Defluorination of perfluoropropene using Cp*2ZrH2 and Cp2ZrHF: a mechanism investigation from a joint experimental-theoretical perspective

Cp*(2)ZrH(2) (1) (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) reacts with perfluoropropene (2) to give Cp*(2)ZrHF (3) and hydrodefluorinated products under very mild conditions. Initial C-F bond activation occurs selectively at the vinylic terminal position of the olefin to exchange fluorine for hydrogen. Subsequent hydrodefluorination leads to the formation of the n-propylhydride complex Cp*(2)ZrH(CH(2)CH(2)CH(3)), which can be cleaved with dihydrogen to give propane and 1. A theoretical study of the reaction of Cp*(2)ZrH(2) (Cp* = cyclopentadienyl) and CF(2)[double bond]CF(CF(3)) has been undertaken. Several mechanisms have been examined in detail using DFT(B3PW91) calculations and are discussed for this H/F exchange: (a) internal olefin insertion/beta-fluoride elimination, (b) external olefin insertion/beta-fluoride elimination, and (c) F/H metathesis from either an inside or outside approach. Of these, the first case is found to be energetically preferred. Selective defluorination at the terminal carbon has been shown to be favored over defluorination at the substituted and allylic carbons.     

Mechanism of vinylic and allylic carbon-fluorine bond activation of non-perfluorinated olefins using Cp*(2)ZrH(2)

Cp(2)ZrH(2) (1) (Cp = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) reacts with vinylic carbon-fluorine bonds of CF(2)=CH(2) and 1,1-difluoromethylenecyclohexane (CF(2)=C(6)H(10)) to afford Cp(2)ZrHF (2) and hydrodefluorinated products. Experimental evidence suggests that an insertion/beta-fluoride elimination mechanism is occurring. Complex 1 reacts with allylic C-F bonds of the olefins, CH(2)=CHCF(3), CH(2)=CHCF(2)CF(2)CF(2)CF(3), and CH(2)=C(CF(3))(2) to give preferentially 2 and CH(3)-CH=CF(2), CH(3)-CH=CF-CF(2)CF(2)CF(3), and CF(2)=C(CF(3))(CH(3)), respectively, by insertion/beta-fluoride elimination. In the reactions of 1 with CH(2)=CHCF(3) and CH(2)=CHCF(2)CF(2)CF(2)CF(3), both primary and secondary alkylzirconium olefin insertion intermediates were observed in the (1)H and (19)F NMR spectra at low temperature. A deuterium labeling study revealed that more than one olefin-dihydride complex is likely to exist prior to olefin insertion. In the presence of excess 1 and H(2), CH(2)=CHCF(3) and CH(2)=CHCF(2)CF(2)CF(2)CF(3) are reduced to propane and (E)-CH(3)CH(2)CF=CFCF(2)CF(3), respectively.     

C-NMR study of Ti(IV) species formed by Cp*TiMe3 and Cp*TiCl3 activation with methylaluminoxane (MAO)

Using ¹³C- and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, titanium(IV) species formed in the catalytic systems Cp*TiMe₃/MAO and Cp*TiCl₃/MAO (Cp*=C₅(CH₃)₅) in toluene and chlorobenzene were studied within the temperature range 253-293 K and at Al/Ti ratios 30-300. It was shown that upon activation of Cp*TiMe₃ with methylaluminoxane (MAO) mainly the ‘cation-like’ intermediate Cp*Me₂Ti⁺←Me⁻Al(MAO) (2) is formed. Three types of titanium(IV) complexes were identified in Cp*TiCl₃/MAO catalytic system. They are methylated complexes Cp*TiMeCl₂ and Cp*TiMe₂Cl, and the ‘cation-like’ intermediate 2. Complex 2 dominates in Cp*TiCl₃/MAO system in conditions approaching to those of practical polymerization (Al/Ti ratios more than 200). According to the EPR measurements, the portion of EPR active Ti(III) species in the Cp*TiCl₃/MAO system is smaller than 1% at Al/Ti=35, and is about 10% at Al/Ti=700.     

Mechanism of olefin hydrosilylation catalyzed by [RuCl(NCCH3)5]: A DFT study

The hydrosilylation reaction between methyldimethoxysilane and methylvinyldimethoxysilane, catalyzed by the cationic species chloropenta(acetonitrile)ruthenium(II)⁺ (C1), was investigated with density functional theory (DFT). The Chalk-Harrod, Glaser-Tilley and σ-bond metathesis mechanisms were considered as mechanistic possibilities for the reaction and enthalpy profiles of each pathway were computed for the active form of C1. In contrast to the commonly accepted Chalk-Harrod mechanism of hydrosilylation, the computational results indicate that a σ-bond metathesis mechanism, involving the formation of a hydride analogue of C1, is most favored. The B3LYP calculated activation enthalpy for this pathway (ΔH_act = 13.1 kcal/mol) is consistent with the experimental observation that C1 is a reasonable catalyst for this reaction under the applied experimental conditions.     

Preparation and characterization of some structural variants of Cp*Ti(1,2-propandiolato) complexes

1,2-Propandiol reacts with Cp*Ti(CH₃)₃ by rapid liberation of methane to yield a dimetallic complex 6 of the net composition (Cp*Ti)₂(1,2-propandiolato)₃. The X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed an unsymmetrical bridging between the [Cp*Ti(1,2-propandiolato)] and [Cp*Ti(1,2-propandiolato)₂] subunits. Cp*TiCl₃ reacts with 1,2-propandiol in a 1:1 stoichiometry in the presence of excess pyridine by replacement of two chlorides by a 1,2-propandiolato ligand. The resulting product was isolated as a dimer 8 and characterized by X-ray diffraction. It exhibits a central Ti₂O₂ ring that was formed by bridging between the two [Cp*TiCl(1,2-propandiolato)] subunits using the oxygen atoms of the primary end of the ligand. From the reaction mixture a more complicated condensation product 9 was isolated in a small yield that contains two [Cp*TiCl(1,2-propandiolato)] units connected in a similar way by a Cp*-free [Ti(1,2-propandiolato)₂] moiety as revealed by its X-ray crystal structure analysis. Complex [Cp*TiCl(1,2-propandiolato)]₂ (8) gives an active catalyst for the syndiotactic polymerization of styrene upon treatment with excess methylalumoxane in toluene solution.     

Reactivity of 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine with [Re2(CO)8(CH3CN)2]: Molecular structures of [Re2(CO)8(C14H10N4)] and [Re2(CO)8(C14H10N4)Re2(CO)8]

The reaction of the labile compound [Re₂(CO)₈(CH₃CN)₂] with 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine in dichloromethane solution at reflux temperature afforded the structural dirhenium isomers [Re₂(CO)₈(C₁₄H₁₀N₄)] (1 and 2), and the complex [Re₂(CO)₈(C₁₄H₁₀N₄)Re₂(CO)₈] (3). In 1, the ligand is σ,σ′-N,N′-coordinated to a Re(CO)₃ fragment through pyridine and pyrazine to form a five-membered chelate ring. A seven-membered ring is obtained for isomer 2 by N-coordination of the 2-pyridyl groups while the pyrazine ring remains uncoordinated. For 2, isomers 2a and 2b are found in a dynamic equilibrium ratio [2a]/[2b]  =  7 in solution, detected by ¹H NMR (−50 °C, CD₃COCD₃), coalescence being observed above room temperature. The ligand in 3 behaves as an 8e-donor bridge bonding two Re(CO)₃ fragments through two (σ,σ′-N,N′) interactions. When the reaction was carried out in refluxing tetrahydrofuran, complex [Re₂(CO)₆(C₁₄H₁₀N₄)₂] (4) was obtained in addition to compounds 1-3. The dinuclear rhenium derivative 4 contains two units of the organic ligand σ,σ′-N,N′-coordinated in a chelate form to each rhenium core. The X-ray crystal structures for 1 and 3 are reported.     

Aliphatic and aromatic carbon-fluorine bond activation with Cp*(2)ZrH(2): mechanisms of hydrodefluorination.

Cp*(2)ZrH(2) (1) (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) reacts with primary, secondary, and tertiary monofluorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons to give Cp*(2)ZrHF (2) and/or Cp*(2)ZrF(2) and alkane quantitatively through a radical chain mechanism. The reactivity of monofluorinated aliphatic C-F bonds decreases in the order 1 degrees > 2 degrees > 3 degrees. The rate of hydrodefluorination was also greatly reduced with -CF(2)H and -CF(3) groups attached to the hydrocarbon. An atmosphere of H(2) is required to stabilize 1 against C-H activation of the Cp*-methyl groups and subsequent dimerization under the thermal conditions employed in these reactions. Reaction of 1 with fluorobenzene cleanly forms a mixture of Cp*(2)ZrHF, benzene, and Cp*(2)Zr(C(6)H(5))F. Detailed studies indicate that radicals are not involved in this aromatic C-F activation reaction and that dual hydrodefluorination pathways are operative. In one mechanism, hydridic attack by Cp*(2)ZrH(2) on the aromatic ring and fluoride abstraction is involved. In the second mechanism, an initial ortho C-H activation occurs, followed by beta-fluoride elimination to generate a benzyne complex, which then inserts into the zirconium-hydride bond.     

Synthesis and reactivity of bis(heptamethylindenyl) yttrium (Ind*2Y) complexes containing alkyl and hydride ligands: crystal structure of Ind*2YCl(THF)

The syntheses and reactivities of yttrium alkyl and hydride complexes containing a sterically demanding, bis(heptamethylindenyl) ligand set are reported. The chloride complex Ind*₂YCl(THF) (2, Ind* = heptamethylindenyl) was prepared by the reaction of Ind*Na (1, 2 equiv) with YCl₃ in THF. Compound 2 was structurally characterized. Complex reaction mixtures were obtained when compound 2 was treated with KSi(SiMe₃)₃ or (THF)₃LiSi(SiMe₃)₃, although 2 reacted readily with MeLi to yield the methyl complex Ind*₂YMe(THF) (3). Treatment of 3 with H₂ or PhSiH₃ gave the base-stabilized hydride complex Ind*₂YH(THF) (4). The base-free chloride complex Ind*₂YCl (5) was synthesized by the reaction of 1 (2 equiv) with YCl₃ in toluene. Treatment of 2 with LiCH(SiMe₃)₂ yielded the base-free alkyl complex Ind*₂YCH(SiMe₃)₂ (6). No reaction was observed between 6 and CH₄, and complex reaction mixtures were obtained when 6 was treated with H₂ or PhSiH₃. However, when 6 was treated with H₂ in the presence of THF, the transient hydride Ind*₂YH was trapped as complex 4. The increased steric bulk of 6 leads to a slower reaction with PhSiH₃ as compared to Cp*₂YCH(SiMe₃)₂ (7).     

Reactions of Mo(II)-tetraphosphine complex [MoCl2{meso-o-C6H4(PPhCH2CH2PPh2)2}] with a series of small molecules

Reactions of Mo(II)-tetraphosphine complex [MoCl₂(κ⁴-P4)] (2; P4 = meso-o-C₆H₄(PPhCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂) with a series of small molecules have been investigated. Thus, treatment of 2 with alkynes RCCR′ (R = Ph, R′ = H; R = p-tolyl, R′ = H; R = Me, R′ = Ph) in benzene or toluene gave neutral mono(alkyne) complexes [MoCl₂(RCCR′)(κ³-P4)] containing tridentate P4 ligand, which were converted to cationic complexes [MoCl(RCCR′)(κ⁴-P4)]Cl having tetradentate P4 ligand upon dissolution into CDCl₃ or CD₂Cl₂. The latter complexes were available directly from the reactions of 2 with the alkynes in CH₂Cl₂. On the other hand, treatment of 2 with 1 equiv. of XyNC (Xy = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) afforded a seven-coordinate mono(isocyanide) complex [MoCl₂(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)] (7), which reacted further with XyNC to give a cationic bis(isocyanide) complex [MoCl(XyNC)₂(κ⁴-P4)]Cl (8). From the reaction of 2 with CO, a mono(carbonyl) complex [MoCl₂(CO)(κ⁴-P4)] (9) was obtained as a sole isolable product. Reaction of 9 with XyNC afforded [MoCl(CO)(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)]Cl (10a) having a pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry with axial CO and XyNC ligands, whereas that of 7 with CO resulted in the formation of a mixture of 10a and its isomer 10b containing axial CO and Cl ligands. Structures of 7 and 9 as well as [MoCl(XyNC)₂(κ⁴-P4)][PF₆](8′) and [MoCl(CO)(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)][PF₆] (10a′) derived by the anion metathesis from 8 and 10a, respectively, were determined in detail by the X-ray crystallography.     

Syntheses of rac/meso-{PhP(3-t-Bu-C5H3)2}-Zr{RN(CH2)3NR}, structural analyses of rac-{PhP(3-t-Bu-C5H3)2}Zr{RN(CH2)3NR} (where R is SiMe3 or Ph), and meso to rac isomerization

Syntheses of rac/meso-{PhP(3-t-Bu-C₅H₃)₂}Zr{Me₃SiN(CH₂)₃NSiMe₃} (rac-3/meso-3) and rac/meso-{PhP(3-t-Bu-C₅H₃)₂}Zr{PhN(CH₂)₃NPh} (rac-4/meso-4) were achieved by metallation of K₂[PhP(3-t-Bu-C₅H₃)₂] · 1.3 THF (2) with Zr{RN(CH₂)₃NR}Cl₂(THF)₂ (where R = SiMe₃ or Ph, respectively) using ethereal solvent. These isomeric pairs were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C{¹H}, and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy; rac-3 and rac-4 were also examined via single crystal X-ray crystallography. The structures of rac-3 and rac-4 are notable in the tendency of the cyclopentadienyl rings towards η³ coordination. While isolated samples of rac-3/meso-3 and rac-4/meso-4 slowly isomerize in tetrahydrofuran-d₈ to equilibrium ratios, the isomerization rate for 3 is more than 15-fold greater than that for 4. In addition, equilibrium ratios are rapidly reached when isolated samples of rac-3/meso-3 and rac-4/meso-4 are exposed to tetrabutylammonium chloride in tetrahydrofuran-d₈ solvent. We propose that a nucleophile (either chloride or the phosphine interannular linker) brings about dissociation of one cyclopentadienyl ring, thus promoting the rac/meso isomerization mechanism.     

Coordinating properties of [M(CO)5(CN)] [M=Cr; Mo; W] ligands: formation of ion pairs or dinuclear cyanide-bridged complexes, spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction studies

The reaction of sodium cyanopentacarbonylmetalates Na[M(CO)₅(CN)] (M=Cr; Mo; W) with cationic Fe(II) complexes [Cp(CO)(L)Fe(thf)][O₃SCF₃], [L=PPh₃ (1a), CN-Benzyl (1b), CN-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (1c); CN-Bu^t (1d), P(OMe)₃ (1e), P(Me)₂Ph (1f)] in acetonitrile solution, yielded the metathesis products [Cp(CO)(L)Fe(NCCH₃)][NCM(CO)₅] [M=W, L=PPh₃ (2a), CN-Benzyl (2b), CN-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (2c); CN-Bu^t (2d), P(OMe)₃ (2e), P(Me)₂Ph (2f); M=Cr, L=(PPh₃) (3a), CN-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (3c); M=Mo, L=(PPh₃) (4a), CN-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (4c)]. The ionic nature of such complexes was suggested by conductivity measurements and their main structural features were determined by X-ray diffraction studies. Well-resolved signals relative to the [M(CO)₅(CN)] moieties could be distinguished only when ¹³C NMR experiments were performed at low temperature (from −30 to −50 °C), as in the case of [Cp(CO)(PPh₃)Fe(NCCH₃)][NCW(CO)₅] (2a) and [Cp(CO)(Benzyl-NC)Fe(NCCH₃)][NCW(CO)₅] (2b). When the same reaction was carried out in dichloromethane solution, neutral cyanide-bridged dinuclear complexes [Cp(CO)(L)FeNCM(CO)₅] [M=W, L=PPh₃ (5a), CN-Benzyl (5b); M=Cr, L=(PPh₃) (6a), CN-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (6c), CO (6g); M=Mo, L=CN-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (7c), CO (7g)] were obtained and characterized by infrared and NMR spectroscopy. In all cases, the room temperature ¹³C NMR measurements showed no broadening of cyano pentacarbonyl signals and, relative to tungsten complexes [Cp(CO)(PPh₃)FeNCW(CO)₅] (5a) and [Cp(CO)(CN-Benzyl)FeNCW(CO)₅] (5b), the presence of ¹⁸³W satellites of the ¹³CN resonances (J_CW ∼ 95 Hz) at room temperature confirmed the formation of stable neutral species. The main ¹³C NMR spectroscopic properties of the latter compounds were compared to those of the linkage isomers [Cp(CO)(PPh₃)FeCNW(CO)₅] (8a) and [Cp(CO)(CN-Benzyl)FeCNW(CO)₅] (8b). The characterization of the isomeric couples 5a-8a and 5b-8b was completed by the analyses of their main IR spectroscopic properties. The crystal structures determined for 2a, 5a, 8a and 8b allowed to investigate the geometrical and electronic differences between such complexes. Finally, the study was completed by extended Hückel calculations of the charge distribution among the relevant atoms for complexes 2a, 5a and 8a.     

Supramolecular 2D structures in [M(NCS)2(bpe)2(H2O)2] (M = Mn, Fe) systems connected by hydrogen bonds

Here we report the synthesis and characterization by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, UV-Vis and EPR spectroscopies, and the magnetic measurements of two new compounds: [Mn(NCS)₂(bpe)₂(H₂O)₂] (1) and [Fe(NCS)₂(bpe)₂(H₂O)₂] (2) (bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene). Single-crystal structure analyses reveals discrete octahedral metal units that are assembled into 2D sheets through O-Hw?N(bpe) and O-Hw?S(thiocyanate) hydrogen bonds. The intermetallic M?M distances are 6.90 and 6.87 Å for 1 and 2, respectively. Supramolecular architectures are obtained by connections through H-bonds. Slight interactions are observed for compound 2.     

Two tantalum fluorides templated with tren: [H4tren](TaF7)2·H2O and [H4tren](TaF7)2

Using tris(2-aminoethyl)amine [(C₂H₄NH₂)₃N] (tren) as a template, two new tantalum fluorides are obtained by slow evaporation of solutions: [H₄tren](TaF₇)₂·H₂O (I) and [H₄tren](TaF₇)₂ (II). The structure determinations are performed by single crystal X-ray technique. Structures of I and II are built up from isolated TaF₇ distorted monocapped trigonal prisms or pentagonal bipyramids; charge balance is achieved by tetraprotonated [H₄tren]⁴⁺ cations which possess a “scorpion” configuration. In I and II, TaF₇ polyhedra, connected by hydrogen bonds with water molecules in I, lie in corrugated layers; hydrogen bond networks ensure the cohesion between these layers and [H₄tren]⁴⁺cations.     

Intramolecular oxidative addition of C-F and C-H bonds to [Pt(dba)2]. Crystal structure of [PtCl{Me2NCH2CH2NCH(2,4,5-C6HF3)}]

The reactions of compound [Pt(dba)₂] with ligands RCHNCH₂CH₂NMe₂ (1a-1f) in which R is a fluorinated aryl ring produced activation of C-F bonds when two fluorine atoms are present in the ortho positions of the aryl ring or activation of C-H bonds for ligands containing only one fluoro substituent in ortho. Both C-F and C-H bond activation are favoured by an increase of the degree of fluorination of the ring. Further reaction with lithium halides produced cyclometallated platinum (II) compounds [PtX(Me₂NCH₂CH₂NCHR)] (X = Br, Cl) (2) containing a terdentate [C,N,N′] ligand. The obtained compounds were fully characterized including a structure determination for [PtCl{Me₂NCH₂CH₂NCH(2,4,5-C₆HF₃)}] (2d′).     

The CO and CS bond cleavage in carbon dioxide and tolyl isothiocyanate by reactions with the Mo(0) tetraphosphine complex [Mo{meso-o-C6H4(PPhCH2CH2PPh2)2}(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)]

A Mo(0) complex containing a new tetraphosphine ligand [Mo(P₄)(dppe)] (1; P₄ = meso-o-C₆H₄(PPhCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂, dppe = Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂) reacted with CO₂ (1 atm) at 60 °C in benzene to give a Mo(0) carbonyl complex fac-[Mo(CO)(η³-P₄O)(dppe)] (2), where the O abstraction from CO₂ by one terminal P atom in P₄ takes place to give the dangling P(O)Ph₂ moiety together with the coordinated CO. On the other hand, reaction of 1 with TolNCS (Tol = m-MeC₆H₄) in benzene at 60 °C resulted in the incorporation of three TolNCS molecules to the Mo center, forming a Mo(0) isocyanide-isothiocyanate complex trans,mer-[Mo(TolNC)₂(η²-TolNCS)(η³-P₄S)] (4), where the S abstraction occurs from two TolNCS molecules by P₄ and dppe to give the η³-P₄S ligand and free dppeS, respectively, together with two coordinated TolNC molecules. The remaining site of the Mo center is occupied by the third TolNCS ligating at the CS bond in an η²-manner. The X-ray analysis has been undertaken to determine the detailed structures for 2 and 4.     

Difluoroethylene as a chain transfer agent during ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornene by a ruthenium alkylidene complex: A computational study

The polynorbornene chain transfer reaction pathways to ethylene (2a), trans-1,2-difluoroethylene (2b) and trans-1,4-dichloro-2-butene (2c) by (1,3-diphenyl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene) (PCy₃)Cl₂RuCHPh (I) have been studied at B3LYP/LACVP^∗ level of theory. The calculations show that the free Gibbs activation energy of metathesis reaction is dependent on the volume of substituents directly linked to the double bond of an olefin. Highest activation energy is observed for 2c with highest molecular volume. The activation energy is lower for 2a with small molecular volume. Compared to 2a and 2c, fluorinated olefin 2b binds more strongly to the 14 electron Ru-alkylidene catalyst to form tighter transition state. Therefore, sterical factor is the most important contribution to the activation energy for Ru-alkylidene mediated olefin metathesis.     

Silicon version of enamines: Amino-substituted disilenes by the reactions of the disilyne RSiSiR (R = SiPr[CH(SiMe3)2]2) with amines

The reaction of 1,1,4,4-tetrakis[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]-1,4-diisopropyltetrasila-2-yne 1 with secondary or primary amines produced amino-substituted disilenes R(R₂′N)SiSiHR 2a-d (R = SiⁱPr[CH(SiMe₃)₂]₂, R₂′NEt₂N (2a), (CH₂CH₂)₂N (2b), ^tBu(H)N (2c), and Ph₂N (2d)). Spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic analyses of 2 showed that 2a-c have a nearly coplanar arrangement of the SiSi double bond and the amino group, giving π-conjugation between the SiSi double bond and the lone pair on the nitrogen atom, whereas 2d has a nearly perpendicular arrangement precluding such conjugation. Theoretical calculations indicate that π-conjugation between the π-orbital of the SiSi double bond and the lone pair on the nitrogen atom is markedly influenced by the torsional angle between the SiSi double-bond plane and the amino-group plane.     

Preparation and molecular structure of a pyrazolyl-ruthenium complex, Ru{C3H2NN(SO2tol)}(dppe)Cp*

The reaction between RuCl(dppe)Cp* and Me₃SiCCC(SiMe₃)NNHTs has given the pyrazole derivative (1), which was characterised by a single-crystal X-ray structure determination. Complex 1 is probably formed by attack of the NTs group on the π-complexed desilylated alkyne, with concomitant loss of a proton.     

[Cp*Ru(s-indacene)RuCp*] and [Cp*Ru(s-indacene)RuCp*]: Experimental and theoretical findings concerning the electronic structure of neutral and mixed valence organometallic systems

The reaction of 2,6-diethyl-4,8-dimethyl-s-indacenyl-dilithium (Li₂Ic′) with [Cp*RuCl]₄ gives the organometallic binuclear bis-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-ruthenium-s-indacene complex, [{Cp*Ru}₂Ic′] (1, Ic′ = 2,4-diethyl-4,8-dimethyl-s-indacene), in high yields. The subsequent oxidation of 1 with a ferricinium salt ([Fc]⁺[BF₄]⁻) gives the mixed valence compound [{Cp*Ru}₂Ic′]⁺[BF₄]⁻ (1⁺). Compound 1 was structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography, finding that both {Cp*Ru} fragments are coordinated to opposite sites of the Ic′ ligand. The structural and electronic features of 1 and 1⁺ have been rationalized by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, which suggest that both metallic centers get closer to the Ic′ and subtle electronic reorganizations occurs when chemical oxidation takes place. Cyclic voltammetry and ESR experiments suggest a high electronic interaction between the metallic centers mediated by the Ic′ bridging ligand. Time dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations were carried out to understand and assign the intervalence band present in the mixed-valent specie (1⁺). The main achievement of this article is to feature the relationship of the experimental data with the computational results obtained with the Amsterdam Density Functional package (ADF). Both experimental and theoretical facts demonstrate that the mixed valence system (1⁺) is a delocalized one, and it can be classified as a Class III system according to the Robin & Day classification.     

Synthesis and characterization of some novel cadmium(II) complexes with 3-hydroxypicolinic acid (3-OHpicH): Crystal and molecular structures of [CdI(3-OHpic)(3-OHpicH)(H2O)]2, [Cd(3-OHpic)2(H2O)2] and [Cd(3-OHpic)2]n

Cadmium(II) complexes of 3-hydroxypicolinic acid, namely [CdI(3-OHpic)(3-OHpicH)(H₂O)]₂ (1), [Cd(3-OHpic)₂(H₂O)₂] (2) and [Cd(3-OHpic)₂]_n (3) were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, NMR) and their molecular and crystal structures were determined by X-ray crystal structure analysis. Complexes 1 and 2 were prepared in similar reaction conditions using different cadmium(II) salts: cadmium(II) iodide and cadmium(II) acetate dihydrate, respectively, while 3 was prepared by recrystallization of 2 from N,N-dimethylformamide solution. Various coordination modes of 3-OHpicH in 1–3 were established in the solid state: bidentate N,O-chelated mode in 1 and 2, monodentate mode through the carboxylate O atom from zwitterionic ligand in 1 and bidentate N,O-chelated and bridging mode in 3. In the DMF solution of all prepared complexes, only monodentate mode of 3-OHpicH binding to cadmium(II) through the carboxylate O atom was established by ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N and ¹¹³Cd NMR spectroscopy.