Low valent phosphorus in the molecular anions [P5Se12]5- and beta-[P6Se12]4-: phase change behavior and near infrared second harmonic generation

The caesium salts of the novel molecular anions [P5Se12]5- and [P6Se12]4- are phase change materials and exhibit near infrared, non-linear optical second harmonic generation; [P5Se12]5- is a coordination complex with an octahedral P3+ center chelated by two [P2Se6]4- ligands whereas [P6Se12]4- features a [P2]4+ dimer chelated by two [P2Se6]4- ligands.     

Rhodium N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed [4 + 2] and [5 + 2] cycloaddition reactions

[reactions: see text] A rhodium complex of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) has been developed for intra- and intermolecular [4 + 2] and intramolecular [5 + 2] cycloaddition reactions. This is the first use of a transition-metal NHC complex in a Diels-Alder-type reaction. For the intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition reactions, all the dienynes studied were converted to their corresponding cycloadducts in 91-99% yields within 10 min. Moreover, up to 1900 turnovers have been obtained for the intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition at 15-20 degrees C. For the intermolecular [4 + 2] cycloadditions, high yields (71-99%) of the corresponding cycloaddition products were obtained. The reaction time and yield were highly dependent upon the diene and the dienophile. For the intramolecular [5 + 2] cycloaddition reactions, all the alkyne vinylcyclopropanes studied were converted to their corresponding cycloadducts in 91-98% yields within 10 min. However, the catalytic system was not effective for an intermolecular [5 + 2] cycloaddition reaction.     

Spectrophotometric analysis of 5-coordinate cobalt(II) species for ligand substitution of hexakis(acetonitrile)cobalt(II) with bulky 1,1,3,3-tetramethylurea in noncoordinating nitromethane.

The ligand substitution reaction of [Co(an)6]2+ (an = acetonitrile) with 1,1,3,3-tetramethylurea (TMU) in the noncoordinating solvent, nitromethane, was spectrophotometrically investigated by titration. The observed spectral changes were analyzed using a model with the four steps of ligand substitution. The component complexes involved in the substitution were found to be 6-coordinate [Co(an)6]2+ and [Co(an)5(tmu)]2+, 5-coordinate [Co(an)3(tmu)2]2+ and [Co(an)2(tmu)3]2+, and 4-coordinate [Co(tmu)4]2+. The logarithmic values of the stepwise equilibrium constant are 2.17 +/- 0.26, 1.06 +/- 0.15, 1.19 +/- 0.06, and -0.4 +/- 0.4 at 25 degrees C. The decrease in the coordination number of the Co(II) ion from 6 to 5 during the formation of [Co(an)3(tmu)2]2+ and from 5 to 4 during the formation of [Co(tmu)4]2+ is ascribed to the steric repulsion between the coordinating bulky TMU molecules.     

Thiacalix[4]arene derivatives as radium ionophores: a study on the requirements for Ra2+ extraction

The synthesis and NOE-based structural characterization is described of thiacalix[4]arene tricarboxylic acid (7), thiacalix[4]crown-5 and -6 monocarboxylic acids (2 and 5), and the bis(N-methylsulfonyl)thiacalix[4]crowns-5 and -6 (4a,b). The 226Ra2+ selectivity coefficients, log(K(Ra)ex/K(M)ex), of the new thiacalix[4]arene derivatives are compared directly with those of thiacalix[4]crown-5 and -6 (1a,b), thiacalix[4]crown-5 and -6 dicarboxylic acids (3a,b), and thiacalix[4]arene di- and tetracarboxylic acids (6 and 8). Thiacalix[4]arene dicarboxylic acid (6) already exhibits a high 226Ra2+ selectivity, but this is significantly improved in the case of 3b, having an additional crown-(6-)ether bridge. The covalent combination of a crown ether and carboxylic acid substituents as in the thiacalix[4]arenes 2,3a,b,4a,b, and 5 gives a better 226Ra2+ selectivity in the presence of Sr2+ or Ba2+ than mixtures of dibenzo-21-crown-7 and thiacalix[4]arene dicarboxylic acid (6) or of pentadecanoic acid and thiacalix[4]crown-6 (1b).     

Kinetics and mechanism of bromate-bromide reaction catalyzed by acetate

The initial rate of the bromate-bromide reaction, BrO3- + 5Br- + 6H+ --> 3Br2 + 3H2O, has been measured at constant ionic strength, I = 3.0 mol L(-1), and at several initial concentrations of acetate, bromate, bromide, and perchloric acid. The reaction was followed at the Br2/Br3- isosbestic point (lambda = 446 nm) by the stopped-flow technique. A very complex behavior was found such that the results could be fitted only by a six term rate law, nu = k1[BrO3-][Br-][H+]2 + k2[BrO3-][Br-]2[H+]2 + k3[BrO3-][H+]2[acetate]2 + k4[BrO3-][Br-]2[H+]2[acetate] + k5[BrO3-][Br-][H+]3[acetate]2 + k6[BrO3-][Br-][H+]2[acetate], where k1 = 4.12 L3 mol(-3) s(-1), k2 = 0.810 L4 mol(-4) s(-1), k3 = 2.80 x 10(3) L4 mol(-4) s(-1), k4 = 278 L5 mol(-5) s(-1), k5 = 5.45 x 10(7) L6 mol(-6) s(-1), and k6 = 850 L4 mol(-4) s(-1). A mechanism, based on elementary steps, is proposed to explain each term of the rate law. This mechanism considers that when acetate binds to bromate it facilitates its second protonation.     

pH-dependent H2-activation cycle coupled to reduction of nitrate ion by CpIr complexes.

This paper reports a pH-dependent H2-activation [H2 (pH 1-4) --> H+ + H- (pH -1) --> 2H+ + 2e-] promoted by CpIr complexes [Cp = eta5-C5(CH3)5]. In a pH range of about 1-4, an aqueous HNO3 solution of [CpIr(III)(H2O)3]2+ (1) reacts with 3 equiv of H2 to yield a solution of [(CpIr(III))2(mu-H)3]+ (2) as a result of heterolytic H2-activation [2[1] + 3H2 (pH 1-4) --> [2] + 3H+ + 6H2O]. The hydrido ligands of 2 display protonic behavior and undergo H/D exchange with D+: [M-(H)3-M]+ + 3D+ <==>[M-(D)3-M]+ + 3H+ (where M = CpIr). Complex 2 is insoluble in a pH range of about -0.2 (1.6 M HNO3/H2O) to -0.8 (6.3 M HNO3/H2O). At pH -1 (10 M HNO3/H2O), a powder of 2 drastically reacts with HNO3 to give a solution of [CpIr(III)(NO3)2] (3) with evolution of H2, NO, and NO2 gases. D-labeling experiments show that the evolved H2 is derived from the hydrido ligands of 2. These results suggest that oxidation of the hydrido ligands of 2 [[2] + 4NO3- (pH -1) --> 2[3] + H2 + H+ + 4e-] couples to reduction of NO3- (NO3- --> NO2- --> NO). To complete the reaction cycle, complex 3 is transformed into 1 by increasing the pH of the solution from -1 to 1. Therefore, we are able to repeat the reaction cycle using 1, H2, and a pH gradient between 1 and -1. A conceivable mechanism for the H2-activation cycle with reduction of NO3- is proposed.     

Mechanistic analysis of the electrocatalytic properties of dissolved alpha and beta isomers of [SiW12O40]4- and solid [Ru(bipy)3]2[alpha-SiW12O40] on the reduction of nitrite in acidic aqueous media

Voltammetric studies on the reduction of alpha and beta isomers of the Keggin polyoxometalate anion [SiW12O40]4- reveal a series of electrochemically reversible processes in acidic aqueous media. In the presence of NO2-, catalytic current is detected in the potential region of the [SiW12O40]4-/5- process. Electronic spectroscopy and simulation of voltammetric data undertaken at variable [NO2-] and [H+] allow the following mechanism to be postulated, [SiW12O40]4- + e- <-->[SiW12O40]5-, H+ + HNO2 <--> NO+ + H2O, NO+ + [SiW12O40]5- --> NO + [SiW12O40]4-. The second-order rate constant for the rate-determining step is faster for the alpha isomer than for the beta one. This may be attributed to the different reversible potentials of -0.144 V (alpha isomer) and -0.036 V vs Ag/AgCl (beta isomer) and, hence, smaller driving force for an assumed outer sphere electron-transfer reaction in the case of beta isomer. A stable, water-insoluble, thin-film [Ru(bipy)3]2[alpha-SiW12O40] chemically modified electrode was generated electrochemically via ion-exchange of [Ru(bipy)3]2+ with Bu4N+ in the [Bu4N]4[alpha-SiW12O40] solid. The first reduction process with this modified electrode gives rise to the reaction [Ru(bipy)3]2[alpha-SiW12O40](solid) + H+(soln) + e- <--> H[Ru(bipy)3]2[alpha-SiW12O40](solid). The need to transfer a proton from the solution to the solid phase for charge neutralization purposes introduces a hydrogen-ion concentration dependence into this reaction, which is not found in the solution-phase study. Nevertheless, the voltammetric catalytic activity with respect to nitrite reduction is retained with the chemically modified electrode. However, nitrite catalysis with the [Ru(bipy)3]2[alpha-SiW12O40]-modified electrode is now independent of concentration of H+, rather than exhibiting a first-order dependence, and full mechanistic details for this process are unknown.     

Sequential cycloaddition approach to the tricyclic core of vibsanin E. Total synthesis of (+/-)-5-epi-10-epi-vibsanin E

[chemical reaction: see text]. A direct access to (+/-)-5-epi-10-epi-vibsanin E is described, based on three key cycloaddition steps, a rhodium-catalyzed [4 + 3] cycloaddition, a heteronuclear [4 + 2] cycloaddition, and a photochemically induced [4 + 2] cycloaddition.     

Reductions by titanium(II) as catalyzed by titanium(IV)

The cobalt(III) complexes, [(NH3)5CoBr]2+ and [(NH3)5CoI]2+ are reduced by Ti(II) solutions containing Ti(IV), generating nearly linear (zero-order) profiles that become curved only during the last few percent of reaction. Other Co(III)-Ti(II) systems exhibit the usual exponential traces with rates proportional to [Co(III)]. Observed kinetics of the biphasic catalyzed Ti(II)-Co(III)Br and Ti(II)-Co(III)I reactions support the reaction sequence: [Ti(II)(H20)n]2+ + [Ti(IV)F5]- (k1)<==>(k -1) [Ti(II)(H2O)(n-1)]2+ + [(H2O)Ti(IV)F5]-, [Ti(II)(H2O)(n-1)]2+ + Co(III) (k2)--> Ti(III) + Co(II) with rates determined mainly by the slow Ti(IV)-Ti(II) ligand exchange (k1 = 9 x 10(-3) M(-1) s(-1) at 22 degrees C). Computer simulations of the catalyzed Ti(II)-Co(III) reaction in perchlorate-triflate media yield relative rates for reduction by the proposed active [Ti(II)(H2O)(n-1)]2+ intermediate; k(Br)/k(I) = 8.     

Two stereoisomers of an S-bridged RhIII2PtII2 tetranuclear complex [{Pt(NH3)2}2{Rh(aet)3}2]4+ that lead to a discrete and a 1D RhIII2PtII2AgI structures by reacting with AgI (aet = 2-aminoethanethiolate)

An S-bridged RhIII2PtII2 tetranuclear complex having two nonbridging thiolato groups, [{Pt(NH3)2}2{Rh(aet)3}2]4+ ([1]4+), in which two fac(S)-[Rh(aet)3] units are linked by two trans-[Pt(NH3)2]2+ moieties, was synthesized by the 1:1 reaction of fac(S)-[Rh(aet)3] (aet = 2-aminoethanethiolate) with trans-[PtCl2(NH3)2] in water. Complex [1]4+ gave both the meso (DeltaLambda) and racemic (DeltaDelta/LambdaLambda) forms, which were separated by fractional crystallization. Of two possible geometries, syn and anti, which arise from the arrangement of two nonbridging thiolato groups, the meso and racemic forms of [1]4+ selectively afforded the anti and syn geometries, respectively. The DeltaLambda-anti and DeltaDelta/LambdaLambda-syn isomers of [1]4+ reacted with Ag+ using two nonbridging thiolato groups to produce a {RhIII2PtII2AgI}n) polymeric complex, {[Ag{Pt(NH3)2}2{Rh(aet)3}2]5+}n) ([2]5+), and a RhIII2PtII2AgI pentanuclear complex, [Ag{Pt2(mu-H2O)(NH3)2}{Rh(aet)3}2]5+ ([3]5+), respectively, which contain octahedral RhIII, square-planar PtII, and linear AgI centers. In [2]5+, each DeltaLambda-anti-[{Pt(NH3)2}2{Rh(aet)3}2]4+ tetranuclear unit is bound to two AgI atoms to form a one-dimensional zigzag chain, indicating the retention of the parental S-bridged structure in DeltaLambda-anti-[1]4+. In [3]5+, two Delta- or Lambda-fac(S)-[Rh(aet)3] units are linked by a [Pt2(mu-H2O)(NH3)2]4+ dinuclear moiety, together with an AgI atom, indicating that two NH3 molecules in [1]4+ have been replaced by a water molecule that bridges two PtII centers, while the parental DeltaDelta/LambdaLambda-syn configuration is retained. The complexes obtained were characterized on the basis of electronic absorption, CD, and NMR spectra, along with single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

Chlorine anion encapsulation by molecular capsules based on cucurbit[5]uril and decamethylcucurbit[5]uril

Three barrel-shaped artificial molecular capsules 1-3, based on normal cucurbit[5]uril (Q[5]) and decamethylcucurbit[5]uril (Me10Q[5]), were synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Encapsulation of a chlorine anion in the cavity of a Q[5] or Me10Q[5] to form closed a molecular capsule with the coordinated metal ions or coordinated metal ions and water molecules in the crystal structures of these compounds is common. The three complexes [Pr2(C30H30N20O10)Cl3(H2O)13]3+ 3 Cl- x 5 H2O (1), [Sr2(C40H50N20O10)(H2O)4Cl]3+ 3 Cl- x 2 (HCl) 19 H2O (2) and [K(C40H50N20O10)(H2O)Cl] x [Zn(H2O)2Cl2] x [ZnCl4]2- x 2 (H3O)+ x 8 H2O (3) all crystallize as isolated molecular capsules.     

Highly modular assembly of cationic helical scaffolds: rapid synthesis of diverse helquats via differential quaternization

A protocol for rapid and highly modular assembly of a diverse set of helquats is described. From a common bis-isoquinoline precursor, two successive distinct pyridine-type nitrogen quaternizations followed by rhodium-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition afford non-symmetric [7]helquats. This route allows for straightforward molecular editing of cationic helical skeletons as exemplified by the synthesis of 15 different [5]-, [6]-, and [7]helquats.     

Steroid photochemistry : The photocycloaddition of an enone and dienone to norbornene and norbornadiene

The photocycloaddition of a steroidal 4-en-3-one and a 4,6-dien-3-one to bicyclo[2.2.1]heptene and bicyclo[2.2.1]heptadiene has been studied. The photocycloaddition to norbornene furnished only the trans-4α,5β-cyclobutane, while the enone gave a mixture of cis and trans-[2+2] adducts as well as the first example of hydrogen transfer in this series to form a 4-(2-norbornanyl 1)-conjugated enone. The photocycloaddition of the dienone to norbornadiene formed the 4-(7-norbornenyl)-dienone by a 1,4-hydrogen shift as the major product, together with lesser amounts of the unrearranged trans-4α,5β-[2+2]-cyclobutane. On the other hand, the cycloaddition of the enone to norbornadiene yielded the 4α-(7-norbornene)-β,γ-enone as the major product; accompanied again by the unrearranged trans-[2+2]-adduct. In addition, the 4α,5α-cis-[3+2] adduct was obtained and was formed by rearrangement of the norbornenyl radical portion of the intermediate diradical.     

Supramolecular motifs and solvatomorphism within the compounds [M(bpy)3]2[NbO(C2O4)(3)]Cl.nH2O (M = Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+; n = 11, 12). Syntheses, structures and magnetic properties

Solvatomorphism has been found between two series of complexes of the composition [M(bpy)3]2[NbO(C2O4)3]Cl.nH2O [M = Fe2+ (1, 2), Co2+ (3, 4), Ni2+ (5, 6), Cu2+ (7) and Zn2+ (8, 9); bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine)], crystallizing in the monoclinic space group P2 1/c [3, 5, 8 (n = 11)] or in the orthorhombic space group P21 21 21 [2, 4, 6, 7 (n = 12)]. All the structures contain two symmetry independent [M(bpy)3]2+ cations, one [NbO(C2O4)3]3- anion, one Cl(-) anion, and crystal water molecules. The cations possess a trigonally distorted octahedral geometry, with an additional tetragonal distortion in 7. Analysis of crystal packing reveals a specific type of supramolecular contact comprising four bipyridine ligands from two neighbouring [M(bpy)3]2+ cations--quadruple aryl embrace (QAE) contact. The contact is realized by the alignment of two molecular two-fold rotation axes, preserving the parallel orientation of the molecular three-fold rotation axes. The resulting two-dimensional honeycomb lattices of [M(bpy)3]2+ cations are placed between the hydrogen bonding layers made of [NbO(C2O4)3]3- and Cl(-) anions and the majority of the crystal water molecules. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements (1.8-300 K) show a significant orbital angular momentum contribution for 3 and 4 (high-spin Co2+), the influence of zero-field splitting for 5 and 6(Ni2+) and a substantially paramagnetic Curie behaviour for the Cu2+ compound (7).     

An unexpected [2+2]-cycloaddition reaction of 4-methyldithieno-[3,4-b:3′,2′-d]pyridinium iodide with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate

An unexpected [2+2]-cycloaddition occured in the reaction of 4-methyldithieno-[3,4-6:3′,2′-d]pyridinium iodide (3)with two equivalents of DMAD, giving 4-(trans-1,2-dicarbomethoxy-2- iodovinyl)-5-methyl-6,7-dicarbomethoxy-4,5-dihydrothieno [23-c]quinoline (4) in 54% yield. 4 is formed via 4-methyl-5-(trans-1,2-dicarbomethoxy-2-iodo-4,5-dihydrothieno [3,4-b:3′,2′-d]pyridine (16), followed by [2+2]-cycloaddition. The primary adduct rearranges via a thiepin to an episulfide which eliminates sulfur to give 4.     

Synthesis of [5]-, [6]-, and [7]helicene via Ni(0)- or Co(I)-catalyzed isomerization of aromatic cis,cis-dienetriynes

An original approach to helicene frameworks exploiting atom economic isomerization of appropriate energy-rich aromatic cis,cis-dienetriynes has been developed. The new paradigm provides nonphotochemical syntheses of helicenes based on the easy, convergent, and modular assembly of key cis,cis-dienetriynes and their nickel(0)-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloisomerization. The potential of the methodology is underlined by the syntheses of the parent [5]helicene (2), 7,8-dibutyl[5]helicene (23), [6]helicene (24), and [7]helicene (25). The approach can be adapted to prepare functionalized helicenes as exemplified by the eight-step synthesis of 7,8-dibutyl-2,3-dimethoxy[6]helicene (34). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that bis[2-((1Z)-1-buten-3-ynyl)phenyl]acetylene (1) and isomeric [5]helicene (2) differ enormously in the Gibbs energy content (DeltaG = -136.6 kcal x mol(-1)) to favor highly the devised intramolecular simultaneous construction of three aromatic rings.     

Amide-silyl ligand exchanges and equilibria among group 4 amide and silyl complexes

M(NMe2)4 (M = Zr, 1a; Hf, 1b) and the silyl anion (SiButPh2)- (2) in Li(THF)2SiButPh2 (2-Li) were found to undergo a ligand exchange to give [M(NMe2)3(SiButPh2)2]- (M = Zr, 3a; Hf, 3b) and [M(NMe2)5]- (M = Zr, 4a; Hf, 4b) in THF. The reaction is reversible, leading to equilibria: 2 1a (or 1b) + 2 2 <--> 3a (or 3b) + 4a (or 4b). In toluene, the reaction of 1a with 2 yields [(Me2N)3Zr(SiButPh2)2]-[Zr(NMe2)5Li2(THF)4]+ (5) as an ionic pair. The silyl anion 2 selectively attacks the -N(SiMe3)2 ligand in (Me2N)3Zr-N(SiMe3)2 (6a) to give 3a and [N(SiMe3)2]- (7) in reversible reaction: 6a + 2 2 <--> 3a + 7. The following equilibria have also been observed and studied: 2M(NMe2)4 (1a; 1b) + [Si(SiMe3)3]- (8) <--> (Me2N)3M-Si(SiMe3)3 (M = Zr, 9a; Hf, 9b) + [M(NMe2)5]- (M = Zr, 4a; Hf, 4b); 6a (or 6b) + 8 <--> 9a (or 9b) + [N(SiMe3)2]- (7). The current study represents rare, direct observations of reversible amide-silyl exchanges and their equilibria. Crystal structures of 5, (Me2N)3Hf-Si(SiMe3)3 (9b), and [Hf(NMe2)4]2 (dimer of 1b), as well as the preparation of (Me2N)3M-N(SiMe3)2 (6a; 6b) are also reported.     

Synthesis of redox-active, intramolecular charge-transfer chromophores by the [2+2] cycloaddition of ethynylated 2H-cyclohepta[b]furan-2-ones with tetracyanoethylene

Ethynylated 2H-cyclohepta[b]furan-2-ones 5-15 have been prepared by Pd-catalyzed alkynylation of 3-iodo-5-isopropyl-2H-cyclohepta[b]furan-2-one (2) with the corresponding ethynylarenes or the reaction of 2-iodothiophene with 3-ethynyl-5-isopropyl-2H-cyclohepta[b]furan-2-one (4) under Sonogashira-Hagihara conditions. Compounds 5-15 reacted with tetracyanoethylene in a formal [2+2] cycloaddition reaction, followed by ring opening of the initially formed [2+2] cycloadducts, cyclobutenes, to afford the corresponding 1,1,4,4-tetracyanobutadienyl (TCBD) chromophores 16-26 in excellent yields. The intramolecular charge-transfer interactions between the 2H-cyclohepta[b]furan-2-one ring and TCBD acceptor moiety were investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. The redox behavior of the novel TCBD derivatives 16-26 was examined by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry, which revealed multistep electrochemical reduction properties, depending on the number of TCBD units in the molecule. Moreover, a significant color change was observed by UV/Vis spectroscopy under electrochemical reduction conditions.     

A New Cadmium（II） Coordination Polymer Constructed by 2-（2-Chloro-6-fluorophenyl）-lH-imidazo[4,5-f] [1, 10]phenanthroline and 1,2,3-Benzenecarboxylate： Synthesis,Structure and Luminescence

A new Cd（II） coordination polymer, namely, [Cd3（1,2,3-BTC）2（L）2]·2.25H2O （1, L = 2-（2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl）-1H-imidazo[4,5-A][1,10]phenanthroline and 1,2,3-BTC = 1,2,3-ben- zenetricarboxylate）, has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The compound was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in triclinic, space group Pī with α = 11.650（2）, b = 12.240（2）, c = 19.760（4） A, α = 72.01（3）, β = 77.11（3）, γ = 83.48（3）°, V = 2609.4（9） A3, Z = 2, C56H31Cd3Cl2F2N8O14.25, Mr = 1489.99, Dc = 1.896 g/cm3, F（000） = 1466, μ（MoKa） = 1.401 mm^-1, R = 0.0401 and wR = 0.1104. Compound 1 shows a 1D chain structure, and the neigh- boring 1D chains of 1 are joined together by π···π interactions to result in a 2D supramolecular layer. In addition, the luminescent property of 1 has been studied in the solid state at room temperature.