(NEt(4))(2)[Fe(CN)(2)(CO)('S(3)')]: an iron thiolate complex modeling the [Fe(CN)(2)(CO)(S-Cys)(2)] site of [NiFe] hydrogenase centers

In the search for complexes modeling the [Fe(CN)(2)(CO)(cysteinate)(2)] cores of the active centers of [NiFe] hydrogenases, the complex (NEt(4))(2)[Fe(CN)(2)(CO)('S(3)')] (4) was found ('S(3)'(2-)=bis(2-mercaptophenyl)sulfide(2-)). Starting complex for the synthesis of 4 was [Fe(CO)(2)('S(3)')](2) (1). Complex 1 formed from [Fe(CO)(3)(PhCH=CHCOMe)] and neutral 'S(3)'-H(2). Reactions of 1 with PCy(3) or DPPE (1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) yielded diastereoselectively [Fe(CO)(2)(PCy(3))('S(3)')] (2) and [Fe(CO)(dppe)('S(3)')] (3). The diastereoselective formation of 2 and 3 is rationalized by the trans influence of the 'S(3)'(2-) thiolate and thioether S atoms which act as pi donors and pi acceptors, respectively. The trans influence of the 'S(3)'(2-) sulfur donors also rationalizes the diastereoselective formation of the C(1) symmetrical anion of 4, when 1 is treated with four equivalents of NEt(4)CN. The molecular structures of 1, 3 x 0.5 C(7)H(8), and (AsPh(4))(2)[Fe(CN)(2)(CO)('S(3)')] x acetone (4 a x C(3)H(6)O) were determined by X-ray structure analyses. Complex 4 is the first complex that models the unusual 2:1 cyano/carbonyl and dithiolate coordination of the [NiFe] hydrogenase iron site. Complex 4 can be reversibly oxidized electrochemically; chemical oxidation of 4 by [Fe(Cp)(2)PF(6)], however, led to loss of the CO ligand and yielded only products, which could not be characterized. When dissolved in solvents of increasing proton activity (from CH(3)CN to buffered H(2)O), complex 4 exhibits drastic nu(CO) blue shifts of up to 44 cm(-1), and relatively small nu(CN) red shifts of approximately 10 cm(-1). The nu(CO) frequency of 4 in H(2)O (1973 cm(-1)) is higher than that of any hydrogenase state (1952 cm(-1)). In addition, the nu(CO) frequency shift of 4 in various solvents is larger than that of [NiFe] hydrogenase in its most reduced or oxidized state. These results demonstrate that complexes modeling properly the nu(CO) frequencies of [NiFe] hydrogenase probably need a [Ni(thiolate)(2)] unit. The results also demonstrate that the nu(CO) frequency of [Fe(CN)(2)(CO)(thiolate)(2)] complexes is more significantly shifted by changing the solvent than the nu(CO) frequency of [NiFe] hydrogenases by coupled-proton and electron-transfer reactions. The "iron-wheel" complex [Fe(6)[Fe('S(3)')(2)](6)] (6) resulting as a minor by-product from the recrystallization of 2 in boiling toluene could be characterized by X-ray structure analysis.     

Coordination Chemistry of P4S3 and P4Se3 towards the Iron Fragments [Fe(Cp)(CO)2]+ and [Fe(Cp)(PPh3)(CO)]+

The complexes Ag(L)_n[WCA] (L=P₄S₃, P₄Se₃, As₄S₃, and As₄S₄; [WCA]=[Al(OR^F)₄]⁻ and [F{Al(OR^F)₃}₂]⁻; R^F=C(CF₃)₃; WCA=weakly coordinating anion) were tested for their performance as ligand-transfer reagents to transfer the poorly soluble nortricyclane cages P₄S₃, P₄Se₃, and As₄S₃ as well as realgar As₄S₄ to different transition-metal fragments. As₄S₄ and As₄S₃ with the poorest solubility did not yield complexes. However, the more soluble silver-coordinated P₄S₃ and P₄Se₃ cages were transferred to the electron-poor Fp⁺ moiety ([CpFe(CO)₂]⁺). Thus, reaction of the silver salt in the presence of the ligand with Fp−Br yielded [Fp−P₄S₃][Al(OR^F)₄] ( 1 a ), [Fp−P₄S₃][F(Al(OR^F)₃)₂] ( 1 b ), and [Fp−P₄Se₃][Al(OR^F)₄] ( 2 ). Reactions with P₄S₃ also yielded [FpPPh₃−P₄S₃][Al(OR^F)₄] ( 3 ), a complex with the more electron-rich monophosphine-substituted Fp⁺ analogue [FpPPh₃]⁺ ([CpFe(PPh₃)(CO)]⁺). All complex salts were characterized by single-crystal XRD, NMR, Raman, and IR spectroscopy. Interestingly, they show characteristic blueshifts of the vibrational modes of the cage, as well as structural contractions of the cages upon coordination to the Fp/FpPPh₃ moieties, which oppose the typically observed cage expansions that lead to redshifts in the spectra. Structure, bonding, and thermodynamics were investigated by DFT calculations, which support the observed cage contractions. Its reason is assigned to σ and π donation from the slightly P−P and P−E antibonding P₄E₃-cage HOMO (e symmetry) to the metal acceptor fragment.     

Intermolecular electron transfer from photogenerated Ru(bpy)3+ to [2Fe2S] model complexes of the iron-only hydrogenase active site

Visible light-driven intermolecular electron transfer was observed from a reduced species Ru(bpy)3+, photogenerated via a reductive quenching of the ruthenium photosensitizer by a diethyldithiocarbamate anion, to bioinspired [2Fe2S] model complexes of the iron-only hydrogenase active site. The results indicate that Ru(bpy)32+ can act as a photoactive functional model of the [4Fe4S] cluster, playing the role of an electron-transfer relay. The photogenerated FeIFe0 species, which is proposed to be a crucial intermediate for proton reduction catalyzed electrochemically by the [2Fe2S] complexes, gives promise in the light-driven dihydrogen evolution using diiron complexes as surrogates of noble platinum catalysts.     

Spectroscopic and density functional studies of the dinitrosyl metalloporphyrin complexes Fe(P)(NO)2 and Ru(P)(NO)2

Experimental evidence including infrared spectra for the formation of the dinitrosyl metalloporphyrin complexes M(P)(NO)(2) (M = Ru or Fe, P = tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP), octaethylporphyrin (OEP), or tetra-m-tolylporphryin (TmTP)) is described. Although observation of a single NO stretching band in the IR spectrum of each M(P)(NO)(2) complex first suggested a centrosymmetric (D(4)(h)() or C(2)(h)()) structure, DFT geometry optimizations and frequency calculations of model complexes indicate that the trans-syn (C(2)(v)()) conformation should be more stable. The frequency calculations resolve the apparent ambiguity in the IR spectra in terms of the relative oscillator strengths of the predicted IR bands.     

Bridging versus chelating diphosphine in clusters: Isomers of Os3(CO)10(diphosphine)

Isomers of Os₃(CO)₁₀(diphosphine) (diphosphine = Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂; n = 2 (dppe), n = 3 (dppp), and n = 4 (dppb)) have been prepared in which the diphosphine is chelating (1,1-isomer) or bridging (1,2-isomer), respectively, by displacing butadiene or acetonitrile from the complexes Os₃(CO)₁₀(cis- or trans-C₄H₆) or Os₃(CO)₁₀(MeCN)₂. Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂ (dppm) gives only the known bridging (1,2-isomer) whichever starting material is used. Structures have been established by infrared, ³¹P and ¹³C NMR methods.     

Structure of new carbonyl cluster complexes with the [Fe4(μ4-Q)(μ4-AsCH3)(CO)11] core

By X-ray diffraction study the structure of two new carbonyl cluster complexes of the composition [Fe₄(μ₄-Q)(μ₄-AsMe)(CO)₁₁], where Q = Se or Te, is determined. The structures are molecular, and the seleniumcontaining cluster complex crystallizes in the form of a solvate with toluene.     

Novel rectangular [Fe4(mu4-OHO)(mu-OH)(2)](7+) versus "butterfly" [Fe4(mu3-O2](8+) core topology in the Fe(III)/RCO2(-)/phen reaction systems (R = Me,Ph; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline): preparation and properties of [Fe4(OHO)(OH)(2)(O2CMe)(4)(phen)(4)](ClO4)(3), [Fe4O2(O2CPh)(7)(phen)(2)](ClO4), and [Fe4O2(O2CPh)(8)(phen)(2)

The preparations, X-ray structures, and detailed physical characterizations are presented for three new tetranuclear Fe(III)/RCO(2)(-)/phen complexes, where phen = 1,10-phenanthroline: [Fe(4)(OHO)(OH)(2)(O(2)CMe)(4)(phen)(4)](ClO(4))(3).4.4MeCN.H(2)O (1.4.4MeCN.H(2)O); [Fe(4)O(2)(O(2)CPh)(7)(phen)(2)](ClO(4)).2MeCN (2.2MeCN); [Fe(4)O(2)(O(2)CPh)(8)(phen)(2)].2H(2)O (3.2H(2)O). Complex 1.4.4MeCN.H(2)O crystallizes in space group P2(1)/n, with a = 18.162(9) A, b = 39.016(19) A, c = 13.054(7) A, beta = 104.29(2) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 8963.7 A(3). Complex 2.2MeCN crystallizes in space group P2(1)/n, with a = 18.532(2) A, b = 35.908(3) A, c = 11.591(1) A, beta = 96.42(1) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 7665(1) A(3). Complex 3.2H(2)O crystallizes in space group I2/a, with a = 18.79(1) A, b = 22.80(1) A, c = 20.74(1) A, beta = 113.21(2) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 8166(1) A(3). The cation of 1 contains the novel [Fe(4)(mu(4)-OHO)(mu-OH)(2)](7+) core. The core structure of 2 and 3 consists of a tetranuclear bis(mu(3)-O) cluster disposed in a "butterfly" arrangement. Magnetic susceptibility data were collected on 1-3 in the 2-300 K range. For the rectangular complex 1, fitting the data to the appropriate theoretical chi(M) vs T expression gave J(1) = -75.4 cm(-1), J(2) = -21.4 cm(-1), and g = 2.0(1), where J(1) and J(2) refer to the Fe(III)O(O(2)CMe)(2)Fe(III) and Fe(III)(OH)Fe(III) pairwise exchange interactions, respectively. The S = 0 ground state of 1 was confirmed by 2 K magnetization data. The data for 2 and 3 reveal a diamagnetic ground state with antiferromagnetic exchange interactions among the four high-spin Fe(III) ions. The exchange coupling constant J(bb) ("body-body" interaction) is indeterminate due to prevailing spin frustration, but the "wing-body" antiferromagnetic interaction (J(wb)) was evaluated to be -77.6 and -65.7 cm(-1) for 2 and 3, respectively, using the appropriate spin Hamiltonian approach. M?ssbauer spectra of 1-3 are consistent with high-spin Fe(III) ions. The data indicated asymmetry of the Fe(4) core of 1 at 80 K, which is not detected at room temperature due to thermal motion of the core. The spectra of 2 and 3 analyze as two quadrupole-split doublets which were assigned to the body and wing-tip pairs of metal ions. (1)H NMR spectra are reported for 1-3 with assignment of the main resonances.     

Six-coordinate and five-coordinate Fe(II)(CN)(2)(CO)(x) thiolate complexes (x = 1, 2): synthetic advances for iron sites of [NiFe] hydrogenases

The dicyanodicarbonyliron(II) thiolate complexes trans,cis-[(CN)(2)(CO)(2)Fe(S,S-C-R)](-) (R = OEt (2), N(Et)(2) (3)) were prepared by the reaction of [Na][S-C(S)-R] and [Fe(CN)(2)(CO)(3)(Br)](-) (1). Complex 1 was obtained from oxidative addition of cyanogen bromide to [Fe(CN)(CO)(4)](-). In a similar fashion, reaction of complex 1 with [Na][S,O-C(5)H(4)N], and [Na][S,N-C(5)H(4)] produced the six-coordinate trans,cis-[(CN)(2)(CO)(2)Fe(S,O-C(5)H(4)N)](-) (6) and trans,cis-[(CN)(2)(CO)(2)Fe(S,N-C(5)H(4))](-) (7) individually. Photolysis of tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution of complexes 2, 3, and 7 under CO led to formation of the coordinatively unsaturated iron(II) dicyanocarbonyl thiolate compounds [(CN)(2)(CO)Fe(S,S-C-R)](-) (R = OEt (4), N(Et)(2) (5)) and [(CN)(2)(CO)Fe(S,N-C(5)H(4))](-) (8), respectively. The IR v(CN) stretching frequencies and patterns of complexes 4, 5, and 8 have unambiguously identified two CN(-) ligands occupying cis positions. In addition, density functional theory calculations suggest that the architecture of five-coordinate complexes 4, 5, and 8 with a vacant site trans to the CO ligand and two CN(-) ligands occupying cis positions serves as a conformational preference. Complexes 2, 3, and 7 were reobtained when the THF solution of complexes 4, 5, and 8 were exposed to CO atmosphere at 25 degrees C individually. Obviously, CO ligand can be reversibly bound to the Fe(II) site in these model compounds. Isotopic shift experiments demonstrated the lability of carbonyl ligands of complexes 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Complexes [(CN)(2)(CO)Fe(S,S-C-R)](-) and NiA/NiC states [NiFe] hydrogenases from D. gigas exhibit a similar one-band pattern in the v(CO) region and two-band pattern in the v(CN) region individually, but in different positions, which may be accounted for by the distinct electronic effects between [S,S-C-R](-) and cysteine ligands. Also, the facile formations of five-coordinate complexes 4, 5, and 8 imply that the strong sigma-donor, weak pi-acceptor CN(-) ligands play a key role in creating/stabilizing five-coordinate iron(II) [(CN)(2)(CO)Fe(S,S-C-R)](-) complexes with a vacant coordination site trans to the CO ligand.     

Photodissociation of the phosphine-substituted transition metal carbonyl complexes Cr(CO)(5)L and Fe(CO)(4)L: a theoretical study

The photochemistry of the phosphine-substituted transition metal carbonyl complexes Cr(CO)(5)PH(3) and ax-Fe(CO)(4)PH(3) is studied with time-dependent DFT theory to explore the propensity of the excited molecules to expel their ligands. The influence of the PH(3) ligand on the properties of these complexes is compared with the photodissociation behavior of the binary carbonyl complexes Cr(CO)(6) and Fe(CO)(5). The lowest excited states of Cr(CO)(5)PH(3) are metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) states, of which the first three are repulsive for PH(3) but modestly bonding for the axial and equatorial CO ligands. The repulsive nature is due to mixing of the initial MLCT state with a ligand field (LF) state. A barrier is encountered along the dissociation coordinate if the avoided crossing between these states occurs beyond the equilibrium distance. This is the case for expulsion of CO but not for the PH(3) group as the avoided state crossing occurs within the equilibrium Cr-P distance. The lowest excited state of ax-Fe(CO)(4)PH(3) is a LF state that is repulsive for both PH(3) and the axial CO. Excited-state quantum dynamics calculations for this state show a branching ratio of 99 to 1 for expulsion of the axial phosphine ligand over an axial CO ligand. The nature of the phosphorus ligand in these Cr and Fe complexes is only of modest importance. Complexes containing the three-membered phosphirane or unsaturated phosphirene rings have dissociation curves for their lowest excited states that are similar to those having a PH(3) ligand. Analysis of their ground-state Cr-P bond properties in conjunction with frontier orbital arguments indicate these small heterocyclic groups to differ from the PH(3) group mainly by their enhanced sigma-donating ability. All calculations indicate that the excited Cr(CO)(5)L and Fe(CO)(4)L molecules (L = PH(3), PC(2)H(5), and PC(2)H(3)) prefer dissociation of their phosphorus substituent over that of an CO ligand. This suggests that the photochemical approach may be a viable complement to the ligand exchange and redox methods that are currently employed to demetalate transition metal complexed organophosphorus compounds.     

Mechanistic studies on the reactions of PhS(-) or [MoS(4)](2)(-) with [M(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-) (M = Fe or Co)

Kinetic studies, using stopped-flow spectrophotometry, on the reactions of [M(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-) (M = Fe or Co) with PhS(-) to form [M(SPh)(4)](2)(-) are described, as are the reactions between [M(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-) and [MoS(4)](2)(-) to form [S(2)MoS(2)Fe(SPh)(2)](2)(-) or [S(2)MoS(2)CoS(2)MoS(2)](2)(-). The kinetics of the reactions with PhS(-) are consistent with an initial associative substitution mechanism involving attack of PhS(-) at one of the tetrahedral M sites of [M(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-) to form [M(4)(SPh)(11)](3)(-). Subsequent or concomitant cleavage of a micro-SPh ligand, at the same M, initiates a cascade of rapid reactions which result ultimately in the complete rupture of the cluster and formation of [M(SPh)(4)](2)(-). The kinetics of the reaction between [M(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-) and [MoS(4)](2)(-) indicate an initial dissociative substitution mechanism at low concentrations of [MoS(4)](2)(-), in which rate-limiting dissociation of a terminal thiolate from [M(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-) produces [M(4)(SPh)(9)](-) and the coordinatively unsaturated M site is rapidly attacked by a sulfido group of [MoS(4)](2)(-). It is proposed that subsequent chelation of the MoS(4) ligand results in cleavage of an M-micro-SPh bond, initiating a cascade of reactions which lead to the ultimate break-up of the cluster and formation of the products, [S(2)MoS(2)Fe(SPh)(2)](2)(-) or [S(2)MoS(2)CoS(2)MoS(2)](2)(-). With [Co(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-), at higher concentrations of [MoS(4)](2)(-), a further substitution pathway is evident which exhibits a second order dependence on the concentration of [MoS(4)](2)(-). The mechanistic picture of cluster disruption which emerges from these studies rationalizes the "all or nothing" reactivity of [M(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-).     

Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivities of [eta(2)-P(7)M(CO)(4)](3)(-), [eta(2)-HP(7)M(CO)(4)](2)(-), and [eta(2)-RP(7)M(CO)(4)](2)(-) Zintl Ion Complexes Where M = Mo, W

Ethylenediamine (en) solutions of [eta(4)-P(7)M(CO)(3)](3)(-) ions [M = W (1a), Mo (1b)] react under one atmosphere of CO to form microcrystalline yellow powders of [eta(2)-P(7)M(CO)(4)](3)(-) complexes [M = W (4a), Mo (4b)]. Compounds 4 are unstable, losing CO to re-form 1, but are highly nucleophilic and basic. They are protonated with methanol in en solvent giving [eta(2)-HP(7)M(CO)(4)](2)(-) ions (5) and are alkylated with R(4)N(+) salts in en solutions to give [eta(2)-RP(7)M(CO)(4)](2)(-) complexes (6) in good yields (R = alkyl). Compounds 5 and 6 can also be prepared by carbonylations of the [eta(4)-HP(7)M(CO)(3)](2)(-) (3) and [eta(4)-RP(7)M(CO)(3)](2)(-) (2) precursors, respectively. The carbonylations of 1-3 to form 4-6 require a change from eta(4)- to eta(2)-coordination of the P(7) cages in order to maintain 18-electron configurations at the metal centers. Comparative protonation/deprotonation studies show 4 to be more basic than 1. The compounds were characterized by IR and (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR spectroscopic studies and microanalysis where appropriate. The [K(2,2,2-crypt)](+) salts of 5 were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. For 5, the M-P bonds are very long (2.71(1) ?, average). The P(7)(3)(-) cages of 5 are not displaced by dppe. The P(7) cages in 4-6 have nortricyclane-like structures in contrast to the norbornadiene-type geometries observed for 1-3. (31)P NMR spectroscopic studies for 5-6 show C(1) symmetry in solution (seven inequivalent phosphorus nuclei), consistent with the structural studies for 5, and C(s)() symmetry for 4 (five phosphorus nuclei in a 2:2:1:1:1 ratio). Crystallographic data for [K(2,2,2-crypt)](2)[eta(2)-HP(7)W(CO)(4)].en: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 23.067(20) ?, b = 12.6931(13) ?, c = 21.433(2) ?, beta = 90.758(7) degrees, V = 6274.9(10) ?(3), Z = 4, R(F) = 0.0573, R(w)(F(2)) = 0.1409. For [K(2,2,2-crypt)](2)[eta(2)-HP(7)Mo(CO)(4)].en: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 22.848(2) ?, b = 12.528(2) ?, c = 21.460(2) ?, beta = 91.412(12) degrees, V = 6140.9(12) ?(3), Z = 4, R(F) = 0.0681, R(w)(F(2)) = 0.1399.     

Substitution reactions with [ReBr(2)(CO)(2)(NCCH(3))(2)](-): a convenient route to complexes with the cis-[Re(CO)(2)](+) core

Water- and air-stable complexes comprising the cis-[Re(CO)(2)](+) core can be synthesized from the (Et(4)N)[ReBr(2)(NCCH(3))(2)(CO)(2)] precursor . Complex showed distinctly different chemical and electronic behaviour compared to [ReBr(3)(CO)(3)](2-). Substituting the two bromides in with imidazole-like ligands or alpha,alpha'-diimines gave new complexes with potential applications in bioinorganic chemistry and photochemistry. The two acetonitrile ligands are very stably bound and could not be replaced. Under CO pressure, the uncommon complex mer-[ReBr(NCCH(3))(2)(CO)(3)] was formed from . The reaction of with the tetradentate ligand bis(2-pyridylmethyl)glycine (BPG) finally induced a four fold substitution at the metal center to form a [Re(CO)(2)(L(4))](+)-type complex.     

Synthesis and structures of new heteronuclear cluster complexes [PPh4][Fe4Rh3Se2(CO)16] and [PPh4]2[Fe3Rh4Te2(CO)15]

The reaction of the K₂[Fe₃Q(CO)₉] clusters (Q = Se or Te) with Rh₂(CO)₄Cl₂ under mild conditions is accompanied by complicated fragmentation of cores of the starting clusters to form large heteronuclear cluster anions. The [PPh₄][Fe₄Rh₃Se₂(CO)₁₆] and [PPh₄]₂[Fe₃Rh₄Te₂(CO)₁₅] compounds were isolated by treatment of the reaction products with tetraphenylphosphonium bromide. The structures of the products were established by X-ray diffraction. In both compounds, the core of the heteronuclear cluster consists of two octahedra fused via a common Rh₃ face. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 5, pp. 775–778, May, 2006.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of unprecedented bis-asymmetric heteroscorpionate U(III) complexes: [U(kappa3-H2B(pztBu,Me)(pzMe,tBu))2I] and [U(kappa3-H2B(pztBu,Me)(pzMe2))2I

[UI(3)(THF)(4)] reacts at room temperature with 2 equiv of KBp(tBu,Me), in toluene, yielding [U(kappa(3)-H(mu-H)B(pz(tBu,Me))(pz(Me,tBu)))(2)I] (1). This unprecedented complex, stabilized by two asymmetric heteroscorpionate ligands, is formed due to an isomerization process promoted in situ by the metal center. To find a general method for preparing this type of compound, we synthesized the novel asymmetric K[H(2)B(pz(tBu,Me))(pz(Me2))], and by a straightforward salt metathesis with [UI(3)(THF)(4)] the novel bis-asymmetric complex [U(kappa(3)-H(mu-H)B(pz(tBu,Me))(pz(Me2)))(2)I] (2) was isolated and characterized in the solid state and in solution. As indicated by X-ray crystallographic analysis, the U(III) in 1 and 2 is seven-coordinated by two tridentate asymmetric dihydrobis(pyrazoly)borates and by an iodide. In both cases, the coordination geometry around the metal is very distorted, the pentagonal bipyramid being the one which better describes the arrangement of the atoms around the U(III). An approximate C(2) axis can be defined in the solid state, and is maintained in solution as indicated by the (1)H NMR spectrum of 1 and 2. In the course of attempting to crystallize some of the compounds, monocrystals of the dimer [U(kappa(3)-Bp(tBu,Me))(Hpz(tBu,Me))I(mu-I)](2) (3) were isolated. In this compound each U(III) atom is seven-coordinated by one kappa(3)-Bp(tBu,Me), by one terminal and by two bridging iodide ligands, and by a monodentate Hpz(tBu,Me), exhibiting a distorted 4:3 tetragonal base-trigonal geometry.     

Intensely green quinonoid [Cr(CO)4(Ph2P)2C-C6H4-C(R)O2CR-P,P] complexes

Summary Ph₂PCH(Ph)PPh₂, prepared by treating Ph₂PCH₂Ph successively with n-BuLi and Ph₂PCl, reacts with group VI metal hexacarbonyls to give [M(CO)₄{Ph₂PCH(Ph)-PPh₂}], where M = Cr, Mo or W. The Cr complex [Cr(CO)₄{Ph₂PCH(Ph)PPh₂}] was deprotonated with MeLi and the resulting carbanion [Cr(CO)₄(Ph₂-PCPhPPh₂)]^– acylated with RCOCl (R = Ph or p-tolyl) to give the intensely green title compounds in which an aromatic ring has become a quinonoid.Author to whom all correspondence should be directed.     

Coordination Chemistry of 2,2'-Dipyridyl Diselenide: X-ray Crystal Structures of PySeSePy, [Zn(PySeSePy)Cl(2)], [(PySeSePy)Hg(C(6)F(5))(2)], [Mo(SePy)(2)(CO)(3)], [W(SePy)(2)(CO)(3)], and [Fe(SePy)(2)(CO)(2)] (PySeSePy = C(5)H(4)NSeSeC(5)H(4)N; SePy = [C(5)H(4)N(2-Se)-N,Se])

The coordination chemistry of 2,2'-dipyridyl diselenide (PySeSePy) (2) (C(10)H(8)N(2)Se(2)) has been investigated and its crystal structure has been determined (monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.129(2) ?, b = 5.7332(12) ?, c = 19.173(3) ?, beta = 101.493(8) degrees, Z = 4). In metal complexes the ligand was found to coordinate in three different modes, as also confirmed by X-ray structure determination. N,N'-coordination was found in the zinc complex [Zn(PySeSePy)Cl(2)] (3) (C(10)H(8)Cl(2)N(2)Se(2)Zn, triclinic, P&onemacr;, a = 7.9430(10) ?, b = 8.147(2) ?, c = 11.999(2) ?, alpha = 93.685(10) degrees, beta = 107.763(10) degrees, gamma = 115.440(10) degrees, Z = 2) and Se,Se'-coordination in the adduct of the ligand with bis(pentafluorophenyl)mercury(II) [PySeSePyHg(C(6)F(5))(2)] (5) (C(10)H(8)F(10)HgN(2)Se(2), monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 7.7325(10) ?, b = 5.9974(14) ?, c = 25.573, beta = 98.037(10) degrees, Z = 2), which however displays only weak interactions between selenium and mercury. The reaction of the ligand with norbornadiene carbonyl complexes of molybdenum and tungsten leads to reductive cleavage of the selenium-selenium bond with oxidation of the metal center and concomitant addition of the resulting selenolate to the metal carbonyl fragment. Thus the 7-coordinate complexes [Mo(SePy)(2)(CO)(3)] (6) (C(13)H(8)MoN(2)O(3)Se(2), monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 9.319(3) ?, b = 12.886(5) ?, c = 13.231(6) ?, beta = 109.23(3) degrees, Z = 4) and [W(SePy)(2)(CO)(3)] (7) (C(13)H(8)N(2)O(3)Se(2)W, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 9.303(2) ?, b = 12.853(2) ?, c = 13.232(2) ?, beta = 109.270(10) degrees, Z = 4) were obtained. The same N,Se-coordination pattern emerges from the reaction of [Fe(2)(CO)(9)] with (2) leading to [Fe(SePy)(2)(CO)(2)] (8) (C(12)H(8)FeN(2)O(2)Se(2), monoclinic, P&onemacr;, a = 8.6691(14) ?, b = 12.443(2) ?, c = 14.085(2) ?, alpha = 105.811(10) degrees, beta = 107.533(8) degrees, gamma = 92.075(10) degrees, Z = 4).