Solution and solid-state preparation of 18-crown[6] complexes with M[HSO4]n salts (M = NH4+, K+, Sr2+ and n = 1, 2) and an investigation of solvation/desolvation processes and crystal polymorphism

18-Crown[6] ether has been used to prepare a new class of organic-inorganic complexes of general formula 18-crown[6]M[HSO(4)](n) (where M = NH(4) (+), K(+), Sr(2+) and n = 1, 2) by reacting directly in solution or in the solid state the crown ether 18-crown[6] with inorganic salts such as [NH(4)][HSO(4)], K[HSO(4)], and Sr[HSO(4)](2). The structures of 18-crown[6][NH(4)][HSO(4)]2 H(2)O (12 H(2)O), 18-crown[6][NH(4)][HSO(4)] (1), 18-crown[6]K[HSO(4)]2 H(2)O (22 H(2)O), 18-crown[6]K[HSO(4)] (2), and 18-crown[6]Sr[HSO(4)](2) (3) have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The reversible water loss in compounds 12 H(2)O and 22 H(2)O leads to formation of the corresponding anhydrous phases 18-crown[6][NH(4)][HSO(4)] (1), and 18-crown[6]K[HSO(4)] (2), which undergo, on further heating, enantiotropic solid-solid transitions very likely associated with the on-set of a solid state dynamical process. Similar high-temperature behavior is shown by 18-crown[6]Sr[HSO(4)](2) (3). The dehydration and phase-transition processes have been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and variable temperature X-ray powder diffraction.     

Toward rational construction of gold, gold-silver, and gold-mercury string complexes: syntheses, structures, and properties of [Au(Tab)2]2L2 (L = I and PF6), {[(Tab)2M][Au(CN)2]}2 (M = Au and Ag), and {[Hg(Tab)2][Au(CN)2]2} [Tab = 4-(trimethylammonio)benzenethiolate

The reaction of AuI with 2 equiv of TabHPF6 [TabH = 4-(trimethylammonio)benzenethiol] in the presence of excess Et3N in dimethylformamide (DMF)/MeOH afforded a binuclear gold(I) complex [Au(Tab)2]2I2.2H2O (1). Anion exchange of 1 with NH4PF6 in DMF gave rise to the more soluble complex [Au(Tab)2]2(PF6)2 (2). Treatment of 2 with K[Au(CN)2] produced a tetranuclear gold(I) complex {[(Tab)2Au][Au(CN)2]}2 (3). Analogous reactions of two known mononuclear complexes [Ag(Tab)2](PF6) (4) and [Hg(Tab)2](PF6)2 (5) with 1 or 2 equiv of K[Au(CN)2] generated one Ag2Au2 complex {[(Tab)2Ag][Au(CN)2]}2 (6) and one Au/Hg complex {[Hg(Tab)2][Au(CN)2]2} (7), respectively. Compounds 1-3, 6, and 7 were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV-vis spectra, 1H NMR, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. 1 and 2 have a similar [Au(Tab)2]2(2+) dimeric structure in which the two [Au(Tab)2]+ cations are connected via one Au-Au aurophilic interaction. In the structure of 3 or 6, each of the two pairs of [M(Tab)2]+ cation and [Au(CN)2]- anion is held together via ionic interactions to form a {[(Tab)2M][Au(CN)2]} species (M = Au, 3; Ag, 6). Two such species are further connected by one Au-Au aurophilic bonding interaction to form an uncommon Au(4) or Ag2Au2 linear string structure with three ligand-unsupported metal-metal bonds. For 7, the [Hg(Tab)2]2+ dication and the [Au(CN)2]2(2-) dianion are interconnected by the secondary Hg...N(CN) interactions to form a 1D chain structure. The thermal and luminescent properties of 1-3, 6, and 7 in solid state were also investigated.     

Diazo complexes of rhenium: preparations and crystal structures of the bis(dinitrogen), [Re(N2)2(PPh(OEt)2)4][BPh4] and methyldiazenido [ReCl(CH3N2)(CH3NHNH2)(PPh(OEt)2)3][BPh4] derivatives

Depending on experimental conditions and the nature of the hydrazine, the reactions of ReCl3P3 [P = PPh(OEt)2] with RNHNH2 (R = H, CH3, tBu) afford the bis(dinitrogen) [Re(N2)2P4]+ (2+), dinitrogen ReClN2P4 (3), and methyldiazenido [ReCl(CH3N2)(CH3NHNH2)P3]+ (1+) derivatives. In contrast, reactions of ReCl3P3 [P = PPh(OEt)2, PPh2OEt] with arylhydrazines ArNHNH2 (Ar = Ph, p-tolyl) give the aryldiazenido cations [ReCl(ArN2)(ArNHNH2)P3]+ (4+) and [ReCl(ArN2)P4]+ (7+) and the bis(aryldiazenido) cations [Re(ArN2)2P3]+ (5+, 6+). These complexes were characterized spectroscopically (IR; 1H and 31P NMR), and the BPh4 complexes 1, 2, and 7 were characterized crystallographically. The methyldiazenido derivative [ReCl(CH3N2)(CH3NHNH2)(PPh(OEt)2)3][BPh4] (1) crystallizes in space group P1 with a = 15.396(5) A, b = 16.986(5) A, c = 11.560(5) A, alpha = 93.96(5) degrees, beta = 93.99(5) degrees, gamma = 93.09(5) degrees, and Z = 2 and contains a singly bent CH3N2, group bonded to an octahedral central metal. One methylhydrazine ligand, one Cl- trans to the CH3N2, and three PPh(OEt)2 ligands complete the coordination. The complex [Re(N2)2(PPh(OEt)2)4][BPh4] (2) crystallizes in space group Pbaa with a = 23.008(5) A, b = 23.367(5) A, c = 12.863(3) A, and Z = 4. The structure displays octahedral coordination with two end-on N2 ligands in mutually trans positions. [ReCl(PhN2)(PPh(OEt)2)4][BPh4] (7) crystallizes in space group P2(1)/n with a = 19.613(5) A, b = 20.101(5) A, c = 19.918(5) A, beta = 115.12(2) degrees, and Z = 4. The structure shows a singly bent phenyldiazenido group trans to the Cl- ligand in an octahedral environment. The dinitrogen complex ReClN2P4 (3) reacts with CF3SO3CH3 to give the unstable methyldiazenido derivative [ReCl(CH3N2)P4][BPh4]. Reaction of the methylhydrazine complex [ReCl(CH3N2)(CH3NHNH2)P3][BPh4] (1) with Pb(OAc)4 at -30 degrees C results in selective oxidation of the hydrazine, affording the corresponding methyldiazene derivative [ReCl(CH3N=NH)(CH3N2)P3][BPh4] (8). In contrast, treatment with Pb(OAc)4 of the related arylhydrazines [ReCl(ArN2)(ArNHNH2)P3][BPh4] (4) [P = PPh(OEt)2] gives the bis(aryldiazenido) complexes [Re(ArN2)2P3][BPh4] (5). Possible protonation reactions of Br?nsted acids HX with all diazenides, 1, 4, 5, 6, and 8, were investigated and found to proceed only in the cases of the bis(aryldiazenido) complexes 5 and 6, affording, with HCl, the octahedral [ReCl(ArN=NH)(ArN2)P3][BPh4] or [ReCl(Ar(H)NN)(ArN2)P3][BPh4] (10) (Ar = Ph; P = PPh2OEt) derivative.     

Preparation and substitution chemistry of [Bu4N]2[W6Cl8(p-OSO2C6H4CH3)6]. A useful precursor for pseudohalide, acetate, and organometallic complexes containing the [W6Cl8](4+) core

The tosylate (p-toluenesulfonate) cluster [Bu4N]2[W6Cl8(p-OSO2C6H4CH3)6] (1) has been prepared and characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and an X-ray crystal structure. This cluster complex is shown to be a useful starting material for the preparation of pseudohalide clusters, [Bu4N]2[W6Cl8(NCQ)6] (Q = O (2), S (3), and Se (4)), in high yields. Cluster 1 also serves as a precursor to the new cluster compounds: [Bu4N]2[W6Cl8(O2CCH3)6] (5), [Bu4N]2[W6Cl8((mu-NC)Mn(CO)2(C5H5))6] (6), [W6Cl8((mu-NC)Ru(PPh3)2(C5H5))6][ p-OSO2C6H4CH3]4 (7), and [W6Cl8((mu-NC)Os(PPh3)2(C5H5))6][ p-OSO2C6H4CH3]4 (8). X-ray crystal structures are reported for 1, 4, and 5.     

Facile access to redox-active C2-bridged complexes with half-sandwich manganese end groups

The dinuclear mixed-valent complex [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC(2)Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)](+)[(eta2-MeC5H4)3Mn](-)[1](+)[2]- (dmpe=1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane) was prepared by the reaction of [Mn(MeC5H4)2] with dmpe and Me(3)SnC[triple chemical bond]CSnMe3. The reactions of [1](+)[2]- with K[PF6] and Na[BPh4] yielded the corresponding anion metathesis products [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)][PF6] ([1][PF6]) and [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)][BPh4] ([1][BPh4]). These mixed-valent species can be reduced to the neutral form by reaction with Na/Hg. The obtained complex [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)] (1) displays a triplet/singlet spin equilibrium in solution and in the solid state, which was additionally studied by DFT calculations. The diamagnetic dicationic species [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)][PF6]2 ([1][PF6]2) was obtained by oxidizing the mixed-valent complex [1][PF6] with one equivalent of [Fe(C5H5)2][PF6]. Both redox processes are fully reversible. The dinuclear compounds were characterized by NMR, IR, UV-visible, and Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. X-ray diffraction studies were performed on [1][2], [1][PF6], [1][BPh4], and [1][PF6]2.     

1,2-bis(pyridine-2-carboxamido)benzenate(2-), (bpb)2-: a noninnocent ligand. Syntheses, structures, and mechanisms of formation of [(n-Bu)4N][FeIV2(mu-N)(bpb)2(X)2] (X = CN-, N3-) and the electronic structures of [MIII(bpbox1)(CN)2] (M = Co, Fe)

The well-known tetradentate ligand 1,2-bis(pyridine-2-carboxamido)benzenate(2-), (bpb)2-, and its 4,5-dichloro analogue, (bpc)2-, are shown to be "noninnocent" ligands in the sense that in coordination compounds they can exist in their radical one- and diamagnetic two-electron-oxidized forms (bpbox1)- and (bpbox2)0 (and (bpcox1)- and (bpcox2)0), respectively. Photolysis of high-spin [(n-Bu)4N][FeIII(bpb)(N3)2] and its (bpc)2- analogue in acetone solution at room temperature generates the diamagnetic dinuclear complex [(n-Bu)4N][FeIV2(mu-N)(bpb)2(N3)2] and its (bpc)2- analogue; the corresponding cyano complex [(n-Bu)4N][FeIV2(mu-N)(bpb)2(CN)2] has been prepared via N3- substitution by CN-. Photolysis in frozen acetonitrile solution produces a low-spin ferric species (S = 1/2) which presumably is [FeIII(bpbox2)(N)(N3)]-, as has been established by EPR and M?ssbauer spectroscopy. The mononuclear complexes [(n-Bu)4N][FeIII(bpb)(CN2)] (low spin), [Et4N][CoIII(bpb)(CN)2] and Na[CoIII(bpc)-(CN)2].3CH3OH can be electrochemically or chemically one-electron-oxidized to give [FeIII(bpbox1)(CN)2]0 (S = 0), [CoIII(bpbox1)(CN)2]0 (S = 1/2), and [CoIII(bpcox1)(CN)2]0 (S = 1/2). All complexes have been characterized by UV-vis, EPR, and M?ssbauer spectroscopy, and their electro- and magnetochemistries have been studied. The crystal structures of [(n-Bu)4N][FeIII(bpb)(N3)2].1/2C6H6CH3, Na[FeIII(bpb)(CN)2], Na[CoIII(bpc)(CN)2].3CH3OH, [(n-Bu)4N][FeIV2(mu-N)(bpb)2(CN)2], and [(n-Bu)4N][FeIV2(mu-N)(bpb)(N3)2] have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic and crystal structure analysis of 2-(4-fluorobenzyl)-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole and its morpholinomethyl derivative

The preparation of 2-(4-fluorobenzyl)-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-morpholin-1-ylmethyl imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole via the intermediate 2-(4-fluorobenzyl)-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)Imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4] thiadiazole is described. Elemental analysis, IR spectrum, ¹H NMR and X-ray crystal structure analyses were carried out to determine the compositions and molecular structures of the two compounds. The crystal packing exhibits intermolecular C–H?O, C–H?N, C–H?F and π–π stacking interactions leading to the formation of the supramolecular network.     

X-ray diffraction and (1)H NMR in solution: structural determination of lanthanide complexes of a Py(2)N(6)Ac(4) ligand

Complexes between the Py(2)N(6)Ac(4) (H(4)L) ligand containing four carboxylate pendant arms and trivalent lanthanide ions have been synthesized, and structural studies have been made both in the solid state and aqueous solution. The crystal structures of the La, Ce, Sm, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Lu complexes, with chemical formulas [LaH(2)L](NO(3)).3H(2)O (1), [Ce(4)L(2)](NO(3))(4).30H(2)O (2), [SmHL].EtOH.3H(2)O (5), [TbHL].EtOH.3H(2)O (8), [DyHL].2EtOH.2H(2)O (9), [HoHL].3H(2)O (10), [ErHL].EtOH.3H(2)O (11) [TmHL].EtOH.3H(2)O (12), and [LuHL].3H(2)O (14), have been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. In the solid state, the complexes of the lighter lanthanide ions La(3+)-Dy(3+) show a 10-coordinated geometry close to a distorted bicapped antiprism, where the carboxylate pendants are situated alternatively above and below the best plane that contains the nitrogen donor atoms. The complexes of the heavier ions, Ho(3+)-Lu(3+), have a 9-coordinated geometry close to distorted tricapped trigonal prism, with one of the pendant carboxylate groups uncoordinated. The ligand is in a "twist-fold" conformation, where the twisting of the pyridine units is accompanied by an overall folding of the major ring of the macrocycle so that the pyridine nitrogen atoms and the metal are far from linear. The aqueous solution structures of the complexes were thoroughly characterized, the diamagnetic ones (La(3+) and Lu(3+)) by their COSY NMR spectra, and the paramagnetic complexes using a linear least-squares fitting of the (1)H LIS (lanthanide-induced shift) and LIR (lanthanide-induced relaxation) data with rhombic magnetic susceptibility tensors. The solution structures obtained for the La(3+)-Dy(3+) complexes (10-coordinate) and for the Tm(3+)-Lu(3+) complexes (9-coordinate) are in very good agreement with the corresponding crystal structures. However, the 10-coordinate structure is still exclusive in solution for the Ho(3+) complex and predominant for the Er(3+) complex.     

First characterization of the ammine-ammonium complex [(NH4(NH3)4)2(mu-NH3)2]2+ in the crystal structure of [NH4(NH3)4][B(C6H5)4].NH3 and the [NH4(NH3)4]+ complex in [NH4(NH3)4][Ca(NH3)7]As3S6.2NH3 and [NH4(NH3)4][Ba(NH3)8]As3S6.NH3

The compound [NH4(NH3)4][B(C6H5)4].NH3 (1) was prepared by the reaction of NaB(C(6)H(5))(4) with a proton-charged ion-exchange resin in liquid ammonia. [NH(4)(NH(3))(4)][Ca(NH(3))(7)]As(3)S(6).2NH(3) (2) and [NH4(NH3)4][Ba(NH3)8]As3S6.NH3 (3) were synthesized by reduction of As(4)S(4) with Ca and Ba in liquid ammonia. All ammoniates were characterized by low-temperature single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. They were found to contain the ammine-ammonium complex with the maximal possible number of coordinating ammonia molecules, the [NH4(NH3)4]+ ion. 1 contains a special dimer, the [(NH4(NH3)4)2(mu-NH3)2]2+ ion, which is formed by two[NH4(NH3)4]+ ions linked by two ammonia molecules. The H(3)N-H...N hydrogen bonds in all three compounds range from 1.82 to 2.20 A (DHA = Donor-H...Acceptor angles: 156-178 degrees). In 2 and 3, additional H(2)N-H...S bonds to the thioanions are observed, ranging between 2.49 and 3.00 A (DHA angles: 120-175 degrees). Two parallel phenyl rings of the [B(C(6)H(5))(4)](-) anion in 1 form a pi...pi hydrogen bond (C...C distance, 3.38 A; DHA angles, 82 degrees), leading to a dimeric [B(C6H5)4]2(2-) ion.     

A meso-helical coordination polymer from achiral dinuclear [Cu2(H3CCN)2(micro-pydz)3][PF6]2 and 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)propane-synthesis and crystal structure of 1 to infinity Cu(mu-pydz)2][PF6 (pydz=pyridazine)

Reaction of achiral [Cu2(H3CCN)2(mu-pydz)3][PF6]2 (1) (pydz = pyridazine) with bidendate 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)propane (2) in acetonitrile at room temperature in a 1:1 ratio yielded the mononuclear copper(I) complex [Cu[CH2(CH2PPh2)2]2][PF6] (3) together with new one-dimensional coordination polymer 1 to infinity[[Cu(mu-pydz)2][PF6]] (4). Air-sensitive single crystals of 4, suitable for X-ray structure determination, were grown from a mixture of dichloromethane/ hexane [crystal system: monoclinic; space group: C2/c: a = 21.910(3), b = 12.130(2), c = 25.704(3) A,beta = 110.08(10) degrees, V = 6416.65(16) A3]. The one-dimensional coordination polymer 1 to infinity[[Cu(mu-pydz)2][PF6]] (4) exhibits as outstanding feature the rare structure of a meso-helix.     

Preparation and properties of the aqua ions [W(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(12)](n+) (n = 5, 6) and crystal structure of (Me(2)NH(2))(6)[W(4)S(4)(NCS)(12)].0.5H(2)O

The [3 + 1] reaction of [W(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) with [W(CO)(6)] in 2 M HCl under hydrothermal conditions (130 degrees C) gives the [W(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(12)](6+) cuboidal cluster, reduction potential 35 mV vs NHE (6+/5+ couple). The reduced form is obtained by controlled potential electrolysis. X-ray crystal structure was determined for (Me(2)NH(2))(6)[W(4)S(4)(NCS)(12)].0.5H(2)O. The W-W and W-S bond lengths are 2.840 and 2.379 A, respectively.     

New cyanometalate building units: synthesis and characterization of [Re(CN)(7)]3- and [Re(CN)(8)]3-

Two new cyanorhenate complexes of potential utility in constructing magnetic and photomagnetic materials are reported. Reaction of (Bu4N)CN with [ReCl6]2- in acetonitrile affords yellow (Bu4N)3[Re(CN)7] (1), featuring the pentagonal bipyramidal complex [Re(CN)7]3-. The spectral and magnetic properties of 1 indicate that the complex has an S = 1/2 ground state with considerable anisotropy in the g tensor. In aqueous solution, 1 reacts with Mn2+ ions to generate the three-dimensional cyano-bridged solid [fac-Mn(H2O)3][cis-Mn(H2O)2][Re(CN)7].3H2O (2) containing diamagnetic [Re(CN)7]4-. Addition of KIO4 to the reaction solution, originally intended to prevent reduction of the rhenium during solid formation, instead yields white (Bu4N)3[Re(CN)8] (3). As crystallized in K3[Re(CN)8].2MeCN (4.2MeCN), the diamagnetic [Re(CN)8]3- complex adopts a nearly perfect square antiprismatic coordination geometry. In solution, this species behaves analogously to the isoelectronic [M(CN)8]4- (M = Mo, W) complexes, apparently converting to a dodecahedral geometry and photooxidizing under UV radiation to give paramagnetic [Re(CN)8]2-.     

A rare and highly oxidized Mo(2)5.5+ unit stabilized by oxo anions and supported by formamidinate bridges

A series of tetranuclear compounds consisting of two {Mo2[(m-CF3C6H4)NC(H)N(m-CF3C6H4)]3}n+ moieties linked by two OH- or two O2- ions has been characterized. Abbreviating the dimolybdenum plus three spectator bridging ligands as [Mo2], the following three compounds have been made-[Mo2](mu-OH)2[Mo2] (1), [Mo2](mu-O)2[Mo2] (2), and {[Mo2](mu-O)2[Mo2]}SbF6 (3). Compound 1, which is diamagnetic and contains quadruply bonded Mo2(4+) units, is converted to diamagnetic 2 by oxidation with O2. Compound 2, which has Mo2(5+) units, is oxidized by NOSbF6 to 3 which has a rare Mo2(5.5+) core and an odd electron delocalized over the two dimolybdenum units.     

Assembly of a new family of mercury(II) zwitterionic thiolate complexes from a preformed compound [Hg(Tab)2](PF6)2 [Tab = 4-(trimethylammonio)benzenethiolate

Reactions of Hg(OAc)2 with 2 equiv of TabHPF6 [TabH = 4-(trimethylammonio)benzenethiol] in MeCN/MeOH afforded a mononuclear linear complex [Hg(Tab)2](PF6)2 (1). By using 1 as a precursor, a new family of mercury(II) zwitterionic thiolate complexes, [Hg2(Tab)6](PF6)4.2MeCN (2.2MeCN), [Hg(Tab)2(SCN)](PF6) (3), [Hg(Tab)2(SCN)2] (4), [Hg(Tab)I2] (5), {[Hg(Tab)2]4[HgI2][Hg2I6]}(PF6)2(NO3)4 (6), [Hg(Tab)2][HgI4] (7), [Hg(Tab)2][HgCl2(SCN)2] (8), [Tab-Tab]2[Hg3Cl10] (9), and [Hg2(Tab)6]3(PF6)Cl11 (10), were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV-vis spectra, 1H NMR, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The [Hg2(Tab)6]4+ tetracation of 2 or 10 contains an asymmetrical Hg2S2 rhomb with an inversion center lying on the midpoint of the Hg...Hg line. The Hg atom of the [Hg(Tab)2]2+ dication of 3 is coordinated to one SCN-, forming a rare T-shaped coordination geometry, while in 4, the Hg atom of [Hg(Tab)2]2+ is coordinated to two SCN-, forming a seesaw-shaped coordination geometry. Through weak secondary Hg...S coordinations, each cation in 3 is further linked to afford a one-dimensional zigzag chain. The trigonal [Hg(Tab)I2] molecules in 5 are held together by weak secondary Hg...I and Hg...S interactions, forming a one-dimensional chain structure. In 6, the four [Hg(Tab)2]2+ dications, one HgI2 molecule, one [Hg2I6]2- dianion, one PF6-, and four NO3- anions are interconnected by complicated secondary Hg...I and Hg...O interactions, forming a scolopendra-like chain structure. The secondary Hg...I interactions, [Hg(Tab)2]2+ and [HgI4]2- in 7, are combined to generate a one-dimensional chain structure, while [Hg(Tab)2]2+ and [HgCl2(SCN)2]2- in 8 are interconnected by secondary Hg...N interactions to form a one-dimensional zigzag chain structure. Compound 9 consists of two [Tab-Tab]2+ dications and one [Hg3Cl10]4- tetraanion. The facile approach to the construction of 2-8 and 10 from 1 may be applicable to the mimicking of a coordination sphere of the Hg sites of metallothioneins.     

Sequential reduction of high hydride count octahedral rhodium clusters [Rh6(PR3)6H12][BArF4]2: redox-switchable hydrogen storage

Cyclic voltammetry on the octahedral rhodium clusters with 12 bridging hydride ligands, [Rh6(PR3)6H12][BArF4]2 (R = Cy Cy-[H12]2+, R = iPr iPr-[H12]2+; [BArF4]- = [B{C6H3(CF3)2}4]-) reveals four potentially accessible redox states: [Rh6(PR3)6H12]0/1+/2+/3+. Chemical oxidation did not produce stable species, but reduction of Cy-[H12]2+ using Cr(eta6-C6H6)2 resulted in the isolation of Cy-[H12]+. X-ray crystallography and electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) show this to be a monocation, while EPR and NMR measurements confirm that it is a monoradical, S = 1/2, species. Consideration of the electron population of the frontier molecular orbitals is fully consistent with this assignment. A further reduction is mediated by Co(eta5-C5H5)2. In this case the cleanest reduction was observed with the tri-isopropyl phosphine cluster, to afford neutral iPr-[H12]. X-ray crystallography confirms this to be neutral, while NMR and magnetic measurements (SQUID) indicate an S =1 paramagnetic ground state. The clusters Cy-[H12]+ and iPr-[H12] both take up H2 to afford Cy-[H14]+ and iPr-[H14], respectively, which have been characterized by ESI-MS, NMR spectroscopy, and UV-vis spectroscopy. Inspection of the frontier molecular orbitals of S = 1 iPr-[H12] suggest that addition of H2 should form a diamagnetic species, and this is the case. The possibility of "spin blocking" in this H2 uptake is also discussed. Electrochemical investigations on the previously reported Cy-[H16]2+ [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 6247] show an irreversible loss of H2 on reduction, presumably from an unstable Cy-[H16]+ species. This then forms Cy-[H12]2+ on oxidation which can be recharged with H2 to form Cy-[H16]2+. We show that this loss of H2 is kinetically fast (on the millisecond time scale). Loss of H2 upon reduction has also been followed using chemical reductants and ESI-MS. This facile, reusable gain and loss of 2 equiv of H2 using a simple one-electron redox switch represents a new method of hydrogen storage. Although the overall storage capacity is very low (0.1%) the attractive conditions of room temperature and pressure, actuation by the addition of a single electron, and rapid desorption kinetics make this process of interest for future H2 storage applications.     

Influence of hydrogen bonding on the assembly of six-membered vanadium borophosphate cluster anions: synthesis and structures of (NH4)2(C2H10N2)6[Sr(H2O)5]2[V2P2BO12](6)10H2O, (NH4)2(C3H12N2)6[Sr(H2O)4]2[V2P2BO12](6)17H2O, and (NH4)3(C4H14N2)4 5[Sr(H2O)5]2[Sr(H2O)4][V2P2BO12]6 10H2O

Three new strontium vanadium borophosphate compounds, (NH4)2(C2H10N2)6[Sr(H2O)5]2[V2P2BO12]6 10H2O (Sr-VBPO1) (1), (NH4)2(C3H12N2)6[Sr(H2O)4]2[V2P2BO12]6 17H2O (Sr-VBPO2) (2), and (NH4)3(C4H14N2)4.5[Sr(H2O)5]2[Sr(H2O)4][V2P2BO12]6 10H2O (Sr-VBPO3) (3) have been synthesized by interdiffusion methods in the presence of diprotonated ethylenediamine, 1,3-diaminopropane, and 1,4-diaminobutane. Compound 1 has a chain structure, whereas 2 and 3 have layered structures with different arrangements of [(NH4) [symbol: see text] [V2P2BO12]6] cluster anions within the layers. Crystal data: (NH4)2(C2H10N2)6[Sr(H2O)5]2[V2P2BO12]6 10H2O, monoclinic, space group C2/c (no. 15), a = 21.552(1) A, b = 27.694(2) A, c = 20.552(1) A, beta = 113.650(1) degrees, Z = 4; (NH4)2(C3H12N2)6[Sr(H2O)4]2[V2P2BO12]6 17H2O, monoclinic, space group I2/m (no. 12), a = 15.7618(9) A, b = 16.4821(9) A, c = 21.112(1) A, beta = 107.473(1) degrees, Z = 2; (NH4)3(C4H14N2)4.5[Sr(H2O)5]2[Sr(H2O)4] [V2P2BO12]6 10H2O, monoclinic, space group C2/c (no. 15), a = 39.364(2) A, b = 14.0924(7) A, c = 25.342(1) A, beta = 121.259(1) degrees, Z = 4. The differences in the three structures arise from the different steric requirements of the amines that lead to different amine-cluster hydrogen bonds.     

Photochemical reactions of [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2]2 with silanes: evidence for Si-C and C-H activation pathways

Photochemical reaction of [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2]2 1 with dmso led to the stepwise formation of [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(dmso)] 2a and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(dmso)]2 2b. Photolysis of 1 with vinyltrimethylsilane ultimately yields three isomeric products of [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(CH2=CHSiMe3)2]2, 3a, 3b and 3c which are differentiated by the relative orientations of the vinylsilane. When this reaction is undertaken in d6-benzene, H/D exchange between the solvent and the alpha-proton of the vinylsilane is revealed. In addition evidence for two isomers of the solvent complex [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(eta2-toluene)] was obtained in these and related experiments when the photolysis was completed at low temperature without substrate, although no evidence for H/D exchange was observed. Photolysis of 1 with Et3SiH yielded the sequential substitution products [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiEt3)H] 4a, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiEt3)H]2 4b, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiEt3)H][Rh(SiEt3)2(H)2] 4c and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(SiEt3)2(H)2]2 4d; deuteration of the alpha-ring proton sites, and all the silyl protons, of 4d was demonstrated in d6-benzene. This reaction is further complicated by the formation of two Si-C bond activation products, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][RhH(mu-SiEt2)]2 5 and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][(RhEt)(RhH)(mu-SiEt2)2] 6. Complex 5 was also produced when 1 was photolysed with Et2SiH2. When the photochemical reactions with Et3SiH were repeated at low temperatures, two isomers of the unstable C-H activation products, the vinyl hydrides [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][{Rh(SiEt3)H}{Rh(SiEt3)}(mu-eta1,eta2-CH=CH2)] 7a and 7b, were obtained. Thermally, 4c was shown to form the ring substituted silyl migration products [(eta5-C5H4)CH2(C5H3SiEt3)][Rh(SiEt3)2(H)2]2 8 while 4b formed [CH2(C5H3SiEt3)2][Rh(SiEt3)2(H)2]2 (9a and 9b) upon reaction with excess silane. The corresponding photochemical reaction with Me3SiH yielded the expected products [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiMe3)H] 10a, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiMe3)H]2 10b, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiMe3)H][Rh(SiMe3)2(H)2] 10c and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(SiMe3)2(H)2]2 10d. However, three Si-C bond activation products, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][(RhMe)(RhH)(mu-SiMe2)2] 11, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][(Rh{SiMe3})(RhMe)(mu-SiMe2)2] 12 and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][(Rh{SiMe3})(RhH)(mu-SiMe2)2] 13 were also obtained in these reactions.     

Synthesis and structures of some bimetallic (Li/Ca, Li/Zn, Li/Li) diamides derived from 1,2-bis(neopentylamino)benzene and of Li2[{N(SiMe2NPr(i)2)}2C6H4-1,2](thf)3

The following crystalline, or microcrystalline (4), metal diamides have been prepared under mild conditions from the N,N'-disubstituted 1,2-diaminobenzene [{N(R)H}2C6H4-1,2] (H(2): R = CH2But; H2L': R = SiMe2NPri2): [Li(thf)(mu-L)(mu-I)Ca(thf)] (1), [Li(thf)4][{Zn(mu-L)}3(mu3-Cl)] (2), [Li(thf)4][Zn(L)2] (3), [{Li(OEt2)(mu-L)Zn}2(mu-L)] (4), [Li(OEt2)(mu-L)Zn(mu-L)Zn(LH)] (5) and [Li(thf)(mu-L')Li(thf)2] (6). Compounds 1-5 were obtained from [Li2(L)] and CaI2 (1) or ZnCl2 (2-5) while 6 was derived from H2(L') and LiBun. Compound 5 was isolated as a very minor by-product from the synthesis of 4, and is assumed to have been formed therefrom by adventitious hydrolysis. The green salt 3 was paramagnetic with the negative charge uniformly delocalised on the two ligands. The other compounds were colourless and diamagnetic. The X-ray structures of each, except 4, are reported and discussed.     

An Alcohol-templated Borate Based on [B14O20（OH）6]4- Polyborate Anions

A new borate [H2EG][B7O10（OH）3] （1） based on [B14O20（OH）6]4- polyborate anions has been solvothermally synthesized in the presence of H2EG as a template （EG = ethylene glycol）. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and further characterized by FFIR, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Compound 1 crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group Pi, with a = 8.5095（4）, b = 8.8694（4）, c = 10.0756（4） A, a = 95.094（2）, β = 96.936（2）, γ = 116.844（2）°, V = 664.66（5） A3. The structure of 1 consists of [B14O20（OH）6]4- moiety, which could be regarded as the largest isolated polyborate anion so far. The anions are interlinked via hydrogen bonding to form a 3D supramolecular network, whereas the diprotonated [H2EG]2＋ are filled in the free space of inorganic borate network and interact with the inorganic framework by extensive hydrogen bonds. It is noteworthy that the EG acts not only as a solvent, but also as a template.     

New molecular assemblies of redox isomers, [CrIII(X4SQ)3-n(X4Cat)n]-n (X = Cl and Br; n = 0, 1, and 2), with metallocenium cations, [MIIICp2]+ (M = Co and Fe): X-ray crystal structures and physical properties

A series of redox isomers of [CrIII(X4SQ)(X4Cat)2]2-, [CrIII(X4SQ)2(X4Cat)]-, and [CrIII(X4SQ)3]0 (X = Cl and Br, SQ = semiquinonate, and Cat = catecholate) have been synthesized and characterized as charge-transfer (CT) compounds with metallocenium cations: (CoIIICp2)2[CrIII(Cl4SQ)(Cl4Cat)2] (1), (CoIIICp2)2[CrIII(Br4SQ)(Br4Cat)2] (2), (FeIIICp2)[CrIII(Cl4SQ)2(Cl4Cat)].C6H6 (4), (FeIIICp2)[CrIII(Br4SQ)2(Br4Cat)].CS2 (5), and (FeIIICp2)[CrIII(Cl4SQ)2(Cl4Cat)][CrIII(Cl4SQ)3] (6). First, the oxidation states of the chromium complexes are strongly dependent on the redox potentials of the metallocenes used. The CoIICp2, exhibiting stronger reduction power than FeIICp2, is useful for two-electron reduction of the [CrIII(X4SQ)3]0, affording [CrIII(X4SQ)(X4Cat)2]2- (1 and 2), which are first isolated and crystallographically characterized in the solid state. In contrast the reaction with FeIICp2 affords only [CrIII(X4SQ)2(X4Cat)]- (4 and 5). Second, solvents influence crystal structures of these compounds. The solvent set of C6H6/CS2 gives 1:1:C6H6 compound 4 with unique charged anions, [CrIII(Cl4SQ)2(Cl4Cat)]-, while the other set, n-C6H12/CS2, affords 1:2 compound 6 including the two redox isomers, [CrIII(Cl4SQ)2(Cl4Cat)]- and [CrIII(Cl4SQ)3]0. The [CrIII(X4SQ)(X4Cat)2]2- anions in 1 and 2 show no significant interconnection between them (discrete type), while the [CrIII(X4SQ)2(X4Cat)]- anions in 4-6 show one-dimensional column-type structures with the aid of intermolecular stacking interactions of the ligand moieties. The anions in 4 show additional stacking interaction with the [FeIIICp2]+ to form one-dimensional ...[D][A][S][D][A]... (D = [FeIIICp2]+, A = [CrIII(Cl4SQ)2(Cl4Cat)]-, and S = C6H6) type mixed-stack arrangements similar to that of previously reported (CoIIICp2)[CrIII(Cl4SQ)2(Cl4Cat)].C6H6 (3). Compound 6 forms a two-dimensional sheet structure where the two redox isomers, [CrIII(Cl4SQ)2(Cl4Cat)]- and [CrIII(Cl4SQ)3]0, are included. The sheet is regarded as a mixed-valence molecular assembly. Two types of the anions, [CrIII(X4SQ)(X4Cat)2]2- (1 and 2) and [CrIII(X4SQ)2(X4Cat)]- (4-6), exhibiting an intramolecular mixed-valence state, show intramolecular intervalence CT transition (IVCT) from the Cat to the SQ at near 5800 and 4300 cm-1, respectively, both in the solution and in the solid states. The intermolecular mixed-valence state of 6 was characterized by absorption spectroscopy, electric conductivity, and SQUID magnetometry. Interestingly, this mixed-valence state of the chromium module is dependent on the redox active nature of the coordinated ligands.