Ammonia Activation by a Nickel NCN‐Pincer Complex featuring a Non‐Innocent N‐Heterocyclic Carbene: Ammine and Amido Complexes in Equilibrium

A Ni⁰‐NCN pincer complex featuring a six‐membered N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) central platform and amidine pendant arms was synthesized by deprotonation of its Ni^II precursor. It retained chloride in the square‐planar coordination sphere of nickel and was expected to be highly susceptible to oxidative addition reactions. The Ni⁰ complex rapidly activated ammonia at room temperature, in a ligand‐assisted process where the carbene carbon atom played the unprecedented role of proton acceptor. For the first time, the coordinated (ammine) and activated (amido) species were observed together in solution, in a solvent‐dependent equilibrium. A structural analysis of the Ni complexes provided insight into the highly unusual, non‐innocent behavior of the NHC ligand.     

The Ligand‐Based Quintuple Bond‐Shortening Concept and Some of Its Limitations

Herein, the ligand‐based concept of shortening quintuple bonds and some of its limitations are reported. In dichromium–diguanidinato complexes, the length of the quintuple bond can be influenced by the substituent at the central carbon atom of the used ligand. The guanidinato ligand with a 2,6‐dimethylpiperidine backbone was found to be the optimal ligand. The reduction of its chromium(II) chloride–ate complex gave a quintuply bonded bimetallic complex with a Cr? Cr distance of 1.7056 (12) Å. Its metal–metal distance, the shortest observed in any stable compound yet, is of essentially the same length as that of the longest alkane C? C bond (1.704 (4) Å). Both molecules, the alkane and the Cr complex, are of remarkable stability. Furthermore, an unsupported Cr^I dimer with an effective bond order (EBO) of 1.25 between the two metal atoms, indicated by CASSCF/CASPT2 calculations, was isolated as a by‐product. The formation of this by‐product indicates that with a certain bulk of the guanidinato ligand, other coordination isomers become relevant. Over‐reduction takes place, and a chromium–arene sandwich complex structurally related to the classic dibenzene chromium complex was observed, even when bulkier substituents are introduced at the central carbon atom of the used guanidinato ligand.     

Carbodicarbenes or Bent Allenes

The pursuit of unusual bonding environments of carbon species with non‐octet electronic configurations has been quite active in fundamental organic and theoretical chemistry for many decades. In this respect, a distinct carbone species has been successfully isolated recently and defined as “carbodicarbene” or “bent allene.” This neutral two‐coordinated central carbon atom possesses two electron lone pairs, while its octet deficiency is overcome by σ donation of N‐ heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs ) bound to the central carbon. The present review is focused on the rich chemistry of carbodicarbenes in the aspects of synthesis, characterization, and ligand science of metal complex as well as their intrinsic reactivities.     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of a stabilized calcium carbene: R(2)CCa

Attempted 2-fold deprotonation of the bis(iminophosphorano)methane ligand, H(2)C(Ph(2)P=NSiMe(3))(2) (4-H(2)), with a calcium amide led only to mono-deprotonation. The crystal structure of (4-H)(2)Ca shows two tridentate ligands with short Ca-N and a rather long Ca-C bond. Reaction of 4-H(2) with a dibenzylcalcium complex gave the desired 2-fold deprotonation and formation of 4-Ca, which crystallized as a dimeric complex. Analysis of the calculated atomic and group charges in 4-H(2), (4-H)(2)Ca, and [4-Ca](2) showed that the negative charge at the imine nitrogens only slightly increases upon successive deprotonation of 4-H(2). The electron density at the central carbon, however, increases considerably: the charge on the carbene carbon in [4-Ca](2) is ca. -1.8. The negative charge in 4(2)(-) is therefore mainly located on the carbon. Reaction of [4-Ca](2) with benzophenone in benzene gave the remarkably stable adduct [4-Ca](2) x O=CPh(2), which was characterized by X-ray diffraction. Reaction of [4-Ca](2) with adamantylcyanide gave exclusive formation of the adduct [4-Ca](2) x (N identical withCR)(2), which did not react further, even at higher temperatures. Addition of cyclohexyl isocyanate to a benzene solution of [4-Ca](2) gave immediate [2 + 2]-cycloaddition and formation of a dianionic tetradentate ligand that binds to Ca(2+) through two nitrogens, the central carbon, and an oxygen. This product crystallized as a dimer with bridging oxygen atoms.     

Reduction of carbodiimides by samarium(II) bis(trimethylsilyl)amides-formation of oxalamidinates and amidinates through C-C coupling or C-H activation

The reaction of [Sm{N(SiMe3)2}2(THF)2] (THF=tetrahydrofuran) with carbodiimides RN=C=NR (R=Cy, C6H3-2,6-iPr2) led to the formation of dinuclear SmIII complexes via differing C-C coupling processes. For R=Cy, the product [{(Me3Si)2N}2Sm(micro-C2N4Cy4)Sm{N(SiMe3)2}2] (1) has an oxalamidinate [C2N4Cy4]2- ligand resulting from coupling at the central C atoms of two CyNCNCy moieties. In contrast, for R=C6H3-2,6-iPr2, H transfer and an unusual coupling of two iPr methine C atoms resulted in a linked formamidinate complex, [{(Me3Si)2N}2Sm{micro-(RNC(H)N(Ar-Ar)NC(H)NR)}Sm{N(SiMe3)2}2] (2) (Ar-Ar=C6H3-2-iPr-6-C(CH3)2C(CH3)2-6'-C6H3-2'-iPr). Analogous reactions of RN=C=NR (R=Cy, C6H3-2,6-iPr2) with the SmII "ate" complex [Sm{N(SiMe2)3Na] gave 1 for R=Cy, but a novel C-substituted amidinate complex, [(THF)Na{N(R)C(NR)CH2Si(Me2)N(SiMe3)}Sm{N(SiMe3)2}2] (3), for R=C6H3-2,6-iPr2, via gamma C-H activation of a N(SiMe3)2 ligand.     

A new class of iridium complexes suitable for stepwise incorporation into linear assemblies: synthesis, electrochemistry, and luminescence

A new family of cationic iridium(III) complexes is reported that contain two cyclometalating terdentate ligands. The complex [Ir(N--C--N-dpyx)(N--N--C-phbpy)]+ (1) contains one N--C--N-coordinating ligand, cyclometalating through the central phenyl ring, and one N--N--C-coordinated ligand, cyclometalated at the peripheral phenyl ring [dpyxH = 1,3-di(2-pyridyl)-4,6-dimethylbenzene; phbpyH = 6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine]. This binding mode dictates a mutually cis arrangement of the cyclometalated carbon atoms: the complexes are thus bis-terdentate analogues of the well-known [Ir(N--C-ppy)2(N--N-bpy)]+ family of complexes, which similarly contain a cis-C2N4 coordination environment. The dpyx ligand can be brominated regioselectively at the carbon atom para to the metal under mild conditions. Starting from a modified complex, [Ir(N--C--N-dpyx)(N--N--C-mtbpy-phi-Br)]+ (2), which incorporates a pendent bromophenyl group, a sequential cross-coupling-bromination-cross-coupling strategy can be applied for the stepwise introduction of aryl groups into the ligands, using in situ palladium-catalyzed Suzuki reactions with arylboronic acids [mtbpyH-phi-Br = 4-(p-bromophenyl)-6-(m-tolyl)bipyridine]. Dimetallic complexes 6 and 7 have similarly been prepared by a palladium-catalyzed reaction of complex 2 with 1,4-benzenediboronic acid and 4,4'-biphenyldiboronic acid, respectively. All five monometallic complexes and both dimetallic systems are luminescent in solution, emitting around 630 nm in MeCN at 298 K, with quantum yields in the range of 0.02-0.06, superior to [Ir(ppy)2(bpy)]+. The luminescence, electrochemistry, and singlet-oxygen-sensitizing abilities of the new family of complexes are discussed in the context of the tris-bidentate analogues and related bis-terdentate compounds that contain a trans arrangement of cyclometalated carbon atoms.     

A planar tetracoordinate carbon and unusual bonding in an organodimetallic propynylidene complex arising from double C-H activation of an allene ligand

Reduction of the organoditantalum allene complex (eta-C5Me4R)2Ta2(mu-X)X3(mu-eta1,eta3-C3H4) (R = Me (Cp*), Et; X = Cl, Br) with sodium amalgam leads to the propynylidene complex (eta-C5Me4R)2Ta2(mu-H)2X2(mu-HCCCH) by a formal double 1,3-C-H activation of the allene ligand. The solid-state molecular structure contains a planar HCCCH ligand bridging, in parallel coordination mode, the two tantalum atoms, with the HCCCH and Ta atoms coplanar. Key structural features are a Ta-Ta distance of 2.8817(7) A, propynylidene C-C-C angle of 153.7(13) degrees , C-C distance of 1.370(8) A, Ta-C(central) distance of 2.194(9) A, and Ta-C(terminal) distance of 1.970(9) A. Molecular orbital calculations on the complex at the RHF/SBK(d) and B3LYP/LanL2dz levels of theory demonstrate that the propynylidene ligand is best viewed formally as an allenediylidene(4-) ligand bonded to two d0 tantalum atoms via two Ta=C(terminal) double bonds and an unusual three-center, two-electron bridge bond involving both tantalum atoms and a lone pair on the planar, tetracoordinate central carbon. There is no net Ta-Ta bonding based on the orbital analysis.     

Density functional calculations on the conversion of azide and carbon monoxide to isocyanate and dinitrogen by a nickel to sulfur rebound mechanism

Density functional calculations (B3 LYP & BP86) on a model system for the reaction between carbon monoxide and [Ni(N(3))('S(3)')](-) ('S(3)'(2-)=bis(2-mercaptophenyl)sulfide (2-)) predict a three-step mechanism. First, CO attacks the nickel to generate a pseudo "square-pyramidal" complex, in which CO, N(3) (-), and two sulfides are basal and the central S atom of the 'S(3)'(2-) ligand backs away from Ni to form a weak Ni-S apical bond. Then, CO inserts into the Ni-N bond and the weak apical Ni--S bond rebounds to its original strength as the nickel forms a square-planar intermediate. Finally, in a one-step process N(2) leaves as the remaining N atom and carbonyl rearrange to produce the nickel isocyanate product [Ni(NCO)('S(3)')](-).     

Donor-Stabilized Silylene/Phosphine-Supported Carbon(0) Center with High Electron Density

An isolable donor-stabilized silavinylidene phosphorane was synthesized. This molecule, which can also be regarded as a new carbon(0) complex featuring a phosphine and a donor-stabilized silylene ligand, presents a central carbon atom with a remarkably high electron density (−1.82). Furthermore, the experimental electron-density study of this compound demonstrates the delocalization of the σ-lone pair at the central carbon atom toward the silicon center, a feature which is remarkably different from electronic situation of other bent-allene-type molecules. This result clearly demonstrates the powerful electron-donating ability of donor-stabilized silylene ligands, as well as their excellent electron-acceptor properties.     

Design and synthesis of an isopenicillin N synthase mimic

Towards the aim of creating a functional mimic of isopenicillin N synthase, a small molecule designed to coordinate around iron(II) and model the enzyme active site has been prepared in nine synthetic steps from 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)pyridine, (S)-(+)-mandelic acid and pivaldehyde. One aspartate, two histidines and a water ligand in the natural enzyme are replaced by an α-hydroxy acid, pyridine and aniline in the model compound. Additionally, a free thiol designed to simulate the enzyme substrate, δ-(l-α-aminoadipoyl)-l-cysteinyl-d-valine, is linked to the ligand by a three carbon chain. We postulate that in the presence of molecular oxygen, the complex formed between this synthetic ligand and iron(II) will display oxidative chemistry similar to that observed in the active site of isopenicillin N synthase.     

Activation of carbon dioxide by divalent tin alkoxides complexes

A series of terminal tin(II) alkoxides have been synthesized utilizing the bulky β-diketiminate ligand [{N(2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3))-C(Me)}(2)CH] (BDI). The nucleophilicities of these alkoxides have been examined, and unexpected trends were observed. For instance, (BDI)SnOR only reacts with highly activated aliphatic electrophiles such as methyl triflate, but reacts reversibly with carbon dioxide. Both the rate of reaction and the degree of reversibility is dependent upon minor changes in the alkoxide ligand, with the bulkier tert-butoxide ligand displaying slower reactivity than the corresponding isopropyl ligand, although the latter system is a more exergonic reaction. Density Function Theory (DFT) calculations show that the differences in the reversibility of carbon dioxide insertion can be attributed to the ground-state energy differences of tin alkoxides while the rate of reaction is attributed to relative bond strengths of the Sn-O bonds. The mechanism of carbon dioxide insertion is discussed.     

Bis(oxazolinyl)phenyl transition metal complexes: synthesis, asymmetric catalysis, and coordination chemistry

Molecular catalysts for organic synthesis should be constructed to be tailored to target reactions and their desirable conditions. In our search for them, we have studied new types of transition metal molecular catalysts dressed with a tridentate N,C,N modular ligand, which consists of a C2-symmetric side-by-side phenyl group with chiral bis(oxazolinyl) substituents. The ligand, 2,6-bis(oxazolinyl)phenyl abbreviated as Phebox, can connect covalently to transition metals by the central carbon atom. Here, we review our recent work on the chemistry of Phebox and its metal complexes, including preparation, structural analysis, asymmetric Lewis acid catalysis, asymmetric hydrosilylation, asymmetric conjugate reduction, asymmetric reductive aldol reaction, and organometallic reactions.     

Imidazole to NHC rearrangements at molybdenum centers: an experimental and theoretical study

Both manganese and rhenium complexes of the type [M(bipy)(CO)(3)(N-RIm)](+) (bipy=2,2'-bipyridine) undergo deprotonation of the central CH group of the N-alkylimidazole (N-RIm) ligand when treated with a strong base. However, the outcome of the reaction is very different for either metal. For Mn, the addition of the equimolar amount of an acid to the product of the deprotonation affords an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complex, whereas for Re, once the deprotonation of the central imidazole CH group has occurred, the bipy ligand undergoes a nucleophilic attack on an ortho carbon, affording the C-C coupling product. The extension of these studies to pseudo-octahedral [Mo(η(3)-allyl)(bipy)(CO)(2)(N-RIm)](+) complexes has allowed us to isolate cationic NHC complexes (Mn(I)-type behavior), as well as their neutral imidazol-2-yl precursors. Theoretical studies of the reaction mechanisms using DFT computations were carried out on the deprotonation of [Mn(bipy)(CO)(3)(N-PhIm)](+), [Re(bipy)(CO)(3) (N-MesIm)](+), and [Mo(η(3)-C(4)H(7))(bipy)(CO)(2) (N-MesIm)](+) complexes (Mes=mesityl) at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) (LANL2DZ for Mn, Re, and Mo) level of theory. Our results explain why different products have been found experimentally for Mn, Mo, and Re complexes. For Re, the process leading to a C-C coupling product is clearly more favored than those forming an imidazol-2-yl product. In contrast, for Mn and Mo complexes, the lower stabilizing interaction between the central imidazole and ortho bipy C atoms, along with the higher lability of the ligands, make the formation of an NHC-type product kinetically more accessible, in good agreement with experimental findings.     

Chromium complexes of an isomeric N-donor ligand, 2-[(N-arylamino)phenylazo]pyridine: amination reactions,X-ray structure,and redox properties

The chromium chemistry of two positional isomers of the ligand 2-[(N-arylamino)phenylazo]pyridine (HL(1)and HL(2)) are described. While the ligand HL(1) coordinates as a bischelating tridentate N,N,N-donor, [L(1)](-), with deprotonation of the amine nitrogen, its isomer HL(2) coordinates as a neutral bidentate N,N-donor. The amine nitrogen in this case remains protonated. Thus the reaction of CrCl(3).nH(2)O with HL(1) produced the brown cationic complex, [Cr(L(1))(2)](+), [1](+). The representative X-ray structure of [1a](ClO(4)) is reported. The two azo nitrogens of the anioinc tridentate ligand approach the metal center closest with Cr(1)-N(azo) av 1.862(6) A. There is a significant degree of ligand backbone conjugation in the coordinated ligands, which resulted in shortening of the C-N distances and also in lengthening of the diazo (N=N) distances. Two synthetic approaches for the synthesis of chromium complexes of HL(2) are investigated. The first approach is based on the substitution reaction, wherein all the coordinated CO ligands of Cr(CO)(6) were completely substituted by the three bidentate HL(2) ligands to produce a violet complex [Cr(HL(2))(3)]. The second approach is based on para-amination reaction of coordinated 2-(phenylazo)pyridine (pap). Thus the reaction of an inert complex, [CrCl(2)(pap)(2)], with ArNH(2) yields a mixed ligand complex, [CrCl(2)(pap)(HL(2))], 3. In this reaction one of the two coordinated pap ligands in [CrCl(2)(pap)(2)] undergoes amination at the para carbon (with respect to the diazo function) to yield HL(2) in situ. This metal-promoted transformation is authenticated by the X-ray structure determination of a representative complex, [CrCl(2)(pap)(HL(2a))], 3a. Notable differences in bond distances along the ligand backbones of the two coordinated ligands in 3a indicate different levels of metal-ligand overlap in this complex. All the chromium complexes of HL(2) are characterized by their intense blue-violet color. The frequencies of the visible range transitions in these complexes linearly correlate with the Hammett's substitution constant. Intraligand charge-transfer transitions in the visible region are believed to be responsible for the intense color. Redox properties of all these complexes are reported.     

Multifunctional behavior by a Bis-(phosphinimino)methanide ligand: eta 2- vs eta 3-coordination vs Bronsted basicity

The reaction of [(Cymene)RuCl2]2 with the chelate LiHC(PPh2NPh)2 occurs to remove both chloride ligands, to furnish a cationic Ru(II) complex with the monoanionic ligand bound eta3, through two N and an sp3 carbon. This cation is also produced from the conjugate acid of the ligand H2C(PPh2NPh)2 because this molecule can serve as a Br?nsted base, to deprotonate the acidic carbon of another molecule of H2C(PPh2NPh)2. DFT calculations show an energy surface where (Cymene)RuHC(PPh2NPh)2L is more stable with a Ru-CH(PPh2NPh)2 bond and with L = Cl- or MeCN not coordinated to Ru, than to an eta2-HC(PPh2NPh)2 structure with coordinated L; this is tested experimentally. The greater tendency for this ligand to be coordinated eta3 vs analogous diketiminates is discussed. The nucleophilicity of Cgamma in structure 1, vs that of donors L = Cl- or MeCN, is evaluated to understand the preference of the bis(phosphinimino)methanide to be bidentate or tridentate.     

Silver(I) complexes of a sterically demanding fluorinated triazapentadienyl ligand [N((C3F7)C(Dipp)N)2]- (Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl)

Sterically demanding triazapentadiene [N((C3F7)C(Dipp)N)2]H affords the isolation of thermally stable, two- and three-coordinate silver complexes. The free ligand [N((C3F7)C(Dipp)N)2]H has a W-shaped ligand backbone in the solid state.[N((C3F7)C(Dipp)N)2]H reacts with silver(I) oxide in acetonitrile leading to CH(3)CNAg [N((C3F7)C(Dipp)N)2]HIt features a two-coordinate silver center and a kappa(1)-coordinated triazapentadienyl ligand. This silver acetonitrile complex serves as an excellent precursor to obtain thermally stable, silver isocyanide t-BuNCAg [N((C3F7)C(Dipp)N)2]Hand silver phosphine [[N((C3F7)C(Dipp)N)2]HAgPPh(3) adducts. IR spectroscopic data for the silver(I) isocyanide t-BuNCAg [N((C3F7)C(Dipp)N)2]Hshows nu(CN) at 2219 cm(-)(1). The silver ion coordinates to the triazapentadienyl ligand via the central nitrogen atom. The silver PPh(3) adduct,[N((C3F7)C(Dipp)N)2]HAgPPh(3), was synthesized by treating CH3CNAg [N((C3F7)C(Dipp)N)2]Hwith PPh(3). It displays relatively large Ag-P coupling in the (31)P NMR spectrum. The triazapentadienyl ligand in[N((C3F7)C(Dipp)N)2]HAgPPh(3) acts as a chelating kappa(2)-donor. The Ag-P bond is relatively short (2.3487(10) A).     

A study of adsorption on carbon materials of nickel(II) complex with <Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N</Emphasis>′-ethylenebis(3-methoxy salicylideneimine) ligand

Adsorption of a nickel(II) complex with a N,N′-ethylenebis(3-methoxy salicylideneimine) ligand on carbon materials was studied. Parameters characterizing the adsorption of this compound were found. The structure of polymeric films formed by oxidation of the above compound (monomer) at the electrode was examined.     

A vanadyl Schiff base complex: {2,2′‐[1,1′‐(o‐phenylenedinitrilo)bis(ethan‐1‐yl‐1‐ylidene)]diphenolato}oxovanadium(IV)

The green crystals of the title compound, [V(C₂₂H₁₈N₂O₂)O], represent a mononuclear oxovanadium complex. The central V^IV centre has a distorted square‐pyramidal coordination. Two N atoms and two O atoms of the Schiff base ligand define the base of the pyramid, and the oxide O atom is in the apical position. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to analyse the changes in the geometry of the ligand during the complex formation. The most significant changes are observed in the values of the torsion angles in the vicinity of the donor N atoms. The HOMA index (Harmonic Oscillator Model of Aromaticity) has been calculated to compare the aromaticity of the benzene rings in the complex and its ligand.     

N,N,N',N'-Tetrakis(2-quinolylmethyl)-2-hydroxy-1,3-propanediamine (Htqhpn) as a supporting ligand for a low-valent (mu-O)2 tetranuclear manganese core

A new heptadentate N6-O1 ligand, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-quinolylmethyl)-2-hydroxy-1,3-propanediamine (Htqhpn), was synthesized and used to generate compounds with linearly ordered MnIIMnIIIMnIIIMnII tetranuclear cores. This is the lowest valent tetranuclear manganese complex that exhibits a (mu2-O)2Mn2 core in the molecule. The electron paramagnetic resonance and magnetic measurements of these tetranuclear complexes suggest moderately strong antiferromagnetic coupling for the central MnIII2 core, with weak coupling between the MnII and MnIII centers.     

Rhenium(V) and technetium(V) nitrido complexes with mixed tridentate π-donor and monodentate π-acceptor ligands

Mixed-ligand [M(N)(SNS)(PPh(3))] complexes (M = Tc, Re) (1, 2) were prepared by reaction of the precursor [M(N)Cl(2)(PPh(3))(2)] with ligand 2,2'-dimercaptodiethylamine [H(2)SNS = NH(CH(2)CH(2)SH)(2)] in refluxing dichloromethane/ethanol mixtures. In these compounds, 2,2'-dimercaptodiethylamine acts as a dianionic tridentate chelating ligand bound to the [M≡N](2+) group through the two π-donor deprotonated sulfur atoms and the protonated amine nitrogen atom. Triphenylphosphine completes the coordination sphere, acting as a monodentate ligand. [M(N)(NS(2))(PPh(3))] complexes can assume two different isomeric forms depending on the syn and anti orientations of the hydrogen atom bound to the central nitrogen atom of the SNS ligand with respect to the M≡N moiety. X-ray crystallography of the syn isomer of complex 2 demonstrated that it has a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry with the nitrido group and the two sulfur atoms defining the equatorial plane, the phosphorus atom of the monophosphine and the protonated amine nitrogen of the tridentate ligand spanning the two reciprocal trans positions along the axis perpendicular to the trigonal plane. Synthesis of the analogous Tc derivatives with tris(2-cyanoethyl)phosphine, [Tc(N)(SNS)(PCN)] [(PCN = P(CH(2)CH(2)CN)(3)], required the preliminary preparation of the new precursor [Tc(N)(PCN)(2)Cl(2)](2) (3), which was prepared by reacting [n-NBu(4)][Tc(N)Cl(4)] with a high excess of PCN. The crystal structure of compound 3 consists of a noncrystallographic centrosymmetric dimer of Tc(V) nitrido complexes having an octahedral geometry. In this arrangement, the apical positions are occupied by two tris(2-cyanoethyl)phosphine groups and the equatorial positions by the nitrido group whereas the two Cl(-) anions and one cyano ligand belong to the other octahedral component of the dimer. By reacting the new precursor [Tc(N)(PCN)(2)Cl(2)](2) with the ligand H(2)SNS the complex [Tc(N)(SNS)(PCN)] (5) was finally obtained in acetonitrile solution. The new Tc(III) complex trans-[Tc(PCN)(2)Cl(4)][n-NBu(4)] (4) was also isolated from the reaction solution used for preparing complex 3 as side product and characterized by X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure of 4 consists of independent trans-[TcCl(4)(PCN)(2)](-) anions situated on crystallographic centers of symmetry and tetrabutylammonium cations in general positions.