Synthesis and Reactivity of Low‐Valent Group 14 Element Compounds

The tetravalent germanium and tin compounds of the general formulae Ph*EX₃ (Ph* = C₆H₃Trip‐2,6, Trip = C₆H₂iPr₃‐2,4,6; E = Sn, X = Cl ( 1a ), Br ( 1b ); E = Ge, X = Cl ( 2 )) are synthesized by reaction of Ph*Li·OEt₂ with EX₄. The subsequent reaction of 1a , b with LiP(SiMe₃)₂ leads to Ph*EP(SiMe₃)₂ (E = Sn ( 3 ), Ge ( 4 )) and the diphosphane (Me₃Si)₂PP(SiMe₃)₂ by a redox reaction. In an alternative approach 3 and 4 are synthesized by using the corresponding divalent compounds Ph*ECl (E = Ge, Sn) in the reaction with LiP(SiMe₃)₂. The reactivity of Ph*SnCl is extensively investigated to give with LiP(H)Trip a tin(II)‐phosphane derivative Ph*SnP(H)Trip ( 6 ) and with Li₂PTrip a proposed product [Ph*SnPTrip]^– ( 7 ) with multiple bonding between tin and phosphorus. The latter feature is confirmed by DFT calculations on a model compound [PhSnPPh]^–. The reaction with Li[H₂PW(CO)₅] gives the oxo‐bridged tin compound [Ph*Sn{W(CO)₅}(μ‐O)₂SnPh*] ( 8 ) as the only isolable product. However, the existence of 8 as the bis‐hydroxo derivative [Ph*Sn{W(CO)₅}(μ‐OH)₂SnPh*] ( 8a ) is also possible. The Sn^IV derivatives Ph*Sn(OSiMe₃)₂Cl ( 9 ) and [Ph*Sn(μ‐O)Cl]₂ ( 10 ) are obtained by the oxidation of Ph*SnCl with bis(trimethylsilyl)peroxide and with Me₃NO, respectively. Besides the spectroscopic characterization of the isolated products compounds 1a , 2 , 3 , 4 , 8 , and 10 are additionally characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthesis and Structure of Bis(para‐methoxyphenyl)selenoxide and its Monohydrate. Theoretical Considerations of the Hydration of Diorganoselenium Oxides

The title compound was prepared by base hydrolysis of (p‐MeOC₆H₄)₂SeCl₂ in water and isolated as the crystalline monohydrate, (p‐MeOC₆H₄)₂SeO·H₂O, in which the water molecule is associated via hydrogen‐bonding. Water‐free (p‐MeOC₆H₄)₂SeO was obtained crystalline after drying and recrystallisation from toluene. Both crystal phases were investigated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Preliminary DFT calculations at the B3LYP/LANL2DZdp level of theory suggest that the hydrogen bonded complexes R₂SeO·H₂O (R = H, Me, Ph) are by 2.79, 3.36 and 11.10 kcal mol^?1 more stable than the corresponding elusive diorganoselenium dihydroxides R₂Se(OH)₂. The hydrogen bond energies of R₂SeO·H₂O (R = H, Me, Ph) are 5.98, 7.18 and 5.89 kcal mol^?1.     

Transition Metal Complexes with more than one Dihydrogen Ligand: Structure and Bonding of M(CO)6–x(H2)x (M = Cr,Mo, W; x = 1, 2, 3) [1]

Quantum mechanical ab initio calculations at the MP2 and CCSD(T) level of theory have been used to investigate the geometries and bond energies of the complexes M(CO)_6–x(H₂)_x (M = Cr, Mo, W; x = 1, 2, 3). The theoretically predicted M(CO)₅–(H₂) bond dissociation energies are in excellent agreement with experimental values. The M–(H₂) dissociation energies of the bis- and tris-dihydrogen complexes are very similar to the values for the mono-dihydrogen complexes. In M(CO)₅(H₂) the dihydrogen ligand prefers an eclipsed conformation relative to the equatorial carbonyl groups. For M(CO)₄(H₂)₂ the cis and trans isomers are nearly equal in energy for M = W, while a cis configuration is favoured for M = Cr. For M(CO)₃(H₂)₃ the facial configurations are more stable than the meridial structures for all three metals M. The charge decomposition analysis (CDA) classifies dihydrogen as a donor ligand with moderate acceptor properties. In trans-M(CO)₄(H₂)₂ back donation is increased and the M–(H₂) bonds are stronger than in M(CO)₅–(H₂). Back donation in M(CO)₃(H₂)₃ is slightly weaker than in the mono-dihydrogen complexes M(CO)₅(H₂).     

Formation and Unimolecular Dehydrogenation of Gaseous Alkaline‐earth Metal Amidoboranes M(NH2BH3)2 (M = Be – Ba): Comparative Computational Study

Formation of alkaline‐earth metal amidoboranes M(NH₂BH₃)₂ (M = Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) and unimolecular dehydrogenation reactions were computationally studied at the B3LYP/def2‐TZVPPD level of theory. Formation of M(NH₂BH₃)₂ from ammonia borane and MH₂ is exergonic, but subsequent unimolecular dehydrogenation reactions are endergonic at room temperature. In contrast to alkali metal amidoboranes, for M(NH₂BH₃)₂ the nature of M significantly affects their reactivity. Activation energies for the dehydrogenation of first and second hydrogen molecules decrease from Be to Ba. In case of Be compounds, intramolecular M ··· H–B contacts play an important role, whereas for heavier analogs such contacts are much less pronounced.     

Formation and Stability of Gaseous WS2Cl2, WS2Br2 and WS2I2 – A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

Gaseous WS₂Cl₂ and WS₂Br₂ are formed by the reaction of solid WS₂ with chlorine resp. bromine at temperatures of about 1000 K. This could be shown by mass spectrometric measurements. The heats of formation and entropies of WS₂Cl₂ and WS₂Br₂ have been determined by means of mass spectrometry (MS) and quantum chemical calculations (QC). WS₂I₂ could not be detected by experimental methods. This is in line with the quantum chemically determined equilibrium constant of the formation reaction. The following values are given:, Δ_fH⁰₂₉₈(WS₂Cl₂) = –230.8 kJ · mol^–1 (MS), Δ_fH⁰₂₉₈(WS₂Cl₂) = –235.0 kJ · mol^–1 (QC),, S⁰₂₉₈(WS₂Cl₂) = 370.7 J · K^–1 · mol^–1 (QC) and, c_p⁰_T(WS₂Cl₂) = 103.78 + 7.07 × 10^–3 T – 0.93 × 10⁵ T^–2 – 3.25 × 10^–6 T² (298.15 K < T < 1000 K) (QC). Δ_fH⁰₂₉₈(WS₂Br₂) = –141.9 kJ · mol^–1 (MS), Δ_fH⁰₂₉₈(WS₂Br₂) = –131.5 kJ · mol^–1 (QC),, S⁰₂₉₈(WS₂Br₂) = 393.9 J · K^–1 · mol^–1 (QC) and, c_p⁰_T(WS₂Br₂) = 104.84 + 5.32 × 10^–3 T – 0.75 × 10⁵ T^–2 – 2.45 × 10^–6 T² (298.15 K < T < 1000 K) (QC). Δ_fH⁰₂₉₈(WS₂I₂) = –18.0 kJ · mol^–1 (QC), S⁰₂₉₈(WS₂I₂) = 409.9 J · K^–1 · mol^–1 (QC) and, c_p⁰_T(WS₂I₂) = 105.17 + 4.77 × 10^–3 T – 0.67 × 10⁵ T^–2 – 2.19 × 10^–6 T² (298.15 K < T < 1000 K) (QC). These molecules have the expected C_2v‐symmetry.     

Insights into the Intramolecular Donor Stabilisation of Organostannylene Palladium and Platinum Complexes: Syntheses,Structures and DFT Calculations

The syntheses of the transition metal complexes cis‐[(4‐tBu‐2,6‐{P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂C₆H₂SnCl)₂MX₂] ( 1 , M=Pd, X=Cl; 2 , M=Pd, X=Br; 3 , M=Pd, X=I; 4 , M=Pt, X=Cl), cis‐[{2,6‐(Me₂NCH₂)₂C₆H₃SnCl}₂MX₂] ( 5 , M=Pd, X=I; 6 , M=Pt, X=Cl), trans‐[{2,6‐(Me₂NCH₂)₂C₆H₃SnI}₂PtI₂] ( 7 ) and trans‐[(4‐tBu‐2,6‐{P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂ C₆H₂SnCl)PdI₂]₂ ( 8 ) are reported. Also reported is the serendipitous formation of the unprecedented complexes trans‐[(4‐tBu‐2,6‐{P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂C₆H₂SnCl)₂ Pt(SnCl₃)₂] ( 10 ) and [(4‐tBu‐2,6‐{P(O) (OiPr)₂}₂C₆H₂SnCl)₃Pt(SnCl₃)₂] ( 11 ). The compounds were characterised by elemental analyses, ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P, ¹¹⁹Sn and ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, UV/Vis spectroscopy and, in the cases of compounds 1 , 3 and 4 , also by Mössbauer spectroscopy. All the compounds show the tin atoms in a distorted trigonal‐bipyramidal environment. The Mössbauer spectra suggest the tin atoms to be present in the oxidation state III. The kinetic lability of the complexes was studied by redistribution reactions between compounds 1 and 3 as well as between 1 and cis‐[{2,6‐(Me₂NCH₂)₂C₆H₃SnCl}₂PdCl₂]. DFT calculations provided insights into both the bonding situation of the compounds and the energy difference between the cis and trans isomers. The latter is influenced by the donor strength of the pincer‐type ligands.     

Crystal Structure and Spectroscopic Studies of a New Organic Dihydrogenmonophosphate [2-NH2-6-CH3-C4H3N2O]2(H2PO4)2

Physicochemical properties of a new dihydrogenmonophosphate [2-NH ₂ -6-CH ₃ -C ₄ H ₃ N ₂ O] ₂ (H ₂ PO ₄ ) ₂ are described on the basis of X-ray crystal structure investigation. This compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1. The unit cell parameters are: a = 7.667(3) Å, b = 8.204(5) Å, c = 14.761(6) Å, α = 98.85(4)°, β = 99.23(3)°, γ = 90.50(4)°, V = 905.0 ų, and Z = 2. The crystal structure was solved and refined to R = 0.037, using 4351 independent reflections. The atomic arrangement of this compound is built up by (H ₂ PO ₄ ) _n ^{n ?} chains. Each chain aggregates with organic molecules to form an open framework architecture through hydrogen bond interactions. The structure includes four types of hydrogen bonds. The first one, O─H─O, links the H ₂ PO ₄ groups to form (H ₂ PO ₄ ) _n ^{n ?} infinite inorganic chains parallel to the a axis. The three other types, O─H─O(carbonylic), N─H─O(carbonylic), and N─H─O, assemble the inorganic chains so as to build up a three-dimensional arrangement. This compound has also been investigated by IR, and solid-state ¹³ C and ³¹ P MAS NMR spectroscopies combined to ab initio calculations.     

Alkaline‐Earth‐Catalysed Cross‐Dehydrocoupling of Amines and Hydrosilanes: Reactivity Trends,Scope and Mechanism

Alkaline‐earth (Ae=Ca, Sr, Ba) complexes are shown to catalyse the chemoselective cross‐dehydrocoupling (CDC) of amines and hydrosilanes. Key trends were delineated in the benchmark couplings of Ph₃SiH with pyrrolidine or tBuNH₂. Ae{E(SiMe₃)₂}₂ ? (THF)_x (E=N, CH; x=2–3) are more efficient than {N^N}Ae{E(SiMe₃)₂} ? (THF)_n (E=N, CH; n=1–2) complexes (where {N^N}^?={ArN(o‐C₆H₄)C(H)=NAr}^? with Ar=2,6‐iPr₂‐C₆H₃) bearing an iminoanilide ligand, and alkyl precatalysts are better than amido analogues. Turnover frequencies (TOFs) increase in the order Ca<Sr<Ba. Ba{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₂ ? (THF)₃ displays the best performance (TOF up to 3600 h^?1). The substrate scope (>30 products) includes diamines and di(hydrosilane)s. Kinetic analysis of the Ba‐promoted CDC of pyrrolidine and Ph₃SiH shows that 1) the kinetic law is rate=k[Ba]¹[amine]⁰[hydrosilane]¹, 2) electron‐withdrawing p‐substituents on the arylhydrosilane improve the reaction rate and 3) a maximal kinetic isotopic effect (k_SiH/k_SiD=4.7) is seen for Ph₃SiX (X=H, D). DFT calculations identified the prevailing mechanism; instead of an inaccessible σ‐bond‐breaking metathesis pathway, the CDC appears to follow a stepwise reaction path with N?Si bond‐forming nucleophilic attack of the catalytically competent Ba pyrrolide onto the incoming silane, followed by rate limiting hydrogen‐atom transfer to barium. The participation of a Ba silyl species is prevented energetically. The reactivity trend Ca<Sr<Ba results from greater accessibility of the metal centre and decreasing Ae?N_amide bond strength upon descending Group 2.     

Synthesis,Bonding and Reactivity of a Terminal Titanium Alkylidene Hydrazido Compound

We report a detailed study of the reactions of the Ti?NNCPh₂ alkylidene hydrazide functional group in [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}(NNCPh₂)] ( 8 ) with a variety of unsaturated and saturated substrates. Compound 8 was prepared from [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}(NtBu)] and Ph₂CNNH₂. DFT calculations were used to determine the nature of the bonding for the Ti?NNCPh₂ moiety in 8 and in the previously reported [Cp₂Ti(NNCPh₂)(PMe₃)]. Reaction of 8 with CO₂ gave dimeric [(Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{μ‐OC(NNCPh₂)O})₂] and the “double‐insertion” dicarboxylate species [Cp*Ti‐{MeC(NiPr)₂}{OC(O)N(NCPh₂)C(O)O}] through an initial [2+2] cycloaddition product [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{N(NCPh₂)C(O)O}], the congener of which could be isolated in the corresponding reaction with CS₂. The reaction with isocyanates or isothiocyanates tBuNCO or ArNCE (Ar=Tol or 2,6‐C₆H₃iPr₂; E=O, S) gave either complete NNCPh₂ transfer, [2+2] cycloaddition to Ti?N_α or single‐ or double‐substrate insertion into the Ti?N_α bond. The treatment of 8 with isonitriles RNC (R=tBu or Xyl) formed σ‐adducts [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}(NNCPh₂)(CNR)]. With Ar^F5CCH (Ar^F5=C₆F₅) the [2+2] cycloaddition product [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{N(NCPh₂)C(Ar^F5)C(H)}] was formed, whereas with benzonitriles ArCN (Ar=Ph or Ar^F5) two equivalents of substrate were coupled in a head‐to‐tail manner across the Ti?N_α bond to form [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{N(NCPh₂)C(Ar)NC(Ar)N}]. Treatment of 8 with RSiH₃ (R=aryl or Bu) or Ph₂SiH₂ gave [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{N(SiHRR′)N(CHPh₂)}] (R′=H or Ph) through net 1,3‐addition of Si? H to the N? N?CPh₂ linkage of 8 , whereas reaction with PhSiH₂X (X=Cl, Br) led to the Ti?N_α 1,2‐addition products [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}(X){N(NCPh₂)SiH₂Ph}].     

Modular,Homochiral, Porous Coordination Polymers: Rational Design,Enantioselective Guest Exchange Sorption and Ab Initio Calculations of Host–Guest Interactions

Two new, homochiral, porous metal–organic coordination polymers [Zn₂(ndc){(R)‐man}(dmf)]?3DMF and [Zn₂(bpdc){(R)‐man}(dmf)]?2DMF (ndc=2,6‐naphthalenedicarboxylate; bpdc=4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylate; man=mandelate; dmf=N,N′‐dimethylformamide) have been synthesized by heating Zn^II nitrate, H₂ndc or H₂bpdc and chiral (R)‐mandelic acid (H₂man) in DMF. The colorless crystals were obtained and their structures were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. These isoreticular structures share the same topological features as the previously reported zinc(II) terephthalate lactate [Zn₂(bdc){(S)‐lac}(dmf)]?DMF framework, but have larger pores and opposite absolute configuration of the chiral centers. The enhanced pores size results in differing stereoselective sorption properties: the new metal–organic frameworks effectively and stereoselectively (ee up to 62 %) accommodate bulkier guest molecules (alkyl aryl sulfoxides) than the parent [Zn₂(bdc){(S)‐lac}(dmf)]?DMF, while the latter demonstrates decent enantioselectivity toward precursor of chiral anticancer drug sulforaphane, CH₃SO(CH₂)₄OH. The new homochiral porous metal–organic coordination polymers are capable of catalyzing a highly selective oxidation of bulkier sulfides (2‐NaphSMe (2‐C₁₀H₇SMe) and PhSCH₂Ph) that could not be achieved by the smaller‐pore [Zn₂(bdc){(S)‐lac}(dmf)]?DMF. The sorption of different guest molecules (both R and S isomers) into the chiral pores of [Zn₂(bdc){(S)‐lac}(dmf)]?DMF was modeled by using ab initio calculations that provided a qualitative explanation for the observed sorption enantioselectivity. The high stereo‐preference is accounted for by the presence of coordinated inner‐pore DMF molecule that forms a weak C? H???O bond between the DMF methyl group and the (S)‐PhSOCH₃ sulfinyl group.     

A Five-Membered Ring with Three Negative Charges and Solvent-Free Lithium Counterions

Remarkably short distances to the ring plane are shown by the η⁵-bound lithium ions in the first compound with a triply negatively charged five-membered ring, 1 , which was obtained by reduction of 2 with lithium. R=CH(SiMe₃)₂, Dur=2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenyl.     

Chiral Fluorinated α‐Sulfonyl Carbanions: Enantioselective Synthesis and Electrophilic Capture,Racemization Dynamics,and Structure

Enantiomerically pure triflones R¹CH(R²)SO₂CF₃ have been synthesized starting from the corresponding chiral alcohols via thiols and trifluoromethylsulfanes. Key steps of the syntheses of the sulfanes are the photochemical trifluoromethylation of the thiols with CF₃Hal (Hal=halide) or substitution of alkoxyphosphinediamines with CF₃SSCF₃. The deprotonation of RCH(Me)SO₂CF₃ (R=CH₂Ph, iHex) with nBuLi with the formation of salts [RC(Me)? SO₂CF₃]Li and their electrophilic capture both occurred with high enantioselectivities. Displacement of the SO₂CF₃ group of (S)‐MeOCH₂C(Me)(CH₂Ph)SO₂CF₃ (95 % ee) by an ethyl group through the reaction with AlEt₃ gave alkane MeOCH₂C(Me)(CH₂Ph)Et of 96 % ee. Racemization of salts [R¹C(R²)SO₂CF₃]Li follows first‐order kinetics and is mainly an enthalpic process with small negative activation entropy as revealed by polarimetry and dynamic NMR (DNMR) spectroscopy. This is in accordance with a C_α? S bond rotation as the rate‐determining step. Lithium α‐(S)‐trifluoromethyl‐ and α‐(S)‐nonafluorobutylsulfonyl carbanion salts have a much higher racemization barrier than the corresponding α‐(S)‐tert‐butylsulfonyl carbanion salts. Whereas [PhCH₂C(Me)SO₂tBu]Li/DMPU (DMPU = dimethylpropylurea) has a half‐life of racemization at ?105 °C of 2.4 h, that of [PhCH₂C(Me)SO₂CF₃]Li at ?78 °C is 30 d. DNMR spectroscopy of amides (PhCH₂)₂NSO₂CF₃ and (PhCH₂)N(Ph)SO₂CF₃ gave N? S rotational barriers that seem to be distinctly higher than those of nonfluorinated sulfonamides. NMR spectroscopy of [PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂R]M (M=Li, K, NBu₄; R=CF₃, tBu) shows for both salts a confinement of the negative charge mainly to the C_α atom and a significant benzylic stabilization that is weaker in the trifluoromethylsulfonyl carbanion. According to crystal structure analyses, the carbanions of salts {[PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂CF₃]Li? L }₂ ( L =2 THF, tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA)) and [PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂CF₃]NBu₄ have the typical chiral C_α? S conformation of α‐sulfonyl carbanions, planar C_α atoms, and short C_α? S bonds. Ab initio calculations of [MeC(Ph)SO₂tBu]^? and [MeC(Ph)SO₂CF₃]^? showed for the fluorinated carbanion stronger n_C→σ* and n_O→σ* interactions and a weaker benzylic stabilization. According to natural bond orbital (NBO) calculations of [R¹C(R²)SO₂R]^? (R=tBu, CF₃) the n_C→σ*_{S? R} interaction is much stronger for R=CF₃. Ab initio calculations gave for [MeC(Ph)SO₂tBu]Li ? 2 Me₂O an O,Li,C_α contact ion pair (CIP) and for [MeC(Ph)SO₂CF₃]Li ? 2 Me₂O an O,Li,O CIP. According to cryoscopy, [PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂CF₃]Li, [iHexC(Me)SO₂CF₃]Li, and [PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂CF₃]NBu₄ predominantly form monomers in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at ?108 °C. The NMR spectroscopic data of salts [R¹(R²)SO₂R³]Li (R³=tBu, CF₃) indicate that the dominating monomeric CIPs are devoid of C_α? Li bonds.     

The Reactivity of Bis(para‐methoxyphenyl)telluroxide towards Triflic Acid and Diphenylphosphinic Acid. Theoretical Considerations of the Protonation and Hydration Process of Diorganotelluroxanes

The reaction of (p‐MeOC₆H₄)₂TeO with two equivalents of HO₃SCF₃ and HO₂PPh₂ provided the tetraorganoditelluroxanes (F₃CSO₃)(p‐MeOC₆H₄)₂TeOTe(p‐MeOC₆H₄)₂(O₃SCF₃) ( 1 ) and (Ph₂PO₂)(p‐MeOC₆H₄)₂TeOTe(p‐MeOC₆H₄)₂(O₂PPh₂)·2 Ph₂PO₂H ( 2 ) in good yields. Compounds 1 and 2 were characterized by solution and solid‐state ³¹P and ¹²⁵Te NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, electrospray mass spectrometry, conductivity measurements and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. In solution, compound 1 undergoes an electrolytic dissociation and reversibly reacts with traces of water to give the mononuclear cation [(p‐MeOC₆H₄)₂TeOH]⁺ and triflate anions. Theoretical aspects of the protonation and hydration of model telluroxanes R₂TeO (R = H, Me, Ph) were investigated by preliminary DFT calculations and compared to the corresponding selenoxanes R₂SeO. The tellurium dihydroxides R₂Te(OH)₂ seem to be more stable than the hydrogen‐bonded complexes R₂TeO·H₂O.     

Synthesis and Characterization of the Silylated Hexaphenyl Carbodiphosphorane [Me3SiC(PPh3)2][CF3SO3]

The addition of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate TMS‐OTf (CF₃SO₃ = OTf, triflate) to hexaphenyl carbodiphosphorane PPh₃=C=PPh₃ ( 1 ) in toluene yields the silylated carbodiphosphorane [Me₃SiC(PPh₃)₂][OTf] ( 2 ). Compound 2 represents the first silylated carbodiphosphorane characterized in solution and in the solid state. 2 is an air‐sensitive compound but stable in solution and in the solid state in an inert atmosphere as shown by heteronuclear NMR experiments and also by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with the cell dimensions a = 1161.7(1), b = 1714.4(1), c = 1903.3(1) pm; β = 102.74(1)° and Z = 4. Structure, frontier orbitals, and dissociation energies for 2 were determined by density functional theory‐based computations highlighting the character of 2 as a Lewis acid adduct of a carbon(0) compound.     

Trans-methyl-azido-bis(triisopropylphosphin)platin(II), [PtN3(CH3)(PiPr3)2]

Trans-methyl-azido-bis(triisopropylphosphine)platinum(II), [PtN₃(CH₃)(PⁱPr₃)₂] [PtN₃(CH₃)(PⁱPr₃)₂] has been prepared by reductive elimination of ethane from [Pt(CH₃)₃N₃]₄ in the presence of triisopropylphosphine at 80 °C. The complex is characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy and by crystal structure determination, as well as by ab initio calculations. [PtN₃(CH₃)(PⁱPr₃)₂], which is in trans-configuration here, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁, Z = 2, and with the lattice dimensions a = 806.9(1), b = 1384.3(1), c = 1093.8(1) pm, β = 94.107(10)°.     

Bildung und Struktur des iso-Tetraphosphans P(PtBu2)3: ein Molekül mit einem planaren,dreibindigen P-Atom

Formation and Structure of the iso -Tetraphosphane P(P^tBu₂)₃: a Molecule with a Planar Three-coordinated P Atom The iso-tetraphosphane P(P^tBu₂)₃ ( 1 ) was obtained by irradiating ^tBu₂P–P=P(Me)^tBu₂ ( 3 ). 1 forms hexagonal crystals (space group P6₃/m) with a = 1005,63(8), c = 1621,4(2) pm, Z = 2. The P(P^tBu₂)₃ molecules are arranged in a hexagonally close packed lattice. The four P atoms in each molecule are coplanar with P–P bond distances 219.08(4) pm and P–P–P angles 120°. The observed planar geometry is in accordance with ab initio calculations.     

CO2 Fixation and Transformation by a Dinuclear Copper Cryptate under Acidic Conditions

CO₂ fixation and transformation by metal complexes continuously receive attention from the viewpoint of carbon resources and environmental concerns. We found that the dinuclear copper(II) cryptate [Cu₂L¹](ClO₄)₄ ( 1 ; L¹=N[(CH₂)₂NHCH₂(m‐C₆H₄)CH₂NH‐(CH₂)₂]₃N) can easily take up atmospheric CO₂ even under weakly acidic conditions at room temperature and convert it from bicarbonate into carbonate monoesters in alcohol solution. The compounds [Cu₂L¹(μ‐O₂COH)](ClO₄)₃ ( 2 ), [Cu₂L¹(μ‐O₂COR)](ClO₄)₃ ( 3 : R=CH₃; 4 : R=C₂H₅; 5 : R=C₃H₇; 6 : R=C₄H₉; 7 : R=C₅H₁₁; 8 : R=CH₂CH₂OH), [Cu₂L¹(μ‐O₂CCH₃)](ClO₄)₃ ( 9 ), and [Cu₂L¹(OH₂)(NO₃)](NO₃)₃ ( 10 ) were characterized by IR spectroscopy and ESI‐MS. The crystal structures of 2 – 6 and 10 were studied by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. On the basis of the crystal structures, solution studies, and DFT calculations, a possible mechanism for CO₂ fixation and transformation is given.     

Pincer‐Type Heck Catalysts and Mechanisms Based on PdIV Intermediates: A Computational Study

Pincer‐type palladium complexes are among the most active Heck catalysts. Due to their exceptionally high thermal stability and the fact that they contain Pd^II centers, controversial Pd^II/Pd^IV cycles have been often proposed as potential catalytic mechanisms. However, pincer‐type Pd^IV intermediates have never been experimentally observed, and computational studies to support the proposed Pd^II/Pd^IV mechanisms with pincer‐type catalysts have never been carried out. In this computational study the feasibility of potential catalytic cycles involving Pd^IV intermediates was explored. Density functional calculations were performed on experimentally applied aminophosphine‐, phosphine‐, and phosphite‐based pincer‐type Heck catalysts with styrene and phenyl bromide as substrates and (E)‐stilbene as coupling product. The potential‐energy surfaces were calculated in dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvent and demonstrate that Pd^II/Pd^IV mechanisms are thermally accessible and thus a true alternative to formation of palladium nanoparticles. Initial reaction steps of the lowest energy path of the catalytic cycle of the Heck reaction include dissociation of the chloride ligands from the neutral pincer complexes [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd(Cl)] [X=NH, R=piperidinyl ( 1 a ); X=O, R=piperidinyl ( 1 b ); X=O, R=iPr ( 1 c ); X=CH₂, R=iPr ( 1 d )] to yield cationic, three‐coordinate, T‐shaped 14e^? palladium intermediates of type [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd]⁺ ( 2 ). An alternative reaction path to generate complexes of type 2 (relevant for electron‐poor pincer complexes) includes initial coordination of styrene to 1 to yield styrene adducts [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd(Cl)(CH₂?CHPh)] ( 4 ) and consecutive dissociation of the chloride ligand to yield cationic square‐planar styrene complexes [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd(CH₂?CHPh)]⁺ ( 6 ) and styrene. Cationic styrene adducts of type 6 were additionally found to be the resting states of the catalytic reaction. However, oxidative addition of phenyl bromide to 2 result in pentacoordinate Pd^IV complexes of type [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd(Br)(C₆H₅)]⁺ ( 11 ), which subsequently coordinate styrene (in trans position relative to the phenyl unit of the pincer cores) to yield hexacoordinate phenyl styrene complexes [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd(Br)(C₆H₅)(CH₂?CHPh)]⁺ ( 12 ). Migration of the phenyl ligand to the olefinic bond gives cationic, pentacoordinate phenylethenyl complexes [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd(Br)(CHPhCH₂Ph)]⁺ ( 13 ). Subsequent β‐hydride elimination induces direct HBr liberation to yield cationic, square‐planar (E)‐stilbene complexes with general formula [{2,6‐C₆H₃(XPR₂)₂}Pd(CHPh?CHPh)]⁺ ( 14 ). Subsequent liberation of (E)‐stilbene closes the catalytic cycle.