The metathesis reactions of [SNS][SbF6] and [SN][AsF6] with Li[Al(OC(CF3)3)4] in liquid SO2

The small di- and triatomic molecules [SN]⁺ and [SNS]⁺ have shown versatile chemistries and [SNS]⁺ is an important starting reagent for many sulfur-nitrogen radicals. However, their chemistry is limited to the more polar solvents (e.g. SO₂). In this work an attempt is made to increase their solubility in less polar solvents by exchange of the usual [MF₆]⁻ (M = As, Sb) anions by the large and weakly coordinating [Al(OC(CF₃)₃)₄]⁻. As expected the metathesis reactions of [SN][AsF₆] and [SNS][SbF₆] with Li[Al(OC(CF₃)₃)₄] in liquid sulfur dioxide resulted in the formation of the insoluble Li[SbF₆], which is the driving force for these metathesis reactions. The characterization of the compounds by IR and multinuclear NMR revealed that [SNS]⁺ formed a [Al(OC(CF₃)₃)₄]⁻ salt in a clean reaction. A preliminary crystal structure of [SNS][Al(OC(CF₃)₃)₄] is presented. The solubility of [SNS][Al(OC(CF₃)₃)₄] in CH₂Cl₂ is significantly increased with respect to the corresponding [MF₆]⁻ salts, and potentially opens up new areas of [SNS]⁺ chemistry. The reaction of the more reactive [SN]⁺ with Li[Al(OC(CF₃)₃)₄] was less clear. Multinuclear NMR and IR spectra were consistent with the formation of [SN][Al(OC(CF₃)₃)₄], which also showed significant decomposition.     

A straightforward preparation of acetonitrile ligated silver perfluoroalkoxy aluminate [Ag(NCCH3)4][Al{OC(CF3)3}4]

Acetonitrile ligated silver perfluoroalkoxy aluminate can be applied as versatile anion transfer reagent for several complexes with weakly coordinating counter anions. Its synthesis, however, is not as inexpensive and easy as it would be desirable. Accordingly, a new and straightforward synthesis for this useful compound, avoiding the use of expensive AgF and an ultrasonic bath has been developed, affording 90% yield.     

Ca(AsF3)(AsF6)2: the first alkaline earth metal cation coordinated to AsF3

Ca(AsF₃)(AsF₆)₂ was prepared by the reaction of CaF₂ with excess AsF₅ in AsF₃ solvent. The compound crystallizes in an orthorhombic crystal system, space group Pnma, with a =1034.9(4) pm, b = 1001.7(4) pm and c = 1088.4(4) pm, V = 1.1283(8) nm³ and Z = 4. Calcium is coordinated to eight fluorine atoms, with six fluorine atoms located at the corners of a regular trigonal prism originating from six AsF₆ units. Two rectangular faces of the trigonal prism are capped by fluorine atoms from two fluorine bridged AsF₃ molecules. For the first time, AsF₃ is shown to serve as a bridging ligand to two metal cations, with bridging distances of F(AsF₃)-Ca = 241.1 and 243.2 pm. It was found, again for the first time, that the bridging As-F distances are shorter (172.4 and 173.1 pm) than the terminal As-F distance (184.5 pm). The Raman spectrum shows vibrational modes that are readily assigned to AsF₃ and AsF₆⁻.     

Anion effect on the thermolysis of double complexes [Co(NH3)6][Fe(CN)6] and [Co(NH3)6]4[Fe(CN)6]3

The thermolysis of complexes [Co(NH₃)₆][Fe(CN)₆] and [Co(NH_{3 6}]₄[Fe(CN)₆]₃ under an air or hydrogen atmosphere at 200, 350, and 500°C is studied. The composition and properties of thermolysis products are determined. The oxidative thermolysis yields mixtures of oxides of the central metals; the reductive thermolysis yields intermetallic compounds CoFe. The density of the complexes and the specific surface area of the intermetallic compounds are measured. Average particle sizes are calculated. The morphology and dispersion of the powders are dictated by the shape and density of the crystals of the precursor double salts and the thermolysis temperature. The thermolysis chemism in the oxidative and reductive atmospheres is discussed in the context of the nature of the complex anion. Original Russian Text ? S.I. Pechenyuk, D.P. Domonov, D.L. Rogachev, A.T. Belyavskii, 2007, published in Zhurnal Neorganicheskoi Khimii, 2007, Vol. 52, No. 7, pp. 1110–1115.     

A straightforward synthesis of cationic nitrile ligated transition metal complexes with the [B(C6F5)4] anion

Nitrile ligated transition metal complexes bearing polyfluorinated tetra(aryl)borates as counter anions are highly active initiators/mediators for various polymerization reactions. However, the methods for their preparation are still far too inefficient for widespread use in applied research or in industry. Accordingly, an improved synthesis for two of the most promising species in this assemblage of complexes, namely [Cu(C₆H₅CN)₅][B(C₆F₅)₄]₂ and [Zn(CH₃CN)_4/6][B(C₆F₅)₄]₂, has been developed. This route provides easy access to pure products on a gram scale, by the reaction of copper(II)acetate and diethyl zinc with [H(OEt₂)₂][B(C₆F₅)₄]. Additionally, a new route for the synthesis of the oxonium acid as precursor has been developed, allowing a fast preparation of this compound. Elementary analysis and X-ray crystal structures are in accordance with earlier results on the ease of solvent loss and theoretical studies dealing with acetonitrile-exchange reactions.     

Synthesis and structure of the silylated benzene radical anion salts [K([18]crown-6){C6H4(SiMe3)2-1,4}] and [K([18]crown-6)(THF)2][C6H2(SiMe3)4-1,2,4,5]

The crystalline compound [K([18]crown-6){C₆H₄(SiMe₃)₂-1,4}] (1) was prepared by the low-temperature reduction of the para-disilylated benzene with K/[18]crown-6 in toluene followed by recrystallisation from the same solvent. Reduction of 1,2,4,5-tetrasilylated benzene with 2(K/[18]crown-6) in toluene produced a hydrocarbon-insoluble powder identified as the dianionic derivative [K([18]crown-6)]₂[C₆H₂(SiMe₃)₄-1,2,4,5)] (2), which upon crystallisation from THF/Et₂O yielded [K([18]crown-6)(THF)₂][C₆H₂(SiMe₃)₄-1,2,4,5] (3). An X-ray diffraction study revealed that 1 comprised a contact ion pair with the crown-encapsulated K cation η⁵-connected to the planar ring of the substituted benzene radical anion, while 3 contained a well separated cation and anion.     

Effect of ligands on the thermolysis of the double complexes [Co(NH3)6]2C2O4[Cu(C2O4)2]2 and [Co(NH3)6]Cl[Cu(C7H4O3)2]

The thermolysis of the complexes [Co(NH₃)₆]₂C₂O₄[Cu(C₂O₄)₂]₂ (I) and [Co(NH₃)₆]Cl[Cu(C₇H₄O₃)₂] (II) in air and hydrogen at 200, 350, and 500°C and the composition and properties of the thermolysis products are considered. The oxidative thermolysis of the complexes yields mixtures of cobalt and copper oxides, including mixed ones. The reductive thermolysis of the complexes yields a Co + Cu bimetallic powder in the case of compound I and a Co + Cu + C powder in the case of compound II. The thermal behavior of the complexes is governed by the nature of the ligand coordinated to the copper atom. The observed data are explicable in terms of the properties of this ligand. The chemistry of the oxidative and reductive thermolysis is discussed. Original Russian Text ? D.P. Domonov, S.I. Pechenyuk, N.L. Mikhailova, A.T. Belyaevskii, 2007, published in Zhurnal Neorganicheskoi Khimii, 2007, Vol. 52, No. 7, pp. 1104–1110.     

Structure and properties of double complex salts [Co(NH3)6][Fe(CN)6] and [Co(NH3)6]2[Cu(C2O4)2]3

Double complex salts (DCSs) [Co(NH₃)₆][Fe(CN)₆] (I) and [Co(NH₃)₆]₂[Cu(C₂O₄)₂]₃ (II) and complex [Co(NH₃)₆]₂(C₂O₄)₃·4H₂O (III) are synthesized and investigated by single crystal XRD, crystal optics, and elemental analysis. The crystalline phases of I, II, and III (R-3, P2₁/c, and Pnnm space groups respectively) have the following crystallographic characteristics: a = 10.9804(2) ?, b = 10.9804(2) ?, c = 10.8224(3) ?, V = 1130.03(4) ?³, Z = 3, d _x = 1.65 g/cm³ (I); a = 9.6370(2) ?, b = 10.2452(2) ?, c = 13.2108(3) ?, V = 1932.90(9) ?³, Z = 2, d _x= 1.97 g/cm³ (II), and a = 11.7658(3) ?, b = 11.7254(3) ?, c = 14.1913(4) ?, V = 1304.34(5) ?³, Z = 2, d _x = 1.68 g/cm³ (III). This paper investigates the products of DCS thermolysis in a hydrogen atmosphere: the intermetallic compound CoFe with the bcc parameter a = 2.852 ? for I and a heterogeneous mixture of Co and Cu in the decomposition of II. The coordinated CN⁻ and C₂O₄²⁻ groups then turn into NH₃, hydrocarbons, and CO₂. The dominant hydrocarbon is methane.     

Synthesis and molecular structure of Ba5(μ5-OH)[μ3-OCH(CF3)2]4[μ2-OCH(CF3)2]4 [OCH(CF3)2](THF)4(H2O)·THF: a source of barium fluoride

The reaction between metallic barium and fluoroisopropanol or alcoholysis of [Ba(OPrⁱ)₂] produces a pentanuclear fluoroalkoxide. Its X-ray structure determination showed its formulation to correspond to Ba₅(μ₅-OH)[μ₃-OCH(CF₃)₂]₄[μ₂-OCH(CF₃)₂]₄ [OCH(CF₃)₂](THF)₄(H₂O)·THF. The metallic core is based on a square pyramid encapsulating an hydroxo ligand. In addition to the barium---alkoxide bonds [2.53(3)–2.86(3) Å] neutral O-donors, four THF [2.82(2)–2.86(3) Å] and one H₂O [2.79(3) Å] and secondary barium---fluorine interactions [2.99(2)–3.31(2) Å] ensure high coordination numbers, from 9 to 11 for the metal centers. Hydrogen bonding between the apical fluoroisopropoxide, the water molecule and one THF molecule, non-bonded to a metal center, accounts for the stability of the hydrate and illustrates the Lewis acidity of fluoroalkoxides. Thermal decomposition leads to BaF₂.     

Formation and structural characterization of novel polynuclear palladium selenolato complexes [Pd3Se(SePh)3(PPh3)3]Cl and [Pd6Cl2Se4(SePh)2(PPh3)6]

In addition to well-known dinuclear phenylselenolato palladium complexes, the reaction of [PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂] and NaSePh affords small amounts of novel trinuclear and hexanuclear complexes [Pd₃Se(SePh)₃(PPh₃)₃]Cl (1) and [Pd₆Cl₂Se₄(SePh)₂(PPh₃)₆] (2). Complex 1 is triclinic, P1?, a=13.6310(2), b=16.2596(2), c=16.9899(3) Å, α=83.1738(5), β=78.9882(5), γ=78.7635(5)°. Complex 2 is monoclinic, C2/c, a=25.7165(9), b=17.6426(8), c=27.9151(14) Å, β=110.513(2)°. There are no structural forerunners for 1, but the hexanuclear complex 2 is isostructural with [Pd₆Cl₂Te₄(TeR)₂(PPh₃)₆] (R=Ph, C₄H₃S) that have been observed as one of the products in the oxidative addition of R₂Te₂ to [Pd(PPh₃)₄]. Mononuclear palladium complexes may play a significant role as building blocks in the formation of the polynuclear complexes.     

Photoinduced nitrosyl linkage isomers in complexes based on the photochromic cation [RuNO(NH3)5] with the paramagnetic anion [Cr(CN)6] and the diamagnetic anions [Co(CN)6] and [ZrF6]

Two metastable nitrosyl linkage isomers SI and SII are generated by light irradiation in the spectral range 370–500 nm in the two diamagnetic compounds [RuNO(NH₃)₅][Co(CN)₆] and [RuNO(NH₃)₅]₂[ZrF₆]₃ as well as in the paramagnetic compound [RuNO(NH₃)₅][Cr(CN)₆]. The frequencies of the ν(NO) stretching vibrations of SI and SII identify SI as the isonitrosyl Ru–O–N isomer and SII as the side-on η² isomer of NO. The population, i.e., the number of generated linkage isomers, is determined from the decrease of the area of the fundamental ν(NO) and of the higher harmonic 2 · ν(NO) of the ν(NO) stretching vibration of the ground state. Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) the heat release during the thermal decay of the metastable linkage isomers is determined. The activation energies, frequency factors, and the energetic position of the metastable linkage isomers are determined from the DSC and infrared spectroscopic experiments. It is found that the exchange of the counter ion significantly influences the energetic positions of the linkage isomers, while the activation energy and frequency factor are much less affected.     

The thermal dissociation of the [Co(NH3)6]Cl3 and [Co(NH3)6]Br3 complexes in vacuo

The thermal dissociation of the complexes, [Co(NH₃)₆]X₃(X^?=Cl, Br), was studied in vacuo using the techniques of thermogravimetry, evolved gas analysis and mass spectrometric analysis. It was found that the reaction stoichiometry was identical to that previously determined in air but that the type of intermediate compounds formed were different. The dissociation occurred by the reactions:

     

Structure and bonding in a series of cyano complexes: RuCp(PPh3) 2CN, [RuCp(PPh3) 2(CNH)]CF3SO3, and H-bridged [Ru2(Cp) 2(PPh3) 4CNHNC]CF3SO3

The three title cyanoruthenium complexes have been characterized by means of X-ray diffraction analysis, IR and NMR solution spectroscopies, as well as extended Hückel molecular orbital calculations examining the properties of the cyanide fragment changing with complexation and with the co-ligands Cp and PPh₃. Explanations are given for crystallographic results of the C-N bond shortening upon complexation, the supershort (2.573 Å) bond length of N(H) N in the bridged complex, as well as the Ru-C-N and C-N-H-N-C bendings. Although the crystallographically found asymmetry of coordinated Cp is not significant, the MO calculations suggest a distorted endocyclic bond-length pattern indicative of the relative importance of σ and π bonding in the metalcyclopentadienyl interactions.     

Vibrational spectra of the peroxotantalates (NH4)3[Ta(O2)4], K3[Ta(O2)4], Rb3[Ta(O2)4] and Cs3[Ta(O2)4] and the crystal structure of Rb3[Ta(O2)4]

The compounds (NH₄)₃[Ta(O₂)₄], K₃[Ta(O₂)₄], Rb₃[Ta(O₂)₄] and Cs₃[Ta(O₂)₄] have been prepared and investigated by X-ray powder methods as well as Raman- and IR-spectroscopy. In the case of Rb₃[Ta(O₂)₄] the structure has been solved from single crystal data. It is shown that all these compounds are isotypic and crystallize in the K₃[Cr(O₂)₄] type (SG , No. 121). The infrared- and Raman spectra (recorded on powdered samples) are discussed with respect to the internal vibrations of the peroxo-group and the dodecahedral [Ta(O₂)₄]³⁻ ion. Symmetry coordinates for the [Ta(O₂)₄]³⁻ ion are given from which the vibrational modes of the O-O stretching vibrations of the O₂²⁻ groups, the Ta-O stretching vibrations and the Ta-O bending vibrations are deduced.     

Crystal Structure of (H3O)4[(C2H5)4N]6 [Th2Cl4(H2O)12O]3[Re4Se4(CN)12]4

Crystals of the rhenium cluster complex (H₃O)₄[(C₂H₅)₄N]₆[Th₂Cl₄(H₂O)₁₂O]₃[Re₄Se₄(CN)₁₂]₄ are obtained in an acidic (HCl) aqueous solution by the reaction of cluster salt K₄[Re₄Se₄(CN)₁₂]·6H₂O with ThCl₄ and (C₂H₅)₄NCl. Single crystal X-ray analysis shows that the title compound is ionic and crystallizes in the cubic crystal system (a = 22.7322(3) ?, V = 11746.93(27) ?³, Z = 2, I4 3m space group, R = 0.0350). It contains [Th₂Cl₄(H₂O)₁₂O]²⁺ cations with two thorium atoms bonded to each other through the bridging oxygen atom forming an angle of 180° in the structure.     

The thermal dissociation of the [Co(en)3](SCN)3 and [Co(en)3]I3 complexes

The thermal dissociation of the [Co(en)₃](SCN)₃ and [Co(en)₃]I₃ complexes was studied by thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, thermomagnetic analysis, pyrolytic techniques, evolved gas analysis, and mass spectrometry, in vacuo and nitrogen atmospheres. It was found that the [Co(en)₃](SCN)₃ complex dissociated in four steps:

It was not possible to elucidate the intermediate compounds formed in the thermal dissociation of the [Co(en)₃]I₃ complex.     

Five-coordinate pentafluorobenzothiolate osmium(IV) complexes [Os(SC6F5)4(P(C6H4X-4)3)] (X = OCH3, CH3, F, Cl or CF3): Solid and solution structural characterization

The reactions of OsO₄ with excess of HSC₆F₅ and P(C₆H₄X-4)₃ in ethanol afford the five-coordinate compounds [Os(SC₆F₅)₄(P(C₆H₄X-4)₃)] where X = OCH₃ 1a and 1b, CH₃ 2a and 2b, F 3a and 3b, Cl 4a and 4b or CF₃ 5a and 5b. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 1 to 5 exhibit a common pattern with an osmium center in a trigonal-bipyramidal coordination arrangement. The axial positions are occupied by mutually trans thiolate and phosphane ligands, while the remaining three equatorial positions are occupied by three thiolate ligands. The three pentafluorophenyl rings of the equatorial ligands are directed upwards, away from the axial phosphane ligand in the arrangement “3-up” (isomers a). On the other hand, ³¹P{¹H} and ¹⁹F NMR studies at room temperature reveal the presence of two isomers in solution: The “3-up” isomer (a) with the three C₆F₅-rings of the equatorial ligands directed towards the axial thiolate ligand, and the “2-up, 1-down” isomer (b) with two C₆F₅-rings of the equatorial ligands directed towards the axial thiolate and the C₆F₅-ring of the third equatorial ligand directed towards the axial phosphane. Bidimensional ¹⁹F–¹⁹F NMR studies encompass the two sub-spectra for the isomers a (“3-up”) and b (“2-up, 1-down”). Variable temperature ¹⁹F NMR experiments showed that these isomers are fluxional. Thus, the ¹⁹F NMR sub-spectra for the “2-up, 1-down” isomers (b) at room temperature indicate that the two S-C₆F₅ ligands in the 2-up equatorial positions have restricted rotation about their C–S bonds, but this rotation becomes free as the temperature increases. Room temperature ¹⁹F NMR spectra of 3 and 5 also indicate restricted rotation around the Os–P bonds in the “2-up, 1-down” isomers (b). In addition, as the temperature increases, the ¹⁹F NMR spectra tend to be consistent with an increased rate of the isomeric exchange. Variable temperature ³¹P{¹H} NMR studies also confirm that, as the temperature is increased, the a and b isomeric exchange becomes fast on the NMR time scale.     

Preparation and electrochemical behaviour of dinuclear platinum complexes containing NCN ligands (NCN=[C6H3(Me2NCH2)2-2,6]). The crystal structure of [C6H3(Me2NCH2)2-1,3-(CC)-5]2

A series of homodinuclear Pt compounds containing the anionic, potentially terdentate NCN ligand (NCN=[C₆H₃(Me₂NCH₂)₂-2,6]⁻) or its 4-ethynyl derivative were prepared. The two platinum centres are linked together in two different fashions: (i) directly linked by an ethynyl or diethynylphenyl group (head-to-head) and (ii) indirectly bonded by a ethynyl- or butadiynyl-linked bis-NCN ligand (tail-to-tail). The reaction of the head-to-head σ,σ′-ethynylide complex {Pt}CC{Pt} ({Pt}=[Pt(C₆H₃{CH₂NMe₂}₂-2,6)]⁺) with [CuCl]_n yields {Pt}Cl and [Cu₂C₂]_n, while with [Cu(NCMe)₄][BF₄] a Cu(I) bridged complex was formed: [(η²-{Pt}CC{Pt})₂Cu][BF₄]. The results of cyclic voltammetry experiments reveal that both connection modes of the two platinum centres lead to electrochemically independent Pt–NCN units. The X-ray crystal structure analysis of the neutral, tail-to-tail bridging butadiyne bis-NCNH ligand [C₆H₃(CH₂NMe₂)-1,3-(CC)-5]₂ is reported.