Homolytic,Heterolytic, Mesolytic ‐ As You Like It: Steering the Cleavage of a HC(sp3)−C(sp3)H Bond in Bis(1H‐2,1‐benzazaborole) Derivatives

A set of (3,3′)‐bis(1‐Ph‐2‐R‐1H‐2,1‐benzazaborole) compounds, in which R=tBu (Bab‐tBu)₂ , R=Dipp (Bab‐Dipp)₂ or R=tBu and Dipp (Bab‐Dipp)(Bab‐tBu) , was synthesized and fully characterized using ¹H, ¹¹B, ¹³C, and ¹⁵N NMR spectroscopy as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The central HC(sp³)?C(sp³)H bond with restricted rotation at the junction of both 1H‐2,1‐benzazaborole rings displayed an intriguing reactivity. It was demonstrated that this bond is easily mesolytically cleaved using alkali metals to form the respective aromatic 1Ph‐2R‐1H‐2,1‐benzazaborolyl anions M⁺(THF) _n (Bab‐tBu)^? (M=Li, Na, K) and K⁺(THF) _n (Bab‐Dipp)^? . Furthermore, the central HC(sp³)?C(sp³)H bond of bis(1H‐2,1‐benzazaborole)s is also homolytically cleaved either by heating or photochemical means, giving corresponding 1Ph‐2R‐1H‐2,1‐benzazaborolyl radicals (Bab‐tBu)^. and (Bab‐Dipp)^., which rapidly self‐terminate. Nevertheless, their formation was unambiguously established by NMR analysis of the reaction mixtures containing products of the self‐termination of the radicals after heating or irradiation. (Bab‐Dipp)^. radical was also characterized using EPR spectroscopy. Importantly, it turned out that the essentially non‐polarized HC(sp³)?C(sp³)H bond in (Bab‐tBu)₂ is also cleaved heterolytically with 2 equiv of MeLi, giving the mixture of Li⁺(SOL) _n (Bab‐tBu)^? (SOL=THF or Et₂O) and lithium methyl‐substituted borate complex Li⁺(SOL) _n (Bab‐tBu‐Me)^? in a diastereoselective fashion.     

Reactivity in the gas phase. Behaviour of isoxazoles under negative ion chemical ionization conditions

[M ? H⁺]^? ions of isoxazole (la), 3-methylisoxazole (1b), 5-methylisoxazole (1c), 5-phenylisoxazole (1d) and benzoylacetonitrile (2a) are generated using NICI/OH^? or NICI/NH₂^? techniques. Their fragmentation pathways are rationalized on the basis of collision-induced dissociation and mass-analysed ion kinetic energy spectra and by deuterium labelling studies. 5-Substituted isoxazoles 1c and 1d, after selective deprotonation at position 3, mainly undergo N ? O bond cleavage to the stable α-cyanoenolate NC ? CH ? CR ? O^? (R = Me, Ph) that fragments by loss of R? CN, or R? H, or H₂O. The same α-cyanoenolate anion (R = Ph) is obtained from 2a with OH^?, or NH₂^?, confirming the structure assigned to the [M ? H⁺]^? ion of 1d, On the contrary, 1b is deprotonated mainly at position 5 leading, via N? O and C(3)? C(4) bond cleavages, to H? C ≡ C? O ^? and CH₃CN. Isoxazole (1a) undergoes deprotonation at either position and subsequent fragmentations. Deuterium labelling revealed an extensive exchange between the hydrogen atoms in the ortho position of the phenyl group and the deuterium atom in the α-cyanenolate NC ? CD = CPh ? O^?.     

Generation and EPR Spectroscopy of the First Silenyl Radicals,R2C=Si.−R: Experiment and Theory

The first two persistent silenyl radicals (R₂C=Si^.?R), with a half‐life (t_1/2) of about 30 min, were generated and characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The large hyperfine coupling constants (hfccs) (a(²⁹Si_α)=137.5–148.0 G) indicate that the unpaired electron has substantial s character. DFT calculations, which are in good agreement with the experimentally observed hfccs, predict a strongly bent structure (?C=Si?R=134.7–140.7°). In contrast, the analogous vinyl radical, R₂C=C^.?R (t_1/2≈3 h), exhibits a small hfcc (a(¹³C_α)=26.6 G) and has a nearly linear geometry (?C=C?R=168.7°).     

Ligand‐to‐Ligand Charge‐Transfer Transitions of Platinum(II) Complexes with Arylacetylide Ligands with Different Chain Lengths: Spectroscopic Characterization,Effect of Molecular Conformations,and Density Functional Theory Calculations

The complexes [Pt(tBu₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1R}]⁺ (n=1: R=alkyl and aryl (Ar); n=1–3: R=phenyl (Ph) or Ph‐N(CH₃)₂‐4; n=1 and 2, R=Ph‐NH₂‐4; tBu₃tpy=4,4’,4’’‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,2’:6’,2’’‐terpyridine) and [Pt(Cl₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (R=tert‐butyl (tBu), Ph, 9,9’‐dibutylfluorene, 9,9’‐dibutyl‐7‐dimethyl‐amine‐fluorene; Cl₃tpy=4,4’,4’’‐trichloro‐2,2’:6’,2’’‐terpyridine) were prepared. The effects of substituent(s) on the terpyridine (tpy) and acetylide ligands and chain length of arylacetylide ligands on the absorption and emission spectra were examined. Resonance Raman (RR) spectra of [Pt(tBu₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (R=n‐butyl, Ph, and C₆H₄‐OCH₃‐4) obtained in acetonitrile at 298 K reveal that the structural distortion of the C?C bond in the electronic excited state obtained by 502.9 nm excitation is substantially larger than that obtained by 416 nm excitation. Density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations on [Pt(H₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (R= n‐propyl (nPr), 2‐pyridyl (Py)), [Pt(H₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1Ph}]⁺ (n=1–3), and [Pt(H₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1C₆H₄‐N(CH₃)₂‐4}]⁺/+H⁺ (n=1–3; H₃tpy=nonsubstituted terpyridine) at two different conformations were performed, namely, with the phenyl rings of the arylacetylide ligands coplanar (“cop”) with and perpendicular (“per”) to the H₃tpy ligand. Combining the experimental data and calculated results, the two lowest energy absorption peak maxima, λ₁ and λ₂, of [Pt(Y₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (Y=tBu or Cl, R=aryl) are attributed to ¹[π(C?CR)→π*(Y₃tpy)] in the “cop” conformation and mixed ¹[d_π(Pt)→π*(Y₃tpy)]/¹[π(C?CR)→π*(Y₃tpy)] transitions in the “per” conformation. The lowest energy absorption peak λ₁ for [Pt(tBu₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1C₆H₄‐H‐4}]⁺ (n=1–3) shows a redshift with increasing chain length. However, for [Pt(tBu₃tpy){C?C(C6H4C?C)_n?1C₆H₄‐N(CH₃)₂‐4}]⁺ (n=1–3), λ₁ shows a blueshift with increasing chain length n, but shows a redshift after the addition of acid. The emissions of [Pt(Y₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (Y=tBu or Cl) at 524–642 nm measured in dichloromethane at 298 K are assigned to the ³[π(C?CAr)→π*(Y₃tpy)] excited states and mixed ³[d_π(Pt)→π*(Y₃tpy)]/³[π(C?C)→π*(Y₃tpy)] excited states for R=aryl and alkyl groups, respectively. [Pt(tBu₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1C₆H₄‐N(CH₃)₂‐4}]⁺ (n=1 and 2) are nonemissive, and this is attributed to the small energy gap between the singlet ground state (S₀) and the lowest triplet excited state (T₁).     

Reactions of trans-Carbonyl(Chloro)-[Bis(Triphenylphosphine)]Rhodium(I) with Substituted Cyclopentadienyl Tricarbonyl Molybdenum Anions

Reactions of trans-carbonyl(chloro)[bis(triphenylphosphine)]rhodium(I): trans-ClRh(CO)(PPh₃)₂ with substituted cyclopentadienyl tricarbonyl molybdenum anions, [Mo(CO)₃(η ⁵ -C₅H₄R)]^? (R=H; COCH₃) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at 55°C for 24 h yielded two monometallic complexes as by-products: [Rh(CO)(PPh₃)(η⁵-C₅H₄R)] (R = H (1a); COCH₃ (2a)) and two main heterobimetallic compounds: [RhMo(CO)₄(PPh₃)₂(η⁵-C₅H₄R)] (R = H (1b); COCH₃ (2b)). These compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectra. The molecular structure of (2a) was determined by X-ray diffraction.     

Generation and EPR Spectroscopy of the First Silenyl Radicals,R2C=Si.−R: Experiment and Theory

The first two persistent silenyl radicals (R₂C=Si^.?R), with a half‐life (t_1/2) of about 30 min, were generated and characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The large hyperfine coupling constants (hfccs) (a(²⁹Si_α)=137.5–148.0 G) indicate that the unpaired electron has substantial s character. DFT calculations, which are in good agreement with the experimentally observed hfccs, predict a strongly bent structure (?C=Si?R=134.7–140.7°). In contrast, the analogous vinyl radical, R₂C=C^.?R (t_1/2≈3 h), exhibits a small hfcc (a(¹³C_α)=26.6 G) and has a nearly linear geometry (?C=C?R=168.7°).     

Understanding the Subtleties of Frustrated Lewis Pair Activation of Carbonyl Compounds by N‐Heterocyclic Carbene/Alkyl Gallium Pairings

This study reports the use of the trisalkylgallium GaR₃ (R=CH₂SiMe₃), containing sterically demanding monosilyl groups, as an effective Lewis‐acid component for frustrated Lewis pair activation of carbonyl compounds, when combined with the bulky N‐heterocyclic carbene 1,3‐bis(tert‐butyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene (ItBu) or 1,3‐bis(tert‐butyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene (SItBu). The reduction of aldehydes can be achieved by insertion into the C=O functionality at the C2 (so‐called normal) position of the carbene affording zwitterionic products [ItBuCH₂OGaR₃] ( 1 ) or [ItBuCH(p‐Br‐C₆H₄)OGaR₃] ( 2 ), or alternatively, at its abnormal (C4) site yielding [aItBuCH(p‐Br‐C₆H₄)OGaR₃] ( 3 ). As evidence of the cooperative behaviour of both components, ItBu and GaR₃, neither of them alone are able to activate any of the carbonyl‐containing substrates included in this study NMR spectroscopic studies of the new compounds point to complex equilibria involving the formation of kinetic and thermodynamic species as implicated through DFT calculations. Extension to ketones proved successful for electrophilic α,α,α‐trifluoroacetophenone, yielding [aItBuC(Ph)(CF₃)OGaR₃] ( 7 ). However, in the case of ketones and nitriles bearing acidic hydrogen atoms, C?H bond activation takes place preferentially, affording novel imidazolium gallate salts such as [{ItBuH}⁺{(p‐I‐C₆H₄)C(CH₂)OGaR₃}^?] ( 8 ) or [{ItBuH}⁺{Ph₂C=C=NGaR₃}^?] ( 12 ).     

Diimido‐, Imido(oxo)‐, Dioxo‐ und Imido(alkyliden)‐Halbsandwich‐Verbindungen über selektive Hydrolyse und α—H‐Abstraktion an Organylkomplexen des sechswertigen Molybdäns und Wolframs

Diimido, Imido Oxo, Dioxo, and Imido Alkylidene Halfsandwich Compounds via Selective Hydrolysis and α—H Abstraction in Molybdenum(VI) and Tungsten(VI) Organyl Complexes Organometal imides [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)₂Ph] (M = Mo, W, R = H, Me, R′ = Mes, tBu) 4 — 8 can be prepared by reaction of halfsandwich complexes [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)₂Cl] with phenyl lithium in good yields. Starting from phenyl complexes 4 — 8 as well as from previously described methyl compounds [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)₂Me] (M = Mo, W), reactions with aqueous HCl lead to imido(oxo) methyl and phenyl complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)(O)(R)] M = Mo, R = Me ( 9 ), Ph ( 10 ); M = W, R = Ph ( 11 ) and dioxo complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(O)₂(CH₃)] M = Mo ( 12 ), M = W ( 13 ). Hydrolysis of organometal imides with conservation of M‐C σ and π bonds is in fact an attractive synthetic alternative for the synthesis of organometal oxides with respect to known strategies based on the oxidative decarbonylation of low valent alkyl CO and NO complexes. In a similar manner, protolysis of [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)W(NtBu)₂(CH₃)] and [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Mo(NtBu)₂(CH₃)] by HCl gas leads to [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)W(NtBu)Cl₂(CH₃)] 14 und [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Mo(NtBu)Cl₂(CH₃)] 15 with conservation of the M‐C bonds. The inert character of the relatively non‐polar M‐C σ bonds with respect to protolysis offers a strategy for the synthesis of methyl chloro complexes not accessible by partial methylation of [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)Cl₃] with MeLi. As pure substances only trimethyl compounds [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NtBu)(CH₃)₃] 16 ‐ 18 , M = Mo, W, R = H, Me, are isolated. Imido(benzylidene) complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)(CHPh)(CH₂Ph)] M = Mo ( 19 ), W ( 20 ) are generated by alkylation of [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)Cl₃] with PhCH₂MgCl via α‐H abstraction. Based on nmr data a trend of decreasing donor capability of the ligands [NtBu]^2— > [O]^2— > [CHR]^2— ? 2 [CH₃]^— > 2 [Cl]^— emerges.     

ANIONIC COORDINATION COMPLEXES OF Mo AND W WHICH CRYSTALLIZE FROM LIQUID CLATHRATE MEDIA WITH OXONIUM ION-CROWN ETHER CATIONS

Abstract

The complexes [H₃O⁺·18-crown-6][MoOCl₄(H₂O)^?], 1, and [H₂O·aza-18-crown-6·(H⁺)] [MoOCl₄(H₂O)^?], 3, were synthesized from a mixture of Mo(CO)₆, HCl(g), H₂O and either 18-crown-6 for 1 or mono-aza-18-crown-6 for 3, in toluene. For complex 4, [H₂O·aza-18-crown-6·(H⁺)]₂[WOCl₄(H₂O)^?][Cl^?], reaction conditions were as for 3 except W(CO)₆ was used in place of Mo(CO)₆. Similarly, for complex 2, [H₃O⁺·18-crown-6][WOBr₄(H₂O)^?], W(CO)₆ and HBr were used in the reaction mixture. These reactions were promoted by UV radiation and formed liquid clathrates almost immediately upon reaction. X-ray crystal structures were performed on each compound. Complex 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P/i with a = 10.206(1), b = 10.486(1), c = 11.701(1) Å, α = 71.11(1), β = 74.60(1), γ = 75.08(1)°, and D _c = 1.649 g cm^?3 for Z = 2. Refinement based on 3925 observed reflections led to a final R value of 0.078. Complex 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 9.710(1), b = 19.824(1), c = 12.399(1) Å, β = 104.58(1)°, and D _c = 2.369 g cm^?3 for Z = 4. Refinement based on 2008 observed reflections led to a final R value of 0.090. Complex 3 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnmn with a = 16.927(1), b = 12.226(1), c = 11.167(1) Å, and D _c = 1.598 g cm^?3 for Z = 4. Refinement based on 1486 observed reflections led to a final R value of 0.040. Complex 4 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m with a = 11.761(2), b = 12.096(2), c = 14.966(1) Å, β = 132.91(1)°, and D _c = 1.502 g cm^?3 for Z = 4. Refinement based on 2021 observed reflections led to a final R value of 0.051. In all cases the metal coordination sphere was essentially octahedral with the water ligand trans to the oxo species.     

Synthesis of Elusive Chloropnictenium Ions

This work describes the synthesis and full characterization of elusive chloropnictenium ion salts of the type [^RAr*N(SiMe)ECl][A] (^RAr*=2,6‐(CHPh₂)‐4‐R‐C₆H₂, R=Me, tBu; E=Sb, Bi; A^?=GaCl₄, Al(OCH(CF₃)₂)₄). In these species the cation is significantly stabilized by weak arene interactions to flanking phenyl groups of the ^RAr* moiety. In this context the bonding situation has been studied by computational means and the reactivity towards the Lewis base 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (dmap) was investigated.     

Molybdenum(VI) Bis(imido) Complexes: From Frustrated Lewis Pairs to Weakly Coordinating Cations

Molybdenum(VI) bis(imido) complexes [Mo(NtBu)₂(L^R)₂] (R=H 1 a ; R=CF₃ 1 b ) combined with B(C₆F₅)₃ ( 1 a /B(C₆F₅)₃, 1 b /B(C₆F₅)₃) exhibit a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) character that can heterolytically split H−H, Si−H and O−H bonds. Cleavage of H₂ and Et₃SiH affords ion pairs [Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂][HB(C₆F₅)₃] (R=H 2 a ; R=CF₃ 2 b ) composed of a Mo(VI) amido imido cation and a hydridoborate anion, while reaction with H₂O leads to [Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂][(HO)B(C₆F₅)₃] (R=H 3 a ; R=CF₃ 3 b ). Ion pairs 2 a and 2 b are catalysts for the hydrosilylation of aldehydes with triethylsilane, with 2 b being more active than 2 a . Mechanistic elucidation revealed insertion of the aldehyde into the B−H bond of [HB(C₆F₅)₃]⁻. We were able to isolate and fully characterize, including by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, the inserted products Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂][{PhCH₂O}B(C₆F₅)₃] (R=H 4 a ; R=CF₃ 4 b ). Catalysis occurs at [HB(C₆F₅)₃]⁻ while [Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂]⁺ (R=H or CF₃) act as the cationic counterions. However, the striking difference in reactivity gives ample evidence that molybdenum cations behave as weakly coordinating cations (WCC).     

Structure and Photochemical Properties of r‐1, c‐2, t‐3, t‐4‐l, 3‐Bis [2‐ (5‐R‐benzoxazolyl) ] −2,4‐di (4‐R' ‐phenyl) cyclobutane

r‐1, c‐2, t‐3, t‐4‐1,3‐Bis[2‐(5‐R‐benzoxazolyl)]‐2,4‐di(4‐R'‐phenyl)cyclobutane (IIa: R=R' = H; IIb: R=Me, R'= H; IIc: R = Me, R' = OMe) was synthesized with high stereo‐selectivity by the photodimerization of trans‐l‐[2‐(5‐R‐benzoxazolyl)]‐2‐(4‐R'‐phenyl) ethene (Ia: R=R' = H; Ib: R = Me, R' = H; Ic: R = Me, R' = OMe) in sulfuric acid. The structures of IIa–IIc were identified by elemental analysis, IR, UV, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and MS. The molecular and crystal structure of IIc has been determined by X‐ray diffraction method. The crystal of IIc (C₃₄H₃₀N₂O₄. 0.5C₂OH) is monoclinic, space group P2₁/n with cell dimensions of a = 1.5416(3), b =0.5625(1), c = 1.7875(4) nm, β = 91.56 (3)°, V= 1.550(1) nm³, Z = 2. The structure shows that the molecule of IIc is centrosymmetric, which indicates that the dimerization process is a head‐to‐tail fashion. The selectivity of the photodimerization of Ia–Ic has been enhanced by using acidic solvent and the reaction speed would be decreased when electron donating group was introduced in the 4‐position of the phenyl group. That the photodimerization is not affected by the presence of oxygen as well as its high stereo‐selectivity demonstrated that the reaction proceeded through an excited singlet state. It was also found that under irradiation of short wavelength UV, these dimers underwent photolysis completely to reproduce its trans‐monomers, and then the new formed species changed into their cis‐isomers through trans‐cis isomerization.     

Physicochemical Characterization of Four Gadolinium(III) DTPA‐like Complexes

The analysis of ¹⁷O NMR transverse relaxation rates and EPR transverse electronic relaxation rates for aqueous solutions of the four DTPA‐like (DTPA = diethylenetriamine‐N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentaacetic acid) complexes, [Gd(DTPA‐PY)(H₂O)]^? (DTPA‐PY = N′‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)), [Gd(DTPA‐HP)(H₂O)₂]^? (DTPA‐HP = N′‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)), [Gd(DTPA‐H1P)(H₂O)₂]^? (DTPA‐H1P = N′‐(2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylethyl)) and [Gd(DTPA‐H2P)(H₂O)₂] (DTPA‐H2P = N′‐(2‐hydroxy‐2‐phenylethyl)), at various temperatures allows us to understand the water exchange dynamics of these four complexes. The water‐exchange lifetime (τM) parameters for [Gd(DTPA‐PY)(H₂O)]^?, [Gd(DTPA‐HP)(H₂O)₂]^?, [Gd(DTPA‐H1P)(H₂O)₂]^? and [Gd(DTPA‐H2P)(H₂O)₂] are of 585, 98, 163, and 69 ns, respectively. Compared with [Gd(DTPA)(H₂O)]^2? (τM = 303 ns), the τM value of [Gd(DTPA‐PY)(H₂O)]^? is slightly higher, but the other three complexes values are significantly lower than those of [Gd(DTPA)(H₂O)]^2?. This difference is explained by the fact that the gadolinium(III) complexes of DTPA‐HP, DTPA‐H1P, and DTPA‐H2P have two inner‐sphere waters. The ²H longitudinal relaxation rates of the labeled diamagnetic lanthanum complex allow the calculation of its rotational correlation time (τR). The τR values calculated for DTPA‐PY, DTPA‐HP, DTPA‐H1P, and DTPA‐H2P are of 127, 110, 142 and 147 ps, respectively. These four values are higher than the value of [La(DTPA)]^2? (τR = 103 ps), because the rotational correlation time is related to the magnitude of its molecular weight.     

Heterobimetallic complexes CpNiCo(CO)2(PPh3)(PhC2C6H4-R -p): their synthesis,electrochemistry and ESR

Three new heterobimetallic acetylene complexes CpNiCo (CO)₃ (PPh₃) (PhC₂C₄H₄-R-p) [R = H (2), Br (3), COCH₂ (4)] have been synthesized in suitable yield (31–47%) via the reaction of (PhC₂C₃H₄-R-p)CO₂(CO)₅ PPh₂ with nickelcene in n-octane. The complex CpNiCo(CO)₃ (Ph₂C₃) (1) has also been obtained in 12% by the reaction of (Ph₂C₂) Co₂ (CO)₄ with nickelcene. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ¹H NMR. Electrochemical study of redox couples of these complexes was presented by using cyclic voltammetry on Pt electrodes in acetone. At room temperature, all complexes underwent electrochemically reversible or guasi-reversible oneelectron oxidation or reduction to the stable radicals. The radical anions of the complexes could be easily detected by ESR method in situ electrolysis in the THF solution. The isotropic parameters, <a>CO=2.20mT, <g> = 2.052 for the radical anion of complex 1, <a>CO= 2.20 mT, <a>P = 1.42 mT, <g>=2.057 for the radical anion of complex 2, might indicate that NiCoC₂ framework is a delocalized unit and the ligand obitals in the complex have more contribution to the LUMO of the complex.     

Ligand Modification Transforms a Catalase Mimic into a Water Oxidation Catalyst

The catalytic reactivity of the high‐spin Mn^II pyridinophane complexes [(Py₂NR₂)Mn(H₂O)₂]²⁺ (R=H, Me, tBu) toward O₂ formation is reported. With small macrocycle N‐substituents (R=H, Me), the complexes catalytically disproportionate H₂O₂ in aqueous solution; with a bulky substituent (R=tBu), this catalytic reaction is shut down, but the complex becomes active for aqueous electrocatalytic H₂O oxidation. Control experiments are in support of a homogeneous molecular catalyst and preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the catalyst is mononuclear. This ligand‐controlled switch in catalytic reactivity has implications for the design of new manganese‐based water oxidation catalysts.     

New Look into the Synthesis of Polyhalogenoarylphosphanes

The present study shows new aspects of the synthesis of polyhalogenoarylphosphanes. The sterically hindered anions Ph(R)P-Y^? (1a–c, Y = O, lone pair; R = Ph, Bu^t) have been used to show the complexity of the reaction between phosphorus nucleophiles and hexahalogenobenzenes or 9-bromofluorene (E3). The Ph(Bu^t)P-O^? (1a) anion reacts with hexachlorobenzene (E1), hexafluorobenzene (E2), or E3 to give Ph(R)P(O)X (4a–c, X = F, Cl, Br) with the release of the corresponding carbanion as a nucleofuge, followed by side reactions. In contrast, the lithium phosphides Ph(R)PLi (1b,c) react with hexahalogenobenzenes to give the corresponding diphosphanes 5a,b as the main product and traces of P-arylated products, i.e., Ph(R)P-C₆X₅ (10a,b, X = Cl, F). Unexpectedly, Ph(Bu^t)PLi (1b) reacts with an excess of 9-bromofluorene to give only halogenophosphane Ph(Bu^t)P-X.     

A Comparative Study on the Thermodynamics of Halogen Bonding of Group 10 Pincer Fluoride Complexes

The thermodynamics of halogen bonding of a series of isostructural Group 10 metal pincer fluoride complexes of the type [(3,5-R₂-^tBuPOCOP^tBu)MF] (3,5-R₂-^tBuPOCOP^tBu=κ³-C₆HR₂-2,6-(OPtBu₂)₂ with R=H, tBu, COOMe; M=Ni, Pd, Pt) and iodopentafluorobenzene was investigated. Based on NMR experiments at different temperatures, all complexes 1-tBu (R=tBu, M=Ni), 2-H (R=H, M=Pd), 2-tBu (R=tBu, M=Pd), 2-COOMe (R=COOMe, M=Pd) and 3-tBu (R=tBu, M=Pt) form strong halogen bonds with Pd complexes showing significantly stronger binding to iodopentafluorobenzene. Structural and computational analysis of a model adduct of complex 2-tBu with 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene as well as of structures of iodopentafluorobenzene in toluene solution shows that formation of a type I contact occurs.     

Electron spin resonance spectra of transient tin-centered radicals in solution

ESR data for short-living stannyl radicals in solution are presented. The radicals are generated in the cavity of the ESR spectrometer by UV irradiation of di-t-butyl peroxide with the appropriate tin hydride. The radicals R₃Sn^. (R = Me, n-Pr, n-Bu) show multiplets caused by interaction with the β-protons (a_H = 0.30–0.31 mT, g = 2.0160–2.0163) and line broadenings depending on [R₃SnH]. The radicals Ph_nMe_3−nSn^. (n = 1, 2) exhibit only splittings due to the methyl protons (a_H = 0.30 mT). The observed linewidths show that a_o,p 0.05 mT, a_m 0.03 mT. The radicals Ph_nEt_3−nSn^. (n = 0–2) show no splittings caused by the methylene protons because of exchange narrowing effects. The g values decrease with increasing n from 2.0163 and 2.015 (n = 0) to 2.0023 (n = 3) because of increasing deviations from the planar conformation at the radical center. The line broadening and exchange narrowing effects are caused by rapid hydrogen exchange between the radicals and hydride molecules (k 10⁶ M⁻¹ s⁻¹); in Zavitsas' model, the relatively high k values are the consequence of the large Sn---H bond lengths which diminish the repulsive forces between the terminal Sn atoms in the transition state [R₃Sn--H--SnR₃]^.. The observation of line broadenings in the NMR spectrum of Me₃SnH during irradiation with di-t-butyl peroxide confirms the ESR results.     

Reactions of iridium bis(phosphinite) pincer complexes with protic acids

Iridium pincer complexes [C₆H₃-2,6-(OPBu^t ₂)₂]Ir(H)Cl (10) and [4-EtOOCC₆H₂-2,6-(OPBu^t ₂)₂]Ir(H)Cl (11) react with protic acids undergoing metallation of one of the tert-butyl groups to form double cyclometallated products [4-R-C₆H₂-2-(OPBu^t ₂)-6-(OP(Bu^t)CMe₂CH₂)]IrCl (12, R = H; 13, R = COOEt), which are stable in air. Complex 12 reacts with CO and Bu^tNC giving the corresponding 18-electron complexes [C₆H₃-2-(OP-Bu^t ₂)-6-(OP(Bu^t)CMe₂CH₂)]Ir(L)Cl (14, L = CO; 15, L = CNBu^t). The structure of compound 14 was established by X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Vinyl polymerization of norbornene by mono‐ and trinuclear nickel complexes with indanimine ligands

A series of new indanimine ligands [ArN?CC₂H₃(CH₃)C₆H₂(R)OH] (Ar = Ph, R = Me ( 1 ), R = H ( 2 ), and R = Cl ( 3 ); Ar = 2,6‐i‐Pr₂C₆H₃, R = Me ( 4 ), R = H ( 5 ), and R = Cl ( 6 )) were synthesized and characterized. Reaction of indanimines with Ni(OAc)₂·4H₂O results in the formation of the trinuclear hexa(indaniminato)tri (nickel(II)) complexes Ni₃[ArN = CC₂H₃(CH₃)C₆H₂(R)O]₆ (Ar = Ph, R = Me ( 7 ), R = H ( 8 ), and R = Cl ( 9 )) and the mononuclear bis(indaniminato)nickel (II) complexes Ni[ArN?CC₂H₃(CH₃)C₆H₂(R)O]₂ (Ar = 2,6‐i‐Pr₂C₆H₃, R = Me ( 10 ), R = H ( 11 ), and R = Cl ( 12 )). All nickel complexes were characterized by their IR, NMR spectra, and elemental analyses. In addition, X‐ray structure analyses were performed for complexes 7 , 10 , 11 , and 12 . After being activated with methylaluminoxane (MAO), these nickel(II) complexes can polymerize norbornene to produce addition‐type polynorbornene (PNB) with high molecular weight M_v (10⁶ g mol^?1), highly catalytic activities up to 2.18 × 10⁷ gPNB mol^?1 Ni h^?1. Catalytic activities and the molecular weight of PNB have been investigated for various reaction conditions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 489–500, 2008