Isostructural potassium and thallium salts of sterically crowded triazenes: a structural and computational study

Because of their similar cationic radii, potassium and thallium(I) compounds are usually regarded as closely related. Homologous molecular species containing either K(+) or Tl(+) are very rare, however. We have synthesized potassium and thallium salts MN3RR' derived from the biphenyl- or terphenyl-substituted triazenes Tph2N3H (1a), Dmp(Mph)N3H (1b), Dmp(Tph)N3H (1c), and (Me4Ter)2N3H (1d) (Dmp=2,6-Mes 2C6H3 with Mes=2,4,6-Me3C6H2; Me4Ter=2,6-(3,5-Me2C6H3)2C6H3; Mph=2-MesC6H4; Tph=2-TripC6H4 with Trip=2,4,6-(i)Pr3C6H2). The potassium complexes 2a- d were obtained in almost quantitative yield from the reaction of 1a- d with potassium metal in n-heptane. Metalation of 1a- d with TlOEt afforded the thallium triazenides 3a- d in high yields. All new compounds have been characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography and for selected species by melting point (not 3b), IR spectroscopy (2a, 2d, 3a, 3c, 3d), and mass spectrometry (2a, 3c). In the solid-state structures of monomeric 2a and 3a, quasi-monomeric 2b, 3b, 2c, and 3c, and dimeric 2d and 3d additional metal-eta (n)-pi-arene-interactions to the flanking arms of the biphenyl- and terphenyl groups in the triazenide ligands of decreasing hapticity n are observed. Remarkably, all homologous potassium and thallium complexes crystallize in isomorphous cells. For 2a and 3a, the nature of the M-N and M...C(arene) bonding was studied by density functional theory calculations.     

Facile synthesis of unsymmetrical 9-phospha- and 9-arsafluorenes

Unsymmetrical 9-chloro-9-phosphafluorenes (dibenzophospholes) and 9-chloro-9-arsafluorenes (dibenzoarsoles) have been obtained by simple thermolysis of m-terphenyldichlorophosphines and -arsines in close to quantitative yields. The reaction temperatures are about 200 degrees C for the phosphines and 140 degrees C for the arsine, and the reactions are complete within 5 min. Alternatively, these compounds can be synthesized through an AlCl3-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts type ring-closure reaction at low temperatures, but this method suffers from difficult workup procedures. The P(As)-Cl functionality is readily alkylated. Methylation of m-xylyl derivative 4 afforded 1-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-6,8,9-trimethyl-9-phosphafluorene, 11. The latter compound formed the complexes 11 x Fe(CO)4, 12, and 11 x RuCl2(eta(6)-p-cymene), 13, indicating its good donor properties. The new compounds have been characterized by 1H, 13C{1H}, and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy; mass spectrometry; and single-crystal X-ray crystallography in the case of 11, 12, and 13.     

Isomeric forms of heavier main group hydrides: experimental and theoretical studies of the [Sn(Ar)H]2 (Ar = terphenyl) system

A series of symmetric divalent Sn(II) hydrides of the general form [(4-X-Ar')Sn(mu-H)]2 (4-X-Ar' = C6H2-4-X-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)2; X = H, MeO, tBu, and SiMe3; 2, 6, 10, and 14), along with the more hindered asymmetric tin hydride (3,5-iPr2-Ar*)SnSn(H)2(3,5-iPr2-Ar*) (16) (3,5-iPr2-Ar* = 3,5-iPr2-C6H-2,6-(C6H2-2,4,6-iPr3)2), have been isolated and characterized. They were prepared either by direct reduction of the corresponding aryltin(II) chloride precursors, ArSnCl, with LiBH4 or iBu2AlH (DIBAL), or via a transmetallation reaction between an aryltin(II) amide, ArSnNMe2, and BH3.THF. Compounds 2, 6, 10, and 14 were obtained as orange solids and have centrosymmetric dimeric structures in the solid state with long Sn...Sn separations of 3.05 to 3.13 A. The more hindered tin(II) hydride 16 crystallized as a deep-blue solid with an unusual, formally mixed-valent structure wherein a long Sn-Sn bond is present [Sn-Sn = 2.9157(10) A] and two hydrogen atoms are bound to one of the tin atoms. The Sn-H hydrogen atoms in 16 could not be located by X-ray crystallography, but complementary M?ssbauer studies established the presence of divalent and tetravalent tin centers in 16. Spectroscopic studies (IR, UV-vis, and NMR) show that, in solution, compounds 2, 6, 10, and 14 are predominantly dimeric with Sn-H-Sn bridges. In contrast, the more hindered hydrides 16 and previously reported (Ar*SnH)2 (17) (Ar* = C6H3-2,6-(C6H2-2,4,6-iPr3)2) adopt primarily the unsymmetric structure ArSnSn(H)2Ar in solution. Detailed theoretical calculations have been performed which include calculated UV-vis and IR spectra of various possible isomers of the reported hydrides and relevant model species. These showed that increased steric hindrance favors the asymmetric form ArSnSn(H)2Ar relative to the centrosymmetric isomer [ArSn(mu-H)]2 as a result of the widening of the interligand angles at tin, which lowers steric repulsion between the terphenyl ligands.     

Organometallic fragments coordinated to a multiisocyanide ligand and their physical properties

Preparation of a triisocyanide ligand, 1,3,5-tris[(4-isocyano-3,5-diisoproyl-phenyl)ethynyl]benzene (5), is presented. Ligand 5 is obtained in three steps in 76% overall yield. Reaction of 5 with (eta5-Cp*)Rh(Cabs,s')(Cabs,s'= 1,2-S2C2B10H10-S,S') produced the rhodadithiolene adduct [[(eta5-Cp*)Rh(Cabs,s')(CNC6H2iPr2-2,6-CC-3)]3C6H3-1,3,5] (6). Ligand 5 reacts with Cr(CO)5(THF) to give the triisocyanide complex [[Cr(CO)5(CNC6H2iPr2-2,6-CC-3)]3C6H3-1,3,5] (8) and with [AuCl(SMe2)] to give the triisocyanide complex [[AuCl(CNC6H2iPr2-2,6-CC-3)]3C6H3-1,3,5] (9). As revealed by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study, the C(9)-N(3)-C(61) angle of 5.9 degrees of trichromium complex 8 occurs in the plane of the bridge and the gold center has a slightly bent linear configuration with a Cl(1)-Au(1)-C(21) angle of 175.4(4) degrees . The rhenation and platination of 5 employing [Re(bpy)(CO)3(AN)]PF6 (AN= acetonitrile) and [(CwedgeNwedgeN)PtCl] ((HCwedgeNwedgeN)= 6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine) yielded the luminescent Re(I) and Pt(II) complexes. Full characterization includes structural study of complexes 2, 8, and 9.     

Reaction of m-terphenyldichlorophosphanes with sodium azide: synthesis and characterization of stable azidocyclophosphazenes

Reaction of the m-terphenyldichlorophosphanes 2,6-(2-MeC(6)H(4))(2)C(6)H(3)PCl(2) (1), 2,6-(4-t-BuC(6)H(4))(2)C(6)H(3)PCl(2) (2), or 2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)PCl(2) (3) with excess NaN(3) in acetonitrile at room temperature afforded the corresponding bisazidophosphanes 2,6-(2-MeC(6)H(4))(2)C(6)H(3)P(N(3))(2), 2,6-(4-t-BuC(6)H(4))(2)C(6)H(3)P(N(3))(2) (5), or 2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)P(N(3))(2) (6) (Mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)), respectively. These compounds are thermally labile and decompose into a number of azidophosphazenes. The azidocyclophosphazenes [NP(N(3))(C(6)H(3)(4-t-BuC(6)H(4))(2)-2,6)](3) (4) and [NP(N(3))C(6)H(3)Mes(2)-2,6](2) (8) have been isolated from these mixtures. All compounds were characterized by (1)H, (13)C, (31)P NMR and IR spectroscopy. Crystal structures of 2, 4, and 8 were determined.     

Substituent effects in formally quintuple-bonded ArCrCrAr compounds (Ar = terphenyl) and related species

The effects of different terphenyl ligand substituents on the quintuple Cr-Cr bonding in arylchromium(I) dimers stabilized by bulky terphenyl ligands (Ar) were investigated. A series of complexes, ArCrCrAr (1-4; Ar = C6H2-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)2-4-X, where X = H, SiMe3, OMe, and F), was synthesized and structurally characterized. Their X-ray crystal structures display similar trans-bent C(ipso)CrCrC(ipso) cores with short Cr-Cr distances that range from 1.8077(7) to 1.8351(4) A. There also weaker Cr-C interactions [2.294(1)-2.322(2) A] involving an C(ipso) of one of the flanking aryl rings. The data show that the changes induced in the Cr-Cr bond length by the different substituents X in the para positions of the central aryl ring of the terphenyl ligand are probably a result of packing rather than electronic effects. This is in agreement with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which predict that the model compounds (4-XC6H4)CrCr(C6H4-4-X) (X = H, SiMe3, OMe, and F) have similar geometries in the gas phase. Magnetic measurements in the temperature range of 2-300 K revealed temperature-independent paramagnetism in 1-4. UV-visible and NMR spectroscopic data indicated that the metal-metal-bonded solid-state structures of 1-4 are retained in solution. Reduction of (4-F3CAr')CrCl (4-F3CAr' = C6H2-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)2-4-CF3) with KC8 gave non-Cr-Cr-bonded fluorine-bridged dimer {(4-F3CAr')Cr(mu-F)(THF)}2 (5) as a result of activation of the CF3 moiety. The monomeric, two-coordinate complexes [(3,5-iPr2Ar*)Cr(L)] (6, L = THF; 7, L = PMe3; 3,5-iPr2Ar* = C6H1-2,6-(C6H-2,4,6-iPr3)2-3,5-iPr2) were obtained with use of the larger 3,5-Pri2-Ar* ligand, which prevents Cr-Cr bond formation. Their structures contain almost linearly coordinated CrI atoms, with high-spin 3d5 configurations. The addition of toluene to a mixture of (3,5-iPr2Ar*)CrCl and KC8 gave the unusual dinuclear benzyl complex [(3,5-iPr2Ar*)Cr(eta3:eta6-CH2Ph)Cr(Ar*-1-H-3,5-iPr2)] (8), in which a C-H bond from a toluene methyl group was activated. The electronic structures of 5-8 have been analyzed with the aid of DFT calculations.     

Reduction of terphenyl Co(II) halide derivatives in the presence of arenes: insertion of Co(I) into a C-F bond

Reduction of [(3,5-(i)Pr(2)-Ar*)Co(μ-Cl)](2) (3,5-(i)Pr(2)-Ar* = -C(6)H-2,6-(C(6)H(2)-2,4,6-(i)Pr(3))(2)-3,5-(i)Pr(2)) with KC(8) in the presence of various arene molecules resulted in the formation of a series of terphenyl stabilized Co(I) half-sandwich complexes (3,5-(i)Pr(2)-Ar*)Co(η(6)-arene) (arene = toluene (1), benzene (2), C(6)H(5)F (3)). X-ray crystallographic studies revealed that the three compounds adopt similar bonding schemes but that the fluorine-substituted derivative 3 shows the strongest cobalt-η(6)-arene interaction. In contrast, C-F bond cleavage occurred when the analogous reduction was conducted in the presence of C(6)F(6), affording the salt K[(3,5-(i)Pr(2)-Ar*)Co(F)(C(6)F(5))] (4), in which there is a three-coordinate cobalt complexed by a fluorine atom, a C(6)F(5) group, and the terphenyl ligand Ar*-3,5-(i)Pr(2). This salt resulted from the formal insertion of a putative 3,5-(i)Pr(2)-Ar*Co species as a neutral or anionic moiety into one of the C-F bonds of C(6)F(6). Reduction of [(3,5-(i)Pr(2)-Ar*)Co(μ-Cl)](2) in the presence of bulkier substituted benzene derivatives such as mesitylene, hexamethylbenzene, tert-butylbenzene, or 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene did not afford characterizable products.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Sterically Encumbered Derivatives of Aluminum Hydrides and Halides: Assessment of Steric Properties of Bulky Terphenyl Ligands

The synthesis and characterization of several sterically encumbered monoterphenyl derivatives of aluminum halides and aluminum hydrides are described. These compounds are [2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(3)LiOEt(2)](n)() (1), (Mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)-), 2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(2)OEt(2) (2), [2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(2)](2) (3), 2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlCl(2)OEt(2) (4), [2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlCl(3)LiOEt(2)](n)() (5), [2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlCl(2)](2) (6), TriphAlBr(2)OEt(2) (7), (Triph = 2,4,6-Ph(3)C(6)H(2)-), [2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(3)LiOEt(2)](2) (8) (Trip = 2,4,6-i-Pr(3)C(6)H(2)-), 2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(2)OEt(2) (9), [2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(2)](2) (10), 2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)AlCl(2)OEt(2) (11), and the partially hydrolyzed derivative [2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)Al(Cl)(0.68)(H)(0.32)(&mgr;-OH)](2).2C(6)H(6) (12). The structures of 2, 3a, 4, 6, 7, 9a, 10a, 10b, 11, and 12 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The structures of 3a, 9a, 10a, and 10b, are related to 3, 9, and 10, respectively, by partial occupation of chloride or hydride by hydroxide. The compounds were also characterized by (1)H, (13)C, (7)Li, and (27)Al NMR and IR spectroscopy. The major conclusions from the experimental data are that a single ortho terphenyl substituent of the kind reported here are not as effective as the ligand Mes (Mes = 2,4,6-t-Bu(3)C(6)H(2)-) in preventing further coordination and/or aggregation involving the aluminum centers. In effect, one terphenyl ligand is not as successful as a Mes substituent in masking the metal through agostic and/or steric effects.     

Synthesis, structure, and catalytic oxidation chemistry from the first oxo-imido Schiff base metal complexes

The molybdenum oxo-imido complex, [Mo(O)(NtBu)Cl2(dme)] (1), was obtained from the reaction between [MoO2Cl2(dme)] and [Mo(NtBu)2Cl2(dme)]. Reactions between [Mo(O)(NR)Cl2(dme)] (where R = tBu or 2,6-iPr2C6H3) and the disodium Schiff base compounds Na(2)(3,5-tBu2)2salen, Na(2)(3,5-tBu2)2salpen, and Na(2)(7-Me)2salen afforded the first oxo-imido transition metal Schiff base complexes: [Mo(O)(NtBu)[(3,5-tBu2)2salen]] (2), [Mo(O)(NtBu)[(3,5-tBu2)2salpen]] (3), and [Mo(O)(N-2,6-iPr2C6H3)[(7-Me)2salen]] (4), respectively. The compounds [Mo(NtBu)2[(3,5-tBu2)2salpen]] (5) from [Mo(NtBu)2(NHtBu)2] and [Mo(N-2,6-iPr2C6H3)(2)[(7-Me)2salen]](6) from [Mo(N-2,6-iPr2C6H3)(2)(NHtBu)2] (7) are also reported. Compounds 1-7 were characterized by NMR, IR, and FAB mass spectroscopy while compounds 3, 4, and 5 were additionally characterized by X-ray crystallography. In conjunction with tBuOOH as oxidant, compound 3 is a catalyst for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and cis-cyclooctene and 1-octene to the corresponding epoxides.     

Univalent transition metal complexes of arenes stabilized by a bulky terphenyl ligand: differences in the stability of Cr(I), Mn(I) or Fe(I) complexes

Two univalent transition metal complexes, (micro-eta6:eta6-C7H8){MnAr*-3,5-Pri2}2 () and (eta6-C6H6)FeAr*-3,5-Pri2 () (Ar*-3,5-Pri2=C6H-2,6-(C6H(2)-2,4,6-Pri3)(2)-3,5-Pri2), that have eta6 arene coordination were synthesized by reduction of the corresponding metal halides. The complexes are thermally stable in contrast to the corresponding Cri complexes of benzene or toluene which decompose at room temperature.     

Catalytic ethylene polymerisation in carbon dioxide as a reaction medium with soluble nickel(II) catalysts

A series of neutral Ni(II)-salicylaldiminato complexes substituted with perfluorooctyl- and trifluoromethyl groups, [Ni{kappa(2)-N,O-6-C(H)==NAr-2,4-R'(2)C(6)H(2)O}(Me)(pyridine)] (6 a: Ar=2,6-{4-(F(17)C(8))C(6)H(4)}(2)C(6)H(3), R'=I; 6 b: Ar=2,6-{4-(F(3)C)C(6)H(4)}(2)C(6)H(3), R'=I; 6 c: Ar=2,6-{3,5-(F(3)C)(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)C(6)H(3), R'=3,5-(F(3)C)(2)C(6)H(3); 6 d: Ar=2,6-{4-(F(17)C(8))C(6)H(4)}(2)C(6)H(3), R'=3,5-(F(3)C)(2)C(6)H(3); 6 e: Ar=2,6-{3,5-(F(3)C)(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)C(6)H(3), R'=I) were studied as catalyst precursors for ethylene polymerisation in supercritical CO(2). Catalyst precursors 6 a and 6 c, which are soluble in scCO(2), afford the highest polymer yields, corresponding to 2 x 10(3) turnovers. Semicrystalline polyethylene (M(n) typically 10(4) g mol(-1)) is obtained with variable degrees of branching (11 to 24 branches per 1000 carbon atoms, predominantly Me branches) and crystallinities (54 to 21 %), depending on the substitution pattern of the catalyst.     

One-step redox route to N-heterocyclic phosphenium ions

One-step reactions of the appropriate N-alkyl-, N-cycloalkyl-, and N-aryl-substituted alpha-diimines with PI3 afforded >80% yields of the triiodide salts of the following N-heterocyclic phosphenium ions, [(R1NC(R2)C(R2)NR1)P]+: 3 (R1 = t-Bu; R2 = H); 4 (R1 = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3; R2 = H), 5 (R1 = Mes; R2 = H), 6 (R1 = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3; R2 = H), and 7 (R1 = cyclohexyl; R2 = H). Treatment of 3 and 6 with NaB(C6H5)4 resulted in virtually quantitative yields of the corresponding [B(C6H5)4]- salts 8 and 9, respectively. The X-ray crystal structures of 3 and 5-9 were determined.     

Osmium-mediated C--H and C--C bond cleavage of a phenolic substrate: p-quinone methide and methylene arenium pincer complexes

The diphosphine 2,4,6-(CH(3))(3)-3,5-(iPr(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)OH (1) reacts with [OsCl(2)(PPh(3))(3)] in presence of an excess of triethylamine to yield the isomeric para-quinone methide derivatives [Os{4-(CH(2))-1-(O)-2,6-(CH(3))(2)-3,5-(iPr(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)}(Cl)(H)(PPh(3))] (2 and 3), which differ in the positions of the mutually trans hydride and chloride ligands. Complex 2 reacts with CO to afford the dicarbonyl species [Os{1-(O)-2,4,6-(CH(3))(3)-3,5-(iPr(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)}(Cl)(CO)(2)] (4), which results from hydride insertion into the quinonic double bond. Protonation of 2 and 3 leads to the formation of the methylene arenium derivative [Os{4-(CH(2))-1-(OH)-2,6-(CH(3))(2)-3,5-(iPr(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)}(Cl)(H)(PPh(3))][OSO(2)CF(3)] (5 a). The diphosphine 1 reacts with [OsCl(2)(PPh(3))(3)] at 100 degrees C under H(2) to afford [Os{1-(OH)-2,6-(CH(3))(2)-3,5-(iPr(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)}(Cl)(H(2))(PPh(3))] (6), a PCP pincer complex resulting formally from C(sp(2))--C(sp(3)) cleavage of the C--CH(3) group in 1. C--C hydrogenolysis resulting in the same complex is achieved by heating 2 under H(2) pressure. Reaction of the diphosphine substrate with [OsCl(2)(PPh(3))(3)] under H(2) at lower temperature allows the observation of a methylene arenium derivative resulting from C--H activation, [Os{4-(CH(2))-1-(OH)-2,6-(CH(3))(2)-3,5-(iPr(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)}(Cl)(2)(H)] (7). This compound reacts with PPh(3) in toluene to afford the ionic derivative [Os{4-(CH(2))-1-(OH)-2,6-(CH(3))(2)-3,5-(iPr(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)}(Cl)(H)(PPh(3))]Cl (5 b). X-ray diffraction studies have been carried out on compounds 2, 3, 4, 5 b, 6, and 7, which allows the study of the structural variations when going from methylene arenium to quinone methide derivatives.     

Facile bismuth-oxygen bond cleavage, C-H activation, and formation of a monodentate carbon-bound oxyaryl dianion, (C₆H₂(t)Bu₂-3,5-O-4)²⁻

The Bi(3+) (N,C,N)-pincer complex Ar'BiCl(2) (1) [Ar' = 2,6-(Me(2)NCH(2))(2)C(6)H(3)], reacts with 2 equiv of KOC(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6 and KOC(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)-2,6 by ionic metathesis to form the anticipated bis(aryloxide) complexes Ar'Bi(OC(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6)(2) (2) and Ar'Bi(OC(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)-2,6)(2) (3), respectively. However, the analogous reaction with 2 equiv of KOC(6)H(3)(t)Bu(2)-2,6 forms HOC(6)H(3)(t)Bu(2)-2,6 and a dark-orange complex containing only one aryloxide-derived ligand bound via a Bi-C and not a Bi-O linkage. This complex is formulated as Ar'Bi(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(2)-3,5-O-4) (4), a product of para C-H bond activation. Structural, spectroscopic, and DFT studies and a comparison with the protonated analogue [Ar'Bi(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(2)-3,5-OH-4)][BPh(4)] (5), which was obtained by treatment of 4 with [HNEt(3)][BPh(4)], suggest that 4 contains an oxyaryl dianion. Complex 4 represents a fully characterizable product of a bismuth-mediated C-H activation and rearrangement of the type postulated in catalytic SOHIO processes.     

Adding a new dimension to the investigation of platinum-mediated arene C-H activation reactions using 2D NMR exchange spectroscopy. Dynamics of Pt(II) phenyl/benzene site exchange

Protonation of (N-N)PtPh(2) (1; N-N = diimine ArN=CMe-CMe=NAr with Ar = 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3) (a), 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2) (b), 4-Br-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(2) (c), 3,5-Me(2)C(6)H(3) (d), and 4-CF(3)C(6)H(4) (e)) in the presence of MeCN at ambient temperature generates (N-N)Pt(Ph)(NCMe)(+) (2). At -78 degrees C, protonation of 1a yielded (N-N)PtPh(2)(H)(NCMe)(+) (3a), which produced benzene and 2a at ca. -40 degrees C. Protonation of 1a-e in CD(2)Cl(2)/Et(2)O-d(10) furnished (N-N)Pt(C(6)H(5))(eta(2)-C(6)H(6))(+) (4a-e). The pi-benzene complexes 4a-c, sterically protected at Pt, eliminate benzene at ca. 0 degree C. The sterically less protected 4d-e lose benzene already at -30 degrees C. SST and 2D EXSY NMR demonstrate that phenyl and pi-benzene ligand protons undergo exchange with concomitant symmetrization of the diimine ligand, most likely via oxidative insertion of Pt into a C-H bond of coordinated benzene. The kinetics of the exchange processes for 4a-c were probed by quantitative EXSY spectroscopy, resulting in DeltaH() of 70-72 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS of 37-48 J K(-1) mol(-1). A large, strongly temperature-dependent H/D kinetic isotope effect (9.7 at -34 degrees C; 6.9 at -19 degrees C) was measured for the dynamic behavior of 4a versus 4a-d(10), consistent with the proposed pi-benzene C-H bond cleavage. The fact that the pi-benzene complex 4a is thermally more robust in the absence of MeCN than is the Pt(IV) hydridodiphenyl complex 3a in the presence of MeCN agrees with the notion that arene elimination from Pt(IV) hydridoaryl complexes occurs via Pt(II) pi-arene intermediates that eliminate the hydrocarbon associatively, in this case, promoted by MeCN. Compounds 1a, 1b, 1d, 2a, and 2b have been crystallographically characterized.     

Versatile scorpionates and new developments in the denticity changes of NNCp hybrid scorpionate/cyclopentadienyl ligands in Sc and Y compounds: from kappa1-Neta5-Cp to kappa2-NNeta5-Cp

Reaction of hybrid scorpionate/cyclopentadienyl ligands in the form of the lithium derivatives [Li(bpzcp)(THF)] [bpzcp=2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,1-diphenylethylcyclopentadienyl], [Li(bpztcp)(THF)] [bpztcp=2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1-tert-butylethylcyclopentadienyl], and the in situ-generated "Li(bpzpcp)" [bpzpcp=2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1-phenylethylcyclopentadienyl] with MCl3(THF)3 afforded the group 3 halide compounds [MCl2(bpzcp)(THF)] (M=Sc, 1; Y, 2), [MCl2(bpztcp)(THF)] (M=Sc, 3; Y, 4), and [MCl2(bpzpcp)(THF)] (M=Sc, 5; Y, 6). The H2O adduct of 4, [YCl2(bpztcp)(H2O)] (7), was formed when a solution of 4 was allowed to stand at room temperature in the presence of moisture. Complexes 1-7 adopt a pseudo-octahedral structure with heteroscorpionate ligands kappa2-NNeta5-Cp coordinated to the metal through the cyclopentadienyl group and two imino nitrogens of pyrazole rings. The alkyl heteroscorpionate scandium and yttrium complexes recently reported by our group, [M(CH2SiMe3)2(bpzcp)], react with 2,6-dimethylphenol and 3,5-dimethylphenol to give the bis(aryloxide) derivatives [M(OAr)2(bpzcp)] (M=Sc, OAr=2,6-dimethylphenoxide, 8; M=Y, OAr=2,6-dimethylphenoxide, 9; M=Y, OAr=3,5-dimethylphenoxide, 10). Complex 9 underwent an interesting hydrolysis process to give the tetranuclear complex [{Y(bpzcp)}(micro-OH)2(micro3-OH){Y(OAr)2}]2 (11). Variable-temperature 1H NMR experiments on 9 and 10 revealed a rapid fluxional exchange between coordinated and noncoordinated pyrazolyl rings, producing interconversion between the two enantiomers in which the scorpionate ligand can be coordinated in a kappa1-Neta5-Cp form. The structures of the complexes were determined by spectroscopic methods and the X-ray crystal structures of 2, 7, and 11 were also established. Complexes 1 and 2 are active olefin polymerization catalysts after activation with methylaluminoxane. These compounds gave atactic polystyrenes with narrow molecular weight distribution (Mn/Mw 1.26-1.91) and with low molecular weights.     

Sterically encumbered systems for two low-coordinate phosphorus centers

Tetraarylphenyls of the form 2,3,5,6-Ar4C6 (Ar = p-tert-butylphenyl) are investigated as sterically demanding ligands for the syntheses of compounds having two p-phenylene-bridged phosphorus centers. The precursor to such materials, 1,4-diiodo-2,3,5,6-tetrakis(p-tert-butylphenyl)benzene (1), is readily obtained via a one-pot procedure in 68% yield. Compound 1 is then used to provide the bis(dichlorophosphine) 1,4-bis(dichlorophosphino)-2,3,5,6-tetrakis(p-tert-butylphenyl)benzene (2) and the derived bis(phosphine) 1,4-bis(phosphino)-2,3,5,6-tetrakis(p-tert-butylphenyl)benzene (3) in yields of 56 and 94% respectively. These materials provide access to novel materials containing two low-coordinate phosphorus centers bridged by a sterically encumbered phenylene unit. Compound 2 reacts with benzaldehyde and 2,6-dichlorobenzaldehyde in the presence of excess trimethylphosphine and zinc to produce the new pale yellow crystalline bis(phosphaalkenes) (E,E)-PhC(H)=PAr4C6P=C(H)Ph (4a; 42%) and (E,E)-Ar'C(H)=PAr4C6P=C(H)Ar' (4b; 46%; Ar' = 2,6-dichlorophenyl). The crystal structure of 4a shows a P=C bond length of 1.676(5) A. Compound 2 is also used to provide the unusual red-orange bis(diphosphene) DmpP=PAr4C6P=PDmp (5; 55%; Dmp = 2,6-Mes2C6H3). Compound 5 is structurally characterized, and a P=P bond length of 2.008(2) A is ascertained.     

Synthesis of a tritium-labeled, fipronil-based, highly potent, photoaffinity probe for the GABA receptor

3-[4-[1-(2,6-dichloro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl)pyrazolo]]-3-(trifluoromethyl)diazirine is a fipronil-based (i.e. fiprole), high-affinity probe for the GABA receptor. For synthesis of the tritium-labeled version of this trifluoromethyldiazirinylfiprole ([(3)H]TDF) the required intermediate, 3-[4-[1-(2,6-dichloro-3-iodo-4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-iodopyrazolo]]-3-(trifluoromethyl)diazirine, was prepared in 10 steps from pyrazole and 3,5-dichloro-4-fluorobenzotrifluoride. One of the key transformations was lithiation and subsequent iodination of the 4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-hydroxyethyl)pyrazole intermediate. The last step involved reduction of the diiodofiprole with tritium, Pd/C, and triethylamine in ethyl acetate and afforded [(3)H]TDF with a specific activity of 15 Ci/mmol and 99% radiopurity.     

Al and Zn complexes bearing N,N,N-tridentate quinolinyl anilido-imine ligands: synthesis, characterization and catalysis in l-lactide polymerization

Reactions of N,N,N-tridentate quinolinyl anilido-imine ligands with AlMe(3) afford mononuclear aluminum complexes {κ(3)-[{2-[ArN[double bond, length as m-dash]C(H)]C(6)H(4)}N(8-C(9)H(6)N)]}AlMe(2) (Ar = 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3) (1a), 2,6-Et(2)C(6)H(3) (1b), 2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3) (1c)) or dinuclear complexes AlMe(3){κ(1)-[{2-[ArN[double bond, length as m-dash]C(H)C(6)H(4)]N(8-C(9)H(6)N)}-κ(2)]AlMe(2) (R = 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3) (2a), 2,6-Et(2)C(6)H(3) (2b), 2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3) (2c)) depending on the ratios of reactants used. Similar reactions of ZnEt(2) with these ligands give the monoligated ethyl zinc complexes {κ(3)-[{2-[ArN[double bond, length as m-dash]C(H)]C(6)H(4)}N(8-C(9)H(6)N)]}ZnEt (Ar = 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3) (3a), 2,6-Et(2)C(6)H(3) (3b), 2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3) (3c)) or bisligated complexes {κ(3)-[{2-[ArN[double bond, length as m-dash]C(H)]C(6)H(4)}N(8-C(9)H(6)N)]}Zn{κ(2)-[{2-[ArN[double bond, length as m-dash]C(H)]C(6)H(4)}N(8-C(9)H(6)N)]} (Ar = 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3) (4a), 2,6-Et(2)C(6)H(3) (4b), 2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3) (4c)). These complexes were well characterized by NMR and the structures of 1a, 2a, 2c, 3b and 4c were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The aluminum and zinc complexes were tested to initiate lactide polymerization in which the zinc complexes show moderate to high activities in the presence of benzyl alcohol.     

Molybdenum oxo and imido complexes of beta-diketiminate ligands: synthesis and structural aspects

Treatment of [MoO2(eta2-Pz)2] (Pz = 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolate) with the diketiminate ligand NacNacH (NacNac = CH[C(Me)NAr]2-, Ar = 2,6-Me2C6H3) at 55 degrees C leads under reduction of the metal to the formation of the dimeric molybdenum(V) compound [{MoO2(NacNac)}2] (1). The compound was characterized by spectroscopic means and by X-ray crystal structure analysis. The dimer consists of a [Mo2O4]2+ core with a short Mo-Mo bond (2.5591(5) A) and one coordinated diketiminate ligand on each metal atom. The reaction of [MoO2(eta2-Pz)2] with NacNacH in benzene at room temperature leads to a mixture of 1 and the monomeric molybdenum(VI) compound [MoO2(NacNac)(eta2-Pz)] (2). From such solutions, yellow crystals of 2 suitable for X-ray structural analysis were obtained revealing the coordination of one bidentate NacNac and one eta2-coordinate Pz ligand. This renders the two oxo groups inequivalent. Further high oxidation state molybdenum compounds containing the NacNac ligand were obtained by the reaction of [Mo(NAr)2Cl2(dme)] (Ar = 2,6-Me2C6H3) and [Mo(N-t-Bu)2Cl2(dme)] (dme = dimethoxyethane) with 1 equiv of the potassium salt NacNacK forming [Mo(NAr)2Cl(NacNac)] (3) and [Mo(N-t-Bu)2Cl(NacNac)] (4), respectively, in good yields. The X-ray structure analysis of 3 revealed a penta-coordinate compound where the geometry is best described as trigonal-bipyramidal.