Synthesis and Characterization of Group 12 Metal(I) Complexes Bearing Extremely Bulky Boryl/Silyl Substituted Amide Ligands

Two extremely bulky boryl/silyl-substituted amide ligands, –N{B(DipNCH)₂}(SiR₃) (R = Me ^TBoL, R = Ph ^PhBoL; Dip = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) were used in the preparation of the group 12 metal halide complexes, ^PhBoLZnBr, {^TBoLCd(μ-I)}₂, ^TBoLHgI, and ^PhBoLHgI. The reduction of these, and two previously reported compounds, ^PhBoLZnBr(THF) and {^PhBoLCd(μ-I)}₂, using a magnesium(I) compound, {(^MesNacnac)Mg}₂ (^MesNacnac = [(MesNCMe)₂CH]^–, Mes = mesityl), were carried out, leading to mixed results. In several cases these reactions led to decomposition, and deposition of the group 12 metal. However, in two instances the homobimetallic metal(I) complexes, ^TBoLM–M^TBoL (M = Zn or Hg), were isolated and crystallographically characterized. The reduction of {^PhBoLCd(μ-I)}₂ afforded the known cadmium(I) complex, ^PhBoLCd–Cd^PhBoL, but also gave a very low yield of the thermally unstable complex, ^PhBoLCd–Mg(THF)(^MesNacnac). The X-ray crystal structure of this compound reveals it to contain the first example of a Cd–Mg bond in a molecular compound.     

Reactivity of a N-Coordinated Germylene-Borane Complex: From Ge→B to Ge→Ga Coordination

Reactivity studies of the Ge^II→B complex L(Cl)Ge⋅BH₃ ( 1 ; L=2-Et₂NCH₂-4,6-tBu₂-C₆H₂) were performed to determine the effect on the Ge^II→B donation. N-coordinated compounds L(OtBu)Ge⋅BH₃ ( 2 ) and [LGe⋅BH₃]₂ ( 3 ) were prepared. The possible tuning of the Ge^II→B interaction was proved experimentally, yielding compounds 1-PPh₂-8-(LGe)-C₁₀H₆ ( 4 ) and L(Cl)Ge⋅GaCl₃ ( 5 ) without a Ge^II→B interaction. In 5 , an unprecedented Ge^II→Ga coordination was revealed. The experimental results were complemented by a theoretical study focusing on the bonding in 1 − 5 . The different strength of the Ge^II→E (E=B, Ga) donation was evaluated by using energy decomposition analysis. The basicity of different L(X)Ge groups through proton affinity is also assessed.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a Magnesium Boryl and a Beryllium‐Substituted Diazaborole

Reaction of a lithium boryl, [(THF)₂Li{B(DAB)}] (DAB=[(DipNCH)₂]^2?, Dip=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl), with a dinuclear magnesium(I) compound [{(^MesNacnac)Mg}₂] (^MesNacnac=[HC(MeCNMes)₂]^?, Mes=mesityl) unexpectedly afforded a rare example of a terminal magnesium boryl species, [(^MesNacnac)(THF)Mg{B(DAB)}]. Attempts to prepare the magnesium boryl via a salt metathesis reaction between the lithium boryl and a β‐diketiminato magnesium iodide compound, instead led to an intractable mixture of products. Similarly, reaction of the lithium boryl with a β‐diketiminato beryllium bromide precursor, [(^DepNacnac)BeBr] (Dep=2,6‐diethylphenyl) did not give a beryllium boryl, but instead afforded an unprecedented example of a beryllium substituted diazaborole heterocycle, [{(^DepNacnac)Be(4‐DAB^?H)}BBr]. For sake of comparison, the same group 2 halide precursor compounds were treated with a potassium gallyl analogue of the lithium boryl, viz. [(tmeda)K{:Ga(DAB)}] (tmeda=N,N,N’,N’‐tetramethylethylenediamine), but no reactions were observed.     

β‐Diketiminate‐Stabilized Magnesium(I) Dimers and Magnesium(II) Hydride Complexes: Synthesis,Characterization, Adduct Formation,and Reactivity Studies

The preparation and characterization of a series of magnesium(II) iodide complexes incorporating β‐diketiminate ligands of varying steric bulk and denticity, namely, [(ArNCMe)₂CH]^? (Ar=phenyl, (^PhNacnac), mesityl (^MesNacnac), or 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl (Dipp, ^DippNacnac)), [(DippNCtBu)₂CH]^? (^tBuNacnac), and [(DippNCMe)(Me₂NCH₂CH₂NCMe)CH]^? (^DmedaNacnac) are reported. The complexes [(^PhNacnac)MgI(OEt₂)], [(^MesNacnac)MgI(OEt₂)], [(^DmedaNacnac)MgI(OEt₂)], [(^MesNacnac)MgI(thf)], [(^DippNacnac)MgI(thf)], [(^tBuNacnac)MgI], and [(^tBuNacnac)MgI(DMAP)] (DMAP=4‐dimethylaminopyridine) were shown to be monomeric by X‐ray crystallography. In addition, the related β‐diketiminato beryllium and calcium iodide complexes, [(^MesNacnac)BeI] and [{(^DippNacnac)CaI(OEt₂)}₂] were prepared and crystallographically characterized. The reductions of all metal(II) iodide complexes by using various reagents were attempted. In two cases these reactions led to the magnesium(I) dimers, [(^MesNacnac)MgMg(^MesNacnac)] and [(^tBuNacnac)MgMg(^tBuNacnac)]. The reduction of a 1:1 mixture of [(^DippNacnac)MgI(OEt₂)] and [(^MesNacnac)MgI(OEt₂)] with potassium gave a low yield of the crystallographically characterized complex [(^DippNacnac)Mg(μ‐H)(μ‐I)Mg(^MesNacnac)]. All attempts to form beryllium(I) or calcium(I) dimers by reductions of [(^MesNacnac)BeI], [{(^DippNacnac)CaI(OEt₂)}₂], or [{(^tBuNacnac)CaI(thf)}₂] have so far been unsuccessful. The further reactivity of the magnesium(I) complexes [(^MesNacnac)MgMg(^MesNacnac)] and [(^tBuNacnac)MgMg(^tBuNacnac)] towards a variety of Lewis bases and unsaturated organic substrates was explored. These studies led to the complexes [(^MesNacnac)Mg(L)Mg(L)(^MesNacnac)] (L=THF or DMAP), [(^MesNacnac)Mg(μ‐AdN₆Ad)Mg(^MesNacnac)] (Ad=1‐adamantyl), [(^tBuNacnac)Mg(μ‐AdN₆Ad)Mg(^tBuNacnac)], and [(^MesNacnac)Mg(μ‐tBu₂N₂C₂O₂)Mg(^MesNacnac)] and revealed that, in general, the reactivity of the magnesium(I) dimers is inversely proportional to their steric bulk. The preparation and characterization of [(^tBuNacnac)Mg(μ‐H)₂Mg(^tBuNacnac)] has shown the compound to have different structural and physical properties to [(^tBuNacnac)MgMg(^tBuNacnac)]. Treatment of the former with DMAP has given [(^tBuNacnac)Mg(H)(DMAP)], the X‐ray crystal structure of which disclosed it to be the first structurally authenticated terminal magnesium hydride complex. Although attempts to prepare [(^MesNacnac)Mg(μ‐H)₂Mg(^MesNacnac)] were not successful, a neutron diffraction study of the corresponding magnesium(I) complex, [(^MesNacnac)MgMg(^MesNacnac)] confirmed that the compound is devoid of hydride ligands.     

Activation of Ethylene by N-Heterocyclic Carbene Coordinated Magnesium(I) Compounds

Reactions of a series of magnesium(I) compounds with ethylene, in the presence of an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC), have been explored. Treating [{(^MesNacnac)Mg}₂] (^MesNacnac=[HC(MeCNMes)₂]⁻, Mes=mesityl) with an excess of ethylene in the presence of two equivalents of :C{(MeNCMe)₂} (TMC) leads to the formal reductive coupling of ethylene, and formation of the 1,2-dimagnesiobutane complex, [{(^MesNacnac)(TMC)Mg}₂(μ-C₄H₈)]. In contrast, when the reaction is repeated in the presence of three equivalents of TMC, a mixture of the β-diketiminato magnesium ethyl, [(^MesNacnac)(TMC)MgEt], and the NHC coordinated magnesium diamide, [(^MesNacnac^-H)Mg(TMC)₂], results. Four related products, [(^ArNacnac)(TMC)MgEt] (Ar=2,6-dimethylphenyl (Xyl) or 2,6-diisopropylphenyl (Dip)) and [(^ArNacnac^-H)Mg(TMC)₂] (Ar=Xyl or Dip), were similarly synthesised and crystallographically characterized. Computational studies have been employed to investigate the mechanisms of the two observed reaction types, which appear dependent on the substitution pattern of the magnesium(I) compound, and the stoichiometric equivalents of TMC used in the reactions.     

Diverse Reactivity of bis(Silylene) and bis(Germylene) [LE−EL (E=Si and Ge: L=PhC(NtBu)2)] in the Oxidative Activation of C−F Bond: Si−Si Bond is Retained While the Ge−Ge Bond Is Cleaved

Herein we report the reactions of 3,4,5,6-tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile ( 1 ) with bis(silylene) and bis(germylene) LE−EL [E=Si ( 2 ) and Ge( 3 ): L=PhC(N^tBu)₂)]. The reaction of LSi−SiL (L=PhC(N^tBu)₂) ( 2 ) with two equivalents of 1 resulted in an unprecedented oxidative addition of a C−F bond of 1 leading to disilicon(III) fluoride {L(4-C₈F₃N)FSi−SiF(4-C₈F₃N)L}( 4 ), wherein the Si−Si single bond was retained. In contrast, the reaction of LGe−GeL (L=PhC(N^tBu)₂) ( 3 ) with one equivalent of 1 resulted in the oxidative cleavage of Ge−Ge bond leading to L(4-C₈F₃N₂)Ge ( 5 ) and LGeF ( 6 ). All three compounds ( 4 – 6 ) were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, EI-MS spectrometry, and elemental analysis. X-ray single-crystal structure determination of compound 4 unequivocally established that the Si^III−Si^III bond remains uncleaved.     

A Mixed‐Valence Tri‐Zinc Complex, [LZnZnZnL] (L=Bulky Amide), Bearing a Linear Chain of Two‐Coordinate Zinc Atoms

Reduction of a variety of extremely bulky amido Group 12 metal halide complexes, [LMX(THF)_0,1] (L=amide; M=Zn, Cd, or Hg; X=halide) with a magnesium(I) dimer gave a homologous series of two‐coordinate metal(I) dimers, [L′MML′] (L′=N(Ar^?)(SiMe₃), Ar^?=C₆H₂{C(H)Ph₂}₂Prⁱ‐2,6,4); and the formally zinc(0) complex, [L*ZnMg(^MesNacnac)] (L*=N(Ar*)(SiPrⁱ₃); Ar*=C₆H₂{C(H)Ph₂}₂Me‐2,6,4; ^MesNacnac=[(MesNCMe)₂CH]^?, Mes=mesityl), which contains the first unsupported Zn? Mg bond. Two equivalents of [L*ZnMg(^MesNacnac)] react with ZnBr₂ or ZnBr₂(tmeda) to give the mixed valence, two‐coordinate, linear tri‐zinc complex, [L*Zn^IZn⁰Zn^IL*], and the first zinc(I) halide complex, [L*ZnZnBr(tmeda)], respectively. The analogues [L*ZnMZnL*] (M=Cd or Hg), were also prepared, the Cd species contains the first Zn? Cd bond in a molecular compound. Metal–metal bonding was studied by DFT calculations.     

Synthesis of Functionalized Heteroleptic Germylene Alkoxides

N-coordinated Ge(II) alkoxides L¹(tBuO)Ge ( 1 ), L²(tBuO)Ge ( 2 ) and [L²(OtBu)Ge ⋅ BH₃] ( 4 ) were prepared. Effect of either chelating ligands L¹ and L² or Ge→B interaction on strength of the Ge−OtBu bond was studied by insertion reaction of PhNCO. As a result, the Ge(II) carbamate L²{[(tBuO)OC](Ph)N}Ge ( 3 ) was isolated. Alcoholysis exchange reactions of 1 and 2 with substituted phenols were studied to find an easy synthetic protocol for a synthesis of functionalized Ge(II) alkoxides. Reactions yielded Ge(II) alkoxides L^1,2(2-Br−C₆H₄O)Ge ( 5 for L¹, 8 for L²), L^1,2(2-MeNH−C₆H₄O)Ge ( 6 for L¹, 9 for L²), L^1,2(2-Ph₂P−C₆H₄O)Ge ( 7 for L¹, 10 for L²), L²(2-Br-3-OH−C₆H₃O)Ge ( 11 ) and L²(2-NC₅H₄O)Ge ( 12 ) containing the additional polar groups Y (Y=Br, MeNH, PPh₂, OH or N). Finally, phosphane decorated Ge(II) alkoxides 7 and 10 were tested as suitable ligands in reactions with (COD)W(CO)₄ and BH₃. As a consequence, new complexes [(κ²- 7 )W(CO)₄] ( 13 ) and [L¹(2-Ph₂P ⋅ {BH₃}-C₆H₄O)Ge ⋅ {BH₃}] ( 14 ) were isolated. All compounds were characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, and compounds 3 , 4 , 9 and 11 were additionally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis.     

[Nb@Ge13/14]3−: New Family Members of Ge-Based Intermetalloid Clusters

During the past two decades, single-atom-centered medium-sized germanium clusters [M@Ge_n] (M=transition metals, n>12) have been extensively explored, both from theoretical perspectives and experimental gas-phase syntheses. However, the actual structural arrangements of the Ge₁₃ and Ge₁₄ endohedral cages are still ambiguous and have long remained an unresolved problem for experimental implementation. In this work, we successfully synthesize 13-/14-vertex Ge clusters [Nb@Ge₁₃]³⁻ ( 1 ) and [Nb@Ge₁₄]³⁻ ( 2 ), which are structurally characterized and exhibit unprecedented topologies, neither classical deltahedra nor 3-connected polyhedral structures. Theoretical analysis indicates that the major stabilization of the Ge backbones arises due to the substantial interaction of Ge 4p-AOs with the endohedral Nb 4d-AOs through three/four-center two-electron bonds with an enhanced electron density accumulated over the shortest Nb−Ge13 contact in 1 . Low occupancies of the direct two-center two-electron (2c–2e) Nb−Ge and Ge−Ge σ bonds point to a considerable degree of electron delocalization over the Ge cages revealing their electron deficiency.     

Zwitterionic Base‐Stabilized Digermadistannacyclobutadiene and Tetragermacyclobutadiene

The syntheses of a zwitterionic base‐stabilized digermadistannacyclobutadiene and tetragermacyclobutadiene supported by amidinates and low‐valent germanium amidinate substituents are described. The reaction of the amidinate Ge^I dimer, [LGe:]₂ ( 1 , L=PhC(NtBu)₂), with two equivalents of the amidinate tin(II) chloride, [LSnCl] ( 2 ), and KC₈ in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at room temperature afforded a mixture of the zwitterionic base‐stabilized digermadistannacyclobutadiene, [L₂Ge₂Sn₂L′₂] ( 3 ; L′=LGe:), and the bis(amidinate) tin(II) compound, [L₂Sn:] ( 4 ). Compound 3 can also be prepared by the reaction of 1 with [L^ArSnCl] ( 5 , L^Ar=tBuC(NAr)₂, Ar=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃) in THF at room temperature. Moreover, the reaction of 1 with the “onio‐substituent transfer” reagent [4‐NMe₂‐C₅H₄NSiMe₃]OTf ( 8 ) in THF and 4‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) at room temperature afforded a mixture of the zwitterionic base‐stabilized tetragermacyclobutadiene, [L₄Ge₆] ( 9 ), the amidinium triflate, [PhC(NHtBu)₂]OTf ( 10 ), and Me₃SiSiMe₃ ( 11 ). X‐ray structural data and theoretical studies show conclusively that compounds 3 and 9 have a planar and rhombic charge‐separated structure. They are also nonaromatic.     

Preparation and Characterization of a Heteronuclear μ-Alkyne Complex; X-Ray Crystal Structure of MoCo(CO)4(PPh3){μ-HCCSiMe3)(η5-C5H5)

Reaction of MoCo(CO)₅(PPh₃)₂(η⁵-C₅H₅) (1a) with trimethylsilylacetylene in tetrahydrofuran at 58° C yielded two acetylene bridged heterobimetallic compounds, MoCo(CO)₄(PPh₃){μ-HC?CSiMe₃}(η⁵-C₅H₅) (4) and MoCo (CO)₅{μ-HC?CSiMe₃}(η⁵-C₅H₅)(5). (4) was characterized by mass, infrared, ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectra. The X-ray crystal structure of (4) was determined:triclinic, P-1, a=8.821(1) Å, b=11.315(3) Å, c=17.029(2) Å, α=70.73(1)°, β=78 .72(1)°, γ=86.10(2)°,V =1573.4(6) ų, Z=2, R = 3.92%,R_w = 6.06% for 4285 (F > 4σ (F)) observed reflections. The core of this molecule is a quasi-tetrahedron containing Mo, Co and two carbons of acetylene. The triphenylphosphine ligand is attached to cobalt rather than molybdenum center.     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of a pyridine-stabilized germanone

The first isolable pyridine‐stabilized germanone has been prepared and its reactivity toward trimethylaluminum has been investigated. The germanone adduct results from a stepwise conversion that starts from 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and the ylide‐like N‐heterocyclic germylene LGe: (L=CH{(C?CH₂)(CMe)[N(aryl)]₂}, aryl=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃) ( 1 ) at room temperature, and gives the corresponding germylene–pyridine adduct L(DMAP)Ge: ( 2 ) in 91 % yield. The latter reacts with N₂O at room temperature to form the desired germanone complex L(DMAP)Ge?O ( 3 ) in 73 % yield. The Ge? O distance of 1.646(2) Å in 3 is the shortest hitherto reported for a Ge?O species. The reaction of 3 with trimethylaluminum leads solely to the addition product LGe(Me)O[Al(DMAP)Me₂] ( 4 ). The latter results from insertion of the Ge?O subunit into an Al? Me bond of AlMe₃ and concomitant migration of the DMAP ligand from germanium to the aluminum atom. Compounds 2 – 4 have been fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. Their molecular structures have been established by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallographic analysis.     

Facile Access to NaOC≡As and Its Use as an Arsenic Source To Form Germylidenylarsinidene Complexes

A facile, one‐pot synthesis of [Na(OC≡As)(dioxane)_x ] (x =2.3–3.3) in 78 % yield is reported through the reaction of arsine gas with dimethylcarbonate in the presence of NaO^t Bu and 1,4‐dioxane. It has been employed for the synthesis of the first arsaketenyl‐functionalized germylene [LGeAsCO] ( 2 , L=CH[CMeN(Dipp)]₂; Dipp=2,6‐ⁱ Pr₂C₆H₃) from the reaction with LGeCl ( 1 ). Upon exposure to ambient light, 2 undergoes CO elimination to form the 1,3‐digerma‐2,4‐diarsacyclobutadiene [L₂Ge₂As₂] ( 3 ), which contains a symmetric Ge₂As₂ ring with ylide‐like Ge=As bonds. Remarkably, the CO ligand located at the arsenic center of 2 can be exchanged with PPh₃ or an N‐heterocyclic carbene ^{i Pr}NHC donor (^{i Pr}NHC=1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) to afford the novel germylidenylarsinidene complexes [LGe‐AsPPh₃] ( 4 ) and [LGe‐As(^{i Pr}NHC)] ( 5 ), respectively, demonstrating transition‐metal‐like ligand substitution at the arsinidene‐like As atom. The formation of 2 – 5 and their electronic structures have been studied by DFT calculations.     

Arylvanadium(III)-Verbindungen. VI. Darstellung und Eigenschaften von Lithium-trimesityl-organyl-vanadaten(III)

Arylvanadium (III) Compounds. VI. Preparation and Properties of Lithium Trimesityl organyl Vanadates Trimesityl vanadium reacts with LiR (R = Ph, o-Tol, Dmop, CH₃, CPh₃) forming complexes Li(thf)₄ VMes₃R. With Li₂C₆H₄ and Li₂C₂ the compounds Li₂(thf) ₈ V(μ-C₆H₄)Mes₆ and Li₂(thf)₈V(μ-C₂)Mes₆ are obtained. All compounds are characterized by their thermal, magnetical, and spectral properties.     

Group II Metal Complexes of the Germylidendiide Dianion Radical and Germylidenide Anion

The two‐electron reduction of a Group 14‐element(I) complex [RË?] (E=Ge, R=supporting ligand) to form a novel low‐valent dianion radical with the composition [RË:]^{. 2?} is reported. The reaction of [LGeCl] ( 1 , L=2,6‐(CH?NAr)₂C₆H₃, Ar=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃) with excess calcium in THF at room temperature afforded the germylidenediide dianion radical complex [LGe]^{. 2?}?Ca(THF)₃²⁺ ( 2 ). The reaction proceeds through the formation of the germanium(I) radical [LGe?], which then undergoes a two‐electron reduction with calcium to form 2 . EPR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, and theoretical studies show that the germanium center in 2 has two lone pairs of electrons and the radical is delocalized over the germanium‐containing heterocycle. In contrast, the magnesium derivative of the germylidendiide dianion radical is unstable and undergoes dimerization with concurrent dearomatization to form the germylidenide anion complex [C₆H₃‐2‐{C(H)?NAr}Ge‐Mg‐6‐{C(H)‐NAr}]₂ ( 3 ).     

Gold(I) and gold(III) ortho-nitrophenyl complexes. Crystal and molecular structure of ortho-nitrophenyltriphenylarsinegold(I)

The reaction between [Au(o-C₆H₄NO₂)Cl]⁻ and tetrahydrothiophene (tht) in the presence of NaClO₄ give a solution (probably containing [Au(o-C₆H₄NO₂)(tht)]) that can be used to prepare neutral [Au(o-C₆H₄NO₂)L_n] (L = AsPh₃, n = 1; L = SbPh₃, n = 2; L = 1,10-phenanthroline, n = 1) or anionic [Au(o-C₆H₄-NO₂(CN)]⁻ complexes. Treatment of [Au(o-C₆H₄NO₂)(PPh₃)] with chlorine or PhICl₂ gives trans- or cis-[Au(o-C₆H₄NO₂)Cl₂(PPh₃)]. Isomerizations occur when the cis-isomer is treated with concentrated solutions of chlorine or when the trans-isomer is heated.An X-ray diffraction study of [Au(o-C₆H₄NO₂)(AsPh₃)] has revealed an almost linear coordination around the gold atom (AsAuC mean value 177(2)°). The AuO distance is too long (mean value 2.80(3) Å) for intramolecular coordination.     

Coligand role in the NHC nickel catalyzed C–F bond activation: investigations on the insertion of bis(NHC) nickel into the C–F bond of hexafluorobenzene

The reaction of [Ni(Mes₂Im)₂] (1) (Mes₂Im = 1,3-dimesityl-imidazolin-2-ylidene) with polyfluorinated arenes as well as mechanistic investigations concerning the insertion of 1 and [Ni(ⁱPr₂Im)₂] (1ipr) (ⁱPr₂Im = 1,3-diisopropyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene) into the C–F bond of C₆F₆ is reported. The reaction of 1 with different fluoroaromatics leads to formation of the nickel fluoroaryl fluoride complexes trans-[Ni(Mes₂Im)₂(F)(Ar^F)] (Ar^F = 4-CF₃-C₆F₄2, C₆F₅3, 2,3,5,6-C₆F₄N 4, 2,3,5,6-C₆F₄H 5, 2,3,5-C₆F₃H₂6, 3,5-C₆F₂H₃7) in fair to good yields with the exception of the formation of the pentafluorophenyl complex 3 (less than 20%). Radical species and other diamagnetic side products were detected for the reaction of 1 with C₆F₆, in line with a radical pathway for the C–F bond activation step using 1. The difluoride complex trans-[Ni(Mes₂Im)₂(F)₂] (9), the bis(aryl) complex trans-[Ni(Mes₂Im)₂(C₆F₅)₂] (15), the structurally characterized nickel(i) complex trans-[Ni^I(Mes₂Im)₂(C₆F₅)] (11) and the metal radical trans-[Ni^I(Mes₂Im)₂(F)] (12) were identified. Complex 11, and related [Ni^I(Mes₂Im)₂(2,3,5,6-C₆F₄H)] (13) and [Ni^I(Mes₂Im)₂(2,3,5-C₆F₃H₂)] (14), were synthesized independently by reaction of trans-[Ni(Mes₂Im)₂(F)(Ar^F)] with PhSiH₃. Simple electron transfer from 1 to C₆F₆ was excluded, as the redox potentials of the reaction partners do not match and [Ni(Mes₂Im)₂]⁺, which was prepared independently, was not detected. DFT calculations were performed on the insertion of [Ni(ⁱPr₂Im)₂] (1ipr) and [Ni(Mes₂Im)₂] (1) into the C–F bond of C₆F₆. For 1ipr, concerted and NHC-assisted pathways were identified as having the lowest kinetic barriers, whereas for 1, a radical mechanism with fluoride abstraction and an NHC-assisted pathway are both associated with almost the same kinetic barrier.

A combined experimental and theoretical study on the mechanism of the C–F bond activation of C₆F₆ with [Ni(NHC)₂] is provided.     

Polyfluorophenylgold(I) complexes

Neutral polyfluorophenyl complexes of the type RAuL and RAuL-LAuR and anionic complexes of the type [AuR₂]^? (R = 2,3,5,6-C₆F₄H, 2,4,6-C,F₃H₂, 3,6-C₆F₂H₃, 4-C₆ FH₄ or 3-CF₃C,H₄) are obtained by the reaction of ClAuL (L = PPh₃, P(cyclohexyl)₃, AsPh₃ or tetrahydrothiophen; L-L = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂ or Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPPh₂) with an organolithium derivative and/or the replacement of the initial ligands L by other mono- or bi-dentate ligands.The outcome of the reaction of [AuR₂]^? with [Au(PCy₃)₂]⁺ (Cy = cyclohexyl), depends on the nature of the ligand R; thus with R = 3,6-C₆,F₂H₃ the product is [Au(PCy₃)₂][AuR₂], while with R = 2,4,6-C₆F₃H₂, the product is [Au(PCy₃)(2,4,6-C₆F₃H₂)].     

Neue ternäre Germanide: Die Verbindungen Ln4Zn5Ge6 (Ln: Gd,Tm, Lu)

New Ternary Germanides: The Compounds Ln ₄Zn₅Ge₆ ( Ln : Gd, Tm, Lu) Three new ternary germanides were prepared by heating mixtures of the elements. Gd₄Zn₅Ge₆ (a = 4.249(3), b = 18.663(17), c = 15.423(6) Å), Tm₄Zn₅Ge₆ (a = 4.190(1), b = 18.410(5), c = 15.105(5) Å), and Lu₄Zn₅Ge₆ (a = 4.179(1), b = 18.368(4), c = 15.050(3) Å) are isotypic and crystallize in a new structure type (Cmc2₁; Z = 4), composed of edge‐ and corner‐sharing ZnGe₄ tetrahedra. The rare‐earth atoms fill channels of the Zn,Ge network running along the a axis and predominantly have an octahedral coordination of Ge atoms or a pentagonal prismatic environment of Zn and Ge atoms. The ZnGe₄ tetrahedra are orientated to each other so that two of six Ge atoms form pairs, while the other ones have no homonuclear contacts. This is in accord with an ionic splitting of the formula: (Ln³⁺)₄(Zn²⁺)₅(Ge^3–)₂(Ge^4–)₄. LMTO band structure calculations support the interpretation of bondings derived from interatomic distances. The metallic conductivity of these compounds expected from the electronic band structure was confirmed by measurements of the electrical resistance of Tm₄Zn₅Ge₆.     

New multifunctional heterobinuclear palladium (II) complexes based on organometallic dithiocarbazate ligands

In the research of new compounds with multifunctional applications, heterobinuclear palladium (II) complexes based on organometallic dithiocarbazates (DTCZs) have been isolated. The organometallic DTCZ ligands of the general formula [{(η⁵-C₅H₄)-CH=NNHC(S)SCH₃}]MLn [MLn = Re (CO)₃ ( 2a ); Mn (CO)₃ ( 2b ); FeCp ( 2c )] were prepared by the reaction between formyl organometallic precursors ( 1a−c ) with S-methyldithiocarbazate. Subsequently, a two-step reaction of 2a−c with: (i) K₂[PdCl₄] and (ii) PPh₃ yielded heterobinuclear complexes [Pd{MLn(η⁵-C₅H₄)-CH=NNHC(S)SCH₃}–(Cl)(PPh₃)] [MLn = Re (CO)₃ ( 3a ); Mn (CO)₃ ( 3b ); FeCp ( 3c )]. All compounds were characterized by conventional spectroscopic techniques (infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis). In addition, the molecular structures of 2a , 2c and 3c were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The new palladium (II) complexes ( 3a−c ) were evaluated as antiproliferative agents against non-small cell lung cancer cells (H1299 cells). Complexes 3a and 3b containing cyrhetrenyl- and cymantrenyl-DTCZ ligands, respectively, were more active than their ferrocenyl analogue 3c . The activity was associated with the electron-withdrawing properties of the (η⁵-C₅H₄)M (CO)₃ moieties and their better lipophilicity than that of the ferrocenyl analogue. In addition, we studied the capacity of metalloligands ( 2a−c ) and palladium (II) complexes ( 3a−c ) to remove methylene blue in water under UV–visible light irradiation. The results established that the complexes showed moderate efficiency and were less active than their corresponding free ligands.