A Molecular Barium Hydrido Complex Stabilized by a Super‐Bulky Hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate Ligand

Hydrogenolysis of the scorpionate‐supported barium alkyl complex (Tp^Ad,iPr)Ba[CH(SiMe₃)₂](THF) (Tp^Ad,iPr=hydrotris(3‐adamantyl‐5‐isopropyl‐pyrazolyl)borate) afforded the dinuclear barium hydrido complex [(Tp^Ad,iPr)Ba(μ‐H)]₂ ( 2 ), which was characterized by NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. Exposure of 2 with 1 atm of CO resulted in a reductive coupling process to form the cis‐ethendiolate dianion ( 3 ). Reaction of 2 with one equivalent of PhC≡C−C≡CPh gave barium 1,4‐diphenyl‐2‐butyne‐1,4‐diyl complex {[(Tp^Ad,iPr)Ba]₂(PhCH−C≡C−CHPh) ( 4 ).     

Transition‐Metal Complexes Based on the 1,3,5‐Triethynyl Benzene Linking Unit

The synthesis of a unique series of heteromultinuclear transition metal compounds is reported. Complexes 1‐I‐3‐Br‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃ ( 4 ), 1‐Br‐3‐(bpy‐C≡C)‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃ ( 6 ), 1,3‐(bpy‐C≡C)₂‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃ ( 7 ), 1‐(XC≡C)‐3‐(bpy‐C≡C)‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃ ( 8 , X = SiMe₃; 9 , X = H), 1‐(HC≡C)‐3‐[(CO)₃ClRe(bpy‐C≡C)]‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃ ( 11 ), 1‐[(Ph₃P)AuC≡C]‐3‐[(CO)₃ClRe(bpy‐C≡C)]‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃ ( 13 ), 1‐[(Ph₃P)AuC≡C]‐3‐(bpy‐C≡C)‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃ ( 14 ), [1‐[(Ph₃PAuC≡C]‐3‐[{[Ti](C≡CSiMe₃)₂}Cu(bpy‐C≡C)]‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃]PF₆ ( 16 ), and [1,3‐[(tBu₂bpy)₂Ru(bpy‐C≡C)]₂‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃](PF₆)₄ ( 18 ) (Fc = (η⁵‐C₅H₄)(η⁵‐C₅H₅)Fe, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridiyl‐5‐yl, [Ti] = (η⁵‐C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti) were prepared by using consecutive synthesis methodologies including metathesis, desilylation, dehydrohalogenation, and carbon–carbon cross‐coupling reactions. In these complexes the corresponding metal atoms are connected by carbon‐rich bridging units comprising 1,3‐diethynyl‐, 1,3,5‐triethynylbenzene and bipyridyl units. They were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and partly by ESI‐TOF mass spectrometry., The structures of 4 and 11 in the solid state are reported. Both molecules are characterized by the central benzene core bridging the individual transition metal complex fragments. The corresponding acetylide entities are, as typical, found in a linear arrangement with representative M–C, C–C_C≡C and C≡C bond lengths.     

π‐Complexes of Copper(I) with Terminal Alkynes. Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [(HC≡CCH2NH3)(Cu2Br3)] π‐Complex

Crystals of the zwitterionic copper(I) π‐complex [(HC≡CCH₂NH₃)Cu₂Br₃] have been synthesized by interaction of CuBr with [HC≡CCH₂NH₃]Br in aqueous solution (pH < 1) and X‐ray studied. The crystals are monoclinic: space group P2₁/n, a = 6.722(4), b = 12.818(8), c = 9.907(3) Å, β = 100.25(4)°, V = 840.0(8) ų, Z = 4, R = 0.0592 for 3015 reflections. The crystal structure of the π‐complex contains isolated [(HC≡CCH₂NH₃)⁺(Cu₂Br₃)^?]₂ units which are incorporated into a framework by strong hydrogen N–H···Br and C≡C–H···Br bonds. The length of π‐coordinated propargylammonium C≡C bond is equal 1.216(8) Å and Cu(I)–(C≡C) distance equals 1.958(5) Å.     

Formation of Alkyne Bridged Multicobalt Carbonyl Complexes with Tris(2‐Thienyl)Phosphine or Bis(Trimethylsilylethynyl)Phenylphosphine Ligand

Treatment of Co₄(CO)₁₂ with an excess of trimethylsilylacetylene (TMSA) in the presence of tri(2‐thienyl)phosphine in THF at 25 °C for 2 hours yielded six compounds. Two pseudo‐octahedral, alkyne‐bridged tetracobalt clusters, [Co₄(μ₄‐η²‐HC≡CSiMe₃)(CO)₁₀(μ‐CO)₂] ( 4 ) and [Co₄(μ₄‐η²‐HC≡CSiMe³)‐(CO)₉(μ‐CO)₂{P(C₄H₄S)₃}] ( 6 ), along with an alkyne‐bridged dicobalt complex, [Co₂(CO)₅(μ‐HC≡CSiMe₃)‐{P(C₄H₄S)₃}] ( 5 ), were obtained as new compounds. The addition of the thienylphosphine ligand, in fact, facilitates the reaction rate. Reaction of an alkyne‐bridged dicobalt complex, [(η²‐H‐C≡C‐SiMe₃)Co₂(CO)₆] ( 3 ), with a bi‐functional ligand, PPh(‐C≡C‐SiMe₃)₂, yielded an unexpected six‐membered, cyclic compound, {(Ph)(Me₃Si‐C≡C)P‐[(η²‐C≡C‐SiMe₃)Co₂(CO)₅]}₂ ( 7 ). All of these new compounds were characterized by spectroscopic means; the solid‐state structures of ( 5 ), ( 6 ) and ( 7 ) have been established by X‐ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and Complexation Study of New Aminoalkynyl−amidinate Ligands

The current library of amidinate ligands has been extended by the synthesis of two novel dimethylamino-substituted alkynylamidinate anions of the composition [Me₂N−CH₂−C≡C−C(NR)₂]⁻ (R = ⁱPr, cyclohexyl (Cy)). The unsolvated lithium derivatives Li[Me₂N−CH₂−C≡C−C(NR)₂] ( 1 : R = ⁱPr, 2 : R = Cy) were obtained in good yields by treatment of in situ-prepared Me₂N−CH₂−C≡C−Li with the respective carbodiimides, R−N=C=N−R. Recrystallization of 1 and 2 from THF afforded the crystalline THF adducts Li[Me₂N−CH₂−C≡C−C(NR)₂] ⋅ nTHF ( 1 a : R = ⁱPr, n=1; 2 a : R = Cy, n=1.5). Precursor 2 was subsequently used to study initial complexation reactions with selected di- and trivalent transition metals. The dark red homoleptic vanadium(III) tris(alkynylamidinate) complex V[Me₂N−CH₂−C≡C−C(NCy)₂]₃ ( 3 ) was prepared by reaction of VCl₃(THF)₃ with 3 equiv. of 2 (75 % yield). A salt-metathesis reaction of 2 with anhydrous FeCl₂ in a molar ratio of 2 : 1 afforded the dinuclear homoleptic iron(II) alkynylamidinate complex Fe₂[Me₂N−CH₂−C≡C−C(NCy)₂]₄ ( 4 ) in 69 % isolated yield. Similarly, treatment of Mo₂(OAc)₄ with 3 or 4 equiv. of 2 provided the dinuclear, heteroleptic molybdenum(II) amidinate complex Mo₂(OAc)[Me₂N−CH₂−C≡C−C(NCy)₂]₃ ( 5 ; yellow crystals, 50 % isolated yield). The cyclohexyl-substituted title compounds 2 a , 4 , and 5 were structurally characterized through single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

A Structurally Characterized Fluoroalkyne

The facile synthesis of a stable and isolable compound with a fluoroalkynyl group, M−C≡CF, is reported. Reaction of [Ru(C≡CH)(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(dppe)] with an electrophilic fluorinating agent (NFSI) results in the formation of the fluorovinylidene complex [Ru(=C=CHF)(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(dppe)][N(SO₂Ph)₂]. Subsequent deprotonation with LiN(SiMe₃)₂ affords the fluoroalkynyl complex [Ru(C≡CF)(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(dppe)]. In marked contrast to the rare and highly reactive examples of fluoroalkynes that have been reported previously, this compound can be readily isolated and structurally characterized. This has allowed the structure and bonding in the CCF motif to be explored. Further electrophilic fluorination of this species yields the difluorovinylidene complex [Ru(C=CF₂)(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(dppe)][N(SO₂Ph)₂].     

Zur oxidativen Addition von 1-Halogenalk-1-inen – Synthese und Struktur von Phenylalkinylpalladium-Komplexen

On the Oxidative Addition of 1-Halogenalk-1-ynes – Synthesis and Structure of Phenylalkynylpalladium Complexes [Pd(PPh₃)₄] ( 2 ) reacts with IC≡CPh and ClC≡CPh in the sense of an oxidative addition to give trans-[Pd(C≡CPh)X(PPh₃)₂] (X = I: 3 a , X = Cl: 3 b ). As side products trans-[PdX₂(PPh₃)₂] (X = I: 4 a , X = Cl: 4 b ; < 10%) and PhC≡C–C≡CPh ( 5 ; X = I: ca 30%, X = Cl: < 4%) are formed. 3 a and 3 b were characterized by NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P) and IR spectroscopies as well as by X-ray single-crystal structure analyses. In the crystals of 3 a and 3 b isolated molecules were found. The Pd–C≡C–Ph unit is linear in 3 a and approximately linear in 3 b [Pd–C≡C 174.2(6)°, C≡C–C 179,0(7)°].     

Ab initio molecular dynamics study for C–Br dissociation within BrH<Subscript>2</Subscript>C–C≡C<Subscript>(ads)</Subscript> adsorbed on an Ag(111) surface: a short-time Fourier transform approach

The reaction dynamics for C–Br dissociation within BrH₂C–C≡CH_(ads) adsorbed on an Ag(111) surface has been investigated by combining density functional theory-based molecular dynamics simulations with short-time Fourier transform (STFT) analysis of the dipole moment autocorrelation function. Two possible reaction pathways for C–Br scission within BrH₂C–C≡CH_(ads) have been proposed on the basis of different initial structural models. Firstly, the initial perpendicular orientation of adsorbed BrH₂C–C≡CH_(ads) with a stronger C–Br bond will undergo dynamic rotation leading to the final parallel orientation of BrH₂C–C≡CH_(ads) to cause the C–Br scission, namely, an indirect dissociation pathway. Secondly, the initial parallel orientation of adsorbed BrH₂C–C≡C_(ads) with a weaker C–Br bond will directly cause the C–Br scission within BrH₂C–C≡CH_(ads), namely, a direct dissociation pathway. To further investigate the evolution of different vibrational modes of BrH₂C–C≡CH_(ads) along these two reaction pathways, the STFT analysis is performed to illustrate that the infrared (IR) active peaks of BrH₂C–C≡CH_(ads) such as vCH₂ [2956 cm^?1(s) and 3020 cm^?1(as)], v≡CH (3320 cm^?1) and vC≡C (2150 cm^?1) gradually vanish as the rupture of C–Br bond occurs and then the resulting IR active peaks such as C=C=C (1812 cm^?1), ω-CH₂ (780 cm^?1) and δ-CH (894 cm^?1) appear due to the formation of H₂C=C=CH_(ads) which are in a good agreement with experimental reflection adsorption infrared spectrum (RAIRS) at temperatures of 110 and 200 K, respectively. Finally, the total energy profiles indicate that the reaction barriers for the scission of C–Br within BrH₂C–C≡CH_(ads) along both direct and indirect dissociation pathways are very close due to a similar rupture of C–Br bond leading to a similar transition state.     

The Crystal and Molecular Structure of Mercury Fulminate (Knallquecksilber)

A short survey on the fascinating history of mercury fulminate is given. The crystal structure of Hg(CNO)₂ has been determined using single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Mercury fulminate crystallizes in an orthorhombic cell, space group Cmce with a = 5.3549(2), b = 10.4585(5), c = 7.5579(4) Å and Z = 4. The distances and angles in the O‐N≡C‐Hg‐C≡N‐O molecule are Hg‐C 2.029(6) Å, C≡N 1.143(8) Å, N‐O 1.248(6) Å and C‐Hg‐C 180.0(1)°, Hg‐C≡N 169.1(5)°, C≡N‐O 179.7(6)°. Each mercury atom is surrounded by two oxygen atoms from neighbouring Hg(CNO)₂ molecules with a nonbonding distance of Hg···O 2.833(4) Å. The Hg‐C bond lengths in the linear Hg(CNO)₂ molecules are shorter than those in the tetrahedral complex [Hg(CNO)₄]^2?. This refers to a large contribution of the 6s orbital in the Hg‐C bonds of Hg(CNO)₂. The results of the X‐ray powder investigation on Hg(CNO)₂ are also reported.     

Synthese und Struktur chiraler Heterometallatetrahedrane des Typs [Re2(M1PPh3)(M2PPh3)(μ‐PCy2)(CO)7C≡CPh] (M1 = Ag,Au; M2 = Cu,Ag, Au)

Syntheses and Structure of Chiral Metallatetrahedron Complexes of the Type [Re₂(M¹PPh₃)(M²PPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] (M¹ = Ag, Au; M² = Cu, Ag, Au) From the reaction of Li[Re₂(μ‐H)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇(C(Ph)O)] ( 1 ) with Ph₃AuC≡CPh both benzaldehyde and the trinuclear complex Li[Re₂(AuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] ( 2a ) were obtained in high yield. The complex anion was isolated as its PPh₄‐salt 2b . The latter reacts with coinage metal complexes PPh₃M²Cl [M² = Cu, Ag, Au] to give chiral heterometallatetrahedranes of the general formula [Re₂(AuPPh₃)(M²PPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] (M² = Cu 3a , Ag 3b , Au 3c ). The corresponding complex [Re₂(AgPPh₃)₂(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] ( 3d ) is obtained from the reaction of [Re₂(AgPPh₃)₂(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇Cl] ( 4 ) with LiC≡CPh. 3d undergoes a metathesis reaction in the presence of PPh₃CuCl giving [Re₂(AgPPh₃)(CuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] ( 3e ) and PPh₃AgCl. Analogous metathesis reactions are observed when 3c is reacted with PPh₃AgCl or PPh₃CuCl giving 3a or 3b , respectively. The reaction of 1 with PPh₃AuCl gives benzaldehyde and Li[Re₂(AuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇Cl] ( 5a ) which upon reaction with PhLi forms the trinuclear complex Li[Re₂(AuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇Ph] ( 6a ). Again this complex was isolated as its PPh₄‐salt 6b . In contrast to 2b , 6b reacts with one equivalent of Ph₃PAuCl by transmetalation to give Ph₃PAuPh and PPh₄[Re₂(AuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇Cl] ( 5b ). The X‐ray structures of the compounds 3a , 3b , 3e and 4 are reported.     

Case Study of N-iPr versus N-Mes Substituted NHC Ligands in Nickel Chemistry: The Coordination and Cyclotrimerization of Alkynes at [Ni(NHC)2]

A case study on the effect of the employment of two different NHC ligands in complexes [Ni(NHC)₂] (NHC=ⁱPr₂Im^Me 1^Me , Mes₂Im 2 ) and their behavior towards alkynes is reported. The reaction of a mixture of [Ni₂(ⁱPr₂Im^Me)₄(μ-(η² : η²)-COD)] B / [Ni(ⁱPr₂Im^Me)₂(η⁴-COD)] B’ or [Ni(Mes₂Im)₂] 2 , respectively, with alkynes afforded complexes [Ni(NHC)₂(η²-alkyne)] (NHC=ⁱPr₂Im^Me: alkyne=MeC≡CMe 3 , H₇C₃C≡CC₃H₇ 4 , PhC≡CPh 5 , MeOOCC≡CCOOMe 6 , Me₃SiC≡CSiMe₃ 7 , PhC≡CMe 8 , HC≡CC₃H₇ 9 , HC≡CPh 10 , HC≡C(p-Tol) 11 , HC≡C(4-^tBu-C₆H₄) 12 , HC≡CCOOMe 13 ; NHC=Mes₂Im: alkyne=MeC≡CMe 14 , MeOOCC≡CCOOMe 15 , PhC≡CMe 16 , HC≡C(4-^tBu-C₆H₄) 17 , HC≡CCOOMe 18 ). Unusual rearrangement products 11 a and 12 a were identified for the complexes of the terminal alkynes HC≡C(p-Tol) and HC≡C(4-^tBu-C₆H₄), 11 and 12 , which were formed by addition of a C−H bond of one of the NHC N-ⁱPr methyl groups to the C≡C triple bond of the coordinated alkyne. Complex 2 catalyzes the cyclotrimerization of 2-butyne, 4-octyne, diphenylacetylene, dimethyl acetylendicarboxylate, 1-pentyne, phenylacetylene and methyl propiolate at ambient conditions, whereas 1^Me is not a good catalyst. The reaction of 2 with 2-butyne was monitored in some detail, which led to a mechanistic proposal for the cyclotrimerization at [Ni(NHC)₂]. DFT calculations reveal that the differences between 1^{M e} and 2 for alkyne cyclotrimerization lie in the energy profile of the initiation steps, which is very shallow for 2 , and each step is associated with only a moderate energy change. The higher stability of 3 compared to 14 is attributed to a better electron transfer from the NHC to the metal to the alkyne ligand for the N-alkyl substituted NHC, to enhanced Ni-alkyne backbonding due to a smaller C_NHC−Ni−C_NHC bite angle, and to less steric repulsion of the smaller NHC ⁱPr₂Im^Me.     

π-Complexes of Cu(I) with Alkynes. Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Cs[CuCl<Subscript>2</Subscript>(HOCH<Subscript>2</Subscript>C≡CCH<Subscript>2</Subscript>OH)] ⋅ H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Crystals of anionic π-complex Cs[CuCl₂(HOCH₂C≡CCH₂OH)] ? H₂O were synthesized by reaction of 2-butyne-1,4-diol with CuCl in a saturated aqueous solution of CsCl at 90°C and studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystals are triclinic (space group \(P\bar 1\) ; a = 10.155(4) Å, b = 7.828(4) Å, c = 7.115(3) Å, α = 102.62(4)°, β = 100.77(3)°, γ = 106.71(4)°, V = 509(1) ų, Z = 2) and consist of stacks of individual anions [CuCl₂(HOCH₂C≡CCH₂OH)]^? and hydrated [Cs ? H₂O]⁺ cations between the stacks. The Cu(I) atom has trigonal surrounding of two Cl atoms and the C≡C bond of 2-butyne-1,4-diol molecule. The Cu-(C≡C) distance in the π-core is 1.905(8) Å; the C≡C bond is elongated to 1.223(11) Å. In addition to hydrogen bonds O-H?Cl, crystals of the complex also contain O(w)?H-O and O(w)?Cl bonds stabilizing their structure.     

Further Evidence for ‘Extended’ Cumulene Complexes: Derivatives from Reactions with Halide Anions and Water

Reactions of [Ru{C=C(H)-1,4-C₆H₄C≡CH}(PPh₃)₂Cp]BF₄ ([ 1 a ]BF₄) with hydrohalic acids, HX, results in the formation of [Ru{C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C(X)=CH₂}(PPh₃)₂Cp] [X=Cl ( 2 a-Cl ), Br ( 2 a-Br )], arising from facile Markovnikov addition of halide anions to the putative quinoidal cumulene cation [Ru(=C=C=C₆H₄=C=CH₂)(PPh₃)₂Cp]⁺. Similarly, [M{C=C(H)-1,4-C₆H₄-C≡CH}(LL)Cp ]BF₄ [M(LL)Cp’=Ru(PPh₃)₂Cp ([ 1 a ]BF₄); Ru(dppe)Cp* ([ 1 b ]BF₄); Fe(dppe)Cp ([ 1 c ]BF₄); Fe(dppe)Cp* ([ 1 d ]BF₄)] react with H⁺/H₂O to give the acyl-functionalised phenylacetylide complexes [M{C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C(=O)CH₃}(LL)Cp’] ( 3 a – d ) after workup. The Markovnikov addition of the nucleophile to the remote alkyne in the cations [ 1 a–d ]⁺ is difficult to rationalise from the vinylidene form of the precursor and is much more satisfactorily explained from initial isomerisation to the quinoidal cumulene complexes [M(=C=C=C₆H₄=C=CH₂)(LL)Cp’]⁺ prior to attack at the more exposed, remote quaternary carbon. Thus, whilst representative acetylide complexes [Ru(C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C≡CH)(PPh₃)₂Cp] ( 4 a ) and [Ru(C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C≡CH)(dppe)Cp*] ( 4 b ) reacted with the relatively small electrophiles [CN]⁺ and [C₇H₇]⁺ at the β-carbon to give the expected vinylidene complexes, the bulky trityl ([CPh₃]⁺) electrophile reacted with [M(C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C≡CH)(LL)Cp’] [M(LL)Cp’=Ru(PPh₃)₂Cp ( 4 a ); Ru(dppe)Cp* ( 4 b ); Fe(dppe)Cp ( 4 c ); Fe(dppe)Cp* ( 4 d )] at the more exposed remote end of the carbon-rich ligand to give the putative quinoidal cumulene complexes [M{C=C=C₆H₄=C=C(H)CPh₃}(LL)Cp’]⁺, which were isolated as the water adducts [M{C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C(=O)CH₂CPh₃}(LL)Cp’] ( 6 a–d ). Evincing the scope of the formation of such extended cumulenes from ethynyl-substituted arylvinylene precursors, the rather reactive half-sandwich (5-ethynyl-2-thienyl)vinylidene complexes [M{C=C(H)-2,5-^cC₄H₂S-C≡CH}(LL)Cp’]BF₄ ([ 7 a – d ]BF₄ add water readily to give [M{C≡C-2,5-^cC₄H₂S-C(=O)CH₃}(LL)Cp’] ( 8 a – d )].     

Organo‐Palladium(II)‐Verbindungen mit PdC4‐Koordination: Phenylethinyl‐ und Methylphenylethinylkomplexe

Tetrakis(p‐tolyl)oxalamidinato‐bis[acetylacetonatopalladium(II)] ([Pd₂(acac)₂(oxam)]) reacted with Li–C≡C–C₆H₅ in THF with formation of [Pd(C≡C–C₆H₅)₄Li₂(thf)₄] ( 1a ). Reaction of [Pd₂(acac)₂(oxam)] with a mixture of 6 equiv. Li–C≡C–C₆H₅ and 2 equiv. LiCH₃ resulted in the formation of [Pd(CH₃)(C≡C–C₆H₅)₃Li₂(thf)₄] ( 2 ), and the dimeric complex [Pd₂(CH₃)₄(C≡C–C₆H₅)₄Li₄(thf)₆] ( 3 ) was isolated upon reaction of [Pd₂(acac)₂(oxam)] with a mixture of 4 equiv. Li–C≡C–C₆H₅ and 4 equiv. LiCH₃. 1 – 3 are extremely reactive compounds, which were isolated as white needles in good yields (60–90%). They were fully characterized by IR, ¹H‐, ¹³C‐, ⁷Li‐NMR spectroscopy, and by X‐ray crystallography of single crystals. In these compounds Li ions are bonded to the two carbon atoms of the alkinyl ligand. 1a reacted with Pd(PPh₃)₄ in the presence of oxygen to form the already known complexes trans‐[Pd(C≡C–C₆H₅)₂(PPh₃)₂] and [Pd(η²‐O₂)(PPh₃)₂]. In addition, 1a is an active catalyst for the Heck coupling reaction, but less active in the catalytic Sonogashira reaction.     

Terminal Alkynes in the Coordination Sphere of Titanocene Complexes – Elementary Steps in Catalytic Dimerizations and Oligomerizations of Alkynes

The titanocene acetylene complex [Cp*₂Ti(η²-Me₃SiC≡CSiMe₃)] ( 14 ) reacts with 1-alkynes such as phenylacetylene ( 15 a ), 1-hexyne ( 15 b ), 1-dodecyne ( 15 c ) and trimethylsilylacetylene ( 15 d ) by ligand exchange and proton shift, to yield exclusively the 1-alkenyltitanocene acetylides [Cp*₂Ti(CH=CHR)(C≡CR)] ( 21 ) (R = Ph ( 21 a ), CH₃(CH₂)₃ ( 21 b ), CH₃(CH₂)₉ ( 21 c ), SiMe₃ ( 21 d )). The X-ray structure of 21 a is presented. In reaction of acetylene HC≡CH ( 15 e ) with 14 other products are formed. However, no intermediates, like [Cp*₂Ti(η²-RC≡CH)] ( 17 ), [Cp*₂Ti(H)C≡CR] ( 17 ) or [Cp*₂Ti=C=CHR] ( 22 ) in reactions of 14 with 15 are detectable. On the other hand, a stable titanocenehydride [Cp*₂Ti(H)OCH₃] ( 23 ) is obtained by oxidative addition of CH₃OH with Cp*₂Ti, generated from 14 .     

Structural relationships between dicopper diacetylide (Cu-C≡C-C≡C-Cu) and dicopper acetylide (Cu-C≡C-Cu)

Dicopper diacetylide Cu-C≡C-C≡C-Cu, prepared from butadiyne has been studied by FT-IR spectroscopy in comparison to dicopper acetylide Cu-C≡C-Cu. Upon ageing by exposure to air at room temperature, Cu-C≡C-Cu has been transformed into Cu-C≡C-C≡C-Cu as demonstrated by FT-IR spectroscopy and this compound is further transformed on standing in air. A special kind of solid state oxidative coupling reaction occurs so that polyynes chains are formed in these aged solids. It is shown that the FT-IR spectrum of copper acetylide prepared from ammonia solutions of Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions is comparable to that of air oxidized Cu-C≡C-Cu (and Cu-C≡C-C≡C-Cu) prepared exclusively from Cu⁺ ions in presence of a reducing agent demonstrating that Cu²⁺ ions display the same oxidizing effect as oxygen causing coupling reactions in solution and producing Cu-C≡C-C≡C-Cu.Cu-C≡C-Cu oxidized at 60–70°C with CuCl₂ produces a product which could be formulated as Cu(C≡C)₂₀Cu; FT-IR absorption at 1950 cm⁻¹ could suggest the presence of cumulenic carbon chain although acetylenic carbon chains cannot be excluded completely.     

RuII and RuIII Chloronitrile Complexes: Synthesis,Reaction Chemistry,Solid State Structure,and (Spectro)Electrochemical Behavior

The synthesis of [Ti₆O₄(OiPr)₈(O₂CPh)₈] ( 3 ) and [RuCl(N≡CR)₅][RuCl₄(N≡CR)₂] ( 4a , R = Me; 4b , R = Ph), [Ru(N≡CPh)₆][RuCl₄(N≡CPh)₂] ( 5 ) and [H₃O][RuCl₄(N≡CMe)₂] ( 7a ) is discussed. Crystallization of 5 from CH₂Cl₂ gave trans-[RuCl₂(N≡CPh)₄] ( 6 ). The solid-state structures of 3 , 4a , b , 5 , 6 and 7a are reported. Complex 4b forms a 3D network, while 6 displays a 2D structure, due to π-interactions between the benzonitrile ligands. The (spectro)electrochemical behavior of 4a , b and 6 was studied at 25 and –72 °C and the results thereof are compared with [NEt₄][RuCl₄(N≡CMe)₂] ( 7b ) and [RuCl(N≡CPh)₅][PF₆] ( 8 ). The electrochemical response of the cation and the anion in 4a , b are independent from each other. [RuCl(N≡CR)₅]⁺ possesses one reversible Ru^II/Ru^III process. However, [RuCl₄(N≡CMe)₂]^– was shown to be prone to ligand exchange and disproportionation upon formation of either a Ru^IV and Ru^II species at 25 °C, while at –72 °C the rapid conversion of the electrochemically formed species is hindered. In situ IR and UV/Vis/NIR studies confirmed the respective disproportionation reaction products of the aforementioned oxidation and reduction, respectively.     

Zwitterionic copper(I) π-complexes with monosubstituted alkynes. Synthesis and X-ray diffraction study of a π-complex of copper(I) chloride with 4-ethynyl-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinium chloride

The first mononuclear π-complex of copper(I) chloride with monosubstituted alkyne of the formula [(C₉H₁₆NH₂(OH)C≡CH)CuCl₂] was obtained in the system CuCl-HCl-H₂O-(C₉H₁₆NH₂(OH)C≡CH)Cl (C₉H₁₆NH ₂ ⁺ (OH)C≡CH is the 4-ethynyl-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinium cation) and studied by single-crystal X-ray and X-ray powder diffraction. The crystals are monoclinic: a = 16.868(8) Å, b = 13.177(8) Å, c = 13.32(1) Å, γ = 103.50(4)°, space group P2₁/b, Z = 8. The structure of the complex contains two crystallographically independent zwitterionic entities of the formula [(C₉H₁₆NH₂(OH)C≡CH)CuCl₂], which result from π-coordination of the potential π-bidentate bond C≡C of the organic cation to one Cu(I) atom of the inorganic anion CuCl ₂ ^? . The distances Cu-m (m is the midpoint of the C≡C bond) are 1.91(2) Å. Along with weak intermolecular hydrogen bonds ≡CH...Cl and intramolecular contacts OH...Cl, the structure is stabilized by a directed ionic interaction through strong NH...Cl bonds.     

The Impact of Crystal Packing and Aurophilic Interactions on the Luminescence Properties in Polymorphs and Solvate of Aroylacetylide–Gold(I) Complexes

The influence of the chemical substitution, crystal packing, and aurophilic interactions of the gold(I) acetylide complexes of the type (ArCOC≡C)_nAuPEt₃ (n=1,2) on their luminescent properties were examined. All described complexes undergo ligand scrambling in solution, which results in the formation of stable, easily isolated crystals that contain [ArCO(C≡C)_n]₂Au⁻(Et₃P)₂Au⁺ homoleptic species. In particular, we observed that the (benzoylacetylide)gold(I) complex yields three crystal forms with strikingly different luminescence properties. We monitored the conversion pathway for these forms: an orange luminescent form of homoleptic complex upon drying undergoes spontaneous transformation to bright green fluorescent form and finally to the weakly blue emissive one. In addition, we report a rare example of a helical arrangement of Au⋅Au⋅Au chains that are observed for the first time in acetylide gold(I) complexes in the case of heteroleptic (benzoylacetylide)gold(I) complex. This is a very rare case in which crystal structures and ensuing electronic properties of the heteroleptic and Au^I complexes could be directly compared.     

Synthesis and properties of polyenic oligosulfides derived from acetylene and elemental sulfur

Oligosulfides derived from ethyne-1,2-dithiol were synthesized in up to 96% yield via insertion of elemental sulfur into the Na-C_sp bond of sodium acetylides (HC≡CNa, NaC≡CSNa) in liquid ammonia, followed by hydrolysis and spontaneous oligomerization of ethynethiols, ethynedithiols, and mono-and bis-(polysulfanyl)ethynes (HC≡CSH, HSC≡CSH, HC≡CS_xH, HS_xC≡CS_yH). The resulting polyenic oligosulfides were isolated as brown powders melting in the temperature range from 122 to 203°C and containing up to 77% of sulfur; they are sparingly soluble in organic solvents and are high-resistance semiconductors (10^?13–10^?14 S cm^?1) possessing paramagnetic (10¹⁷–10¹⁸ spin g^?1) and redox properties. According to the data of IR and ESR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, the oligomers obtained consist mainly of different oligosulfide units, including oligothienothiophene structures. They also ensure a high discharge capacity (345–720 mA h g^?1) of lithium sulfur rechargeable batteries.