Structural characterization of four members of the electron-transfer series [PdII(L)2)2]n (L = o-Iminophenolate derivative; n = 2-, 1-, 0, 1+, 2+). ligand mixed valency in the monocation and monoanion with S = (1)/(2) ground states

The reaction of the ligand 2-(2-trifluoromethyl)anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol, H(2)((1)L(IP)), and PdCl(2) (2:1) in the presence of air and excess NEt(3) in CH(2)Cl(2) produced blue-green crystals of diamagnetic [Pd(II)((1)L(ISQ))(2)] (1), where ((1)L(ISQ))(*)(-) represents the o-iminobenzosemiquinonate(1-) pi radical anion of the aromatic ((1)L(IP))(2-) dianion. The diamagnetic complex 1 was chemically oxidized with 1 equiv of Ag(BF(4)), affording red-brown crystals of paramagnetic (S = (1)/(2)) [Pd(II)((1)L(ISQ))((1)L(IBQ))](BF(4)) (2), and one-electron reduction with cobaltocene yielded paramagnetic (S = (1)/(2)) green crystals of [Cp(2)Co][Pd(II)((1)L(ISQ))((1)L(IP))] (3); ((1)L(IBQ))(0) represents the neutral, diamagnetic quinone form. Complex 1 was oxidized with 2 equiv of [NO]BF(4), affording green crystals of diamagnetic [Pd(II)((1)L(IBQ))(2)](3)(BF(4))(4){(BF(4))(2)H}(2).4CH(2)Cl(2) (5). Oxidation of [Ni(II)((1)L(ISQ))(2)] (S = 0) in CH(2)Cl(2) solution with 2 equiv of Ag(ClO(4)) generated crystals of [Ni(II)((1)L(IBQ))(2)(ClO(4))(2)].2CH(2)Cl(2) (6) with an S = 1 ground state. Complexes 1-5 constitute a five-membered complete electron-transfer series, [Pd((1)L)(2)](n) (n = 2-, 1-, 0, 1+, 2+), where only species 4, namely, diamagnetic [Pd(II)((1)L(IP))(2)](2-), has not been isolated; they are interrelated by four reversible one-electron-transfer waves in the cyclic voltammogram. Complexes 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 have been characterized by X-ray crystallography at 100 K, which establishes that the redox processes are ligand centered. Species 2 and 3 exhibit ligand mixed valency: [Pd(II)((1)L(ISQ))((1)L(IBQ))](+) has localized ((1)L(IBQ))(0) and ((1)L(ISQ))(*)(-) ligands in the solid state, whereas in [Pd(II)((1)L(ISQ))((1)L(IP))](-) the excess electron is delocalized over both ligands in the solid-state structure of 3. Electronic and electron spin resonance spectra are reported, and the electronic structures of all members of this electron-transfer series are established.     

Molecular and electronic structures of iron complexes containing N,S-coordinated,open-shell o-iminothionebenzosemiquinonate(1-) pi radicals

The reaction of the dinuclear species (mu-NH,NH)[Fe(III)(L(IP))(L(AP))](2) dissolved in CH(2)Cl(2) with dioxygen affords black microcrystals of diamagnetic (mu-S,S)[Fe(III)(L(IP))(L(ISQ))](2).n-hexane (6) upon the addition of n-hexane, where (L(IP))(2)(-) represents the dianion of 4,6-di-tert-butyl-2-aminothiophenol, (L(AP))(-) is the corresponding monoanion, and (L(ISQ))(-) is the corresponding o-iminothionebenzosemiquinonate(1-) pi radical monoanion; similarly, the dianion ('H(2)N(2)S(2)')(2)(-) is derived from 1,2-ethanediamine-N,N'-bis(2-benzenethiol), and ('N(2)S(2)(*)')(3)(-) is its monoradical trianion. The above reaction in a CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH (1:1) mixture yields the diamagnetic isomer (mu-NH,NH)[Fe(III)(L(IP))(L(ISQ))](2).5CH(3)OH (7), whereas air oxidation of (mu-S,S)[Fe(II)('H(2)N(2)S(2)')](2) in CH(3)CN yields diamagnetic (mu-S,S)[Fe(III)('N(2)S(2)(*)')](2) (8). Complexes 6 and 8 were shown to undergo addition reactions with phosphines, phosphites, or cyanide affording the following complexes: trans-[Fe(II)(L(ISQ))(2)(P(OPh)(3))] (9; S(t) = 0) and [N(n-Bu)(4)][Fe(II)(L(ISQ))(2)(CN)] (S(t) = 0). Oxidation of 6 in CH(2)Cl(2) with iodine, bromine, and chlorine respectively yields black microcrystals of [Fe(III)(L(ISQ))(2)X] (X = I, Br, or Cl) with S(t) = (1)/(2). The structures of complexes 6-9 have been determined by X-ray crystallography at 100 K. The oxidation level of the ligands and iron ions in all complexes has been unequivocally established, as indicated by crystallography; electron paramagnetic resonance, UV-vis, and M?ssbauer spectroscopies; and magnetic-susceptibility measurements. The N,S-coordinated o-iminothionebenzosemiquinonate(1-) pi radicals have been identified in all new complexes. The electronic structures of the new complexes have been determined, and it is shown that no evidence for iron oxidation states >III is found in this chemistry.     

Molecular and electronic structures of bis-(o-diiminobenzosemiquinonato)metal(II) complexes (Ni, Pd, Pt), their monocations and -anions, and of dimeric dications containing weak metal-metal bonds

Two series of square planar, diamagnetic, neutral complexes of nickel(II), palladium(II), and platinum(II) containing two N,N-coordinated o-diiminobenzosemiquinonate(1-) pi radical ligands have been synthesized and characterized by UV-vis and (1)H NMR spectroscopy: [M(II)((2)L(ISQ))(2)], M = Ni (1), Pd (2), Pt (3), and [M(II)((3)L(ISQ))(2)] M = Ni (4), Pd (5), Pt (6). H(2)[(2)L(PDI)] represents 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-phenylenediamine and H(2)[(3)L(PDI)] is N-phenyl-o-phenylenediamine; (L(ISQ))(1-) is the o-diiminobenzosemiquinonate pi radical anion, and (L(IBQ))(0) is the o-diiminobenzoquinone form of these ligands. The structures of complexes 1, 4, 5, and 6 have been (re)determined by X-ray crystallography at 100 K. Cyclic voltammetry established that the complete electron-transfer series consisting of a dianion, monoanion, neutral complex, a mono- and a dication exists: [M(L)(2)](z)z = -2, -1, 0, 1+, 2+. Each species has been electrochemically generated in solution and their X-band EPR and UV-vis spectra have been recorded. The oxidations and reductions are invariably ligand centered. Two o-diiminobenzoquinones(0) and two fully reduced o-diiminocatecholate(2-) ligands are present in the dication and dianion, respectively, whereas the monocations and monoanions are delocalized mixed valent class III species [M(II)(L(ISQ))(L(IBQ))](+) and [M(II)(L(ISQ))(L(PDI))](-), respectively. One-electron oxidations of 1 and trans-6 yield the diamagnetic dications [cis-[Ni(II)((2)L(ISQ))((2)L(IBQ))](2)]Cl(2) (7) and [trans-[Pt(II)((3)L(ISQ))((3)L(IBQ))](2)](CF(3)SO(3))(2) (8), respectively, which have been characterized by X-ray crystallography; both complexes possess a weak M.M bond and the ligands adopt an eclipsed configuration due to weak bonding interactions via pi stacking.     

Molecular and electronic structure of square planar complexes [PdII(tbpy)(L N,O IP)]0, [PdII(tbpy)(LN,O ISQ)](PF6), and [PdII(tbpy)(L N,O IBQ)](PF6)(BF4).2CH2Cl2: an o-iminophenolato based ligand centered, three-membered redox series

Three Pd(II) complexes which are members of the same electron-transfer series have been synthesized. Refluxing of the reaction mixture containing equimolar amounts of PdCl(2), 2-(2-trifluoromethyl)anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol (H(2)L(N,O)), 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-dipyridyl ((t)bpy), and 3 equiv of triethylamine in MeOH under an argon atmosphere followed by exposure to air and addition of KPF(6) after cooling to room temperature yields reddish brown crystals of paramagnetic (S = 1/2) [Pd(L(N,O)(ISQ))((t)bpy)](PF6) (2). Reaction of 2 with one equiv of [CoCp2] in dry and degassed CH(2)Cl(2) using anaerobic conditions gives diamagnetic [Pd(L(N,O)(IP))((t)bpy)] (1), which is the one-electron reduced form of 2. One-electron oxidation of 2 in CH(2)Cl(2) under argon with one equiv of NOBF4 affords diamagnetic [Pd(L(N,O)(IBQ))((t)bpy)](PF6)(BF4).2CH(2)Cl(2) (3). Complexes 1, 2, and 3 constitute three members of the same electron-transfer series. They are ideally suited to distinctly distinguish the geometrical and spectroscopic features of the N,O-coordinated, closed-shell, diamagnetic o-iminophenolate (L(N,O)(IP))2-, the corresponding open-shell pi-radical o-iminobenzosemiquinonate (L(N,O)(ISQ))1-.(S(rad) = 1/2), and the closed-shell o-iminobenzoquinone (L(N,O)(IBQ))0 forms. All complexes were characterized by X-ray crystallography (100 K), cyclic voltammetry, EPR, and UV-vis spectroscopy. Complex 2 exhibits three reversible electron transfer waves in the cyclic voltammogram. Structural characterization of complex 3 reveals an interesting strong ion pairing between the BF4 anion and the complex dication with a short C-F distance of 2.7 A.     

Cationic Ti(IV) and neutral Ti(III) titanocene-phosphinoaryloxide frustrated Lewis pairs: hydrogen activation and catalytic amine-borane dehydrogenation

Titanium-phosphorus frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) based on titanocene-phosphinoaryloxide complexes have been synthesised. The cationic titanium(IV) complex [Cp(2)TiOC(6)H(4)P((t)Bu)(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] 2 reacts with hydrogen to yield the reduced titanium(III) complex [Cp(2)TiOC(6)H(4)PH((t)Bu)(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] 5. The titanium(III)-phosphorus FLP [Cp(2)TiOC(6)H(4)P((t)Bu)(2)] 6 has been synthesised either by chemical reduction of [Cp(2)Ti(Cl)OC(6)H(4)P((t)Bu)(2)] 1 with [CoCp*(2)] or by reaction of [Cp(2)Ti{N(SiMe(3))(2)}] with 2-C(6)H(4)(OH){P((t)Bu)(2)}. Both 2 and 6 catalyse the dehydrogenation of Me(2)HN·BH(3).     

o-Iminobenzosemiquinonato(1-) and o-amidophenolato(2-) complexes of palladium(II) and platinum(II): a combined experimental and density functional theoretical study

From the reaction mixture of [M(II)(bpy)Cl(2)], the ligand 2-anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol, H[L(AP)], and 2 equiv of a base (NaOCH(3)) in CH(3)CN under anaerobic conditions were obtained the blue-green neutral complexes [M(II)(L(AP)-H)(bpy)] (M = Pd (1), Pt (2)). (L(AP)-H)(2)(-) represents the o-amidophenolato dianion, (L(AP))(1)(-) is the o-aminophenolate(1-), (L(ISQ))(1)(-) is its one-electron-oxidized, pi-radical o-iminobenzosemiquinonate(1-), and (L(IBQ))(0) is the neutral quinone. Complexes 1 and 2 can be oxidized by ferrocenium hexafluorophosphate, yielding the paramagnetic salts [M(II)(L(ISQ))(bpy)]PF(6) (S = (1)/(2)) (M = Pd (1a), Pt (2a)). The reaction of PtCl(2), 2 equiv of H[L(AP)], and 4 equiv of base in CH(3)CN in the presence of air yields diamagnetic [Pt(L(ISQ))(2)] (3), which is shown to possess an electronic structure that is best described as a singlet diradical. Complexes 1, 1a, 2, 2a, and 3 have been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography at 100 K. It is clearly established that O,N-coordinated (L(AP)-H)(2)(-) ligands have a distinctly different structure than the corresponding O,N-coordinated (L(ISQ))(1)(-) radicals. It is therefore possible to unambiguously assign the protonation and oxidation level of o-aminophenol derived ligands in coordination compounds. All complexes have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry, EPR, and UV-vis spectroscopy. Complexes 1 and 2 can be reversibly oxidized to the [M(II)(L(ISQ))(bpy)](+) and [M(II)(L(IBQ))(pby)](2+) mono- and dications, respectively, and reduced to the [M(L(AP)-H)(bpy(*))](-) anion, where (bpy(*))(1)(-) is the radical anion of 2,2'-bipyridine. Complex 3 exhibits four reversible one-electron-transfer waves (two oxidations and two reductions) which are all shown to be ligand centered. The EPR spectra of the one-electron-reduced species [Pt(L(AP)-H)(L(ISQ))](-) (S = (1)/(2)) and of the one-electron-oxidized species [Pt(L(ISQ))(L(IBQ))](+) (S = (1)/(2)) in CH(2)Cl(2) solutions have been recorded. To gain a better understanding of the electronic structure of 3 and its monooxidized and reduced forms, relativistic DFT calculations have been carried out. Magnetic coupling parameters and hyperfine couplings were calculated and found to be in very good agreement with experiment. It is shown that both the one-electron oxidation and reduction of 3 are ligand centered. A simple MO model is developed in order to understand the EPR properties of the monocation and monoanion of 3.     

Di- and tetra-nuclear copper(II), nickel(II), and cobalt(II) complexes of four bis-tetradentate triazole-based ligands: synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

Four bis-tetradentate N(4)-substituted-3,5-{bis[bis-N-(2-pyridinemethyl)]aminomethyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole ligands, L(Tz1)-L(Tz4), differing only in the triazole N(4) substituent R (where R is amino, pyrrolyl, phenyl, or 4-tertbutylphenyl, respectively) have been synthesized, characterized, and reacted with M(II)(BF(4))(2)·6H(2)O (M(II) = Cu, Ni or Co) and Co(SCN)(2). Experiments using all 16 possible combinations of metal salt and L(TzR) were carried out: 14 pure complexes were obtained, 11 of which are dinuclear, while the other three are tetranuclear. The dinuclear complexes include two copper(II) complexes, [Cu(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(4) (2), [Cu(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(BF(4))(2)](BF(4))(2) (4); two nickel(II) complexes, [Ni(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(H(2)O)(3)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(4)·0.5(CH(3)CN) (5) and [Ni(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(4)·H(2)O (8); and seven cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·H(2)O (9), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·2H(2)O (10), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz3))(H(2)O)(2)](BF(4))(4) (11), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·3H(2)O (12), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(SCN)(4)]·3H(2)O (13), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(SCN)(4)]·2H(2)O (14), and [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz3))(SCN)(4)]·H(2)O (15). The tetranuclear complexes are [Cu(II)(4)(L(Tz1))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(BF(4))(2)](BF(4))(6) (1), [Cu(II)(4)(L(Tz3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(μ-F)(2)](BF(4))(6)·0.5H(2)O (3), and [Ni(II)(4)(L(Tz3))(2)(H(2)O)(4)(μ-F(2))](BF(4))(6)·6.5H(2)O (7). Single crystal X-ray structure determinations revealed different solvent content from that found by microanalysis of the bulk sample after drying under a vacuum and confirmed that 5', 8', 9', 11', 12', and 15' are dinuclear while 1' and 7' are tetranuclear. As expected, magnetic measurements showed that weak antiferromagnetic intracomplex interactions are present in 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8, stabilizing a singlet spin ground state. All seven of the dinuclear cobalt(II) complexes, 9-15, have similar magnetic behavior and remain in the [HS-HS] state between 300 and 1.8 K.     

Molecular and electronic structure of octahedral o-aminophenolato and o-iminobenzosemiquinonato complexes of V(V), Cr(III), Fe(III), and Co(III). Experimental determination of oxidation levels of ligands and metal ions

The coordination chemistry of the ligands 2-anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol, H[L(AP)], and N,N"'-bis[2-(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol]diethylenetriamine, H(2)[(L(AP))N(L(AP))], has been studied with the first-row transition metal ions V, Cr, Fe, and Co. The ligands are noninnocent in the sense that the aminophenolato parts, [L(AP)](-) and [L(AP)-H](2)(-), can be readily oxidized to their o-iminobenzosemiquinonato, [L(ISQ)](-), and o-iminobenzoquinone, [L(ISB)], forms. The following neutral octahedral complexes have been isolated as crystalline materials, and their crystal structures have been determined by X-ray crystallography at 100 K: [Cr(III)(L(ISQ))(3)] (1), [Fe(III)(L(ISQ))(3)] (2), [Co(III)(L(ISQ))(3)] (3), [V(V)(L(ISQ))(L(AP)-H)(2)] (4), [V(V)(L(AP)-H)(2)(L(AP))] (5), and [V(V)O[(L(AP))N(L(AP)-H)]] (6). From variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and X-band EPR spectroscopy it has been established that they possess the ground states: 1, S = 0; 2, S = 1; 3, S = (3)/(2); 4, S = (1)/(2); 5, S = 0; 6, S = 0. The o-iminobenzosemiquinonato radicals (S(rad) = (1)/(2)) couple strongly intramolecularly antiferromagnetically to singly occupied orbitals of the t(2g) subshell at the respective metal ion but ferromagnetically to each other in 3 containing a Co(III) ion with a filled t(2g)(6) subshell. It is demonstrated that the oxidation level of the ligands and metal ions can be unequivocally determined by high-quality X-ray crystallography in conjunction with EPR, UV-vis, and M?ssbauer spectroscopies. The spectro- and electrochemistry of these complexes have also been studied in detail. Metal- and ligand-based redox chemistry has been observed. The molecular and electronic structures are compared with those of their o-semiquinonato analogues.     

Electronic structure of bis(o-iminobenzosemiquinonato)metal complexes (Cu, Ni, Pd). The art of establishing physical oxidation states in transition-metal complexes containing radical ligands.

The ligand 2-anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol and its 2-(3,5-dichloroanilino)-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol analogue react in CH(3)CN or CH(3)OH solutions with divalent transition metal ions in the presence of air and triethylamine. Depending on the metal:ligand ratio (1:1, 1:2, or 1:3) and the presence (or absence) of the cyclic amine 1,4-dimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (dmtacn), the following complexes have been isolated as crystalline solids: [Co(III)(L(ISQ))(3)] (1); [Cu(II)(dmtacn)(L(ISQ))]PF(6) (2); [Cu(II)(L(ISQ))(2)] (3); [Ni(II)(L(ISQ))(2)] (4a); [Ni(II)((Cl)L(ISQ))(2)] (4b); [Pd(II)(L(ISQ))(2)] (5). (L(ISQ))(-) represents the monoanionic o-iminobenzosemiquinonate radical (S(rad) = (1)/(2)). Compounds 1-5 have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography at 100(2) K. For all complexes it is unambiguously established that the O,N-coordinated o-iminobenzosemiquinonato(1-) ligand is present. Complexes 3, 4b, and 5 are square planar molecules which possess an S(t) = (1)/(2), 0, and 0 ground state, respectively, as was established by (1)H NMR and EPR spectroscopies and variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. Complex 2 possesses an S(t) = 1 ground state which is attained via strong intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling (J = +195 cm(-1)) between the d(x)2-(y)2 magnetic orbital of the Cu(II) ion and the pi-orbital of the ligand radical. Complex 1 contains three mutually orthogonal (L(ISQ))(-*) ligands and has an S(t) = (3)/(2) ground state. It is shown that the electronic structure of 4a and 5 is adequately described as singlet diradical containing a divalent, diamagnetic d(8) configurated central metal ion and two strongly antiferromagnetically coupled (L(ISQ))(-) radical ligands. It is concluded that the same electronic structure prevails in the classic bis(o-diiminobenzosemiquinonato)- and bis(o-benzosemiquinonato)metal complexes of Ni(II), Pd(II), and Pt(II). The electrochemistry of all complexes has been investigated in detail. For 3, 4a, and 5 a series of reversible one-electron-transfer waves leads to the formation of the anions and cations [M(L)(2)](2-),(1-),(1+),(2+) which have been characterized spectroelectrochemically. All redox processes are shown to be ligand-based.     

Cobalt(III) carbonate and bicarbonate chelate complexes of tripodal tetraamine ligands containing pyridyl donors: the steric basis for the stability of chelated bicarbonate complexes

The synthesis and characterization (X-ray crystallography, UV/vis spectroscopy, electrochemistry, ESI-MS, and (1)H, (13)C, and (59)Co NMR) of the complexes [Co(L)(O(2)CO)]ClO(4)xH(2)O (L = tpa (tpa = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) (x = 1), pmea (pmea = bis((2-pyridyl)methyl)-2-((2-pyridyl)ethyl)amine) (x = 0), pmap (pmap = bis(2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) (x = 0), tepa (tepa = tris(2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl)amine) (x = 0)) which contain tripodal tetradentate pyridyl ligands and chelated carbonate ligands are reported. The complexes display different colors in both the solid state and solution, which can be rationalized in terms of the different ligand fields exerted by the tripodal ligands. Electrochemical data show that [Co(tepa)(O(2)CO)](+) is the easiest of the four complexes to reduce, and the variation in E(red.) values across the series of complexes can also be explained in terms of the different ligand fields exerted by the tripodal ligands, as can the (59)Co NMR data which show a chemical shift range of over 2000 ppm for the four complexes. [Co(pmea)(O(2)CO)](+) is fluxional in aqueous solution, and VT NMR spectroscopy ((1)H and (13)C) in DMF-d(7) (DMF = dimethylformamide) over the temperature range -25.0 to 75.0 degrees C are consistent with inversion of the unique six-membered chelate ring. This process shows a substantial activation barrier (DeltaG(#) = 58 kJ mol(-1)). The crystal structures of [Co(tpa)(O(2)CO)]ClO(4)xH(2)O, [Co(pmea)(O(2)CO)]ClO(4).3H(2)O, [Co(pmap)(O(2)CO)]ClO(4), and [Co(tepa)(O(2)CO)]ClO(4) are reported, and the complexes containing the asymmetric tripodal ligands pmea and pmap both crystallize as the 6-isomer. The carbonate complexes all show remarkable stability in 6 M HCl solution, with [Co(pmap)(O(2)CO)](+) showing essentially no change in its UV/vis spectrum over 4 h in this medium. The chelated bicarbonate complexes [Co(pmea)(O(2)COH)]ZnCl(4), [Co(pmap)(O(2)COH)][Co(pmap)(O(2)CO)](ClO(4))(3), [Co(pmap)(O(2)COH)]ZnCl(4)xH(2)O, and [Co(pmap(O(2)COH)]ZnBr(4)x2H(2)O can be isolated from acidic aqueous solution, and the crystal structure of [Co(pmap)(O(2)COH)]ZnCl(4)x3H(2)O is reported. The stability of the carbonate complexes in acid is explained by analysis of the crystallographic data for these, and other slow to hydrolyze chelated carbonate complexes, which show that the endo (coordinated) oxygen atoms are significantly hindered by atoms on the ancillary ligands, in contrast to complexes such as [Co(L)(O(2)CO)](+) (L = (NH(3))(4), (en)(2), tren, and nta), which undergo rapid acid hydrolysis and which show no such steric hindrance.     

Molecular and electronic structures of tetrahedral complexes of nickel and cobalt containing N,N'-disubstituted, bulky o-diiminobenzosemiquinonate(1-) pi-radical ligands

The reaction of 2 equiv of the bulky ligand N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1,2-phenylenediamine, H2[3L(PDI)], excess triethylamine, and 1 equiv of M(CH3CO2)2.4H2O (M = Ni, Co) in the presence of air in CH3CN/CH2Cl2 solution yields violet-black crystals of [Ni(II)(3L(ISQ))2] CH3CN (1) or violet crystals of [Co(3L)2] (3). By using Pd(CH3CO2)2 as starting material, green-blue crystals of [Pd(II)(3L(ISQ))2].CH3CN (2) were obtained. Single-crystal X-ray crystallography revealed that 1 and 3 contain (pseudo)tetrahedral neutral molecules [M(3L)2] (M = Ni, Co) whereas in 2 nearly square planar, neutral molecules [Pd(II)(3L(ISQ))2] are present. Temperature-dependent susceptibility measurements established that 1 and 2 are diamagnetic (S = 0) whereas 3 is paramagnetic with an S = 3/2 ground state. It is shown that 1 contains two pi radical benzosemiquinonate(1-)-type monoanions, ((3L(ISQ))(1-*), S(rad) = 1/2), and a central Ni(II) ion (d8; S = 1) which are antiferromagnetically coupled yielding the observed S(t) = 0 ground state. This result has been confirmed by broken symmetry DFT calculations of 1. In contrast, the S(t) = 3/2 ground state of 3 is more difficult to understand: the two resonance structures [Co(III)(3L(ISQ))(3L(PDI))] <--> [Co(II)(3L(PDI))(3L(IBQ))] might be invoked (for tetrahedral [Co(II)(3L(ISQ))2] containing an S(Co) = 3/2 with two antiferromagnetically coupled pi-radical ligands an S(t) = 1/2 is anticipated). Complex 2 is diamagnetic (S = 0) containing a Pd(II) ion (d8, S(Pd) = 0 in an almost square planar ligand field) and two antiferromagnetically coupled ligand radicals (S(rad) = 1/2). The electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry of 1, 2, and 3 have been studied, and electron-transfer series comprising the species [M(L)2]z (z = 2+, 1+, 0, 1-, 2-) have been established. All oxidations and reductions are ligand centered.     

Scrutinizing low-spin Cr(II) complexes

The oxidation state of the chromium center in the following compounds has been probed using a combination of chromium K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory: [Cr(phen)(3)][PF(6)](2) (1), [Cr(phen)(3)][PF(6)](3) (2), [CrCl(2)((t)bpy)(2)] (3), [CrCl(2)(bpy)(2)]Cl(0.38)[PF(6)](0.62) (4), [Cr(TPP)(py)(2)] (5), [Cr((t)BuNC)(6)][PF(6)](2) (6), [CrCl(2)(dmpe)(2)] (7), and [Cr(Cp)(2)] (8), where phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, (t)bpy is 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine, and TPP(2-) is doubly deprotonated 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin. The X-ray crystal structures of complexes 1, [Cr(phen)(3)][OTf](2) (1'), and 3 are reported. The X-ray absorption and computational data reveal that complexes 1-5 all contain a central Cr(III) ion (S(Cr) = (3)/(2)), whereas complexes 6-8 contain a central low-spin (S = 1) Cr(II) ion. Therefore, the electronic structures of 1-8 are best described as [Cr(III)(phen(?))(phen(0))(2)][PF(6)](2), [Cr(III)(phen(0))(3)][PF(6)](3), [Cr(III)Cl(2)((t)bpy(?))((t)bpy(0))], [Cr(III)Cl(2)(bpy(0))(2)]Cl(0.38)[PF(6)](0.62), [Cr(III)(TPP(3?-))(py)(2)], [Cr(II)((t)BuNC)(6)][PF(6)](2), [Cr(II)Cl(2)(dmpe)(2)], and [Cr(II)(Cp)(2)], respectively, where (L(0)) and (L(?))(-) (L = phen, (t)bpy, or bpy) are the diamagnetic neutral and one-electron-reduced radical monoanionic forms of L, and TPP(3?-) is the one-electron-reduced doublet form of diamagnetic TPP(2-). Following our previous results that have shown [Cr((t)bpy)(3)](2+) and [Cr(tpy)(2)](2+) (tpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) to contain a central Cr(III) ion, the current results further refine the scope of compounds that may be described as low-spin Cr(II) and reveal that this is a very rare oxidation state accessible only with ligands in the strong-field extreme of the spectrochemical series.     

Homoleptic diphosphacyclobutadiene complexes [M(η(4)-P2C2R2)2]x- (M = Fe, Co; x = 0, 1)

The preparation and comprehensive characterization of a series of homoleptic sandwich complexes containing diphosphacyclobutadiene ligands are reported. Compounds [K([18]crown-6)(thf)(2)][Fe(η(4)-P(2)C(2)tBu(2))(2)] (K1), [K([18]crown-6)(thf)(2)][Co(η(4)-P(2)C(2)tBu(2))(2)] (K2), and [K([18]crown-6)(thf)(2)][Co(η(4)-P(2)C(2)Ad(2))(2)] (K3, Ad = adamantyl) were obtained from reactions of [K([18]crown-6)(thf)(2)][M(η(4)-C(14)H(10))(2)] (M = Fe, Co) with tBuC[triple bond]P (1, 2), or with AdC[triple bond]P (3). Neutral sandwiches [M(η(4)-P(2)C(2)tBu(2))(2)] (4: M = Fe 5: M = Co) were obtained by oxidizing 1 and 2 with [Cp(2)Fe]PF(6). Cyclic voltammetry and spectro-electrochemistry indicate that the two [M(η(4)-P(2)C(2)tBu(2))(2)](-)/[M(η(4)-P(2)C(2)tBu(2))(2)] moieties can be reversibly interconverted by one electron oxidation and reduction, respectively. Complexes 1-5 were characterized by multinuclear NMR, EPR (1 and 5), UV/Vis, and M?ssbauer spectroscopies (1 and 4), mass spectrometry (4 and 5), and microanalysis (1-3). The molecular structures of 1-5 were determined by using X-ray crystallography. Essentially D(2d)-symmetric structures were found for all five complexes, which show the two 1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene rings in a staggered orientation. Density functional theory calculations revealed the importance of covalent metal-ligand π bonding in 1-5. Possible oxidation state assignments for the metal ions are discussed.     

The synthesis, characterisation and reactivity of 2-phosphanylethylcyclopentadienyl complexes of cobalt, rhodium and iridium

2-Phosphanylethylcyclopentadienyl lithium compounds, Li[C(5)R'(4)(CH(2))(2)PR(2)] (R = Et, R' = H or Me, R = Ph, R' = Me), have been prepared from the reaction of spirohydrocarbons C(5)R'(4)(C(2)H(4)) with LiPR(2). C(5)Et(4)HSiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2), was prepared from reaction of Li[C(5)Et(4)] with Me(2)SiCl(2) followed by Me(2)PCH(2)Li. The lithium salts were reacted with [RhCl(CO)(2)](2), [IrCl(CO)(3)] or [Co(2)(CO)(8)] to give [M(C(5)R'(4)(CH(2))(2)PR(2))(CO)] (M = Rh, R = Et, R' = H or Me, R = Ph, R' = Me; M = Ir or Co, R = Et, R' = Me), which have been fully characterised, in many cases crystallographically as monomers with coordination of the phosphorus atom and the cyclopentadienyl ring. The values of nu(CO) for these complexes are usually lower than those for the analogous complexes without the bridge between the cyclopentadienyl ring and the phosphine, the exception being [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (Cp' = C(5)Me(4)), the most electron rich of the complexes. [Rh(C(5)Et(4)SiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2))(CO)] may be a dimer. [Co(2)(CO)(8)] reacts with C(5)H(5)(CH(2))(2)PEt(2) or C(5)Et(4)HSiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2) (L) to give binuclear complexes of the form [Co(2)(CO)(6)L(2)] with almost linear PCoCoP skeletons. [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] are active for methanol carbonylation at 150 degrees C and 27 bar CO, with the rate using [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] (0.81 mol dm(-3) h(-1)) being higher than that for [RhI(2)(CO)(2)](-) (0.64 mol dm(-3) h(-1)). The most electron rich complex, [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (0.38 mol dm(-3) h(-1)) gave a comparable rate to [Cp*Rh(PEt(3))(CO)] (0.30 mol dm(-3) h(-1)), which was unstable towards oxidation of the phosphine. [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))I(2)], which is inactive for methanol carbonylation, was isolated after the methanol carbonylation reaction using [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)]. Neither of [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (M = Co or Ir) was active for methanol carbonylation under these conditions, nor under many other conditions investigated, except that [Ir(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] showed some activity at higher temperature (190 degrees C), probably as a result of degradation to [IrI(2)(CO)(2)](-). [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] react with MeI to give [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(C(O)Me)I] (M = Co or Rh) or [Ir(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))Me(CO)]I. The rates of oxidative addition of MeI to [Rh(C(5)H(4)(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] are 62 and 1770 times faster than to [Cp*Rh(CO)(2)]. Methyl migration is slower, however. High pressure NMR studies show that [Co(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Cp*Rh(PEt(3))(CO)] are unstable towards phosphine oxidation and/or quaternisation under methanol carbonylation conditions, but that [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] does not exhibit phosphine degradation, eventually producing inactive [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))I(2)] at least under conditions of poor gas mixing. The observation of [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(C(O)Me)I] under methanol carbonylation conditions suggests that the rhodium centre has become so electron rich that reductive elimination of ethanoyl iodide has become rate determining for methanol carbonylation. In addition to the high electron density at rhodium.     

Reactions of the tetrafluoroborate complex [Mo2Cp2(κ(2)-F2BF2)(μ-PPh2)2(CO)]BF4 with mono- and bidentate ligands having E-H bonds (E = O, S, Se, N, P)

The title compound reacted rapidly with CN(t)Bu at room temperature by displacing the BF(4)(-) ligand and incorporating three molecules of isocyanide to yield the electron-precise complex [Mo(2)Cp(2)(μ-PPh(2))(2)(CN(t)Bu)(3)(CO)](BF(4))(2), which was obtained as a mixture of cis and trans isomers. Reaction with several HER(n) molecules (HER(n) = HSPh, HSePh, H(2)PCy) took place with formal elimination of HBF(4) and spontaneous carbonylation to give the electron-precise cations [Mo(2)Cp(2)(μ-ER(n))(μ-PPh(2))(2)(CO)(2)](+). Reactions with several bidentate ligands (L(2)H) having acidic E-H bonds (2-hydroxypyridine, 2-mercaptopyridine, cathecol, 2-aminophenol, and 2-aminothiophenol) proceeded analogously with deprotonation of these bonds with the preference E = S > O > N. The N,O-donor ligands yielded 32-electron chelate derivatives of the type [Mo(2)Cp(2)(O,N-L(2))(μ-PPh(2))(2)(CO)]BF(4) (L(2) = OC(5)H(4)N, OC(6)H(4)NH(2)), whereas the S,N-donors yielded 34-electron, S-bridged complexes [Mo(2)Cp(2)(μ-S:S,N-L(2))(μ-PPh(2))(2)(CO)]BF(4) [L(2) = SC(5)H(4)N (Mo-Mo = 2.8895(8) ?), SC(6)H(4)NH(2)]. However, reaction with catechol gave a monodentate derivative [Mo(2)Cp(2)(O-OC(6)H(4)OH)(μ-PPh(2))(2)(CO)]BF(4). In contrast, reactions of the title complex with several carboxylic acids and related species (acetic, benzoic, and thioacetic acids, acetamide, thioacetamide, and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate) were insensitive to the nature of the donor atoms and gave in all cases 32-electron chelate derivatives of type [Mo(2)Cp(2)(κ(2)-L(2))(μ-PPh(2))(2)(CO)]BF(4). All of the above cations having Mo-bound OH, NH, or NH(2) groups were easily deprotonated upon reaction with 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU) or other bases to give neutral complexes which exhibited different coordination motifs depending on the donor atoms, including chelate complexes of the type [Mo(2)Cp(2)(κ(2)-L(2)')(μ-PPh(2))(2)(CO)] (L(2)' = OC(6)H(4)O, OC(6)H(4)NH), the bridged complexes [Mo(2)Cp(2)(μ-S,N:S,N-SC(6)H(4)NH)(μ-PPh(2))(2)] and [Mo(2)Cp(2){μ-S,N-N(S)CMe}(μ-PPh(2))(2)], and the terminal acetylimido complex [Mo(2)Cp(2){N-N(O)CMe}(μ-PPh(2))(2)(CO)].     

Neutral (bis-beta-diketonato) iron(III), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) metallocycles: structural, electrochemical and solvent extraction studies

Neutral dimeric metallocyclic complexes of type [M(2)(L(1))(2)B(n)] (where M = cobalt(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II), L(1) is the doubly deprotonated form of a 1,3-aryl linked bis-beta-diketone ligand of type 1,3-bis(RC(O)CH(2)C(O))C(6)H(4) (R=Me, n-Pr, t-Bu) and B is pyridine (Py) or 4-ethylpyridine (EtPy)) have been synthesised, adding to similar complexes already reported for copper(II). New lipophilic ligand derivatives with R = octyl or nonyl were also prepared for use in solvent extraction experiments. Structural, electrochemical and solvent extraction investigations of selected metal complex systems from the above series are reported, with the X-ray structures of [Co(2)(L(1))(2)(Py)(4)] x 2.25CHCl(3) x 0.5H(2)O (R=Pr), [Co(2)(L(1))(2)(EtPy)(4)] (R=t-Bu), [Ni(2)(L(1))(2)(EtPy)(4)] (R=t-Bu), [Zn(2)(L(1))(2)(EtPy)(2)] (R=Me) and [Zn(2)(L(1))(2)(EtPy)(4)] (R=t-Bu) being presented. The electrochemistry of H(2)L(1) (R=t-Bu) and of [Fe(2)(L(1))(3)], [Co(2)(L(1))(2)(Py)(4)], [Ni(2)(L(1))(2)(Py)(4)], [Cu(2)(L(1))(2)] and [Zn(2)(L(1))(2)(Py)(2)] has been examined. Oxidative processes for the complexes are dominantly irreversible, but several examples of quasireversible behaviour were observed and support the assignment of an anodic process, seen between +1.0 and +1.6 V, as a metal-centred oxidation. The reduction processes for the respective metal complexes are not simple, and irreversible in most cases. Solvent extraction studies (water/chloroform) involving variable concentrations of metal, bis-beta-diketone and heterocyclic base have been performed for cobalt(II) and zinc(II) using a radiotracer technique to probe the stoichiometries of the extracted species in each case. Synergism was observed when 4-ethylpyridine was added to the bis-beta-diketone ligand in the chloroform phase. Competitive extraction studies show a clear uptake preference for copper(II) over cobalt(II), nickel(II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II).     

Phosphato, chromato, and perrhenato complexes of titanium(IV) and zirconium(IV) containing Kläui's tripodal ligand

Treatment of titanyl sulfate in dilute sulfuric acid with 1 equiv of NaL(OEt) (L(OEt)(-) = [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Co{P(O)(OEt)(2)](3)](-)) in the presence of Na(3)PO(4) and Na(4)P(2)O(7) led to isolation of [(L(OEt)Ti)(3)(mu-O)(3)(mu(3-)PO(4))] (1) and [(L(OEt)Ti)(2)(mu-O)(mu-P(2)O(7))] (2), respectively. The structure of 1 consists of a Ti(3)O(3) core capped by a mu(3)-phosphato group. In 2, the [P(2)O(7)](4-) ligands binds to the two Ti's in a mu:eta(2),eta(2) fashion. Treatment of titanyl sulfate in dilute sulfuric acid with NaL(OEt) and 1.5 equiv of Na(2)Cr(2)O(7) gave [(L(OEt)Ti)(2)(mu-CrO(4))(3)] (3) that contains two L(OEt)Ti(3+) fragments bridged by three mu-CrO(4)(2-)-O,O' ligands. Complex 3 can act as a 6-electron oxidant and oxidize benzyl alcohol to give ca. 3 equiv of benzaldehyde. Treatment of [L(OEt)Ti(OTf)(3)] (OTf(-) = triflate) with [n-Bu(4)N][ReO(4)] afforded [[L(OEt)Ti(ReO(4))(2)](2)(mu-O)] (4). Treatment of [L(OEt)MF(3)] (M = Ti and Zr) with 3 equiv of [ReO(3)(OSiMe(3))] afforded [L(OEt)Ti(ReO(4))(3)] (5) and [L(OEt)Zr(ReO(4))(3)(H(2)O)] (6), respectively. Treatment of [L(OEt)MF(3)] with 2 equiv of [ReO(3)(OSiMe(3))] afforded [L(OEt)Ti(ReO(4))(2)F] (7) and [[L(OEt)Zr(ReO(4))(2)](2)(mu-F)(2)] (8), respectively, which reacted with Me(3)SiOTf to give [L(OEt)M(ReO(4))(2)(OTf)] (M = Ti (9), Zr (10)). Hydrolysis of [L(OEt)Zr(OTf)(3)] (11) with Na(2)WO(4).xH(2)O and wet CH(2)Cl(2) afforded the hydroxo-bridged complexes [[L(OEt)Zr(H(2)O)](3)(mu-OH)(3)(mu(3)-O)][OTf](4) (12) and [[L(OEt)Zr(H(2)O)(2)](2)(mu-OH)(2)][OTf](4) (13), respectively. The solid-state structures of 1-3, 6, and 11-13 have been established by X-ray crystallography. The L(OEt)Ti(IV) complexes can catalyze oxidation of methyl p-tolyl sulfide with tert-butyl hydroperoxide. The bimetallic Ti/ Re complexes 5 and 9 were found to be more active catalysts for the sulfide oxidation than other Ti(IV) complexes presumably because Re alkylperoxo species are involved as the reactive intermediates.     

Kinetic and mechanistic investigations of hydrothermal transformations in zinc phosphates

The room-temperature crystallization of [C(6)N(2)H(18)][Zn(HPO(4))(H(2)PO(4))(2)], an organically templated zinc phosphate containing [Zn(2)(HPO(4))(2)(H(2)PO(4))(4)](4)(-) molecular anions, and its transformation to compounds containing either one- or two-dimensional inorganic components, [C(6)N(2)H(18)][Zn(3)(H(2)O)(4)(HPO(4))(4)], [C(4)N(2)H(12)][Zn(HPO(4))(2)(H(2)O)], or [C(3)N(2)H(6)][Zn(4)(OH)(PO(4))(3)], under hydrothermal conditions were studied in-situ using energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction. The ability to collect data during reactions in a large volume ( approximately 23 mL) Teflon-lined autoclave under real laboratory conditions has allowed for the elucidation of kinetic and mechanistic information. Kinetic data have been determined by monitoring changes in the integrated peak intensities of Bragg reflections and have been modeled using the Avrami-Erofe'ev expression. The crystallization of [C(6)N(2)H(18)][Zn(HPO(4))(H(2)PO(4))(2)] is a diffusion-controlled process, while nucleation is increasingly more important in determining the overall rate of the formation of [C(6)N(2)H(18)][Zn(3)(H(2)O)(4)(HPO(4))(4)], [C(4)N(2)H(12)][Zn(HPO(4))(2)(H(2)O)], and [C(3)N(2)H(6)][Zn(4)(OH)(PO(4))(3)]. The transformation of [C(6)N(2)H(18)][Zn(HPO(4))(H(2)PO(4))(2)] to [C(4)N(2)H(12)][Zn(HPO(4))(2)(H(2)O)] and [C(3)N(2)H(6)][Zn(4)(OH)(PO(4))(3)] occurs via a dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism, while the transformation to [C(6)N(2)H(18)][Zn(3)(H(2)O)(4)(HPO(4))(4)] may be the first observation of a direct topochemical conversion of one organically templated solid to another under hydrothermal conditions.     

Synthesis, structures, and reactivity of weakly coordinating anions with delocalized borate structure: the assessment of anion effects in metallocene polymerization catalysts.

The formation of adducts of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane with strongly coordinating anions such as CN(-) and [M(CN)(4)](2)(-) (M = Ni, Pd) is a synthetically facile route to the bulky, very weakly coordinating anions [CN[B(C(6)F(5))(3)](2)](-) and [M[CNB(C(6)F(5))(3)](4)](2-) which are isolated as stable NHMe(2)Ph(+) and CPh(3)(+) salts. The crystal structures of [CPh(3)][CN[B(C(6)F(5))(3)](2)] (1), [CPh(3)][ClB(C(6)F(5))(3)] (2), [NHMe(2)Ph](2)[Ni[CNB(C(6)F(5))(3)](4)].2Me(2)CO (4b.2Me(2)CO), [CPh(3)](2)[Ni[CNB(C(6)F(5))(3)](4)].2CH(2)Cl(2) (4c.2CH(2)Cl(2)), and [CPh(3)](2)[Pd[CNB(C(6)F(5))(3)](4)].2CH(2)Cl(2) (5c.2CH(2)Cl(2)) are reported. The CN stretching frequencies in 4 and 5 are shifted by approximately 110 cm(-1) to higher wavenumbers compared to the parent tetracyano complexes in aqueous solution, although the M-C and C-N distances show no significant change on B(C(6)F(5))(3) coordination. Zirconocene dimethyl complexes L(2)ZrMe(2) [L(2) = Cp(2), SBI = rac-Me(2)Si(Ind)(2)] react with 1, 4c or 5c in benzene solution at 20 degrees C to give the salts of binuclear methyl-bridged cations, [(L(2)ZrMe)(2)(mu-Me)][CN[B(C(6)F(5))(3)](2)] and [(L(2)ZrMe)(2)(mu-Me)](2)[M[CNB(C(6)F(5))(3)](4)]. The reactivity of these species in solution was studied in comparison with the known [[(SBI)ZrMe](2)(mu-Me)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)]. While the latter reacts with excess [CPh(3)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] in benzene to give the mononuclear ion pair [(SBI)ZrMe(+).B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-)] in a pseudo-first-order reaction, k = 3 x 10(-4) s(-1), [(L(2)ZrMe)(2)(mu-Me)][CN[B(C(6)F(5))(3)](2)] reacts to give a mixture of L(2)ZrMe(mu-Me)B(C(6)F(5))(3) and L(2)ZrMe(mu-NC)B(C(6)F(5))(3). Recrystallization of [Cp' '(2)Zr(mu-Me)(2)AlMe(2)][CN[B(C(6)F(5))(3)](2)] affords Cp' '(2)ZrMe(mu-NC)B(C(6)F(5))(3) 6, the X-ray structure of which is reported. The stability of [(L(2)ZrMe)(2)(mu-Me)](+)X(-) decreases in the order X = [B(C(6)F(5))(4)] > [M[CNB(C(6)F(5))(3)](4)] > [CN[B(C(6)F(5))(3)](2)] and increases strongly with the steric bulk of L(2) = Cp(2) < SBI. Activation of (SBI)ZrMe(2) by 1 in the presence of AlBu(i)(3) gives extremely active ethene polymerization catalysts. Polymerization studies at 1-7 bar monomer pressure suggest that these, and by implication most other highly active ethene polymerization catalysts, are strongly mass-transport limited. By contrast, monitoring propene polymerization activities with the systems (SBI)ZrMe(2)/1/AlBu(i)(3) and CGCTiMe(2)/1/AlBu(i)(3) at 20 degrees C as a function of catalyst concentration demonstrates that in these cases mass-transport limitation is absent up to [metal] approximately 2 x 10(-5) mol L(-1). Propene polymerization activities decrease in the order [CN[B(C(6)F(5))(3)](2)](-) > [B(C(6)F(5))(4)](-) > [M[CNB(C(6)F(5))(3)](4)](2-) > [MeB(C(6)F(5))(3)](-), with differences in activation barriers relative to [CN[B(C(6)F(5))(3)](2)](-) of DeltaDeltaG = 1.1 (B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-)), 4.1 (Ni[CNB(C(6)F(5))(3)](4)(2-)) and 10.7-12.8 kJ mol(-)(1) (MeB(C(6)F(5))(3)(-)). The data suggest that even in the case of very bulky anions with delocalized negative charge the displacement of the anion by the monomer must be involved in the rate-limiting step.     

Tuning the redox potentials of dinuclear tungsten oxo complexes [(Cp*W(4,4'-R,R-2,2'-bpy)(mu-O))2][PF6]2 toward photochemical water splitting

A series of novel dinuclear tungsten(IV) oxo complexes with disubstituted 4,4'-R,R-2,2'-bipyridyl (R(2)bpy) ligands of the type [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)][PF(6)](2) (R=NMe(2), tBu, Me, H, Cl) was prepared by hydrolysis of the tungsten(IV) trichloro complexes [Cp*W(R(2)bpy)Cl(3)]. Cyclic voltammetry measurements for the tungsten(IV) oxo compounds provided evidence for one reversible oxidation and two reversible reductions leading to the oxidation states W(V)W(IV), W(IV)W(III) and W(III)W(III). The corresponding complexes [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)](n+) [PF(6)](n) (n=0 for R=Me, tBu, and 1, 3 for both R=Me) could be isolated after chemical oxidation/reduction of the tungsten(IV) oxo complexes. The crystal structures of the complexes [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)][BPh(4)](2) (R=NMe(2), tBu) and [(Cp*W(Me(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)](n+)[PF(6)](n) (n=0, 1, 2, 3) show a cis geometry with a puckered W(2)O(2) four-membered ring for all compounds except [(Cp*W(Me(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)] which displays a trans geometry with a planar W(2)O(2) ring. Examining the interaction of these novel tungsten oxo complexes with protons, we were able to show that the W(IV)W(IV) complexes [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)][PF(6) (-)](2) (R=NMe(2), tBu) undergo reversible protonation, while the W(III)W(III) complexes [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)] transfer two electrons forming the W(IV)W(IV) complex and molecular hydrogen.