Versatile reactivity of half-sandwich Ir and Rh complexes toward carboranylamidinates and their derivatives: synthesis, structure, and catalytic activity for norbornene polymerization

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of carboranylamidinate‐based half‐sandwich iridium and rhodium complexes are reported for the first time. Treatment of dimeric metal complexes [{Cp*M(μ‐Cl)Cl}₂] (M=Ir, Rh; Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅) with a solution of one equivalent of nBuLi and a carboranylamidine produces 18‐electron complexes [Cp*IrCl(Cab^N‐DIC)] ( 1 a ; Cab^N‐DIC=[iPrN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NHiPr)]), [Cp*RhCl(Cab^N‐DIC)] ( 1 b ), and [Cp*RhCl(Cab^N‐DCC)] ( 1 c ; Cab^N‐DCC=[CyN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NHCy)]). A series of 16‐electron half‐sandwich Ir and Rh complexes [Cp*Ir(Cab^N′‐DIC)] ( 2 a ; Cab^N′‐DIC=[iPrN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NiPr)]), [Cp*Ir(Cab^N′‐DCC)] ( 2 b , Cab^N′‐DCC=[CyN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NCy)]), and [Cp*Rh(Cab^N′‐DIC)] ( 2 c ) is also obtained when an excess of nBuLi is used. The unexpected products [Cp*M(Cab^N,S‐DIC)], [Cp*M(Cab^N,S‐DCC)] (M=Ir 3 a , 3 b ; Rh 3 c , 3 d ), formed through BH activation, are obtained by reaction of [{Cp*MCl₂}₂] with carboranylamidinate sulfides [RN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NHR)]S^? (R=iPr, Cy), which can be prepared by inserting sulfur into the C? Li bond of lithium carboranylamidinates. Iridium complex 1 a shows catalytic activities of up to 2.69×10⁶ g_PNB ${{\rm{mol}}_{{\rm{Ir}}}^{ - {\rm{1}}} }Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of carboranylamidinate-based half-sandwich iridium and rhodium complexes are reported for the first time. Treatment of dimeric metal complexes [{Cp*M(μ-Cl)Cl}(2)] (M = Ir, Rh; Cp* = η(5)-C(5)Me(5)) with a solution of one equivalent of nBuLi and a carboranylamidine produces 18-electron complexes [Cp*IrCl(Cab(N)-DIC)] (1?a; Cab(N)-DIC = [iPrN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10))(NHiPr)]), [Cp*RhCl(Cab(N)-DIC)] (1?b), and [Cp*RhCl(Cab(N)-DCC)] (1?c; Cab(N)-DCC = [CyN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10))(NHCy)]). A series of 16-electron half-sandwich Ir and Rh complexes [Cp*Ir(Cab(N')-DIC)] (2?a; Cab(N')-DIC = [iPrN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10))(NiPr)]), [Cp*Ir(Cab(N')-DCC)] (2?b, Cab(N')-DCC = [CyN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10)(NCy)]), and [Cp*Rh(Cab(N')-DIC)] (2?c) is also obtained when an excess of nBuLi is used. The unexpected products [Cp*M(Cab(N,S)-DIC)], [Cp*M(Cab(N,S)-DCC)] (M = Ir 3?a, 3?b; Rh 3?c, 3?d), formed through BH activation, are obtained by reaction of [{Cp*MCl(2)}(2)] with carboranylamidinate sulfides [RN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10))(NHR)]S(-) (R = iPr, Cy), which can be prepared by inserting sulfur into the C-Li bond of lithium carboranylamidinates. Iridium complex 1?a shows catalytic activities of up to 2.69×10(6) g(PNB) mol(Ir)(-1) h(-1) for the polymerization of norbornene in the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO) as cocatalyst. Catalytic activities and the molecular weight of polynorbornene (PNB) were investigated under various reaction conditions. All complexes were fully characterized by elemental analysis and IR and NMR spectroscopy; the structures of 1?a-c, 2?a, b; and 3?a, b, d were further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Sterically Less‐Hindered Half‐Titanocene(IV) Phenoxides: Ancillary‐Ligand Effect on Mono‐, Bis‐, and Tris(2‐Alkyl‐/arylphenoxy) Titanium(IV) Chloride Complexes

A series of mono‐, bis‐, and tris(phenoxy)–titanium(IV) chlorides of the type [Cp*Ti(2‐R? PhO)_nCl_3?n] (n=1–3; Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) was prepared, in which R=Me, iPr, tBu, and Ph. The formation of each mono‐, bis‐, and tris(2‐alkyl‐/arylphenoxy) series was authenticated by structural studies on representative examples of the phenyl series including [Cp*Ti(2‐Ph? PhO)Cl₂] ( 1 PhCl2 ), [Cp*Ti(2‐Ph? PhO)₂Cl] ( 2 PhCl ), and [Cp*Ti(2‐Ph? PhO)₃] ( 3 Ph ). The metal‐coordination geometry of each compound is best described as pseudotetrahedral with the Cp* ring and the 2‐Ph? PhO and chloride ligands occupying three leg positions in a piano‐stool geometry. The mean Ti? O distances, observed with an increasing number of 2‐Ph? PhO groups, are 1.784(3), 1.802(4), and 1.799(3) Å for 1 PhCl2 , 2 PhCl , and 3 Ph , respectively. All four alkyl/aryl series with Me, iPr, tBu, and Ph substituents were tested for ethylene homopolymerization after activation with Ph₃C⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]^? and modified methyaluminoxane (7% aluminum in isopar E; mMAO‐7) at 140 °C. The phenyl series showed much higher catalytic activity, which ranged from 43.2 and 65.4 kg (mmol of Ti?h)^?1, than the Me, iPr, and tBu series (19.2 and 36.6 kg (mmol of Ti?h)^?1). Among the phenyl series, the bis(phenoxide) complex of 2 PhCl showed the highest activity of 65.4 kg (mmol of Ti?h)^?1. Therefore, the catalyst precursors of the phenyl series were examined by treating them with a variety of alkylating reagents, such as trimethylaluminum (TMA), triisobutylaluminum (TIBA), and methylaluminoxane (MAO). In all cases, 2 PhCl produced the most catalytically active alkylated species, [Cp*Ti(2‐Ph? PhO)MeCl]. This enhancement was further supported by DFT calculations based on the simplified model with TMA.     

Electrophile‐Induced Nucleophilic Substitution of the nido‐Dicarbaundecaborate Anion nido‐7,8‐C2B9H12− by Conjugated Heterodienes

Substitution of the dicarbaundecaborate anion nido‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₁₂^? ( 1 ) by precise hydride abstraction followed by nucleophilic attack usually leads to symmetric products 10‐R‐nido‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₁₁. However, thioacetamide (MeC(S)NH₂) as nucleophile and acetone/AlCl₃ as hydride abstractor gave asymmetric 9‐[MeC(NHiPr)S]‐nido‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₁₁ ( 2 ), whereas N,N‐dimethylthioacetamide (MeC(S)NMe₂) gave the expected symmetric 10‐[MeC(NMe₂)S]‐nido‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₁₁ ( 4 ). For the formation of 2 , acetone and thioacetamide are assumed to give the intermediate MeC(S)N(CMe₂) ( 3 ), which then attacks 1 with formation of 2 . Similarly, reaction of acetyliminium chloride [MeC(O)NH(CPh₂)]Cl ( 5 ) with 1 in THF gave a mixture of 9‐ and 10‐substituted [MeC(NHCHPh₂)O]‐nido‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₁₁ ( 6 and 7 , respectively). These reactions are the first examples in which compounds (here heterodienes) that unite the functionalities of both hydride acceptor and nucleophilic site react with 1 in a bimolecular fashion. Furthermore, the analogous reaction of 1 and 5 (in an equilibrium mixture with acetyl chloride and benzophenone imine) in MeCN afforded 10‐[MeC(NCPh₂)NH]‐nido‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₁₁ ( 8 ) and MeC(O)NHCHPh₂ ( 9 ).     

Cobalt(II) Complexes with N‐Thioacylamidophosphates and 2,2′‐Bipyridyl and 1,10‐Phenathroline. Crystal Structures,Solution 1H NMR Spectral and Magnetic Properties

Structure and magnetic properties of N‐diisopropoxyphosphorylthiobenzamide PhC(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂ ( HL^I ) and N‐diisopropoxyphosphoryl‐N′‐phenylthiocarbamide PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂ ( HL^II ) complexes with the Co^II cation of formulas [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 1 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 2 ), [Co{PhC(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 1a ) and [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂}(2,2′‐bipy)] ( 3 ), [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(1,10‐phen)] ( 4 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(2,2′‐bipy)] ( 5 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(1,10‐phen)] ( 6 ) were investigated. Paramagnetic shifts in the ¹H NMR spectrum were observed for high‐spin Co^II complexes with HL^I,II , incorporating the S‐C‐N‐P‐O chelate moiety and two aromatic chelate ligands. Investigation of the thermal dependence of the magnetic susceptibility has shown that the extended materials 1‐2 and 6 show ferromagnetic exchange between distorted tetrahedral ( 1 , 2 ) or octahedral ( 1a , 6 ) metal atoms whereas 3 and 5 show antiferromagnetic properties. Compound 4 behaves as a spin‐canted ferromagnet, an antiferromagnetic ordering taking place below a critical temperature, T_c = 115 K. Complexes 1 and 1a were investigated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The cobalt(II) atom in complex 1 resides a distorted tetrahedral O₂S₂ environment formed by the C=S sulfur atoms and the P=O oxygen atoms of two deprotonated ligands. Complex 1a has a tetragonal‐bipyramidal structure, Co(O^ax)₂(O^eq)₂(S^eq)₂, and two neutral ligand molecules are coordinated in the axial positions through the oxygen atoms of the P=O groups. The base of the bipyramid is formed by two anionic ligands in the typical 1,5‐O,S coordination mode. The ligands are in a trans configuration.     

Four‐Membered Heterometallacyclic d0 and d1 Complexes of Group 4 Metallocenes with Amidato Ligands

A study of the coordination chemistry of different amidato ligands [(R)N?C(Ph)O] (R=Ph, 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl (Dipp)) at Group 4 metallocenes is presented. The heterometallacyclic complexes [Cp₂M(Cl){κ²‐N,O‐(R)N?C(Ph)O}] M=Zr, R=Dipp ( 1 a ), Ph ( 1 b ); M=Hf, R=Ph ( 2 )) were synthesized by reaction of [Cp₂MCl₂] with the corresponding deprotonated amides. Complex 1 a was also prepared by direct deprotonation of the amide with Schwartz reagent [Cp₂Zr(H)Cl]. Salt metathesis reaction of [Cp₂Zr(H)Cl] with deprotonated amide [(Dipp)N?C(Ph)O] gave the zirconocene hydrido complex [Cp₂M(H){κ²‐N,O‐(Dipp)N?C(Ph)O}] ( 3 ). Reaction of 1 a with Mg did not result in the desired Zr(III) complex but in formation of Mg complex [(py)₃Mg(Cl) {κ²‐N,O‐(Dipp)N?C(Ph)O}] ( 4 ; py=pyridine). The paramagnetic complexes [Cp′₂Ti{κ²‐N,O‐(R)N?C(Ph)O}] (Cp′=Cp, R=Ph ( 7 a ); Cp′=Cp, R=Dipp ( 7 b ); Cp′=Cp*, R=Ph ( 8 )) were prepared by the reaction of the known titanocene alkyne complexes [Cp₂′Ti(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] (Cp′=Cp ( 5 ), Cp′=Cp* ( 6 )) with the corresponding amides. Complexes 1 a , 2 , 3 , 4 , 7 a , 7 b , and 8 were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. The structure and bonding of complexes 7 a and 8 were also characterized by EPR spectroscopy.     

Site selectivity and reversibility in the reactions of titanium hydrazides with Si-H, Si-X, C-X and H+ reagents: Ti=N(α) 1,2-silane addition, Nβ alkylation, Nα protonation and σ-bond metathesis

We report a combined experimental and computational comparative study of the reactions of the homologous titanium dialkyl- and diphenylhydrazido and imido compounds Cp*Ti{MeC(N(i)Pr)(2)}(NNR(2)) (R = Me (1) or Ph (2)) and Cp*Ti{MeC(N(i)Pr)(2)}(NTol) (3) with silanes, halosilanes, alkyl halides and [Et(3)NH][BPh(4)]. Compound 1 underwent reversible Si-H 1,2-addition to Ti=N(α) with RSiH(3) (experimental ΔH ca. -17 kcal mol(-1)), and irreversible addition with PhSiH(2)X (X = Cl, Br). DFT found that the reaction products and certain intermediates were stabilised by β-NMe(2) coordination to titanium. The Ti-D bond in Cp*Ti{MeC(N(i)Pr)(2)}(D){N(NMe(2))SiD(2)Ph} underwent σ-bond metathesis with BuSiH(3) and H(2). Compound 1 reacted with RR'SiCl(2) at N(α) to transfer both Cl atoms to Ti; 2 underwent a similar reaction. Compound 3 did not react with RSiH(3) or alkyl halides but formed unstable Ti=N(α) 1,2-addition or N(α) protonation products with PhSiH(2)X or [Et(3)NH][BPh(4)]. Compound 1 underwent exclusive alkylation at N(β) with RCH(2)X (R = H, Me or Ph; X = Br or I) whereas protonation using [Et(3)NH][BPh(4)] occurred at N(α). DFT studies found that in all cases electrophile addition to N(α) (with or without NMe(2) chelation) was thermodynamically favoured compared to addition to N(β).     

Insertion Reactions of Heterocumulenes with Zincocene Cp*2Zn

Zincocene Cp*₂Zn reacts with carbodiimides C(NR)₂ with insertion into the Zn–Cp* bond and formation of [(Cp*C(NR)₂]₂Zn [R = Et ( 1 ), iPr ( 2 ), Cy ( 3 )]. In addition, the reaction of Cp*₂Zn with CS₂ under dry conditions gives (Cp*CS₂)₂Zn ( 4 ), whereas in the presence of a small amount of water [Zn₄(μ₄‐O)(S₂CCp*)₆] ( 5 ) is obtained. Compounds 1 – 4 were characterized by NMR (¹H, ¹³C) and IR spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction ( 2 – 4 , 5 of poor quality). The solid‐state structure of 5 is comparable to the carboxylate complex previously obtained from the reaction of Cp*₂Zn with CO₂.     

Reactions of 2‐Substituted Pyridines with Titanocenes and Zirconocenes: Coupling versus Dearomatisation

Reactions of group 4 metallocene sources with 2‐substituted pyridines were investigated to evaluate their coordination type between innocent and reductive dearomatisation as well as to probe the possibility for couplings. A dependence on the cyclopentadienyl ligands (Cp, Cp*), the metals (Ti, Zr), and the substrates (2‐phenyl‐, 2‐acetyl‐, and 2‐iminopyridine) was observed. While 2‐phenylpyridine is barely reactive, 2‐acetylpyridine reacts vigorously with the Cp‐substituted complexes and selectively with their Cp* analogues. With 2‐iminopyridine, in all cases selective reactions were observed. In the isolated [Cp₂Ti], [Cp₂Zr], and [Cp*₂Zr] compounds the substrate coordinates by its pyridyl ring and the unsaturated side‐chain. Subsequently, the pyridine was dearomatised, which is most pronounced in the [Cp*₂Zr] compounds. Using [Cp*₂Ti] leads to the unexpected paramagnetic complexes [Cp*₂Ti^III(N,O‐acpy)] and [Cp*₂Ti^III(N,N′‐impy)]. This highlights the non‐innocent character of the pyridyl substrates.     

Reaktionen von Pentafulven‐Komplexen des Titans mit Nitrilen und iso‐Nitrilen — Synthese und Isomerisierungen von σ, π‐Chelatkomplexen mit Cp∼N‐Liganden

Reactions of Pentafulvene Complexes of Titanium with Nitriles and iso‐Nitriles — Synthesis and Isomerizations of σ, π‐Chelat Complexes with Cp∼N‐Ligands The reactions of fulvene complexes Cp*Ti{η⁶—C₅H₄=C(R)(R')}Cl (R = H, R' = tBu ( 1 ); R = Me, R' = iPr ( 4 )) with nitriles and iso‐nitriles, leading to σ, π‐chelat complexes with Cp∼N‐ligands, have been examined and the formed products characterized. Whereas in the reactions of 1 and 4 , respectively, with nitriles a 1, 2‐mono‐insertion of the CN‐group in the Ti—C(R)(R') (Fv) bond is observed, the reaction with iso‐nitrils leads to the insertion of two molecules iso‐nitrile. The nitrile insertion product of 1 is characterized by an imine‐enamine tautomerization. Whereas the primary built meta stable imine species ( 3 ) was only identified by NMR measurements in solution, the enamine tautomer ( 2 ) crystallized from n‐hexane, so that the crystal structure could be determined. The primary formed iminoacyl complex ( 7 ) rearranges due to the electrophilicity of the titanium centre and builds a Ti—N bond with significant N(pπ) → Ti(dπ) bonding character.     

Phosphoramidate‐Supported Cp*IrIII Aminoborane H2B=NR2 Complexes: Synthesis,Structure, and Solution Dynamics

Reaction of aminoboranes H₂B=NR₂ (R=iPr or Cy) with the cationic Cp*Ir^III phosphoramidate complex [IrCp*{κ²‐N,O‐Xyl(N)P(O)(OEt)₂}][BAr^F₄] generates the aminoborane complexes [IrCp*(H){κ¹‐N‐η²‐HB‐Xyl(N)P(OBHNR₂)(OEt)₂}][BAr^F₄] (R=iPr or Cy) in which coordination of a P=O bond with boron weakens the B=N multiple bond. For these complexes, solution‐ and solid‐state, as well as DFT computational techniques, have been employed to substantiate B?N bond rotation of the coordinated aminoborane.     

二（胍基）锆配合物的合成和表征

Addition of one equivalent of LiN（i-Pr）2 or LiN（CH2）5 to carbodiimides, RN=C=NR [R=cyclohexyl （Cy）, isopropyl （i-Pr）], generated the corresponding lithium of tetrasubstituted guanidinates {Li[RNC（N R^′2）NR]（THF）}2 [R=i-Pr, N R^′2=N（i-Pr）2 （1）, N（CH2）5 （2）; R=Cy, N R^′2=N（i-Pr）2 （3）, N（CH2）5 （4）]. Treatment of ZrCl4 with freshly prepared solutions of their lithium guanidinates provided a series of bis（guanidinate） complexes of Zr with the general formula Zr[RNC（N R^′2）NR]2Cl2 [R=i-Pr, N R^′2=N（i-Pr）2 （5）, N（CH2）5 （6）; R=Cy, N R^′2=N（i-Pr）2 （7）, N（CH2）5 （8）]. Complexes 1, 2, 5-8 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ^1H NMR spectra. The molecular structures of complexes 1, 7 and 8 were further determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Novel P‐Stereogenic PCP Pincer‐Aryl Ruthenium(II) Complexes and Their Use in the Asymmetric Hydrogen Transfer Reaction of Acetophenone

Achiral P‐donor pincer‐aryl ruthenium complexes ([RuCl(PCP)(PPh₃)]) 4c , d were synthesized via transcyclometalation reactions by mixing equivalent amounts of [1,3‐phenylenebis(methylene)]bis[diisopropylphosphine] ( 2c ) or [1,3‐phenylenebis(methylene)]bis[diphenylphosphine] ( 2d ) and the N‐donor pincer‐aryl complex [RuCl{2,6‐(Me₂NCH₂)₂C₆H₃}(PPh₃)], ( 3 ; Scheme 2). The same synthetic procedure was successfully applied for the preparation of novel chiral P‐donor pincer‐aryl ruthenium complexes [RuCl(P*CP*)(PPh₃)] 4a , b by reacting P‐stereogenic pincer‐arenes (S,S)‐[1,3‐phenylenebis(methylene)]bis[(alkyl)(phenyl)phosphines] 2a , b (alkyl=ⁱPr or ^tBu, P*CHP*) and the complex [RuCl{2,6‐(Me₂NCH₂)₂C₆H₃}(PPh₃)], ( 3 ; Scheme 3). The crystal structures of achiral [RuCl(equation/tex2gif-sup-3.gifPCP)(PPh₃)] 4c and of chiral (S,S)‐[RuCl(equation/tex2gif-sup-6.gifPCP)(PPh₃)] 4a were determined by X‐ray diffraction (Fig. 3). Achiral [RuCl(PCP)(PPh₃)] complexes and chiral [RuCl(P*CP*)(PPh₃)] complexes were tested as catalyst in the H‐transfer reduction of acetophenone with propan‐2‐ol. With the chiral complexes, a modest enantioselectivity was obtained.     

Intramolecular Metal⋅⋅⋅π‐Arene Interactions in Neutral and Cationic Main Group Compounds

The role of intramolecular metal???π‐arene interactions has been investigated in the solid‐state structures of a series of main group compounds supported by the bulky amide ligands, [N(^tBuAr^≠)(SiR₃)]^? (^tBuAr^≠=2,6‐(CHPh₂)₂‐4‐tBuC₆H₂, R=Me, Ph). The lithium and potassium amide salts showed different patterns of solvation and demonstrated that the SiPh₃ substituent is able to be involved in stabilizing the electrophilic metal. These group 1 metal compounds served as ligand transfer reagents to access a series of bismuth(III) halides. Chloride extraction from Bi(N{^tBuAr^≠}{SiPh₃})Cl₂ using AlCl₃ afforded the 1:1 salt [Bi(N{^tBuAr^≠}{SiPh₃})Cl][AlCl₄]. This was accompanied by a significant rearrangement of the stabilizing π‐arene contacts in the solid‐state. Attempted preparation of the corresponding tetraphenylborate salt resulted in phenyl‐transfer and generation of the neutral Bi(N{^tBuAr^≠}{SiPh₃})(Ph)Cl.     

Stepwise Formation of a 1,3‐Butadiene Analogue of Mixed Heavier Group 15 Elements

The reaction of the phosphinidene complex [Cp*P{W(CO)₅}₂] ( 1 a ) with di‐tert‐butylcarboimidophosphene leads to the P? C cage compound 6 and the Lewis acid–base adduct [Cp*P{W(CO)₅}₂(CNtBu)] ( 2 a ). In contrast, the arsinidene complex shows a different reactivity. At low temperatures, the arsaphosphene complex [{W(CO)₅}{η²‐(Cp*)As?P(tBu)}{W(CO)₅}] ( 3 ) is formed. At these temperatures, 3 reacts further with a second equivalent of carboimidophosphene to form [{W(CO)₅}{η²‐{(Cp*)(tBu)P}As?P(tBu)}{W(CO)₅}] ( 5 ), probably by the insertion of a phosphinidene unit (tBuP) into an As? C bond. In contrast, at room temperature 3 reacts further by a radical‐type reaction to form [{(tBu)P?As? As?P(tBu)}{W(CO)₅}₄] ( 4 ). Compound 4 is the first example of a neutral, 1,3‐butadiene analogue containing only mixed heavier Group 15 elements. It consists of two P?As double bonds connected by arsenic atoms.     

Reaction site diversity in the reactions of titanium hydrazides with organic nitriles, isonitriles and isocyanates: Ti=N(α) cycloaddition, Ti=N(α) insertion and N(α) -N(β) bond cleavage

We report a range of new transformations of the diamide–amine supported Ti?NNPh₂ functional group with a variety of unsaturated substrates, along with DFT studies of the key mechanisms. Reaction of [Ti(N₂N^py)(NNPh₂)(py)] ( 4 , N₂N^py=(2‐NC₅H₄)CMe(CH₂NSiMe₃)₂; py=pyridine) with MeCN gave the dimeric species [Ti₂(N₂N^py)₂{μ‐NC(Me)(NNPh₂)}₂] through a [2+2] cycloaddition process. Reaction of 4 or [Ti(N₂N^Me)(NNPh₂)(py)] ( 5 , N₂N^Me=MeN(CH₂CH₂NSiMe₃)₂) with fluorinated benzonitriles gave the terminal hydrazonamide complexes [Ti(N₂N^R){NC(Ar)NNPh₂}(py)] (R=py or Me; Ar=2,6‐C₆H₃F₂ or C₆F₅). DFT studies showed that this proceeds through an overall [2+2] cycloaddition–reverse cycloaddition, resulting in net insertion of ArCN into the Ti?N_α bonds of the respective hydrazides. Reaction of 4 with a mixture of MeCN and PhCCMe gave the metallacycle [Ti(N₂N^py){NC(Me)C(Ph)C(Me)NNPh₂}] by sequential coupling of Ti?NNPh₂ with PhCCMe and then MeCN. A related product, [Ti(N₂N^py){NC(Me)C(Ar^F)C(H)NNPh₂}], was formed by insertion of MeCN into the Ti? C bond of the isolated azatitanacyclobutene [Ti(N₂N^py){N(NPh₂)C(H)C(Ar^F)}] (Ar^F=3‐C₆H₄F). Reaction of 4 with two equivalents of B(Ar)₃ (Ar=C₆F₅) formed the zwitterionic borate [Ti(N₂N^py){η²‐N(NPh₂)B(Ar)₃}] by electrophilic attack at N_α. Compounds 4 and 5 reacted with tBuNC and/or XylNC (Xyl=2,6‐C₆H₃Me₂) to give the N_α? N_β bond cleavage products, [Ti(N₂N^R)(NCNR′)(NPh₂)] (R=py or Me; R′=tBu or Xyl), containing metallated carbodiimide ligands. DFT studies of these reactions found an initial addition of RNC across Ti?N_α followed by N_β coordination, and finally complete N_α transfer from the NNPh₂ to the RNC fragment. Reaction of 5 with Ar′NCE (E=O, S, Se; Ar′=2,6‐C₆H₃iPr₂) gave the [2+2] cycloaddition products [Ti(N₂N^Me){N(NPh₂)C(NAr′)O}(py)] and [Ti(N₂N^Me){N(NPh₂)C(NAr′)E}] (E=S or Se), which did not undergo further transformation of the Ti? N? NPh₂ moiety.     

Bis­(iso­propyl­amino)­methyl­carbenium tetrakis­(penta­fluoro­phenyl)­gallate

The title compound, [MeC(NHⁱPr)₂][Ga(C₆F₅)₄] crystallizes as discrete ions forming interionic hydrogen bonds of the type N—H?F.     

Chemistry of N,S‐Heterocyclic Carbene and Metallaboratrane Complexes: A New η3‐BCC‐Borataallyl Complex

A high‐yielding synthetic route for the preparation of group 9 metallaboratrane complexes [Cp*MBH(L)₂], 1 and 2 ( 1 , M=Rh, 2 , M=Ir; L=C₇H₄NS₂) has been developed using [{Cp*MCl₂}₂] as precursor. This method also permitted the synthesis of an Rh–N,S‐heterocyclic carbene complex, [(Cp*Rh)(L₂)(1‐benzothiazol‐2‐ylidene)] ( 3 ; L=C₇H₄NS₂) in good yield. The reaction of compound 3 with neutral borane reagents led to the isolation of a novel borataallyl complex [Cp*Rh(L)₂B{CH₂C(CO₂Me)}] ( 4 ; L=C₇H₄NS₂). Compound 4 features a rare η³‐interaction between rhodium and the B‐C‐C unit of a vinylborane moiety. Furthermore, with the objective of generating metallaboratranes of other early and late transition metals through a transmetallation approach, reactions of rhoda‐ and irida‐boratrane complexes with metal carbonyl compounds were carried out. Although the objective of isolating such complexes was not achieved, several interesting mixed‐metal complexes [{Cp*Rh}{Re(CO)₃}(C₇H₄NS₂)₃] ( 5 ), [Cp*Rh{Fe₂(CO)₆}(μ‐CO)S] ( 6 ), and [Cp*RhBH(L)₂W(CO)₅] ( 7 ; L=C₇H₄NS₂) have been isolated. All of the new compounds have been characterized in solution by mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, and ¹H, ¹¹B, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies, and the structural types of 4 – 7 have been unequivocally established by crystallographic analysis.     

Alkoxy-1,3,5-triazapentadien(e/ato) copper(II) complexes: template formation and applications for the preparation of pyrimidines and as catalysts for oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl products

Template combination of copper acetate (Cu(AcO)₂?H₂O) with sodium dicyanamide (NaN(C≡N)₂, 2 equiv) or cyanoguanidine (N≡CNHC(=NH)NH₂, 2 equiv) and an alcohol ROH (used also as solvent) leads to the neutral copper(II)–(2,4‐alkoxy‐1,3,5‐triazapentadienato) complexes [Cu{NH?C(OR)NC(OR)?NH}₂] (R=Me ( 1 ), Et ( 2 ), nPr ( 3 ), iPr ( 4 ), CH₂CH₂OCH₃ ( 5 )) or cationic copper(II)–(2‐alkoxy‐4‐amino‐1,3,5‐triazapentadiene) complexes [Cu{NH?C(OR)NHC(NH₂)?NH}₂](AcO)₂ (R=Me ( 6 ), Et ( 7 ), nPr ( 8 ), nBu ( 9 ), CH₂CH₂OCH₃ ( 10 )), respectively. Several intermediates of this reaction were isolated and a pathway was proposed. The deprotonation of 6 – 10 with NaOH allows their transformation to the corresponding neutral triazapentadienates [Cu{NH?C(OR)NC(NH₂)?NH}₂] 11 – 15 . Reaction of 11 , 12 or 15 with acetyl acetone (MeC(?O)CH₂C(?O)Me) leads to liberation of the corresponding pyrimidines NC(Me)CHC(Me)NC NHC(?NH)OR, whereas the same treatment of the cationic complexes 6 , 7 or 10 allows the corresponding metal‐free triazapentadiene salts {NH₂C(OR)?NC(NH₂)?NH₂}(OAc) to be isolated. The alkoxy‐1,3,5‐triazapentadiene/ato copper(II) complexes have been applied as efficient catalysts for the TEMPO radical‐mediated mild aerobic oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes (molar yields of aldehydes of up to 100 % with >99 % selectivity) and for the solvent‐free microwave‐assisted synthesis of ketones from secondary alcohols with tert‐butylhydroperoxide as oxidant (yields of up to 97 %, turnover numbers of up to 485 and turnover frequencies of up to 1170 h^?1).     

m‐Metallaphenol: Synthesis and Reactivity Studies

Treatment of the osmium complex [Os{CHC‐(PPh₃)CH(OH)‐η²‐C≡CH}(PPh₃)₂(NCS)₂] ( 1 ) with excess triethylamine produces the first m‐metallaphenol complex [Os{CHC(PPh₃)CHC(OH)CH}(PPh₃)₂(NCS)₂] ( 2 ). The NMR spectroscopic and structural data as well as the nucleus‐independent chemical‐shift (NICS) values suggest that osmaphenol 2 has aromatic character. The reactivity studies demonstrate that 2 can react with different isocyanates to form the annulation reaction products [Os{CHC(PPh₃)CHC(O?C?ONR)C}(PPh₃)₂(NCS)₂] (R=Ph ( 3 ), iPr ( 7 ), Bn ( 8 )) via the carbamate intermediates [Os{CHC(PPh₃)CHC(O‐C?ONHR)CH}(PPh₃)₂(NCS)₂] (R=Ph ( 4 ), iPr ( 5 ), Bn ( 6 )). In addition, the similar annulation reactions can be extended to other unsaturated compounds containing N–C multiple bonds, for example, isothiocyanates, pyridine, and sodium thiocyanate, which can produce the corresponding fused osmabenzene complexes. In contrast, the reactions of 2 with common electrophiles, such as NOBF₄, NO₂BF₄, N‐bromosuccinimide, and N‐chlorosuccinimide only led to the decomposition of the metallaphenol ring. The experimental results suggest that 2 is very electrophilic and readily reacts with nucleophiles, which is mainly due to the metal center and the strong electron‐withdrawing phosphonium group.     

Cationic Five‐Coordinate Bis(guanidinato)silicon(IV) Complexes with SiN4El Skeletons (El=S,Se): “Heterolytic Activation” of S−S and Se−Se Bonds

The donor‐stabilized silylene [iPrNC(NiPr₂)NiPr]₂Si ( 2 ) reacts with PhEl?ElPh (El=S, Se) to form the respective cationic five‐coordinate bis(guanidinato)silicon(IV) complexes {[iPrNC(NiPr₂)NiPr]₂SiSPh}⁺PhS^? ( 4 ) and {[iPrNC (NiPr₂)NiPr]₂SiSePh}⁺PhSe^? ( 5 ). Compounds 4 and 5 were characterized by crystal structure analyses and NMR spectroscopic studies in the solid state.