Reactivity of 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine with [Re2(CO)8(CH3CN)2]: Molecular structures of [Re2(CO)8(C14H10N4)] and [Re2(CO)8(C14H10N4)Re2(CO)8]

The reaction of the labile compound [Re₂(CO)₈(CH₃CN)₂] with 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine in dichloromethane solution at reflux temperature afforded the structural dirhenium isomers [Re₂(CO)₈(C₁₄H₁₀N₄)] (1 and 2), and the complex [Re₂(CO)₈(C₁₄H₁₀N₄)Re₂(CO)₈] (3). In 1, the ligand is σ,σ′-N,N′-coordinated to a Re(CO)₃ fragment through pyridine and pyrazine to form a five-membered chelate ring. A seven-membered ring is obtained for isomer 2 by N-coordination of the 2-pyridyl groups while the pyrazine ring remains uncoordinated. For 2, isomers 2a and 2b are found in a dynamic equilibrium ratio [2a]/[2b]  =  7 in solution, detected by ¹H NMR (−50 °C, CD₃COCD₃), coalescence being observed above room temperature. The ligand in 3 behaves as an 8e-donor bridge bonding two Re(CO)₃ fragments through two (σ,σ′-N,N′) interactions. When the reaction was carried out in refluxing tetrahydrofuran, complex [Re₂(CO)₆(C₁₄H₁₀N₄)₂] (4) was obtained in addition to compounds 1-3. The dinuclear rhenium derivative 4 contains two units of the organic ligand σ,σ′-N,N′-coordinated in a chelate form to each rhenium core. The X-ray crystal structures for 1 and 3 are reported.     

Synthesis and characterisation of six Fe(II or III), Co(II) or Zr(IV) complexes containing the ligand [CH(SiMe2R)P(Ph)2NSiMe3] (R = Me, NEt2) and of [Co{N(SiMe3)C(Ph)C(H)P(Ph)2NSiMe3}2]

The C,N-(trimethylsilyliminodiphenylphosphoranyl)silylmethylmetal complexes [Fe(L)₂] (3), [Co(L)₂] (4), [ZrCl₃(L)]·0.83CH₂Cl₂ (5), [Fe(L)₃] (6), [Fe(L′)₂] (7) and [Co(L′)₂] (8) have been prepared from the lithium compound Li[CH(SiMe₂R)P(Ph)₂NSiMe₃] [1a, (R = Me) {≡ Li(L)}; 1b, (R = NEt₂) {≡ Li(L′)}] and the appropriate metal chloride (or for 7, FeCl₃). From Li[N(SiMe₃)C(Ph)C(H)P(Ph)₂NSiMe₃] [≡ Li(L″)] (2), prepared in situ from Li(L) (1a) and PhCN, and CoCl₂ there was obtained bis(3-trimethylsilylimino- diphenylphosphoranyl-2-phenyl-N-trimethylsilyl-1-azaallyl-N,N′)cobalt(II) (9). These crystalline complexes 3-9 were characterised by their mass spectra, microanalyses, high spin magnetic moments (not 5) and for 5 multinuclear NMR solution spectra. The X-ray structure of 3 showed it to be a pseudotetrahedral bis(chelate), the iron atom at the spiro junction.     

Synthesis, structures and preliminary biological screening of bis(diphenyl)chlorotin complexes and adducts: Ph2ClSn-CH2-R-CH2-SnClPh2, R = p-C6H4, CH2CH2

The reaction between ClCH₂-R-CH₂Cl, R = p-C₆H₄, and [Ph₃Sn]⁻Li⁺ yields Ph₃Sn-CH₂-R-CH₂-SnPh₃ (1) in high yield. The related known compound R = CH₂CH₂ (1a) is synthesized by the reaction of the di-Grignard reagent BrMg(CH₂)₄MgBr with two equivalents of Ph₃SnCl. Cleavage of a single Sn-Ph group at each tin centre of both compounds using HCl/Et₂O yields the corresponding bis-chlorostannanes Ph₂ClSn-CH₂-R-CH₂-SnClPh₂, R = (CH₂)₄ (2) and R = C₆H₄ (3), respectively. Compounds 1, 2 and 3 are crystalline solid materials and their single crystal X-ray structures are reported. In the solid state both 2 and 3 form self-assembled ladder structures involving alternating intermolecular Cl-Sn?Cl and Cl?Sn-Cl bonded chains at both ends of the distannanes with 5-coordinate tin atoms. Recrystallization of 3 from CH₂Cl₂ in the presence of DMF yields the bis-DMF adduct (4) in which no self-assembled structures were noted. Evaluation of the chlorostannanes 2 and 3 against a suite of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Photobacterium phosphoreum is reported and compared to the related mono-chlorostannanes Ph₂(CH₃)SnCl and Ph₂(PhCH₂)SnCl.     

Non-C2-symmetrical antimony-phosphorus ligand, (R/S)-2-diphenylphosphano-2′-di(p-tolyl)stibano-1,1′-binaphthyl (BINAPSb): preparation and its use for asymmetric reactions as a chiral auxiliary

A new non-C₂-symmetrical antimony-phosphorous ligand, (±)-2-diphenyl-phosphano-2′-di(p-tolyl)stibano-1,1′-binaphthyl (BINAPSb) 3, has been prepared from 2-bromo-2′-diphenylphosphano-1,1′-naphthyl 4 via its borane complex 6, and could be resolved by the separation of a mixture of the diastereomeric palladium complexes 8A and 8B derived from the reaction of (±)-3 with optically active palladium reagent (S)-7. The enantiomerically pure BINAPSb 3 has proved to be highly effective in the palladium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrosilylation of styrene as a chiral auxiliary.     

Redistribution reactions of heteroleptic barium iodide derivatives: Synthesis and structures of trans-BaI2(DME)(triglyme), cis-BaI2(DME)(tetraglyme) and [Ba(tetraglyme)2]I2 · C7H8

The reaction between BaI₂ · 2H₂O and NaHFIP [HFIP = OCH(CF₃)₂] in a 1:1 stoichiometry gave the heterometallic compound NaBaI₂(HFIP)(H₂O)(THF)_0.5 (1). Attempts to recrystallize 1 in the presence of N- or O-donor ligands lead to redistribution reactions. Barium iodide adducts such as BaI₂(DME)₃ (2), trans-BaI₂(DME)(triglyme) (3) and cis-BaI₂(DME)(tetraglyme) (4) were isolated with DME as solvent. A similar behavior was observed for the reaction between BaI₂ · 2H₂O and NaTFA (TFA = O₂CCF₃) in a 1:1 stoichiometry in THF, and [Ba(tetraglyme)₂]I₂ · C₇H₈ (6) was isolated in the presence of excess tetraglyme. All compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ¹H NMR as well as single crystal X-ray studies for 3, 4 and 6. Compounds 3 and 4 are covalent adducts with eight- and nine-coordinate barium, respectively. Compound 6 is an ionic compound where two tetraglyme ligands wrap the 10-coordinate barium cation in a helical fashion. The presence of DME actually allows the coordination number of barium in the mixed-ligand adducts 3 and 4 to be tuned. The average Ba–O bond lengths (2.80 for 3 to 2.87 Å for 6) reflect the coordination number of the metal. The same observation is valid for the average Ba–I bond distance, 3.442 for 3 vs. 3.536 Å for 4.     

Synthesis and reactivity of para-substituted benzoylmethyltellurium(II and IV) compounds: observation of intermolecular C-H-O hydrogen bonding in the crystal structure of (p-MeOC6H4COCH2)2TeBr2

Bis(p-substituted benzoylmethyl)tellurium dibromides, (p-YC₆H₄COCH₂)₂TeBr₂, (Y=H (1a), Me (1b), MeO (1c)) can be prepared either by direct insertion of elemental Te across C_Rf-Br bonds (where C_Rf refers to α-carbon of a functionalized organic moiety) or by the oxidative addition of bromine to (p-YC₆H₄COCH₂)₂Te (Y=H (2a), Me (2b), MeO (2c)). Bis(p-substituted benzoylmethyl)tellurium dichlorides, (p-YC₆H₄COCH₂)₂TeCl₂ (Y=H (3a), Me (3b), MeO (3c)), are prepared by the reaction of the bis(p-substituted benzoylmethyl)tellurides 2a-c with SO₂Cl₂, whereas the corresponding diiodides (p-YC₆H₄COCH₂)₂TeI₂ (Y=H (4a), Me (4b), MeO (4c)) can be obtained by the metathetical reaction of 1a-c with KI, or alternatively, by the oxidative addition of iodine to 2a-c. The reaction of 2a-c with allyl bromide affords the diorganotellurium dibromides 1a-c, rather than the expected triorganotelluronium bromides. Compounds 1-4 were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, ¹H, ¹³C and ¹²⁵Te NMR spectroscopy (solution and solid-state) and in case of 1c also by X-ray crystallography. (p-MeOC₆H₄COCH₂)₂TeBr₂ (1c) provides, a rare example, among organotellurium compounds, of a supramolecular architecture, where C-H-O hydrogen bonds appear to be the non-covalent intermolecular associative force that dominates the crystal packing.     

Syntheses of rac/meso-{PhP(3-t-Bu-C5H3)2}-Zr{RN(CH2)3NR}, structural analyses of rac-{PhP(3-t-Bu-C5H3)2}Zr{RN(CH2)3NR} (where R is SiMe3 or Ph), and meso to rac isomerization

Syntheses of rac/meso-{PhP(3-t-Bu-C₅H₃)₂}Zr{Me₃SiN(CH₂)₃NSiMe₃} (rac-3/meso-3) and rac/meso-{PhP(3-t-Bu-C₅H₃)₂}Zr{PhN(CH₂)₃NPh} (rac-4/meso-4) were achieved by metallation of K₂[PhP(3-t-Bu-C₅H₃)₂] · 1.3 THF (2) with Zr{RN(CH₂)₃NR}Cl₂(THF)₂ (where R = SiMe₃ or Ph, respectively) using ethereal solvent. These isomeric pairs were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C{¹H}, and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy; rac-3 and rac-4 were also examined via single crystal X-ray crystallography. The structures of rac-3 and rac-4 are notable in the tendency of the cyclopentadienyl rings towards η³ coordination. While isolated samples of rac-3/meso-3 and rac-4/meso-4 slowly isomerize in tetrahydrofuran-d₈ to equilibrium ratios, the isomerization rate for 3 is more than 15-fold greater than that for 4. In addition, equilibrium ratios are rapidly reached when isolated samples of rac-3/meso-3 and rac-4/meso-4 are exposed to tetrabutylammonium chloride in tetrahydrofuran-d₈ solvent. We propose that a nucleophile (either chloride or the phosphine interannular linker) brings about dissociation of one cyclopentadienyl ring, thus promoting the rac/meso isomerization mechanism.     

Preparation and structural characterization of [RuCl2(CO)2{Te(CH2SiMe3)2}2] and [RuCl2(CO){Te(CH2SiMe3)2}3]

The objective of the present work was to synthesize mononuclear ruthenium complex [RuCl₂(CO)₂{Te(CH₂SiMe₃)₂}₂] (1) by the reaction of Te(CH₂SiMe₃)₂ and [RuCl₂(CO)₃]₂. However, the stoichiometric reaction affords a mixture of 1 and [RuCl₂(CO){Te(CH₂SiMe₃)₂}₃] (2). The X-ray structures show the formation of the cis(Cl), cis(C), trans(Te) isomer of 1 and the cis(Cl), mer(Te) isomer of 2. The ¹²⁵Te NMR spectra of the complexes are reported. The complex distribution depends on the initial molar ratio of the reactants. With an excess of [RuCl₂(CO)₃]₂ only 1 is formed. In addition to the stoichiometric reaction, a mixture of 1 and 2 is observed even when using an excess of Te(CH₂SiMe₃)₂. Complex 1 is, however, always the main product. In these cases the ¹²⁵Te NMR spectra of the reaction solution also indicates the presence of unreacted ligand.     

Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of the molybdenum(VI) complex [MoCl(NAr)2(CH2CMe2Ph)] (Ar=2,6-Pr2C6H3)

The compounds [MoCl(NAr)₂R] (R=CH₂CMe₂Ph (1) or CH₂CMe₃(2); Ar=2,6-Prⁱ₂C₆H₃) have been prepared from [MoCl₂(NAr)₂(dme)] (dme=1,2-dimethoxyethane) and one equivalent of the respective Grignard reagent RMgCl in diethyl ether. Similarly, the mixed-imido complex [MoCl₂(NAr)(NBu^t)(dme)] affords [MoCl(NAr)(NBu^t)(CH₂CMe₂Ph)] (3). Chloride substitution reactions of 1 with the appropriate lithium reagents afford the compounds [MoCp(NAr)₂(CH₂CMe₂Ph)] (4) (Cp=cyclopentadienyl), [MoInd(NAr)₂(CH₂CMe₂Ph)] (5) (Ind=Indenyl), [Mo(OBu^t)(NAr)₂(CH₂CMe ₂Ph)] (6), [MoMe(NAr)₂(CH₂CMe₂Ph)] (7), [MoMe(PMe₃)(NAr)₂(CH₂CMe ₂Ph)] (8) (formed in the presence of PMe₃) and [Mo(NHAr)(NAr)₂(CH₂CMe₂P h)](9). In the latter case, a by-product {[Mo(NAr)₂(CH₂CMe₂Ph) ]₂(μ-O)}(10) has also been isolated. The crystal structures of 1, 4, 5 and 10 have been determined. All possess distorted tetrahedral metal centres with cis near-linear arylimido ligands; in each case (except 5, for which the evidence is unclear) there are α-agostic interactions present.     

Solvent-dependent formation of two different Cd(II) complexes with p-BrC6H4C(S)NHP(O)(OiPr)2 (HL). Crystallographic modification of Cd(HL)2L2

Reaction of the potassium salt of N-(diisopropoxyphosphoryl)-p-bromothiobenzamide p-BrC₆H₄C(S)NHP(O)(OiPr)₂ (HL) with Cd(II) cations in freshly dried and distilled EtOH leads exclusively to the complex [Cd(p-BrC₆H₄C(S)NH₂-S)(L-O,S)₂] ([Cd(L^I)L₂]), while the same reaction in H₂O leads to the complex [Cd(HL-O)₂(L-O,S)₂] ([Cd(HL)₂L₂]). The corresponding reactions with Zn(II) always lead to the complex [Zn(L-O,S)₂] ([ZnL₂]) regardless of the solvent. The crystal structure of [Cd(HL)₂L₂]^.2/3H₂O reveals to be a polymorph to the previously reported anhydrous [Cd(HL)₂L₂].     

Synthesis and characterization of some novel cadmium(II) complexes with 3-hydroxypicolinic acid (3-OHpicH): Crystal and molecular structures of [CdI(3-OHpic)(3-OHpicH)(H2O)]2, [Cd(3-OHpic)2(H2O)2] and [Cd(3-OHpic)2]n

Cadmium(II) complexes of 3-hydroxypicolinic acid, namely [CdI(3-OHpic)(3-OHpicH)(H₂O)]₂ (1), [Cd(3-OHpic)₂(H₂O)₂] (2) and [Cd(3-OHpic)₂]_n (3) were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, NMR) and their molecular and crystal structures were determined by X-ray crystal structure analysis. Complexes 1 and 2 were prepared in similar reaction conditions using different cadmium(II) salts: cadmium(II) iodide and cadmium(II) acetate dihydrate, respectively, while 3 was prepared by recrystallization of 2 from N,N-dimethylformamide solution. Various coordination modes of 3-OHpicH in 1–3 were established in the solid state: bidentate N,O-chelated mode in 1 and 2, monodentate mode through the carboxylate O atom from zwitterionic ligand in 1 and bidentate N,O-chelated and bridging mode in 3. In the DMF solution of all prepared complexes, only monodentate mode of 3-OHpicH binding to cadmium(II) through the carboxylate O atom was established by ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N and ¹¹³Cd NMR spectroscopy.     

Four isomers from the oxidative addition of Me3SnH to Os(CO)2(PPh3)3 and the crystal structure of Os(SnMeI2)I(CO)2(PPh3)2, in which the pairs of CO and PPh3 ligands are mutually trans

Reaction between Os(CO)₂(PPh₃)₃ and Me₃SnH produces Os(SnMe₃)H(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (1). Multinuclear NMR studies of solutions of 1 reveal the presence of four geometrical isomers, the major one being that with mutually cis triphenylphosphine ligands and mutually trans CO ligands. Os(SnMe₃)H(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ undergoes a redistribution reaction, at the trimethylstannyl ligand, when treated with Me₂SnCl₂ giving Os(SnMe₂Cl)H(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (2). Solutions of 2 again show the presence of four isomers but now the major isomer is that with mutually trans triphenylphosphine ligands and mutually cis CO ligands. The redistribution reaction of 1 with SnI₄ produces Os(SnMeI₂)H(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (3) which exists in solution as only one isomer, that with mutually trans triphenylphosphine ligands and mutually trans CO ligands. Treatment of 3 with I₂ cleaves the Os-H bond with retention of geometry giving Os(SnMeI₂)I(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (4). The crystal structure of 4 has been determined. No isomerization of the trans dicarbonyl complex 4 occurs when 4 is heated, instead there is a formal loss of “MeSnI” and formation of OsI₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (5).     

Synthesis of [Ru(CO)2(PPh3)(SP)] and [Ru(CO)(PPh3)2(SP)] and their catalytic activities for the hydroamination of phenylacetylene

The reaction of [Ru(CO)₂(PPh₃)₃] (1) with o-styryldiphenylphophine (SP) (2) gave [Ru(CO)₂(PPh₃)(SP)] (3) in 83% yield. This styrylphosphine ruthenium complex 3 can also be synthesized by the reaction of [Ru(p-MeOC₆H₄NN)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ (4) with NaBH₄ and 2 in 50% yield. When “Ru(CO)(PPh₃)₃” generated by the reaction of [RuH₂(CO)(PPh₃)₃] (8) with trimethylvinylsilane reacted with 2, [Ru(CO)(PPh₃)₂(SP)] (10) was produced in moderate yield as an air sensitive solid. The spectral and X-ray data of these complexes revealed that the coordination geometries around the ruthenium center of both complexes corresponded to a distorted trigonal bipyramid with the olefin occupying the equatorial position and the C-C bonding in the olefin moiety in 3 and 10 contained a significant contribution from a ruthenacyclopropane limiting structure. Complexes 3 and 10 showed catalytic activity for the hydroamination of phenylacetylene 11 with aniline 12. Ruthenium complex 3 in the co-presence of NH₄PF₆ or H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ proves to be a superior catalyst system for this hydroamination reaction. In the case of the reaction using H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ as an additive, ketimines (13) was obtained in 99% yield at a ruthenium-catalyst loading of 0.1 mol%. Some aniline derivatives such as 4-methoxy, 4-trifluoromethyl-, and 4-bromoanilines can also be used in this hydroamination reaction.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of organometallic compounds containing the ligands C(SiMe3)2(SiMe2H) and C(SiMe2Ph)2(SiMe2H)

Metallation of (HMe₂Si)(Me₃Si)₂CH (1) by LiMe gave the organolithium compound Li(THF)₂C(SiMe₃)₂(SiMe₂H) (2a), which exists in toluene solution as a mixture of covalent species and ion pairs [Li(THF)₄][Li{C(SiMe₃)₂(SiMe₂H)}₂] (2b). Treatment of a mixture of 1 and LiMe with KOBu^t gave KC(SiMe₃)₂(SiMe₂H) (3). This reacted with AlMe₂Cl in hexane/THF to give Al(THF)Me₂{C(SiMe₃)₂(Si Me₂H)} (4). Treatment of (HMe₂Si)(PhMe₂Si)₂CH (5) with LiMe in Et₂O/THF gave the THF adduct [Li(THF)₂C(SiMe₂Ph)₂(SiMe₂H)] (6); in the presence of KOBu^t the solvent-free [K][C(SiMe₂Ph)₂(SiMe₂H)] (7) was obtained. Crystal structure determinations showed that 6 crystallizes in a molecular lattice and 7 in an ionic lattice in which the coordination sphere of the potassium comprises phenyl groups and hydrogen atoms attached to silicon, as well as the central carbon of the bulky carbanion. Compound 7 reacted with an excess of AlMe₂Cl to give [AlClMe{C(SiMe₂Ph)₂(SiMe₂H)}]₂ (8) and AlMe₃. A small amount of the methoxo derivative [Al(OMe)Me{C(SiMe₂Ph)₂(SiMe₂H)}]₂ (9) was obtained as a byproduct, presumably after the accidental admission of traces of air. X-ray structural determinations showed that 8 forms halogen-bridged dimers, with the bulky ligands in the anti-configuration, and 9 forms methoxo-bridged species in which the bulky ligands are syn.     

Assembly of diverse structural types of organotellurium compounds in the reactions of (4-MeO-C6H4)2TeO with pyridine carboxylic acids

The reactions of Ar₂TeO (Ar = 4-MeO-C₆H₄) with 2-, 3- and 4-pyridine carboxylic acids (LH) afforded different organotelluroxane structural types depending on the stoichiometry of the reactants and the conditions of the reaction. Ar₂Te(L)OH (1a-1c) are formed in a 1:1 reaction of Ar₂TeO with LH in the presence of water. On the other hand a 1:2 reaction under anhydrous conditions leads to the formation of Ar₂TeL₂ (2a-2c). A 2:2 reaction under anhydrous conditions affords the ditelluroxanes Ar₂Te(L)OTe(L)Ar₂ (3a-3c) while tritelluroxanes Ar₂Te(L)OTeAr₂OTe(L)Ar₂ (4a-4c) are formed in 3:2 reactions. Interestingly, 3a-3c are formed in the reaction of 2a-2c with Ar₂TeO. The former can be hydrolyzed to 1a-1c while the latter upon reaction with Ar₂TeO lead to the formation of the tritelluroxanes 4a-4c. Attempts to metalate 2a with PdCl₂(MeCN)₂ leads to a transfer of the carboxylate ligand to palladium affording Ar₂TeCl₂ and PdL₂. X-ray crystal structures of representative examples of the family of 1, 2 and 3 reveal interesting supramolecular structures and the formation of a novel [TeO]₂ structural unit. The latter results from intermolecular secondary Te?O interactions.     

Synthesis and characterization of palladium(II) complexes with chiral aminophosphine ligands: Catalytic behaviour in asymmetric hydrovinylation. Crystal structure of cis-[PdCl2(PPh((R)-NHCHCH3Ph)2)2]

Optically active ligands of type Ph₂PNHR (R = (R)-CHCH₃Ph, (a); (R)-CHCH₃Cy, (b); (R)-CHCH₃Naph, (c)) and PhP(NHR)₂ (R = (R)-CHCH₃Ph, (d); (R)-CHCH₃Cy, (e)) with a stereogenic carbon atom in the R substituent were synthesized. Reaction with [PdCl₂(COD)₂] produced [PdCl₂P₂] (1) (P = PhP(NHCHCH₃Ph)₂), whose molecular structure determined by X-ray diffraction showed cis disposition for the ligands. All nitrogen atoms of amino groups adopted S configuration. The new ligands reacted with allylic dimeric palladium compound [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)Cl]₂ to gave neutral aminophosphine complexes [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)ClP] (2a-2e) or cationic aminophosphine complexes [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)P₂]BF₄ (3a-3e) in the presence of the stoichiometric amount of AgBF₄. Cationic complexes [Pd(η⁴3-2-methylallyl)(NCCH₃)P]BF₄ (4a-4e) were prepared in solution to be used as precursors in the catalytic hydrovinylation of styrene. ³¹P NMR spectroscopy showed the existence of an equilibrium between the expected cationic mixed complexes 4, the symmetrical cationic complexes [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)P₂]BF₄ (3) and [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)(NCCH₃)₂]BF₄ (5) coming from the symmetrization reaction. The extension of the process was studied with the aminophosphines (a-e) as well as with nonchiral monodentate phosphines (PCy₃ (f), PBn₃ (g), PPh₃ (h), PMe₂Ph (i)) showing a good match between the extension of the symmetrization and the size of the phosphine ligand. We studied the influence of such equilibria in the hydrovinylation of styrene because the behaviour of catalytic precursors can be modified substantially when prepared ‘in situ’. While compounds 3 and bisacetonitrile complex 5 were not active as catalysts, the [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)(η²-styrene)₂]⁺ species formed in the absence of acetonitrile showed some activity in the formation of codimers and dimers. Hydrovinylation reaction between styrene and ethylene was tested using catalytic precursors solutions of [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)LP]BF₄ ionic species (L = CH₃CN or styrene) showing moderate activity and good selectivity. Better activities but lower selectivities were found when L = styrene. Only in the case of the precursor containing Ph₂PNHCHCH₃Ph (a) ligand was some enantiodiscrimination (10%) found.     

Synthesis and structures of crystalline lithium 1-azaallyls and a 1,3-diazaallyl derived from Li{CH(SiMe3)(SiMe3−n(OMe)n)} (n=1 or 2) and Li{CH(SiMe2OMe)2} and RCN (R=Bu, Ph, 2,5-Me2C6H3, or Ad)

Crystalline [Li{N(SiMe₂OMe)C(^tBu)C(H)(SiMe₃)}]₂ (5), [Li{N(SiMe₂OMe)C(Ph)C(H)(SiMe₃)}]₂ (6), [C(C₆H₃Me₂-2,5)C(H)(SiMe₃)}(TMEDA)](7), [Li{N(SiMe(OMe)₂)C(^tBu)C(H)(SiMe₃)}(THF)]₂ (8), Li{N(SiMe(OMe)₂)C(Ph)C(H)(SiMe₃)}(TMEDA) (9) and [Li{N(SiMe₂OMe)C(^tBu)C(H)(SiMe₂OMe)}]₂ (10) were readily obtained at ambient temperature from (i) [Li{CH(SiMe₃)(SiMe₂OMe)}]₈ (1) and an equivalent portion of RCN (R=^tBu (5), Ph (6) or 2,5-Me₂C₆H₃ (7)); (ii) [Li{CH(SiMe₃)(SiMe(OMe)₂)}]_∞ (2) and an equivalent portion of ^tBuCN (8) or PhCN (9); and (iii) [Li{CH(SiMe₂OMe)₂}]_∞ (3) and one equivalent of ^tBuCN (10). Reactions (i) and (ii) were regiospecific with SiMe_3−n(OMe)_n>SiMe₃ in 1,3-migration from C (in 1 or 2)→N. The 1-azaallyl ligand was bound to the lithium atom as a terminally bound κ¹-enamide (8 and 10), a bridging η³-1-azaallyl (6), or a bridging κ¹-enamide (5). The stereochemistry about the CC bond was Z for 5, 8 and 10 and E for 7. X-ray data are provided for 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 and multinuclear NMR spectra data in C₆D₆ or C₆D₅CD₃ for each of 5-10.     

Syntheses, crystal structures, and characterization of As(III) and As(V) thioarsenates, [Mn2(phen)(As2S5)]n and [Mn3(phen)3(AsS4)2]n·nH2O

The hydrothermal reactions of As, Mn, S, phen (phen=1,10-phenanthroline), and en (en=ethylenediamine) yield two manganese As(III) and As(V) thioarsenates, [Mn₂(phen)(As^III₂S₅)]_n (1) and [Mn₃(phen)₃(As^VS₄)₂]_n·nH₂O (2), respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that compound 1 is a two-dimensional (2D) layer of (6,3) topology. The 18-membered rings within the 2D porous layers are formed by corner-, edge-, and face-sharing cubane-like [Mn₂As₂S₄] units along the [100] direction. Whereas compound 2 is a one-dimensional (1D) chain structure. They are both characterized by IR, elemental analysis, EDS, and X-ray powder diffraction. The thermogravimetric analysis of 1 and 2 are discussed. Both the compounds are semiconductors with the band gap of E_g (compound 1)=2.01 eV (617 nm) and E_g (compound 2)=1.97 eV (629 nm), respectively. In addition, the variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data suggest weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Mn²⁺ ions in these two compounds.     

Synthesis and reactivity of bis(heptamethylindenyl) yttrium (Ind*2Y) complexes containing alkyl and hydride ligands: crystal structure of Ind*2YCl(THF)

The syntheses and reactivities of yttrium alkyl and hydride complexes containing a sterically demanding, bis(heptamethylindenyl) ligand set are reported. The chloride complex Ind*₂YCl(THF) (2, Ind* = heptamethylindenyl) was prepared by the reaction of Ind*Na (1, 2 equiv) with YCl₃ in THF. Compound 2 was structurally characterized. Complex reaction mixtures were obtained when compound 2 was treated with KSi(SiMe₃)₃ or (THF)₃LiSi(SiMe₃)₃, although 2 reacted readily with MeLi to yield the methyl complex Ind*₂YMe(THF) (3). Treatment of 3 with H₂ or PhSiH₃ gave the base-stabilized hydride complex Ind*₂YH(THF) (4). The base-free chloride complex Ind*₂YCl (5) was synthesized by the reaction of 1 (2 equiv) with YCl₃ in toluene. Treatment of 2 with LiCH(SiMe₃)₂ yielded the base-free alkyl complex Ind*₂YCH(SiMe₃)₂ (6). No reaction was observed between 6 and CH₄, and complex reaction mixtures were obtained when 6 was treated with H₂ or PhSiH₃. However, when 6 was treated with H₂ in the presence of THF, the transient hydride Ind*₂YH was trapped as complex 4. The increased steric bulk of 6 leads to a slower reaction with PhSiH₃ as compared to Cp*₂YCH(SiMe₃)₂ (7).     

Reactions of Mo(II)-tetraphosphine complex [MoCl2{meso-o-C6H4(PPhCH2CH2PPh2)2}] with a series of small molecules

Reactions of Mo(II)-tetraphosphine complex [MoCl₂(κ⁴-P4)] (2; P4 = meso-o-C₆H₄(PPhCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂) with a series of small molecules have been investigated. Thus, treatment of 2 with alkynes RCCR′ (R = Ph, R′ = H; R = p-tolyl, R′ = H; R = Me, R′ = Ph) in benzene or toluene gave neutral mono(alkyne) complexes [MoCl₂(RCCR′)(κ³-P4)] containing tridentate P4 ligand, which were converted to cationic complexes [MoCl(RCCR′)(κ⁴-P4)]Cl having tetradentate P4 ligand upon dissolution into CDCl₃ or CD₂Cl₂. The latter complexes were available directly from the reactions of 2 with the alkynes in CH₂Cl₂. On the other hand, treatment of 2 with 1 equiv. of XyNC (Xy = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) afforded a seven-coordinate mono(isocyanide) complex [MoCl₂(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)] (7), which reacted further with XyNC to give a cationic bis(isocyanide) complex [MoCl(XyNC)₂(κ⁴-P4)]Cl (8). From the reaction of 2 with CO, a mono(carbonyl) complex [MoCl₂(CO)(κ⁴-P4)] (9) was obtained as a sole isolable product. Reaction of 9 with XyNC afforded [MoCl(CO)(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)]Cl (10a) having a pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry with axial CO and XyNC ligands, whereas that of 7 with CO resulted in the formation of a mixture of 10a and its isomer 10b containing axial CO and Cl ligands. Structures of 7 and 9 as well as [MoCl(XyNC)₂(κ⁴-P4)][PF₆](8′) and [MoCl(CO)(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)][PF₆] (10a′) derived by the anion metathesis from 8 and 10a, respectively, were determined in detail by the X-ray crystallography.