Walking metals in d8···d8 hetero-bimetallic complexes: an original dynamic phenomenon

In the course of our investigations on polymetallic complexes derived from 1,3-bis(thiophosphinoyl)indene (Ind(Ph(2)P=S)(2)), we observed original fluxional behavior and report herein a joint experimental/computational study of this dynamic process. Starting from the indenylidene chloropalladate species [Pd{Ind(Ph(2) P=S)(2)}Cl](-) (1), the new Pd(II)···Rh(I) hetero-bimetallic pincer complex [PdCl{Ind(Ph(2) P=S)(2)}Rh(nbd)] (2; nbd=2,5-norbornadiene) was prepared. X-ray crystallography and DFT calculations substantiate the presence of a d(8)···d(8) interaction. According to multinuclear variable-temperature NMR spectroscopic experiments, the pendant {Rh(nbd)} fragment of 2 readily shifts in solution at room temperature between the two edges of the SCS tridentate ligand. To assess the role of the pincer-based polymetallic structure on this fluxional behavior, the related monometallic Rh complex [Rh{IndH(Ph(2) P=S)(2)}(nbd)] (3) was prepared. No evidence for a metal shift was observed in that case, even at high temperature, thus indicating that inplane pincer coordination to the Pd center plays a crucial role. The previously described Pd(II)···Ir(I) bimetallic complex 4 exhibited fluxional behavior in solution, but with a significantly higher activation barrier than 2. This finding demonstrates the generality of this metal-shift process and the strong influence of the involved metal centers on the associated activation barrier. DFT calculations were performed to shed light onto the mechanism of such metal-shift processes and to identify the factors that influence the associated activation barriers. Significantly different pathways were found for bimetallic complexes 2 and 4 on one hand and the monometallic complex 3 on the other hand. The corresponding activation barriers predicted computationally are in very good agreement with the experimental observations.     

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.     

The Prominent Enhancing Effect of the Cation–π Interaction on the Halogen–Hydride Halogen Bond in M1⋅⋅⋅C6H5X⋅⋅⋅HM2

We designed M¹???C₆H₅X???HM² (M¹=Li⁺, Na⁺; X=Cl, Br; M²=Li, Na, BeH, MgH) complexes to enhance halogen–hydride halogen bonding with a cation–π interaction. The interaction strength has been estimated mainly in terms of the binding distance and the interaction energy. The results show that halogen–hydride halogen bonding is strengthened greatly by a cation–π interaction. The interaction energy in the triads is two to six times as much as that in the dyads. The largest interaction energy is ?8.31 kcal mol^?1 for the halogen bond in the Li⁺???C₆H₅Br???HNa complex. The nature of the cation, the halogen donor, and the metal hydride influence the nature of the halogen bond. The enhancement effect of Li⁺ on the halogen bond is larger than that of Na⁺. The halogen bond in the Cl donor has a greater enhancement than that in the Br one. The metal hydride imposes its effect in the order HBeH<HMgH<HNa<HLi for the Cl complex and HBeH<HMgH<HLi<HNa for the Br complex. The large cooperative energy indicates that there is a strong interplay between the halogen–hydride halogen bonding and the cation–π interaction. Natural bond orbital and energy decomposition analyses indicate that the electrostatic interaction plays a dominate role in enhancing halogen bonding by a cation–π interaction.     

K⋅⋅⋅F/O Interactions Bridge Copper(I) Fluorinated Alkoxide Complexes and Facilitate Dioxygen Activation

Seven E[Cu(OR)₂] copper(I) complexes (E=K⁺, {K(18C6)}⁺ (18C6=[18]crown‐6), or Ph₄P⁺; R=C₄F₉, CPhMe^F₂, and CMeMe^F₂) have been prepared and their reactivity with O₂ studied. The K[Cu(OR)₂] species react with O₂ in a copper‐concentration‐dependent manner such that 2:1 and 3:1 Cu/O₂ adducts are observed manometrically at ?78 °C. Analogous reactivity with O₂ is not observed with the {K(18C6)}⁺ or Ph₄P⁺ derivatives. Solution conductivity data demonstrate that these K[Cu(OR)₂] complexes do not behave as 1:1 electrolytes in solution. The K⁺ ions induce aggregation of multiple [Cu(OR)₂]^? units through K???F/O interactions and thereby effect irreversible O₂ reduction by multiple Cu centers. Bond valence analyses for the potassium cations confirm the dominance of the fluorine interactions in the coordination spheres of K⁺ ions. Intramolecular hydroxylation of ligand aryl and alkyl C? H bonds is observed. Nucleophilic reactivity with CO₂ is observed for the oxygenated Cu complexes and a Cu^II carbonate has been isolated and characterized.     

[N⋅⋅⋅I+⋅⋅⋅N] Halogen‐Bonded Dimeric Capsules from Tetrakis(3‐pyridyl)ethylene Cavitands

Two [N???I⁺???N] halogen‐bonded dimeric capsules using tetrakis(3‐pyridyl)ethylene cavitands with different lower rim alkyl chains are synthesized and analyzed in solution and the gas phase. These first examples of symmetrical dimeric capsules making use of the iodonium ion (I⁺) as the main connecting module are characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), and ion mobility‐mass spectrometry (TW‐IMS) experiments. The synthesis and effective halogen‐bonded dimerization proceeds through analogous dimeric capsules with [N???Ag⁺???N] binding motifs as the intermediates as evidenced by the X‐ray structures of (CH₂Cl₂)₂@[ 3 a ₂?Ag₄?(H₂O)₂?OTs₄] and (CH₂Cl₂)₂@[ 3 a ₂?Ag₄?(H₂O)₄?OTs₄], two structurally different capsules.     

Reaction of a Metallamacrocycle Leading to a Mercury(II)⋅⋅⋅Palladium(II)⋅⋅⋅Mercury(II) Interaction

All wrapped up : The reaction of a 22‐membered macrocycle derived from bis(o‐formylphenyl)mercury and 1,2‐phenylenediamine with palladium(II) results in cleavage of the macrocycle and concomitant formation of a trimetallic complex (see picture; phenyl rings truncated for clarity). The nature of the Hg^II???Pd^II???Hg^II interaction was investigated by theoretical studies.

     

Polymerization of 3‐ethynylthiophene with homogeneous and heterogeneous Rh catalysts

3‐Ethynylthiophene (3ETh) was polymerized with Rh(I) complexes: [Rh(cod)acac], [Rh(nbd)acac], [Rh(cod)Cl]₂, and [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂ (cod is η²:η²‐cycloocta‐1,5‐diene and nbd η²:η²‐norborna‐2,5‐diene), used as homogeneous catalysts and with the last two complexes anchored on mesoporous polybenzimidazole (PBI) beads: [Rh(cod)Cl]₂/PBI and [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂/PBI used as heterogeneous catalysts. All tested catalyst systems give high‐cis poly(3ETh). In situ NMR study of homogeneous polymerizations induced with [Rh(cod)acac] and [Rh(nbd)acac] complexes has revealed: (i) a transformation of acac ligands into free acetylacetone (Hacac) occurring since the early stage of polymerization, which suggests that this reaction is part of the initiation, (ii) that the initiation is rather slow in both of these polymerization systems, and (iii) a release of cod ligand from [Rh(cod)acac] complex but no release of nbd ligand from [Rh(nbd)acac] complex during the polymerization. The stability of diene ligand binding to Rh‐atom in [Rh(diene)acac] catalysts remarkably affects only the molecular weight but not the yield of poly(3ETh). The heterogeneous catalyst systems also provide high‐cis poly(3ETh), which is of very low contamination with catalyst residues since a leaching of anchored Rh complexes is negligible. The course of heterogeneous polymerizations is somewhat affected by limitations arising from the diffusion of monomer inside catalyst beads. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2776–2787, 2008     

Influence of the Homopolar Dihydrogen Bonding CH⋅⋅⋅HC on Coordination Geometry: Experimental and Theoretical Studies

The reaction of the N‐thiophosphorylated thiourea (HOCH₂)(Me)₂CNHC(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂ (HL), deprotonated by the thiophosphorylamide group, with NiCl₂ leads to green needles of the pseudotetrahedral complex [Ni(L‐1,5‐S,S′)₂] ? 0.5 (n‐C₆H₁₄) or pale green blocks of the trans square‐planar complex trans‐[Ni(L‐1,5‐S,S′)₂]. The former complex is stabilized by homopolar dihydrogen C?H???H?C interactions formed by n‐hexane solvent molecules with the [Ni(L‐1,5‐S,S′)₂] unit. Furthermore, the dispersion‐dominated C?H??? H?C interactions are, together with other noncovalent interactions (C?H???N, C?H???Ni, C?H???S), responsible for pseudotetrahedral coordination around the Ni^II center in [Ni(L ‐1,5‐S,S′)₂] ? 0.5 (n‐C₆H₁₄).     

A d10 Ni–(H2) Adduct as an Intermediate in HH Oxidative Addition across a NiB Bond

Bifunctional E? H activation offers a promising approach for the design of two‐electron‐reduction catalysts with late first‐row metals, such as Ni. To this end, we have been pursuing H₂ activation reactions at late‐metal boratranes and herein describe a diphosphine–borane‐supported Ni—(H₂) complex, [(^PhDPB^iPr)Ni(H₂)], which has been characterized in solution. ¹H NMR spectroscopy confirms the presence of an intact H₂ ligand. A range of data, including electronic‐structure calculations, suggests a d¹⁰ configuration for [(^PhDPB^iPr)Ni(H₂)] as most appropriate. Such a configuration is highly unusual among transition‐metal H₂ adducts. The nonclassical H₂ adduct is an intermediate in the complete activation of H₂ across the Ni? B interaction. Reaction‐coordinate analysis suggests synergistic activation of the H₂ ligand by both the Ni and B centers of the nickel boratrane subunit, thus highlighting an important role of the borane ligand both in stabilizing the d¹⁰ Ni—(H₂) interaction and in the H—H cleavage step.     

Cooperativity between the Halogen Bond and the Hydrogen Bond in H3N⋅⋅⋅XY⋅⋅⋅HF Complexes (X,Y=F,Cl, Br)

Ab initio calculations are used to provide information on H₃N???XY???HF triads (X, Y=F, Cl, Br) each having a halogen bond and a hydrogen bond. The investigated triads include H₃N???Br₂‐HF, H₃N???Cl₂???HF, H₃N???BrCI???HF, H₃N???BrF???HF, and H₃N???ClF???HF. To understand the properties of the systems better, the corresponding dyads are also investigated. Molecular geometries, binding energies, and infrared spectra of monomers, dyads, and triads are studied at the MP2 level of theory with the 6‐311++G(d,p) basis set. Because the primary aim of this study is to examine cooperative effects, particular attention is given to parameters such as cooperative energies, many‐body interaction energies, and cooperativity factors. The cooperative energy ranges from ?1.45 to ?4.64 kcal mol^?1, the three‐body interaction energy from ?2.17 to ?6.71 kcal mol^?1, and the cooperativity factor from 1.27 to 4.35. These results indicate significant cooperativity between the halogen and hydrogen bonds in these complexes. This cooperativity is much greater than that between hydrogen bonds. The effect of a halogen bond on a hydrogen bond is more pronounced than that of a hydrogen bond on a halogen bond.     

Solvent‐Dependent Dihydrogen/Dihydride Stability for [Mo(CO)(Cp*)H2(PMe3)2]+[BF4]− Determined by Multiple Solvent⋅⋅⋅Anion⋅⋅⋅Cation Non‐Covalent Interactions

Low‐temperature (200 K) protonation of [Mo(CO)(Cp*)H(PMe₃)₂] ( 1 ) by Et₂O ? HBF₄ gives a different result depending on a subtle solvent change: The dihydrogen complex [Mo(CO)(Cp*)(η²‐H₂)(PMe₃)₂]⁺ ( 2 ) is obtained in THF, whereas the tautomeric classical dihydride [Mo(CO)(Cp*)(H)₂(PMe₃)₂]⁺ ( 3 ) is the only observable product in dichloromethane. Both products were fully characterised (ν_CO IR; ¹H, ³¹P, ¹³C NMR spectroscopies) at low temperature; they lose H₂ upon warming to 230 K at approximately the same rate (ca. 10^?3 s^?1), with no detection of the non‐classical form in CD₂Cl₂, to generate [Mo(CO)(Cp*)(FBF₃)(PMe₃)₂] ( 4 ). The latter also slowly decomposes at ambient temperature. One of the decomposition products was crystallised and identified by X‐ray crystallography as [Mo(CO)(Cp*)(FH???FBF₃)(PMe₃)₂] ( 5 ), which features a neutral HF ligand coordinated to the transition metal through the F atom and to the BF₄^? anion through a hydrogen bond. The reason for the switch in relative stability between 2 and 3 was probed by DFT calculations based on the B3LYP and M05‐2X functionals, with inclusion of anion and solvent effects by the conductor‐like polarisable continuum model and by explicit consideration of the solvent molecules. Calculations at the MP4(SDQ) and CCSD(T) levels were also carried out for calibration. The calculations reveal the key role of non‐covalent anion–solvent interactions, which modulate the anion–cation interaction ultimately altering the energetic balance between the two isomeric forms.     

Di‐μ‐methanolato‐bis[(η4‐tetrafluorobenzobarrelene)rhodium(I)]

The versatile synthetic precursor methanolate‐bridged title rhodium complex, [Rh₂(CH₃O)₂(C₁₂H₆F₄)₂] or [Rh(μ‐OCH₃)(tfbb)]₂ [tfbb = tetrafluorobenzobarrelene or 3,4,5,6‐tetrafluorotricyclo[6.2.2.0^2,7]dodeca‐2(7),3,5,9,11‐pentaene], has been structurally characterized. The asymmetric unit contains half a molecule that can be expanded via a twofold axis. The title compound has been shown to be a dinuclear rhodium complex where each metal centre is coordinated by two O atoms from two bridging methanolate groups and by the olefinic bonds of a tfbb ligand. Comparison of the bite angles of tfbb, norbornadiene (nbd) and cyclooctadiene (cod) olefins in their η⁴‐coordination to rhodium reveals similarities between the tfbb and nbd ligands, which are much more rigid than cod. The short distance found between the distorted square‐planar metal centres [2.8351 (4) Å] has been related to the syn conformation of the folded core `RhORhO' ring.     

C−N,C−S and S−S Bond Cleavage by Rhodium PCcarbeneP Pincer Complexes

Rhodium PC_carbeneP complexes 1‐L {L=PPh₃, PPh₂(C₆F₅)} react with isothiocyanate, carbodiimide and disulphide to enable C?S, C?N and S?S bond cleavage. The cleaved molecules are sequestered by the metal center and the pincer alkylidene linkage, forming η²‐coordinated sulfide or imide centered pincer complexes. When a C?S or S?S bond is cleaved, the resulting complexes can bridge two rhodium centers through sulphur forming dimeric complexes and eliminating a monodentate phosphine ligand.     

Influence of the Li⋅⋅⋅π Interaction on the H/X⋅⋅⋅π Interactions in HOLi⋅⋅⋅C6H6⋅⋅⋅HOX/XOH (X=F,Cl, Br,I) Complexes

The influences of the Li???π interaction of C₆H₆???LiOH on the H???π interaction of C₆H₆???HOX (X=F, Cl, Br, I) and the X???π interaction of C₆H₆???XOH (X=Cl, Br, I) are investigated by means of full electronic second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory calculations and “quantum theory of atoms in molecules” (QTAIM) studies. The binding energies, binding distances, infrared vibrational frequencies, and electron densities at the bond critical points (BCPs) of the hydrogen bonds and halogen bonds prove that the addition of the Li???π interaction to benzene weakens the H???π and X???π interactions. The influences of the Li???π interaction on H???π interactions are greater than those on X???π interactions; the influences of the H???π interactions on the Li???π interaction are greater than X???π interactions on Li???π interaction. The greater the influence of Li???π interaction on H/X???π interactions, the greater the influences of H/X???π interactions on Li???π interaction. QTAIM studies show that the intermolecular interactions of C₆H₆???HOX and C₆H₆???XOH are mainly of the π type. The electron densities at the BCPs of hydrogen bonds and halogen bonds decrease on going from bimolecular complexes to termolecular complexes, and the π‐electron densities at the BCPs show the same pattern. Natural bond orbital analyses show that the Li???π interaction reduces electron transfer from C₆H₆ to HOX and XOH.     

Ligand‐Controlled Formation of a Low‐Valent Pincer Rhodium(I)–Dioxygen Adduct Bearing a Very Short O?O Bond

Treatment of [{Me₂C₆H(CH₂P^tBu₂)₂}Rh(η¹‐N₂)] ( 1a ) with molecular oxygen (O₂) resulted in almost quantitative formation of the dioxygen adduct [{Me₂C₆H(CH₂P^tBu₂)₂}Rh(η²‐O₂)] ( 2a ). An X‐ray diffraction study of 2a revealed the shortest O? O bond reported for Rh? O₂ complexes, indicating the formation of a Rh^I? O₂ adduct, rather than a cyclic Rh^III η²‐peroxo complex. The coordination of the O₂ ligand in 2a was shown to be reversible. Treatment of 2a with CO gas yielded almost quantitatively the corresponding carbonyl complex [{Me₂C₆H(CH₂P^tBu₂)₂}Rh(CO)] ( 3a ). Surprisingly, treatment of the structurally very similar pincer complex [{C₆H₃(CH₂PⁱPr₂)₂)}Rh(η¹‐N₂)] ( 1b ) with O₂ led to partial decomposition, with no dioxygen adduct being observed.     

Tuning the Magnetization Dynamic Properties of Nd⋅⋅⋅Fe and Nd⋅⋅⋅Co Single‐Molecular Magnets by Introducing 3 d–4 f Magnetic Interactions

By using paramagnetic [Fe(CN)₆]^3? anions in place of diamagnetic [Co(CN)₆]^3? anions, two field‐induced mononuclear single‐molecular magnets, [Nd(18‐crown‐6)(H₂O)₄][Co(CN)₆] ? 2 H₂O ( 1 ) and [Nd(18‐crown‐6)(H₂O)₄][Fe(CN)₆] ? 2 H₂O ( 2 ), have been synthesized and characterized. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that compounds 1 and 2 were ionic complexes. The Nd^III ions were located inside the cavities of the 18‐crown‐6 ligands and were each bound by four water molecules on either side of the crown ether. Magnetic investigations showed that these compounds were both field‐induced single‐molecular magnets. By comparing the slow relaxation behaviors of compounds 1 and 2 , we found significant differences between the direct and Raman processes for these two complexes, with a stronger direct process in compound 2 at low temperatures. Complete active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) calculations were also performed on two [Nd(18‐crown‐6)(H₂O)₄]³⁺ fragments of compounds 1 and 2 . Ab initio calculations showed that the magnetic anisotropies of the Nd^III centers in complexes 1 and 2 were similar to each other, which indicated that the difference in relaxation behavior was not owing to the magnetic anisotropy of Nd^III. Our analysis showed that the magnetic interaction between the Nd^III ion and the low‐spin Fe^III ion in complex 2 played an important role in enhancing the direct process and suppressing the Raman process of the single‐molecular magnet.     

Herstellung von 1,2,4‐Trithiolan‐, 1,2,4,5‐Tetrathian‐ sowie 1,2,3,5,6‐Pentathiepan‐S‐oxiden und deren Reaktionen mit (Ph3P)2Pt(η2‐C2H4). Kristallstrukturanalyse von 3,3,5,5‐Tetraphenyl‐1,2,4‐trithiolan‐1‐oxid

Metal Complexes of Functionalized Sulfur‐containing Ligands. XVII Synthesis of S ‐Oxides of 1,2,4‐Trithiolane, 1,2,4,5‐Tetrathiane as well as 1,2,3,5,6‐Pentathiepane, and their Reactions with (Ph₃P)₂Pt(η²‐C₂H₄). X‐Ray Structure Analysis of 3,3,5,5‐Tetraphenyl‐1,2,4‐trithiolane 1‐oxide 3,3,5,5‐Tetraphenyl‐1,2,4‐trithiolan ( 1 ) was oxidized using m‐chloroperbenzoic acid to give, selectively, the 3,3,5,5‐tetraphenyl‐1,2,4‐trithiolane 1‐oxide ( 2 ). 2 was characterized structurally. The reaction of octamethyl tetrathiadispiro[3.2.3.2]dodecane‐2,9‐dione ( 3 ) with trifluoroperacetic acid at –50 °C yielded the corresponding 5‐oxide 4 . Oxidation of octamethyl pentathiadispiro[3.3.3.2]tridecane‐2,9‐dione ( 5 ) with m‐chloroperbenzoic acid at 0 °C gave the 12‐oxide 6 . Treatment of 2 with two equivalents of (Ph₃P)₂Pt(η²‐C₂H₄) ( 7 ) afforded a mixture (1 : 1) of the complexes (Ph₃P)₂PtSCPh₂S ( 8 ) and (Ph₃P)₂Pt(η²‐Ph₂C=S=O) ( 9 ), respectively.     

Designed Topology and Site‐Selective Metal Composition in Tetranuclear [MM′⋅⋅⋅M′M] Linear Complexes

The ligand 1,3‐bis[3‐oxo‐3‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)propionyl]benzene (H₄L), designed to align transition metals into tetranuclear linear molecules, reacts with M^II salts (M=Ni, Co, Cu) to yield complexes with the expected [MM???MM] topology. The novel complexes [Co₄L₂(py)₆] ( 2 ; py=pyridine) and [Na(py)₂][Cu₄L₂(py)₄](ClO₄) ( 3 ) have been crystallographically characterised. The metal sites in complexes 2 and 3 , together with previously characterised [Ni₄L₂(py)₆] ( 1 ), favour different coordination geometries. These have been exploited for the deliberate synthesis of the heterometallic complex [Cu₂Ni₂L₂(py)₆] ( 4 ). Complexes 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions between pairs of metals within each cluster, leading to S=0 spin ground states, except for the latter cluster, which features two quasi‐independent S=1/2 moieties within the molecule. Complex 4 gathers the structural and physical conditions, thus allowing it to be considered as prototype of a two‐qbit quantum gate.     

A Homoleptic KrF2 Complex, [Hg(KrF2)8][AsF6]2⋅2 HF

The reaction of Hg(AsF₆)₂ with a large molar excess of KrF₂ in anhydrous HF has afforded the first homoleptic KrF₂ coordination complex of a metal cation, [Hg(KrF₂)₈][AsF₆]₂?2 HF. The [Hg(KrF₂)₈]²⁺ dication is well‐isolated in the low‐temperature crystal structure of its HF‐solvated [AsF₆]^? salt, and consists of eight KrF₂ molecules that are terminally coordinated to Hg²⁺ by means of Hg?F(KrF) bonds to form a slightly distorted, square‐antiprismatic coordination sphere around mercury. The Raman spectrum of [Hg(KrF₂)₈]²⁺ was assigned with the aid of calculated gas‐phase vibrational frequencies. Computational studies indicate that both electrostatic and orbital interactions are important for metal–ligand bonding and provide insight into the geometry of the [Hg(KrF₂)₈]²⁺ cation and the nature of noble‐gas difluoride ligand bonding.