The Superbulky Pn Ligand Complexes [CpBIGFe(η5−P5)] and [(CpBIGFe)2(μ,η4:4-P4)]—Synthesis and Characterization

Abstract

A new synthesis of [Cp^BIGFe(CO)₂]₂ 3 (Cp^BIG = C₅(4-ⁿBuC₆H₄)₅) was developed starting from Cp^BIGNa and FeCl₂ in the presence of CO. Reaction of this product with P₄ leads to the two new P_n ligand complexes [Cp^BIGFe(η⁵-P₅)] 1b and [(Cp^BIGFe)₂(μ,η^4:4-P₄)] (4) containing the highly sterically demanding Cp^BIG ligand. Depending on the solvent, different ratios of 1b:4 are obtained. The products 1b, 3, and 4 were characterized by spectroscopic methods as well as by X-ray diffraction.     

Giant Spherical Cluster with I‐C140 Fullerene Topology

We report on an effective cluster expansion of CuBr‐linked aggregates by the increase of the steric bulk of the Cp^R ligand in the pentatopic molecules [Cp^RFe(η⁵‐P₅)]. Using [Cp^BIGFe(η⁵‐P₅)] (Cp^BIG=C₅(4‐nBuC₆H₄)₅), the novel multishell aggregate [{Cp^BIGFe(η^{5:2:1:1:1:1:1}‐P₅)}₁₂(CuBr)₉₂] is obtained. It shows topological analogy to the theoretically predicted I‐C₁₄₀ fullerene molecule. The spherical cluster was comprehensively characterized by various methods in solution and in the solid state.     

The Missing Parent Compound [(C5H5)Fe(η5-P5)]: Synthesis,Characterization, Coordination Behavior and Encapsulation

The so far missing parent compound of the large family of pentaphosphaferrocenes [CpFe(η⁵-P₅)] ( 1 b ) was synthesized by the thermolysis of [CpFe(CO)₂]₂ with P₄ using the very high-boiling solvent diisopropylbenzene. It was comprehensively characterized by, inter alia, NMR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray structure analysis, cyclic voltammetry and DFT computations. Moreover, its coordination behavior towards Cu^I halides was explored, revealing the unprecedented 2D polymeric networks [{CpFe(η^5:1:1:1:1-P₅)}Cu₂(μ-X)₂]_n ( 2 a : X=Cl, 2 b : X=Br) and [{CpFe(η^5:1:1-P₅)}Cu(μ-I)]_n ( 3 ) and even the first cyclo-P₅-containing 3D coordination polymer [{CpFe(η^5:1:1-P₅)}Cu(μ-I)]_n ( 4 ). The sandwich complex 1 b can also be incorporated in nano-sized supramolecules based on [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)] ( 1 a ) and CuX (X=Cl, Br, I): [CpFe(η⁵-P₅)]@[{Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)}₁₂(CuX)_20-n] ( 5 a : X=Cl, n=2.4; 5 b : X=Br, n=2.4; 5 c : X=I, n=0.95). Thereby, the formation of the CuI-containing fullerene-like sphere 5 c is found for the first time.     

Synthesis and Reactivity of a Cyclooctatetraene-Like Polyphosphorus Ligand Complex [Cyclo-P8]

The thermolysis of Cp′′′Ta(CO)₄ with white phosphorus (P₄) gives access to [{Cp′′′Ta}₂(μ,η^{2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1}-P₈)] ( A ), representing the first complex containing a cyclooctatetraene-like (COT) cyclo-P₈ ligand. While ring sizes of n >6 have remained elusive for cyclo-P_n structural motifs, the choice of the transition metal, co-ligand and reaction conditions allowed the isolation of A . Reactivity investigations reveal its versatile coordination behaviour as well as its redox properties. Oxidation leads to dimerization to afford [{Cp′′′Ta}₄(μ₄,η^{2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1}-P₁₆)][TEF]₂ ( 4 , TEF=[Al(OC{CF₃}₃)₄]⁻). Reduction, however, leads to the fission of one P−P bond in A followed by rapid dimerization to form [K@[2.2.2]cryptand]₂[{Cp′′′Ta}₄(μ₄,η^{2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1}-P₁₆)] ( 5 ), which features an unprecedented chain-type P₁₆ ligand. Lastly, A serves as a P₂ synthon, via ring contraction to the triple-decker complex [{Cp′′′Ta}₂(μ,η^{6 : 6}-P₆)] ( B ).     

A General Pathway to Heterobimetallic Triple-Decker Complexes

A systematic study on the reactivity of the triple-decker complex [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ,η⁴:η⁴-C₇H₈)] ( A ) (Cp’’’=1,2,4-tritertbutyl-cyclopentadienyl) towards sandwich complexes containing cyclo-P₃, cyclo-P₄, and cyclo-P₅ ligands under mild conditions is presented. The heterobimetallic triple-decker sandwich complexes [(Cp*Fe)(Cp’’’Co)(μ,η⁵:η⁴-P₅)] ( 1 ) and [(Cp’’’Co)(Cp’’’Ni)(μ,η³:η³-P₃)] ( 3 ) (Cp*=1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) were synthesized and fully characterized. In solution, these complexes exhibit a unique fluxional behavior, which was investigated by variable temperature NMR spectroscopy. The dynamic processes can be blocked by coordination to {W(CO)₅} fragments, leading to the complexes [(Cp*Fe)(Cp’’’Co)(μ₃,η⁵:η⁴:η¹-P₅){W(CO)₅}] ( 2 a ), [(Cp*Fe)(Cp’’’Co)(μ₄,η⁵:η⁴:η¹:η¹-P₅){(W(CO)₅)₂}] ( 2 b ), and [(Cp’’’Co)(Cp’’’Ni)(μ₃,η³:η²:η¹-P₃){W(CO)₅}] ( 4 ), respectively. The thermolysis of 3 leads to the tetrahedrane complex [(Cp’’’Ni)₂(μ,η²:η²-P₂)] ( 5 ). All compounds were fully characterized using single-crystal X-ray structure analysis, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis.     

Ring Expansions of Nonpolar Polyphosphorus Rings

The reaction of the phosphinidene complex [Cp*P{W(CO)₅}₂] ( 1 a ) (Cp*=C₅Me₅) with the anionic cyclo-P_n ligand complex [(η³-P₃)Nb(ODipp)₃]⁻ ( 2 , Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl) resulted in the formation of [{W(CO)₅}₂{μ₃,η^3:1:1-P₄Cp*}Nb(ODipp)₃]⁻ ( 3 ), which represents an unprecedented example of a ring expansion of a polyphosphorus-ligand complex initiated by a phosphinidene complex. Furthermore, the reaction of the pnictinidene complexes [Cp*E{W(CO)₅}₂] (E=P: 1 a , As: 1 b ) with the neutral complex [Cp′′′Co(η⁴-P₄)] (Cp′′′=1,2,4-tBu₃C₅H₂) led to a cyclo-P₄E ring (E=P, As) through the insertion of the pentel atom into the cyclo-P₄ ligand. Starting from 1 a , the two isomers [Cp′′′Co(μ₃,η^4:1:1-P₅Cp*){W(CO)₅}₂] ( 5 a , b ), and from 1 b , the three isomers [Cp′′′Co(μ₃,η^4:1:1-AsP₄Cp*){W(CO)₅}₂] ( 6 a – c ) with unprecedented cyclo-P₄E ligands (E=P, As) were isolated. The complexes 6 a – c represent unique examples of ring expansions which lead to new mixed five-membered cyclo-P₄As ligands. The possible reaction pathways for the formation of 5 a , b and 6 a – c were investigated by a combination of temperature-dependent ³¹P{¹H} NMR studies and DFT calculations.     

Reactions of [η:σ-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ru(COD) with Lewis bases: Synthesis, structure, and electrochemistry of ruthenium amine, nitrile, carbene, phosphite and phosphine complexes

Treatment of [η⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru(COD) (1) with phosphites, phosphines, amines or N-heterocyclic carbene in THF afforded the COD displacement complexes [η⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru[P(OEt)₃]₂ (2), [η⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru[PPh₂(OEt)]₂ (3), [η⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru[NH₂CH₂CH₂Prⁱ]₂ (4), [η⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru(NH₂Prⁿ)₂ (5), [η⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru (η²-NH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂) (6), [η⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru[η²-NH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂NH(CH₃)] (7) or [η⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru[NHC]₂ (8, NHC = 1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-yilidene), respectively. Ruthenium-amine complexes were much more labile than 1. Upon exposure to moisture, 5 was converted into [{η⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)}Ru(μ-H₂O)]₂ (9). Reactions of 5 with PR₃ (R = PPh₃, Cy), TMEDA (TMEDA = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) and CH₃CN afforded the corresponding amine replacement products[η⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru(NH₂Prⁿ)(PPh₃) (10), [η⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru(NH₂Prⁿ)(PCy₃) (11), [η⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru(TMEDA) (12) and [η⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru(NCCH₃)₂ (13). These results indicated that the steric factor dominated these substitution reactions. The electrochemical studies showed that the electron richness of the Ru atom decreased in the order L₂Ru(NHC)₂ > L₂Ru(amine)₂ > L₂Ru(NCMe)₂ > L₂Ru(P)₂. All of these complexes were fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. The molecular structures of 2, 3, 5-10, 12 and 13 were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Multiferrocenyl‐Substituted Group 4 Metallocene Complexes

The reaction of different metallocene fragments [Cp₂M] (Cp=η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl, M=Ti, Zr) with diferrocenylacetylene and 1,4‐diferrocenylbuta‐1,3‐diyne is described. The titanocene complexes form the highly strained three‐ and five‐membered ring systems [Cp₂Ti(η²‐FcC₂Fc)] ( 1 ) and [Cp₂Ti(η⁴‐FcC₄Fc)] ( 2 ) (Fc=[Fe(η⁵‐C₅H₄)(η⁵‐C₅H₅)]) by addition of the appropriate alkyne or diyne to Cp₂Ti. Zirconocene precursors react with diferrocenyl‐ and ferrocenylphenylacetylene under C? C bond coupling to yield the metallacyclopentadienes [Cp₂Zr(C₄Fc₄)] ( 3 ) and [Cp₂Zr(C₄Fc₂Ph₂)] ( 5 ), respectively. The exchange of the zirconocene unit in 3 by hydrogen atoms opens the route to the super‐crowded ferrocenyl‐substituted compound tetraferrocenylbutadiene ( 4 ). On the other hand, the reaction of 1,4‐diferrocenylbuta‐1,3‐diyne with zirconocene complexes afforded a cleavage of the central C? C bond, and thus, dinuclear [{Cp₂Zr(μ‐η¹:η²‐C?CFc)}₂] ( 6 ) that consists of two zirconocene acetylide groups was formed. Most of the complexes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, showing attractive multinuclear molecules. The redox properties of 3 , 5 , and 6 were studied by cyclic voltammetry. Upon oxidation to 3 ⁿ⁺, 5 ⁿ⁺, and 6 ⁿ⁺ (n=1–3), decomposition occured with in situ formation of new species. The follow‐up products from 3 and 5 possess two or four reversible redox events pointing to butadiene‐based molecules. However, the dinuclear complex 6 afforded ethynylferrocene under the measurement conditions.     

A Structural Diversity of Molecular Alkaline-Earth-Metal Polyphosphides: From Supramolecular Wheel to Zintl Ion

A series of molecular group 2 polyphosphides has been synthesized by using air-stable [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)] (Cp*=C₅Me₅) or white phosphorus as polyphosphorus precursors. Different types of group 2 reagents such as organo-magnesium, mono-valent magnesium, and molecular calcium hydride complexes have been investigated to activate these polyphosphorus sources. The organo-magnesium complex [(^DippBDI−Mg(CH₃))₂] (^DippBDI={[2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃NCMe]₂CH}⁻) reacts with [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)] to give an unprecedented Mg/Fe-supramolecular wheel. Kinetically controlled activation of [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)] by different mono-valent magnesium complexes allowed the isolation of Mg-coordinated formally mono- and di-reduced products of [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)]. To obtain the first examples of molecular calcium-polyphosphides, a molecular calcium hydride complex was used to reduce the aromatic cyclo-P₅ ring of [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)]. The Ca-Fe-polyphosphide is also characterized by quantum chemical calculations and compared with the corresponding Mg complex. Moreover, a calcium coordinated Zintl ion (P₇)³⁻ was obtained by molecular calcium hydride mediated P₄ reduction.     

Structures and Properties of Spherical 90‐Vertex Fullerene‐Like Nanoballs

By applying the proper stoichiometry of 1:2 to [Cp^RFe(η⁵‐P₅)] and CuX (X=Cl, Br) and dilution conditions in mixtures of CH₃CN and solvents like CH₂Cl₂, 1,2‐Cl₂C₆H₄, toluene, and THF, nine spherical giant molecules having the simplified general formula [Cp^RFe(η⁵‐P₅)]@[{Cp^RFe(η⁵‐P₅)}₁₂{CuX}₂₅(CH₃CN)₁₀] (Cp^R=η⁵‐C₅Me₅ (Cp*); η⁵‐C₅Me₄Et (Cp^Et); X=Cl, Br) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The products consist of 90‐vertex frameworks consisting of non‐carbon atoms and forming fullerene‐like structural motifs. Besides the mostly neutral products, some charged derivatives have been isolated. These spherical giant molecules show an outer diameter of 2.24 (X=Cl) to 2.26 nm (X=Br) and have inner cavities of 1.28 (X=Cl) and 1.20 nm (X=Br) in size. In most instances the inner voids of these nanoballs encapsulate one molecule of [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐P₅)], which reveals preferred orientations of π–π stacking between the cyclo‐P₅ rings of the guest and those of the host molecules. Moreover, π–π and σ–π interactions are also found in the packing motifs of the balls in the crystal lattice. Electrochemical investigations of these soluble molecules reveal one irreversible multi‐electron oxidation at E_p=0.615 V and two reduction steps (?1.10 and ?2.0 V), the first of which corresponds to about 12 electrons. Density functional calculations reveal that during oxidation and reduction the electrons are withdrawn or added to the surface of the spherical nanomolecules, and no Cu²⁺ species are involved.     

Oxidation Chemistry of Inorganic Benzene Complexes

The oxidation of the 28 VE cyclo‐E₆ triple‐decker complexes [(Cp^RMo)₂(μ,η⁶:η⁶‐E₆)] (E=P, Cp^R=Cp( 2 a ), Cp*( 2 b ), Cp^Bn( 2 c )=C₅(CH₂Ph)₅; E=As, Cp^R=Cp*( 3 )) by Cu⁺ or Ag⁺ leads to cationic 27 VE complexes that retain their general triple‐decker geometry in the solid state. The obtained products have been characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), EPR, Evans NMR, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, MS, and structural analysis by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The cyclo‐E₆ middle decks of the oxidized complexes are distorted to a quinoid ( 2 a ) or bisallylic ( 2 b , 2 c , 3 ) geometry. DFT calculations of 2 a , 2 b , and 3 persistently result in the bisallylic distortion as the minimum geometry and show that the oxidation leads to a depopulation of the σ‐system of the cyclo‐E₆ ligands in 2 a – 3 . Among the starting complexes, 2 c is reported for the first time including its preparation and full characterization.     

Synthesis of homo- and heterodinuclear metal complexes with dimethylsilylene bridged unsymmetrical bis(cyclopentadienyl) ligand

The reaction of the dilithium salt Li₂[Me₂Si(C₅H₄)(C₅Me₄)] (2) of Me₂Si(C₅H₅)(C₅HMe₄) (1) with [MCl(C₈H₁₂)]₂ (M=Rh, Ir) and [RhCl(CO)₂]₂ afforded homodinuclear metal complexes [{Me₂Si(η⁵-C₅H₄)(η⁵-C₅Me₄)}{M(C₈H₁₂)}₂] (M=Rh: 3; M=Ir: 4) and [{Me₂Si(η⁵-C₅H₄)(η⁵-C₅Me₄)}Rh₂(CO)₂(μ-CO)] (5), respectively. The reaction of 2 with RhCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ afforded a mononuclear metal complex [{Me₂Si(C₅HMe₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Rh(CO)PPh₃] (6) leaving the C₅HMe₄ moiety intact. Taking advantage of the difference in reactivity of the two cyclopentadienyl moieties of 2, heterodinuclear complexes were prepared in one pot. Thus, the reaction of 2 with RhCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂, followed by the treatment with [MCl(C₈H₁₂)]₂ (M=Rh, Ir) afforded a homodinuclear metal complex [Rh(CO)PPh₃{(η⁵-C₅H₄)SiMe₂(η⁵-C₅Me₄)}Rh(C₈H₁₂)] (7) consisting of two rhodium centers with different ligands and a heterodinuclear metal complex [Rh(CO)(PPh₃){(η⁵-C₅H₄)SiMe₂(η⁵-C₅Me₄)}Ir(C₈H₁₂)] (8). The successive treatment of 2 with [IrCl(C₈H₁₂)]₂ and [RhCl(C₈H₁₂)]₂ provided heterodinuclear metal complex [Ir(C₈H₁₂){(η⁵-C₅H₄)SiMe₂(η⁵-C₅Me₄)}Rh(C₈H₁₂)] (9). The reaction of 2 with CoCl(PPh₃)₃ and then with PhCCPh gave a mononuclear cobaltacyclopentadiene complex [{Me₂Si(C₅Me₄H)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Co(CPhCPhCPhCPh)(PPh₃)] (10). However, successive treatment of 2 with CoCl(PPh₃)₃, PhCCPh and [MCl(C₈H₁₂)]₂ in this order afforded heterodinuclear metal complexes [M(C₈H₁₂){(η⁵-C₅H₄)SiMe₂(η⁵-C₅Me₄)}Co(η⁴-C₄Ph₄)] (M=Rh: 11; M=Ir: 12) in which the cobalt center was connected to the C₅Me₄ moiety. Although the heating of 10 afforded a tetraphenylcyclobutadiene complex [{Me₂Si(C₅Me₄H)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Co(η⁴-C₄Ph₄)] (13), in which the cobalt center was connected to the C₅H₄ moiety, simple heating of the reaction mixture of 2, CoCl(PPh₃)₃ and PhCCPh resulted in the formation of a tetraphenylcyclobutadiene complex [{Me₂Si(C₅H₅)(η⁵-C₅Me₄)}Co(η⁴-C₄Ph₄)] (14), in which the cobalt center was connected to the C₅Me₄ moiety. The mechanism of the cobalt transfer was suggested based on the electrophilicity of the formal trivalent cobaltacyclopentadiene moiety. In the presence of 1,5-cyclooctadiene, the reaction of 2 with CoCl(PPh₃)₃ provided a mononuclear cobalt cyclooctadiene complex [{Me₂Si(C₅Me₄H)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Co(C₈H₁₂)] (15). The reaction of 15 with n-BuLi followed by the treatment with [MCl(C₈H₁₂)]₂ (M=Rh, Ir) afforded the heterodinuclear metal complexes of [Co(C₈H₁₂){(η⁵-C₅H₄)SiMe₂(η⁵-C₅Me₄)}M(C₈H₁₂)] (M=Rh: 16; M=Ir: 17). Treatment of 6 with Fe₂(CO)₉ at room temperature afforded a heterodinuclear metal complex [{Me₂Si(C₅HMe₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}{Rh(PPh₃)(μ-CO)₂Fe(CO)₃}] (18) in which the C₅HMe₄ moiety was kept intact. Treatment of dinuclear metal complex 5 with Fe₂(CO)₉ afforded a heterotrinuclear metal complex [{(η⁵-C₅H₄)SiMe₂(η⁵-C₅Me₄)}{Rh(CO)Rh(μ-CO)₂Fe(CO)₃}] (19) having a triangular metal framework. The crystal and molecular structures of 3, 11, 12, 18 and 19 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

A comparative study of the coordination behavior of cyclo-P5 and cyclo-As5 ligand complexes towards the trinuclear Lewis acid complex (perfluoro-ortho-phenylene)mercury

Reactions of the cyclo-E₅ sandwich complexes [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)] (1) and [Cp*Fe(η⁵-As₅)] (2) with the planar Lewis acid trimeric (perfluoro-ortho-phenylene)mercury [(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃] (3) afford compounds that show distinctly different assemblies in the solid state. The phosphorus containing ligand 1 forms dimeric coordination units with two molecules of 3, with one P atom of each cyclo-P₅ ligand positioned in close proximity to the center of a molecule of 3. In contrast to the coordination behavior of 1, the arsenic analog 2 shows simultaneous interaction of three As atoms with the Hg atoms of 3. A DFT study and subsequent AIM analyses of the products suggest that electrostatic forces are prevalent over donor–acceptor interactions in these adducts, and may play a role in the differences in the observed coordination behavior. Subsequently, a series of [Cp^RFe(η⁵-P₅)] (Cp^R = C₅H_5–n tBu_n, n = 1–3, 6a–c) sandwich complexes was prepared and also reacted with [(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃]. In the solid state the obtained products 7a–c with increasing steric demand of the Cp^R ligands show no significant change in their assembly compared to the Cp* analog 4. All of the products were characterized by single crystal X-ray structure analysis, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis as well as NMR spectroscopy and IR spectrometry.     

Coordination chemistry of [Cp*Fe(η5-P3C2tBu2)] (Cp* = η5-C5Me5) with copper(I) halides – Formation of oligomeric and polymeric compounds

The reaction of the 1,2,4-triphosphaferrocene [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₃C₂tBu₂)] (1) with CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio leads to the formation of the oligomeric compounds [{Cu(μ-X)}₆(μ₆-X)Cu(MeCN)₃{μ,η²-(Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₃C₂tBu₂))}₂{μ₃,η³-(Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₃C₂tBu₂))}] (X = Cl (2), Br (3)) and [{Cu(μ-I)}₃{Cu(μ₃-I)}₃Cu(μ₆-I){μ,η²-(Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₃C₂tBu₂))}₃{η¹-(Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₃C₂tBu₂))}] (4) revealing Cu(I) halide cages surrounded by 1,2,4-triphosphaferrocene moieties. The reaction of [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₃C₂tBu₂)] with CuI in a 1:4 stoichiometry leads to the formation of the two-dimensional polymer [{Cu(μ-I)}₄{Cu(μ₃-I)(MeCN)}₂{μ₃,η³-(Cp*Fe(P₃C₂tBu₂))}]_n (5). The oligomeric compounds show dynamic behavior in solution monitored by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. All compounds are additionally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Size-determining dependencies in supramolecular organometallic host-guest chemistry

Treatment of the pentaphosphaferrocene [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐P₅)] with Cu^I halides in the presence of different templates leads to novel fullerene‐like spherical molecules that serve as hosts for the templates. If ferrocene is used as the template the 80‐vertex ball [Cp₂Fe]@[{Cp*Fe(η⁵‐P₅)}₁₂{CuCl}₂₀] ( 4 ), with an overall icosahedral C₈₀ topological symmetry, is obtained. This result shows the ability of ferrocene to compete successfully with the internal template of the reaction system [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐P₅)], although the 90‐vertex ball [{Cp*Fe(η⁵:η¹:η¹:η¹:η¹:η¹‐P₅)}₁₂(CuCl)₁₀(Cu₂Cl₃)₅{Cu(CH₃CN)₂}₅] ( 2 a ) containing pentaphosphaferrocene as a guest is also formed as a byproduct. With use of the triple‐decker sandwich complex [(CpCr)₂(μ,η⁵‐As₅)] as a template the reaction between [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐P₅)] and CuBr leads to the 90‐vertex ball [(CpCr)₂(μ,η⁵‐As₅)]@[{Cp*Fe(η⁵‐P₅)}₁₂{CuBr}₁₀{Cu₂Br₃}₅{Cu(CH₃CN)₂}₅] ( 6 ), in which the complete molecule acts as a template. However, if the corresponding reaction is instead carried out with CuCl, cleavage of the triple‐decker complex is found and the 80‐vertex ball [CpCr(η⁵‐As₅)]@[{Cp*Fe(η⁵‐P₅)}₁₂{CuCl}₂₀] ( 5 ) is obtained. This accommodates as its guest [CpCr(η⁵‐As₅)], which has only 16 valence electrons in a triplet ground state and is not known as a free molecule. The triple‐decker sandwich complex [(CpCr)₂(μ,η⁵‐As₅)] requires 53.1 kcal mol^?1 to undergo cleavage (as calculated by DFT methods) and therefore this reaction is clearly endothermic. All new products have been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. A favoured orientation of the guest molecules inside the host cages has been identified, which shows π???π stacking of the five‐membered rings (Cp and cyclo‐As₅) of the guests and the cyclo‐P₅ rings of the nanoballs of the hosts.     

Isocyanide insertion reactivity of dinuclear niobium and tantalum imido complexes: X-ray crystal structure of [{Nb(η-C5H4SiMe3)(CH2Ph)2}2(μ-1,4-NC6H4N)]

The reactivity of dinuclear niobium and tantalum imido complexes with the isocyanide compound 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃NC has been studied. The trialkyl complexes [{NbR₃(CH₃CN)}₂(μ-1,3-NC₆H₄N)], [{NbR₃(CH₃CN)}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] and [{TaR₃(CH₃CN)}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (R=CH₂SiMe₃) gave [{Nb(η²-RCNAr)₂R}₂(μ-1,3-NC₆H₄N)] (1), [{Nb(η²-RCNAr)₂R}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (2) and [{Ta(η²-RCNAr)₂R}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (3) (R=CH₂SiMe₃; Ar=2,6-Me₂C₆H₃), from the isocyanide insertion in two of the metal alkyl carbon bonds. The reaction of the isocyanide reagent with the di-alkyl mono-cyclopentadienyl derivatives [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)R₂}₂(μ-1,3-NC₆H₄N)] (R=Me, CH₂Ph, CH₂SiMe₃), [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)R₂}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (R=Me, CH₂Ph (4), CH₂SiMe₃) and [{Ta(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(CH₂SiMe₃)₂}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] yielded [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)(η²-RCNAr)R}₂(μ-1,3-NC₆H₄N)] (R=Me (5), CH₂Ph (6), CH₂SiMe₃ (7)), [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)(η²-RCNAr)R}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (R=Me (8), CH₂Ph (9), CH₂SiMe₃ (10)) and [{Ta(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(η²-Me₃SiCH₂CNAr)CH₂SiMe₃}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (11) (Ar=2,6-Me₂C₆H₃), respectively, from a single insertion process. The reaction with the mono-alkyl complex [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)(Me)Cl}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] gave [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)(η²-MeCNAr)Cl}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (12), produced from the isocyanide insertion in the metal-alkyl carbon bond. The alkyl-amido complex [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)(Me)NMe₂}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] gave, from the preferential isocyanide insertion in the metal-amide nitrogen bond, [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)(η²-Me₂NCNAr)Me}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (13). The molecular structure of one of the alkyl precursors, [{Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)(CH₂Ph)₂}₂(μ-1,4-NC₆H₄N)] (4), has been determined.     

Flexidentate Coordination Behavior and Chemical Non-Innocence of a Bis(1,3-Diphosphacyclobutadiene) Sandwich Anion

The homoleptic 1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene sandwich complex [Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂]⁻ behaved as a versatile and highly flexible metalloligand toward Ni²⁺, Ru²⁺, Rh⁺, and Pd²⁺ cations, forming a range of unusual oligonuclear compounds. The reaction of [K(thf)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}] with [Ni₂Cp₃]BF₄ initially afforded the σ-complex [CpNi{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}(thf)] ( 2 ), which converted into [Co(η⁴-CpNi{1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂-κP,κC})(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)] ( 3 ) below room temperature. The structure of 3 contains an unprecedented 1,4-diphospha-2-nickelacyclopentadiene moiety formed by an oxidative addition of a ligand P−C bond onto nickel. At elevated temperatures, 3 isomerized to [Co(η⁴-CpNi{1,4-P₂C₂tBu₂-κ²P,P})(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)] ( 4 ), which features a 1,3-diphospha-2-nickelacyclopentadiene unit. Transmetalation of [K(thf)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}] with [Cp*RuCl]₄ (Cp*=C₅Me₅) afforded tetranuclear [(Cp*Ru)₃(μ-Cl)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}] ( 5 ), in which the [Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂]⁻ anion acts as a chelate ligand toward Ru²⁺. The diphosphido complex [(Cp*Ru)₂(μ,η²-P₂)(μ,η²-C₂tBu₂)] ( 6 ) was formed as a byproduct. Pure compound 6 was isolated after prolonged heating of the reaction mixture. The reaction of [K(thf)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂R₂)₂}] (R=tBu; adamantyl, Ad) with [RhCl(cod)]₂ (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene) afforded unprecedented π-complexes [Rh(cod){Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂R₂)₂}] ( 7 : R=tBu; 8 : R=Ad), in which one μ:η⁴:η⁴-P₂C₂R₂ ligand bridges two metal atoms. The pentanuclear complex [Pd₃(PPh₃)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}₂] ( 10 ), featuring a Pd₃ chain and a rare 1,4-diphospha-2-butene ligand, was synthesized by reacting [K(thf)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}] with cis-PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂. The redox properties of selected compounds were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry, whereas DFT calculations gave additional insight into the electronic structures. The results of this study revealed several remarkable and previously unrecognized properties of the [Co(P₂C₂tBu₂)₂]⁻ anion.     

Iron-Gallium and Cobalt-Gallium Tetraphosphido Complexes

The synthesis and characterization of two heterobimetallic complexes [K([18]crown-6){(η⁴-C₁₄H₁₀)Fe(μ-η⁴:η²-P₄)Ga(nacnac)}] ( 1 ) (C₁₄H₁₀ = anthracene) and [K(dme)₂{(η⁴-C₁₄H₁₀)Co(μ-η⁴:η²-P₄)Ga(nacnac)}] ( 2 ) with strongly reduced P₄ units is reported. Compounds 1 and 2 are prepared by reaction of the gallium(III) complex [(nacnac)Ga(η²-P₄)] (nacnac = CH[CMeN(2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)]₂) with bis(anthracene)ferrate(1–) and -cobaltate(1–) salts. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were determined by X-ray crystallography and feature a P₄ chain which binds to the transition metal atom via all four P atoms and to the gallium atom via the terminal P atoms. Multinuclear NMR studies on 2 suggest that the molecular structure is preserved in solution.     

CpPEt2As4—An Organic‐Substituted As4 Butterfly Compound

Cp^PEt₂As₄ (Cp^PEt=C₅(4‐EtC₆H₄)₅) ( 1 ) is synthesized by the reaction of Cp^PEt. radicals with yellow arsenic (As₄). In solution an equilibrium of the starting materials and the product is found. However, 1 can be isolated and stored in the solid state without decomposition. As₄ can be easily released from 1 under thermal or photochemical conditions. From powder samples of Cp^PEt₂As₄, yellow arsenic can be sublimed under rather mild conditions (T=125 °C). A similar behavior for the P₄‐releasing agent was determined for the related phosphorus compound Cp^BIG₂P₄ ( 2 ; Cp^BIG=C₅(4‐nBuC₆H₄)₅). DFT calculations show the importance of dispersion forces for the stability of the products.     

Reaction of [η 5:σ-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ru(NCCH3)2 with internal alkynes: Synthesis and structural characterization of ruthenium-cyclobutadiene and ruthenacyclopentatriene complexes

Reaction of [η ⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru(NCCH₃)₂ (1) with R¹C≡CR¹(R¹ = Et, Ph) in toluene at 80°C yielded organoruthenium cyclobutadiene complexes [η ⁵:σ-Me₂C(C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru(η ⁴-C₄R ₄ ¹ ) in >80% yield. Treatment of 1 with diynes R₂C≡C(CH₂)₃C≡CR² (R² = Me, Et) in toluene at room temperature yielded ruthenacyclopentatrienes [η ⁵:σ-Me₂C (C₅H₄)(C₂B₁₀H₁₀)]Ru[=C₂(R²)₂C₂(CH₂)₃] in >85% yield. These new complexes were fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, elemental analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The possible reaction mechanism was proposed.