Differing reactivities of p[triple band]CMe and P[triple band]CBu(t) towards a triphosphabenzene and a tetraphosphabarrelene: synthesis of new phosphaalkyne pentamers (P5C5Me(n)Bu(t)(5-n) n = 0, 1 or 2)

The reaction of excess P[triple band]CMe with the triphosphabenzene, 1,3,5-P3C3Bu(t)3, yields a phosphaalkyne pentamer, P5C5Me2Bu(t)3, which displays a pentaphosphaisolumibullvalene core structure. Its treatment with [W(CO)5(THF)] gives a complex of this cage, [{W(CO)5}2(mu-eta1:eta1-P5C5Me2Bu(t)3)], which has been structurally characterised. In contrast, the previously reported reaction of P[triple band]CBu(t) with 1,3,5-P3C3Bu(t)3, affords, in addition to the known tetraphosphabarrelene, 1,3,5,7-P4C4Bu(t)4, a new phosphaalkyne pentamer (P55C5Bu(t)5), which has a partially unsaturated "open cage" core. Although P[triple band]CBu(t) does not react with 1,3,5,7-P4C4Bu(t)4, the reaction of P[triple band]CMe with the tetraphosphabarrelene is shown to give a mixture of products. Treatment of these with [W(CO)5(THF)] leads to the isolation of the tungsten carbonyl complex, [{W(CO)} {W(CO)4}(mu-eta1:eta4-P5C5MeBu(t)4)], which has been structurally characterised. This study suggests that P[triple band]CMe has a significantly greater reactivity towards cycloadditions than its bulkier counterpart, P[triple band]CBu(t).     

The structure and chemistry of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane protected mononuclear nitridotitanium complexes

Treatment of TiCl(NMe(2))(3) with H(3)N·B(C(6)F(5))(3) results in N-H activation and ligand exchange to yield the structurally characterised salt [TiCl(NMe(2))(2)(NMe(2)H)(2)](+)[Ti[triple bond]NB(C(6)F(5))(3)(Cl)(2)(NMe(2)H)(2)](-). Cation exchange with [Me(4)N]Cl, [Ph(4)P]Cl and [(PhCH(2))Ph(3)P]Cl yields the respective ammonium and phosphonium salts of the [Ti[triple bond]NB(C(6)F(5))(3)(Cl)(2)(NMe(2)H)(2)](-) anion. X-ray crystallography reveals that the essential trigonal bipyramidal geometry and composition of the anion is retained in each of these salts despite some minor variations in the Ti-N-B angle and the nature of the interionic interactions. Electronic investigation by DFT calculations confirmed the Ti-N triple bond character implied by the experimentally determined bond length, with the HOMO and HOMO-1 having Ti-N π-bonding character. The dimethylamine ligands of the anion resist substitution by moderate bases but can be displaced by pyridine to give a pentacoordinate anion. In contrast, addition of 2,2'-bipyridyl gives a neutral octahedral complex. Treatment of the pyridine complex with TlCp results in the formation of a four coordinate anionic cyclopentadienyl complex.     

Heterolytic addition of E-H bonds across Pt-P bonds in Pt N-heterocyclic phosphenium/phosphido complexes

The reactivity of E-H bonds (E = S, O, Cl) with Pt(II) complexes ligated by an N-heterocyclic phosphido-containing diphosphine ligand have been investigated. Addition of PhSH to [(PPP)Pt(PPh(3))][PF(6)] (1) results in clean formation of [(PP(H)P)Pt(SPh)][PF(6)] (3), in which the substrate has added across the Pt-P(NHP) bond. Similar reactivity occurs when 1 is treated with ROH (R = Ph, Me), but in this case the O-H bond adds across the Pt-P bond in the opposite direction producing [(PP(OR)P)Pt(H)(PPh(3))][PF(6)] (R = Ph (4), Me (5)). HCl addition to 1 cleanly generates [(PP(H)P)PtCl][PF(6)] (6(PF6)). The neutral Pt-NHP complex (PPP)PtCl (2) exhibits similar reactivity; however, in the presence of the nucleophilic Cl(-) anion, the (PP(OR)P)Pt(H)Cl species presumably generated via addition of ROH (R = Me, Et) undergoes an Arbuzov-like dealkylation reaction to exclusively form the N-heterocylic phosphinito species (PP(O)P)Pt(H) (7).     

Lewis acid assisted methyl/chlorine exchange in silylated hydrazinochlorophosphanes

Differently substituted hydrazinophosphanes of the type (Me(3)Si)(2)N-N(SiMe(3))-PR(1)R(2) (R(1) = Cl with R(2) = Me, C(6)F(5) and R(1) = Me, R(2) = C(6)H(5)) have been studied in the reaction with Lewis acids such as ECl(3) (E = Al, Ga). For (Me(3)Si)(2)N-N(SiMe(3))-P(Cl)(Me) and (Me(3)Si)(2)N-N(SiMe(3))-P(Me)(C(6)H(5)), only adduct formation was found while a chlorine/methyl exchange reaction was observed for (Me(3)Si)(2)N-N(SiMe(3))-P(Cl)R (R = C(6)H(5) and C(6)F(5)) leading to the formation of (Me(2)ClSi)(Me(3)Si)N-N(SiMe(3))-P(Me)R, which crystallize as ECl(3) adducts. The free hydrazinophosphanes can be obtained by removal of the Lewis acid with the help of a strong base such as 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP).     

Binding and redox properties of iron(II) bonded to an oxo surface modeled by calix[4]arene

The syntheses of the parent compounds [(p-Bu(t)-calix[4]-(O)2(OR)2)Fe-L] [R = Me, L = THF, 5; R = Bu(n), L = THF, 6; R = PhCH2, L = THF, 7; R = SiMe3, L = none, 8] have been performed by reacting the protonated form of the dialkylcalix[4]arene with [Fe2Mes4] [Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2]. All of them undergo one-electron oxidative functionalization. By use of different oxidizing agents, the following iron(III) derivatives have been obtained: [(p-Bu(t)-calix[4]-(O)2(OR)2)Fe-X] [X = Cl, R = Me, 9; X = I, R = Me, 10] and [(p-Bu(t)-calix[4]-(O)2(OR)2)2Fe2(mu-X] [X = O, R = Me, 11; X = O, R = Bu(n), 12; X = S, R = Me, 13], 9 and 10 being particularly appropriate for a further functionalization of the metal. The last three display typical antiferromagnetic behavior [J = -78.6 cm-1, 11; J = -64.1 cm-1, 13]. In the case of 7 and 8, the reaction with O2 led to the dealkylation of one of the alkoxo groups, with the formation of a dimeric iron(III) derivative ([mu-p-Bu(t)-calix[4]-(O)3(OR))2Fe2] [R = PhCH2, 14; R = SiMe3, 15] [J = -9.8 cm-1]. The reaction of the parent compounds with ButNC and diazoalkanes led to the formation of [Fe=C] functionalities supported by a calix[4]arene oxo surface. The following compounds have been isolated and characterized: ([p-Bu(t)-calix[4]-(O)2(OR)2)Fe=CNBut] [R = SiMe3, 16, nu CN = 2175 cm-1], ([p-Bu(t)-calix[4]-(O)2(OR)2)Fe=CPh2] [R = Me, 17; R = PhCH2, 18; R = SiMe3, 19]. The three carbene complexes 17-19 display quite an unusual high-spin state, which is a consequence of the formation of a weak pi interaction between the metal and the carbene carbon, as confirmed by the extended Hückel calculations. The carbene functionality has been removed from the iron center in the reaction with O2 and HCl. The proposed structures have been supported by X-ray analyses of complexes 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 17, and 19.     

Activation and functionalization of white phosphorus at rhodium: experimental and computational analysis of the [(triphos)Rh (eta1:eta2-P4RR')]Y complexes (triphos=MeC(CH2PPh2)3; R=H, Alkyl, Aryl; R'=2 electrons, H, Me)

Thermal reaction of white phosphorus with [(triphos)RhH(3)] (1) in THF affords [(triphos)Rh(eta(1):eta(2)-P(4)H)] (2), triphos=MeC(CH(2)PPh(2))(3). Similar complexes [(triphos)Rh(eta(1):eta(2)-P(4)R)] (R=Me (7), Et (8), Ph (9)) also form at lower temperature by the reaction of P(4) and [(triphos)Rh(R)(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))] with elimination of ethene. In contrast, a double-insertion process follows the reaction of [(triphos)Rh(H)(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))] and P(4) to generate tetraphosphido ethyl complex 8. Compounds 2, 7, 8 and 9 are thermally unstable and eventually decompose into the cyclotriphosphorus complex [(triphos)Rh(eta(3)-P(3))] (3) plus other unidentified phosphorus-containing species. Otherwise, PH(3) or PH(2)R is generated in the presence of H(2). The formation of PH(3) and 3 is quantitative starting from the precursor 2. The electrophilic attack of MeOTf or HBF(4) on the P(4)R ligand in the complexes 2, 7-9 is regioselective, and yields a cationic product of formula [(triphos)Rh(eta(1):eta(2)-P(4)RR')](+). The direct attack on the substituted p-R phosphorus atom is demonstrated by crossing experiments. Complexes of the latter type have been isolated in the solid state for the combinations R=H and R'=Me (11) or R=Ph and R'=Me (12). The latter species, [(triphos)Rh(eta(1):eta(2)-P(4)PhMe')]OTf.2 CH(2)Cl(2) (OTf=triflate), has been characterised by X-ray methods. The geometry at the metal is better described as a trigonal bipyramidal than pseudo-octahedral. In fact, the P(4)RR' unit acts as a bidentate ligand with its exocyclic PR(2) donor group and the endocyclic, dihapto-coordinated Pdbond;P linkage. The latter group lies in the equatorial plane, in a similar way to a classic olefin ligand that is coordinated to a butterfly-shaped L(4)M fragment (M=d(8)). DFT calculations on a model of 2 and all possible protonated isomers confirm that double substitution at the exocyclic P-donor positions of the open P(4) unit is energetically favoured. A multinuclear and multidimensional NMR analysis confirms that this structure is maintained in solution for both the parent and the protonated compounds.     

Cyclopentadienyl chromium diimine and pyridine-imine complexes: ligand-based radicals and metal-based redox chemistry

Paramagnetic CpCr(III) complexes with antiferromagnetically-coupled anionic radical diimine and pyridine-imine ligands were prepared and characterized. The diimine chloro CpCr[(ArNCR)(2)]Cl complexes (1: Ar = 2,6-iPr(2)C(6)H(3) (Dpp), R = H; 2: Ar = 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3) (Xyl), R = Me; 3: Ar = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2) (Mes), R = Me) were synthesized by treatment of previously reported Cr(diimine)(THF)(2)Cl(2) precursors with NaCp. Reduction of 1 with Zn gives CpCr[(DppNCH)(2)], 4, resulting from reduction of Cr(III) to Cr(II) with retention of the ligand-based radical. Alkoxide complexes CpCr[(DppNCH)(2)](OCR(2)R') (5: R = Me, R' = Ph; 6: R = iPr, R' = H) were synthesized by protonolysis of Cp(2)Cr with HOCR(2)R' in the presence of the neutral diimine and catalytic base. The corresponding radical pyridine-imine complexes CpCr(PyCHNMes)Cl (9), CpCr(PyCHNMes) (8), and CpCr(PyCHNMes)(OCMe(2)Ph) (11), were prepared by analogous routes. Oxidation of 8 with iodine gives CpCr(PyCHNMes)I (10) where oxidation of Cr(II) to Cr(III) again occurs with retention of the anionic pyridine-imine radical ligand. The molecular structures of complexes 1, 2, 4-8, 10 and 11 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Unusual low energy bands were observed in the UV-vis spectra of the reported complexes, with particularly strong transitions observed for the Cr(II) complexes 4 and 8. The electronic structure of pyridine-imine complexes 8 and 10 were investigated by theoretical calculations.     

Copper(I) coordination chemistry of (pyridylmethyl)amide ligands

Copper(I) chloro complexes were synthesized with a family of ligands, HL(R) [HL(R) = N-(2-pyridylmethyl)acetamide, R = null; 2-phenyl-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)acetamide, R = Ph; 2,2-dimethyl-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)propionamide, R = Me3; 2,2,2-triphenyl-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)acetamide, R = Ph3)]. Five complexes were synthesized from the respective ligand and cuprous chloride: [Cu(HL)Cl]n (1), [Cu2(HL)4Cl2] (2), [Cu2(HL(Ph))2(CH3CN)2Cl2] (3), [Cu2(HL(Ph)3)2Cl2] (4), and [Cu(HL(Me)3)2Cl] (5). X-ray crystal structures reveal that for all complexes the ligands coordinate to the Cu in a monodentate fashion, and inter- or intramolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions formed between the amide NH group and either amide C=O or chloro groups stabilize these complexes in the solid state and strongly influence the structures formed. Complexes 1-5 display a range of structural motifs, depending on the size of the ligand substituent groups, hydrogen bonding, and the stoichiometry of the starting materials, including a one-dimensional coordination polymer chain (1) and binuclear (2-4) or mononuclear (5) structures.     

The role of halogenated carborane monoanions in olefin hydrogenation catalysed by cationic iridium phosphine complexes

Iridium hydridophosphine complexes of general formula [Ir(PR3)2H2(anion)](PR3= PPh3, PMe2Ph; anion =[1-closo-CB(11)H(6)Cl(6)]-, [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)I(6)]-, [BAr(F)4]-) have been prepared by hydrogenation of cyclooctadiene precursor complexes. Solid-state structures of selected examples of these complexes reveal intimate contacts between the carborane anion and cation, with the anion binding through two lower-hemisphere halogen ligands. In CD2Cl2 solution the very weakly coordinating anions [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)Cl(6)]- and [BAr(F)4]- are suggested to favour the formation of solvent complexes such as [Ir(PR3)2H2(solvent)n][anion], while the [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)I(6)]- anion forms a tightly bound complex with the cationic iridium fragment. Calculated DeltaG values for anion reorganisation in d8-toluene reflect this difference in interaction between the anions and cation. With the bulky anion [1-closo-CB(11)Me(5)I(6)]- different complexes are formed: Ir(PPh3)H2(1-closo-HCB(11)Me(5)I(6)) and [(PPh3)3Ir(H2)H2][1-closo-HCB(11)Me(5)I(6)] which have been characterised spectroscopically. Diffusion measurements in CD2Cl2 are also consistent with larger, solvent coordinated, complexes for the more weakly coordinating anions and a tighter interaction between anion and cation for [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)I(6)]-. All the complexes show some ion-paring in solution. Comparison with data previously reported for the [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)]- anion shows that this anion--as expected--fits between [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)Cl(6)]- and [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)I(6)]- in terms of coordinating ability. Although not coordinating, the large [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)Cl(6)]- and [BAr(F)4)]- anions do provide some stabilisation towards the metal centre, as decomposition to the hydride bridged dimer [Ir2(PPh3)4H5]+ is retarded. This is in contrast to the [PF6]- salt where decomposition is immediate. As expected, complexes with the smaller phosphine PMe2Ph form tighter interactions with the carborane anions. These observations on the interaction between anion and cation in solution are reflected in benchmark hydrogenation studies that show a significant attenuation in rate of hydrogenation of cyclohexane on using the [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)I(6)]- anion or complexes with the PMe2Ph phosphine. We also comment on the reusability of the catalysts and their tolerance to water and oxygen impurities. Overall the catalyst with the [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)]- anion shows the best combination of rate of hydrogenation, reusability and tolerance to impurities.     

Synthesis and intramolecular and interionic structural characterization of half-sandwich (arene)ruthenium(II) derivatives of bis(pyrazolyl)alkanes

Arene ruthenium(II) complexes containing bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands have been prepared by reacting the ligands L' (L' in general; specifically L(1) = H(2)C(pz)(2), L(2) = H(2)C(pz(Me2))(2), L(3) = H(2)C(pz(4Me))(2), L(4) = Me(2)C(pz)(2) and L(5) = Et(2)C(pz)(2) where pz = pyrazole) with [(arene)RuCl(mu-Cl)](2) dimers (arene = p-cymene or benzene). When the reaction was carried out in methanol solution, complexes of the type [(arene)Ru(L')Cl]Cl were obtained. When L(1), L(2), L(3), and L(5) ligands reacted with excess [(arene)RuCl(mu-Cl)](2), [(arene)Ru(L')Cl][(arene)RuCl(3)] species have been obtained, whereas by using the L(4) ligand under the same reaction conditions the unexpected [(p-cymene)Ru(pzH)(2)Cl]Cl complex was recovered. The reaction of 1 equiv of [(p-cymene)Ru(L')Cl]Cl and of [(p-cymene)Ru(pzH)(2)Cl]Cl with 1 equiv of AgX (X = O(3)SCF(3) or BF(4)) in methanol afforded the complexes [(p-cymene)Ru(L')Cl](O(3)SCF(3)) (L' = L(1) or L(2)) and [(p-cymene)Ru(pzH)(2)Cl]BF(4), respectively. [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))(H(2)O)][PF(6)](2) formed when [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))Cl]Cl reacts with an excess of AgPF(6). The solid-state structures of the three complexes, [(p-cymene)Ru{H(2)C(pz)(2)}Cl]Cl, [(p-cymene)Ru{H(2)Cpz(4Me))(2)}Cl]Cl, and [(p-cymene)Ru{H(2)C(pz)(2)}Cl](O(3)SCF(3)), were determined by X-ray crystallographic studies. The interionic structure of [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))Cl](O(3)SCF(3)) and [(p-cymene)Ru(L')Cl][(p-cymene)RuCl(3)] (L' = L(1) or L(2)) was investigated through an integrated experimental approach based on NOE and pulsed field gradient spin-echo (PGSE) NMR experiments in CD(2)Cl(2) as a function of the concentration. PGSE NMR measurements indicate the predominance of ion pairs in solution. NOE measurements suggest that (O(3)SCF(3))(-) approaches the cation orienting itself toward the CH(2) moiety of the L(1) (H(2)C(pz)(2)) ligand as found in the solid state. Selected Ru species have been preliminarily investigated as catalysts toward styrene oxidation by dihydrogen peroxide, [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))(H(2)O)][PF(6)](2) being the most active species.     

Syntheses, structures, and reactivity of new pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium(III) and -iridium(III) 4-acyl-5-pyrazolonate complexes

New [CpM(Q)Cl] complexes (M = Rh or Ir, Cp = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, HQ = 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4R(C=O)-pyrazol-5-one in general, in detail HQ(Me), R = CH(3); HQ(Et), R = CH(2)CH(3); HQ(Piv), R = CH(2)-C(CH(3))(3); HQ(Bn), R = CH(2)-(C(6)H(5)); HQ(S), R = CH-(C(6)H(5))(2)) have been synthesized from the reaction of [CpMCl(2)](2) with the sodium salt, NaQ, of the appropriate HQ proligand. Crystal structure determinations for a representative selection of these [CpM(Q)Cl] compounds show a pseudo-octahedral metal environment with the Q ligand bonded in the O,O'-chelating form. In each case, two enantiomers (S(M)) and (R(M)) arise, differing only in the metal chirality. The reaction of [CpRh(Q(Bn))Cl] with MgCH(3)Br produces only halide exchange with the formation of [CpRh(Q(Bn))Br]. The [CpRh(Q)Cl] complexes react with PPh(3) in dichloromethane yielding the adducts CpRh(Q)Cl/PPh(3) (1:1) which exist in solution in two different isomeric forms. The interaction of [CpRh(Q(Me))Cl] with AgNO(3) in MeCN allows generation of [CpRh(Q(Me))(MeCN)]NO(3).3H(2)O, whereas the reaction of [CpRh(Q(Me))Cl] with AgClO(4) in the same solvent yields both [CpRh(Q(Me))(H(2)O)]ClO(4) and [CpRh(Cl)(H(2)O)(2)]ClO(4); the H(2)O molecules derive from the not-rigorously anhydrous solvents or silver salts.     

Unusual reactivity of a sterically hindered diphosphazane ligand, EtN{P(OR)(2)}(2), (R = C(6)H(3)(Pr(I))(2)-2,6) towards (eta(3)-allyl)palladium precursors

The reactivity of (eta(3)-allyl)palladium chloro dimers [(1-R-eta(3)-C(3)H(4))PdCl](2) (R = H or Me) towards a sterically hindered diphosphazane ligand [EtN{P(OR)(2)}(2)] (R = C(6)H(3)(Pr(i))(2)-2,6), has been investigated under different reaction conditions. When the reaction is carried out using NH(4)PF(6) as the halide scavenger, the cationic complex [(1-R-eta(3)-C(3)H(4))Pd{EtN(P(OR)(2))(2)}]PF(6) (R = H or Me) is formed as the sole product. In the absence of NH(4)PF(6), the initially formed cationic complex, [(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))Pd{EtN(P(OR)(2))(2)}]Cl, is transformed into a mixture of chloro bridged complexes over a period of 4 days. The dinuclear complexes, [(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))Pd(2)(mu-Cl)(2){P(O)(OR)(2)}{P(OR)(2)(NHEt)}] and [Pd(mu-Cl){P(O)(OR)(2)}{P(OR)(2)(NHEt)}](2) are formed by P-N bond hydrolysis, whereas the octa-palladium complex [(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))(2-Cl-eta(3)-C(3)H(4))Pd(4)(mu-Cl)(4)(mu-EtN{P(OR)(2)}(2))](2), is formed as a result of nucleophilic substitution by a chloride ligand at the central carbon of an allyl fragment. The reaction of [EtN{P(OR)(2)}(2)] with [(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))PdCl](2) in the presence of K(2)CO(3) yields a stable dinuclear (eta(3)-allyl)palladium(I) diphosphazane complex, [(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))[mu-EtN{P(OR)(2)}(2)Pd(2)Cl] which contains a coordinatively unsaturated T-shaped palladium center. This complex exhibits high catalytic activity and high TON's in the catalytic hydrophenylation of norbornene.     

Lanthanide and uranium complexes with an SPS-based pincer ligand

Reactions of Ln(BH4)3(THF)n and [Li(Et2O)]SPS(Me)], the lithium salt of an anionic SPS pincer ligand composed of a central hypervalent lambda4-phosphinine ring bearing two ortho-positioned diphenylphosphine sulfide sidearms, led to the monosubstituted compounds [Ln(BH4)2(SPS(Me))(THF)2] [Ln = Ce (1), Nd (2)], while the homoleptic complexes [Ln(SPS(Me))3] [Ln = Ce (3), Nd (4)] were obtained by treatment of LnX3 (X = I, BH4) with [K(Et2O)][SPS(Me)]. The [UX2(SPS(Me))2] complexes [X = Cl (5), BH4 (6)] were isolated from reactions of UX4 and the lithium or potassium salt of the [SPS(Me)]- anion. The X-ray crystal structures of 1.1.5THF, 2.1.5THF, 3.2THF.2Et2O, and 5.4py reveal that the flexible tridentate [SPS(Me)]- anion is bound to the metal as a tertiary phosphine with electronic delocalization within the unsaturated parts of the ligand.     

Synthesis and structures of aluminum and magnesium complexes of tetraimidophosphates and trisamidothiophosphates: EPR and DFT investigations of the persistent neutral radicals {Me2Al[(mu-NR)(mu-NtBu)P(mu-NtBu)2]Li(THF)2}(*) (R = SiMe3, tBu)

Reactions of (RNH)(3)PNSiMe(3) (3a, R = (t)()Bu; 3b, R = Cy) with trimethylaluminum result in the formation of {Me(2)Al(mu-N(t)Bu)(mu-NSiMe(3))P(NH(t)()Bu)(2)]} (4) and the dimeric trisimidometaphosphate {Me(2)Al[(mu-NCy)(mu-NSiMe(3))P(mu-NCy)(2)P(mu-NCy)(mu-NSiMe(3))]AlMe(2)} (5a), respectively. The reaction of SP(NH(t)Bu)(3) (2a) with 1 or 2 equiv of AlMe(3) yields {Me(2)Al[(mu-S)(mu-N(t)Bu)P(NH(t)()Bu)(2)]} (7) and {Me(2)Al[(mu-S)(mu-N(t)()Bu)P(mu-NH(t)Bu)(mu-N(t)Bu)]AlMe(2)} (8), respectively. Metalation of 4 with (n)()BuLi produces the heterobimetallic species {Me(2)Al[(mu-N(t)Bu)(mu-NSiMe(3))P(mu-NH(t)()Bu)(mu-N(t)()Bu)]Li(THF)(2)} (9a) and {[Me(2)Al][Li](2)[P(N(t)Bu)(3)(NSiMe(3))]} (10) sequentially; in THF solutions, solvation of 10 yields an ion pair containing a spirocyclic tetraimidophosphate monoanion. Similarly, the reaction of ((t)BuNH)(3)PN(t)()Bu with AlMe(3) followed by 2 equiv of (n)BuLi generates {Me(2)Al[(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(mu(2)-N(t)Bu)(2)(mu(2)-THF)[Li(THF)](2)} (11a). Stoichiometric oxidations of 10 and 11a with iodine yield the neutral spirocyclic radicals {Me(2)Al[(mu-NR)(mu-N(t)Bu)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)]Li(THF)(2)}(*) (13a, R = SiMe(3); 14a, R = (t)Bu), which have been characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Density functional theory calculations confirm the retention of the spirocyclic structure and indicate that the spin density in these radicals is concentrated on the nitrogen atoms of the PN(2)Li ring. When 3a or 3b is treated with 0.5 equiv of dibutylmagnesium, the complexes {Mg[(mu-N(t)()Bu)(mu-NH(t)()Bu)P(NH(t)Bu)(NSiMe(3))](2)} (15) and {Mg[(mu-NCy)(mu-NSiMe(3))P(NHCy)(2)](2)} (16) are obtained, respectively. The addition of 0.5 equiv of MgBu(2) to 2a results in the formation of {Mg[(mu-S)(mu-N(t)()Bu)P(NH(t)Bu)(2)](2)} (17), which produces the hexameric species {[MgOH][(mu-S)(mu-N(t)()Bu)P(NH(t)Bu)(2)]}(6) (18) upon hydrolysis. Compounds 4, 5a, 7-11a, and 15-17 have been characterized by multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (31)P) NMR spectroscopy and, in the case of 5a, 9a.2THF, 11a, and 18, by X-ray crystallography.     

Coinage metal complexes of a boron-substituted soft scorpionate ligand

An improved synthesis of lithium phenyltris(methimazolyl)borate, Li[PhTm(Me)], (methimazole = 1-methylimidazole-2-thione) is described, and the structure of the methanol-solvated [Li(OHMe)4][PhTm(Me)] has been determined. The syntheses and characterization of complexes [M(PhTm(Me))(PR3)] (M = Cu, Ag, Au; R = Et, Ph;) are reported, and the complexes [Cu(PhTm(Me))(PPh3)], [Ag(PhTm(Me))(PEt3)] and [Au(PhTm(Me))(PEt3)] are crystallographically characterized, showing a progression from pseudo-tetrahedral geometry (copper, S3P coordination) to trigonal planar geometry (silver, S2P coordination) to linear geometry (gold, SP coordination). In addition, the copper(I) and silver(I) triphenylphosphine complexes of the adventitiously formed phenylhydrobis(methimazolyl)borate ligand, [M(PhBm(Me))(PPh3)], have been crystallographically characterized, showing both species to have a trigonal planar primary coordination sphere, with a secondary M...H-B interaction. Finally, reaction of copper(II) chloride with Li[PhTm(Me)] results in formation of a compound analyzing as [Cu(II)(PhTm(Me))Cl], although its extreme insolubility and marked instability have precluded its complete characterization. Attempts to prepare this by ultra-slow diffusion of the reactants through solvent blanks has led to isolation of a mixed-valence copper(I/II) methimazolate cluster, [Cu(I)10Cu(II)2(mt)12Cl2] and a copper(I) dimeric complex [Cu2(PhTm(Me))2], indicating that copper(II) ions oxidatively decompose the phenyltris(methimazolyl)borate anion.     

Synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of a cationic homoleptic (SPS)2Rh(III) complex and EPR study of its reduction process

Oxidation of the square planar Rh(I) complex [Rh(SPS(Me))(PPh3)] (SPS(Me) = 1-methyl-1-P-2.6-bis(diphenylphosphinosulfide)-3,5-(bisphenyl)-phosphinine) (1) based on mixed SPS-pincer ligand with hexachloroethane yielded the Rh(III) dichloride complex [Rh(SPS(Me))(PPh3)Cl2] (2), which was structurally characterized. The homoleptic Rh(III) complex [Rh(SPS(Me))2][Cl] (4) was obtained via the stoichiometric reaction of SPS(Me) anion (3) with [Rh(tht)3Cl3] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene). Complex 4, which was characterized by X-ray diffraction, was also studied by cyclic voltammetry. Complex 4 can be reversibly reduced at E = -1.16 V (vs SCE) to give the neutral 19-electron Rh(II) complex [Rh(SPS(Me))2] (5). Accordingly, complex 5 could be synthesized via chemical reduction of 4 with zinc dust. EPR spectra of complex 5 were obtained after electrochemical or chemical reduction of 4 in THF or CH2Cl2. Hyperfine interaction with two equivalent 31P nuclei was observed in liquid solution, while an additional coupling with a spin 1/2 nucleus, probably 103Rh, was detected in frozen solution. The 31P couplings are consistent with DFT calculations that predict a drastic increase in the axial P-S bond lengths when reducing (SPS(Me))2Rh(III). In the reduced complex, the unpaired electron is mainly localized in a rhodium d(z2) orbital, consistent with the g-anisotropy measured at 100 K.     

Synthesis and structural comparison of a series of divalent Ln(Tp(R,R)')2 (Ln = Sm, Eu, Yb) and trivalent Sm(Tp(Me2))2X (X = F, Cl, I, BPh4) complexes

Reaction of LnI2 (Ln = Sm, Yb) with two equivalents of NaTp(Me2) or reduction of Eu(Tp(Me2))2OTf gives good yields of the highly insoluble homoleptic Ln(II) complexes, Ln(Tp(Me2))2 (Ln = Sm (1a), Yb (2a), Eu (3a)). Use of the additionally 4-ethyl substituted Tp(Me2,4Et) ligand produces the analogous, but soluble Ln(Tp(Me2,4Et))2 (1-3b) complexes. Soluble compounds are also obtained with the Tp(Ph) and Tp(Tn) ligands (Tn = thienyl), Ln(Tp(Ph))2 (Ln = Sm, 1c; Yb, 2c) and Ln(Tp(Tn))2 (Ln = Sm, 1d; Yb, 2d). To provide benchmark parameters for structural comparison the series of Sm(Tp(Me2))2X complexes (X = F, 1e; Cl, 1f; Br, 1g; I, 1h; BPh4, 1j) were prepared either via oxidation of the Sm(Tp(Me2))2 or salt metathesis from SmX3 (X = Cl, Br, I). The solid-state structures of 1-3a, 1b, 1-2c and 1e, 1f, 1h, and 1j were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The homoleptic bis-Tp complexes are all six-coordinate with trigonal antiprismatic geometries, planes of the kappa(3)-Tp ligands are parallel to one another. In the series of Sm(Tp(Me2))2X complexes the structure changes from seven-coordinate molecular compounds, with intact Sm-X bonds, for X = F, Cl, to six-coordinate ionic structures [Sm(Tp(Me2))2]X (X = I, BPh4), suitable crystals of the bromide compound could not be obtained. The dependence of the structures on the size of X is understandable in terms of the interplay between the size of the cleft that the [Sm(Tp(Me2))2](+) fragment can make available and the donor ability of the anionic group toward the hard Sm(III) center.     

Synthesis and platinum coordination chemistry of the perfluoroalkyl acceptor pincer ligand, 1,3-(CH(2)P(CF(3))(2))(2)C(6)H(4)

The synthesis of perfluoroalkyl-substituted "pincer"-type PCP ligands, 1,3-C6H4(CH2P(Rf)2)2 (Rf = CF3, C2F5), and platinum coordination studies (Rf = CF3) are reported. 1,3-C6H4(CH2P(CF3)2)2 (CF3PCPH) reacts at ambient temperatures with (cod)Pt(Me)Cl (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) and (cod)PtMe2 to afford unmetalated PCPH-bridged products [(CF3PCPH)Pt(Me)Cl]x and cis-[(CF3PCPH)PtMe2]2, respectively. cis-[(CF3PCPH)PtMe2]2 is soluble and has been spectroscopically and crystallographically characterized. Thermolysis of these compounds results in the loss of methane and the formation of metalated complexes (CF3PCP)PtCl and (CF3PCP)PtMe. Treatment of (CF3PCP)PtCl with MeMgBr provides an alternative route to (CF3PCP)PtMe. The carbonyl cation (CF3PCP)Pt(CO)+SbF6- (nu(CO) = 2143 cm(-1)) was readily prepared by chloride abstraction with AgSbF6 under 1 atm CO. nu(CO) data indicates that RfPCP ligands are electronically analogous to trans acceptor phosphine complexes such as trans-((C2F5)2PMe)2Pt(Me)(CO)+ (nu(CO) = 2149 cm-1).     

Four-electron reduction of dinitrogen during solution disproportionation of the organodimetallic (eta-C5Me4R)2Ta2(mu-Cl)4(R = Me, Et) to a new mu-eta1,eta1-N2 complex and odd-electron organotrimetallic cluster

(C5Me5R)2Ta2Cl4 (d2-d2) disproportionates under dinitrogen to [(C5Me4R)TaCl2]2(mu-N2) and the D3h cluster cation (C5Me4R)3Ta3(mu-Cl)6+ with anionic (C5Me4R)TaCl4-.     

Reactivity of the inversely polarized phosphaalkenes RP=C(NMe2)2 (R = tBu, Me3Si, H) towards arylcarbene complexes [(CO)5M=C(oEt)Ar] (Ar= Ph, M = Cr, W; Ar = 2-MeC6H4, 2-MeOC6H4, M = W)

The reaction of the arylated Fischer carbene complexes [(CO)5M=C(OEt)Ar] (Ar=Ph; M = Cr, W; 2-MeC6H4; 2-MeOC6H; M = W) with the phosphaalkenes RP=C(NMe2), (R=tBu, SiMe3) afforded the novel phosphaalkene complexes [[RP=C(OEt)Ar]M(CO)5] in addition to the compounds [(RP=C(NMe2)2]M(CO)5]. Only in the case of the R = SiMe3 (E/Z) mixtures of the metathesis products were obtained. The bis(dimethylamino)methylene unit of the phosphaalkene precursor was incorporated in olefins of the type (Me2N)2C=C(OEt)(Ar). Treatment of [(CO)5W=C(OEt)(2-MeOC6H4)] with HP=C(NMe2)2 gave rise to the formation of an E/Z mixture of [[(Me2N)2CH-P=C(OEt)(2-MeOC6H4)]W(CO)5] the organophosphorus ligand of which formally results from a combination of the carbene ligand and the phosphanediyl [P-CH(NMe2)2]. The reactions reported here strongly depend on an inverse distribution of alpha-electron density in the phosphaalkene precursors (Pdelta Cdelta+), which renders these molecules powerfu] nucleophiles.