IR and Raman characterization of the zincocenes (eta(5)-C5Me5)2Zn2 and (eta(5)-C5Me5)(eta(1)-C5Me5)Zn

The measured Raman and IR spectra of solid, polycrystalline bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)dizinc, (eta(5)-C5Me5)2Zn2, 1, and bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)monozinc, (eta(5)-C5Me5)(eta(1)-C5Me5)Zn, 8, are reported in some detail. The IR spectra of the vapors of 1 and 8 each trapped in a solid Ar matrix at 12 K confirm the essentially molecular character of the solids. The experimental results have been interpreted with particular reference (i) to the corresponding spectra of (68)Zn-enriched samples of the compounds, and (ii) to the spectra simulated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP level. The marked differences of structure of 1 and 8 contrast with the relatively close similarity of their vibrational spectra, disparities being revealed only on detailed scrutiny, including the effects of (68)Zn enrichment, and primarily at wavenumbers below 1000 cm(-1). The Zn-Zn stretching motion of 1 features not as a single, well-defined mode identifiable with intense Raman scattering but in several normal modes which respond in varying degrees to (68)Zn substitution. A stretching force constant of 1.42 mdyne A(-1) has been estimated for the Zn-Zn bond of 1.     

Dinitrogen functionalization with terminal alkynes, amines, and hydrazines promoted by [(eta5-C5Me4H)2Zr]2(mu2,eta2,eta2-N2): observation of side-on and end-on diazenido complexes in the reduction of N2 to hydrazine

Functionalization of the N2 ligand in the side-on bound dinitrogen complex, [(eta5-C5Me4H)2Zr]2(mu2,eta2,eta2-N2), has been accomplished by addition of terminal alkynes to furnish acetylide zirconocene diazenido complexes, [(eta5-C5Me4H)2Zr(C[triple bond]CR)]2(mu2,eta2,eta2-N2H2) (R = nBu, tBu, Ph). Characterization of [(eta5-C5Me4H)2Zr(C[triple bond]CCMe3)]2(mu2,eta2,eta2-N2H2) by X-ray diffraction revealed a side-on bound diazenido ligand in the solid state, while variable-temperature 1H and 15N NMR studies established rapid interconversion between eta1,eta1 and eta2,eta2 hapticity of the [N2H2]2- ligand in solution. Synthesis of alkyl, halide, and triflato zirconocene diazenido complexes, [(eta5-C5Me4H)2ZrX]2(mu2,eta1,eta1-N2H2) (X = Cl, I, OTf, CH2Ph, CH2SiMe3), afforded eta1,eta1 coordination of the [N2H2]2- fragment both in the solid state and in solution, demonstrating that sterically demanding, in some cases pi-donating, ligands can overcome the electronically preferred side-on bonding mode. Unlike [(eta5-C5Me4H)2ZrH]2(mu2,eta2,eta2-N2H2), the acetylide and alkyl zirconocene diazenido complexes are thermally robust, resisting alpha-migration and N2 cleavage up to temperatures of 115 degrees C. Dinitrogen functionalization with [(eta5-C5Me4H)2Zr]2(mu2,eta2,eta2-N2) was also accomplished by addition of proton donors. Weak Br?nsted acids such as water and ethanol yield hydrazine and (eta5-C5Me4H)2Zr(OH)2 and (eta5-C5Me4H)2Zr(OEt)2, respectively. Treatment of [(eta5-C5Me4H)2Zr]2(mu2,eta2,eta2-N2) with HNMe2 or H2NNMe2 furnished amido or hydrazido zirconocene diazenido complexes that ultimately produce hydrazine upon protonation with ethanol. These results contrast previous observations with [(eta5-C5Me5)2Zr(eta1-N2)]2(mu2,eta1,eta1-N2) where loss of free dinitrogen is observed upon treatment with weak acids. These studies highlight the importance of cyclopentadienyl substituents on transformations involving coordinated dinitrogen.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of Be(eta 5-C5Me5)(eta 1-C5Me4H). Evidence for ring-inversion leading to Be(eta 5-C5Me4H)(eta 1-C5Me5)

The mixed-ring beryllocene Be(C5Me5)(C5Me4H), that contains eta 5-C5Me5 and eta 1-C5Me4H rings, the latter bonded to the metal through the CH carbon atom (X-ray crystal structure) reacts at room temperature with CNXyl (Xyl = C6H3-2,6-Me2) to give an iminoacyl product, Be(eta 5-C5Me4H)[C(NXyl)C5Me5] derived from the inverted beryllocene structure Be (eta 5-C5Me4H)(eta 1-C5Me5).     

Solution structures and dynamic properties of chelated d(0) metal olefin complexes [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(+) (R = H, Me): Models for the [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(R')(olefin)(+) intermediates in "constrained geometry" catalysts.

To model the Ti-olefin interaction in the putative [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(R')(olefin)(+) intermediates in "constrained geometry" Ti-catalyzed olefin polymerization, chelated alkoxide olefin complexes [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(+) have been investigated. The reaction of [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]TiMe(2) (1a,b; R = H, Me) with HOCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2) yields mixtures of [eta(5)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)NH(t)Bu]TiMe(2)(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2)) (2a,b) and [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]TiMe(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2)) (3a,b). The reaction of 2a/3a and 2b/3b mixtures with B(C(6)F(5))(3) yields the chelated olefin complexes [[eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))][MeB(C(6)F(5))(3)] (4a,b; 71 and 89% NMR yield). The reaction of 2b/3b with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] yields [[eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (5b, 88% NMR yield). NMR studies establish that 4a,b and 5b exist as mixtures of diastereomers (isomer ratios: 4a/4a', 62/38; 4b/4b', 75/25; 5b/5b', 75/25), which differ in the enantioface of the olefin that is coordinated. NMR data for these d(0) metal olefin complexes show that the olefin coordinates to Ti in an unsymmetrical fashion primarily through C(term) such that the C=C pi bond is polarized with positive charge buildup on C(int). Dynamic NMR studies show that 4b/4b' undergoes olefin face exchange by a dissociative mechanism which is accompanied by fast inversion of configuration at Ti ("O-shift") in the olefin-dissociated intermediate. The activation parameters for the conversion of 4b to 4b' (i.e., 4b/4b' face exchange) are: DeltaH = 17.2(8) kcal/mol; DeltaS = 8(1) eu. 4a/4a' also undergoes olefin face exchange but with a lower barrier (DeltaH = 12.2(9) kcal/mol; DeltaS = -2(3) eu), for the conversion of 4a to 4a'.     

Photochemical reactions of [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2]2 with silanes: evidence for Si-C and C-H activation pathways

Photochemical reaction of [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2]2 1 with dmso led to the stepwise formation of [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(dmso)] 2a and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(dmso)]2 2b. Photolysis of 1 with vinyltrimethylsilane ultimately yields three isomeric products of [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(CH2=CHSiMe3)2]2, 3a, 3b and 3c which are differentiated by the relative orientations of the vinylsilane. When this reaction is undertaken in d6-benzene, H/D exchange between the solvent and the alpha-proton of the vinylsilane is revealed. In addition evidence for two isomers of the solvent complex [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(eta2-toluene)] was obtained in these and related experiments when the photolysis was completed at low temperature without substrate, although no evidence for H/D exchange was observed. Photolysis of 1 with Et3SiH yielded the sequential substitution products [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiEt3)H] 4a, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiEt3)H]2 4b, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiEt3)H][Rh(SiEt3)2(H)2] 4c and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(SiEt3)2(H)2]2 4d; deuteration of the alpha-ring proton sites, and all the silyl protons, of 4d was demonstrated in d6-benzene. This reaction is further complicated by the formation of two Si-C bond activation products, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][RhH(mu-SiEt2)]2 5 and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][(RhEt)(RhH)(mu-SiEt2)2] 6. Complex 5 was also produced when 1 was photolysed with Et2SiH2. When the photochemical reactions with Et3SiH were repeated at low temperatures, two isomers of the unstable C-H activation products, the vinyl hydrides [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][{Rh(SiEt3)H}{Rh(SiEt3)}(mu-eta1,eta2-CH=CH2)] 7a and 7b, were obtained. Thermally, 4c was shown to form the ring substituted silyl migration products [(eta5-C5H4)CH2(C5H3SiEt3)][Rh(SiEt3)2(H)2]2 8 while 4b formed [CH2(C5H3SiEt3)2][Rh(SiEt3)2(H)2]2 (9a and 9b) upon reaction with excess silane. The corresponding photochemical reaction with Me3SiH yielded the expected products [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiMe3)H] 10a, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiMe3)H]2 10b, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiMe3)H][Rh(SiMe3)2(H)2] 10c and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(SiMe3)2(H)2]2 10d. However, three Si-C bond activation products, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][(RhMe)(RhH)(mu-SiMe2)2] 11, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][(Rh{SiMe3})(RhMe)(mu-SiMe2)2] 12 and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][(Rh{SiMe3})(RhH)(mu-SiMe2)2] 13 were also obtained in these reactions.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance and spectroscopic characteristics of electrogenerated mixed-valent systems [(eta 5-C5Me5)M(mu-L)M(eta 5-C5Me5)]+ (M = Rh, Ir; L = 2,5-diiminopyrazines) in relation to the radicals [(eta 5-C5Me5)ClM(mu-L)MCl(eta 5-C5Me5)]+ and [(eta 5-C5Me5)M(mu-L)MCl(eta 5-C5Me5)]2+

Electrochemical reduction of the dinuclear [(eta 5-C5Me5)ClM(mu-L)MCl(eta 5-C5Me5)]2+ ions (M = Rh, Ir; L = 2,5-bis(1-phenyliminoethyl)pyrazine (bpip) and 2,5-bis[1-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)iminoethyl]pyrazine (bxip)) proceeds via the paramagnetic intermediates [(eta 5-C5Me5)ClM(mu-L)MCl(eta 5-C5Me5)]+ (L = bpip) or [(eta 5-C5Me5)M(mu-L)MCl(eta 5-C5Me5)]2+ (L = bxip) and [(eta 5-C5Me5)M(mu-L)M(eta 5-C5Me5)]+. Whereas the first is clearly a radical species with a small g anisotropy, the chloride-free cations are distinguished by structured intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) bands in the near-infrared region and by rhombic electron paramagnetic resonance features between g = 1.9 and g = 2.3, which suggests considerable metal participation at the singly occupied MO. Alternatives for the d configuration assignment and for the role of the bisbidentate-conjugated bridging ligands will be discussed. The main difference between bpip and bxip systems is the destabilization of the chloride-containing forms through the bxip ligand for reasons of steric interference.     

Organometallic Fluorides of Zirconium and Hafnium in the Synthesis of Carboxylate Complexes: Molecular Structures of [{(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))ZrF(OCOCF(3))(2)}(2)] and [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)Zr(OCOCF(3))(2)

The reaction of [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))ZrF(3)] and [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))HfF(3)] with Me(3)SiOCOCF(3) yields the dinuclear complexes [{(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))ZrF(OCOCF(3))(2)}(2)] (1) and [{(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))HfF(OCOCF(3))(2)}(2)] (2), regardless of the molar ratio employed. [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)ZrF(2)] reacts with 1 and 2 equiv of Me(3)SiOCOCF(3) to form the mononuclear compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)Zr(OCOCF(3))(2)] (3) and [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)ZrF(OCOCF(3))] (4), respectively. The molecular structures of 1 and 3 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis: 1, triclinic, P&onemacr;, a = 9.508(3) ?, b = 11.002(4) ?, c = 17.528(3) ?, alpha = 78.55(4), beta = 76.80(2), gamma = 87.51(2) degrees, V = 1750(1) ?(3), Z = 2, R = 0.0378; 3, monoclinic, C2/c, a = 18.553(4) ?, b = 9.110(2) ?, c = 16.323(3) ?, beta = 114.88(3) degrees, V = 2503(1) ?(3), Z = 4, R = 0.0457. Compound 1 shows bridging bidentate and chelating carboxylate ligands as well as bridging fluorine atoms. The zirconium atoms are seven coordinated and have an 18-electron configuration. X-ray studies of 3 reveal two structural components where the carboxylate ligands coordinate in a monodentate (major component) and a chelating manner (minor component).     

Synthesis and dynamic NMR studies of Pt(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(CO){C(O)NR(2)} complexes

The formation of Pt(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(CO){C(O)NR(2)} (R=Me, Et) complexes was established by spectroscopic analysis. The infrared spectra of these complexes showed a sharp absorption due to the presence of coordinated carbonyl group in the region 2017-2013cm(-1). The N,N-dialkylcarbamoyl ligands showed a characteristic CO stretching absorption in the range 1609-1616cm(-1). The proton NMR spectra of these complexes revealed the expected singlet arising from five equivalent methyl groups on the cyclopentadienyl ring with satellites due to coupling to (195)Pt. The N-methyl and N-ethyl protons exhibited very broad resonances due to restricted rotation about the N-C bond at room temperature. On cooling to -30 degrees C, the N,N-dimethyl protons for complex Pt(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(CO){C(O)NMe(2)} showed two sharp singlets at delta 2.86 and 3.09ppm as expected for the static structure. For the N,N-diethyl derivative, Pt(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(CO){C(O)NEt(2)}, the methyl protons exhibited only a single triplet at delta 1.06ppm at -10 degrees C due to coupling with the methylene protons. This single resonance arises through accidental overlap as the methylene protons of the ethyl groups are inequivalent at this temperature and each exhibited a quartet at delta 3.33 and 3.70ppm due to coupling with the methyl protons. The singlet resonances for the methyl and ring carbons of the eta(5)-C(5)Me(5) group found in (13)C{(1)H} NMR spectra are illustrative of the chemical equivalence of all the carbon atoms caused by free rotation of the ring in these complexes. The signals attributable to the carbonyl and carbamoyl carbon atom resonances are found downfield as two singlets each with a large coupling constant to platinum. The platinum coupling constants of the downfield resonances could not be identified for Pt(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(CO){C(O)NMe(2)} due to presence of impurities.     

eta1:eta2-Alkynyl-bridged W-Si complexes: formation, structure, and reaction with acetone

Reactions of (eta5-C5Me4R)(CO)2(MeCN)WMe (R = Me, Et) with HPh2SiCCtBu gave the novel alkynyl-bridged W-Si complexes, (eta5-C5Me4R)(CO)2W(mu-eta1:eta2-CCtBu)(SiPh2) (R = Me, Et), whose alkynyl ligands bridge the tungsten and silicon atoms in an eta1:eta2-coordination mode. The structures of these complexes were fully characterized, including X-ray crystallography. Treatment of (eta5-C5Me5)(CO)2W(mu-eta1:eta2-CCtBu)(SiPh2) with acetone resulted in acetone insertion into the silicon-alkynyl linkage followed by intramolecular C-H activation of the tBu group to give the chelate-type alkyl-alkene complex, (eta5-C5Me5)(CO)2W(eta1:eta2-CH2CMe2C=CHSiPh2OCMe2).     

Construction of [(eta5-C5Me5)WS3Cu3]-based supramolecular compounds from preformed incomplete cubane-like clusters [PPh4][(eta5-C5Me5)WS3(CuX)3] (X = CN, Br)

Approaches to the assembly of (eta5-C5Me5)WS3Cu3-based supramolecular compounds from two preformed incomplete cubane-like clusters [PPh4][(eta5-C5Me5)WS3(CuX)3] (X = CN, 1a; X = Br, 1b) have been investigated. Treatment of 1a with LiBr/1,4-pyrazine (1,4-pyz), pyridine (py), LiCl/py, or 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bipy) and treatment of 1b with 4,4'-bipy gave rise to a new set of W/Cu/S cluster-based compounds, [Li[((eta5-C5Me5)WS3Cu3(mu3-Br))2(mu-CN)3].C6H6]infinity (2), [(eta5-C5Me5)WS3Cu3(mu-CN)2(py)]infinity (3), [[PPh4][(eta5-C5Me5)WS3Cu3(mu3-Cl)(mu-CN)(CN)].py]infinity (4), [PPh4]2[(eta5-C5Me5)WS3Cu3(CN)2]2(mu-CN)2.(4,4'-bipy) (5), and [[(eta5-C5Me5)WS3Cu3Br(mu-Br)(4,4'-bipy)].Et2O]infinity (6). The structures of 2-6 have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Compound 2 displays a 1D ladder-shaped chain structure built of square-like [[(eta5-C5Me5)WS3Cu3(mu3-Br)(mu-CN)]4](mu-CN)2(2-) anions via two pairs of Cu-mu-CN-Cu bridges. Compound 3 consists of a single 3D diamond-like network in which each (eta5-C5Me5)WS3Cu3 unit, serving as a tetrahedral node, interconnects with four other nearby units through Cu-mu-CN-Cu bridges. Compound 4 contains a 1D zigzag chain array made of cubane-like [(eta5-C5Me5)WS3Cu3(mu3-Cl)(mu-CN)(CN)]- anions linked by a couple of Cu-mu-CN-Cu bridges. Compound 5 contains a dimeric structure in which the two incomplete cubane-like [(eta5-C5Me5)WS3(CuCN)2(mu-CN)]- anions are strongly held together via a pair of Cu-mu-CN-Cu bridges. Compound 6 contains a 2D brick-wall layer structure in which dimers of [(eta5-C5Me5)WS3Cu3Br(4,4'-bipy)]2 are interconnected via four Cu-mu-Br-Cu bridges. The successful construction of (eta5-C5Me5)WS3Cu3-based supramolecular compounds 2-6 from the geometry-fixed clusters 1a and 1b may expand the scope of the rational design and construction of cluster-based supramolecular assemblies.     

Nitrogenase model complexes [Cp*Fe(mu-SR(1))2(mu-eta(2)-R(2)N=NH)FeCp*] (R(1) = Me, Et; R(2) = Me, Ph; Cp* = eta(5)-C5Me5): synthesis, structure, and catalytic N-N bond cleavage of hydrazines on diiron centers

The reactions of [Cp*Fe(mu-SR1)3FeCp*] (Cp* = eta5-C5Me5; R1 = Et, Me) with 1.5 equiv R2NHNH2 (R2 = Ph, Me) give the mu-eta2-diazene diiron thiolate-bridged complexes [Cp*Fe(mu-SR1)2(mu-eta2-R2N NH)FeCp*], along with the formation of PhNH2 and NH3. These mu-eta2-diazene diiron thiolate-bridged complexes exhibit excellent catalytic N-N bond cleavage of hydrazines under ambient conditions.     

Synthesis, structural characterization, reactivity, and thermal stability of [eta(5):sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(R)(NMe2)

Reaction of [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]TiCl(NMe2) (1) with 1 equiv of PhCH2K, MeMgBr, or Me3SiCH2Li gave corresponding organotitanium alkyl complexes [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(R)(NMe2) (R = CH2Ph (2), CH2SiMe3 (4), or Me (5)) in good yields. Treatment of 1 with 1 equiv of n-BuLi afforded the decomposition product {[eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti}2(mu-NMe)(mu:sigma-CH2NMe) (3). Complex 5 slowly decomposed to generate a mixed-valence dinuclear species {[eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti}2(mu-NMe2)(mu:sigma-CH2NMe) (6). Complex 1 reacted with 1 equiv of PhNCO or 2,6-Me2C6H3NC to afford the corresponding monoinsertion product [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(Cl)[eta(2)-OC(NMe2)NPh] (7) or [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(Cl)[eta(2)-C(NMe2)=N(2,6-Me2C6H3)] (8). Reaction of 4 or 5 with 1 equiv of R'NC gave the titanium eta(2)-iminoacyl complexes [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(NMe2)[eta(2)-C(R)=N(R')] (R = CH2SiMe3, R' = 2,6-Me2C6H3 (9) or tBu (10); R = Me, R' = 2,6-Me2C6H3 (11) or tBu (12)). The results indicated that the unsaturated molecules inserted into the Ti-N bond only in the absence of the Ti-C(alkyl) bond and that the Ti-C(cage) bond remained intact. All complexes were fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. Molecular structures of 2, 3, 6-8, and 10-12 were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

Synthesis, solid-state structure, and bonding analysis of the beryllocenes [Be(C5Me4H)2], [Be(C5Me5)2], and [Be(C5Me5)(C5Me4H)

The beryllocenes [Be(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)] (1), [Be(C(5)Me(5))(2)] (2), and [Be(C(5)Me(5))(C(5)Me(4)H)] (3) have been prepared from BeCl(2) and the appropriate KCp' reagent in toluene/diethyl ether solvent mixtures. The synthesis of 1 is facile (20 degrees C, overnight), but generation of decamethylberyllocene 2 demands high temperatures (ca. 115 degrees C) and extended reaction times (3-4 days). The mixed-ring beryllocene 3 is obtained when the known [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))BeCl] is allowed to react with K[C(5)Me(4)H], once more under somewhat forcing conditions (115 degrees C, 36 h). The structures of the three metallocenes have been determined by low-temperature X-ray studies. Both 1 and 3 present eta5/eta1 geometries of the slip-sandwich type, whereas 2 exhibits an almost regular, ferrocene-like, sandwich structure. In the mixed-ring compound 3, C(5)Me(5) is centrally bound to beryllium and the eta(1)-C(5)Me(4)H ring bonds to the metal through the unique CH carbon atom. This is also the binding mode of the eta(1)-ring of 1. To analyze the nature of the bonding in these molecules, theoretical calculations at different levels of theory have been performed on compounds 2 and 3, and a comparison with the bonding in [Be(C(5)H(5))(2)] has been made. As for the latter molecule, energy differences between the eta5/eta5 and the eta5/eta1 structures of 2 are very small, being of the order of a few kcal mol(-1). Constrained space orbital variations (CSOV) calculations show that the covalent character in the bonding is larger for [Be(C(5)Me(5))(2)] than for [Be(C(5)H(5))(2)] due to larger charge delocalization and to increased polarizability of the C(5)Me(5) fragment.     

Structure, reactivity, and density functional theory analysis of the six-electron reductant, [(C5Me5)2U]2(mu-eta6:eta6-C6H6), synthesized via a new mode of (C5Me5)3M reactivity

The sterically crowded (C(5)Me(5))(3)U complex reacts with KC(8) or K/(18-crown-6) in benzene to form [(C(5)Me(5))(2)U](2)(mu-eta(6):eta(6)-C(6)H(6)), 1, and KC(5)Me(5). These reactions suggested that (C(5)Me(5))(3)U could be susceptible to (C(5)Me(5))(1-) substitution by benzene anions via ionic salt metathesis. To test this idea in the synthesis of a more conventional product, (C(5)Me(5))(3)U was treated with KN(SiMe(3))(2) to form (C(5)Me(5))(2)U[N(SiMe(3))(2)] and KC(5)Me(5). 1 has long U-C(C(5)Me(5)) bond distances comparable to (C(5)Me(5))(3)U, and it too is susceptible to (C(5)Me(5))(1-) substitution via ionic metathesis: 1 reacts with KN(SiMe(3))(2) to make its amide-substituted analogue [[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](C(5)Me(5))U](2)(mu-eta(6):eta(6)-C(6)H(6)), 2. Complexes 1 and 2 have nonplanar C(6)H(6)-derived ligands sandwiched between the two uranium ions. 1 and 2 were examined by reactivity studies, electronic absorption spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. [(C(5)Me(5))(2)U](2)(mu-eta(6):eta(6)-C(6)H(6)) functions as a six-electron reductant in its reaction with 3 equiv of cyclooctatetraene to form [(C(5)Me(5))(C(8)H(8))U](2)(mu-eta(3):eta(3)-C(8)H(8)), (C(5)Me(5))(2), and benzene. This multielectron transformation can be formally attributed to three different sources: two electrons from two U(III) centers, two electrons from sterically induced reduction by two (C(5)Me(5))(1-) ligands, and two electrons from a bridging (C(6)H(6))(2-) moiety.     

Condensed metallaborane clusters: synthesis and structure of Fe2(CO)6(eta5-C5Me5RuCO)(eta5-C5Me5Ru)B6H10

Mild pyrolysis of (eta5-C5Me5Ru)2B6H12 with Fe2(CO)9 yields the 12 skeletal electron pair (sep) Fe2(CO)6(eta5-C5Me5RuCO)(eta5-C5Me5Ru)B6H10 cluster; the title compound represents a novel class of hybrid multiple cluster in which a Fe2B2 tetrahedron has been fused to a ruthenaborane substrate.     

Synthetic, reactivity, and structural studies on half-sandwich (eta5-C5Me5)Be and related compounds: halide, alkyl, and iminoacyl derivatives

The half-sandwich compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))BeX] (X=Cl, 1 a; Br, 1 b), readily prepared from the reaction of the halides BeX(2) and M[C(5)Me(5)] (M=Na or K), are useful synthons for other (eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Be organometallic compounds, including the alkyl derivatives [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))BeR] (R=Me, 2 a; CMe(3), 2 b; CH(2)CMe(3), 2 c; CH(2)Ph, 2 d). The latter compounds can be obtained by metathetical exchange of the halides 1 with the corresponding lithium reagent and exhibit NMR signals and other properties in accord with the proposed formulation. Attempts to make [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))BeH] have proved fruitless, probably due to instability of the hydride toward disproportionation into [Be(C(5)Me(5))(2)] and BeH(2). The half-sandwich iminoacyl [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Be(C(NXyl)Cp')] and [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(4)H)Be(C(NXyl)Cp')]3, 6 where Xyl=C(6)H(3)-2,6-Me(2) and Cp'=C(5)Me(5) or C(5)Me(4)H, are formed when the beryllocenes [Be(C(5)Me(5))(2)], [Be(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)], and [Be(C(5)Me(5))(C(5)Me(4)H)] are allowed to react with CNXyl. Isolation of three different iminoacyl isomers from the reaction of the mixed-ring beryllocene [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Be(eta(1)-C(5)Me(4)H)] and CNXyl, namely compounds 5 a, 5 b, and 6, provides compelling evidence for the existence in solution of different beryllocene isomers, generated in the course of two very facile processes that explain the solution dynamics of these metallocenes, that is the 1,5-sigmatropic shift of the Be(eta(5)-Cp') unit around the periphery of the eta(1)-Cp' ring, and the molecular inversion rearrangement that exchanges the roles of the two rings.     

Carbon-oxygen bond cleavage with eta9,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium sandwich complexes

Treatment of the eta9,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium sandwich complex, (eta9-C9H5-1,3-(SiMe3)2)(eta5-C9H5-1,3-(SiMe3)2)Zr, with dialkyl ethers such as diethyl ether, CH3OR (R=Et, nBu, tBu), nBu2O, or iPr2O resulted in facile C-O bond scission furnishing an eta5,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium alkoxy hydride complex and free olefin. In cases where ethylene is formed, trapping by the zirconocene sandwich yields a rare example of a crystallographically characterized, base-free eta5,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium ethylene complex. Observation of normal, primary kinetic isotope effects in combination with rate studies and the stability of various model compounds support a mechanism involving rate-determining C-H activation to yield an eta5,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium alkyl hydride intermediate followed by rapid beta-alkoxide elimination. For isolable eta6,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium THF compounds, thermolysis at 85 degrees C also resulted in C-O bond cleavage to yield the corresponding zirconacycle. Both mechanistic and computational studies again support a pathway involving haptotropic rearrangement to eta5,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium intermediates that promote rate-determining C-H activation and ultimately C-O bond scission.     

Synthesis,molecular structure,and C-C coupling reactions of carbeneruthenium(II) complexes with C5H5Ru(=CRR') and C5Me5Ru(=CRR') as molecular units

The ethene derivatives [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuX(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))] with R=H and Me, which have been prepared from the eta(3)-allylic compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))Ru(eta(3)-2-MeC(3)H(4))(PPh(3))] (1, 2) and acids HX under an ethene atmosphere, are excellent starting materials for the synthesis of a series of new halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes. The olefinic ligand is replaced not only by CO and pyridine, but also by internal and terminal alkynes to give (for X=Cl) alkyne, vinylidene, and allene compounds of the general composition [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuCl(L)(PPh(3))] with L=C(2)(CO(2)Me)(2), Me(3)SiC(2)CO(2)Et, C=CHCO(2)R, and C(3)H(4). The allenylidene complex [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=C=C=CPh(2))(PPh(3))] is directly accessible from 1 (R=H) in two steps with the propargylic alcohol HC triple bond CC(OH)Ph(2) as the precursor. The reactions of the ethene derivatives [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuX(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))] (X=Cl, CF(3)CO(2)) with diazo compounds RR'CN(2) yield the corresponding carbene complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuX(=CRR')(PPh(3))], while with ethyl diazoacetate (for X=Cl) the diethyl maleate compound [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl[eta(2)-Z-C(2)H(2)(CO(2)Et)(2)](PPh(3))] is obtained. Halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuCl(=CHR')(PPh(3))] with secondary carbenes as ligands, as well as cationic species [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(=CPh(2))(L)(PPh(3))]X with L=CO and CNtBu and X=AlCl(4) and PF(6), have also been prepared. The neutral compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=CRR')(PPh(3))] react with phenyllithium, methyllithium, and the vinyl Grignard reagent CH(2)=CHMgBr by displacement of the chloride and subsequent C-C coupling to generate halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes with eta(3)-benzyl, eta(3)-allyl, and substituted olefins as ligands. Protolytic cleavage of the metal-allylic bond in [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(eta(3)-CH(2)CHCR(2))(PPh(3))] with acetic acid affords the corresponding olefins R(2)C=CHCH(3). The by-product of this process is the acetato derivative [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(kappa(2)-O(2)CCH(3))(PPh(3))], which can be reconverted to the carbene complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=CR(2))(PPh(3))] in a one-pot reaction with R(2)CN(2) and Et(3)NHCl.     

Reductive reactivity of the organolanthanide hydrides, [(C5Me5)2LnH]x, leads to ansa-allyl cyclopentadienyl (eta(5)-C5Me4CH2-C5Me4CH2-eta(3))2- and trianionic cyclooctatetraenyl (C8H7)3- ligands

The reductive reactivity of lanthanide hydride ligands in the [(C5Me5)2LnH]x complexes (Ln = Sm, La, Y) was examined to see if these hydride ligands would react like the actinide hydrides in [(C5Me5)2AnH2]2 (An = U, Th) and [(C5Me5)2UH]2. Each lanthanide hydride complex reduces PhSSPh to make [(C5Me5)2Ln(mu-SPh)]2 in approximately 90% yield. [(C5Me5)2SmH]2 reduces phenazine and anthracene to make [(C5Me5)2Sm]2(mu-eta(3):eta(3)-C12H8N2) and [(C5Me5)2Sm]2(mu-eta(3):eta(3)-C10H14), respectively, but the analogous [(C5Me5)2LaH]x and [(C5Me5)2YH]2 reactions are more complicated. All three lanthanide hydrides reduce C8H8 to make (C5Me5)Ln(C8H8) and (C5Me5)3Ln, a reaction that constitutes another synthetic route to (C5Me5)3Ln complexes. In the reaction of [(C5Me5)2YH]2 with C8H8, two unusual byproducts are obtained. In benzene, a (C5Me5)Y[(eta(5)-C5Me4CH2-C5Me4CH2-eta(3))] complex forms in which two (C5Me5)(1-) rings are linked to make a new type of ansa-allyl-cyclopentadienyl dianion that binds as a pentahapto-trihapto chelate. In cyclohexane, a (C5Me5)2Y(mu-eta(8):eta(1)-C8H7)Y(C5Me5) complex forms in which a (C8H8)(2-) ring is metalated to form a bridging (C8H7)(3-) trianion.     

Organoruthenium(II) and (III) amidinates, (eta5-C5Me5)Ru(eta-amidinate) and (eta5-C5Me5)RuCl(eta-amidinate), as unique redox catalysts for the intramolecular Kharasch reactions: facile access to a pyrrolizidine alkaloid skeleton under mild conditions

A novel organoruthenium(III) amidinate, (eta5-C5Me5)RuCl(eta-iPrN=C(Me)NiPr) (2), has been prepared by oxidation of organoruthenium amidinate, (eta5-C5Me5)Ru(eta-iPrN=C-(Me)NiPr) (1), by organic chlorides; both 1 and 2 are found to be good catalysts for atom-transfer cyclization of N-allyltrichloroacetamides which are useful for successful preparation of a pyrrolizidine alkaloid skeleton under mild conditions.