σ‐Insertive Mechanism versus Concerted Non‐insertive Mechanism in the Intramolecular Hydroamination of Aminoalkenes Catalyzed by Phenoxyamine Magnesium Complexes: A Synthetic and Computational Study

The phenoxyamine magnesium complexes [{ONN}MgCH₂Ph] ( 4 a : {ONN}=2,4‐tBu₂‐6‐(CH₂NMeCH₂CH₂NMe₂)C₆H₂O^?; 4 b : {ONN}=4‐tBu‐2‐(CH₂NMeCH₂CH₂NMe₂)‐6‐(SiPh₃)C₆H₂O^?) have been prepared and investigated with respect to their catalytic activity in the intramolecular hydroamination of aminoalkenes. The sterically more shielded triphenylsilyl‐substituted complex 4 b exhibits better thermal stability and higher catalytic activity. Kinetic investigations using complex 4 b in the cyclisation of 1‐allylcyclohexyl)methylamine ( 5 b ), respectively, 2,2‐dimethylpent‐4‐en‐1‐amine ( 5 c ), reveal a first‐order rate dependence on substrate and catalyst concentration. A significant primary kinetic isotope effect of 3.9±0.2 in the cyclisation of 5 b suggests significant N?H bond disruption in the rate‐determining transition state. The stoichiometric reaction of 4 b with 5 c revealed that at least two substrate molecules are required per magnesium centre to facilitate cyclisation. The reaction mechanism was further scrutinized computationally by examination of two rivalling mechanistic pathways. One scenario involves a coordinated amine molecule assisting in a concerted non‐insertive N?C ring closure with concurrent amino proton transfer from the amine onto the olefin, effectively combining the insertion and protonolysis step to a single step. The alternative mechanistic scenario involves a reversible olefin insertion step followed by rate‐determining protonolysis. DFT reveals that a proton‐assisted concerted N?C/C?H bond‐forming pathway is energetically prohibitive in comparison to the kinetically less demanding σ‐insertive pathway (ΔΔG^≠=5.6 kcal mol^?1). Thus, the σ‐insertive pathway is likely traversed exclusively. The DFT predicted total barrier of 23.1 kcal mol^?1 (relative to the {ONN}Mg pyrrolide catalyst resting state) for magnesium?alkyl bond aminolysis matches the experimentally determined Eyring parameter (ΔG^≠=24.1(±0.6) kcal mol^?1 (298 K)) gratifyingly well.     

Lanthanide(II) Complexes of the Dihydrotriazinido Ligand [N{C(Ph)=N}2C(tBu)Ph]−

The potassium dihydrotriazinide K(L^Ph,tBu) ( 1 ) was obtained by a metal exchange route from [Li(L^Ph,tBu)(THF)₃] and KOtBu (L^Ph,tBu = [N{C(Ph)=N}₂C(tBu)Ph]). Reaction of 1 with 1 or 0.5 equivalents of SmI₂(thf)₂ yielded the monosubstituted Sm^II complex [Sm(L^Ph,tBu)I(THF)₄] ( 2 ) or the disubstituted [Sm(L^Ph,tBu)₂(THF)₂] ( 3 ), respectively. Attempted synthesis of a heteroleptic Sm^II amido‐alkyl complex by the reaction of 2 with KCH₂Ph produced compound 3 due to ligand redistribution. The Yb^II bis(dihydrotriazinide) [Yb(L^Ph,tBu)₂(THF)₂] ( 4 ) was isolated from the 1:1 reaction of YbI₂(THF)₂ and 1 . Molecular structures of the crystalline compounds 2 , 3· 2C₆H₆ and 4· PhMe were determined by X‐ray crystallography.     

1‐Azaallyl Complexes of NiII,PdII, and TiIII

The metal complexes [Ni{N(Ar)C(R)C(H)Ph}₂) ( 2 ) (Ar = 2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃, R = SiMe₃), [Ti(Cp₂){N(R)C(Bu^t)C(H)R}] ( 3 ), M{N(R)C(Bu^t)C(H)R}I [M = Ni ( 4 a ) or Pd ( 4 b )] and [M{N(R)C(Bu^t)C(H)R}I(PPh₃)] [M = Ni ( 5 a ) or Pd ( 5 b )] have been prepared from a suitable metal halide and lithium precursor of ( 2 ) or ( 3 ) or, alternatively from [M(LL)₂] (M = Ni, LL = cod; M = Pd, LL = dba) and the ketimine RN = C(Bu^t)CH(I)R ( 1 ). All compounds, except 4 were fully characterised, including the provision of X‐ray crystallographic data for complex 5 a .     

Columnar Stacking of Partially Fluorinated [4]Helicenes: C−H⋅⋅⋅F Interactions Change the Stacking Orientation

The partial fluorination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons often produces a layered crystal packing, where fluorinated aromatic surfaces are stacked over nonfluorinated aromatic surfaces. Herein, we report the synthesis and crystal packing of partially fluorinated [4]helicenes with steric congestion resulting from H and F atoms in the fjord region. F₆‐[4]Helicene forms head‐to‐tail columnar stacks consisting of an alternate arrangement of perfluorinated and nonfluorinated naphthalene moieties. With decreasing fluorine content, aromatic stacking switched from arene?fluoroarene (Ar^H?Ar^F) hetero‐stacking to Ar^H?Ar^H/Ar^F?Ar^F homo‐stacking with the help of intermolecular C?H???F contacts in the fjord region. As a result, head‐to‐head columnar stacks appear. Therefore, the conventional Ar^H?Ar^F stacking motif is not always applicable to F_n‐[4]helicenes with twisted π‐surfaces.     

Synthese,Struktur und Eigenschaften des Natriumsilanids tBu2PhSiNa – ein Zugang zu Di‐tert‐butyl‐phenylsilylsubstituierten Verbindungen

The Sodium Silanide t Bu₂PhSiNa: Synthesis, Properties, Structure Analysis – a Synthetic Pathway to Introduce the t Bu₂PhSi‐Ligand The sodium silanide tBu₂PhSiNa is easily obtained by the reaction of sodium metal with tBu₂PhSiBr at elevated temperatures in n‐heptane, THF or dibutylether. An X‐ray crystal structure analysis reveals, that the sodium silanide 3 contains chains of tBu₂PhSiNa units with η⁶ sodium–phenyl‐contacts. Oxidation of tBu₂PhSiNa with TCNE proceeds with formation of the disilane tBu₂PhSi–SiPhtBu₂.     

Heterolytic Cleavage of Hydrogen by an Iron Hydrogenase Model: An Fe‐H⋅⋅⋅H‐N Dihydrogen Bond Characterized by Neutron Diffraction

Hydrogenase enzymes in nature use hydrogen as a fuel, but the heterolytic cleavage of H? H bonds cannot be readily observed in enzymes. Here we show that an iron complex with pendant amines in the diphosphine ligand cleaves hydrogen heterolytically. The product has a strong Fe‐H???H‐N dihydrogen bond. The structure was determined by single‐crystal neutron diffraction, and has a remarkably short H???H distance of 1.489(10) Å between the protic N‐H^δ+ and hydridic Fe‐H^δ? part. The structural data for [CpFe H (P^tBu₂N^tBu₂ H )]⁺ provide a glimpse of how the H? H bond is oxidized or generated in hydrogenase enzymes. These results now provide a full picture for the first time, illustrating structures and reactivity of the dihydrogen complex and the product of the heterolytic cleavage of H₂ in a functional model of the active site of the [FeFe] hydrogenase enzyme.     

Disupersilylperoxo Radical Anion [tBu3SiOOSitBu3]⋅−: An Intermediate of Supersilanide Oxidation

In the oxidative process of the supersilanide anion [SitBu₃]^?, radical species are generated. The continuous wave (cw)‐EPR spectrum of the reaction solution of Na[SitBu₃] with O₂ revealed a signal, which could be characterized as disupersilylperoxo radical anion [tBu₃SiOOSitBu₃]^?? affected by sodium ions though ion‐pair formation. A mechanism is suggested for the oxidative process of supersilanide, which in a further step can be helpful in a better understanding of the oxidation process of isoelectronic phosphanes.     

Sequential Barium‐Catalysed N−H/H−Si Dehydrogenative Cross‐Couplings: Cyclodisilazanes versus Linear Oligosilazanes

Starting from Ph₃SiH, the barium precatalyst Ba[CH(SiMe₃)₂]₂?(THF)₃ was used to produce the disilazane Ph₃SiN(Bn)SiPh₂NHBn ( 4 ) by sequential N?H/H?Si dehydrogenative couplings with BnNH₂ and Ph₂SiH₂. Substrate scope was extended to other amines and hydrosilanes. This smooth protocol gives quantitative yields and full chemoselectivity. Compound 4 and the intermediates Ph₃SiNHBn and Ph₃SiN(Bn)SiHPh₂ were structurally characterised. Further attempts at chain extension by dehydrocoupling of Ph₂SiH₂ with 4 instead resulted in cyclisation of this compound, forming the cyclodisilazane c‐(Ph₂Si‐NBn)₂ ( 5 ) which was crystallographically authenticated. The ring‐closure mechanism leading to 5 upon release of C₆H₆ was determined by complementary experimental and theoretical (DFT) investigations. Ba[CH(SiMe₃)₂]₂?(THF)₃ and 4 react to afford the reactive Ba{N(Bn)SiPh₂N(Bn)SiPh₃}₂, which was characterised in situ by NMR spectroscopy. Next, in a stepwise process, intramolecular nucleophilic attack of the metal‐bound amide on the terminal silicon atom generates a five‐coordinate silicate. It is followed by turnover‐limiting β‐C₆H₅ transfer to barium; this releases 5 and forms a transient [Ba]?Ph species, which undergoes aminolysis to regenerate [Ba]?N(Bn)SiPh₂N(Bn)SiPh₃. DFT computations reveal that the irreversible production of 5 through such a stepwise ring‐closure mechanism is much more kinetically facile (ΔG^≠=26.2 kcal mol^?1) than an alternative σ‐metathesis pathway (ΔG^≠=48.2 kcal mol^?1).     

Synthesis,Bonding and Reactivity of a Terminal Titanium Alkylidene Hydrazido Compound

We report a detailed study of the reactions of the Ti?NNCPh₂ alkylidene hydrazide functional group in [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}(NNCPh₂)] ( 8 ) with a variety of unsaturated and saturated substrates. Compound 8 was prepared from [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}(NtBu)] and Ph₂CNNH₂. DFT calculations were used to determine the nature of the bonding for the Ti?NNCPh₂ moiety in 8 and in the previously reported [Cp₂Ti(NNCPh₂)(PMe₃)]. Reaction of 8 with CO₂ gave dimeric [(Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{μ‐OC(NNCPh₂)O})₂] and the “double‐insertion” dicarboxylate species [Cp*Ti‐{MeC(NiPr)₂}{OC(O)N(NCPh₂)C(O)O}] through an initial [2+2] cycloaddition product [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{N(NCPh₂)C(O)O}], the congener of which could be isolated in the corresponding reaction with CS₂. The reaction with isocyanates or isothiocyanates tBuNCO or ArNCE (Ar=Tol or 2,6‐C₆H₃iPr₂; E=O, S) gave either complete NNCPh₂ transfer, [2+2] cycloaddition to Ti?N_α or single‐ or double‐substrate insertion into the Ti?N_α bond. The treatment of 8 with isonitriles RNC (R=tBu or Xyl) formed σ‐adducts [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}(NNCPh₂)(CNR)]. With Ar^F5CCH (Ar^F5=C₆F₅) the [2+2] cycloaddition product [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{N(NCPh₂)C(Ar^F5)C(H)}] was formed, whereas with benzonitriles ArCN (Ar=Ph or Ar^F5) two equivalents of substrate were coupled in a head‐to‐tail manner across the Ti?N_α bond to form [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{N(NCPh₂)C(Ar)NC(Ar)N}]. Treatment of 8 with RSiH₃ (R=aryl or Bu) or Ph₂SiH₂ gave [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{N(SiHRR′)N(CHPh₂)}] (R′=H or Ph) through net 1,3‐addition of Si? H to the N? N?CPh₂ linkage of 8 , whereas reaction with PhSiH₂X (X=Cl, Br) led to the Ti?N_α 1,2‐addition products [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}(X){N(NCPh₂)SiH₂Ph}].     

Luminescent Benzoquinolate‐Isocyanide Platinum(II) Complexes: Effect of Pt⋅⋅⋅Pt and π⋅⋅⋅π Interactions on their Photophysical Properties

The neutral compounds [Pt(bzq)(CN)(CNR)] (R=tBu ( 1 ), Xyl ( 2 ), 2‐Np ( 3 ); bzq= benzoquinolate, Xyl=2,6‐dimethylphenyl, 2‐Np=2‐napthyl) were isolated as the pure isomers with a trans‐C_bzq,CNR configuration, as confirmed by ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopy in the isotopically marked [Pt(bzq)(¹³CN)(CNR)] (R=tBu ( 1′ ), Xyl ( 2′ ), 2‐Np ( 3′ )) derivatives (δ¹³C_CN≈110 ppm; ¹J(Pt,¹³C)≈1425 Hz]. By contrast, complex [Pt(bzq)(C≡CPh)(CNXyl)] ( 4 ) with a trans‐N_bzq,CNR configuration, has been selectively isolated from [Pt(bzq)Cl(CNXyl)] (trans‐N_bzq,CNR) using Sonogashira conditions. X‐ray diffraction studies reveal that while 1 adopts a columnar‐stacked chain structure with Pt–Pt distances of 3.371(1) Å and significant π???π interactions (3.262 Å), complex 2 forms dimers supported only by short Pt???Pt (3.370(1) Å) interactions. In complex 4 the packing is directed by weak bzq???Xyl and bzq???C≡E (C, N) interactions. In solid state at room temperature, compounds 1 and 2 both show a bright red emission (?=42.1 % 1 , 57.6 % 2 ). Luminescence properties in the solid state at 77 K and concentration‐dependent emission studies in CH₂Cl₂ at 298 K and at 77 K are also reported for 1 , 1·CHCl3 , 2 , 2' , 2·CHCl3 , 3 , 4 .     

Design and Synthesis of Calixarene‐Based Bis‐alkynyl‐Bridged Dinuclear AuI Isonitrile Complexes as Luminescent Ion Probes by the Modulation of Au⋅⋅⋅Au Interactions

Two calixarene‐based bis‐alkynyl‐bridged Au^I isonitrile complexes with two different crown ether pendants, [{calix[4]arene‐(OCH₂CONH‐C₆H₄C≡C)₂}{Au(CNR)}₂] (R=benzo[15]crown‐5 ( 1 ); R=benzo[18]crown‐6 ( 2 )), together with their related crown‐free analogue 3 (R=C₆H₃(OMe)₂‐3,4) and a mononuclear gold(I) complex 4 with benzo[15]crown‐5 pendant, have been designed and synthesized, and their photophysical properties have been studied. The X‐ray structure of the ligand, calix[4]arene‐(OCH₂CONH‐C₆H₄C?CH)₂ has been determined. The cation‐binding properties of these complexes with various metal ions have been studied using UV/Vis, emission, ¹H NMR, and ESI‐MS techniques, and DFT calculations. A new low‐energy emission band associated with Au???Au interaction could be switched on upon formation of the metal ion‐bound adduct in a sandwich fashion.     

Komplexchemie P‐reicher Phosphane und Silylphosphane. XXV. Bildung und Struktur des [{cyclo‐P3(PtBu2)3}{Ni(CO)2}{Ni(CO)3}]

Coordination Chemistry of P‐rich Phosphanes and Silylphosphanes. XXV. Formation and Structure of [{ cyclo ‐P₃(P^tBu₂)₃}{Ni(CO)₂}{Ni(CO)₃}] ^tBu₂P–P=P(R)^tBu₂ (R = Br, Me) reacts with [Ni(CO)₄] yielding [{cyclo‐P₃(P^tBu₂)₃}{Ni(CO)₂}{Ni(CO)₃}]. The two cis‐^tBu₂P substituents of the cyclotriphosphane, which results from the trimerization of the phosphinophosphinidene ^tBu₂P–P, are coordinating to a Ni(CO)₂ unit forming a five‐membered P₄Ni chelate ring. The trans‐^tBu₂P group is linked to a Ni(CO)₃ unit. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca (No. 61) with a = 933.30(5), b = 2353.2(1) and c = 3474.7(3) pm.     

Review: Chemistry of the phosphinophosphinidene tBu2P?P,a novel π‐electron ligand

In reactions with transition metal compounds, ^tBu₂P? P?P(X)^tBu₂ (X = Br, Me) acts mainly as a precursor of the ^tBu₂P? P ligand, whereas ^tBu(Me₃Si)P? P?P(Me)^tBu₂ acts as a precursor of the (Me₃Si)P?P^tBu ligand. Up to now, only Pt(0) d¹⁰ ML₂ metal centres were found to be able to stabilize the ^tBu₂P? P group in ‘pure form’ by means of η²‐coordination (side on). Several compounds of the [{η² ? ^tBu₂P? P}Pt(PR₃)₂] type were sufficiently stable to be isolated and characterized; however, not all of them gave single crystals suitable for X‐ray structure determinations. The X‐ray structures of these compounds and of [{µ ? (1,2:2 ? η ? ^tBu₂P? P)Pt(PR₃)₂} {M(CO)₅}] strongly suggest the ethene‐like form of 1,1‐di‐tert‐butyldiphosphene in these complexes. Such a form is also in agreement with RI DFT calculations with SVP basis for free ^tBu₂P? P. However, in trapping experiments with cyclic olefins and cyclic dienes ^tBu₂P? P exhibits, to some extent, electrophilic ‘singlet carbene’ properties. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of aluminum(III) and tin(II) complexes supported by diiminophosphinate ligands and their application in ring‐opening polymerization catalysis of ε‐caprolactone

A series of Al(III) and Sn(II) diiminophosphinate complexes have been synthesized. Reaction of Ph(ArCH₂)P(?NBu^t)NHBu^t (Ar = Ph, 3 ; Ar = 8‐quinolyl, 4 ) with AlR₃ (R = Me, Et) gave aluminum complexes [R₂Al{(NBu^t)₂P(Ph)(CH₂Ar)}] (R = Me, Ar = Ph, 5 ; R = Me, Ar = 8‐quinolyl, 6 ; R = Et, Ar = Ph, 7 ; R = Et, Ar = quinolyl, 8 ). Lithiated 3 and 4 were treated with SnCl₂ to afford tin(II) complexes [ClSn{(NBu^t)₂P(Ph)(CH₂Ar)}] (Ar = Ph, 9 ; Ar = 8‐quinolyl, 10 ). Complex 9 was converted to [(Me₃Si)₂NSn{(NBu^t)₂P(Ph)(CH₂Ph)}] ( 11 ) by treatment with LiN(SiMe₃)₂. Complex 11 was also obtained by reaction of 3 with [Sn{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂]. Complex 9 reacted with [LiOC₆H₄Bu^t‐4] to yield [4‐Bu^tC₆H₄OSn{(NBu^t)₂P(Ph)(CH₂Ph)}] ( 12 ). Compounds 3–12 were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The structures of complexes 6 , 10 , and 11 were further characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction techniques. The catalytic activity of complexes 5–8 , 11 , and 12 toward the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (CL) was studied. In the presence of BzOH, the complexes catalyzed the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐CL in the activity order of 5 > 7 ≈ 8 > 6 ? 11 > 12 , giving polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions. The kinetic studies showed a first‐order dependency on the monomer concentration in each case. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4621–4631, 2006     

Die Reaktion von tBu2P‐P=P(Me)tBu2 mit [Fe2(CO)9] und [(η2‐C8H14)2Fe(CO)3]

^tBu₂P‐P=P(Me)^tBu₂ reacts with [Fe₂(CO)₉] to give [μ‐(1, 2, 3:4‐η‐^tBu₂P¹‐P²‐P³‐P^4tBu₂){Fe(CO)₃}{Fe(CO)₄}] ( 1 ) and [trans‐(^tBu₂MeP)₂Fe(CO)₃]( 2 ). With [(η²‐C₈H₁₄)₂Fe(CO)₃] in addition to [μ‐(1, 2, 3:4‐η‐^tBu₂P¹‐P²‐P³‐P^4tBu₂){Fe(CO)₂PMe^tBu₂}‐{Fe(CO)₄}] ( 10 ) and 2 also [(μ‐P^tBu₂){μ‐P‐Fe(CO)₃‐PMe^tBu₂}‐{Fe(CO)₃}₂(Fe‐Fe)]( 9 ) is formed. 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 875.0(2), b = 1073.2(2), c = 3162.6(6) pm and β = 94.64(3)?. 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 1643.4(7), b = 1240.29(6), c = 2667.0(5) pm and β = 97.42(2)?. 9 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a = 1407.5(5), b = 1649.7(5), c = 1557.9(16) pm and β = 112.87(2)?.     

Aggregation of Dinuclear Cations [{Au(PR3)}2(μ‐OH)]+ into Dimers Induced by Polyoxometalate (POM) Template Effects

Intercluster compounds, [{(Au{P(p‐XPh)₃})₂(μ‐OH)}₂][α‐SiMo₁₂O₄₀(Au{P(p‐XPh)₃})₂] · nEtOH [X = F ( 1 ), Cl ( 2 )] were synthesized by polyoxometalate (POM)‐mediated clusterization, and were unequivocally characterized by X‐ray crystallography, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), solid‐state cross‐polarization magic‐angle‐spinning (CPMAS) ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and solution (¹H, ³¹P{¹H}) NMR spectroscopy. The “dimer‐of‐dinuclear phosphanegold(I) cation”, i.e., [{(Au{P(p‐XPh)₃})₂(μ‐OH)}₂]²⁺ was formed by the self‐assembly of dinuclear phosphanegold(I) cations, i.e., [(Au{P(p‐XPh)₃})₂(μ‐OH)]⁺, through inter‐cationic aurophilic interactions as the crossed‐edge arrangement (or tetrahedral Au₄ structure) for 1 , while as the parallel‐edge arrangement (or rectangular Au₄ structure) for 2 . The latter arrangement was first attained only by assistance of the POM. The POM anions in 1 and 2 contained two mononuclear phosphanegold(I) cations, i.e., [Au{P(p‐XPh)₃}]⁺, linked to the OMo₂ oxygen atoms of edge‐sharing MoO₆ octahedra. In the solution ³¹P{¹H} NMR of 1 and 2 , we observed single signals due to the rapid exchange of the phosphanegold(I) units. This shows that the OMo₂ oxygen atoms of edge‐sharing MoO₆ octahedra in the Keggin POM act as multi‐centered active binding sites for the formation of [{(Au{P(p‐XPh)₃})₂(μ‐OH)}₂]²⁺.     

Copolymerization of ethylene with 1,1‐disubstituted olefins catalyzed by ansa‐(fluorenyl)(cyclododecylamido)dimethyltitanium complexes

A series of titanium complexes with ansa‐(fluorenyl)(cyclododecylamido) ligands, Me₂Si(η³‐R)(N‐c‐C₁₂H₂₃)TiMe₂ [R = fluorenyl ( 5 ), 2,7‐^tBu₂fluorenyl ( 6 ), 3,6‐^tBu₂fluorenyl ( 7 )], was synthesized. The crystal structure of complex 6 revealed η³‐coordination of the fluorenyl moiety to the metal. Upon activation with trialkylaluminum‐free modified methylaluminoxane, complexes 5 – 7 as well as the corresponding ^tBu amide complexes, Me₂Si(η³‐R)(N^tBu)TiMe₂ [R = fluorenyl ( 2 ), 2,7‐^tBu₂fluorenyl ( 3 ), 3,6‐^tBu₂fluorenyl ( 4 )], were adopted as the catalysts for the copolymerization of ethylene (E) and isobutylene (IB). Among these complexes, complex 6 was found to achieve the highest IB incorporation to produce alternating E‐IB copolymers. Complex 6 system also achieved copolymerization of E and limonene. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013     

Ansa‐Complexes of [Mn(η5‐C5H5)(η6‐C6H6)]: Preparation,Characterization, and Reactivity of [n]Manganoarenophanes (n=1, 2, 3)

We report the synthesis of [n]manganoarenophanes (n=1, 2) featuring boron, silicon, germanium, and tin as ansa‐bridging elements. Their preparation was achieved by salt‐elimination reactions of the dilithiated precursor [Mn(η⁵‐C₅H₄Li)(η⁶‐C₆H₅Li)]?pmdta (pmdta=N,N,N′,N′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) with corresponding element dichlorides. Besides characterization by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, the identity of two single‐atom‐bridged derivatives, [Mn(η⁵‐C₅H₄)(η⁶‐C₆H₅)SntBu₂] and [Mn(η⁵‐C₅H₄)(η⁶‐C₆H₅)SiPh₂], could also be determined by X‐ray structural analysis. We investigated for the first time the reactivity of these ansa‐cyclopentadienyl–benzene manganese compounds. The reaction of the distannyl‐bridged complex [Mn(η⁵‐C₅H₄)(η⁶‐C₆H₅)Sn₂tBu₄] with elemental sulfur was shown to proceed through the expected oxidative addition of the Sn?Sn bond to give a triatomic ansa‐bridge. The investigation of the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) capability of [Mn(η⁵‐C₅H₄)(η⁶‐C₆H₅)SntBu₂] with [Pt(PEt₃)₃] showed that an unexpected, unselective insertion into the C_ipso?Sn bonds of [Mn(η⁵‐C₅H₄)(η⁶‐C₆H₅)SntBu₂] had occurred.     

Nitric Oxide Insertion Reactivity with the Bismuth–Carbon Bond: Formation of the Oximate Anion, [ON(C6H2tBu2O)]−, from the Oxyaryl Dianion, (C6H2tBu2O)2−

The first example of NO insertion into a Bi?C bond has been found in the direct reaction of NO with a Bi³⁺ complex of the unusual (C₆H₂tBu₂‐3,5‐O‐4)^2? oxyaryl dianionic ligand, namely, Ar′Bi(C₆H₂tBu₂‐3,5‐O‐4) [Ar′=2,6‐(Me₂NCH₂)₂C₆H₃] ( 1 ). The oximate complexes [Ar′Bi(ONC₆H₂‐3,5‐tBu₂‐4‐O)]₂(μ‐O) ( 3 ) and Ar′Bi(ONC₆H₂‐3,5‐tBu₂‐4‐O)₂ ( 4 ) were formed as a mixture, but can be isolated in pure form by reaction of NO with a Bi³⁺ complex of the [O₂C(C₆H₂tBu₂‐3‐5‐O‐4]^2? oxyarylcarboxy dianion, namely, Ar′Bi[O₂C(C₆H₂tBu₂‐3‐5‐O‐4)‐κ²O,O’]. Reaction of 1 with Ph₃CSNO gave an oximate product with (Ph₃CS)^1? as an ancillary ligand, (Ph₃CS)(Ar′)Bi(ONC₆H₂‐3,5‐tBu₂‐4‐O) ( 5 ).     

A Neutral “Aluminocene” Sandwich Complex: η1‐ versus η5‐Coordination Modes of a Pentaarylborole with ECp* (E=Al,Ga; Cp*=C5Me5)

The pentaaryl borole (Ph*C)₄BXyl^F [Ph*=3,5‐tBu₂(C₆H₃); Xyl^F=3,5‐(CF₃)₂(C₆H₃)] reacts with low‐valent Group 13 precursors AlCp* and GaCp* by two divergent routes. In the case of [AlCp*]₄, the borole reacts as an oxidising agent and accepts two electrons. Structural, spectroscopic, and computational analysis of the resulting unprecedented neutral η⁵‐Cp*,η⁵‐[(Ph*C)₄BXyl^F] complex of Al^III revealed a strong, ionic bonding interaction. The formation of the heteroleptic borole‐cyclopentadienyl “aluminocene” leads to significant changes in the ¹³C NMR chemical shifts within the borole unit. In the case of the less‐reductive GaCp*, borole (Ph*C)₄BXyl^F reacts as a Lewis acid to form a dynamic adduct with a dative 2‐center‐2‐electron Ga?B bond. The Lewis adduct was also studied structurally, spectroscopically, and computationally.