Photomagnetic Switching of the Complex [Nd(dmf)4(H2O)3(μ‐CN)Fe(CN)5]⋅H2O Analyzed by Single‐Crystal X‐Ray Diffraction

X‐ray vision : Single‐crystal XRD experiments (see picture) reveal the excited‐state structure of the photomagnetic heterobimetallic title complex. The system shows a decrease in all the iron–ligand bond lengths, suggesting that photoexcitation involves a ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer or a change in the superexchange coupling between the metal centers.

     

The Influence of the Counterions [AsF6]– and [GeF6]2– on the Structure of the [ClSO2NH3]+ Cation

Chlorosulfonamide reacts in the superacidic solutions HF/GeF₄ and HF/AsF₅ under the formation of ([ClSO₂NH₃]⁺)₂[GeF₆]^2– and [ClSO₂NH₃]⁺[AsF₆]^–, respectively. The chlorosulfonammonium salts were characterized by X‐ray single crystal structure analysis as well as vibrational spectroscopy and discussed together with quantum chemical calculations. ([ClSO₂NH₃]⁺)₂[GeF₆]^2– crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with one formula unit in the unit cell. [ClSO₂NH₃]⁺[AsF₆]^– crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with four formula units in the unit cell. Dependent on the counterion, [AsF₆]^– or [GeF₆]^2–, considerable structural differences of the [ClSO₂NH₃]⁺ cation are observed. Furthermore, the hitherto unknown X‐ray single crystal structure of chlorosulfonamide is determined in the course of this study. Chlorosulfonamide crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pmc2 with four formula units per unit cell.     

Synthesis and Characterization of 2‐Mono‐ and 1,2‐Diaminocarba‐closo‐dodecaborates M[1‐R‐2‐H2N‐closo‐CB11H10] (R=H,Ph, H2N,CyHN)

The first primary 2‐aminocarba‐closo‐dodecaborates [1‐R‐2‐H₂N‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀]^? (R=H ( 1 ), Ph ( 2 )) have been synthesized by insertion reactions of (Me₃Si)₂NBCl₂ into the trianions [7‐R‐7‐nido‐CB₁₀H₁₀]^3?. The difunctionalized species [1,2‐(H₂N)₂‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀] ( 3 ) and 1‐CyHN‐2‐H₃N‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀ (H‐ 4 ) have been prepared analogously from (Me₃Si)₂NBCl₂ and 7‐H₃N‐7‐nido‐CB₁₀H₁₂. In addition, the preparation of [Et₄N][1‐H₂N‐2‐Ph‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀] ([Et₄N]‐ 5 ) starting from PhBCl₂ and 7‐H₃N‐7‐nido‐CB₁₀H₁₂ is described. Methylation of the [1‐Ph‐2‐H₂N‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀]^? ion ( 2 ) to produce 1‐Ph‐2‐Me₃N‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀ ( 6 ) is reported. The crystal structures of [Et₄N]‐ 2 , [Et₄N]‐ 5 , and 6 were determined and the geometric parameters were compared to theoretical values derived from DFT and ab initio calculations. All new compounds were studied by NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy, MALDI mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The discussion of the experimental NMR chemical shifts and of selected vibrational band positions is supported by theoretical data. The thermal properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The pK_a values of 2‐H₃N‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₁ (H‐ 1 ), 1‐H₃N‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀ (H‐ 7 ), and 1,2‐(H₃N)₂‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀ (H₂‐ 3 ) were determined by potentiometric titration and by NMR studies. The experimental results are compared to theoretical data (DFT and ab initio). The basicities of the aminocarba‐closo‐dodecaborates agree well with the spectroscopic and structural properties.     

Synthesis and Reactivity of Mononuclear Iron Models of [Fe]‐Hydrogenase that Contain an Acylmethylpyridinol Ligand

[Fe]‐hydrogenase has a single iron‐containing active site that features an acylmethylpyridinol ligand. This unique ligand environment had yet to be reproduced in synthetic models; however the synthesis and reactivity of a new class of small molecule mimics of [Fe]‐hydrogenase in which a mono‐iron center is ligated by an acylmethylpyridinol ligand has now been achieved. Key to the preparation of these model compounds is the successful C?O cleavage of an alkyl ether moiety to form the desired pyridinol ligand. Reaction of solvated complex [(2‐CH₂CO‐6‐HOC₅H₃N)Fe(CO)₂(CH₃CN)₂]⁺(BF₄)^? with thiols or thiophenols in the presence of NEt₃ yielded 5‐coordinate iron thiolate complexes. Further derivation produced complexes [(2‐CH₂CO‐6‐HOC₅H₃N)Fe(CO)₂(SCH₂CH₂OH)] and [(2‐CH₂CO‐6‐HOC₅H₃N)Fe(CO)₂(CH₃COO)], which can be regarded as models of FeGP cofactors of [Fe]‐hydrogenase extracted by 2‐mercaptoethanol and acetic acid, respectively. When the derivative complexes were treated with HBF₄?Et₂O, the solvated complex was regenerated by protonation of the thiolate ligands. The reactivity of several models with CO, isocyanide, cyanide, and H₂ was also investigated.     

Biomimetic Hydrogenation Catalyzed by a Manganese Model of [Fe]‐Hydrogenase

[Fe]‐hydrogenase is an efficient biological hydrogenation catalyst. Despite intense research, Fe complexes mimicking the active site of [Fe]‐hydrogenase have not achieved turnovers in hydrogenation reactions. Herein, we describe the design and development of a manganese(I) mimic of [Fe]‐hydrogenase. This complex exhibits the highest activity and broadest scope in catalytic hydrogenation among known mimics. Thanks to its biomimetic nature, the complex exhibits unique activity in the hydrogenation of compounds analogous to methenyl‐H₄MPT⁺, the natural substrate of [Fe]‐hydrogenase. This activity enables asymmetric relay hydrogenation of benzoxazinones and benzoxazines, involving the hydrogenation of a chiral hydride transfer agent using our catalyst coupled to Lewis acid‐catalyzed hydride transfer from this agent to the substrates.     

A [RuRu] Analogue of an [FeFe]‐Hydrogenase Traps the Key Hydride Intermediate of the Catalytic Cycle

The active site of the [FeFe]‐hydrogenases features a binuclear [2Fe]_H sub‐cluster that contains a unique bridging amine moiety close to an exposed iron center. Heterolytic splitting of H₂ results in the formation of a transient terminal hydride at this iron site, which, however is difficult to stabilize. We show that the hydride intermediate forms immediately when [2Fe]_H is replaced with [2Ru]_H analogues through artificial maturation. Outside the protein, the [2Ru]_H analogues form bridging hydrides, which rearrange to terminal hydrides after insertion into the apo‐protein. H/D exchange of the hydride only occurs for [2Ru]_H analogues containing the bridging amine moiety.     

Preparation and Crystal Structure of the Clathrate‐I Cs8–xGe44+y□2–y

The clathrate‐I phase Cs_8–xGe_44+y□_2–y (space group Pm$\bar{3}$ n) was prepared by high‐pressure high‐temperature reactions of Cs₄Ge₄ and α‐Ge. Different reaction conditions were found to have a strong influence on the lattice parameter of the clathrate‐I phase ranging from 10.8070(2) Å to 10.8493(3) Å. A single crystal with composition Cs₈Ge_44.40(2)□_1.60(2) was obtained from a sample with a = 10.8238(2) Å (niobium ampoule, p = 3.4 GPa, T_max = 1400 °C). Structure analysis based on X‐ray single crystal data shows unambiguously an excess of germanium atoms with respect to the electron balanced composition Cs₈Ge₄₄□₂ on basis of the Zintl concept.     

Electrochemical insights into the mechanisms of proton reduction by [Fe2(CO)6{micro-SCH2N(R)CH2S}] complexes related to the [2Fe](H) subsite of [FeFe]hydrogenase

Electrochemical investigations on a structural analogue of the [2Fe](H) subsite of [FeFe]H(2)ases, namely, [Fe(2)(CO)(6){micro-SCH(2)N(CH(2)CH(2)- OCH(3))CH(2)S}] (1), were conducted in MeCN/NBu(4)PF(6) in the presence of HBF(4)/Et(2)O or HOTs. Two different catalytic proton reduction processes operate, depending on the strength and the concentration of the acid used. The first process, which takes place around -1.2 V for both HBF(4)/Et(2)O and HOTs, is limited by the slow release of H(2) from the product of the {2 H(+)/2 e} pathway, 1-2H. The second catalytic process, which occurs at higher acid concentrations, takes place at different potentials depending on the acid present. We propose that this second mechanism is initiated by protonation of 1-2H when HBF(4)/Et(2)O is used, whereas the reduction of 1-2H is the initial step in the presence of the weaker acid HOTs. The potential of the second process, which occurs around -1.4 V (reduction potential of 1-3H(+)) or around -1.6 V (the reduction potential of 1-2H) is thus dependent on the strength of the available proton source.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Characterization of Hexakis[2‐methoxy‐4‐formylphenoxy]cyclotriphosphazene

The new cyclotriphosphazene derivative N₃P₃(OC₆H₃OCH₃COH)₆ ( 1 ) was synthesized from hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene, N₃P₃Cl₆, and 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzaldehyde in acetonitrile in the presence of K₂CO₃. The structure of 1 was verified by means of elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ³¹P NMR spectra, thermal analysis and X‐ray diffraction.