Gallium tri-chloride derivatives of the sterically demanding pyridines 2,6-Ar2C6H3N (Ar = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2 or 2,4,6-Pr3C6H2)

The sterically demanding pyridines 2,6-Ar₂C₆H₃N [Ar = 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂ (1) or 2,4,6-Prⁱ₃C₆H₂ (2)] were prepared by a palladium catalysed Kumada C–C coupling reaction in high yield. Pyridine 1 reacted with one equivalent of GaCl₃ to afford the tetra-chloro gallate–pyridinium ion pair complex [GaCl₄]⁻[2,6-(2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂)₂C₆H₃NH]⁺ (3). Contrastingly, pyridine 2 reacted with one equivalent of GaCl₃ to afford the anticipated donor-acceptor complex [GaCl₃{2,6-(2,4,6-Prⁱ₃C₆H₂)₂C₆H₃N}] (4). Complexes 1–4 have been characterised variously by single crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR, CHN, and mass spectrometry.     

Reactions of Mo(II)-tetraphosphine complex [MoCl2{meso-o-C6H4(PPhCH2CH2PPh2)2}] with a series of small molecules

Reactions of Mo(II)-tetraphosphine complex [MoCl₂(κ⁴-P4)] (2; P4 = meso-o-C₆H₄(PPhCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂) with a series of small molecules have been investigated. Thus, treatment of 2 with alkynes RCCR′ (R = Ph, R′ = H; R = p-tolyl, R′ = H; R = Me, R′ = Ph) in benzene or toluene gave neutral mono(alkyne) complexes [MoCl₂(RCCR′)(κ³-P4)] containing tridentate P4 ligand, which were converted to cationic complexes [MoCl(RCCR′)(κ⁴-P4)]Cl having tetradentate P4 ligand upon dissolution into CDCl₃ or CD₂Cl₂. The latter complexes were available directly from the reactions of 2 with the alkynes in CH₂Cl₂. On the other hand, treatment of 2 with 1 equiv. of XyNC (Xy = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) afforded a seven-coordinate mono(isocyanide) complex [MoCl₂(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)] (7), which reacted further with XyNC to give a cationic bis(isocyanide) complex [MoCl(XyNC)₂(κ⁴-P4)]Cl (8). From the reaction of 2 with CO, a mono(carbonyl) complex [MoCl₂(CO)(κ⁴-P4)] (9) was obtained as a sole isolable product. Reaction of 9 with XyNC afforded [MoCl(CO)(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)]Cl (10a) having a pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry with axial CO and XyNC ligands, whereas that of 7 with CO resulted in the formation of a mixture of 10a and its isomer 10b containing axial CO and Cl ligands. Structures of 7 and 9 as well as [MoCl(XyNC)₂(κ⁴-P4)][PF₆](8′) and [MoCl(CO)(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)][PF₆] (10a′) derived by the anion metathesis from 8 and 10a, respectively, were determined in detail by the X-ray crystallography.     

Complexation and metallation of Ph2PCC(CH2)5CCPh2 in triosmium carbonyl clusters

Reaction of Ph₂PCC(CH₂)₅CCPh₂ with Os₃(CO)₁₀(NCMe)₂ affords Os₃(CO)₁₀(μ,η²-(Ph₂P)₂C₉H₁₀) (1) and the double cluster [Os₃(CO)₁₀]₂(μ,η²- (Ph₂P)₂C₉H₁₀)₂ (2), through coordination of the phosphine groups. Thermolysis of 1 in toluene generates Os₃(CO)₇(μ-PPh₂)(μ₃,η⁵-Ph₂PC₉H₁₀) (3) and Os₃(CO)₈(μ-PPh₂)(μ₃,η⁶-Ph₂P(C₉H₁₀)CO) (4). The molecular structures of 1, 3, and 4 have been determined by an X-ray diffraction study. Both 3 and 4 contain a bridging phosphido group and a carbocycle connected to an osmacyclopentadienyl ring, which are apparently derived from C-P bond activation and C-C bond rearrangement of the dpndy ligand governed by the triosmium clusters.     

Electronic interactions in 1-ethynyl-2-phenyltetramethyldisilanes HCCSiMe2SiMe2C6H4X

1-Ethynyl-2-phenyltetramethyldisilanes HCCSiMe₂SiMe₂C₆H₄X [X = NMe₂ (1), H (2), CH₃ (3), Br (4), CF₃ (5)] are accessible from ClSiMe₂SiMe₂Cl, BrMgC₆H₄X and HCCMgBr in a two step Grignard reaction. The crystal structure of 1 as determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography exhibits a nearly planar PhNMe₂ moiety and an unusual gauche array of the phenyl and the acetylene group with respect to rotation around the Si-Si bond. Full geometry optimization (B3LYP/6-31+G^∗∗) of the gas phase structures of 1-5 affords minima for the gauche and the anti rotational isomers, both being very close in energy with a rotational barrier of only 3-5 kJ/mol. Experimental and calculated (time-dependent DFT B3LYP/TZVP) UV absorption data of 1-5 show pronounced electronic interactions of the HCC- and the C₆H₄X π-systems with the central Si-Si bond.     

Chiral “P-N-P” ligands, (C20H12O2)PN(R)PY2 [R = CHMe2, Y = C6H5, OC6H5, OC6H4-4-Me, OC6H4-4-OMe or OC6H4-4-Bu] and their allyl palladium complexes

Chiral “P-N-P” ligands, (C₂₀H₁₂O₂)PN(R)PY₂ [R = CHMe₂, Y = C₆H₅ (1), OC₆H₅ (2), OC₆H₄-4-Me (3), OC₆H₄-4-OMe (4) or OC₆H₄-4-^tBu (5)] bearing the axially chiral 1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-dioxy moiety have been synthesised. Palladium allyl chemistry of two of these chiral ligands (1 and 2) has been investigated. The structures of isomeric η³-allyl palladium complexes, (R′ = Me or Ph; Y = C₆H₅ or OC₆H₅) have been elucidated by high field two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The solid state structure of [Pd(η³-1,3-Ph₂-C₃H₃){κ²-(racemic)-(C₂₀H₁₂O₂)PN(CHMe₂)PPh₂}](PF₆) has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Preliminary investigations show that the diphosphazanes, 1 and 2 function as efficient auxiliary ligands for catalytic allylic alkylation but give rise to only moderate levels of enantiomeric excess.     

Group 12 metal aryl selenolates. Crystal and molecular structure of [2-(Et2NCH2)C6H4]2Se2 and [2-(Me2NCH2)C6H4Se]2M (M = Zn, Cd)

Diorganodiselenide [2-(Et₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]₂Se₂ (1) was obtained by hydrolysis/oxidation of the corresponding [2-(Et₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]SeLi derivative. The treatment of [2-(Et₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]₂Se₂ with elemental sodium in THF resulted in [2-(Et₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]SeNa (2). Reactions between alkali metal selenolates [2-(R₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]SeM′ (R = Me, Et; M′ = Li, Na) and MCl₂ (M = Zn, Cd) in a 2:1 molar ratio resulted in the [2-(R₂NCH₂)C₆H₄Se]₂M species [R = Me, M = Zn (3), Cd (4); R = Et, M = Zn (5), Cd (6)]. The new compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ⁷⁷Se, ¹¹³Cd) and mass spectrometry. The crystal and molecular structures of 1, 3 and 4 revealed monomeric species stabilized by N → Se (for 1) and N → M (for 3 and 4) intramolecular interactions.     

Heterometallic Pt-Ag and Pt2Ag transition metal complexes

Complexes of type {cis-[Pt](μ-σ,π-CCPh)₂}AgX (3a, [Pt] = (bipy′)Pt, X = FBF₃; 3b, [Pt] = (bipy′)Pt, X = FPF₅; 3c, [Pt] = (bipy)Pt, X = OClO₃; 3d, [Pt] = (bipy′)Pt, X = BPh₄; bipy′ = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine; bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) are accessible by combining cis-[Pt](CCPh)₂ (1a, [Pt] = (bipy′)Pt; 1b, [Pt] = (bipy)Pt) with equimolar amounts of [AgX] (2a, X = BF₄; 2b, X = PF₆; 2c, X = ClO₄; 2d, X = BPh₄). In 3a-3d the platinum(II) and silver(I) ions are connected by σ- and π-bonded phenyl acetylide ligands. When the molar ratio of 1 and 2 is changed to 2:1 then trimetallic [{cis-[Pt](μ-CCPh)₂}₂Ag]X (8a, [Pt] = (bipy)Pt, X = BF₄; 8b, [Pt] = (bipy′)Pt, X = PF₆; 8c, [Pt] = (bipy)Pt, X = BF₄) is produced. The solid state structure of 8a was determined by single X-ray crystal structure analysis. In 8a the silver(I) ion is embedded between two parallel oriented cis-[Pt](CCPh)₂ units. Within this structural arrangement the phenyl acetylides of individual [Pt](CCPh)₂ entities possess a μ-bridging position between Pt(II) and Ag(I). In addition, a very weak dative Pt → Ag interaction is found (Pt-Ag 2.8965(3) Å). The respective silver carbon distances Ag-C_α (2.548(7), 2.447(7) Å) and Ag-C_β (3.042(7), 2.799(8) Å)(PtC_αC_βPh) confirm this structural motif.Complexes 8a-8c isomerize in solution to form trimetallic [{cis-[Pt](μ-σ,π-CCPh)₂}₂Ag]X (9a, [Pt] = (bipy)Pt, X = BF₄; 9b, [Pt] = (bipy′)Pt, X = PF₆; 9c, [Pt] = (bipy)Pt, X = ClO₄). In the latter molecules the organometallic cation [{cis-[Pt](μ-σ,π- CCPh)₂}₂Ag]⁺ is set-up by two nearly orthogonal positioned [Pt](CCPh)₂ entities which are hold in close proximity by the group-11 metal ion. Within this assembly all four PhCC units are η²-coordinated to silver(I). A possible mechanism for the formation of 9 is presented.     

Study of ferrocenyl-substituted Co2(CO)6-bispropargylic alcohol complexes as substrates for the formation of chains and macrocycles

Treatment of [Fc-1-R¹-1′-R²] (R¹ = H, R² = CH(O); R¹ = H, R² = CMe(O); R¹ = R² = CMe(O)) with LiCCCH₂OLi (prepared in situ from HCCCH₂OH and n-BuLi) affords the ferrocenyl-substituted but-2-yne-1,4-diol compounds of general formula [Fc-1-R¹-1′-{CR(OH)CCCH₂OH}] (R¹ = R = H (1a); R¹ = H, R = Me (1b); R¹ = CMe(O), R = Me (1c)) in low to high yields, respectively (where Fc = Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄)₂). In the case of the reactions of [Fc-1-R¹-1′-R²] (R¹ = H, R² = CH(O); R¹ = R² = CMe(O)), the by-products [Fc-1-R¹-1′-{CR(OH)(CH₂)₃CH₃}] (R¹ = R = H (2a); R¹ = CMe(O), R = Me (2c)) along with minor quantities of [Fc-1,1′-{CMe(OH)(CH₂)₃CH₃}₂] (3) are also isolated; a hydrazide derivative of dehydrated 2c, [1-(CMeCHCH₂CH₂CH₃)-1′-(CMeNNH-2,4-(NO₂)₂C₆H₃)] (2c′), has been crystallographically characterised. Interaction of 1 with Co₂(CO)₈ smoothly generates the alkyne-bridged complexes [Fc-1-R¹-1′-{Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-CR(OH)CCCH₂OH}] (R¹ = R = H (4a); R¹ = H, R = Me(4b); R¹ = CMe(O), R = Me (4c)) in good yield. Reaction of 4a with PhSH, in the presence of catalytic quantities of HBF₄ · OEt₂, gives the mono- [Fc-1-H-1′-{Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-CH(SPh)CCCH₂OH}] (5) and bis-substituted [Fc-1-H-1′-{Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-CH(SPh)CCCH₂SPh}] (6) straight chain species, while with HS(CH₂)_nSH (n = 2,3) the eight- and nine-membered dithiomacrocylic complexes [Fc-1-H-1′-{cyclo-Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-CH(S(CH₂)_n-)CCCH₂S-}] [n = 2 (7a), n = 3 (7b)] are afforded. By contrast, during attempted macrocyclic formation using 4b and HSCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂SH dehydration occurs to give [Fc-1-H-1′-{Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-C(CH₂)CCCH₂OH}] (8). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies have been reported on 2c′, 4b, 4c, 7b and 8.     

Direct functionalization of the cyclometalated 2-(2′-pyridyl)phenyl ligand bound to iridium(III)

Treatment of [Ir(ppy)₂(μ-Cl)]₂ and [Ir(ppy)₂(dtbpy)][OTf] (ppy = 2-(2′-pyridyl)phenyl; dtbpy = 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine; OTf = triflate) with pyridinium tribromide in the presence of Fe powder led to isolation of [Ir(4-Br-ppy)(μ-Br)]₂ (1) and [Ir(4-Br-ppy)₂(dtbpy)][OTf] (2), respectively. Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling of 2 with RB(OH)₂ afforded [Ir(4-R-ppy)₂(dtbpy)][OTf] (R = 4′-FC₆H₄ (3)), 4′-PhC₆H₄ (4), 2′-thienyl (5), 4′-C₆H₄CH₂OH (6). Treatment of 4 with B₂(pin)₂ (pin = pinacolate) afforded [Ir{4-(pin)B-ppy}₂(dtbpy)][OTf] (7). The alkynyl complexes [Ir(4-PhCC-ppy)₂(dtbpy)][OTf] (8) and [Ir{4-Me₂(OH)CC-ppy}(4-Br-ppy)(dtbpy)][OTf] (9) were prepared by cross-coupling of 2 with PhCCSnMe₃ and Me₂C(OH)CCH, respectively. Ethynylation of [Ir(fppy)₂(dtbpy)][OTf] (fppy = 5-formyl-2-(2′-pyridyl)phenyl) with Ohira’s reagent MeCOC(N₂)P(O)(OEt)₂ afforded [Ir{5-HCC-ppy}₂(dtbpy)][OTf] (10). The solid-state structures of 2, 5, 7, and 10 have been determined.     

A comparative study of metallating agents in the synthesis of [C,N,N′]-cycloplatinated compounds derived from biphenylimines

The reactions of ligands 4-C₆H₅C₆H₄CHNCH₂CH₂NMe₂ (1a) and 2-C₆H₅C₆H₄CHNCH₂CH₂NMe₂ (1b) in front of cis-[PtCl₂(dmso)₂] or cis-[PtPh₂(SMe₂)₂] produced compounds [PtCl₂{4-C₆H₅C₆H₄CHNCH₂CH₂NMe₂}] (2aCl) and [PtCl₂{2-C₆H₅C₆H₄CHNCH₂CH₂NMe₂}] (2bCl) or [PtPh₂{4-C₆H₅C₆H₄CHNCH₂CH₂NMe₂}] (2aPh) and [PtPh₂{2-C₆H₅C₆H₄CHNCH₂CH₂NMe₂}] (2bPh). From all these compounds, the corresponding cyclometallated [C,N,N′] platinum(II) compounds 3aCl, 3bCl, 3aPh and 3bPh were obtained although under milder conditions and with higher yields for the phenyl derivatives. The reaction of compounds 3aPh and 3bPh with methyl iodide gave cyclometallated [C,N,N′] platinum(IV) compounds 4aPh and 4bPh of formula [PtMePhI{C₆H₅C₆H₃CHNCH₂CH₂NMe₂}]. Compounds 3aCl and 3bCl containing a chloro ligand, although unreactive towards methyl iodide, undergo oxidative addition of chlorine to produce the corresponding platinum(IV) compounds [PtCl₃{4-C₆H₅C₆H₃CHNCH₂CH₂NMe₂}] (6aCl and 6bCl). All compounds were characterised by NMR spectroscopy and crystal structures of compounds 3bCl and 6bCl are also reported.     

Steric and electronic effects in stabilizing allyl-palladium complexes of “P-N-P” ligands, X2PN(Me)PX2 (X = OC6H5 or OC6H3Me2-2,6)

The chemistry of η³-allyl palladium complexes of the diphosphazane ligands, X₂PN(Me)PX₂ [X = OC₆H₅ (1) or OC₆H₃Me₂-2,6 (2)] has been investigated.The reactions of the phenoxy derivative, (PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂ with [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(μ-Cl)]₂ (R′ = R″ = H or Me; R′ = H, R″ = Me) give exclusively the palladium dimer, [Pd₂{μ-(PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂}₂Cl₂] (3); however, the analogous reaction with [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(μ-Cl)]₂ (R′ = R″ = Ph) gives the palladium dimer and the allyl palladium complex [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(1)](PF₆) (R′ = R″ = Ph) (4). On the other hand, the 2,6-dimethylphenoxy substituted derivative 2 reacts with (allyl) palladium chloro dimers to give stable allyl palladium complexes, [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(2)](PF₆) [R′ = R″ = H (5), Me (7) or Ph (8); R′ = H, R″ = Me (6)].Detailed NMR studies reveal that the complexes 6 and 7 exist as a mixture of isomers in solution; the relatively less favourable isomer, anti-[Pd(η³-1-Me-C₃H₄)(2)](PF₆) (6b) and syn/anti-[Pd(η³-1,3-Me₂-C₃H₃)(2)](PF₆) (7b) are present to the extent of 25% and 40%, respectively. This result can be explained on the basis of the steric congestion around the donor phosphorus atoms in 2. The structures of four complexes (4, 5, 7a and 8) have been determined by X-ray crystallography; only one isomer is observed in the solid state in each case.     

Reactivity of C(sp)-Pd and C(sp)-Pd bonded palladacycles with diphosphines. Crystal and molecular structure of the novel A-frame complex [{Pd[2,5-Me2C6H2C(H)N(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)-C6]}2(μ-Ph2PCH2PPh2)2(μ-Cl)][PF6]

Treatment of the halogen-bridged complexes [Pd{2,5-Me₂C₆H₂C(H)N(2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂)-C6,N}(μ-X)]₂ (1a, X = Cl; 2a, X = Br) with the tertiary diphosphine Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂ (dppm), regardless of the molar ratio used, gave a mixture of two complexes: [Pd{2,5-Me₂C₆H₂C(H)N(2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂)-C6}(μ-Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)₂(μ-X)]₂[PF₆] (5a, X = Cl; 6a, X = Br), which presents an A-frame structure, and [Pd{2,5-Me₂C₆H₂C(H)N(2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂)-C6,N}(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂-P,P)][PF₆], 3a, with the diphosphine as chelating. The mixture could be separated and the corresponding complexes isolated. However, reaction of 1a and 2a with the diphosphine Ph₂PC(CH₂)PPh₂ (vdpp) exclusively gave the mononuclear complex [Pd{2,5-Me₂C₆H₂C(H)N(2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂)-C6,N}{Ph₂PC(CH₂)PPh₂-P,P}][PF₆], 4a, analogous to 3a. Treatment of the halogen-bridged complexes [Pd{1-CH₂-2-[HCN(2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂)]-4-MeC₆H₃-C,N}(μ-X)]₂ (1a′, X = Cl; 2a′, X = Br) with dppm or vdpp in a cyclometallated complex/diphosphine 1:2 M ratio, gave mononuclear complexes with the chelating diphospines [Pd{1-CH₂-2-[HCN(2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂)]-4-MeC₆H₃-C,N}(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂-P,P)][PF₆], 3a′, and [Pd{1-CH₂-2-[HCN(2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂)]-4-MeC₆H₃-C,N}{Ph₂PC(CH₂)PPh₂-P,P}][PF₆], 4a′. When the reaction was carried out using a cyclometallated complex/diphosphine 1:1 M ratio the dinuclear complexes [{Pd[1-CH₂-2-{HCN(2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂)}-4-MeC₆H₃-C,N]}₂(μ-X)(μ-Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)][Cl], (5a′, X = Cl; 7a′, X = Br) and [{Pd[1-CH₂-2-{HCN(2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂)}-4-MeC₆H₃-C,N]}₂(μ-Cl){μ-Ph₂PC(CH₂)PPh₂}][Cl], 6a′, were obtained. The molecular structures of complexes 3a, 4a, 5a and 6a′ were determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction.     

Titanium and zirconium complexes containing the new 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diphenylcyclopentadienyl ligand. Synthesis, characterization and polymerization behavior

An easy and inexpensive three-step synthesis of new 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diphenylcyclopentadiene (3) ligand and the titanium and zirconium homometallocene dichlorides [TiCl₂(η⁵-C₅H-2,3-Me₂-1,4-Ph₂)₂] (4), [ZrCl₂(η⁵-C₅H-2,3-Me₂-1,4-Ph₂)₂] (5), and the mixed ligand zirconium complex [ZrCl₂(η⁵-C₅H-2,3-Me₂-1,4-Ph₂)(η⁵-C₅H₅)] (6) prepared thereof are described. The polymerization of ethene using 4-6/MAO catalysts revealed that zirconocene complexes 5 and 6 displayed moderate and high activity, respectively, whereas the titanium catalyst 4/MAO was inactive. The crystal structures of 4 and 5 were determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis of palladium and platinum donor complexes and study of their participation in self-assembly reactions. X-ray crystal structure of [Pt(C6H4CCC5H4N)2(dppp)] (dppp = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane)

Novel square-planar compounds [M(NC₅H₄CCH)₂(dppp)](OTf)₂ (M = Pd (1), Pt (2)), [Pt(CCC₆H₄CN)₂(dppp)] (3) and [Pt(C₆H₄CCC₅H₄N)₂(dppp)] (4) (dppp = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane) were prepared and characterised. Their potential as building blocks in the generation of heterobimetallic squares was studied. The reaction of 4 and the ditopic acceptor species [Pd(H₂O)₂(dppf)](OTf)₂ enabled a tetrametallic metallocycle containing two platinum and two palladium atoms to be obtained. The crystal X-ray structure of 4 shows that the Pt?N vectors are nearly perpendicular, and confirm the suitability of the compound to act as a corner unit for the construction of molecular squares.     

Preparation of titanocene and zirconocene dichlorides bearing bulky 1,4-dimethyl-2,3-diphenylcyclopentadienyl ligand and their behavior in polymerization of ethylene

New metallocene dichlorides [η⁵-(1,4-Me₂-2,3-Ph₂-C₅H)₂TiCl₂] (2), [η⁵-(1,4-Me₂-2,3-Ph₂-C₅H)₂ZrCl₂] (3) and [η⁵-(1,4-Me₂-2,3-Ph₂-C₅H)η⁵-(C₅H₅)ZrCl₂] (4) were prepared from lithium salt of 1,4-dimethyl-2,3-diphenylcyclopentadiene (1) and [TiCl₃(THF)₃], [ZrCl₄] and [η⁵-(C₅H₅)ZrCl₃(DME)], respectively. Compounds 2-4 were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, EI-MS and IR spectroscopy, and the solid state structure of 3 was determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The catalytic systems 3/MAO and 4/MAO were almost inactive in polymerization of ethylene at 30-50 °C, however, they exhibited high activity at temperature 80 °C. The catalyst formed from 2 and excess of MAO was practically inactive at all temperatures.     

Synthetic, X-ray structural and protonation studies of CpCr(CO)2SPy and CpCr(CO)2SPym (SPy = C5H4NS, SPym = C4H3N2S)

The facile reaction of [CpCr(CO)₃]₂ (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅) (1) with one mole equivalent of 2,2′-dithiodipyridine ((C₅H₄NS)₂(SPy)₂) at ambient temperature led to the isolation of dark brown crystalline solids of CpCr(CO)₂(η²-SPy) (2) in ca. 72% yield. 2 undergoes quantitative conversion to CpCrCl₂(η¹-SPyH) (3) with HCl. The reaction 1 with one mole equivalent of 2-mercaptopyrimidine (C₄H₃N₂SHHSPym) at ambient temperature led to the isolation of reddish-brown crystalline solids of CpCr(CO)₂(η²-SPym) (4) and green solids of CpCr(CO)₃H (5) in yields of ca. 42% and 46%, respectively. Reaction of 4 with HCl and subsequent workup in acetonitrile resulted in the cleavage of the thiolate ligand, giving the 15-electron chromium(III) species CpCrCl₂(CH₃CN) (6) and free 2-mercaptopyrimidine. The complexes 2-4 have been determined by single X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthesis and protonolysis of neutral aluminum dihydride compounds stabilized by tridentate-substituted pyrrolyl ligands: Synthesis, structural characterization and ring-opening polymerization of ?-caprolactone

A series of aluminum compounds containing tridentate pyrrolyl ligands were obtained from related aluminum dihydride compounds via protonolysis. Treatment of tetranuclear aluminum compound [C₄H₂N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}Al₂H₅]₂ (1) with two equivalents of [C₄H₃N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}] in methylene chloride at 0 °C led to the formation of [C₄H₂N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}]AlH₂ (2). Similarly, when the deuterated aluminum compound 1D was used, the corresponding aluminum compound [C₄H₂N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}]AlD₂ (2D) could be isolated. The reaction of 2 with one or two equivalents of phenylethyne, triphenylmethanethiol, 2,6-diisopropylaniline, or triphenylsilanol generated mononuclear aluminum compounds [[C₄H₂N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}]AlRR′ (3, R = -CCPh, R′ = H; 4, R = R′ = -CCPh; 5, R = -SCPh₃, R′ = H; 6, R = R′ = -SCPh₃; 7, R = -NH(2,6-ⁱPr₂Ph), R′ = H; 8, R = R′ = -NH(2,6-ⁱPr₂Ph); 9, R = -OSiPh₃, R′ = H; 10, R = R′ = -OSiPh₃). Related Al-D compounds of 3, 5, 7 and 9 were also synthesized and corresponding IR spectroscopic data well matched in comparison of the stretching frequencies of Al-H and Al-D. The molecular structures of 2D, 4, 5, 5D, 7, and 10 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 2, 5, and 7 initiated the ring-opening polymerization of ?-caprolactone and produced high-molecular weight of poly-?-caprolactone.     

Synthesis, structures and comparative electrochemical study of 2,5-bis(trimethylsilylethynyl)thiophene coordinated cobalt carbonyl units

The reaction between 2,5-bis(trimethylsilylethynyl)thiophene and Co₂(CO)₈ or Co₂(CO)₆(X), (X = dppa, dppm), gave rise to the formation of substituted ethynylcobalt complexes containing one or two Co₂(CO)₆ or Co₂(CO)₄(X) units, 2-[Co₂(CO)₄(X){μ₂-η²-(SiMe₃)C₂}]-5-(Me₃SiCC)C₄H₂S (X = 2CO (1), dppa (3) or dppm (4)) and 2,5-[Co₂(CO)₄(X){μ₂-η²-SiMe₃C₂}]₂C₄H₂S (X = 2CO (2), dppa (5) or dppm (6)). Desilylation of the non-metallated and metallated alkynes in 3, 4 and 6 occurred on treatment with KOH and tetrabutylammonium fluoride to give 2-[Co₂(CO)₄(μ-X){μ₂-η²-SiMe₃C₂}]-5-(CCH)C₄H₂S (X = dppa (7), dppm (8)) and 2,5-[Co₂(CO)₄(μ-dppm){μ₂-η²-HC₂}]₂C₄H₂S (9), respectively. Crystals of 6 suitable for single-crystal X-ray diffraction were grown and the molecular structure of this compound is discussed. A comparative electrochemical study of all these complexes is presented by means of the cyclic and square-wave voltammetry techniques.     

Five- and six-membered platinacycles derived from phenantryl and anthracenyl imines

The reaction of [Pt₂Me₄(μ-SMe₂)₂] with ligands Me₂NCH₂CH₂NCHAr (2a, Ar=9-phenantryl; 2b, Ar=9-anthracenyl) carried out in acetone at room temperature produced the corresponding compounds [PtMe₂{9-(Me₂NCH₂CH₂NCH)C₁₄H₉}] (3) in which the imines act as bidentate [N,N^′] ligands. Refluxing toluene solutions of compounds 3 gave cyclometallated [C,N,N^′] compounds [PtMe{9-(Me₂NCH₂CH₂NCH)C₁₄H₈}] (4) as a mixture of two isomers containing either a five- or a six-membered metallacycles for 3a and as a single isomer containing a six-membered metallacycle for 3b. The reactions of compounds 4 with acetyl chloride and with methyl iodide produced, respectively, compounds [PtCl{9-(Me₂NCH₂CH₂NCH)C₁₄H₈}] (5) and [PtMe₂I{9-(Me₂NCH₂CH₂NCH)C₁₄H₈}] (6). All compounds were characterised by NMR spectroscopies and analytical data.