Rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of 1-hexene in an ionic liquid: a molecular dynamics study of the hexene/[BMI][PF6] interface

We report a molecular dynamics study of biphasic systems involved in the rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of 1-hexene in the 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid ([BMI][PF(6)] IL). We first describe the neat [BMI][PF(6)] interfaces with hexene (the substrate) and heptanal (the linear reaction product) as organic phases. The former interface is molecularly sharp with BMI+ cations preferentially oriented "perpendicular" (i.e., pointing their butyl chains toward the organic phase), whereas hexene molecules tend to be somewhat parallel to the interface. The interface with heptanal is approximately twice as broad, due to BMI+...O(heptanal) attractions, and the solvent molecules are disordered at the interface. No IL ions solubilize in the organic phase(s) whereas ca. 2-3 hexene or heptanal molecules diffused into the IL phase. The presence of the CO and H2 gases does not modify the nature of the hexene/IL interface, as these gases are mainly solubilized in the organic phase, respectively, as diluted species and in the form of a "gaseous" droplet. In the IL phase, one finds a few CO monomers, whereas the less soluble H2 molecules spend only transient excursions. We next simulate the phase separation of "randomly mixed" IL/hexene liquids with the [RhH(CO)L(3)] precatalyst as a solute, comparing the PPh(3) to the TPPTS(3-) ligands (L). The phases separate much more slowly than in the case of classical liquids, and the neutral complex with PPh(3) ligands solubilizes in the hexene phase, displaying loose dynamical contacts with the IL interface. This contrasts with the -9 charged [RhH(CO)(TPPTS)(3)](9-) complex that sits "immobilized" on the IL side of the interface and is mainly solvated by BMI+ cations. Finally, we characterize the solvation of -6 charged [RhH(CO)(TPPTS)(2)](6-), [RhH(CO)(2)(TPPTS)(2)](6-), and [RhH(CO)(TPPTS)(2)(hexene)](6-) complexes involved as reaction intermediates in the hydroformylation reaction and of the free TPPTS(3-) ligand itself in the bulk IL.     

Unexpected reduction pathway of a Co(2+) salt to [HCo(CO)(4)] via [Co(2)(CO)(8)] in an ionic liquid

In the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ionic liquid ([BMI][NTf(2)]), [Co(NTf(2))(2)] is reduced under 5.5 MPa of H(2)-CO to [Co(2)(CO)(8)] prior to [HCo(CO)(4)], provided a pyridine ligand is present in the medium.     

Pentafluorophenyl imidato palladium(II) complexes: catalysts for Suzuki cross-coupling reactions

Novel N-bonded imidato complexes of general formula [Pd(N-N)(C6F5)(imidate)](imidate = maleimidate, succinimidate or phthalimidate; N-N = 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy), 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (Me2bipy) or N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda)), [NBu4][Pd(C6F5)(H2O)(succinimidate)2] and [NBu4][Pd(C6F5)(L)(succinimidate)2](L = PPh3 or t-BuNC) have been synthesised. These complexes are air-, light- and moisture-stable. The crystal structures of [Pd(tmeda)(C6F5)(maleimidate)].H2O.0.5CHCl3, [NBu4][Pd(C6F5)(H2O)(succinimidate)2].H2O and [NBu4][Pd(C6F5)(t-BuNC)(succinimidate)2].2H2O have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Many of these new complexes are shown to be active phosphine-free palladium catalysts/precatalysts for the Suzuki cross-coupling reactions of aryl bromides and aryl chlorides with phenylboronic acid.     

Evidence for the formation of UO2(NO3)4(2-) in an ionic liquid by EXAFS

The complexation between uranium(vi) and nitrate ions in a hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL), namely [BMI][NO(3)] (BMI = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium(+)), is investigated by EXAFS spectroscopy. It was performed by dissolution of uranyl nitrate UO(2)(NO(3))(2)·6H(2)O or UO(2)(Tf(2)N)(2) (Tf(2)N = bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (CF(3)SO(2))(2)N(-)). The formation of the complex UO(2)(NO(3))(4)(2-) is evidenced.     

Synthesis of room-temperature ionic liquids with the weakly coordinating [Al(ORF)4]- anion (RF=C(H)(CF3)2) and the determination of their principal physical properties

A large series of ionic liquids (ILs) based on the weakly coordinating alkoxyaluminate [Al(hfip)(4)](-) (hfip: hexafluoroisopropoxy) with classical as well as functionalized cations were prepared, and their principal physical properties determined. Melting points are between 0 ([C(4)MMIM][Al(hfip)(4)]) and 69 °C ([C(3)MPip][Al(hfip)(4)]); three qualify as room-temperature ILs (RTILs). Crystal structures for six ILs were determined; their structural parameters and anion-cation contacts are compared here with known ILs, with a special focus on their influence on physical properties. Moreover, the biodegradability of the compounds was investigated by using the closed-bottle and the manometric respirometry test. Temperature-dependent viscosities and conductivities were measured between 0 and 80 °C, and described by either the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann (VFT) or the Arrhenius equations. Moreover, conductivities and viscosities were investigated in the context of the molecular volume, V(m). Physical property-V(m) correlations were carried out for various temperatures, and the temperature dependence of the molecular volume was analyzed by using crystal structure data and DFT calculations. The IL ionicity was investigated by Walden plots; according to this analysis, [Al(hfip)(4)](-) ILs may be classified as "very good to good ILs"; while [C(2)MIM][Al(hfip)(4)] is a better IL than [C(2)MIM][NTf(2)]. The dielectric constants of ten [Al(hfip)(4)](-) ILs were determined, and are unexpectedly high (ε(r)=11.5 to 16.8). This could be rationalized by considering additional calculated dipole moments of the structures frozen in the solid state by DFT. The determination of hydrogen gas solubility in [Al(hfip)(4)](-) RTILs by high-pressure NMR spectroscopy revealed very high hydrogen solubilities at 25 °C and 1 atm. These results indicate the significant potential of this class of ILs in manifold applications.     

Uranyl and strontium salt solvation in room-temperature ionic liquids. A molecular dynamics investigation

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we compare the solvation of uranyl and strontium nitrates and uranyl chlorides in two room-temperature ionic liquids (ILs): [BMI][PF(6)] based on 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium(+),PF(6)(-) and [EMI][TCA] based on 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium(+),AlCl(4)(-). Both dissociated M(2+),2NO(3)(-) and associated M(NO(3))(2) states of the salts are considered for the two cations, as well as the UO(2)Cl(2) and UO(2)Cl(4)(2)(-) uranyl complexes. In a [BMI][PF(6)] solution, the "naked" UO(2)(2+) and Sr(2+) ions are surrounded by 5.8 and 10.1 F atoms, respectively. The first-shell PF(6)(-) anions rotate markedly during the dynamics and are coordinated, on the average, monodentate to UO(2)(2+) and bidentate to Sr(2+). In an [EMI][TCA] solution, UO(2)(2+) and Sr(2+) coordinate 5.0 and 7.4 Cl atoms of AlCl(4)(-), respectively, which display more restricted motions. Four Cl atoms sit on a least motion pathway of transfer to uranyl, to form the UO(2)Cl(4)(2)(-) complex. The free NO(3)(-) anions and the UO(2)Cl(4)(2)(-) complex are surrounded by imidazolium(+) cations ( approximately 4 and 6-9, respectively). The first shell of the M(NO(3))(2) and UO(2)Cl(2) neutral complexes is mostly completed by the anionic components of the IL, with different contributions depending on the solvent, the M(2+) cation, and its counterions. Insights into energy components of solvation are given for the different systems.     

Synthesis, molecular structures, and chemistry of some new palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes with pentafluorophenyl ligands

A series of palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes possessing pentafluorophenyl ligands of the general formula [M(L-L)(C6F5)Cl][space](M = Pd 3; L-L=tmeda (N,N,N',N',-tetramethylethylenediamine) a; 1,2-bis(2,6-dimethylphenylimino)ethane) b; dmpe (1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane) c; dcpe (1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane) d; Pt ; L-L=tmeda a; 1,2-bis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenylimino]-1,2-dimethylethane b; dmpe c; dcpe d) were readily synthesized from the dimer [M(C6F5)(tht)(mu-Cl)2] (M=Pd 1b, Pt 2b; tht=tetrahydrothiophene) and the corresponding bidentate ligand. In the case of palladium, the corresponding iodo analogues (6a-c) were readily synthesized in a one-pot reaction from [Pd2(dba)3], iodopentafluorobenzene, and the appropriate ligand. The platinum complexes 4c-d were then converted to the water complexes [Pt(L-L)(C6F5)(OH2)]OTf (L-L =dmpe 7a; dcpe 7b)via reaction with AgOTf in the presence of water. Attempts to convert the palladium complexes 3c-d to the corresponding water complexes resulted in the disproportionation of the intermediate water complex to form [Pd(L-L)(C6F5)2] (L-L=dmpe 8) or [Pd(L-L)2][OTf]2(L-L=dcpe 9). Upon standing in solution for prolonged periods, complex 7a undergoes an identical disproportionation reaction to the Pd analogues to form [Pt(L-L)(C6F5)2] (L-L=dmpe 10). Complexes 4c and 4d were converted to the corresponding hydrides (11b-c, respectively) using two different hydride sources: 11a was formed by the reaction of with NaBH4 in refluxing THF, while 11b was synthesized in near quantitative yield using [Cp2ZrH2] in refluxing THF. Attempts to synthesize eta2-tetrafluorobenzyne complexes [Pt(L-L)(C6F4)] (L-L=dmpe, dcpe) from reaction of 11a-b with butyllithium were unsuccessful. The molecular structures of 3a,4a, 4c, 4d, 6b, 7a, 8, 11b and have been determined by X-ray crystallographic studies, and are discussed.     

Palladium(II) and platinum(II) organometallic complexes with the model nucleobase anions of thymine, uracil, and cytosine: antitumor activity and interactions with DNA of the platinum compounds

Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes with the anions of the model nucleobases 1-methylthymine (1-MethyH), 1-methyluracil (1-MeuraH), and 1-methylcytosine (1-MecytH) of the types [Pd(dmba)(mu-L)]2 [dmba = N,C-chelating 2-((dimethylamino)methyl)phenyl; L = 1-Methy, 1-Meura or 1-Mecyt] and [M(dmba)(L)(L')] [L = 1-Methy or 1-Meura; L' = PPh(3) (M = Pd or Pt), DMSO (M = Pt)] have been obtained. Palladium complexes of the types [Pd(C6F5)(N-N)(L)] [L = 1-Methy or 1-Meura; N-N = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda), 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), or 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (Me2bpy)] and [NBu4][Pd(C6F5)(1-Methy)2(H2O)] have also been prepared. The crystal structures of [Pd(dmba)(mu-1-Methy)]2, [Pd(dmba)(mu-1-Mecyt)]2.2CHCl3, [Pd(dmba)(1-Methy)(PPh3)].3CHCl3, [Pt(dmba)(1-Methy)(PPh3)], [Pd(tmeda)(C6F5)(1-Methy)], and [NBu4][Pd(C6F5)(1-Methy)2(H2O)].H2O have been established by X-ray diffraction. The DNA adduct formation of the new platinum complexes synthesized was followed by circular dichroism and electrophoretic mobility. Atomic force microscopy images of the modifications caused by the platinum complexes on plasmid DNA pBR322 were also obtained. Values of IC50 were also calculated for the new platinum complexes against the tumor cell line HL-60. All the new platinum complexes were more active than cisplatin (up to 20-fold in some cases).     

Unusual solvatochromism within 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate + poly(ethylene glycol) mixtures

Hybrid "green" solvent systems composed of room-temperature ionic liquids (ILs) and poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs) may have enormous future potential. Solvatochromic absorbance probe behavior is used to assess the physicochemical properties of the mixture composed of IL 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF(6)]) and PEG (average molecular weights of 200, 400, 600, and 1500) at ambient conditions. Lowest energy intramolecular charge-transfer absorbance maxima of a betaine dye, i.e., E(T)(N), indicates the dipolarity/polarizability and/or hydrogen-bond donating (HBD) acidity of the [bmim][PF 6] + PEG mixtures to be even higher than that of neat [bmim][PF(6)], the solution component with higher dipolarity/polarizability and/or HBD acidity. Dipolarity/polarizability (pi*) obtained separately from the electronic absorbance response of probe N, N-diethyl-4-nitroaniline shows a trend similar to E(T)(N ) thus confirming the unusually high dipolarity/polarizability of the [bmim][PF(6)] + PEG mixtures. Similar to E(T)(N ) and pi*, the HBD acidity (alpha) of [bmim][PF(6)] + PEG mixtures is also observed to be anomalously high. Contrary to what is observed for E(T)(N ), pi*, and alpha, the hydrogen-bond accepting (HBA) basicity (beta) of the [bmim][PF(6)] + PEG mixtures is observed to be lower than that predicted from ideal additive behavior indicating diminished HBA basicity of the mixture as compared to its neat components. A four-parameter simplified combined nearly ideal binary solvent/Redlich-Kister (CNIBS/R-K) equation is shown to satisfactorily predict the solvatochromic parameters within [bmim][PF(6)] + PEG mixtures. It is demonstrated that [bmim][PF(6)] + PEG mixtures possess physicochemical properties that are superior to those of either the neat IL or the neat PEG.     

Palladium(II) and platinum(II) organometallic complexes with 4,7-dihydro-5-methyl-7-oxo[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine. Antitumor activity of the platinum compounds

Palladium and platinum complexes with HmtpO (where HmtpO=4,7-dihydro-5-methyl-7-oxo[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, an analogue of the natural occurring nucleobase hypoxanthine) of the types [M(dmba)(PPh3)(HmtpO)]ClO4[dmba=N,C-chelating 2-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenyl; M=Pd or Pt], [Pd(N-N)(C6F5)(HmtpO)]ClO4[N-N=2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (Me2bpy), or N, N, N', N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda)] and cis-[M(C6F5)2(HmtpO)2] (M=Pd or Pt) (head-to-head atropisomer in the solid state) have been obtained. Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes with the anion of HmtpO of the types [Pd(tmeda)(C6F5)(mtpO)], [Pd(dmba)(micro-mtpO)] 2, and [NBu4]2[M(C6F5)2(micro-mtpO)]2(M=Pd or Pt) have been prepared starting from the corresponding hydroxometal complexes. Complexes containing simultaneously both the neutral HmtpO ligand and the anionic mtpO of the type [NBu4][M(C6F5)2(HmtpO)(mtpO)] (M=Pd or Pt) have been also obtained. In these mtpO-HmtpO metal complexes, for the first time, prototropic exchange is observed between the two heterocyclic ligands. The crystal structures of [Pd(dmba)(PPh 3)(HmtpO)]+, cis-[Pt(C6F5)2(HmtpO)2].acetone, [Pd(C6F5)(tmeda)(mtpO)].2H2O, [Pd(dmba)(micro-mtpO)]2, [NBu4]2[Pd(C6F5)2(micro-mtpO)]2.CH2Cl2.toluene, [NBu4]2[Pt(C6F5)2(micro-mtpO)](2).0.5(toluene), and [NBu4][Pt(C6F5)2(mtpO)(HmtpO)] have been established by X-ray diffraction. Values of IC50 were calculated for the new platinum complexes cis-[Pt(C6F5)2(HmtpO)2] and [Pt(dmba)(PPh3)(HmtpO)]ClO4 against a panel of human tumor cell lines representative of ovarian (A2780 and A2780 cisR), lung (NCI-H460), and breast cancers (T47D). At 48 h incubation time, both complexes were about 8-fold more active than cisplatin in T47D and show very low resistance factors against an A2780 cell line, which has acquired resistance to cisplatin. The DNA adduct formation of cis-[Pt(C6F5)2(HmtpO)2] and [Pt(dmba)(PPh3)(HmtpO)]ClO4 was followed by circular dichroism and electrophoretic mobility. Atomic force microscopy images of the modifications caused by these platinum complexes on plasmid DNA pB R322 were also obtained.     

Synthesis,characterization, and solution redox properties of (trimpsi)M(CO)(2)(NO) complexes [M = V,Nb, Ta; trimpsi = (t)BuSi(CH(2)PMe(2))(3)

Treatment of [Et(4)N][M(CO)(6)] (M = Nb, Ta) with I(2) in DME at -78 degrees C produces solutions of the bimetallic anions [M(2micro-I)(3)(CO)(8)](-). Addition of the tripodal phosphine (t)BuSi(CH(2)PMe(2))(3) (trimpsi) followed by refluxing affords (trimpsi)M(CO)(3)I [M = Nb (1), Ta (2)], which are isolable in good yields as air-stable, orange-red microcrystalline solids. Reduction of these complexes with 2 equiv of Na/Hg, followed by treatment with Diazald in THF, results in the formation of (trimpsi)M(CO)(2)(NO) [M = Nb (3), Ta (4)] in high isolated yields. The congeneric vanadium complex, (trimpsi)V(CO)(2)(NO) (5), can be prepared by reacting [Et(4)N][V(CO)(6)] with [NO][BF(4)] in CH(2)Cl(2) to form V(CO)(5)(NO). These solutions are treated with 1 equiv of trimpsi to obtain (eta(2)-trimpsi)V(CO)(3)(NO). Refluxing orange THF solutions of this material affords 5 in moderate yields. Reaction of (trimpsi)VCl(3)(THF) (6) with 4 equiv of sodium naphthalenide in THF in the presence of excess CO provides [Et(4)N][(trimpsi)V(CO)(3)] (7), (trimpsi)V(CO)(3)H, and [(trimpsi)V(micro-Cl)(3)V(trimpsi)][(eta(2)-trimpsi)V(CO)(4)].3THF ([8][9].3THF). All new complexes have been characterized by conventional spectroscopic methods, and the solid-state molecular structures of 2.(1)/(2)THF, 3-5, and [8][9].3THF have been established by X-ray diffraction analyses. The solution redox properties of 3-5 have also been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Cyclic voltammograms of 3 and 4 both exhibit an irreversible oxidation feature in CH(2)Cl(2) (E(p,a) = -0.71 V at 0.5 V/s for 3, while E(p,a) = -0.55 V at 0.5 V/s for 4), while cyclic voltammograms of 5 in CH(2)Cl(2) show a reversible oxidation feature (E(1/2) = -0.74 V) followed by an irreversible feature (0.61 V at 0.5 V/s). The reversible feature corresponds to the formation of the 17e cation [(trimpsi)V(CO)(2)(NO)](+) ([5](+)()), and the irreversible feature likely involves the oxidation of [5](+)() to an unstable 16e dication. Treatment of 5 with [Cp(2)Fe][BF(4)] in CH(2)Cl(2) generates [5][BF(4)], which slowly decomposes once formed. Nevertheless, [5][BF(4)] has been characterized by IR and ESR spectroscopies.     

Photo- and electrochemical redox behavior of cyclometalated Ru(II) complexes having a 3-phenylbenzo[b][1,6]naphthyridine ligand

Cyclometalated Ru(II) complexes having a 3-phenylbenzo[b][1,6]naphthyridine (phbn) ligand have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods. The photo- and electrochemical redox behavior of the complexes are demonstrated. Complex [Ru(phbn)(bpy)(2)]PF(6) ([1]PF(6)) readily undergoes proton coupled two electron reduction by chemical, electrochemical, and photochemical methods to generate [Ru(phbnHH)(bpy)(2)]PF(6) ([1HH]PF(6)). The photochemical oxidation of [1HH]PF(6) was also observed in presence of p-chloranil.     

Condensation reactions of monomeric hydroxo palladium complexes with active methyl and methylene compounds

Heating a suspension of the monomeric hydroxo palladium complex of the type [Pd(N-N)(C(6)F(5))(OH)](N-N = bipy, Me(2)bipy, phen or tmeda) in methylketone (acetone or methylisobutylketone) under reflux affords the corresponding ketonyl palladium complex [Pd(N-N)(C(6)F(5))(CH(2)COR)]. On the other hand, the reaction of the hydroxo palladium complexes [Pd(N-N)(C(6)F(5))(OH)](N-N = bipy, phen or tmeda) with diethylmalonate or malononitrile yields the C-bound enolate palladium complexes [Pd(N-N)(CHX(2))(C(6)F(5))](X = CO(2)Et or CN), and the reaction of [Pd(N-N)(C(6)F(5))(OH)](N-N = bipy or phen) with nitromethane gives the nitromethyl palladium complexes [Pd(N-N)(CH(2)NO(2))(C(6)F(5))]. [Pd(tmeda)(C(6)F(5))(OH)] catalyses the cyclotrimerization of malononitrile. The crystal structures of [Pd(bipy)(C(6)F(5))(CH(2)COMe)].1/2Me(2)CO, [Pd(tmeda)(C(6)F(5))[CH(CO(2)Et)(2)]], [Pd(tmeda)(C(6)F(5))[CH(CN)(2)]] and [Pd(tmeda)(C(6)F(5))(CH(2)NO(2))].1/2CH(2)Cl(2) have been established by X-ray diffraction.     

Influence of the coordination mode in [Ni{RC(S)NP(S)(OiPr)2}2] for the formation of nickel-containing nanoparticles

The complex [Ni{2-PyNHC(S)NP(S)(OiPr)(2)-1,5,7-N,N',S}(2)] ([NiL(I)(2)]) dissolved in tri-n-octylphosphine (TOP) is decomposed in hot hexadecylamine (HDA) to give TOP-capped Ni nanoparticles. The same procedure using [Ni{2-MeC(6)H(4)NHC(S)NP(S)(OiPr)(2)}(2)-1,3-N,S] ([NiL(II)(2)]) and [Ni{PhC(S)NP(S)(OiPr)(2)-1,5-S,S'}(2)] ([NiL(III)(2)]) leads to the formation of NiS nanoparticles with the rhombohedral and hexagonal structures, respectively. NiH(x) nanoparticles were also produced from a mixture of [NiL(I)(2)] and N(2)H(4). The obtained Ni nanoparticles can be used for the catalytic addition of Ph(2)S(2) to 1-, 2- and 3-hexynes.     

Solvation of uranium hexachloro complexes in room-temperature ionic liquids. A molecular dynamics investigation in two liquids

We report a molecular dynamics study of the solvation of UCl(6)(-), UCl(6)(2-), and UCl(6)(3-) complexes in the [BMI][Tf(2)N] and [MeBu(3)N][Tf(2)N] ionic liquid cations based on the same anion (bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Tf(2)N-)) and the butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium+ (BMI+) or methyl-tri-n-butyl-ammonium (MeBu(3)N+) cation, respectively. The comparison of two electrostatic models of the complexes (ionic model with -1 charged halides versus quantum mechanically derived charges) yields similar solvation features of a given solute. In the two liquids, the first solvation shell of the complexes is positively charged and evolves from purely cationic in the case of UCl(6)(3-) to a mixture of cations and anions in the case of UCl(6)(-). UCl(6)(3-) is exclusively "coordinated" to BMI+ or MeBu(3)N+ solvent cations that mainly interact via their CH aromatic protons or their N-Me group, respectively. Around the less charged UCl(6)(-) complex, the cations interact via the less polar moieties (butyl chains of BMI+ or MeBu(3)N+) and the anions display nonspecific interactions. In no case does the uranium atom further coordinate solvent ions. According to an energy components analysis, UCl(6)(3-) interacts more attractively with the [BMI][Tf(2)N] liquid than with [MeBu(3)N][Tf(2)N], while UCl(6)(-) does not show any preference, suggesting a significant solvation effect of the redox properties of uranium, also supported by free energy perturbation simulations. The effect of ionic liquid (IL) humidity is investigated by simulating the three complexes in 1:8 water/IL mixtures. In contrast to the case of "naked" ions (e.g., lanthanide(3+), UO2(2+), alkali, or halides), water has little influence on the solvation of the UCl(6)(n-) complexes in the two simulated ILs, as indicated by structural and energy analysis. This is in full agreement with the experimental observations (Nikitenko, S. I.; et al. Inorg. Chem. 2005, 44, 9497).     

Ionic liquids of bis(alkylethylenediamine)silver(I) salts and the formation of silver(0) nanoparticles from the ionic liquid system

We have prepared novel ionic liquids of bis(N-2-ethylhexylethylenediamine)silver(I) nitrate ([Ag(eth-hex-en)(2)]NO(3) and bis(N-hexylethylenediamine)silver(I) hexafluorophosphate ([Ag(hex-en)(2)]PF(6)), which have transition points at -54 and -6 degrees C, respectively. Below these transition temperatures, both the silver complexes assume amorphous states, in which the extent of the vitrification is larger for the eth-hex-en complex than for the hex-en complex. The diffusion coefficients of both the complex cations, measured between 30 (or 35) and 70 degrees C, are largely dependent on temperature; the dependence is particularly large in the case of the eth-hex-en complex cation below 40 degrees C. Small-angle X-ray scattering studies showed that the bilayer structure of the metal complex is formed in the liquid state for both the silver complexes. A direct observation of the yellowish [Ag(eth-hex-en)(2)]NO(3) liquid by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicates the presence of nanostructures, as a microemulsion, of less than 5 nm. Such structures were not clearly observed in the [Ag(hex-en)(2)]PF(6) liquid. Although the [Ag(eth-hex-en)(2)]NO(3) liquid is sparingly soluble in bulk water, it readily incorporates a small amount of water up to [water]/[metal complex] = 7:1. Homogeneous and uniformly sized silver(0) nanoparticles in water were created by the reduction of the [Ag(eth-hex-en)(2)]NO(3) liquid with aqueous NaBH(4), whereas silver(0) nanoparticles were not formed from the [Ag(hex-en)(2)]PF(6) liquid in the same way.     

Novel microemulsions: ionic liquid-in-ionic liquid

The hydrophobic IL 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF(6)]) can be dispersed in hydrophilic IL propylammonium formate (PAF) with the aid of surfactant AOT, and [bmim][PF(6)]-in-PAF microemulsions are formed.     

Facile access to redox-active C2-bridged complexes with half-sandwich manganese end groups

The dinuclear mixed-valent complex [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC(2)Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)](+)[(eta2-MeC5H4)3Mn](-)[1](+)[2]- (dmpe=1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane) was prepared by the reaction of [Mn(MeC5H4)2] with dmpe and Me(3)SnC[triple chemical bond]CSnMe3. The reactions of [1](+)[2]- with K[PF6] and Na[BPh4] yielded the corresponding anion metathesis products [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)][PF6] ([1][PF6]) and [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)][BPh4] ([1][BPh4]). These mixed-valent species can be reduced to the neutral form by reaction with Na/Hg. The obtained complex [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)] (1) displays a triplet/singlet spin equilibrium in solution and in the solid state, which was additionally studied by DFT calculations. The diamagnetic dicationic species [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)][PF6]2 ([1][PF6]2) was obtained by oxidizing the mixed-valent complex [1][PF6] with one equivalent of [Fe(C5H5)2][PF6]. Both redox processes are fully reversible. The dinuclear compounds were characterized by NMR, IR, UV-visible, and Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. X-ray diffraction studies were performed on [1][2], [1][PF6], [1][BPh4], and [1][PF6]2.     

Electrophilic chemistry of propargylic alcohols in imidazolium ionic liquids: propargylation of arenes and synthesis of propargylic ethers catalyzed by metallic triflates [Bi(OTf)3, Sc(OTf)3, Yb(OTf)3], TfOH, or B(C6F5)3

Metallic triflates M(OTf)(3) (M = Bi, Sc, Yb), immobilized in imidazolium ionic liquids [BMIM][BF(4)], [BMIM][PF(6)] and [BMIM][OTf] are efficient systems for one-pot reactions of propargylic alcohols 1,3-diphenyl-2-propyn-1-ol Ia, 1-methyl-3-phenyl-2-propyn-1-ol Ib, and 2-pentyn-1-ol Ic, with a wide range of arenes bearing activating substituents, under mild conditions. The [BMIM][PF(6)]/B(C(6)F(5))(3) and [BMIM][PF(6)]/TfOH systems were superior in propargylation with Ib and Ic, while reaction of 3-phenyl-2-propyn-1-ol Id with activated aromatics resulted in the formation of diaryl-propanones instead. Propargylation of anisole with Ib under M(OTf)(3) catalysis is highly para selective, but with TfOH or B(C(6)F(5))(3) as catalyst the ortho isomer was also formed. Steric influence of the propargylic moiety on substrate selectivity is reflected in the lack of ortho propargylation for phenol and ethylbenzene by using propargylic alcohol Ia, and notable formation of the ortho isomer employing alcohol Ib. In the later case para selectivity could be increased by running the reaction at r. t. for 10 h. The Bi(OTf)(3)-catalyzed reaction of 1,3-dimethoxybenzene with Ia led to minor formation of dipropargylated derivative, along with the monopropargyl product. Propargylation of the less reactive arenes (mesitylene, ethylbenzene, toluene), using Sc(OTf)(3) as catalyst, led increasingly to the formation of dipropargylic ethers and propargyl ketones, with no ring propargylation product with toluene. Concomitant formation of dipropargylic ether was also observed in Yb(OTf)(3)-catalyzed propargylation of β-naphthol, whereas propargylation of 2-nitro and 4-nitro-aniline led to N-propargylation. The recycling/reuse of the IL was demonstrated in representative cases with no appreciable decrease in the conversions over 3 cycles. It was also shown that recycled IL could be used to propargylate a different aromatic compound. The efficacy of IL/M(OTf)(3) and IL/TfOH systems for cross-breeding two propargylic alcohols or a propargylic alcohol with a non-propargylic alcohol and/or self-coupling, to form a wide variety of functionalized ethers is also demonstrated.