A localized molecular orbital study on the bonding of> Mo3S4]2Mo> and> Mo3S4]CuI> versus (C6H6)2Cr and C6H6Cr(CO)3

The energy-localized CNDO/2 molecular orbitais have been calculated for the clusters containing molybdenum, > {Mo₃S₄₂Mo}⁸⁺ and> Mo₃S₄]CuI> ⁴⁺, versus the prototype arene-metal sandwich (C₆H₆)₂Cr and half-sandwich complexes C₆H₆Cr(CO)₃. The bonding characteristics of these compounds are described from a localization bonding viewpoint. There are two typical M-arene and M-[Mo₃S₄] bondings. One is formed by electron donation from the three-center two-electron π-bonds in the arene or [Mo₃S₄]⁴⁺ ligands into the vacant hybrid orbitais of the “stranger” metal atom. In the other M-arene or M-[Mo₃S₄] bond there is very little donation by the lone electron pair occupying the d AOs of the “stranger” metal atom to the arene or [Mo₃S₄]⁴⁺ ligands. The analogy of the ligand [Mo₃S₄]⁴⁺ in the clusters studied with the ligand benzene is also briefly discussed.     

Structural evolutions of the n-heneicosane and n-tricosane molecular alloys at 293 K

A structural study of odd-numbered n-alkane (C_n) binary mixtures (C₂₁ : C₂₃) was carried out on powder samples using a Guinier-de Wolff camera with increasing concentration of n-C₂₃ at 293 K.

Despite the reports in the literature, these molecular alloys do not form an orthorhombic continuous homogeneous solid solution to C₂₁ from C₂₃ at “low temperature”. Instead, as already observed in two even-numbered C_n systems, X-ray diffraction results show the existence of seven solid solutions as the molar concentration of C₂₃ increases: four terminal solid solutions, denoted β₀(C₂₁)β₀(C₂₃), isostructural with the “low temperature” phase of pure C₂₁ and C₂₃ (Pbcm), β′₀(C₂₁) and β′₀(C₂₃), identical to the phase β′₀ which appears in pure C₂₃ above the δ transition, and three orthorhombic intermediate solid solutions, designated β″₁, β′₁ and β″₂.

On the basis of powder X-ray photographs, the phases β″₁ and β″₂ (C₂₁ : C₂₃) are indistinguishable, and they are isostructural with the intermediate solid solution β″ of the even-numbered C_n binary systems (C₂₂ : C₂₄) and (C₂₄ : C₂₆). The phase β′₁(C₂₁ : C₂₃) is also isostructural with the two indistinguishable intermediate solid solutions β′₁ and β′₂ of the molecular alloys (C₂₂ : C₂₄) and (₂₄ : C₂₆).

From this study and our other laboratory results, the sequences of appearance of the solid solutions and the structural identities between these phases are established at “low temperature” for all the binary molecular alloys of consecutive C_n (odd-odd, even-even or odd-even: 19 < n < 27) when increasing the solute concentration.     

Can triorganoboroxins exist in a “monomeric” R---B=O form? MNDO calculations and ebulliometric molecular weight determination

MNDO calculations were made for triethylboroxin (EtBO)₃ and triphenylboroxin (PhBO)₃ using both X-ray determined and optimized geometry of these molecules. The results were compared with hypothetical “monomeric” molecules R---B=O. Calculated energies of trimerization are about −200 kJ mol⁻¹ for both compounds and confirm the much higher stability of the “trimer”. Ebulliometric determination of molecular weight of triphenylboroxin in 2-pentanone confirms its trimeric character.     

Formation of a novel “bedspring”-like framework structure by a neodymium nitrate complex with N,N′-butylenebis(2-pyridone)

Reaction of N,N′-butylenebis(2-pyridone) (BBP) with hydrated M(NO₃)₃ salts (M = Y or a lanthanide ion) affords the complexes M₂(BBP)₃(NO₃)₆. Thorium(IV) nitrate and dioxouranium(VI) nitrate give Th₂(BBP)₃(NO₃)₈·0.5Me₂CO and UO₂(BBP)(NO₃)₂, respectively. X-ray diffraction studies on the Nd complex show it to contain arrays of contiguous 66-membered macrocyclic rings arranged so as to form as unusual “bedspring”-like network structure.     

Spectral study of the structure of compartmental complexes of europium and copper

Compartmental complexes [EuH₂(fsa)₂en]Cl·3H₂O and [CuH₂(fsa)₂en]·0.5H₂O have been synthesized and characterized. The compartmental ligand (H₄(fsa)₂en) is N,N′-bis(3-carboxysalicy- lidene)ethylenediamine. Spectral study indicates that Eu(III) and Cu(II) are coordinated by the ---O₂O₂ coordinating atoms (outside) and the ---N₂O₂ coordinating atoms (inside), respectively. Since there is a considerable difference in the ligand field strength between the “outside” and “inside” coordination spheres, their different fluorescence properties have been investigated by photoacoustic spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy.     

Supersilylating agents from chlorosilanes

The addition of R₃SiCl to B(OTf)₃ gives “supersilylating agents” formulated as R₃SiB(OTf)₃Cl. The catalytic properties of these species are similar to those of the previously-described (but less accessible) R₃SiB(OTf)₄.     

An unexpected molybdenum(0) complex with “MoP6” coordination: crystal structure of [Mo{P(CH2CH2PPh2)3}2] · C5H10

The reaction of trans-[Mo(N₂)₂(PPh₂Me)₄] with the tripodal phosphine tris(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)phosphine, PP₃, in benzene has been studied. The product was recrystallized from a mixture of benzene and petroleum ether to give [Mo(PP₃)₂]·C₅H₁₀, whose crystal structure shows a distorted octahedral “MoP₆” coordination with both phosphines acting as tridentate ligands.     

The behaviour of some selenoglycollic acid derivatives in aqueous solutions and spectrophotometric determination of constants of the system Pd(II)/ethylene-bis- selenoglycollic acid

Interactions between ethylselenoglycollic, selenoglycollic and ethylene-bis- selenoglycollic acids and some “soft”, “borderline” and “hard” metallic ions have been studied. The interactions of [PdCl₄]_aq²⁻ with the three ligands were verified conductometrically and spectrophotometrically. The stability constants β₁ and β₂ for the system [PdCl₄]^2-- ethylene-bis-selenoglycollic acid have been determined at 25°C at ionic strength 3.0 M (NaCl). The stoichiometric ionization constant of the mentioned acid was also studied.     

Fourfold clusters of rovibrational energies in H2Te studied with an ab initio potential energy function

We report here an ab initio investigation of the cluster effect (i.e., the formation of four-member groups of nearly degenerate rotation-vibration energy levels at higher J and K_a values) in the H₂Te molecule. The potential energy function has been calculated ab initio at a total of 334 molecular geometries by means of the CCSD (T) method where the (1s-4f) core electrons of the Te atom were described by an effective core potential. The values of the potential energy function obtained cover the region up to around 10 000 cm⁻¹ above the equilibrium energy. On the basis of the ab initio potential, the rotation-vibration energy spectra of H₂ ¹³⁰Te and its deuterated isotopomers have been calculated with the MORBID (Morse oscillator rigid bender internal dynamics) Hamiltonian and computer program. In particular, we have calculated the rotational energy manifolds for J40 in the vibrational ground state, the ν₂ state, the “first triad” (the ν₁/ν₃/2 ν₂ interacting vibrational states), and the “second triad” (the (ν₁ + ν₂)/(ν₂ + ν₃)/3 ν₂ states) of H₂¹³⁰Te. We have also investigated the cluster formation in the vibrational ground state of H₂ ¹³⁰Te by first fitting the rotational data available from experiment with a modified Watson-type effective Hamiltonian and then using the optimized ground state constants to extrapolate the rotational structure to higher J values. Both the ab initio calculation and the prediction with the effective Hamiltonian show that the cluster formation in H₂Te is very similar to that in H₂Se and H₂S, which we have studied previously. However, contrary to semiclassical predictions, we do not determine any significant displacement of the clusters towards lower J values relative to H₂Se. Hence the experimental observation of the cluster states in H₂Te will be at least as difficult as in H₂Se.     

Spectroscopic properties of rare earth borohydrides: Er(BH4)3·3THF in pure and mixed crystals

The optical spectra of Er(BH₄)₃·3THF neat crystals and La, Gd, Y(BH₄)₃·3THF mixed crystals are reported and analyzed. Lanthanum borohydride is found to have a different room temperature crystal structure (triclinic) from Er, Gd, Y(BH₄)₃·3THF (Pbcn). At low temperature the Pbcn crystals undergo a phase transition to a structure with two crystallographically inequivalent sites in a unit cell. The optical spectra of Er(BH₄)₃·3THF in Er, Y, Gd(BH₄)₃·3THF crystals clearly evidence these two sites. Large vibronic intensity is observed at 1.6 K and 77 K and nine “molecular” vibrations are assigned. These modes are quite similar to those found for U(BH₄)₄. Er (BH₄)₃·3THF spectra are very different: no vibronic transitions are observed but many (often upwards of fifty for a given manifold) weak sharp “satellite” lines are found associated with pure electronic transitions. These data are discussed in terms of structural differences and comments on bonding and covalent character in lanthanide borohydrides are made.     

Electronic structure of the truncated-icosahedral C60 cluster

The electronic structure of the truncated-icosahedral C₆₀ cluster (“footballene”) is theoretically examined by performing a linear muffin-tin orbitais (LMTO) calculation.     

Substituent effects on the frontier molecular orbitais of aryl isonitriles

An investigation of the frontier molecular orbitais ofo- and p-RC₆H₄NC (R=H, CH₃, NO₂, F, Cl, CF₃, OCH₃) was carried out so that a thorough understanding of the intricacies of σ donation and π acceptance could be developed and used to modify subtly the electron density on metal centers. The results of this study-Indicate that the substituent position (ortho vs. para ) does alter the electron density in the ligand appreciably and that substitution of the phenyl ring with the groups indicated has a smaller effect on the σ-donating ability than it does on the π-accepting ability of the isonitrile ligand.

The π-accepting abilities of the isonitrile ligands increase in the order o-, p-CH₃OC₆H₄NC, o-, p-CH₃C₆H₄NC, o-, p-C₆H₅NC, o-, p-FC₆H₄NC, o-, p-CF₃C₆NC, o-, p-ClC₆H₄NC, o-, p-NO₂C₆H₄NC while the σ-donating ability decreases in this order. The energies of the σ-donor and π-acceptor orbitais are shown to correlate well with observed E values of Cr(RC₆H₄NC)₆ and Mn(RC₆H₄NC)₆⁺¹ complexes. This demonstrates how the theoretical results can be useful in understanding the observed physical properties of isonitrile-metal complexes.     

Crystal structure of an epoxycembradienol, 3,15-epoxy-4-hydroxycembra-7(Z), 11(Z)-diene

The crystal structure of the title compound, C₂₀H₃₄O₂, has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods at 295 K from diffractometer data using direct methods and refined by least squares to a residual of 0.06 for 2152 “observed” reflections. Crystals are orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, a = 32.770(8), b = 10.960(3), c = 10.850(3) Å, Z=8. The asymmetric unit comprises two independent molecules, both of which confirm the structure proposed in the preceding paper.     

Unusual product distribution in ethylene oligomerization promoted by in situ ansa-chloroneodymocene–dialkylmagnesium systems

Ethylene polymerization using in situ combinations between a chloroneodymocene precursor and a dialkylmagnesium reagent has been investigated to prepare tailor-made oligomers. Combinations of [Cp^*₂NdCl₂Li(OEt₂)₂] (1) with 40 equiv. of n-butylethylmagnesium (BEM) or di(n-hexyl)magnesium (DHM) gave oligoethylenes with M_n up to 2500 and narrow molecular weight distributions (M_w/M_n<1.10) in moderate activity (A_{1 h}=79 kg/(mol of Nd h atm) at 80 °C, 1 atm). Under these conditions, ethylene polymerization proceeded in a controlled fashion, with a linear growth of M_n vs monomer conversion, ascribed to an effective chain transfer between the Nd and Mg centers. Combinations of [rac-{Me₂Si(η⁵-2-SiMe₃-4-t-Bu-C₅H₂)₂}Nd(μ-Cl)₂Li(THF)₂] (2) with either BEM or DHM (20–40 equiv.) showed decreased activity, suggesting possibly a different rate-determining-step for ethylene polymerization than for that of higher -olefins. The oligoethylenes obtained from combinations based on 2 have narrow molecular weight distributions (M_w/M_n<1.2) but higher contents of vinyl terminations. Monitoring of the reactions showed also a non-linear growth of M_n vs monomer conversion, especially marked when DHM was used as co-reagent. The 2/DHM combination behaves as a “self-correcting” catalyst system that deviates from the calculated M_n values for a controlled-living polymerization in the early stage of the reaction and re-approach them progressively in the second stage.     

Substantial velocity dependence of rotationally inelastic collision cross sections in Li2—Xe

A Doppler-based velocity selection technique has been used to measure the relative velocity dependence of the cross sections σ_ji,Δ(ν_r) for rotationally inelastic collisions from level j_i to j_i + Δν₁ = 8,22,42) in ⁷Li^*₂ A ¹Σ⁺_u)—Xe. The σ_jν^±2(ν_r) are strongly attenuated at a smaller ν_r by “torque averaging” due to molecular rotation; in contrast, for large |Δ|, σ_jiΔ = ν_r⁻ⁿ (1 n 2). An empirical intermolecular potential which reproduces these types of behavior for 3-D classical trajectories is exhibited.     

Synthesis of chelating trimethylsiloxy diisonitrile ligands and their rhodium(1) complexes. Crystal and molecular structure of [Rh(t-BuDiNC)2]BPh4·1.5CH3CN (DiNC = chelating bidentate isonitrile ligand)

An X-ray crystallographic study, the first of a complex containing a chelating bidentate isonitrile (DiNC) ligand, reveals that [Rh(t-BuDiNC)₂]BPh₄·1.5CH₃CN crystallizes as a “slipped-stacked” face-to-face dimer of two approximately planar [Rh(t-BuDiNC)₂]⁺ cations with a Rh-Rh distance of 3.384 Å, and an angle of 22.7° between the stacking axis and the Rh---Rh vector. The syntheses of two new bidentate isonitrile ligands, SiNC-2 and SiNC-3 are also described. These ligands contain bulky trimethylsiloxy groups ortho to each isonitrile group and differ only in that the SiNC-3 ligand contains an additional CH₂ unit in its backbone. Each reacts with [Rh(COD)Cl]₂ to afford, after metathesis with KPF₆, a complex of the empirical formula [Rh(SiNC-n)₂]PF₆. Spectroscopic results suggest the SiNC-2 complex is dinuclear, with four SiNC-2 ligands bridging the two rhodium atoms. The SiNC-3 complex is mononuclear, but unlike most other mononuclear [Rh(CNR)₄]⁺ complexes, shows no tendency to self-associate in solution. The different structures of these two complexes and the solution behavior of the SiNC-3 complex are attributed to the bulkiness of the trimethylsiloxy groups.     

Gas-phase stability of cluster ions SF m + (SF6) n with m = 0–5 and n = 1–3

The gas-phase stabilities of cluster ions SF⁺_m (SF₆)_n with m = 0−5 were determined by using a high pressure mass spectrometer. The bond energies of SF⁺_m (SF₆)₁ were found to be less than 10 kcal/mol and to decrease with m = 0 → 5. There appear to be rather large gaps in the bond energies between n = 1 and 2 for the clusters SF⁺_m (SF₆)_n with m = 0−4. The structures of SF⁺₅, SF⁺ (SF₆)₁, SF⁺₃ (SF₆)₁, and SF⁺₅ (SF₆)₁ were investigated by ab initio molecular orbital calculations. For SF⁺₅, the D_3h geometry is found to be most stable andC_4v is a transition state of the Berry pseudorotation. For the ion-molecule complexes, the “on-top hat” models were found to be the most stable structures.     

Synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of amine bis(phenolate) lanthanide complexes containing alkali metal cation

Three lanthanide “ate” complexes L₂YbM(THF)_n supported by amine bis(phenolate) ligand [L=Me₂NCH₂CH₂N{CH₂-(2-O-C₆H₂-Bu^t₂-2,4)}₂; M=Li, n=2 (1); M=Na, n=2 (2); M=K, n=3 (3)] were synthesized by the metathesis reactions of LM₂ with anhydrous YbCl₃ in 2:1 molar ratio in high yield. All the complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The influence of the alkali metal ions on the molecular structure of these lanthanide complexes has been elucidated.     

Stereoselective propene polymerization at a metallocene/alumoxane catalyst derived from the chirally-substituted “meso-like” (p-R,p-S)-bis[1-(neoisopinocamphyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl]-zirconium dichloride

Isopinocamphyl-tosylate (2) was treated with indenyllithium to yield 3-(neoisopinocamphyl)-indene (3). Treatment of 3 with methyllithium gave 1-(neoisopinocamphyl)indenyllithium (4) which was then treated with 0.5 molar equivalents of ZrCl₄(thf)₂ to give a 52:48 mixture of one of the “racemic-like” isomers of bis[1-(neoisopinocamphyl)indenyl]ZrCl₂ (5A) and its “meso-like” diastereomer 5C. Hydrogenation of the 5A/5C mixture (50 bar H₂, Pt) furnished a mixture of the corresponding tetrahydroindenylzirconium complexes 6A and 6C, from which the “meso-like” bis[1-(neoisopinocamphyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl]zirconium dichloride diastereoisomer (6C) was isolated. Treatment of 6C with an excess of methylalumoxane in toluene/propene generated an active -olefin polymerization catalyst. At −30°C partly isotactic polypropylene ( _η = 39000) was obtained. The catalyst derived from the chirally-substituted “meso-like” metallocene complex 6C produced polypropylene predominantly under enantiomorphic site control.     

Influence of hydrostatic pressure on the phase transition in Ni(NH3)6I2: EPR studies

Electron paramagnetic resonance techniques are used to determine the phase transition temperature T_c of Ni(NH₃)₆I₂ as a function of hydrostatic pressure. The hydrostatic pressure causes T_c to increase and the value of the pressure coefficient dT_c/dp is (10 ± 2) K/GPa. T_c and dT_c/dp for hexammine halides is calculated on the basis of the “rigid-sphere model” and good agreement with the experimental data is obtained.