Two‐Electron Reductive Carbonylation of Terminal Uranium(V) and Uranium(VI) Nitrides to Cyanate by Carbon Monoxide

Two‐electron reductive carbonylation of the uranium(VI) nitride [U(Tren^TIPS)(N)] ( 2 , Tren^TIPS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiiPr₃)₃) with CO gave the uranium(IV) cyanate [U(Tren^TIPS)(NCO)] ( 3 ). KC₈ reduction of 3 resulted in cyanate dissociation to give [U(Tren^TIPS)] ( 4 ) and KNCO, or cyanate retention in [U(Tren^TIPS)(NCO)][K(B15C5)₂] ( 5 , B15C5=benzo‐15‐crown‐5 ether) with B15C5. Complexes 5 and 4 and KNCO were also prepared from CO and the uranium(V) nitride [{U(Tren^TIPS)(N)K}₂] ( 6 ), with or without B15C5, respectively. Complex 5 can be prepared directly from CO and [U(Tren^TIPS)(N)][K(B15C5)₂] ( 7 ). Notably, 7 reacts with CO much faster than 2 . This unprecedented f‐block reactivity was modeled theoretically, revealing nucleophilic attack of the π* orbital of CO by the nitride with activation energy barriers of 24.7 and 11.3 kcal mol^?1 for uranium(VI) and uranium(V), respectively. A remarkably simple two‐step, two‐electron cycle for the conversion of azide to nitride to cyanate using 4 , NaN₃ and CO is presented.     

Crystalline Diuranium Phosphinidiide and μ‐Phosphido Complexes with Symmetric and Asymmetric UPU Cores

Reaction of [U(Tren^TIPS)(PH₂)] ( 1 , Tren^TIPS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiPrⁱ₃)₃) with C₆H₅CH₂K and [U(Tren^TIPS)(THF)][BPh₄] ( 2 ) afforded a rare diuranium parent phosphinidiide complex [{U(Tren^TIPS)}₂(μ‐PH)] ( 3 ). Treatment of 3 with C₆H₅CH₂K and two equivalents of benzo‐15‐crown‐5 ether (B15C5) gave the diuranium μ‐phosphido complex [{U(Tren^TIPS)}₂(μ‐P)][K(B15C5)₂] ( 4 ). Alternatively, reaction of [U(Tren^TIPS)(PH)][Na(12C4)₂] ( 5 , 12C4=12‐crown‐4 ether) with [U{N(CH₂CH₂NSiMe₂Bu^t)₂CH₂CH₂NSi(Me)(CH₂)(Bu^t)}] ( 6 ) produced the diuranium μ‐phosphido complex [{U(Tren^TIPS)}(μ‐P){U(Tren^DMBS)}][Na(12C4)₂] [ 7 , Tren^DMBS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiMe₂Bu^t)₃]. Compounds 4 and 7 are unprecedented examples of uranium phosphido complexes outside of matrix isolation studies, and they rapidly decompose in solution underscoring the paucity of uranium phosphido complexes. Interestingly, 4 and 7 feature symmetric and asymmetric UPU cores, respectively, reflecting their differing steric profiles.     

Triamidoamine–Uranium(IV)‐Stabilized Terminal Parent Phosphide and Phosphinidene Complexes

Reaction of [U(Tren^TIPS)(THF)][BPh₄] ( 1 ; Tren^TIPS=N{CH₂CH₂NSi(iPr)₃}₃) with NaPH₂ afforded the novel f‐block terminal parent phosphide complex [U(Tren^TIPS)(PH₂)] ( 2 ; U–P=2.883(2) Å). Treatment of 2 with one equivalent of KCH₂C₆H₅ and two equivalents of benzo‐15‐crown‐5 ether (B15C5) afforded the unprecedented metal‐stabilized terminal parent phosphinidene complex [U(Tren^TIPS)(PH)][K(B15C5)₂] ( 4 ; U?P=2.613(2) Å). DFT calculations reveal a polarized‐covalent U?P bond with a Mayer bond order of 1.92.     

An Inverted‐Sandwich Diuranium μ‐η5:η5‐Cyclo‐P5 Complex Supported by U‐P5 δ‐Bonding

Reaction of [U(Tren^TIPS)] [ 1 , Tren^TIPS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiiPr₃)₃] with 0.25 equivalents of P₄ reproducibly affords the unprecedented actinide inverted sandwich cyclo‐P₅ complex [{U(Tren^TIPS)}₂(μ‐η⁵:η⁵‐cyclo‐P₅)] ( 2 ). All prior examples of cyclo‐P₅ are stabilized by d‐block metals, so 2 shows that cyclo‐P₅ does not require d‐block ions to be prepared. Although cyclo‐P₅ is isolobal to cyclopentadienyl, which usually bonds to metals via σ‐ and π‐interactions with minimal δ‐bonding, theoretical calculations suggest the principal bonding in the U(P₅)U unit is polarized δ‐bonding. Surprisingly, the characterization data are overall consistent with charge transfer from uranium to the cyclo‐P₅ unit to give a cyclo‐P₅ charge state that approximates to a dianionic formulation. This is ascribed to the larger size and superior acceptor character of cyclo‐P₅ compared to cyclopentadienyl, the strongly reducing nature of uranium(III), and the availability of uranium δ‐symmetry 5f orbitals.     

Photolytic and Reductive Activations of 2-Arsaethynolate in a Uranium–Triamidoamine Complex: Decarbonylative Arsenic-Group Transfer Reactions and Trapping of a Highly Bent and Reduced Form

Little is known about the chemistry of the 2-arsaethynolate anion, but to date it has exclusively undergone fragmentation reactions when reduced. Herein, we report the synthesis of [U(Tren^TIPS)(OCAs)] ( 2 , Tren^TIPS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiiPr₃)₃), which is the first isolable actinide-2-arsaethynolate linkage. UV-photolysis of 2 results in decarbonylation, but the putative [U(Tren^TIPS)(As)] product was not isolated and instead only [{U(Tren^TIPS)}₂(μ-η²:η²-As₂H₂)] ( 3 ) was formed. In contrast, reduction of 2 with [U(Tren^TIPS)] gave the mixed-valence arsenido [{U(Tren^TIPS)}₂(μ-As)] ( 4 ) in very low yield. Complex 4 is unstable which precluded full characterisation, but these photolytic and reductive reactions testify to the tendency of 2-arsaethynolate to fragment with CO release and As transfer. However, addition of 2 to an electride mixture of potassium-graphite and 2,2,2-cryptand gives [{U(Tren^TIPS)}₂{μ-η²(OAs):η²(CAs)-OCAs}][K(2,2,2-cryptand)] ( 5 ). The coordination mode of the trapped 2-arsaethynolate in 5 is unique, and derives from a new highly reduced and bent form of this ligand with the most acute O-C-As angle in any complex to date (O-C-As ≈128°). The trapping rather than fragmentation of this highly reduced O-C-As unit is unprecedented, and quantum chemical calculations reveal that reduction confers donor–acceptor character to the O-C-As unit.     

Trapping of a Highly Bent and Reduced Form of 2‐Phosphaethynolate in a Mixed‐Valence Diuranium–Triamidoamine Complex

The chemistry of 2‐phosphaethynolate is burgeoning, but there remains much to learn about this ligand, for example its reduction chemistry is scarce as this promotes P‐C‐O fragmentations or couplings. Here, we report that reduction of [U(Tren^TIPS)(OCP)] (Tren^TIPS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiPrⁱ₃)₃) with KC₈/2,2,2‐cryptand gives [{U(Tren^TIPS)}₂{μ‐η²(OP):η²(CP)‐OCP}][K(2,2,2‐cryptand)]. The coordination mode of this trapped 2‐phosphaethynolate is unique, and derives from an unprecedented highly reduced and highly bent form of this ligand with the most acute P‐C‐O angle in any complex to date (P‐C‐O ? ≈127°). The characterisation data support a mixed‐valence diuranium(III/IV) formulation, where backbonding from uranium gives a highly reduced form of the P‐C‐O unit that is perhaps best described as a uranium‐stabilised OCP^2?. radical dianion. Quantum chemical calculations reveal that this gives unprecedented carbene character to the P‐C‐O unit, which engages in a weak donor–acceptor interaction with one of the uranium ions.     

Actinide–Pnictide (An−Pn) Bonds Spanning Non‐Metal,Metalloid, and Metal Combinations (An=U,Th; Pn=P,As, Sb,Bi)

The synthesis and characterisation is presented of the compounds [An(Tren^DMBS){Pn(SiMe₃)₂}] and [An(Tren^TIPS){Pn(SiMe₃)₂}] [Tren^DMBS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiMe₂Bu^t)₃, An=U, Pn=P, As, Sb, Bi; An=Th, Pn=P, As; Tren^TIPS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiPrⁱ₃)₃, An=U, Pn=P, As, Sb; An=Th, Pn=P, As, Sb]. The U−Sb and Th−Sb moieties are unprecedented examples of any kind of An−Sb molecular bond, and the U−Bi bond is the first two‐centre‐two‐electron (2c–2e) one. The Th−Bi combination was too unstable to isolate, underscoring the fragility of these linkages. However, the U−Bi complex is the heaviest 2c–2e pairing of two elements involving an actinide on a macroscopic scale under ambient conditions, and this is exceeded only by An−An pairings prepared under cryogenic matrix isolation conditions. Thermolysis and photolysis experiments suggest that the U−Pn bonds degrade by homolytic bond cleavage, whereas the more redox‐robust thorium compounds engage in an acid–base/dehydrocoupling route.     

Actinide–Pnictide (An−Pn) Bonds Spanning Non‐Metal,Metalloid, and Metal Combinations (An=U,Th; Pn=P,As, Sb,Bi)

The synthesis and characterisation is presented of the compounds [An(Tren^DMBS){Pn(SiMe₃)₂}] and [An(Tren^TIPS){Pn(SiMe₃)₂}] [Tren^DMBS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiMe₂Bu^t)₃, An=U, Pn=P, As, Sb, Bi; An=Th, Pn=P, As; Tren^TIPS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiPrⁱ₃)₃, An=U, Pn=P, As, Sb; An=Th, Pn=P, As, Sb]. The U?Sb and Th?Sb moieties are unprecedented examples of any kind of An?Sb molecular bond, and the U?Bi bond is the first two‐centre‐two‐electron (2c–2e) one. The Th?Bi combination was too unstable to isolate, underscoring the fragility of these linkages. However, the U?Bi complex is the heaviest 2c–2e pairing of two elements involving an actinide on a macroscopic scale under ambient conditions, and this is exceeded only by An?An pairings prepared under cryogenic matrix isolation conditions. Thermolysis and photolysis experiments suggest that the U?Pn bonds degrade by homolytic bond cleavage, whereas the more redox‐robust thorium compounds engage in an acid–base/dehydrocoupling route.     

Nature of the Arsonium‐Ylide Ph3As=CH2 and a Uranium(IV) Arsonium–Carbene Complex

Treatment of [Ph₃EMe][I] with [Na{N(SiMe₃)₂}] affords the ylides [Ph₃E=CH₂] (E=As, 1As ; P, 1P ). For 1As this overcomes prior difficulties in the synthesis of this classical arsonium‐ylide that have historically impeded its wider study. The structure of 1As has now been determined, 45 years after it was first convincingly isolated, and compared to 1P , confirming the long‐proposed hypothesis of increasing pyramidalisation of the ylide‐carbon, highlighting the increasing dominance of E⁺?C^? dipolar resonance form (sp³‐C) over the E=C ene π‐bonded form (sp²‐C), as group 15 is descended. The uranium(IV)–cyclometallate complex [U{N(CH₂CH₂NSiPrⁱ₃)₂(CH₂CH₂SiPrⁱ₂CH(Me)CH₂)}] reacts with 1As and 1P by α‐proton abstraction to give [U(Tren^TIPS)(CHEPh₃)] (Tren^TIPS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiPrⁱ₃)₃; E=As, 2As ; P, 2P ), where 2As is an unprecedented structurally characterised arsonium‐carbene complex. The short U?C distances and obtuse U‐C‐E angles suggest significant U=C double bond character. A shorter U?C distance is found for 2As than 2P , consistent with increased uranium‐ and reduced pnictonium‐stabilisation of the carbene as group 15 is descended, which is supported by quantum chemical calculations.     

Nature of the Arsonium-Ylide Ph3As=CH2 and a Uranium(IV) Arsonium–Carbene Complex

Treatment of [Ph₃EMe][I] with [Na{N(SiMe₃)₂}] affords the ylides [Ph₃E=CH₂] (E=As, 1As ; P, 1P ). For 1As this overcomes prior difficulties in the synthesis of this classical arsonium-ylide that have historically impeded its wider study. The structure of 1As has now been determined, 45 years after it was first convincingly isolated, and compared to 1P , confirming the long-proposed hypothesis of increasing pyramidalisation of the ylide-carbon, highlighting the increasing dominance of E⁺−C⁻ dipolar resonance form (sp³-C) over the E=C ene π-bonded form (sp²-C), as group 15 is descended. The uranium(IV)–cyclometallate complex [U{N(CH₂CH₂NSiPrⁱ₃)₂(CH₂CH₂SiPrⁱ₂CH(Me)CH₂)}] reacts with 1As and 1P by α-proton abstraction to give [U(Tren^TIPS)(CHEPh₃)] (Tren^TIPS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiPrⁱ₃)₃; E=As, 2As ; P, 2P ), where 2As is an unprecedented structurally characterised arsonium-carbene complex. The short U−C distances and obtuse U-C-E angles suggest significant U=C double bond character. A shorter U−C distance is found for 2As than 2P , consistent with increased uranium- and reduced pnictonium-stabilisation of the carbene as group 15 is descended, which is supported by quantum chemical calculations.     

Synthese,Struktur und Photochemie von Olefiniridium(I)‐Komplexen mit Acetylacetonatoliganden

Synthesis, Structure, and Photochemical Behavior of Olefine Iridium(I) Complexes with Acetylacetonato Ligands The bis(ethene) complex [Ir(κ²‐acac)(C₂H₄)₂] ( 1 ) reacts with tertiary phosphanes to give the monosubstitution products [Ir(κ²‐acac)(C₂H₄)(PR₃)] ( 2 – 5 ). While 2 (R = iPr) is inert toward PiPr₃, the reaction of 2 with diphenylacetylene affords the π‐alkyne complex [Ir(κ²‐acac)(C₂Ph₂)(PiPr₃)] ( 6 ). Treatment of [IrCl(C₂H₄)₄] with C‐functionalized acetylacetonates yields the compounds [Ir(κ²‐acacR^1,2)(C₂H₄)₂] ( 8 , 9 ), which react with PiPr₃ to give [Ir(κ²‐acacR^1,2)(C₂H₄)(PiPr₃)] ( 10 , 11 ) by displacement of one ethene ligand. UV irradiation of 5 (PR₃ = iPr₂PCH₂CO₂Me) and 11 (R² = (CH₂)₃CO₂Me) leads, after addition of PiPr₃, to the formation of the hydrido(vinyl)iridium(III) complexes 7 and 12 . The reaction of 2 with the ethene derivatives CH₂=CHR (R = CN, OC(O)Me, C(O)Me) affords the compounds [Ir(κ²‐acac)(CH₂=CHR)(PiPr₃)] ( 13 – 15 ), which on photolysis in the presence of PiPr₃ also undergo an intramolecular C–H activation. In contrast, the analogous complexes [Ir(κ²‐acac)(olefin)(PiPr₃)] (olefin = (E)‐C₂H₂(CO₂Me)₂ 16 , (Z)‐C₂H₂(CO₂Me)₂ 17 ) are photochemically inert.     

[Ni(iPr2Im)2Br2]: A Convenient Entry into NHC Nickel ­Chemistry

The reaction of the NHC iPr₂Im [NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene, iPr₂Im = 1, 3‐bis(isopropyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene] with freshly prepared NiBr₂ in thf or dme results in the formation of the air stable nickel(II) complex trans‐[Ni(iPr₂Im)₂Br₂] ( 2 ). Complex 2 was structurally characterized. Thermal analysis (DTA/TG) reveals a very high decomposition temperature of 298 °C. Reduction of 2 with sodium or C₈K in the presence of the olefins COD (cyclooctadiene) or COE (cyclooctene) affords the highly reactive compounds [Ni₂(iPr₂Im)₄(COD)] ( 1 ) and [Ni(iPr₂Im)₂(COE)] ( 4 ). Alkylation of 2 with organolithiums leads to the formation of trans‐[Ni(iPr₂Im)₂(R)₂] [R = Me ( 5 ), CH₂SiMe₃ ( 6 )], whereas the reaction of 2 with LiCp* [Cp* = (η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅)] at 80 °C causes the loss of one NHC ligand and affords [(η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅)Ni(iPr₂Im)Br] ( 7 ).     

The Synthesis,Characterization and Dehydrogenation of Sigma‐Complexes of BN‐Cyclohexanes

The coordination chemistry of the 1,2‐BN‐cyclohexanes 2,2‐R₂‐1,2‐B,N‐C₄H₁₀ (R₂=HH, MeH, Me₂) with Ir and Rh metal fragments has been studied. This led to the solution (NMR spectroscopy) and solid‐state (X‐ray diffraction) characterization of [Ir(PCy₃)₂(H)₂(η²η²‐H₂BNR₂C₄H₈)][BAr^F₄] (NR₂=NH₂, NMeH) and [Rh(iPr₂PCH₂CH₂CH₂PiPr₂)(η²η²‐H₂BNR₂C₄H₈)][BAr^F₄] (NR₂=NH₂, NMeH, NMe₂). For NR₂=NH₂ subsequent metal‐promoted, dehydrocoupling shows the eventual formation of the cyclic tricyclic borazine [BNC₄H₈]₃, via amino‐borane and, tentatively characterized using DFT/GIAO chemical shift calculations, cycloborazane intermediates. For NR₂=NMeH the final product is the cyclic amino‐borane HBNMeC₄H₈. The mechanism of dehydrogenation of 2,2‐H,Me‐1,2‐B,N‐C₄H₁₀ using the {Rh(iPr₂PCH₂CH₂CH₂PiPr₂)}⁺ catalyst has been probed. Catalytic experiments indicate the rapid formation of a dimeric species, [Rh₂(iPr₂PCH₂CH₂CH₂PiPr₂)₂H₅][BAr^F₄]. Using the initial rate method starting from this dimer, a first‐order relationship to [amine‐borane], but half‐order to [Rh] is established, which is suggested to be due to a rapid dimer–monomer equilibrium operating.     

Ein‐ und zweikernige Rhodiumkomplexe mit Arsino(phosphino)methanen in unterschiedlichen Koordinationsformen

Mono‐ and Dinuclear Rhodium Complexes with Arsino(phosphino)methanes in Different Coordination Modes The cyclooctadiene complex [Rh(η⁴‐C₈H₁₂)(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)](PF₆) ( 1a ) reacts with CO and CNtBu to give the substitution products [Rh(L)₂(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)](PF₆) ( 2 , 3 ). From 1a and Na(acac) in the presence of CO the neutral compound [Rh(κ²‐acac)(CO)(κ‐P‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 4 ) is formed. The reactions of 1a , the corresponding B(Ar_F)₄‐salt 1b and [Rh(η⁴‐C₈H₁₂)(κ²‐iPr₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)](PF₆) ( 5 ) with acetonitrile under a H₂ atmosphere affords the complexes [Rh(CH₃CN)₂(κ²‐R₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)]X ( 6a , 6b , 7 ), of which 6a (R = tBu; X = PF₆) gives upon treatment with Na(acac‐f₆) the bis(chelate) compound [Rh(κ²‐acac‐f₆)(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 8 ). From 8 and CH₃I a mixture of two stereoisomers of composition [Rh(CH₃)I(κ²‐acac‐f₆)(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 9/10 ) is generated by oxidative addition, and the molecular structure of the racemate 9 has been determined. The reactions of 1a and 5 with CO in the presence of NaCl leads to the formation of the “A‐frame” complexes [Rh₂(CO)₂(μ‐Cl)(μ‐R₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)₂](PF₆) ( 11 , 12 ), which have been characterized crystallographically. From 11 and 12 the dinuclear substitution products [Rh₂(CO)₂(μ‐X)(μ‐R₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)₂](PF₆) ( 13 ‐ 16 ) are obtained by replacing the bridging chloride for bromide, hydride or hydroxide, respectively. While 12 (R = iPr) reacts with NaI to give the related “A‐frame” complex 18 , treatment of 11 (R = tBu) with NaI yields the mononuclear chelate compound [RhI(CO)(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 20 ). The reaction of 20 with CH₃I affords the acetyl complex [RhI₂{C(O)CH₃}(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 21 ) with five‐coordinate rhodium atom.     

Charge Effects in PCP Pincer Complexes of NiII bearing Phosphinite and Imidazol(i)ophosphine Coordinating Jaws: From Synthesis to Catalysis through Bonding Analysis

This contribution reports on a new family of Ni^II pincer complexes featuring phosphinite and functional imidazolyl arms. The proligands ^RPIMC^HOP^R′ react at room temperature with Ni^II precursors to give the corresponding complexes [(^RPIMCOP^R′)NiBr], where ^RPIMCOP^R=κ^P,κ^C,κ^P‐{2‐(R′₂PO),6‐(R₂PC₃H₂N₂)C₆H₃}, R=iPr, R′=iPr ( 3 b , 84 %) or Ph ( 3 c , 45 %). Selective N‐methylation of the imidazole imine moiety in 3 b by MeOTf (OTf=OSO₂CF₃) gave the corresponding imidazoliophosphine [(^iPrPIMIOCOP^iPr)NiBr][OTf], 4 b , in 89 % yield (^iPrPIMIOCOP^iPr=κ^P,κ^C,κ^P‐{2‐(iPr₂PO),6‐(iPr₂PC₄H₅N₂)C₆H₃}). Treating 4 b with NaOEt led to the NHC derivative [(NHCCOP^iPr)NiBr], 5 b , in 47 % yield (NHCCOP^iPr=κ^P,κ^C,κ^C‐{2‐(iPr₂PO),6‐(C₄H₅N₂)C₆H₃)}). The bromo derivatives 3–5 were then treated with AgOTf in acetonitrile to give the corresponding cationic species [(^RPIMCOP^R)Ni(MeCN)][OTf] [R=Ph, 6 a (89 %) or iPr, 6 b (90 %)], [(^RPIMIOCOP^R)Ni(MeCN)][OTf]₂ [R=Ph, 7 a (79 %) or iPr, 7 b (88 %)], and [(NHCCOP^R)Ni(MeCN)][OTf] [R=Ph, 8 a (85 %) or iPr, 8 b (84 %)]. All new complexes have been characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, whereas 3 b , 3 c , 5 b , 6 b , and 8 a were also subjected to X‐ray diffraction studies. The acetonitrile adducts 6 – 8 were further studied by using various theoretical analysis tools. In the presence of excess nitrile and amine, the cationic acetonitrile adducts 6 – 8 catalyze hydroamination of nitriles to give unsymmetrical amidines with catalytic turnover numbers of up to 95.     

Aromatic Osmacyclopropenefuran Bicycles and Their Relevance for the Metal‐Mediated Hydration of Functionalized Allenes

The aromatic osmacyclopropenefuran bicycles [OsTp{κ³‐C¹,C²,O‐(C¹H₂C²CHC(OEt)O)}(PⁱPr₃)]BF₄ (Tp=hydridotris(1‐pyrazolyl)borate) and [OsH{κ³‐C¹,C²,O‐(C¹H₂C²CHC(OEt)O)}(CO)(PⁱPr₃)₂]BF₄, with the metal fragment in a common vertex between the fused three‐ and five‐membered rings, have been prepared via the π‐allene intermediates [OsTp(η²‐CH₂=CCHCO₂Et)(OCMe₂)(PⁱPr₃)]BF₄ and [OsH(η²‐CH₂=CCHCO₂Et)(CO)(OH₂)(PⁱPr₃)₂]BF₄, and their aromaticity analyzed by DFT calculations. The bicycle containing the [OsH(CO)(PⁱPr₃)₂]⁺ metal fragment is a key intermediate in the [OsH(CO)(OH₂)₂(PⁱPr₃)₂]BF₄‐catalyzed regioselective anti‐Markovnikov hydration of ethyl buta‐2,3‐dienoate to ethyl 4‐hydroxycrotonate.     

Mononuclear and Terminal Zirconium and Hafnium Methylidenes

The dimethyl aryloxide complexes [(PNP)M(CH₃)₂(OAr)] (M=Zr or Hf; PNP^?=N[2‐P(CHMe₂)₂‐4‐methylphenyl]₂); Ar=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃), which were readily prepared from [(PNP)M(CH₃)₃] by alcoholysis with HOAr, undergo photolytically induced α‐hydrogen abstraction to cleanly produce complexes [(PNP)M=CH₂(OAr)] with terminal methylidene ligands. These unique systems have been fully characterized, including the determination of a solid‐state structure in the case of M=Zr.     

Terminal Parent Phosphanide and Phosphinidene Complexes of Zirconium(IV)

The reaction of [Zr(Tren^DMBS)(Cl)] [ Zr1 ; Tren^DMBS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiMe₂Bu^t )₃] with NaPH₂ gave the terminal parent phosphanide complex [Zr(Tren^DMBS)(PH₂)] [ Zr2 ; Zr−P=2.690(2) Å]. Treatment of Zr2 with one equivalent of KCH₂C₆H₅ and two equivalents of benzo‐15‐crown‐5 ether (B15C5) afforded an unprecedented example (outside of matrix isolation) of a structurally authenticated transition‐metal terminal parent phosphinidene complex [Zr(Tren^DMBS)(PH)][K(B15C5)₂] [ Zr3 ; Zr=P=2.472(2) Å]. DFT calculations reveal a polarized‐covalent Zr=P double bond, with a Mayer bond order of 1.48, and together with IR spectroscopic data also suggest an agostic‐type Zr⋅⋅⋅HP interaction [∡_ZrPH=66.7°] which is unexpectedly similar to that found in cryogenic, spectroscopically observed phosphinidene species. Surprisingly, computational data suggest that the Zr=P linkage is similarly polarized, and thus as covalent, as essentially isostructural U=P and Th=P analogues.     

Die Oxidation von Triisopropylphosphan mit Iod: Zur Rolle von trockenem und feuchtem Lösungsmittel

Oxidation of Triisopropylphosphane with Iodine: The Role of Dry or Moist Solvent i‐Pr₃P ( 1 ) and iodine give i‐Pr₃PI₂ ( 2 ). In crystals obtained from CH₂Cl₂ solution, ion pairs [i‐Pr₃PI⁺I^–] of 2 exhibiting I…I interactions are linked by CH₂Cl₂ molecules. With a second equivalent of iodine, i‐Pr₃PI⁺ I₃^– ( 3 ) is formed; the reaction of 2 with AgSbF₆ provides i‐Pr₃PI⁺SbF₆^– ( 6 ). The presence of moisture and air leads to the formation of i‐Pr₃POH⁺ salts. Solid i‐Pr₃POH⁺I^– ( 4 ) exhibits P–O–H…I cation‐anion contacts, solid (i‐Pr₃PO)₂H⁺I₃^– ( 5 ) contains a centrosymmetric P=O…H…O=P‐bridged cation. Distinguishing i‐Pr₃PI⁺ salts 2 , 3 from hydrolysis products 4 , 5 by ³¹P‐NMR in reaction mixtures is not trivial, because both kinds of cations exihibit similar ³¹P‐NMR shifts and both participate in interactions with their anions, and in equilibria with uncharged donors: rapid I⁺ transfer reactions and I…I soft‐soft interactions involving 1 , and rapid H⁺ transfer reactions and hydrogen bonds involving i‐Pr₃P=O ( 7 ).     

Magnetic Relaxation Studies on Trigonal Bipyramidal Cobalt(II) Complexes

We report the preparation and the full characterization of a novel mononuclear trigonal bipyramidal Co^II complex [Co(NS₃^iPr)Br](BPh₄) ( 1 ) with the tetradentate sulfur‐containing ligand NS₃^iPr (N(CH₂CH₂SCH(CH₃)₂)₃). The comparison of its magnetic behaviour with those of two previously reported compounds [Co(NS₃^iPr)Cl](BPh₄) ( 2 ) and [Co(NS₃^tBu)Br](ClO₄) ( 3 ) (NS₃^tBu=N(CH₂CH₂SC(CH₃)₃)₃) with similar structures shows that 1 displays a single‐molecule magnet behaviour with the longest magnetic relaxation time (0.051 s) at T=1.8 K, which is almost thirty times larger than that of 3 (0.0019 s) and more than three times larger than that of 2 (0.015 s), though its effective energy barrier (26 cm^?1) is smaller. Compound 1 , which contains two crystallographically independent molecules, presents smaller rhombic parameters (E=1.45 and 0.59 cm^?1) than 2 (E=2.05 and 1.02 cm^?1) and 3 (E=2.00 and 0.80 cm^?1) obtained from theoretical calculations. Compounds 2 and 3 have almost the same axial (D) and rhombic (E) parameter values, but present a large difference of their effective energy barrier and magnetic relaxation which may be attributed to the larger volume of BPh₄^? than ClO₄^? leading to larger diamagnetic dilution (weaker magnetic dipolar interaction) for 2 than for 3 . The combination of these factors leads to a much slower magnetic relaxation for 1 than for the two other compounds.