An unexpected insertion of acetone into the silicon–carbon terminus of an sp carbon chain: syntheses and structures of model monoplatinum hexatriynyl and octatetraynyl complexes

The sequential treatment of trans-(C₆F₅)(p-tol₃P)₂PtC≡CC≡CC≡CSiEt₃ (2, acetone solution) with n-Bu₄N⁺ F^– in wet THF (to generate a PtC≡CC≡CC≡CH complex), ClSiMe₃ (fluoride ion scavenger), excess HC≡CSiEt₃, excess O₂, and CuCl/TMEDA (0.20–0.25 equiv in acetone; Hay cross-coupling conditions) gives trans-(C₆F₅)(p-tol₃P)₂PtC≡CC≡CC≡CC≡CSiEt₃ (4, 30%), as previously reported. When an analogous reaction is conducted with SiMe₄ in place of ClSiMe₃, the side-product trans-(C₆F₅)(p-tol₃P)₂PtC≡CC≡CC≡CC(Me)₂OSiEt₃ is obtained (ca 28%), the structure of which is established crystallographically. For comparison, crystal structures of three related complexes, 4, 2, and trans-(p-tol)(Ph₃P)₂PtC≡CC≡CC≡CSiEt₃, are determined.     

Syntheses,Structures, and Spectroscopic Properties of 1,10-Phenanthroline-Based Macrocycles Threaded by PtC8Pt,PtC12Pt,and PtC16Pt Axles: Metal-Capped Rotaxanes as Insulated Molecular Wires

The platinum polyynyl complexes trans-(C₆F₅)(p-tol₃P)₂Pt(C≡C)_n/2H undergo oxidative homocoupling (O₂, CuCl/TMEDA) to diplatinum polyynediyl complexes trans, trans-(C₆F₅)(p-tol₃P)₂Pt(C≡C)_nPt(Pp-tol₃)₂(C₆F₅) (n=4, 2 ; 6, 5 ; 8, 8 ; 92–97 %) as reported previously. When related reactions are conducted in the presence of CuI adducts of the 1,10-phenanthroline-based macrocycles 2,9-(1,10-phenanthrolinediyl)(p-C₆H₄O(CH₂)₆O)₂(1,3-C₆H₄) ( 10 , 33-membered) or 2,9-(1,10-phenanthrolinediyl)(p-C₆H₄O(CH₂)₆O)₂(2,7-naphthalenediyl) ( 11 , 35-membered), excess K₂CO₃, and I₂ (oxidant), rotaxanes are isolated that feature a Pt(C≡C)_nPt axle that has been threaded through the macrocycle ( 2⋅10 , 9 %; 5⋅10 , 41 %; 5⋅11 , 28 %; 8⋅10 , 12 %; 8⋅11 , 9 %). Their crystal structures are determined and analyzed in detail, particularly with respect to geometric perturbations and the degree of steric sp carbon chain insulation. NMR spectra show a number of shielding effects. UV/Vis spectra do not indicate significant electronic interactions between the Pt(C≡C)_nPt axles and macrocycles, although cyclic voltammetry data suggest rapid reactions following oxidation.     

Complexation and Versatile Reactivity of a Highly Lewis Acidic Cationic Mg Complex with Alkynes and Phosphines

[(BDI)Mg⁺][B(C₆F₅)₄⁻] ( 1 ; BDI=CH[C(CH₃)NDipp]₂; Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl) was prepared by reaction of (BDI)MgnPr with [Ph₃C⁺][B(C₆F₅)₄⁻]. Addition of 3-hexyne gave [(BDI)Mg⁺ ⋅ (EtC≡CEt)][B(C₆F₅)₄⁻]. Single-crystal X-ray analysis, NMR investigations, Raman spectra, and DFT calculations indicate a significant Mg-alkyne interaction. Addition of the terminal alkynes PhC≡CH or Me₃SiC≡CH led to alkyne deprotonation by the BDI ligand to give [(BDI-H)Mg⁺(C≡CPh)]₂ ⋅ 2 [B(C₆F₅)₄⁻] ( 2 , 70 %) and [(BDI-H)Mg⁺(C≡CSiMe₃)]₂ ⋅ 2 [B(C₆F₅)₄⁻] ( 3 , 63 %). Addition of internal alkynes PhC≡CPh or PhC≡CMe led to [4+2] cycloadditions with the BDI ligand to give {Mg⁺C(Ph)=C(Ph)C[C(Me)=NDipp]₂}₂ ⋅ 2 [B(C₆F₅)₄⁻] ( 4 , 53 %) and {Mg⁺C(Ph)=C(Me)C[C(Me)=NDipp]₂}₂ ⋅ 2 [B(C₆F₅)₄⁻] ( 5 , 73 %), in which the Mg center is N,N,C-chelated. The (BDI)Mg⁺ cation can be viewed as an intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) with a Lewis acidic site (Mg) and a Lewis (or Brønsted) basic site (BDI). Reaction of [(BDI)Mg⁺][B(C₆F₅)₄⁻] ( 1 ) with a range of phosphines varying in bulk and donor strength generated [(BDI)Mg⁺ ⋅ PPh₃][B(C₆F₅)₄⁻] ( 6 ), [(BDI)Mg⁺ ⋅ PCy₃][B(C₆F₅)₄⁻] ( 7 ), and [(BDI)Mg⁺ ⋅ PtBu₃][B(C₆F₅)₄⁻] ( 8 ). The bulkier phosphine PMes₃ (Mes=mesityl) did not show any interaction. Combinations of [(BDI)Mg⁺][B(C₆F₅)₄⁻] and phosphines did not result in addition to the triple bond in 3-hexyne, but during the screening process it was discovered that the cationic magnesium complex catalyzes the hydrophosphination of PhC≡CH with HPPh₂, for which an FLP-type mechanism is tentatively proposed.     

Transition‐Metal Complexes Based on the 1,3,5‐Triethynyl Benzene Linking Unit

The synthesis of a unique series of heteromultinuclear transition metal compounds is reported. Complexes 1‐I‐3‐Br‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃ ( 4 ), 1‐Br‐3‐(bpy‐C≡C)‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃ ( 6 ), 1,3‐(bpy‐C≡C)₂‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃ ( 7 ), 1‐(XC≡C)‐3‐(bpy‐C≡C)‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃ ( 8 , X = SiMe₃; 9 , X = H), 1‐(HC≡C)‐3‐[(CO)₃ClRe(bpy‐C≡C)]‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃ ( 11 ), 1‐[(Ph₃P)AuC≡C]‐3‐[(CO)₃ClRe(bpy‐C≡C)]‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃ ( 13 ), 1‐[(Ph₃P)AuC≡C]‐3‐(bpy‐C≡C)‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃ ( 14 ), [1‐[(Ph₃PAuC≡C]‐3‐[{[Ti](C≡CSiMe₃)₂}Cu(bpy‐C≡C)]‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃]PF₆ ( 16 ), and [1,3‐[(tBu₂bpy)₂Ru(bpy‐C≡C)]₂‐5‐(FcC≡C)‐C₆H₃](PF₆)₄ ( 18 ) (Fc = (η⁵‐C₅H₄)(η⁵‐C₅H₅)Fe, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridiyl‐5‐yl, [Ti] = (η⁵‐C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti) were prepared by using consecutive synthesis methodologies including metathesis, desilylation, dehydrohalogenation, and carbon–carbon cross‐coupling reactions. In these complexes the corresponding metal atoms are connected by carbon‐rich bridging units comprising 1,3‐diethynyl‐, 1,3,5‐triethynylbenzene and bipyridyl units. They were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and partly by ESI‐TOF mass spectrometry., The structures of 4 and 11 in the solid state are reported. Both molecules are characterized by the central benzene core bridging the individual transition metal complex fragments. The corresponding acetylide entities are, as typical, found in a linear arrangement with representative M–C, C–C_C≡C and C≡C bond lengths.     

Terminal Alkyne Coupling Reactions Through a Ring: Effect of Ring Size on Rate and Regioselectivity

Terminal alkyne coupling reactions promoted by rhodium(I) complexes of macrocyclic NHC-based pincer ligands—which feature dodecamethylene, tetradecamethylene or hexadecamethylene wingtip linkers viz. [Rh(CNC-n)(C₂H₄)][BAr^F₄] (n=12, 14, 16; Ar^F=3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃)—have been investigated, using the bulky alkynes HC≡CtBu and HC≡CAr’ (Ar’=3,5-tBu₂C₆H₃) as substrates. These stoichiometric reactions proceed with formation of rhodium(III) alkynyl alkenyl derivatives and produce rhodium(I) complexes of conjugated 1,3-enynes by C−C bond reductive elimination through the annulus of the ancillary ligand. The intermediates are formed with orthogonal regioselectivity, with E-alkenyl complexes derived from HC≡CtBu and gem-alkenyl complexes derived from HC≡CAr’, and the reductive elimination step is appreciably affected by the ring size of the macrocycle. For the homocoupling of HC≡CtBu, E-tBuC≡CCH=CHtBu is produced via direct reductive elimination from the corresponding rhodium(III) alkynyl E-alkenyl derivatives with increasing efficacy as the ring is expanded. In contrast, direct reductive elimination of Ar'C≡CC(=CH₂)Ar’ is encumbered relative to head-to-head coupling of HC≡CAr’ and it is only with the largest macrocyclic ligand studied that the two processes are competitive. These results showcase how macrocyclic ligands can be used to interrogate the mechanism and tune the outcome of terminal alkyne coupling reactions, and are discussed with reference to catalytic reactions mediated by the acyclic homologue [Rh(CNC-Me)(C₂H₄)][BAr^F₄] and solvent effects.     

The synthesis, structure and ethene polymerization activity of octahedral heteroligated (salicylaldiminato)(β-enaminoketonato)titanium complexes: The X-ray crystal structure of {3-Bu-2-(O)C6H3CHN(Ph)}{(Ph)NC(Me)C(H)C(Me)O}TiCl2

Treatment of the mono(salicylaldiminato)titanium complexes {3-Bu^t-2-(O)C₆H₃CHN(Ar)}TiCl₃(THF) (Ar = C₆H₅, 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂ or C₆F₅) with the potassium β-enaminoketonates (C₆H₅)NC(CH₃)C(H)C(R)OK (R = CH₃, CF₃) yielded the first examples of heteroligated (salicylaldiminato) (β-enaminoketonato)titanium dichloride complexes. The complex {3-Bu^t-2-(O)C₆H₃CHN(C₆H₅)}{(C₆H₅)NC(CH₃)C(H)C(CH₃)O}TiCl₂ was structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction and has an orientation with trans-O,O,cis-Cl,Cl, cis-N,N distorted octahedral geometry. These complexes polymerize ethene when activated with MAO; the highest productivity, 5650 kg PE (mol metal)⁻¹ h⁻¹ atm⁻¹, was afforded by {3-Bu^t-2-(O)C₆H₃CHN(C₆F₅)}{(C₆H₅)NC(CH₃)C(H)C(CF₃)O}TiCl₂ at 60 °C.     

Two New Benzoate‐di(methylcyclopentadienyl)ytterbium(III) Complexes: [Yb(MeCp)2(O2CC6F5)]2 and [Yb(MeCp)2(O2C‐o‐HC6F4)]2

Transparent orange crystals of [Yb(MeCp)₂(O₂CC₆F₅)]₂ and [Yb(MeCp)₂(O₂C‐o‐HC₆F₄)]₂ were obtained by oxidation of Yb(MeCp)₂ with M(O₂CR) (M = ¹/₂ Hg, Tl; R = C₆F₅, o‐HC₆F₄) in tetrahydrofuran. They have a dimeric structure with bridging bidentate (O, O')‐benzoate groups and eight coordinated ytterbium. Both crystallise isotypic in the orthorhombic space group Pbca. Room temperature as well as low temperature single crystal X‐ray investigations show the o‐H/F positions in [Yb(MeCp)₂(O₂C‐o‐HC₆F₄)]₂ not to be ordered.     

Potassium and sodium 2,6-di-tert-butylphenoxides and their properties

The crucial factor of the reaction of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol with alkali hydroxides is temperature, depending on which two types of potassium or sodium 2,6-di-tert-butylphenoxides are formed. These types exhibit different catalytic activity in the alkylation of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol with methyl acrylate. More active forms of 2,6-Bu^t ₂C₆H₃OK or 2,6-Bu^t ₂C₆H₃ONa are synthesized at temperatures higher than 160 °C and are predominantly the monomers, which dimerize on cooling. The data of ¹H NMR, electronic, and IR spectra for the corresponding forms of 2,6-Bu^t ₂C₆H₃OK and 2,6-Bu^t ₂C₆H₃ONa isolated in the individual state are in agreement with cyclohexadienone structure. In DMSO or DMF, the dimeric forms of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenoxides react with methyl acrylate to form methyl 3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)propionate in 64–92% yield. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 12, pp. 2138–2143, December, 2006.     

Organo‐Palladium(II)‐Verbindungen mit PdC4‐Koordination: Phenylethinyl‐ und Methylphenylethinylkomplexe

Tetrakis(p‐tolyl)oxalamidinato‐bis[acetylacetonatopalladium(II)] ([Pd₂(acac)₂(oxam)]) reacted with Li–C≡C–C₆H₅ in THF with formation of [Pd(C≡C–C₆H₅)₄Li₂(thf)₄] ( 1a ). Reaction of [Pd₂(acac)₂(oxam)] with a mixture of 6 equiv. Li–C≡C–C₆H₅ and 2 equiv. LiCH₃ resulted in the formation of [Pd(CH₃)(C≡C–C₆H₅)₃Li₂(thf)₄] ( 2 ), and the dimeric complex [Pd₂(CH₃)₄(C≡C–C₆H₅)₄Li₄(thf)₆] ( 3 ) was isolated upon reaction of [Pd₂(acac)₂(oxam)] with a mixture of 4 equiv. Li–C≡C–C₆H₅ and 4 equiv. LiCH₃. 1 – 3 are extremely reactive compounds, which were isolated as white needles in good yields (60–90%). They were fully characterized by IR, ¹H‐, ¹³C‐, ⁷Li‐NMR spectroscopy, and by X‐ray crystallography of single crystals. In these compounds Li ions are bonded to the two carbon atoms of the alkinyl ligand. 1a reacted with Pd(PPh₃)₄ in the presence of oxygen to form the already known complexes trans‐[Pd(C≡C–C₆H₅)₂(PPh₃)₂] and [Pd(η²‐O₂)(PPh₃)₂]. In addition, 1a is an active catalyst for the Heck coupling reaction, but less active in the catalytic Sonogashira reaction.     

Diversification of ortho‐Fused Cycloocta‐2,5‐dien‐1‐one Cores and Eight‐ to Six‐Ring Conversion by σ Bond C−C Cleavage

Sequential treatment of 2‐C₆H₄Br(CHO) with LiC≡CR¹ (R¹=SiMe₃, tBu), nBuLi, CuBr?SMe₂ and HC≡CCHClR² [R²=Ph, 4‐CF₃Ph, 3‐CNPh, 4‐(MeO₂C)Ph] at ?50 °C leads to formation of an intermediate carbanion (Z)‐1,2‐C₆H₄{C_A(=O)C≡C_BR¹}{CH=CH(CH^?)R²} ( 4 ). Low temperatures (?50 °C) favour attack at C_B leading to kinetic formation of 6,8‐bicycles containing non‐classical C‐carbanion enolates ( 5 ). Higher temperatures (?10 °C to ambient) and electron‐deficient R² favour retro σ‐bond C?C cleavage regenerating 4 , which subsequently closes on C_A providing 6,6‐bicyclic alkoxides ( 6 ). Computational modelling (CBS‐QB3) indicated that both pathways are viable and of similar energies. Reaction of 6 with H⁺ gave 1,2‐dihydronaphthalen‐1‐ols, or under dehydrating conditions, 2‐aryl‐1‐alkynylnaphthlenes. Enolates 5 react in situ with: H₂O, D₂O, I₂, allylbromide, S₂Me₂, CO₂ and lead to the expected C ‐E derivatives (E=H, D, I, allyl, SMe, CO₂H) in 49–64 % yield directly from intermediate 5 . The parents (E=H; R¹=SiMe₃, tBu; R²=Ph) are versatile starting materials for NaBH₄ and Grignard C=O additions, desilylation (when R¹=SiMe) and oxime formation. The latter allows formation of 6,9‐bicyclics via Beckmann rearrangement. The 6,8‐ring iodides are suitable Suzuki precursors for Pd‐catalysed C?C coupling (81–87 %), whereas the carboxylic acids readily form amides under T3P® conditions (71–95 %).     

Temperature‐Mediated Template Release: Facile Growth of Copper(I) Mixed Ethynediide/Isopropylethynide Nanoclusters

In the comproportionation reaction of Cu^IIX₂ and Cu⁰ with isopropylacetylene (iPr−C≡C−H), the ethynediide species C₂²⁻ is generated via concomitant C−H/C−C bond cleavage of the iPr−C≡C−H precursor under moderate temperature to direct the formation of Cu^I mixed ethynediide/isopropylethynide nanoclusters (potentially explosive). The active ethynediide dianion C₂²⁻ exhibits chameleon‐like templating behavior to form C₂@Cu_m (m =6 ( 3 , 4 ), 7 ( 2 , 4 ), 8 ( 1 )) central structural units for successive formation of {C₂²⁻⊂Cu₂₄} ( 1 , 2 ), {6 C₂²⁻⊂Cu₄₈} ( 3 ), and {18 C₂²⁻⊂Cu₉₂} ( 4 ) complexes. Bearing the highest C₂²⁻ content, complex 4 features an unprecedented nanoscale Cu₂C₂ kernel. Furthermore, 1 – 3 exhibit structure‐controlled photoluminescence in the solid state.     

Double Insertion of Coordinated Phosphanylalkyne Ligands into a Pt−C6F5 Bond

Enhanced reactivity is shown by uncoordinated C≡C bonds in the proximity of a metal in phosphanylacetylene complexes. cis-[Pt(C₆F₅)₂(thf)₂] reacts with [M(C₆F₅)₂(PPh₂C≡CPh)₂] (M=Pt, Pd) to form binuclear complexes containing the novel 2,3-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)-1,3-butadien-1-yl bridging ligand. Substitution of the solvent ligands with, for example, PPh₂H (see picture) provides species that could be characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

A Widely Applicable Synthetic Approach to Alk‐1‐yn‐1‐yl(polyfluoroorganyl)‐iodonium Salts [(RC≡C)(R′)I][BF4]

The reaction of alkynyldifluoroboranes RC≡CBF₂ (R = (CH₃)₃C, CF₃, (CF₃)₂CF) with organyliodine difluoride R′IF₂ bearing electron‐withdrawing polyfluoroorganyl groups R′ = C₆F₅, (CF₃)₂CFCF=CF, C₄F₉, and CF₃CH₂ leads to the corresponding alkynyl(organyl)iodonium salts [(RC≡C)(R′)I][BF₄]. This approach uses a widely applicable method as demonstrated for a representative series of polyfluorinated aryl‐, alkenyl‐, and alkyliodine difluorides. Generally, these syntheses proceed with good yields and deliver pure iodonium salts. The distinct electrophilic nature of their [(RC≡C)(R′)I]⁺ cations is deduced from multinuclear magnetic resonance data. Within the series of new iodonium salts [CF₃C≡C(C₄F₉)I][BF₄] is an intrinsic unstable one and decomposed forming CF₃C≡CI and C₄F₁₀.     

Further Evidence for ‘Extended’ Cumulene Complexes: Derivatives from Reactions with Halide Anions and Water

Reactions of [Ru{C=C(H)-1,4-C₆H₄C≡CH}(PPh₃)₂Cp]BF₄ ([ 1 a ]BF₄) with hydrohalic acids, HX, results in the formation of [Ru{C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C(X)=CH₂}(PPh₃)₂Cp] [X=Cl ( 2 a-Cl ), Br ( 2 a-Br )], arising from facile Markovnikov addition of halide anions to the putative quinoidal cumulene cation [Ru(=C=C=C₆H₄=C=CH₂)(PPh₃)₂Cp]⁺. Similarly, [M{C=C(H)-1,4-C₆H₄-C≡CH}(LL)Cp ]BF₄ [M(LL)Cp’=Ru(PPh₃)₂Cp ([ 1 a ]BF₄); Ru(dppe)Cp* ([ 1 b ]BF₄); Fe(dppe)Cp ([ 1 c ]BF₄); Fe(dppe)Cp* ([ 1 d ]BF₄)] react with H⁺/H₂O to give the acyl-functionalised phenylacetylide complexes [M{C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C(=O)CH₃}(LL)Cp’] ( 3 a – d ) after workup. The Markovnikov addition of the nucleophile to the remote alkyne in the cations [ 1 a–d ]⁺ is difficult to rationalise from the vinylidene form of the precursor and is much more satisfactorily explained from initial isomerisation to the quinoidal cumulene complexes [M(=C=C=C₆H₄=C=CH₂)(LL)Cp’]⁺ prior to attack at the more exposed, remote quaternary carbon. Thus, whilst representative acetylide complexes [Ru(C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C≡CH)(PPh₃)₂Cp] ( 4 a ) and [Ru(C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C≡CH)(dppe)Cp*] ( 4 b ) reacted with the relatively small electrophiles [CN]⁺ and [C₇H₇]⁺ at the β-carbon to give the expected vinylidene complexes, the bulky trityl ([CPh₃]⁺) electrophile reacted with [M(C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C≡CH)(LL)Cp’] [M(LL)Cp’=Ru(PPh₃)₂Cp ( 4 a ); Ru(dppe)Cp* ( 4 b ); Fe(dppe)Cp ( 4 c ); Fe(dppe)Cp* ( 4 d )] at the more exposed remote end of the carbon-rich ligand to give the putative quinoidal cumulene complexes [M{C=C=C₆H₄=C=C(H)CPh₃}(LL)Cp’]⁺, which were isolated as the water adducts [M{C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C(=O)CH₂CPh₃}(LL)Cp’] ( 6 a–d ). Evincing the scope of the formation of such extended cumulenes from ethynyl-substituted arylvinylene precursors, the rather reactive half-sandwich (5-ethynyl-2-thienyl)vinylidene complexes [M{C=C(H)-2,5-^cC₄H₂S-C≡CH}(LL)Cp’]BF₄ ([ 7 a – d ]BF₄ add water readily to give [M{C≡C-2,5-^cC₄H₂S-C(=O)CH₃}(LL)Cp’] ( 8 a – d )].     

A mild and chemoselective method for the deprotection of tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) ethers using iron(III) tosylate as a catalyst

The most common method for the deprotection of TBDMS ethers utilizes stoichiometric amounts of tetrabutylammonium fluoride, n-Bu₄N⁺F⁻ (TBAF), which is highly corrosive and toxic. We have developed a mild and chemoselective method for the deprotection of TBDMS, TES, and TIPS ethers using iron(III) tosylate as a catalyst. Phenolic TBDMS ethers, TBDPS ethers and the BOC group are not affected under these conditions. Iron(III) tosylate is an inexpensive, commercially available, and non-corrosive reagent.     

Macrocyclic Complexes Derived from Four cis-L2Pt Corners and Four Butadiynediyl Linkers; Syntheses,Electronic Structures,and Square versus Skew Rhombus Geometries

The dialkyl malonate derived 1,3-diphosphines R₂C(CH₂PPh₂)₂ (R= a , Me; b , Et; c , n-Bu; d , n-Dec; e , Bn; f , p-tolCH₂) are combined with (p-tol₃P)₂PtCl₂ or trans-(p-tol₃P)₂Pt((C≡C)₂H)₂ to give the chelates cis-(R₂C(CH₂PPh₂)₂)PtCl₂ ( 2 a – f , 94–69 %) or cis-(R₂C(CH₂PPh₂)₂)Pt((C≡C)₂H)₂ ( 3 a – f , 97–54 %). Complexes 3 a – d are also available from 2 a – d and excess 1,3-butadiyne in the presence of CuI (cat.) and excess HNEt₂ (87–65 %). Under similar conditions, 2 and 3 react to give the title compounds [(R₂C(CH₂PPh₂)₂)[Pt(C≡C)₂]₄ ( 4 a – f ; 89–14 % (64 % avg)), from which ammonium salts such as the co-product [H₂NEt₂]⁺ Cl⁻ are challenging to remove. Crystal structures of 4 a , b show skew rhombus as opposed to square Pt₄ geometries. The NMR and IR properties of 4 a – f are similar to those of mono- or diplatinum model compounds. However, cyclic voltammetry gives only irreversible oxidations. As compared to mono-platinum or Pt(C≡C)₂Pt species, the UV-visible spectra show much more intense and red-shifted bands. Time dependent DFT calculations define the transitions and principal orbitals involved. Electrostatic potential surface maps reveal strongly negative Pt₄C₁₆ cores that likely facilitate ammonium cation binding. Analogous electronic properties of Pt₃C₁₂ and Pt₅C₂₀ homologs and selected equilibria are explored computationally.     

Further Studies of CoIII(TIM) Mono-Alkynyl and Bis-Alkynyl Complexes

A new series of mono- and bis-alkynyl Co^III(TIM) complexes (TIM=2,3,9,10-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-1,3,8,10-tetraene) is reported herein. The trans-[Co(TIM)(C₂R)Cl]⁺ complexes were prepared from the reaction between trans-[Co(TIM)Cl₂]PF₆ and HC₂R (R=tri(isopropyl)silyl or TIPS ( 1 ), -C₆H₄-4-^tBu ( 2 ), -C₆H₄-4-NO₂ ( 3 a ), and N-mesityl-1,8-naphthalimide or NAP^Mes ( 4 a )) in the presence of Et₃N. The intermediate complexes of the type trans-[Co(TIM)(C₂R)(NCMe)](PF₆)(OTf), 3 b and 4 b , were obtained by treating 3 a and 4 a , respectively, with AgOTf in CH₃CN. Furthermore, bis-alkynyl trans-[Co(TIM)(C₂R)₂]PF₆ complexes, 3 c and 4 c , were generated following a second dehydrohalogenation reaction between 3 b and 4 b , respectively, and the appropriate HC₂R in the presence of Et₃N. These new complexes have been characterized using X-ray diffraction ( 2 , 3 a , 4 a , and 4 c ), IR, ¹H NMR, UV/Vis spectroscopy, fluorescent spectroscopy ( 4 c ), and cyclic voltammetry.     

Frustrated Lewis Pair Chemistry Derived from Bulky Allenyl and Propargyl Phosphanes

The dimesitylpropargylphosphanes mes₂P?CH₂?C≡C?R 6 a (R=H), 6 b (R=CH₃), 6 c (R=SiMe₃) and the allene mes₂P?C(CH₃)=C=CH₂ ( 8 ) were reacted with Piers’ borane, HB(C₆F₅)₂. Compound 6 a gave mes₂PCH₂CH=CH(B(C₆F₅)₂] ( 9 a ). In contrast, addition of HB(C₆F₅)₂ to 6 b and 6 c gave mixtures of 9 b (R=CH₃) and 9 c (R=SiMe₃) with the regioisomers mes₂P?CH₂?C[B(C₆F₅)₂]=CRH 2 b (R=CH₃) and 2 c (R=SiMe₃), respectively. Compounds 2 b , c underwent rapid phosphane/borane (P/B) frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) reactions under mild conditions. Compound 2 c reacted with nitric oxide (NO) to give the persistent FLP NO radical 11 . The systems 2 b , c cleaved dihydrogen at room temperature to give the respective phosphonium/hydridoborate products 13 b , c . Compound 13 c transferred the H⁺/H^? pair to a small series of enamines. Compound 13 c was also a metal‐free catalyst (5 mol %) for the hydrogenation of the enamines. The allene 8 reacted with B(C₆F₅)₃ to give the zwitterionic phosphonium/borate 17 . The ‐PPh₂‐substituted mes₂P‐propargyl system 6 d underwent a typical 1,2‐P/B‐addition reaction to the C≡C triple bond to form the phosphetium/borate zwitterion 20 . Several products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction.     

Alkylation of toluene with dichloromethane in the presence of triisobutylaluminum and perfluorophenylborates

¹H NMR method showed that in systems based on triisobutylaluminum (TIBA) and triphenylcyclopropenylium [Ph₃C₃]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]–(CPB) or triphenylmethylium [Ph₃C]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]–(TB) perfluorophenylborates in a toluene–dichloromethane mixture the Friedel–Crafts process occurs with the formation of ditolylmethane (DTM) accompanied by the complete decomposition of TIBA to form isobutane. ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy showed that the [B(C₆F₅)₄]–anion decomposes in the systems to form B(C₆F₅)₃ and HC₆F₅. The short-living [AlBu₂ ⁱ]+ cation formed in the reaction of perfluorophenylborates with TIBA is assumed to be the species initiating the process. It has been shown that CPB is less reactive than TB. The addition of a stoichiometric amount of Ph₂CCpFluHfMe₂ exerts no effect on the process with the CPB-containing system but inhibits the reaction in the case of TB.     

Partnering a Three-Coordinate Gallium Cation with a Hydroborate Counter-Ion for the Catalytic Hydrosilylation of CO2

A novel β-diketiminate stabilized gallium hydride, (^DippL)Ga(Ad)H (where ( ^Dipp L)={HC(MeCDippN)₂}, Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl and Ad=1-adamantyl), has been synthesized and shown to undergo insertion of carbon dioxide into the Ga−H bond under mild conditions. In this case, treatment of the resulting κ¹-formate complex with triethylsilane does not lead to regeneration of the hydride precursor. However, when combined with B(C₆F₅)₃, (^DippL)Ga(Ad)H catalyses the reductive hydrosilylation of CO₂. Under stoichiometric conditions, the addition of one equivalent of B(C₆F₅)₃ to (^DippL)Ga(Ad)H leads to the formation of a 3-coordinate cationic gallane complex, partnered with a hydroborate anion, [(^DippL)Ga(Ad)][HB(C₆F₅)₃]. This complex rapidly hydrometallates carbon dioxide and catalyses the selective reduction of CO₂ to the formaldehyde oxidation level at 60 °C in the presence of Et₃SiH (yielding H₂C(OSiEt₃)₂). When catalysis is undertaken in the presence of excess B(C₆F₅)₃, appreciable enhancement of activity is observed, with a corresponding reduction in selectivity: the product distribution includes H₂C(OSiEt₃)₂, CH₄ and O(SiEt₃)₂. While this system represents proof-of-concept in CO₂ hydrosilylation by a gallium hydride system, the TOF values obtained are relatively modest (max. 10 h⁻¹). This is attributed to the strength of binding of the formatoborate anion to the gallium centre in the catalytic intermediate (^DippL)Ga(Ad){OC(H)OB(C₆F₅)₃}, and the correspondingly slow rate of the turnover-limiting hydrosilylation step. In turn, this strength of binding can be related to the relatively high Lewis acidity measured for the [(^DippL)Ga(Ad)]⁺ cation (AN=69.8).