Yttrium metallocene borane chemistry: isolation of 9-BBN substitution and coordination complexes in a single crystal, {(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y[eta(3)-C(3)H(4)(BC(8)H(14))]} and {(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(micro-H)(2)BC(8)H(14)}

(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(eta(3)-C(3)H(5)) reacts with 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, 9-BBN, to form single crystals containing both a borane-substituted allyl complex, (C(5)Me(5))(2)Y[eta(3)-C(3)H(4)(BC(8)H(14))], and a borohydride, (C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(micro-H)(2)BC(8)H(14), that can be synthesized directly from 9-BBN and the yttrium hydride, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)YH](x).     

Synthesis,molecular structure,and C-C coupling reactions of carbeneruthenium(II) complexes with C5H5Ru(=CRR') and C5Me5Ru(=CRR') as molecular units

The ethene derivatives [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuX(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))] with R=H and Me, which have been prepared from the eta(3)-allylic compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))Ru(eta(3)-2-MeC(3)H(4))(PPh(3))] (1, 2) and acids HX under an ethene atmosphere, are excellent starting materials for the synthesis of a series of new halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes. The olefinic ligand is replaced not only by CO and pyridine, but also by internal and terminal alkynes to give (for X=Cl) alkyne, vinylidene, and allene compounds of the general composition [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuCl(L)(PPh(3))] with L=C(2)(CO(2)Me)(2), Me(3)SiC(2)CO(2)Et, C=CHCO(2)R, and C(3)H(4). The allenylidene complex [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=C=C=CPh(2))(PPh(3))] is directly accessible from 1 (R=H) in two steps with the propargylic alcohol HC triple bond CC(OH)Ph(2) as the precursor. The reactions of the ethene derivatives [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuX(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))] (X=Cl, CF(3)CO(2)) with diazo compounds RR'CN(2) yield the corresponding carbene complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuX(=CRR')(PPh(3))], while with ethyl diazoacetate (for X=Cl) the diethyl maleate compound [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl[eta(2)-Z-C(2)H(2)(CO(2)Et)(2)](PPh(3))] is obtained. Halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuCl(=CHR')(PPh(3))] with secondary carbenes as ligands, as well as cationic species [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(=CPh(2))(L)(PPh(3))]X with L=CO and CNtBu and X=AlCl(4) and PF(6), have also been prepared. The neutral compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=CRR')(PPh(3))] react with phenyllithium, methyllithium, and the vinyl Grignard reagent CH(2)=CHMgBr by displacement of the chloride and subsequent C-C coupling to generate halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes with eta(3)-benzyl, eta(3)-allyl, and substituted olefins as ligands. Protolytic cleavage of the metal-allylic bond in [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(eta(3)-CH(2)CHCR(2))(PPh(3))] with acetic acid affords the corresponding olefins R(2)C=CHCH(3). The by-product of this process is the acetato derivative [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(kappa(2)-O(2)CCH(3))(PPh(3))], which can be reconverted to the carbene complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=CR(2))(PPh(3))] in a one-pot reaction with R(2)CN(2) and Et(3)NHCl.     

Crystal synthesis of hybrid organometallic-inorganic hydrogen bonded salts of acid oxoanions

Partially deprotonated inorganic oxoanions derived from sulfuric and phosphoric acids have been used to assemble organometallic cations in inorganic-organometallic hybrid systems. The organometallic sandwich cations [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(2)Co]+, [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)Co]+ and [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)Fe]+ have been used because they do not interfere with hydrogen bonding formation forcing self-assembling of the inorganic acids anions HSO(4)(-) and H(2)PO(4)(-) into hydrogen bonded mono- and bi-dimensional networks.     

Organometallic Fluorides of Zirconium and Hafnium in the Synthesis of Carboxylate Complexes: Molecular Structures of [{(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))ZrF(OCOCF(3))(2)}(2)] and [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)Zr(OCOCF(3))(2)

The reaction of [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))ZrF(3)] and [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))HfF(3)] with Me(3)SiOCOCF(3) yields the dinuclear complexes [{(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))ZrF(OCOCF(3))(2)}(2)] (1) and [{(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))HfF(OCOCF(3))(2)}(2)] (2), regardless of the molar ratio employed. [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)ZrF(2)] reacts with 1 and 2 equiv of Me(3)SiOCOCF(3) to form the mononuclear compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)Zr(OCOCF(3))(2)] (3) and [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)ZrF(OCOCF(3))] (4), respectively. The molecular structures of 1 and 3 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis: 1, triclinic, P&onemacr;, a = 9.508(3) ?, b = 11.002(4) ?, c = 17.528(3) ?, alpha = 78.55(4), beta = 76.80(2), gamma = 87.51(2) degrees, V = 1750(1) ?(3), Z = 2, R = 0.0378; 3, monoclinic, C2/c, a = 18.553(4) ?, b = 9.110(2) ?, c = 16.323(3) ?, beta = 114.88(3) degrees, V = 2503(1) ?(3), Z = 4, R = 0.0457. Compound 1 shows bridging bidentate and chelating carboxylate ligands as well as bridging fluorine atoms. The zirconium atoms are seven coordinated and have an 18-electron configuration. X-ray studies of 3 reveal two structural components where the carboxylate ligands coordinate in a monodentate (major component) and a chelating manner (minor component).     

On the nature of actinide- and lanthanide-metal bonds in heterobimetallic compounds

Eleven experimentally characterized complexes containing heterobimetallic bonds between elements of the f-block and other elements were examined by quantum chemical methods: [(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(2)(THF)LuRu(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(CO)(2)], [(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)(I)ThRu(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(CO)(2)], [(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(2)YRe(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(2)], [{N(CH(2)CH(2)NSiMe(3))(3)}URe(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(2)], [Y{Ga(NArCh)(2)}{C(PPh(2)NSiH(3))(2)}(CH(3)OCH(3))(2)], [{N(CH(2)CH(2)NSiMe(3))(3)}U{Ga(NArCH)(2)}(THF)], [(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(3)UGa(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))], [Yb(η(5)-C(5)H(5)){Si(SiMe(3))(3)(THF)(2)}], [(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(3)U(SnPh(3))], [(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(3)U(SiPh(3))], and (Ph[Me]N)(3)USi(SiMe(3))(3). Geometries in good agreement with experiment were obtained at the density functional level of theory. The multiconfigurational complete active space self-consistent field method (CASSCF) and subsequent corrections with second order perturbation theory (CASPT2) were applied to further understand the electronic structure of the lanthanide/actinide-metal (or metal-metalloid) bonds. Fragment calculations and energy-decomposition analyses were also performed and indicate that charge transfer occurs from one supported metal fragment to the other, while the bonding itself is always dominated by ionic character.     

Trivalent [(C5Me5)2(THF)Ln]2(mu-eta2:eta2-N2) complexes as reducing agents including the reductive homologation of CO to a ketene carboxylate, (mu-eta4-O2C-C=C=O)2-

The [Z(2)Ln(THF)](2)(mu-eta(2)():eta(2)()-N(2)) complexes (Z = monoanionic ligand) generated by reduction of dinitrogen with trivalent lanthanide salts and alkali metals are strong reductants in their own right and provide another option in reductive lanthanide chemistry. Hence, lanthanide-based reduction chemistry can be effected in a diamagnetic trivalent system using the dinitrogen reduction product, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)(THF)La](2)(mu-eta(2)():eta(2)()-N(2)), 1, readily obtained from [(C(5)Me(5))(2)La][BPh(4)], KC(8), and N(2). Complex 1 reduces phenazine, cyclooctatetraene, anthracene, and azobenzene to form [(C(5)Me(5))(2)La](2)[mu-eta(3):eta(3)-(C(12)H(8)N(2))], 2, (C(5)Me(5))La(C(8)H(8)), 3, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)La](2)[mu-eta(3):eta(3)-(C(14)H(10))], 4, and [(C(5)Me(5))La(mu-eta(2)-(PhNNPh)(THF)](2), 5, respectively. Neither stilbene nor naphthalene are reduced by 1, but 1 reduces CO to make the ketene carboxylate complex {[(C(5)Me(5))(2)La](2)[mu-eta(4)-O(2)C-C=C=O](THF)}(2), 6, that contains CO-derived carbon atoms completely free of oxygen.     

Cube-type nitrido complexes containing titanium and alkali/alkaline-earth metals

Treatment of [[Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(mu-NH)](3)(mu(3)-N)] with alkali-metal bis(trimethylsilyl)amido derivatives [M[N(SiMe(3))(2)]] in toluene affords edge-linked double-cube nitrido complexes [M(mu(4)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)]](2) (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) or corner-shared double-cube nitrido complexes [M(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(5)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)](2)] (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs). Analogous reactions with 1/2 equiv of alkaline-earth bis(trimethylsilyl)amido derivatives [M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)(thf)(2)] give corner-shared double-cube nitrido complexes [M[(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)](2)] (M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba). If 1 equiv of the group 2 amido reagent is employed, single-cube-type derivatives [(thf)(x)[(Me(3)Si)(2)N]M[(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)]] (M = Mg, x = 0; M = Ca, Sr, Ba, x = 1) can be isolated or identified. The tetrahydrofuran molecules are easily displaced with 4-tert-butylpyridine in toluene, affording the analogous complexes [(tBupy)[(Me(3)Si)(2)N]M[(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)]] (M = Ca, Sr). The X-ray crystal structures of [M(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(5)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)](2)] (M = K, Rb, Cs) and [M[(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3))-N)](2)] (M = Ca, Sr) have been determined. The properties and solid-state structures of the azaheterometallocubane complexes bearing alkali and alkaline-earth metals are discussed.     

Synthetic, reactivity, and structural studies on half-sandwich (eta5-C5Me5)Be and related compounds: halide, alkyl, and iminoacyl derivatives

The half-sandwich compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))BeX] (X=Cl, 1 a; Br, 1 b), readily prepared from the reaction of the halides BeX(2) and M[C(5)Me(5)] (M=Na or K), are useful synthons for other (eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Be organometallic compounds, including the alkyl derivatives [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))BeR] (R=Me, 2 a; CMe(3), 2 b; CH(2)CMe(3), 2 c; CH(2)Ph, 2 d). The latter compounds can be obtained by metathetical exchange of the halides 1 with the corresponding lithium reagent and exhibit NMR signals and other properties in accord with the proposed formulation. Attempts to make [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))BeH] have proved fruitless, probably due to instability of the hydride toward disproportionation into [Be(C(5)Me(5))(2)] and BeH(2). The half-sandwich iminoacyl [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Be(C(NXyl)Cp')] and [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(4)H)Be(C(NXyl)Cp')]3, 6 where Xyl=C(6)H(3)-2,6-Me(2) and Cp'=C(5)Me(5) or C(5)Me(4)H, are formed when the beryllocenes [Be(C(5)Me(5))(2)], [Be(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)], and [Be(C(5)Me(5))(C(5)Me(4)H)] are allowed to react with CNXyl. Isolation of three different iminoacyl isomers from the reaction of the mixed-ring beryllocene [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Be(eta(1)-C(5)Me(4)H)] and CNXyl, namely compounds 5 a, 5 b, and 6, provides compelling evidence for the existence in solution of different beryllocene isomers, generated in the course of two very facile processes that explain the solution dynamics of these metallocenes, that is the 1,5-sigmatropic shift of the Be(eta(5)-Cp') unit around the periphery of the eta(1)-Cp' ring, and the molecular inversion rearrangement that exchanges the roles of the two rings.     

Molecular nitrides containing group 4 and 5 metals: single and double azatitanocubanes

Treatment of [[Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(micro-NH)](3)(micro(3)-N)] (1) with the imido complexes [Ti(NAr)Cl(2)(py)(3)] (Ar=2,4,6-C(6)H(2)Me(3)) and [Ti(NtBu)Cl(2)(py)(3)] in toluene affords the single azatitanocubanes [[Cl(2)(ArN)Ti]( micro(3)-NH)(3)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]].(C(7)H(8)) (2.C(7)H(8)) and [[Cl(2)Ti](micro(3)-N)(2)(micro(3)-NH)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]] (3), respectively. Similar reactions of complex 1 with the niobium and tantalum imido derivatives [[M(NtBu)(NHtBu)Cl(2)(NH(2)tBu)](2)] (M=Nb, Ta) in toluene give the single azaheterometallocubanes [[Cl(2)(tBuN)M](micro(3)-N)(micro(3)-NH)(2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]] (M=Nb (4), Ta (5)), both complexes react with 2,4,6-trimethylaniline to yield the analogous species [[Cl(2)(ArN)M](micro(3)-N)(micro(3)-NH)(2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]].(C(7)H(8)) (Ar=2,4,6-C(6)H(2)Me(3), M=Nb (6.C(7)H(8)), Ta (7.C(7)H(8))). Also the azaheterodicubanes [M[micro(3)-N)(2)(micro(3)-NH)](2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)](2)].2C(7)H(8) [M=Ti (8.2C(7)H(8)), Zr (9.2C(7)H(8))], and [M[(micro(3)-N)(5)(micro(3)-NH)][Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)](2)].2 C(7)H(8) (Nb (10.2C(7)H(8)), Ta (11.2C(7)H(8))) were prepared from 1 and the homoleptic dimethylamido complex [M(NMe(2))(x)] (x=4, M=Ti, Zr; x=5, M=Nb, Ta) in toluene at 150 degrees C. X-ray crystal structure determinations were performed for 6 and 10, which revealed a cube- and double-cube-type core, respectively. For complexes 2 and 4-7 we observed and studied by DNMR a rotation or trigonal-twist of the organometallic ligands [[Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(micro-NH)](3)(micro(3)-N)] (1) and [(micro(3)-N)(micro(3)-NH)(2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]](1-). Density functional theory calculations were carried out on model complexes of 2, 3, and 8 to establish and understand their structures.     

Arene-ruthenium complexes of an acyclic thiolate-thioether and tridentate thioether derivatives resulting from ring-closure reactions

The reaction of [(eta(6)-arene)RuCl(2)](2) (arene = C(6)Me(6), 1,4-MeC(6)H(4)CHMe(2)) with a large excess of the dianion of bis(2-mercaptoethyl) sulfide, (HSCH(2)CH(2))(2)S, obtained from deprotonation of the dithiol with freshly prepared NaOMe, gives the deep red, monomeric complexes [(eta(6)-arene)Ru(eta(3)-C(4)H(8)S(3))] (arene = C(6)Me(6) (5), 1,4-MeC(6)H(4)CHMe(2) (6)) in which the dianion is bound to the metal atom through one thioether and two thiolate sulfur atoms. Complex 5 reacts with [(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))RuCl(2)](2) (4) in a 2:1 mole ratio to give a quantitative yield of the chloride salt of a binuclear cation [((eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))Ru)(2)Cl(mu(2)-eta(2):eta(3)-C(4)H(8)S(3))](+) (7) in which the thiolate sulfur atoms of the [(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))Ru(eta(3)-C(4)H(8)S(3))] group bridge to a (eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))RuCl unit. This compound is also obtained directly from the reaction of 4 with the dithiolate, if the Ru dimer is used in large excess. The binuclear complex [((eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))Ru)(2)(MeCN)(mu(2)-eta(2):eta(3)-C(4)H(8)S(3))](PF(6))(2).MeCN, (9)(PF(6))(2).MeCN, is obtained by treatment of (7)Cl with NH(4)PF(6) in acetonitrile. Protonation of 5 with HCl gave the mono- and diprotonated derivatives viz. [(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))Ru(eta(3)-C(4)H(9)S(3))]Cl, (8)Cl, and [(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))Ru(eta(3)-C(4)H(10)S(3))]Cl(2), (10)Cl(2), respectively. The reaction of 5 with methyl iodide gives both the mono- and di-S-methylated derivatives. Treatment of 5 with dibromoalkanes, Br(CH(2))(n)Br (n = 1-5), effects ring closure to give the (eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))Ru dications containing the trithia mesocyclic zS3 (z = 8-12) ligands, isolated as their PF(6) salts. The X-ray crystal structures of 5, 6, the solvates of (7)Cl and (9)(PF(6))(2), and the trithia mesocyclic Ru complexes (eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))Ru(zS3)(PF(6))(2) (z = 8-11) are reported.     

An unusual barium olefin complex

Reacting [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))In] in the presence of [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)Ba] results in the C-H activation of the barocene ligand framework. A barium metallocene with an intramolecular barium-olefin bond was formed.     

Half-sandwich rhodium (and iridium) complexes as enantioselective catalysts for the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline N-oxide to methacrylonitrile

Cationic half-sandwich complexes containing the [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))M(Diphos*)] moiety (M=Rh, Ir; Diphos*=chiral diphosphine ligand) catalyze the cycloaddition of the nitrone 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline N-oxide (A) to methacrylonitrile (B) with excellent regio and endo selectivity and low-to-moderate enantioselectivity. The most active and selective catalyst, (S(Rh),R(C))-[(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Rh{(R)-Prophos)} (NC(Me)C==CH(2))](SbF(6))(2), has been isolated and fully characterized including the determination of the molecular structure by X-ray diffraction. The R-at-metal epimers of the complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))M{(R)-Prophos)}(NC(Me)C==CH(2))](SbF(6))(2) (M=Rh, Ir) isomerize to the corresponding S-at-metal diastereomers. The stoichiometric cycloaddition of A with B is catalyzed by diastereopure (S(M),R(C))-[(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))M{(R)-Prophos)}(NC(Me)C==CH(2))](SbF(6))(2) with perfect regio and endo selectivity and very good (up to 95 %) ee. The catalyst can be recycled up to nine times without significant loss of either activity or selectivity.     

Macropolyhedral boron-containing cluster chemistry. Cluster opening and B-frame rearrangement in the reaction of B(16)H(20) with [{(IrCl(2)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}(2)]. Synchrotron X-ray structures of [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)Ir(2)B(16)H(17)Cl] and [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)Ir(2)B(16)H(15)Cl

Products from the reaction of + nido ten-vertex : nido eight-vertex, B(16)H(20) with [{(IrCl(2)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}(2)] and tmnd show unanticipated rearrangement of the starting {B(16)} skeleton, as exhibited by + nido ten-vertex : nido ten-vertex, [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)Ir(2)B(16)H(17)Cl] which has a {B(2)} edge conjunction and by + nido ten-vertex : nido eleven-vertex, [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)Ir(2)B(16)H(15)Cl] which has a {B(3)} face conjunction.     

Encapsulation of a trinuclear silver(I) cluster by two imido-nitrido metalloligands [{Ti(eta5-C5Me5)(micro-NH)}3(micro3-N)

Treatment of the metalloligand [{Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(micro-NH)}(3)(micro(3)-N)] with silver(i) trifluoromethanesulfonate in different molar ratios gives the ionic compounds [Ag{(micro(3)-NH)(3)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)}(2)][O(3)SCF(3)] and [Ag{(micro(3)-NH)(3)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)}][O(3)SCF(3)] or the triangular silver cluster [(CF(3)SO(2)O)(3)Ag(3){(micro(3)-NH)(3)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)}(2)] in which each face is capped by a metalloligand.     

Structure, reactivity, and density functional theory analysis of the six-electron reductant, [(C5Me5)2U]2(mu-eta6:eta6-C6H6), synthesized via a new mode of (C5Me5)3M reactivity

The sterically crowded (C(5)Me(5))(3)U complex reacts with KC(8) or K/(18-crown-6) in benzene to form [(C(5)Me(5))(2)U](2)(mu-eta(6):eta(6)-C(6)H(6)), 1, and KC(5)Me(5). These reactions suggested that (C(5)Me(5))(3)U could be susceptible to (C(5)Me(5))(1-) substitution by benzene anions via ionic salt metathesis. To test this idea in the synthesis of a more conventional product, (C(5)Me(5))(3)U was treated with KN(SiMe(3))(2) to form (C(5)Me(5))(2)U[N(SiMe(3))(2)] and KC(5)Me(5). 1 has long U-C(C(5)Me(5)) bond distances comparable to (C(5)Me(5))(3)U, and it too is susceptible to (C(5)Me(5))(1-) substitution via ionic metathesis: 1 reacts with KN(SiMe(3))(2) to make its amide-substituted analogue [[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](C(5)Me(5))U](2)(mu-eta(6):eta(6)-C(6)H(6)), 2. Complexes 1 and 2 have nonplanar C(6)H(6)-derived ligands sandwiched between the two uranium ions. 1 and 2 were examined by reactivity studies, electronic absorption spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. [(C(5)Me(5))(2)U](2)(mu-eta(6):eta(6)-C(6)H(6)) functions as a six-electron reductant in its reaction with 3 equiv of cyclooctatetraene to form [(C(5)Me(5))(C(8)H(8))U](2)(mu-eta(3):eta(3)-C(8)H(8)), (C(5)Me(5))(2), and benzene. This multielectron transformation can be formally attributed to three different sources: two electrons from two U(III) centers, two electrons from sterically induced reduction by two (C(5)Me(5))(1-) ligands, and two electrons from a bridging (C(6)H(6))(2-) moiety.     

The effect of micro-CN linkage isomerism and ancillary ligand set on directional metal-metal charge-transfer in cyanide-bridged dimanganese complexes

The reaction of [Mn(CN)L'(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)R(4)Me)] with cis- or trans-[MnBrL(CO)(2)(dppm)], in the presence of Tl[PF(6)], gives homobinuclear cyanomanganese(i) complexes cis- or trans-[(dppm)(CO)(2)LMn(micro-NC)MnL'(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)R(4)Me)](+), linkage isomers of which, cis- or trans-[(dppm)(CO)(2)LMn(micro-CN)MnL'(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)R(4)Me)](+), are synthesised by reacting cis- or trans-[Mn(CN)L(CO)(2)(dppm)] with [MnIL'(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)R(4)Me)] in the presence of Tl[PF(6)]. X-Ray structural studies on the isomers trans-[(dppm)(CO)(2){(EtO)(3)P}Mn(micro-NC)Mn(CNBu(t))(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)Me)](+) and trans-[(dppm)(CO)(2){(EtO)(3)P}Mn(micro-CN)Mn(CNBu(t))(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)Me)](+) show nearly identical molecular structures whereas cis-[(dppm)(CO)(2){(PhO)(3)P}Mn(micro-NC)Mn{P(OPh)(3)}(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)Me)](+) and cis-[(dppm)(CO)(2){(PhO)(3)P}Mn(micro-CN)Mn{P(OPh)(3)}(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)Me)](+) differ, effectively in the N- and C-coordination respectively of two different optical isomers of the pseudo-tetrahedral units (NC)Mn{P(OPh)(3)}(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)Me) and (CN)Mn{P(OPh)(3)}(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)Me) to the octahedral manganese centre. Electrochemical and spectroscopic studies on [(dppm)(CO)(2)LMn(micro-XY)MnL'(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)R(4)Me)](+) show that systematic variation of the ligands L and L', of the cyclopentadienyl ring substituents R, and of the micro-CN orientation (XY = CN or NC) allows control of the order of oxidation of the two metal centres and hence the direction and energy of metal-metal charge-transfer (MMCT) through the cyanide bridge in the mixed-valence dications. Chemical one-electron oxidation of cis- or trans-[(dppm)(CO)(2)LMn(micro-NC)MnL'(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)R(4)Me)](+) with [NO][PF(6)] gives the mixed-valence dications trans-[(dppm)(CO)(2)LMn(II)(micro-NC)Mn(I)L'(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)R(4)Me)](2+) which show solvatochromic absorptions in the electronic spectrum, assigned to optically induced Mn(I)-to-Mn(II) electron transfer via the cyanide bridge.     

Stepwise bromination of two acetylene molecules on a butterfly-type tetrairon core and reactivity of the resulting bromoacetylene fragment toward nucleophiles

Treatment of the acetylene-coordinated tetrairon cluster, [(eta5-C5H4Me)4Fe4(HCCH)2]+, with N-bromosuccinimide led to stepwise bromination of two acetylene ligands to form [(eta5-C5H4Me)4Fe4(HCCBr)(HCCH)]+, [(eta5-C5H4Me)4Fe4(HCCBr)2]+, [(eta5-C5H4Me)4Fe4(BrCCBr)(HCCBr)]+, and [(eta5-C5H4Me)4Fe4(BrCCBr)2]+. The reactivity of the bromoacetylene fragment in [(eta5-C5H4Me)4Fe4(HCCBr)(HCCH)]+ toward water, pyridine, and ZnMe2 was also investigated.     

Acetylene to vinylidene rearrangements on electron rich d6 metal centers: a density functional study

The acetylene to vinylidene isomerization on several Ru(II) d(6) metal fragments with different electron richness of the metal center has been investigated by means of density functional theory calculations. We considered the [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Ru(dippe)](+), [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Ru(dmpe)](+), [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(PMe(3))(2)](+), [(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))(PMe(3))ClRu](+), [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(CO)(PPh(3))](+) and [eta(6)-C(6)H(6))(PMe(3))ClRu](+), species which are quite common in the chemistry of cationic Ru(II) complexes and span a wide range of electron-richness. For each of the considered fragments, the minima on the potential energy surfaces for the two possible isomerization mechanisms, i.e. through a direct 1,2-hydrogen shift or through a hydrido-alkynyl intermediate, have been localized. A linear correlation has been found between the C=C stretching frequencies of the vinylidene complexes, as an estimate of the electron richness, and the stability of the corresponding hydrido-alkynyl intermediates. For the most electron-rich among the considered fragments, [(Cp*)(dippe)Ru(HCCH)](+), the hydrido-alkynyl species has been found essentially isoenergetic with the alkyne complex (only 1.9 kcal mol(-1) higher), in agreement with the experimental evidence showing for this system an equilibrium between these two species. For the same [(Cp*)(dippe)Ru](+) fragment, a detailed analysis of the reaction profiles for the two possible acetylene rearrangement pathways has been performed. Our results show that once the eta(2)-C-H coordinated acetylene intermediate is accessed, the system can easily evolve towards a hydrido-alkynyl intermediate, this process being kinetically favored with respect to the direct 1,2-shift leading to the vinylidene product.     

Bridging mu-eta(5):eta(4)-coordination of an indenyl ligand and reductive coupling of diazabutadienes in the assembly of di- and tetranuclear mixed-valent ytterbium indenyldiazabutadiene complexes

The redox reaction of [Yb(C(9)H(7))(2)(thf)(2)] with the diazabutadiene PhN==C(Me)--C(Me)==NPh (DAD) has been found to depend on the molar ratio of the reactants. Reaction in a 1:2 molar ratio affords the dinuclear mixed-valent complex [Yb(2)(mu-eta(5):eta(4)-C(9)H(7))(eta(5)-C(9)H(7))(2){mu-eta(4):eta(4)-PhNC(Me)==C(Me)NPh}] containing an indenyl ligand with an unusual mu-eta(5):eta(4) bridging coordination. Reaction of equimolar amounts of these compounds results in an organolanthanide-mediated reductive coupling of the DAD ligands and formation of the tetranuclear mixed-valent complex [Yb(2)(mu-eta(5):eta(4)-C(9)H(7))(eta(5)-C(9)H(7))(2){mu-eta(4):eta(4)-PhNC(CH(2))==C(Me)NPh}](2) with a novel tetradentate tetraimine ligand.     

Novel coordinatively unsaturated bimetallic complexes, [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(mu2-iPrNC(Me)=N(i)Pr)Ru(eta5-C5Me5)]+: a bridging amidinate ligand perpendicular to the metal-metal axis effectively stabilizes the highly reactive cationic diruthenium species.

Coordinatively unsaturated diruthenium complexes, [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(mu2-iPrNC(Me)=NiPr)Ru(eta5-C5Me5)]+, of which crystallography revealed structures bearing a bridging amidinate ligand perpendicular to the Ru-Ru axis, were synthesized by anion exchange of [(eta5-C3Me5(Ru(mu2-iPrNC(Me)=NiPr)Ru(eta5-C5Me5)]+ Br- by weakly coordinating anions. Variable-temperature NMR showed rapid motion of the bridging amidinate ligand. The coordinatively unsaturated nature of the cationic complexes provides their high reactivity toward a series of two electron donor ligands. Oxidative addition of molecular hydrogen occurred to give [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(mu2-iPrNC(Me)=NiPr)(mu-H)Ru(eta5-C5Me5)(H)]+, which was isolated and characterized.