu-O)}(3)(mu(3)-CMe)] (2 H). The proposed mechanism consists of three steps: 1) hydron transfer from the silanol to one of the oxygen atoms of the Ti(3)O(3) ring, forming a titanasiloxane; 2) intramolecular hydron migration to the alkylidyne moiety; and 3) a mu-alkylidene ligand rotation to give the final product.     

Subtle reactivity patterns of non-heteroatom-substituted manganese alkynyl carbene complexes in the presence of phosphorus probes

The non-heteroatom-substituted manganese alkynyl carbene complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn=C(R)C[triple bond]CR'(3; 3a: R = R'= Ph, 3b: R = Ph, R'= Tol, 3c: R = Tol, R'= Ph) have been synthesised in high yields upon treatment of the corresponding carbyne complexes [eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn[triple bond]CR][BPh4]([2][BPh4]) with the appropriate alkynyllithium reagents LiC[triple bond]CR' (R'= Ph, Tol). The use of tetraphenylborate as counter anion associated with the cationic carbyne complexes has been decisive. The X-ray structures of (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn=C(Tol)C[triple bond]CPh (3c), and its precursor [(eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn=CTol][BPh4]([2b](BPh4]) are reported. The reactivity of complexes toward phosphines has been investigated. In the presence of PPh3, complexes act as a Michael acceptor to afford the zwitterionic sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)=C=C(PPh3)R' (5) resulting from nucleophilic attack by the phosphine on the remote alkynyl carbon atom. Complexes 5 exhibit a dynamic process in solution, which has been rationalized in terms of a fast [NMR time-scale] rotation of the allene substituents around the allene axis; metrical features within the X-ray structure of (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(Ph)=C=C(PPh3)Tol (5b) support the proposal. In the presence of PMe3, complexes undergo a nucleophilic attack on the carbene carbon atom to give zwitterionic sigma-propargylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)(PMe3)C[triple bond]CR' (6). Complexes 6 readily isomerise in solution to give the sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R')=C=C(PMe3)R (7) through a 1,3 shift of the [(eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn] fragment. The nucleophilic attack of PPh2Me on 3 is not selective and leads to a mixture of the sigma-propargylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)(PPh(2)Me)C[triple bond]CR' (9) and the sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)=C=C(PPh(2)Me)R' (10). Like complexes 6, complexes 9 readily isomerize to give the sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R')=C=C(PPh2Me)R'). Upon gentle heating, complexes 7, and mixtures of 10 and 10' cyclise to give the sigma-dihydrophospholium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC=C(R')PMe2CH2CH(R)(8), and mixtures of complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC=C(Ph)PPh2CH2CH(Tol)(11) and (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC=C(Tol)PMe2CH2CH(Ph)(11'), respectively. The reactions of complexes 3 with secondary phosphines HPR(1)(2)(R1= Ph, Cy) give a mixture of the eta2-allene complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn[eta2-{R(1)(2)PC(R)=C=C(R')H}](12), and the regioisomeric eta4-vinylketene complexes [eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)Mn[eta4-{R(1)(2)PC(R)=CHC(R')=C=O}](13) and (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)Mn[eta4-{R(1)(2)PC(R')=CHC(R)=C=O}](13'). The solid-state structure of (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn[eta2-{Ph2PC(Ph)=C=C(Tol)H}](12b) and (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)Mn[eta4-{Cy2PC(Ph)=CHC(Ph)=C=O}](13d) are reported. Finally, a mechanism that may account for the formation of the species 12, 13, and 13' is proposed.     

A Route to 1,2,4-oxadiazoles and their complexes via platinum-mediated 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxides to organonitriles

A significant activation of the Ctbd1;N group in organonitriles upon their coordination to a platinum(IV) center has been found in the reaction of [PtCl(4)(RCN)(2)] (R = Me, Et, CH(2)Ph) with the nitrile oxides 2,4,6-R'(3)C(6)H(2)CNO (R' = Me, OMe) to give the (1,2,4-oxadiazole)platinum(IV) complexes (R = Me, R' = Me (1); R = Et, R' = Me (2); R = Et, R' = OMe (3); R = CH(2)Ph, R' = Me (4)); the [2 + 3] cycloaddition was performed under mild conditions (unless poor solubility of [PtCl(4)(RCN)(2)] precludes the reaction) starting even from complexed acetonitrile and propionitrile, which exhibit low reactivity in the free state. The reaction between complexes 2-4 and 1 equiv of Ph(3)P=CHCO(2)Me in CH(2)Cl(2) leads to the appropriate platinum(II) complexes (5-7); the reduction failed only in the case of 1 insofar as this complex is insoluble in the most common organic solvents. All the platinum compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, FAB mass spectrometry, and IR and (1)H, (13)C((1)H), and (195)Pt NMR spectroscopies, and three of them also by X-ray crystallography. The oxadiazoles formed in the course of the metal-mediated reaction were liberated almost quantitatively from their Pt(IV) complexes by reaction of the latter (complexes 2-4) with an excess of pyridine in chloroform, giving free 1,2,4-oxadiazoles and trans-[PtCl(4)(pyridine)(2)]; the sequence of the Pt(IV)-mediated [2 + 3] cycloaddition and the liberation opens up an alternative route for the preparation of this important class of heterocycles.     

Synthesis and coordination properties of new bis(phosphinomethyl)pyridine N,P,P'-trioxides

In a search for more hydrocarbon solvent soluble derivatives of the parent ligand, 2,6-[Ph(2)P(O)CH(2)](2)C(5)H(3)NO (1a), a series of new ligands, 2,6-[R(2)P(O)CH(2)](2)C(5)H(3)NO [R = Bz (1b); Tol (1c); Et (1d); Pr (1e); Bu (1f); Pn (1g); Hx (1h); Hp (1i); and Oct (1j)] and 2,6-[RR'P(O)CH(2)](2)C(5)H(3)NO [R = Ph, R' = Bz (2a); R = Ph, R' = Me (2b); R = Ph, R' = Hx (2c); R = Ph, R' = Oct (2d)], have been prepared by either Arbusov or Grignard substitutions on 2,6-bis(chloromethyl)pyridine followed by N-oxidation. The new ligands have been characterized by spectroscopic methods, and their coordination chemistry with selected lanthanide ions has been surveyed. Several 1:1 and 2:1 ligand/metal complexes have been isolated, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses for Nd(2a)(NO(3))(3), Er(2a)(NO(3))(3), Yb(1d)(NO(3))(3), and [Nd(1c)(2)](NO(3))(3) are described. The new structural data are discussed in relation to the structures of complexes formed by 1a.     

Chemistry and stereochemistry of the interaction of the water-soluble phosphine [HO(CH2)3]3P with cinnamaldehyde in aqueous media

To learn more about the bleaching action of pulps by (hydroxymethyl)phosphines, cinnamaldehyde was reacted with tris(3-hydroxypropyl)phosphine, [HO(CH2)3]3P (THPP), in aqueous solution at room temperature under argon. Self-condensation of the aldehyde into two isomeric products, 2-benzyl-5-phenyl-pent-2,4-dienal and 5-phenyl-2-(phenylmethylene)-4-pentenal, is observed; this implies initial nucleophilic attack of the phosphine at the beta-carbon of the alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde. Reaction in D2O gives the same products in which all but the phenyl and CHO protons are replaced by deuterons. NMR studies are consistent with carbanion formation and subsequent condensation of two phosphonium-containing aldehyde moieties to generate the products with concomitant elimination of phosphine oxide. In D2O in the presence of HCl, THPP reversibly attacks the aldehyde-C atom to form the (alpha-hydroxy)phosphonium derivative [PhCH=C(H)CH(OD)PR3]Cl (where R=(CH2)3OD), which slowly converts into the deuterated bisphosphonium salt [R3PCH(Ph)CD(H)CH(OD)PR3]Cl2 via the deuterated monophosphonium salt [R3PCH(Ph)CD(H)CHO]Cl. The phosphonium intermediates and phosphonium products in this chemistry, although having up to three chiral carbon centers, are formed with high stereoselectivity just in enantiomeric forms. In acetone-H2O (1:1 v/v), a cross-condensation of cinnamaldehyde with acetone to give 6-phenyl-3,5-hexadien-2-one is promoted by THPP via generation of OH-.     

Synthesis and characterization of mixed-substituent N-silylphosphoranimines

The preparation of a large series of new N-silyl-P-alkylphosphoranimines and their (silylamino)phosphine precursors is reported. Oxidative bromination of the P-functional (silylamino)phosphines, (Me(3)Si)(2)NP(R)X [R = n-Pr, n-Bu, i-Pr, t-Bu; X = Br, OR' (R' = CH(2)CF(3), Ph)], occurred smoothly at 0 degrees C and afforded the desired P-bromophosphoranimines, Me(3)SiN=P(R)(X)Br. Nucleophilic substitution reactions of the P-dibromo members of this series with LiOR' gave the corresponding P-trifluoroethoxy- and P-phenoxyphosphoranimines, Me(3)SiN=P(R)(OR')(2) (R' = CH(2)CF(3), Ph). All of these N-silylphosphoranimines, which are potential precursors to new cyclic and/or polymeric phosphazenes, were obtained as thermally stable, distillable liquids and were characterized by NMR ((1)H, (13)C, and (31)P) spectroscopy and elemental analysis.     

Platinum(IV)-mediated nitrile-sulfimide coupling: a route to heterodiazadienes

Pt(IV)-mediated addition of the sulfimide Ph2S = NH and the mixed sulfide/sulfimides o- and p-[PhS(=NH)](PhS)-C6H4 by the S=NH group to the metal-bound nitriles in the platinum(IV) complexes [PtCl4(RCN)2] proceeds smoothly at room temperature in CH2Cl2 and results in the formation of the heterodiazadiene compounds [PtCl4[NH=C(R)N=SR'Ph]2] (R' = Ph, R = Me, Et, CH2Ph, Ph; R' = o- and p-(PhS)C6H4; R = Et). While trans-[PtCl4(RCN)2] (R = Et, CH2Ph, Ph) reacting with Ph2S=NH leads exclusively to trans-[PtCl4[NH=C(R)N=SPh2]2], cis/trans-[PtCl4(MeCN)2] leads to cis/trans mixtures of [PtCl4[NH=C(Me)N=SPh2]2] and the latter have been separated by column chromatography. Theoretical calculations at both HF/HF and MP2//HF levels for the cis and trans isomers of [PtCl4[NH=C(Me)N=SMe2]2] indicate a higher stability for the latter. Compounds trans-[PtCl4[E-NH=C(R)N=SPh2]2] (R = Me, Et) and cis-[PtCl4[E-NH=C(Me)N=SPh2][Z-NH=C(Me)N=SPh2]] have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. The complexes [PtCl4[NH=C(R)N=SPh2]2] undergo hydrolysis when treated with HCl in nondried CH2Cl2 to achieve the amidines [PtCl4[NH=C(NH2)R]2] the compound with R = Et has been structurally characterized) and Ph2SO. The heterodiazadiene ligands, formed upon Pt(IV)-mediated RCN/sulfimide coupling, can be liberated from their platinum(IV) complexes [PtCl4[NH=C(R)N=SR'Ph]2] by reaction with Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2 (dppe) giving free NH=C(R)=SR'Ph and the dppe oxides, which constitutes a novel route for such rare types of heterodiazadienes whose number has also been extended. The hybrid sulfide/sulfimide species o- and p-[PhS(=NH)](PhS)C6H4 also react with the Pt(II) nitrile complex [PtCl2(MeCN)2] but the coupling--in contrast to the Pt(IV) species--gives the chelates [PtCl2[M-I=C(Me)N=S(Ph)C6H4SPh]]. The X-ray crystal structure of [PtCl2[M-I=C(Me)N=S(Ph)C6H4SPh-o]] reveals the bond parameters within the metallacycle and shows an unusual close interaction of the sulfide sulfur atom with the platinum.     

Oligomeric allyl-palladium(II) complexes of β-substituted ethylselenolates: syntheses, structures and thermal decomposition

Tri-nuclear allyl-palladium complexes, [Pd(μ-SeCH(2)CH(2)COOR)(η(3)-C(3)H(4)R')](3) (R = H, Me, Et and R' = H, Me), have been synthesized by the reaction of [Pd(2)(μ-Cl)(2)(η(3)-C(3)H(4)R')(2)] with NaSeCH(2)CH(2)COOR. These complexes exist in a dynamic equilibrium with a dimeric form in solution and are fluxional at room temperature as shown by variable temperature (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The DFT calculations indicate that there is a negligible energy difference between the dimer and the trimer, and suggest that the delicate balance between the steric factors and angular strain decides the reaction products. These complexes (with R' = H) on treatment with [Pd(2)(μ-Cl)(2)(η(3)-C(3)H(5))(2)] afforded hetero-bridged complexes [Pd(2)(μ-Cl)(μ-SeCH(2)CH(2)COOR)(η(3)-C(3)H(5))(2)] (R = Me, Et). All the complexes have been characterized by NMR ((1)H, (13)C, (77)Se) spectroscopy. The molecular structure of [Pd(μ-SeCH(2)CH(2)COOEt)(η(3)-C(3)H(5))](3) revealed a chair conformation of the six-membered Pd(3)Se(3) ring, in which all the allyl groups lie at one side of the ring (similar to three axial 1,3,5-hydrogens of cyclohexane). Thermolysis of [Pd(μ-SeCH(2)CH(2)COOEt)(η(3)-C(3)H(5))](n) in diphenyl ether or hexadecylamine (HDA) yielded Pd(7)Se(4) as characterized by powder XRD.     

Chloride-bridged oxovanadium(V) complexes with alkoxyalkoxide ligands. Synthesis, structure, electrochemistry and reactivities

A series of mixed alkoxyalkoxo chloro complexes of vanadium(V), [VOCl2(OCH2CH2OR)]2 (R = Me, Et, iPr, Bz), [VOCl2(OCMe2CH2OMe)]2 and [VOCl2(OCH2(cyclo-C4H7O)]2, were synthesised and characterised. The title compounds can be obtained either from VOCl3 and the alkoxyalcohols by HCl elimination or from the corresponding lithium alkoxides and VOCl3 by salt metathesis reaction. X-Ray diffraction studies revealed the title compounds to be dimers with chloride bridging ligands and intramolecular ether coordination. Electrochemical results obtained by cyclic voltammetry indicate irreversible, reductive behaviour. The interactions of the title compounds with oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus donor ligands were examined. Phosphorus and nitrogen donors lead to reduction products whereas tetrahydrofuran coordinates to the vanadium(V) centre by breaking the chloride bridge. All tetrahydrofuran complexes, [VOCl2(OCH2CH2OR)(thf)] (R = Me, Et, iPr) and [VOCl2(OCMe2CH2OMe)(thf)], have been characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The solid-state structures of these complexes show that they consist of six-coordinate monomers. Reaction of [VOCl2(OCH2CH(2)OMe)]2 with Me3SiCH2MgCl gave [VO(CH2SiMe3)3], which has been structurally characterised. The compounds were tested as catalysts for epoxidation and polymerisation reactions. They convert unfunctionalised olefins into the corresponding epoxides with moderate activity. They are good pre-catalysts for the polymerisation of ethene and oligomerise 1-hexene.     

Direct addition of alcohols to organonitriles activated by ligation to a platinum(IV) center

Treatment of trans-[PtCl(4)(RCN)(2)] (R = Me, Et) with R'OH (R' = Me, Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu) at 45 degrees C in all cases allowed the isolation of the trans-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(R)OR'](2)] imino ester complexes, while the reaction between cis-[PtCl(4)(RCN)(2)] and the least sterically hindered alcohols (methanol and ethanol) results in the formation of cis-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(R)OR'](2)] (R/R' = Me/Me) or trans-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(Et)OR'](2)] (R' = Me, Et), the latter being formed via thermal isomerization (ROH, reflux, 3 h) of the initially formed corresponding cis isomers. The reaction between alcohols R'OH and cis-[PtCl(4)(RCN)(2)] (R = Me, R' = Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu; R = Et; R' = n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu), exhibiting greater R/R' steric congestion, allowed the isolation of cis-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(R)OR'][(Z)-NH=C(R)OR']] as the major products. The alcoholysis reactions of poorly soluble [PtCl(4)(RCN)(2)] (R = CH(2)Ph, Ph) performed under heterogeneous conditions, directly in the appropriate alcohol and for a prolonged time and, for R = Ph, with heating led to trans-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(R)OR'](2)] (R = CH(2)Ph, R' = Me, Et, n-Pr, i-Pr; R = Ph, R' = Me) isolated in moderate yields. In all of the cases, in contrast to platinum(II) systems, addition of R'OH to the organonitrile platinum(IV) complexes occurs under mild conditions and does not require a base as a catalyst. The formed isomerically pure (imino ester)Pt(IV) complexes can be reduced selectively, by Ph(3)P=CHCO(2)Me, to the corresponding isomers of (imino ester)Pt(II) species, exhibiting antitumor activity, without change in configuration of the imino ester ligands. Furthemore, the imino esters NH=C(R)OR' can be liberated from both platinum(IV) and platinum(II) complexes [PtCl(n)[H=C(R)OR'](2)] (n = 2, 4) by reaction with 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane and pyridine, respectively. All of the prepared compounds were characterized by elemental analyses (C, H, N), FAB mass spectrometry, IR, and (1)H, (13)C[(1)H], and (195)Pt (metal complexes) NMR spectroscopies; the E and Z configurations of the imino ester ligands in solution were determined by observation of the nuclear Overhauser effect. X-ray structure determinations were performed for trans-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(Me)OEt](2)] (2), trans-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(Et)OEt](2)] (10), trans-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(Et)OPr-i](2)] (11), trans-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(Et)OPr-n](2)] (12), and cis-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(Et)OMe](2)] (14). Ab initio calculations have shown that the EE isomers are the most stable ones for both platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes, whereas the most stable configurations for the ZZ isomers are less stable than the respective EZ isomers, indicating an increase of the stability on moving from the ZZ to the EE configurations which is more pronounced for the Pt(IV) complexes than for the Pt(II) species.