Quenched gas-phase reactions of tetraborane(10), B4H10, with substituted alkynes: new nido-dicarbapentaboranes and arachno-monocarbapentaboranes

New alkyl derivatives of the nido-dicarbapentaborane, 1,2-C(2)B(3)H(7), and arachno-carbapentaborane, 1-CB(4)H(10), have been identified as the main volatile carbaborane products in quenched gas-phase reactions of tetraborane(10), B(4)H(10), with alkyl-substituted ethynes RC[triple bond]CR' (R = Me, Et, (n)Pr or (t)Bu, R' = H; R = Me or Et, R' = Me). The gaseous mixtures were heated at 70 degrees C, and monitored by gas-phase mass spectrometry. Each reaction was quenched when the ethyne was used up. The quenched gas-phase reaction of B(4)H(10) and Me(3)SiC[triple bond]CH gave a single volatile carbaborane product, 1-Me(3)Si-1,2-C(2)B(3)H(6).     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of 13-vertex carboranes and 14-vertex metallacarboranes

Syntheses, properties, and synthetic applications of 13-vertex closo- and nido-carboranes are reported. Reactions of the nido-carborane salt [(CH2)3C2B10H10]Na2 with dihaloborane reagents afforded 13-vertex closo-carboranes 1,2-(CH2)3-3-R-1,2-C2B11H10 (R = H (2), Ph (3), Z-EtCH=C(Et) (4), E-(t)BuCH=CH (5)). Treatment of the arachno-carborane salt [(CH2)3C2B10H10]Li4 with HBBr2.SMe2 gave both the 13-vertex carborane 2 and a 14-vertex closo-carborane (CH2)3C2B12H12 (8). On the other hand, the reaction of [C6H4(CH2)2C2B10H10]Li4 with HBBr2.SMe2 generated only a 13-vertex closo-carborane 1,2-C6H4(CH2)2-1,2-C2B11H11 (9). Electrophilic substitution reactions of 2 with excess MeI, Br2, or I2 in the presence of a catalytic amount of AlCl3 produced the hexa-substituted 13-vertex carboranes 8,9,10,11,12,13-X6-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H5 (X = Me (10), Br (11), I (12)). The halogenated products 11 and 12 displayed unexpected instability toward moisture. The 13-vertex closo-carboranes were readily reduced by groups 1 and 2 metals. Accordingly, several 13-vertex nido-carborane dianionic salts [nido-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H11][Li2(DME)2(THF)2] (13), [[nido-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H11][Na2(THF)4]]n (13a), [[nido-1,2-(CH2)3-3-Ph-1,2-C2B11H10][Na2(THF)4]]n (14), [[nido-1,2-C6H4(CH2)2-1,2-C2B11H11][Na2(THF)4]]n (15), and [nido-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H11][M(THF)5] (M = Mg (16), Ca (17)) were prepared in good yields. These carbon-atom-adjacent nido-carboranes were not further reduced to the corresponding arachno species by lithium metal. On the other hand, like other nido-carborane dianions, they were useful synthons for the production of super-carboranes and supra-icosahedral metallacarboranes. Interactions of 13a with HBBr2.SMe2, (dppe)NiCl2, and (dppen)NiCl2 gave the 14-vertex carborane 8 and nickelacarboranes [eta5-(CH2)3C2B11H11]Ni(dppe) (18) and [eta5-(CH2)3C2B11H11]Ni(dppen) (19), respectively. All complexes were fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. Some were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone by lithium piperazinyl-aminephenolate complexes: synthesis, characterization and kinetic studies

A series of lithium complexes were prepared from 2(N-piperazinyl-N'-methyl)-2-methylene-4-R'-6-R-phenols ([ONN](RR')) and characterized through elemental analysis, (1)H and (13)C{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Treatment of the ligands with n-butyllithium afforded {Li[ONN](RR')}(3) [R = Me, R' = (t)Bu, (1); R = R' = (t)Bu (2); R = R' = (t)Am, (3), (t)Am = C(CH(3))(2)CH(2)CH(3)], with trimetallic structures in the solid-state as shown by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The reactivity of these complexes in the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL), as well as the influences of monomer concentration, monomer/Li molar ratio, polymerization temperature and time, was studied. Rates of polymerization were first order with respect to both monomer and lithium concentrations, and activation energies for the reactions were determined. MALDI-TOF MS analysis revealed that transesterification had occurred during the polymerization.     

Sulfur, tin and gold derivatives of 1-(2'-pyridyl)-ortho-carborane, 1-R-2-X-1,2-C2B10H10 (R = 2'-pyridyl, X = SH, SnMe3 or AuPPh3)

Reaction of the lithium salt of 1-(2'-pyridyl)-ortho-carborane, Li[1-R-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10)](R = 2'-NC(5)H(4)), with sulfur, followed by hydrolysis, gave the mercapto-o-carborane, 1-R-2-SH-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10) which forms chiral crystals containing helical chains of molecules linked by intermolecular S-H...N hydrogen bonds. The cage C(1)-C(2) and exo C(2)-S bond lengths (1.730(3) and 1.775(2)[Angstrom], respectively) are indicative of exo S=C pi bonding. The tin derivative 1-R-2-SnMe(3)-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10), prepared from Li[1-R-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10)] and Me(3)SnCl, crystallises with no significant intermolecular interactions. The pyridyl group lies in the C(1)-C(2)-Sn plane, oriented to minimise the NSn distance (2.861(3)[Angstrom]). The tin environment is distorted trigonal bipyramidal with axial N and Me. The gold derivative 1-R-2-AuPPh(3)-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10), prepared from Li[1-R-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10)] and AuCl(PPh(3)), reveals no NAu interaction in its crystal structure.     

New iridacyclohexadienes and iridabenzenes by [2+2+1] cyclotrimerization of alkynes and facile interconversion between iridacyclohexadienes and iridabenzenes

Iridabenzenes [Ir[=CHCH=CHCH=C(CH2R)](CH3CN)2(PPh3)2]2+ (R=Ph 4 a, R=p-C6H4CH3 4 b) are obtained from the reactions of H+ with iridacyclohexadienes [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CH-p-C6H4R')](CO)(PPh3)2]+ (R'=H 3 a, R'=CH3 3 b), which are prepared from [2+2+1] cyclotrimerization of alkynes in the reactions of [Ir(CH3CN)(CO)(PPh3)2]+ with HC[triple chemical bond]CH and HC[triple chemical bond]CR. Iridabenzenes 4 react with CO and CH3CN in the presence of NEt3 to give iridacyclohexadienes [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CHR)](CO)2(PPh3)2]+ (6) and [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CHR)](CH3CN)2(PPh3)2]+ (7), respectively. Iridacyclohexadienes 6 and 7 also convert to iridabenzenes 4 by the reactions with H+ in the presence of CH3CN. Alkynyl iridacyclohexadienes [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CH-p-C6H4R')](-C[triple chemical bond]CH)(PPh3)2] (8) undergo a cleavage of C[triple chemical bond]C bond by H+/H2O to produce [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CH-p-C6H4R')](-CH3)(CO)(PPh3)2] (10) via facile inter-conversion between iridacyclohexadienes and iridabenzenes.     

Synthesis, reactivity and structural studies of carboranyl thioethers and disulfides

The equimolar reaction of 1-SH-2-R-1,2-closo-C2B10H10(R=Me, H, Ph) with KOH in ethanol produces the thiolate species [1-S-2-R-1,2-closo-C2B10H10]-. These react with iodine to give the disulfide bridged dicluster (1-S-2-R-1,2-closo-C2B10H10)2(R=H, Me, Ph) compounds as analytically pure, white and air-stable solids in high yield. Synthesis of monothioether bridged species is synthetically more difficult. In fact three procedures have been tested to obtain the thioether bridged dicluster compounds (2-R-1,2-closo-C2B10H10)2S (R=Me, H, Ph) but only (2-Me-1,2-closo-C2B10H10)2S was successfully synthesized and characterized. Attempts to produce mixed compounds (1-R-1,2-closo-C2B10H10)S(1-R'-1,2-closo-C2B10H10), R not=R', were unsuccessful. Deboronation reaction of this dicarboranylthioether lead, depending on the reaction conditions, to monoanionic [(2-Me-1,2-closo-C2B10H10)S(8-Me-7,8-nido-C2B9H10)]- or dianionic [(8-Me-7,8-nido-C2B9H10)2S]2- sulfur bridge anions. Deboronation of carboranyl disulfides gave the corresponding dianionic [(7-S-8-R-7,8-nido-C2B9H10)2]2-(R=H, Me, Ph) species. This reaction was very dependent, however, on the reaction conditions. With slight variation of the reaction conditions, splitting of the S-S bond leading to the thiolate species with retention of the closo cluster was also found. Carboranyl disulfides (1-S-2-R-1,2-closo-C2B10H10)2(R=H, Me, Ph) do not lead to thiosulfinates R-S(O)-S-R' by oxidation with H2O2 or I2 as organic disulfides do. This behaviour is attributed to the presence of the sulfur atom directly bonded to the carbon cluster that produces electronic transfer from the filled orbitals on the sulfur atom into the cage LUMO (largely located on the cage Cc-Cc bond). This causes a depletion of electron density on the sulfur, thence impairing sulfur oxidation, and facilitating S-S breaking. Crystal structures of monothioethers (2-Me-1,2-closo-C2B10H10)2S, [NMe4][(2-Me-1,2-closo-C2B10H10)S(8-Me-7,8-nido-C2B9H10)](the first example reported in the literature of a two cluster compound incorporating the closo C2B10 and the nido[C2B9]- moieties linked by a one member spacer) and disulfides (1-S-1,2-closo-C2B10H11)2, (1-S-2-Me-1,2-closo-C2B10H10)2, (1-S-2-Ph-1,2-closo-C2B10H10)2 are reported which support the behaviour of these species.     

The synthesis of carboacycles derived from B,B'-bis(aryl) derivatives of icosahedral ortho-carborane

Reactions of both closo-9,12-I2-1,2-C2B10H10 and closo-9,10-I2-1,7-C2B10H10 with an excess of aryl magnesium bromide in the presence of [PdCl2(PPh3)2] afford the corresponding closo-9,12-(4-R-C6H4)2-1,2-C2B10H10 [R=H (1), Me (2), OMe (3), SMe (4), N(CH3)2 (5), Cl (6)] and closo-9,10-(4-R-C6H4)2-1,7-C2B10H10 [R'=Me (7), OMe (8), N(CH3)2 (9), Cl (10), and -C[(OCH2)2]CH3 (11)] compounds in high yields. The anisole derivatives 3 and 8 were deprotected to yield the corresponding bis-phenols 12 and 13, respectively. Structural analyses of compounds 1, 3, 6, and 12 are reported. Re-etherification of compound 12 by using gamma-bromotriethyleneglycol methyl ether provided 14 (R=(CH2CH2O)3CH3). Oxidation of 4 with ceric(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) generated the bis-sulfoxide 15 (R=S(O)Me). Deprotection of compound 11 led to the corresponding acetyl derivative 18 (R'=C(O)Me). Bis-anisole 3 was tethered with 1,3-dibromopropane, 1,6-dibromohexane, 1,8-dibromooctane, 4,4'-bis(iodomethyl)-1,1'-biphenyl, and alpha,alpha'-dibromo-2,6-lutidine to afford the dimers 20b, 21b, 22b, 23b, and 24b, respectively. The tetrameric carboracycles 27a and 30a, as well as the dimeric 29c were obtained through repetitive coupling of the dimeric compounds 20b, 24b, and 22b with 1,3-dibromopropane, alpha,alpha'-dibromo-2,6-lutidine, and 1,8-dibromooctane, respectively. The tetrameric carboracycle 28a was obtained upon consecutive reactions of 1 with 1,4-dibromobutane. Hexameric carboracycle 28b was identified as a byproduct. Exhaustive ether cleavage of 27a generated octaphenol 31a. Re-etherification of 31a with trimethylenesultone provided the octasulfonate 32a, the first example of a water-soluble carboracycle. Linkage of dimer 23b with alpha,alpha'-dibromolutidine yielded the cyclic tetrameric tetrapyridyl derivative 30a in low yield. The structures of the carboracycles 27a, 28a, 28b, and 30a have been confirmed by Xray crystallography. In addition, the compounds 28a,b are the first reported carboracycles that interact with solvent molecules in a host-guest fashion.     

Intermolecular C-H bond activation reactions promoted by transient titanium alkylidynes. Synthesis, reactivity, kinetic, and theoretical studies of the Ti[triple bond]C linkage

The neopentylidene-neopentyl complex (PNP)Ti=CH(t)Bu(CH2(t)Bu) (2; PNP(-) = N[2-P(CHMe2)(2-)4-methylphenyl]2), prepared from the precursor (PNP)Ti[triple bond]CH(t)Bu(OTf) (1) and LiCH2(t)Bu, extrudes neopentane in neat benzene under mild conditions (25 degrees C) to generate the transient titanium alkylidyne, (PNP)Ti[triple bond]C(t)Bu (A), which subsequently undergoes 1,2-CH bond addition of benzene across the Ti[triple bond]C linkage to generate (PNP)Ti=CH(t)Bu(C6H5) (3). Kinetic, mechanistic, and theoretical studies suggest the C-H activation process to obey pseudo-first-order in titanium, the alpha-hydrogen abstraction to be the rate-determining step (KIE for 2/2-d(3) conversion to 3/3-d(3) = 3.9(5) at 40 degrees C) with activation parameters DeltaH = 24(7) kcal/mol and DeltaS = -2(3) cal/mol.K, and the post-rate-determining step to be C-H bond activation of benzene (primary KIE = 1.03(7) at 25 degrees C for the intermolecular C-H activation reaction in C6H6 vs C6D6). A KIE of 1.33(3) at 25 degrees C arose when the intramolecular C-H activation reaction was monitored with 1,3,5-C6H3D3. For the activation of aromatic C-H bonds, however, the formation of the sigma-complex becomes rate-determining via a hypothetical intermediate (PNP)Ti[triple bond]C(t)Bu(C6H5), and C-H bond rupture is promoted in a heterolytic fashion by applying standard Lewis acid/base chemistry. Thermolysis of 3 in C6D6 at 95 degrees C over 48 h generates 3-d(6), thereby implying that 3 can slowly equilibrate with A under elevated temperatures with k = 1.2(2) x 10-5 s(-1), and with activation parameters DeltaH = 31(16) kcal/mol and DeltaS = 3(9) cal/mol x K. At 95 degrees C for one week, the EIE for the 2 --> 3 reaction in 1,3,5-C6H3D3 was found to be 1.36(7). When 1 is alkylated with LiCH2SiMe3 and KCH2Ph, the complexes (PNP)Ti=CHtBu(CH2SiMe3) (4) and (PNP)Ti=CHtBu(CH2Ph) (6) are formed, respectively, along with their corresponding tautomers (PNP)Ti=CHSiMe3(CH2tBu) (5) and (PNP)Ti=CHPh(CH2tBu) (7). By means of similar alkylations of (PNP)Ti=CHSiMe3(OTf) (8), the degenerate complex (PNP)Ti=CHSiMe3(CH2SiMe3) (9) or the non-degenerate alkylidene-alkyl complex (PNP)Ti=CHPh(CH2SiMe3) (11) can also be obtained, the latter of which results from a tautomerization process. Compounds 4/5 and 9, or 6/7 and 11, also activate benzene to afford (PNP)Ti=CHR(C6H5) (R = SiMe3 (10), Ph (12)). Substrates such as FC6H5, 1,2-F2C6H4, and 1,4-F2C6H4 react at the aryl C-H bond with intermediate A, in some cases regioselectively, to form the neopentylidene-aryl derivatives (PNP)Ti=CHtBu(aryl). Intermediate A can also perform stepwise alkylidene-alkyl metatheses with 1,3,5-Me3C6H3, SiMe4, 1,2-bis(trimethylsilyl)alkyne, and bis(trimethylsilyl)ether to afford the titanium alkylidene-alkyls (PNP)Ti=CHR(R') (R = 3,5-Me2C6H2, R' = CH2-3,5-Me2C6H2; R = SiMe3, R' = CH2SiMe3; R = SiMe2CCSiMe3, R' = CH2SiMe2CCSiMe3; R = SiMe2OSiMe3, R' = CH2SiMe2OSiMe3).     

Highly active ethylene polymerization and regioselective 1-hexene oligomerization using zirconium and titanium catalysts with tridentate [ONO] ligands

A series of tridentate dianionic ligands [4-(t)Bu-6-R-2-(3-R'-5-(t)Bu-2-OC(6)H(2))N=CH C(6)H(2)O](2-) (L) [R = R' = (t)Bu (L1); R = CMe(2)Ph, R' = (t)Bu (L2); R = adamantyl, R' = (t)Bu (L3); R = R' = CMe(2)Ph (L4); R = SiMe(2)(t)Bu, R' = CMe(2)Ph (L5)] were synthesized. Reactions of TiCl(4) with 1 equiv of ligands L1-L5 in toluene afford five-coordinate titanium complexes with general formula LTiCl(2) [L = L1 (1); L2 (2); L3 (3); L4 (4); L5 (5)]. The addition of tetrahydrofuran (THF) to titanium complex 5 readily gives THF-solvated six-coordinate complex 6, which also was obtained by reaction of TiCl(4) with 1 equiv of ligand L5 in THF. Reactions of ZrCl(4) with 1 or 2 equiv of ligands L1-L5 afford six-coordinate zirconium mono(ligand) complexes LZrCl(2)(THF) [L = L2 (7); L4 (8); L5 (9)], and bis(ligand) complexes L(2)Zr [L = L1 (10); L4 (11)]. The molecular structures of complexes 2, 8, and 11 were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Upon activation with methylaluminoxane, complexes 1-9 are active for ethylene polymerization. The activities and half-lifes of the catalyst systems based on zirconium complexes are more than 10(6) g of polyethylene (mol Zr)(-1) h(-1) and 6 h, respectively. Complex 9 is more active and long-lived, with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 2.6 × 10(5) (mol C(2)H(4)) (mol Zr)(-1) h(-1), a half-life of >16 h, and a total turnover number (TON) of more than 10(6) (mol C(2)H(4)) (mol Zr)(-1) at 20 °C and 0.5 MPa pressure. Even at 80 °C, complex 9/MAO catalyst system has a long lifetime (t(1/2) > 2 h), as well as high activity that is comparable with that at 20 °C. When activated with methylaluminoxane (MAO), complex 9 also show moderate catalytic activity and more than 99% 2,1-regioselectivity for 1-hexene oligomerization.     

Contribution of the nido-[7,8-C2B9H10]- anion to the chemical stability, basicity, and 31P NMR chemical shift in nido-o-carboranylmonophosphines

The icosahedral dicarboranes and their decapitated anion, 1-R'-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10) (closo) and [7-R'-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(10)](-) (nido), exert a distict influence at the alpha position of substituents attached to the cage carbon atom. The closo fragment is electron-withdrawing while the nido anion is electron-releasing. These effects are studied by (31)P NMR, phosphorus oxidation, and phosphorus protonation in [7-PR(2)-8-R'-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(10)](-) species. The (31)P NMR chemical shift dependence is related to the R alkyl or aryl nature of [7-PR(2)-8-R'-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(10)](-). No direct relationship to the nature of the R substituent on the nido-carboranylmonphosphine toward oxidation has been found. The basicity of the nido-alkylcarboranylmonophosphines is the highest while the lowest corresponds to the nido-arylcarboranylmonophosphines. Interpretation can be carried out qualitatively by considering the electronic properties of the cluster and the nature of the R groups. The influence of R' is less relevant. Confirmation of the molecular structure of the oxidated and protonated nido-carboranylmonophosphine compounds was obtained by X-ray diffraction analysis of [NBu(4)][7-P(O)Ph(2)-8-Ph-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(10)] and [7-PH((i)Pr)(2)-8-Me-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(10)].     

Subtle reactivity patterns of non-heteroatom-substituted manganese alkynyl carbene complexes in the presence of phosphorus probes

The non-heteroatom-substituted manganese alkynyl carbene complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn=C(R)C[triple bond]CR'(3; 3a: R = R'= Ph, 3b: R = Ph, R'= Tol, 3c: R = Tol, R'= Ph) have been synthesised in high yields upon treatment of the corresponding carbyne complexes [eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn[triple bond]CR][BPh4]([2][BPh4]) with the appropriate alkynyllithium reagents LiC[triple bond]CR' (R'= Ph, Tol). The use of tetraphenylborate as counter anion associated with the cationic carbyne complexes has been decisive. The X-ray structures of (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn=C(Tol)C[triple bond]CPh (3c), and its precursor [(eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn=CTol][BPh4]([2b](BPh4]) are reported. The reactivity of complexes toward phosphines has been investigated. In the presence of PPh3, complexes act as a Michael acceptor to afford the zwitterionic sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)=C=C(PPh3)R' (5) resulting from nucleophilic attack by the phosphine on the remote alkynyl carbon atom. Complexes 5 exhibit a dynamic process in solution, which has been rationalized in terms of a fast [NMR time-scale] rotation of the allene substituents around the allene axis; metrical features within the X-ray structure of (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(Ph)=C=C(PPh3)Tol (5b) support the proposal. In the presence of PMe3, complexes undergo a nucleophilic attack on the carbene carbon atom to give zwitterionic sigma-propargylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)(PMe3)C[triple bond]CR' (6). Complexes 6 readily isomerise in solution to give the sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R')=C=C(PMe3)R (7) through a 1,3 shift of the [(eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn] fragment. The nucleophilic attack of PPh2Me on 3 is not selective and leads to a mixture of the sigma-propargylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)(PPh(2)Me)C[triple bond]CR' (9) and the sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)=C=C(PPh(2)Me)R' (10). Like complexes 6, complexes 9 readily isomerize to give the sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R')=C=C(PPh2Me)R'). Upon gentle heating, complexes 7, and mixtures of 10 and 10' cyclise to give the sigma-dihydrophospholium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC=C(R')PMe2CH2CH(R)(8), and mixtures of complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC=C(Ph)PPh2CH2CH(Tol)(11) and (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC=C(Tol)PMe2CH2CH(Ph)(11'), respectively. The reactions of complexes 3 with secondary phosphines HPR(1)(2)(R1= Ph, Cy) give a mixture of the eta2-allene complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn[eta2-{R(1)(2)PC(R)=C=C(R')H}](12), and the regioisomeric eta4-vinylketene complexes [eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)Mn[eta4-{R(1)(2)PC(R)=CHC(R')=C=O}](13) and (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)Mn[eta4-{R(1)(2)PC(R')=CHC(R)=C=O}](13'). The solid-state structure of (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn[eta2-{Ph2PC(Ph)=C=C(Tol)H}](12b) and (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)Mn[eta4-{Cy2PC(Ph)=CHC(Ph)=C=O}](13d) are reported. Finally, a mechanism that may account for the formation of the species 12, 13, and 13' is proposed.     

Oligomerization and regioselective hydrosilylation of styrenes catalyzed by cationic allyl nickel complexes bearing allylphosphine ligands

The complexes [Ni(eta(3)-CH(2)CHCH(2))Br(kappa(1)P-PR(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))] (R = Ph 1, (i)Pr2 ) and [Ni(eta(3)-CH(2)C(R')CH(2))(kappa(1)P-PR(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(2)][BAr'(4)] (R' = H, R = Ph 4a, R = (i)Pr 4b; R' = CH(3), R = Ph 5a, R = (i)Pr 5b; Ar' = 3,5-C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)) have been prepared and characterized. The X-ray crystal structures of 1, 2 and 5b have been determined. 4a-b and 5a-b are catalyst precursors for the oligomerization of RC(6)H(4)CH=CH(2) to oligostyrene (R = H) or oligo(4-methylstyrene) (R = CH(3)) respectively, without the need of a co-catalyst such as methylalumoxane. The catalytic activities range from moderate to high. The oligomerization reactions are carried out in the temperature interval 25-40 degrees C in 1,2-dichloroethane, using an olefin/catalyst ratio equal to 200, yielding oligostyrenes with a high isotactic fraction content P(m), with M(n) in the range 700-1900 Dalton, and polydispersities between 1.22 and 1.64. The cationic complexes 4a-b and 5a-b are also effective catalyst precursors for the hydrosilylation reactions of styrene or 4-methylstyrene with PhSiH(3) in 1,2-dichloroethane at 40 degrees C using an olefin/catalyst ratio equal to 100, leading selectively to RC(6)H(4)CH(SiH(2)Ph)CH(3) (R = H, CH(3)) in 50-79% yield.     

Dicarbollylamine ligand as a tunable template for sigma,sigma- and pi,sigma-bonding modes: syntheses, structures, and theoretical studies of eta5:eta1-coordinated constrained-geometry group 13 metal complexes

A series of group 13 main group complexes with pi,sigma-type bonding interaction of the formula [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2)(eta (1)-NMe 2)}MMe] (M = Al, R = H 5, Me 6; Ga, R = H 7, Me 8; In, R = H 9, Me 10) was produced by the reaction of group 13 metal alkyls (MMe 3; M = Al, Ga, In) with the dicarbollylamine ligands, nido-8-R-7,8-C 2B 9H 10-7-(CH 2)NHMe 2 (R = H 1, Me 2). The reactions of 1 and 2 with AlMe 3 in toluene initially afforded tetra-coordinated aluminum complexes with sigma,sigma-type bonding interaction, [{(eta (1)-RC 2B 9H 10)(CH 2)(eta (1)-NMe 2)}AlMe 2] (R = H 3, Me 4), which readily underwent further methane elimination to yield the corresponding constrained geometry complexes (CGCs, 5 and 6) of aluminum with pi,sigma-bonding interaction. However, the reactions between 1 and 2 and MMe 3 (M = Ga, In) in toluene produced gallium and indium pi,sigma-CGCs of 7 and 10 directly, not proceeding through sigma,sigma-intermediates. The structures of group 13 metal CGCs were established by X-ray diffraction studies of 5, 6, and 8, which authenticated a characteristic eta (5):eta (1)-coordination mode of the dicarbollylamino ligand to the group 13 metals. A similar pi,sigma-bonding interaction was also established in ethylene-bridged dicarbollylethylamine series. Thus, aluminum pi,sigma-CGCs of dicarbollylethylamine, [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NBz 2)}AlMe] (R = H 17, Me 18), were prepared by the trans-metalation of the [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NBz 2)}Ti(NMe 2) 2] (R = H 15, Me 16) with AlMe 3. However, only sigma,sigma-bonded complexes of the formula [{(eta (1)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NBz 2)}AlMe 2] (R = H 13, Me 14) were isolated by the reaction between [ nido-7-8-R-7,8-C 2B 9H 10-(CH 2) 2HNBz 2] (R = H 11, Me 12) and AlMe 3. When methane-elimination reactions between metal alkyls and dicarbollylamines were carried out with either the gallium atom or monobenzyl aminoethyl tethered ligands, [ nido-7-H 2NBz(CH 2) 2-8-R-7,8-C 2B 9H 10] (R = H 21, Me 22), desired pi,sigma-CGCs, [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NBz 2)}GaMe] (R = H 19, Me 20) or [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NHBz)}AlMe] (R = H 23, Me 24), were generated, respectively. DFT calculation on 5 provides evidence of existence of pi,sigma-bonding of dicarbollylamine ligand to the aluminum atom: pi-bonding interaction of a dicarbollyl unit becomes intensified in the presence of a weak sigma-bonding amine-tethered group. Furthermore, preference for the formation of pi,sigma-bonding was predicted by optimizing a reaction profile including sigma,sigma- and pi,sigma-structures as well as transition state structures for each methylene- and ethylene-spaced ligand system, 3-5 and 14- 18, to reveal that pi,sigma-bonding interaction is more favorable in the case of a methylene-tethered ligand system.     

Different C-C coupling reactions of permethyltitanocene and permethylzirconocene with disubstituted 1,3-butadiynes

Herein we describe different C-C coupling reactions of permethyltitanocene and -zirconocene with disubstituted 1,3-butadiynes. The outcomes of these reactions vary depending on the metals and the diyne substituents. The reduction of [Cp2*MCl2] (Cp* = C5Me5; M = Ti, Zr) with Mg in the presence of disubstituted butadiynes RC triple bond C-C triple bond CR' is suitable for the synthesis of different C-C coupling products of the diyne and the permethylmetallocenes, and provides a new method for the generation of functionalized pentamethyl-cyclopentadienyl derivatives. For M = Zr and R = R' = tBu, the reaction gives, by a twofold activation of one pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ligand, the complex [Cp*Zr[-C(=C=CHtBu)-CHtBu-CH2-eta5-C5Me3-CH2-]] (3), containing a fulvene ligand that is coupled to the modified substrate (allenic subunit). When using the analogous permethyltitanocene fragment "Cp2*Ti", the reaction depends strongly on the substituents R and R'. The coupling product of the butadiyne with two methyl groups of one of the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ring systems, [Cp*Ti[eta5-C5Me3-(CH2-CHR-eta2-C2-CHR'-CH2)]], is obtained with R = R' = tBu (4) and R = tBu, R' = SiMe3 (5). In these complexes one pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ligand is annellated to an eight-membered ring with a C-C triple bond, which is coordinated to the titanium center. A different activation of both pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ligands is observed for R = R' = Me, resulting in the complex [[eta5-C5Me4(CH2)-]Ti[-C(=CHMe)-C(=CHMe)-CH2-eta5-C5Me4]] (6), which displays a fulvene as well as a butadienyl-substituted pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ligand. The influence exerted by the size of the metal is illustrated in the reaction of [Cp2*ZrCl2] with MeC triple bond C-C triple bond CMe. Here the five-membered metallacyclocumulene complex [Cp2*Zr(eta4-1,2,3,4-MeC4Me)] (7) is obtained. The reaction paths found for R = R' = Me are identical to those formerly described for R = R' = Ph.     

Synthesis, structural characterization, reactivity, and thermal stability of [eta(5):sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(R)(NMe2)

Reaction of [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]TiCl(NMe2) (1) with 1 equiv of PhCH2K, MeMgBr, or Me3SiCH2Li gave corresponding organotitanium alkyl complexes [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(R)(NMe2) (R = CH2Ph (2), CH2SiMe3 (4), or Me (5)) in good yields. Treatment of 1 with 1 equiv of n-BuLi afforded the decomposition product {[eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti}2(mu-NMe)(mu:sigma-CH2NMe) (3). Complex 5 slowly decomposed to generate a mixed-valence dinuclear species {[eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti}2(mu-NMe2)(mu:sigma-CH2NMe) (6). Complex 1 reacted with 1 equiv of PhNCO or 2,6-Me2C6H3NC to afford the corresponding monoinsertion product [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(Cl)[eta(2)-OC(NMe2)NPh] (7) or [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(Cl)[eta(2)-C(NMe2)=N(2,6-Me2C6H3)] (8). Reaction of 4 or 5 with 1 equiv of R'NC gave the titanium eta(2)-iminoacyl complexes [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(NMe2)[eta(2)-C(R)=N(R')] (R = CH2SiMe3, R' = 2,6-Me2C6H3 (9) or tBu (10); R = Me, R' = 2,6-Me2C6H3 (11) or tBu (12)). The results indicated that the unsaturated molecules inserted into the Ti-N bond only in the absence of the Ti-C(alkyl) bond and that the Ti-C(cage) bond remained intact. All complexes were fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. Molecular structures of 2, 3, 6-8, and 10-12 were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of mono- and bisfunctional o-carboranes

Functionalized o-carboranes are interesting ligands for transition metals. Reaction of LiC2B10H11 with Me2NCH2CH2Cl in toluene afforded 1-Me2NCH2CH2-1,2-C2B10H11 (1). Treatment of 1 with 1 equiv. of n-BuLi gave [(Me2NCH2CH2)C2B10H10]Li ([1]Li), which was a very useful synthon for the production of bisfunctional o-carboranes. Reaction of [1]Li with RCH2CH2Cl afforded 1-Me2NCH2CH2-2-RCH2CH2-1,2-C2B10H10 (R = Me2N (2), MeO (3)). 1 and 2 were also prepared from the reaction of Li2C2B10H10 with excess Me2NCH2CH2Cl. Treatment of [1]Li with excess MeI or allyl bromide gave the ionic salts, [1-Me3NCH2CH2-2-Me-1,2-C2B10H10][I] (4) and [1-Me2N(CH2=CHCH2)CH2CH2-2-(CH2=CHCH2)-1,2-C2B10H10][Br] (6), respectively. Interaction of [1]Li with 1 equiv. of allyl bromide afforded 1-Me2NCH2CH2-2-(CH2=CHCH2)-1,2-C2B10H10 (5). Treatment of [1]Li with excess dimethylfulvene afforded 1-Me2NCH2CH2-2-C5H5CMe2-1,2-C2B10H10 (7). Interaction of [1]Li with excess ethylene oxide afforded an unexpected product 1-HOCH2CH2-2-(CH2=CH)-1,2-C2B10H10 (8). 1 and 3 were conveniently converted into the corresponding deborated compounds, 7-Me2NHCH2CH2-7,8-C2B9H11 (9) and 7-Me2NHCH2CH2-8-MeOCH2CH2-7,8-C2B9H10 (10), respectively, in MeOH-MeOK solution. All of these compounds were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. The solid-state structures of 4 and 6-10 were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

Stereospecific synthesis of polysubstituted E-olefins by reaction of acyclic nitrones with free and platinum(II) coordinated organonitriles

Free nitriles NCCH2R (1a R = CO2Me, 1b R = SO2Ph, and 1c R = COPh) with an acidic alpha-methylene react with acyclic nitrones -O+N(Me)=C(H)R' (2a R' = 4-MeC6H4 and 2b R' = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2), in refluxing CH2Cl2, to afford stereoselectively the E-olefins (NC)(R)C=C(H)R' (3a-3c and 3a'-3c'), whereas, when coordinated at the platinum(II) trans-[PtCl2(NCCH2R)2] complexes (4a R = CO2Me and 4b R = Cl), they undergo cycloaddition to give the (oxadiazoline)-PtII complexes trans-[PtCl2{N=C(CH2R)ON(Me)C(H)R'}2] (R = CO2Me, Cl and R' = 4-MeC6H4, 2,4,6-Me3C6H2) (5a-5d). Upon heating in CH2Cl2, 5a affords the corresponding alkene 3a. The reactions are greatly accelerated when carried out under focused microwave irradiation, particularly in the solid phase (SiO2), without solvent, a substantial increase of the yields being also observed. The compounds were characterized by IR and 1H, 13C, and 195Pt NMR spectroscopies, FAB+-MS, elemental analyses and, in the cases of the alkene (NC)(CO2Me)C=C(H)(4-MeC6H4) 3a and of the oxadiazoline complex trans-[PtCl2{N=C(CH2Cl)ON(Me)C(H)(4-C6H4Me)}2] 5c, also by X-ray diffraction analyses.     

Phosphino imidazoles and imidazolium salts for Suzuki C-C coupling reactions

The consecutive syntheses of imidazoles 1-(4-X-C(6)H(4))-4,5-R(2)-(c)C(3)HN(2) (3a, X = Br, R = H; 3b, X = I, R = Me; 3c, X = H, R = Me; 5, X = Fc, R = H; 7, X = C≡CFc, R = H; 9, X = C(6)H(5), R = Me; Fc = Fe(η(5)-C(5)H(4))(η(5)-C(5)H(5))), phosphino imidazoles 1-(4-X-C(6)H(4))-2-PR'(2)-4,5-R(2)-(c)C(3)N(2) (11a-k; X = Br, I, Fc, FcC≡C, Ph; R = H, Me; R' = Ph, (c)C(6)H(11), (c)C(4)H(3)O), imidazolium salts [1-(4-X-C(6)H(4))-3-R'-4,5-R(2)-(c)C(3)HN(2)]I (16a; X = Br, R = H, R' = n-Bu; 16b, X = Br, R = H, R' = n-C(8)H(17); 16c, X = I, R = Me, R' = n-C(8)H(17), 16d, X = H, R = Me, R' = n-C(8)H(17)) and phosphino imidazolium salts [1-C(6)H(5)-2-PR'(2)-3-n-C(8)H(17)-4,5-Me(2)-(c)C(3)N(2)]PF(6) (17a, R' = C(6)H(5); 17b, R' = (c)C(6)H(11)) or [1-(4-P(C(6)H(5))(2)-C(6)H(4))-3-n-C(8)H(17)-4,5-Me(2)-(c)C(3)HN(2)]PF(6), (20) and their selenium derivatives 1-(4-X-C(6)H(4))-2-P([double bond, length as m-dash]Se)R'(2)-4,5-R(2)-(c)C(3)N(2) (11a-Se-f-Se; X = Br, I; R = H, Me; R' = C(6)H(5), (c)C(6)H(11), (c)C(4)H(3)O) are reported. The structures of 11a-Se and [(1-(4-Br-C(6)H(4))-(c)C(3)H(2)N(2)-3-n-Bu)(2)PdI(2)] (19) in the solid state were determined. Cyclovoltammetric measurements were performed with the ferrocenyl-containing molecules 5 and 7 showing reversible redox events at E(0) = 0.108 V (ΔE(p) = 0.114 V) (5) and E(0) = 0.183 V (ΔE(p) = 0.102 V) (7) indicating that 7 is more difficult to oxidise. Imidazole oxidation does not occur up to 1.3 V in dichloromethane using [(n-Bu)(4)N][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] as supporting electrolyte, whereas an irreversible reduction is observed between -1.2 - -1.5 V. The phosphino imidazoles 11a-k and the imidazolium salts 17a,b and 20, respectively, were applied in the Suzuki C-C cross-coupling of 2-bromo toluene with phenylboronic acid applying [Pd(OAc)(2)] as palladium source. Depending on the electronic character of 11a-k, 17a,b and 20 the catalytic performance of the in situ generated catalytic active species can be predicted. As assumed, more electron-rich phosphines with their higher donor capability show higher activity and productivity. Additionally, 11e was applied in the coupling of 4-chloro toluene with phenylboronic acid showing an excellent catalytic performance when compared to catalysts used by Fu, Beller and Buchwald. Furthermore, 11e is eligible for the synthesis of sterically hindered biaryls under mild reaction conditions. C-C Coupling reactions with the phosphino imidazolium salts 17b and 20 in ionic liquids [BMIM][PF(6)] and [BDMIM][BF(4)] were performed, showing less activity than in common organic solvents.     

New palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling routes to carbon functionalized metallatricarbadecaboranes

A general method for the synthesis of cage-carbon-functionalized cyclopentadienyl iron and cyclopentadienyl ruthenium tricarbadecaboranyl complexes has been developed that employs palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira, Heck, and Stille cross-coupling reactions directed at a cage-carbon haloaryl substituent. The key Li(+)[6-(p-XC(6)H(4))-nido-5,6,9-C(3)B(7)H(9)(-)] (X = I (1), Br (2), Cl (3)) haloaryl-tricarbadecaboranyl anionic ligands were synthesized in high yields via the reaction of the arachno-4,6-C(2)B(7)H(12)(-) anion with the corresponding p-halobenzonitriles (p-XC(6)H(4)-CN). The reactions of the salts 1-3 with (η(5)-C(5)H(5))Fe(CO)(2)I and (η(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(CH(3)CN)(3)PF(6) were then used to produce the haloaryl complexes 1-(η(5)-C(5)H(5))-2-(p-XC(6)H(4))-closo-1,2,3,4-MC(3)B(7)H(9) (M = Fe, X = I (4), Br (5), Cl (6) and M = Ru, X = I (7), Br (8), Cl (9)). The sonication-promoted Sonogashira coupling reactions of 4 with terminal alkynes catalyzed by Pd(dppf)(2)Cl(2)/CuI yielded the alkynyl-linked derivatives 1-(η(5)-C(5)H(5))-2-p-RC(6)H(4)-closo-1,2,3,4-FeC(3)B(7)H(9) (R = (PhC≡C)- (10), (CH(3)CH(2)C(O)OCH(2)C≡C)- (11), ((η(5)-C(5)H(5))Fe(η(5)-C(5)H(4)C≡C))- (12)). Heck reactions of 4 with terminal alkenes catalyzed by Pd(OAc)(2) yielded the alkene-functionalized products 1-(η(5)-C(5)H(5))-2-p-RC(6)H(4)-closo-1,2,3,4-FeC(3)B(7)H(9) (R = (PhCH(2)CH═CH)- (13), (CH(3)(CH(2))(2)CH═CH)- (14)), while the Stille cross-coupling reactions of 4 with organotin compounds catalyzed by Pd(PPh(3))(2)Cl(2) afforded the complexes 1-(η(5)-C(5)H(5))-2-p-RC(6)H(4)-closo-1,2,3,4-FeC(3)B(7)H(9) (R = Ph- (15), (CH(2)═CH)- (16), (CH(2)═CHCH(2))- (17)). These reactions thus provide facile and systematic access to a wide variety of new types of functionalized metallatricarbadecaboranyl complexes with substituents needed for potential metallocene-like biomedical and/or optoelectronic applications.     

Aluminacyclopropene: syntheses, characterization, and reactivity toward terminal alkynes

Reactions of LAl with ethyne, mono- and disubstituted alkynes, and diyne to aluminacyclopropene LAl[eta2-C2(R1)(R2)] ((L = HC[(CMe)(NAr)]2, Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3); R1 = R2 = H, (1); R1 = H, R2 = Ph, (2); R1 = R2 = Me, (3); R1 = SiMe3, R2 = C[triple bond]CSiMe3, (4)) are reported. Compounds 1 and 2 were obtained in equimolar quantities of the starting materials at low temperature. The amount of C2H2 was controlled by removing an excess of C2H2 in the range from -78 to -50 degrees C. Compound 4 can be alternatively prepared by the substitution reaction of LAl[eta2-C2(SiMe3)2] with Me3SiC[triple bond]CC[triple bond]CSiMe3 or by the reductive coupling reaction of LAlI2 with potassium in the presence of Me3SiC[triple bond]CC[triple bond]CSiMe3. The reaction of LAl with excess C2H2 and PhC[triple bond]CH (<1:2) afforded the respective alkenylalkynylaluminum compounds LAl(CH=CH2)(C[triple bond]CH) (5) and LAl(CH=CHPh)(C[triple bond]CPh) (6). The reaction of LAl(eta2-C2Ph2) with C2H2 and PhC[triple bond]CH yielded LAl(CPh=CHPh)(C[triple bond]CH) (7) and LAl(CPh=CHPh)(C[triple bond]CPh) (8), respectively. Rationally, the formation of 5 (or 6) may proceed through the corresponding precursor 1 (or 2). The theoretical studies based on DFT calculations show that an interaction between the Al(I) center and the C[triple bond]C unit needs almost no activation energy. Within the AlC2 ring the computational Al-C bond order of ca. 1 suggests an Al-C sigma bond and therefore less pi electron delocalization over the AlC2 ring. The computed Al-eta2-C2 bond dissociation energies (155-82.6 kJ/mol) indicate a remarkable reactivity of aluminacyclopropene species. Finally, the 1H NMR spectroscopy monitored reaction of LAl(eta2-C2Ph2) and PhC[triple bond]CH in toluene-d8 may reveal an acetylenic hydrogen migration process.