A close look at short C-CH3...potassium contacts: synthetic and theoretical investigations of [M2Co2(mu3-OtBu)2(mu2-OtBu)4(thf)n] (M = Na, K, Rb, thf = tetrahydrofuran)

Agostic interactions of the type Si-CH3M+ (M = alkali metal) are frequently mentioned in discussions of solid-state structures of trimethylsilyl compounds and the purpose of this work was to elucidate if they also exist in the related tert-butyl species by using density functional theory. The compounds [M2Co2(mu3-OtBu)2(mu2-OtBu)4(thf)n] (M = Na, n = 2; M = K, n = 0; M = Rb, n = 1) have been synthesised and their crystal structures determined. Close contacts of methyl groups with K atoms are observed in the solid-state structure of [K2Co2(mu3-OtBu)2(mu2-OtBu)4], and calculations of the rotational barrier of a tert-butoxy group about the axis through the C-O bond were performed. It was shown that apparent short C-CH3K distances are in this case a consequence of the packing in the extended solid-state structure.     

Dynamic Effects Dictate the Mechanism and Selectivity of Dehydration–Rearrangement Reactions of Protonated Alcohols [Me2(R)CCH(OH2)Me]+ (R=Me,Et, iPr) in the Gas Phase

The gas‐phase dehydration–rearrangement (DR) reactions of protonated alcohols [Me₂(R)CCH(OH₂)Me]⁺ [R=Me ( ME ), Et ( ET ), and iPr ( I‐PR )] were studied by using static approaches (intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC), Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus theory) and dynamics (quasiclassical trajectory) simulations at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theory. The concerted mechanism involves simultaneous water dissociation and alkyl migration, whereas in the stepwise reaction pathway the dehydration step leads to a secondary carbocation intermediate followed by alkyl migration. Internal rotation (IR) can change the relative position of the migrating alkyl group and the leaving group (water), so distinct products may be obtained: [Me(R)CCH(Me)Me ??? OH₂]⁺ and [Me(Me)CCH(R)Me ??? OH₂]⁺. The static approach predicts that these reactions are concerted, with the selectivity towards these different products determined by the proportion of the conformers of the initial protonated alcohols. These selectivities are explained by the DR processes being much faster than IR. These results are in direct contradiction with the dynamics simulations, which indicate a predominantly stepwise mechanism and selectivities that depend on the alkyl groups and dynamics effects. Indeed, despite the lifetimes of the secondary carbocations being short (<0.5 ps), IR can take place and thus provide a rich selectivity. These different selectivities, particularly for ET and I‐PR , are amenable to experimental observation and provide evidence for the minor role played by potential‐energy surface and the relevance of the dynamics effects (non‐IRC pathways, IR) in determining the reaction mechanisms and product distribution (selectivity).     

Oxidation of linear trinuclear ruthenium complexes [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)] and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)]: synthesis, structures, electrochemical and magnetic properties

The neutral, monocationic, and dicationic linear trinuclear ruthenium compounds [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)], [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)][BF(4)], [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)], and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)](2) (dpa=the anion of dipyridylamine) have been synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Cyclic voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical studies on the neutral and oxidized compounds are reported. These compounds undergo three successive metal-centered one-electron-transfer processes. X-ray structural studies reveal a symmetrical Ru(3) unit for these compounds. While the metal--metal bond lengths change only slightly, the metal--axial ligand lengths exhibit a significant decrease upon oxidation of the neutral complex. The electronic configuration of the Ru(3) unit changes as the axial chloride ligands are replaced by the stronger "pi-acid" cyanide axial ligands. Magnetic measurements and (1)H NMR spectra indicate that [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)] and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)](2) are in a spin state of S=0 and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)], [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)], and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)][BF(4)] are in spin states of S=1/2, 1, and 3/2, respectively. These results are consistent with molecular orbital (MO) calculations.     

Synthese und Struktur der Phosphor-verbrückten Übergangsmetallkomplexe [Fe2(CO)6(PR)6] (R = tBu,iPr), [Fe2(CO)4(PiPr)6], [Fe2(CO)3Cl2(PtBu)5], [Co4(CO)10(PiPr)3], [Ni5(CO)10(PiPr)6] und [Ir4(C8H12)4Cl2(PPh)4]

Synthesis and Structure of the Phosphorus-bridged Transition Metal Complexes [Fe₂(CO)₆(PR)₆] (R = ^tBu, ⁱPr), [Fe₂(CO)₄(PⁱPr)₆], [Fe₂(CO)₃Cl₂(P^tBu)₅], [Co₄(CO)₁₀(PⁱPr)₃], [Ni₅(CO)₁₀(PⁱPr)₆], and [Ir₄(C₈H₁₂)₄Cl₂(PPh)₄] (P^tBu)₃ and (PⁱPr)₃ react with [Fe₂(CO)₉] to form the dinuclear complexes [Fe₂(CO)₆(PR)₆] (R = ^tBu: 1 ; ⁱPr: 2 ). 2 is also formed besides [Fe₂(CO)₄(PⁱPr)₆] ( 3 ) in the reaction of [Fe(CO)₅] with (PⁱPr)₃. When PⁱPr(P^tBu)₂ and PⁱPrCl₂ are allowed to react with [Fe₂(CO)₉] it is possible to isolate [Fe₂(CO)₃Cl₂(P^tBu)₅] ( 4 ). The reactions of (PⁱPr)₃ with [Co₂(CO)₈] and [Ni(CO)₄] lead to the tetra- and pentanuclear clusters [Co₄(CO)₁₀(PⁱPr)₃] ( 5 ), [Ni₄(CO)₁₀(PⁱPr)₆] [2] and [Ni₅(CO)₁₀(PⁱPr)₆] ( 6 ). Finally the reaction of [Ir(C₈H₁₂)Cl]₂ with K₂(PPh)₄ leads to the complex [Ir₄(C₈H₁₂)₄Cl₂(PPh)₄] ( 7 ). The structures of 1–7 were obtained by X-ray single crystal structure analysis (1: space group P2₁/c (Nr. 14), Z = 8, a = 1 758.8(16) pm, b = 3 625.6(18) pm, c = 1 202.7(7) pm, β = 90.07(3)°; 2 : space group P1 (Nr. 2), Z = 1, a = 880.0(2) pm, b = 932.3(3) pm, c = 1 073.7(2) pm, α = 79.07(2)°, β = 86.93(2)°, γ = 72.23(2)°; 3 : space group Pbca (Nr. 61), Z = 8, a = 952.6(8) pm, b = 1 787.6(12) pm, c = 3 697.2(30) pm; 4 : space group P2₁/n (Nr. 14), Z = 4, a = 968.0(4) pm, b = 3 362.5(15) pm, c = 1 051.6(3) pm, β = 109.71(2)°; 5 : space group P2₁/n (Nr. 14), Z = 4, a = 1 040.7(5) pm, b = 1 686.0(5) pm, c = 1 567.7(9) pm, β = 93.88(4)°; 6 : space group Pbca (Nr. 61), Z = 8, a = 1 904.1(8) pm, b = 1 959.9(8) pm, c = 2 309.7(9) pm. 7 : space group P1 (Nr. 2), Z = 2, a = 1 374.4(7) pm, b = 1 476.0(8) pm, c = 1 653.2(9) pm, α = 83.87(4)°, β = 88.76(4)°, γ = 88.28(4)°).     

Gold Behaves as Hydrogen in the Intermolecular Self‐Interaction of Metal Aurides MAu4 (M=Ti,Zr, and Hf)

We performed density functional calculations to examine the intermolecular self‐interaction of metal tetraauride MAu₄ (M=Ti, Zr, and Hf) clusters. We found that the metal auride clusters have strong dimeric interactions (2.8–3.1 eV) and are similar to the metal hydride analogues with respect to structure and bonding nature. Similarly to (MH₄)₂, the (μ‐Au)₃ C_s structures with three three‐center two‐electron (3c–2e) bonds were found to be the most stable. Natural orbital analysis showed that greater than 96 % of the Au 6s orbital contributes to the 3c–2e bonds, and this predominant s orbital is responsible for the similarity between metal aurides and metal hydrides (>99 % H 1s). The favorable orbital interaction between occupied Au 6s and unoccupied metal d orbitals leads to a stronger dimeric interaction for MAu₄‐MAu₄ than the interaction for MH₄‐MH₄. There is a strong relationship between the dimeric interaction energy and the chemical hardness of its monomer for (MAu₄)₂ and (MH₄)₂.     

A challenge to chemical intuition: donor-acceptor interactions in H3B-L and H2B+-L (L=CO; EC5H5, E=N-Bi)

The equilibrium geometries and bond energies of the complexes H(3)B-L and H(2)B(+)-L (L=CO; EC(5)H(5): E=N, P, As, Sb, Bi) have been calculated at the BP86/TZ2P level of theory. The nature of the donor-acceptor bonds was investigated by energy decomposition analysis (EDA). The bond strengths of H(3)B-L have the order CO>N>P>As>Sb>Bi. The calculated values are between D(e)=37.1 kcal mol(-1) for H(3)B-CO and D(e)=6.9 kcal mol(-1) for H(3)B-BiC(5)H(5). The bond dissociation energies of the cations H(2)B(+)-CO and H(2)B(+)-EC(5)H(5) are larger than for H(3)B--L, particularly for complexes of the heterobenzene ligands. The calculated values are between D(e)=51.9 kcal mol(-1) for H(2)B(+)-CO and D(e)=122.1 kcal mol(-1) for H(2)B(+)-NC(5)H(5). The trend of the BDE of H(2)B(+)-CO and H(2)B(+)-EC(5)H(5) is N>P>As>Sb>Bi>CO. A surprising result is found for H(2)B(+)-CO, which has a significantly stronger and yet substantially longer bond than H(3)B-CO. The reason for the longer but stronger bond in H(2)B(+)-CO compared with that in H(3)B-CO comes mainly from the change in electrostatic attraction and pi bonding at shorter distances, which increases more in the neutral system than in the cation, and to a lesser extent from the deformation energy of the fragments. The H(2)B(+)<--NC(5)H(5) pi( perpendicular) donation plays an important role for the stronger interactions at shorter distances compared with those in H(3)B-NC(5)H(5). The attractive interaction in H(2)B(+)--CO further increases at bond lengths that are shorter than the equilibrium value, but this is compensated by the energy which is necessary to deform BH(2) (+) from its linear equilibrium geometry to the bent form in the complex. The EDA shows that the contributions of the orbital interactions to the donor-acceptor bonds are always larger than the classical electrostatic contributions, but the latter term plays an important role for the trend in bond strength. The largest contributions to the orbital interactions come from the sigma orbitals. The EDA calculations suggest that heterobenzene ligands may become moderately strong pi donors in complexes with strong Lewis acids, while CO is only a weak pi donor. The much stronger interaction energies in H(2)B(+)-EC(5)H(5) compared with those in H(3)B-EC(5)H(5) are caused by the significantly larger contribution of the pi(perpendicular) orbitals in H(2)B(+)-EC(5)H(5) and by the increase of the binding interactions of the sigma+pi( parallel) orbitals.     

Neue Phosphor-verbrückte Übergangsmetall-Komplexe Die Kristallstrukturen von [Co4(CO)10(PiPr)2], [Fe3(CO)9(PtBu)(PPh)], [Cp3Fe3(CO)2(PPtBu)(PtBu)], [(NiPPh3)2(PiPr)6], [(NiPPh3)Ni{(PtBu)3}2] und [Ni8(PtBu)6(PPh3)2]

New Phosphorus-bridged Transition Metal Complexes The Crystal Structures of [Co₄(CO)₁₀(PⁱPr)₂], [Fe₃(CO)₉(P^tBu)(PPh)], [Cp₃Fe₃(CO)₂(PP^tBu)· (P^tBu)], [(NiPPh₃)₂(PⁱPr)₆], [(NiPPh₃)Ni{(P^tBu)₃}₂], and [Ni₈(P^tBu)₆(PPh₃)₂] By the reaction of cyclophosphines with transition metal carbonyl-derivatives polynuclear complexes are built, in which the PR-ligands (R = organic group) are bonded in different ways to the metal. Depending on the reaction conditions the following compounds can be characterized: [Co₄(CO)₁₀ · (PⁱPr)₂] ( 2 ), [Fe₃(CO)₉(P^tBu)(PPh)] ( 3 ), [Cp₃Fe₃(CO)₂(PP^tBu) · (P^tBu)] ( 4 ), [(NiPPh₃)₂(PⁱPr)₆] ( 5 ), [(NiPPh₃)Ni{(P^tBu)₃}₂] ( 6 ) and [Ni₈(P^tBu)₆(PPh₃)₂] ( 7 ). The structures of 2–7 were obtained by X-ray single crystal structure analysis ( 2 : space group Pccn (No. 56), Z = 4, a = 1001,4(2) pm, b = 1375,1(3) pm, c = 1675,5(3) pm; 3 : space group P2₁ (No. 4), Z = 2, a = 914,3(4) pm, b = 1268,7(4) pm, c = 1028,2(5) pm, β = 101,73(2)°; 4 : space group P1 (No. 2), Z = 2, a = 946,0(5) pm, b = 1074,4(8) pm, c = 1477,7(1,0) pm, α = 107,63(5)°, β = 94,66(5)°, γ = 111,04(5)°; 5 : space group P1 (No. 2), Z = 2, a = 1213,6(2) pm, b = 1275,0(2) pm, c = 2038,8(4) pm, α = 92,810(10)°, β = 102,75(2)°, γ = 93,380(10)°; 6 : space group P1 (No. 2), Z = 2, a = 1157,5(5) pm, b = 1371,9(6) pm, c = 1827,6(10) pm; α = 69,68(3)°, β = 80,79(3)°, γ = 69,36(3)°; 7 : space group P3 (No. 147), Z = 1, a = 1114,1(2) pm, b = 1114,1(2) pm, c = 1709,4(3) pm).     

Tuning the Magnetic Moment of [Ru2(DPhF)3(O2CMe)L]+ Complexes (DPhF=N,N′‐Diphenylformamidinate): A Theoretical Explanation of the Axial Ligand Influence

The magnetic behaviour of the compounds containing the [Ru₂(DPhF)₃(O₂CMe)]⁺ ion (DPhF^?=N,N′‐diphenylformamidinate) shows a strong dependence on the nature of the ligand bonded to the axial position. The new complexes [Ru₂(DPhF)₃(O₂CMe)(OPMe₃)][BF₄]?0.5 CH₂Cl₂ ( 1 ? 0.5 CH₂Cl₂) and [Ru₂(DPhF)₃(O₂CMe)(4‐pic)][BF₄] ( 2 ) (4‐pic=4‐methylpyridine) clearly display this influence. Complex 1 ?0.5 CH₂Cl₂ shows a magnetic moment corresponding to a S=3/2 system affected by the common zero‐field splitting (ZFS) and a weak antiferromagnetic interaction, whereas complex 2 displays an intermediate behaviour between S=3/2 and S=1/2 systems. The experimental data of complex 1 are fitted with a model that considers the ZFS effect using the Hamiltonian ?_D= S ? D ? S . The weak antiferromagnetic coupling is introduced as a perturbation, using the molecular field approximation. DFT calculations demonstrate that, in the [Ru₂(O₂CMe)(DPhF)₃(L)]⁺ complexes, the energy level of the metal–metal molecular orbitals is strongly dependent on the nature of the axial ligand (L). This study reveals that the increase in the π‐acceptor character of L leads to a greater split between the π* and δ* HOMO orbitals. The influence of the axial ligand in the relative energy between the doublet and quartet states in this type of complexes was also analysed. This study was performed on the new complexes 1 ?0.5 CH₂Cl₂ and 2 . The previously isolated [Ru₂(DPhF)₃(O₂CMe)(OH₂)][BF₄]?0.5 CH₂Cl₂ ( 3 ? 0.5 CH₂Cl₂) and [Ru₂(DPhF)₃(O₂CMe)(CO)][BF₄]?CH₂Cl₂ ( 4 ?CH₂Cl₂) complexes were also included in this study as representative examples of spin‐admixed and low‐spin configurations, respectively. The [Ru₂(DPhF)₃(O₂CMe)]⁺ ( 5 ) unit was used as a reference compound. These theoretical studies are in accordance with the different magnetic behaviour experimentally observed.     

Solvent effects on 195Pt and 205Tl NMR chemical shifts of the complexes [(NC)5Pt--Tl(CN)n]n- (n=0-3), and [(NC)5Pt--Tl--Pt(CN)5]3- studied by relativistic density functional theory

The 295Pt and 205Tl NMR chemical shifts of the complexes [(NC)5Pt-Tl(CN)n]n- n=0-3, and of the related system [(NC)5Pt--Tl--Pt(CN)5]3- have been computationally investigated. It is demonstrated that based on relativistically optimized geometries, by applying an explicit first solvation shell, an additional implicit solvation model to represent the bulk solvent effects (COSMO model), and a DFT exchange-correlation potential that was specifically designed for the treatment of response properties, that the experimentally observed metal chemical shifts can be calculated with satisfactory accuracy. The metal chemical shifts have been computed by means of a two-component relativistic density functional approach. The effects of electronic spin-orbit coupling were included in all NMR computations. The impact of the choice of the reference, which ideally should not affect the accuracy of the computed chemical shifts, is also demonstrated. Together with recent calculations by us of the Pt and Tl spin-spin coupling constants, all measured metal NMR parameters of these complexes are now computationally determined with sufficient accuracy in order to allow a detailed analysis of the experimental results. In particular, we show that interaction of the complexes with the solvent (water) must be an integral part of such an analysis.     

Deep blue mixed-valent PtIIIPtIIIPtII complex [Pt3Br2(mu-pz)6] (pz=pyrazolate) showing valence-detrapping behavior in solution

The oxidation of the pyrazolate bridged cyclic PtII trimer, [Pt3(mu-pz)6] (1), in the presence of bromide ion gave a deep blue mixed-valent Pt(II,III,III) complex, [Pt3Br2(mu-pz)6] (2). The structural analysis of 2 disclosed that the complex has localized Pt--Pt bond. Our theoretical calculations revealed that the HOMO and LUMO of Pt3 (II,III,III) species mainly consists of (dsigma-dsigma) and (dsigma-dsigma)* orbitals, respectively, and the origin of deep blue color of the bromo complex, 2, arises from the (dsigma-dsigma)-->(dsigma-dsigma)* transition. Unique fluxional behavior was observed due to valence-detrapping of 2 in solution. The activation parameters of the valence-detrapping of 2 obtained by Eyring analyses were DeltaH(not equal)=37(2) kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS(not equal)=-67(7) J mol(-1) K(-1).     

Synthese und Struktur chiraler Heterometallatetrahedrane des Typs [Re2(M1PPh3)(M2PPh3)(μ‐PCy2)(CO)7C≡CPh] (M1 = Ag,Au; M2 = Cu,Ag, Au)

Syntheses and Structure of Chiral Metallatetrahedron Complexes of the Type [Re₂(M¹PPh₃)(M²PPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] (M¹ = Ag, Au; M² = Cu, Ag, Au) From the reaction of Li[Re₂(μ‐H)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇(C(Ph)O)] ( 1 ) with Ph₃AuC≡CPh both benzaldehyde and the trinuclear complex Li[Re₂(AuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] ( 2a ) were obtained in high yield. The complex anion was isolated as its PPh₄‐salt 2b . The latter reacts with coinage metal complexes PPh₃M²Cl [M² = Cu, Ag, Au] to give chiral heterometallatetrahedranes of the general formula [Re₂(AuPPh₃)(M²PPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] (M² = Cu 3a , Ag 3b , Au 3c ). The corresponding complex [Re₂(AgPPh₃)₂(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] ( 3d ) is obtained from the reaction of [Re₂(AgPPh₃)₂(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇Cl] ( 4 ) with LiC≡CPh. 3d undergoes a metathesis reaction in the presence of PPh₃CuCl giving [Re₂(AgPPh₃)(CuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] ( 3e ) and PPh₃AgCl. Analogous metathesis reactions are observed when 3c is reacted with PPh₃AgCl or PPh₃CuCl giving 3a or 3b , respectively. The reaction of 1 with PPh₃AuCl gives benzaldehyde and Li[Re₂(AuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇Cl] ( 5a ) which upon reaction with PhLi forms the trinuclear complex Li[Re₂(AuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇Ph] ( 6a ). Again this complex was isolated as its PPh₄‐salt 6b . In contrast to 2b , 6b reacts with one equivalent of Ph₃PAuCl by transmetalation to give Ph₃PAuPh and PPh₄[Re₂(AuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇Cl] ( 5b ). The X‐ray structures of the compounds 3a , 3b , 3e and 4 are reported.     

Transition Metal Complexes with more than one Dihydrogen Ligand: Structure and Bonding of M(CO)6–x(H2)x (M = Cr,Mo, W; x = 1, 2, 3) [1]

Quantum mechanical ab initio calculations at the MP2 and CCSD(T) level of theory have been used to investigate the geometries and bond energies of the complexes M(CO)_6–x(H₂)_x (M = Cr, Mo, W; x = 1, 2, 3). The theoretically predicted M(CO)₅–(H₂) bond dissociation energies are in excellent agreement with experimental values. The M–(H₂) dissociation energies of the bis- and tris-dihydrogen complexes are very similar to the values for the mono-dihydrogen complexes. In M(CO)₅(H₂) the dihydrogen ligand prefers an eclipsed conformation relative to the equatorial carbonyl groups. For M(CO)₄(H₂)₂ the cis and trans isomers are nearly equal in energy for M = W, while a cis configuration is favoured for M = Cr. For M(CO)₃(H₂)₃ the facial configurations are more stable than the meridial structures for all three metals M. The charge decomposition analysis (CDA) classifies dihydrogen as a donor ligand with moderate acceptor properties. In trans-M(CO)₄(H₂)₂ back donation is increased and the M–(H₂) bonds are stronger than in M(CO)₅–(H₂). Back donation in M(CO)₃(H₂)₃ is slightly weaker than in the mono-dihydrogen complexes M(CO)₅(H₂).     

Oligonuclear Molecular Models of Intermetallic Phases: A Case Study on [Pd2Zn6Ga2(Cp*)5(CH3)3]

The synthesis, characterization, and theoretical investigation by means of quantum‐chemical calculations of an oligonuclear metal‐rich compound are presented. The reaction of homoleptic dinuclear palladium compound [Pd₂(μ‐GaCp*)₃(GaCp*)₂] with ZnMe₂ resulted in the formation of unprecedented ternary Pd/Ga/Zn compound [Pd₂Zn₆Ga₂(Cp*)₅(CH₃)₃] ( 1 ), which was analyzed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, MS, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1 consisted of two C_s‐symmetric molecular isomers, as revealed by NMR spectroscopy, at which distinct site‐preferences related to the Ga and Zn positions were observed by quantum‐chemical calculations. Structural characterization of compound 1 showed significantly different coordination environments for both palladium centers. Whilst one Pd atom sat in the central of a bi‐capped trigonal prism, thereby resulting in a formal 18‐valence electron fragment, {Pd(ZnMe)₂(ZnCp*)₄(GaMe)}, the other Pd atom occupied one capping unit, thereby resulting in a highly unsaturated 12‐valence electron fragment, {Pd(GaCp*)}. The bonding situation, as determined by atoms‐in‐molecules analysis (AIM), NBO partial charges, and molecular orbital (MO) analysis, pointed out that significant Pd? Pd interactions had a large stake in the stabilization of this unusual molecule. The characterization and quantum‐chemical calculations of compound 1 revealed distinct similarities to related M/Zn/Ga Hume–Rothery intermetallic solid‐state compounds, such as Ga/Zn‐exchange reactions, the site‐preferences of the Zn/Ga positions, and direct M? M bonding, which contributes to the overall stability of the metal‐rich compound.     

Primary Fragmentation Pathways of Gas Phase [M(Uracil−H)(Uracil)]+ Complexes (M=Zn,Cu, Ni,Co, Fe,Mn, Cd,Pd , Mg,Ca, Sr,Ba, and Pb): Loss of Uracil versus HNCO

Complexes formed between metal dications, the conjugate base of uracil, and uracil are investigated by sustained off‐resonance irradiation collision‐induced dissociation (SORI‐CID) in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer. Positive‐ion electrospray spectra show that [M(Ura?H)(Ura)]⁺ (M=Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Cd, Pd, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, or Pb) is the most abundant ion even at low concentrations of uracil. SORI‐CID experiments show that the main primary decomposition pathway for all [M(Ura?H)(Ura)]⁺, except where M=Ca, Sr, Ba, or Pb, is the loss of HNCO. Under the same SORI‐CID conditions, when M is Ca, Sr, Ba, or Pb, [M(Ura?H)(Ura)]⁺ are shown to lose a molecule of uracil. Similar results were observed under infrared multiple‐photon dissociation excitation conditions, except that [Ca(Ura?H)(Ura)]⁺ was found to lose HNCO as the primary fragmentation product. The binding energies between neutral uracil and [M(Ura?H)]⁺ (M=Zn, Cu, Ni, Fe, Cd, Pd ,Mg, Ca, Sr Ba, or Pb) are calculated by means of electronic‐structure calculations. The differences in the uracil binding energies between complexes which lose uracil and those which lose HNCO are consistent with the experimentally observed differences in fragmentation pathways. A size dependence in the binding energies suggests that the interaction between uracil and [M(Ura?H)]⁺ is ion–dipole complexation and the experimental evidence presented supports this.     

Sandwich-like compounds based on the all-metal aromatic unit Al(4)2- and the main-group metals M (M=Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca)

Inspired by the pioneering experimental characterisation of the all-metal aromatic unit Al(4)2- in the bimetallic molecules MAl4- (M=Li, Na, Cu) and by the very recent theoretical design of sandwich-type transition-metal complexes [Al4MAl4]q- (q=0-2; M=Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W), we used density functional theory (DFT) calculations (B3LYP/6-311+G(d) to design a series of novel non-transition-metal sandwich complexes based on the all-metal aromatic unit Al4(2-) and the main-group metals M (M=Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca). The traditional homo-decked sandwich compounds [Al4MAl4]q- (without counterions) and (nM)q+[Al4MAl4]q- (with counterions M) (q=2-3, M=Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca), although some of them are truly energy minima, have a much higher energy than many fused isomers. We thus concluded that it seems unlikely for Al4(2-) to sandwich the main-group metal atoms in the homo-decked sandwich form. Alternatively, we proposed a new type of sandwich complex, namely hetero-decked sandwich compounds [CpMAl4]q-, that are the ground-state structures for each M both with and without counterions. It was shown that with the rigid Cp- partner, the all-metal aromatic unit Al(4)2- might indeed act as a "superatom". These new types of all-metal aromatic unit-based sandwich complexes await future experimental verification.