Synthesis and characterization of sulfide, sulfide-sulfonium, and bissulfide derivatives of [B12H12]2-. Additivity of Me2S and MeS- substituent effects in 11B NMR spectra of disubstituted icosahedral boron clusters

The 1,2-, 1,7-, and 1,12-isomers of (Me2S)2B12H10 (O, M, and P) react with potassium phthalimide in DMF or EtSNa in CH3CN/EtOH upon reflux producing the corresponding isomers of [(MeS)(Me2S)B12H10]- (O1-, M1-, P1-). If excess of either nucleophile is used, [Me2SB12H11]- (1) and O, M, P can be converted into dianions [MeSB12H11]2- (2) and [(MeS)2B12H10]2- (O2-, M2-, P2-). The use of EtSNa is recommended since it facilitates the isolation of products compared to the potassium phthalimide method. When 1 or O, M, P are treated with an excess of an alkali metal (Na, K) in liquid ammonia at -40 degrees C, sulfide 2 or bissulfide dianions O2-, M2-, P2- are obtained cleanly and almost instantly. While both the nucleophilic substitution and alkali metal reduction methods are useful for the synthesis of dianions 2, O2-, M2-, and P2-, only the former method is suitable for the synthesis of the sulfide-sulfonium anions O1-, M1-, P1-. The analysis of the 11B NMR spectra of 1, O, M, P and anions derived from them demonstrated that the spectra of the disubstituted species can be predicted qualitatively, keeping in mind the simple substituent effects obtained from the spectra of monosubstituted anions 1 and 2. Some evidence is found for small partial double bond character of the B-SMe bonds in anions. [MePPh3]+ salts of [MeSB12H11]2- (2) and [1-(MeS)-7-(Me2S)B12H10]- (M1-) are structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystal data: [MePPh3]2[MeSB12H11], P2(1) (No. 4), a = 9.243(1) A, b = 18.272(1) A, c = 12.548(1) A, beta = 103.17(1) degrees, Z = 2; [MePPh3][1-(MeS)-7-(Me2S)B12H10], P1 (No. 2), a = 9.278(2) A, b = 12.003(5) A, c = 14.819(7) A, alpha = 112.18(4) degrees, beta = 105.61(3) degrees, gamma = 92.91(3) degrees, Z = 2.     

Unusual cationic tris(dimethylsulfide)-substituted closo-boranes: preparation and characterization of [1,7,9-(Me2S)3-B12H9] BF4 and [1,2,10-(Me2S)3-B10H7] BF4

Rational syntheses of trisubstituted sulfur-bearing closo-boranes are presented. In the development of these syntheses unusual cationic closo-boranes [1,7,9-(Me(2)S)(3)-B(12)H(9)](+) (3) and [1,2,10-(Me(2)S)(3)-B(10)H(7)](+) (4) have been identified. These were initially recognized to be intermediates in the formation of the neutral trisubstituted species 1,7-(Me(2)S)(2)-9-(MeS)-B(12)H(9) (1) and 1,10-(Me(2)S)(2)-2-(MeS)-B(10)H(7) (2), respectively. Stable tetrafluoroborate salts were prepared and isolated, and their structures are presented. They are believed to represent the first structural determinations of cationic borane clusters of any type.     

Direct and facile synthesis of carbon substituted alkylhydroxy derivatives of cobalt bis(1,2-dicarbollide), versatile building blocks for synthetic purposes

Reactions of lithiated cobalt bis(1,2-dicarbollide)(1(-)) anion (1(-)) in presence of paraformaldehyde, ethylene oxide or trimethylene oxide led to the substitution of 1(-) at the C-atoms resulting in the high yield formation of monosubstituted alkylhydroxy derivatives [(1-HO(CH(2))(n)-1,2-C(2)B(9)H(10))(1',2'-C(2)B(9)H(11))-3,3'-Co(III)](-) (n = 1-3) isolated as caesium salts (Cs2, Cs3, Cs4) along with disubstituted products of general formulation [(HO(CH(2))(n)-1,2-C(2)B(9)H(10))(2)-3,3'-Co(III)](-) (n = 1-3) (Cs5, Cs6 and Cs7). Disubstituted compounds are in fact a mixture of diastereoisomers denoted as 1,1'-anti(rac-), 1,2'-syn- and in case of Cs6 and Cs7 also 1,2-vicinal-isomer, from which only the anti-isomer could be isolated in pure form in case of shorter chain compounds Cs5 and Cs6. All these alkylhydroxy derivatives can serve as versatile precursors for the generation of a variety of functional molecules. Thus, reaction of Me(3)NH4 with NaH and one equivalent of POCl(3) provided after hydrolysis the phosphorylated [(1-(HO)(2)P(O)OC(3)H(6)-1,2-C(2)B(9)H(10))(1',2'-C(2)B(9)H(11))-3,3'-Co(III)](-) derivative, isolated in the form of trimethylammonium salt, Me(3)NH8 as the main product whereas reaction with half of the equivalent produces a high yield of phosphoric acid diester (Me(3)NH)(2)9 comprising in its structure two cages connected via propyl spacers to the central part. The calcium salt Ca(10)(2) of bridged ion [μ-(HOP(O)(OC(3)H(6))(2))-(1,2-C(2)B(9)H(10))(2)-3,3'-Co(III)](-) resulted from reaction of Me(3)NH7 with NaH and one equivalent of POCl(3) followed by hydrolysis and addition of CaCl(2). All new compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry and the structure of Me(3)NH3 and that of the respective salts of the pure anti-stereoisomer of dialkylhydroxy derivatives Cs5 and Me(3)NH6 were established by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of mono- and bisfunctional o-carboranes

Functionalized o-carboranes are interesting ligands for transition metals. Reaction of LiC2B10H11 with Me2NCH2CH2Cl in toluene afforded 1-Me2NCH2CH2-1,2-C2B10H11 (1). Treatment of 1 with 1 equiv. of n-BuLi gave [(Me2NCH2CH2)C2B10H10]Li ([1]Li), which was a very useful synthon for the production of bisfunctional o-carboranes. Reaction of [1]Li with RCH2CH2Cl afforded 1-Me2NCH2CH2-2-RCH2CH2-1,2-C2B10H10 (R = Me2N (2), MeO (3)). 1 and 2 were also prepared from the reaction of Li2C2B10H10 with excess Me2NCH2CH2Cl. Treatment of [1]Li with excess MeI or allyl bromide gave the ionic salts, [1-Me3NCH2CH2-2-Me-1,2-C2B10H10][I] (4) and [1-Me2N(CH2=CHCH2)CH2CH2-2-(CH2=CHCH2)-1,2-C2B10H10][Br] (6), respectively. Interaction of [1]Li with 1 equiv. of allyl bromide afforded 1-Me2NCH2CH2-2-(CH2=CHCH2)-1,2-C2B10H10 (5). Treatment of [1]Li with excess dimethylfulvene afforded 1-Me2NCH2CH2-2-C5H5CMe2-1,2-C2B10H10 (7). Interaction of [1]Li with excess ethylene oxide afforded an unexpected product 1-HOCH2CH2-2-(CH2=CH)-1,2-C2B10H10 (8). 1 and 3 were conveniently converted into the corresponding deborated compounds, 7-Me2NHCH2CH2-7,8-C2B9H11 (9) and 7-Me2NHCH2CH2-8-MeOCH2CH2-7,8-C2B9H10 (10), respectively, in MeOH-MeOK solution. All of these compounds were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. The solid-state structures of 4 and 6-10 were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of 13-vertex carboranes and 14-vertex metallacarboranes

Syntheses, properties, and synthetic applications of 13-vertex closo- and nido-carboranes are reported. Reactions of the nido-carborane salt [(CH2)3C2B10H10]Na2 with dihaloborane reagents afforded 13-vertex closo-carboranes 1,2-(CH2)3-3-R-1,2-C2B11H10 (R = H (2), Ph (3), Z-EtCH=C(Et) (4), E-(t)BuCH=CH (5)). Treatment of the arachno-carborane salt [(CH2)3C2B10H10]Li4 with HBBr2.SMe2 gave both the 13-vertex carborane 2 and a 14-vertex closo-carborane (CH2)3C2B12H12 (8). On the other hand, the reaction of [C6H4(CH2)2C2B10H10]Li4 with HBBr2.SMe2 generated only a 13-vertex closo-carborane 1,2-C6H4(CH2)2-1,2-C2B11H11 (9). Electrophilic substitution reactions of 2 with excess MeI, Br2, or I2 in the presence of a catalytic amount of AlCl3 produced the hexa-substituted 13-vertex carboranes 8,9,10,11,12,13-X6-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H5 (X = Me (10), Br (11), I (12)). The halogenated products 11 and 12 displayed unexpected instability toward moisture. The 13-vertex closo-carboranes were readily reduced by groups 1 and 2 metals. Accordingly, several 13-vertex nido-carborane dianionic salts [nido-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H11][Li2(DME)2(THF)2] (13), [[nido-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H11][Na2(THF)4]]n (13a), [[nido-1,2-(CH2)3-3-Ph-1,2-C2B11H10][Na2(THF)4]]n (14), [[nido-1,2-C6H4(CH2)2-1,2-C2B11H11][Na2(THF)4]]n (15), and [nido-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H11][M(THF)5] (M = Mg (16), Ca (17)) were prepared in good yields. These carbon-atom-adjacent nido-carboranes were not further reduced to the corresponding arachno species by lithium metal. On the other hand, like other nido-carborane dianions, they were useful synthons for the production of super-carboranes and supra-icosahedral metallacarboranes. Interactions of 13a with HBBr2.SMe2, (dppe)NiCl2, and (dppen)NiCl2 gave the 14-vertex carborane 8 and nickelacarboranes [eta5-(CH2)3C2B11H11]Ni(dppe) (18) and [eta5-(CH2)3C2B11H11]Ni(dppen) (19), respectively. All complexes were fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. Some were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Carba-closo-dodecaborates with one or two alkynyl substituents bonded to boron

Salts of the carba-closo-dodecaborate anion with one or two phenyl- or trimethylsilylalkynyl substituents were synthesized by Pd-catalyzed Kumada-type cross-coupling reactions of the corresponding iodinated clusters with alkynyl Grignard reagents. Selective monofunctionalization in the 7- and 12-position of the {closo-CB(11)} cluster was achieved, resulting in salts of the anions: [1-R-12-R'C[triple bond]C-closo-CB(11)H(10)](-) (R = H, Ph; R' = Ph, Me(3)Si (1-4)), [12-Hal-7-PhC[triple bond]C-closo-CB(11)H(10)](-) (Hal = F (5), Cl (6), Br (7)), and [12-F-7-Me(3)SiC[triple bond]C-closo-CB(11)H(10)](-) (8). Furthermore, the disubstituted derivatives [7,12-(RC[triple bond]C)(2)-closo-CB(11)H(10)](-) (R = Ph (9), Me(3)Si (10)) are described. All salts were characterized by multi-NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy as well as by mass spectrometry (MALDI). The crystal structures of Cs(+)1 and [Et(4)N](+)6 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The spectroscopic and structural properties are compared to values derived from DFT calculations and to data of related boron species with alkynyl groups.     

Reduction of inner sulfonium salts, thioethers, and sulfones derived from closo-[B12H12]2- by lithium in methylamine: a new route to mercaptododecaborates

Anions [Me2SB12H11]- (2) and [MeSB12H11]2- (3) can be reduced by excess lithium in methylamine at -15 degrees C to yield [HSB12H11]2- (1) after workup. Such behavior toward this reducing system is similar to that of alkyl aryl sulfides. The sulfone [MeSO2B12H11]2- (12) also yields 1 as a major boron product upon reduction, while alkyl aryl sulfones produce the corresponding arenes under the same conditions. Similarly, isomers of (Me2S)2B12H10 (4-6) are reduced by lithium in methylamine yielding dithiols [(HS)2B12H10]2- (7-9). The tetrabutylammonium salts of 1 and 7-9 are obtained in 80-90% yields and characterized by multinuclear NMR and mass spectrometry, the latter three compounds being isolated and characterized for the first time. The reduction reaction provides access to dithiols 7-9 for biological evaluation and use in synthesis. Thus, 2 and 4-6 can be easily converted to [R2SB12H11]- and (R2S)2B12H10 in a two-step reduction-alkylation procedure. 1,2-(Bn2S)2B12H10 (13) obtained by alkylation of the reduction product of 4 by benzyl chloride was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystal data for 1,2-(Bn2S)2B12H10.CD3CN: C2/c (No. 15), a = 13.666(1) A, b = 16.978(1) A, c = 14.667(1) A, beta = 91.08(1) degrees, Z = 4.     

Syntheses, structures and properties of a series of non-heme alkoxide-Fe(III) complexes of a benzimidazolyl-rich ligand as models for lipoxygenase

The treatment of Fe(ClO(4))(2)·6H(2)O or Fe(ClO(4))(3)·9H(2)O with a benzimidazolyl-rich ligand, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis[(1-methyl-2-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-1,2-ethanediamine (medtb) in alcohol/MeCN gives a mononuclear ferrous complex, [Fe(II)(medtb)](ClO(4))(2)·?CH(3)CN·?CH(3)OH (1), and four non-heme alkoxide-iron(III) complexes, [Fe(III)(OMe)(medtb)](ClO(4))(2)·H(2)O (2, alcohol = MeOH), [Fe(III)(OEt)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·CH(3)CN (3, alcohol = EtOH), [Fe(III)(O(n)Pr)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·(n)PrOH·2CH(3)CN (4, alcohol = n-PrOH), and [Fe(III)(O(n)Bu)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·3CH(3)CN·H(2)O (5, alcohol = n-BuOH), respectively. The alkoxide-iron(III) complexes all show 1) a Fe(III)-OR center (R = Me, 2; Et, 3; (n)Pr, 4; (n)Bu, 5) with the Fe-O bond distances in the range of 1.781-1.816 ?, and 2) a yellow color and an intense electronic transition around 370 nm. The alkoxide-iron(III) complexes can be reduced by organic compounds with a cis,cis-1,4-diene moiety via the hydrogen atom abstraction reaction.     

Synthesis and characterisation of new titanium amino-alkoxides: precursors for the formation of TiO2 materials

Reaction of the amino-alkoxides HOCH(CH(2)NMe(2))(2) (Hbdmap) and HOC(CH(2)NMe(2))(3) (Htdmap) with [Ti(OR)(4)] yields a series of heteroleptic titanium alkoxides [Ti(OR)(4-n)(L)(n)] (L = bdmap, tdmap). Substitution of the monodentate alkoxide with the chelating alkoxides becomes progressively more difficult, with homogeneous products being obtained only for n = 1, 2. The structure of [Ti(OEt)(3)(bdmap)](2), a mu-OEt bridged dimer, has been determined. Hydrolysis of [Ti(OR)(2)(L)(2)], by adventitious moisture affords the dimeric oxo-alkoxides [Ti(O)(L)(2)](2), both of which have been characterised crystallographically. These two compounds have also been prepared by reaction of [Ti(NMe(2))(2)(L)(2)] with the hydrated metal salts [Zn(acac)(2).2H(2)O] and [Zn(OAc)(2).2H(2)O] using the intrinsic water molecules in these salts to react with the labile amido groups, though the former also produces Me(Me(2)N)C=C(H)C(O)Me from reaction of liberated HNMe(2) with the coordinated acac ligand, while the latter also affords the ligand exchange product [Zn(OAc)(bdmap)]. In neither case does the free dimethylamino group of [Ti(O)(L)(2)](2) coordinate a second metal. The dimeric structure of [Zn(OAc)(bdmap)](2) has been established, and the structure of the tetrameric oxo-alkoxide [Ti(O)(OPr(i))(OCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))](4) is reported for comparison with others in this study. [Ti(OEt)(3)(bdmap)](2) has been used as a precursor in AACVD (Aerosol-Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition) to generate amorphous TiO(2) films on glass at 440 degrees C, and TiO(2)@C nanoparticles of approximate diameter 350 nm with a carbon coating of width ca. 75 nm on heating in a sealed container at 700 degrees C.     

Multinuclear platinum(II)-amine complexes containing bis(aminopropyl)dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12) ligands

Treatment of the bridging bidentate 1,Z-bis(aminopropyl)-1,Z-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12)(1,Z-bis(aminopropyl)-1,Z-carborane) ligands of the type 1,Z-[H(2)N(CH(2))(3)](2)-1,Z-C(2)B(10)H(10)(L(1), Z= 7, 5) or (L(2), Z= 12, 6) with two equivalents of trans-[PtClI(2)(NH(3))](-), followed by halogen ligand metathesis with AgOTf and HCl((aq)) afforded the novel diplatinum(II)-amine species cis-[[PtCl(2)(NH(3))](2)L(n)](7(n= 1) or 8(n= 2), respectively). Similarly, the reaction of L(1) or L(2) with the labile trans-[PtCl(dmf)(NH(3))(2)](+) afforded trans-[[PtCl(NH(3))(2)](2)L(n)](OTf)(2)(9(n= 1) or 10(n= 2), respectively) in good yield and purity. However, isolation of the analogous 1,2-carborane complexes was not possible owing to decomposition reactions that led to extensive degradation of the carborane cage and reduction of the metal centre. The mixed dinuclear complex [cis-[PtCl(2)(NH(3))]-L(1)-trans-[PtCl(NH(3))(2)]]OTf (19) was prepared by treatment of the Boc-protected amine ligand 1-[(Boc)(2)N(CH(2))(3)]-7-[H(2)N(CH(2))(3)]-1,7-C(2)B(10)H(10)(L(3), 15) with trans-[PtCl(dmf)(NH(3))(2)](+) to yield trans-[PtCl(NH(3))(2)L(3)]OTf (16), followed by acid deprotection of the pendant amine group, complexation with trans-[PtClI(2)(NH(3))](-), and halogen ligand metathesis using AgOTf and HCl((aq)). A novel trinuclear species containing 5 was prepared by the addition of two equivalents of 15 to the labile precursor cis-[Pt(dmf)(2)(NH(3))(2)](2+) followed by acid deprotection of the pendant amine groups. Further complexation with two equivalents of trans-[PtClI(2)(NH(3))](-) followed by halogen ligand metathesis using AgOTf and HCl((aq)) afforded the triplatinum(II)-amine species [cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2)(L(1))(2)]-cis-[PtCl(2)(NH(3))](2)](OTf)(2)(23). Complexes 7-10, 19 and 23 represent the first examples of multinuclear platinum(ii)-amine derivatives containing carborane cages. Preliminary in vitro cytotoxicity studies for selected complexes are also reported.     

Designing ionic liquids with boron cluster anions: alkylpyridinium and imidazolium [nido-C(2)B(9)H(11)] and [closo-CB(11)H(12)] carborane salts

A range of new alkylpyridinium and imidazolium carborane salts with [nido-C(2)B(9)H(12)](-), [closo-CB(11)H(12)](-), and [RC(2)B(11)H(11)](-) (R = methyl or butyl) anions have been prepared and characterized by physical and thermal methods, including the solid state structures of five of the salts determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The tendency of the salts to form low-melting ionic liquids has been assessed; all the salts studied with [nido-C(2)B(9)H(12)](-) anions melted below 100 degrees C and, significantly, have melting points that are 25-85 degrees C lower than those of the corresponding [closo-CB(11)H(12)](-) analogs, demonstrating that a wider range of boron-rich ionic liquid materials can be readily accessed.     

Synthesis,structural characterization,and reactions of cyclic organohydroborate half-zirconocene compounds

Cyclic organohydroborate complexes of zirconium monocyclopentadienyl CpZr[(mu-H)(2)BC(5)H(10)](3), 1, and CpZr[(mu-H)(2)BC(8)H(14)](3), 2, were prepared from the reaction of CpZrCl(3) with 3 mol of K[H(2)BC(5)H(10)] and K[H(2)BC(8)H(10)], respectively, in diethyl ether. Compounds 1 and 2 react with the hydride ion abstracting agent B(C(6)F(5))(3) to form the same salt [CpZr(OEt)(OEt(2))(mu-OEt)](2)[HB(C(6)F(5))(3)](2), 5. The complexes CpZr(Cl)[(mu-H)(2)BC(8)H(14)](2), 3, and CpZr(Cl)[(mu-H)(2)BC(8)H(14)](2) [where Cp = C(5)(CH(3))(5)], 4, were prepared from the reaction of CpZrCl(3) and CpZrCl(3) with K[H(2)BC(8)H(10)] in 1:2 molar ratios, respectively. An alpha-hydrogen of a BC(8)H(14) unit forms an agostic interaction with Zr in compound 3 but not in 4. All of the compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Formation and reactivity of the cyclometallated N-heterocyclic carbene complexes [Ru(NHC)'(dppe)(CO)H

Thermolysis of [Ru(PPh(3))(dppe)(CO)HCl] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) with the N-heterocyclic carbenes I(i)Pr(2)Me(2) (1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethyl-imidazol-2-ylidene), IEt(2)Me(2) (1,3-diethyl-4,5-dimethyl-imidazol-2-ylidene) or ICy (1,3-dicyclohexylimidazol-2-ylidene) gave the cyclometallated carbene complexes [Ru(NHC)'(dppe)(CO)H] (NHC = I(i)Pr(2)Me(2), 4; IEt(2)Me(2), 5; ICy, 6). Dissolution of 4 in CH(2)Cl(2) or CHCl(3) gave the trans-Cl-Ru-P complex [Ru(I(i)Pr(2)Me(2))'(dppe)(CO)Cl] (7), which converted over hours at room temperature to the trans-Cl-Ru-CO isomer 7'. Chloride abstraction from 7 by NaBPh(4) under an atmosphere of H(2) produced the cationic mono-hydride complex [Ru(I(i)Pr(2)Me(2))(dppe)(CO)H][BPh(4)] (9), which could also be formed by protonating 4 with 1 eq HBF(4)·OEt(2). Treatment of 4 with excess HBF(4)·OEt(2) followed by extraction into MeCN produced the dicationic acetonitrile complex [Ru(I(i)Pr(2)Me(2))(dppe)(CO)(NCMe)(2)][BF(4)](2) (10). The structures of 6, 7, 7' and 10 have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Formation and chemical reactivities of a new type of double-butterfly [[Fe2(mu-CO)(CO)6]2(mu-SZS-mu)]2-: synthetic and structural studies on novel linear and macrocyclic butterfly Fe/E (E=S,Se) cluster complexes

A new type of double-butterfly [[Fe(2)(mu-CO)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)](2-) (3), a dianion that has two mu-CO ligands, has been synthesized from dithiol HSZSH (Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2)), [Fe(3)(CO)(12)], and Et(3)N in a molar ratio of 1:2:2 at room temperature. Interestingly, the in situ reactions of dianions 3 with various electrophiles affords a series of novel linear and macrocyclic butterfly Fe/E (E=S, Se) cluster complexes. For instance, while reactions of 3 with PhC(O)Cl and Ph(2)PCl give linear clusters [[Fe(2)(mu-PhCO)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (4 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2)) and [[Fe(2)(mu-Ph(2)P)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (5 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2)), reactions with CS(2) followed by treatment with monohalides RX or dihalides X-Y-X give both linear clusters [[Fe(2)(mu-RCS(2))(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (6 a-e: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1,2)CH(2); R=Me, PhCH(2), FeCp(CO)(2)) and macrocyclic clusters [[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)(mu-CS(2)YCS(2)-mu)] (7 a-e: Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2); Y=(CH(2))(2-4), 1,3,5-Me(CH(2))(2)C(6)H(3), 1,4-(CH(2))(2)C(6)H(4)). In addition, reactions of dianions 3 with [Fe(2)(mu-S(2))(CO)(6)] followed by treatment with RX or X-Y-X give linear clusters [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-RS)(mu(4)-S)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (8 a-c: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1,2)CH(2); R=Me, PhCH(2)) and macrocyclic clusters [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-S)](2)(mu-SYS-mu)(mu-SZS-mu)] (9 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2); Y=(CH(2))(4)), and reactions with SeCl(2) afford macrocycles [[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-Se)(mu-SZS-mu)] (10 d: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(3)CH(2)) and [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-Se)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)(2)] (11 a-d: Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2)). Production pathways have been suggested; these involve initial nucleophilic attacks by the Fe-centered dianions 3 at the corresponding electrophiles. All the products are new and have been characterized by combustion analysis and spectroscopy, and by X-ray diffraction techniques for 6 c, 7 d, 9 b, 10 d, and 11 c in particular. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the double-butterfly cluster core Fe(4)S(2)Se in 10 d is severely distorted in comparison to that in 11 c. In view of the Z chains in 10 a-c being shorter than the chain in 10 d, the double cluster core Fe(4)S(2)Se in 10 a-c would be expected to be even more severely distorted, a possible reason for why 10 a-c could not be formed.     

Untethered 4,1,2-MC(2)B(10) supraicosahedral metallacarboranes, their C,C'-dimethyl 4,1,6-, 4,1,8- and 4,1,12-MC(2)B(10) analogues, and DFT study of the (4,)1,2- to (4,)1,6-isomerisations of C(2)B(11) carboranes and MC(2)B(10) metallacarboranes

Reduction of the tethered carborane 1,2-μ-(CH(2)SiMe(2)CH(2))-1,2-closo-C(2)B(10)H(10) followed by metallation with {CpCo} or {(p-cymene)Ru} fragments affords both C,C'-dimethyl 4,1,2-MC(2)B(10) and 4,1,6-MC(2)B(10) species. DFT calculations indicate that the barriers to isomerisation of both 4-Cp-4,1,2-closo-CoC(2)B(10)H(12) and 4-(η-C(6)H(6))-4,1,2-closo-RuC(2)B(10)H(12) to their respective 4,1,6-isomers are too high for this to be the origin of the unexpected formation of 4,1,6-MC(2)B(10) products (in marked contrast to the related isomerisation of 1,2-closo-C(2)B(11)H(13) to 1,6-closo-C(2)B(11)H(13)), and, indeed, the 4,1,2-species are recovered unchanged from refluxing toluene. Equally, the DFT-calculated profile for the isomerisation of [7,8-nido-C(2)B(10)H(12)](2-) to [7,9-nido-C(2)B(10)H(12)](2-) suggests that the unexpected formation of 4,1,6-metallacarboranes is unlikely to result from isomerisation of a reduced (nido) carborane following desilylation. Instead, the source of the 4,1,6-MC(2)B(10) compounds is traced to desilylation of 1,2-μ-(CH(2)SiMe(2)CH(2))-1,2-closo-C(2)B(10)H(10) by Li or Na prior to reduction. The supraicosahedral metallacarboranes 1,8-Me(2)-4-Cp-4,1,8-closo-CoC(2)B(10)H(10), 1,12-Me(2)-4-Cp-4,1,12-closo-CoC(2)B(10)H(10) and 1,12-Me(2)-4-(p-cymene)-4,1,12-closo-RuC(2)B(10)H(10) are also reported with all new species characterised both spectroscopically and crystallographically.     

Synthesis and structure of a bismuth(III)/chromium(VI) oxo cluster containing a Bi4Cr4O12 core

Bismuth(III) compounds containing the Kl?ui's oxygen tripodal ligand [CpCo{P(O)(OEt)(2)}(3)](-) (L(OEt)(-)) have been synthesized, and their interactions with dichromate in aqueous media were studied. The treatment of Bi(5)O(OH)(9)(NO(3))(4) with NaL(OEt) in water afforded [L(OEt)Bi(NO(3))(2)](2) (1), whereas that of BiCl(3) with NaL(OEt) in CH(2)Cl(2) yielded L(OEt)BiCl(2) (2). Chloride abstraction of 2 with AgX afforded [L(OEt)BiX(2)](2) [X(-) = triflate (OTf(-)) (3), tosylate (OTs(-)) (4)]. In aqueous solutions at pH > 4, 4 underwent ligand redistribution to give the bis(tripod) complex [(L(OEt))(2)Bi(H(2)O)][OTs] (5). The treatment of 4 with Na(2)Cr(2)O(7) in acetone/water afforded the Bi(III)/Cr(VI) oxo cluster [(L(OEt))(4)Bi(4)(μ(3)-CrO(4))(2)(μ(3)-Cr(2)O(7))(2)] (6) containing a unique Bi(4)Cr(4)O(12) oxometallic core. Compound 6 oxidized benzyl alcohol to give ca. 6 equiv of benzaldehyde. The reaction between 2 and CrO(3) yielded [L(OEt)Bi(OCrO(2)Cl)](2)(μ-Cl)(2) (7). The crystal structures of complexes 4-7 have been determined.     

Ni(P(Ph)2N(C6H4X)2)2]2+ complexes as electrocatalysts for H2 production: effect of substituents, acids, and water on catalytic rates

A series of mononuclear nickel(II) bis(diphosphine) complexes [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4X)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) (P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4X)(2) = 1,5-di(para-X-phenyl)-3,7-diphenyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane; X = OMe, Me, CH(2)P(O)(OEt)(2), Br, and CF(3)) have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4Me)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4OMe)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) are tetracoordinate with distorted square planar geometries. The Ni(II/I) and Ni(I/0) redox couples of each complex are electrochemically reversible in acetonitrile with potentials that are increasingly cathodic as the electron-donating character of X is increased. Each of these complexes is an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen production at the potential of the Ni(II/I) couple. The catalytic rates generally increase as the electron-donating character of X is decreased, and this electronic effect results in the favorable but unusual situation of obtaining higher catalytic rates as overpotentials are decreased. Catalytic studies using acids with a range of pK(a) values reveal that turnover frequencies do not correlate with substrate acid pK(a) values but are highly dependent on the acid structure, with this effect being related to substrate size. Addition of water is shown to dramatically increase catalytic rates for all catalysts. With [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4CH2P(O)(OEt)2)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) using [(DMF)H](+)OTf(-) as the acid and with added water, a turnover frequency of 1850 s(-1) was obtained.     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of Group 4 metallacycles incorporating a Me2C-linked cyclopentadienyl-carboranyl ligand

Group 4 metallacycles [eta5:sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti[eta2-N(Me)CH2CH2N(Me)] (1a), [eta5:sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Zr[eta2-N(Me)CH2CH2N(Me)](HNMe2) (1b) and [eta5:sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]M[eta2-N(Me)CH2CH2CH2N(Me)] (M = Ti (2a), Zr (2b), Hf (2c)) were synthesized by reaction of [eta5:sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]M(NMe2)(2) (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) with MeNH(CH2)(n)NHMe (n = 2, 3). These metal complexes reacted with unsaturated molecules such as 2,6-Me2C6H3NC, PhNCO and PhCN to give exclusively M-N bond insertion products. The M-C(cage) bond remained intact. Such a preference of M-N over M-C(cage) insertion is suggested to most likely be governed by steric factors, and the mobility of the migratory groups plays no obvious role in the reactions. This work also shows that the insertion of unsaturated molecules into the metallacycles is a useful and effective method for the construction of very large ring systems.     

Controlled direct synthesis of C-mono- and C-disubstituted derivatives of [3,3'-Co(1,2-C2B9H11)2]- with organosilane groups: theoretical calculations compared with experimental results

Mono- and dilithium salts of [3,3'-Co(1,2-C(2)B(9)H(11))(2)](-), (1(-)), react with different chlorosilanes (Me(2)SiHCl, Me(2)SiCl(2), Me(3)SiCl and MeSiHCl(2)) with an accurate control of the temperature to give a set of novel C(c)-mono- (C(c) = C(cluster)) and C(c)-disubstituted cobaltabis(dicarbollide) derivatives with silyl functions: [1-SiMe(2)H-3,3'-Co(1,2-C(2)B(9)H(10))(1',2'-C(2)B(9)H(11))](-) (3(-)); [1,1'-mu-SiMe(2)-3,3'-Co(1,2-C(2)B(9)H(10))(2)](-) (4(-)); [1,1'-mu-SiMeH-3,3'-Co(1,2-C(2)B(9)H(10))(2)](-) (5(-)); [1-SiMe(3)-3,3'-Co(1,2-C(2)B(9)H(10))(1',2'-C(2)B(9)H(11))](-) (6(-)) and [1,1'-(SiMe(3))(2)-3,3'-Co(1,2-C(2)B(9)H(10))(2)](-) (7(-)). In a similar way, the [8,8'-mu-(1',2'-C(6)H(4))-1,1'-mu-SiMe(2)-3,3'-Co(1,2-C(2)B(9)H(9))(2)](-) (8(-)); [8,8'-mu-(1',2'-C(6)H(4))-1,1'-mu-SiMeH-3,3'-Co(1,2-C(2)B(9)H(9))(2)](-) (9(-)) and [8,8'-mu-(1',2'-C(6)H(4))-1-SiMe(3)-3,3'-Co(1,2-C(2)B(9)H(9))(1',2'-C(2)B(9)H(10))](-) (10(-)) ions have been prepared from [8,8'-mu-(1',2'-C(6)H(4))-3,3'-Co(1,2-C(2)B(9)H(10))(2)](-) (2(-)). Thus, depending on the chlorosilane, the temperature and the stoichiometry of nBuLi used, it has been possible to control the number of substituents on the C(c) atoms and the nature of the attached silyl function. All compounds were characterised by NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry; [NMe(4)]-3, [NMe(4)]-4 and [NMe(4)]-7 were successfully isolated in crystalline forms suitable for X-ray diffraction analyses. The 4(-) and 8(-) ions, which contain one bridging -mu-SiMe(2) group between each of the dicarbollide clusters, were unexpectedly obtained from the reaction of the monolithium salts of 1(-) and 2(-), respectively, with Me(2)SiHCl at -78 degrees C in 1,2-dimethoxyethane. This suggests that an intramolecular reaction has taken place, in which the acidic C(c)-H proton reacts with the hydridic Si-H, with subsequent loss of H(2). Some aspects of this reaction have been studied by using DFT calculations and have been compared with experimental results. In addition, DFT theoretical studies at the B3 LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory were applied to optimise the geometries of ions 1(-)-10(-) and calculate their relative energies. Results indicate that the racemic mixtures, rac form, are more stable than the meso isomers. A good concordance between theoretical studies and experimental results has been achieved.     

Phosphato, chromato, and perrhenato complexes of titanium(IV) and zirconium(IV) containing Kläui's tripodal ligand

Treatment of titanyl sulfate in dilute sulfuric acid with 1 equiv of NaL(OEt) (L(OEt)(-) = [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Co{P(O)(OEt)(2)](3)](-)) in the presence of Na(3)PO(4) and Na(4)P(2)O(7) led to isolation of [(L(OEt)Ti)(3)(mu-O)(3)(mu(3-)PO(4))] (1) and [(L(OEt)Ti)(2)(mu-O)(mu-P(2)O(7))] (2), respectively. The structure of 1 consists of a Ti(3)O(3) core capped by a mu(3)-phosphato group. In 2, the [P(2)O(7)](4-) ligands binds to the two Ti's in a mu:eta(2),eta(2) fashion. Treatment of titanyl sulfate in dilute sulfuric acid with NaL(OEt) and 1.5 equiv of Na(2)Cr(2)O(7) gave [(L(OEt)Ti)(2)(mu-CrO(4))(3)] (3) that contains two L(OEt)Ti(3+) fragments bridged by three mu-CrO(4)(2-)-O,O' ligands. Complex 3 can act as a 6-electron oxidant and oxidize benzyl alcohol to give ca. 3 equiv of benzaldehyde. Treatment of [L(OEt)Ti(OTf)(3)] (OTf(-) = triflate) with [n-Bu(4)N][ReO(4)] afforded [[L(OEt)Ti(ReO(4))(2)](2)(mu-O)] (4). Treatment of [L(OEt)MF(3)] (M = Ti and Zr) with 3 equiv of [ReO(3)(OSiMe(3))] afforded [L(OEt)Ti(ReO(4))(3)] (5) and [L(OEt)Zr(ReO(4))(3)(H(2)O)] (6), respectively. Treatment of [L(OEt)MF(3)] with 2 equiv of [ReO(3)(OSiMe(3))] afforded [L(OEt)Ti(ReO(4))(2)F] (7) and [[L(OEt)Zr(ReO(4))(2)](2)(mu-F)(2)] (8), respectively, which reacted with Me(3)SiOTf to give [L(OEt)M(ReO(4))(2)(OTf)] (M = Ti (9), Zr (10)). Hydrolysis of [L(OEt)Zr(OTf)(3)] (11) with Na(2)WO(4).xH(2)O and wet CH(2)Cl(2) afforded the hydroxo-bridged complexes [[L(OEt)Zr(H(2)O)](3)(mu-OH)(3)(mu(3)-O)][OTf](4) (12) and [[L(OEt)Zr(H(2)O)(2)](2)(mu-OH)(2)][OTf](4) (13), respectively. The solid-state structures of 1-3, 6, and 11-13 have been established by X-ray crystallography. The L(OEt)Ti(IV) complexes can catalyze oxidation of methyl p-tolyl sulfide with tert-butyl hydroperoxide. The bimetallic Ti/ Re complexes 5 and 9 were found to be more active catalysts for the sulfide oxidation than other Ti(IV) complexes presumably because Re alkylperoxo species are involved as the reactive intermediates.