Half-sandwich bis(tetramethylaluminate) complexes of the rare-earth metals: synthesis, structural chemistry, and performance in isoprene polymerization

The protonolysis reaction of [Ln(AlMe(4))(3)] with various substituted cyclopentadienyl derivatives HCp(R) gives access to a series of half-sandwich complexes [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))]. Whereas bis(tetramethylaluminate) complexes with [1,3-(Me(3)Si)(2)C(5)H(3)] and [C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3)] ancillary ligands form easily at ambient temperature for the entire Ln(III) cation size range (Ln=Lu, Y, Sm, Nd, La), exchange with the less reactive [1,2,4-(Me(3)C)(3)C(5)H(3)] was only obtained at elevated temperatures and for the larger metal centers Sm, Nd, and La. X-ray structure analyses of seven representative complexes of the type [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))] reveal a similar distinct [AlMe(4)] coordination (one eta(2), one bent eta(2)). Treatment with Me(2)AlCl leads to [AlMe(4)] --> [Cl] exchange and, depending on the Al/Ln ratio and the Cp(R) ligand, varying amounts of partially and fully exchanged products [{Ln(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl)(Cp(R))}(2)] and [{Ln(mu-Cl)(2)(Cp(R))}(n)], respectively, have been identified. Complexes [{Y(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl)(C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3))}(2)] and [{Nd(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl){1,2,4-(Me(3)C)(3)C(5)H(2)}}(2)] have been characterized by X-ray structure analysis. All of the chlorinated half-sandwich complexes are inactive in isoprene polymerization. However, activation of the complexes [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))] with boron-containing cocatalysts, such as [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], [PhNMe(2)H][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], or B(C(6)F(5))(3), produces initiators for the fabrication of trans-1,4-polyisoprene. The choice of rare-earth metal cation size, Cp(R) ancillary ligand, and type of boron cocatalyst crucially affects the polymerization performance, including activity, catalyst efficiency, living character, and polymer stereoregularity. The highest stereoselectivities were observed for the precatalyst/cocatalyst systems [La(AlMe(4))(2)(C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3))]/B(C(6)F(5))(3) (trans-1,4 content: 95.6 %, M(w)/M(n)=1.26) and [La(AlMe(4))(2)(C(5)Me(5))]/B(C(6)F(5))(3) (trans-1,4 content: 99.5 %, M(w)/M(n)=1.18).     

Access to new Janus head ligands: linking sulfur diimides and phosphanes for hemilabile tripodal scorpionates

Reactions of lithium dialkyl/phenyl phosphanylmethylides, RR'PCH(X)Li (R, R' = Me, Et, Ph and R = Me, R' = Ph; X = H or Me), with sulfur diimides S(NR')2 (R' = (t)Bu or SiMe3) in an equimolar ratio yielded Janus head complexes with the structural motif [Li{RR'PCH(X)S(NR')2}]2 (R' = (t)Bu, SiMe3). The basic core of these dimeric complexes is composed of a (LiN)(2) four-membered ring containing two four-coordinated lithium atoms. A lithium complex of the new Janus head ligand with another structural motif [TMEDA·Li{Ph(2)PCH(2)S(NSiMe3)2}] (6) could be isolated from the reaction of [Ph2PCH2Li·TMEDA] with S(NSiMe3)2. Two monomeric complexes [Mg{Me2PCH2S(NR')2}2] (7, 8) were synthesised by a straightforward reaction of [Li{Me2PCH2S(NR')2}2] with MgCl2 in pentane. The magnesium atom is chelated by one phosphorus atom and two nitrogen atoms of each unit of the hemilabile ligand in a tripodal manner, leading to octahedral geometry around the magnesium cation. A complete analysis of [Ph2PCH2(SNSiMe3)(HNSiMe3)] (9) is also described in which one nitrogen atom of the imido moiety is protonated.     

Application of molybdenum bis(imido) complexes in ethylene dimerisation catalysis

In combination with EtAlCl(2) (Mo : Al = 1 : 15) the imido complexes [MoCl(2)(NR)(NR')(dme)] (R = R' = 2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3) (1); R = 2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3), R' = Bu(t) (3); R = R' = Bu(t) (4); dme = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) and [Mo(NHBu(t))(2)(NR)(2)] (R = 2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3) (5); R = Bu(t) (6)) each show moderate TON, activity, and selectivity for the catalytic dimerisation of ethylene, which is influenced by the nature of the imido substituents. In contrast, the productivity of [MoCl(2)(NPh)(2)(dme)] (2) is low and polymerisation is favoured over dimerisation. Catalysis initiated by complexes 1-4 in combination with MeAlCl(2) (Mo : Al = 1 : 15) exhibits a significantly lower productivity. Reaction of complex 5 with EtAlCl(2) (2 equiv.) gives rise to a mixture of products, while addition of MeAlCl(2) affords [MoMe(2)(N-2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3))(2)]. Treatment of 6 with RAlCl(2) (2 equiv.) (R = Me, Et) yields [Mo({μ-N-Bu(t)}AlCl(2))(2)] (7) in both cases. Imido derivatives 1 and 3 react with Me(3)Al and MeAlCl(2) to form the bimetallic complexes [MoMe(2)(N{R}AlMe(2){μ-Cl})(NR')] (R = R' = 2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3) (8); R = 2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3), R' = Bu(t) (10)) and [MoMe(2)(N{R}AlCl(2){μ-Cl})(NR')] (R = R' = 2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3) (9); R = 2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3), R' = Bu(t) (11)), respectively. Exposure of complex 8 to five equivalents of thf or PMe(3) affords the adducts [MoMe(2)(N-2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3))(2)(L)] (L = thf (12); L = PMe(3) (13)), while reaction with NEt(3) (5 equiv.) yields [MoMe(2)(N-2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3))(2)]. The molecular structures of complexes 5, 9 and 11 have been determined.     

Non-innocent behaviour of imido ligands in the reactions of silanes with half-sandwich imido complexes of Nb and V: a silane/imido coupling route to compounds with nonclassical Si--H interactions

Reactions of imido complexes [M(Cp)(=NR')(PR'3)2] (M=V, Nb) with silanes afford a plethora of products, depending on the nature of the metal, substitution at silicon and nitrogen and the steric properties of the phosphine. The main products are [M(Cp)(=NR')(PR3)(H)(SiRnCl3-n)] (M=V, Nb; R'=2,6-diisopropylphenyl (Ar), 2,6-dimethylphenyl (Ar')), [Nb(Cp)(=NR')(PR'3)(H)(SiPhR2)] (R2=MeH, H2), [Nb(Cp)(==NR')(PR'3)(Cl)(SiHRnCl2-n)] and [Nb(Cp)(eta 3-N(R)SiR2--H...)(PR'3)(Cl)]. Complexes with the smaller Ar' substituent at nitrogen react faster, as do more acidic silanes. Bulkier groups at silicon and phosphorus slow down the reaction substantially. Kinetic NMR experiments supported by DFT calculations reveal an associative mechanism going via an intermediate N-silane adduct [Nb(Cp){=N(-->SiHClR2)R'}(PR'3)2] bearing a penta-coordinate silicon centre, which then rearranges into the final products through a Si--H or Si--Cl bond activation process. DFT calculations show that this imido-silane adduct is additionally stabilized by a Si--HM agostic interaction. Si--H activation is kinetically preferred even when Si--Cl activation affords thermodynamically more stable products. The niobium complexes [NbCp(=NAr)(PMe3)(H)(SiR2Cl)] (R=Ph, Cl) are classical according to X-ray studies, but DFT calculations suggest the presence of interligand hypervalent interactions (IHI) in the model complex [Nb(Cp) (==NMe)(PMe3)(H)(SiMe2Cl)]. The extent of Si--H activation in the beta-Si--HM agostic complexes [Cp{eta 3-N(R')SiR2--H}M(PR'3)(Cl)] (R'=PMe3, PMe2Ph) primarily depends on the identity of the ligand trans to the Si--H bond. A trans phosphine leads to a stronger Si--H bond, manifested by a larger J(Si--H) coupling constant. The Si--H activation diminishes slightly when a less basic phosphine is employed, consistent with decreased back-donation from the metal.     

Probing the reactivity and electronic structure of a uranium(V) terminal oxo complex

Treatment of the U(III)-ylide adduct U(CH(2)PPh(3))(NR(2))(3) (1, R = SiMe(3)) with TEMPO generates the U(V) oxo metallacycle [Ph(3)PCH(3)][U(O)(CH(2)SiMe(2)NSiMe(3))(NR(2))(2)] (2) via O-atom transfer, in good yield. Oxidation of 2 with 0.85 equiv of AgOTf affords the neutral U(VI) species U(O)(CH(2)SiMe(2)NSiMe(3))(NR(2))(2) (3). The electronic structures of 2 and 3 are investigated by DFT analysis. Additionally, the nucleophilicity of the oxo ligands in 2 and 3 toward Me(3)SiI is explored.     

Unique {H(SiR(3))(2)}, (H(2)SiR(3)), H(HSiR(3)), and (H(2))SiR(3) ligand sets supported by the {Fe(Cp)(L)} platform (L=CO, PR(3))

This work deals with the type and incidence of nonclassical Si--H and H--H interactions in a family of silylhydride complexes [Fe(Cp)(OC)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))H(X)] (X=SiMe(n)Cl(3-n), H, Me, n=0-3) and [Fe(Cp)(Me(3)P)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))(2)H] (n=0-3). DFT calculations complemented by atom-in-molecule analysis and calculations of NMR hydrogen-silicon coupling constants revealed a surprising diversity of nonclassical Si--H and H--H interligand interactions. The compounds [Fe(Cp)(L)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))(2)H] (L=CO, PMe(3); n=0-3) exhibit an unusual distortion from the ideal piano-stool geometry in that the silyl ligands are strongly shifted toward the hydride and there is a strong trend towards flattening of the {FeSi(2)H} fragment. Such a distortion leads to short Si--H contacts (range 2.030-2.075 A) and large Mayer bond orders. A novel feature of these extended Si--H interactions is that they are rather insensitive towards the substitution at the silicon atom and the orientation of the silyl ligand relatively the Fe--H bond. NMR spectroscopy and bonding features of the related complexes [Fe(Cp)(OC)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))H(Me)] (n=0-3) allow for their rationalization as usual eta(2)-Si--H silane sigma-complexes. The series of "dihydride" complexes [Fe(Cp)(OC)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))H(2)] (n=0-3) is different from the previous two families in that the type of interligand interactions strongly depends on the substitution on silicon. They can be classified either as usual dihydrogen complexes, for example, [Fe(Cp)(OC)(SiMe(2)Cl)(eta(2)-H(2))], or as compounds with nonclassical H--Si interactions, for example, [Fe(Cp)(OC)(H)(2)(SiMe(3))] (16). These nonclassical interligand interactions are characterized by increased negative J(H,Si) (e.g. -27.5 Hz) and increased J(H,H) (e.g. 67.7 Hz).     

Homoleptic rare-earth metal(III) tetramethylaluminates: structural chemistry, reactivity, and performance in isoprene polymerization

The complexes [Ln(AlMe4)3] (Ln=Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Ho, Lu) have been synthesized by an amide elimination route and the structures of [Lu{(micro-Me)2AlMe2}3], [Sm{(micro-Me)2AlMe2}3], [Pr{(micro-Me)2AlMe2}3], and [La{(micro-Me)2AlMe2}2{(micro-Me)3AlMe}] determined by X-ray crystallography. These structures reveal a distinct Ln3+ cation size-dependency. A comprehensive insight into the intrinsic properties and solution coordination phenomena of [Ln(AlMe4)3] complexes has been gained from extended dynamic 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic studies, as well as 1D 89Y, 2D 1H/89Y, and 27Al NMR spectroscopic investigations. [Ce(AlMe4)3] and [Pr(AlMe4)3] have been used as alkyl precursors for the synthesis of heterobimetallic alkylated rare-earth metal complexes. Both carboxylate and siloxide ligands can be introduced by methane elimination reactions that give the heterobimetallic complexes [Ln{(O2CAriPr)2(micro-AlMe2)}2(AlMe4)(C6H14)n] and [Ln{OSi(OtBu)3}(AlMe3)(AlMe4)2], respectively. [Pr{OSi(OtBu)3}(AlMe3)(AlMe4)2] has been characterized by X-ray structure analysis. All of the cerium and praseodymium complexes are used as precatalysts in the stereospecific polymerization of isoprene (1-3 equivalents of Et2AlCl as co-catalyst) and compared to the corresponding neodymium-based initiators reported previously. The superior catalytic performance of the homoleptic complexes leads to quantitative yields of high-cis-1,4-polyisoprene (>98%) in almost all of the polymerization experiments. In the case of the binary catalyst mixtures derived from carboxylate or siloxide precatalysts quantitative formation of polyisoprene is only observed for nLn:nCl=1:2. The influence of the metal size is illustrated for the heterobimetallic lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, and gadolinium carboxylate complexes, and the highest activities are observed for praseodymium as a metal center in the presence of one equivalent of Et2AlCl.     

Lithium and aluminium complexes supported by chelating phosphaguanidinates

Diisopropylcarbodiimide, (i)PrN[double bond, length as m-dash]C[double bond, length as m-dash]N(i)Pr, inserts into the lithium-phosphorus bond of in situ prepared "Ph(2)PLi(THF)(n)" to afford the lithium salt, [Li(Ph(2)PC{N(i)Pr}(2))(THF)(n)](x)(2a); alternatively, this compound can be made by deprotonation of the neutral phosphaguanidine, Ph(2)PC{N(i)Pr}{NH(i)Pr}(1a) with (n)BuLi. Displacement of the THF solvate in 2a is readily achieved with TMEDA to afford Li(Ph(2)PC{N(i)Pr}(2))(TMEDA)(3a). X-Ray crystallographic analyses show that 2a exists as a dimer in the solid state with a folded ladder structure and an N,N' chelating phosphaguanidinate, while 3a is monomeric with N,P-coordination of the ligand to lithium. Compound 2a reacts via a transmetallation pathway with AlMe(2)Cl to afford the dimethylaluminium complex, Al(Ph(2)PC{N(i)Pr}(2))Me(2)(4a), which can also be prepared by protonation of a methyl group of AlMe(3) using 1a. The formation of a series of dialkylaluminium compounds has been investigated employing this latter pathway using both 1a and the N,N'-dicyclohexyl analogue, Ph(2)PC{NCy}{NHCy}(1b), affording Al(Ph(2)PC{NR}(2))Et(2)(5a,b), Al(Ph(2)PC{NR}(2))(i)Bu(2)(6a,b) and the diphenylaluminium compound Al(Ph(2)PC{N(i)Pr}(2))Ph(2)(7a). The oily nature of most of the dialkyl compounds and high sensitivity to oxygen and moisture lead to difficulty in manipulation and characterization; however, NMR spectroscopy indicated highly pure products (>95%) upon removal of the solvent. The molecular structures of the crystalline examples 4a and 7a are reported, showing monomeric aluminium species with symmetrically chelating phosphaguanidinate ligands. The series of aluminium compounds AlLCl(2){L=[EC{NiPr}(2)](-): A, E=Me; B, E=Me(2)N; C, E=(Me(3)Si)(2)N and D, E=Ph(2)P} were investigated using density functional theory. In the more simple cases A and B, the delocalized electron density of the metallacycle was represented by a combination of the HOMO and an orbital of lower energy (A, HOMO-5; B, HOMO-6). The HOMO-1 in B was pi-bonded across the Me(2)N-C bond suggesting delocalization of electron density into the metallacycle. In the more complex systems C and D, delocalization within the metallacycle was less extensive due to the (Me(3)Si)(2)N- and Ph(2)P-moieties. A number of occupied orbitals in D, however, display phosphorus 'lone-pair' characteristics, indicating that these species have the potential to behave as Lewis bases in the formation of poly(metallic) systems.     

Characterization and reactivity of peralkylated LnIIAlIII heterobimetallic complexes

The heterobimetallic peralkylated complexes [Ln(AlR4)2]n (Ln = Sm, Yb; R = Me, Et) were synthesized by a silylamide elimination route from Ln[N(SiMe3)2]2(THF)2 and an excess of AlR3. The solid-state structure of [Sm(AlEt4)2]n is isomorphous to that of the ytterbium derivative. Polymeric [Yb(AlMe4)2]n was examined by 1H and 13C MAS NMR spectroscopy revealing the presence of distinct bridging methyl groups. The reaction of [Yb(AlMe4)2]n and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) afforded the monomeric donor adduct Yb(AlMe4)2(Phen), while the protonolysis reaction with 2 equiv. C5Me5H (HCp*) yielded a separated ion pair of composition [Cp*Yb(THF)(4)][AlMe(4)]. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data are provided for both ytterbium(II) complexes. Solid-state magnetic measurements (SQUID) were performed on [Sm(AlMe4)2]n, [Sm(AlEt4)2]n, SmI2(THF)2 and Sm[N(SiMe3)2]2(THF)2 showing high effective magnetic moments 3.67micro(B) < micro(eff) < 4.43micro(B).     

Synthesis and structural investigation of tungsten imido amidinate and guanidinate complexes

The tungsten imido guanidinate and amidinate complexes W(NR)Cl(3)[R'NC(NMe(2))NR'] and W(NR)Cl(3)[R'NC(Me)NR'] (R = Ph, (i)Pr, Cy; R' = (i)Pr, (t)Bu, TMS) were synthesized by reacting the corresponding imido complex W(NR)Cl(4)(OEt(2)) with the appropriate lithium amidinate or guanidinate. Crystallographic structure determination of W(N(i)Pr)Cl(3)[(i)PrNC(NMe(2))N(i)Pr] and W(N(i)()Pr)Cl(3)[(i)PrNC(Me)N(i)Pr] allows comparison of structural features between the guanidinate and amidinate ligand in the presence of an identical ancillary ligand set.     

Well-defined imidotitanium alkyl cations: agostic interactions, migratory insertion vs.[2+2] cycloaddition, and the first structurally authenticated AlMe(3) adduct of any transition metal alkyl cation

The imidotitanium alkyl cations [Ti(NtBu)(Me3[9]aneN3)R]+ (R = Me (3+) or CH2SiMe3(4+)) possess either a very weak alpha-agostic or beta-Si-C agostic interactions, respectively, according to 13C and 29Si NMR and DFT studies; reaction of (4+) with iPrNCNiPr gives totally selective insertion into the Ti-alkyl bond; reaction of 3+ with AlMe3 gives the first structurally characterised AlMe3 adduct of a transition metal alkyl cation (Me3[9]aneN3 = 1,4,7-trimethyltriazacyclononane).     

Synthesis of carbaalane halogen derivatives

The carbaalane halogen derivatives [(AlX)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(6)] (X = F (9), Cl (7), Br (10), I (11)) were prepared in toluene from [(AlH)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(6)] (6) and BF(3).OEt(2), BX(3) (X = Br, I), Me(3)SnF, and Me(3)SiX (X = Cl, Br, I), respectively. A partially halogenated product [(AlH)(2)(AlX)(4)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(6)] (12) (X = Cl (approximately 40%), Br (approximately 60%)) was obtained from 5 and impure BBr(3). [(AlH)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)Ph)(6)] (5) was converted to [(AlX)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)Ph)(6)] (X = F (13), Cl (14), Br (15), I (16)) using BF(3).OEt(2) and Me(3)SiX (X = Cl, Br, I), respectively. The X-ray single-crystal structures of 11.C(6)H(6), 12.3C(7)H(8), 13.6C(7)H(8), and 15.4C(7)H(8) were determined. Compounds 7 and 9-11 are soluble in benzene/toluene and could be well characterized by NMR spectroscopy and MS (EI) spectrometry. The results demonstrate the facile substitution of the hydridic hydrogen atoms in 5 and 6 by the halides with different reagents.     

Highly trans-1,4 selective (co-)polymerization of butadiene and isoprene with quinolyl anilido rare earth metal bis(alkyl) precursors

The N-R-quinolinyl-8-amino ligands HL(1-3) (R = 2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3) (HL(1)), 2,6-Et(2)C(6)H(3) (HL(2)), 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3) (HL(3))) have been prepared, which reacted readily with one equiv. of rare earth metal tris(alkyl)s to afford the corresponding bis(alkyl) complexes L(1)Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(THF) (1) and L(1-3)Lu(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(THF) (2-4) via alkane elimination. Contrastingly, treatment of the in situ generated neodymium tri(alkyl)s with HL(1) afforded a mono(alkyl) neodymium complex (5). Complexes 1, 2 and 5 in combination with aluminium alkyls and organoborates established homogenous ternary systems that exhibited versatile catalytic activities and trans-1,4 selectivities for the polymerization of butadiene, depending on the types of aluminium alkyl, organoborate and rare earth metal used. Furthermore, the trans-1,4 selective copolymerization of butadiene and isoprene was achieved by using the ternary system of 1/AlMe(3)/[Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)]. Both the kinetics of copolymerization and the thermal behavior of the copolymers were investigated.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of alkaline-earth-metal bis(amido)silane and lithium oxobis(aminolato)silane complexes

Several of alkaline-earth-metal complexes [(η(2):η(2):μ(N):μ(N)-Li)(+)](2)[{η(2)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)}(2)Mg](2-) (4), [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Ca·3THF] (5), [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Sr·THF] (6), and [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Ba·4THF] (7) of a bulky bis(amido)silane ligand were readily prepared by the metathesis reaction of alkali-metal bis(amido)silane [Me(2)Si(DippNLi)(2)] (Dipp = 2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3)) and alkaline-earth-metal halides MX(2) (M = Mg, X = Br; M = Ca, Sr, Ba, X = I). Alternatively, compounds 5-7 were synthesized either by transamination of M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)·2THF (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) and [Me(2)Si(DippNH)(2)] or by transmetalation of Sn[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2), [Me(2)Si(DippNH)(2)], and metallic calcium, strontium, and barium in situ. The metathesis reaction of dilithium bis(amido)silane [Me(2)Si(DippNLi)(2)] and magnesium bromide in the presence of oxygen afforded, however, an unusual lithium oxo polyhedral complex {[(DippN(Me(2)Si)(2))(μ-O)(Me(2)Si)](2)(μ-Br)(2)[(μ(3)-Li)·THF](4)(μ(4)-O)(4)(μ(3)-Li)(2)} (8) with a square-basket-shaped core Li(6)Br(2)O(4) bearing a bis(aminolato)silane ligand. All complexes were characterized using (1)H, (13)C, and (7)Li NMR and IR spectroscopy, in addition to X-ray crystallography.     

Vanadium complexes of the N(CH2CH2S)3(3-) and O(CH2CH2S)2(2-) ligands with coligands relevant to nitrogen fixation processes

Vanadium(III) and vanadium(V) complexes derived from the tris(2-thiolatoethyl)amine ligand [(NS3)3-] and the bis(2-thiolatoethyl)ether ligand [(OS2)2-] have been synthesized with the aim of investigating the potential of these vanadium sites to bind dinitrogen and activate its reduction. Evidence is presented for the transient existence of (V(NS3)(N2)V(NS3), and a series of mononuclear complexes containing hydrazine, hydrazide, imide, ammine, organic cyanide, and isocyanide ligands has been prepared and the chemistry of these complexes investigated. [V(NS3)O] (1) reacts with an excess of N2H4 to give, probably via the intermediates (V(NS3)(NNH2) (2a) and (V(NS3)(N2)V(NS3) (3), the V(III) adduct [V(NS3)(N2H4)] (4). If 1 is treated with 0.5 mol of N2H4, 0.5 mol of N2 is evolved and green, insoluble [(V(NS3))n] (5) results. Compound 4 is converted by disproportionation to [V(NS3)(NH3)] (6), but 4 does not act as a catalyst for disproportionation of N2H4 nor does it act as a catalyst for its reduction by Zn/HOC6H3Pri2-2,6. Compound 1 reacts with NR1(2)NR2(2) (R1 = H or SiMe3; R2(2) = Me2, MePh, or HPh) to give the hydrazide complexes [V(NS3)(NNR2(2)] (R2(2) = Me2, 2b; R2(2) = MePh, 2c; R2(2) = HPh, 2d), which are not protonated by anhydrous HBr nor are they reduced by Zn/HOC6H3Pri2-2,6. Compound 2b can also be prepared by reaction of [V(NNMe2)(dipp)3] (dipp = OC6H3Pri2-2,6) with NS3H3. N2H4 is displaced quantitatively from 4 by anions to give the salts [NR3(4)][V(NS3)X] (X = Cl, R3 = Et, 7a; X = Cl, R3 = Ph, 7b; X = Br, R3 = Et, 7c; X = N3, R3 = Bu(n), 7d; X = N3, R3 = Et, 7e; X = CN, R3 = Et, 7f). Compound 6 loses NH3 thermally to give 5, which can also be prepared from [VCl3(THF)3] and NS3H3/LiBun. Displacement of NH3 from 6 by ligands L gives the adducts [V(NS3)(L)] (L = MeCN, nu CN 2264 cm-1, 8a; L = ButNC, nu NC 2173 cm-1, 8b; L = C6H11NC, nu NC 2173 cm-1, 8c). Reaction of 4 with N3SiMe3 gives [V(NS3)(NSiMe3)] (9), which is converted to [V(NS3)(NH)] (10) by hydrolysis and to [V(NS3)(NCPh3)] (11) by reaction with ClCPh3. Compound 10 is converted into 1 by [NMe4]OH and to [V(NS3)NLi(THF)2] (12) by LiNPri in THF. A further range of imido complexes [V(NS3)(NR4)] (R4 = C6H4Y-4 where Y = H (13a), OMe (13b), Me (13c), Cl (13d), Br (13e), NO2 (13f); R4 = C6H4Y-3, where Y = OMe (13g); Cl (13h); R4 = C6H3Y2-3,4, where Y = Me (13i); Cl (13j); R4 = C6H11 (13k)) has been prepared by reaction of 1 with R4NCO. The precursor complex [V(OS2)O(dipp)] (14) [OS2(2-) = O(CH2CH2S)2(2-)] has been prepared from [VO(OPri)3], Hdipp, and OS2H2. It reacts with NH2NMe2 to give [V(OS2)(NNMe2)(dipp)] (15) and with N3SiMe3 to give [V(OS2)(NSiMe3)(dipp)] (16). A second oxide precursor, formulated as [V(OS2)1.5O] (17), has also been obtained, and it reacts with SiMe3NHNMe2 to give [V(OS2)(NNMe2)(OSiMe3)] (18). The X-ray crystal structures of the complexes 2b, 2c, 4, 6, 7a, 8a, 9, 10, 13d, 14, 15, 16, and 18 have been determined, and the 51V NMR and other spectroscopic parameters of the complexes are discussed in terms of electronic effects.     

Synthesis, structural characterization and reactivity of aluminium complexes supported by benzotriazole phenoxide ligands: air-stable alumoxane as an efficient catalyst for ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide

Aluminium complexes bearing sterically bulky benzotriazole-phenoxide ligands are synthesized and characterized structurally. The reaction of 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)phenol ((CMe2Ph)BTP-H) or 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol ((t-Bu)BTP-H) with AlMe(3) (1.2 molar equiv.) in toluene yields [((CMe2Ph)BTP)AlMe(2)] (1) or [((t-Bu)BTP)AlMe(2)] (2) as a four-coordinated monomeric aluminium complex. Compound 1 reacts further with (CMe2Ph)BTP-H in a stoichiometric proportion, affording penta-coordinated monomeric aluminium methyl complex [((CMe2Ph)BTP)(2)AlMe] (3). Complex 3 is also obtained directly upon treatment of AlMe(3) with (CMe2Ph)BTP-H (two molar equiv.) in refluxing toluene in high yield. In the presence of H(2)O (half a molar equiv.), hydrolysis of 3 in a mixed solvent of THF and toluene at ambient temperature affords [{((CMe2Ph)BTP)(2)Al}(2)(μ-O)] (4), in which the oxo ligand acts as a chelating group linearly bridging two aluminium centers. Air-stable alumoxane 4 is an efficient catalyst for the ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide (L-LA) in the presence of 9-anthracenemethanol (9-AnOH). Complex 4 catalyzes the polymerization of L-LA in a controlled manner, yielding PLLAs with the expected molecular weights and narrow polydispersity indices (PDIs).     

Cadmium amido alkoxide and alkoxide precursors for the synthesis of nanocrystalline CdE (E = S, Se, Te)

The synthesis and characterization of a family of alternative precursors for the production of CdE nanoparticles (E = S, Se, and Te) is reported. The reaction of Cd(NR2)2 where NR2 = N(SiMe3)2 with n HOR led to the isolation of the following: n = 1 [Cd(mu-OCH2CMe3)(NR2)(py)]2 (1, py = pyridine), Cd[(mu-OC6H3(Me)(2)-2,6)2Cd(NR2)(py)]2 (2), [Cd(mu-OC6H3(CHMe2)(2)-2,6)(NR2)(py)]2 (3), [Cd(mu-OC6H3(CMe3)(2)-2,6)(NR2)(py)]2 (4), [Cd(mu-OC6H2(NH2)(3)-2,4,6)(NR2)(py)]2 (5), and n = 2 [Cd(mu-OC6H3(Me)(2)-2,6)(OC6H3(Me)(2)-2,6)(py)2]2 (6), and [Cd(mu-OC6H3(CMe3)(2)-2,6)(OC6H3(CMe3)(2)-2,6)(THF)]2 (7). For all but 2, the X-ray crystal structures were solved as discrete dinuclear units bridged by alkoxide ligands and either terminal -NR2 or -OR ligands depending on the stoichiometry of the initial reaction. For 2, a trinuclear species was isolated using four mu-OR and two terminal -NR2 ligands. The coordination of the Cd metal center varied from 3 to 5 where the higher coordination numbers were achieved by binding Lewis basic solvents for the less sterically demanding ligands. These complexes were further characterized in solution by 1H, 13C, and 113Cd NMR along with solid-state 113Cd NMR spectroscopy. The utility of these complexes as "alternative precursors" for the controlled preparation of nanocrystalline CdS, CdSe, and CdTe was explored. To synthesize CdE nanocrystals, select species from this family of compounds were individually heated in a coordinating solvent (trioctylphosphine oxide) and then injected with the appropriate chalcogenide stock solution. Transmission electron spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy were used to characterize the resultant particles.     

Zirconium, hafnium, and tantalum amide silyl complexes: their preparation and conversion to metallaheterocyclic complexes via gamma-hydrogen abstraction by silyl ligands

New transition metal silyl amide complexes (Me(2)N)(3)Ta[N(SiMe(3))(2)](SiPh(2)Bu(t)) (1) and (Me(2)N)M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)(SiPh(2)Bu(t)) (M = Zr, 2a, and Hf, 2b) were found to undergo gamma-H abstraction by the silyl ligands to give metallaheterocyclic complexes (3) and (M = Zr, 4a, and Hf, 4b), respectively. The conversion of 1 to 3 follows first-order kinetics with DeltaH() = 23.6(1.6) kcal/mol and DeltaS() = 3(5) eu between 288 and 313 K. The formation of 4a from (Me(2)N)Zr[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)Cl (5a) and Li(THF)(2)SiPh(2)Bu(t) (6) involves the formation of the intermediate 2a, followed by gamma-H abstraction. Kinetic studies of these consecutive reactions, a second-order reaction to give 2a and then a first-order gamma-H abstraction to give 4a, were conducted by an analytical method and a numerical method. At 278 K, the rate constants k(1) and k(2) for the two consecutive reactions are 2.17(0.03) x 10(-)(3) M(-)(1) s(-)(1) and 5.80(0.15) x 10(-)(5) s(-)(1) by the analytical method. The current work is a rare kinetic study of the A + B --> C --> D (+ E) consecutive reactions. Kinetic studies of the formation of a metallaheterocyclic moiety have, to our knowledge, not been reported. In addition, gamma-H abstraction by a silyl ligand to give such a metallaheterocyclic moiety is new. Theoretical investigations of the gamma-H abstraction by silyl ligands have been conducted by density functional theory calculations at the Becke3LYP (B3LYP) level, and they revealed that the formation of the metallacyclic complexes through gamma-H abstraction is entropically driven. X-ray crystal structures of (Me(2)N)(3)Ta[N(SiMe(3))(2)](SiPh(2)Bu(t)) (1), (Me(2)N)Zr[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)Cl (5a), and (M = Zr, 4a, and Hf, 4b) are also reported.     

Carbon [bond] hydrogen bond activation by titanium imido complexes. Computational evidence for the role of alkane adducts in selective C [bond] H activation

This paper reports calculations that probe the role of R (hydrocarbon) and R' (ligand substituent) effects on the reaction coordinate for C [bond] H activation: Ti(OR')(2)(=NR') + RH --> adduct --> transition state --> (OR')(2)Ti(N(H)R')(R). Compounds with R = H, Me, Et, Vy, cPr, Ph, Cy, Bz, and cubyl are studied using quantum (R' = H, SiH(3), SiMe(3)) and classical (R' = Si(t)Bu(3)) techniques. Calculated geometries are in excellent agreement with data for experimental models. There is little variability in the calculated molecular structure of the reactants, products, and most interestingly, transition states as R and R' are changed. Structural flexibility is greatest in the adducts Ti(OR')(2)(=NR')...HR. Despite the small structural changes observed for Ti(OR')(2)(double bond] NR') with different R', significant changes are manifested in calculated electronic properties (the Mulliken charge on Ti becomes more positive and the Ti [double bond] N bond order decreases with larger R'), changes that should facilitate C [bond] H activation. Substantial steric modification of the alkane complex is expected from R [bond] R' interactions, given the magnitude of Delta G(add) and the conformational flexibility of the adduct. Molecular mechanics simulations of Ti(OSi(t)Bu(3))(2)([double bond] NSi(t)Bu(3))...isopentane adducts yield an energy ordering as a function of the rank of the C [bond] H bond coordinated to Ti that is consistent with experimental selectivity patterns. Calculated elimination barriers compare very favorably with experiment; larger SiH(3) and TMS ligand substituents generally yield better agreement with experiment, evidence that the modeling of the major contributions to the elimination barrier (N [bond] H and C [bond] H bond making) is ostensibly correct. Calculations indicate that weakening the C [bond] H bond of the hydrocarbon yields a more strongly bound adduct. Combining the different conclusions, the present computational research points to the adduct, specifically the structure and energetics of the substrate/Ti-imido interaction, as the main factor in determining the selectivity of hydrocarbon (R) C [bond] H activation.     

Aluminium complexes containing bidentate and symmetrical tridentate pincer type pyrrolyl ligands: synthesis, reactions and ring opening polymerization

A series of aluminium derivatives containing substituted bidentate and symmetrical tridentate pyrrolyl ligands, [C(4)H(3)NH(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)] and [C(4)H(2)NH(2,5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(2)], in toluene or diethyl ether were synthesized. Their reactivity and application for the ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone have been investigated. The reaction of AlMe(3) with one equiv. of [C(4)H(3)NH(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)] in toluene at room temperature affords [C(4)H(3)N(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)]AlMe(2) (1) in 70% yield by elimination of one equiv. of methane. Interestingly, while reacting AlMe(3) with one equiv. of [C(4)H(3)NH(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)] in toluene at 0 °C followed by refluxing at 100 °C, [{C(4)H(3)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)}AlMe](2) (2) has been isolated via fractional recrystalliztion in 30% yield. Similarly, reacting AlMe(3) with two equiv. of C(4)H(3)NH(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu) generates [C(4)H(3)N(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)](2)AlMe (3) in a moderate yield. Furthermore, complex 1 can be transformed to an aluminium alkoxide derivative, [C(4)H(3)N(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)][OC(6)H(2)(-2,6-(t)Bu(2)-4-Me)]AlMe (4) by reacting 1 with one equiv. of HOC(6)H(2)(-2,6-(t)Bu(2)-4-Me) in toluene via the elimination of one equiv. of methane. The reaction of AlR(3) with one equiv. of [C(4)H(2)NH(2,5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(2)] in toluene at room temperature affords [C(4)H(2)N(2,5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(2)]AlR(2) (5, R = Me; 6, R = Et) in moderate yield. Surprisingly, from the reaction of two equiv. of [C(4)H(2)NH(2,5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(2)] with LiAlH(4) in diethyl ether at 0 °C, a novel complex, [C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)](2)AlLi (7) has been isolated after repeating re-crystallization. Furthermore, reacting one equiv. of C(4)H(2)NH(2,5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(2) with AlH(3)·NMe(3) in diethyl ether generates an aluminium dihydride complex, [C(4)H(2)N(2,5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(2)]AlH(2) (8), in high yield. Additionally, treating 8 with one equiv. of HOC(6)H(2)(-2,6-(t)Bu(2)-4-Me) in methylene chloride produces [C(4)H(2)N(2,5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(2)][OC(6)H(2)(-2,6-(t)Bu(2)-4-Me)]AlH (9) with the elimination of one equiv. of H(2). The aluminium alkoxide complex 4 shows moderate reactivity toward the ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolatone in toluene.