Barium-Catalysed Dehydrocoupling of Hydrosilanes and Borinic Acids: A Mechanistic Insight

Two very rare cases of barium boryloxides, the homoleptic [Ba(OB{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₂)₂⋅C₇H₈] and the heteroleptic [{LO^NO4}BaOB{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₂] stabilised by the multidentate aminoetherphenolate {LO^NO4}⁻, are presented, and their structural properties are discussed. The electron-deficient [Ba(OB{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₂)₂⋅C₇H₈] shows, in particular, resilient η⁶-coordination of the toluene molecule. Together with its amido parents [Ba{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂⋅thf₂] and [Ba{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂]₂, this complex catalyses the fast and chemoselective dehydrocoupling of borinic acids R₂BOH and hydrosilanes HSiR′₃, yielding borasiloxanes R₂BOSiR′₃ in a controlled fashion. The assessment of substrate scope indicates that, for now, the reaction is limited to bulky borinic acids. Kinetic analysis shows that the rate-limiting step of the catalytic manifold traverses a dinuclear transition state. A detailed mechanistic scenario is proposed on the basis of DFT computations, the results of which are fully consistent with experimental data. It consists of a stepwise process with rate-determining nucleophilic attack of a metal-bound O-atom onto the incoming hydrosilane, involving throughout dinuclear catalytically active species.     

Bonding in Barium Boryloxides,Siloxides, Phenoxides and Silazides: A Comparison with the Lighter Alkaline Earths

Barium complexes ligated by bulky boryloxides [OBR₂]⁻ (where R=CH(SiMe₃)₂, 2,4,6-ⁱPr₃-C₆H₂ or 2,4,6-(CF₃)₃-C₆H₂), siloxide [OSi(SiMe₃)₃]⁻, and/or phenoxide [O-2,6-Ph₂-C₆H₃]⁻, have been prepared. A diversity of coordination patterns is observed in the solid state for both homoleptic and heteroleptic complexes, with coordination numbers ranging between 2 and 4. The identity of the bridging ligand in heteroleptic dimers [Ba(μ₂-X₁)(X₂)]₂ depends largely on the given pair of ligands X₁ and X₂. Experimentally, the propensity to fill the bridging position increases according to [OB{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₂)]⁻<[N(SiMe₃)₂]⁻<[OSi(SiMe₃)₃]⁻<[O(2,6-Ph₂-C₆H₃)]⁻<[OB(2,4,6-ⁱPr₃-C₆H₂)₂]⁻. This trend is the overall expression of 3 properties: steric constraints, electronic density and σ- and π-donating capability of the negatively charged atom, and ability to generate Ba ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ F, Ba ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ C(π) or Ba ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ H−C secondary interactions. The comparison of the structural motifs in the complexes [Ae{μ₂-N(SiMe₃)₂}(OB{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₂)]₂ (Ae = Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba) suggest that these observations may be extended to all alkaline earths. DFT calculations highlight the largely prevailing ionic character of ligand-Ae bonding in all compounds. The ionic character of the Ae-ligand bond encourages bridging coordination, whereas the number of bridging ligands is controlled by steric factors. DFT computations also indicate that in [Ba(μ₂-X₁)(X₂)]₂ heteroleptic dimers, ligand predilection for bridging vs. terminal positions is dictated by the ability to establish secondary interactions between the metals and the ligands.     

Synthese und Struktur des tetrameren Tris(trimethylsilyl)silylindium(I) und neuer silylsubstituierter Indiumverbindungen

Synthesis and Structure of Tetrameric Tris(trimethylsilyl)indium(I) and of New Silyl substituted Indium Compounds The reaction of InCp* with [LiSi(SiMe₃)₃·3thf] yielded in the first silylsubstituted tetrahedrane of indium [In₄{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₄] ( 1 ). It crystallizes together with [In{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃] ( 2 ) in dark green crystals. Colourless crystals of [Li(OH)(OSiMe₃)In{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₂]₂ ( 3 ) were isolated as a byproduct from this reaction. It's structural core are three connected four membered rings made up of In‐, Li‐ and O‐atoms. From the reaction of [InOSO₂CF₃] with [LiSi(SiMe₃)₃·3thf] colourless crystals of [In{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₂OSO₂CF₃·thf] ( 4 ) were isolated. InCp* reacted with [LiSiMe(SiMe₃)₂·3thf] to form the orange‐coloured monoindane [In{SiMe(SiMe₃)₂}₃] ( 5 ). 1 – 4 were characterized by X‐ray crystal structure analyses.     

Synthesis, structure and properties of the Cp2Zr{CH(SiMe3)2} cation

The generation and properties of the Cp₂Zr{CH(SiMe₃)₂}⁺ cation are described. An X-ray crystallographic analysis shows that the carborane salt [Cp₂Zr{CH(SiMe₃)₂}][HCB₁₁Me₅Br₆] contains an agostic Zr-μ-Me-Si interaction in the solid state. Low temperature NMR spectra of the borate salt [Cp₂Zr{CH(SiMe₃)₂}][B(C₆F₅)₄] show that this interaction is retained in solution. Variable temperature NMR spectra establish that the SiMe₂(μ-Me) and unbound SiMe₃ units of Cp₂Zr{CH(SiMe₃)₂}⁺ exchange by a “pivot” process involving partial rotation around the Zr-CH(SiMe₃)₂ bond, with a barrier of ΔG^‡ = 9.2(1) kcal/mol at −89 °C. Cp₂Zr{CH(SiMe₃)₂}⁺ does not coordinate alkenes or alkynes.     

Barium Siloxides and Catalysed Formation of Si−O−Si' Motifs

The first unsupported barium siloxide, the homoleptic dimer [Ba₂{μ₂-OSi(SiMe₃)₃}₃{OSi(SiMe₃)₃}], is presented, and its structural features are discussed in the light of DFT computations. This complex, together with the related [Ba{μ₂-OSi(SiMe₃)₃}{N(SiMe₃)₂}]₂ and their parent [Ba{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂]₂, mediates the formation of asymmetric siloxanes R₃Si−O−SiR′₃ through the first case of main group metal-mediated dehydrocoupling of silanols and hydrosilanes. Early kinetic analysis highlights an unusual catalytic manifold.     

Performance of the Cr[CH(SiMe3)2]3/SiO2 catalyst for ethylene polymerization compared with the performance of the Phillips catalyst

The catalysis of a silica‐supported chromium system {Cr[CH(SiMe₃)₂]₃/SiO₂} was compared with a silica‐supported chromium oxide catalyst, the Phillips catalyst (CrO₃/SiO₂). This catalyst was prepared by the calcining of the typical silica support used for the Phillips catalyst at 600 °C and by the support of tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]chromium(III) {Cr[CH(SiMe₃)₂]₃} on the silica. In the slurry‐phase polymerization, this catalyst conducted the polymerization of ethylene at a high activity without organoaluminum compounds as cocatalysts or scavengers. The activity per Cr was about 6–7 times higher than that of the Phillips catalyst. Upon the introduction of hydrogen to the system, the molecular weight of polyethylene did not change with the Phillips catalyst, but it decreased with the Cr[CH(SiMe₃)₂]₃/SiO₂ catalyst. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 413–419, 2003     

Two‐Coordinate Iron(I) Complex [Fe{N(SiMe3)2}2]−: Synthesis,Properties, and Redox Activity

First‐row two‐coordinate complexes are attracting much interest. Herein, we report the high‐yield isolation of the linear two‐coordinate iron(I) complex salt [K(L)][Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] (L=18‐crown‐6 or crypt‐222) through the reduction of either [Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] or its three‐coordinate phosphine adduct [Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(PCy₃)]. Detailed characterization is gained through X‐ray diffraction, variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility studies. One‐ and two‐electron oxidation through reaction with I₂ is further found to afford the corresponding iodo iron(II) and diiodo iron(III) complexes.     

Two‐Coordinate Iron(I) Complex [Fe{N(SiMe3)2}2]−: Synthesis,Properties, and Redox Activity

First‐row two‐coordinate complexes are attracting much interest. Herein, we report the high‐yield isolation of the linear two‐coordinate iron(I) complex salt [K(L)][Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] (L=18‐crown‐6 or crypt‐222) through the reduction of either [Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] or its three‐coordinate phosphine adduct [Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(PCy₃)]. Detailed characterization is gained through X‐ray diffraction, variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility studies. One‐ and two‐electron oxidation through reaction with I₂ is further found to afford the corresponding iodo iron(II) and diiodo iron(III) complexes.     

Komplexchemie P‐reicher Phosphane und Silylphosphane. XXII. Die Bildung von [η2‐{tBu–P=P–SiMe3}Pt(PR3)2]aus (Me3Si)tBuP–P=P(Me)tBu2 und [η2‐{C2H4}Pt(PR3)2]

Coordination Chemistry of P‐rich Phosphanes and Silylphosphanes. XXII. The Formation of [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PR₃)₂] from (Me₃Si)^tBuP–P=P(Me)^tBu₂ and [η²‐{C₂H₄}Pt(PR₃)₂] (Me₃Si)^tBuP–P = P(Me)^tBu₂ reacts with [η²‐{C₂H₄}Pt(PR₃)₂] yielding [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PR₃)₂]. However, there is no indication for an isomer which would be the analogue to the well known [η²‐{^tBu₂P–P}Pt(PPh₃)₂]. The syntheses and NMR data of [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PPh₃)₂] and [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PMe₃)₂] as well as the results of the single crystal structure determination of [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PPh₃)₂] are reported.     

Alkaline‐Earth‐Catalysed Cross‐Dehydrocoupling of Amines and Hydrosilanes: Reactivity Trends,Scope and Mechanism

Alkaline‐earth (Ae=Ca, Sr, Ba) complexes are shown to catalyse the chemoselective cross‐dehydrocoupling (CDC) of amines and hydrosilanes. Key trends were delineated in the benchmark couplings of Ph₃SiH with pyrrolidine or tBuNH₂. Ae{E(SiMe₃)₂}₂ ? (THF)_x (E=N, CH; x=2–3) are more efficient than {N^N}Ae{E(SiMe₃)₂} ? (THF)_n (E=N, CH; n=1–2) complexes (where {N^N}^?={ArN(o‐C₆H₄)C(H)=NAr}^? with Ar=2,6‐iPr₂‐C₆H₃) bearing an iminoanilide ligand, and alkyl precatalysts are better than amido analogues. Turnover frequencies (TOFs) increase in the order Ca<Sr<Ba. Ba{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₂ ? (THF)₃ displays the best performance (TOF up to 3600 h^?1). The substrate scope (>30 products) includes diamines and di(hydrosilane)s. Kinetic analysis of the Ba‐promoted CDC of pyrrolidine and Ph₃SiH shows that 1) the kinetic law is rate=k[Ba]¹[amine]⁰[hydrosilane]¹, 2) electron‐withdrawing p‐substituents on the arylhydrosilane improve the reaction rate and 3) a maximal kinetic isotopic effect (k_SiH/k_SiD=4.7) is seen for Ph₃SiX (X=H, D). DFT calculations identified the prevailing mechanism; instead of an inaccessible σ‐bond‐breaking metathesis pathway, the CDC appears to follow a stepwise reaction path with N?Si bond‐forming nucleophilic attack of the catalytically competent Ba pyrrolide onto the incoming silane, followed by rate limiting hydrogen‐atom transfer to barium. The participation of a Ba silyl species is prevented energetically. The reactivity trend Ca<Sr<Ba results from greater accessibility of the metal centre and decreasing Ae?N_amide bond strength upon descending Group 2.     

Molecular Gallium Arsenide Phosphide Clusters Prepared from AsP3, P4, and [{GaC(SiMe3)3}4]

Treatment of AsP₃ with 0.75 equivalents of [{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₄] resulted in selective insertion of three equivalents of {GaC(SiMe₃)₃} into the three As? P bonds to give [As{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₃P₃] ( 1 ‐As) with an intact cyclo‐P₃ ring. This yellow compound has been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, combustion analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, UV/Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (THF, 0.2 M [TBA][B(C₆F₅)₄]; TBA=tetrabutyl ammonium). Computational models of 1 ‐As and the isomeric [P{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₃AsP₂] ( 1 ‐P) have been investigated as well, revealing several interesting electronic features of these cage molecules. Following from the cyclic voltammetry studies of 1 ‐As that highlight an irreversible two‐electron reduction at ?2.2 V versus Fc/Fc⁺, treatment with one equivalent of [Mg(C₁₄H₁₀)(thf)₃] resulted in two‐electron reduction to provide [As{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₃P₃Mg(thf)₃] ( 2 ), in which the Mg²⁺ ion has inserted into one of the P? P bonds of the cyclo‐P₃ ring. It was also found that treatment of AsP₃ or P₄ with one equivalent of [{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₄] resulted in formation of the quadruple insertion products [As{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₄P₃] ( 3 ) and [P{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₄P₃] ( 4 ), respectively.     

Trialkylhydridoalanate RxR′3-xAlH⊖ [R = CMe3; R′ = CH(SiMe3)2]

Trialkylhydridoalanates R_xR′_3?xAlH^? [R = CMe₃; R′ = CH(SiMe₃)₂] The very strong base tert-butyl lithium reacts in the presence of chelating tetramethylethylendiamine with the aluminium organyls Al[CH(SiMe₃)₂]₂CMe₃ 1 and Al[CH(SiMe₃)₂](CMe₃)₂ 2 not under proton abstraction from the C? H acidic elementorganic substituent, but under β-elimination and addition of the thereby formed LiH to the coordinatively unsaturated aluminium atom. Two alanates — [Hal{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₂CMe₃]^? 3 and [HAl{CH(SiMe₃)₂}(CMe₃)₂]^? 4 each with Li(TMEDA)₂^⊕ as counterion — were isolated; they exhibit separate anions and cations in solid state as shown by a crystal structure determination on 3 . In absence of the chelating amine tert-butyl lithium decomposes under the catalytic effect of the aluminium compound to LiH, which does not add to aluminium and precipitates in a reactive form.     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Several Ytterbium Bis(trimethylsilyl)amides Including Base‐free [Yb{N(SiMe3)2}2(μ‐Cl)]2 — A Coordinatively Unsaturated Complex with Additional Agostic Yb···(H3C—Si) Interactions

The reaction of YbCl₃ with two equivalents of NaN‐(SiMe₃)₂ has afforded a mixture of several ytterbium bis(trimethylsilyl) amides with the known complexes [Yb{N(SiMe₃)₂}2(μ‐Cl)(thf)]₂ ( 1 ) and [Yb{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃]( 4 ) as the main products and the cluster compound [Yb₃Cl₄O{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃(thf)₃]( 2 ) as a minor product. Treatment of 1 and 2 with hot n‐heptane gave the basefree complex [Yb{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(μ‐Cl)]₂ ( 3 ) in small yield. The structures of compounds 1—4 and the related peroxo complex [Yb₂{N(SiMe₃)₂}₄(μ‐O₂)(thf)₂]( 5 ) have been investigated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. In the solid‐state, 3 shows chlorobridged dimers with terminal amido ligands (av. Yb—Cl = 262.3 pm, av. Yb—N = 214.4 pm). Additional agostic interactions are observed from the ytterbium atoms to four methyl carbon atoms of the bis(trimethylsilyl)amido groups (Yb···C = 284—320 pm). DFT calculations have been performed on suitable model systems ([Yb₂(NH₂)₄(μ‐Cl)₂(OMe₂)₂]( 1m ), [Yb₂(NH₂)₄(μ‐Cl)₂]( 3m ), [Yb‐(NH₂)₃]( 4m ), [Yb₂(NH2₄(μ‐O₂)(OMe₂)₂]( 5m ), [Yb{N‐(SiMe₃)₂}₂Cl] ( 3m/2 ) and Ln(NH₂)₂NHSiMe₃ (Ln = Yb ( 6m ), Y ( 7m )) in order to rationalize the different experimentally observed Yb—N distances, to support the assignment of the O—O stretching vibration (775 cm ^‐1) in the Raman spectrum of complex 5 and to examine the nature of the agostic‐type interactions in σ‐donorfree 3 .     

Reaction of aryl azides with tris(trimethylsilyl)silyllithium: Synthesis of tmeda or thf adducts of [Li{N(Ar)Si(SiMe3)3}] and 1,4-trimethylsilyl migration from oxygen to nitrogen

Reaction of ArN₃ (Ar = Ph, p-MeC₆H₄, 1-naphthyl) with [Li{Si(SiMe₃)₃}(thf)₃] yielded lithium amides [Li{N(Ar)Si(SiMe₃)₃}L] (L = tmeda or (thf)₂). Similar treatment of o-phenylene diazide with 2 equiv. of [Li{Si(SiMe₃)₃}(thf)₃] formed dilithium diamide complex 4. Reaction between o-Me₃SiOC₆H₄N₃ and [Li{Si(SiMe₃)₃}(thf)₃] afforded, via 1,4-trimethylsilyl migration from oxygen to nitrogen, [Li{OC₆H₄{N(SiMe₃)Si(SiMe₃)₃}-2}]₂ (5). The structures of complexes 3 and 5 have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques.     

Synthese und Deprotonierung des verzweigten Triphosphanyltetrasilans PhSi(SiMe2PH2)3

The branched triphosphanyltetrasilane PhSi(SiMe₂PH₂)₃ ( 1 ) could be obtained in a three‐stage synthesis. It was characterised by multi‐nuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy. Deprotonation of 1 with GaiPr₃ or [M{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(thf)₂] (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) yields new phosphorus bridged polynuclear complexes of these metals with phosphorus atoms connected through tetrasilane fragments. While trinuclear complexes with single deprotonated phosphanyl groups could be obtained from the reactions of 1 with GaiPr₃, calcium or barium silazanide (compounds 2 , 3 and 5 ), the tetranuclear complex [Sr₄{PhSi(SiMe₂PH)₂(SiMe₂P)}₂(dme)₆] ( 4 ) was formed in the reaction of 1 with strontium silazanide. In this compound, two of six phosphorus atoms are deprotonated twice. Compounds 2 – 5 were characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis as well as IR spectroscopy and as far as possible by NMR spectroscopic techniques.     

Metal⋅⋅⋅F−C Bonding in Low-Coordinate Alkaline Earth Fluoroarylamides

A set of calcium and barium complexes containing the fluoroarylamide N(C₆F₅)₂⁻ is presented. These compounds illustrate the key role of stabilising M⋅⋅⋅F−C secondary interactions in the construction of low-coordinate alkaline earth complexes. The nature of Ca⋅⋅⋅F−C bonding in calcium complexes is examined in the light of structural data, bond valence sum (BVS) analysis and DFT computations. The molecular structures of [Ca{N(C₆F₅)₂}₂(Et₂O)₂] ( 4 ′), [Ca{μ-N(SiMe₃)₂}{N(C₆F₅)₂}]₂ ( 5₂ ), [Ba{μ-N(C₆F₅)₂}{N(C₆F₅)₂}⋅toluene]₂ ( 6₂ ), [{BDI^DiPP}CaN(C₆F₅)₂]₂ ( 7₂ ), [{N^N^DiPP}CaN(C₆F₅)₂]₂ ( 8₂ ), and [Ca{μ-OB(CH(SiMe₃)₂)₂}{N(C₆F₅)₂}]₂ ( 9₂ ), where {BDI^DiPP}⁻ and {N^N^DiPP}⁻ are the bidentate ligands CH[C(CH₃)NDipp]₂⁻ and DippNC₆H₄CNDipp⁻ (Dipp=2,6-iPr₂-C₆H₃), are detailed. Complex 6₂ displays strong Ba⋅⋅⋅F−C contacts at around 2.85 Å. The calcium complexes feature also very short intramolecular Ca−F interatomic distances at around 2.50 Å. In addition, the three-coordinate complexes 7₂ and 8₂ form dinuclear structures due to intermolecular Ca⋅⋅⋅F−C contacts. BVS analysis shows that Ca⋅⋅⋅F−C interactions contribute to 15–20 % of the bonding pattern around calcium. Computations demonstrate that Ca⋅⋅⋅F−C bonding is mostly electrostatic, but also contains a non-negligible covalent contribution. They also suggest that Ca⋅⋅⋅F−C are the strongest amongst the range of weak Ca⋅⋅⋅X (X=F, H, C_π) secondary interactions, due to the high positive charge of Ca²⁺ which favours electrostatic interactions.     

The Instability of Ni{N(SiMe3)2}2: A Fifty Year Old Transition Metal Silylamide Mystery

The characterization of the unstable Ni^II bis(silylamide) Ni{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂ ( 1 ), its THF complex Ni{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(THF) ( 2 ), and the stable bis(pyridine) derivative trans‐Ni{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(py)₂ ( 3 ), is described. Both 1 and 2 decompose at ca. 25 °C to a tetrameric Ni^I species, [Ni{N(SiMe₃)₂}]₄ ( 4 ), also obtainable from LiN(SiMe₃)₂ and NiCl₂(DME). Experimental and computational data indicate that the instability of 1 is likely due to ease of reduction of Ni^II to Ni^I and the stabilization of 4 through dispersion forces.     

Thermolyse sterisch überladener Alanate; Synthese zweier neuer 1-Sila-3-alanata-cyclobutan-Derivate mit AlC2Si-Heterozyklus

Thermolysis of Sterically Stressed Alanates; Synthesis of Two New 1-Sila-3-alanata-cyclobutane Derivatives with Four-membered AlC₂Si-Heterocycles The reaction of high shielded alkyl or aryl alanes with LiCH(SiMe₃)₂ in the presence of the chelating N,N′,N″-trimethyl-triazinane yields the sterically stressed alanates [(Me₃C)₂Al{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₂]^? 12 and [R? Al{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₃]^? (R = Me₃SiCH₂ 13 , Et 14 , Me 15 , C₆H₅ 16 ) each with a Li(triazinane)₂ counter ion. On thermolysis of the sterically most shielded derivatives 12 and 13 at 130 to 150°C one equivalent of bis(trimethylsilyl)methane is liberated, and by deprotonation of methyl groups carbanionic species are formed, which are stabilized by intramolecular coordination to the unsaturated aluminium atoms under formation of AlC₂Si heterocycles ( 19 and 20 ). 20 was characterized by a single crystal structure determination. The remaining alanates give under similar conditions either under dismutation the recently published heterocycle 1 with two intact CH(SiMe₃)₂ groups ( 14 and 15 ) or a methyl alanate by the replacement of a elementorganic substituent ( 16 ).     

Heteroleptic Alkyl and Amide Iminoanilide Alkaline Earth and Divalent Rare Earth Complexes for the Catalysis of Hydrophosphination and (Cyclo)Hydroamination Reactions

[{N^N}M(X)(thf)_n] alkyl (X=CH(SiMe₃)₂) and amide (X=N(SiMe₃)₂) complexes of alkaline earths (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) and divalent rare earths (Yb^II and Eu^II) bearing an iminoanilide ligand ({N^N}^?) are presented. Remarkably, these complexes proved to be kinetically stable in solution. X‐ray diffraction studies allowed us to establish size–structure trends. Except for one case of oxidation with [{N^N}Yb^II{N(SiMe₃)₂}(thf)], all these complexes are stable under the catalytic conditions and constitute effective precatalysts for the cyclohydroamination of terminal aminoalkenes and the intermolecular hydroamination and intermolecular hydrophosphination of activated alkenes. Metals with equal sizes across alkaline earth and rare earth families display almost identical apparent catalytic activity and selectivity. Hydrocarbyl complexes are much better catalyst precursors than their amido analogues. In the case of cyclohydroamination, the apparent activity decreases with metal size: Ca>Sr>Ba, and the kinetic rate law agrees with R_CHA=k[precatalyst]¹[aminoalkene]¹. The intermolecular hydroamination and hydrophosphination of styrene are anti‐Markovnikov regiospecific. In both cases, the apparent activity increases with the ionic radius (Ca<Sr<Ba) but the rate laws are different, and obey R_HA=k[styrene]¹[amine]¹[precatalyst]¹ and R_HP=k[styrene]¹[HPPh₂]⁰[precatalyst]¹, respectively. Mechanisms compatible with the rate laws and kinetic isotopic effects are proposed. [{N^N}Ba{N(SiMe₃)₂}(thf)₂] ( 3 ) and [{N^N}Ba{CH(SiMe₃)₂}(thf)₂] ( 10 ) are the first efficient Ba‐based precatalysts for intermolecular hydroamination and hydrophosphination, and display activity values that are above those reported so far. The potential of the precatalysts for C? N and C? P bond formation is detailed and a rare cyclohydroamination–intermolecular hydroamination “domino” sequence is presented.     

Highly Fluorinated Tris(indazolyl)borate Silylamido Complexes of the Heavier Alkaline Earth Metals: Synthesis,Characterization, and Efficient Catalytic Intramolecular Hydroamination

Heteroleptic silylamido complexes of the heavier alkaline earth elements calcium and strontium containing the highly fluorinated 3‐phenyl hydrotris(indazolyl)borate {F₁₂‐Tp^{4Bo, 3Ph}}^? ligand have been synthesized by using salt metathesis reactions. The homoleptic precursors [Ae{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] (Ae=Ca, Sr) were treated with [Tl(F₁₂‐Tp^{4Bo, 3Ph})] in pentane to form the corresponding heteroleptic complexes [(F₁₂‐Tp^{4Bo, 3Ph})Ae{N(SiMe₃)₂}] (Ae=Ca ( 1 ); Sr ( 3 )). Compounds 1 and 3 are inert towards intermolecular redistribution. The molecular structures of 1 and 3 have been determined by using X‐ray diffraction. Compound 3 exhibits a Sr ??? MeSi agostic distortion. The synthesis of the homoleptic THF‐free compound [Ca{N(SiMe₂H)₂}₂] ( 4 ) by transamination reaction between [Ca{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] and HN(SiMe₂H)₂ is also reported. This precursor constitutes a convenient starting material for the subsequent preparation of the THF‐free complex [(F₁₂‐Tp^{4Bo, 3Ph})Ca{N(SiMe₂H)₂}] ( 5 ). Compound 5 is stabilized in the solid state by a Ca???β‐Si?H agostic interaction. Complexes 1 and 3 have been used as precatalysts for the intramolecular hydroamination of 2,2‐dimethylpent‐4‐en‐1‐amine. Compound 1 is highly active, converting completely 200 equivalents of aminoalkene in 16 min with 0.50 mol % catalyst loading at 25 °C.