Synthesis, crystal structure and reactivity of uranium(IV) complexes with p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene ligands

Reactions of UCl4 with 25,27-dimethoxy-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (H2Me2calix) in THF or pyridine at 80 degrees C gave [UCl2(Me2calix)L2] [L = THF (1) or pyridine (2)]. Similar treatment of U(acac)(4) (acac = MeCOCHCOMe) with H2Me2calix in THF or pyridine afforded [U(acac)2(Me2calix)] (3). The bis-calixarene compound [U(Me2calix)(H2calix)] (4) was obtained by reaction of U(OTf)4 or U(OTf)3 with H2Me2calix in pyridine at 110 degrees C. Treatment of UCl4 with H2Me2calix in pyridine at 110 degrees C gave [Mepy][UCl2(Hcalix)(py)2] (5) resulting from demethylation and acid cleavage of the methoxy groups of the calixarene ligand of 2. Adventitious traces of air were responsible for the formation of [Hpy][Mepy]4[{UCl(calix)}3(mu3-O)][UCl6] (6) during the reaction of UCl4 and H2Me2calix, and of [{U(Me2calix)(mu3-O)LiCl(THF)}2] (7) during the reaction of 2 with tBuLi. The X-ray crystal structures of 1.2THF, 2.2py, 3.0.25L (L = THF and py), 4.2py, 5, 6.3py and 7.THF have been determined.     

Uranium(IV) complexes of calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6 and 8)

Reaction of UCl4 with calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6 and 8) in THF or pyridine gave the mononuclear [UCl2(calix[4]arene--2H)(THF)2], bis-binuclear [U2Cl2(calix[6]arene--6H)(THF)3]2 and trinuclear [Hpy]6[U3Cl11(calix[8]arene--7H)] complexes, respectively, which are the first U(IV) complexes of O-unsubstituted calixarenes.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of tetra- and hexanuclear uranium(IV) complexes with hexadentate compartmental Schiff-base ligands

Treatment of UCl4 with the hexadentate Schiff bases H2Li in thf gave the expected [ULiCl2(thf)] complexes [H2Li=N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-R and R = 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (i= 1), R = 1,3-propanediamine (i= 2), R = 2-amino-benzylamine (i= 3), R = 2-methyl-1,2-propanediamine (i= 4), R = 1,2-phenylenediamine (i= 5)]. The crystal structure of [UL4Cl2(thf)] (4) shows the metal in a quite perfect pentagonal bipyramidal configuration, with the two Cl atoms in apical positions. Reaction of UCl4 with H4Li in pyridine did not afford the mononuclear products [U(H2Li)Cl2(py)x] but gave instead polynuclear complexes [H4Li=N,N'-bis(3-hydroxysalicylidene)-R and R = 1,3-propanediamine (i= 6), R = 2-amino-benzylamine (i= 7) or R = 2-methyl-1,2-propanediamine (i= 8)]. In the presence of H4L6 and H4L7 in pyridine, UCl4 was transformed in a serendipitous and reproducible manner into the tetranuclear U(iv) complexes [Hpy]2[U4(L6)2(H2L6)2Cl6] (6a) and [Hpy]2[U4(L7)2(H2L7)2Cl6][U4(L7)2(H2L7)2Cl4(py)2] (7), respectively. Treatment of UCl4 with [Zn(H2L6)] led to the formation of the neutral compound [U4(L6)2(H2L6)2Cl4(py)2] (6b). The hexanuclear complex [Hpy]2[U6(L8)4Cl10(py)4] (8) was obtained by reaction of UCl4 and H4L8. The centrosymmetric crystal structures of 6a.2HpyCl.2py, 6b.6py, 7.16py and 8.6py illustrate the potential of Schiff bases as associating ligands for the design of polynuclear assemblies.     

Homoleptic tris(dithiolene) and tetrakis(dithiolene) complexes of uranium(IV)

Reaction of UCl4 with 3 or 4 mol equiv of Na2dddt (dddt = 5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiine-2,3-dithiolate) in THF afforded the first example of a tetrakis(dithiolene) metal compound, [Na4(THF)8U(dddt)4](infinity) (1). The red crystals of 1 are composed of infinite zigzag chains in which Na2(micro-THF)3 fragments ensure the linking of Na2(THF)5U(dddt)4 moieties; the uranium atom is in a dodecahedral environment of eight sulfur atoms. Treatment of UCl4 with 3 mol equiv of Na2dddt in pyridine gave a mixture of tris- and tetrakis(dithiolene) compounds. After addition of 18c6 (18-crown-6), only the tris(dithiolene) complex was obtained and crystallized as orange crystals of [Na(18c6)(py)2]2[U(dddt)3].2py (2.2py) in which the isolated [U(dddt)3]2- anion adopts a slightly distorted trigonal prismatic configuration. A few red crystals of the unsolvated complex 2 and the trinuclear anionic compound [Na(18c6)(py)2]3[Na{U(dddt)3}2] (3) were also obtained along with orange crystals of 2.2py. All the tris(dithiolene) compounds exhibit large folding of the dddt ligand and significant interaction between the C=C double bond and the metal center.     

Syntheses, X-ray crystal structures, and magnetic properties of novel linear M2[II]U[IV] complexes (M=Co, Ni, Cu, Zn)

Attempts to prepare heterobimetallic complexes in which 3d and uranium magnetic ions are associated by means of the Schiff bases H(2)L(i) derived from 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde or 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde were unsuccessful because of ligand transfer reactions between [ML(i)] (M=Co, Ni, Cu) and UCl(4) that led to the mononuclear Schiff base complexes of uranium [UL(i)Cl(2)]. The crystal structure of [UL(3)Cl(2)(py)(2)] [L(3)=N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-ethylenediamine; py=pyridine] was determined. The hexadentate Schiff base ligand N,N'-bis(3-hydroxysalicylidene)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (L) was useful for the synthesis of novel trinuclear complexes of the general formula [[ML(py)](2)U] (M=Co, Ni, Zn) or [[CuL(py)]M'[CuL]] (M'=U, Th, Zr) by reaction of [M(H(2)L)] with [M'(acac)(4)] (acac=MeCOCHCOMe). The crystal structures of the Co(2)U, Ni(2)U, Zn(2)U, Cu(2)U, and Cu(2)Th complexes show that the two ML fragments are orthogonal, being linked to the central actinide ion by the two pairs of oxygen atoms of the Schiff base ligand. In each compound, the UO(8) core exhibits the same dodecahedral geometry, and the three metals are linear. The magnetic study indicated that the two Cu(2+) ions are not coupled in the Cu(2)Zr and Cu(2)Th compounds. The magnetic behavior of the Co(2)U, Ni(2)U, and Cu(2)U complexes was compared with that of the Zn(2)U derivative, in which the paramagnetic 3d ion was replaced with the diamagnetic Zn(2+) ion. A weak antiferromagnetic coupling was observed between the Ni(2+) and the U(4+) ions, while a ferromagnetic interaction was revealed between the Cu(2+) and U(4+) ions.     

Selective complexation of uranium(III) over lanthanide(III) triflates by 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine. X-Ray crystal structures of [M(OTf)3(terpy)2] and [M(OTf)2(terpy)2(py)][OTf](M = Nd, Ce, U) and of polynuclear mu-oxo uranium(IV) complexes resulting from hydrolysis

Reactions of Ln(OTf)3(Ln = Ce, Nd) or [U(OTf)3(dme)2](OTf = OSO2CF3, dme = dimethoxyethane) with 2 mol equivalents of 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine (terpy) in pyridine or acetonitrile led to the quantitative formation of the bis(terpy) complexes which crystallized as the discrete cation-anion pairs [M(OTf)2(terpy)2(py)][OTf] x 0.5py from pyridine or neutral derivatives [M(OTf)3(terpy)2] x nMeCN from acetonitrile (M = Ce, Nd, U). The crystal structures of these complexes show the differences in the M-O bond lengths to follow the variation of the ionic radii of the metals, while the U-N(terpy) and U-N(py) bonds are shorter than those expected from a purely ionic bonding model. The better affinity of terpy for U(III) over Ce(III) and Nd(III) was evidenced by the thermodynamic parameters (K, DeltaH, DeltaS) corresponding to the equilibrium between the bis- and tris(terpy) complexes in acetonitrile. Hydrolysis of the bis(terpy) compounds followed different courses; whereas the aquo compound [Ce(OTf)2(terpy)2(H2O)][OTf] crystallized readily from pyridine, the uranium complexes [UX2(terpy)2(py)]X (X = I, OTf) were oxidized into the tri- and tetranuclear mu-oxo U(IV) compounds [{UI(terpy)2(mu-O)}2{UI2(terpy)}]I4 x 2MeCN x H2O and [{U(OTf)(terpy)2(mu-O)(mu-OTf)U(terpy)}2(mu-OTf)2(mu-O)][OTf]4 x py x MeCN. The crystal structures of these first examples of uranium(IV) compounds with terpy ligands show the almost linear arrangement of the metal atoms.     

Synthesis and reactivity of the imido analogues of the uranyl ion

Addition of 1.5 equiv of I2 to a THF solution of UI3(THF)4, containing either 6 equiv of tBuNH2 or 2 equiv of RNH2 (R = Ph, 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3, 2,6-(iPr)2C6H3) and 4 equiv of NEt3, generates orange solutions containing U(NtBu)2I2(THF)2 (1) or U(NAr)2I2(THF)3 (Ar = Ph, 2; 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3, 3; 2,6-(iPr)2C6H3, 4), respectively, all of which can be isolated in good yields. Alternatively, 1 can be prepared by reaction of uranium metal with 3 equiv of I2 and 6 equiv of tBuNH2, also in good yield. Complexes 1-4 have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, and each of these complexes exhibits linear N-U-N linkages and short U-N bonds. Using density functional theory simulations of complexes 1 and 2, two triple bonds between the metal center and the nitrogen ligands were identified. Complexes 1 and 2 readily react with neutral Lewis bases such as pyridine or Ph3PO to form U(NR)2I2(L)2 (R = tBu, L = py, 5; Ph3PO, 7; R = Ph, L = py, 6; Ph3PO, 8), and with PMe3 to form U(NR)2I2(THF)(PMe3)2 (R = tBu, 9; Ph, 10). The solid-state molecular structures of 5, 7, and 9 have been determined by X-ray crystallography, and these complexes, like their parent compounds, exhibit linear N-U-N angles and short U-N bonds. Complexes 1 and 2 also react with AgOTf in CH2Cl2, forming U(NR)2(OTf)2(THF)3 (R = tBu, 11; Ph, 12) after recrystallization from THF. Crystals of 12 grown from CH2Cl2 were found to contain a dimer, [U(NPh)2(OTf)2(THF)2]2, a complex possessing bridging triflate groups.     

Structural diversity in solvated lithium aryloxides. Syntheses, characterization, and structures of [Li(OAr)(THF)x]n and [Li(OAr)(py)x]2 complexes where OAr = OC6H5, OC6H4(2-Me), OC6H3(2,6-(Me))2, OC6H4(2-Pr(i)), OC6H3(2,6-Pr(i)))2, OC6h4(2-Bu(t)), OC6H3(2,6-Bu(t)))2

A series of sterically varied aryl alcohols H-OAr [OAr = OC6H5 (OPh), OC6H4(2-Me) (oMP), OC6H3(2,6-(Me))2 (DMP), OC6H4(2-Pr(i)) (oPP), OC6H3(2,6-(Pr(i)))2 (DIP), OC6H4(2-Bu(t)) (oBP), OC6H3(2,6-(Bu(t)))2 (DBP); Me = CH3, Pr(i) = CHMe2, and Bu(t) = CMe3] were reacted with LiN(SiMe3)2 in a Lewis basic solvent [tetrahydrofuran (THF) or pyridine (py)] to generate the appropriate "Li(OAr)(solv)x". In the presence of THF, the OPh derivative was previously identified as the hexagonal prismatic complex [Li(OPh)(THF)]6; however, the structure isolated from the above route proved to be the tetranuclear species [Li(OPh)(THF)]4 (1). The other "Li(OAr)(THF)x" products isolated were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction as [Li(OAr)(THF)]4 [OAr = oMP (2), DMP (3), oPP (4)], [Li(DIP)(THF)]3 (5), [Li(oBP)(THF)2]2, (6), and [Li(DBP)(THF)]2, (7). The tetranuclear species (1-4) consist of symmetric cubes of alternating tetrahedral Li and pyramidal O atoms, with terminal THF solvent molecules bound to each metal center. The trinuclear species 5 consists of a six-membered ring of alternating trigonal planar Li and bridging O atoms, with one THF solvent molecule bound to each metal center. Compound 6 possesses two Li atoms that adopt tetrahedral geometries involving two bridging oBP and two terminal THF ligands. The structure of 7 was identical to the previously reported [Li(DBP)(THF)]2 species, but different unit cell parameters were observed. Compound 7 varies from 6 in that only one solvent molecule is bound to each Li metal center of 7 because of the steric bulk of the DBP ligand. In contrast to the structurally diverse THF adducts, when py was used as the solvent, the appropriate "Li(OAr)(py)x" complexes were isolated as [Li(OAr)(py)2]2 (OAr = OPh (8), oMP (9), DMP (10), oPP (11), DIP (12), oBP (13)) and [Li(DBP)(py)]2 (14). Compounds 8-13 adopt a dinuclear, edge-shared tetrahedral complex. For 14, because of the steric crowding of the DBP ligand, only one py is coordinated, yielding a dinuclear fused trigonal planar arrangement. Two additional structure types were also characterized for the DIP ligand: [Li(DIP)(H-DIP)(py)]2 (12b) and [Li2(DIP)2(py)3] (12c). Multinuclear (6,7Li and 13C) solid-state MAS NMR spectroscopic studies indicate that the bulk powder possesses several Li environments for "transitional ligands" of the THF complexes; however, the py adducts possess only one Li environment, which is consistent with the solid-state structures. Solution NMR studies indicate that "transitional" compounds of the THF precursors display multiple species in solution whereas the py adducts display only one lithium environment.     

Zirconium and hafnium (1-pyridinio)imido complexes: functionalized terminal hydrazinediido analogues

Reaction of the diamidozirconium complex [Zr(N2(TBS)Npy)(NMe2)2] (1) (N2(TBS)Npy = CH3C(C5H4N)(CH2NSiMe2tBu)2) or the diamidohafnium complex [Hf(N2(TBS)Npy)(NMe2)2] (2) with one molar equiv. of 1-aminopyridinium triflate in the presence of one equiv. of pyridine gave the corresponding (1-pyridinio)imido complexes [Zr(N2(TBS)Npy)(=N-NC5H5)(OTf)(py)] (3) and [Hf(N2(TBS)Npy)(=N-NC5H5)(OTf)(py)] (4). These were converted to the acetylide complexes [Zr(N2(TBS)Npy)(=N-NC5H5)(CCPh)(py)] (5) and [Hf(N2(TBS)Npy)(=N-NC5H5)(CCPh)(py)] (6) by reaction with lithium phenylacetylide and substitution of the triflato ligand. Upon reaction of 3 and 4 with one molar equivalent of R-NC (R = tBu, Cy, 2,6-xyl), N-N bond cleavage in the (1-pyridinio)imido unit took place and the respective carbodiimido complexes [M(N2(TBS)Npy](N=C=NR)(OTf)(py)] (7-12) were formed instantaneously. A similar type of reaction with CO gave the isocyanato complex [Zr(N2(TBS)Npy](NCO)(OTf)(py)] (13). Finally, the abstraction of the pyridine ligand in compounds 3 and 4 with B(C6F5)3 led to the formation of the triflato-bridged dinuclear complexes [Zr(N2(TBS)Npy)(=N-NC5H5)(OTf)]2 (14) and [Hf(N2(TBS)Npy)(=N-NC5H5)(OTf)]2 (15).     

Tris(dithiolene) complexes of neodymium and cerium: mononuclear species, chains, and honeycomb networks

Reactions of Ln(BH4)3(THF)3 (Ln = Nd, Ce) and M2dddt (M = Na, K; dddt = 5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiine-2,3-dithiolate) in THF or pyridine gave, after addition of 18c6 (18-crown-6), several crystalline compounds which all contain the tris(dithiolene) Ln(dddt)3 unit. Crystals of [Na(18c6)(py)2]2[Na(18c6)(py)][Nd(dddt)3(py)].3py (1.3py) are built up from discrete mononuclear cationic and anionic species whereas crystals of {[Na(18c6)(py)2](0.5)[Na(18c6)(py)(1.5)][Na(1.5)Nd(dddt)3]}(infinity) (2) are composed of discrete [Na(18c6)(py)x]+ cations and polymeric anionic two-dimensional layers in which the Nd(dddt)3 units are linked to three neighbors by sodium atoms to form a honeycomb network. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the molar magnetic susceptibility of 2 shows that chiMT decreases from 1.63 cm3 K mol(-1) at 300 K down to 0.6 cm3 K mol(-1) at 5 K, due to the crystal-field splitting of the (4)I(9/2) free-ion state. Complexes {[Na3(18c6)(1.5)Nd(dddt)3(THF)].3THF}(infinity) (3.3THF) and {[K3(18c6)(1.5)Nd(dddt)3(py)].3py}(infinity) (4.3py) exhibit neutral polymeric layers with the Nd(dddt)3 units linked by M2(18c6) fragments. In the cerium compound {[Na2(18c6)Na(py)2Ce(dddt)3(py)].3py}(infinity) (5.3py), each Ce(dddt)3 unit is linked to two neighbors only by Na2(18c6) moieties, giving infinite zigzag chains.     

Electronic and medium effects on the rate of arene C [bond] H activation by cationic Ir(III) complexes

A detailed mechanistic study of arene C [bond] H activation in CH(2)Cl(2) solution by Cp(L)IrMe(X) [L = PMe(3), P(OMe)(3); X = OTf, (CH(2)Cl(2))BAr(f); (BAr(f) = B[3,5-C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)](4))(-)] is presented. It was determined that triflate dissociation in Cp(L)IrMe(OTf), to generate tight and/or solvent-separated ion pairs containing a cationic iridium complex, precedes C [bond] H activation. Consistent with the ion-pair hypothesis, the rate of arene activation by Cp(L)IrMe(OTf) is unaffected by added external triflate salts, but the rate is strongly dependent upon the medium. Thus the reactivity of Cp(PMe(3))IrMe(OTf) can be increased by almost 3 orders of magnitude by addition of (n-Hex)(4)NBAr(f), presumably because the added BAr(f) anion exchanges with the OTf anion in the initially formed ion pair, transiently forming a cation/borate ion pair in solution (special salt effect). In contrast, addition of (n-Hex)(4)NBAr(f) to [CpPMe(3)Ir(Me)CH(2)Cl(2)][BAr(f)] does not affect the rate of benzene activation; here there is no initial covalent/ionic pre-equilibrium that can be perturbed with added (n-Hex)(4)NBAr(f). An analysis of the reaction between Cp(PMe(3))IrMe(OTf) and various substituted arenes demonstrated that electron-donating substituents on the arene increase the rate of the C [bond] H activation reaction. The rate of C(6)H(6) activation by [Cp(PMe(3))Ir(Me)CH(2)Cl(2)][BAr(f)] is substantially faster than [Cp(P(OMe)(3))Ir(Me)CH(2)Cl(2)][BAr(f)]. Density functional theory computations suggest that this is due to a less favorable pre-equilibrium for dissociation of the dichloromethane ligand in the trimethyl phosphite complex, rather than to a large electronic effect on the C [bond] H oxidative addition transition state. Because of these combined effects, the overall rate of arene activation is increased by electron-donating substituents on both the substrate and the iridium complex.     

Synthesis and structure of diamido ether uranium(IV) and thorium(IV) halide "ate" complexes and their conversion to salt-free bis(alkyl) complexes

The high-yield synthesis, spectroscopic and structural determination of three new uranium(IV) and thorium(IV)ate complexes supported by three different diamido ether ligands are reported. The reaction of Li2[2,6-iPr2PhN(CH2CH2)]2O (Li2[DIPPNCOCN]) with 1 equiv. of UCl4 in THF generates [DIPPNCOCN]UCl3Li(THF)2(1), while reaction in toluene/ether gives salt-free [DIPPNCOCN]UCl2.1/2C7H8(2), which was identified by paramagnetically shifted 1H NMR. Reaction of 0.5 equiv. of {[tBuNON]UCl2}2([tBuNON]=[(CH3)3CN(Si(CH3)2)]2O2-) with 3.5 equiv. LiI in toluene and a minimal amount of THF results in [tBuNON]UI3Li(THF)2(3) and is very similar in structure to 1. {[MesNON]ThCl3Li(THF)}2(4), a dimeric complex with a Th2Li2Cl6 core, is prepared by reaction of Li2[2,4,6-Me3PhN(Si(CH3)2)]2O (Li2[MesNON]) with ThCl4 in THF. The analogous reaction in toluene did not yield the salt-free complex but rather a sterically crowded diligated compound, [MesNON]2Th (5), which was also structurally characterized. Complex 5 was prepared rationally by reacting 2 equiv. Li2[MesNON] with ThCl4 in toluene. The reaction of 1 and 3 with 2 equiv. of LiCH2Si(CH3)3 generates the stable, salt-free organoactinides [DIPPNCOCN]U(CH2Si(CH3)3)2(6) and [tBuNON]U(CH2Si(CH3)3)2(7). Complex 6 was structurally characterized. These reactions illustrate the viability of ate complexes as useful synthetic precursors.     

Alkali-metalated forms of thiacalix[4]arenes

The alkali metal salts [TCALi4] (1), [TCANa4] (2), and [TCALK4] (3) of fully deprotonated p-tert-butyltetrathiacalix[4]arene (H(4)TCA) are readily available from the reactions of thiacalix[4]arene and n-BuLi, NaH, or KH as deprotonating reagents. Crystals of the sodium salts 2 and the potassium salt 3 suitable for X-ray diffraction were obtained in the form of the pyridine solvates [(TCA)2Na8.8py] (2.8py) and [(TCA)2K(8).8py] (3.8py). These molecules are dimers in the solid state but are structurally not related. In addition, the reaction of H(4)TCA and lithium hydroxide afforded the structurally characterized complex [(TCA)Li5(OH).4THF] (4). The molecular structure of 4 as well as the structures of 2.8py and 3.8py reveal a close relationship to the corresponding alkali metal salts of the calix[4]arenes.     

Synthesis and structural analysis of the polymetallated alkali calixarenes [M4(p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-4H)(thf)x]2.n THF (M=Li,K; n=6 or 1; x=4 or 5) and [Li2(p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-2H)(H2O)(mu-H2O)(thf)].3 THF

To study the structures and reactivities of alkali metallated intermediates of calix[4]arenes, three compounds were isolated: [Li(4)(p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-4H)(thf)(4)](2).6 THF (1), [Li(2)(p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-2H)(H(2)O)(mu-H(2)O)(thf)].3 THF (2), and [K(4)(p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-4H)(thf)(5)](2).THF (3). The structure of 1 is shown to be dependent on the coordinating solvent. Partial hydrolysis of 1 leads to the formation of 2. The potassium compound 3 features a different structure to that of 1, due to a higher coordination number as well as stronger cation-pi-bonding interactions.     

Practical synthetic routes to solvates of U(OTf)3: X-ray crystal structure of [U(OTf)3(MeCN)3]n, a unique U(III) coordination polymer

The reaction of UH3 or U metal with triflic acid results in the formation of a mixture of species including U(OTf)4 and leads to the reproducible isolation of the mononuclear U(IV) hydroxo complex [U(OTf)3(OH)(py)4] (1) and the U(IV) dinuclear mu-oxo-complex [{U(OTf)2(py)3}2{mu-O}{mu-OTf}2] (2). The X-ray crystal structures of these complexes have been determined. Analytically pure complex 1 can be prepared in a 17-27% yield providing a good precursor for the synthesis and study of the reactivity of the hydroxo complexes with different coordination environments. Two practical synthetic methods for the preparation of Lewis base adducts of U(OTf)3 are described. Analytically pure [U(OTf)3(py)4] (4) was easily and reproducibly prepared (50-60% yield) by protonolysis of the amide U{N(SiMe3)2}3 with pyridinium triflate in pyridine. Salt metathesis of UI3(thf)4 with potassium triflate in acetonitrile resulted in the complete substitution of the iodide counterions by triflate producing the acetonitrile solvate [U(OTf)3(MeCN)3]n (3). The solid-state structure of 3 shows the formation of a unique U(III) coordination polymer in which the metal ions are connected by three triflates acting as bidentate bridging ligands to form a 1D chain.     

Lanthanide(III)/actinide(III) differentiation in the cerium and uranium complexes [M(C5Me5)2(L)]0,+ (L=2,2'-bipyridine, 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine): structural, magnetic, and reactivity studies

Treatment of [Ce(Cp*)(2)I] or [U(Cp*)(2)I(py)] with 1 mol equivalent of bipy (Cp*=C(5)Me(5); bipy=2,2'-bipyridine) in THF gave the adducts [M(Cp*)(2)I(bipy)] (M=Ce (1 a), M=U (1 b)), which were transformed into [M(Cp*)(2)(bipy)] (M=Ce (2 a), M=U (2 b)) by Na(Hg) reduction. The crystal structures of 1 a and 1 b show, by comparing the U-N and Ce-N distances and the variations in the C-C and C-N bond lengths within the bidentate ligand, that the extent of donation of electron density into the LUMO of bipy is more important in the actinide than in the lanthanide compound. Reaction of [Ce(Cp*)(2)I] or [U(Cp*)(2)I(py)] with 1 mol equivalent of terpy (terpy=2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) in THF afforded the adducts [M(Cp*)(2)(terpy)]I (M=Ce (3 a), M=U (3 b)), which were reduced to the neutral complexes [M(Cp*)(2)(terpy)] (M=Ce (4 a), M=U (4 b)) by sodium amalgam. The complexes [M(Cp*)(2)(terpy)][M(Cp*)(2)I(2)] (M=Ce (5 a), M=U (5 b)) were prepared from a 2:1 mixture of [M(Cp*)(2)I] and terpy. The rapid and reversible electron-transfer reactions between 3 and 4 in solution were revealed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The spectrum of 5 b is identical to that of the 1:1 mixture of [U(Cp*)(2)I(py)] and 3 b, or [U(Cp*)(2)I(2)] and 4 b. The magnetic data for 3 and 4 are consistent with trivalent cerium and uranium species, with the formulation [M(III)(Cp*)(2)(terpy(*-))] for 4 a and 4 b, in which spins on the individual units are uncoupled at 300 K and antiferromagnetically coupled at low temperature. Comparison of the crystal structures of 3 b, 4 b, and 5 b with those of 3 a and the previously reported ytterbium complex [Yb(Cp*)(2)(terpy)] shows that the U-N distances are much shorter, by 0.2 A, than those expected from a purely ionic bonding model. This difference should reflect the presence of stronger electron transfer between the metal and the terpy ligand in the actinide compounds. This feature is also supported by the small but systematic structural variations within the terdentate ligands, which strongly suggest that the LUMO of terpy is more filled in the actinide than in the lanthanide complexes and that the canonical forms [U(IV)(Cp*)(2)(terpy(*-))]I and [U(IV)(Cp*)(2)(terpy(2-))] contribute significantly to the true structures of 3 b and 4 b, respectively. This assumption was confirmed by the reactions of complexes 3 and 4 with the H(.) and H(+) donor reagents Ph(3)SnH and NEt(3)HBPh(4), which led to clear differentiation of the cerium and uranium complexes. No reaction was observed between 3 a and Ph(3)SnH, while the uranium counterpart 3 b was transformed in pyridine into the uranium(IV) compound [U(Cp*)(2){NC(5)H(4)(py)(2)}]I (6), where NC(5)H(4)(py)(2) is the 2,6-dipyridyl(hydro-4-pyridyl) ligand. Complex 6 was further hydrogenated to [U(Cp*)(2){NC(5)H(8)(py)(2)}]I (7) by an excess of Ph(3)SnH in refluxing pyridine. Treatment of 4 a with NEt(3)HBPh(4) led to oxidation of the terpy(*-) ligand and formation of [Ce(Cp*)(2)(terpy)]BPh(4), whereas similar reaction with 4 b afforded [U(Cp*)(2){NC(5)H(4)(py)(2)}]BPh(4) (6'). The crystal structures of 6, 6' and 7 were determined.     

Cationic Re(V) oxo complexes with poly(pyrazolyl)borates: synthesis, characterization, and stability

Cationic Re(V) oxo compounds of the type [ReO(OSiMe3)(eta 2-B(pz)4)(L)2]X [X = Cl, L = 4-(NMe2)C5H4N (1), 1-Meimz (1-methylimidazole; 2), 1/2 dmpe (1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane; 3), py (4a); X = I, L = py (4b)] can be prepared by reacting trans-[ReO2(eta 2-B(pz)4)(L)2] with XSiMe3. In solution, cations 1-4 are reactive species, and those with unidentate nitrogen donor ligands (1, 2, and 4) rearrange into the neutral derivatives [ReO(Cl)(OSiMe3)(eta 2-B(pz)4)(L)] [L = py (5), 4-(NMe2)C5H4N (6), 1-Meimz (7)], which are also reported herein. Compounds 1-3 and 5-7 have been fully characterized by the usual spectroscopic techniques, which in some cases includes X-ray crystallographic analysis (3, 6, and 7). Compound 3 crystallizes from CH2Cl2/n-hexane as yellow crystals with one molecule of CH2Cl2 solvent, and compounds 6 and 7 crystallize from THF/n-hexane as violet and red crystals, respectively, with one molecule of THF solvent in the case of 6. Crystallographic data: 3, orthorhombic space group Pn2(1)a, a = 11.311(2) A, b = 19.135(2) A, c = 15.443(2) A, V = 3342.4(8) A3, Z = 4; 6, triclinic space group P1, a = 8.7179(11) A, b = 12.5724(8) A, c = 17.750(2) A, alpha = 70.454(7) degrees, beta = 77.935(9) degrees, gamma = 77.129(8) degrees, V = 1768.1(3) A3, Z = 2; 7, monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 16.356(2) A, b = 20.384(3) A, c = 17.360(3) A, beta = 106.971(12) degrees, V = 5535.8(14) A3, Z = 8.     

Synthesis and reactivity of calix[4]arene-supported group 4 imido complexes

New mononuclear titanium and zirconium imido complexes [M(NR)(R'(2)calix)] [M=Ti, R'=Me, R=tBu (1), R=2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2) (2), R=2,6-C(6)H(3)iPr(2) (3), R=2,4,6-C(6)H(2)Me(3) (4); M=Ti, R'=Bz, R=tBu (5), R=2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2) (6), R=2,6-C(6)H(3)iPr(2) (7); M=Zr, R'=Me, R=2,6-C(6)H(3)iPr(2) (8)] supported by 1,3-diorganyl ether p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes (R'(2)calix) were prepared in good yield from the readily available complexes [MCl(2)(Me(2)calix)], [Ti(NR)Cl(2)(py)(3)], and [Ti(NR)Cl(2)(NHMe(2))(2)]. The crystallographically characterised complex [Ti(NtBu)(Me(2)calix)] (1) reacts readily with CO(2), CS(2), and p-tolyl-isocyanate to give the isolated complexes [Ti[N(tBu)C(O)O](Me(2)calix)] (10), [[Ti(mu-O)(Me(2)calix)](2)] (11), [[Ti(mu-S)(Me(2)calix)](2)] (12), and [Ti[N(tBu)C(O)N(-4-C(6)H(4)Me)](Me(2)calix)] (13). In the case of CO(2) and CS(2), the addition of the heterocumulene to the Ti-N multiple bond is followed by a cycloreversion reaction to give the dinuclear complexes 11 and 12. The X-ray structure of 13.4(C(7)H(8)) clearly establishes the N,N'-coordination mode of the ureate ligand in this compound. Complex 1 undergoes tert-butyl/arylamine exchange reactions to form 2, 3, [Ti(N-4-C(6)H(4)Me)(Me(2)calix)] (14), [Ti(N-4-C(6)H(4)Fc)(Me(2)calix)] (15) [Fc=Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))], and [[Ti(Me(2)calix)](2)[mu-(N-4-C(6)H(4))(2)CH(2)]] (16). Reaction of 1 with H(2)O, H(2)S and HCl afforded the compounds [[Ti(mu-O)(Me(2)calix)](2)] (11), [[Ti(mu-S)(Me(2)calix)](2)] (12), and [TiCl(2)(Me(2)calix)] in excellent yields. Furthermore, treatment of 1 with two equivalents of phenols results in the formation of [Ti(O-4-C(6)H(4)R)(2)(Me(2)calix)] (R=Me 17 or tBu 18), [Ti(O-2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2))(2)(Me(2)calix)] (19) and [Ti(mbmp)(Me(2)calix)] (20; H(2)mbmp=2,2'-methylene-bis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol) or CH(2)([CH(3)][C(4)H(9)]C(6)H(2)-OH)(2)). The bis(phenolate) compounds 17 and 18 with para-substituted phenolate ligands undergo elimination and/or rearrangement reactions in the nonpolar solvents pentane or hexane. The metal-containing products of the elimination reactions are dinuclear complexes [[Ti(O-4-C(6)H(4)R)(Mecalix)](2)] [R=Me (23) or tBu (24)] where Mecalix=monomethyl ether of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene. The products of the rearrangement reaction are [Ti(O-4-C(6)H(4)Me)(2) (paco-Me(2)calix)] (25) and [Ti(O-4-C(6)H(4)tBu)(2)(paco-Me(2)calix)] (26), in which the metallated calix[4]arene ligand is coordinated in a form reminiscent of the partial cone (paco) conformation of calix[4]arene. In these compounds, one of the methoxy groups is located inside the cavity of the calix[4]arene ligand. The complexes 24, 25 and 26 have been crystallographically characterised. Complexes with sterically more demanding phenolate ligands, namely 19 and 20 and the analogous zirconium complexes [Zr(O-4-C(6)H(4)Me)(2)(Me(2)calix)] (21) and [Zr(O-2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2))(2)(Me(2)calix)] (22) do not rearrange. Density functional calculations for the model complexes [M(OC(6)H(5))(2)(Me(2)calix)] with the calixarene possessing either cone or partial cone conformations are briefly presented.     

Preparation and properties of cyclopentadienyl- and pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-titanium(IV) complexes with the C8H4S8 ligand, electrical conductivities of their oxidized species, and X-ray crystal structure of Ti(C5Me5)2(C8H4S8)

Ti(C5H5)2(C8H4S8) (1), Ti(C5Me5)2(C8H4S8) (2), [NMe4][Ti(C5H5)(C8H4S8)2] (3), and [NMe4][Ti(C5Me5)(C8H4S8)2] (4) [C8H4S8(2-) = 2-(4,5-ethylenedithio)-1,3-dithiole-2-ylidene)-1,3-dithiole-4,5- dithiolate(2-)] were prepared by reaction of Ti(C5H5)2Cl2, Ti(C5Me5)2Cl2, Ti(C5H5)Cl3, or Ti(C5Me5)Cl3 with Li2C8H4S8 or [NMe4]2[C8H4S8] in THF. They were oxidized by iodine, the ferrocenium cation, or TCNQ (7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane) in CH2Cl2 or in acetone to afford one-electron-oxidized and over-one-electron-oxidized species, [Ti(C5H5)2(C8H4S8)].I3, [Ti(C5H5)2(C8H4S8)][PF6], [Ti(C5Me5)2(C8H4S8)].I3, [Ti(C5Me5)2(C8H4S8)][PF6], [Ti(C5H5)(C8H4S8)2].I0.9, [Ti(C5H5)(C8H4S8)2][TCNQ]0.3, [Ti(C5Me5)(C8H4S8)2].I2.4, and [Ti(C5Me5)(C8H4S8)2][TCNQ]0.3, with the C8H4S8 ligand-centered oxidation. They exhibited electrical conductivities of 1.6 x 10(-1) to 7.6 x 10(-4) S cm-1 measured for compacted pellets at room temperature. The crystal structure of 2 was clarified to consist of isolated dimerized units of the molecules through some sulfur-sulfur nonbonded contacts: monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 9.534(2) A, b = 18.227(2) A, c = 17.775(2) A, beta = 94.39(1) degrees, Z = 4.     

Syntheses of 8-quinolinolatocobalt(III) complexes containing cyclen based auxiliary ligands as models for hypoxia-activated prodrugs

New ligands H(2)L2-H(2)L6 comprise the cyclen macrocycle which is N,N'-dialkylated at the 1,7-nitrogen atoms by three- and four-carbon alkyl chains bearing terminal sulfonic (C(3) H(2)L2), phosphonic (C(3) H(2)L3, C(4) H(2)L4) or carboxylic acid (C(3) H(2)L5, C(4) H(2)L6) groups, and HL7 is N-monoalkylated by a four-carbon sulfonic acid group. The ligands were prepared by alkylation of a bridged bisaminal intermediate. The syntheses of cobalt(III) complexes containing a tetradentate cyclen, N,N'-1,7-Me(2)cyclen, cyclam or L2-L7 ligand together with the bidentate 8-quinolinato (8QO(-)) ligand, of interest as it is a model for a more potent cytotoxic analogue, were investigated. Coordination of ligands (L) cyclen, N,N'-1,7-Me(2)cyclen or cyclam to cobalt(III) was achieved using Na(3)[Co(NO(6))] to form [Co(L)(NO(2))(2)](+). HOTf (trifluoromethansulfonic acid) was used to prepare the triflato complexes [Co(L)(OTf)(2)](+), followed by substitution of the labile triflato ligands to yield [Co(L)(8QO)](ClO(4))(2) isolated as the perchlorate salts. One further example containing cyclam and the 5-hydroxymethyl-8-quinolinato ligand was also prepared by this method. Complexes containing the pendant arm ligands L2-L6 were prepared from the cobalt precursor trans-[Co(py)(4)Cl(2)](+). Reaction of this complex with H(2)L2·4HCl and 8QOH produced [Co(L2)(8QO)] in one step and contains two deprotonated sulfonato pendant arms. The reaction of H(2)L3·4HBr with [Co(py)(4)Cl(2)](+) gave [Co(L3)]Cl in which L3 acts as a hexadenate ligand with the three-carbon phosphonato side chains coordinated to cobalt. H(2)L5·4HCl bearing three-carbon carboxylic acid pendant arms gave a similar result. The four-carbon ligands were coordinated to cobalt by reaction of [Co(py)(4)Cl(2)](+) with H(2)L4·4HBr or H(2)L6·4HCl to give [Co(HL4)Cl(2)] or [Co(H(2)L6)Cl(2)]Cl, which in turn with 8QOH gave the 8QO(-) complexes [Co(L4)(8QO)] bearing anionic phosphate pendant arms or [Co(H(2)L6)(8QO)]Cl(2) containing neutral carboxylic acid side chains. The reaction of Na(3)[Co(CO(3))(3)] with the mono-N-alkylated ligand HL7·4HCl and then HOTf gave [Co(L7)(CO(3))] and then in turn [Co(L7)(OTf)(2)]. The carbonato complex [Co(L7)(CO(3))] with [8QO](2)[SO(4)] produced [Co(L7)(CO(3))]. All complexes containing L7 bear an anionic sulfonato group on the side chain. The synthesis and characterisation of the six new ligands based on N-alkylated cylen ligand and the cobalt complexes outlined above are described, along with cyclic voltammograms of the 8QO(-) complexes and the molecular structures determined by X-ray crystallography of [Co(cyclen)(H(2)O)(2)](OTf)(3) (formed by aquation of the triflato complex), [Co(cyclen)(8QO)](ClO(4))(2), Co(L2)(8QO)·2H(2)O, Co(L4)(8QO)·6H(2)O and [Co(H(2)L6)Cl(2)]Cl·H(2)O. These demonstrate the coordination of the cyclen ligand in the folded anti-O,syn-N configuration with the N-alkylated nitrogens occupying apical positions.