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 )].     

A Tetrairon Dication Featuring Tetraethynylbenzene Bridging Ligand: A Molecular Prototype of Quantum Dot Cellular Automata

The unprecedented tetrairon dication [{Cp*(dppe)FeC≡C-}₄-μ-(1,2,4,5-C₆H₂)](PF₆)₂ ( 1 ) was obtained through a sequence of three reactions from 1,2,4,5-tetraethynylbenzene, Cp*(dppe)FeCl (Cp*=C₅Me₅, dppe=1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)-ethane), KOtBu, and ferrocenium hexafluorophosphate. The cyclic voltammogram of the target molecule, isolated in 77 % yield, exhibits four well separated and reversible redox events showing that 1 is thermodynamically stable with respect to disproportionation (Kc>10⁶). The tetranuclear dication 1 was characterized by XRD on single crystal, IR and NMR spectroscopies and Mössbauer spectrometry. The experimental data show that 1 behaves as a class II mixed-valence complex with the positive charges preferentially disposed on antipodal positions. This new molecule can be regarded as a potential molecular prototype of quantum dot cellular automata.     

Simultaneous bridge-localized and mixed-valence character in diruthenium radical cations featuring diethynylaromatic bridging ligands

A series of bimetallic ruthenium complexes [{Ru(dppe)Cp*}(2)(μ-C≡CArC≡C)] featuring diethynylaromatic bridging ligands (Ar = 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-naphthylene, 9,10-anthrylene) have been prepared and some representative molecular structures determined. A combination of UV-vis-NIR and IR spectroelectrochemical methods and density functional theory (DFT) have been used to demonstrate that one-electron oxidation of compounds [{Ru(dppe)Cp*}(2)(μ-C≡CArC≡C)](HC≡CArC≡CH = 1,4-diethynylbenzene; 1,4-diethynyl-2,5-dimethoxybenzene; 1,4-diethynylnaphthalene; 9,10-diethynylanthracene) yields solutions containing radical cations that exhibit characteristics of both oxidation of the diethynylaromatic portion of the bridge, and a mixed-valence state. The simultaneous population of bridge-oxidized and mixed-valence states is likely related to a number of factors, including orientation of the plane of the aromatic portion of the bridging ligand with respect to the metal d-orbitals of appropriate π-symmetry.     

Mixed‐Valence Ruthenium Complexes Rotating through a Conformational Robin–Day Continuum

The conformational energy landscape and the associated electronic structure and spectroscopic properties (UV/Vis/near‐infrared (NIR) and IR) of three formally d⁵/d⁶ mixed‐valence diruthenium complex cations, [{Ru(dppe)Cp*}₂(μ‐C≡CC₆H₄C≡C)]⁺, [ 1 ]⁺, [trans‐{RuCl(dppe)₂}₂(μ‐C≡CC₆H₄C≡C)]⁺, [ 2 ]⁺, and the Creutz–Taube ion, [{Ru(NH₃)₅}₂(μ‐pz)]⁵⁺, [ 3 ]⁵⁺ (Cp=cyclopentadienyl; dppe=1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane; pz=pyrazine), have been studied using a nonstandard hybrid density functional BLYP35 with 35 % exact exchange and continuum solvent models. For the closely related monocations [ 1 ]⁺ and [ 2 ]⁺, the calculations indicated that the lowest‐energy conformers exhibited delocalized electronic structures (or class III mixed‐valence character). However, these minima alone explained neither the presence of shoulder(s) in the NIR absorption envelope nor the presence of features in the observed vibrational spectra characteristic of both delocalized and valence‐trapped electronic structures. A series of computational models have been used to demonstrate that the mutual conformation of the metal fragments—and even more importantly the orientation of the bridging ligand relative to those metal centers—influences the electronic coupling sufficiently to afford valence‐trapped conformations, which are of sufficiently low energy to be thermally populated. Areas in the conformational phase space with variable degrees of symmetry breaking of structures and spin‐density distributions are shown to be responsible for the characteristic spectroscopic features of these two complexes. The Creutz–Taube ion [ 3 ]⁵⁺ also exhibits low‐lying valence‐trapped conformational areas, but the electronic transitions that characterize these conformations with valence‐localized electronic structures have low intensities and do not influence the observed spectroscopic characteristics to any notable extent.     

Fully delocalized (ethynyl)(vinyl)phenylene bridged triruthenium complexes in up to five different oxidation states

Triruthenium [(dppe)(2)Ru{-C≡C-1,4-C(6)H(2)-2,5-R(2)-CH═CH-RuCl(CO)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)}(2)](n+) (4a, R = H; 4b, R = OMe) containing unsymmetrical (ethynyl)(vinyl)phenylene bridging ligands and displaying five well-separated redox states (n = 0-4) are compared to their bis(alkynyl)ruthenium precursors (dppe)(2)Ru{-C≡C-1,4-C(6)H(2)-2,5-R(2)-C≡CR'} (2a,b: R' = TMS; 3a,b: R' = H) and their symmetrically substituted bimetallic congeners, complexes {Cl(dppe)(2)Ru}(2){μ-C≡C-1,4-C(6)H(2)-2,5-R(2)-C≡C} (A(a), R = H; A(b), R = OMe) and {RuCl(CO)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)}(2){μ-CH═CH-1,4-C(6)H(2)-2,5-R(2)-CH═CH} (V(a), R = H; V(b), R = OMe) as well as the mixed (ethynyl)(vinyl)phenylene bridged [Cl(dppe)(2)Ru-C≡C-1,4-C(6)H(4)-CH═CH-RuCl(CO)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] (M(a)). Successive one-electron transfer steps were studied by means of cyclic voltammetry, EPR and UV-vis-NIR-IR spectroelectrochemistry. These studies show that the first oxidation mainly involves the central bis(alkynyl) ruthenium moiety with only limited effects on the appended vinyl ruthenium moieties. The second to fourth oxidations (n = 2, 3, 4) involve the entire carbon-rich conjugated path of the molecule with an increased charge uniformly distributed between the two arms of the molecules, including the terminal vinyl ruthenium sites. In order to assess the charge distribution, we judiciously use (13)CO labeled analogues to distinguish stretching vibrations due to the acetylide triple bonds and the intense and charge-sensitive Ru(CO) IR probe in different oxidation states. The comparison between complex pairs 4a,b(n+) (n = 0-3), A(a,b)(n+) and V(a,b)(n+) (n = 0-2) serves to elucidate the effect of the methoxy donor substituents on the redox and spectroscopic properties of these systems in their various oxidation states and on the metal/ligand contributions to their frontier orbitals.     

Heterobimetallic Gold/Ruthenium Complexes Synthesized via Post-functionalization and Applied in Dual Photoredox Gold Catalysis

The synthesis of heterobimetallic Au^I/Ru^II complexes of the general formula syn- and anti-[{AuCl}( L1 ∩ L2 ){Ru(bpy)₂}][PF₆]₂ is reported. The ditopic bridging ligand L1 ∩ L2 refers to a P,N hybrid ligand composed of phosphine and bipyridine substructures, which was obtained via a post-functionalization strategy based on Diels-Alder reaction between a phosphole and a maleimide moiety. It was found that the stereochemistry at the phosphorus atom of the resulting 7-phosphanorbornene backbone can be controlled by executing the metal coordination and the cycloaddition reaction in a different order. All precursors, as well as the mono- and multimetallic complexes, were isolated and fully characterized by various spectroscopic methods such as NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy as well as cyclic voltammetry. Photophysical measurements show efficient phosphorescence for the investigated monometallic complex anti-[( L1 ∩ L2 ){Ru(bpy)₂}][PF₆]₂ and the bimetallic analogue syn-[{AuCl}( L1 ∩ L2 ){Ru(bpy)₂}][PF₆]₂, thus indicating a small influence of the {AuCl} fragment on the photoluminescence properties. The heterobimetallic Au^I/Ru^II complexes syn- and anti-[{AuCl}( L1 ∩ L2 ){Ru(bpy)₂}][PF₆]₂ are both active catalysts in the P-arylation of aryldiazonium salts promoted by visible light with H-phosphonate affording arylphosphonates in yields of up to 91 %. Both dinuclear complexes outperform their monometallic counterparts.     

Structural Studies of Some Compounds Containing C2 Fragments Attached to Various Metal‐Ligand End‐Groups

The preparation, characterisation and single‐crystal XRD molecular structure determinations of four complexes containing –CC–ML_n end‐groups, namely Ru{C≡CFc′(I)}(dppe)Cp ( 1 ), the vinylidene [Os(=C=CH₂)(PPh₃)₂Cp]PF₆ ( 2 ), trans‐Pt(C≡CC₆H₄‐4‐C≡CPh){C≡CC₆H₄‐4‐C₂Ph[Co₂(μ‐dppm)(CO)₄]}(PPh₃)₂ ( 3 ), and C₆H₄{μ₃‐C₂[AuRu₃(CO)₉(PPh₃)]}₂‐1,4 ( 4 ) are reported. In these compounds a range of –CC– environments is found, extending from the σ‐bonded alkynyl group in 1 to examples where the C₂ unit interacts with either a proton (in vinylidene 2 ), by bridging a dicobalt carbonyl moiety (in 3 ) or the AuRu₃ cluster in 4 . Changes in geometry are rationalised by considering the various bonding modes.     

3,5-Bis(ethynyl)pyridine and 2,6-bis(ethynyl)pyridine spanning two Fe(Cp*)(dppe) units: role of the nitrogen atom on the electronic and magnetic couplings

The role of the nitrogen atom on the electronic and magnetic couplings of the mono-oxidized and bi-oxidized pyridine-containing complex models [2,6-{Cp(dpe)Fe-C≡C-}(2)(NC(5)H(3))](n+) and [3,5-{Cp(dpe)Fe-C≡C-}(2)(NC(5)H(3))](n+) is theoretically tackled with the aid of density-functional theory (DFT) and multireference configuration interaction (MR-CI) calculations. Results are analyzed and compared to those obtained for the reference complex [1,3-{Cp*(dppe)Fe-C≡C-)}(2)(C(6)H(4))](n+). The mono-oxidized species show an interesting behavior at the borderline between spin localization and delocalization and one through-bond communication path among the two involving the central ring, is favored. Investigation of the spin state of the dicationic complexes indicates ferromagnetic coupling, which can differ in magnitude from one complex to the other. Very importantly, electronic and magnetic properties of these species strongly depend not only upon the location of the nitrogen atom in the ring versus that of the organometallic end-groups but also upon the architectural arrangement of one terminus, with respect to the other and/or vis-à-vis the central ring. To help validate the theoretical results, the related families of compounds [1,3-{Cp*(dppe)Fe-C≡C-)}(2)(C(6)H(4))](n+), [2,6-{Cp*(dppe)Fe-C≡C-}(2)(NC(5)H(3))](n+), [3,5-{Cp*(dppe)Fe-C≡C-}(2)(NC(5)H(3))](n+) (n = 0-2) were experimentally synthesized and characterized. Electrochemical, spectroscopic (infrared (IR), M?ssbauer), electronic (near-infrared (NIR)), and magnetic properties (electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)) are discussed and interpreted in the light of the theoretical data. The set of data obtained allows for many strong conclusions to be drawn. A N atom in the long branch increases the ferromagnetic interaction between the two Fe(III) spin carriers (J > 500 cm(-1)), whereas, when placed in the short branch, it dramatically reduces the magnetic exchange in the di-oxidized species (J = 2.14(5) cm(-1)). In the mixed-valence compounds, when the N atom is positioned on the long branch, the intermediate excited state is higher in energy than the different ground-state conformers and the relaxation process provides exclusively the Fe(II)/Fe(III) localized system (H(ab) ≠ 0). Positioning the N atom on the short branch modifies the energy profile and the diabatic mediating state lies just above the reactant and product diabatic states. Consequently, the LMCT transition becomes less energetic than the MMCT transition. Here, the direct coupling does not occur (H(ab) = 0) and only the coupling through the bridge (c) and the reactant (a) and product (b) diabatic states is operating (H(ac) = H(bc) ≠ 0).     

How do nitriles compare with isoelectronic alkynyl groups in the electronic communication between iron centers bridged by phenylenebis- and -tris(nitrile) ligands? An electronic and crystal-structure study

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the model [{FeCp(dpe)}(2){1,4-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2)}](2+) (3(2+); dpe = diphosphinoethane) of salts of the cations [{FeCp(dppe)}(2){1,4-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2)}](2+) (1(2+); dppe = 1,2-bis[diphenyldiphosphino]ethane) and [{FeCp*(CO)(2)}(2){1,4-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2)}](2+) (2(2+)), for which the X-ray crystal structures have been determined, as well as on its isomer [{FeCp(dpe)}(2){1,3-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2)}](2+) (4(2+)) and on the related complex [{FeCp(dpe)}(3){1,3,5-C(6)H(3)(CN)(3)}](3+) (5(2+)), indicate that the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) of these compounds are localized on the metal centers with negligible participation of the C(6) ring. Thus, the poly(nitrile)phenylene ligand efficiently quenches the electronic communication between the metal centers. This is at variance with the related isoelectronic polyacetylene phenylene complexes, in which the iron centers have been shown to be electronically coupled. Consistently, apart from the case of 3(3+), which shows some degree of delocalization, all of the oxidized forms of 3(2+), 4(2+), and 5(2+) can be described as class II, localized mixed-valent species, in agreement with the electrochemical data showing two close oxidation potentials around 1 V vs FeCp*(2). This is at variance with the p-phenylene-bridged biethynyldiiron analogue, for which extended electronic delocalization was earlier shown to provide greater degree of delocalization of the mixed valency. Time-dependent DFT calculations on 3(2+), 4(2+), and 5(2+) indicate that the lowest-energy absorption band is associated with metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transitions involving the metallic HOMOs and the two lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals that derive from the lowest π*(phenylene) orbitals with some π*(CN) bonding admixture.     

Niob- und Tantalkomplexe mit P2- und P4-Liganden

Niobium and Tantalum Complexes with P₂ and P₄ Ligands The photolysis of [Cp″Ta(CO)₄] 1 (Cp″ = C₅H₃^tBu₂?1,3) and P₄ affords Cp″(CO)₂Ta(η⁴?P₄) 2 , [{Cp″(CO)Ta}₂(m??η^2:2?P₂)₂] 3 and [Cp₃″(CO)₃Ta₃(P₂)₂] 4 . In a photochemical reaction 2 and [Cp*Nb(CO)₄] 5 form [{Cp*(CO)Nb}{Cp″(CO)Ta}(m??η^2:2?P₂)₂] 6 and [{Cp*(CO)₂Nb} {Cp*Nb}{Cp″(CO)Ta}(m?₃?η^2:1:1?P₂)₂] 7 , a compound with the novel m?₃?η^2:2:1?P₂-coordination mode. The reaction of 2 and [Cp*Co(C₂H₄)₂] 8 leads to [{Cp*Co} {Cp″(CO)Ta}(m??η^2:2?P₂)₂] 9 , a heteronuclear complex with an ?early”? and a ?late”? transition metal. Complexes 2, 3, 7 and 9 have been further characterized by X-ray structure analyses.     

Organometallic Molecular Wires with Thioacetylene Backbones,trans-{RS-(C≡C)n}2Ru(phosphine)4: High Conductance through Non-Aromatic Bridging Linkers

In this work, the design, synthesis, and single-molecule conductance of ethynyl- and butadiynyl-ruthenium molecular wires with thioether anchor groups [RS=n-C₆H₁₃S, p-tert-Bu−C₆H₄S), trans-{RS−(C≡C)_n}₂Ru(dppe)₂ (n=1 ( 1^R ), 2 ( 2^R ); dppe: 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) and trans-(n-C₆H₁₃S−C≡C)₂Ru{P(OMe)₃}₄ 3^hex ] are reported. Scanning tunneling microscope break-junction study has revealed conductance of the organometallic molecular wires with the thioacetylene backbones higher than that of the related organometallic wires having arylethynylruthenium linkages with the sulfur anchor groups, trans-{p-MeS−C₆H₄-(C≡C)_n}₂Ru(phosphine)₄ 4 ⁿ (n=1, 2) and trans-(Th−C≡C)₂Ru(phosphine)₄ 5 (Th=3-thienyl). It should be noted that the molecular junctions constructed from the butadiynyl wire 2^R , trans-{ Au −RS−(C≡C)₂}₂Ru(dppe)₂ ( Au : gold metal electrode), show conductance comparable to that of the covalently linked polyynyl wire with the similar molecular length, trans-{ Au −(C≡C)₃}₂Ru(dppe)₂ 6³ . The DFT non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) study supports the highly conducting nature of the thioacetylene molecular wires through HOMO orbitals.     

Rational Control of Conformational Distributions and Mixed‐Valence Characteristics in Diruthenium Complexes

The electronic characteristics of mixed‐valence complexes are often inferred from the shape of the inter‐valence charge transfer (IVCT) band, which usually falls in the near infrared (NIR) region, and relationships derived from Marcus‐Hush theory. These analyses typically assume one single, dominant molecular conformation. The NIR spectra of the prototypical delocalised (Class III Robin–Day mixed‐valence) complexes [{Ru(pp)Cp’}₂(μ‐C≡C?C≡C)]⁺ ([ 1 ]⁺: Cp’=Cp, pp=(PPh₃)₂; [ 2 ]⁺: Cp’=Cp, pp=dppe; [ 3 ]⁺: Cp’=Cp*, pp=dppe) feature a ‘two‐band’ pattern, which complicates band‐shape analysis using these traditional methods. In the past, the appearance of sub‐bands within or near the IVCT transition has been attributed to vibronic effects or localised d‐d transitions. Quantum‐chemical modelling of a series of rotational conformers of [ 1 ]⁺–[ 3 ]⁺ reveals the two components that contribute to the NIR absorption band envelope to be a π‐π* transition and an MLCT transition. The MLCT components only gain appreciable intensity when the orientation of the half‐sandwich ruthenium ligand spheres deviates from idealised cis (Ω P?Ru?Ru?P=0°) or trans (Ω P?Ru?Ru?P=180°) conformations. The increased steric demand of the supporting ligands, together with some underlying inter‐phosphine ligand T‐shaped CH???π stacking interactions across the series [ 1 ]⁺ to [ 2 ]⁺ to [ 3 ]⁺ results in local minima biased towards such non‐idealised conformations of the metal‐ligand fragments (Ω P?Ru?Ru?P=33–153°). Experimentally, this is indicated by appearance of multiple bands within the IR (C≡C) band envelopes and increasing intensity of the higher‐energy MLCT transition(s) relative to the π‐π* transition across the series, and the appearance of a pronounced ‘two‐band’ pattern in the experimental NIR absorption envelopes. These conformational effects and the methods of analysis presented here, which combine analysis of IR and NIR spectra with quantum‐chemical calculations on a range of energetically similar conformational minima, are expected to be quite general for mixed‐valence systems.     

Further chemistry of ruthenium butatrienylidene complexes

Several complexes have been obtained from reactions carried out in early attempts to prepare the diynyl complexes Ru(CCCCR)(dppe)Cp* (R = H, SiMe₃). These have been identified crystallographically as the acyl complex Ru{CCC(O)Me}(dppe)Cp* (3), the cationic imido complex [Ru{CCC(NH₂)Me}(dppe)Cp*]PF₆ (4), the binuclear butenynylallenylidene [{Ru(dppe)Cp*}₂{μ-CCC(OMe)CHCMeCC}]PF₆ (5), and the bis(ethynyl)cyclobutenylidene [{Ru(dppe)Cp*}₂{μ-CCC₄H₂(SiMe₃)CC}]PF₆ (6). NMR studies of 5 have revealed the existence of two isomers. Plausible routes for their formation from the putative butatrienylidene intermediate [Ru(CCCCH₂)(dppe)Cp*]⁺ (A) are discussed.     

Low-Valent Titanium Species Stabilized with Aluminum/Boron Hydride Fragments

Low-valent titanium species were prepared by reaction of [TiCp*X₃] (Cp*=η⁵-C₅Me₅; X=Cl, Br, Me) with LiEH₄ (E=Al, B) or BH₃(thf), and their structures elucidated by experimental and theoretical methods. The treatment of trihalides [TiCp*X₃] with LiAlH₄ in ethereal solvents (L) leads to the hydride-bridged heterometallic complexes [{TiCp*(μ-H)}₂{(μ-H)₂AlX(L)}₂] (L=thf, X=Cl, Br; L=OEt₂, X=Cl). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations for those compounds reveal an open-shell singlet ground state with a Ti−Ti bond and can be described as titanium(II) species. The theoretical analyses also show strong interactions between the Ti−Ti bond and the empty s orbitals of the Al atom of the AlH₂XL fragments, which behave as σ-accepting (Z-type) ligands. Analogous reactions of [TiCp*X₃] with LiBH₄ (2 and 3 equiv.) in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature and at 85 °C lead to the titanium(III) compounds [{TiCp*(BH₄)(μ-X)}₂] (X=Cl, Br) and [{TiCp*(BH₄)(μ-BH₄)}₂], respectively. The treatment of [TiCp*Me₃] with 4 and 5 equiv. of BH₃(thf) produces the diamagnetic [{TiCp*(BH₃Me)}₂(μ-B₂H₆)] and paramagnetic [{TiCp*(μ-B₂H₆)}₂] complexes, respectively.     

Isocyanide insertion reactivity of dinuclear niobium and tantalum imido complexes: X-ray crystal structure of [{Nb(η-C5H4SiMe3)(CH2Ph)2}2(μ-1,4-NC6H4N)]

The reactivity of dinuclear niobium and tantalum imido complexes with the isocyanide compound 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃NC has been studied. The trialkyl complexes [{NbR₃(CH₃CN)}₂(μ-1,3-NC₆H₄N)], [{NbR₃(CH₃CN)}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] and [{TaR₃(CH₃CN)}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (R=CH₂SiMe₃) gave [{Nb(η²-RCNAr)₂R}₂(μ-1,3-NC₆H₄N)] (1), [{Nb(η²-RCNAr)₂R}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (2) and [{Ta(η²-RCNAr)₂R}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (3) (R=CH₂SiMe₃; Ar=2,6-Me₂C₆H₃), from the isocyanide insertion in two of the metal alkyl carbon bonds. The reaction of the isocyanide reagent with the di-alkyl mono-cyclopentadienyl derivatives [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)R₂}₂(μ-1,3-NC₆H₄N)] (R=Me, CH₂Ph, CH₂SiMe₃), [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)R₂}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (R=Me, CH₂Ph (4), CH₂SiMe₃) and [{Ta(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(CH₂SiMe₃)₂}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] yielded [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)(η²-RCNAr)R}₂(μ-1,3-NC₆H₄N)] (R=Me (5), CH₂Ph (6), CH₂SiMe₃ (7)), [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)(η²-RCNAr)R}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (R=Me (8), CH₂Ph (9), CH₂SiMe₃ (10)) and [{Ta(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(η²-Me₃SiCH₂CNAr)CH₂SiMe₃}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (11) (Ar=2,6-Me₂C₆H₃), respectively, from a single insertion process. The reaction with the mono-alkyl complex [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)(Me)Cl}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] gave [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)(η²-MeCNAr)Cl}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (12), produced from the isocyanide insertion in the metal-alkyl carbon bond. The alkyl-amido complex [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)(Me)NMe₂}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] gave, from the preferential isocyanide insertion in the metal-amide nitrogen bond, [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)(η²-Me₂NCNAr)Me}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (13). The molecular structure of one of the alkyl precursors, [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)(CH₂Ph)₂}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (4), has been determined.     

Syntheses and Structural Studies of Several Diynyl‐Ruthenium Complexes and their Adducts with Cyano‐Alkenes

Herein are described some continuing investigations into the reactions of cyano‐alkenes with diynyl‐ruthenium complexes which have resulted in the preparation and characterisation of diynyl‐ruthenium compounds Ru(C≡CC≡CR)(PP)Cp [R = Ph, PP = dppe; R = Fc, PP = dppf; R = CPh=CBr₂, PP = (PPh₃)₂], together with the polycyanobutadienyls Ru{C≡CC[=C(CN)₂]CR=CR′(CN)}(PP)Cp′ [R = Fc, (PP)Cp′ = (dppf)Cp; R = H, SiMe₃, (PP)Cp′ = (dppe)Cp*] formed by [2 + 2]‐cycloaddition of the cyano‐alkenes to the outer C≡C triple bonds and subsequent ring‐opening reactions. Single‐crystal XRD molecular structure determinations of six complexes are reported.     

[{Cp*(CO)2Fe}6Sn6O8]2+, ein kationischer Zinnoxocluster mit metallorganischen Substituenten

[{Cp*(CO)₂Fe}₆Sn₆O₈]²⁺, a Cationic Tin Oxo Cluster with Organometallic Substituents The reaction of [{Cp*(CO)₂Fe}SnCl₃] 1 (Cp^* = Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) with Ag₂O in acetone leads to the formation of [{Cp*(CO)₂Fe}₆Sn₆O₈][AgCl₂]₂( 2 ). 2 contains the novel tin oxo cluster cation [{Cp*(CO)₂Fe}₆Sn₆O₈]²⁺ which consists of six {Cp*(CO)₂Fe}Sn‐groups bridged by eight μ₃ oxygen atoms (Sn—O = 209.2(3)‐212.5(3) pm). The resulting Sn₆O₈ cage exhibits a distorted rhombodocahedral structure. The [AgCl₂]^— anion is essentially linear with a Ag—Cl bond length of 250.3(3) pm.     

Dreiecksdodekaedrische Heterotri‐ und ‐tetrametall‐Eisen–Ruthenium‐Cluster mit CpR‐ und Pn‐Liganden (n = 5, 4)

Triangulated Dodecahedral Heterotrimetallic‐ and ‐tetrametallic Iron–Ruthenium Clusters with Cp^R and P_n Ligands (n = 5, 4) The cothermolysis of [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐P₅)] ( 1 ) and [{Cp″(OC)₂Ru}₂](Ru–Ru) ( 2 ), Cp″ = C₅H₃But₂‐1,3, affords low yields of [Cp″Ru(η⁵‐P₅)] ( 3 ) and [{Cp″Ru}₂P₄] ( 4 ) as well as the triangulated dodecahedral hetero‐ and homotrimetallic clusters [{Cp″Ru}₂{Cp*Fe}P₅] ( 5 ), [{Cp″Ru}₃P₅] ( 6 ), [{Cp*Fe}₂{Cp″Ru}P₅] ( 7 ) and the tetranuclear compound [{Cp″Ru}₃{Cp*Fe}P₄] ( 8 ). X‐ray crystallographic studies show that the P₅ ligand in the distorted M₂M′P₅‐triangulated dodecahedra of 5 and 7 offers an unusual novel coordination mode derived from the educt 1 .     

Syntheses and Structures of trans-bis(Alkenylacetylide) Ruthenium Complexes

A series of ruthenium alkenylacetylide complexes trans-[Ru{C≡CC(=CH₂)R}Cl(dppe)₂] (R=Ph ( 1 a ), ^cC₄H₃S ( 1 b ), 4-MeS-C₆H₄ ( 1 c ), 3,3-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]thiophene (DMBT) ( 1 d )) or trans-[Ru{C≡C-^cC₆H₉}Cl(dppe)₂] ( 1 e ) were allowed to react with the corresponding propargylic alcohol HC≡CC(Me)R(OH) (R=Ph ( A ), ^cC₄H₃S ( B ), 4-MeS-C₆H₄ ( C ), DMBT ( D ) or HC≡C-^cC₆H₁₀(OH) ( E ) in the presence of TlBF₄ and DBU to presumably give alkenylacetylide/allenylidene intermediates trans-[Ru{C≡CC(=CH₂)R}{C=C=C(Me)}(dppe)₂]PF₆ ([ 2 ]PF₆). These complexes were not isolated but deprotonated to give the isolable bis(alkenylacetylide) complexes trans-[Ru{C≡CC(=CH₂)R}₂(dppe)₂] (R=Ph ( 3 a ), ^cC₄H₃S ( 3 b ), 4-MeS-C₆H₄ ( 3 c ), DMBT ( 3 d )) and trans-[Ru{C≡C-^cC₆H₉}₂(dppe)₂] ( 3 e ). Analogous reactions of trans-[Ru(CH₃)₂(dmpe)₂], featuring the more electron-donating 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane (dmpe) ancillary ligands, with the propargylic alcohols A or C and NH₄PF₆ in methanol allowed isolation of the intermediate mixed alkenylacetylide/allenylidene complexes trans-[Ru{C≡CC(=CH₂)R}{C=C=C(Me)}(dmpe)₂]PF₆ (R=Ph ([ 4 a ]PF₆), 4-MeS-C₆H₄ ([ 4 c ]PF₆). Deprotonation of [ 4 a ]PF₆ or [ 4 c ]PF₆ gave the symmetric bis(alkenylacetylide) complexes trans-[Ru{C≡CC(=CH₂)R}₂(dmpe)₂] (R=Ph ( 5 a ), 4-MeS-C₆H₄ ( 5 c )), the first of their kind containing the dmpe ancillary ligand sphere. Attempts to isolate bis(allenylidene) complexes [Ru{C=C=C(Me)R}₂(PP)₂]²⁺ (PP=dppe, dmpe) from treatment of the bis(alkenylacetylide) species 3 or 5 with HBF₄ ⋅ Et₂O were ultimately unsuccessful.