Four-coordinate Mo(II) as (silox)2Mo(PMe3)2 and its W(IV) congener (silox)2HW(eta2-CH2PMe2)(PMe3) (silox = tBu3SiO)

The reduction of [( (t) Bu 3SiO) 2MoCl] 2 ( 2 2) provided the cyclometalated derivative, (silox) 2HMoMo(kappa-O,C-OSi (t) Bu 2CMe 2CH 2)(silox) ( 3), and alkylation of 2 2 with MeMgBr afforded [( (t) Bu 3SiO) 2MoCH 3] 2 ( 4 2). The hydrogenation of 4 2 was ineffective, but the reduction of 2 2 under H 2 generated [( (t) Bu 3SiO) 2MoH] 2 ( 5 2), and the addition of 2-butyne to 3 gave [(silox) 2Mo] 2(mu:eta (2)eta (2)-C 2Me 2) ( 6), thereby implicating the existence of [(silox) 2Mo] 2 ( 1 2). The addition of (silox)H to Mo(NMe 2) 4 led to (silox) 2Mo(NMe 2) 2 ( 7), but further elaboration of the core proved ineffective. The silanolysis of MoCl 5 afforded (silox) 2MoCl 4 ( 8) and (silox) 3MoCl 3 ( 9) as a mixture from which pure 8 could be isolated, and the addition of THF or PMe 3 resulted in derivatives of 9 as (silox) 2Cl 3MoL (L = THF, 10; PMe 3, 11). Reductions of 11 and (silox) 2WCl 4 ( 15) in the presence of excess PMe 3 provided (silox) 2Cl 2MPMe 3 (M = Mo, 12; W, 16) or (silox) 2HW(eta (2)-CH 2PMe 2)PMe 3 ( 14). While "(silox) 2W(PMe 3) 2" was unstable with respect to W(IV) as 14, a reduction of 12 led to the stable Mo(II) diphosphine, (silox) 2Mo(PMe 3) 2 ( 17). X-ray crystal structures of 10 (pseudo- O h ), 12 (square pyramidal), and 14 and 17 (distorted T d ) are reported. Calculations address the diamagnetism of 12 and 16, and the distortion of 17 and its stability to cyclometalation in contrast to 14.     

PC bond cleavage of (silox)3NbPMe3 (silox = tBu3SiO) under dihydrogen leads to (silox)3Nb=CH2, (silox)3Nb=PH or (silox)3NbP(H)Nb(silox)3, and CH4

Photolysis of the equilibrium mixture (silox)3NbPMe3 (1) + H2 (1-3 atm) right arrow over left arrow (silox)3Nb(Heq)2 (2e, tbp)/(silox)3Nb(Ht)2 (2t, pseudo-Td) + PMe3 causes PC bond cleavage. Depending on conditions, various amounts of (silox)3Nb=CH2 (3), (silox)3Nb=PH (5-H), (silox)3Nb=PMe (5-Me), (silox)3Nb=P(H)Nb(silox)3 (9, precipitated if N2 is present; X-ray), (silox)3NbH (4, active only through equilibration with 2e,t), and CH4 are produced. Addition of PH3 to 1 provides an independent route to 5-H; its deprotonation gives [(silox)3NbP]Li (6), whose methylation yields 5-Me. Early conversion 3:5-H ratios of approximately 3:1 suggest that initial PC bond activation is slow relative to subsequent PC bond cleavages. Addition of HPMe2 and H2PMe to 1 generates (silox)3HNbPMe2 (7) and (silox)3HNbPHMe (8), respectively, and both degrade faster than PMe3. A mechanism based around sequential PC or CH oxidative addition, followed by 1,2-elimination events, is proposed. The limiting step in the decomposition of all PMe3 is a slow hydrogenation of 3 to regenerate 2e,t and produces CH4. Hydrides 2e,t are likely to be the photolytically active species.     

Molybdenum and tungsten structural differences are dependent on ndz(2)/(n + 1)s mixing: comparisons of (silox)3MX/R (M = Mo, W; silox = (t)Bu3SiO)

Treatment of trans-(Et 2O) 2MoCl 4 with 2 or 3 equiv of Na(silox) (i.e., NaOSi (t) Bu 3) afforded (silox) 3MoCl 2 ( 1-Mo) or (silox) 3MoCl ( 2-Mo). Purification of 2-Mo was accomplished via addition of PMe 3 to precipitate (silox) 3ClMoPMe 3 ( 2-MoPMe 3), followed by thermolysis to remove phosphine. Use of MoCl 3(THF) 3 with various amounts of Na(silox) produced (silox) 2ClMoMoCl(silox) 2 ( 3-Mo). Alkylation of 2-Mo with MeMgBr or EtMgBr afforded (silox) 3MoR (R = Me, 2-MoMe; Et, 2-MoEt). 2-MoEt was also synthesized from C 2H 4 and (silox) 3MoH, which was prepared from 2-Mo and NaBEt 3H. Thermolysis of WCl 6 with HOSi ( t )Bu 3 afforded (silox) 2WCl 4 ( 4-W), and sequential treatment of 4-W with Na/Hg and Na(silox) provided (silox) 3WCl 2 ( 1-W, tbp, X-ray), which was alternatively prepared from trans-(Et 2S) 2WCl 4 and 3 equiv of Tl(silox). Na/Hg reduction of 1-W generated (silox) 3WCl ( 2-W). Alkylation of 2-W with MeMgBr produced (silox) 3WMe ( 2-WMe), which dehydrogenated to (silox) 3WCH ( 6-W) with Delta H (double dagger) = 14.9(9) kcal/mol and Delta S (double dagger) = -26(2) eu. Magnetism and structural studies revealed that 2-Mo and 2-MoEt have triplet ground states (GS) and distorted trigonal monopyramid (tmp) and tmp structures, respectively. In contrast, 2-W and 2-WMe possess squashed-T d (distorted square planar) structures, and the former has a singlet GS. Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics studies of the S = 0 and S = 1 states for full models of 2-Mo, 2-MoEt, 2-W, and 2-WMe corroborate the experimental findings and are consistent with the greater nd z (2) /( n + 1)s mixing in the third-row transition-metal species being the dominant feature in determining the structural disparity between molybdenum and tungsten.     

Thermodynamics, kinetics, and mechanism of (silox)3M(olefin) to (silox)3M(alkylidene) rearrangements (silox = tBu3SiO; M = Nb, Ta)

Olefin complexes (silox)(3)M(ole) (silox = (t)Bu(3)SiO; M = Nb (1-ole), Ta (2-ole); ole = C(2)H(4), C(2)H(3)Me, C(2)H(3)Et, C(2)H(3)C(6)H(4)-p-X (X = OMe, H, CF(3)), C(2)H(3)(t)Bu, (c)C(5)H(8), (c)C(6)H(10), (c)C(7)H(10) (norbornene)) rearrange to alkylidene isomers (silox)(3)M(alk) (M = Nb (1=alk), Ta (2=alk); alk = CHMe, CHEt, CH(n)Pr, CHCH(2)C(6)H(4)-p-X (X = OMe, H, CF(3) (Ta only)), CHCH(2)(t)Bu, (c)C(5)H(8), (c)C(6)H(10), (c)C(7)H(10) (norbornylidene)). Kinetics and labeling experiments suggest that the rearrangement proceeds via a delta-abstraction on a silox CH bond by the beta-olefin carbon to give (silox)(2)RM(kappa(2)-O,C-OSi(t)Bu(2)CMe(2)CH(2)) (M = Nb (4-R), Ta (6-R); R = Me, Et, (n)Pr, (n)Bu, CH(2)CH(2)C(6)H(4)-p-X (X = OMe, H, CF(3) (Ta only)), CH(2)CH(2)(t)Bu, (c)C(5)H(9), (c)C(6)H(11), (c)C(7)H(11) (norbornyl)). A subsequent alpha-abstraction by the cylometalated "arm" of the intermediate on an alpha-CH bond of R generates the alkylidene 1=alk or 2=alk. Equilibrations of 1-ole with ole' to give 1-ole' and ole, and relevant calculations on 1-ole and 2-ole, permit interpretation of all relative ground and transition state energies for the complexes of either metal.     

Symmetry and geometry considerations of atom transfer: deoxygenation of (silox)3WNO and R3PO (R = Me, Ph, (t)Bu) by (silox)3M (M = V, NbL (L = PMe3, 4-picoline), Ta; silox = (t)Bu3SiO)

Deoxygenations of (silox)(3)WNO (12) and R(3)PO (R = Me, Ph, (t)Bu) by M(silox)(3) (1-M; M = V, NbL (L = PMe(3), 4-picoline), Ta; silox = (t)Bu(3)SiO) reflect the consequences of electronic effects enforced by a limiting steric environment. 1-Ta rapidly deoxygenated R(3)PO (23 degrees C; R = Me (DeltaG degrees (rxn)(calcd) = -47 kcal/mol), Ph) but not (t)Bu(3)PO (85 degrees, >2 days), and cyclometalation competed with deoxygenation of 12 to (silox)(3)WN (11) and (silox)(3)TaO (3-Ta; DeltaG degrees (rxn)(calcd) = -100 kcal/mol). 1-V deoxygenated 12 slowly and formed stable adducts (silox)(3)V-OPR(3) (3-OPR(3)) with OPR(3). 1-Nb(4-picoline) (S = 0) and 1-NbPMe(3) (S = 1) deoxygenated R(3)PO (23 degrees C; R = Me (DeltaG degrees (rxn)(calcd from 1-Nb) = -47 kcal/mol), Ph) rapidly and 12 slowly (DeltaG degrees (rxn)(calcd) = -100 kcal/mol), and failed to deoxygenate (t)Bu(3)PO. Access to a triplet state is critical for substrate (EO) binding, and the S --> T barrier of approximately 17 kcal/mol (calcd) hinders deoxygenations by 1-Ta, while 1-V (S = 1) and 1-Nb (S --> T barrier approximately 2 kcal/mol) are competent. Once binding occurs, significant mixing with an (1)A(1) excited state derived from population of a sigma-orbital is needed to ensure a low-energy intersystem crossing of the (3)A(2) (reactant) and (1)A(1) (product) states. Correlation of a reactant sigma-orbital with a product sigma-orbital is required, and the greater the degree of bending in the (silox)(3)M-O-E angle, the more mixing energetically lowers the intersystem crossing point. The inability of substrates EO = 12 and (t)Bu(3)PO to attain a bent 90 degree angle M-O-E due to sterics explains their slow or negligible deoxygenations. Syntheses of relevant compounds and ramifications of the results are discussed. X-ray structural details are provided for 3-OPMe(3) (90 degree angle V-O-P = 157.61(9) degrees), 3-OP(t)Bu(3) ( 90 degree angle V-O-P = 180 degrees ), 1-NbPMe(3), and (silox)(3)ClWO (9).     

Olefin substitution in (silox)3M(olefin) (silox = (t)Bu3SiO; M = Nb, Ta): the role of density of states in second vs third row transition metal reactivity

The substitution chemistry of olefin complexes (silox)3M(ole) (silox = (t)Bu3SiO; M = Nb (1-ole), Ta (2-ole); ole = C2H4 (as 13C2H4 or C2D4), C2H3Me, C2H3Et, cis-2-C4H8, iso-C4H8, C2H3Ph, cC5H8, cC6H10, cC7H10 (norbornene)) was investigated. For 1-ole, substitution was dissociative (deltaG(double dagger)(diss)), and in combination with calculated olefin binding free energies (deltaG(o)(bind)), activation free energies for olefin association (deltaG(double dagger)(assoc)) to (silox)3Nb (1) were estimated. For 2-ole, substitution was not observed prior to rearrangement to alkylidenes. Instead, activation free energies for olefin association to (silox)3Ta (2) were measured, and when combined with deltaG(o)(bind) (calcd), estimates of olefin dissociation rates from 2-ole were obtained. Despite stronger binding energies for 1-ole vs 2-ole, the dissociation of olefins from 1-ole is much faster than that from 2-ole. The association of olefins to 1 is also much faster than that to 2. Linear free energy relationships (with respect to deltaG(o)(bind)) characterize olefin dissociation from 1-ole, but not olefin dissociation from 2-ole, and olefin association to 2, but not olefin association to 1. Calculated transition states for olefin dissociation from (HO)3M(C2H4) (M = Nb, 1'-C2H4; Ta, 2'-C2H4) are asymmetric and have orbitals consistent with either singlet or triplet states. The rearrangement of (silox)3Nb(trans-Vy,Ph-cPr) (1-VyPhcPr) to (silox)3Nb=CHCH=CHCH2CH2Ph (3) is consistent with a diradical intermediate akin to the transition state for substitution. The disparity between Nb and Ta in olefin substitution chemistry is rationalized on the basis of a greater density of states (DOS) for the products (i.e., (silox)3M + ole) where M = Nb, leading to intersystem crossing events that facilitate dissociation. At the crux of the DOS difference is the greater 5dz2/6s mixing for Ta vs the 4dz2/5s mixing of Nb. This rationalization is generalized to explain the nominally swifter reactivities of 4d vs 5d elements.     

Insights into the metathesis reaction involving M-M,C-C,and M-C triple bonds from computations employing density functional theory on model compounds M2(OH)6 and M2(SH)6, where M = Mo and W

Calculations employing density functional theory (Gaussian 98, B3LYP, LANL2DZ, 6-31G) have been undertaken to interrogate the factors influencing the metathesis reaction involving M-M, C-C, and M-C triple bonds for the model compounds M(2)(EH)(6), M(2)(EH)(6)(mu-C(2)H(2)), and [(HE)(3)M(tbd1;CH)](2), where M = Mo, W and E = O, S. Whereas in all cases the ethyne adducts are predicted to be enthalpically favored in the reactions between M(2)(EH)(6) compounds and ethyne, only when M = W and E = O is the alkylidyne product [(HO)(3)W(tbd1;CH)](2) predicted to be more stable than the alkyne adduct. For the reaction M(2)(EH)(6)(mu-C(2)H(2)) --> [(HE)(3)M(tbd1;CH)](2), the deltaG degrees values (kcal mol(-)(1)) are -6 (M = W, E = O), +5 (M = Mo, E = O), +18 (M = W, E = S), and +21 (M = Mo, E = S) and the free energies of activation are calculated to be deltaG() = +19 kcal mol(-)(1) (M = W, E = O) and +34 kcal mol(-)(1) (M = Mo, E = O), where the transition state involves an asymmetric bridged structure M(2)(OH)(4)(mu-OH)(2)(CH)(mu-CH) in which the C-C bond has broken; C.C = 1.89 and 1.98 A for W and Mo, respectively. These results are discussed in terms of the experimental observations of the reactions involving ethyne and the symmetrically substituted alkynes (RCCR, where R = Me, Et) with M(2)(O(t)()Bu)(6) and M(2)(O(t)()Bu)(2)(S(t)()Bu)(4) compounds, where M = Mo, W.     

Synthesis of ((t)Bu3SiNH)2ClW triple bond WCl(NHSi(t)Bu3)2 and its degradation via NH bond activation.

Treatment of NaW2Cl7(THF)5 with 4 equiv of (t)Bu3SiNHLi afforded the C2 W(III) dimer [((t)Bu3SiNH)2WCl]2 (1, d(W triple bond W) = 2.337(2) A), which is a rare, primary amide M2X4Y2 species. Its degradation provided evidence of NH bond activation by the ditungsten bond. Addition of 2 equiv of (t)Bu3SiNHLi or TlOSi(t)Bu3 to 1 yielded H2 and hydride ((t)Bu3SiN)2((t)Bu3SiNH)WH (2, d(WH) = 1.67(3) A) or ((t)Bu3SiN)2((t)Bu3SiO)WH (3). Thermolysis (60 degrees C, 16 h) of 1 in py gave ((t)Bu3SiN)2WHCl(py) (4-py, 40-50%), ((t)Bu3SiN)2WCl2(py) (6-py, 10%), and ((t)Bu3SiN)2HW(mu-Cl)(mu-H)2W(NSi(t)Bu3)py2 (5-py2, 5%), whereas thermolysis in DME produced ((t)Bu3SiN)2WCl(OMe) (7, 30%), ((t)Bu3SiN)2WCl2 (6, 20%), and ((t)Bu3SiN)2HW(mu-Cl)(mu-H)2W(NSi(t)Bu3)DME (5-DME, 3%). Compound 7 was independently produced via thermolysis of 4-py and DME (-MeOEt, -py), and THF and ethylene oxide addition to hydride 2 gave ((t)Bu3SiN)2((t)Bu3SiNH)WO(n)Bu (8) and ((t)Bu3SiN)2((t)Bu3SiNH)WOEt (9), respectively. Dichloride 6 was isolated from SnCl4 treatment of 1 with the loss of H2. Sequential NH bond activations by the W2 core lead to "((t)Bu3SiN)2WHCl" (4) and subsequent thermal degradation products. Thermolysis of 1 in the presence of H2C=CH(t)Bu and PhC triple bond CPh trapped 4 and generated ((t)Bu3SiN)2W((neo)Hex)Cl (10) and a approximately 6:1 mixture of ((t)Bu3SiN)2WCl(cis-CPh=CPhH) (11-cis) and ((t)Bu(3)SiN)2WCl(trans-CPh=CPhH) (11-trans), respectively. Thermolysis of the latter mixture afforded ((t)Bu3SiNH)((t)Bu3SiN)WCl(eta2-PhCCPh) (12) as the major constituent. Alkylation of 1 with MeMgBr produced ((t)Bu3SiN)2W(CH3)2 (13), as did addition of 2 equiv of MeMgBr to 6. X-ray crystal structure determinations of 1, 2, 5-py2, 6-py, 11-trans, and 12 confirmed spectroscopic identifications. A general mechanism that features a sequence of NH activations to generate 4, followed by chloride metathesis, olefin insertion, etc., explains the formation of all products.     

Monomeric Bis(eta(2)-alkyne)copper(I) and -silver(I) Halides, Pseudohalides, and Arenethiolates

The synthesis and characterization of the complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)SiMe(3))(2)Ti(C&tbd1;CSiMe(3))(2)]MX (M = Cu, X = OTf (2), SC(6)H(5) (4), SC(6)H(4)NMe(2)-2 (5), SC(6)H(4)CH(2)NMe(2)-2 (6), S-1-C(10)H(6)NMe(2)-8 (7), Cl (8), (N&tbd1;CMe)PF(6) (9); M = Ag, X = OTf (3)) are described. These complexes contain monomeric MX entities, which are eta(2)-bonded by both alkyne functionalities of the organometallic bis(alkyne) ligand [(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)SiMe(3))(2)Ti(C&tbd1;CSiMe(3))(2)] (1). The reactions of 2 with the Lewis bases N&tbd1;CPh and N&tbd1;CC(H)=C(H)C&tbd1;N afford the cationic complexes {[(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)SiMe(3))(2)Ti(C&tbd1;CSiMe(3))(2)]Cu(N&tbd1;CPh)}OTf (10) and {[(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)SiMe(3))(2)Ti(C&tbd1;CSiMe(3))(2)]Cu}(2)(N&tbd1;CC(H)=C(H)C&tbd1;N)(OTf)(2) (11), respectively. The X-ray structures of 2, 3, and 6 have been determined. Crystals of 2 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, with a = 12.8547(7) ?, b = 21.340(2) ?, c = 18.279(1) ?, beta = 133.623(5) degrees, V= 3629.7(5) ?(3), Z = 4, and final R = 0.047 for 5531 reflections with I >/= 2.5sigma(I) and 400 variables. The silver triflate complex 3 is isostructural, but not isomorphous, with the corresponding copper complex 2, and crystals of 3 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, with a = 13.384(3) ?, b = 24.55(1) ?, c = 13.506(3) ?, beta = 119.21(2) degrees, V = 3873(2) ?(3), Z = 4, and final R = 0.038 for 3578 reflections with F >/= 4sigma(F) and 403 variables. Crystals of the copper arenethiolate complex 6 are triclinic, space group P&onemacr;, with a = 11.277(3) ?, b = 12.991(6) ?, c = 15.390(6) ?, alpha = 65.17(4) degrees, beta = 78.91(3) degrees, gamma = 84.78(3) degrees, V = 2008(2) ?(3), Z = 2, and final R = 0.079 for 6022 reflections and 388 variables. Complexes 2-11 all contain a monomeric bis(eta(2)-alkyne)M(eta(1)-X) unit (M = Cu, Ag) in which the group 11 metal atom is trigonally coordinated by the chelating bis(eta(2)-alkyne) entity Ti(C&tbd1;CSiMe(3))(2) and an eta(1)-bonded monoanionic ligand X. The copper arenethiolate complexes 4-7 are fluxional in solution.     

Low coordinate, monomeric molybdenum and tungsten(III) complexes: structure, reactivity and calculational studies of (silox)3Mo and (silox)3ML (M = Mo, W; L = PMe3, CO; silox = (t)Bu3SiO)

Treatment of (silox)3MCl (M = Mo, 1-Cl; W, 2-Cl; silox = (t)Bu3SiO) with PMe3 and Na/Hg led to formation of monomeric, d(3) phosphine adducts, (silox)3MPMe3 (M = Mo, 1-PMe3; W, 2-PMe3) via (silox)3ClMPMe3 (M = Mo, 1-ClPMe3; W, 2-ClPMe3). Structural studies show 1-PMe3 and 2-PMe3 to be highly distorted; calculations on full chemical models corroborate experimentally determined S = 1/2 ground states and their structural features. The compounds contain a bent M-P bond that is characteristic of significant sigma/pi-mixing. PMe3 may be thermally removed from 1-PMe3 in vacuo to produce (4)A2' (silox) 3Mo (1), which was derivatized with CO, NO, and 1/4 P4 to form (silox)3Mo (1-CO), (silox)3MoNO (1-NO), and (silox)3MoP (1-P), respectively. Calculations revealed (silox)3W (2') to have an S = 1/2 ground state, which may render it too reactive to be isolated. Treatment of 2-PMe3 with CO, NO, and 1/4 P4 formed (silox)3WCO (2-CO), (silox)3WNO (2-NO), and (silox)3WP (2-P), respectively. 2-CO and 2-NO are more conveniently prepared from Na/Hg reductions of 2-Cl in the presence of CO and NO, respectively. Calculations reveal subtle effects of nd(z2)/(n+1)s mixing in differentiating the chemistry of Mo and W and in rationalizing the generation of mononuclear species.     

Low-coordinate chromium siloxides: the "box" [Cr(mu-Cl)(mu-OSitBu3)]4, distorted trigonal [(tBu3SiO)3Cr][Na(benzene)] and [(tBu3SiO)3Cr][Na(dibenzo-18-c-6)], and trigonal (tBu3SiO)3Cr

Treatment of CrCl(2)(THF)(2) with NaOSi(t)Bu(3) afforded the tetrameric "box" [Cr(mu-Cl)(mu-OSi(t)Bu(3))](4) (1, X-ray). THF cleaved 1 to provide trans-(silox)ClCr(THF)(2) (2), whereas degradation of 1 with 4-picoline caused disproportionation and the generation of trans-Cl(2)Cr(4-pic)(2) and trans-(silox)(2)Cr(4-pic)(x) (n = 2, 3; 3, 3-4-pic). Chromous centers in 1 were antiferromagnetically coupled, and density functional calculations on the high-spin (multiplicity = 17) model [Cr(mu-Cl)(mu-OH)](4) (1') revealed that its singly occupied 3d orbitals spanned an energy range of approximately 2 eV. The addition of 8 equiv of Na(silox) to 1 yielded [((t)Bu(3)SiO)Cr(mu-OSi(t)Bu(3))(2)]Na.C(6)H(6) (4, Y shaped, angle OCrO(Na) = 91.28(7) degrees), and treatment of 4 with dibenzo-18-crown-6 produced [(silox)(3)Cr][Na(dibenzo-18-crown-6)] (5, angle OCrO = approximately 120 degrees, (120 + alpha) degrees, (120 - alpha) degrees). Calculations of [((t)Bu(3)SiO)Cr(mu-OSi(t)Bu(3))(2)]Na (4') and Cr(silox)(3)(-) (5') provided reasonable matches with the experimental geometries (X-ray). The trigonal chromic derivative (silox)(3)Cr (6) was synthesized from CrCl(3)(THF)(3) for structural and calculational comparisons to the chromous derivatives.     

N-Methyl-2-(methylamino)troponiminate Complexes of Tin(II), Gallium(III), and Indium(III). Syntheses of [(Me)(2)ATI](2)GaI and [(Me)(2)ATI](2)InCl Using the Tin(II) Reagent [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn

The N-methyl-2-(methylamino)troponimine [(Me)(2)ATI]H reacts with bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amido]tin(II) to yield [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn in excellent yield. The treatment of [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn with GaI and InCl led to the bis(ligand)gallium(III) and -indium(III) compounds [(Me)(2)ATI](2)GaI and [(Me)(2)ATI](2)InCl. These metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. All three metal adducts show fluxional behavior in solution at room temperature. [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn exhibits a pseudo trigonal bipyramidal structure in the solid state. The gallium and indium atoms in [(Me)(2)ATI](2)GaI and [(Me)(2)ATI](2)InCl adopt trigonal bipyramidal geometry around the metal center with the halide occupying an equatorial site. A convenient, high-yield route to [(Me)(2)ATI]H is also reported. Crystal data with Mo Kalpha (lambda = 0.710 73 ?) at 183 K: [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn, C(18)H(22)N(4)Sn, a = 8.4347(11) ?, b = 10.5564(13) ?, c = 11.5527(11) ?, alpha = 66.931(8) degrees, beta = 73.579(9) degrees, gamma = 67.437(7) degrees, V = 863.3(2) ?(3), triclinic, space group P&onemacr;, Z = 2, R = 0.0224; [(Me)(2)ATI](2)GaI, C(18)H(22)GaIN(4), a = 12.947(2) ?, b = 9.5834(9) ?, c = 16.0132(12) ?, beta = 107.418(8) degrees, V = 1895.8(3) ?(3), monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, Z = 4, R = 0.0214; [(Me)(2)ATI](2)InCl, C(18)H(22)ClInN(4), a = 24.337(3) ?, b = 8.004(2) ?, c = 19.339(3) ?, beta = 101.537(13) degrees, V = 3691.1(11) ?(3), monoclinic, space group C2/c, Z = 8, R = 0.0224.     

Synthesis and reactivity of [(silox)2Mo=NR]2Hg (R=tBu, tAmyl; silox=OSitBu3): unusual thermal stability and ready nucleophilic cleavage rationalized by electronic factors

Treatment of (DME)Cl2Mo(=NR)2 (R=tBu, (1-tBu), tAmyl (1-tAmyl)) with 2 equiv of tBu3SiOH (siloxH) and 1 equiv of HCl produced (silox)2Cl2Mo=NR (R=tBu, (3-tBu), tAmyl (3-tAmyl)); subsequent reduction by Na/Hg afforded the Mo(V) chloride, (silox)2ClMo=NtBu (4-tBu), and the Mo(IV) mercury derivatives, [(silox)2Mo=NR]2Hg (R=tBu ((5-tBu)2Hg), tAmyl ((5-tAmyl)2Hg)). Reductions of 3-tBu and 3-tAmyl in the presence of L (L=PMe3, pyridine, 4-picoline) led to the isolation of adducts (silox)2(Me3P)Mo=NR (R=tBu (6-tBu), tAmyl (6-tAmyl)) and (silox)2L2Mo=NtBu (L=py (7-py), 4-pic (7-4-pic)). Single-crystal X-ray structural investigations of pseudo-tetrahedral 4-tBu, Hg-capped, pseudo-trigonal planar (5-tBu)2Hg, pseudo-tetrahedral 6-tBu, and trigonal bipyramidal 7-4-pic reveal that all possess a closed O-Mo-O angle when compared to the N=Mo-O angles. A molecular orbital rationale and supporting calculations suggest that this is a manifestation of the greater pi-donating ability of the imido relative to that of the siloxides. While the D(Mo-Hg) of [(HO)2Mo=NH]2Hg ((5')2Hg) was calculated to be 22.4 kcal/mol, (5-R)2Hg (R=tBu, tAmyl) are remarkably stable; (5-tBu)2Hg degraded in a first-order fashion with DeltaG=31.9(1) kcal/mol. In the presence of strong (L=PMe, pyridine, S8) or weak (L=2-butyne, ethylene, N2O, 1,4,7,10-tetrathiacyclododecane, 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexathiacyclooctadecane) nucleophiles, an enhanced rate of Mo-Hg bond cleavage was noted, with some of the former group generating adducts in <5 min; the products were 6-tBu, 7-py, (silox)2(S)Mo=NtBu (10-tBu), (silox)2Mo=NtBu(C2Me2) (8-tBu), (silox)2(C2H4)Mo=NtBu (11-tBu), (silox)2(O)Mo=NtBu (9-tBu), and a mixture of 10-tBu and 11-tBu, respectively. Some of these were independently prepared via substitution of 6-tBu. According to calculations and a molecular orbital rationale, dissociation of the Mo-Hg bond in (5-R)2Hg (R=tBu, tAmyl) is orbitally forbidden, and the addition of a nucleophile to the terminus of the Mo-Hg-Mo linkage mitigates the symmetry requirements. The mechanism of thermal degradation was studied with mixed success. NMR spectroscopy revealed imido exchange between (5-tBu)2Hg and (5-tAmyl)2Hg during an initial induction period and a subsequent rapid exchange period that implicated free 5-R (R=tBu, tAmyl). Further crossover studies revealed siloxide exchange as an additional complication.     

3-center-4-electron bonding in [(silox)2Mo=NtBu]2(mu-Hg) controls reactivity while frontier orbitals permit a dimolybdenum pi-bond energy estimate

Na/Hg reduction of (silox)2Cl2Mo=NtBu (3) afforded C2h [(silox)2Mo=NtBu]2(mu-Hg) (12-Hg), which consists of two distorted trigonal monoprisms with Hg at the each apex (d(MoHg) = 2.6810(5) A). Calculations reveal 3c4e bonding in the linear MoHgMo linkage that renders 12-Hg susceptible to nucleophilic cleavage. Exposure to PMe3 and pyridine rapidly (<5 min) affords (silox)2(tBuN)MoLn (L = PMe3, n = 1 (1-PMe3); py, n = 2 (1-py2)), while poorer nucleophiles (L = C2H4, 2-butyne) yield adducts (e.g., 1-C2H4 and 1-C2Me2) after prolonged heating. The HOMO and LUMO of 12-Hg are "stretched" pi and pi* orbitals from which four states arise: 1Ag (GS), 3Bu, 1Bu, and 1Ag. DeltaE = E(1Bu) - E(3Bu) = 2K, where K is the exchange energy. Magnetic studies indicate E(3Bu) - E(1Ag) approximately 550 cm-1 (calcd 1744 cm-1), and a UV-vis absorption at 10 000 cm-1 is assigned to 1Ag --> 1Bu, permitting K to be evaluated as 4725 cm-1. With the pi --> pi* transition in Schrock's [Mo(NAr)(CH2tBu)(OC6F5)]2 (4) assigned at 528 nm, this estimation places its pi-bond energy as {E(pi2 --> pi1pi*1 in 4) - E(1Ag --> 1Bu in 12-Hg)} + E(1Ag --> 3Bu in 12-Hg) = 27 kcal/mol.     

Evidence for strong tantalum-to-boron dative interactions in (silox)3Ta(BH3) and (silox)3Ta(eta2-B,Cl-BCl2Ph) (silox = tBu3SiO)1

Treatment of (silox)3Ta (1, silox = tBu3SiO) with BH3.THF and BCl2Ph afforded (silox)3Ta(BH3) (2) and (silox)3Ta(eta2-B,Cl-BCl2Ph) (3), which are both remarkably stable Ta(III) compounds. NMe3 and ethylene failed to remove BH3 from 2, and no indication of BH3 exchange with BH3.THF-d8 was noted via variable-temperature 1H NMR studies. Addition of BH3.THF to (silox)3TaH2 provided the borohydride-hydride (silox)3HTa(eta3-BH4) (5), and its thermolysis released H2 to generate 2. Exposure of 2 to D2 enabled the preparation of isotopologues (silox)3Ta(BH3-nDn) (n = 0, 2; 1, 2-D; 2, 2-D2; 3, 2-D3) for isotopic perturbation of chemical shift studies, but these failed to distinguish between "inverse adduct" (i.e., (silox)3Ta-->BH3) or (silox)3Ta(eta2-B,H-BH3) forms of 2. Computational models (RO)3Ta(BH3) (R = H, 2'; SiH3, 2SiH SiMe3, 2SiMe, and SitBu3, 2SiBu) were investigated to assess the relative importance of steric and electronic effects on structure and bonding. With small R, eta2-B,H structures were favored, but for 2SiMe and 2SiBu, the dative structure proved to be similar in energy. The electonic and vibrational features of both structure types were probed. The IR spectrum of 2 was best matched by the eta2-B,H conformer of 2SiBu. In related computations pertaining to 3, small R models favored the oxidative addition of a BCl bond, while with R = SitBu3 (3SiBu), an excellent match with its X-ray crystal structure revealed the critical steric influence of the silox ligands.     

Diruthenium complexes [((acac)2RuIII)2(mu-OC2H5)2], [((acac)(2RuIII)2(mu-L)](ClO4)2, and [((bpy)(2RuII)2(mu-L)](ClO4)4 [L = (NC5H4)2-N-C6H4-N-(NC5H4)2, acac = acetylacetonate, and bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine]. synthesis, structure, magnetic, spectral, and photophysical aspects

Paramagnetic diruthenium(III) complexes (acac)(2)Ru(III)(mu-OC(2)H(5))(2)Ru(III)(acac)(2) (6) and [(acac)(2)Ru(III)(mu-L)Ru(III)(acac)(2)](ClO(4))(2), [7](ClO(4))(2), were obtained via the reaction of binucleating bridging ligand, N,N,N',N'-tetra(2-pyridyl)-1,4-phenylenediamine [(NC(5)H(4))(2)-N-C(6)H(4)-N-(NC(5)H(4))(2), L] with the monomeric metal precursor unit (acac)(2)Ru(II)(CH(3)CN)(2) in ethanol under aerobic conditions. However, the reaction of L with the metal fragment Ru(II)(bpy)(2)(EtOH)(2)(2+) resulted in the corresponding [(bpy)(2)Ru(II) (mu-L) Ru(II)(bpy)(2)](ClO(4))(4), [8](ClO(4))(4). Crystal structures of L and 6 show that, in each case, the asymmetric unit consists of two independent half-molecules. The Ru-Ru distances in the two crystallographically independent molecules (F and G) of 6 are found to be 2.6448(8) and 2.6515(8) A, respectively. Variable-temperature magnetic studies suggest that the ruthenium(III) centers in 6 and [7](ClO(4))(2) are very weakly antiferromagnetically coupled, having J = -0.45 and -0.63 cm(-)(1), respectively. The g value calculated for 6 by using the van Vleck equation turned out to be only 1.11, whereas for [7](ClO(4))(2), the g value is 2.4, as expected for paramagnetic Ru(III) complexes. The paramagnetic complexes 6 and [7](2+) exhibit rhombic EPR spectra at 77 K in CHCl(3) (g(1) = 2.420, g(2) = 2.192, g(3) = 1.710 for 6 and g(1) = 2.385, g(2) = 2.177, g(3) = 1.753 for [7](2+)). This indicates that 6 must have an intermolecular magnetic interaction, in fact, an antiferromagnetic interaction, along at least one of the crystal axes. This conclusion was supported by ZINDO/1-level calculations. The complexes 6, [7](2+), and [8](4+) display closely spaced Ru(III)/Ru(II) couples with 70, 110, and 80 mV separations in potentials between the successive couples, respectively, implying weak intermetallic electrochemical coupling in their mixed-valent states. The electrochemical stability of the Ru(II) state follows the order: [7](2+) < 6 < [8](4+). The bipyridine derivative [8](4+) exhibits a strong luminescence [quantum yield (phi) = 0.18] at 600 nm in EtOH/MeOH (4:1) glass (at 77 K), with an estimated excited-state lifetime of approximately 10 micros.     

The course of (R2R'SiO)3TaCl2 (R = tBu, R' = H, Me, Ph, tBu (silox); R = iPr, R' = tBu, iPr) reduction is dependent on siloxide size

Various sized siloxides (Cy(3)SiO > (t)Bu(3)SiO > (t)Bu(2)PhSiO > (t)Bu(2)MeSiO approximately (i)Pr(2)(t)BuSiO > (i)Pr(3)SiO > (t)Bu(2)HSiO) were used to make (R(2)R'SiO)(3)TaCl(2) (R = (t)Bu, R' = H (1-H), Me (1-Me), Ph (1-Ph), (t)Bu (1); R = (i)Pr, R' = (t)Bu (1-(i)Pr(2)); R = R' = (i)Pr (1-(i)Pr(3)); R = R' = (c)Hex (Cy)). Product analyses of sodium amalgam reductions of several dichlorides suggest that [(R(2)R'SiO)(3)Ta](2)(mu-Cl)(2) may be a common intermediate. When the siloxide is large (1-(t)Bu), formation of the Ta(III) species ((t)Bu(3)SiO)(3)Ta (6) occurs via disproportionation. When the siloxide is small, the Ta(IV) intermediate is stable (e.g., [((i)Pr(3)SiO)(3)Ta](2)(mu-Cl)(2) (2)), and when intermediate sized siloxides are used, solvent bond activation via unstable Ta(III) tris-siloxides is proposed to occur. Under hydrogen, reductions of 1-Me and 1-Ph provide Ta(IV) and Ta(V) hydrides [((t)Bu(2)MeSiO)(3)Ta](2)(micro-H)(2) (4-Me) and ((t)Bu(2)PhSiO)(3)TaH(2) (7-Ph), respectively.     

Aggregation of [(tBu3SiS)MX]: structures of {[Br2Fe(mu-SSitBu3)2)FeBr(THF)]Na(THF)4}infinity, cis-[(THF)FeI]2(mu-SSitBu3)2, [(tBu3SiS)Fe]2(mu-SSitBu3)2, and comparative structure and magnetism studies of [(tBu3SiS)MX]n (M = Fe, Co, X = Cl, n = 12; M = Fe, Ni, X = Br, n = 12; M = Fe, X = I, n = 14)

A convenient synthesis of (t)Bu(3)SiSH and (t)Bu(3)SiSNa(THF)(x)() led to the exploration of "(t)Bu(3)SiSMX" aggregation. The dimer, [((t)Bu(3)SiS)Fe](2)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))(2) (1(2)), was formed from [{(Me(3)Si)(2)N}Fe](2)(mu-N(SiMe(3))(2))(2) and the thiol, and its dissolution in THF generated ((t)Bu(3)SiS)(2)Fe(THF)(2) (1-(THF)(2)). Metathetical procedures with the thiolate yielded aggregate precursors [X(2)Fe](mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))(2)[FeX(THF)]Na(THF)(4) (3-X, X = Cl, Br) and cis-[(THF)IFe](2)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))(2) (4). Thermal desolvations of 3-Cl, 3-Br and 4 afforded molecular wheels [Fe(mu-X)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))](12)(C(6)H(6))(n) (5-FeX, X = Cl, Br) and the ellipse [Fe(mu-I)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))](14)(C(6)H(6))(n) (6-FeI). Related metathesis and desolvation sequences led to wheels [Co(mu-Cl)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))](12)(C(6)H(6))(n) (5-CoCl) and [Ni(mu-Br)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))](12)(C(6)H(6))(n) (5-NiBr). The nickel wheel disproportionated to give, in part, [((t)Bu(3)SiS)Ni](2)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))(2) (7), which was also synthesized via salt metathesis. X-ray structural studies of 1(2) revealed a roughly planar Fe(2)S(4) core, while 1-(THF)(2), 3-Br, and 4 possessed simple distorted tetrahedral and edge-shared tetrahedral structures. X-ray structural studies revealed 5-MX (MX = FeCl, FeBr, CoCl, NiBr) to be wheels based on edge-shared tetrahedra, but while the pseudo-D(6)(d) wheels of 5-FeCl, 5-CoCl, and 5-FeBr pack in a body-centered arrangement, those of pseudo-C(6)(v)() 5-NiBr exhibit hexagonal packing and two distinct trans-annular d(Br...Br). Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements were conducted on 5-FeCl, 5-CoCl, 5-FeBr, and 6-FeI, and the latter three are best construed as weakly antiferromagnetic, while 5-FeCl exhibited modest ferromagnetic coupling. Features suggesting molecular magnetism are most likely affiliated with phase changes at low temperatures.     

Generation and characterization of [(P)M-(X)-Co(TMPA)]n+ assemblies; P = Porphyrinate, M = FeIII and CoIII, X = O2-, OH-, O2(2-), and TMPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine

With the established chemistry of bridged [(porphyrinate)FeIII-X-CuII(ligand)]n+ [X = O2- (oxo), OH- (hydroxo), O22- (peroxo)] complexes, we investigated the effect of cobalt ion substitution for copper or copper and iron. Thus, in this report, the generation and characterization of new mu-oxo, micro-hydroxo, and micro-peroxo (micro-X) assemblies of [(porphyrinate)MIII-X-CoII/III(TMPA)]n+ assemblies is described, where M = FeIII or CoIII and TMPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine. The mu-oxo complex [(F8TPP)FeIII-O-CoII(TMPA)]+ (1, F8TPP = tetrakis(2,6-difluorphenyl)porphyrinate) was isolated by an acid-base self-assembly reaction of a 1:1 mixture of (F8TPP)FeIII-OH and [CoII(TMPA)(MeCN)]2+ upon addition of triethylamine. The crystal structure of 1.2C4H10O proved the presence of an unsupported Fe-O-Co moiety; angleFe-O-Co = 171.6 degrees and d(Fe...Co) = 3.58 A. Complex 1 was further characterized by UV-vis (lambdamax = 437 (Soret) and 557 nm), 1H NMR [delta 40.6 (pyrrole-H), 8.8 and 8.7 (m-phenyl-H), 8.0 (p-phenyl-H), 4.4 (PY-4H), 2.6 (PY-3H), 1.0 (PY-5H), -1.1 (PY-6H), and -2.7 (TMPA-CH2-) ppm], electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometric methods, Evans method NMR (microeff = 3.1), and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) susceptometry (J = -114 cm-1, S = 1). The micro-hydroxo analogue [(F8TPP)FeIII-(OH)-CoII(TMPA)]+ (2) [UV-vis lambdamax = 567 nm; delta 78 ppm (pyrrole-H); Evans NMR microeff = 3.7] was generated by addition of 1 equiv of triflic acid to 1. The protonation is completely reversible, and 1 is regenerated from 2 by addition of triethylamine. While (F8TPP)FeII/[CoII(TMPA)(MeCN)]2+/O2 chemistry does not lead to a stable micro-peroxo species, a dicobalt micro-peroxo complex [(TPP)CoIII-(O22-)-CoIII(TMPA)]2+ (3, TPP = meso-tetraphenylporphyrinate) forms from a reaction of O2 with a 1:1 mixture of the CoII precursor components at -80 degrees C [UV-vis lambdamax = 435 (Soret), 548, and 583 (weak) nm; silent EPR spectrum; diamagnetic NMR spectrum]. The oxygenation/deoxygenation equilibrium is reversible; warming solutions of 3 releases approximately 1 equiv of O2 and the reduced complexes are reformed.     

Mixed guanidinato/alkylimido/azido tungsten(VI) complexes: synthesis and structural characterization

A series of structurally characterized new examples of pentacoordinated heteroleptic tungsten(VI)-guanidinates complexes are described. Starting out from [WCl(2)(Nt-Bu)(2)py(2)] (1) (py = pyridine) and the guanidinato transfer reagents (TMEDA)Li[(Ni-Pr)(2)CNi-Pr(2)] (2a) (TMEDA = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylendiamine) and [Li(NC(NMe(2))(2))](x) (2b), the title compounds [WCl(Nt-Bu)(2)[(Ni-Pr)(2)CNi-Pr(2)]] (3) and [W(Nt-Bu)(2)Cl{NC(NMe(2))(2)]](2) (6) were selectively formed by the elimination of one mole equivalent of lithium chloride. The isopropyl-substituted guanidinato ligand [(Ni-Pr)(2)CNi-Pr(2)} of monomeric 3 is N(1),N(3)-bonded to the tungsten center. The introduction of the sterically less-demanding tetramethyl guanidinato ligand [NC(NMe(2))(2)] expectedly leads to dimeric 6 exhibiting a planar W(2)N(2) ring with the guanidinato group bridging the two tungsten centers via the deprotonated imino N-atom. The remaining chloro ligand of 3 is labile and can be substituted by sterically less-crowded groups such as dimethylamido or azido that yield the presumably monomeric compounds 4 and 5, respectively. A similar treatment of 6 with sodium azide yields the dimeric azido derivative 7. Reacting [WCl(2)(Nt-Bu)(2)py(2)] directly with an excess of sodium azide leads to the dimeric bis-azide species [[W(Nt-Bu)(2)(N(3))(mu(2)-N(3))py](2)]. The new compounds were fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry (except 2, 4, and 5), NMR, IR, and mass-spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis. Compound 5, [W(N(3))(Nt-Bu)(2)[(Ni-Pr)(2)CNi-Pr(2)]], can be sublimed at 80 degrees C, 1 Pa.