Studies of a series of [Ni(P(R)2N(Ph)2)2(CH3CN)]2+ complexes as electrocatalysts for H2 production: substituent variation at the phosphorus atom of the P2N2 ligand

A series of [Ni(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) complexes containing the cyclic diphosphine ligands [P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2) = 1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane; R = benzyl (Bn), n-butyl (n-Bu), 2-phenylethyl (PE), 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl (TP), and cyclohexyl (Cy)] have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the cations of [Ni(P(Bn)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(P(n-Bu)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) have distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometries. The Ni(0) complex [Ni(P(Bn)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)] was also synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction studies and shown to have a distorted tetrahedral structure. These complexes, with the exception of [Ni(P(Cy)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2), all exhibit reversible electron transfer processes for both the Ni(II/I) and Ni(I/0) couples and are electrocatalysts for the production of H(2) in acidic acetonitrile solutions. The heterolytic cleavage of H(2) by [Ni(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) complexes in the presence of p-anisidine or p-bromoaniline was used to determine the hydride donor abilities of the corresponding [HNi(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)](BF(4)) complexes. However, for the catalysts with the most bulky R groups, the turnover frequencies do not parallel the driving force for elimination of H(2), suggesting that steric interactions between the alkyl substituents on phosphorus and the nitrogen atom of the pendant amines play an important role in determining the overall catalytic rate.     

beta-Diiminato ligand (L) transformations in reactions of KL with PI3 and I2 [L = {N(C6H3Pr(i)2-2,6)C(H)}2CPh

The reaction of the potassium beta-diiminate KL (L = [{N(Ar)C(H)}(2)CPh](-); Ar = C(6)H(3)Pr(i)(2)-2,6) with PI(3) unexpectedly produced a phosphenium salt of the intermolecularly C,C-coupled ligand [P(I){N(Ar)CH}(2)C(C(6)H(4)-4)C(Ph)(CH[double bond, length as m-dash]NAr)(2)](+)[I(3)](-), while an intramolecularly N,N-coupled salt [N[upper bond 1 start](Ar)C(H)C(Ph)C(H)N[upper bond 1 end](Ar)](+)[I(5)](-) was isolated from KL + I(2).     

Co-complexes of ortho-dilithiated thiophenol or 2-trimethylsilylthiophenol with lithiated TMEDA molecules: synthesis, crystal structures and theoretical studies (TMEDA = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine)

When an excess of nBuLi was used in the ortho-dilithiation of thiophenol or 2-trimethylsilylthiophenol in the presence of TMEDA (TMEDA = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine), deprotonation of TMEDA occurred and crystals of [Li3{(2-S-C6H4)(CH2MeNCH2CH2NMe2)(TMEDA)}]2 (1) or [Li4{(2-S-3-SiMe3-C6H3)(CH2MeNCH2CH2NMe2)2(TMEDA)}] (2) were obtained. Molecular orbital calculations on gas-phase 1 and 2 at the DFT B3LYP/6-31G(d) level reproduce the experimental structures fairly well. In spite of the short Li...Li distances, total electron density representations do not support the existence of Li...Li interactions.     

P(RNCH2CH2)3N: catalysts for the head-to-tail dimerization of methyl acrylate

The dimerization of methyl acrylate to the head-to-tail 2-methylene-pentanedioic acid dimethyl ester product was realized in 82 and 85% yield in only 4 h at room temperature in THF in the presence of catalytic amounts of P(RNCH2CH2)3N (R = i-Bu and Bn, respectively). These phosphines are to our knowledge the best nonmetallic catalysts so far reported for this reaction. In contrast, less sterically hindered P(MeNCH2CH2)3N failed to catalyze this dimerization, giving oligomer or polymer instead.     

Electrocatalytic oxidation of formate by [Ni(P(R)2N(R')2)2(CH3CN)]2+ complexes

[Ni(P(R)(2)N(R')(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](2+) complexes with R = Ph, R' = 4-MeOPh or R = Cy, R' = Ph , and a mixed-ligand [Ni(P(R)(2)N(R')(2))(P(R'(2))N(R'(2)))(CH(3)CN)](2+) with R = Cy, R' = Ph, R' = Ph, have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. These and previously reported complexes are shown to be electrocatalysts for the oxidation of formate in solution to produce CO(2), protons, and electrons, with rates that are first-order in catalyst and formate at formate concentrations below ～0.04 M (34 equiv). At concentrations above ～0.06 M formate (52 equiv), catalytic rates become nearly independent of formate concentration. For the catalysts studied, maximum observed turnover frequencies vary from <1.1 to 15.8 s(-1) at room temperature, which are the highest rates yet reported for formate oxidation by homogeneous catalysts. These catalysts are the only base-metal electrocatalysts as well as the only homogeneous electrocatalysts reported to date for the oxidation of formate. An acetate complex demonstrating an η(1)-OC(O)CH(3) binding mode to nickel has also been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Based on this structure and the electrochemical and spectroscopic data, a mechanistic scheme for electrocatalytic formate oxidation is proposed which involves formate binding followed by a rate-limiting proton and two-electron transfer step accompanied by CO(2) liberation. The pendant amines have been demonstrated to be essential for electrocatalysis, as no activity toward formate oxidation was observed for the similar [Ni(depe)(2)](2+) (depe = 1,2-bis(diethylphosphino)ethane) complex.     

Ni(Et2PCH2NMeCH2PEt2)2]2+ as a functional model for hydrogenases

The reaction of Et(2)PCH(2)N(Me)CH(2)PEt(2) (PNP) with [Ni(CH(3)CN)(6)](BF(4))(2) results in the formation of [Ni(PNP)(2)](BF(4))(2), which possesses both hydride- and proton-acceptor sites. This complex is an electrocatalyst for the oxidation of hydrogen to protons, and stoichiometric reaction with hydrogen forms [HNi(PNP)(PNHP)](BF(4))(2), in which a hydride ligand is bound to Ni and a proton is bound to a pendant N atom of one PNP ligand. The free energy associated with this reaction has been calculated to be -5 kcal/mol using a thermodynamic cycle. The hydride ligand and the NH proton undergo rapid intramolecular exchange with each other and intermolecular exchange with protons in solution. [HNi(PNP)(PNHP)](BF(4))(2) undergoes reversible deprotonation to form [HNi(PNP)(2)](BF(4)) in acetonitrile solutions (pK(a) = 10.6). A convenient synthetic route to the PF(6)(-) salt of this hydride involves the reaction of PNP with Ni(COD)(2) to form Ni(PNP)(2), followed by protonation with NH(4)PF(6). A pK(a) of value of 22.2 was measured for this hydride. This value, together with the half-wave potentials of [Ni(PNP)(2)](BF(4))(2), was used to calculate homolytic and heterolytic Ni-H bond dissociation free energies of 55 and 66 kcal/mol, respectively, for [HNi(PNP)(2)](PF(6)). Oxidation of [HNi(PNP)(2)](PF(6)) has been studied by cyclic voltammetry, and the results are consistent with a rapid migration of the proton from the Ni atom of the resulting [HNi(PNP)(2)](2+) cation to the N atom to form [Ni(PNP)(PNHP)](2+). Estimates of the pK(a) values of the NiH and NH protons of these two isomers indicate that proton migration from Ni to N should be favorable by 1-2 pK(a) units. Cyclic voltammetry and proton exchange studies of [HNi(depp)(2)](PF(6)) (where depp is Et(2)PCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)PEt(2)) are also presented as control experiments that support the important role of the bridging N atom of the PNP ligand in the proton exchange reactions observed for the various Ni complexes containing the PNP ligand. Similarly, structural studies of [Ni(PNBuP)(2)](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(PNP)(dmpm)](BF(4))(2) (where PNBuP is Et(2)PCH(2)N(Bu)CH(2)PEt(2) and dmpm is Me(2)PCH(2)PMe(2)) illustrate the importance of tetrahedral distortions about Ni in determining the hydride acceptor ability of Ni(II) complexes.     

Structures and bonding of the sandwich complexes [Ti(eta5-E5)2]2- (E = CH,N, P,As, Sb): a theoretical study

Quantum chemical calculations using gradient-corrected DFT at the BP86/TZ2P level of the compounds [Ti(eta(5)-E(5))(2)](2)(-) (E = CH, N, P, As, Sb) are reported. The nature of the metal-ligand bonding has been analyzed with an energy decomposition method, and the results are compared with [Fe(eta(5)-E(5))(2)]. The bonding in both series of complexes is more covalent than electrostatic. The energy decomposition analysis shows that the dominant orbital interactions in the negatively charged titanium species come from the (e(2)') Ti --> [(eta(5)-E(5))(2)](2)(-) back-donation (delta bonding) while the covalent bonding in the iron complexes come mainly from (e(1)' ') (Cp(-))(2) --> Fe(2+) donation (pi bonding). The nature of the metal-ligand interactions does not change very much for different ligands cyc-E(5) within the two series of compounds. The calculated bond dissociation energies for breaking one metal-ligand bond of the molecules [Ti(eta(5)-E(5))(2)](2)(-) shows for E the order P > As > Sb > N > CH. The central message of this work is that the complexes [Ti(eta(5)-E(5))(2)](2)(-) are delta bonded molecules.     

Direct Lanthanide-Transition Metal Interactions: Synthesis of (NH(3))(2)YbFe(CO)(4) and Crystal Structures of {[(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4)](2).CH(3)CN}(infinity) and [(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4)](infinity)

The heterometallic complex (NH(3))(2)YbFe(CO)(4) was prepared from the reduction of Fe(3)(CO)(12) by Yb in liquid ammonia. Ammonia was displaced from (NH(3))(2)YbFe(CO)(4) by acetonitrile in acetonitrile solution, and the crystalline compounds {[(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4))](2).CH(3)CN}(infinity) and [(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4)](infinity) were obtained. An earlier X-ray study of {[(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4)](2).CH(3)CN}(infinity) showed that it is a ladder polymer with direct Yb-Fe bonds. In the present study, an X-ray crystal structure analysis also showed that [(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4)](infinity) is a sheetlike array with direct Yb-Fe bonds. Crystal data for {[(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4)](2).CH(3)CN}(infinity): monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 21.515(8) ?, b = 7.838(2) ?, c = 19.866(6) ?, beta = 105.47(2) degrees, Z = 4. Crystal data for [(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4)](infinity): monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, a = 8.364(3) ?, b = 9.605(5) ?, c = 17.240(6) ?, beta = 92.22(3) degrees, Z = 4. Electrical conductivity measurements in acetonitrile show that these acetonitrile complexes are partially dissociated into ionic species. IR and NMR spectra of the solutions reveal the presence of [HFe(CO)(4)](-). However, upon recrystallization, the acetonitrile complexes show no evidence for the presence of [HFe(CO)(4)](-) on the basis of their IR spectra. The solid state MAS (2)H NMR spectra of deuterated acetonitrile complexes give no evidence for [(2)HFe(CO)(4)](-). It appears that rupture of the Yb-Fe bond could occur in solution to generate the ion pair [L(n)Yb](2+)[Fe(CO)(4)](2-), but then the highly basic [Fe(CO)(4)](2-) anion could abstract a proton from a coordinated acetonitrile ligand to form [HFe(CO)(4)](-). However, upon crystallization, the proton could be transferred back to the ligand, which results in the neutral polymeric species.     

Variable coordination modes of NO2(-) in a series of Ag(I) complexes containing triorganophosphines, -arsines,and -stibines. Syntheses,spectroscopic characterization (IR, 1H and 31P NMR,electrospray ionization mass), and structures of [AgNO2(R(3)E)(x)] adducts (E = P,As, Sb,x = 1-3)

Adducts of triorganophosphine, triphenylarsine, and triphenylstibine with silver(I) nitrite have been synthesized and characterized both in solution ((1)H, (31)P NMR) and in the solid state (IR, single-crystal X-ray structure analysis). In addition aggregates of AgNO(2) and ER(3) (E = P, As, Sb) have been identified in solution by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The topology of the structures in the solid state was found to depend on the nature of ER(3) and on the stoichiometric ratio AgNO(2):ER(3). The adducts AgNO(2):EPh(3) (1:1) (E = P or Sb) are one-dimensional polymers, the role of NO(2)(-) being to bridge successive metal atoms by coordination of the two oxygens to one silver atom and the nitrogen lone pair to a successive Ag. The adduct AgNO(2):P(o-tolyl)(3) (1:1) is mononuclear, due to steric hindrance of the phosphine, the nitrite being O,O'-bidentate, a rare example of a quasi-linear P-Ag-X array. AgNO(2):P(p-F-C(6)H(4))(3) (1:1) is a dimer, the nitrite being coordinated through both oxygens, the first unidentate, the second bridging bidentate. P(o-tolyl)(3) and Pcy(3) form 1:2 adducts, also mononuclear, the nitrite still an O,O'-chelate. In contrast, the adduct AgNO(2):AsPh(3) (1:2) is a centrosymmetric dimer, essentially an aggregate of a pair of [Ag(O(2)N)(AsPh(3))(2)] arrays with one nitrite oxygen being the bridging atom. The adducts AgNO(2):EPh(3) (1:3) (E = As, Sb) are mononuclear, the nitrite behaving as a consistently strong O,O'-chelate. The E = As adduct is a triclinic solvated form, whereas the unsolvated E = Sb species is monoclinic. ESI-MS spectra of acetonitrile solutions of these complexes show the existence of [Ag(ER(3))](+), [Ag(CH(3)CN)](+), [Ag(CH(3)CN)(2)](+), [AgCl(2)](-), [Ag(NO(2))(2)](-), [Ag(ER(3))(CH(3)CN)](+), and [Ag(ER(3))(2)](+) as well as higher aggregates [Ag(2)(NO(2))(ER(3))(2)](+), [Ag(2)(NO(2))(3)](-) and [Ag(2)Cl(2)(NO(2))](-), which are less prevalent.     

Binuclear half-sandwich cobalt(III) and rhodium(III) ortho-carboranedichalocogenolato complexes with ether chain-bridged bis(cyclopentadienyl) ligand

1, 1'-(3-Oxapentamethylene)dicyclopentadiene [O(CH(2)CH(2)C(5)H(5))(2)], containing a flexible chain-bridged group, was synthesized by the reaction of sodium cyclopentadienide with bis(2-chloroethyl) ether through a slightly modified literature procedure. Furthermore, the binuclear cobalt(III) complex O[CH(2)CH(2)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))Co(CO)I(2)](2) and insoluble polynuclear rhodium(III) complex {O[CH(2)CH(2)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))RhI(2)](2)}(n) were obtained from reactions of with the corresponding metal fragments and they react easily with PPh(3) to give binuclear metal complexes, O[CH(2)CH(2)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))Co(PPh(3))I(2)](2) and O[CH(2)CH(2)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))Rh(PPh(3))I(2)](2), respectively. Complexes react with bidentate dilithium dichalcogenolato ortho-carborane to give eight binuclear half-sandwich ortho-carboranedichalcogenolato cobalt(III) and rhodium(III) complexes O[CH(2)CH(2)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))Co(PPh(3))(E(2)C(2)B(10)H(10))](2) (E = S and Se), O[CH(2)CH(2)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))](2)Co(2)(E(2)C(2)B(10)H(10)) (E = S and Se), O[CH(2)CH(2)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))Co(E(2)C(2)B(10)H(10))](2) (E = S and Se and O[CH(2)CH(2)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))Rh(PPh(3))(E(2)C(2)B(10)H(10))](2) (E = S and Se). All complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, NMR spectra ((1)H, (13)C, (31)P and (11)B NMR) and IR spectroscopy. The molecular structures were determined by X-ray diffractometry.     

N,N,N ',N '-Tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine and its analogues as hypodentate ligands. Synthesis and characterization of the rhodium(III), ruthenium(II), and palladium(II) complexes

New complexes of Rh(III), Ru(II), and Pd(II) with N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (tpen) and its analogues have been prepared. The reaction of RhCl(3).nH(2)O with tpen is slow and allows one to isolate the products of three consecutive substitution steps: Rh(2)Cl(6)(tpen) (1), cis-[RhCl(2)(eta(4)-tpen)](+) (2), and [RhCl(eta(5)-tpen)](2+) (3). In acetonitrile the reaction stops at the step of the formation of cis-[RhCl(2)(eta(4)-tpen)](+), whereas [RhCl(eta(5)-tpen)](2+) is the final product of the further reaction in ethanol. Fully chelated [Rh(tpen)](3+) could not be obtained. Bis(acetylacetonato)palladium(II), Pd(acac)(2), reacts with tpen and its analogues, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-propanediamine (tptn) and N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-(R)-1,2-propylenediamine (R-tppn), to give [Pd(eta(4)-tpen)](2+) (4), [Pd(eta(4)-tppn)](2+) (5), and [Pd(eta(4)-tptn)](2+) (6), respectively. Two pyridyl arms remain uncoordinated in these cases. The formation of unstable Pd(III) complexes from these Pd(II) complexes in solution was suggested on the basis of electrochemical measurements. Ruthenium(III) trichloride, RuCl(3).nH(2)O, is reduced to give a Ru(II) complex with fully coordinated tpen, [Ru(tpen)](2+) (7). The same product was obtained in a more straightforward reaction of Ru(II)Cl(2)(dimethyl sulfoxide)(4) with tpen. Electrochemical studies showed a quasi-reversible [Ru(tpen)](2+/3+) couple for [7](ClO(4))(2) (E(1/2) = 1.05 V vs Ag/AgCl). Crystal structures of [2](PF(6)).2CH(3)CN, [3](PF(6))(2).CH(3)CN, [6](ClO(4))(2), and [7](ClO(4))(2).0.5H(2)O were determined. Crystal data: [2](PF(6)).2CH(3)CN, monoclinic, C2, a = 16.974(4) A, b = 8.064(3) A, c = 13.247(3) A, beta = 106.37(2) degrees, V = 1739.9(8) A(3), Z = 2; [3](PF(6))(2).CH(3)CN, triclinic, P1, a = 11.430(1) A, b = 19.234(3) A, c = 8.101(1) A, alpha = 99.43(1) degrees, beta = 93.89(1) degrees, gamma = 80.10(1) degrees, V = 1729.3(4) A(3), Z = 2; [6](ClO(4))(2), orthorhombic, Pnna, a = 8.147(1) A, b = 25.57(1) A, c = 14.770(4) A, V = 3076(3) A(3), Z = 4; [7](ClO(4))(2).0.5H(2)O, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.046(7) A, b = 19.049(2) A, c = 15.696(3) A, beta = 101.46(3) degrees, V = 2943(2) A(3), Z = 4.     

Unexpected metal-induced isomerisms and phosphoryl migrations in Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes of the functional phosphine 2-(bis(diphenylphosphino)methyl)-oxazoline

The reaction of the functional diphosphine 1 [1 = 2-(bis(diphenylphosphino)methyl-oxazoline] with [PtCl(2)(NCPh)(2)] or [PdCl(2)(NCPh)(2)], in the presence of excess NEt(3), affords [Pt{(Ph(2)P)(2)C···C(···NCH(2)CH(2)O)}(2)] ([Pt(1(-H)-P,P)(2)], 3a) and [Pd{(Ph(2)P)(2)C···C(···NCH(2)CH(2)O)}(2)] ([Pd(1(-H)-P,P)(2)], 3b), respectively, in which 1(-H) is (oxazoline-2-yl)bis(diphenylphosphino)methanide. The reaction of 3b with 2 equiv of [AuCl(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) afforded [Pd(1(-H)-P,N)(2)(AuCl)(2)] (4), as a result of the opening of the four-membered metal chelate since ligand 1(-H), which was P,P-chelating in 3b, behaves as a P,N-chelate toward the Pd(II) center in 4 and coordinates to Au(I) through the other P donor. In the absence of a base, the reaction of ligand 1 with [PtCl(2)(NCPh)(2)] in MeCN or CH(2)Cl(2) afforded the isomers [Pt{(Ph(2)P)(2)C═C(OCH(2)CH(2)NH)}(2)]Cl(2) ([Pt(1'-P,P)(2)]Cl(2) (5), 1' = 2-(bis(diphenylphosphino)methylene)-oxazolidine) and [Pt{(Ph(2)P)(2)C═C(OCH(2)CH(2)NH)}{Ph(2)PCH═C(OCH(2)CH(2)N(PPh(2))}]Cl(2) ([Pt(1'-P,P)(2'-P,P)]Cl(2) (6), 2' = (E)-3-(diphenylphosphino)-2-((diphenylphosphino)methylene)oxazolidine]. The P,P-chelating ligands in 5 result from a tautomeric shift of the C-H proton of 1 to the nitrogen atom, whereas the formation of one of the P,P-chelates in 6 involves a carbon to nitrogen phosphoryl migration. The reaction of 5 and 6 with a base occurred by deprotonation at the nitrogen to afford 3a and [Pt{(Ph(2)P)(2)C···C(···NCH(2)CH(2)O)}{Ph(2)PCH═COCH(2)CH(2)N(PPh(2))}]Cl ([Pt(1(-H)-P,P)(2'-P,P)]Cl (7)], respectively. In CH(2)Cl(2), an isomer of 3a, [Pt{Ph(2)P)(2)C···C(···NCH(2)CH(2)O)}{Ph(2)PC(PPh(2))═COCH(2)CH(2)N}] ([Pt(1(-H)-P,P)(1(-H)-P,N)] (8)), was obtained as a side product which contains ligand 1(-H) in two different coordination modes. Complexes 3b·4CH(2)Cl(2), 4·CHCl(3), 6·2.5CH(2)Cl(2), and 8·CH(2)Cl(2) have been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction.     

Reactions of acetonitrile coordinated to a nitrosylruthenium complex with H2O or CH(3)OH under mild conditions: structural characterization of imido-type complexes

The reaction of cis-[Ru(NO)(CH(3)CN)(bpy)(2)](3+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) in H(2)O at room temperature proceeded to afford two new nitrosylruthenium complexes. These complexes have been identified as nitrosylruthenium complexes containing the N-bound methylcarboxyimidato ligand, cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(O)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](2+), and methylcarboxyimido acid ligand, cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(OH)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](3+), formed by an electrophilic reaction at the nitrile carbon of the acetonitrile coordinated to the ruthenium ion. The X-ray structure analysis on a single crystal obtained from CH(3)CN-H(2)O solution of cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(O)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(3) has been performed: C(22)H(20.5)N(6)O(2)P(2.5)F(15)Ru, orthorhombic, Pccn, a = 15.966(1) A, b = 31.839(1) A, c = 11.707(1) A, V = 5950.8(4) A(3), and Z = 8. The structural results revealed that the single crystal consisted of 1:1 mixture of cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(O)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](2+) and cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(OH)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](3+) and the structural formula of this single crystal was thus [Ru(NO)(NH=C(OH(0.5))CH(3))(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(2.5). The reaction of cis-[Ru(NO)(CH(3)CN)(bpy)(2)](3+) in dry CH(3)OH-CH(3)CN at room temperature afforded a nitrosylruthenium complex containing the methyl methylcarboxyimidate ligand, cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(OCH(3))CH(3))(bpy)(2)](3+). The structure has been determined by X-ray structure analysis: C(25)H(29)N(8)O(18)Cl(3)Ru, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 13.129(1) A, b = 17.053(1) A, c = 15.711(1) A, beta = 90.876(5) degrees, V = 3517.3(4) A(3), and Z = 4.     

Synthesis of 1,2,3-tripnictolide anions by reaction of group 15 Zintl ions with acetylene. Isolation of [E3C2H2](-) (E = P, As) and preliminary reactivity studies

Dimethylformamide solutions of K(3)E(7) (E = P, As) react with acetylene yielding the 1,2,3-tripnictolide anions [E(3)C(2)H(2)](-) (R = P (1), As (2)). Preliminary studies have shown that 1 and 2 displace labile ligands in [Ru(COD){η(3)-CH(3)C(CH(2))(2)}(2)] (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) to yield the novel complexes [Ru(η(5)-E(3)C(2)H(2)){CH(3)C(CH(2))(2)}(2)}](-) (E = P (3), As (4)).     

Solid state structure and solution behaviour of organoselenium(II) compounds containing 2-{E(CH2CH2)2NCH2}C6H4 groups (E = O, NMe)

Cleavage of the Se-Se bond in [2-{O(CH(2)CH(2))(2)NCH(2)}C(6)H(4)](2)Se(2) (1) and [2-{MeN(CH(2)CH(2))(2)NCH(2)}C(6)H(4)](2)Se(2) (2) by treatment with SO(2)Cl(2), bromine or iodine (1 : 1 molar ratio) yielded [2-{O(CH(2)CH(2))(2)NCH(2)}C(6)H(4)]SeX [X = Cl (3), Br (4), I (5)] and [2-{MeN(CH(2)CH(2))(2)NCH(2)}C(6)H(4)]SeI (6). The compounds were characterized in solution by NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 15N, 77Se, 2D experiments). The solid-state molecular structures of 1-3, 4.HBr, 5 and 6 were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In all cases T-shaped coordination geometries, i.e. (C,N)SeSe (1, 2), (C,N)SeX (3, 5, 6; X = halogen) or CSeBr(2) (4.HBr), were found. Supramolecular associations in crystals based on hydrogen contacts are discussed.     

Hydroxoundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(2-) as a Nucleophile. Preparation and Structural Characterization of O-Alkyl and O-Acyl Derivatives of Hydroxoundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(2-)

The syntheses, solid state structures, and spectral properties of O-alkyl and O-acyl derivatives of hydroxoundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(2-), 1, are described. Alkylation of 1 with ethyl iodide was achieved in dimethyl sulfoxide using potassium hydroxide as a base, leading to [N(n-C(4)H(9))(4)](2)[CH(3)CH(2)O-B(12)H(11)(2-)], 2, bis(tetrabutylammonium) ethoxyundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(2-) [monoclinic P2(1)/n, a = 1192.4(9) pm, b = 1253.9(4) pm, c = 3049.1(10) pm, beta = 92.69(4) degrees, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0693, wR(2) = 0.1517]. Alkylation with 1,5-dibromopentane afforded the cyclic oxonium salt [PPN][C(5)H(10)O-B(12)H(11)(1-)], 3, (&mgr;-nitrido)bis(triphenylphosphorus)(1+) tetrahydropyrane-undecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(1-) [monoclinic P2(1)/c, a = 1938.1(2) pm, b = 1329.7(10) pm, c = 1944.0(2) pm, beta = 108.82(10) degrees, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0484, wR(2) = 0.0833]. Acylation of 1 in acetonitrile with acyl chlorides in the presence of pyridine yielded [N(n-C(4)H(9))(4)](2)[C(6)H(5)CO(2)-B(12)H(11)(2-)], 4, bis(tetrabutylammonium) undecahydrobenzoyl-closo-dodecaborate(2-) [monoclinic P2(1)/c, a = 1812.0(4) pm, b = 1711.9(3) pm, c = 1685.0(3) pm, beta = 114.03(3) degrees, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0915, wR(2) = 0.2093], and [N(n-C(4)H(9))(4)](2)[CH(3)CO(2)-B(12)H(11)(2-)], 5, bis(tetrabutylammonium) acetoxyundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(2-) [monoclinic P2(1)/n, a = 1190.5(2) pm, b = 1243.0(10) pm, c = 3078.4(4) pm, beta = 92.76(10) degrees, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0642, wR(2) = 0.1462]. All crystal structures showed distortion of the pseudoicosahedral geometry of the boron cluster. The boron-oxygen distances varied from 144.2(5) pm for 2, 148.5(3) pm for 5, 149.4(12) pm for 4, to 152.8(4) pm for 3. The 3-fold coordinated oxygen of oxonium salt 3 is nearly planar.     

Substitution and derivatization reactions of a water soluble iron(II) complex containing a self-assembled tetradentate phosphine ligand

Facile substitution reactions of the two water ligands in the hydrophilic tetradentate phosphine complex cis-[Fe{(HOCH2)P{CH2N(CH2P(CH2OH)2)CH2}2P(CH2OH)}(H2O)2](SO4) (abbreviated to [Fe(L1)(H2O)2](SO4), 1) take place upon addition of Cl-, NCS-, N3(-), CO3(2-) and CO to give [Fe(L1)X2] (2, X = Cl; 4, X = NCS; 5, X=N3), [Fe(L1)(kappa2-O(2)CO)], 6 and [Fe(L1)(CO)2](SO4), 7. The unsymmetrical mono-substituted intermediates [Fe(L1)(H2O)(CO)](SO(4)) and [Fe(L(1))(CO)(kappa(1)-OSO(3))] (8/9) have been identified spectroscopically en-route to 7. Treatment of 1 with acetic anhydride affords the acylated derivative [Fe{(AcOCH2)P{CH2N(CH2P(CH2OAc)2)CH2}2P(CH2OAc)}(kappa2-O(2)SO2)] (abbreviated to [Fe(L2)(kappa2-O(2)SO2)], 10), which has increased solubility over 1 in both organic solvents and water. Treatment of 1 with glycine does not lead to functionalisation of L1, but substitution of the aqua ligands occurs to form [Fe(L(1))(NH(2)CH(2)CO(2)-kappa(2)N,O)](HSO(4)), 11. Compound 10 reacts with chloride to form [Fe(L(2))Cl(2)] 12, and 12 reacts with CO in the presence of NaBPh4 to form [Fe(L2)Cl(CO)](BPh4) 13b. Both of the chlorides in 12 are substituted on reaction with NCS- and N3(-) to form [Fe(L2)(NCS)2] 14 and [Fe(L2)(N3)2] 15, respectively. Complexes 2.H2O, 4.2H2O, 5.0.812H2O, 6.1.7H2O, 7.H2O, 10.1.3CH3C(O)CH3, 12 and 15.0.5H2O have all been crystallographically characterised.     

Nickel(II) complexes of tripodal 4N ligands as catalysts for alkane oxidation using m-CPBA as oxidant: ligand stereoelectronic effects on catalysis

Several mononuclear Ni(II) complexes of the type [Ni(L)(CH(3)CN)(2)](BPh(4))(2) 1-7, where L is a tetradentate tripodal 4N ligand such as N,N-dimethyl-N',N'-bis(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (L1), N,N-diethyl-N',N'-bis(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (L2), N,N-dimethyl-N'-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl)-N'-(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (L3), N,N-dimethyl-N',N'-bis(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (L4), N,N-dimethyl-N',N'-bis(quinolin-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (L5), tris(benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)amine (L6) and tris(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)amine (L7), have been isolated and characterized using CHN analysis, UV-Visible spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The single-crystal X-ray structures of the complexes [Ni(L1)(CH(3)CN)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2) 1a, [Ni(L2)(CH(3)CN)(2)](BPh(4))(2) 2, [Ni(L3)(CH(3)CN)(2)](BPh(4))(2) 3 and [Ni(L4)(CH(3)CN)(2)](BPh(4))(2) 4 have been determined. All these complexes possess a distorted octahedral coordination geometry in which Ni(II) is coordinated to four nitrogen atoms of the tetradentate ligands and two CH(3)CN (2, 3, 4) or one H(2)O and one CH(3)CN (1a) are located in cis positions. The Ni-N(py) bond distances (2.054(2)-2.078(3) ?) in 1a, 2 and 3 are shorter than the Ni-N(amine) bonds (2.127(2)-2.196(3) ?) because of sp(2) and sp(3) hybridizations of the pyridyl and tertiary amine nitrogens respectively. In 3 the Ni-N(im) bond (2.040(5) ?) is shorter than the Ni-N(py) bond (2.074(4) ?) due to the stronger coordination of imidazole compared with the pyridine donor. In dichloromethane/acetonitrile solvent mixture, all the Ni(ii) complexes possess an octahedral coordination geometry, as revealed by the characteristic ligand field bands in the visible region. They efficiently catalyze the hydroxylation of alkanes when m-CPBA is used as oxidant with turnover number (TON) in the range of 340-620 and good alcohol selectivity for cyclohexane (A/K, 5-9). By replacing one of the pyridyl donors in TPA by a weakly coordinating -NMe(2) or -NEt(2) donor nitrogen atom the catalytic activity decreases slightly with no change in the selectivity. In contrast, upon replacing the pyridyl nitrogen donor by the strongly σ-bonding imidazolyl or sterically demanding quinolyl/benzimidazolyl nitrogen donor, both the catalytic activity and selectivity decrease, possibly due to destabilization of the intermediate [(4N)(CH(3)CN)Ni-O˙](+) radical species. Adamantane is selectively (3°/2°, 12-17) oxidized to 1-adamantanol, 2-adamantanol and 2-adamantanone while cumene is selectively oxidized to 2-phenyl-2-propanol. In contrast to cyclohexane oxidation, the incorporation of sterically hindering quinolyl/benzimidazolyl donors around Ni(ii) leads to a high 3°/2° bond selectivity for adamantane oxidation. A linear correlation between the metal-ligand covalency parameter (β) and the turnover number has been observed.     

O(2) activation and hydrolysis of Salan rare-earth metal alkyl complexes

Salan ligated yttrium alkyl complex , L(1)Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(THF) (Salan = L(1): [2-O-3,5-tBu(2)-C(6)H(2)CH(2)N(CH(3))CH(2)](2)), was exposed to an oxygen/nitrogen atmosphere to give a bimetallic alkoxide complex , [L(1)Y(mu-OCH(2)SiMe(3))](2). Whilst the lutetium counterparts (L(1)Lu(CH(2)SiMe(3))(THF)) and (L(2)Lu(CH(2)SiMe(3))(THF); L(2): [2-O-3-tBu-C(6)H(2)CH(2)N(CH(3))CH(2)](2)) were hydrolysed with moist nitrogen to afford mixed hydroxy/silyloxy complexes and ([L(1,2)Lu(mu-OSiMe(3))(mu-OH)LuL(1,2)]), respectively.     

Formation and chemical reactivities of a new type of double-butterfly [[Fe2(mu-CO)(CO)6]2(mu-SZS-mu)]2-: synthetic and structural studies on novel linear and macrocyclic butterfly Fe/E (E=S,Se) cluster complexes

A new type of double-butterfly [[Fe(2)(mu-CO)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)](2-) (3), a dianion that has two mu-CO ligands, has been synthesized from dithiol HSZSH (Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2)), [Fe(3)(CO)(12)], and Et(3)N in a molar ratio of 1:2:2 at room temperature. Interestingly, the in situ reactions of dianions 3 with various electrophiles affords a series of novel linear and macrocyclic butterfly Fe/E (E=S, Se) cluster complexes. For instance, while reactions of 3 with PhC(O)Cl and Ph(2)PCl give linear clusters [[Fe(2)(mu-PhCO)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (4 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2)) and [[Fe(2)(mu-Ph(2)P)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (5 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2)), reactions with CS(2) followed by treatment with monohalides RX or dihalides X-Y-X give both linear clusters [[Fe(2)(mu-RCS(2))(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (6 a-e: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1,2)CH(2); R=Me, PhCH(2), FeCp(CO)(2)) and macrocyclic clusters [[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)(mu-CS(2)YCS(2)-mu)] (7 a-e: Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2); Y=(CH(2))(2-4), 1,3,5-Me(CH(2))(2)C(6)H(3), 1,4-(CH(2))(2)C(6)H(4)). In addition, reactions of dianions 3 with [Fe(2)(mu-S(2))(CO)(6)] followed by treatment with RX or X-Y-X give linear clusters [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-RS)(mu(4)-S)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (8 a-c: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1,2)CH(2); R=Me, PhCH(2)) and macrocyclic clusters [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-S)](2)(mu-SYS-mu)(mu-SZS-mu)] (9 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2); Y=(CH(2))(4)), and reactions with SeCl(2) afford macrocycles [[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-Se)(mu-SZS-mu)] (10 d: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(3)CH(2)) and [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-Se)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)(2)] (11 a-d: Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2)). Production pathways have been suggested; these involve initial nucleophilic attacks by the Fe-centered dianions 3 at the corresponding electrophiles. All the products are new and have been characterized by combustion analysis and spectroscopy, and by X-ray diffraction techniques for 6 c, 7 d, 9 b, 10 d, and 11 c in particular. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the double-butterfly cluster core Fe(4)S(2)Se in 10 d is severely distorted in comparison to that in 11 c. In view of the Z chains in 10 a-c being shorter than the chain in 10 d, the double cluster core Fe(4)S(2)Se in 10 a-c would be expected to be even more severely distorted, a possible reason for why 10 a-c could not be formed.