Novel [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazine derivatives embedded with benzimidazole moiety as potent antioxidants

Fourteen novel [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazine derivatives bearing benzimidazole moiety ( 7a-n ) have been synthesized using the one-pot nitro reductive cyclization method. All the synthesized compounds were confirmed by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR), ¹³C NMR, fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), mass spectrum, and elemental analyses. All the title compounds were subjected to in vitro antioxidant activity. The free radical scavenging activity of the compounds was examined using DPPH, nitric oxide, and superoxide radical scavenging methods. The results demonstrated that compound 3-(2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-6-4-tolyl-7H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazine ( 7c ) was potent in scavenging both DPPH and nitric oxide radical with IC₅₀ values of 13.57 and 18.55 μg/ml when compared to the standard with IC₅₀ values of 23.75 and 23.14 μg/ml, respectively, which was due to the presence of electron-donating groups. The activity was found to decline when electron-donating groups were replaced by electron-withdrawing groups. Moderate scavenging activity was observed for the superoxide radical. Structure activity relationship and physiochemical properties were studied for all the derivatives.     

Investigation of Bis(Perfluoro-tert-Butoxy) Halogenates(I/III)

A systematic study of halogenate(I/III) anions with polyatomic ligands is presented. The bis(perfluoro-tert-butoxy) halogenates(I) [X(OC₄F₉)₂]⁻, X=Cl, Br, I, of chlorine, bromine, and iodine are prepared as their tetraethylammonium salts and characterized with IR, Raman, and NMR spectroscopic methods, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Spectroscopical data are supported by quantum-chemical calculations. Additionally, the bonding situation of the species in question are analyzed and discussed. Furthermore, the oxidation to the corresponding halogenate(III) derivatives was studied. For [Br(OC₄F₉)₂]⁻, oxidation with elemental fluorine gave [BrF₂(OC₄F₉)₂]⁻. Iodide was directly oxidized by ClOC₄F₉ to the I^III species [I(OC₄F₉)₄]⁻, which is a surprisingly inert anion that might be used as a weakly coordinating anion (WCA) in the future. For [Cl(OC₄F₉)₂]⁻, the decomposition products of the synthetic approaches towards a chlorine(III) system were analyzed.     

Vergleichende Untersuchungen zur Struktur von 4‐Dimethylaminopyridin‐Addukten

Comparative Structural Studies on 4‐Dimethylaminopyridine‐Adducts Lewis acid‐base adducts of the type dmap—MMe₃ (M = Al 1 , Ga 2 , In 3 , Tl 4 ) as well as dmap—AlCl₃ ( 6 ) and dmap—Al(t‐Bu)₃ ( 7 ) were synthesized by reaction of MR₃ with 4‐dimethylamino‐pyridine (dmap) whereas dmap—AlH₃ ( 5 ) was obtained from AlH₃·Et₂O. 1 — 7 were characterized by means of NMR (¹H, ¹³C{¹H}) and mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. In addition, their solid state structures were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. A comparison of the structural parameters reveales the influence of both electronic (Lewis acidity of the group 13 atom) and steric interactions on the structure and stability of as prepared Lewis acid‐base adducts.     

Anticancer activity of multinuclear arene ruthenium complexes coordinated to dendritic polypyridyl scaffolds

The rational development of multinuclear arene ruthenium complexes (arene = p-cymene, hexamethylbenzene) from generation 1 (G¹) and generation 2 (G²) of 4-iminopyridyl based poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer scaffolds of the type, DAB-(NH₂)_n (n = 4 or 8, DAB = diaminobutane) has been accomplished in order to exploit the ‘enhanced permeability and retention’ (EPR) effect that allows large molecules to selectively enter cancer cells. Four compounds were synthesised, i.e. [{(p-cymene)RuCl₂}₄G¹] (1), [{(hexamethylbenzene)RuCl₂}₄G¹] (2), [{(p-cymene)RuCl₂}₈G²] (3), and [{(hexamethylbenzene)RuCl₂}₈G²] (4), by first reacting DAB-(NH₂)_n with 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde and subsequently metallating the iminopyridyl dendrimers with [(p-cymene)RuCl₂]₂ or [(hexamethylbenzene)RuCl₂]₂. The related mononuclear complexes [(p-cymene)RuCl₂(L)] (5) and [(hexamethylbenzene)RuCl₂(L)] (6) were obtained in a similar manner from N-(pyridin-4-ylmethylene)propan-1-amine (L). The molecular structure of 5 has been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis and the in vitro anticancer activities of the mono-, tetra- and octanuclear complexes 1–6 studied on the A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cell line showing a close correlation between the size of the compound and cytotoxicity.     

Optical properties,structural, and DFT studies of Pd(II) complexes with 1-phenyl-1H-tetrazol-5-thiol,X-ray crystal structure of [Pd(κ1-S-ptt)2(κ2-dppe)] complex

Seven tetrazole-thione complexes, [Pd₂(κ²-ptt)₄]( 1 ), trans-[Pd(k¹-S-ptt)₂(PPh₃)₂] ( 2 ), trans-[Pd(k¹-S-ptt)₂(SPPh₃)₂] ( 3 ), trans-[Pd(k¹-S-ptt)₂(OPPh₃)₂] ( 4 ), [Pd(k¹-N-ptt)₂(k²-dppe)] ( 5a ), [Pd(k¹-S-ptt)₂(k²-dppe)] ( 5b ), [Pd(k¹-S-ptt)₂(k²-dppeS₂)] ( 6 ), and [Pd(k¹-S-ptt)₂(k²-dppeO₂)] ( 7 ), were prepared from 1-phenyl-1H-tetrazole-5-thiol (Hptt), with substituted phosphines. These complexes were investigated by CHNS analysis; infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (¹H and ³¹P), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy; and single-crystal X-ray data for 5b . In Complex 1 , the ptt⁻ ligand adopted μ²- k-N, k-S bridging mode to afford a dimeric complex, whereas in Complexes 2–4 , 6 , and 7 , the ptt⁻ was covalently coordinated via sulfur atom of the thiol group as a solo product. In contrast, in Complex 5 , the ptt⁻ ligand was bonded in a monodentate fashion through a deprotonated tetrazole ring nitrogen atom in isomer 5a or via a thiolato sulfur atom in isomer 5b . These linkage isomers were clearly shown in the ³¹P-{¹H} NMR. To explain the adoption of the ligand binding modes in Complexes 5a and 5b , geometry optimization calculations were carried out on two isomers. Very small differences of all molecular parameters were found between 5a and 5b isomers. This confirms the reason for obtaining two isomers. Also, theoretical studies are made for all compounds, and excellent agreement is obtained with experimental data. The direct band gap (Eg) values are equal to 2.88, 2.85, and 2.45 eV for Complexes 1 , 2 , and 4 , respectively, revealing a semiconductor nature. The inhibition activity of Complexes 1–3 , 5 , and 8 were evaluated versus the growth of four types of bacteria in vitro. The complexes showed a good activity compared with free ligand and a standard antibiotic.     

Supramolecular Alloys from Fluorinated Hybrid Tri4Di6 Imine Cages

To create innovative materials, efficient control and engineering of pore sizes and their characteristics, crystallinity and stability is required. Eight hybrid Tri⁴Di⁶ imine cages with a tunable degree of fluorination and one fully fluorinated Tri⁴Di⁶ imine cage are investigated. Although the fluorinated and the non-fluorinated building blocks used herein differ vastly in reactivity, it was possible to gain control over the outcome of the self-assembly process, by carefully controlling the feed ratio. This represents the first hybrid material based on fluorinated/hydrogenated porous organic cages (POCs). These cages with unlimited miscibility in the solid state were obtained as highly crystalline samples after recrystallization and even showed retention of the crystal lattice, forming alloys. All mixtures and the fully fluorinated Tri⁴Di⁶ imine cage were analyzed by MALDI-MS, single-crystal XRD, powder XRD and in regard to thermal stability (TGA).     

Reassessment of the Mechanisms of Thermal C−H Bond Activation of Methane by Cationic Magnesium Oxides: A Critical Evaluation of the Suitability of Different Density Functionals

The mechanisms of the thermal reactions of the two iconic magnesium oxide cations MgO^.+ and Mg₂O₂^.+ with methane have been re-evaluated at the CCSD(T)/CBS//CCSD/def2-TZVP level of theory. For the reaction of MgO^.+ with CH₄, only the classical hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) was found; in contrast, for the Mg₂O₂^.+/CH₄ couple, both HAT and proton-coupled electron-transfer (PCET) exist as mechanistic variants. In order to evaluate the suitability of density functional theory (DFT) methods, the reactions were computed by using 27 density functionals. The results obtained demonstrate that the various DFT methods often deliver rather different results for both geometric and energetic features. As to the prediction of the apparent barriers, pure functionals give the largest mean absolute errors. BMK, ωB97XD, and the double-hybrid functional mPW2PLYP were confirmed to come closest to the results provided by CCSD(T)/CBS. Thus, mechanistic conclusions based on a single DFT method should be viewed with great caution. In summary, this study may assist in the selection of a suitable quantum chemical method to unravel the mechanistic details of C−H bond activation by charged metal oxides.     

Cationic Niobium-Sandwich and Piano-Stool Complexes

The syntheses of the homoleptic bis(arene) niobium cations [Nb(arene)₂]⁺ (arene = C₆H₃Me₃, C₆H₅Me) with 16 valence electrons and heteroleptic arene-carbonyl cations [(CO)Nb(arene)₂]⁺ (arene = C₆H₃Me₃, C₆H₅Me) and [(arene)M(CO)₄]⁺ (arene = C₆H₃Me₃, C₆H₆) obeying 18 valence electrons are described. Stabilization of these complexes was achieved by using the weakly coordinating anions [Al(OR^F)₄]⁻ or [F{Al(OR^F)₃}₂]⁻ (R^F = C(CF₃)₃). The limits of two synthesis routes starting from neutral Nb(arene)₂ (arene = C₆H₃Me₃, C₆H₅Me) or [NEt₄][M(CO)₆] (M = Nb, Ta) were investigated. All compounds were analyzed by single crystal X-ray determination, vibrational and NMR spectroscopy. DFT calculations were executed to support the experimental data.     

Strukturchemische Verwandtschaft von Kaliumhexahydroxoscandat(III), K3[Sc(OH)6] mit den isotypen Hydroxometallaten Rb3[Sc(OH)6], K3[Cr(OH)6] und Rb3[Cr(OH)6]

Structural Relationship of Potassium Hexahydroxoscandate(III), K₃[Sc(OH)₆] with the Isotypic Hydroxometallates Rb₃[Sc(OH)₆], K₃[Cr(OH)₆], and Rb₃[Cr(OH)₆] Ternary hydroxides M}M^III(OH)₆{ with M^I ? K, Rb and M^III ? Sc, Cr were obtained in the same way as K₃[Cr(OH)₆] [1] from alkali metal amides and d-metal nitrates by a comproportionation reaction of amide and nitrate ions in supercritical ammonia to elementary nitrogen and hydroxide ions at 523 K and 3 ≤ p(NH₃) ≤ 6 kbar within 1 to 3 months. Their structures were determined by single crystal x-ray methods inclusive the positions of the hydrogen atoms. The ratio of size of r(M^I)/r(M^III) is related to the symmetry of these hydroxometallates. Structural relationships between K₃[Sc(OH)₆] and Rb₃[Sc(OH)₆], K₃(Cr(OH)₆], Rb₃[Cr(OH)₆]) and K₄[CdCl₆] [4] are discussed.     

DOTP versus DOTA as Ligands for Lanthanide Cations: Novel Structurally Characterized CeIV and CeIII Cyclen-Based Complexes and Clusters in Aqueous Solutions

The coordination and redox chemistry of aqueous Ce^IV/III macrocyclic compounds were studied by using the ligands DOTA and DOTP (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetrayl)tetraacetic acid and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetra(methylene phosphonic acid), respectively). The hydrolysis tendency of the tetravalent cation in the presence of DOTA is shown to result in the formation of a highly ordered, fluorite-like [Ce^IV₆(O)₄(OH)₄(H₂O)₈(DOTAH)₄] oxo-hydroxo structure both in solution and in the solid state. The lifetime of the analogous species formed in the presence of DOTP was found to be much shorter. Spectroscopic measurements of the latter suggest its similarity to the former. Its gradual decomposition in solution leads to the accumulation of the in-cage complexes [Ce^IVDOTP] and [Ce^IIIDOTP(H₂O)], which were crystallographically characterized in this study. The redox energetics and spectroscopic characteristics for the transition between these two in-cage complexes in aqueous solutions were studied as well. Together with the crystallographic structures of the above-mentioned species, the in-cage [Ce^IVDOTA(H₂O)] complex structure is presented herein for the first time. An elaborative analysis of the X-ray crystallographic structural data obtained for the in-cage complexes studied herein and similar structures published previously suggests that hard-bonding cyclen-derived ligands are, counter-intuitively, better suited for encapsulating, and perhaps kinetically stabilize softer cations than harder ones with DOTP, marked as a possible adequate chelator for the study of the aqueous properties of Ln^II and Ac^III cations.     

Synthesis in Water and Antimicrobial Activity of 5-Trichloromethyl-4,5-dihydroisoxazoles

Two series of 5-trichloromethylisoxazoles were synthesized from the cyclocondensation of 1,1,1-trichloro-4-methoxy-3-alken-2-ones [Cl₃CC(O)C(R²) = C(R¹)OMe, where R¹ = H, Me, Et, Pr, iso-Pr, cyclo-Pr, Bu, terc-Bu, CH₂Br, CHBr₂, CH(Me)SMe, (CH₂)₂Ph, and Ph, and R² = H; R¹ = H and R² = Me and Et; R¹ and R² = -(CH₂)₄- and -(CH₂)₅-; and R¹ = Et and Ph and R² = Me] with hydroxylamine hydrochloride through a rapid one-pot reaction in water. The 5-trichloromethyl-4,5-dihydroisoxazoles were aromatized by reaction with concentrated sulfuric acid to obtain the respective 5-trichloromethylisoxazoles. Their structures were confirmed by elemental analysis, ¹H/¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance, and electron impact mass spectroscopy. Crystal structure analysis for 5-triclhoromethyl-5-hydroxy-3-propyl-4,5-dihydroisoxazole (2d) and 5-trichloromethyl-5-hydroxy-3,4-hexamethylene-4,5-dihydroisoxazole (2o) is presented. The antimicrobial activities of the 5-trichloromethyl-4,5-dihydroisoxazole derivatives were examined using the standard twofold dilution method against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and yeasts (Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans). All of the tested 5-trichloromethyldihydroisoxazoles exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activities at the tested concentrations.

Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Synthetic Communications® to view the free supplemental file.     

High‐Pressure Synthesis and Structural Investigation of H3P8O8N9: A New Phosphorus(V) Oxonitride Imide with an Interrupted Framework Structure

The first crystalline phosphorus oxonitride imide H₃P₈O₈N₉ (=P₈O₈N₆(NH)₃) has been synthesized under high‐pressure and high‐temperature conditions. To this end, a new, highly reactive phosphorus oxonitride imide precursor compound was prepared and treated at 12 GPa and 750 °C by using a multianvil assembly. H₃P₈O₈N₉ was obtained as a colorless, microcrystalline solid. The crystal structure of H₃P₈O₈N₉ was solved ab initio by powder X‐ray diffraction analysis, applying the charge‐flipping algorithm, and refined by the Rietveld method (C2/c (no. 15), a=1352.11(7), b=479.83(3), c=1820.42(9) pm, β=96.955(4)°, Z=4). H₃P₈O₈N₉ exhibits a highly condensed (κ=0.47), 3D, but interrupted network that is composed of all‐side vertex‐sharing (Q⁴) and only threefold‐linking (Q³) P(O,N)₄ tetrahedra in a Q⁴/Q³ ratio of 3:1. The structure, which includes 4‐ring assemblies as the smallest ring size, can be subdivided into alternating open‐branched zweier double layers {oB,${2{{2\hfill \atop \infty \hfill}}}$ }[²P₃(O,N)₇] and layers containing pairwise‐linked Q³ tetrahedra parallel (001). Information on the hydrogen atoms in H₃P₈O₈N₉ was obtained by 1D ¹H MAS, 2D homo‐ and heteronuclear (together with ³¹P) correlation NMR spectroscopy, and a ¹H spin‐diffusion experiment with a hard‐pulse sequence designed for selective excitation of a single peak. Two hydrogen sites with a multiplicity ratio of 2:1 were identified and thus the formula of H₃P₈O₈N₉ was unambiguously determined. The protons were assigned to Wyckoff positions 8f and 4e, the latter located within the Q³ tetrahedra layers.     

Dual zinc catalysts for L‐lactide polymerization and reaction of CO2 with cyclohexene oxide

A series of zinc complexes, [ L ^X ZnEt] ( 1–5 ) and [ L ^X Zn ₂ (OAc) ₃ ] (6–9) , associated with NNO‐tridentate Schiff base ligands (2‐(((2‐((cyclohexyl[methyl]amino)methyl)phenyl)imino)methyl)phenolate (CAP) derivatives), were synthesized, and their activity toward ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of L‐lactide (LA) and the reaction of CO₂ with cyclohexene oxide were also investigated. All of [ L ^X ZnEt] revealed excellent catalytic activity to ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of LA in the presence of benzyl alcohol. Among them, [ L ^H ZnEt] (1) showed the highest activity with 82% conversation within 45 s. In contrast, [L ^X Zn ₂ (OAc) ₃ ] (6–9) were inactive in ROP of L‐lactide. In addition, all of these Zn complexes demonstrated moderate activity in the reaction of CO₂ with cyclohexene oxide in the presence of Bu₄NCl.     

New receptors for anions in water: Synthesis, characterization, X-ray structures of new derivatives of 5,11,17,23-tetraamino-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene

Syntheses and characterization of ten new compounds from the calixarene family, cone - 5,11,17,23- tetrakis(2-pyridylmethylamino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 4a; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(3-pyridylmethylamino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 4b; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(4-pyridylmethylamino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 4c; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(ferrocenylmethylamino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 4d; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethimino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 3a; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(3-pyridylmethimino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 3b; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(4-pyridylmethimino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 3c; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(ferrocenylmethimino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 3d; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(2-thienylmethimino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 3e and cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(2-pyrrolylmethimino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 3f are reported. The target compounds 4a-4d were designed to form complexes with anions based on hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions in acidic aqueous solutions and the interaction constant 1770 mol⁻¹ dm³ of a 1:1 complex was obtained for the interaction of 4c with sulfate anion in 5 × 10⁻³ M aqueous HCl. The solid state structures of the compounds 3b, 3e and 3f were determined, their stereochemistry and the stereochemistry of the calix[4]arene frame is generally discussed. Raman, infrared and UV-vis spectra of the target compounds and some intermediates are reported, too.     

Tunability of Fluorescence Property of a Terbium‐Complex‐Containing Polymer via Incorporation of a Transition‐Metal Complex

Summary: In this study, a terbium‐complex monomer and transition‐metal‐complex monomers (Fe^III, Mn^II, and Ni^II complex monomers) are synthesized, and novel acrylate copolymers are then obtained through covalent attachment of the terbium complex and the transition‐metal complex onto the macromolecular chain simultaneously. The copolymers developed herein present the characteristic fluorescence properties of the terbium(III ) ion, The incorporation of an Mn^II complex into a Tb^III‐containing polymer leads to greater fluorescence enhancement compared with the Ni^II complex, while the incorporation of the Fe^III complex results in fluorescence quenching, thus the incorporation of different transition‐metal complexes into the copolymers ensures tunability of the copolymer's fluorescence property.

Fluorescence emission spectra of the copolymer solid films. Solid: P‐Tb; dash‐dot: P‐Tb‐Mn^II; dash: P‐Tb‐Ni^II; and dot: P‐Tb‐Fe^III.     

Optical and electrochemical recognition studies of anions via novel benzothiazole azo-derivative

Herein, a novel supramolecular probe 4-(2-phenyldiazenyl)-2-(benzothiazol-2-yl) phenol (1) has been described, where assimilation of benzothiazole unit with azo functionality led to innovative electrochemical and optical response towards anions. The successful formation was confirmed using ¹HNMR, ¹³C NMR and HRMS. This rationally planned receptor 1 exhibits multi recognition modes in showing selectivity towards AcO^- and F^- anions by both visual and absorption processes; while I^- is sensed selectively via redox mechanism. The multi recognition mechanisms were thoroughly documented by DFT giving an insight picture of the mode of interaction of the anions in HOMO-LUMO energy levels ultimately affecting the activity of the designed benzothiazole moiety. Optimization of various parameters related to redox response was also analyzed by Taguchi method to minimize the effect of uncontrollable variables. Lower detection limit for the anions by different response mechanisms in a single moiety enhances the future possibility of an economic and time saving multichannel chemosensor.     

Effect of the Peptidic Scaffold in Copper(II) Coordination and the Redox Properties of Short Histidine‐Containing Peptides

A linear decapeptide containing three His and one Asp residues and a β‐turn‐inducing dProPro unit was synthesised. A detailed potentiometric, mass spectrometric and spectroscopic study showed that at a 1:1 ratio of C_Cu/C_peptide this peptide formed a major [CuH(O_dPro?Asp)]²⁺ species (pH range 5.5–7.0), in which the Cu²⁺ ion was bound to the His and Asp residues in square‐planar or square‐pyramidal geometries. The stability constant corrected for protonated species (log K*=9.33) is almost equal to the value obtained for the parent [CuH(O?Asp)]²⁺ species (log K*_CuH(O‐Asp)=9.28), but lower than that obtained for the cyclic [CuH(C?Asp)]²⁺ complex (log K*_CuH(C‐Asp)=10.79) previously published. Thus, the replacement of the ProGly unit by the stronger β‐turn‐inducing dProPro unit did not generate a more stable copper(II) species, although the O_dPro?Asp peptide was structured in solution, as shown by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Interestingly, the calculated value of K_eff showed that this peptide behaved similarly to the O?Asp or C?Asp counterparts, depending on the pH value. The cyclic voltammetry data indicated that the most easily reducible species were [CuH(O?Asp)]²⁺ (E′⁰=262 mV versus a normal hydrogen electrode (NHE)) and [CuH(O_dPro?Asp)]²⁺ (E′⁰=294 mV versus NHE) complexes, the peptidic scaffolds of which are open. A lower value was obtained for [CuH(C?Asp)]²⁺ (E′⁰=24 mV versus NHE). A different degree of non‐reversibility was observed for the three copper(II) complexes; this could reflect a different degree of flexibility in their respective peptidic scaffolds.     

Bis(1,2‐diselenoquadratato)metallate

Bis(1,2‐diselenosquarato) Metalates A series of 1,2‐diselenosquarato metalates [M(dssq)₂]^2– (M = Pd²⁺, Pt²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, VO²⁺) was available by direct synthesis from the appropriate metal salt with dipotassium 1,2‐diselenosquarate in deoxygenized water under an argon athmosphere. The copper(II)complex, [Cu(dssq)₂]^2–, and the oxovanadium(IV)complex, [VO(dssq)₂]^2–, were identified in solution by EPR spectroscopy (parameters: [Cu(dssq)₂]^2–: g₀ = 2.073; a = –76.0 · 10^–4 cm^–1, a = 47.0 · 10^–4 cm^–1; [VO(dssq)₂]^2–: g₀ = 1.986; a = 74.9 · 10^–4 cm^–1). The complexes bis(tetraphenylphosphonium)[bis(1,2‐diselenosquarato)nickelate(II)], (Ph₄P)₂[Ni(dssq)₂], and bis(tetraphenylphosphonium)[bis(1,2‐diselenosquarato)zincate(II)], (Ph₄P)₂[Zn(dssq)₂], were characterized by X‐ray structure analysis. The square‐planar Ni^II complex (Ph₄P)₂[Ni(dssq)₂] crystallizes in the monoclinic spacegroup P2₁/n with the unit cell parameters a = 11.1472(8) Å, b = 15.331(1) Å, c = 14.783(1) Å, β = 94.441(1)° and Z = 2. The Zn^II‐complex (Ph₄P)₂[Zn(dssq)₂] is tetrahedral coordinated and crystallizes in the monoclinic spacegroup P2₁/c with the unit cell parameters a = 9.4238(1) Å, b = 18.5823(3) Å, c = 29.5309(5) Å, β = 96.763(1)° and Z = 4.     

Crystal structure refinement for trans-[Pd(NO3)2(H2O)2]

Single crystals of trans-[Pd(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂] were obtained, and the crystal structure of this complex, previously obtained for polycrystals, was refined. Crystal data (BRUKER X8APEX diffractometer): a = 4.9973(7) Å, b = 10.5982(14) Å, c = 11.7008(17) Å, V = 619.70(15) ų, space group Pbca, Z = 4, d _calc = 2.856 g/cm³. The structure is composed of neutral complexes with a trans configuration. The square plane environment of the Pd atom is formed by four oxygen atoms (Pd-O(NO₃) 1.999(5) Å, Pd-O(H₂O) 2.030(5) Å) and completed to a distorted bipyramid by two intramolecular contacts (Pd…O(NO₃) 2.926 Å). The shortest hydrogen bonds are O…H 2.72 Å.     

Bis(4-benzhydryl-benzoxazol-2-yl)methane – from a Bulky NacNac Alternative to a Trianion in Alkali Metal Complexes

A novel sterically demanding bis(4-benzhydryl-benzoxazol-2-yl)methane ligand 6 (^4−BzhH2BoxCH₂) was gained in a straightforward six-step synthesis. Starting from this ligand monomeric [M(^4-BzhH2BoxCH)] (M=Na ( 7 ), K ( 8₁ )) and dimeric [{M(^4-BzhH2BoxCH)}₂] (M=K ( 8₂ ), Rb ( 9 ), Cs ( 10 )) alkali metal complexes were synthesised by deprotonation. Abstraction of the potassium ion of 8 by reaction with 18-crown-6 resulted in the solvent separated ion pair [{(THF)₂K@(18-crown-6)}{bis(4-benzhydryl-benzoxazol-2-yl)methanide}] ( 11 ), including the energetically favoured monoanionic (E,E)-(^4-BzhH2BoxCH) ligand. Further reaction of ^4−BzhH2BoxCH₂ with three equivalents KH and two equivalents 18-crown-6 yielded polymeric [{(THF)₂K@(18-crown-6)}{K@(18-crown-6)K(^4-BzhBoxCH)}]_n (n→∞) ( 12 ) containing a trianionic ligand. The neutral ligand and herein reported alkali complexes were characterised by single X-ray analyses identifying the latter as a promising precursor for low-valent main group complexes.