Pyridine ligand rotation in self-assembled trigonal prisms. Evidence for intracage solvent vapor bubbles

The rate of interconversion of the two inequivalent edges of the pyridine rings in the trigonal prism 3c, self-assembled from 3 equiv of the star connector, tetrakis[4-(4-pyridylethynyl)phenyl]cyclobutadienecyclopentadienylcobalt, and 6 equiv of a platinum linker, cis-(Me3P)2Pt(2+) 2 TfO(-), was determined by DNMR in nitromethane. It exhibits a highly unusual bilinear Eyring plot. In the low temperature regime, the activation enthalpy DeltaH(double dagger) is approximately 12 kcal/mol and an activation entropy DeltaS(double dagger) ranges from approximately -15 to approximately 0 cal/mol x K as a function of the nature and concentration of the anions present. The reaction is attributed to hindered rotation of the pyridine rings about the Pt-N bond, facilitated by a tight pairing with a counterion. Above a counterion-dependent limiting temperature, DeltaH(double dagger) and DeltaS(double dagger) change abruptly to approximately 35 kcal/mol and approximately 60 cal/mol x K, respectively. The changes largely compensate, such that the reactions have comparable rates in the two regimes, both amenable to DNMR measurement, but their mechanisms clearly differ. Several kinetic models for the involvement of ion pairing equilibria fit the observed data nearly equally well, and they all contain a reaction step with high DeltaH(double dagger) and DeltaS(double dagger) values in the high-temperature regime. Its mechanism is proposed to involve a counterion-assisted reversible dissociation of one or two adjacent Pt-N bonds, followed by nearly free rotation of the terminal pyridine ring or rings and subsequent bond reclosure, which is similar to the last presumed step in the initial prism assembly. An interpretation of the very high DeltaS(double dagger) value is suggested by molecular dynamics calculations: at equilibrium, there is a bubble of gaseous nitromethane solvent inside the prism, and it collapses when the prism opens as the transition state is reached. A simple calculation of the entropy of cavitation provides quantitative support for this tentative proposal. The presence of such voids might be generally important for the formation and properties of self-assembled cages.     

The solution structures and dynamics and the solid-state structures of substituted cyclopentadienyltitanium(IV) trifluorides

Organotitanium fluorides (C5Me4R)TiF3 (R = H, Me, Et) sublimate with formation of crystalline dimers. From solution, we obtained crystals of dimers and tetramers. The tetramer [{(C5Me5)TiF3}4] irreversibly dissociates in the solid state to dimers (DeltaH = 8.33 kcal mol(-1)). The variable-temperature (1)H and (19)F NMR spectroscopy measurements of the toluene-d(8) solution of [{(C5Me5)TiF3}2] revealed at 202 K one monomeric, two dimeric (with C2h and Cs symmetry), two tetrameric (with D2 and C2v symmetry), and two trimeric (both C2 symmetry) molecules. With the increase in temperature and dilution of the solution, the composition of the solution shifts to the smaller molecules. The thermodynamic and activation parameters for the reversible dissociation of dimers to monomers in the solution are DeltaH = 9.2 kcal mol(-1), DeltaS = 24.2 cal mol(-1) K(-1), DeltaH(double dagger) = 12.2 kcal mol(-1), DeltaS(double dagger) = 9.7 cal mol(-1) K(-1). The dissociation path with a weakly double-bridged transition-state dimer was proposed. The thermodynamic parameters for the reversible dissociation of the C2v tetramer to the dimers in solution are DeltaH = 7.9 kcal mol(-1) and DeltaS = 26.8 cal mol(-1) K(-1). From both tetramers, the D2 molecule is 0.34(5) kcal mol(-1) lower in enthalpy and 6.5(5) cal mol(-1) K(-1) lower in entropy than the C2v molecule. The structures of both trimers were proposed. The low-temperature 19F NMR spectra of the CDCl3 solution of [{(C5Me5)TiF3}2] are consistent with equilibria of a monomer, two dimers (with C2h and Cs symmetry), and a trimer. The vapor pressure osmometric molecular mass determination of CDCl3 solution of [{(C5Me5)TiF3}2] at 302 K is consistent with the equilibrium of the dimer and the monomer.     

Molecular encapsulation via metal-to-ligand coordination in a Cu(I)-folded molecular basket

A molecular basket, composed of a semirigid C3v symmetric tris-norbornadiene framework and three pyridine flaps at the rim, has been shown to coordinate to a Cu(I) cation and thereby fold in a multivalent fashion. The assembly was effective (Ka = 1.73 +/- 0.08 x 10(5) M(-1)) and driven by enthalpy (DeltaH(o) = -7.2 +/- 0.1 kcal/mol, DeltaS(o) = -0.25 eu). Variable temperature (1)H NMR studies, assisted with 2D COSY and ROESY investigations, revealed the existence of Cu(I)-folded basket 10b with a molecule of acetonitrile occupying its interior and coordinated to the metal. Interestingly, 10b is in equilibrium with Cu(I)-folded 10a , whose inner space is solvated by acetone or chloroform. The incorporation of a molecule of acetonitrile inside 10a was found to be driven by enthalpy (DeltaH(o) = -3.3 +/- 0.1 kcal/mol), with an apparent loss in entropy (DeltaS(o) = -9.4 +/- 0.4 eu); this is congruent with a complete immobilization of acetonitrile and release of a "loosely" encapsulated solvent molecule during 10a/b interconversion. From an Eyring plot, the activation enthalpy for incorporating acetonitrile into 10a was found to be positive (DeltaH(double dagger) = 6.5 +/- 0.5 kcal/mol), while the activation entropy was negative (DeltaS(double dagger) = -20 +/- 2 eu). The results are in agreement with an exchange mechanism whereby acetonitrile "slips" into an "empty" basket through its side aperture. In fact, DFT (BP86) calculations are in favor of such a mechanistic scenario; the calculations suggest that opening of the basket's rim to exchange guests is energetically demanding and therefore less feasible.     

Solvent effects and activation parameters in the competitive cleavage of C-CN and C-H bonds in 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile using [(dippe)NiH]2

The reaction of [(dippe)NiH]2 with 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile (2M3BN) in solvents spanning a wide range of polarities shows significant differences in the ratio of C-H and C-CN activated products. C-H cleavage is favored in polar solvents, whereas C-C cleavage is favored in nonpolar solvents. This variation is attributed to the differential solvation of the transition states, which was further supported through the use of sterically bulky solvents and weakly coordinating solvents. Variation of the temperature of reaction of [(dippe)NiH]2 with 2M3BN in decane and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) allowed for the calculation of Eyring activation parameters for the C-CN activation and C-H activation mechanisms. The activation parameters for the C-H activation pathway were DeltaH(double dagger) = 11.4 +/- 5.3 kcal/mol and DeltaS(double dagger) = -45 +/- 15 e.u., compared with DeltaH(double dagger) = 17.3 +/- 2.6 kcal/mol and DeltaS(double dagger) = -29 +/- 7 e.u. for the C-CN activation pathway. These parameters indicate that C-H activation is favored enthalpically, but not entropically, over C-C activation, implying a more ordered transition state for the former.     

Thermodynamic and kinetic studies of H atom transfer from HMo(CO)3(eta(5)-C5H5) to Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 and (PhCN)Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3: direct insertion of benzonitrile into the Mo-H bond of HMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 forming (Ph(H)C=N)Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3

Synthetic studies are reported that show that the reaction of either H2SnR2 (R = Ph, n-Bu) or HMo(CO)3(Cp) (1-H, Cp = eta(5)-C5H5) with Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (2, Ar = 3,5-C6H3Me2) produce HMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (2-H). The benzonitrile adduct (PhCN)Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (2-NCPh) reacts rapidly with H2SnR2 or 1-H to produce the ketimide complex (Ph(H)C=N)Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (2-NC(H)Ph). The X-ray crystal structures of both 2-H and 2-NC(H)Ph are reported. The enthalpy of reaction of 1-H and 2 in toluene solution has been measured by solution calorimetry (DeltaH = -13.1 +/- 0.7 kcal mol(-1)) and used to estimate the Mo-H bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) in 2-H as 62 kcal mol(-1). The enthalpy of reaction of 1-H and 2-NCPh in toluene solution was determined calorimetrically as DeltaH = -35.1 +/- 2.1 kcal mol(-1). This value combined with the enthalpy of hydrogenation of [Mo(CO)3(Cp)]2 (1(2)) gives an estimated value of 90 kcal mol(-1) for the BDE of the ketimide C-H of 2-NC(H)Ph. These data led to the prediction that formation of 2-NC(H)Ph via nitrile insertion into 2-H would be exothermic by approximately 36 kcal mol(-1), and this reaction was observed experimentally. Stopped flow kinetic studies of the rapid reaction of 1-H with 2-NCPh yielded DeltaH(double dagger) = 11.9 +/- 0.4 kcal mol(-1), DeltaS(double dagger) = -2.7 +/- 1.2 cal K(-1) mol(-1). Corresponding studies with DMo(CO)3(Cp) (1-D) showed a normal kinetic isotope effect with kH/kD approximately 1.6, DeltaH(double dagger) = 13.1 +/- 0.4 kcal mol(-1) and DeltaS(double dagger) = 1.1 +/- 1.6 cal K(-1) mol(-1). Spectroscopic studies of the much slower reaction of 1-H and 2 yielding 2-H and 1/2 1(2) showed generation of variable amounts of a complex proposed to be (Ar[t-Bu]N)3Mo-Mo(CO)3(Cp) (1-2). Complex 1-2 can also be formed in small equilibrium amounts by direct reaction of excess 2 and 1(2). The presence of 1-2 complicates the kinetic picture; however, in the presence of excess 2, the second-order rate constant for H atom transfer from 1-H has been measured: 0.09 +/- 0.01 M(-1) s(-1) at 1.3 degrees C and 0.26 +/- 0.04 M(-1) s(-1) at 17 degrees C. Study of the rate of reaction of 1-D yielded kH/kD = 1.00 +/- 0.05 consistent with an early transition state in which formation of the adduct (Ar[t-Bu]N)3Mo...HMo(CO)3(Cp) is rate limiting.     

Catalytic propene polymerization: determination of propagation,termination, and epimerization kinetics by direct NMR observation of the (EBI)Zr(MeB(C6F5)3)propenyl catalyst species

Treatment of (EBI)ZrMe2 with B(C6F5)3 and 100 equiv of 1-hexene in toluene-d8 at -40 degrees C for 1 h, followed by addition of >5 equiv of propene, generates a living polypropene catalyst (3) with a polyhexene "tail". Upon further addition of propene, speciation of the catalyst and propagation kinetics are measured directly by NMR, yielding a propagation rate law that is first order in [propene] and [living catalyst] with a rate constant of 2.6 M-1 s-1 at -40 degrees C and the activation parameters DeltaH = 3.4(0.2) kcal/mol and DeltaS = -42(2) cal/(mol K). In the absence of propene, elimination of vinylidene-terminated polymer is observed with a first-order rate constant of 3.3 (0.5) x 10-5 s-1 at -40 degrees C and DeltaH = 12.9(1.4) kcal/mol and DeltaS = -23(5) cal/(mol K). Use of 1-13C-propene and 1,1-2H-2,3-13C-propene and 1H, 19F, and 13C NMR spectroscopy provide rigorous characterization of the living catalyst and enable the first direct observation of both 1,3-isomerization and chain-end epimerization processes at a metallocene catalyst. Isomerization and epimerization occur with rates that are similar to that of vinylidene termination and are consistent with previous mechanistic hypotheses featuring isomerization via a tertiary alkyl intermediate and switching between enantiofaces of the coordinated alkene.     

Triggering water exchange mechanisms via chelate architecture. Shielding of transition metal centers by aminopolycarboxylate spectator ligands

Paramagnetic effects on the relaxation rate and shift difference of the (17)O nucleus of bulk water enable the study of water exchange mechanisms on transition metal complexes by variable temperature and variable pressure NMR. The water exchange kinetics of [Mn(II)(edta)(H2O)](2-) (CN 7, hexacoordinated edta) was reinvestigated and complemented by variable pressure NMR data. The results revealed a rapid water exchange reaction for the [Mn(II)(edta)(H2O)](2-) complex with a rate constant of k(ex) = (4.1 +/- 0.4) x 10(8) s(-1) at 298.2 K and ambient pressure. The activation parameters DeltaH(double dagger), DeltaS(double dagger), and DeltaV(double dagger) are 36.6 +/- 0.8 kJ mol(-1), +43 +/- 3 J K(-1) mol(-1), and +3.4 +/- 0.2 cm(3) mol(-1), which are in line with a dissociatively activated interchange (I(d)) mechanism. To analyze the structural influence of the chelate, the investigation was complemented by studies on complexes of the edta-related tmdta (trimethylenediaminetetraacetate) chelate. The kinetic parameters for [Fe(II)(tmdta)(H2O)](2-) are k(ex) = (5.5 +/- 0.5) x 10(6) s(-1) at 298.2 K, DeltaH(double dagger) = 43 +/- 3 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS(double dagger) = +30 +/- 13 J K(-1) mol(-1), and DeltaV(double dagger) = +15.7 +/- 1.5 cm(3) mol(-1), and those for [Mn(II)(tmdta)(H2O)](2-) are k(ex) = (1.3 +/- 0.1) x 10(8) s(-1) at 298.2 K, DeltaH(double dagger) = 37.2 +/- 0.8 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS(double dagger) = +35 +/- 3 J K(-1) mol(-1), and DeltaV(double dagger) = +8.7 +/- 0.6 cm(3) mol(-1). The water containing species, [Fe(III)(tmdta)(H2O)](-) with a fraction of 0.2, is in equilibrium with the water-free hexa-coordinate form, [Fe(III)(tmdta)](-). The kinetic parameters for [Fe(III)(tmdta)(H2O)](-) are k(ex) = (1.9 +/- 0.8) x 10(7) s(-1) at 298.2 K, DeltaH(double dagger) = 42 +/- 3 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS(double dagger) = +36 +/- 10 J K(-1) mol(-1), and DeltaV(double dagger) = +7.2 +/- 2.7 cm(3) mol(-1). The data for the mentioned tmdta complexes indicate a dissociatively activated exchange mechanism in all cases with a clear relationship between the sterical hindrance that arises from the ligand architecture and mechanistic details of the exchange process for seven-coordinate complexes. The unexpected kinetic and mechanistic behavior of [Ni(II)(edta')(H2O)](2-) and [Ni(II)(tmdta')(H2O)](2-) is accounted for in terms of the different coordination number due to the strong preference for an octahedral coordination environment and thus a coordination equilibrium between the water-free, hexadentate [M(L)](n+) and the aqua-pentadentate forms [M(L')(H2O)](n+) of the Ni(II)-edta complex, which was studied in detail by variable temperature and pressure UV-vis experiments. For [Ni(II)(edta')(H2O)](2-) (CN 6, pentacoordinated edta) a water substitution rate constant of (2.6 +/- 0.2) x 10(5) s(-1) at 298.2 K and ambient pressure was measured, and the activation parameters DeltaH(double dagger), DeltaS(double dagger), and DeltaV(double dagger) were found to be 34 +/- 1 kJ mol(-1), -27 +/- 2 J K(-1) mol(-1), and +1.8 +/- 0.1 cm(3) mol(-1), respectively. For [Ni(II)(tmdta')(H2O)](2-), we found k = (6.4 +/- 1.4) x 10(5) s(-1) at 298.2 K, DeltaH(double dagger) = 22 +/- 4 kJ mol(-1), and DeltaS(double dagger) = -59 +/- 5 J K(-1) mol(-1). The process is referred to as a water substitution instead of a water exchange reaction, since these observations refer to the intramolecular displacement of coordinated water by the carboxylate moiety in a ring-closure reaction.     

Oxidative reactivity difference among the metal oxo and metal hydroxo moieties: pH dependent hydrogen abstraction by a manganese(IV) complex having two hydroxide ligands

Clarifying the difference in redox reactivity between the metal oxo and metal hydroxo moieties for the same redox active metal ion in identical structures and oxidation states, that is, M(n+)O and M(n+)-OH, contributes to the understanding of nature's choice between them (M(n+)O or M(n+)-OH) as key active intermediates in redox enzymes and electron transfer enzymes, and provides a basis for the design of synthetic oxidation catalysts. The newly synthesized manganese(IV) complex having two hydroxide ligands, [Mn(Me(2)EBC)(2)(OH)(2)](PF(6))(2), serves as the prototypic example to address this issue, by investigating the difference in the hydrogen abstracting abilities of the Mn(IV)O and Mn(IV)-OH functional groups. Independent thermodynamic evaluations of the O-H bond dissociation energies (BDE(OH)) for the corresponding reduction products, Mn(III)-OH and Mn(III)-OH(2), reveal very similar oxidizing power for Mn(IV)O and Mn(IV)-OH (83 vs 84.3 kcal/mol). Experimental tests showed that hydrogen abstraction proceeds at reasonable rates for substrates having BDE(CH) values less than 82 kcal/mol. That is, no detectable reaction occurred with diphenyl methane (BDE(CH) = 82 kcal/mol) for both manganese(IV) species. However, kinetic measurements for hydrogen abstraction showed that at pH 13.4, the dominant species Mn(Me(2)EBC)(2)(O)(2), having only Mn(IV)O groups, reacts more than 40 times faster than the Mn(IV)-OH unit in Mn(Me(2)EBC)(2)(OH)(2)(2+), the dominant reactant at pH 4.0. The activation parameters for hydrogen abstraction from 9,10-dihydroanthracene were determined for both manganese(IV) moieties: over the temperature range 288-318 K for Mn(IV)(OH)(2)(2+), DeltaH(double dagger) = 13.1 +/- 0.7 kcal/mol, and DeltaS(double dagger) = -35.0 +/- 2.2 cal K(-1) mol(-1); and the temperature range 288-308 K for for Mn(IV)(O)(2), DeltaH(double dagger) = 12.1 +/- 1.8 kcal/mol, and DeltaS(double dagger) = -30.3 +/- 5.9 cal K(-1) mol(-1).     

The amide rotational barriers in picolinamide and nicotinamide: NMR and ab initio studies

Pyridine carboxamides are a class of medicinal agents with activity that includes the reduction of iron-induced renal damage, the regulation of nicotinamidase activity, and radio- and chemosensitization. Such pharmacological activities, and the prevalence of the carboxamide moiety and the importance of amide rotations in biology, motivate detailed investigation of energetics in these systems. In this study, we report the use of dynamic nuclear magnetic resonance to measure the amide rotational barriers in the pyridine carboxamides picolinamide and nicotinamide. The activation enthalpies and entropies of DeltaH++ = 12.9 +/- 0.3 kcal/mol and DeltaS++ = -7.7 +/- 0.9 cal/mol K for nicotinamide and DeltaH++ = 18.3 +/- 0.4 kcal/mol and DeltaS++ = +1.3 +/- 1.0 cal/mol K for picolinamide report a substantial energetic difference for these regioisomers. Ab initio calculations of the rotational barriers are in good agreement with the experimentally determined values and help partition the 5.4 kcal/mol enthalpy difference into its major contributions. Of principal importance are the variations in steric interactions in the ground states of picolinamide and nicotinamide, superior pi electron donation from the pyridine ring in the transition state of nicotinamide, and an intramolecular hydrogen bond in the ground state of picolinamide.     

Transition states for the dimerization of 1,3-cyclohexadiene: a DFT, CASPT2, and CBS-QB3 quantum mechanical investigation

Quantum mechanical calculations using restricted and unrestricted B3LYP density functional theory, CASPT2, and CBS-QB3 methods for the dimerization of 1,3-cyclohexadiene (1) reveal several highly competitive concerted and stepwise reaction pathways leading to [4 + 2] and [2 + 2] cycloadducts, as well as a novel [6 + 4] ene product. The transition state for endo-[4 + 2] cycloaddition (endo-2TS, DeltaH(double dagger)(B3LYP(0K)) = 28.7 kcal/mol and DeltaH(double dagger)(CBS-QB3(0K)) = 19.0 kcal/mol) is not bis-pericyclic, leading to nondegenerate primary and secondary orbital interactions. However, the C(s) symmetric second-order saddle point on the B3LYP energy surface is only 0.3 kcal/mol above endo-2TS. The activation enthalpy for the concerted exo-[4 + 2] cycloaddition (exo-2TS, DeltaH(double dagger)(B3LYP(0K)) = 30.1 kcal/mol and DeltaH(double dagger)(CBS-QB3(0K)) = 21.1 kcal/mol) is 1.4 kcal/mol higher than that of the endo transition state. Stepwise pathways involving diallyl radicals are formed via two different C-C forming transition states (rac-5TS and meso-5TS) and are predicted to be competitive with the concerted cycloaddition. Transition states were located for cyclization from intermediate rac-5 leading to the endo-[4 + 2] (endo-2) and exo-[2 + 2] (anti-3) cycloadducts. Only the endo-[2 + 2] (syn-3) transition state was located for cyclization of intermediate meso-5. The novel [6 + 4] "concerted" ene transition state (threo-4TS, DeltaH(double dagger)(UB3LYP(0K)) = 28.3 kcal/mol) is found to be unstable with respect to an unrestricted calculation. This diradicaloid transition state closely resembles the cyclohexadiallyl radical rather than the linked cyclohexadienyl radical. Several [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement transition states were also located and have activation enthalpies between 27 and 31 kcal/mol.     

Introduction of clutch function into a molecular gear system by silane-silicate interconversion

Introduction of the clutch-declutch mechanism into a new gear system, bis(4-methyl-9-triptycyl)difluorosilane 1, is achieved by the reversible attachment of fluoride ion giving the corresponding fluorosilicate 2. Although the phase isomers of 1 (1(dl) and 1(meso)) cannot be separated because of the equilibrium via a slow gear slippage process (DeltaH(double dagger) = 17.2 +/- 0.2 kcal x mol(-1) and DeltaS(double dagger) = 0.9 +/- 0.9 cal x mol(-1) x K(-1)), 1 works as meshed molecular gears in solution at room temperature. On the other hand, silicate 2 in the solid state has quite an unusual TBP structure having two organic triptycyl groups at the apical positions and three electronegative fluorine atoms at the equatorial positions against the Muetterties rule. Rotation of the two triptycyl groups around Si-C bonds in 2 is facile and independent to each other in solution. Silicate 2 is reverted to the corresponding silane mixture by treating with excess water.     

Conformational analysis of indole alkaloids corynantheine and dihydrocorynantheine by dynamic 1H NMR spectroscopy and computational methods: steric effects of ethyl vs vinyl group

1H NMR (400 MHz) spectra of the indole alkaloid dihydrocorynantheine recorded at room temperature show the presence of two conformers near coalescence. Low temperature 1H NMR allowed characterization of the conformational equilibrium, which involves rotation of the 3-methoxypropenoate side chain. Line-shape analysis yielded enthalpy of activation DeltaH(double dagger) = 71 +/- 6 kJ/mol, and entropy of activation DeltaS(double dagger) = 33 +/- 6 J/mol.K. The major and minor conformation contains the methyl ether group above and below the plane of the ring, respectively, as determined by low-temperature NOESY spectra, with free energy difference DeltaG degrees = 1.1 kJ/mol at -40 degrees C. In contrast to dihydrocorynantheine, the corresponding rotamers of corynantheine are in the fast exchange limit at room temperature. The activation parameters determined for corynantheine were DeltaH(double dagger) = 60 +/- 6 kJ/mol and DeltaS(double dagger) = 24 +/- 6 J/mol.K, with DeltaG degrees = 1.3 kJ/mol at -45 degrees C. The difference in the exchange rates of the rotamers of corynantheine and dihydrocorynantheine (respectively, 350 s(-1) and 9 s(-1) at 0 degrees C) reflects the difference in the steric bulk of the vinyl and the ethyl group. The conformational equilibria involving the side chain rotation as well as inversion of the bridgehead nitrogen in corynantheine and dihydrocorynantheine was studied by force-field (Amber and MMFF) and ab initio (density-functional theory at the B3LYP/6-31G level) computational methods, the results of which were in good agreement with the 1H NMR data. However, the calculations identified the rotamers as essentially isoenergetic, the experimental energy differences being to small to be reproduced exactly by the theory. Comparison of density-functional and force-field calculations with experimental results identified Amber as giving the most accurate results in the present case.     

P-S Bond scission by bis(cyclopentadienyl)molybdenum(IV) dichloride, Cp(2)MoCl(2)(aq): first documented example of an organometallic complex hydrolyzing thiophosphinates

Thiophosphinate hydrolysis involving P-S bond scission is desirable for the degradation of organophosphate neurotoxins, and we report the first case for such a hydrolytic process by an organometallic compound. The metallocene, bis(cyclopentadienyl)molybdenum(IV) dichloride, Cp(2)MoCl(2) (Cp = eta(5)-C(5)H(5)), hydrolyzes a variety of thioaryl diphenylphosphinates in an aqueous THF solution. P-S scission of p-methoxythiophenyl diphenylphosphinate has a 500-fold rate of acceleration in the presence of Cp(2)MoCl(2)(aq) with activation parameters of 20(3) kcal mol(-)(1) and -15(3) cal mol(-)(1) K(-)(1) for DeltaH(double dagger) and DeltaS(double dagger), respectively. These activation parameters and the rate acceleration are consistent with an intermolecular hydrolytic process in which the Cp(2)Mo serves as a Lewis acid to activate the phosphinate for nucleophilic attack. Furthermore, rho = 2.3 (25 degrees C) which indicates a single nonconcerted mechanism in which the rate determining step is the nucleophilic attack on the activated phosphinate.     

Pre-catalyst resting states: a kinetic, thermodynamic and quantum mechanical analyses of [PdCl2(2-oxazoline)2] complexes

The treatment of cold ( approximately 3 degrees C) methanolic solutions of Li(2)PdCl(4) with two equivalents of 2-phenyl-2-oxazoline (Phox) results in the isolation of [PdCl(2)(Phox)(2)] (3). This complex undergoes remarkably slow isomerisation (CHCl(3)-d) at room temperature to a corresponding thermodynamic form. In addition to a theoretical treatment (DFT), the isomerisation behaviour has been analysed both kinetically and thermodynamically. These investigations lead to the conclusion that the initially formed (i.e. kinetic) isomer of 3 is the cis-form which undergoes conversion to the corresponding thermodynamic trans-form via a dissociative (D) mechanism involving loss of a Phox ligand. The activation parameters DeltaS(double dagger) and DeltaH(double dagger) are found to be +304 (+/-3) J K(-1) mol(-1) and +176 (+/-1) kJ mol(-1), respectively and indicate a high barrier to Pd-N bond cleavage under these conditions. The thermodynamic parameters show the expected endothermic nature of this process (+140 +/- 17 kJ mol(-1)) and a slight positive overall entropy (DeltaS degrees = +17 +/- 2 J K(-1) mol(-1)); this latter parameter is presumably due to the formation of the lower dipole moment trans-product when compared to the cis-isomer. Calculated (DFT) values of DeltaG(double dagger) and DeltaH(double dagger) are in excellent agreement to those found experimentally. Further theoretical investigation suggests that two 14-electron three-coordinate T-shaped transition states (i.e., [PdCl(2)(Phox)](double dagger)) are involved; the form pre-disposed to yield the thermodynamic trans-product following re-attachment of the released oxazoline is found to be energetically favoured. The analogous alkyloxazoline system [PdCl(2)(Meox)(2)] (4: Meox = 2-methyl-2-oxazoline) has likewise been investigated. This material gives no indication of cis-trans isomerisation behaviour in solution (NMR) and is shown to exist (X-ray) in the trans-form in the solid-state (as do previously reported crystalline samples of 3). A DFT study of 4 reveals similar values of DeltaS(double dagger) and DeltaH(double dagger) if a D type mechanism were operating to rapidly convert cis- to trans-4. However, a significantly higher thermodynamic stability of the trans-isomer relative to the cis-form is revealed versus similar calculations of the Phox derivative 3. This suggests the possibility that (i) reactions of Meox with Li(2)PdCl(4) may lead directly to the trans-form of [PdCl(2)(Meox)(2)] or alternatively (ii) that alkyloxazoline complexes such as 4 may have a different, and presumably much more rapid, mechanism for isomerisation. The results are placed into the context that isomerisation behaviour, or lack thereof, could play a key preliminary role in later substrate modification. This is due to the fact that [PdX(2)(oxazoline)(2)] compounds are well-known (pre-)catalysts for C-C bond forming chemistry.     

Helical conformational dynamics and photoisomerism of alternating pyridinedicarboxamide/m-(phenylazo)azobenzene oligomers

Alternating sequences of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamides and meta-(phenylazo)azobenzenes have been assembled into oligomers composed of four (8) and eight (9) azobenzene linkages. X-ray crystallography confirmed that oligomer 8 adopts a two-turn helical conformation with a helical pitch of approximately 3.4 Angstroms in the solid state. The presence of a two- and four-turn helical conformation of 8 and 9, respectively, in polar and nonpolar solvents was elucidated by the anisotropic upfield shifting of protons located within the helices, NOE enhancements between protons oriented toward the helix interior, and the diastereotopicity of the terminal benzyloxycarbonyl (CBz) methylene protons. (1)H NMR line shape analysis of the CBz methylene hydrogens at the chain ends revealed a dynamic equilibria interconverting M and P helical conformations with energetic barriers (DeltaG) of 11.1 (DeltaS = -19.4 +/- 1.6 cal mol(-1) K(-1); DeltaH = 6.5 +/- 0.4 kcal/mol) for 8 and 13.8 kcal/mol (DeltaS = -6.6 +/- 6.2 cal mol(-1) K(-1); DeltaH = 11.8 +/- 1.8 kcal/mol) for 9. Irradiation of the oligomers with 350 nm light induces an E --> Z isomerization of the azo linkages that decreases in efficacy at longer helix lengths. The suppression of E --> Z isomerization is a consequence of the contrasting behavior of the azo linkages located at the helix termini, which afford Z/E ratios similar to those of model compound 7d, and the internal azo groups, which undergo significantly lower Z/E conversion ratios compared with 7e.     

The first example of a nitrile hydratase model complex that reversibly binds nitriles

Nitrile hydratase (NHase) is an iron-containing metalloenzyme that converts nitriles to amides. The mechanism by which this biochemical reaction occurs is unknown. One mechanism that has been proposed involves nucleophilic attack of an Fe-bound nitrile by water (or hydroxide). Reported herein is a five-coordinate model compound ([Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Et,Pr))](+)) containing Fe(III) in an environment resembling that of NHase, which reversibly binds a variety of nitriles, alcohols, amines, and thiocyanate. XAS shows that five-coordinate [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Et,Pr))](+) reacts with both methanol and acetonitrile to afford a six-coordinate solvent-bound complex. Competitive binding studies demonstrate that MeCN preferentially binds over ROH, suggesting that nitriles would be capable of displacing the H(2)O coordinated to the iron site of NHase. Thermodynamic parameters were determined for acetonitrile (DeltaH = -6.2(+/-0.2) kcal/mol, DeltaS = -29.4(+/-0.8) eu), benzonitrile (-4.2(+/-0.6) kcal/mol, DeltaS = -18(+/-3) eu), and pyridine (DeltaH = -8(+/-1) kcal/mol, DeltaS = -41(+/-6) eu) binding to [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Et,Pr))](+) using variable-temperature electronic absorption spectroscopy. Ligand exchange kinetics were examined for acetonitrile, iso-propylnitrile, benzonitrile, and 4-tert-butylpyridine using (13)C NMR line-broadening analysis, at a variety of temperatures. Activation parameters for ligand exchange were determined to be DeltaH(+ +) = 7.1(+/-0.8) kcal/mol, DeltaS(+ +) = -10(+/-1) eu (acetonitrile), DeltaH(+ +) = 5.4(+/-0.6) kcal/mol, DeltaS(+ +) = -17(+/-2) eu (iso-propionitrile), DeltaH(+ +) = 4.9(+/-0.8) kcal/mol, DeltaS(+ +) = -20(+/-3) eu (benzonitrile), and DeltaH(+ +) = 4.7(+/-1.4) kcal/mol DeltaS(+ +) = -18(+/-2) eu (4-tert-butylpyridine). The thermodynamic parameters for pyridine binding to a related complex, [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Pr,Pr))](+) (DeltaH = -5.9(+/-0.8) kcal/mol, DeltaS = -24(+/-3) eu), are also reported, as well as kinetic parameters for 4-tert-butylpyridine exchange (DeltaH(+ +) = 3.1(+/-0.8) kcal/mol, DeltaS(+ +) = -25(+/-3) eu). These data show for the first time that, when it is contained in a ligand environment similar to that of NHase, Fe(III) is capable of forming a stable complex with nitriles. Also, the rates of ligand exchange demonstrate that low-spin Fe(III) in this ligand environment is more labile than expected. Furthermore, comparison of [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Et,Pr))](+) and [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Pr,Pr))](+) demonstrates how minor distortions induced by ligand constraints can dramatically alter the reactivity of a metal complex.     

Discrete bridging and terminal copper carbenes in copper-catalyzed cyclopropanation

The Cu(I) beta-diketiminate [Me2NN]Cu(eta2-ethylene) (2) catalyzes the cyclopropanation of styrene with N2CPh2 to give 1,1,2-triphenylcyclopropane in 67% yield. Addition of N2CPh2 to 2 equiv of 2 allows for the isolation of the dicopper carbene [[Me2NN]Cu]2(mu-CPh2) (3) in which the diphenylcarbene moiety is symmetrically bound between two [Me2NN]Cu fragments (Cu-C = 1.922(4) and 1.930(4) A) with a Cu-Cu separation of 2.4635(7) A. In toluene-d8 solution, 3 reversibly dissociates a [Me2NN]Cu fragment to give [Me2NN]Cu(toluene) and the terminal carbene [Me2NN]Cu=CPh2. Dicopper carbene 3 reacts with 3 equiv of styrene to give 1,1,2-triphenylcyclopropane and 2 equiv of [Me2NN]Cu(eta2-styrene) within minutes. DFT studies with simplified ligands indicate a stronger Cu-C pi-back-bonding interaction from two Cu(I) centers to the carbene acceptor orbital in a dicopper carbene than that present in a monocopper carbene. Nonetheless, the terminal carbene [Me3NN]Cu=CPh2 (8) that possesses a p-methyl group on each beta-diketiminato N-aryl ring may be isolated and exhibits a shortened Cu-C distance of 1.834(3) A. The stoichiometric cyclopropanation of styrene by 8 in 1,4-dioxane is first-order in both copper carbene 8 and styrene with activation parameters DeltaH = 10.4(3) kcal/mol and DeltaS = -32.3(9) cal/mol.K. In 1,4-dioxane, 8 decomposes to Ph2C=CPh2 via first-order kinetics with activation parameters DeltaH = 21(1) kcal/mol and DeltaS = -8(3) cal/mol.K. Arene solutions of thermally sensitive terminal carbene 8 decompose to [Me3NN]Cu(arene), which reacts with 8 still present in solution to give the more thermally stable [[Me3NN]Cu]2(mu-CPh2).     

Thermodynamics of light-induced and thermal degradation of bacteriochlorins in reaction center protein of photosynthetic bacteria

The rate constants of thermal (irreversible) damage of bacteriochlorin pigments (bacteriochlorophyll monomer [B], bacteriochlorophyll dimer [P] and bacteriopheophytine [H]) in reaction center [RC] protein from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides were studied in the dark and during intense (400 mW x cm(-2)) laser light excitation (wavelengths 488 and 515 nm) under deoxygenated conditions. While the kinetics of degradation of P and B were monoexponential, the decay kinetics of H were overlapped by an initial lag phase at elevated (>40 degrees C) temperature. This is explained by removal of the central metal ion from the bacteriochlorophylls as part of their degradation processes. At all temperatures, the rates of damage were very similar for all bacteriochlorin pigments and were larger in the light than in the dark. The logarithm of the rate constant of pigment degradation and loss of photochemistry as a function of reciprocal (absolute) temperature (Arrhenius/Eyring plot) showed single phase in the light and double phases in the dark. Below 20 degrees C, the rate of pigment degradation in the RC decreased so dramatically in the dark that it became limited by the natural degradation process of bacteriochlorophyll measured in solution. The function of loss of photochemistry in the dark was also biphasic and had a break point at 40 degrees C. The damage in the dark required high enthalpy change (DeltaH(++) = 64 kcal/mol for P and DeltaH(++) = 60 kcal/mol for B) and entropy increase (T x DeltaS(++) = 38 kcal/mol for P and T x DeltaS(++) = 34 kcal/mol for B at T = 300 K), whereas significantly smaller enthalpy change (DeltaH(++) = 21 kcal/mol for P and B and DeltaH(++) = 13 kcal/mol for H) and practically no (T x DeltaS(++) = -1 kcal/mol for P and B at T = 300 K) or small (T x DeltaS(++) = -9 kcal/mol for H at T = 300 K) entropy change was needed in the light. The thermodynamic parameters of activation reveal major steps common in the degradation of all bacteriochlorin pigments: ring opening reactions at C5 or C20 meso-bridges (or both) and breaking/removal of the phytyl chain. Their contribution in the degradation is probably reflected in the observed enthalpy/entropy compensation at an almost constant (DeltaG(++) = 22-26 kcal/mol at T = 300 K) free energy change of activation.     

B(C6F5)3- vs Al(C6F5)3-derived metallocenium ion pairs. Structural, thermochemical, and structural dynamic divergences

The thermodynamic and structural characteristics of Al(C6F(5)3-derived vs B(C6F5)3-derived group 4 metallocenium ion pairs are quantified. Reaction of 1.0 equiv of B(C6F5)3 or 1.0 or 2.0 equiv of Al(C6F5)3 with rac-C2H4(eta5-Ind)2Zr(CH3)2 (rac-(EBI)Zr(CH3)2) yields rac-(EBI)Zr(CH3)(+)H3CB(C6)F5)(3)(-) (1a), rac-(EBI)Zr(CH3)+H3CAl(C6F5)(3)(-) (1b), and rac-(EBI)Zr2+[H3CAl(C6F5)3](-)(2) (1c), respectively. X-ray crystallographic analysis of 1b indicates the H3CAl(C6F5)(3)(-) anion coordinates to the metal center via a bridging methyl in a manner similar to B(C6F5)3-derived metallocenium ion pairs. However, the Zr-(CH3)(bridging) and Al-(CH3)(bridging) bond lengths of 1b (2.505(4) A and 2.026(4) A, respectively) indicate the methyl group is less completely abstracted in 1b than in typical B(C6F5)3-derived ion pairs. Ion pair formation enthalpies (DeltaH(ipf)) determined by isoperibol solution calorimetry in toluene from the neutral precursors are -21.9(6) kcal mol(-1) (1a), -14.0(15) kcal mol(-1) (1b), and -2.1(1) kcal mol(-1) (1b-->1c), indicating Al(C6F5)3 to have significantly less methide affinity than B(C6F5)3. Analogous experiments with Me2Si(eta5-Me4C5)(t-BuN)Ti(CH3)2 indicate a similar trend. Furthermore, kinetic parameters for ion pair epimerization by cocatalyst exchange (ce) and anion exchange (ae), determined by line-broadening in VT NMR spectra over the range 25-75 degrees C, are DeltaH++(ce) = 22(1) kcal mol(-1), DeltaS++(ce) = 8.2(4) eu, DeltaH++(ae) = 14(2) kcal mol(-1), and DeltaS++(ae) = -15(2) eu for 1a. Line broadening for 1b is not detectable until just below the temperature where decomposition becomes significant ( approximately 75-80 degrees C), but estimation of the activation parameters at 72 degrees C gives DeltaH++(ce) approximately 22 kcal mol(-1)and DeltaH++(ae) approximately 16 kcal mol(-1), consistent with the bridging methide being more strongly bound to the zirconocenium center than in 1a.     

Addition of Pt(PBu(t)(3)) groups to Ru(5)(CO)(12)(eta(6)-C(6)H(6))(mu(5)-C). Synthesis, structures, and dynamical activity

The reaction of Ru(5)(CO)(12)(eta(6)-C(6)H(6))(mu(5)-C), 7, with Pt(PBu(t)(3))(2) yielded two products Ru(5)(CO)(12)(eta(6)-C(6)H(6))(mu(6)-C)[Pt(PBu(t)(3))], 8, and Ru(5)(CO)(12)(eta(6)-C(6)H(6))(mu(6)-C)[Pt(PBu(t)(3))](2), 9. Compound 8 contains a Ru(5)Pt metal core in an open octahedral structure. In solution, 8 exists as a mixture of two isomers that interconvert rapidly on the NMR time scale at 20 degrees C, DeltaH() = 7.1(1) kcal mol(-1), DeltaS() = -5.1(6) cal mol(-)(1) K(-)(1), and DeltaG(298)(#) = 8.6(3) kcal mol(-1). Compound 9 is structurally similar to 8, but has an additional Pt(PBu(t)(3)) group bridging an Ru-Ru edge of the cluster. The two Pt(PBu(t)(3)) groups in 9 rapidly exchange on the NMR time scale at 70 degrees C, DeltaH(#) = 9.2(3) kcal mol(-)(1), DeltaS(#) = -5(1) cal mol(-)(1) K(-)(1), and DeltaG(298)(#) = 10.7(7) kcal mol(-1). Compound 8 reacts with hydrogen to give the dihydrido complex Ru(5)(CO)(11)(eta(6)-C(6)H(6))(mu(6)-C)[Pt(PBu(t)(3))](mu-H)(2), 10, in 59% yield. This compound consists of a closed Ru(5)Pt octahedron with two hydride ligands bridging two of the four Pt-Ru bonds.