Investigations of the TeCl(4)-(t)BuNHLi Reaction: Synthesis, X-ray Structures, and Fluxional Behavior of the Tellurium-Nitrogen Compounds [Li(2)Te(N(t)Bu)(3)](2), {[LiTe(N(t)Bu)(2)(NH(t)Bu)](2)LiCl}(2), and {Te(2)(N(t)Bu)(4)[LiTe(N(t)Bu)(2)(NH(t)Bu)]LiCl}(2)

The reaction of (t)BuNHLi with TeCl(4) in toluene at -78 degrees C produces (t)BuNTe(&mgr;-N(t)Bu)(2)TeN(t)Bu (1) (55%) or [((t)BuNH)Te(&mgr;-N(t)Bu)(2)TeN(t)Bu]Cl (2) (65%) for 4:1 or 7:2 molar ratios, respectively. The complex {Te(2)(N(t)Bu)(4)[LiTe(N(t)Bu)(2)(NH(t)Bu)]LiCl}(2) (5) is obtained as a minor product (23%) from the 4:1 reaction. It is a centrosymmetric dimer in which each half consists of the tellurium diimide dimer 1 bonded through an exocyclic nitrogen atom to a molecule of LiTe(N(t)Bu)(2)(NH(t)Bu) which, in turn, is linked to a LiCl molecule. Crystals of 5 are monoclinic, of space group C2/c, with a = 27.680(6) ?, b = 23.662(3) ?, c = 12.989(2) ?, beta = 96.32(2) degrees, V = 8455(2) ?(3), and Z = 4. The final R and R(w) values were 0.046 and 0.047. At 65 degrees C in toluene solution, 5 dissociates into 1, LiCl, and {[LiTe(N(t)Bu)(2)(NH(t)Bu)](2)LiCl}(2) (4), which may also be prepared by treatment of [Li(2)Te(N(t)Bu)(3)](2) (6) with 2 equiv of HCl gas. The centrosymmetric structure of 6 consists of a distorted hexagonal prism involving two pyramidal Te(N(t)Bu)(3)(2)(-) anions linked by four Li atoms to give a Te(2)N(6)Li(4) cluster. Crystals of 6 are monoclinic, of space group P2(1)/c, with a = 10.194(2) ?, b = 17.135(3) ?, c = 10.482(2) ?, beta = 109.21(1) degrees, V = 1729.0(5) ?(3), and Z = 2. The final R and R(w) values were 0.026 and 0.023. VT (1)H and (7)Li NMR studies reveal that, unlike 1, compounds 2, 4, and 6 are fluxional molecules. Possible mechanisms for these fluxional processes are discussed.     

Syntheses, structures, and stabilities of [PPh(4)][WS(3)(SR)](R=(i)Bu,(i)Pr,(i)Bu, benzyl, allyl) and [PPh(4)][MoS(3)(S(t)Bu)

Intermediates in the condensation process of [MS(4)](2)(-) (M = Mo, W) to polythiometalates, in the presence of alkyl halides, had not been reported prior to our communication of [PPh(4)][WS(3)(SEt)] (Boorman, P. M.; Wang, M.; Parvez, M. J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1995, 999-1000). We now report the isolation of a range of related compounds, with 1 degrees, 2 degrees, and 3 degrees alkyl thiolate ligands, including one Mo example. [PPh(4)][WS(3)(SR)] (R = (i)Bu (1), (i)Pr (2), (t)Bu (3), benzyl (5), allyl (6)) and [PPh(4)][MoS(3)(S(t)Bu)] (4) have been isolated in fair to good yields from the reaction of [PPh(4)](2)[MS(4)] with the appropriate alkyl halide in acetonitrile and subjected to analysis by X-ray crystallography. Crystal data are as follows: for 1, triclinic space group P1 (No. 2), a = 11.0377(6) A, b = 11.1307(5) A, c = 13.6286(7) A, alpha = 82.941(1) degrees, beta = 84.877(1) degrees, gamma = 60.826(1) degrees, Z = 2; for 2, monoclinic space group P2(1)/c (No. 14), a = 9.499(6) A, b = 15.913(5) A, c = 18.582(6) A, beta = 99.29(4) degrees, Z = 4; for 3, monoclinic space group P2(1)/n (No. 14), a = 10.667(2) A, b = 17.578(2) A, c = 16.117(3) A, beta = 101.67(1) degrees, Z = 4; for 4, monoclinic space group P2(1)/n (No. 14), a = 10.558(3) A, b = 17.477(3) A, c = 15.954(3) A, beta = 101.18(2) degrees, Z = 4; for 5, monoclinic space group P2(1)/n (No. 14), a = 16.2111(9) A, b = 11.0080(6) A, c = 18.1339(10) A, beta = 111.722(1) degrees, Z = 4; for 6, triclinic space group P1 (No. 2), a = 9.4716(9) A, b = 10.4336(10) A, c = 14.4186(14) A, alpha = 100.183(2) degrees, beta = 90.457(2) degrees, gamma = 91.747(2) degrees, Z = 2. Structures 3 and 4 are isomorphous, and 1 exhibits disorder about the tertiary carbon. 6 has been shown to exhibit fluxionality in solution by variable-temperature (1)H NMR studies, and an allyl migration mechanism is implicated in this process. The kinetics for the reaction of [WS(4)](2)(-) and EtBr were measured and suggest an associative nucleophilic substitution (S(N)2) mechanism. The decomposition of the [WS(3)(SEt)](-) ion is shown to be second order with respect to this ion, suggesting the formation of a transient binuclear intermediate. M-S bond cleavage is the predominant step in decomposition of 1-6 to yield alkyl sulfides, alkyl thiols, and polythiometalates such as [PPh(4)](2)[M(3)S(9)]. In contrast, reactions of [PPh(4)](2)[WO(x)()S(4)(-)(x)()] (x = 1, 2) with (t)BuBr result in the additional decomposition product of isobutene, presumably by C-S bond cleavage and beta-hydrogen transfer. Interestingly, the reaction of [PPh(4)](2)[WOS(3)] with BzCl yields 5 as the only isolable W thiolate species.     

Preparation and x-ray structures of alkali-metal derivatives of the ambidentate anions [tBuN(E)P(mu-NtBu)2P(E)NtBu]2- (E = S, Se) and [tBuN(Se)P(mu-NtBu)2PN(H)tBu)]-

The ambidentate dianions [(t)BuN(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu](2)(-) (5a, E = S; 5b, E = Se) are obtained as their disodium and dipotassium salts by the reaction of cis-[(t)Bu(H)N(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(H)(t)Bu] (6a, E = S; 6b, E = Se), with 2 equiv of MN(SiMe(3))(2) (M = Na, K) in THF at 23 degrees C. The corresponding dilithium derivative is prepared by reacting 6a with 2 equiv of (t)BuLi in THF at reflux. The X-ray structures of five complexes of the type [(THF)(x)()M](2)[(t)BuN(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu] (9, M = Li, E = S, x = 2; 11a/11b, M = Na, E = S/Se, x = 2; 12a, M = K, E = S, x = 1; 12b, M = K, E = Se, x = 1.5) have been determined. In the dilithiated derivative 9 the dianion 5a adopts a bis (N,S)-chelated bonding mode involving four-membered LiNPS rings whereas 11a,b and 12a,b display a preference for the formation of six-membered MNPNPN and MEPNPE rings, i.e., (N,N' and E,E')-chelation. The bis-solvated disodium complexes 11a,b and the dilithium complex 9 are monomeric, but the dipotassium complexes 12a,b form dimers with a central K(2)E(2) ring and associate further through weak K.E contacts to give an infinite polymeric network of 20-membered K(6)E(6)P(4)N(4) rings. The monoanions [(t)Bu(H)N(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu)](-) (E = S, Se) were obtained as their lithium derivatives 8a and 8b by the reaction of 1 equiv of (n)BuLi with 6a and 6b, respectively. An X-ray structure of the TMEDA-solvated complex 8a and the (31)P NMR spectrum of 8b indicate a N,E coordination mode. The reaction of 6b with excess (t)BuLi in THF at reflux results in partial deselenation to give the monolithiated P(III)/P(V) complex [(THF)(2)Li[(t)BuN(Se)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)PN(H)(t)Bu]] 10, which adopts a (N,Se) bonding mode.     

Synthesis and characterization of six new quaternary actinide thiophosphate compounds: Cs(8)U(5)(P(3)S(10))(2)(PS(4))(6)(,) K(10)Th(3)(P(2)S(7))(4)(PS(4))(2), and A(5)An(PS(4))(3), (A = K, Rb, Cs; An = U, Th)

Six new actinide metal thiophosphates have been synthesized by the reactive flux method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction: Cs(8)U(5)(P(3)S(10))(2)(PS(4))(6) (I), K(10)Th(3)(P(2)S(7))(4)(PS(4))(2) (II), K(5)U(PS(4))(3) (III), K(5)Th(PS(4))(3) (IV), Rb(5)Th(PS(4))(3) (V), and Cs(5)Th(PS(4))(3) (VI). Compound I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 33.2897(1) A, b = 14.9295(1) A, c = 17.3528(2) A, beta = 115.478(1) degrees, Z = 8. Compound II crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 32.8085(6) A, b = 9.0482(2) A, c = 27.2972(3) A, beta = 125.720(1) degrees, Z = 8. Compound III crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 14.6132(1) A, b = 17.0884(2) A, c = 9.7082(2) A, beta = 108.63(1) degrees, Z = 4. Compound IV crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 9.7436(1) A, b = 11.3894(2) A, c = 20.0163(3) A, beta = 90.041(1) degrees, Z = 4, as a pseudo-merohedrally twinned cell. Compound V crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 13.197(4) A, b = 9.997(4) A, c = 18.189(7) A, beta = 100.77(1) degrees, Z = 4. Compound VI crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 13.5624(1) A, b = 10.3007(1) A, c = 18.6738(1) A, beta = 100.670(1) degrees, Z = 4. Optical band-gap measurements by diffuse reflectance show that compounds I and III contain tetravalent uranium as part of an extended electronic system. Thorium-containing compounds are large-gap materials. Raman spectroscopy on single crystals displays the vibrational characteristics expected for [PS(4)](3)(-), [P(2)S(7)](4-), and the new [P(3)S(10)](5)(-) building blocks. This new thiophosphate building block has not been observed except in the structure of the uranium-containing compound Cs(8)U(5)(P(3)S(10))(2)(PS(4))(6).     

Synthesis, X-ray Crystal Structure Determination, and NMR Spectroscopic Investigation of Two Homoleptic Four-Coordinate Lanthanide Complexes: Trivalent ((t)Bu(2)P)(2)La[(&mgr;-P(t)Bu(2))(2)Li(thf)] and Divalent Yb[(&mgr;-P(t)Bu(2))(2)Li(thf)](2)(,)(1)

La(OSO(2)CF(3))(3) reacts with 4 equiv of LiP(t)Bu(2) in tetrahydrofuran to give dark red ((t)Bu(2)P)(2)La[(&mgr;-P(t)Bu(2))(2)Li(thf)] (1). Yb(OSO(2)CF(3))(3) reacts with LiP(t)Bu(2) in tetrahydrofuran in a 1:5 ratio to produce Yb[(&mgr;-P(t)Bu(2))(2)Li(thf)](2) (2) and 1/2 an equiv of (t)Bu(2)P-P(t)Bu(2). Both 1 and 2 crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c. Crystal data for 1 at 214 K: a = 11.562 (1) ?, b = 15.914 (1) ?, c = 25.373 (3) ?, beta = 92.40 (1) degrees; V = 4664.5 ?(3); Z = 4; D(calcd) = 1.137 g cm(-)(3); R(F)() = 2.61%. Crystal data for 2 at 217 K: a = 21.641 (2) ?, b = 12.189 (1) ?, c = 20.485 (2) ?, beta = 109.01 (1) degrees; V = 5108.9 ?(3); Z = 4; D(calcd) = 1.185 g cm(-)(3); R(F)() = 2.80%. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 show the four-coordinate lanthanide atoms in distorted tetrahedral environments. These complexes are the first representatives of the lanthanide elements surrounded by four only-phosphorus-containing substituents. The main features of the crystal structure of 1 are the shortest La-P distances (2.857(1) and 2.861(1) ?) reported so far and a three-coordinate lithium cation. The molecular structure of 2 represents a divalent bis "ate" complex with two three-coordinate lithium cations. Complex 2 shows photoluminescent properties. VT NMR spectra ((7)Li and (31)P) are reported for 1and 2.     

Preparation, Crystal Structures, and Isomerization of the Tellurium Diimide Dimers RNTe(&mgr;-NR')(2)TeNR (R = R' = (t)Bu; R = PPh(2)NSiMe(3), R' = (t)Bu, (t)Oct): X-ray Structure of the Telluradiazole Dimer [(t)Bu(2)C(6)H(2)N(2)Te](2)

The reaction of R'NHLi (R = (t)Bu, (t)Oct) with Ph(2)P(NSiMe(3))(2)Te(Cl)NPPh(2)NSiMe(3) in toluene at -78 degrees C, followed by warming to 23 degrees C, produces the tellurium diimide dimers RNTe(&mgr;-NR')(2)TeNR (2a, R' = (t)Bu, R = NPPh(2)NSiMe(3); 2b, R' = (t)Oct, R = NPPh(2)NSiMe(3)) and Ph(2)P(NHSiMe(3))(NSiMe(3)). X-ray analyses revealed that 2a and 2b have centrosymmetric structures containing a planar four-membered Te(2)N(2) ring and short exocyclic tellurium-nitrogen bond lengths (d(Te-N) = 1.900(5) and 1.897(4) or 1.905(4) ? for 2a and 2b, respectively). The exocyclic imido substituents adopt a trans arrangement with respect to the Te(2)N(2) ring. By contrast, the reaction of 2,4,6-(t)Bu(3)C(6)H(2)NHLi with Ph(2)P(NSiMe(3))(2)Te(Cl)NPPh(2)NSiMe(3) in toluene under similar conditions produces the telluradiazole ((t)Bu(2)C(6)H(2)N(2)Te)(2) (3), which exists as a weakly associated dimer in the solid state with intramolecular Te-N distances of 2.628(4) ?. The tellurium diimide dimer (t)BuNTe(&mgr;-N(t)Bu)(2)TeN(t)Bu (2c'), prepared by the reaction of TeCl(4) with (t)BuNHLi in a 1:4 molar ratio, consists of a folded Te(2)N(2) ring with exocyclic N(t)Bu groups in a cis orientation. The (1)H, (31)P, and (125)Te NMR spectra of 2a and 2b indicate that the trans isomers slowly transform into the corresponding cis isomers in solution. Crystals of 2b are triclinic, space group P&onemacr; (No. 2), with a = 13.304(3) ?, b = 16.927(3) ?, c = 13.292(5) ?, alpha = 98.94(2), beta = 109.27(2), gamma = 69.04(2) degrees, V = 2636(1) ?(3), and Z = 4. The final R and R(w) values were 0.034 and 0.033, respectively. Crystals of 2c' are orthorhombic, space group Pnma (No. 62), with a = 9.535(3) ?, b = 14.264(3) ?, c = 16.963(4) ?, V = 2307.1(9) ?(3), and Z = 4. The final R and R(w) values were 0.040 and 0.040, respectively. Crystals of 3 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n (No. 14), with a = 9.117(3) ?, b = 11.481(4) ?, c = 16.550(4) ?, beta = 97.76(2) degrees, V = 1716.5(8) ?(3), and Z = 4. The final R and R(w) values were 0.031 and 0.034, respectively.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Four Consecutive Members of the Five-Member [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](n)()(+) (n = 0-4) Cluster Electron Transfer Series

The clusters [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](+,2+) have been shown by other investigators to be formed by the reaction of [Fe(OH(2))(6)](2+) and H(2)S, to contain face-capped octahedral Fe(6)S(8) cores, and to be components of the five-membered electron transfer series [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](n)()(+) (n = 0-4) estalished electrochemically. We have prepared two additional series members. Reaction of [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](2+) with iodine in dichloromethane affords [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](3+), isolated as the perchlorate salt (48%). Reduction of [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](2+) with Na(Ph(2)CO) in acetonitrile/THF produces the neutral cluster [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)] (65%). The structures of the four clusters with n = 0, 1+, 2+, 3+ were determined at 223 K. The compounds [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](ClO(4))(3), [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)] crystallize in trigonal space group R&thremacr;c with a = 21.691(4), 16.951(4) ?, c = 23.235(6), 19.369(4) ?, and Z = 6, 3. The compounds [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](BF(4))(2), [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](BF(4)).2MeCN were obtained in monoclinic space groups P2(1)/c, C2/c with a = 11.673(3), 16.371(4) ?, b = 20.810(5), 16.796(4) ?, c = 12.438(4), 23.617(7) ?, beta = 96.10(2), 97.98(2) degrees, and Z = 2, 4. [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](BPh(4))(2) occurred in trigonal space group P&onemacr; with a = 11.792(4) ?, b = 14.350(5) ?, c = 15.536(6) ?, alpha = 115.33(3) degrees, beta = 90.34(3) degrees, gamma = 104.49(3) degrees, and Z = 1. Changes in metric features across the series are slight but indicate increasing population of antibonding Fe(6)S(8) core orbitals upon reduction. Zero-field M?ssbauer spectra are consistent with this result, isomer shifts increasing by ca. 0.05 mm/s for each electron added, and indicate a delocalized electronic structure. Magnetic susceptibility measurements together with previously reported results established the ground states S = (3)/(2) (3+), 3 (2+), (7)/(2) (1+), 3 (0). The clusters [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](n)()(+) possess the structural and electronic features requisite to multisequential electron transfer reactions. This work provides the first example of a cluster type isolated over four consecutive oxidation states. Note is also made of the significance of the [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](n)()(+) cluster type in the development of iron-sulfur-phosphine cluster chemistry.     

Synthesis and Structures of Sb[N(H)(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3))](3) and Bi[N(H)(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3))](3): Implications for the Steric Limits of Supermesityl Substitution

Syntheses and isolations of the tris(amino)stibine and tris(amino)bismuthine E[N(H)(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3))](3) (E = Sb, Bi) from ECl(3) and LiN(H)(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3)) are described, together with spectroscopic and structural characterization [crystal data for C(54)H(90)N(3)Sb, M = 903.04, space group P&onemacr;, a = 11.491(5) ?, b = 24.652(7) ?, c = 10.002(5) ?, alpha = 98.38(3) degrees, beta = 96.44(5) degrees, gamma = 77.25(3) degrees, V = 2724(2) ?(3), D(c) = 1.101 Mg/m(3), Z = 2, R = 0.0547; crystal data for C(54)H(90)BiN(3), M = 990.27, space group P&onemacr;, a = 11.511(5) ?, b = 24.785(15) ?, c = 9.981(5) ?, alpha = 98.06(5) degrees, beta = 96.50(4) degrees, gamma = 77.40(5) degrees, V = 2742(2) ?(3), D(c) = 1.200 Mg/m(3), Z = 2, R = 0.0619]. The compounds bear the "bulky" 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl substituent (known as supermesityl or Mes), and their formation is considered in the context of the same reactions for PCl(3) and AsCl(3), which have been previously shown to produce the aminoiminopnictine structures [N(H)(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3))]P=N(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3)) and [N(H)(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3))]As=N(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(3)). The observations establish the limits of the steric control by the supermesityl substituent and provide qualitative support for the thermodynamic significance of substituent steric strain.     

Synthesis and Chemical and Electrochemical Characterization of Fe-S Carbonyl Clusters. X-ray Crystal Structures of [N(PPh(3))(2)](2)[Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)] and [N(PPh(3))(2)](2)[Fe(6)S(6)(CO)(12)

A reinvestigation of the redox behavior of the [Fe(3)(&mgr;(3)-S)(CO)(9)](2)(-) dianion led to the isolation and characterization of the new [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](2)(-), as well as the known [Fe(6)S(6)(CO)(12)](2)(-) dianion. As a corollary, new syntheses of the [Fe(3)S(CO)(9)](2)(-) dianion are also reported. The [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](2)(-) dianion has been obtained by oxidative condensation of [Fe(3)S(CO)(9)](2)(-) induced by tropylium and Ag(I) salts or SCl(2), or more straightforwardly through the reaction of [Fe(4)(CO)(13)](2)(-) with SCl(2). The [Fe(6)S(6)(CO)(12)](2)(-) dianion has been isolated as a byproduct of the synthesis of [Fe(3)S(CO)(9)](2)(-) and [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](2)(-) or by reaction of [Fe(4)(CO)(13)](2)(-) with elemental sulfur. The structures of [N(PPh(3))(2)](2)[Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)] and [N(PPh(3))(2)](2)[Fe(6)S(6)(CO)(12)] were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Crystal data: for [N(PPh(3))(2)](2)[Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)], monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c (No. 14), a = 24.060(5), b = 14.355(6), c = 23.898(13) ?, beta = 90.42(3) degrees, Z = 4; for [N(PPh(3))(2)](2)[Fe(6)S(6)(CO)(12)], monoclinic, space group C2/c (No. 15), a = 34.424(4), b = 14.081(2), c = 19.674(2) ?, beta = 115.72(1) degrees, Z = 4. The new [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](2)(-) dianion shows a "bow tie" arrangement of the five metal atoms. The two Fe(3) triangles sharing the central Fe atom are not coplanar and show a dihedral angle of 55.08(3) degrees. Each Fe(3) moiety is capped by a triply bridging sulfide ligand. The 14 carbonyl groups are all terminal; two are bonded to the unique central atom and three to each peripheral iron atom. Protonation of the [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](2)(-) dianion gives reversibly rise to the corresponding [HFe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](-) monohydride derivative, which shows an (1)H-NMR signal at delta -21.7 ppm. Its further protonation results in decomposition to mixtures of Fe(2)S(2)(CO)(6) and Fe(3)S(2)(CO)(9), rather than formation of the expected H(2)Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14) dihydride. Exhaustive reduction of [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](2)(-) with sodium diphenyl ketyl progressively leads to fragmentation into [Fe(3)S(CO)(9)](2)(-) and [Fe(CO)(4)](2)(-), whereas electrochemical, as well as chemical oxidation with silver or tropylium tetrafluoroborate, in dichloromethane, generates the corresponding [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](-) radical anion which exhibits an ESR signal at g = 2.067 at 200 K. The electrochemical studies also indicated the existence of a subsequent one-electron anodic oxidation which possesses features of chemical reversibility in dichloromethane but not in acetonitrile solution. A reexamination of the electrochemical behavior of the [Fe(3)S(CO)(9)](2)(-) dianion coupled with ESR monitoring enabled the spectroscopic characterization of the [Fe(3)S(CO)(9)](-) radical monoanion and demonstrated its direct involvement in the generation of the [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](n)()(-) (n = 0, 1, 2) system.     

Octahedral Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NHR) (Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate; L = L' = P(OMe)3 or PMe3 or L = CO and L' = PPh3; R = H,Ph, or tBu): synthesis,characterization, and reactions with weakly acidic C-H bonds

The octahedral Ru(II) amine complexes [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)R)][OTf] (L = L' = PMe(3), P(OMe)(3) or L = CO and L' = PPh(3); R = H or (t)Bu) have been synthesized and characterized. Deprotonation of the amine complexes [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(3))][OTf] or [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][OTf] yields the Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)) and TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu). Reactions of the parent amido complexes or TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu) with phenylacetylene at room temperature result in immediate deprotonation to form ruthenium-amine/phenylacetylide ion pairs, and heating a benzene solution of the [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][PhC(2)] ion pair results in the formation of the Ru(II) phenylacetylide complex TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(C[triple bond]CPh) in >90% yield. The observation that [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][PhC(2)] converts to the Ru(II) acetylide with good yield while heating the ion pairs [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(3))][PhC(2)] yields multiple products is attributed to reluctant dissociation of ammonia compared with the (t)butylamine ligand (i.e., different rates for acetylide/amine exchange). These results are consistent with ligand exchange reactions of Ru(II) amine complexes [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)R)][OTf] (R = H or (t)Bu) with acetonitrile. The previously reported phenyl amido complexes TpRuL(2)(NHPh) [L = PMe(3) or P(OMe)(3)] react with 10 equiv of phenylacetylene at elevated temperature to produce Ru(II) acetylide complexes TpRuL(2)(C[triple bond]CPh) in quantitative yields. Kinetic studies indicate that the reaction of TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NHPh) with phenylacetylene occurs via a pathway that involves TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(OTf) or [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)Ph)][OTf] as catalyst. Reactions of 1,4-cyclohexadiene with the Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)) (L = L' = PMe(3) or L = CO and L' = PPh(3)) or TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu) at elevated temperatures result in the formation of benzene and Ru hydride complexes. TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(H), [Tp(PMe(3))(2)Ru[double bond]C[double bond]C(H)Ph][OTf], [Tp(PMe(3))(2)Ru=C(CH(2)Ph)[N(H)Ph]][OTf], and [TpRu(PMe(3))(3)][OTf] have been independently prepared and characterized. Results from solid-state X-ray diffraction studies of the complexes [TpRu(CO)(PPh(3))(NH(3))][OTf], [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(3))][OTf], and TpRu(CO)(PPh(3))(C[triple bond]CPh) are reported.     

Multifunctional Ligands. Phosphinimine-Substituted Cyanofluoroaromatics Including X-ray Molecular Structures of Three Representative Ligands 4,6-(CN)(2)C(6)F(2)-1,3-(N=PPh(3))(2), 4,6-(CN)(2)C(6)F(2)-1,3-(N=PPh(2)Me)(2) and 4,6-(CN)(2)C(6)F(2)-1-(N=PPh(3))-3-(N=PPh(2)Me). Formation of Rhodium(I) Complexes

Reaction of 1,3-dicyanotetrafluorobenzene with 2 equiv of (trimethylsilyl)iminophosphoranes gave the disubstituted derivatives 4,6-(CN)(2)C(6)F(2)-1,3-AB: 1, A = B = (N=PPh(3)); 2, A = B = (N=PPh(2)Me); and 3, A = (N=PPh(3)), B = (N=PPh(2)Me). Monosubstituted compounds of the type 2,4-(CN)(2)C(6)F(3)-1-A; notably 4, A = (N=PPh(3)), and 5, A = (N=PPh(2)Me), were readily obtained by reaction of 1 molar equiv of the silylated iminophosphorane with the cyanofluoro aromatic. Substitution of the fluorine para to the CN group(s) occurs in all cases. Reactions of 1,2- and 1,4-dicyanotetrafluorobenzene with (trimethylsilyl)iminophosphoranes gave only monosubstituted derivatives 3,4-(CN)(2)C(6)F(3)-1-A (6, A = (N=PPh(3)), and 7, A = (N=PPh(2)Me)) and 2,5-(CN)(2)C(6)F(3)-1-A (8, A = (N=PPh(3)), and 9, A = (N=PPh(2)Me)), respectively, as the result of electronic deactivation of the second substitutional point. 1, 4,6-(CN)(2)C(6)F(2)-1,3-(N=PPh(3)), 2, 4,6-(CN)(2)C(6)F(2)-1,3-(N=PPh(2)Me)(2), and 3, 4,6-(CN)(2)C(6)F(2)-1-(N=PPh(3))-3-(N=PPh(2)Me) have been structurally characterized. For 1 (at 21 degrees C), monoclinic, C2/(c) (No. 15), a = 15.289(2) ?, b = 10.196(1) ?, c = 23.491(6) ?, beta = 91.63(2) degrees, V = 3660(2) ?(3), and Z = 4. The P=N bond length is 1.579(2) ? and the P(V)-N-C(phenyl) angle is 134.0(2) degrees. For 2, (at 21 degrees C) monoclinic, C2/(c) (No. 15), a = 18.694(2) ?, b = 8.576(1) ?, c = 40.084(4) ?, beta = 94.00(1) degrees, V = 6411(2) ?(3), and Z = 8. The P(1)=N(1) bond length is 1.570(4) ?, the P(2)=N(2) bond length is 1.589(3) ?, the P(1)-N(1)-C(14) angle is 131.6(3) degrees, and the P(2)-N(2)-C(16) angle is 131.3(3) degrees. For 3, (at -80 degrees C) monoclinic, P2(1)/c (No. 14), a = 9.210(1) ?, b = 18.113(2) ?, c = 20.015(2) ?, beta = 100.07(1) degrees, V = 3287(2) ?(3), and Z = 4. The P(1)=N(1) bond length (PPh(3) group) is 1.567(4) ?, the P(2)=N(2) bond length (PPh(2)Me group) is 1.581(5) ?, the P(1)-N(1)-C(1) angle is 140.4(4) degrees, and the P(2)-N(2)-C(3) angle is 129.4(4) degrees. These new multifunctional chelating ligands readily react with [Rh(cod)Cl](2) and AgClO(4) to give cationic Rh(I) complexes in which the imine and/or the nitrile groups are coordinated to the Rh center.     

Thiophosphate phase diagrams developed in conjunction with the synthesis of the new compounds KLaP(2)S(6), K(2)La(P(2)S(6))(1/2)(PS(4)), K(3)La(PS(4))(2), K(4)La(0.67)(PS(4))(2), K(9-)(x)La(1+x/3)(Ps(4))(4) (x = 0.5), K(4)Eu(PS(4))(2), and KEuPS(4)

An alkali-metal sulfur reactive flux has been used to synthesize a series of quaternary rare-earth metal compounds. These include KLaP(2)S(6) (I), K(2)La(P(2)S(6))(1/2)(PS(4)) (II), K(3)La(PS(4))(2) (III), K(4)La(0.67)(PS(4))(2) (IV), K(9-x)La(1+x/3)(PS(4))(4) (x = 0.5) (V), K(4)Eu(PS(4))(2) (VI), and KEuPS(4) (VII). Compound I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with the cell parameters a = 11.963(12) A, b = 7.525(10) A, c = 11.389(14) A, beta = 109.88(4) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound II crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 9.066(6) A, b = 6.793(3) A, c = 20.112(7) A, beta = 97.54(3) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound III crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a= 9.141(2) A, b = 17.056(4) A, c = 9.470(2) A, beta = 90.29(2) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound IV crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ibam with a = 18.202(2) A, b = 8.7596(7) A, c = 9.7699(8) A, and Z = 4. Compound V crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ccca with a = 17.529(9) A, b = 36.43(3) A, c = 9.782(4) A, and Z = 8. Compound VI crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ibam with a = 18.29(5) A, b = 8.81(2) A, c= 9.741(10) A, and Z = 4. Compound VII crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a = 16.782(2) A, b = 6.6141(6) A, c = 6.5142(6) A, and Z = 4. The sulfur compounds are in most cases isostructural to their selenium counterparts. By controlling experimental conditions, these structures can be placed in quasi-quaternary phase diagrams, which show the reaction conditions necessary to obtain a particular thiophosphate anionic unit in the crystalline product. These structures have been characterized by Raman and IR spectroscopy and UV-vis diffuse reflectance optical band gap analysis.     

Homologous series of redox-active, dinuclear cations [M(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)](2+) (M = Mo, Ru, Rh) with the bridging ligand 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine (pynp)

A homologous series of dinuclear compounds with the bridging ligand 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine (pynp) has been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallographic and spectroscopic methods. [Mo(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)][BF(4)](2) x 3CH(3)CN (1) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 15.134(5) A, b = 14.301(6) A, c = 19.990(6) A, beta = 108.06(2) degrees, V = 4113(3) A(3), and Z = 4. [Ru(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)][PF(6)](2) x 2CH(3)OH (2) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 14.2228(7) A, b = 20.3204(9) A, c = 14.1022(7) A, beta = 95.144(1) degrees, V = 4059.3(3) A(3), and Z = 4. [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)][BF(4)](2) x C(7)H(8) (3) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 13.409(2) A, b = 21.670(3) A, c = 13.726(2) A, beta = 94.865(2) degrees, V = 3973.9(8) A(3), and Z = 4. A minor product, [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][BF(4)][PF(6)] x 2CH(3)CN (4), was isolated from the mother liquor after crystals of 3 had been harvested; this compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group, P1 with a = 12.535(3) A, b = 13.116(3) A, c = 13.785(3) A, alpha = 82.52(3) degrees, beta = 77.70(3) degrees, gamma = 85.76(3) degrees, V = 2193.0(8) A(3), and Z = 2. Compounds 1-3 constitute a convenient series for probing the influence of the electronic configuration on the extent of mixing of the M-M orbitals with the pi system of the pynp ligand. Single point energy calculations performed on 1-3 at the B3LYP level of theory lend insight into the bonding in these compounds and allow for correlations to be made with electronic spectral data. Although purely qualitative in nature, the values for normalized change in orbital energies (NCOE) of the frontier orbitals before and after reduction are in agreement with the observed differences in reduction potentials as determined by cyclic voltammetry.     

Preparation, Molecular and Electronic Structures, and Magnetic Properties of Face-Sharing Bioctahedral Titanium(III) Compounds: [PPh(4)][Ti(2)(&mgr;-Cl)(3)Cl(4)(PR(3))(2)

Reduction of TiCl(4) with 1 equiv of HSnBu(3) followed by addition of [PPh(4)]Cl and then PR(3) leads to two new dinuclear titanium(III) compounds, [PPh(4)][Ti(2)(&mgr;-Cl)(3)Cl(4)(PR(3))(2)] (R = Et and R(3) = Me(2)Ph), both of which contain an anion with the face-sharing bioctahedral type structure. Their crystal structures are reported. [PPh(4)][Ti(2)(&mgr;-Cl)(3)Cl(4)(PEt(3))(2)].2CH(2)Cl(2) crystallized in the triclinic space group P&onemacr;. Cell dimensions: a = 12.461(1) ?, b = 20.301(8) ?, c = 11.507(5) ?, alpha = 91.44 degrees, beta = 113.27(1) degrees, gamma = 104.27(2) degrees, and Z = 2. The distance between titanium atoms is 3.031(2) ?. [PPh(4)][Ti(2)(&mgr;-Cl)(3)Cl(4)(PMe(2)Ph)(2)].CH(2)Cl(2) also crystallized in the triclinic space group P&onemacr; with cell dimensitions a = 11.635(4) ?, b = 19.544(3) ?, c = 11.480(3) ?, alpha = 100.69(2) degrees, beta = 109.70(1) degrees, gamma = 95.08(2) degrees, and Z = 2. The distance between titanium atoms in this compound is 2.942(1) ?. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibilities were measured for [PPh(4)][Ti(2)(&mgr;-Cl)(3)Cl(4)(PEt(3))(2)]. Electronic structure calculations were carried out for a model ion, [Ti(2)(&mgr;-Cl)(3)Cl(4)(PH(3))(2)](-), and another well-known anion, [Ti(2)(&mgr;-Cl)(3)Cl(6)](3)(-), by employing an ab initio configuration interaction method. The results of the calculations reveal that the metal-metal interaction in these Ti(III) face-sharing compounds can be best described by strong antiferromagnetic coulping that leads to a singlet ground state and a thermally accessible triplet first excited state. Accordingly the measured magnetic data were satisfactorily fitted to a spin-only formula.     

Mixed-metal uranium(VI) iodates: hydrothermal syntheses,structures, and reactivity of Rb[UO(2)(CrO(4))(IO(3))(H(2)O)], A(2)[UO(2)(CrO(4))(IO(3))(2)] (A = K,Rb, Cs), and K(2)[UO(2)(MoO(4))(IO(3))(2)

The reactions of the molecular transition metal iodates A[CrO(3)(IO(3))] (A = K, Rb, Cs) with UO(3) under mild hydrothermal conditions provide access to four new, one-dimensional, uranyl chromatoiodates, Rb[UO(2)(CrO(4))(IO(3))(H(2)O)] (1) and A(2)[UO(2)(CrO(4))(IO(3))(2)] (A = K (2), Rb (3), Cs (4)). Under basic conditions, MoO(3), UO(3), and KIO(4) can be reacted to form K(2)[UO(2)(MoO(4))(IO(3))(2)] (5), which is isostructural with 2 and 3. The structure of 1 consists of one-dimensional[UO(2)(CrO(4))(IO(3))(H(2)O)](-) ribbons that contain uranyl moieties bound by bridging chromate and iodate anions as well as a terminal water molecule to create [UO(7)] pentagonal bipyramidal environments around the U(VI) centers. These ribbons are separated from one another by Rb(+) cations. When the iodate content is increased in the hydrothermal reactions, the terminal water molecule is replaced by a monodentate iodate anion to yield 2-4. These ribbons can be further modified by replacing tetrahedral chromate anions with MoO(4)(2)(-) anions to yield isostructural, one-dimensional [UO(2)(MoO(4))(IO(3))(2)](2)(-) ribbons. Crystallographic data: 1, triclinic, space group P(-)1, a = 7.3133(5) A, b = 8.0561(6) A, c = 8.4870(6) A, alpha = 88.740(1) degrees, beta = 87.075(1) degrees, gamma = 71.672(1) degrees, Z = 2; 2, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, a = 11.1337(5) A, b = 7.2884(4) A, c = 15.5661(7) A, beta = 107.977(1) degrees, Z = 4; 3, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, a = 11.3463(6) A, b = 7.3263(4) A, c = 15.9332(8) A, beta = 108.173(1) degrees, Z = 4; 4, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 7.3929(5) A, b = 8.1346(6) A, c = 22.126(2) A, beta = 90.647(1) degrees, Z = 4; 5, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, a = 11.3717(6) A, b = 7.2903(4) A, c = 15.7122(8) A, beta = 108.167(1) degrees, Z = 4.     

Characterization of Five-Coordinate Ruthenium(II) Phosphine Complexes by X-ray Diffraction and Solid-State (31)P CP/MAS NMR Studies and Their Reactivity with Sulfoxides and Thioethers

31P CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy is examined as a method of characterization for ruthenium(II) phosphine complexes in the solid state, and the results are compared with X-ray crystallographic data determined for RuCl(2)(dppb)(PPh(3)) (dppb = Ph(2)P(CH(2))(4)PPh(2)), RuBr(2)(PPh(3))(3), and the previously determined RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(3). Crystals of RuBr(2)(PPh(3))(3) (C(54)H(45)Br(2)P(3)Ru) are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/a, with a = 12.482(4) ?, b = 20.206(6) ?, c = 17.956(3) ?, beta = 90.40(2) degrees, and Z = 4, and those of RuCl(2)(dppb)(PPh(3)) (C(46)H(43)Cl(2)P(3)Ru) are also monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 10.885(2) ?, b = 20.477(1) ?, c = 18.292(2) ?, beta = 99.979(9) degrees, and Z = 4. The structure of RuBr(2)(PPh(3))(3) was solved by direct methods, and that of RuCl(2)(dppb)(PPh(3)) was solved by the Patterson method. The structures were refined by full-matrix least-squares procedures to R = 0.048 and 0.031 (R(w) = 0.046 and 0.032) for 5069 and 5925 reflections with I >/= 3sigma(I), respectively. Synthetic routes to RuBr(2)(dppb)(PPh(3)) and [RuBr(dppb)](2)(&mgr;(2)-dppb) are reported. The reactivity of RuCl(2)(dppb)(PPh(3)) with the neutral two-electron donor ligands (L) dimethyl sulfoxide, tetramethylene sulfoxide, tetrahydrothiophene, and dimethyl sulfide to give [(L)(dppb)Ru(&mgr;-Cl)(3)RuCl(dppb)] is discussed.     

A comparison of the influences of alkoxide and thiolate ligands on the electronic structure and reactivity of molybdenum(3+) and tungsten(3+) complexes. preparation and structures of M(2)(O(T)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4), [Mo(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)](2), and W(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)(py)

M(2)(O(t)Bu)(6) compounds (M = Mo, W) react in hydrocarbon solvents with an excess of (t)BuSH to give M(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4), red, air- and temperature-sensitive compounds. (1)H NMR studies reveal the equilibrium M(2)(O(t)Bu)(6) + 4(t)BuSH <==> M(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4) + 4(t)BuOH proceeds to the right slowly at 22 degrees C. The intermediates M(2)(O(t)Bu)(4)(S(t)Bu)(2), M(2)(O(t)Bu)(3)(S(t)Bu)(3), and M(2)(O(t)Bu)(5)(S(t)Bu) have been detected. The equilibrium constants show the M-O(t)Bu bonds to be enthalpically favored over the M-S(t)Bu bonds. In contrast to the M(2)(O(t)Bu)(6) compounds, M(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4) compounds are inert with respect to the addition of CO, CO(2), ethyne, (t)BuC triple bond CH, MeC triple bond N, and PhC triple bond N. Addition of an excess of (t)BuSH to a hydrocarbon solution of W(2)(O(t)Bu)(6)(mu-CO) leads to the rapid expulsion of CO and subsequent formation of W(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4). Addition of an excess of (t)BuSH to hydrocarbon solutions of [Mo(O(t)Bu)(3)(NO)](2) and W(O(t)Bu)(3)(NO)(py) gives the structurally related compounds [Mo(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)](2) and W(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)(py), with linear M-N-O moieties and five-coordinate metal atoms. The values of nu(NO) are higher in the related thiolate compounds than in their alkoxide counterparts. The bonding in the model compounds M(2)(EH)(6), M(2)(OH)(2)(EH)(4), (HE)(3)M triple bond CMe, and W(EH)(3)(NO)(NH(3)) and the fragments M(EH)(3), where M = Mo or W and E = O or S, has been examined by DFT B3LYP calculations employing various basis sets including polarization functions for O and S and two different core potentials, LANL2 and relativistic CEP. BLYP calculations were done with ZORA relativistic terms using ADF 2000. The calculations, irrespective of the method used, indicate that the M-O bonds are more ionic than the M-S bonds and that E ppi to M dpi bonding is more important for E = O. The latter raises the M-M pi orbital energies by ca. 1 eV for M(2)(OH)(6) relative to M(2)(SH)(6). For M(EH)(3) fragments, the metal d(xz)(),d(yz)() orbitals are destabilized by OH ppi bonding, and in W(EH)(3)(NO)(NH(3)) the O ppi to M dpi donation enhances W dpi to NO pi* back-bonding. Estimates of the bond strengths for the M triple bond M in M(2)(EH)(6) compounds and M triple bond C in (EH)(3)M triple bond CMe have been obtained. The stronger pi donation of the alkoxide ligands is proposed to enhance back-bonding to the pi* orbitals of alkynes and nitriles and facilitate their reductive cleavage, a reaction that is not observed for their thiolate counterpart.     

Pentanuclear homoleptic M(5)L(6) (M = Mn(II), Co(II), Zn(II)) complexes formed by strict self-assembly

A series of trigonal bipyramidal pentanuclear complexes involving the alkoxo-diazine ligands poap and p3oap, containing the M(5)[mu-O](6) core is described, which form by a strict self-assembly process. [Co(5)(poap-H)(6)](ClO(4))(4).3H(2)O (1), [Mn(5)(poap-H)(6)](ClO(4))(4).3.5CH(3)OH.H(2)O (2), [Mn(5)(p3oap-H)(6)](ClO(4))(4).CH(3)CH(2)OH.3H(2)O (3), and [Zn(5)(poap-H)(6)](ClO(4))(4).2.5H(2)O (4) are homoleptic pentanuclear complexes, where there is an exact match between the coordination requirements of the five metal ions in the cluster, and the available coordination pockets in the polytopic ligand. [Zn(4)(poap)(poap-H)(3)(H(2)O)(4)] (NO(3))(5).1.5H(2)O (5) is a square [2 x 2] grid with a Zn(4)[mu-O](4) core, and appears to result from the presence of NO(3), which is thought to be a competing ligand in the self-assembly. X-ray structures are reported for 1, 4, and 5. 1 crystallized in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/n with a = 13.385(1) A, b = 25.797(2) A, c = 28.513(3) A, beta = 98.704(2) degrees, and Z = 4. 4 crystallized in the triclinic system, space group P1 with a = 13.0897(9) A, b = 18.889(1) A, c = 20.506(2) A, alpha = 87.116(1) degrees, beta = 74.280(2) degrees, gamma = 75.809(2) degrees, and Z = 2. 5 crystallized in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/n with a = 14.8222(7) A, b = 21.408(1) A, c = 21.6197(9) A, beta = 90.698(1) degrees, and Z = 4. Compounds 1-3 exhibit intramolecular antiferromagnetic coupling.     

Linear Trinuclear Pt.Mo-Mo Complexes [Mo(2)PtX(2)(pyphos)(2)(O(2)CR)(2)](2) (X = Cl, Br, I; R = CH(3), C(CH(3))(3); pyphos = 6-(Diphenylphosphino)-2-pyridonate) with an Axial Interaction between the Quadruply Bonded Mo(2) Moiety and the Platinum Atom

An example of a direct axial interaction of a platinum(II) atom with a Mo(2) core through a uniquely designed tridentate ligand 6-(diphenylphosphino)-2-pyridonate (abbreviated as pyphos) is described. Treatment of PtX(2)(pyphosH)(2) (2a, X = Cl; 2b, X = Br; 2c, X = I) with a 1:1 mixture of Mo(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4) and [Mo(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(NCCH(3))(6)](2+) (3a) in dichloromethane afforded the linear trinuclear complexes [Mo(2)PtX(2)(pyphos)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)](2) (4a, X = Cl; 4b, X = Br; 4c, X = I). The reaction of [Mo(2)(O(2)CCMe(3))(2)(NCCH(3))(4)](2+) (3b) with 2a-c in dichloromethane afforded the corresponding pivalato complexes [Mo(2)PtX(2)(pyphos)(2)(O(2)CCMe(3))(2)](2) (5a, X = Cl; 5b, X = Br; 5c, X = I), whose bonding nature is discussed on the basis of the data from Raman and electronic spectra as well as cyclic voltammograms. The linear trinuclear structures in 4b and 5a-c were confirmed by NMR studies and X-ray analyses: 4b, monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 34.733(4) ?, b = 17.81(1) ?, c = 22.530(5) ?, beta = 124.444(8) degrees, V = 11498(5) ?(3), Z = 8, R = 0.060 for 8659 reflections with I > 3sigma(I) and 588 parameters; 5a, triclinic, space group P&onemacr;, a = 13.541(3) ?, b = 17.029(3) ?, c = 12.896(3) ?, alpha = 101.20(2) degrees, beta = 117.00(1) degrees, gamma = 85.47(2) degrees, V = 2599(1) ?(3), Z = 2, R = 0.050 for 8148 reflections with I > 3sigma(I) and 604 parameters; 5b, triclinic, space group P&onemacr;, a = 12.211(2) ?, b = 20.859(3) ?, c = 10.478(2) ?, alpha = 98.88(1) degrees, beta = 112.55(2) degrees, gamma = 84.56(1) degrees, V = 2433.3(8) ?(3), Z = 2, R = 0.042 for 8935 reflections with I > 3sigma(I) and 560 parameters; 5c, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 13.359(4) ?, b = 19.686(3) ?, c = 20.392(4) ?, beta = 107.92(2) degrees, V = 5101(2) ?(3), Z = 4, R = 0.039 for 8432 reflections with I > 3sigma(I) and 560 parameters.     

Coordination Chemistry of 2,2'-Dipyridyl Diselenide: X-ray Crystal Structures of PySeSePy, [Zn(PySeSePy)Cl(2)], [(PySeSePy)Hg(C(6)F(5))(2)], [Mo(SePy)(2)(CO)(3)], [W(SePy)(2)(CO)(3)], and [Fe(SePy)(2)(CO)(2)] (PySeSePy = C(5)H(4)NSeSeC(5)H(4)N; SePy = [C(5)H(4)N(2-Se)-N,Se])

The coordination chemistry of 2,2'-dipyridyl diselenide (PySeSePy) (2) (C(10)H(8)N(2)Se(2)) has been investigated and its crystal structure has been determined (monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.129(2) ?, b = 5.7332(12) ?, c = 19.173(3) ?, beta = 101.493(8) degrees, Z = 4). In metal complexes the ligand was found to coordinate in three different modes, as also confirmed by X-ray structure determination. N,N'-coordination was found in the zinc complex [Zn(PySeSePy)Cl(2)] (3) (C(10)H(8)Cl(2)N(2)Se(2)Zn, triclinic, P&onemacr;, a = 7.9430(10) ?, b = 8.147(2) ?, c = 11.999(2) ?, alpha = 93.685(10) degrees, beta = 107.763(10) degrees, gamma = 115.440(10) degrees, Z = 2) and Se,Se'-coordination in the adduct of the ligand with bis(pentafluorophenyl)mercury(II) [PySeSePyHg(C(6)F(5))(2)] (5) (C(10)H(8)F(10)HgN(2)Se(2), monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 7.7325(10) ?, b = 5.9974(14) ?, c = 25.573, beta = 98.037(10) degrees, Z = 2), which however displays only weak interactions between selenium and mercury. The reaction of the ligand with norbornadiene carbonyl complexes of molybdenum and tungsten leads to reductive cleavage of the selenium-selenium bond with oxidation of the metal center and concomitant addition of the resulting selenolate to the metal carbonyl fragment. Thus the 7-coordinate complexes [Mo(SePy)(2)(CO)(3)] (6) (C(13)H(8)MoN(2)O(3)Se(2), monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 9.319(3) ?, b = 12.886(5) ?, c = 13.231(6) ?, beta = 109.23(3) degrees, Z = 4) and [W(SePy)(2)(CO)(3)] (7) (C(13)H(8)N(2)O(3)Se(2)W, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 9.303(2) ?, b = 12.853(2) ?, c = 13.232(2) ?, beta = 109.270(10) degrees, Z = 4) were obtained. The same N,Se-coordination pattern emerges from the reaction of [Fe(2)(CO)(9)] with (2) leading to [Fe(SePy)(2)(CO)(2)] (8) (C(12)H(8)FeN(2)O(2)Se(2), monoclinic, P&onemacr;, a = 8.6691(14) ?, b = 12.443(2) ?, c = 14.085(2) ?, alpha = 105.811(10) degrees, beta = 107.533(8) degrees, gamma = 92.075(10) degrees, Z = 4).