Structural Aspects of Lithium Arenethiolate Complexes with Intramolecular Coordinating Amine Donors

Reaction of aryllithium reagents LiR (R = C(6)H(4)((R)-CH(Me)NMe(2))-2 (1a), C(6)H(3)(CH(2)NMe(2))(2)-2,6 (1b), C(6)H(4)(CH(2)N(Me)CH(2)CH(2)OMe)-2 (1c)) with 1 equiv of sulfur (1/8 S(8)) results in the quantitative formation of the corresponding lithium arenethiolates [Li{SC(6)H(4)((R)-CH(Me)NMe(2))-2}](6) (3), [Li{SC(6)H(3)(CH(2)NMe(2))(2)-2,6}](6) (4), and [Li{SC(6)H(4)(CH(2)N(Me)CH(2)CH(2)OMe)-2}](2) (5). Alternatively, 3 can be prepared by reacting the corresponding arenethiol HSC(6)H(4)((R)-CH(Me)NMe(2))-2 (2) with (n)BuLi. X-ray crystal structures of lithium arenethiolates 3 and 4, reported in abbreviated form, show them to have hexanuclear prismatic and hexanuclear planar structures, respectively, that are unprecedented in lithium thiolate chemistry. The lithium arenethiolate [Li{SC(6)H(4)(CH(2)N(Me)CH(2)CH(2)OMe)-2}](2) (5) is dimeric in the solid state and in solution, and crystals of 5 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, with a = 17.7963(9) ?, b = 8.1281(7) ?, c = 17.1340(10) ?, beta = 108.288(5) degrees, Z = 4, and final R = 0.047 for 4051 reflections with F > 4sigma(F). Hexameric 4 reacts with 1 equiv of lithium iodide and 2 equiv of tetrahydrofuran to form the dinuclear adduct [Li(2)(SAr)(I)(THF)(2)] (6). Crystals of 6 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, with a = 13.0346(10) ?, b = 11.523(3) ?, c = 16.127(3) ?, beta = 94.682(10) degrees, Z = 4, and final R = 0.059 for 3190 reflections with F > 4sigma(F).     

Synthesis of zirconium, hafnium, and tantalum complexes with sterically demanding hydrazide ligands

The bulky hydrazine t-BuN(H)NMe2 was synthesized via hydrazone and t-BuN(H)N(H)Me intermediates as the major component in a 90:5:5 mixture consisting of t-BuN(H)NMe2, t-BuN(Me)N(H)Me, and t-BuN(Me)NMe2. Reacting the mixture with n-BuLi followed by distillation and fractional crystallization led to the isolation of the ligand precursor LiN(t-Bu)NMe2. Lithium hydrazides, LiN(R)NMe2, were reacted with metal chlorides to afford the hydrazide complexes M(N(Et)NMe2)4 (M = Zr or Hf), MCl(N(R)NMe2)3 (M = Zr, R = i-Pr or t-Bu; M = Hf, R = t-Bu), and TaCl3(N(i-Pr)NMe2)2. The X-ray crystal structures of [LiN(i-Pr)NMe2]4, [LiN(t-Bu)NMe2.THF]2, ZrCl(N(R)NMe2)3 (R = i-Pr or t-Bu), and TaCl3(N(i-Pr)NMe2)2 were determined. The structural analyses revealed that the hydrazide ligands in ZrCl(N(R)NMe2)3 (R = i-Pr or t-Bu) and TaCl3(N(i-Pr)NMe2)2 are eta2 coordinated.     

Structural and catalytic studies of lithium complexes bearing pendant aminophenolate ligands

Lithium complexes bearing mono-anionic aminophenolate ligands are described. Reactions of ligand precursors HON(Me)Ph(OMe), HON(Me)Ph(SMe), HON(Me)C(OMe) or HON(Me)C(NMe2) [HON(Me)Ph(OMe) = (2-OMeC6H4CH2)N(Me)(CH2-2-HO-3,5-C6H2((t)Bu)2); HON(Me)Ph(SMe)= (2-SMe-C6H4CH2)N(Me)(CH2-2-HO-3,5-C6H2((t)Bu)2); HON(Me)C(OMe) = (MeOCH(2)CH2)N(Me)(CH2-2-HO-3,5-C6H2((t)Bu)2); HON(Me)C(NMe2) = (Me2NCH2CH2)N(Me)(CH2-2-HO-3,5-C6H2((t)Bu)2)] with 1.1-1.3 molar equivalents of (n)BuLi in diethyl ether solution afford (LiON(Me)Ph(OMe))(2) (3), (LiON(Me)Ph(SMe))2 (4), (LiON(Me)C(OMe))2 (5) and (LiON(Me)C(NMe2))2 (6) as dinuclear lithium complexes. The BnOH adduct of , (BnOH)(LiON(Me)C(OMe)) (7), was prepared from the reaction of and BnOH in diethyl ether solution. The molecular structures are reported for ligand precursor HON(Me)Ph(SMe) and compounds 3-5 and 7. These dinuclear lithium complexes show excellent catalytic activities toward the ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide in the presence of benzyl alcohol.     

Zirconium complexes incorporated with asymmetrical tridentate pincer type mono- and di-anionic pyrrolyl ligands: mechanism and reactivity as catalytic precursors

The reactions of Zr(NR(2))(4) (1, R = Me; 2, R = Et) with an asymmetrical tridentate pincer type pyrrole ligand precursor [C(4)H(2)NH(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))] and treatment of the derivatives with either PhNCS or PhNCO have been carried out and characterized. Reacting Zr(NR(2))(4) (1, R = Me; 2, R = Et) with [C(4)H(2)NH(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))] generates Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))](NR(2))(2) (3, R = Me; 4, R = Et) in high yield along with the elimination of 2 equiv of dimethylamine or diethylamine, respectively. Interestingly, while changing the solvent from Et(2)O to CH(2)Cl(2), the complex Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))][C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))]Cl (5) is produced by undergoing C-Cl bond cleavage. Furthermore, reaction of either 3 or 4 with 1 or 2 equiv of PhNCS or PhNCO yields Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))](NMe(2))[PhNC(NMe(2))S] (6), Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))](NEt(2))[PhNC(NEt(2))O] (7) and Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))][PhNC(NEt(2))O](3) (8), respectively. All the aforementioned complexes were characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectrometry and the molecular structures of 5, 6, and 8 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. Complexes 4, 5, and 7 initiated the ethylene polymerization in the presence of MAO as the co-catalyst.     

Reactions of tris(amino)phosphines with arylsulfonyl azides: product dependency on tris(amino)phosphine structure

The Staudinger reaction of N(CH2CH2NR)3P [R = Me (1), Pr (2)] with 1 equiv of N3SO2C6H4Me-4 gave the ionic phosphazides [N(CH2CH2NR)3PN][SO2C6H4Me-4] [R = Me (3), R = Pr (5a)], and the same reaction of 2 with N3SO2C6H2Me3-2,4,6 gave the corresponding aryl sulfinite 5b. On the other hand, the reaction of 1 with 0.5 equiv of N3SO2Ar (Ar = C6H4Me-4) furnished the novel ionic phosphazide [[N(CH2CH2NMe)3P]2(mu-N3)][SO2Ar] (6). Data that shed light on the mechanistic pathway leading to 3 were obtained by low temperature 31P NMR spectroscopy. A crystal and molecular structure analysis of the phosphazide sulfonate [N(CH2CH2NMe)3PN3][SO3C6H4Me-4] (4), obtained by atmospheric oxidation of 3, indicated an ionic structure, the cationic part of which is stabilized by a transannular P-N bond. A crystal and molecular structure analysis of 6 also indicated an ionic structure in which the cation features two untransannulated N(CH2CH2NMe)3P cages bridged by an azido group in an eta 1: mu: eta 1 fashion. The reaction of P(NMe2)3 with N3SO2Ar (Ar = C6H4Me-4) in a 1:0.5 molar ratio furnished [[(Me2N)3P]2(mu-N3)][SO2-Ar] (11) in quantitative yield. On the other hand, the same reaction involving a 1:1 molar ratio of P(NMe2)3 and N3SO2Ar produced a mixture of 11, [(Me2N)3PN3][SO2Ar] (12), and the iminophosphorane (Me2N)3P=NSO2Ar (10). In contrast, the bicyclic tris(amino)phosphines MeC(CH2NMe)3P (7) and O=P(CH2NMe)3P (8) reacted with N3SO2-Ar (Ar = C6H4Me-4) to give the iminophosphorane MeC(CH2NMe)3P=NSO2Ar (14) (structured by X-ray means) and O=P(CH2NMe)3P=NSO2Ar (16) via the intermediate phosphazides MeC(CH2NMe)3PN3SO2Ar (13) and O=P(CH2NMe)3PN3SO2Ar (15), respectively. The variety of products obtained from the reactions of arylsulfonyl azides with proazaphosphatranes (1 and 2), acyclic P(NMe2)3, bicyclic tris(amino)phosphines 7 and 8 are rationalized in terms of steric and basicity variations among the phosphorus reagents.     

Aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition of In2O3 films from Me3In and donor functionalized alcohols

The reaction of Me3In and ROH (R = CH2CH2NMe2, CH(CH3)CH2NMe2, C(CH3)2CH2OMe, CH2CH2OMe) in toluene under aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) conditions leads to the production of indium oxide thin films on glass. The indium oxide films were deposited at 550 degrees C and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction, wavelength dispersive analysis of X-rays (WDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. This CVD technique offers a rapid, convenient route to In2O3, which presumably involves the in situ formation of dimethylindium alkoxides, of the type [Me2InOR]2. In order to identify compounds present in the aerosol mist, the solution-phase reaction between Me3In and ROH (R = CH2CH2NMe2, C(CH3)2CH2OMe, CH(CH3)CH2NMe2, CH(CH2NMe2)2) at room temperature in toluene was carried out. Dimeric indium alkoxides, of the type [Me2In(OR)]2, were isolated, and their structures were determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Tunable N-substitution in zwitterionic benzoquinonemonoimine derivatives: metal coordination, tandemlike synthesis of zwitterionic metal complexes, and supramolecular structures

Full details on a very efficient transamination reaction for the synthesis of zwitterionic N,N-dialkyl-2-amino-5-alcoholate-1,4-benzoquinonemonoiminium derivatives [C6H2(=NHR)2(=O)2] 5-16 are reported. The molecular structures of zwitterions 5 (R=CH3) in 5.H2O, 13 (R=CH2CH2OMe), 15 (R=CH2CH2NMe2), and of the parent, unsubstituted system [C6H2(=NH2)2(=O)2] 4 in 4.H2O have been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. This one-pot preparation can be carried out in water, MeOH, or EtOH and allows access to new zwitterions with N-substituents bearing functionalities such as -OMe (13), -OH (9-12), NR1R2 with R1 = or not equal R2 (14-16) or an alkene (8), leading to a rich coordination chemistry and allowing fine-tuning of the supramolecular arrangements in the solid state. As previously described for 15, which reacted with Zn(acac)2 to afford the octahedral Zn(II) complex [Zn[C6H2(NCH2CH2NMe2)O(O)(NHCH2CH2NMe2)]2] (20), ligands 13 and 16 with coordinating "arms" afforded with Zn(acac)2 the 2:1 adducts [Zn[C6H2(NCH2CH2X)O(=O)(NHCH2CH2NX)]2] 19 (X=OMe) and 21 (X=NHEt), with N2O4 and N4O2 donor sets around the octahedral Zn(II) center, respectively. Furthermore, zwitterions 15 and 16 reacted with ZnCl2 to give the stable, crystallographically characterized Zn(II) zwitterionic complexes [ZnCl2[C6H2(NCH2CH2NR1R2)O(=O)(NHCH2CH2NHR1R2)]] 22 (R1=R2=Me) and 23 (R1=Et, R2=H) by means of an unprecedented, tandemlike synthesis in which 1) the two pendant amino groups of the organic benzoquinonemonoimine zwitterionic precursor favor metal coordination and proton transfer and 2) the saturated linker prevents pi-conjugation between the charges. The nature of the structural arrangements in the solid state for both inorganic (20, 22, 23) and organic (5, 9, 13, and 15) molecules is determined by subtle variations in the nature of the N-substituent on the zwitterion precursor.     

Synthetic and structural studies of donor-functionalized alkoxy derivatives of gallium

The synthesis of a range of alkyl/chloro-gallium alkoxide and amido/alkoxide compounds was achieved via a series of protonolysis and alcoholysis steps. The initial reaction involved the synthesis of [Me(Cl)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2) (1) via methyl group transfer from the reaction of GaCl(3) with two equivalents of LiN(SiMe(3))(2). Reaction of 1 with varying amounts of ROH resulted in the formation of [Me(Cl)Ga(OR)](2) (2, R = CH(2)CH(2)OMe; 3, CH(CH(3))CH(2)NMe(2)), [Me(Cl)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(μ(2)-OR)Ga(Cl)Me] (4, R = CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2)), or [MeGa(OR)(2)] (5, R = CH(CH(3))CH(2)NMe(2)). Compound 4 represents an intermediate in the formation of dimeric complexes, of the type [Me(Cl)Ga(OR)](2), when formed from compound [Me(Cl)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2). A methylgallium amido/alkoxide complex [MeGa{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(OCH(2)CH(2)OMe)](2) (6) was isolated when 2 was further reacted with LiN(SiMe(3))(2). In addition, reaction of 2 with HO(t)Bu resulted in a simple alcohol/alkoxide exchange and formation of [Me(Cl)Ga(O(t)Bu)](2) (7). In contrast to the formation of 1, the in situ reaction of GaCl(3) with one equivalent of LiN(SiMe(3))(2) yielded [Cl(2)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2) in low yield, where no methyl group transfer has occurred. Reaction of alcohol with [Cl(2)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2) was then found to yield [Cl(2)Ga(OR)](2) (8, R = CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2)), and further reaction of 8 with LiN(SiMe(3))(2) yielded the gallium amido alkoxide complex, [ClGa{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(OR)](2) (9, R = CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2)), similar to 6. The structures of compounds 4, 5, 7, and 8 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis,structure, and reactivity of some N-phosphorylphosphoranimines

A large series of new N-phosphorylphosphoranimines that bear potentially reactive functional groups on both phosphorus centers were prepared by silicon-nitrogen bond cleavage reactions of N-silylphosphoranimines. Thus, treatment of the N-silylphosphoranimines, Me(3)SiN=P(Me)(R)X (R = Me, Ph; X = OCH(2)CF(3) and R = Me, X = OPh), with phosphoryl chlorides, RP(=O)Cl(2) (R' = Cl, Me, Ph), readily afforded the corresponding N-phosphoryl derivatives, R'P(=O)(Cl)-N=P(Me)(R)X, in high yields. Subsequent reaction with 1 or 2 equiv of the silylamine, Me(3)SiNMe(2), resulted in ligand exchange at the phosphoryl (P=O) group to give the P-dimethylamino analogues, R'P(=O)(NMe(2))N=P(Me)(R)X (R' = Cl, NMe(2), Me, Ph; R = Me, Ph; X = OCH(2)CF(3), OPh). These new N-phosphorylphosphoranimines (and one thiophosphoryl analogue) were obtained as thermally stable, distillable liquids and were characterized by NMR ((1)H, (13)C, and (31)P) spectroscopy and elemental analysis. One member of the series, Cl(2)P(=O)N=P(Me)(Ph)OCH(2)CF(3) (4), was also studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction which revealed that the formal P(O)-N single bond [1.55(1) A] is shorter than the formal N=PR(2)X double bond [1.60(1) A]. Such structural features are compared to those of similar compounds and discussed in relationship to the unexpected thermolysis pathways observed for these N-phosphorylphosphoranimines, none of which produced poly(phosphazenes).     

Synthesis and characterisation of aluminium(III) and tin(II) complexes bearing quinoline-based N,N,O-tridentate ligands and their catalysis in the ring-opening polymerisation of ε-caprolactone

The synthesis and catalysis in the ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) of aluminium(iii) and tin(ii) complexes supported by quinoline-based N,N,O-tridentate ligands are reported. Reaction of 8-{RC(O)CH(2)P(Ph(2)) = N}C(9)H(6)N (R = Bu(t), 2; R = Ph, 3) with AlMe(3) gave [Al(Me(2)){OCR = CHP(Ph(2)) = N(8-C(9)H(6)N)}] (R = Bu(t), 4; R = Ph, 5). Treatment of 2 and 3 with Sn[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2) generated tin(ii) complexes [Sn{OC(R) = CHP(Ph(2)) = N(8-C(9)H(6)N)}{N(SiMe(3))(2)}] (R = Bu(t), 6; R = Ph, 7). A similar reaction of AlMe(3) with 8-{MeC(O)CH(2)C(Me) = N}C(9)H(6)N gave [Al(Me(2)){OC(Me) = CHC(Me) = NC(9)H(6)N}] (9). Compounds 2-9 were characterised by NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The molecular structures of complexes 4, 6 and 9 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Investigation of catalysis of complexes 4-7 and 9 in the ROP of ε-CL revealed that the aluminium complexes, 4, 5 and 9, are much more active than the tin(ii) complexes. The kinetic studies for the polymerisation of ε-CL catalysed by complexes 4, 5 and 9 in the presence of benzyl alcohol (BnOH) indicated that the polymerisations proceed with the first-order dependence on monomer concentration. The polymerisation was well controlled and gave a polymer with narrow molecular weight distribution.     

The metalla-Pinner reaction between Pt(IV)-bound nitriles and alkylated oxamic and oximic forms of hydroxamic acids

The nitrile ligands in the platinum(IV) complexes trans-[PtCl4(RCN)2] (R=Me, Et, CH2Ph) and cis/trans-[PtCl4(MeCN)(Me2SO)] are involved in a metalla-Pinner reaction with N-methylbenzohydroxamic acid (N-alkylated form of hydroxamic acid, hydroxamic form; F1), PhC(=O)N(Me)OH, to achieve the imino species [PtCl4[NH=C(R)ON(Me)C(=O)Ph]2 (1-3) and [PtCl4[NH=C(Me)ON(Me)C(=O)Ph](Me2SO)] (7), respectively. Treatment of trans-[PtCl4(RCN)2] (R=Me, Et) and cis/trans-[PtCl4(MeCN)(Me2SO)] with the O-alkylated form of a hydroxamic acid (hydroximic form), i.e. methyl 2,4,6-trimethylbenzohydroximate, 2,4,6-(Me3C6H2)C(OMe)=NOH (F2A), allows the isolation of [PtCl4[NH=C(R)ON=C(OMe)(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)]2] (5, 6) and [PtCl4[NH=C(Me)ON=C(OMe)(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)](Me2SO)] (8), correspondingly. In accord with the latter reaction, the coupling of nitriles in trans-[PtCl4(EtCN)2] with methyl benzohydroximate, PhC(OMe)=NOH (F2B), gives [PtCl4[NH=C(Et)ON=C(OMe)Ph]2] (4). The addition proceeds faster with the hydroximic F2, rather than with the hydroxamic form F1. The complexes 1-8 were characterized by C, H, N elemental analyses, FAB+ mass-spectrometry, IR, 1H and 13C[1H] NMR spectroscopies. The X-ray structure determinations have been performed for both hydroxamic and hydroximic complexes, i.e. 2 and 6, indicating that the imino ligands are mutually trans and they are in the E-configuration.     

Copper-dioxygen adducts and the side-on peroxo dicopper(II)/bis(mu-oxo) dicopper(III) equilibrium: Significant ligand electronic effects

The variation of ligand para substituents on pyridyl donor groups of tridentate amine copper(I) complexes was carried out in order to probe electronic effects on the equilibrium between mu-eta2:eta2-(side-on)-peroxo [Cu(II)2(O2(2-))]2+ and bis(mu-oxo) [Cu(III)2(O(2-))2] species formed upon reaction with O2. [Cu(I)(R-PYAN)(MeCN)n]B(C6F5)4 (R-PYAN = N-[2-(4-R-pyridin-2-yl)-ethyl]-N,N',N'-trimethyl-propane-1,3-diamine, R = NMe2, OMe, H, and Cl) (1R) vary over a narrow range in their Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox potentials (E(1/2) vs Fe(cp)2(+/0) = -0.40 V for 1(NMe2), -0.38 V for 1(OMe), -0.33 V for 1H, and -0.32 V for 1Cl) and in C-O stretching frequencies of their carbonyl adducts, 1R-CO: nu(C-O) = 2080, 2086, 2088, and 2090 cm(-1) for R = NMe2, OMe, H, and Cl, respectively. However, within this range of electronic properties for 1R, dioxygen reactivity is significantly affected. The reaction of 1Cl or 1H with O2 at -78 degrees C in CH2Cl2 gives UV-vis and resonance Raman spectra indicative of a mu-eta2:eta2-(side-on)-peroxo dicopper(II) adduct (2R). Compound 1(OMe) reacts with O2, yielding equilibrium mixtures of side-on peroxo (2(OMe)) and bis(mu-oxo) (3(OMe)) species. Oxygenation of 1(NMe2) leads to the sole generation of the bis(mu-oxo) dicopper(III) complex (3(NMe2)). A solvent effect was also observed; in acetone or THF, increased ratios of bis(mu-oxo) relative to side-on peroxo complex are observed. Thus, the equilibrium between a dicopper side-on peroxo and bis(mu-oxo) species can be tuned by ligand design-specifically, more electron donating ligands favor the formation of the latter isomer, and the peroxo/bis(mu-oxo) equilibrium can be shifted from one extreme to the other within the same ligand system. Observations concerning the reactivity of the dioxygen adducts 2H and 3(NMe2) toward external substrates are also presented.     

Reactivity studies of oxo-Mo(IV) complexes containing potential hydrogen-bond acceptor/donor phenolate ligands

Reactivity studies of oxo-Mo(IV) complexes, Tp(iPr)MoO{2-OC(6)H(4)C(O)R-κ(2)O,O'} (R = Me, Et, OMe, OEt, OPh, NHPh), containing chelated hydrogen-bond donor/acceptor phenolate ligands are reported. Hydrolysis/oxidation of Tp(iPr)MoO(2-OC(6)H(4)CO(2)Ph-κ(2)O,O') in the presence of methanol yields tetranuclear [Tp(iPr)MoO(μ-O)(2)MoO](2)(μ-OMe)(2) (1), while condensation of Tp(iPr)MoO{2-OC(6)H(4)C(O)Me-κ(2)O,O'} and methylamine gives the chelated iminophenolate complex, Tp(iPr)MoO{2-OC(6)H(4)C(Me)NMe-κ(2)O,N} (2), rather than the aqua complex, Tp(iPr)MoO{2-OC(6)H(4)C(Me)NMe-κO}(OH(2)). The oxo-Mo(IV) complexes are readily oxidized by dioxygen or hydrogen peroxide to the corresponding cis-dioxo-Mo(VI) complexes, Tp(iPr)MoO(2){2-OC(6)H(4)C(O)R}; in addition, suitable one-electron oxidants, e.g., [FeCp(2)]BF(4) and [N(C(6)H(4)Br)(3)][SbCl(6)], oxidize the complexes to their EPR-active (g(iso) ≈ 1.942) molybdenyl counterparts (3, 4). Molybdenyl complexes such as Tp(iPr)MoOCl{2-OC(6)H(4)C(O)R} (5) and Tp(iPr)MoOCl(2) also form when the complexes react with chlorinated solvents. The ester derivatives (R = OMe, OEt, OPh) react with propylene sulfide to form cis-oxosulfido-Mo(VI) complexes, Tp(iPr)MoOS{2-OC(6)H(4)C(O)R}, that crystallize as dimeric μ-disulfido-Mo(V) species, [Tp(iPr)MoO{2-OC(6)H(4)C(O)R}](2)(μ-S(2)) (6-8). The crystal structures of [Tp(iPr)MoO(μ-O)(2)MoO](2)(μ-OMe)(2), Tp(iPr)MoO{2-OC(6)H(4)C(Me)NMe}, Tp(iPr)MoOCl{2-OC(6)H(4)C(O)NHPh}·{2-HOC(6)H(4)C(O)NHPh}, and [Tp(iPr)MoO{2-OC(6)H(4)C(O)R}](2)(μ-S(2)) (R = OMe, OEt) are reported.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of Sm(II) and Yb(II) complexes containing sterically demanding, chelating secondary phosphide ligands

Metathesis between [(Me3Si)2CH)(C6H4-2-OMe)P]K and SmI2(THF)2 in THF yields [([Me3Si]2CH)(C6H4-2-OMe)P)2Sm(DME)(THF)] (1), after recrystallization. A similar reaction between [(Me3Si)2CH)(C6H3-2-OMe-3-Me)P]K and SmI2(THF)2 yields [([Me3Si]2CH)(C6H3-2-OMe-3-Me)P)2Sm(DME)].Et2O (2), while reaction between [(Me3Si)2CH)(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)P]K and either SmI2(THF)2 or YbI2 yields the five-coordinate complex [([Me3Si]2CH)(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)P)2Sm(THF)] (3) or the solvent-free complex [([Me3Si]2CH)(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)P)2Yb] (4), respectively. X-ray crystallography shows that complex 2 adopts a distorted cis octahedral geometry, while complex 1 adopts a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry (1, triclinic, P1, a = 11.0625(9) A, b = 15.924(6) A, c = 17.2104(14) A, alpha = 72.327(2) degrees, beta = 83.934(2) degrees, gamma = 79.556(2) degrees, Z = 2; 2, monoclinic, P2(1), a = 13.176(4) A, b = 13.080(4) A, c = 14.546(4) A, beta = 95.363(6) degrees, Z = 2). Complex 3 crystallizes as monomers with a square pyramidal geometry at Sm and exhibits short contacts between Sm and the ipso-carbon atoms of the ligands (3, monoclinic, C2/c, a = 14.9880(17) A, b = 13.0528(15) A, c = 24.330(3) A, beta = 104.507(2) degrees, Z = 4). Whereas preliminary X-ray crystallographic data for 4 indicate a monomeric structure in the solid state, variable-temperature 1H, 13C(1H), 31P(1H), and 171Yb NMR spectroscopies suggest that 4 undergoes an unusual dynamic process in solution, which is ascribed to a monomer-dimer equilibrium in which exchange of the bridging and terminal phosphide groups may be frozen out at low temperature.     

Insertion reactions of alkynes and organic isocyanides into the palladium-carbon bond of dimetallic Fe-Pd alkoxysilyl complexes

Insertion of MeO(2)C-C[triple bond]C-CO(2)Me (DMAD) into the Pd-C bond of the heterodimetallic complex [(OC)(3)F[upper bond 1 start]e{mu-Si(OMe)(2)([lower bond 1 start]OMe)}(mu-dppm)P[lower bond 1 end][upper bond 1 end]d(dmba-C)] (2) (dppm = Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2), dmba-C = metallated dimethylbenzylamine) and [(OC)(3){(MeO)(3)Si}F[upper bond 1 start]e(mu-dppm)P[upper bond 1 end]d(8-mq-C,N)] (3) (8-mq-C,N = cyclometallated 8-methylquinoline) yielded the sigma-alkenyl complexes [(OC)(3)F[upper bond 1 start]e{mu-Si(OMe)(2)([lower bond 1 start]OMe)}(mu-dppm)P[lower bond 1 end][upper bond 1 end]d{C(CO(2)Me)=C(CO(2)Me)(o-C(6)H(4)CH(2)NMe(2))}] (7) and [(OC)(3)F[upper bond 1 start]e{mu-Si(OMe)(2)([lower bond 1 start]OMe)}(mu-dppm)P[lower bond 1 end][upper bond 1 end]d{C(CO(2)Me)[double bond, length as m-dash]C(CO(2)Me)(CH(2)C(9)H(6)N)}] (8), respectively. The latter afforded the adduct [(OC)(3){(MeO)(3)Si}F[upper bond 1 start]e(mu-dppm)P[upper bond 1 end]d{C(CO(2)Me)=C(CO(2)Me)(CH(2)C(9)H(6)N)}(CNBu(t))] (9) upon reaction with 1 equiv. of Bu(t)NC. The heterodinuclear sigma-butadienyl complexes [(OC)(3)F[upper bond 1 start]e{mu-Si(OMe)(2)([lower bond 1 start]OMe)}(mu-dppm)P[lower bond 1 end][upper bond 1 end]d{C(Ph=C(Ph)C(CO(2)Me)=(CO(2)Me)(o-C(6)H(4)CH(2)NMe(2))}] (11) and [(OC)(3)F[upper bond 1 start]e{mu-Si(OMe)(2)([lower bond 1 start]OMe)}(mu-dppm)P[lower bond 1 end][upper bond 1 end]d{C(Ph)=C(CO(2)Et)C(Ph)=C(CO(2)Et)(CH(2)C(9)H(6)N)}] (13) have been obtained by reaction of the metallate K[Fe{Si(OMe)(3)}(CO)(3)(dppm-P)] (dppm = Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2)) with [P[upper bond 1 start]dCl{C(Ph)=C(Ph)C(CO(2)Me)=C(CO(2)Me)(o-C(6)H(4)CH(2)N[upper bond 1 end]Me(2))}] or [P[upper bond 1 start]dCl{C(Ph)=C(CO(2)Et)C(Ph)=(CO(2)Et)}(CH(2)C(9)H(6)N[upper bond 1 end])], respectively. Monoinsertion of various organic isocyanides RNC into the Pd-C bond of 2 and 3 afforded the corresponding heterometallic iminoacyl complexes. In the case of complexes [(OC)(3){(MeO)(3)Si}F[upper bond 1 start]e(mu-dppm)P[upper bond 1 end][upper bond 1 start]d{C=(NR)(CH(2)C(9)H(6)N[upper bond 1 end])}] (15a R = Ph, 15b R = xylyl), a static six-membered C,N chelate is formed at the Pd centre, in contrast to the situation in [(OC)(3)F[upper bond 1 start]e{mu-Si(OMe)(2)([lower bond 1 start]OMe)}(mu-dppm)P[lower bond 1 end][upper bond 1 end]d{C(=NR)(o-C(6)H(4)CH(2)NMe(2))}] (14a R = o-anisyl, 14b R = 2,6-xylyl) where formation of a mu-eta(2)-Si-O bridge is preferred over NMe(2) coordination. The outcome of the reaction of the dimetallic alkyl complex [(OC)(3)F[upper bond 1 start]e{mu-Si(OMe)(2)([lower bond 1 start]OMe)}(mu-dppm)P[lower bond 1 end][upper bond 1 end]dMe] with RNC depends both on the stoichiometry and the electronic donor properties of the isocyanide employed for the migratory insertion process. In the case of o-anisylisocyanide, the iminoacyl complex [(OC)(3)F[upper bond 1 start]e{mu-Si(OMe)(2)([lower bond 1 start]OMe)}(mu-dppm)P[lower bond 1 end][upper bond 1 end]d{C(=N-o-anisyl)Me}] (16) results from the reaction in a 1 : 1 ratio. Addition of three equiv. of o-anisylisocyanide affords the tris(insertion) product [(OC)(3)F[upper bond 1 start]e{mu-Si(OMe)(2)([lower bond 1 start]OMe)}(mu-dppm)P[lower bond 1 end][upper bond 1 end]d{[C(=N-o-anisyl)](3)Me}] (18). After addition of a fourth equivalent of o-anisylNC, exclusive formation of the isocyanide adduct [(OC)(3){(MeO)(3)Si}F[upper bond 1 start]e(mu-dppm)P[upper bond 1 end]d{[C(=N-o-anisyl)](3)Me}(CN-o-anisyl)] (19) was spectroscopically evidenced. In the complex [(OC)(3)F[upper bond 1 start]e{mu-Si(OMe)(2)([lower bond 1 start]OMe)}(mu-dppm)P[lower bond 1 end][upper bond 1 end]d{[C(=N-o-C(6)H(4)COCH(2))](2)Me}] (20), the sigma-bound diazabutadienyl unit is part of a 12-membered organic macrocyle which results from bis(insertion) of 1,2-bis(2-isocyanophenoxy)ethane into the Pd-Me bond of the precursor complex [(OC)(3)F[upper bond 1 start]e{mu-Si(OMe)(2)([lower bond 1 start]OMe)}(mu-dppm)P[lower bond 1 end][upper bond 1 end]dMe]. In contrast, addition of two equivalents of tert-butylisocyanide to a solution of the latter afforded [(OC)(3){(MeO)(3)Si}F[upper bond 1 start]Fe(mu-dppm)P[upper bond 1 end]d{C(=NBu(t))Me}(CNBu(t))] (21) in which both a terminal and an inserted isocyanide ligand are coordinated to the Pd centre. In all cases, there was no evidence for competing CO substitution at the Fe(CO)(3) fragment by RNC. The molecular structures of the insertion products 8 x CH(2)Cl(2) and 16 x CH(2)Cl(2) have been determined by X-ray diffraction.     

Chloride-bridged oxovanadium(V) complexes with alkoxyalkoxide ligands. Synthesis, structure, electrochemistry and reactivities

A series of mixed alkoxyalkoxo chloro complexes of vanadium(V), [VOCl2(OCH2CH2OR)]2 (R = Me, Et, iPr, Bz), [VOCl2(OCMe2CH2OMe)]2 and [VOCl2(OCH2(cyclo-C4H7O)]2, were synthesised and characterised. The title compounds can be obtained either from VOCl3 and the alkoxyalcohols by HCl elimination or from the corresponding lithium alkoxides and VOCl3 by salt metathesis reaction. X-Ray diffraction studies revealed the title compounds to be dimers with chloride bridging ligands and intramolecular ether coordination. Electrochemical results obtained by cyclic voltammetry indicate irreversible, reductive behaviour. The interactions of the title compounds with oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus donor ligands were examined. Phosphorus and nitrogen donors lead to reduction products whereas tetrahydrofuran coordinates to the vanadium(V) centre by breaking the chloride bridge. All tetrahydrofuran complexes, [VOCl2(OCH2CH2OR)(thf)] (R = Me, Et, iPr) and [VOCl2(OCMe2CH2OMe)(thf)], have been characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The solid-state structures of these complexes show that they consist of six-coordinate monomers. Reaction of [VOCl2(OCH2CH(2)OMe)]2 with Me3SiCH2MgCl gave [VO(CH2SiMe3)3], which has been structurally characterised. The compounds were tested as catalysts for epoxidation and polymerisation reactions. They convert unfunctionalised olefins into the corresponding epoxides with moderate activity. They are good pre-catalysts for the polymerisation of ethene and oligomerise 1-hexene.     

New insights into the polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by rare-earth borohydride complexes: a combined experimental and computational approach

Polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by the rare-earth borohydride complexes [Ln(BH(4))(3)(thf)(3)] (Ln=Nd, Sm) or [Sm(BH(4))(Cp*)(2)(thf)] (Cp*=eta-C(5)Me(5)) proceeds at ambient temperature to give rather syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with molar masses M(n) higher than expected and quite broad molar mass distributions, which is consistent with a poor initiation efficiency. The polymerization of MMA was investigated by performing density functional theory (DFT) calculations on an eta-C(5)H(5) model metallocene and showed that in the reaction of [Eu(BH(4))(Cp)(2)] with MMA the borate [Eu(Cp)(2){(OBH(3))(OMe)C=C(Me)(2)}] (e-2) complex, which forms via the enolate [Eu(Cp)(2){O(OMe)C=C(Me)(2)}] (e), is calculated to be exergonic and is the most likely of all of the possible products. This product is favored because the reaction that leads to the formation of carboxylate [Eu(Cp)(2){OOC-C(Me)(=CH(2))}] (f) is thermodynamically favorable, but kinetically disfavored, and both of the potential products from a Markovnikov [Eu(Cp)(2){O(OMe)C-CH(Me)(CH(2)BH(3))}] (g) or anti-Markovnikov [Eu(Cp)(2){O(OMe)C-C(Me(2))(BH(3))}] (h) hydroboration reaction are also kinetically inaccessible. Similar computational results were obtained for the reaction of [Eu(BH(4))(3)] and MMA with all of the products showing extra stabilization. The DFT calculations performed by using [Eu(Cp)(2)(H)] to model the mechanism previously reported for the polymerization of MMA initiated by [Sm(Cp*)(2)(H)](2) confirmed the favorable exergonic formation of the intermediate [Eu(Cp)(2){O(OMe)C=C(Me)(2)}] (e') as the kinetic product, this enolate species ultimately leads to the formation of PMMA as experimentally observed. Replacing H by BH(4) thus prevents the 1,4-addition of the [Eu(BH(4))(Cp)(2)] borohydride ligand to the first incoming MMA molecule and instead favors the formation of the borate complex e-2. This intermediate is the somewhat active species in the polymerization of MMA initiated by the borohydride precursors [Ln(BH(4))(3)(thf)(3)] or [Sm(BH(4))(Cp*)(2)(thf)].     

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.     

2-Aminopyrrolines: new chiral amidinate ligands with a rigid well-defined molecular structure and their coordination to Ti(IV)

The use of an amino-oxazolinate (NN(ox) = kappa2-2,6-dimethylphenylamido-4(S)-isopropyloxazoline) as a chiral analogue to amidinate ligands in the chemistry of titanium was found to lead to undesired side reactions. The reaction of 2,6-dimethylphenylamido-4(S)-isopropyloxazoline with [Ti(NMe2)4] afforded the bis(amidinato) complex [Ti(NN(ox))2(NMe2)2] (2) which was thermally converted to the ring-opened decomposition products [Ti(NN(ox)){kappa3-N(2,6-C6H3Me2)C(NMe2)NC(iPr)CH2O}(NMe2)] (3) and [Ti{kappa3-N(2,6-C6H3Me2)C(NMe2)-NC(iPr)CH2O}2] (4). The NMR spectra of 4 recorded at low temperature displayed two sets of resonances corresponding to two symmetric isomers in a 2:5 ratio, the probable geometries of which were established by ONIOM (QM/MM) simulations. To suppress ring opening of the oxazolines, their oxygen atom was formally replaced by a CH2 group in the synthesis of a series of amino-pyrroline protioligands 2-RN(H)(5-C4H5NR') (HN(R)N(R')). Their reaction with [Ti(NMe2)4] gave the thermally stable complexes [Ti(N(R)N(R'))2(NMe2)2], of which three derivatives were characterized by X-ray diffraction. They are stereochemically dynamic and undergo reversible ligand rearrangements in solution, for which the activation parameters were determined by variable-temperature (1)H NMR spectroscopy.     

Reduction of carbodiimides by samarium(II) bis(trimethylsilyl)amides-formation of oxalamidinates and amidinates through C-C coupling or C-H activation

The reaction of [Sm{N(SiMe3)2}2(THF)2] (THF=tetrahydrofuran) with carbodiimides RN=C=NR (R=Cy, C6H3-2,6-iPr2) led to the formation of dinuclear SmIII complexes via differing C-C coupling processes. For R=Cy, the product [{(Me3Si)2N}2Sm(micro-C2N4Cy4)Sm{N(SiMe3)2}2] (1) has an oxalamidinate [C2N4Cy4]2- ligand resulting from coupling at the central C atoms of two CyNCNCy moieties. In contrast, for R=C6H3-2,6-iPr2, H transfer and an unusual coupling of two iPr methine C atoms resulted in a linked formamidinate complex, [{(Me3Si)2N}2Sm{micro-(RNC(H)N(Ar-Ar)NC(H)NR)}Sm{N(SiMe3)2}2] (2) (Ar-Ar=C6H3-2-iPr-6-C(CH3)2C(CH3)2-6'-C6H3-2'-iPr). Analogous reactions of RN=C=NR (R=Cy, C6H3-2,6-iPr2) with the SmII "ate" complex [Sm{N(SiMe2)3Na] gave 1 for R=Cy, but a novel C-substituted amidinate complex, [(THF)Na{N(R)C(NR)CH2Si(Me2)N(SiMe3)}Sm{N(SiMe3)2}2] (3), for R=C6H3-2,6-iPr2, via gamma C-H activation of a N(SiMe3)2 ligand.