Synthesis and Structure of (N,)C,N‐chelated Organoantimony(III) and Bismuth(III) Cations and Isolation of Their Adducts with Ag[CB11H12]

The treatment of N,C,N‐chelated antimony(III) and bismuth(III) chlorides [C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH=NR)₂]MCl₂ [R = tBu and M = Sb ( 1 ) or Bi ( 2 ); R = Dmp and M = Sb ( 3 ) or Bi ( 4 )] (Dmp = 2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃) with one molar equivalent of Ag[CB₁₁H₁₂] led to a smooth formation of corresponding ionic pairs {[C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH=NR)₂]MCl}⁺[CB₁₁H₁₂]^– [R = tBu and M = Sb ( 7 ) or Bi ( 8 ), R = Dmp and M = Sb ( 9 ) or Bi ( 10 )]. Similarly, the reaction of C,N‐chelated analogues [C₆H₂‐2‐(CH=NDip)‐4,6‐(tBu)₂]MCl₂ [M = Sb ( 5 ) or Bi ( 6 ), Dip = 2′,6′‐iPr₂C₆H₃] gave compounds {[C₆H₂‐2‐(CH=NDip)‐4,6‐(tBu)₂]MCl}⁺[CB₁₁H₁₂]^– [M = Sb ( 11 ) or Bi ( 12 )]. All compounds 7 – 12 were characterized with ¹H, ¹¹B and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, ESI‐mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, and molecular structures of 7 – 9 and 12 were determined by the help of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. In contrast, all attempts to cleave also the second M–Cl bond in 7 – 12 using another molar equivalent Ag[CB₁₁H₁₂] remained unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the reaction between 7 (or 8 ) and Ag[CB₁₁H₁₂] produced unprecedented adducts of both reagents namely {[C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH=NtBu)₂]SbCl}₂²⁺[Ag₂(CB₁₁H₁₂)₄]^2– ( 13 ) and {[C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH=NtBu)₂]BiCl}⁺[Ag(CB₁₁H₁₂)₂]^– ( 14 ) in a reproducible manner. The molecular structures of these sparingly soluble compounds were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthese der Stannatetraphospholane (tBuP)4SnR2 (R = tBu,nBu, C6H5) und (tBuP)4Sn(Cl)nBu Molekül- und Kristallstruktur von (tBuP)4Sn(tBu)2

Synthesis of the Stannatetraphospholanes (tBuP)₄SnR₂ (R = tBu, nBu, C₆H₅) and (tBuP)₄Sn(Cl)nBu Molecular and Crystal Structure of (tBuP)₄Sn(tBu)₂ The reaction of the diphosphide K₂[tBuP-(tBuP)₂-PtBu] 4 with the halogenostannanes (tBu)₂SnCl₂, (nBu)₂SnCl₂, (C₆H₅)₂SnCl₂ or nBuSnCl₃ in a molar ratio of 1 : 1 leads via a [4 + 1]-cyclocondensation reaction to the stannatetraphospholanes (tBuP)₄SnR₂ 3 b–3 d and (tBuP)₄Sn(Cl)nBu 3 e , respectively, with the binary 5-membered P₄Sn ring system. 3 b was characterized by a single crystal structure analysis; the 5-membered ring exists in a planar conformation. The compounds 3 b–3 e were identified by NMR and also by mass spectroscopy; the ³¹P{¹H}-NMR spectra of 3 b–3 d showed an AA′MM′ (AA′MM′X), 3 e on the other hand an ABCD (ABCDX) spin system.     

The Iminoborane tBuB≡NtBu as a Dipolarphile in (2+3) Cycloadditions

The iminoborane tBuB≡NtBu and the diazomethane tBuCH=N₂ give the (2+3) cycloadduct [—HC(tBu)—N=N—N(tBu)=B(tBu)—] in a 1:1 reaction and the seven‐membered ring [—C(tBu)=N—NH—N(tBu)=B(tBu)—N(tBu)=B(tBu)—] in a 2:1 reaction. The (2+3) cycloadduct decomposes above 0 °C to give the seven‐membered ring, N₂, and HC(tBu)=N—N=CH(tBu) in the ratio 2:1:1. The borane tBuB≡NtBu and organic azides R″N₃ yield the (2+3) cycloadducts [—R″N—N=N—N(tBu)=B(tBu)—] (R″ = Me, Et, Pr, Bu, iBu, sBu, C₅H₁₁, c‐C₅H₉, c‐C₆H₁₁, Bzl, EtOOC).     

Neutral and Anionic Monomeric Zirconium Imides Prepared via Selective C=N Bond Cleavage of a Multidentate and Sterically Demanding β‐Diketiminato Ligand

A sterically encumbering multidentate β‐diketiminato ligand, ^tBuL2 (^tBuL2=[ArNC(tBu)CHC(tBu)NCH₂CH₂N(Me)CH₂CH₂NMe₂]^?, Ar=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃), is reported in this study along with its coordination chemistry to zirconium(IV). Using the lithio salt of this ligand, Li(^tBuL2) ( 4 ), the zirconium(IV) precursor (^tBuL2)ZrCl₃ ( 6 ) could be readily prepared in 85 % yield and structurally characterized. Reduction of 6 with 2 equiv of KC₈ resulted in formation of the terminal and mononuclear zirconium imide‐chloride [C(tBu)CHC(tBu)NCH₂CH₂N(Me)CH₂CH₂NMe₂]Zr(=NAr)(Cl) ( 7 ) as the result of reductive C=N cleavage of the imino fragment in the multidentate ligand ^tBuL2 by an elusive Zr^II species (^tBuL2)ZrCl ( A ). The azabutadienyl ligand in 7 can be further reduced by 2 e^? with KC₈ to afford the anionic imide [K(THF)₂]{[CH(tBu)CHC(tBu)NCH₂CH₂N(Me)CH₂CH₂N(Me)CH₂]Zr=NAr} ( 8‐2THF ) in 42 % isolated yield. Complex 8‐2THF results from the oxidative addition of an amine C?H bond followed by migration to the vinylic group of the formal [C(tBu)CHC(tBu)NCH₂CH₂N(Me)CH₂CH₂NMe₂]^? ligand in 7 . All halides in 6 can be replaced with azides to afford (^tBuL2)Zr(N₃)₃ ( 9 ) which was structurally characterized, and reduction with two equiv of KC₈ also results in C=N bond cleavage of ^tBuL2 to form [C(tBu)CHC(tBu)NCH₂CH₂N(Me)CH₂CH₂NMe₂]Zr(=NAr)(N₃) ( 10 ), instead of the expected azide disproportionation to N^3? and N₂. Solid‐state single crystal structural studies confirm the formation of mononuclear and terminal zirconium imido groups in 7 , 8‐Et₂O , and 10 with Zr=NAr distances being 1.8776(10), 1.9505(15), and 1.881(3) Å, respectively.     

Pivaloylmetals (tBu‐COM: M=Li,MgX, K) as Equilibrium Components

Short‐lived pivaloylmetals, (H₃C)₃C‐COM, were established as the reactive intermediates arising through thermal heterolytic expulsion of O=CtBu₂ from the overcrowded metal alkoxides tBuC(=O)‐C(‐OM)tBu₂ (M=MgX, Li, K). In all three cases, this fission step is counteracted by a faster return process, as shown through the trapping of tBu‐COM by O=C(tBu)‐C(CD₃)₃ with formation of the deuterated starting alkoxides. If generated in the absence of trapping agents, all three tBu‐COM species “dimerize” to give the enediolates MO‐C(tBu)=C(tBu)‐OM along with O=CtBu₂ (2 equiv). A common‐component rate depression by surplus O=CtBu₂ proves the existence of some free tBu‐COM (separated from O=CtBu₂); but companion intermediates with the traits of an undissociated complex such as tBu‐COM & O=CtBu₂ had to be postulated. The slow fission step generating tBu‐COMgX in THF levels the overall rates of dimerization, ketone addition, and deuterium incorporation. Formed by much faster fission steps, both tBu‐COLi and tBu‐COK add very rapidly to ketones and dimerize somewhat slower (but still fairly fast, as shown through trapping of the emerging O=CtBu₂ by H₃CLi or PhCH₂K, respectively). At first sight surprisingly, the rapid fission, return, and dimerization steps combine to very slow overall decay rates of the precursor Li and K alkoxides in the absence of trapping agents: A detailed study revealed that the fast fission step, generating tBu‐COLi in THF, is followed by a kinetic partitioning that is heavily biased toward return and against the product‐forming dimerization. Both tBu‐COLi and tBu‐COK form tBu‐CH=O with HN(SiMe₃)₃, but only tBu‐COK is basic enough for being protonated by the precursor acyloin tBuC(=O)‐C(‐OH)tBu₂.     

Synthese und Strukturbestimmung von (tBuP)4Sn(CH3)2 und (CH3)2Sn[(tBu)P?P(tBu)]2Sn(CH3)2

Synthesis and Structure Analysis of (tBuP)₄Sn(CH₃)₂ and (CH₃)₂Sn[(tBu)P? P(tBu)]₂Sn(CH₃)₂ The diphosphides K₂[(tBu)P? (tBuP)₂? P(tBu)] 7 or K₂[(tBu)P? P(tBu)] 8 react with (CH₃)₂SnCl₂ in a molar ratio of 1 : 1 to form the binary 5-membered ring system P₄Sn 4 a and the 6-membered ring system Sn(P₂)₂Sn 5 a respectively. When (CH₃)₂SnCl₂, however, is treated with 8 in a molar ratio of 2 : 1 the 4-membered ring system P₃Sn 2 a is formed which includes the fragmentation of the intermediate K₂[(CH₃)₂Sn ((tBu)P? P(tBu))₂] 9. 4 a and 5 a could be obtained in a pure form and characterized NMR spectroscopically and by X-ray structure analyses; 2 a was identified only NMR spectroscopically.     

Reversible Carbene Insertion into a Ge−N Bond and Insights into CO and Carbene Substitution Reactions Involving Amidinatogermylenes and Fischer Carbene Complexes

The formation of the five-membered-ring germylene complexes [M(CO)₅{Ge(tBu₂bzamC(OEt)Me)tBu}] ( 3_M ; M=Cr, W), which occurs readily at room temperature from the germylene Ge(tBu₂bzam)tBu ( 1 _{t Bu} ) and Fischer carbenes [M(CO)₅{C(OEt)Me}] ( 2_M ; M=Cr, W), has been found to be reversible. Upon heating at 60 °C, complexes 3_M undergo epimerization to an equilibrium mixture of 3_M and 3′_M . At that temperature, the chromium epimers (but not the tungsten ones) release CO to end in the mixed germylene–Fischer carbene complexes [Cr(CO)₄{C(OEt)Me}{Ge(tBu₂bzam)tBu}] (cis- 4_Cr and trans- 4_Cr ). The latter decompose at 120 °C to [Cr(CO)₅{Ge(tBu₂bzam)tBu}] ( 6_Cr ). Because the formation of cis- 4_Cr and trans- 4_Cr from 3_Cr or 3′_Cr requires the presence of free 1 _{t Bu} and 2_Cr in the reaction solutions, the reactions of 1 _{t Bu} with 2_M to give 3_M (and 3′_M at 60 °C) should be reversible. This proposal has been proven by germylene-exchange crossover reactions in which free 1 _{t Bu} and [M(CO)₅{Ge(tBu₂bzamC(OEt)Me)CH₂SiMe₃}] ( 5′_M ; M=Cr, W) were formed when complexes 3_M were treated at room temperature with the germylene Ge(tBu₂bzam)CH₂SiMe₃ ( 1_tmsm ). A clear differential behavior between N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and amidinatogermylenes ( 1 _{t Bu} and 1_tmsm ) in their reactivity against group 6 metal Fischer carbene complexes is demonstrated. The higher electron-donor capacity of amidinatogermylenes with respect to NHCs and the bias of the former to get involved in ring expansion processes are responsible for this differential behavior.     

Direct Synthesis of Titanium Complexes with Chelating cis‐9,10‐Dihydrophenanthrenediamide Ligands through Sequential C?C Bond‐Forming Reactions from o‐Metalated Arylimines

A series of new titanium(IV) complexes with o‐metalated arylimine and/or cis‐9,10‐dihydrophenanthrenediamide ligands, [o‐C₆H₄(CH?NR)TiCl₃] (R=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃ ( 3 a ), 2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃ ( 3 b ), tBu ( 3 c )), [cis‐9,10‐PhenH₂(NR)₂TiCl₂] (PhenH₂=9,10‐dihydrophenanthrene; R=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃ ( 4 a ), 2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃ ( 4 b ), tBu ( 4 c )), [{cis‐9,10‐PhenH₂(NR)₂}{o‐C₆H₄(HC?NR)}TiCl] (R=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃ ( 5 a ), 2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃ ( 5 b ), tBu ( 5 c )), have been synthesised from the reactions of TiCl₄ with o‐C₆H₄(CH?NR)Li (R=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃, 2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃, tBu). Complexes 4 and 5 were formed unexpectedly from the reactions of TiCl₄ with two or three equivalents of the corresponding o‐C₆H₄(CH?NR)Li followed by sequential intramolecular C? C bond‐forming reductive elimination and oxidative coupling reactions. Attempts to isolate the intermediates, [{o‐C₆H₄(CH?NR)}₂TiCl₂] ( 2 ), were unsuccessful. All complexes were characterised by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and the molecular structures of 3 a , 4 a – c , 5 a , and 5 c were determined by X‐ray crystallography.     

New Reactivity Patterns in 3H-Phosphaallene Chemistry [Aryl-P=C=C(H)-tBu]: Hydroboration of the C=C Bond,Deprotonation and Trimerisation

3H-Phosphaallenes, R−P=C=C(H)C−R’ ( 3 ), are accessible in a multigram scale on a new and facile route and show a fascinating chemical reactivity. BH₃(SMe₂) and 3 a (R=Mes*, R’=tBu) afforded by hydroboration of the C=C bonds of two phosphaallene molecules an unprecedented borane ( 7 ) with the B atom bound to two P=C double bonds. This compound represents a new FLP based on a B and two P atoms. The increased Lewis acidity of the B atom led to a different reaction course upon treatment of 3 a with H₂B-C₆F₅(SMe₂). Hydroboration of a C=C bond of a first phosphaallene is followed in a typical FLP reaction by the coordination of a second phosphaallene molecule via B−C and P−B bond formation to yield a BP₂C₂ heterocycle ( 8 ). Its B−P bond is short and the B-bound P atom has a planar surrounding. Treatment of 3 a with tBuLi resulted in deprotonation of the β-C atom of the phosphaallene ( 9 ). The Li atom is bound to the P atom as demonstrated by crystal structure determination, quantum chemical calculations and reactions with HCl, Cl-SiMe₃ or Cl-PtBu₂. The thermally unstable phosphaallene Ph−P=C=C(H)-tBu gave a unique trimeric secondary product by P−P, P−C and C−C bond formation. It contains a P₂C₄ heterocycle and was isolated as a W(CO)₄ complex with two P atoms coordinated to W ( 15 ).     

Terminal Alkyne Coupling Reactions Through a Ring: Effect of Ring Size on Rate and Regioselectivity

Terminal alkyne coupling reactions promoted by rhodium(I) complexes of macrocyclic NHC-based pincer ligands—which feature dodecamethylene, tetradecamethylene or hexadecamethylene wingtip linkers viz. [Rh(CNC-n)(C₂H₄)][BAr^F₄] (n=12, 14, 16; Ar^F=3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃)—have been investigated, using the bulky alkynes HC≡CtBu and HC≡CAr’ (Ar’=3,5-tBu₂C₆H₃) as substrates. These stoichiometric reactions proceed with formation of rhodium(III) alkynyl alkenyl derivatives and produce rhodium(I) complexes of conjugated 1,3-enynes by C−C bond reductive elimination through the annulus of the ancillary ligand. The intermediates are formed with orthogonal regioselectivity, with E-alkenyl complexes derived from HC≡CtBu and gem-alkenyl complexes derived from HC≡CAr’, and the reductive elimination step is appreciably affected by the ring size of the macrocycle. For the homocoupling of HC≡CtBu, E-tBuC≡CCH=CHtBu is produced via direct reductive elimination from the corresponding rhodium(III) alkynyl E-alkenyl derivatives with increasing efficacy as the ring is expanded. In contrast, direct reductive elimination of Ar'C≡CC(=CH₂)Ar’ is encumbered relative to head-to-head coupling of HC≡CAr’ and it is only with the largest macrocyclic ligand studied that the two processes are competitive. These results showcase how macrocyclic ligands can be used to interrogate the mechanism and tune the outcome of terminal alkyne coupling reactions, and are discussed with reference to catalytic reactions mediated by the acyclic homologue [Rh(CNC-Me)(C₂H₄)][BAr^F₄] and solvent effects.     

From Dibismuthenes to Three‐ and Two‐Coordinated Bismuthinidenes by Fine Ligand Tuning: Evidence for Aromatic BiC3N Rings through a Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

The reduction of N,C,N‐chelated bismuth chlorides [C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH?NR)₂]BiCl₂ [where R=tBu ( 1 ), 2′,6′‐Me₂C₆H₃ ( 2 ), or 4′‐Me₂NC₆H₄ ( 3 )] or N,C‐chelated analogues [C₆H₂‐2‐(CH?N‐2′,6′‐iPr₂C₆H₃)‐4,6‐(tBu)₂]BiCl₂ ( 4 ) and [C₆H₂‐2‐(CH₂NEt₂)‐4,6‐(tBu)₂]BiCl₂ ( 5 ) is reported. Reduction of compounds 1 – 3 gave monomeric N,C,N‐chelated bismuthinidenes [C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH?NR)₂]Bi [where R=tBu ( 6 ), 2′,6′‐Me₂C₆H₃ ( 7 ) or 4′‐Me₂NC₆H₄ ( 8 )]. Similarly, the reduction of 4 led to the isolation of the compound [C₆H₂‐2‐(CH?N‐2′,6′‐iPr₂C₆H₃)‐4,6‐(tBu)₂]Bi ( 9 ) as an unprecedented two‐coordinated bismuthinidene that has been structurally characterized. In contrast, the dibismuthene {[C₆H₂‐2‐(CH₂NEt₂)‐4,6‐(tBu)₂]Bi}₂ ( 10 ) was obtained by the reduction of 5 . Compounds 6 – 10 were characterized by using ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and their structures, except for 7 , were determined with the help of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. It is clear that the structure of the reduced products (bismuthinidene versus dibismuthene) is ligand‐dependent and particularly influenced by the strength of the N→Bi intramolecular interaction(s). Therefore, a theoretical survey describing the bonding situation in the studied compounds and related bismuth(I) systems is included. Importantly, we found that the C₃NBi chelating ring in the two‐coordinated bismuthinidene 9 exhibits significant aromatic character by delocalization of the bismuth lone pair.     

Homolytic,Heterolytic, Mesolytic ‐ As You Like It: Steering the Cleavage of a HC(sp3)−C(sp3)H Bond in Bis(1H‐2,1‐benzazaborole) Derivatives

A set of (3,3′)‐bis(1‐Ph‐2‐R‐1H‐2,1‐benzazaborole) compounds, in which R=tBu (Bab‐tBu)₂ , R=Dipp (Bab‐Dipp)₂ or R=tBu and Dipp (Bab‐Dipp)(Bab‐tBu) , was synthesized and fully characterized using ¹H, ¹¹B, ¹³C, and ¹⁵N NMR spectroscopy as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The central HC(sp³)?C(sp³)H bond with restricted rotation at the junction of both 1H‐2,1‐benzazaborole rings displayed an intriguing reactivity. It was demonstrated that this bond is easily mesolytically cleaved using alkali metals to form the respective aromatic 1Ph‐2R‐1H‐2,1‐benzazaborolyl anions M⁺(THF) _n (Bab‐tBu)^? (M=Li, Na, K) and K⁺(THF) _n (Bab‐Dipp)^? . Furthermore, the central HC(sp³)?C(sp³)H bond of bis(1H‐2,1‐benzazaborole)s is also homolytically cleaved either by heating or photochemical means, giving corresponding 1Ph‐2R‐1H‐2,1‐benzazaborolyl radicals (Bab‐tBu)^. and (Bab‐Dipp)^., which rapidly self‐terminate. Nevertheless, their formation was unambiguously established by NMR analysis of the reaction mixtures containing products of the self‐termination of the radicals after heating or irradiation. (Bab‐Dipp)^. radical was also characterized using EPR spectroscopy. Importantly, it turned out that the essentially non‐polarized HC(sp³)?C(sp³)H bond in (Bab‐tBu)₂ is also cleaved heterolytically with 2 equiv of MeLi, giving the mixture of Li⁺(SOL) _n (Bab‐tBu)^? (SOL=THF or Et₂O) and lithium methyl‐substituted borate complex Li⁺(SOL) _n (Bab‐tBu‐Me)^? in a diastereoselective fashion.     

Diversification of ortho‐Fused Cycloocta‐2,5‐dien‐1‐one Cores and Eight‐ to Six‐Ring Conversion by σ Bond C−C Cleavage

Sequential treatment of 2‐C₆H₄Br(CHO) with LiC≡CR¹ (R¹=SiMe₃, tBu), nBuLi, CuBr?SMe₂ and HC≡CCHClR² [R²=Ph, 4‐CF₃Ph, 3‐CNPh, 4‐(MeO₂C)Ph] at ?50 °C leads to formation of an intermediate carbanion (Z)‐1,2‐C₆H₄{C_A(=O)C≡C_BR¹}{CH=CH(CH^?)R²} ( 4 ). Low temperatures (?50 °C) favour attack at C_B leading to kinetic formation of 6,8‐bicycles containing non‐classical C‐carbanion enolates ( 5 ). Higher temperatures (?10 °C to ambient) and electron‐deficient R² favour retro σ‐bond C?C cleavage regenerating 4 , which subsequently closes on C_A providing 6,6‐bicyclic alkoxides ( 6 ). Computational modelling (CBS‐QB3) indicated that both pathways are viable and of similar energies. Reaction of 6 with H⁺ gave 1,2‐dihydronaphthalen‐1‐ols, or under dehydrating conditions, 2‐aryl‐1‐alkynylnaphthlenes. Enolates 5 react in situ with: H₂O, D₂O, I₂, allylbromide, S₂Me₂, CO₂ and lead to the expected C ‐E derivatives (E=H, D, I, allyl, SMe, CO₂H) in 49–64 % yield directly from intermediate 5 . The parents (E=H; R¹=SiMe₃, tBu; R²=Ph) are versatile starting materials for NaBH₄ and Grignard C=O additions, desilylation (when R¹=SiMe) and oxime formation. The latter allows formation of 6,9‐bicyclics via Beckmann rearrangement. The 6,8‐ring iodides are suitable Suzuki precursors for Pd‐catalysed C?C coupling (81–87 %), whereas the carboxylic acids readily form amides under T3P® conditions (71–95 %).     

Steric Influence on Reactions of Benzyl Potassium Species with CO

Reactions of benzyl potassium species with CO are shown to proceed via transient carbene-like intermediates that can undergo either dimerization or further CO propagation. In a sterically unhindered case, formal dimerization of the carbene is the dominant reaction pathway, as evidenced by the isolation of ((Ph₃SiO)(PhCH₂)C)₂ 2 and PhCH₂C(O)CH(OH)CH₂Ph 3 . Reactions with increasingly sterically encumbered reagents show competitive reaction pathways involving intermolecular dimerization leading to species analogous to 2 and 3 and those containing newly-formed five-membered rings tBu₂C₆H₂(C(OSiR₃)C(OSiR₃)CH₂) (R=Me 6 , Ph 7 ). Even further encumbered reagents proceed to either dimerize or react with additional CO to give a ketene-like intermediates, thus affording a 7-membered tropolone derivative 14 or the dione (3,5-tBu₂C₆H₃)₃C₆H₂CH₂C(O))₂ 15 .     

From a Phosphaketenyl‐Functionalized Germylene to 1,3‐Digerma‐2,4‐diphosphacyclobutadiene

The first 4π‐electron resonance‐stabilized 1,3‐digerma‐2,4‐diphosphacyclobutadiene [L^H₂Ge₂P₂] 4 (L^H=CH[CHNDipp]₂ Dipp=2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃) with four‐coordinate germanium supported by a β‐diketiminate ligand and two‐coordinate phosphorus atoms has been synthesized from the unprecedented phosphaketenyl‐functionalized N‐heterocyclic germylene [L^HGe‐P=C=O] 2 a prepared by salt‐metathesis reaction of sodium phosphaethynolate (P≡C?ONa) with the corresponding chlorogermylene [L^HGeCl] 1 a . Under UV/Vis light irradiation at ambient temperature, release of CO from the P=C=O group of 2 a leads to the elusive germanium–phosphorus triply bonded species [L^HGe≡P] 3 a , which dimerizes spontaneously to yield black crystals of 4 as isolable product in 67 % yield. Notably, release of CO from the bulkier substituted [L^tBuGe‐P=C=O] 2 b (L^tBu=CH[C(^tBu)N‐Dipp]₂) furnishes, under concomitant extrusion of the diimine [Dipp‐NC(^tBu)]₂, the bis‐N,P‐heterocyclic germylene [DippNC(^tBu)C(H)PGe]₂ 5 .     

DFT/TDDFT studies of the ancillary ligand effects on structures and photophysical properties of rhenium (I) tricarbonyl complexes with the imidazo[4,5‐f]‐1,10‐phenanthroline ligand

The seven rhenium (I) tricarbonyl complexes having a general formula fac‐[ReBr(CO)₃(R₁,R₂,R₃‐N^{^}N)] (N^{^}N = imidazo[4,5‐f]‐1,10‐phenanthroline; R₁ = ? ^tBu, R₂ = R₃ = ? H, 1 ; R₁ = ? C?CH, R₂ = R₃ = ? H, 2 ; R₁ = ? ^tBu, R₂ = ? C?CH, R₃ = ? H, 3 ; R₁ = ? ^tBu, R₂ = R₃ = ? C?CH, 4 ; R₁ = ? ^tBu, R₂ = ? CH₃, R₃ = ? H, 5 ; R₁ = ? ^tBu, R₂ = R₃ = ? CH₃, 6 ; R₁ = ? ^tBu, R₂ = ? OCH₃, R₃ = ? H, 7 ) have been investigated theoretically by density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. The different substituted groups on N^{^}N ligand induce changes on the electronic structures and photophysical properties for these complexes. It is found that the introduction of ? C?C decreases the energy level of lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) while the introduction of ? CH₃ or ? OCH₃ lead to increase the energy level of LUMO. The order of LUMO energy level rising is in line with the increasing of donating abilities of substituted groups; and the influence of R₂ position is greater than that of R₁ position on LUMO energy level. The lowest energy absorption bands have changes in the order of 7 < 6 < 5 < 1 < 2 < 3 < 4 . These results of electronic affinity (EA), ionization potential (IP), and reorganization energy (λ) indicate that all of these complexes can be used as electron transporting materials. Moreover, the smallest difference between λ_electron and λ_hole of 4 indicates that it is better to be used as an emitter in the organic light‐emitting diodes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A Comparative Study on the Thermodynamics of Halogen Bonding of Group 10 Pincer Fluoride Complexes

The thermodynamics of halogen bonding of a series of isostructural Group 10 metal pincer fluoride complexes of the type [(3,5-R₂-^tBuPOCOP^tBu)MF] (3,5-R₂-^tBuPOCOP^tBu=κ³-C₆HR₂-2,6-(OPtBu₂)₂ with R=H, tBu, COOMe; M=Ni, Pd, Pt) and iodopentafluorobenzene was investigated. Based on NMR experiments at different temperatures, all complexes 1-tBu (R=tBu, M=Ni), 2-H (R=H, M=Pd), 2-tBu (R=tBu, M=Pd), 2-COOMe (R=COOMe, M=Pd) and 3-tBu (R=tBu, M=Pt) form strong halogen bonds with Pd complexes showing significantly stronger binding to iodopentafluorobenzene. Structural and computational analysis of a model adduct of complex 2-tBu with 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene as well as of structures of iodopentafluorobenzene in toluene solution shows that formation of a type I contact occurs.     

A Zwitterionic Silylene as Reactive Intermediate and Its Unusual Dimerization to an N‐Heterobicyclic Disilane

A way to synthesize the transient zwitterionic silylene L′Si : 8 {L’=CH[(C=CH₂)CMe(N(tBu))₂]} and achieve its facile dimerization to the remarkable N‐heterobicyclic disilane 8 ₂ is described. At first, employing the β‐diketiminate ligand L [L=CH(CMeN(tBu))₂], both starting materials LH ( 2 ) and its N‐lithium salt LLi ( 3 ) can react with SiBr₄ to yield the silylene precursor L′SiBr₂ ( 4 ) by silicon‐induced C? H activation at an exocyclic methyl group on the backbone of the ligand. Compound 4 reacts with SiBr₄ above room temperature to afford the unexpected terminal CH(SiBr₃)‐substituted dibromosilane 6 along with the unique tricyclic trisilane 7 . Reduction of 4 with KC₈ at 0 °C furnishes the novel N‐heterobicyclic disilane 8 ₂, which is a formal dimer of the desired zwitterionic silylene L′Si : ( 8 ). It has been reasoned that compound 8 ₂ may results from [4+1] cycloaddition of two molecules of 8 to give the transient dimer 8 ₂ ′ , which subsequently undergoes hydrogen transfer from a terminal methyl group on the backbone of the C₃N₂Si ligand to the low‐coordinate Si atom. The latter dimerization can be rationalized by the intrinsic zwitterionic character of 8 and insufficient steric protection through the tBu groups at the nitrogen atoms. The novel compounds 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 , and 8 ₂ have been characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, and ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Additionally, the structures of 3 , 6 , 7 , and 8 ₂ were also established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses.     

The Reactivity of Isomeric Nitrenium Lewis Acids with Phosphines,Carbenes, and Phosphide

Alkylation of spiro[fluorene-9,3’-indazole] at N(1) and N(2) with tBuCl affords the nitrenium cations [C₆H₄N₂(tBu)C(C₁₂H₈)][BF₄], 1 and 2 , respectively. Compound 1 converts to 2 over the temperature range 303–323 K with a free energy barrier of 28±5 kcal mol⁻¹. Reaction of 1 with PMe₃ afforded the N-bound phosphine adduct [C₆H₄N(tBu)N(PMe₃)C(C₁₂H₈)]BF₄] 3 . However, phosphines attack 2 at the para-carbon atom of the aryl group with concurrent cleavage of N(2)−C(1) bond and proton migration to C(1) affording [(R₃P)C₆H₃NN(tBu)CH(C₁₂H₈)][BF₄] (R=Me 4 , nBu 5 ). Analogous reactions of 1 and 2 with the carbene SIMes prompt attack at the para-carbon with concurrent loss of H^. affording the radical cation salts [(SIMes)C₆H₃N(tBu)NC(C₁₂H₈)^.][BF₄] 6 and [(SIMes)C₆H₃NN(tBu)C(C₁₂H₈)^.][BF₄] 7 , whereas reaction of 2 with BAC gives the Lewis acid-base adduct, [C₆H₄N(BAC)N(tBu)C(C₁₂H₈)][BF₄] 8 . Finally, reactions of 1 and 2 with KPPh₂ result in electron transfer affording (PPh₂)₂ and the persistent radicals C₆H₄N(tBu)NC(C₁₂H₈)^. and C₆H₄NN(tBu)C(C₁₂H₈)^.. The detailed reaction mechanisms are also explored by extensive DFT calculations.