Copper(II) coordination compounds with ferulic acid

The first two molecular structures of the ferulic acid (3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid, C₁₀H₁₀O₄) coordination compounds are presented, namely, [Cu₂(C₁₀H₉O₄)₄(CH₃CN)₂] 1 and [Cu₂(C₁₀H₉O₄)₄(C₆H₆N₂O)₂]·4CH₃CN (C₆H₆N₂O = nicotinamide) 2. Both compounds were synthesised from the starting mixture of Cu₂O and CuCl upon copper oxidation in the acetonitrile solution. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of 1 and 2 reveals the binuclear structure of the ‘paddle–wheel’ type for both complexes. 1 and 2 are unstable outside mother liquid due to loosely bound acetonitrile molecules. The final products of decomposition are [Cu₂(C₁₀H₉O₄)₄] 1a and [Cu₂(C₁₀H₉O₄)₄(C₆H₆N₂O)₂] 2a, which were characterized by several physico-chemical methods. The triplet X-band EPR spectra of 1a and 2a, showing signals B_Z1  15 mT, B₂  460 mT and B_Z2  580 mT, are in agreement with the expected data for the binuclear tetracarboxylate units, found in the structures of the parent complexes 1 and 2. Together with the room temperature magnetic susceptibility data, μ_eff/B.M. 1.40 (1a), 1.48 (2a), the EPR spectra analysis confirm the antiferromagnetic interaction in 1a and 2a. This is suggesting preservation and stability of the paddle–wheel structures in 1a and 2a.     

Rhodium(I) carbonyl complexes of chalcogen functionalized tripodal phosphines, [CH3C(CH2P(X)Ph2)3] {X = O, S, Se} and their reactivity

The reaction of dimeric rhodium precursor [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ with two molar equivalent of 1,1,1-tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane trichalcogenide ligands, [CH₃C(CH₂P(X)Ph₂)₃](L), where X = O(a), S(b) and Se(c) affords the complexes of the type [Rh(CO)₂Cl(L)] (1a–1c). The complexes 1a–1c have been characterized by elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, IR and NMR (¹H, ³¹P and ¹³C) spectroscopy and the ligands a–c are structurally determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1a–1c undergo oxidative addition (OA) reactions with different electrophiles such as CH₃I, C₂H₅I and C₆H₅CH₂Cl to give Rh(III) complexes of the types [Rh(CO)(COR)ClXL] {R = –CH₃ (2a–2c), –C₂H₅ (3a–3c); X = I and R = –CH₂C₆H₅ (4a–4c); X = Cl}. Kinetic data for the reaction of a–c with CH₃I indicate a first-order reaction. The catalytic activity of 1a–1c for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid and its ester is evaluated and a higher turn over number (TON = 1564–1723) is obtained compared to that of the well-known commercial species [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ (TON = 1000) under the reaction conditions: temperature 130 ± 2 °C, pressure 30 ± 2 bar and time 1 h.     

New bifunctional N-thiophosphorylated thiourea and 2,5-dithiobiurea derivatives. Crystal structures of R[C(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)2]2 (R = –N(Ph)CH2CH2N(Ph)– and –NHNH–)

A new bifunctional N-thiophosphorylated thiourea and 2,5-dithiobiurea of the common formula R[C(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂]₂ [R = –N(Ph)CH₂CH₂N(Ph)– (H₂L^a); –NHNH– (H₂L^b)] have been synthesized and characterized by IR, ¹H, ³¹P spectroscopy and the single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The structure of the latter compound in CDCl₃ and acetone-d₆ solutions has been discussed in comparison with the monofunctional thiosemicarbazide PhNHNHC(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂ (HL^c).     

η-Alkynyl and vinylidene transition metal complexes: 10. Reaction of the metal-acetylide [(η-C5H5)(CO)(NO)W---CC---C(CH3)3]Li with 1,2-diiodoethane as electrophile and with various nucleophiles

Treatment of the η¹-acetylide complex [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(CO)(NO)W---CC---C(CH₃)₃]Li (4) with 1,2-diiodoethane in THF at −78 °C, followed by the addition of Li---CC---R [R=C(CH₃)₃, C₆H₅, Si(CH₃)₃, 6a–6c] or n-C₄H₉Li and protonation with H₂O, afforded the corresponding oxametallacyclopentadienyl complexes (η⁵-C₅H₅)W(I)(NO)[η²-O=C(CC---R)CH=CC(CH₃)₃] (7a–7c), 8c and (η⁵-C₅H₅)W(I)(NO)[η²-O=C(n-C₄H₉)CH=CC(CH₃)₃] (9). The formation of these metallafuran derivatives is rationalized by the electrophilic attack of 1,2-diiodoethane onto the metal center of 4 to form first the neutral complex [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(I)(CO)(NO)W---CC---C(CH₃)₃] (5). Subsequent nucleophilic addition of Li---CC---R 6a–6c or n-C₄H₉Li and a reductive elimination step followed by protonation leads to the products 7a–7c and 9. One reaction intermediate could be trapped with CF₃SO₃CH₃ and characterized by a crystal structure analysis. The identity of another intermediate was established by infrared spectroscopic data. The oxametallacyclopentadienyl complex 10 forms in the presence of excess 1,2-diiodoethane through an alternative pathway and crystallizes as a clathrate containing iodine.     

Syntheses and pharmacological characterization of achiral and chiral enantiopure C/Si/Ge-analogous derivatives of the muscarinic antagonist cycrimine: a study on C/Si/Ge bioisosterism

The C/Si/Ge-analogous compounds rac-Ph(c-C₅H₉)El(CH₂OH)CH₂CH₂NR₂ (NR₂=piperidino; El=C, rac-3a; El=Si, rac-3b; El=Ge, rac-3c) and (c-C₅H₉)₂El(CH₂OH)CH₂CH₂NR₂ (NR₂=piperidino; El=C, 5a; El=Si, 5b; El=Ge, 5c) were prepared in multi-step syntheses. The (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of 3a–c were obtained by resolution of the respective racemates using the antipodes of O,O′-dibenzoyltartaric acid (resolution of rac-3a), O,O′-di-p-toluoyltartaric acid (resolution of rac-3b), or 1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-diyl hydrogen phosphate (resolution of rac-3c). The enantiomeric purities of (R)-3a–c and (S)-3a–c were ≥98% ee (determined by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy using a chiral solvating agent). Reaction of rac-3a–c, (R)-3a–c, (S)-3a–c, and 5a–c with methyl iodide gave the corresponding methylammonium iodides rac-4a–c, (R)-4a–c, (S)-4a–c, and 6a–c (3a–c→4a–c; 5a–c→6a–c). The absolute configuration of (S)-3a was determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of its (R,R)-O,O′-dibenzoyltartrate. The absolute configurations of the silicon analog (R)-4b and germanium analog (R)-4c were also determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The chiroptical properties of the (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of 3a–c, 3a–c·HCl, and 4a–c were studied by ORD measurements. In addition, the C/Si/Ge analogs (R)-3a–c, (S)-3a–c, (R)-4a–c, (S)-4a–c, 5a–c, and 6a–c were studied for their affinities at recombinant human muscarinic M₁, M₂, M₃, M₄, and M₅ receptors stably expressed in CHO-K1 cells (radioligand binding experiments with [³H]N-methylscopolamine as the radioligand). For reasons of comparison, the known C/Si/Ge analogs Ph₂El(CH₂OH)CH₂CH₂NR₂ (NR₂=piperidino; El=C, 7a; El=Si, 7b; El=Ge, 7c) and the corresponding methylammonium iodides 8a–c were included in these studies. According to these experiments, all the C/Si/Ge analogs behaved as simple competitive antagonists at M₁–M₅ receptors. The receptor subtype affinities of the individual carbon, silicon, and germanium analogs 3a–8a, 3b–8b, and 3c–8c were similar, indicating a strongly pronounced C/Si/Ge bioisosterism. The (R)-enantiomers (eutomers) of 3a–c and 4a–c exhibited higher affinities (up to 22.4 fold) for M₁–M₅ receptors than their corresponding (S)-antipodes (distomers), the stereoselectivity ratios being higher at M₁, M₃, M₄, and M₅ than at M₂ receptors, and higher for the methylammonium compounds (4a–c) than for the amines (3a–c). With a few exceptions, compounds 5a–c, 6a–c, 7a–c, and 8a–c displayed lower affinities for M₁–M₅ receptors than the related (R)-enantiomers of 3a–c and 4a–c. The stereoselective interaction of the enantiomers of 3a–c and 4a–c with M₁–M₅ receptors is best explained in terms of opposite binding of the phenyl and cyclopentyl ring of the (R)- and (S)-enantiomers. The highest receptor subtype selectivity was observed for the germanium compound (R)-4c at M₁/M₂ receptors (12.9-fold).     

Lithiated γ-O-functionalized propyl phenyl sulfides and sulfones of the type Li[CH(SOxPh)CH2CH2OR] (x = 0, 2). [Li{CH(SPh)CH2CH2Ot-Bu}(tmeda)] – A structurally characterized organolithium inner complex

Lithiation of O-functionalized alkyl phenyl sulfides PhSCH₂CH₂CH₂OR (R = Me, 1a; i-Pr, 1b; t-Bu, 1c; CPh₃, 1d) with n-BuLi/tmeda in n-pentane resulted in the formation of α- and ortho-lithiated compounds [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR}(tmeda)] (α-2a–d) and [Li{o-C₆H₄SCH₂CH₂CH₂OR)(tmeda)] (o-2a–d), respectively, which has been proved by subsequent reaction with n-Bu₃SnCl yielding the requisite stannylated γ-OR-functionalized propyl phenyl sulfides n-Bu₃SnCH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR (α-3a–d) and n-Bu₃Sn(o-C₆H₄SCH₂CH₂CH₂OR) (o-3a–d). The α/ortho ratios were found to be dependent on the sterical demand of the substituent R. Stannylated alkyl phenyl sulfides α-3a–c were found to react with n-BuLi/tmeda and n-BuLi yielding the pure α-lithiated compounds α-2a–c and [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR}] (α-4a–b), respectively, as white to yellowish powders. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂Ot-Bu}(tmeda)] (α-2c) exhibited a distorted tetrahedral coordination of lithium having a chelating tmeda ligand and a C,O coordinated organyl ligand. Thus, α-2c is a typical organolithium inner complex.Lithiation of O-functionalized alkyl phenyl sulfones PhSO₂CH₂CH₂CH₂OR (R = Me, 5a; i-Pr, 5b; CPh₃, 5c) with n-BuLi resulted in the exclusive formation of the α-lithiated products Li[CH(SO₂Ph)CH₂CH₂OR] (6a–c) that were found to react with n-Bu₃SnCl yielding the requisite α-stannylated compounds n-Bu₃SnCH(SO₂Ph)CH₂CH₂OR (7a–c). The identities of all lithium and tin compounds have been unambiguously proved by NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn).     

Preparation of new dinuclear half-titanocene complexes with ortho- and meta-xylene linkages and investigation of styrene polymerization

Half-titanocene is well-known as an excellent catalyst for the preparation of SPS (syndiotactic polystyrene) when activated with methylaluminoxane (MAO). Dinuclear half-sandwich complexes of titanium bearing a xylene bridge, (TiCl₂L)₂{(μ-η⁵, η⁵-C₅H₄-ortho-(CH₂–C₆H₄–CH₂)C₅H₄}, (4 (L = Cl), 7 (L = O-2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)) and (TiCl₂L)₂{(μ-η⁵, η⁵-C₅H₄-meta-(CH₂–C₆H₄–CH₂)C₅H₄} (5 (L = Cl), 8(L = O-2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)), have been successfully synthesized and introduced for styrene polymerization. The catalysts were characterized by ¹H- and ¹³C NMR, and elemental analysis. These catalysts were found to be effective in forming SPS in combination with MAO. The activities of the catalysts with rigid ortho- and meta-xylene bridges were higher than those of catalysts with flexible pentamethylene bridges. The catalytic activity of four dinuclear half-titanocenes increased in the order of 4 < 5 < 7 < 8. This result displays that the meta-xylene bridged catalyst is more active than the ortho-xylene bridged and that the aryloxo group at the titanium center is more effective at promoting catalyst activity compared to the chloride group at the titanium center. Temperature and ratio of [Al]:[Ti] had significant effects on catalytic activity. Polymerizations were conducted at three different temperatures (25, 40, and 70 °C) with variation in the [Al]:[Ti] ratio from 2000 to 4000. It was observed that activity of the catalysts increased with increasing temperature, as well as higher [Al]:[Ti]. Different xylene linkage patterns (ortho and meta) were recognized to be a principal factor leading to the characteristics of the dinuclear catalyst due to its different spatial arrangement, causing dissimilar intramolecular interactions between the two active sites.     

Multi-wall carbon nanotube supported tungsten hexacarbonyl: an efficient and reusable catalyst for epoxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide

Highly efficient epoxidation of alkenes with H₂O₂ catalyzed by tungsten hexacarbonyl supported on multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified with 1,2-diaminobenzene is reported. The prepared catalyst, [W(CO)₆@DAB-MWCNT], was characterized by elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, FT-IR, and diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopic methods. The prepared catalyst was applied as an efficient catalyst for green epoxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide in CH₃CN. This heterogeneous metal carbonyl catalyst showed high stability and reusability in epoxidation without loss of its catalytic activity.     

Cross-linking nanostructured spherical capsules as building units by crystal engineering: related chemistry

The compound [Mo₇₂Fe₃₀O₂₅₂(CH₃COO)₁₀{Mo₂O₇(H₂O)}{H₂Mo₂O₈(H₂O)}₃ (H₂O)₉₁]·ca. 140 H₂O 3≡3a·ca. 140 H₂O, an important educt for an unusual solid state reaction, can now be obtained easily by reacting (NH₄)₄₂[{Mo^V₂O₄(CH₃COO)}₃₀{(Mo)Mo₅O₂₁(H₂O)₆}₁₂]·10 CH₃COONH₄·ca. 300 H₂O 1 with FeCl₃·6 H₂O in water. Interestingly, the freshly precipitated crystals of 3 contain discrete spherical clusters of the type {Mo^VI₇₂Fe^III₃₀} with as yet unprecedented 30×5 unpaired electrons (S=150/2 at room temperature). Upon drying 3, its cluster units 3a get covalently linked to form layers in a step by step solid state reaction, according to the scheme described below, resulting finally in the crystalline reaction product [H₄Mo₇₂Fe₃₀O₂₅₄(CH₃COO)₁₀{Mo₂O₇(H₂O)}{H₂Mo₂O₈(H₂O)}₃(H₂O)₈₇]·ca. 80 H₂O 44a·ca. 80 H₂O. The linking process at the Fe sites follows the well known inorganic condensation process leading to Fe^III polycations in aqueous solution according to the scheme Fe(OH₂)+(H₂O)Fe Fe(OH)+(H₂O)Fe Fe–O–Fe and thus is based on a type of crystal engineering with nanostructured spherical building blocks. This process does not allow chaotic characteristics in contrast to the mentioned polycation formation. Careful investigation leads to the identification of an intermediate 5 containing clusters 5a — with the same cluster composition as 3a and 4a — in the closest possible non-covalent contact. The related materials are of tremendous interest for magnetochemistry (nano-magneto-technology).

     

Effect of chelating agent on the oxidation rate of PCP in the magnetite/H2O2 system at neutral pH

The complex [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ reacts with two molar equivalent of pyridine carboxylic acids ligands Py-2-COOH(a), Py-3-COOH(b) and Py-4-COOH(c) to yield rhodium(I) dicarbonyl chelate complex [Rh(CO)₂(L^/)](1a) {L^/ = η²-(N,O) coordinated Py-2-COO⁻(a^/)} and non-chelate complexes [Rh(CO)₂ClL^//](1b,c) {L^// = η¹-(N) coordinated Py-3-COOH(b), Py-4-COOH(c)}. The complexes 1 undergo oxidative addition (OA) reactions with different electrophiles such as CH₃I, C₂H₅I, C₆H₅CH₂Cl and I₂ to give penta coordinated Rh(III) complexes of the types [Rh(CO)(CORⁿ)XL^/], {n = 1,2,3; R¹ = CH₃(2a); R² = C₂H₅(3a); X = I and R³ = CH₂C₆H₅ (4a); X = Cl}, [Rh(CO)I₂L^/](5a), [Rh(CO)(CORⁿ)ClXL^//] {R¹ = CH₃(6b,c); R² = C₂H₅(7b,c); X = I and R³ = CH₂C₆H₅ (8b,c); X = Cl} and [Rh(CO)ClI₂L^//](9b,c). The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Kinetic data for the reaction of 1a–b with CH₃I indicate a first order reaction. The catalytic activity of 1a–c for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid and its ester is evaluated and a higher turn over number (TON = 810–1094) is obtained compared with that of the well-known commercial species [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ (TON = 653) at mild reaction conditions (temperature 130 ± 5 °C, pressure 35 ± 5 bar).     

Mesoporous SBA-15-supported chiral catalysts: preparation,characterization and asymmetric catalysis

Two mesoporous silica-supported chiral Rh and Ru catalysts 5 and 6 with ordered two-dimensional hexagonal mesostructures were prepared by directly postgrafting organometallic complexes RhCl[(R)-MonoPhos(CH₂)₃Si(OMe)₃][(R,R)-DPEN] and RuCl₂[(R)-MonoPhos(CH₂)₃Si(OMe)₃][(R,R)-DPEN] (DPEN = 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine) on SBA-15. During the asymmetric hydrogenation of various aromatic ketones under 40 atm H₂, both catalysts exhibited high catalytic activities (more than 97% conversions) and moderate enantioselectivities (33–54% ee). Furthermore, the chiral Rh catalyst 5 could be easily recovered and used repetitively five times without significantly affecting its catalytic activity and enantioselectivity. A catalytic comparison of the mesoporous silica-supported chiral Rh catalyst 4 prepared by a postmodification method is also discussed.     

Synthesis of Cu(I) octamolybdates using tetrakis-acetonitrilecopper(I) hexafluorophosphate

Reaction of (NBu₄)₂[Mo₂O₇] with [Cu(CH₃CN)₄](PF₆) in acetonitrile results in isolation of the orange β-octamolybdate [Cu(CH₃CN)₄]₂[Mo₈O₂₆Cu₂(CH₃CN)₄] (1) along with the colourless α-octamolybdate [Cu(CH₃CN)₄]₄[Mo₈O₂₆]·2CH₃CN (2). Both products decompose rapidly upon removal from their mother liquors, forming an insoluble, dark brown coloured phase with the composition Cu₄[Mo₈O₂₆]·0.6CH₃CN·16H₂O (3). The copper(I) acetonitrile derivatised isopolyanion in 1 thus represents an intermediate structure between the simple, underivatised octamolybdate 2 and fully condensed, polymeric phase 3.     

Luminescent coordination polymers with extended Au(I)–Ag(I) interactions supported by a pyridyl-substituted NHC ligand

Reaction of [Ag(CH₃impy)₂]PF₆, 1, with Au(tht)Cl produces the monometallic Au(I)-species [Au(CH₃impy)₂]PF₆, 2. Treatment of 2 with excess AgBF₄ in acetonitrile, benzonitrile or benzylnitrile produces the polymeric species {[AuAg(CH₃impy)₂(L)](BF₄)₂}_n, (L = CH₃CN,3; L = C₆H₅CN, 4; L = C₆H₅CH₂CN, 5) where the Au(I) centers remain bound to two carbene moieties while the Ag(I) centers are coordinated to two alternating pyridyl groups and a solvent molecule (L). Reaction of 2 with AgNO₃ in acetonitrile produces the zig-zag mixed-metal polymer {[AuAg(CH₃impy)₂(NO₃)]NO₃}_n, 6, that contains a coordinated nitrate ion in place of the coordinated solvent species. All of these polymeric materials are dynamic in solution and dissociate into their respective monometallic components. Compounds 2–6 are intensely luminescent in the solid-state and in frozen solution. All of these complexes were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C NMR, electronic absorption and emission spectroscopy and elemental analysis.     

Epoxidation of alkenes with NaIO<Subscript>4</Subscript> catalyzed by an efficient and reusable natural polymer-supported ruthenium(III) salophen catalyst

In the present study, preparation, characterization, and catalytic activity of Ru(salophen)Cl supported on chitosan were investigated. The prepared heterogeneous catalyst was characterized by diffuse reflectance UV–vis and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques, scanning electron microscopy, and neutron activation analysis. In this catalytic system, the effects of different solvents were studied in the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene and CH₃CN/H₂O was found to be a better solvent. Also, the effects of oxygen donors such as NaIO₄, H₂O₂, H₂O₂/urea(UHP), tert-BuOOH, NaClO, and Bu₄NIO₄ were studied in the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene and NaIO₄ was selected as an oxidant. The catalytic activity of this new heterogeneous catalyst in the epoxidation of cyclic and linear alkenes using NaIO₄ as an oxidant in CH₃CN/H₂O at room temperature was studied. The obtained results led us to conclude that [Ru(salophen)Cl@ chitosan] is an efficient catalyst for the epoxidation of alkenes with NaIO₄. The catalyst can be readily recovered simply by filtration and reused several times without any significant loss in its catalytic activity.     

Crystal chemistry of three new monodimensional fluorometalates templated with ethylenediamine

Three new monodimensional hybrid metal (Ti, In, Al) fluorides are synthesized with ethylenediamine (en) as a templating agent in solvothermal conditions assisted by microwave heating. All structures involve inorganic chains built up from TiO₂F₄ octahedra connected by two opposite O²⁻ vertices in [H₂en]·(TiOF₄) (I), from InF₆(H₂O) pentagonal bipyramids linked by F–F edges in [H₂en]·(InF₄(H₂O))₂·H₂O (II) and from (Al₇F₃₀)⁹⁻ polyanions sharing two opposite AlF₆ octahedra in [H₂en]₃·(Al₆F₂₄) (III). I is tetragonal, P4/ncc, a = 12.761(3) Å, c = 8.041(3) Å; II is orthorhombic, F2dd, a = 6.904(5) Å, b = 16.559(5) Å, c = 19.777(4) Å and III is monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 9.387(2) Å, b = 6.710(2) Å, c = 21.513(6) Å, β = 97.18(3)°.     

Group 4 metallocene complexes with pendant nitrile groups

The preparation of a new functionalized cyclopentadienyl ligand bearing a nitrile pendant substituent, (C₅H₄CMe₂CH₂CN)^? is reported. The corresponding lithium salt of this ligand (1) was prepared by the reaction of in situ lithiated acetonitrile with 6,6-dimethylfulvene. The ligand was subsequently utilized for the synthesis of group 4 metal complexes [(η⁵–C₅H₄CMe₂CH₂CN)₂MCl₂] (M = Ti, 2; M = Zr, 3; M = Hf, 4), [(η⁵–C₅H₅) (η⁵–C₅H₄CMe₂CH₂CN)MCl₂] (M = Ti, 7; M = Zr, 8), and [(η⁵-C₅Me₅) (η⁵ C₅H₄CMe₂CH₂CN)₂ZrCl₂] (9). Alternative route to 2 comprised the preparation of half-sandwich complex [(η⁵–C₅H₄CMe₂CH₂CN)TiCl₃] (6). The prepared compounds were characterized by common spectroscopic methods and the solid state structures of complexes 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9 were determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In addition, compound 7 was converted to the corresponding dimethyl derivative [(η⁵–C₅H₅) (η⁵–C₅H₄CMe₂CH₂CN)TiMe₂] (10) and also treated with the chloride anion abstractor Li[B(C₆F₅)₄] to generate the cationic complex with the coordinated nitrile group, as suggested by the NMR spectroscopy. A formation of yet another cationic complex was observed upon treating compound 10 with (Ph₃C)[B(C₆F₅)₄].     

Catalytic electron drives host–guest recognition

Electron injection is demonstrated to trigger electrocatalytic chain reactions capable of releasing a solvent molecule and forming a redox active guest molecule. One-electron reduction of a hydroxy anthrone derivative (AQH–CH₂CN) results in the formation of an anthraquinone radical anion (AQ˙⁻) and acetonitrile (CH₃CN). The resulting fragment of AQ˙⁻ exhibits high stability under mild reducing conditions, and it has enough reducing power to reduce the reactant of AQH–CH₂CN. Hence, subsequent electron transfer from AQ˙⁻ to AQH–CH₂CN yields the secondary AQ˙⁻ and CH₃CN, while the initial AQ˙⁻ is subsequently oxidized to AQ. Overall, the reactants of AQH–CH₂CN are completely converted into AQ and CH₃CN in sustainable electrocatalytic chain reactions. These electrocatalytic chain reactions are mild and sustainable, successfully achieving catalytic electron-triggered charge-transfer (CT) complex formation. Reactant AQH–CH₂CN is non-planar, making it unsuitable for CT interaction with an electron donor host compound (U_HAnt₂) bearing parallel anthracene tweezers. However, conversion of AQH–CH₂CN to planar electron acceptor AQ by the electrocatalytic chain reactions turns on CT interaction, generating a host CT complex with U_HAnt₂ (AQ ⊂ U_HAnt₂). Therefore, sustainable electrocatalytic chain reactions can control CT interactions using only a catalytic amount of electrons, ultimately affording a one-electron switch associated with catalytic electron-triggered turn-on molecular recognition.

The reactants of AQH–CH₂CN are converted into AQ and CH₃CN in sustainable electrocatalytic chain reactions, successfully achieving catalytic electron-triggered charge-transfer (CT) complex formation.     

An unprecedented Cu–Schiff base complex existing as two different trinuclear units with strong antiferromagnetic couplings

A new tetradentate N₂O₂ donor Schiff base ligand [OHC₆H₄CHNCH₂CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)NCHC₆H₄OH = H₂L ] was obtained by 1:2 condensation of 1,3-diaminopentane with salicylaldehyde and has been used to synthesise an unusual copper(II) complex whose asymmetric unit presents two structurally different almost linear trinuclear units [Cu₃(μ-L)₂(ClO₄)₂] [Cu₃(μ-L)₂(H₂O)(ClO₄)₂] (1). The ligand and the complex were characterised by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopy in addition electrochemical and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were performed for the complex. The magnetic properties of 1 reveal the presence of strong intra-trimer (J₁ = −202(3) cm⁻¹ and J₂ = −233(3) cm⁻¹) as well as very weak inter-trimer (zJ′ = −0.11(1) cm⁻¹) antiferromagnetic interactions.     

Syntheses of (R)-(+)-cibenzoline and analogues via catalytic enantioselective cyclopropanation using (S)-phenylalanine-derived disulfonamide

Cyclopropanation of 3,3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ols 1 with Et₂Zn and CH₂I₂ proceeded in the presence of a catalytic amount of (S)-2-(methanesulfonyl)amino-1-(p-toluenesulfonyl)amino-3-phenylpropane 2 to afford the corresponding cyclopropylmethanols with 20–76% ee. (+)-2,2-Diphenylcyclopropylmethanol 3a (76% ee) was oxidized with IBX in DMSO, followed by NaClO₂, H₂O₂, and NaH₂PO₄ in MeCN–H₂O to give the corresponding acid 5a, which was converted with ethylenediamine, in the presence of PyBOP and Et₃N in CH₂Cl₂, to the amide 6a in quantitative overall yield from 3a. Amide 6a was cyclized at 160 °C under reduced pressure (2 mmHg) to afford (R)-(+)-cibenzoline in 55% yield.     

Facile strategies for the synthesis and crystallization of linear trinuclear nickel(II)-Schiff base complexes with carboxylate bridges: Tuning of coordination geometry and magnetic properties

Three new linear trinuclear nickel(II) complexes, [Ni₃(salpen)₂(OAc)₂(H₂O)₂]·4H₂O (1) (OAc = acetate, CH₃COO⁻), [Ni₃(salpen)₂(OBz)₂] (2) (OBz = benzoate, PhCOO⁻) and [Ni₃(salpen)₂(OCn)₂(CH₃CN)₂] (4) (OCn = cinnamate, PhCHCHCOO⁻), H₂salpen = tetradentate ligand, N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,3-pentanediamine have been synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. The choice of solvent for growing single crystal was made by inspecting the morphology of the initially obtained solids with the help of SEM study. The magnetic properties of a closely related complex, [Ni₃(salpen)₂(OPh)₂(EtOH)] (3) (OPh = phenyl acetate, PhCH₂COO⁻) whose structure and solution properties have been reported recently, has also been studied here. The structural analyses reveal that both phenoxo and carboxylate bridging are present in all the complexes and the three Ni(II) atoms remain in linear disposition. Although the Schiff base ligand and the syn–syn bridging bidentate mode of the carboxylate group remain the same in complexes 1–4, the change of alkyl/aryl group of the carboxylates brings about systematic variations between six- and five-coordination in the geometry of the terminal Ni(II) centres of the trinuclear units. The steric demand as well as hydrophobic nature of the alkyl/aryl group of the carboxylate is found to play a crucial role in the tuning of the geometry. Variable-temperature (2–300 K) magnetic susceptibility measurements show that complexes 1–4 are antiferromagnetically coupled (J = −3.2(1), −4.6(1), −3.2(1) and −2.8(1) cm⁻¹ in 1–4, respectively). Calculations of the zero-field splitting parameter indicate that the values of D for complexes 1–4 are in the high range (D = +9.1(2), +14.2(2), +9.8(2) and +8.6(1) cm⁻¹ for 1–4, respectively). The highest D value of +14.2(2) and +9.8(2) cm⁻¹ for complexes 2 and 3, respectively, are consistent with the pentacoordinated geometry of the two terminal nickel(II) ions in 2 and one terminal nickel(II) ion in 3.