"True" iron(V) and iron(VI) porphyrins: a first theoretical exploration

We present here a first theoretical characterization of iron(V) (S = (3)/(2)) and iron(VI) (S = 0) porphyrin intermediates. The Fe(V) calculations exhibit exceptionally narrow convergence radii and we believe that for this reason they have long eluded researchers working on high-valent iron intermediates. The Fe(V)-N(nitrido) bond distance in the DFT(PW91/TZP) optimized geometry of Fe(V)(P)(N) is 1.722 A, comparable to and slightly longer than the Fe(IV)-O bond distance of 1.684 A in Fe(IV)(P)(O) and the Fe(IV)-N(imido) bond distance of 1.698 A in Fe(IV)(P)(NH). In contrast, the Fe(VI)-N(nitrido) bond distances in [Fe(VI)(P)(N)](+) (S = 0) and Fe(VI)(P)(N)(F) (S = 0) are dramatically shorter, 1.508 and 1.533 A, respectively, consistent with the formal triple bond character of the Fe(VI)-N(nitrido) bond. The nitrido ligand appears to be uniquely capable of stabilizing a "true" Fe(V) center, in the sense defined in the paper. All three unpaired electrons in Fe(V)(P)(N) are completely localized on the Fe(V)-N(nitrido) axis, with the Fe and N gross atomic spin populations being 1.579 and 1.550, respectively. In contrast, an axial ligand set consisting of an oxide and a fluoride do not stabilize an Fe(V) ground state but favor an electronic structure best described as an Fe(IV)-oxo porphyrin pi-cation radical.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of "unligated" copper(I) and copper(II) trifluoroacetates

Two extremely unstable copper trifluoroacetates with no exogenous ligands, namely, Cu(O2CCF3) (1) and Cu(O2CCF3)2 (2), are prepared for the first time and obtained in crystalline form by deposition from the vapor phase. Their structures are determined by X-ray crystallography. The crystallographic parameters are as follows: for 1, monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, with a = 9.7937(6) A, b = 15.322(1) A, c = 12.002(1) A, beta = 106.493(9) degrees, and Z = 4; for 2, orthorhombic space group Pcca, with a = 16.911(1) A, b = 10.5063(9) A, c = 9.0357(6) A, and Z = 4. Both structures are unique among other CuI and CuII carboxylates, as well as among metal carboxylates in general. Compound 1 consists of a planar rhombus of four copper atoms with sides of 2.719(1)-2.833(1) A and trifluoroacetate ligands bridging the pairs of adjacent metal atoms alternately above and below the plane. The tetrameric units are further aggregated in a polymeric zigzag ribbon [Cu4(O2CCF3)4]infinity by virtue of intermolecular Cu...O contacts. The structure of 2 is built on cis bis-bridged dimers in which every metal atom is also connected with two copper atoms of the neighboring units. The stacking planes in this extended chain are almost perpendicular to one another. The Cu...Cu distance inside the dimer is 3.086(2) A, indicating a nonbonding interaction.     

A high-nuclearity, beyond "fully reduced" polyoxo(alkoxo)vanadium(III/IV) cage

The solvothermal synthesis, crystal structure and preliminary magnetic studies are reported of the first high nuclearity V(III)-based polyoxo(alkoxo)vanadium cage, a V(III)16V(IV)2 complex.     

instant "base-promoted" generation of roper's-type Ru(0) complexes Ru(CO)2(PR3)3 from a simple carbonylchlororuthenium(II) precursor

An uncommon synergism in the concerted action of OH- and PR3 toward the simple Ru(II) complex Ru(CO)3Cl2(thf) allows a highly efficient reduction of the metal in ethanol or acetonitrile solution at 0 degrees C, with selective production of the corresponding Roper's-type Ru(0) complexes Ru(CO)2(PR3)3 in high yields within 10 min.     

The significance of histidines in "thyrotropin-releasing" hormone (TRH)

The syntheses and biological activities of 4 analogues of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) are described. In these analogues the histidine residue has been replaced by L -lysine, L -α,γ-diaminobutyric acid, β-(3-pyrazolyl)-L -alanine, and L-arginine. All analogues exhibited the characteristic biological responses of TRH. For the β-(3-pyrazolyl)-L -alanine analogue as well as for TRH the bioassays suggest an induction of a strong and rapid resynthesis of thyrotropin (TSH) in higher (μg) concentrations.     

Unexpected thermal decomposition of the "Alder carbene" (iPr(2)N)(2)C

The "Alder carbene" (iPr(2)N)(2)C undergoes a β-fragmentation in solution already at room temperature, affording propene and N,N,N'-triisopropylformamidine. This stands in sharp contrast to the indefinite stability previously claimed for this iconic compound.     

Racemic iron(III) and cobalt(III) complexes containing a new pentadentate "helmet" phthalocyaninato ligand

Solvothermal reactions of iron(II) acetate tetrahydrate and cobalt(II) acetate tetrahydrate with 1,2-dicyanobenzene in methanol solution result in the formation of racemic six-coordinate iron(III) and cobalt(III) complexes, respectively, with a new bicyclic pentadentate 14,28-[1,3-diiminoisoindolinato]phthalocyaninato ligand.     

"Inverse-electron-demand" ligand substitution in palladium(0)-olefin complexes

Ligand substitution reactions are ubiquitous in transition-metal chemistry and catalysis. Investigation of ligand substitution reactions for a series of electron-rich palladium(0)-olefin complexes, (bathocuproine)Pd(nitrostyrene) reveals an unprecedented mechanism in which the metal serves as the nucleophilic partner in an "associative" substitution pathway.     

Metastable one-dimensional AgCl(1)-(x)I(x) solid-solution wurzite "tunnel" crystals formed within single-walled carbon nanotubes

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and spatially resolved electron loss spectroscopy have revealed that a eutectic mixture of AgCl and AgI crystallizes within single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as metastable AgCl(1-)(x)I(x) 1D solid solution crystals. The incorporated halide crystals form wurzite "tunnel" structures with locally varying Cl:I ratios and reduced Ag coordination.     

Electrochemical "switching" of Si(100) modular assemblies

We report on a modular approach for producing well-defined and electrochemically switchable surfaces on Si(100). The switching of these surfaces is shown to change a Si(100) surface from resistant to cell adsorption to promoting cell adhesion. The electrochemical conversion of the modified electrode surface is demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray reflectometry, contact angle and cell adhesion studies.     

Metal-peptide frameworks (MPFs): "bioinspired" metal organic frameworks

Chiral metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted a growing interest for their potential use in energy technologies, asymmetric catalysis, chiral separation, and on a more basic level, the creation of new topologies in inorganic materials. The current paper is the first report on a peptide-based MOF, a metal peptide framework (MPF), constructed from an oligovaline peptide family developed earlier by our group (Mantion, A.; et al. Macromol. Biosci. 2007, 7, 208). We have used a simple oligopeptide, Z-(L-Val)2-L-Glu(OH)-OH, to grow porous copper and calcium MPFs. The MPFs form thanks to the self-assembling properties of the peptide and specific metal-peptide and metal-ammonia interactions. They are stable up to ca. 250 degrees C and have some internal porosity, which makes them a promising prototype for the further development of MPFs.     

Tandem "click" reactions at acetylene-terminated Si(100) monolayers

We demonstrate a simple method for coupling alkynes to alkynes. The method involves tandem azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions ("click" chemistry) for the immobilization of 1-alkyne species onto an alkyne modified surface in a one-pot procedure. In the case presented, these reactions take place on a nonoxidized Si(100) surface although the approach is general for linking alkynes to alkynes. The applicability of the method in the preparation of electrically well-behaved functionalized surfaces is demonstrated by coupling an alkyne-tagged ferrocene species onto alkyne-terminated Si(100) surfaces. The utility of the approach in biotechnology is shown by constructing a DNA sensing interface by derivatization of the acetylenyl surface with commercially available alkyne-tagged oligonucleotides. Cyclic voltametry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray reflectometry are used to characterize the coupling reactions and performance of the final modified surfaces. These data show that this synthetic protocol gives chemically well-defined, electronically well-behaved, and robust (bio)functionalized monolayers on silicon semiconducting surfaces.     

"Oxidative addition" to a Zirconium(IV) redox-active ligand complex

A strategy to enable reactivity analogous to oxidative addition is presented for d(0) transition-metal complexes. The reaction of the redox-active ligand 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-tert-butylamidophenolate (ap) with ZrCl(4)(THF)(2) affords the new complex Zr(IV)(ap)(2)(THF)(2). This compound is formally zirconium(IV) and contains no d electrons; however, exposure of Zr(IV)(ap)(2)(THF)(2) to chlorine gas results in swift chlorine addition at the zirconium metal center via one-electron oxidation of each ap ligand. The diradical product, Zr(IV)Cl(2)(isq)(2) (isq = 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-tert-butyliminosemiquinone), has been characterized by X-ray crystallography, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and SQUID magnetometery.     

Aromatic gold and silver "rings": hydrosilver(I) and hydrogold(I) analogues of aromatic hydrocarbons

Quantum chemical calculations suggest that a series of molecules with the general formula cyclo-Mn(mu-H)n (M = Ag, Au; n = 3-6) are stable. All cyclo-MnHn species, except cyclo-Au(3)H(3), have the same symmetry with the respective aromatic hydrocarbons but differ in that the hydrogen atoms are in bridging positions between the metal atoms and not in terminal positions. The aromaticity of the hydrosilver(I) and hydrogold(I) analogues of aromatic hydrocarbons was verified by a number of established criteria of aromaticity, such as structural, energetic, magnetic, and chemical criteria. In particular, the nucleus-independent chemical shift, the relative hardness, Deltaeta, the electrophilicity index, omega, and the chemical reactivity toward electrophiles are indicative for the aromaticity of the hydrosilvers(I) and hydrogolds(I). A comprehensive study of the structural, energetic, spectroscopic (IR, NMR, electronic, and photoelectron spectra), and bonding properties of the novel classes of inorganic compounds containing bonds that are characterized by a common ring-shaped electron density, more commonly seen in organic molecules, is presented.     

"Non-VSEPR" Structures and Bonding in d(0) Systems

Under certain circumstances, metal complexes with a formal d(0) electronic configuration may exhibit structures that violate the traditional structure models, such as the VSEPR concept or simple ionic pictures. Some examples of such behavior, such as the bent gas-phase structures of some alkaline earth dihalides, or the trigonal prismatic coordination of some early transition metal chalcogenides or pnictides, have been known for a long time. However, the number of molecular examples for "non-VSEPR" structures has increased dramatically during the past decade, in particular in the realm of organometallic chemistry. At the same time, various theoretical models have been discussed, sometimes controversially, to explain the observed, unusual structures. Many d(0) systems are important in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, biocatalysis (e.g. molybdenum or tungsten enzymes), or materials science (e.g. ferroelectric perovskites or zirconia). Moreover, their electronic structure without formally nonbonding d orbitals makes them unique starting points for a general understanding of structure, bonding, and reactivity of transition metal compounds. Here we attempt to provide a comprehensive view, both of the types of deviations of d(0) and related complexes from regular coordination arrangements, and of the theoretical framework that allows their rationalization. Many computational and experimental examples are provided, with an emphasis on homoleptic mononuclear complexes. Then the factors that control the structures are discussed in detail. They are a) metal d orbital participation in sigma bonding, b) polarization of the outermost core shells, c) ligand repulsion, and d) pi bonding. Suggestions are made as to which of the factors are the dominant ones in certain situations. In heteroleptic complexes, the competition of sigma and pi bonding of the various ligands controls the structures in a complicated fashion. Some guidelines are provided that should help to better understand the interrelations. Bent's rule is of only very limited use in these types of systems, because of the paramount influence of pi bonding. Finally, computed and measured structures of multinuclear complexes are discussed, including possible consequences for the properties of bulk solids.     

Cu(I)- and Ru(II)-mediated "click" cyclization of tripeptides toward vancomycin-inspired mimics

Structural mimics comprising 1,4- and 1,5-disubstituted triazole-containing cyclic tripeptides with excellent resemblance toward the DE-ring of vancomycin are conveniently accessible using Cu(I)- or Ru(II)-assisted "click" cyclization.     

"Governing initiation-supporting termination" in chiral poly(n-hexyl isocyanate)

Poly(n-hexyl isocyanate) (PHIC) with varying molecular weights were synthesized using a chiral initiator and chiral terminator by living anionic polymerization. In such PHICs, chirality of the initiator plays a decisive role in determining the helical sense of the entire polymeric chain, whereas chirality of the terminator plays a supportive role.     

Reactions of 1-(3"-Amino)- and 1-(3"-Acetamido)propylsilatranes with Cobalt(II) Chloride and Dicobalt Octacarbonyl

1-(3"-Amino)propylsilatrane (I) and 1-(3"-acetamido)propylsilatrane (II) react with anhydrous cobalt(II) chloride to give dichlorobis[1-(3"-amino)propylsilatrane]cobalt(II) {Co[NH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂Si(OCH₂CH₂)₃N]₂Cl₂} (III) and dichlorobis[1-(3"-acetamido)propylsilatrane]cobalt(II) {Co[CH₃C(O)NHCH₂CH₂CH₂Si(OCH₂CH₂)₃N]₂Cl₂} (IV). Being unstable, compound IV transforms into an imidic acid derivative. Reactions of silatranes I and II with dicobalt octacarbonyl afford hexakis[1-(3"-aminoamido)propylsilatrane]cobalt(II) bis(tetracarbonylcobaltate) {Co[NH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂Si(OCH₂CH₂)₃N]_4.8[HC(O)NHCH₂CH₂CH₂Si(OCH₂CH₂)₃N]_1.2}[Co(CO)₄]₂ (V) and hexakis[1-(3"-acetamido)propylsilatrane]cobalt(II) bis(tetracarbonylcobaltate) {Co[CH₃C(O)NHCH₂CH₂CH₂Si(OCH₂CH₂)₃N]₆}[Co(CO)₄]₂ (VI), respectively. In acetonitrile, tetracarbonylcobaltate anions of compound VI are oxidized with atmospheric oxygen and moisture to cobalt hydroxocarbonate, giving a carbonate gel (VII).     

"Recapitation" of nido-Metallacarboranes as a Synthetic Tool: Preparation of Apically Substituted CoC(2)B(4) Clusters via Boron Insertion(1)

Derivatives of CpCo(2,3-Et(2)C(2)B(4)H(4)) containing substituents at the apex boron atom [B(7)], the first examples of apically functionalized small metallacarborane clusters, have been prepared in good yield via boron insertion into the nido-CpCo(2,3-Et(2)C(2)B(3)H(3))(2-) dianion. Reaction of this substrate with BX(3) (X = Cl, Br, I) or PhBCl(2) in toluene at room temperature gave the corresponding CpCo(2,3-Et(2)C(2)B(4)H(3)-7-X) derivatives (2a-c and 3 in which X = Cl, Br, I, and Ph, respectively), all of which were isolated via column chromatography as air-stable yellow solids and characterized via (1)H, (11)B, and (13)C NMR, infrared, UV-visible, and mass spectra. Treatment of the same dianion with 1,4-(Br(2)B)(2)C(6)H(4) afforded air-stable orange crystalline [CpCo(2,3-Et(2)C(2)B(4)H(3)-7)](2)C(6)H(4) (4). The structure of this compound was defined via spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography as a bis(cobaltacarborane) complex linked at the apex borons via a 1,4-phenylene bridge. Crystal data for 4: space group Pbca; a = 15.056(7) ?, b = 21.612 (8) ?, c = 11.641 (3) ?; Z = 4; R = 0.045 for 1582 independent reflections having I > 3sigma(I).     

1,8-bis(tetramethylguanidino)naphthalene (TMGN): a new, superbasic and kinetically active "proton sponge"

1,8-Bis(tetramethylguanidino)naphthalene (TMGN, 1) is a new, readily accessible, and stable "proton sponge" with an experimental pK(BH(+)) value of 25.1 in MeCN, which is nearly seven orders of magnitude higher in basicity than the classical proton sponge 1,8-bis(dimethylamino)-naphthalene (DMAN). Because of the sterically less crowded character of the proton-accepting sp(2)-nitrogen atoms, TMGN also has a higher kinetic basicity than DMAN, which is shown by time-resolved proton self-exchange reactions. TMGN is more resistant to hydrolysis and is a weaker nucleophile towards the alkylating agent EtI in comparison to the commercially available guanidine 7-methyl-1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (MTBD). Crystal structures of the free base, of the mono- and bisprotonated base were determined. The dynamic behavior of all three species in solution was investigated by variable-temperature (1)H NMR experiments. DeltaG (++) values obtained by spectra simulation reveal a concerted mechanism of rotation about the C-N bonds of the protonated forms of TMGN.