Nucleophilic identity substitution reactions. The reaction between water and protonated alcohols

The potential energy surfaces for the reaction between H2O and the protonated alcohols MeOH2+, EtOH2+, PriOH2+, and Bu(t)OH2+ have been explored by means of high level ab initio theoretical methods. Both nucleophilic substitution (SN2) and elimination (E2) pathways have been investigated. Front side (SNF) and the familiar back side (SNB) Walden inversion attack of the nucleophile have been found to be competing for the H2O Bu(t)OH2+ system. In contradiction with the customary relationship between so-called "steric effects" and barrier heights--more alkyl-substituted SN2 reaction centres have higher SN2 reaction barriers--the SN2 reaction barriers are found to be Et > Me > Pri > Bui. This result is in excellent agreement with available experimental data.     

Nucleophilic identity substitution reactions. The reaction between hydrogen fluoride and protonated alkyl fluorides

The gas phase reactions between HF and the protonated alkyl fluorides MeFH+, EtFH+, Pr(i)FH+, and Bu(t)FH+ have been studied using ab initio methods. The potential energy profiles for both nucleophilic substitution (S(N)2) and elimination (E2) pathways have been investigated. Both backside Walden inversion and frontside nucleophilic substitution reaction profiles have been generated. Backside substitution is very favourable, but shows relatively little variation with the alkyl group. Frontside substitution reaction barriers are only slightly higher than the barrier for backside substitution for HF + MeFH+, and the difference in barrier heights for frontside and backside displacement seems negligible for the larger alkyl groups. Reaction barrier trends have been analysed and compared with the results of similar studies of the H2O/ROH2+ and NH3/RNH3+ systems (R = Me, Et, Pr(i), and Bu(t)). Compared to the two other classes, protonated fluorides have extreme structures which, with the exception of the Me substrate, are weakly bound complexes between an alkyl cation and HF. The results nourish the idea that nucleophilic substitution reactions are better understood in view of competition between frontside and backside substitution than from the traditional S(N)1/S(N)2 perspective.     

Silylchalcogenolates MESiR(t)Bu(2) (M = Na, Cu, Zn, Fe; E = S, Se, Te; R = tBu, Ph) and disilyldichalcogenides tBu2RSiE-ESiRtBu2 (E = S, Se, Te; R = tBu, Ph): synthesis, properties, and structures

The sodium silyl chalcogenolates NaESiR(t)Bu(2) (R = Ph, (t)Bu; E = S, Se, Te), accessible by the nucleophilic degradation of S, Se, or Te by the sodium silanides NaSiR(t)Bu(2) (R = Ph, (t)Bu), have been characterized by X-ray structure analysis. Protonolysis of the sodium silyl chalcogenolates yields the corresponding chalcogenols. The Cu and Zn chalcogenolates, [Cu(SSiPh(t)Bu(2))](4) and [ZnCl(SSi(t)Bu(3))(THF)](2), have been synthesized by metathesis reactions of CuCl with NaSSiPh(t)Bu(2) and of ZnCl(2) with NaSSi(t)Bu(3), respectively. The solid-state structures of the transition metal thiolates have been determined. The compounds (t)Bu(2)RSiE-ESiR(t)Bu(2) (R = Ph, (t)Bu; E = S, Se, Te) are accessible via air oxidation. With the exception of (t)Bu(3)SiS-SSi(t)Bu(3), these compounds were analyzed using X-ray crystallography and represent the first structurally characterized silylated heavy dichalcogenides. Oxidative addition of (t)Bu(3)SiTe-TeSi(t)Bu(3) to Fe(CO)(5) yields [Fe(TeSi(t)Bu(3))(CO)(3)](2), which has also been structurally characterized.     

Reactions of a gallium(II)-diazabutadiene dimer, [{{[(H)C(Bu(t))N]2}GaI}2], with [ME(SiMe3)2] (M = Li or Na; E = N, P, or As): structural, EPR, and ENDOR characterization of paramagnetic gallium(III) pnictide complexes

The reactions of the paramagnetic gallium(II) complex [{(Bu(t)-DAB)GaI}2] (Bu(t)-DAB = {(Bu(t))NC(H)}2) with the alkali metal pnictides [ME(SiMe3)2] (M = Li or Na; E = N, P, or As) have been carried out under a range of stoichiometries. The 1:2 reactions have led to a series of paramagnetic gallium(III)-pnictide complexes, [(Bu(t)-DAB)Ga{E(SiMe3)2}I] (E = N, P, or As), while two of the 1:4 reactions afforded [(Bu(t)-DAB)Ga{E(SiMe3)2}2] (E = P or As). In contrast, treatment of [{(Bu(t)-DAB)GaI}2] with 4 equiv of [NaN(SiMe3)2] resulted in a novel gallium heterocycle coupling reaction and the formation of the diradical species [(Bu(t)-DAB)Ga{N(SiMe3)2}{[CC(H)N2(Bu(t))2]Ga[N(SiMe3)2]CH3}]. The mechanism of this unusual reaction has been explored, and evidence suggests it involves an intramolecular transmethylation reaction. The X-ray crystal structures of all prepared complexes are reported, and all have been characterized by EPR and ENDOR spectroscopies. The observed spin Hamiltonian parameters provide a detailed picture of the distribution of the unpaired spin density over the molecular frameworks of the complexes.     

A comparison of the influences of alkoxide and thiolate ligands on the electronic structure and reactivity of molybdenum(3+) and tungsten(3+) complexes. preparation and structures of M(2)(O(T)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4), [Mo(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)](2), and W(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)(py)

M(2)(O(t)Bu)(6) compounds (M = Mo, W) react in hydrocarbon solvents with an excess of (t)BuSH to give M(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4), red, air- and temperature-sensitive compounds. (1)H NMR studies reveal the equilibrium M(2)(O(t)Bu)(6) + 4(t)BuSH <==> M(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4) + 4(t)BuOH proceeds to the right slowly at 22 degrees C. The intermediates M(2)(O(t)Bu)(4)(S(t)Bu)(2), M(2)(O(t)Bu)(3)(S(t)Bu)(3), and M(2)(O(t)Bu)(5)(S(t)Bu) have been detected. The equilibrium constants show the M-O(t)Bu bonds to be enthalpically favored over the M-S(t)Bu bonds. In contrast to the M(2)(O(t)Bu)(6) compounds, M(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4) compounds are inert with respect to the addition of CO, CO(2), ethyne, (t)BuC triple bond CH, MeC triple bond N, and PhC triple bond N. Addition of an excess of (t)BuSH to a hydrocarbon solution of W(2)(O(t)Bu)(6)(mu-CO) leads to the rapid expulsion of CO and subsequent formation of W(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4). Addition of an excess of (t)BuSH to hydrocarbon solutions of [Mo(O(t)Bu)(3)(NO)](2) and W(O(t)Bu)(3)(NO)(py) gives the structurally related compounds [Mo(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)](2) and W(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)(py), with linear M-N-O moieties and five-coordinate metal atoms. The values of nu(NO) are higher in the related thiolate compounds than in their alkoxide counterparts. The bonding in the model compounds M(2)(EH)(6), M(2)(OH)(2)(EH)(4), (HE)(3)M triple bond CMe, and W(EH)(3)(NO)(NH(3)) and the fragments M(EH)(3), where M = Mo or W and E = O or S, has been examined by DFT B3LYP calculations employing various basis sets including polarization functions for O and S and two different core potentials, LANL2 and relativistic CEP. BLYP calculations were done with ZORA relativistic terms using ADF 2000. The calculations, irrespective of the method used, indicate that the M-O bonds are more ionic than the M-S bonds and that E ppi to M dpi bonding is more important for E = O. The latter raises the M-M pi orbital energies by ca. 1 eV for M(2)(OH)(6) relative to M(2)(SH)(6). For M(EH)(3) fragments, the metal d(xz)(),d(yz)() orbitals are destabilized by OH ppi bonding, and in W(EH)(3)(NO)(NH(3)) the O ppi to M dpi donation enhances W dpi to NO pi* back-bonding. Estimates of the bond strengths for the M triple bond M in M(2)(EH)(6) compounds and M triple bond C in (EH)(3)M triple bond CMe have been obtained. The stronger pi donation of the alkoxide ligands is proposed to enhance back-bonding to the pi* orbitals of alkynes and nitriles and facilitate their reductive cleavage, a reaction that is not observed for their thiolate counterpart.     

Gas-phase reactions of atomic lanthanide cations with D2O: room-temperature kinetics and periodicity in reactivity.

Reactions of atomic lanthanide cations (excluding Pm+) with D2O have been surveyed in the gas phase using an inductively coupled plasma/selected-ion flow tube (ICP/SIFT) tandem mass spectrometer to measure rate coefficients and product distributions in He at 0.35+/-0.01 Torr and 295+/-2 K. Primary reaction channels were observed corresponding to O-atom transfer, OD transfer and D2O addition. O-atom transfer is the predominant reaction channel and occurs exclusively with Ce+, Nd+, Sm+, Gd+, Tb+ and Lu+. OD transfer is observed exclusively with Yb+, and competes with O-atom transfer in the reactions with La+ and Pr+. Slow D2O addition is observed with early lanthanide cation Eu+ and the late lanthanide cations Dy+, Ho+, Er+ and Tm+. Higher-order sequential D2O addition of up to five D2O molecules is observed with LnO+ and LnOD+. A delay of more than 50 kcal mol(-1) is observed in the onset of efficient exothermic O-atom transfer, which suggests the presence of kinetic barriers of perhaps this magnitude in the exothermic O-atom transfer reactions of Dy+, Ho+, Er) and Tm+ with D2O. The reaction efficiency for O-atom transfer is seen to decrease as the energy required to promote an electron to make two non-f electrons available for bonding increases. The periodic trend in reaction efficiency along the lanthanide series matches the periodic trend in the electron-promotion energy required to achieve a d1s1 or d2 excited electronic configuration in the lanthanide cation, and also the periodic trends across the lanthanide row reported previously for several alcohols and phenol. An Arrhenius-like correlation is also observed for the dependence of D2O reactivity on promotion energy for early lanthanide cations, and exhibits a characteristic temperature of 2600 K.     

Restricting magnetic interaction pathways in polyoxometalate salts of cationic nitronyl nitroxide free radicals

Salts 1 and 2 that combine the [W6O19]2- Lindqvist anion with the cationic nitronyl nitroxide (NN) free radicals p-MepyNN+ and (n)Bu3NCH2NN+, respectively, have been synthesized and their structural and magnetic properties have been studied.     

Scope and mechanism of palladium-catalyzed amination of five-membered heterocyclic halides

Detailed studies have been conducted to determine the activity of palladium catalysts for the amination of five-membered heterocyclic halides and to determine the factors that control the scope of this reaction. Palladium-catalyzed aminations of the electron-rich furanyl, thiophenyl, and indolyl halides and of the related 2-halogenated thiazoles, benzimidazole, and benzoxazole have been shown to occur with a subset of amines. Various combinations of palladium precursors and P(t)Bu(3) were tested as catalysts for reaction of 3-bromothiophene with N-methylaniline, and the fastest reactions occurred with the Pd(I) dimer, [PdBr(P(t)Bu(3))](2). The fastest aminations of thiazoles, benzimidazoles, and benzoxazoles occurred with the combination of palladium trifluoroacetate and P(t)Bu(3) as catalyst.     

1,4-dioxobenzene compounds of gallium: reversible binding of pyridines to [[((t)Bu)(2)Ga](2)(mu-OC(6)H(4)O)](n) in the solid state

The gallium aryloxide polymer, [[((t)Bu)(2)Ga](2)(mu-OC(6)H(4)O)](n)(1) is synthesized by the addition of Ga((t)()Bu)(3) with hydroquinone in a noncoordinating solvent, and reacts with pyridines to yield the yellow compound [((t)()Bu)(2)Ga(L)](2)(mu-OC(6)H(4)O) [L = py (2), 4-Mepy (3), and 3,5-Me(2)py (4)] via cleavage of the Ga(2)O(2) dimeric core. The analogous formation of Ga((t)()Bu)(2)(OPh)(py) (5) occurs by dissolution of [((t)Bu)(2)Ga(mu-OPh)](2) in pyridine. In solution, 2-4 undergo dissociation of one of the pyridine ligands to yield [((t)()Bu)(2)Ga(L)(mu-OC(6)H(4)O)Ga((t)Bu)(2)](2), for which the DeltaH and DeltaS have been determined. Thermolysis of compounds 2-4 in the solid-state results in the loss of the Lewis base and the formation of 1. The reaction of 1 or [((t)Bu)(2)Ga(mu-OPh)](2) with the vapor of the appropriate ligand results in the solid state formation of 2-4 or 5, respectively. The deltaH and deltaS for both ligand dissociation and association for the solid-vapor reactions have been determined. The interconversion of 1 into 2-4, as well as [((t)Bu)(2)Ga(mu-OPh)](2) into 5, and their reverse reactions, have been followed by (13)C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy, TG/DTA, SEM, EDX, and powder XRD. Insight into this solid-state polycondensation polymerization reaction may be gained from the single-crystal X-ray crystallographic packing diagrams of 2-5. The crystal packing for compounds 2, 3, and 5 involve a head-to-head arrangement that is maintained through repeated ligand dissociation and association cycles. In contrast, when compound 4 is crystallized from solution a head-to-tail packing arrangement is formed, but during reintroduction of 3,5-Me(2)py in the solid state-vapor reaction of compound 1, a head-to-head polymorph is postulated to account for the alteration in the deltaH of subsequent ligand dissociation reactions. Thus, the deltaH for the condensation polymerization reaction is dependent on the crystal packing; however, the subsequent reversibility of the reaction is dependent on the polymorph.     

Thermodynamic, kinetic, and mechanistic study of oxygen atom transfer from mesityl nitrile oxide to phosphines and to a terminal metal phosphido complex

The enthalpies of oxygen atom transfer (OAT) from mesityl nitrile oxide (MesCNO) to Me(3)P, Cy(3)P, Ph(3)P, and the complex (Ar[(t)Bu]N)(3)MoP (Ar = 3,5-C(6)H(3)Me(2)) have been measured by solution calorimetry yielding the following P-O bond dissociation enthalpy estimates in toluene solution (±3 kcal mol(-1)): Me(3)PO [138.5], Cy(3)PO [137.6], Ph(3)PO [132.2], (Ar[(t)Bu]N)(3)MoPO [108.9]. The data for (Ar[(t)Bu]N)(3)MoPO yield an estimate of 60.2 kcal mol(-1) for dissociation of PO from (Ar[(t)Bu]N)(3)MoPO. The mechanism of OAT from MesCNO to R(3)P and (Ar[(t)Bu]N)(3)MoP has been investigated by UV-vis and FTIR kinetic studies as well as computationally. Reactivity of R(3)P and (Ar[(t)Bu]N)(3)MoP with MesCNO is proposed to occur by nucleophilic attack by the lone pair of electrons on the phosphine or phosphide to the electrophilic C atom of MesCNO forming an adduct rather than direct attack at the terminal O. This mechanism is supported by computational studies. In addition, reaction of the N-heterocyclic carbene SIPr (SIPr = 1,3-bis(diisopropyl)phenylimidazolin-2-ylidene) with MesCNO results in formation of a stable adduct in which the lone pair of the carbene attacks the C atom of MesCNO. The crystal structure of the blue SIPr·MesCNO adduct is reported, and resembles one of the computed structures for attack of the lone pair of electrons of Me(3)P on the C atom of MesCNO. Furthermore, this adduct in which the electrophilic C atom of MesCNO is blocked by coordination to the NHC does not undergo OAT with R(3)P. However, it does undergo rapid OAT with coordinatively unsaturated metal complexes such as (Ar[(t)Bu]N)(3)V since these proceed by attack of the unblocked terminal O site of the SIPr·MesCNO adduct rather than at the blocked C site. OAT from MesCNO to pyridine, tetrahydrothiophene, and (Ar[(t)Bu]N)(3)MoN was found not to proceed in spite of thermochemical favorability.     

Nucleophilic reactivity and oxo/sulfido substitution reactions of MVIO3 Groups (M = Mo, W)

The nucleophilic reactivity of oxo ligands in the groups M(VI)O(3) in the trigonal complexes [(Me(3)tacn)MO(3)] (M = Mo (1), W (10)) and [(Bu(t)(3)tach)MO(3)] (M = Mo (5), W (14)) has been investigated. Complexes 1/10 can be alkylated with MeOTf to give [(Me(3)tacn)MO(2)(OMe)](1+) (2/11), silylated with Pr(i)(3)SiOTf to form [(Me(3)tacn)MO(2)(OSiPr(i)(3))](+) (3/12), and protonated with HOTf to yield [(Me(3)tacn)MoO(2)(OH)](+) (4). Similarly, complexes 5/14 can be silylated to [(Bu(t)(3)tach)MO(2)(OSiPr(i)(3))](+) (6/15) and protonated to [(Bu(t)(3)tach)MO(2)(OH)](+) (7/16). Products were isolated as triflate salts in yields exceeding 70%. When excess acid was used, the dinuclear mu-oxo species [(Bu(t)(3)tach)(2)M(2)O(5)](2+) (8/17) were obtained. X-ray structures are reported for 2-4, 6-8, 12, and 15-17. All mononuclear complexes have dominant trigonal symmetry with a rhombic distortion owing to a M[bond]OR bond (R = Me, SiPr(i)(3), H), which is longer than M[double bond]O oxo interactions; the latter exert a substantial trans influence on M[bond]N bond lengths. Oxo ligands in 5/14 undergo replacement with sulfide. Lawesson's reagent effects formation of [(Bu(t)(3)tach)MS(3)] (9/18), 14 with excess B(2)S(3) yields incompletely substituted [(Bu(t)(3)tach)WOS(2)] (20), and 5 with excess B(2)S(3) yields [(Bu(t)(3)tach)Mo(IV)O(S(4))] (19). The structures of 9, 19, and 20 are reported. Precedents for M(VI)S(3) groups in five- and six-coordinate molecules are limited. This investigation is the first detailed study of the behavior of M(VI)O(3) groups in nucleophilic and oxo/sulfido substitution reactions and should be useful in synthetic approaches to the active sites of the xanthine oxidase enzyme family and of certain tungstoenzymes. (Bu(t)(3)tach = 1,3,5-tri-tert-butyl-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane, Me(3)tacn = 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclonane; OTf = triflate).     

Synthesis and structures of aluminum and magnesium complexes of tetraimidophosphates and trisamidothiophosphates: EPR and DFT investigations of the persistent neutral radicals {Me2Al[(mu-NR)(mu-NtBu)P(mu-NtBu)2]Li(THF)2}(*) (R = SiMe3, tBu)

Reactions of (RNH)(3)PNSiMe(3) (3a, R = (t)()Bu; 3b, R = Cy) with trimethylaluminum result in the formation of {Me(2)Al(mu-N(t)Bu)(mu-NSiMe(3))P(NH(t)()Bu)(2)]} (4) and the dimeric trisimidometaphosphate {Me(2)Al[(mu-NCy)(mu-NSiMe(3))P(mu-NCy)(2)P(mu-NCy)(mu-NSiMe(3))]AlMe(2)} (5a), respectively. The reaction of SP(NH(t)Bu)(3) (2a) with 1 or 2 equiv of AlMe(3) yields {Me(2)Al[(mu-S)(mu-N(t)Bu)P(NH(t)()Bu)(2)]} (7) and {Me(2)Al[(mu-S)(mu-N(t)()Bu)P(mu-NH(t)Bu)(mu-N(t)Bu)]AlMe(2)} (8), respectively. Metalation of 4 with (n)()BuLi produces the heterobimetallic species {Me(2)Al[(mu-N(t)Bu)(mu-NSiMe(3))P(mu-NH(t)()Bu)(mu-N(t)()Bu)]Li(THF)(2)} (9a) and {[Me(2)Al][Li](2)[P(N(t)Bu)(3)(NSiMe(3))]} (10) sequentially; in THF solutions, solvation of 10 yields an ion pair containing a spirocyclic tetraimidophosphate monoanion. Similarly, the reaction of ((t)BuNH)(3)PN(t)()Bu with AlMe(3) followed by 2 equiv of (n)BuLi generates {Me(2)Al[(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(mu(2)-N(t)Bu)(2)(mu(2)-THF)[Li(THF)](2)} (11a). Stoichiometric oxidations of 10 and 11a with iodine yield the neutral spirocyclic radicals {Me(2)Al[(mu-NR)(mu-N(t)Bu)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)]Li(THF)(2)}(*) (13a, R = SiMe(3); 14a, R = (t)Bu), which have been characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Density functional theory calculations confirm the retention of the spirocyclic structure and indicate that the spin density in these radicals is concentrated on the nitrogen atoms of the PN(2)Li ring. When 3a or 3b is treated with 0.5 equiv of dibutylmagnesium, the complexes {Mg[(mu-N(t)()Bu)(mu-NH(t)()Bu)P(NH(t)Bu)(NSiMe(3))](2)} (15) and {Mg[(mu-NCy)(mu-NSiMe(3))P(NHCy)(2)](2)} (16) are obtained, respectively. The addition of 0.5 equiv of MgBu(2) to 2a results in the formation of {Mg[(mu-S)(mu-N(t)()Bu)P(NH(t)Bu)(2)](2)} (17), which produces the hexameric species {[MgOH][(mu-S)(mu-N(t)()Bu)P(NH(t)Bu)(2)]}(6) (18) upon hydrolysis. Compounds 4, 5a, 7-11a, and 15-17 have been characterized by multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (31)P) NMR spectroscopy and, in the case of 5a, 9a.2THF, 11a, and 18, by X-ray crystallography.     

A quantum mechanical study of the reactivity of (SiO)2-defective silica surfaces

The reactivity of the strained (SiO)(2)-four atom ring defect at the silica surfaces has been studied in a cluster approach adopting the ONIOM2[B3LYP6-31+G(d,p):MNDO] method to compute the ring opening reaction by interaction with H(2)O and NH(3). The vibrational "fingerprints" of the isolated defect are computed at 921, 930, and 934 cm(-1) in reasonable agreement with experimental evidence on amorphous silica outgassed at T>900 K. The opening of the (SiO)(2)-four-member ring by the considered molecules is exergonic and the actual value depends on the possible constraints enforced on the reaction products by the silica surrounding. The free kinetic energy barriers result from the interplay between the nucleophilic/electrophilic character of the adsorbed molecule and are 22 and 25 kcal mol(-1) for NH(3) and H(2)O, respectively. All free energy profiles envisage an activated complex in which the nucleophilic part of the molecule interacts on the coordinatively strained silicon atom of the (SiO)(2) defect followed by the proton transfer from the coordinated molecule towards the oxygen of the defective ring. Calculations show that this step can be speed up by the presence of more than one adsorbed molecule or even more (about seven orders of magnitude), by the copresence of water molecules acting as "proton transfer helpers." In these cases, the free energy barriers decrease to approximately 13 and 15 kcal mol(-1) for NH(3) and H(2)O, respectively. For the case of H(2)O adsorption, benchmark test calculations reveal that MP2, BLYP, and B3LYP energy profiles are in very good agreement with each other, whereas for PBE, both the reaction energy and the activation barrier are underestimated. Present data also show that the molecular model mimicking the (SiO)(2) defect is far less reactive than what appears to occur on the real defect at the surface of amorphous silica. So, only a combination of some further geometrical strains imparted by the solid on the (SiO)(2) defect, not accounted for by the cluster models, and higher adsorbate loadings are needed to reharmonize experiment and simulation. Notwithstanding, the vibrational features of the reaction products have been characterized and support the available experimental measurements.     

Electron transfer and singlet oxygen mechanisms in the photooxygenation of dibutyl sulfide and thioanisole in MeCN sensitized by N-methylquinolinium tetrafluoborate and 9,10-dicyanoanthracene. The probable involvement of a thiadioxirane intermediate in electron transfer photooxygenations

Photooxygenations of PhSMe and Bu2S sensitized by N-methylquinolinium (NMQ+) and 9,10-dicyanoanthracene (DCA) in O2-saturated MeCN have been investigated by laser and steady-state photolysis. Laser photolysis experiments showed that excited NMQ+ promotes the efficient formation of sulfide radical cations with both substrates either in the presence or in absence of a cosensitizer (toluene). In contrast, excited DCA promotes the formation of radical ions with PhSMe, but not with Bu2S. To observe radical ions with the latter substrate, the presence of a cosensitizer (biphenyl) was necessary. With Bu2S, only the dimeric form of the radical cation, (Bu2S)2+*, was observed, while the absorptions of both PhSMe+* and (PhSMe)2+* were present in the PhSMe time-resolved spectra. The decay of the radical cations followed second-order kinetics, which in the presence of O2, was attributed to the reaction of the radical cation (presumably in the monomeric form) with O2-* generated in the reaction between NMQ* or DCA-* and O2. The fluorescence quenching of both NMQ+ and DCA was also investigated, and it was found that the fluorescence of the two sensitizers is efficiently quenched by both sulfides (rates controlled by diffusion) as well by O2 (kq = 5.9 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1) with NMQ+ and 6.8 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1) with DCA). It was also found that quenching of 1NMQ* by O2 led to the production of 1O2 in significant yield (PhiDelta = 0.86 in O2-saturated solutions) as already observed for 1DCA*. The steady-state photolysis experiments showed that the NMQ+- and DCA-sensitized photooxygenation of PhSMe afford exclusively the corresponding sulfoxide. A different situation holds for Bu2S: with NMQ+, the formation of Bu2SO was accompanied by that of small amounts of Bu2S2; with DCA, the formation of Bu2SO2 was also observed. It was conclusively shown that with both sensitizers, the photooxygenations of PhSMe occur by an electron transfer (ET) mechanism, as no sulfoxidation was observed in the presence of benzoquinone (BQ), which is a trap for O2-*, NMQ*, and DCA-*. BQ also suppressed the NMQ+-sensitized photooxygenation of Bu2S, but not that sensitized by DCA, indicating that the former is an ET process, whereas the second proceeds via singlet oxygen. In agreement with the latter conclusion, it was also found that the relative rate of the DCA-induced photooxygenation of Bu2S decreases by increasing the initial concentration of the substrate and is slowed by DABCO (an efficient singlet oxygen quencher). To shed light on the actual role of a persulfoxide intermediate also in ET photooxygenations, experiments in the presence of Ph2SO (a trap for the persulfoxide) were carried out. Cooxidation of Ph2SO to form Ph2SO2 was, however, observed only in the DCA-induced photooxygenation of Bu2S, in line with the singlet oxygen mechanism suggested for this reaction. No detectable amounts of Ph2SO2 were formed in the ET photooxygenations of PhSMe with both DCA and NMQ+ and of Bu2S with NMQ+. This finding, coupled with the observation that 1O2 and ET photooxygenations lead to different product distributions, makes it unlikely that, as currently believed, the two processes involve the same intermediate, i.e., a nucleophilic persulfoxide. Furthermore, the cooxidation of Ph2SO observed in the DCA-induced photooxygenation of Bu2S was drastically reduced when the reaction was performed in the presence of 0.5 M biphenyl as a cosensitizer, that is, under conditions where an (indirect) ET mechanism should operate. This observation confirms that a persulfoxide is formed in singlet oxygen but not in ET photosulfoxidations. The latter conclusion was further supported by the observation that also the intermediate formed in the reaction of thianthrene radical cation with KO2, a reaction which mimics step d (Scheme 2) in the ET mechanism of photooxygenation, is an electrophilic species, being able to oxidize Ph2S but not Ph2SO. It is thus proposed that the intermediate involved in ET sulfoxidations is a thiadioxirane, whose properties (it is an electrophilic species) seem more in line with the observed chemistry. Theoretical calculations concerning the reaction of a sulfide radical cation with O2-* provide a rationale for this proposal.     

Cubic and spirocyclic radicals containing a tetraimidophosphate dianion [P(NR)3(NR')]*2-

The reaction of Cl(3)PNSiMe(3) with 3 equiv of LiHNR (R = (i)Pr, Cy, (t)Bu, Ad) in diethyl ether produces the corresponding tris(amino)(imino)phosphoranes (RNH)(3)PNSiMe(3) (1a, R = (i)Pr; 1b, R = Cy; 1c, R = (t)Bu; 1d, R = Ad); subsequent reactions of 1b-d with (n)BuLi yield the trilithiated tetraimidophosphates {Li(3)[P(NR)(3)(NSiMe(3))]} (2a, R = Cy; 2b, R = (t)Bu; 2c, R = Ad). The reaction of [((t)BuNH)(4)P]Cl with 1 equiv of (n)BuLi results in the isolation of ((t)BuNH)(3)PN(t)Bu (1e); treatment of 1e with additional (n)BuLi generates the symmetrical tetraimidophosphate {Li(3)[P(N(t)Bu)(4)]} (2d). Compounds 1 and 2 have been characterized by multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (31)P) NMR spectroscopy; X-ray structures of 1b,c were also obtained. Oxidations of 2a-c with iodine, bromine, or sulfuryl chloride produces transient radicals in the case of 2a or stable radicals of the formula {Li(2)[P(NR)(3)(NSiMe(3))]LiX.3THF}* (X = Cl, Br, I; R = (t)Bu, Ad). The stable radicals exhibit C(3) symmetry and are thought to exist in a cubic arrangement, with the monomeric LiX unit bonded to the neutral radical {Li(2)[P(NR)(3)(NSiMe(3))]}* to complete the Li(3)N(3)PX cube. Reactions of solvent-separated ion pair {[Li(THF)(4)]{Li(THF)(2)[(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)]Li(THF)(2)} (6) with I(2) or SO(2)Cl(2) produce the persistent spirocyclic radical {(THF)(2)Li(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(mu-N(t)Bu)Li(THF)(2)}* (10a); all radicals have been characterized by a combination of variable concentration EPR experiments and DFT calculations.     

Comparison between electron transfer and nucleophilic reactivities of ketene silyl acetals with cationic electrophiles

The products and kinetics for the reactions of ketone silyl acetals with a series of p-methoxy-substituted trityl cations have been examined, and they are compared with those of outer-sphere electron transfer reactions from 10,10'-dimethyl-9,9', 10, 10'- tetrahydro-9,9'-biacridine [(AcrH)2] to the same series of trityl cations as well as other electron acceptors. The C-C bond formation in the reaction of beta,beta-dimethyl-substituted ketene silyl acetal (1: (Me2C=C(OMe)OSiMe3) with trityl cation salt (Ph3C+ClO4-) takes place between 1 and the carbon of para-positon of phenyl group of Ph3C+, whereas a much less sterically hindered ketene silyl acetal (3: H2C=C(OEt)OSiEt3) reacts with Ph3C+ at the central carbon of Ph3C+. The kinetic comparison indicates that the nucleophilic reactivities of ketene silyl acetals are well correlated with the electron transfer reactivities provided that the steric demand at the reaction center for the C-C bond formation remains constant.     

Differing reactivities of p[triple band]CMe and P[triple band]CBu(t) towards a triphosphabenzene and a tetraphosphabarrelene: synthesis of new phosphaalkyne pentamers (P5C5Me(n)Bu(t)(5-n) n = 0, 1 or 2)

The reaction of excess P[triple band]CMe with the triphosphabenzene, 1,3,5-P3C3Bu(t)3, yields a phosphaalkyne pentamer, P5C5Me2Bu(t)3, which displays a pentaphosphaisolumibullvalene core structure. Its treatment with [W(CO)5(THF)] gives a complex of this cage, [{W(CO)5}2(mu-eta1:eta1-P5C5Me2Bu(t)3)], which has been structurally characterised. In contrast, the previously reported reaction of P[triple band]CBu(t) with 1,3,5-P3C3Bu(t)3, affords, in addition to the known tetraphosphabarrelene, 1,3,5,7-P4C4Bu(t)4, a new phosphaalkyne pentamer (P55C5Bu(t)5), which has a partially unsaturated "open cage" core. Although P[triple band]CBu(t) does not react with 1,3,5,7-P4C4Bu(t)4, the reaction of P[triple band]CMe with the tetraphosphabarrelene is shown to give a mixture of products. Treatment of these with [W(CO)5(THF)] leads to the isolation of the tungsten carbonyl complex, [{W(CO)} {W(CO)4}(mu-eta1:eta4-P5C5MeBu(t)4)], which has been structurally characterised. This study suggests that P[triple band]CMe has a significantly greater reactivity towards cycloadditions than its bulkier counterpart, P[triple band]CBu(t).     

Aluminium complexes containing bidentate and symmetrical tridentate pincer type pyrrolyl ligands: synthesis, reactions and ring opening polymerization

A series of aluminium derivatives containing substituted bidentate and symmetrical tridentate pyrrolyl ligands, [C(4)H(3)NH(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)] and [C(4)H(2)NH(2,5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(2)], in toluene or diethyl ether were synthesized. Their reactivity and application for the ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone have been investigated. The reaction of AlMe(3) with one equiv. of [C(4)H(3)NH(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)] in toluene at room temperature affords [C(4)H(3)N(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)]AlMe(2) (1) in 70% yield by elimination of one equiv. of methane. Interestingly, while reacting AlMe(3) with one equiv. of [C(4)H(3)NH(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)] in toluene at 0 °C followed by refluxing at 100 °C, [{C(4)H(3)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)}AlMe](2) (2) has been isolated via fractional recrystalliztion in 30% yield. Similarly, reacting AlMe(3) with two equiv. of C(4)H(3)NH(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu) generates [C(4)H(3)N(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)](2)AlMe (3) in a moderate yield. Furthermore, complex 1 can be transformed to an aluminium alkoxide derivative, [C(4)H(3)N(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)][OC(6)H(2)(-2,6-(t)Bu(2)-4-Me)]AlMe (4) by reacting 1 with one equiv. of HOC(6)H(2)(-2,6-(t)Bu(2)-4-Me) in toluene via the elimination of one equiv. of methane. The reaction of AlR(3) with one equiv. of [C(4)H(2)NH(2,5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(2)] in toluene at room temperature affords [C(4)H(2)N(2,5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(2)]AlR(2) (5, R = Me; 6, R = Et) in moderate yield. Surprisingly, from the reaction of two equiv. of [C(4)H(2)NH(2,5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(2)] with LiAlH(4) in diethyl ether at 0 °C, a novel complex, [C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)](2)AlLi (7) has been isolated after repeating re-crystallization. Furthermore, reacting one equiv. of C(4)H(2)NH(2,5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(2) with AlH(3)·NMe(3) in diethyl ether generates an aluminium dihydride complex, [C(4)H(2)N(2,5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(2)]AlH(2) (8), in high yield. Additionally, treating 8 with one equiv. of HOC(6)H(2)(-2,6-(t)Bu(2)-4-Me) in methylene chloride produces [C(4)H(2)N(2,5-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(2)][OC(6)H(2)(-2,6-(t)Bu(2)-4-Me)]AlH (9) with the elimination of one equiv. of H(2). The aluminium alkoxide complex 4 shows moderate reactivity toward the ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolatone in toluene.     

Facile insertion and halogen migration reactions of the hexaphosphapentaprismane cage P6C4tBu4 with zerovalent and divalent platinum complexes

The hexaphosphapentaprismane P(6)C(4)(t)Bu(4) undergoes specific insertion of the zerovalent platinum fragment [Pt(PPh(3))(2)] into the unique P-P bond between the 5-membered rings to afford [Pt(PPh(3))(2)P(6)C(4)(t)Bu(4)]. A similar reaction with the Pt(ii) complexes [{PtCl(2)(PMe(3))}(2)] and [PtCl(2)(eta(4)-COD)] results in both insertion and chlorine migration reactions. The complexes [Pt(PPh(3))(2)P(6)C(4)(t)Bu(4)], trans-[PtCl(PMe(3))P(6)C(4)(t)Bu(4)Cl], cis-,trans-[{PtCl(2)(PMe(3))}micro-{P(6)C(4)(t)Bu(4)}{PtCl(2)(PMe(3))}], [{PtClP(6)C(4)(t)Bu(4)Cl}(2)] and cis-[PtClP(6)C(4)(t)Bu(4)Cl(P(6)C(4)(t)Bu(4))] have been structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and multinuclear NMR studies.     

Rationalizing the different products in the reaction of N2 with three-coordinate MoL3 complexes

The reaction of N2 with three-coordinate MoL3 complexes is known to give rise to different products, N-MoL3, L3Mo-N-MoL3 or Mo2L6, depending on the nature of the ligand L. The energetics of the different reaction pathways are compared for L = NH2, NMe2, N((i)Pr)Ar and N((t)Bu)Ar (Ar = 3,5-C6H3Me2) using density functional methods in order to rationalize the experimental results. Overall, the exothermicity of each reaction pathway decreases as the ligand size increases, largely due to the increased steric crowding in the products compared to reactants. In the absence of steric strain, the formation of the metal-metal bonded dimer, Mo2L6, is the most exothermic pathway but this reaction shows the greatest sensitivity to ligand size varying from significantly exothermic, -403 kJ mol(-1) for L = NMe2, to endothermic, +78 kJ mol(-1) for L = N((t)Bu)Ar. For all four ligands, formation of N-MoL3 via cleavage of the N2 bridged dimer intermediate, L3Mo-N-N-MoL3, is strongly exothermic. However, in the presence of excess reactant MoL3, formation of the single atom-bridged complex L3Mo-N-MoL3 from N-MoL3 + MoL3 is both thermodynamically and kinetically favoured for L = NMe2 and N((i)Pr)Ar, in agreement with experiment. In the case of L = N((t)Bu)Ar, the greater steric bulk of the (t)Bu group results in a much less exothermic reaction and a calculated barrier of 66 kJ mol(-1) to formation of the L3Mo-N-MoL3 dimer. Consequently, for this ligand, the energetically and kinetically favoured product, consistent with the experimental data, is the nitride complex L3Mo-N.