Structural Aspects of Lithium Arenethiolate Complexes with Intramolecular Coordinating Amine Donors

Reaction of aryllithium reagents LiR (R = C(6)H(4)((R)-CH(Me)NMe(2))-2 (1a), C(6)H(3)(CH(2)NMe(2))(2)-2,6 (1b), C(6)H(4)(CH(2)N(Me)CH(2)CH(2)OMe)-2 (1c)) with 1 equiv of sulfur (1/8 S(8)) results in the quantitative formation of the corresponding lithium arenethiolates [Li{SC(6)H(4)((R)-CH(Me)NMe(2))-2}](6) (3), [Li{SC(6)H(3)(CH(2)NMe(2))(2)-2,6}](6) (4), and [Li{SC(6)H(4)(CH(2)N(Me)CH(2)CH(2)OMe)-2}](2) (5). Alternatively, 3 can be prepared by reacting the corresponding arenethiol HSC(6)H(4)((R)-CH(Me)NMe(2))-2 (2) with (n)BuLi. X-ray crystal structures of lithium arenethiolates 3 and 4, reported in abbreviated form, show them to have hexanuclear prismatic and hexanuclear planar structures, respectively, that are unprecedented in lithium thiolate chemistry. The lithium arenethiolate [Li{SC(6)H(4)(CH(2)N(Me)CH(2)CH(2)OMe)-2}](2) (5) is dimeric in the solid state and in solution, and crystals of 5 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, with a = 17.7963(9) ?, b = 8.1281(7) ?, c = 17.1340(10) ?, beta = 108.288(5) degrees, Z = 4, and final R = 0.047 for 4051 reflections with F > 4sigma(F). Hexameric 4 reacts with 1 equiv of lithium iodide and 2 equiv of tetrahydrofuran to form the dinuclear adduct [Li(2)(SAr)(I)(THF)(2)] (6). Crystals of 6 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, with a = 13.0346(10) ?, b = 11.523(3) ?, c = 16.127(3) ?, beta = 94.682(10) degrees, Z = 4, and final R = 0.059 for 3190 reflections with F > 4sigma(F).     

Co-complexation of Lithium Gallates on the Titanium Molecular Oxide {[Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(μ-O)}(3)(μ(3)-CH)

Amide and lithium aryloxide gallates [Li(+){RGaPh(3)}(-)] (R = NMe(2), O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3)) react with the μ(3)-alkylidyne oxoderivative ligand [{Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(μ-O)}(3)(μ(3)-CH)] (1) to afford the gallium-lithium-titanium cubane complexes [{Ph(3)Ga(μ-R)Li}{Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(μ-O)}(3)(μ(3)-CH)] [R = NMe(2) (3), O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3) (4)]. The same complexes can be obtained by treatment of the [Ph(3)Ga(μ(3)-O)(3){Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))}(3)(μ(3)-CH)] (2) adduct with the corresponding lithium amide or aryloxide, respectively. Complex 3 evolves with formation of 5 as a solvent-separated ion pair constituted by the lithium dicubane cationic species [Li{(μ(3)-O)(3)Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-CH)}(2)](+) together with the anionic [(GaPh(3))(2)(μ-NMe(2))](-) unit. On the other hand, the reaction of 1 with Li(p-MeC(6)H(4)) and GaPh(3) leads to the complex [Li{(μ(3)-O)(3)Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-CH)}(2)][GaLi(p-MeC(6)H(4))(2)Ph(3)] (6). X-ray diffraction studies were performed on 1, 2, 4, and 5, while trials to obtain crystals of 6 led to characterization of [Li{(μ(3)-O)(3)Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-CH)}(2)][PhLi(μ-C(6)H(5))(2)Ga(p-MeC(6)H(4))Ph] 6a.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of PHP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)], a monodentate chiral phosphine derived from intramolecular C-C coupling of tetramethylcyclopentadienyl groups: an evaluation of steric and electronic properties

The chiral monodentate phosphine PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] is readily obtained by oxidation of the lithium complex Li(2)[PhP(C(5)Me(4))(2)] with I(2), which couples the two cyclopentadienyl groups to form a five-membered heterocyclic ring. The steric and electronic properties of PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] have been evaluated by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopic studies on a variety of derivatives, including Ph[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]PE (E = S, Se), Cp*MCl(4)[P[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]Ph] (M = Mo, Ta), Ir[P[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]Ph](2)(CO)Cl, and CpFe(CO)[PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]]Me. For comparison purposes, derivatives of the related phospholane ligand PhP[Me(2)C(4)H(6)] have also been investigated, including Ph[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]PS, Ir[Ph[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]](2)(CO)Cl, Ir[Ph[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]](2)(CO)Me, Ir[PPh[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]](COD)(Cl), and Pd[P[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]Ph][eta(2)-C(6)H(4)C(H)(Me)NMe(2)]Cl. The steric and electronic properties of PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] are determined to be intermediate between those of PPh(2)Me and PPh(3). Thus, the crystallographic cone angles increase in the sequence PPh(2)Me (134.5 degrees) < PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] (140.2 degrees) < PPh(3) (148.2 degrees), while the electron donating abilities decrease in the sequence PPh(2)Me > PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] > PPh(3). Finally, PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] has a smaller cone angle and is less electron donating than the structurally similar phosphine, PhP[Me(2)C(4)H(6)].     

Synthesis and structures of the [benzamidinato]3- complexes Li3(tmeda)(L1)]2 and [Li(thf)4][Li5(L2)(OEt2)2] [L1 = N(SiMe3)C(Ph)N(SiMe3) and L2 = N(SiMe3)C(C6H4-4)NPh

Reduction at ambient temperature of each of the lithium benzamidinates [Li(L(1))(tmeda)] or [{Li(L(2))(OEt(2))(2)}(2)] with four equivalents of lithium metal in diethyl ether or thf furnished the brown crystalline [Li(3)(L(1))(tmeda)] (1) or [Li(thf)(4)][Li(5)(L(2))(2)(OEt(2))(2)] (2), respectively. Their structures show that in each the [N(R(1))C(R(3))NR(2)](3-) moiety has the three negative charges largely localised on each of N, N' and R = Aryl); a consequence is that the "aromatic" 2,3- and 5,6-CC bonds of R(3) approximate to being double bonds. Multinuclear NMR spectra in C(6)D(6) and C(7)D(8) show that 1 and 2 exhibit dynamic behaviour. [The following abbreviations are used: L(1) = N(SiMe(3))C(Ph)N(SiMe(3)); L(2) = N(SiMe(3))C(C(6)H(4)Me-4)N(Ph); tmeda = (Me(2)NCH(2)-)(2); thf = tetrahydrofuran.] This reduction is further supported by a DFT analysis.     

1,4-dicyanobenzene as a scaffold for the preparation of bimetallic actinide complexes exhibiting metal-metal communication

Reaction of two equivalents of [(C(5)Me(4)Et)(2)U(CH(3))(Cl)] (6) or [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Th(CH(3))(Br)] (7) with 1,4-dicyanobenzene leads to the formation of the novel 1,4-phenylenediketimide-bridged bimetallic organoactinide complexes [{(C(5)Me(4)Et)(2)(Cl)U}(2)(mu-{N==C(CH(3))-C(6)H(4)-(CH(3))C==N})] (8) and [{(C(5)Me(5))(2)(Br)Th}(2)(mu-{N==C(CH(3))-C(6)H(4)- (CH(3))C==N})] (9), respectively. These complexes were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy. Metal-metal interactions in these isovalent bimetallic systems were assessed by means of cyclic voltammetry, UV-visible/NIR absorption spectroscopy, and variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility. Although evidence for magnetic coupling between metal centers in the bimetallic U(IV)/U(IV) (5f(2)-5f(2)) complex is ambiguous, the complex displays appreciable electronic communication between the metal centers through the pi system of the dianionic diketimide bridging ligand, as judged by voltammetry. The transition intensities of the f-f bands for the bimetallic U(IV)/U(IV) system decrease substantially compared to the related monometallic ketimide chloride complex, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)U(Cl){-N==C(CH(3))-(3,4,5-F(3)-C(6)H(2))}] (11). Also reported herein are new synthetic routes to the actinide starting materials [(C(5)Me(4)Et)(2)U(CH(3))(Cl)] (6) and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Th(CH(3))(Br)] (7) in addition to the syntheses and structures of the monometallic uranium complexes [(C(5)Me(4)Et)(2)UCl(2)] (3), [(C(5)Me(4)Et)(2)U(CH(3))(2)] (4), [(C(5)Me(4)Et)(2)U{-N==C(CH(3))-C(6)H(4)-C==N}(2)] (10), and 11.     

The synthesis, characterisation and reactivity of 2-phosphanylethylcyclopentadienyl complexes of cobalt, rhodium and iridium

2-Phosphanylethylcyclopentadienyl lithium compounds, Li[C(5)R'(4)(CH(2))(2)PR(2)] (R = Et, R' = H or Me, R = Ph, R' = Me), have been prepared from the reaction of spirohydrocarbons C(5)R'(4)(C(2)H(4)) with LiPR(2). C(5)Et(4)HSiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2), was prepared from reaction of Li[C(5)Et(4)] with Me(2)SiCl(2) followed by Me(2)PCH(2)Li. The lithium salts were reacted with [RhCl(CO)(2)](2), [IrCl(CO)(3)] or [Co(2)(CO)(8)] to give [M(C(5)R'(4)(CH(2))(2)PR(2))(CO)] (M = Rh, R = Et, R' = H or Me, R = Ph, R' = Me; M = Ir or Co, R = Et, R' = Me), which have been fully characterised, in many cases crystallographically as monomers with coordination of the phosphorus atom and the cyclopentadienyl ring. The values of nu(CO) for these complexes are usually lower than those for the analogous complexes without the bridge between the cyclopentadienyl ring and the phosphine, the exception being [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (Cp' = C(5)Me(4)), the most electron rich of the complexes. [Rh(C(5)Et(4)SiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2))(CO)] may be a dimer. [Co(2)(CO)(8)] reacts with C(5)H(5)(CH(2))(2)PEt(2) or C(5)Et(4)HSiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2) (L) to give binuclear complexes of the form [Co(2)(CO)(6)L(2)] with almost linear PCoCoP skeletons. [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] are active for methanol carbonylation at 150 degrees C and 27 bar CO, with the rate using [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] (0.81 mol dm(-3) h(-1)) being higher than that for [RhI(2)(CO)(2)](-) (0.64 mol dm(-3) h(-1)). The most electron rich complex, [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (0.38 mol dm(-3) h(-1)) gave a comparable rate to [Cp*Rh(PEt(3))(CO)] (0.30 mol dm(-3) h(-1)), which was unstable towards oxidation of the phosphine. [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))I(2)], which is inactive for methanol carbonylation, was isolated after the methanol carbonylation reaction using [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)]. Neither of [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (M = Co or Ir) was active for methanol carbonylation under these conditions, nor under many other conditions investigated, except that [Ir(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] showed some activity at higher temperature (190 degrees C), probably as a result of degradation to [IrI(2)(CO)(2)](-). [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] react with MeI to give [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(C(O)Me)I] (M = Co or Rh) or [Ir(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))Me(CO)]I. The rates of oxidative addition of MeI to [Rh(C(5)H(4)(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] are 62 and 1770 times faster than to [Cp*Rh(CO)(2)]. Methyl migration is slower, however. High pressure NMR studies show that [Co(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Cp*Rh(PEt(3))(CO)] are unstable towards phosphine oxidation and/or quaternisation under methanol carbonylation conditions, but that [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] does not exhibit phosphine degradation, eventually producing inactive [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))I(2)] at least under conditions of poor gas mixing. The observation of [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(C(O)Me)I] under methanol carbonylation conditions suggests that the rhodium centre has become so electron rich that reductive elimination of ethanoyl iodide has become rate determining for methanol carbonylation. In addition to the high electron density at rhodium.     

Reduction of dinitrogen with an yttrium metallocene hydride precursor, [(C5Me5)2YH]2

Treatment of [(C(5)Me(5))(2)YH](2), 1, with KC(8) under N(2) in methylcyclohexane generates the unsolvated reduced dinitrogen complex, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 2, and extends the range of yttrium and lanthanide LnZ(2)Z'/M (Z = monoanion; M = alkali metal) dinitrogen reduction reactions to (Z')(-) = (H)(-). The hydride complex, 1, is unique in this reactivity compared to other alkane-soluble yttrium metallocenes, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)YX](x) {X = [N(SiMe(3))(2)](-), (Me)(-), (C(3)H(5))(-), and (C(5)Me(5))(-)} which did not generate 2 when treated with KC(8). [(C(5)Me(5))(2)LnH](x)/KC(8)/N(2) reactions with Ln = La and Lu did not give isolable dinitrogen complexes. Complex 2 and the unsolvated lutetium analogue, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Lu](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 3, were obtained using benzene as a solvent and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)] as precursors with excess KC(8). Complex 2 functions as a reducing agent with PhSSPh to form [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(μ-SPh)](2), 4, in high yield.     

Lithium complexes supported by amine bis-phenolate ligands as efficient catalysts for ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide

Lithium complexes bearing dianionic amine bis(phenolate) ligands are described. Reactions of ligand precursors H(2)O(2)NN(Me), H(2)O(2)NN(Py) or H(2)O(2)NO(Me) [H(2)O(2)NN(Me)=Me(2)NCH(2)CH(2)N-(CH(2)-2-HO-3,5-C(6)H(2)((t)Bu)(2))(2); H(2)O(2)NN(Py)=(2-C(5)H(4)N)CH(2)N-(CH(2)-2-HO-3,5-C(6)H(2)((t)Bu)(2))(2); H(2)O(2)NO(Me)=MeOCH(2)CH(2)N-(CH(2)-2-HO-3,5-C(6)H(2)((t)Bu)(2))(2)] with 2.2 molar equivalents of (n)BuLi in diethylether afford (Li(2)O(2)NN(Me))(2) (1), (Li(2)O(2)NN(Py))(2) (2) and (Li(2)O(2)NO(Me))(2) (3) as tetra-nuclear lithium complexes. The crystalline solids of partially hydrolyzed product, (LiO(HO)NN(Py)) (4), were obtained from recrystallization of 2 in diethylether solution for three months. The synthesis of (LiO(HO)NO(Me))(2) (5) was carried out at ambient temperature by carefully layering a solution of water in hexane on top of a solution of 3 in Et(2)O. Crystalline solids of were obtained after two months. Molecular structures are reported for compounds 1, 3, 4 and 5. Compounds 1-3 show excellent catalytic activities toward the ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide in the presence of benzyl alcohol.     

Half-sandwich bis(tetramethylaluminate) complexes of the rare-earth metals: synthesis, structural chemistry, and performance in isoprene polymerization

The protonolysis reaction of [Ln(AlMe(4))(3)] with various substituted cyclopentadienyl derivatives HCp(R) gives access to a series of half-sandwich complexes [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))]. Whereas bis(tetramethylaluminate) complexes with [1,3-(Me(3)Si)(2)C(5)H(3)] and [C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3)] ancillary ligands form easily at ambient temperature for the entire Ln(III) cation size range (Ln=Lu, Y, Sm, Nd, La), exchange with the less reactive [1,2,4-(Me(3)C)(3)C(5)H(3)] was only obtained at elevated temperatures and for the larger metal centers Sm, Nd, and La. X-ray structure analyses of seven representative complexes of the type [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))] reveal a similar distinct [AlMe(4)] coordination (one eta(2), one bent eta(2)). Treatment with Me(2)AlCl leads to [AlMe(4)] --> [Cl] exchange and, depending on the Al/Ln ratio and the Cp(R) ligand, varying amounts of partially and fully exchanged products [{Ln(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl)(Cp(R))}(2)] and [{Ln(mu-Cl)(2)(Cp(R))}(n)], respectively, have been identified. Complexes [{Y(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl)(C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3))}(2)] and [{Nd(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl){1,2,4-(Me(3)C)(3)C(5)H(2)}}(2)] have been characterized by X-ray structure analysis. All of the chlorinated half-sandwich complexes are inactive in isoprene polymerization. However, activation of the complexes [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))] with boron-containing cocatalysts, such as [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], [PhNMe(2)H][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], or B(C(6)F(5))(3), produces initiators for the fabrication of trans-1,4-polyisoprene. The choice of rare-earth metal cation size, Cp(R) ancillary ligand, and type of boron cocatalyst crucially affects the polymerization performance, including activity, catalyst efficiency, living character, and polymer stereoregularity. The highest stereoselectivities were observed for the precatalyst/cocatalyst systems [La(AlMe(4))(2)(C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3))]/B(C(6)F(5))(3) (trans-1,4 content: 95.6 %, M(w)/M(n)=1.26) and [La(AlMe(4))(2)(C(5)Me(5))]/B(C(6)F(5))(3) (trans-1,4 content: 99.5 %, M(w)/M(n)=1.18).     

Synthesis and structures of some new types of lithium beta-diketiminates

The tetracyclic dilithio-Si,Si'-oxo-bridged bis(N,N'-methylsilyl-beta-diketiminates) 2 and 3, having an outer LiNCCCNLiNCCCN macrocycle, were prepared from [Li{CH(SiMe(3))SiMe(OMe)(2)}](infinity) and 2 PhCN. They differ in that the substituent at the beta-C atom of each diketiminato ligand is either SiMe(3) (2) or H (3). Each of and has (i) a central Si-O-Si unit, (ii) an Si(Me) fragment N,N'-intramolecularly bridging each beta-diketiminate, and (iii) an Li(thf)(2) moiety N,N'-intermolecularly bridging the two beta-diketiminates (thf = tetrahydrofuran). Treatment of [Li{CH(SiMe(3))(SiMe(2)OMe)}](8) with 2Me(2)C(CN)(2) yielded the amorphous [Li{Si(Me)(2)((NCR)(2)CH)}](n) [R = C(Me)(2)CN] (4). From [Li{N(SiMe(3))C(Bu(t))C(H)SiMe(3)}](2) (A) and 1,3- or 1,4-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2), with no apparent synergy between the two CN groups, the product was the appropriate (mu-C(6)H(4))-bis(lithium beta-diketiminate) 6 or 7. Reaction of [Li{N(SiMe(3))C(Ph)=C(H)SiMe(3)}(tmeda)] and 1,3-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2) afforded 1,3-C(6)H(4)(X)X' (X =CC(Ph)N(SiMe3)Li(tmeda)N(SiMe3)CH; X' = CN(SiMe3)Li(tmeda)NC(Ph)=C(H)SiMe3)(9). Interaction of A and 2[1,2-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2)] gave the bis(lithio-isoindoline) derivative [C6H4C(=NH)N{Li(OEt2)}C=C(SiMe3)C(Bu(t))=N(SiMe3)]2 (5). The X-ray structures of 2, 3, 5 and 9 are presented, and reaction pathways for each reaction are suggested.     

Ditopic hydridoborates and hydridoboranes: bridging ligands in coordination polymers and versatile hydroboration reagents

Single crystals of the meta- and para-phenylene-bridged ditopic trihydridoborates (Li(THF)(2))(2)[m-C(6)H(4)(BH(3))(2)] and (Li(THF)(2))(2)[p-C(6)H(4)(BH(3))(2)] have been prepared and investigated by X-ray crystallography. The compounds turned out to be coordination polymers in which each trihydridoborate substituent is connected with one trihydridoborate substituent of a neighbouring monomer via two bridging Li(THF)(2)(+) ions. (Li(THF)(2))(2)[m-C(6)H(4)(BH(3))(2)] and (Li(THF)(2))(2)[p-C(6)H(4)(BH(3))(2)] suffer from poor solubility in all common non-protic solvents. Thus, a more soluble derivative of (Li(THF)(2))(2)[p-C(6)H(4)(BH(3))(2)], equipped with n-hexyl groups at the positions 2 and 5 of the phenylene ring, has been used for all further investigations (i.e., compound Li(2)[6]). Treatment of Li(2)[6] with Me(3)SiCl in the presence of excess N(Me)(2)Et leads to the abstraction of one hydride ion per boron atom under formation of the ditopic amine-borane adduct p-C(6)H(2)(n-hexyl)(2)(BH(2)-N(Me)(2)Et)(2) (7). The compound turned out to be an efficient hydroboration reagent both for internal olefins (i.e., 1,5-cyclooctadiene) and terminal alkynes (i.e., tert-butyl acetylene) to give p-C(6)H(2)(n-hexyl)(2)(9-BBN)(2) (8; 9-BBN = 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonyl) and p-C(6)H(2)(n-hexyl)(2)(B(C(H)=C(H)tBu)(2))(2) (9), respectively.     

Novel multidentate sulfur-nitrogen ligands with enhanced complexation properties

Di(tert-butyl)sulfur diimide and bis(trimethylsilyl)sulfur diimide were reacted with different metalated amines to form versatile novel multidentate ligand systems with side-arm donation. Their complexation properties in terms of ligand design, denticity and the cation size are discussed. We report herein the synthesis and structure elucidation of [(tBuN)(2)S{LiMe(2)N(C(6)H(4))S(NtBu)(2)}(2)] (1), [(Li{Me(2)N(C(6)H(4))S(NSiMe(3))(2)})(2)] (2), [(Li(thf){Me(2)N(C(6)H(4))S(NSiMe(3))(2)})(2)] (3), [(Li{2-PicS(NSiMe(3))(2)})(2)] (4), [(Li{Me(2)N(CH(2))(2)N(Me)S(NSiMe(3))(2)})(2)] (5), [(Na{Me(2)N(CH(2))(2)N(Me)S(NSiMe(3))(2)})(2)] (6) and [(K{Me(2)N(C(6)H(4))S(NSiMe(3))(2)})(2)] (7).     

Two-coordinate, quasi-two-coordinate, and distorted three coordinate, T-shaped chromium(II) amido complexes: unusual effects of coordination geometry on the lowering of ground state magnetic moments

The synthesis and characterization of the mononuclear chromium(II) terphenyl substituted primary amido-complexes Cr{N(H)Ar(Pr(i)(6))}(2) (Ar(Pr(i)(6)) = C(6)H(3)-2,6-(C(6)H(2)-2,4,6-(i)Pr(3))(2) (1), Cr{N(H)Ar(Pr(i)(4))}(2) (Ar(Pr(i)(4)) = C(6)H(3)-2,6-(C(6)H(3)-2,6-(i)Pr(2))(2) (2), Cr{N(H)Ar(Me(6))}(2) (Ar(Me(6)) = C(6)H(3)-2,6-(C(6)H(2)-2,4,6-Me(3))(2) (4), and the Lewis base adduct Cr{N(H)Ar(Me(6))}(2)(THF) (3) are described. Reaction of the terphenyl primary amido lithium derivatives Li{N(H)Ar(Pr(i)(6))} and Li{N(H)Ar(Pr(i)(4))} with CrCl(2)(THF)(2) in a 2:1 ratio afforded complexes 1 and 2, which are extremely rare examples of two coordinate chromium and the first stable chromium amides to have linear coordinated high-spin Cr(2+). The reaction of the less crowded terphenyl primary amido lithium salt Li{N(H)Ar(Me(6))} with CrCl(2)(THF)(2) gave the tetrahydrofuran (THF) complex 3, which has a distorted T-shaped metal coordination. Desolvation of 3 at about 70 °C gave 4 which has a formally two-coordinate chromous ion with a very strongly bent core geometry (N-Cr-N= 121.49(13)°) with secondary Cr--C(aryl ring) interactions of 2.338(4) ? to the ligand. Magnetometry studies showed that the two linear chromium species 1 and 2 have ambient temperature magnetic moments of about 4.20 μ(B) and 4.33 μ(B) which are lower than the spin-only value of 4.90 μ(B) typically observed for six coordinate Cr(2+). The bent complex 4 has a similar room temperature magnetic moment of about 4.36 μ(B). These studies suggest that the two-coordinate chromium complexes have significant spin-orbit coupling effects which lead to moments lower than the spin only value of 4.90 μ(B) because λ (the spin orbit coupling parameter) is positive. The three-coordinated complex 3 had a magnetic moment of 3.79 μ(B).     

Lithium aluminates on a molecular titanium oxide

Lithium aluminates Li[Al(O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))R'(3)] (R' = Et, Ph) react with the μ(3)-alkylidyne oxoderivative ligands [{Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(μ-O)}(3)(μ(3)-CR)] [R = H (1), Me (2)] to afford the aluminum-lithium-titanium cubane complexes [{R'(3)Al(μ-O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))Li}(μ(3)-O)(3){Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))}(3)(μ(3)-CR)] [R = H, R' = Et (5), Ph (7); R = Me, R' = Et (6), Ph (8)]. Complex 7 evolves with the formation of a lithium dicubane species and a Li{Al(μ-O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))Ph(3)}(2)] unit.     

Scandium and yttrium metallocene borohydride complexes: comparisons of (BH4)1- vs. (BPh4)1- coordination and reactivity

The synthetically accessible borohydride complexes (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Ln(THF)(BH(4)) and (C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln(THF)(BH(4)) (Ln = Sc, Y) were examined as precursors alternative to the heavily-used tetraphenylborate analogs, [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Ln][BPh(4)] and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln][BPh(4)], employed in LnA(2)A'/M reduction reactions (A = anion; M = alkali metal) that generate "LnA(2)" reactivity and form reduced dinitrogen complexes [(C(5)R(5))(2)(THF)(x)Ln](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)) (x = 0, 1). The crystal structures of the yttrium borohydrides, (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Y(THF)(μ-H)(3)BH, 1, and (C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(THF)(μ-H)(2)BH(2), 2, were determined for comparison with those of the yttrium tetraphenylborates, [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Y][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)], 3, and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)], 4. The complex (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BH(2), 5, was synthesized and structurally characterized for comparison with (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BH(2), 6, [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc][(μ-Ph)BPh(3)], 7, and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sc][(μ-Ph)BPh(3)], 8. Structural information was also obtained on the borohydride derivatives, (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BC(8)H(14), 9, and (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BC(8)H(14), 10, obtained from 9-borabicyclo(3.3.1)nonane (9-BBN) and (C(5)Me(4)R)(2)Sc(η(3)-C(3)H(5)), where R = H, 11; Me, 12. The preference of the metals for borohydride over tetraphenylborate binding was shown by the facile displacement of (BPh(4))(1-) in 3, 4, 7, and 8 by (BH(4))(1-) to make the respective borohydride complexes 1, 2, 5, and 6. These results are consistent with the fact that the borohydrides are not as useful as precursors in A(2)LnA'/M reductions of N(2). An unusual structural isomer of [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 13', was isolated from this study that shows the variations in ligand orientation that can occur in the solid state.     

Alkali metal complexes of sterically demanding amino-functionalized secondary phosphanide ligands

The reaction between {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PCl(2) (4) and one equivalent of either [C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2)]Li or [2-C(5)H(4)N]ZnCl, followed by in situ reduction with LiAlH(4) gives the secondary phosphanes {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2))PH (5) and {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(2-C(5)H(4)N)PH (6) in good yields as colourless oils. Metalation of 5 with Bu(n)Li in THF gives the lithium phosphanide [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2))P]Li(THF)(2)] (7), which undergoes metathesis with either NaOBu(t) or KOBu(t) to give the heavier alkali metal derivatives [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2))P]Na(tmeda)] (8) and [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2))P]K(pmdeta)] (9) after recrystallization in the presence of the corresponding amine co-ligand [tmeda = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine, pmdeta = N,N,N',N',N'-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine]. The pyridyl-functionalized phosphane 6 undergoes deprotonation on treatment with Bu(n)Li to give a red oil corresponding to the lithium compound [{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(2-C(5)H(4)N)P]Li (10) which could not be crystallized. Treatment of this oil with NaOBu(t) gives the sodium derivative [{[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(2-C(5)H(4)N)P]Na}(2) x (Et(2)O)](2) (11), whilst treatment of with KOBu(t), followed by recrystallization in the presence of pmdeta gives the complex [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(2-C(5)H(4)N)P]K(pmdeta)](2) (12). Compounds 5-12 have been characterised by (1)H, (13)C{(1)H} and (31)P{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses; compounds 7-9, and 12 have additionally been characterised by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 7-9 crystallize as discrete monomers, whereas 11 crystallizes as an unusual dimer of dimers and 12 crystallizes as a dimer with bridging pyridyl-phosphanide ligands.     

New types of hybrid solids of tetravanadate polyanions and cucurbituril

Three inorganic-organic hybrid solids based on tetravanadate polyanions, {V(4)O(12)}(4-) and cucurbituril, Me(10)Q[5] and Q[5], namely (NH(4))(4)[(V(4)O(12))·(Me(10)Q[5]@0.5H(2)O)(2)]·～13H(2)O (1), Li(4)(H(2)O)(5)[(V(4)O(12))·(Me(10)Q[5]@H(2)O)(2)]·～20H(2)O (2), and Na(4)(H(2)O)(2)[(V(4)O(12))·(Q[5])(2)]·～15H(2)O (3), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. In the structure of compound 1, two {Me(10)Q[5]@0.5H(2)O} moieties connect to one {V(4)O(12)}(4-) cluster through an NH(4)(+) counter-cation to form a trimer unit, which further forms a three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular architecture via extensive hydrogen bonds (H-bonds). Compound 2 contains a one-dimensional (1D) covalently bonded chain structure built by alternate {Me(10)Q[5]@H(2)O} moieties and {Li(2)O(4)(H(2)O)(3)}(2+) dimer units. The anionic {V(4)O(12)}(4-) units bond to every another {Li(2)O(4)(H(2)O)(3)}(2+) dimer unit sitting on the chain through multi-uncoordinated water molecules via H-bonds. Compound 3 is built from {V(4)O(12)}(4-) clusters, Q[5], and sodium cations into a two-dimensional (2D) covalent wavy structure, showing interesting connection between the building units, which is packed into 2D through plentiful H-bonds. It has been found that the cations dramatically affect the coordination of the tetravanadate polyanion and cucurbituril.     

Synthesis, structures and stabilities of thioanisole-functionalised phosphido-borane complexes of the alkali metals

Treatment of the secondary phosphine {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) with BH(3)·SMe(2) gives the corresponding phosphine-borane {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(BH(3))(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) (9) as a colourless solid. Deprotonation of 9 with n-BuLi, PhCH(2)Na or PhCH(2)K proceeds cleanly to give the corresponding alkali metal complexes [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}P(BH(3))(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe)]ML](n) [ML = Li(THF), n = 2 (10); ML = Na(tmeda), n = ∞ (11); ML = K(pmdeta), n = 2 (12)] as yellow/orange crystalline solids. X-ray crystallography reveals that the phosphido-borane ligands bind the metal centres through their sulfur and phosphorus atoms and through the hydrogen atoms of the BH(3) group in each case, leading to dimeric or polymeric structures. Compounds 10-12 are stable towards both heat and ambient light; however, on heating in toluene solution in the presence of 10, traces of free phosphine-borane 9 are slowly converted to the free phosphine {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) (5) with concomitant formation of the corresponding phosphido-bis(borane) complex [{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}P(BH(3))(2)(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe)]Li (14).     

Arene-mercury complexes stabilized by aluminum and gallium chloride: catalysts for H/D exchange of aromatic compounds

Dissolution of Hg(arene)(2)(MCl(4))(2) [arene = C(6)H(5)Me, C(6)H(5)Et, o-C(6)H(4)Me(2), C(6)H(3)-1,2,3-Me(3); M = Al, Ga] in C(6)D(6) results in a rapid H/D exchange and the formation of the appropriate d(n)-arene and C(6)D(5)H. H/D exchange is also observed between C(6)D(6) and the liquid clathrate ionic complexes, [Hg(arene)(2)(MCl(4))][MCl(4)], formed by dissolution of HgCl(2) and MCl(3) in C(6)H(6), m-C(6)H(4)Me(2), or p-C(6)H(4)Me(2). The H/D exchange reaction is found to be catalytic with respect to Hg(arene)(2)(MCl(4))(2) and independent of the initial arene ligand. Reaction of a 1:1 ratio of C(6)H(5)Me and C(6)D(6) with <0.1 mol % Hg(C(6)H(5)Me)(2)(MCl(4))(2) results in an equilibrium mixture of all isotopic isomers: C(6)H(5-x)D(x)Me and C(6)D(6-x)H(x) (x = 0-5). DFT calculations on the model system, Hg(C(6)H(6))(2)(AlCl(4))(2) and [Hg(C(6)H(6))(2)(AlCl(4))](+), show that the charge on the carbon and proton associated with the shortest Hg...C interactions is significantly higher than that on uncomplexed benzene or HgCl(2)(C(6)H(6))(2). The protonation of benzene by either Hg(C(6)H(6))(2)(AlCl(4))(2) or [Hg(C(6)H(6))(2)(AlCl(4))](+) was calculated to be thermodynamically favored in comparison to protonation of benzene by HO(2)CCF(3), a known catalyst for arene H/D exchange. Arene exchange and intramolecular hydrogen transfer reactions are also investigated by DFT calculations.     

Hydrocarbon-Soluble Mercuracarborands: Syntheses, Halide Complexes, and Supramolecular Chemistry

The syntheses of macrocyclic species composed of carborane derivatives joined via their carbon vertices by electrophilic mercury atoms are described. The reaction of closo-1,2-Li(2)[C(2)B(10)H(10)(-)(x)()R(x)()] with HgI(2) gives Li(2)[(1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10)(-)(x)()R(x)()Hg)(4)I(2)] [R = Et, x = 2 (5.I(2)Li(2)); R = Me, x = 2 (6.I(2)Li(2)); R = Me, x = 4 (7.I(2)Li(2))]. 6.I(2)(K.[18]dibenzocrown-6)(2) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m [a = 28.99(2) ?, b = 18.19(1) ?, c = 13.61(1) ?, beta = 113.74(2) degrees, V = 6568 ?(3), Z = 4, R = 0.060, R(w) = 0.070]; 7.I(2)(NBu(4))(2) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c [a = 12.77(1) ?, b = 21.12(2) ?, c = 20.96(2) ?, beta = 97.87(2) degrees, V = 5600 ?(3), Z = 2, R = 0.072, R(w) = 0.082]. The precursor to 7, closo-8,9,10,12-Me(4)-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(8) (4), is made in a single step by reaction of closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(12) with MeI in trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. The free hosts 5, 6, and 7 are obtained by reaction of the iodide complexes with stoichiometric quantities of AgOAc. A (199)Hg NMR study indicates that sequential removal of iodide from 5.I(2)Li(2) and 6.I(2)Li(2) with aliquots of AgOAc solution leads to formation of two intermediate host-guest complexes in solution, presumed to be 5(6)ILi and 5(2)(6)(2).ILi. Crystals grown from a solution of 6.I(2)Li(2) to which 1 equiv of AgOAc solution had been added proved to be an unusual stack structure with the formula 6(3).I(4)Li(4) [tetragonal, I4/m, a = 21.589(2) ?, c = 21.666(2) ?, V = 10098 ?(3), Z = 2, R = 0.058, R(w) = 0.084]. Addition of 2 equiv of NBu(4)Br ion to 5 or 6 gives 5.Br(2)(NBu(4))(2) and 6.Br(2)(NBu(4))(2), respectively, while addition of 1 equiv of KBr to 6 forms 6.BrK. 5.Br(2)(NBu(4))(2) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P&onemacr;, [a = 10.433(1) ?, b = 13.013(1) ?, c = 15.867(2) ?, alpha = 91.638(2) degrees, beta = 97.186(3) degrees, gamma = 114.202(2) degrees, V = 1492 ?(3), Z = 1, R = 0.078, R(w) = 0.104]. The hosts 5 and 6 form 1:1 supramolecular adducts with the polyhedral anions B(10)I(10)(2)(-) and B(12)I(12)(2)(-) in solution.