Synthesis and Characterization of Copper(II)–Phosphonate Coordination Chain Array of Metallocages

Reaction of CuCl₂ ·2H₂O and 2,4,6‐tris(phosphorylmethyl)mesitylene (H₆tpmm) in H₂O?DMF solution at room temperature afforded green crystals of [Cu₆(H₂tpmm)₃(H₂O)₉]·3H₂O ( 1 ), which were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). The solid‐state structure of 1 reveals a one‐dimensional chain array of M₄L₂ ‐metallocages constituted by the connection of two kinds of metallocage units, namely MC‐A (phosphonate/water‐bridged) and MC‐B (phosphonate‐bridged only), via μ₂‐O(phosphonate)? Cu bonds in ABAABA order. The tris‐phosphonate ligand H₆tpmm is partially deprotonated to form H₂tpmm^4?, which displays a cis,cis,cis conformation to bridge six Cu(II) centers via two monodentate phosphonate groups in a η ⁰:η ⁰:η ¹‐bonding mode and one tridentate phosphonate group in a μ₄, η ¹:η ¹:η ²‐bondingng mode.     

Cube‐like 12‐MC‐4 and Offset Stacked 10‐MC‐3 Metallacrowns: Synthesis,Structure, and Magnetic Properties

Two complexes [Mn^III₄(naphthsao)₄(naphthsaoH)₄] ( 1 ) and [Fe^III₆O₂(naphthsao)₄(O₂CPh)₆] ( 2 ) [naphthsao = 1‐(1‐hydroxy‐naphthalen‐2‐yl)ethanone oxime] were obtained through the reactions of naphthsao ligand and MnCl₂ · 4H₂O or FeCl₃ · 6H₂O in the presence of triethylamine (Et₃N). Their structures were determined by X‐ray single crystal diffraction, elemental analysis, and IR spectra. Complex 1 displays 12‐MC‐4 metallacrown structural type with cube‐like configuration and 2 shows an offset stacked 10‐MC‐3 structural type with the ring connectivity containing Fe–O–C–O–Fe–O–N–Fe–O–N. Magnetic susceptibility measurement reveals the ferromagnetic interactions and field‐induced slow relaxation of the magnetization for 1 , whereas out‐of‐phase signal is not observed for 2 .     

Excited State Tuning of Bis(tridentate) Ruthenium(II) Polypyridine Chromophores by Push–Pull Effects and Bite Angle Optimization: A Comprehensive Experimental and Theoretical Study

The synergy of push–pull substitution and enlarged ligand bite angles has been used in functionalized heteroleptic bis(tridentate) polypyridine complexes of ruthenium(II) to shift the ¹MLCT absorption and the ³MLCT emission to lower energy, enhance the emission quantum yield, and to prolong the ³MLCT excited‐state lifetime. In these complexes, that is, [Ru(ddpd)(EtOOC‐tpy)][PF₆]₂, [Ru(ddpd‐NH₂)(EtOOC‐tpy)][PF₆]₂, [Ru(ddpd){(MeOOC)₃‐tpy}][PF₆]₂, and [Ru(ddpd‐NH₂){(EtOOC)₃‐tpy}][PF₆]₂ the combination of the electron‐accepting 2,2′;6′,2′′‐terpyridine (tpy) ligand equipped with one or three COOR substituents with the electron‐donating N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐dipyridin‐2‐ylpyridine‐2,6‐diamine (ddpd) ligand decorated with none or one NH₂ group enforces spatially separated and orthogonal frontier orbitals with a small HOMO–LUMO gap resulting in low‐energy ¹MLCT and ³MLCT states. The extended bite angle of the ddpd ligand increases the ligand field splitting and pushes the deactivating ³MC state to higher energy. The properties of the new isomerically pure mixed ligand complexes have been studied by using electrochemistry, UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, static and time‐resolved luminescence spectroscopy, and transient absorption spectroscopy. The experimental data were rationalized by using density functional calculations on differently charged species (charge n=0–4) and on triplet excited states (³MLCT and ³MC) as well as by time‐dependent density functional calculations (excited singlet states).     

“Cage‐like” Carboxyl Bridged Octaphenyltetraantimony Compounds (SbPh2)4(μ‐O)4(μ‐OH)2(μ‐O2CR)2: Synthesis and Structural Characterization

The metal‐directed self‐assembly of biphenylantimony trichloride and homocarboxylic acids LH [L = 2‐CHO‐C₆H₄COO^– ( 1 ), 2, 3‐2F‐C₆H₄COO^– ( 2 ), 4‐CF₃–C₆H₄COO^– ( 3 )] provided three novel tetranuclear organoantimony(V) complexes, which were characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR, ¹H, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy as well as melting point, and X‐ray single crystal analysis. In the molecular structure, four hexacoordinate antimony atoms are linked into a [Sb₂(μ‐O)₂]₂(μ‐O)₂ “cage” architecture by oxo‐bridges which are terminally bridged by two carboxyl groups.     

A Heteroleptic Ferrous Complex with Mesoionic Bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐5‐ylidene) Ligands: Taming the MLCT Excited State of Iron(II)

Strongly σ‐donating N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have revived research interest in the catalytic chemistry of iron, and are now also starting to bring the photochemistry and photophysics of this abundant element into a new era. In this work, a heteroleptic Fe^II complex ( 1 ) was synthesized based on sequentially furnishing the Fe^II center with the benchmark 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy) ligand and the more strongly σ‐donating mesoionic ligand, 4,4′‐bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐5‐ylidene) (btz). Complex 1 was comprehensively characterized by electrochemistry, static and ultrafast spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculations and compared to [Fe(bpy)₃](PF₆)₂ and (TBA)₂[Fe(bpy)(CN)₄]. Heteroleptic complex 1 extends the absorption spectrum towards longer wavelengths compared to a previously synthesized homoleptic Fe^II NHC complex. The combination of the mesoionic nature of btz and the heteroleptic structure effectively destabilizes the metal‐centered (MC) states relative to the triplet metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (³MLCT) state in 1 , rendering it a lifetime of 13 ps, the longest to date of a photochemically stable Fe^II complex. Deactivation of the ³MLCT state is proposed to proceed via the ³MC state that strongly couples with the singlet ground state.     

Revealing the marked differences of phosphorescence efficiencies on C˄N˄N‐coordinated Pt(II) complexes: A theoretical study

In this study, green phosphorescent Pt(II) complexes with N,N‐diphenyl‐6‐(1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridin‐2‐amine (Ndpp) coordinated ligands, [Pt (Ndpp)Cl] 2a , [Pt (Ndpp)Pb, Pb = (prop‐1‐ynyl)benzene] 2b , and [Pt (Ndpp)CN] 2a? CN were theoretically investigated by means of density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory calculations to reveal their marked distinct phosphorescence quantum yields. These complexes exhibit evident absorption bands in the 200–450 nm region but emit strong green light with marked differences of phosphorescence quantum yields. Compared with the complex 2a , the complex 2b possesses large oscillator strengths of absorption spectra, strong spin‐orbit coupling, and transition electric dipole moment, as well as small singlet‐triplet splitting energies, which conduces to enhancing its radiative decay. To illustrate the nonradiative decay process, the transition state (TS) between the triplet metal‐centered (³MC) state and the excited state (T₁) was optimized. The ³MC state is found to be the minimum energy crossing point (MECP) between the T₁ state and the S₀ state. Compared with the complex 2a , the complex 2b possesses a much larger energy barrier to the MECP state from the T₁ state, so it is strongly emissive in the green region. Besides, the introduction of ? CN substitutions on 2a is useful for enhancing the energy barrier to the thermal deactivation pathway of ³MLCT → TS → MECP. These results demonstrate that the modification of metal–ligand conjugation is an effective way to develop high‐performance phosphorescent materials.     

Spiral Intramolecular Charge Transfer and Large First Hyperpolarizability in Möbius Cyclacenes: New Insight into the Localized π Electrons

Much effort has been devoted to investigating the unusual properties of the π electrons in Möbius cyclacenes, which are localized in a special region. However, the localized π electrons are a disadvantage for applications in optoelectronics, because intramolecular charge transfer is limited. This raises the question of how the intramolecular charge transfer of a Möbius cyclacene with clearly localized π electrons can be enhanced. To this end, [8]Möbius cyclacene ([8]MC) is used as a conjugated bridge in a donor–π‐conjugated bridge–acceptor (D–π–A) system, and NH₂‐6‐[8]MC‐10‐NO₂ exhibits a fascinating spiral charge‐transfer transition character that results in a significant difference in dipole moments Δμ between the ground state and the crucial excited state. The Δμ value of 6.832 D for NH₂‐6‐[8]MC‐10‐NO₂ is clearly larger than that of 0.209 D for [8]MC. Correspondingly, the first hyperpolarizability of NH₂‐6‐[8]MC‐10‐NO₂ of 12 467 a.u. is dramatically larger than that of 261 a.u. for [8]MC. Thus, constructing a D–π–A framework is an effective strategy to induce greater spiral intramolecular charge transfer in MC although the π electrons are localized in a special region. This new insight into the properties of π electrons in Möbius cyclacenes may provide valuable information for their applications in optoelectronics.     

A threefold interpenetrated two‐dimensional zinc(II) supramolecular architecture based on 3‐nitrobenzoic acid and 4,4′‐bipyridine

With regard to crystal engineering, building block or modular assembly methodologies have shown great success in the design and construction of metal–organic coordination polymers. The critical factor for the construction of coordination polymers is the rational choice of the organic building blocks and the metal centre. The reaction of Zn(OAc)₂·2H₂O (OAc is acetate) with 3‐nitrobenzoic acid (HNBA) and 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bipy) under hydrothermal conditions produced a two‐dimensional zinc(II) supramolecular architecture, catena‐poly[[bis(3‐nitrobenzoato‐κ²O,O′)zinc(II)]‐μ‐4,4′‐bipyridine‐κ²N:N′], [Zn(C₇H₄NO₄)₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)]_n or [Zn(NBA)₂(4,4′‐bipy)]_n, which was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The Zn^II ions are connected by the 4,4′‐bipy ligands to form a one‐dimensional zigzag chain and the chains are decorated with anionic NBA ligands which interact further through aromatic π–π stacking interactions, expanding the structure into a threefold interpenetrated two‐dimensional supramolecular architecture. The solid‐state fluorescence analysis indicates a slight blue shift compared with pure 4,4′‐bipyridine and HNBA.     

The coordination polymer poly[bis[μ2‐2‐(2,2′‐bi‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)acetato]cadmium]

The title compound, [Cd(C₈H₇N₄O₂)₂]_n, crystallizes in the centrosymmetric triclinic space group P with an asymmetric unit consisting of a bivalent Cd^II atom and two 2‐(2,2′‐bi‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)acetate (BDAC⁻) anions. Two inversion‐related BDAC⁻ ligands are oppositely arranged and bind two Cd^II ions to form a [Cd₂(BDAC)₂] rhomboid subunit which is bridged by another BDAC⁻ ligand to form an infinite ladder along the a direction containing parallelogram grids. The three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture is formed by hydrogen bonds and C—H...π and π–π interactions.     

Comparison of the Electrochemical and Luminescence Properties of Two Carbazole‐Based Phosphine Oxide EuIII Complexes: Effect of Different Bipolar Ligand Structures

The photoluminescence (PL), electrochemical, and electroluminescence (EL) properties of Eu^III complexes, [Eu(cppo)₂(tta)₃] ( 1 ) and [Eu(cpo)₂(tta)₃] ( 2 ; TTA=2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetonate) with two carbazole‐based phosphine oxide ligands, 9‐[4‐(diphenylphosphinoyl)phenyl]‐9H‐carbazole (CPPO) and 9‐(diphenylphosphoryl)‐9H‐carbazole (CPO), which have different bipolar structures, donor–π‐spacer–acceptor (D–π–A) or donor–acceptor (D–A) systems respectively, are investigated. The CPPO with D–π–A architecture has improved PL properties, such as higher PL efficiency and more efficient intramolecular energy transfer, than CPO with the D–A architecture. Gaussian simulation proved the bipolar structures and the double‐carrier injection ability of the ligands. The carrier injection abilities of triphenylphosphine oxide, CPO, and CPPO are gradually improved. Notably, the Gaussian and electrochemical investigations indicate that before and after coordination, the carrier injection ability of the ligands show remarkable changes because of the particularity of the D‐π–A and D–A systems. The electrochemical studies demonstrate that coordination induces the electron cloud to migrate from electron‐rich carbazole to electron‐poor diphenylphosphine oxide, and consequently increases the electron‐cloud density on diphenylphosphine oxide, which weakens its ability for electron affinity and induces the elevation of LUMO energy levels of the complexes. Significantly, the π‐spacer in the D–π–A system exhibits a distinct buffer effect on the variation of the electron‐cloud density distribution of the ligand, which is absent in the D–A system. It is demonstrated that the adaptability of the D–π–A systems, especially for coordination, is stronger than that of D–A systems, which facilitates the modification of the complexes by designing multifunctional ligands purposefully. 1 seems favorable as the most efficient electroluminescent Eu^III complex with greater brightness, higher efficiencies, and more stable EL spectra than 2 . These investigations demonstrate that the phosphine oxide ligands with D–π–A architecture are more appropriate than those with D–A architecture to achieve multifunctional electroluminescent Eu^III complexes.     

A Stable All‐Thiophene‐Based Core‐Modified [38]Octaphyrin Diradicaloid: Conformation and Aromaticity Switch at Different Oxidation States

A soluble and stable core‐modified [38]octaphyrin, MC‐T8 , containing eight thiophene rings was synthesized by Yamamoto coupling followed by oxidative dehydrogenation. X‐ray crystallographic analysis revealed a nearly planar backbone, and the molecule is globally aromatic with a dominant 38π conjugation pathway. The dication MC‐T8²⁺ is antiaromatic, and the backbone is distorted, with a different orientation of the thiophene rings. The tetracation MC‐T8⁴⁺ becomes aromatic again, with a shallow‐bowl‐shaped geometry. Both the neutral compound and the dication demonstrated open‐shell diradical character with a small singlet–triplet energy gap (?2.70 kcal mol^?1 for MC‐T8 and ?3.78 kcal mol^?1 for MC‐T8²⁺ ), and they are stable owing to effective spin delocalization.     

A novel mixed‐valence copper complex,poly[[μ2‐4,4′‐bipyridine‐μ3‐pyridine‐2,4,6‐tricarboxyl­ato‐di­copper(I,II)] monohydrate]

In the title novel mixed‐valence copper complex, {[Cu₂(C₈H₂NO₆)(C₁₀H₈N₂)]·H₂O}_n, the Cu^I and Cu^II ions are linked by 4,4′‐bipyridine (bpy) and pyridine‐2,4,6‐tricarboxyl­ate (ptc) ligands into corrugated layers, which are assembled via inter­layer C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds to give a three‐dimensional supra­molecular architecture.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel poly(ester‐carbonate)s by copolymerization of trans‐4‐hydroxy‐L‐proline with cyclic carbonate

The melt ring‐opening/condensation reaction of trans‐4‐hydroxy‐N‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐L‐proline (N‐CBz‐Hpr) with cyclic carbonate [trimethylene carbonate (tri‐MC) or tetramethylene carbonate (tetra‐MC)] at a wide range of molar fractions in the feed produced new degradable poly(ester‐carbonate)s. The influence of reaction conditions such as polymerization time and temperature on the yield and inherent viscosity of the copolymers was investigated. The polymerizations were carried out in bulk at 140 °C with 1.5 wt % stannous octoate as a catalyst for 30 h. The poly(ester‐carbonate)s obtained were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, gel permeation chromatography, and Ubbelohde viscometry. The copolymers synthesized exhibited moderate molecular weights with rather narrow molecular weight distributions. The values of the glass‐transition temperature (T_g) of the copolymers depend on the molar fractions of cyclic carbonate. For the poly(N‐CBz‐Hpr‐co‐tri‐MC) system, with a decreased tri‐MC content from 93 to 16 mol %, the T_g increased from ?10 to 60 °C. Similarly, for the poly(N‐CBz‐Hpr‐co‐tetra‐MC) system, when the tetra‐MC content decreased from 80 to 8 mol %, the T_g increased from ?18 to 52 °C. The relationship between the poly(N‐CBz‐Hpr‐co‐tri‐MC) T_g and the compositions was in approximation with the Fox equation. In vitro degradation of these poly(N‐CBz‐Hpr‐co‐tri‐MC)s was evaluated from weight‐loss measurements. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 1435–1443, 2003     

The supramolecular architecture of tris(naphthalene‐1,5‐diaminium) bis(5‐aminonaphthalen‐1‐aminium) octakis[hydrogen (5‐carboxypyridin‐3‐yl)phosphonate]

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, 3C₁₀H₁₂N₂²⁺·2C₁₀H₁₁N₂⁺·8C₆H₅NO₅P⁻, contains one and a half naphthalene‐1,5‐diaminium cations, in which the half‐molecule has inversion symmetry, one 5‐aminonaphthalen‐1‐aminium cation and four hydrogen (5‐carboxypyridin‐3‐yl)phosphonate anions. The crystal structure is layered and consists of hydrogen‐bonded anionic monolayers between which the cations are arranged. The acid monoanions are organized into one‐dimensional chains along the [101] direction via hydrogen bonds established between the phosphonate sites. (C)O—H...N_py hydrogen bonds (py is pyridine) crosslink the chains to form an undulating (010) monolayer. The cations serve both to balance the charge of the anionic network and to connect neighbouring layers via multiple hydrogen bonds to form a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture.     

Different supramolecular assemblies in two 1:1 proton‐transfer compounds of sulfobenzoic acids with aromatic amines

Two 1:1 proton‐transfer complexes of sulfobenzoic acids with aromatic amines, namely 4‐[2‐(4‐pyridyl)ethenyl]pyridinium 2‐carboxybenzenesulfonate, C₁₂H₁₁N₂⁺·C₇H₅O₅S⁻, (I), and 1,10‐phenanthrolin‐1‐ium 4‐carboxybenzenesulfonate dihydrate, C₁₂H₉N₂⁺·C₇H₅O₅S⁻·2H₂O, (II), have very different hydrogen‐bonding patterns compared with reported organic sulfobenzoic acid complexes. In (I), two cations and two anions form a four‐molecule loop, in which π–π interactions occur. In (II), the anions and water molecules form a three‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonding network, while the cations only act as pendant components. The water molecules play a central role in the formation of the abundant hydrogen‐bonding architecture in (II). The relative poorness and richness of hydrogen bonds in (I) and (II), respectively, give rise to novel hydrogen‐bonding patterns.     

2D Titania–Carbon Superlattices Vertically Encapsulated in 3D Hollow Carbon Nanospheres Embedded with 0D TiO2 Quantum Dots for Exceptional Sodium‐Ion Storage

Two‐dimensional (2D) superlattices offer promising technological opportunities in tuning the intercalation chemistry of metal ions. Now, well‐ordered 2D superlattices of monolayer titania and carbon with tunable interlayer‐spacing are synthesized by a molecularly mediated thermally induced approach. The 2D superlattices are vertically encapsulated in hollow carbon nanospheres, which are embedded with TiO₂ quantum dots, forming a 0D‐2D‐3D multi‐dimensional architecture. The multi‐dimensional architecture with the 2D superlattices encapsulated inside exhibits a near zero‐strain characteristic and enriched electrochemical reactivity, achieving a highly efficient Na⁺ storage performance with exceptional rate capability and superior long‐term cyclability.     

Two Disparate 2‐fold Interpenetrating Frameworks Constructed from ZnII, 4,4′‐Dipyridyl Disulfide and Maleic/ Fumaric Acid

The reaction of Zn^II nitrate with maleic acid (H₂mal) / fumaric acid (H₂fum) and 4,4′‐dipyridyl disulfide (4‐pds) resulted under same conditions in two distinct interpenetrated compounds, namely [Zn(4‐dps)₂(H₂O)₂]·2Hmal ( 1 ) and [Zn(4‐dps)(fum)] ( 2 ). In 1 , Hmal anion adopts bridging mode based on hydrogen bonding, affording a 2‐fold parallel interpenetrated 3D→3D α‐Po net hydrogen‐bonded framework, in which 1D double‐stranded chains are formed, and then extended to a 3D supramolecular architecture combining second‐sphere hydrogen‐bonded interactions. For 2 , fum dianion takes on bis‐dentate bridging coordination fashion, furnishing a 2‐fold interpenetrated 2D→2D (4,4) layered coordination network, in which the tetrahedral Zn^II atoms are interlinked by 4‐dps and fum. Additionally, the compound 2 shows strong fluorescence in the solid state at room temperature.     

Three Distinct Silver(I) Coordination Polymers: Bridging‐­Ligand Directed Syntheses,Crystal Structures,Luminescence, and Nitrobenzene Sensing Properties

Three distinct Ag^I‐DMAP [DMAP = 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine] coordination polymers [Ag₂I₂(DMAP)₂]_n ( 1 ), [Ag₂(CN)₂(DMAP)_2.5 · DMAP]_n ( 2 ), and [Ag(SCN)(DMAP)]_n ( 3 ) were constructed by monatomic I^–, diatomic CN^–, and triatomic SCN^– bridges, respectively. 1 – 3 were determined by FT‐IR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, TGA, powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. 1 exhibits a 1D wavelike chain structure, sustained by 3‐connected I^– bridges, whereas 2 shows a unique 1D single‐ and double‐strand alternating chain, supported by 3‐connected CN^– bridges. Compound 3 has a 2D 3‐connected network architecture, fabricated by 3‐connected SCN^– bridges, and exhibits a (4 · 8²) topology. The luminescence and nitrobenzene sensing properties of 1 – 3 were explored in 2‐propanol suspensions, which revealed that compounds 1 – 3 exhibit DMAP originated luminescence emissions and are highly sensitive for nitrobenzene detection.     

A dihydrogen phosphate anionic network as a host lattice for cations in 1‐methylpiperazine‐1,4‐diium bis(dihydrogen phosphate) and 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)pyridinium dihydrogen phosphate–orthophosphoric acid (1/1)

In the salt 1‐methylpiperazine‐1,4‐diium bis(dihydrogen phosphate), C₅H₁₃N₂²⁺·2H₂PO₄⁻, (I), and the solvated salt 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)pyridinium dihydrogen phosphate–orthophosphoric acid (1/1), C₁₀H₉N₂⁺·H₂PO₄⁻·H₃PO₄, (II), the formation of O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds between the dihydrogen phosphate (H₂PO₄⁻) anions and the cations constructs a three‐ and two‐dimensional anionic–cationic network, respectively. In (I), the self‐assembly of H₂PO₄⁻ anions forms a two‐dimensional pseudo‐honeycomb‐like supramolecular architecture along the (010) plane. 1‐Methylpiperazine‐1,4‐diium cations are trapped between the (010) anionic layers through three N—H...O hydrogen bonds. In solvated salt (II), the self‐assembly of H₂PO₄⁻ anions forms a two‐dimensional supramolecular architecture with open channels projecting along the [001] direction. The 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)pyridinium cations are trapped between the open channels by N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. From a study of previously reported structures, dihydrogen phosphate anions show a supramolecular flexibility depending on the nature of the cations. The dihydrogen phosphate anion may be suitable for the design of the host lattice for host–guest supramolecular systems.     

Transition‐Metal Complexes [(PMe3)2Cl2M(E)] and [(PMe3)2(CO)2M(E)] with Naked Group 14 Atoms (E=C–Sn) as Ligands; Part 2: Complexation with W(CO)5

Density functional calculations at the BP86/TZ2P level were carried out to understand the ligand properties of the 16‐valence‐electron(VE) Group 14 complexes [(PMe₃)₂Cl₂M(E)] ( 1ME ) and the 18‐VE Group 14 complexes [(PMe₃)₂(CO)₂M(E)] ( 2ME ; M=Fe, Ru, Os; E=C, Si, Ge, Sn) in complexation with W(CO)₅. Calculations were also carried out for the complexes (CO)₅W–EO. The complexes [(PMe₃)₂Cl₂M(E)] and [(PMe₃)₂(CO)₂M(E)] bind strongly to W(CO)₅ yielding the adducts 1ME–W(CO)₅ and 2ME–W(CO)₅ , which have C_2v equilibrium geometries. The bond strengths of the heavier Group 14 ligands 1ME (E=Si–Sn) are uniformly larger, by about 6–7 kcal mol^?1, than those of the respective EO ligand in (CO)₅W‐EO, while the carbon complexes 1MC–W(CO)₅ have comparable bond dissociation energies (BDE) to CO. The heavier 18‐VE ligands 2ME (E=Si–Sn) are about 23–25 kcal mol^?1 more strongly bonded than the associated EO ligand, while the BDE of 2MC is about 17–21 kcal mol^?1 larger than that of CO. Analysis of the bonding with an energy‐decomposition scheme reveals that 1ME is isolobal with EO and that the nature of the bonding in 1ME–W(CO)₅ is very similar to that in (CO)₅W–EO. The ligands 1ME are slightly weaker π acceptors than EO while the π‐acceptor strength of 2ME is even lower.