Volatile magnesium octahydrotriborate complexes as potential CVD precursors to MgB2. Synthesis and characterization of Mg(B3H8)2 and its etherates

The solid-state reaction of MgBr2 and NaB3H8 at 20 degrees C, followed by sublimation at 80 degrees C and 0.05 Torr, affords Mg(B3H8)2 as a white solid. Similar reactions with MgBr2(Et2O) and MgBr2(Me2O)1.5 afford the crystalline ether adducts Mg(B3H8)2(Et2O)2 and Mg(B3H8)2(Me2O)2, respectively. In contrast, reactions of MgBr2 with NaB3H8, the presence of excess solvent result in the formation of nonvolatile, probably ionic, magnesium compounds of the type [MgLx][B3H8]2. The adducts Mg(B3H8)2(Et2O)2 and Mg(B3H8)2(Me2O)2 are the first crystallographically characterized magnesium complexes of the B3H8- ligand; in both structures, the magnesium center adopts a distorted cis-octahedral geometry with two bidentate B3H8 groups and two Et2O ligands. Owing to their volatility, Mg(B3H8)2(Et2O)2 and Mg(B3H8)2(Me2O)2 are potential precursors for the deposition of MgB2 thin films, although preliminary efforts to employ them as chemical vapor deposition sources produce boron-rich MgBx films instead, with x approximately 7. Finally, the synthesis and structure of Cp2Mg(thf) are described: this mono-thf adduct of Cp2Mg bears two eta5-Cp groups, unlike other Lewis base adducts of Cp2Mg, which contain one eta5-Cp group and one eta1- or eta2-Cp group.     

Aluminum and zinc complexes based on an amino-bis(pyrazolyl) ligand: synthesis, structures, and use in MMA and lactide polymerization

The coordination chemistry of bis[2-(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)ethyl]amine (1, LH) with aluminum- and zinc-alkyls has been studied. Reaction of 1 with AlR3 affords the adducts [LH] x AlR3 (R = Me, 2; Et, 3), which undergo alkane elimination upon heating to yield the amido complexes [L]AlR2 (R = Me, 4; Et, 5). Reaction of LiO(iPrO)C=CMe2 with 2 proceeds via N-H deprotonation to give Li[L]AlMe3 (6), while the former enolate adds to 4 to generate [Me2C=C(OiPr)OLi] x [L]AlMe2 (7). Similarly, the 1:1 reaction of ZnEt2 with 1 gives [LH] x ZnEt2 (9), which is transformed into [L]ZnEt (10) upon heating. When an excess of ZnEt2 was used in the latter reaction, the bimetallic complex [L]ZnEt x ZnEt2 (11) was isolated beside 10. Performing the same reaction in the presence of O2 traces yielded selectively the dinuclear ethyl-ethoxide complex [L]Zn2Et2(mu-OEt) (12), which was alternatively prepared from the reaction of 10 and ZnEt(OEt). Zinc chloride complexes [LH] x ZnRCl (R = Et, 13; p-CH3C6H4CH2, 14) and [L]ZnCl (15) were prepared in high yields following similar strategies. Ethyl abstraction from 10 with B(C6F5)3 yields [L]Zn+EtB(C6F5)3- (16). All complexes have been characterized by multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies for four-coordinate Al complexes 2, 4, and 6 and Zn complexes 9-12 and 14. Aluminate species 6 and 7 initiate the polymerization of methyl methacrylate, and the monomer conversions are improved in the presence of neutral complexes 2 or 4, respectively; however, these methyl methacrylate (MMA) polymerizations are uncontrolled. Polymerization of rac-lactide takes place at 20 degrees C in the presence of zinc ethoxide complex 12 to yield atactic polymers with controlled molecular masses and relatively narrow polydispersities.     

Influence of the beta-alkoxy group on the diastereoselectivity of Aldol reactions of tetrahydro-4H-thiopyran-4-one with 4-Alkoxytetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-3-carboxaldehydes

The diastereoselectivity of the aldol reaction of tetrahydro-4H-thiopyran-4-one (3) with 1,4-dioxa-8-thiaspiro[4.5]decane-6-carboxaldehyde (9a) under a variety of conditions is examined. Under optimized conditions, three of the four possible diastereomers from this aldol reaction can be obtained selectively (3-16:1). Reactions of 9a with the Li, B, Mg(II), and Ti(IV) enolates of 3 and with the corresponding trimethylsilyl enol ether 4b in the presence of BF(3) x OEt(2), SnCl(4), or TiCl(4) as promoters gave the Felkin adducts exclusively (>95%) as mixtures of syn (11a) and anti (12a) diastereomers. Use of the "amine-free" Li enolate of 3 gave 12a with a much higher diastereoselectivity (9:1) and yield (70%) than that obtained using the lithium diisopropylamide-generated Li enolate of 3 (2-3:1; 15-40%). The TiCl(4)-promoted reaction of 4b with 9a gave 11a with excellent selectivity (16:1). In contrast, the MgBr(2) x OEt(2)-promoted reaction of 4b with 9a gave the anti-Felkin adducts exclusively as a 3:1 mixture of syn (13a)/anti (14a) diastereomers. Similar aldol reactions of 3 with the cis and trans isomers of 4-(methoxy)methoxytetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-3-carboxaldehyde (9b and 9c) were examined to probe the influence of the ketal protecting group in 9a on the observed aldol diastereoselectivity. The results are rationalized by applying Evans' stereochemical model for merged 1,2- and 1,3-asymmetric induction (non-chelation), with the exception of the MgBr(2) x OEt(2)-promoted reactions of 4b with 9a, 9b, and 9c, which are accommodated by assuming chelation control. Comparison of the reactions of 9a, 9b, and 9c suggests that the ketal group in 9a uniquely allows high levels of either Felkin or anti-Felkin selectivity to be achieved.     

Chiral alpha-branched benzylic carbocations: diastereoselective intermolecular reactions with arene nucleophiles and NMR spectroscopic studies

The chiral benzylic alcohols 1-6 were prepared and subjected to S(N)1-type displacement reactions with various arene nucleophiles in acidic medium. Under optimized conditions (HBF(4).OEt(2), CH(2)Cl(2), -78 degrees C --> r.t.) the corresponding 1,1-diarylalkanes 11-18 and 20 were obtained in good chemical yields (48-99%). The facial diastereoselectivity of the reaction is high (d.r. = 91/9-97/3) when the substrate bears a stereogenic carbon center -CHtBuMe in the alpha-position to the electrophilic carbon atom. If the starting material was enantiomerically pure, no significant racemization was observed (94% ee --> 92% ee). The reactions proceed stereoconvergently as demonstrated by the conversion of the separated diastereoisomers syn-1a and anti-1a in separate reactions to the same product syn-11 (d.r. = 97/3). Further evidence for long-lived chiral benzylic carbocations as reaction intermediates was obtained from NMR studies in superacidic medium. The chiral cation 24 was generated in SO(2)ClF as the solvent at -70 degrees C employing SbF(5) as the Lewis acid and characterized by its (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra. NOE measurements suggest a preferred conformation in which the diastereotopic faces of the cation are differentiated by the two carbon substituents R and Me at the stereogenic carbon center in the alpha-position. The hypothesis is further supported by the observation that the diastereoselectivity of the substitution reaction decreases if the bulky tert-butyl (R = tBu) substituent in the substrate 1a is replaced by a smaller ethyl group (2a, R = Et).     

Primary and secondary phosphine complexes of iron porphyrins and ruthenium phthalocyanine: synthesis, structure, and P-H bond functionalization

Reduction of [Fe(III)(Por)Cl] (Por = porphyrinato dianion) with Na2S2O4 followed by reaction with excess PH2Ph, PH2Ad, or PHPh2 afforded [Fe(II)(F20-TPP)(PH2Ph)2] (1a), [Fe(II)(F20-TPP)(PH2Ad)2] (1b), [Fe(II)(F20-TPP)(PHPh2)2] (2a), and [Fe(II)(2,6-Cl2TPP)(PHPh2)2] (2b). Reaction of [Ru(II)(Pc)(DMSO)2] (Pc = phthalocyaninato dianion) with PH2Ph or PHPh2 gave [Ru(II)(Pc)(PH2Ph)2] (3a) and [Ru(II)(Pc)(PHPh2)2] (4). [Ru(II)(Pc)(PH2Ad)2] (3b) and [Ru(II)(Pc)(PH2Bu(t))2] (3c) were isolated by treating a mixture of [Ru(II)(Pc)(DMSO)2] and O=PCl2Ad or PCl2Bu(t) with LiAlH4. Hydrophosphination of CH2=CHR (R = CO2Et, CN) with [Ru(II)(F20-TPP)(PH2Ph)2] or [Ru(II)(F20-TPP)(PHPh2)2] in the presence of (t)BuOK led to the isolation of [Ru(II)(F20-TPP)(P(CH2CH2R)2Ph)2] (R = CO2Et, 5a; CN, 5b) and [Ru(II)(F20-TPP)(P(CH2CH2R)Ph2)2] (R = CO2Et, 6a; CN, 6b). Similar reaction of 3a with CH2=CHCN or MeI gave [Ru(II)(Pc)(P(CH2CH2CN)2Ph)2] (7) or [Ru(II)(Pc)(PMe2Ph)2] (8). The reactions of 4 with CH2=CHR (R = CO2Et, CN, C(O)Me, P(O)(OEt)2, S(O)2Ph), CH2=C(Me)CO2Me, CH(CO2Me)=CHCO2Me, MeI, BnCl, and RBr (R = (n)Bu, CH2=CHCH2, MeC[triple bond]CCH2, HC[triple bond]CCH2) in the presence of (t)BuOK afforded [Ru(II)(Pc)(P(CH2CH2R)Ph2)2] (R = CO2Et, 9a; CN, 9b; C(O)Me, 9c; P(O)(OEt)2, 9d; S(O)2Ph, 9e), [Ru(II)(Pc)(P(CH2CH(Me)CO2Me)Ph2)2] (9f), [Ru(II)(Pc)(P(CH(CO2Me)CH2CO2Me)Ph2)2] (9g), and [Ru(II)(Pc)(PRPh2)2] (R = Me, 10a; Bu(n), 10b; Bn, 10c; CH2CH=CH2, 10d; CH2C[triple bond]CMe, 10e; CH=C=CH2, 10f). X-ray crystal structure determinations revealed Fe-P distances of 2.2597(9) (1a) and 2.309(2) A (2bx 2 CH2Cl2) and Ru-P distances of 2.3707(13) (3b), 2.373(2) (3c), 2.3478(11) (4), and 2.3754(10) A (5b x 2 CH2Cl2). Both the crystal structures of 3b and 4 feature intermolecular C-H...pi interactions, which link the molecules into 3D and 2D networks, respectively.     

Synthesis, structures and reactions of lithium complexes of [(o-RCHC6H4)PPh2=NSiMe3]-(R = H, SiMe3) ligands

N-Trimethylsilyl o-methylphenyldiphenylphosphinimine, (o-MeC6H4)PPh2=NSiMe3 (1), was prepared by reaction of Ph2P(Br)=NSiMe3 with o-methylphenyllithium. Treatment of 1 with LiBun and then Me3SiCl afforded (o-Me3SiCH2C6H4)PPh2=NSiMe3 (2). Lithiations of both 1 and 2 with LiBu(n) in the presence of tmen gave crystalline lithium complexes [Li{CH(R)C6H4(PPh(2=NSiMe3)-.tmen](3, R = H; 4, R = SiMe3). From the mother liquor of 4, traces of the tmen-bridged complex [Li{CH(SiMe3)C6H4(PPh2=NSiMe3)-2}]2(mu-tmen) (5) were obtained. Reaction of 2 with LiBun in Et2O yielded complex [Li{CH(SiMe3)C6H4(PPh2=NSiMe3)-2}.OEt2] (6). Reaction of lithiated with Me2SiCl2 in a 2:1 molar ratio afforded dimethylsilyl-bridged compound Me2Si[CH2C6H4(PPh2=NSiMe3)-2]2 (7). Lithiation of 7 with two equivalents of LiBun in Et2O yielded [Li2{(CHC6H4(PPh2=NSiMe3)-2)2SiMe2}.0.5OEt2](8.0.5OEt2). Treatment of 4 with PhCN formed a lithium enamide complex [Li{N(SiMe3)C(Ph)CHC6H4(PPh2=NSiMe3)-2}.tmen] (9). Reaction of two equivalents of 5 with 1,4-dicyanobenzene gave a dilithium complex [{Li(OEt2)2}2(1,4-{C(N(SiMe3)CHC6H4(PPh2=NSiMe3)-2}2C6H4)] (10). All compounds were characterised by NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. The structures of compounds 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9 have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques.     

Low-temperature thermolysis behavior of tetramethyl- and tetraethyldistibines

The thermolysis behavior of tetramethyl- and tetraethyldistibine (Sb(2)Me(4) and Sb(2)Et(4)) was investigated using a mass spectrometer coupled to a tubular flow reactor under near-chemical vapor deposition (CVD) conditions. Sb(2)Me(4) undergoes a gas-phase disproportionation with an estimated activation energy of 163 kJ/mol. This reaction leads to the formation of methylstibinidine, SbMe, that reacts on the surface to produce antimony film and SbMe(3). Unfortunately, this clean decomposition pathway is limited to a narrow temperature range of 300-350 degrees C. At temperatures exceeding 400 degrees C, SbMe(3) decomposes following a radical route with a consequent risk of carbon contamination. In contrast, Sb(2)Et(4) disproportionates at the hot wall of the reactor. According to mass-spectrometric data, this reaction is significant starting at a temperature of 100 degrees C, with an apparent activation energy of 104 kJ/mol. Within the temperature range of 100-250 degrees C, the precursor decomposition leads to the formation of antimony films and SbEt(3), whereas different molecular reaction pathways are significantly activated above 250 degrees C. The use of Sb(2)Et(4) lowers the risk of carbon contamination compared to Sb(2)Me(4) at high temperature. Therefore, Sb(2)Et(4) is a promising CVD precursor for the growth of antimony films in the absence of hydrogen atmosphere in a wide temperature range.     

Pop-the-cork strategy in synthetic utilization of imines: stabilization by complexation and activation via liberation of the ligated species

Treatment of trans-[PtCl(4)(RCN)(2)] (R = Me, Et) with ethanol allowed the isolation of trans-[PtCl(4)[E-NH[double bond]C(R)OEt](2)]. The latter were reduced selectively, by the ylide Ph(3)P[double bond]CHCO(2)Me, to trans-[PtCl(2)[E-NH[double bond]C(R)OEt](2)]. The complexed imino esters NH[double bond]C(R)OEt were liberated from the platinum(II) complexes by reaction with 2 equiv of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) in chloroform; the cationic complex [Pt(dppe)(2)]Cl(2) precipitates almost quantitatively from the reaction mixture and can be easily separated by filtration to give a solution of NH[double bond]C(R)OEt with a known concentration of the imino ester. The imino esters efficiently couple with the coordinated nitriles in trans-[PtCl(4)(EtCN)(2)] to give, as the dominant product, [PtCl(4)[NH[double bond]C(Et)N[double bond]C(R)OEt](2)] containing a previously unknown linkage, i.e., ligated N-(1-imino-propyl)-alkylimidic acid ethyl esters. In addition to [PtCl(4)[NH[double bond]C(Et)N[double bond]C(Et)OEt](2)], another compound was generated as the minor product, i.e., [PtCl(4)(EtCN)[NH[double bond]C(Et)N[double bond]C(Et)OEt]], which was reduced to [PtCl(2)(EtCN)[NH[double bond]C(Et)N[double bond]C(Et)OEt]], and this complex was characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The platinum(IV) complexes [PtCl(4)[NH[double bond]C(Et)N[double bond]C(R)OEt](2)] are unstable toward hydrolysis and give EtOH and the acylamidine complexes trans-[PtCl(4)[Z-NH[double bond]C(Et)NHC(R)[double bond]O](2)], where the coordination to the Pt center results in the predominant stabilization of the imino tautomer NH[double bond]C(Et)NHC(R)[double bond]O over the other form, i.e., NH(2)C(Et)[double bond]NC(R)[double bond]O, which is the major one for free acylamidines. The structures of trans-[PtCl(4)[Z-NH[double bond]C(Et)NHC(R)[double bond]O](2)] (R = Me, Et) were determined by X-ray studies. The complexes [PtCl(4)[NH[double bond]C(Et)N[double bond]C(R)OEt](2)] were reduced to the appropriate platinum(II) compounds [PtCl(2)[NH[double bond]C(Et)N[double bond]C(R)OEt](2)], which, similarly to the appropriate Pt(IV) compounds, rapidly hydrolyze to yield the acylamidine complexes [PtCl(2)[NH[double bond]C(Et)NHC(R)[double bond]O](2)] and EtOH. The latter acylamidine compounds were also prepared by an alternative route upon reduction of the corresponding platinum(IV) complexes. Besides the first observation of the platinum(IV)-mediated nitrile-imine ester integration, this work demonstrates that the application of metal complexes gives new opportunities for the generation of a great variety of imines (sometimes unreachable in pure organic chemistry) in metal-mediated conversions of organonitriles, the "storage" of imino species in the complexed form, and their synthetic utilization after liberation.     

Robust and efficient, yet uncatalyzed, synthesis of trialkylsilyl-protected cyanohydrins from ketones

High-yielding cyanosilylation of ketones with NaCN and various chlorotrialkylsilanes in DMSO proceeds smoothly without catalysis to give silyl-protected ketone cyanohydrins. The unique role of DMSO consists in rendering naked cyanide anions that reversibly add to the C double bond O bond at the rate-determining step followed by fast trapping of the transient tertiary sodium cyanoalcoholates with chlorotrialkylsilanes or in situ generated cyanotrialkylsilanes. Preparatively, the reaction matches the best known catalytic cyanosilylation systems applying expensive Me(3)SiCN and demonstrates unprecedented efficiency in the synthesis of sterically congested trialkylsilyl-protected cyanohydrins.     

Asymmetric synthesis of alpha-amino acids based on carbon radical addition to glyoxylic oxime ether

The first asymmetric synthesis of alpha-amino acids based on diastereoselective carbon radical addition to glyoxylic imine derivatives is reported. The addition of an isopropyl radical, generated from i-PrI, Bu(3)SnH, and Et(3)B in CH(2)Cl(2) at 25 degrees C, to achiral glyoxylic oxime ether 1 proceeded regioselectively at the imino carbon atom of the oxime ether group to give an excellent yield of the C-isopropylated product 2. The competitive reaction using glyoxylic oxime ether 1 and aldoxime ether 4 showed that the reactivity of the glyoxylic oxime ether toward nucleophilic carbon radicals was enhanced by the presence of a neighboring electron-withdrawing substituent. Thus, the alkyl radical addition to glyoxylic oxime ether 1 proceeded smoothly even at -78 degrees C, in contrast to the unactivated aldoxime ether 4. A high degree of stereocontrol in the carbon radical addition to the glyoxylic oxime ether was achieved by using Oppolzer's camphorsultam as a chiral auxiliary. The stannyl radical-mediated reaction of the camphorsultam derivative 6 with an isopropyl radical at -78 degrees C afforded a 96:4 diastereomeric mixture, 7a, of the C-isopropylated product. The reductive removal of the benzyloxy group of the major diastereomer (R)-7a, by treatment with Mo(CO)(6) and the subsequent removal of the sultam auxiliary by standard hydrolysis, afforded the enantiomerically pure D-valine (R)-12 without any loss of stereochemical purity. To evaluate the new methodology, a variety of alkyl radicals were employed in the addition reaction which gave the alkylated products 7 with excellent diastereoselectivity, allowing access to a wide range of enantiomerically pure natural and unnatural alpha-amino acids. Even in the absence of Bu(3)SnH, treatment of 6 with alkyl iodide and Et(3)B at 20 degrees C gave the C-alkylated products 7 with moderate diastereoselectivities. The use of Et(2)Zn as a radical initiator, instead of Et(3)B, was also effective for the radical reaction. The enantioselective isopropyl radical addition to 1 using (R)-(+)-2, 2'-isopropylidenebis(4-phenyl-2-oxazoline) and MgBr(2) gave excellent chemical yield of the valine derivative 2 in 52% ee.     

Homoleptic selenium cyanides: attempted preparation of Se(CN)4 and redetermination of the crystal structure of Se(CN)2

The preparation of Se(CN) 4 was attempted by the reaction of SeF 4 with Me 3SiCN at low temperatures. However, selenium tetracyanide could not be detected by NMR spectroscopy; instead, the decomposition product Se(CN) 2 was isolated and its crystal structure was redetermined. In the structure of Se(CN) 2, layers are present with secondary Se...N interactions. The structure of Se(CN) 4 and its reductive decomposition reaction has been calculated at the MP2 level of theory.     

Metal-metal charge transfer and solvatochromism in cyanomanganese carbonyl complexes of ruthenium and osmium

The complexes [(H3N)5Ru(II)(mu-NC)Mn(I)Lx]2+, prepared from [Ru(OH2)(NH3)5]2+ and [Mn(CN)L(x)] {L(x) = trans-(CO)2{P(OPh)3}(dppm); cis-(CO)2(PR3)(dppm), R = OEt or OPh; (PR3)(NO)(eta-C5H4Me), R = Ph or OPh}, undergo two sequential one-electron oxidations, the first at the ruthenium centre to give [(H3N)5Ru(III)(mu-NC)Mn(I)Lx]3+; the osmium(III) analogues [(H3N)5Os(III)(mu-NC)Mn(I)Lx]3+ were prepared directly from [Os(NH3)5(O3SCF3)]2+ and [Mn(CN)Lx]. Cyclic voltammetry and electronic spectroscopy show that the strong solvatochromism of the trications depends on the hydrogen-bond accepting properties of the solvent. Extensive hydrogen bonding is also observed in the crystal structures of [(H3N)5Ru(III)(mu-NC)Mn(I)(PPh3)(NO)(eta-C5H4Me)][PF6]3.2Me2CO.1.5Et2O, [(H3N)5Ru(III)(mu-NC)Mn(I)(CO)(dppm)2-trans][PF6]3.5Me2CO and [(H3N)5Ru(III)(mu-NC)Mn(I)(CO)2{P(OEt)3}(dppm)-trans][PF6]3.4Me2CO, between the amine groups (the H-bond donors) at the Ru(III) site and the oxygen atoms of solvent molecules or the fluorine atoms of the [PF6]- counterions (the H-bond acceptors).     

S(N)1-like reactions of bicyclic alpha-amino ethers with sulfur,nitrogen, and carbon nucleophiles. Synthesis of 1-azabicyclo[3.2.2]nonanes functionalized at carbon C2 and C6 with complete stereocontrol

[reaction: see text] In the presence of nucleophiles, Lewis acid mediated cleavage of alpha-amino ethers derived from quincorine and quincoridine affords a variety of C2-substituted and C6-vinylated 1-azabicyclo[3.2.2]nonanes. These are enantiopure and are formed in S(N)1-like reactions with complete stereocontrol. There is no leakage into 2-Nu en route to product 1-Nu or vice versa. Me(3)SiCN provides new Strecker-type alpha-amino nitriles. In the presence of TTMPP-BF(3).OEt(2), the ketene acetal Me(2)C=C(OMe)OSiMe(3) delivers enantiopure bicyclic beta-amino acid esters.     

Lithium fluoroarylamidinates: syntheses, structures, and reactions

Lithium fluoroarylamidinates [(Ar(F)C(NSiMe(3))(2)Li)(n).xD] (Ar(F) = 4-CF(3)C(6)H(4), n = 2, D = OEt(2), x = 1 (2a); n = 1, D = TMEDA, x = 1 (4a); Ar(F) = 2-FC(6)H(4), n = 2, D = OEt(2), x = 1 (2b); Ar(F) = 4-FC(6)H(4), n = 2, D = OEt(2), x = 2 (2c); Ar(F) = 2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3), n = 2, D = OEt(2), x = 1 (2d); n = 2, D = 2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3)CN, x = 2 (3d); Ar(F) = C(6)F(5), n= 2, D = OEt(2), x = 1 (2e), n = 1, D = TMEDA, x = 1 (4e); n = 1, x = 2, D = OEt(2) (5e); D = THF (6e)) were prepared by the well-known method from LiN(SiMe(3))(2) and the corresponding nitrile in diethyl ether or by addition of the appropriate donor D to the respective diethyl ether complexes. Depending on the substituents at the aryl group and on the donors D, three different types of structures were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Hydrolysis of 2e gave C(6)F(5)C(NSiMe(3))N(H)SiMe(3) (7e) and C(6)F(5)C(NH)N(H)SiMe(3) (8e). The lithium fluoroarylamidinates 2a-2d react with Me(3)SiCl to give the corresponding tris(trimethylsilyl)fluoroarylamidines Ar(F)C(NSiMe(3))N(SiMe(3))(2) (9a-9d). Attempts to prepare C(6)F(5)C(NSiMe(3))N(SiMe(3))(2) from 2e and Me(3)SiCl failed; however, the unprecedented cage [[C(6)F(5)C(NSiMe(3))(2)Li](4)LiF] (10e) in which a fluoride center is surrounded by a distorted trigonal bipyramid of five Li atoms was obtained from this reaction.     

Darstellung und oxidative Derivatisierung von Dialkylthiophosphiten

Preparation and Oxidative Derivatisation of Phosphonothionic Esters The kind of the amine used influences decisively course and rate of the reaction of trialkyl phosphites, (RO)₃P (R = Me, Et, Ph) with H₂S in the presence of different amines (Et₃N, Et₂NH, Et₂NPh, pyridine). Phosphonothionic esters, (RO)₂P(S)H (R = Me, Et, Bu), are obtained in over 80% yield by using pyridine as base and an alkali alcoholate as catalyst. The oxidative derivatisation of phosphonothionic esters by means of CCI₄ and protic (4-nitrophenol, 2,4,5-trichlorophenol, ammonia, piperidine, phenylhydrazine) or anionic nucleophiles (F^?, NCS^?, NCO^?, CN^?, N₃^?) (Atherton-Todd reaction) yields thiophosphoric acid derivatives (RO)₂P(S)Nuc (R = Me, Et, Bu: Nuc = 4-nitrophenoxy, PhNHNH; R = Me, Et: Nuc = 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy, F, NCS, N₃; R = Me: NH₂, C₅H₁₀N; R = Et: Nuc = CI, CN) and in some cases the dealkylated products (RO)P(Nuc)SO^? (R = Me; Nuc = CI, F, NCS, CN). The phosphazenes (EtO)₂P(S)? N = PPh₃ and (MeO)₂P(S)? N ? P(OEt)₃, up to now unknown in literature, were obtained by treating thiophosphoryl azides with PPh₃ or P(OEt)₃, resp.     

Direct addition of alcohols to organonitriles activated by ligation to a platinum(IV) center

Treatment of trans-[PtCl(4)(RCN)(2)] (R = Me, Et) with R'OH (R' = Me, Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu) at 45 degrees C in all cases allowed the isolation of the trans-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(R)OR'](2)] imino ester complexes, while the reaction between cis-[PtCl(4)(RCN)(2)] and the least sterically hindered alcohols (methanol and ethanol) results in the formation of cis-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(R)OR'](2)] (R/R' = Me/Me) or trans-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(Et)OR'](2)] (R' = Me, Et), the latter being formed via thermal isomerization (ROH, reflux, 3 h) of the initially formed corresponding cis isomers. The reaction between alcohols R'OH and cis-[PtCl(4)(RCN)(2)] (R = Me, R' = Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu; R = Et; R' = n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu), exhibiting greater R/R' steric congestion, allowed the isolation of cis-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(R)OR'][(Z)-NH=C(R)OR']] as the major products. The alcoholysis reactions of poorly soluble [PtCl(4)(RCN)(2)] (R = CH(2)Ph, Ph) performed under heterogeneous conditions, directly in the appropriate alcohol and for a prolonged time and, for R = Ph, with heating led to trans-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(R)OR'](2)] (R = CH(2)Ph, R' = Me, Et, n-Pr, i-Pr; R = Ph, R' = Me) isolated in moderate yields. In all of the cases, in contrast to platinum(II) systems, addition of R'OH to the organonitrile platinum(IV) complexes occurs under mild conditions and does not require a base as a catalyst. The formed isomerically pure (imino ester)Pt(IV) complexes can be reduced selectively, by Ph(3)P=CHCO(2)Me, to the corresponding isomers of (imino ester)Pt(II) species, exhibiting antitumor activity, without change in configuration of the imino ester ligands. Furthemore, the imino esters NH=C(R)OR' can be liberated from both platinum(IV) and platinum(II) complexes [PtCl(n)[H=C(R)OR'](2)] (n = 2, 4) by reaction with 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane and pyridine, respectively. All of the prepared compounds were characterized by elemental analyses (C, H, N), FAB mass spectrometry, IR, and (1)H, (13)C[(1)H], and (195)Pt (metal complexes) NMR spectroscopies; the E and Z configurations of the imino ester ligands in solution were determined by observation of the nuclear Overhauser effect. X-ray structure determinations were performed for trans-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(Me)OEt](2)] (2), trans-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(Et)OEt](2)] (10), trans-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(Et)OPr-i](2)] (11), trans-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(Et)OPr-n](2)] (12), and cis-[PtCl(4)[(E)-NH=C(Et)OMe](2)] (14). Ab initio calculations have shown that the EE isomers are the most stable ones for both platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes, whereas the most stable configurations for the ZZ isomers are less stable than the respective EZ isomers, indicating an increase of the stability on moving from the ZZ to the EE configurations which is more pronounced for the Pt(IV) complexes than for the Pt(II) species.     

Synthetic and structural studies on [Fe2(SR)2(CN)x(CO)6-x](x-) as active site models for Fe-only hydrogenases.

A series of models for the active site (H-cluster) of the iron-only hydrogenase enzymes (Fe-only H2-ases) were prepared. Treatment of MeCN solutions of Fe2(SR)2(CO)6 with 2 equiv of Et4NCN gave [Fe2(SR)2(CN)2(CO)4](2-) compounds. IR spectra of the dicyanides feature four nu(CO) bands between 1965 and 1870 cm(-1) and two nu(CN) bands at 2077 and 2033 cm(-1). For alkyl derivatives, both diequatorial and axial-equatorial isomers were observed by NMR analysis. Also prepared were a series of dithiolate derivatives (Et4N)2[Fe2(SR)2(CN)2(CO)4], where (SR)2 = S(CH2)2S, S(CH2)3S. Reaction of Et4NCN with Fe2(S-t-Bu)2(CO)6 gave initially [Fe2(S-t-Bu)2(CN)2(CO)4](2-), which comproportionated to give [Fe2(S-t-Bu)2(CN)(CO)5](-). The mechanism of the CN(-)-for-CO substitution was probed as follows: (i) excess CN(-) with a 1:1 mixture of Fe2(SMe)2(CO)6 and Fe2(SC6H4Me)2(CO)6 gave no mixed thiolates, (ii) treatment of Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)6 with Me3NO followed by Et4NCN gave (Et4N)[Fe2(S2C3H6)(CN)(CO)5], which is a well-behaved salt, (iii) treatment of Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)6 with Et4NCN in the presence of excess PMe3 gave (Et4N)[Fe2(S2C3H6)(CN)(CO)4(PMe3)] much more rapidly than the reaction of PMe3 with (Et4N)[Fe2(S2C3H6)(CN)(CO)5], and (iv) a competition experiment showed that Et4NCN reacts with Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)6 more rapidly than with (Et4N)[Fe2(S2C3H6)(CN)(CO)5]. Salts of [Fe2(SR)2(CN)2(CO)4](2-) (for (SR)2 = (SMe)2 and S2C2H4) and the monocyanides [Fe2(S2C3H6)(CN)(CO)5](-) and [Fe2(S-t-Bu)2(CN)(CO)5](-) were characterized crystallographically; in each case, the Fe-CO distances were approximately 10% shorter than the Fe-CN distances. The oxidation potentials for Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)4L2 become milder for L = CO, followed by MeNC, PMe3, and CN(-); the range is approximately 1.3 V. In water,oxidation of [Fe2(S2C3H6)(CN)2(CO)4](2-) occurs irreversibly at -0.12 V (Ag/AgCl) and is coupled to a second oxidation.     

Magnesium halide-catalyzed anti-aldol reactions of chiral N-acylthiazolidinethiones

[reaction: see text] Diastereoselective direct aldol reactions of chiral N-acylthiazolidinethiones occur in high yield with preference for the illustrated anti diastereomer. This reaction is catalyzed by 10% MgBr2.OEt2 in the presence of triethylamine and chlorotrimethylsilane. Yields range from 56 to 93% with diastereoselectivity up to 19:1 for a variety of N-acylthiazolidinethiones and unsaturated aldehydes.     

Vapochromic behavior of {Ag2(Et2O)2[Au(C6F5)2]2}n with volatile organic compounds

The vapochromic behaviors of {Ag2L2[Au(C6F5)2]2}n (L = Et2O (1), Me2CO (2), THF (3), CH3CN (4)) were studied. {Ag2L2[Au(C6F5)2]2}n (L = Et2O (1)) was synthesized by the reaction of [Bu4N][Au(C6F5)2] with AgOClO3 in 1:1 molar ratio in CH2Cl2/Et2O (1:2). 1 was used as starting material with THF to form {Ag2L2[Au(C6F5)2]2}n (L = THF (3)). 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c and consists of tetranuclear units linked together via aurophilic contacts resulting in the formation of a 1D polymer that runs parallel to the crystallographic z axis. The gold(I) atoms are linearly coordinated to two pentafluorophenyl groups and display additional Au...Ag close contacts within the tetranuclear units with distances of 2.7582(3) and 2.7709(3) A. Each silver(I) center is bonded to the two oxygen atoms of the THF molecules with a Ag-O bond distance of 2.307(3) A. TGA analysis showed that 1 loses two molecules of the coordinated solvent per molecular unit (1st one: 75-100 degrees, second one: 150-175 degrees C), whereas 2, 3, and 4 lose both volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fluorinated ligands in a less well defined manner. Each complex loses both the fluorinated ligands and the VOCs by a temperature of about 325 degrees C to give a 1:1 gold/silver product. X-ray powder diffraction studies confirm that the reaction of vapors of VOCs with 1 in the solid state produce complete substitution of the ether molecules by the new VOC. The VOCs are replaced in the order CH3CN > Me2CO > THF > Et2O, with the ether being the easiest to replace. {Ag2(Et2O)2[Au(C6F5)2]2}n and {Ag2(THF)2[Au(C6F5)2]2} n both luminesce at room temperature and at 77 K in the solid state. Emission maxima are independent of the excitation wavelength used below about 500 nm. Emission maxima are obtained at 585 nm (ether) and 544 nm (THF) at room temperature and at 605 nm (ether) and 567 nm (THF) at 77 K.     

Syntheses and characterizations of cluster compounds with MoFe3Se4 cubane-like core

The reaction system of [Et4N]2MoSe4, FeCI2 and R2NCS2Na in DMF-CH3CN at ambient temperature yielded the Mo-Fe-Se cluster compounds MoFe3Se4(μ-R2NCS2)2(R2NCS2)4 (R2=Me2(1), Et2(2), C4H8(3)) with MoFe3Se4 core. X-ray diffraction analyses of 2 revealed that the molecular structure contains a distorted cubane like M4Se4 core with two bridged and four chelated Et2NCS2- ligands. The cyclic voltammetric studies of the compounds showed the reversible mul-tielectron-transfer sequence.