Carbon dioxide activation with sterically pressured mid- and high-valent uranium complexes

Sterically pressured mid- to high-valent uranium complexes with an aryloxide substituted triazacyclononane ligand scaffold, [(((R)ArO)3tacn)(3-)], were studied for carbon dioxide activation and transformation chemistry. The high valent uranium(V) imido species [(((R)ArO)3tacn)U(NR)] (R = (t)Bu, R' = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl (2-(t)Bu); R = Ad, R' = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl (2-Ad); R = (t)Bu, R' = phenyl (3-(t)Bu)) were synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. X-ray crystallography of the tert-butyl mesityl imido derivative, 2-(t)Bu , reveals coordination of a bent imido fragment with a relatively long U-N bond distance of 2.05 A. The mesityl imido complexes reacted with carbon dioxide, readily extruding free isocyanate to produce uranium(V) terminal oxo species, [(((R)ArO)3tacn)U(O)] (R = (t)Bu (4-(t)Bu), Ad (4-Ad)), presumably through multiple bond metathesis via a uranium(V) carbimate intermediate. Using the smaller phenyl imido fragment in 3-(t) Bu slowed isocyanate loss, allowing the uranium(V) carbimate intermediate to undergo a second metathesis reaction, ultimately producing the diphenyl ureate derivative, [(((tBu)ArO)3tacn)U(NPh2)CO] (5-(t)Bu). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were carried out on both uranium(V) terminal oxo complexes and revealed short U-O bonds (1.85 A) indicative of a formal UO triple bond. The electronic structure of the oxo U(V) complexes was investigated by electronic absorption and EPR spectroscopies as well as SQUID magnetization and DFT studies, which indicated that their electronic properties are highly unusual. To obtain insight into the reactivity of CO2 with U-N bonds, the reaction of the uranium(IV) amide species, [(((R)ArO)3tacn)U(NHMes)] (R = (t)Bu (6-(t)Bu), Ad (6-Ad) with carbon dioxide was investigated. These reactions produced the uranium(IV) carbamate complexes, [(((R)ArO)3tacn)U(CO2NHMes)] (R = (t)Bu (7-(t)Bu), Ad (7-Ad)), resulting from insertion of carbon dioxide into U-N(amide) bonds. The molecular structures of the synthesized uranium carbamate complexes highlight the different reactivities due to the steric pressure introduced by the alkyl derivatized tris(aryloxide) triazacyclononane ligand. The sterically open tert-butyl derivative creates a monodentate eta(1)-O bound carbamate species, while the sterically more bulky adamantyl-substituted compound forces a bidentate kappa(2)-O,O coordination mode of the carbamate ligand.     

Uranium-mediated reductive conversion of CO(2) to CO and carbonate in a single-vessel, closed synthetic cycle

The new neopentyl (Neop)-substituted tris(aryloxide) U(iii) complex [(((Neop,Me)ArO)(3)tacn)U(III)] reacts with CO(2) to form CO and the bridging carbonate complex [{(((Neop,Me)ArO)(3)tacn)U(IV)}(2)(μ-CO(3))]. The uranium(iv) bridging oxo [{(((Neop,Me)ArO)(3)tacn)U(IV)}(2)(μ-O)] has been determined to be the intermediate in this reaction. For the first time, both U(iv) complexes can be reduced back to the U(iii) starting material. Thus, with KC(8) as reductant, [(((Neop,Me)ArO)(3)tacn)U(III)] engages in a synthetic cycle, in which CO(2) is converted to CO and CO(3)(2-).     

Oxidation state delineation via U L(III)-edge XANES in a series of isostructural uranium coordination complexes

We present an X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) study of a series of uranium coordination complexes that possess nearly identical first coordination spheres and geometries in a range of oxidation states from U(III) to U(VI). These compounds were obtained through the activation of small molecules, such as ketones, azides, and carbon dioxide, and upon oxidation of a high-valent U(V)≡O to [U(VI)≡O](+). Most of the compounds have been reported previously. All of them are fully characterized and their oxidation states have been confirmed by various spectroscopic methods (SQUID, (1)H NMR, and UV/vis/near-IR). Each uranium complex consists of a triazacyclononane anchor bearing three aryloxide side arms with bulky tert-butyl (t-Bu) or adamantyl (Ad) ortho substituents. All complexes have approximate C(3) symmetry and possess an axial cavity that is either empty (U(III)) or occupied by a seventh ligand, namely, terminal oxygen (U(V) and U(VI)) or an oxygen-containing ligand (U(IV)). The only exception is [(((t-Bu)ArO)(3)tacnU(VI)(O)][SbF(6)], which is the rare case of a complex that shows a strong inverse trans influence. The determined correlation between the uranium oxidation state and the U L(III)-edge XANES absorption in this series includes a single terminal oxo ligand bonded uranium(V,VI), for which data are essentially nonexistent. The correct assignment of the uranium valence in a U(IV)-L(?-) compound (L(?-) = ketyl radical) is shown to be only possible by a comparison to structurally similar compounds.     

Synthesis and characterization of N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of uranium(III)

Reaction of [(((Ad)ArO)(3)tacn)U(III)] (1) or [((Me(3)Si)(2)N)(3)U(III)] (3) with tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene (Me(4)IMC:) yields novel N-heterocyclic carbene complexes [(((Ad)ArO)(3)tacn)U(III)(Me(4)IMC:)] (2) and [((Me(3)Si)(2)N)(3)U(III)(Me(4)IMC:)] (4). Uranium complexes 2 and 4 represent the first examples of compounds with an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand coordinated to a low-valent uranium center. The paramagnetic complexes 1, 2, and 4 were characterized by (1)H NMR, UV-vis-NIR, and EPR spectroscopy as well as SQUID magnetization measurements and X-ray diffraction analyses. DFT studies indicate a significant degree of pi-bonding in the U(III)-carbene entity.     

Structural and spectroscopic characterization of a charge-separated uranium benzophenone ketyl radical complex

The reaction of [((t-Bu)ArO) 3tacn)U (III)] ( 1) with 4,4'-di- tert-butylbenzophenone affords a unique isolable U(IV) ketyl radical species [((t-Bu)ArO) 3tacn)U (IV)(OC* (t-Bu)Ph 2)] (2) supported by XRD data, magnetization measurements, and DFT calculations. Isolation and full characterization of the corresponding diphenyl methoxide complex [((t-Bu)ArO) 3tacn)U (IV)(OCH ( t-Bu )Ph 2)] (3) is also presented. The one-electron reduction of benzophenone by [((Ad)ArO) 3tacn)U (III)] (4) leads to a purple U(IV) ketyl radical intermediate [((Ad)ArO) 3tacn)U (IV)(OC*Ph 2)] (5). This species is highly reactive, and attempts at isolation were unsuccessful and resulted in methoxide complex [((Ad)ArO) 3tacn)U (IV)(OCHPh 2)] (6) from H abstraction and dinuclear para-coupled complex [((Ad)ArO) 3tacn)U (IV)(OCPhPhCPh 2O)U (IV)((Ad)ArO) 3tacn)] (7).     

Uranium tris-aryloxide derivatives supported by triazacyclononane: engendering a reactive uranium(III) center with a single pocket for reactivity

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of the mononuclear uranium complex [((ArO)(3)tacn)U(III)(NCCH(3))] is reported. The uranium(III) complex reacts with organic azides to yield uranium(IV) azido as well as uranium(V) imido complexes, [((ArO)(3)tacn)U(IV)(N(3))] and [((ArO)(3)tacn)U(V)(NSi(CH(3))(3))]. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic, and computational studies of this analogous series of uranium tris-aryloxide complexes supported by triazacyclononane are described. The hexadentate, tris-anionic ligand coordinates to the large uranium ion in unprecedented fashion, engendering coordinatively unsaturated and highly reactive uranium centers. The macrocyclic triazacyclononane tris-aryloxide derivative occupies six coordination sites, with the three aryloxide pendant arms forming a trigonal plane at the metal center. DFT quantum mechanic methods were applied to rationalize the reactivity and to elucidate the electronic structure of the newly synthesized compounds. It is shown that the deeply colored uranium(III) and uranium(V) species are stabilized via pi-bonding interaction, involving uranium f-orbitals and the axial acetonitrile and imido ligand, respectively. In contrast, the bonding in the colorless uranium(IV) azido complex is purely ionic in nature. The magnetism of the series of complexes with an [N3O3-N(ax)] core structure and oxidation states +III, +IV, and +V is discussed in context of the electronic structures.     

Observation of the inverse trans influence (ITI) in a uranium(V) imide coordination complex: an experimental study and theoretical evaluation

An inverse trans influence has been observed in a high-valent U(V) imide complex, [(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(NMes)]. A thorough theoretical evaluation has been employed in order to corroborate the ITI in this unusual complex. Computations on the target complex, [(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(NMes)], and the model complexes [(((Me)ArO)(3)N)U(NMes)] and [(NMe(3))(OMe(2))(OMe)(3)U(NPh)] are discussed along with synthetic details and supporting spectroscopic data. Additionally, the syntheses and full characterization data of the related U(V) trimethylsilylimide complex [(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(NTMS)] and U(IV) azide complex [(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(N(3))] are also presented for comparison.     

Small molecule activation at uranium coordination complexes: control of reactivity via molecular architecture

Electron-rich uranium coordination complexes display a pronounced reactivity toward small molecules. In this Feature article, the exciting chemistry of trivalent uranium ions coordinated to classic Werner-type ligand environments is reviewed. Three fundamentally important reactions of the [(((R)ArO)3tacn)U]-system are presented that result in alkane coordination, CO/CO2 activation, and nitrogen atom-transfer chemistry.     

Formation of a uranium trithiocarbonate complex via the nucleophilic addition of a sulfide-bridged uranium complex to CS2

The uranium(IV)/uranium(IV) μ-sulfide complex [{(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U}(2)(μ-S)] reacts with CS(2) to form the trithiocarbonate-bridged complex [{(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U}(2)(μ-κ(2):κ(2)-CS(3))]. The trithiocarbonate complex can alternatively be formed in low yields from low-valent [(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(DME)] through the reductive cleavage of CS(2).     

Uranium(III)-mediated C-C-coupling of terminal alkynes: formation of dinuclear uranium(IV) vinyl complexes

The previously reported uranium(III) complex [(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(III)(DME)] (1; Ad = adamantane, DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) reacts with the terminal bis-alkynes 1,7-octadiyne or 1,6-heptadiyne in C-C-coupling reactions to form the uranium(IV) vinyl complexes [{(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(IV)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(1)-1,2-(CH)(2)-cyclohexane)] (2) and [{(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(IV)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-1,2-(CH)(2)-cyclopentane)] (3). With the monoalkynes 1-hexyne or 4-(t)butyl-phenylacetylene, the complexes [{(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(IV)}(2)(μ-η(2)(C1):η(1)(C4)-2-(n)Bu-1,3-octadiene)] (4) and [{(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(IV)}(2)(μ-η(2)(C4):η(1)(C1)-1,3-di-(p-(t)Bu-phenyl)butadiene))] (5), are formed. These are the first four examples of uranium vinyl complexes that are reported and crystallographically characterized. In addition, detailed DFT calculations are presented to establish a possible mechanism for their formation and explain the differences found for the coordination of the hydrocarbon fragments. In contrast to a previously proposed monometallic pathway for catalytic hydroamination of alkynes and alkyne dimerization involving a uranium vinyl intermediate at uranium(III) complexes, the calculations clearly support a bimetallic mechanism, since its transition states are energetically the most favored.     

Dioxotungsten 1,2-benzenedithiolate complex stabilized by NH...S hydrogen bonds

Novel dioxo-tungsten(VI) bis(1,2-benzenedithiolate) complexes with neighboring amide groups, as models for tungsten enzymes, (NEt4)2[W(VI)O2{1,2-S(2)-3,6-(RCONH)2C6H2}2] (R = CH3, t-Bu), were designed and synthesized. The presence of the NH...S hydrogen bond was confirmed through IR spectrometry and X-ray crystallographic analysis. In the W(VI)O2 complexes, the NH...S hydrogen bond trans to the oxo ligand is stronger than that cis to oxo. On the basis of comparisons with [W(VI)O2(1,2-S2C6H4)2](2-), the NH...S hydrogen bond positively shifted the W(VI)/W(V) redox potentials and depressed the reduction by benzoin or triphenylphosphine. These results suggest that the NH...S hydrogen bond stabilizes the oxo ligand through trans influence and regulates O-atom transfer in tungsten and molybdenum enzymes.     

Synthesis of U(IV) imidos from Tp*2U(CH2Ph) (Tp* = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) by extrusion of bibenzyl

Addition of organic azides, N(3)R (R = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl (Mes), phenyl (Ph), 1-adamantyl (Ad)), to a solution of the uranium(III) alkyl complex, Tp*(2)U(CH(2)Ph) (Tp* = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) (1), results in the formation of a family of uranium(iv) imido derivatives, Tp*(2)U(NR) (2-R). Notably, these complexes were synthesized in high yields by coupling of the benzyl groups to form bibenzyl. The uranium(IV) imido derivatives, 2-Mes, 2-Ph, and 2-Ad, were all characterized by both (1)H NMR and IR spectroscopy, and 2-Mes and 2-Ad were also characterized by X-ray crystallography. In the molecular structure of 2-Mes, typical κ(3)-coordination of the Tp* ligands was observed; however in the case of 2-Ad, one pyrazole ring of a Tp* ligand has rotated away from the metal centre, forcing a κ(2)-coordination of the pyrazoles. This results in a uranium-hydrogen interaction with the Tp* B-H. Treating these imido complexes with para-tolualdehyde results in multiple bond metathesis, forming the terminal uranium(IV) oxo complex, Tp*(2)U(O), and the corresponding imine.     

Nucleophilic reactivity and oxo/sulfido substitution reactions of MVIO3 Groups (M = Mo, W)

The nucleophilic reactivity of oxo ligands in the groups M(VI)O(3) in the trigonal complexes [(Me(3)tacn)MO(3)] (M = Mo (1), W (10)) and [(Bu(t)(3)tach)MO(3)] (M = Mo (5), W (14)) has been investigated. Complexes 1/10 can be alkylated with MeOTf to give [(Me(3)tacn)MO(2)(OMe)](1+) (2/11), silylated with Pr(i)(3)SiOTf to form [(Me(3)tacn)MO(2)(OSiPr(i)(3))](+) (3/12), and protonated with HOTf to yield [(Me(3)tacn)MoO(2)(OH)](+) (4). Similarly, complexes 5/14 can be silylated to [(Bu(t)(3)tach)MO(2)(OSiPr(i)(3))](+) (6/15) and protonated to [(Bu(t)(3)tach)MO(2)(OH)](+) (7/16). Products were isolated as triflate salts in yields exceeding 70%. When excess acid was used, the dinuclear mu-oxo species [(Bu(t)(3)tach)(2)M(2)O(5)](2+) (8/17) were obtained. X-ray structures are reported for 2-4, 6-8, 12, and 15-17. All mononuclear complexes have dominant trigonal symmetry with a rhombic distortion owing to a M[bond]OR bond (R = Me, SiPr(i)(3), H), which is longer than M[double bond]O oxo interactions; the latter exert a substantial trans influence on M[bond]N bond lengths. Oxo ligands in 5/14 undergo replacement with sulfide. Lawesson's reagent effects formation of [(Bu(t)(3)tach)MS(3)] (9/18), 14 with excess B(2)S(3) yields incompletely substituted [(Bu(t)(3)tach)WOS(2)] (20), and 5 with excess B(2)S(3) yields [(Bu(t)(3)tach)Mo(IV)O(S(4))] (19). The structures of 9, 19, and 20 are reported. Precedents for M(VI)S(3) groups in five- and six-coordinate molecules are limited. This investigation is the first detailed study of the behavior of M(VI)O(3) groups in nucleophilic and oxo/sulfido substitution reactions and should be useful in synthetic approaches to the active sites of the xanthine oxidase enzyme family and of certain tungstoenzymes. (Bu(t)(3)tach = 1,3,5-tri-tert-butyl-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane, Me(3)tacn = 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclonane; OTf = triflate).     

Coordination and Redox Isomerization in the Reduction of a Uranium(III) Monoarene Complex

Synthetic studies on the redox chemistry of trivalent uranium monoarene complexes were undertaken with a complex derived from the chelating tris(aryloxide)arene ligand (^Ad,MeArO)₃mes^3?. Cyclic voltammetry of [{(^Ad,MeArO)₃mes}U^III] ( 1 ) revealed a nearly reversible and chemically accessible reduction at ?2.495 V vs. Fc/Fc⁺—the first electrochemical evidence for a formally divalent uranium complex. Chemical reduction of 1 indicates that reduction induces coordination and redox isomerization to form a uranium(IV) hydride, and addition of a crown ether results in hydride insertion into the coordinated arene to afford uranium(IV) complexes. This stoichiometric reaction sequence provides structural insight into the mechanism of arene functionalization at diuranium inverted sandwich complexes.     

Evidence for alkane coordination to an electron-rich uranium center

A series of five uranium-alkane complexes of the general formula [(ArO)3tacn)U(alkane)].(cy-alkane) has been synthesized and crystallographically characterized. In all cases, X-ray diffraction studies revealed a pseudo-six-coordinate trivalent uranium core structure, [(ArO)3tacn)U], with a coordinated alkane ligand at the axial position. The average U-C bond distance to the bound alkane was determined to be 3.798 A, which is considerably shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii of the U atom and a CH2 or CH3 unit (3.9 A). In all complexes, the alkane is coordinated in an eta2-H,C fashion.     

Molybdenum oxo-imido aryloxide complexes: oxo analogues of olefin metathesis catalysts

The novel 16-electron molybdenum oxo-imido bis(aryloxide) complexes [Mo(NtBu)(O)(2,6-Me2C6H3O)2(py)] (1) and [Mo(NtBu)(O)(2,6-iPr2C6H3O)2(py)] (2) have been prepared by the salt elimination reactions of [Mo(NtBu)(O)Cl2(DME)] with the appropriate lithium aryloxide and from the cycloaddition reactions of tert-butyl isocyanate with the appropriate molybdenum dioxo bis(aryloxide) complex [Mo(O)2(OAr)2(py)n]. Complexes 1 and 2 are the first isolable and crystallographically characterized molybdenum oxo-imido aryloxide complexes. The geometry around the metal in complexes 1 and 2 is best described as a distorted trigonal bipyramid, with the imido and pyridine ligands occupying the axial positions and the oxo and aryloxide ligands in the equatorial plane. X-ray and IR data have confirmed that the imido ligand is the dominant pi donor in the complexes, resulting in an Mo-O bond order of less than 2.5. Reaction of [Mo(NtBu)(O)Cl2(DME)] with Li(OCH2tBu) instead gave the novel complex [Mo(NtBu)(OCH2tBu)3Cl(py)] (3).     

Phosphaalkynes from acid chlorides via P for O(Cl) metathesis: a recyclable niobium phosphide (P(3-)) reagent that effects C-P triple-bond formation

Reported herein is a new, metathetical P for O(Cl) exchange mediated by an anionic niobium phosphide complex that furnished phosphaalkynes (RCP) from acid chlorides (RC(O)Cl) under mild conditions. The niobaziridine hydride complex, Nb(H)(tBu(H)C=NAr)(N[Np]Ar)2 (1, Np = neopentyl, Ar = 3,5-Me2C6H3), has been shown previously to react with elemental phosphorus (P4), affording the mu-diphosphide complex, (mu2:eta2,eta2-P2)[Nb(N[Np]Ar)3]2, (2), which can be subsequently reduced by sodium amalgam to the anonic, terminal phosphide complex, [Na][PNb(N[Np]Ar)3] (3). It is now shown that treatment of 3 with either pivaloyl (t-BuC(O)Cl) or 1-adamantoyl (1-AdC(O)Cl) chloride provides the thermally unstable niobacyles, (t-BuC(O)P)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3 (4-t-Bu) and (1-AdC(O)P)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3 (4-1-Ad), which are intermediates along the pathway to ejection of the known phosphaalkynes t-BuCP (5-t-Bu) and 1-AdCP(5-1-Ad). Phosphaalkyne ejection from 4-t-Bu and 4-1-Ad proceeds with formation of the niobium(V) oxo complex ONb(N[Np]Ar)3 (6) as a stable byproduct. Preliminary kinetic measurements for fragmentation of 4-t-Bu to 5-t-Bu and 6 in C6D6 solution are consistent with a first-order process, yielding the thermodynamic parameters DeltaH = 24.9 +/- 1.4 kcal mol-1 and DeltaS = 2.4 +/- 4.3 cal mol-1 K-1 over the temperature range 308-338 K. Separation of volatile 5-t-Bu from 6 after thermolysis has been readily achieved by vacuum transfer in yields of 90%. Pure 6 is recovered after vacuum transfer and can be treated with 1.0 equiv of triflic anhydride (Tf2O, Tf = O2SCF3) to afford the bistriflate complex, Nb(OTf)2(N[Np]Ar)3 (7), in high yield. Complex 7 provides direct access to 1 upon reduction with magnesium anthracene, thus completing a cycle of element activation, small-molecule generation via metathetical P-atom transfer, and deoxygenative recycling of the final niobium(V) oxo product.     

Reactions of Ph3Sb═S with copper(I) complexes supported by N-donor ligands: formation of stable adducts and S-transfer reactivity

In the exploration of sulfur-delivery reagents useful for synthesizing models of the tetracopper-sulfide cluster of nitrous oxide reductase, reactions of Ph(3)Sb═S with Cu(I) complexes of N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-2R,3R-cyclohexanediamine (TMCHD) and 1,4,7-trialkyltriazacyclononanes (R(3)tacn; R = Me, Et, iPr) were studied. Treatment of [(R(3)tacn)Cu(NCCH(3))]SbF(6) (R = Me, Et, or iPr) with 1 equiv of S═SbPh(3) in CH(2)Cl(2) yielded adducts [(R(3)tacn)Cu(S═SbPh(3))]SbF(6) (1-3), which were fully characterized, including by X-ray crystallography. The adducts slowly decayed to [(R(3)tacn)(2)Cu(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-S(2))](2+) species (4-6) and SbPh(3), or more quickly in the presence of additional [(R(3)tacn)Cu(NCCH(3))]SbF(6) to 4-6 and [(R(3)tacn)Cu(SbPh(3))]SbF(6) (7-9). The results of mechanistic studies of the latter process were consistent with rapid intermolecular exchange of S═SbPh(3) between 1-3 and added [(R(3)tacn)Cu(NCCH(3))]SbF(6), followed by conversion to product via a dicopper intermediate formed in a rapid pre-equilibrium step. Key evidence supporting this step came from the observation of saturation behavior in a plot of the initial rate of loss of 1 versus the initial concentration of [(Me(3)tacn)Cu(NCCH(3))]SbF(6). Also, treatment of [(TMCHD)Cu(CH(3)CN)]PF(6) with S═SbPh(3) led to the known tricopper cluster [(TMCHD)(3)Cu(3)(μ(3)-S)(2)](PF(6))(3) in good yield (79%), a synthetic procedure superior to that previously reported (Brown, E. C.; York, J. T.; Antholine, W. E.; Ruiz, E.; Alvarez, S.; Tolman, W. B. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 13752-13753).     

Monodithiolene molybdenum(V, VI) complexes: a structural analogue of the oxidized active site of the sulfite oxidase enzyme family

The active sites of the xanthine oxidase and sulfite oxidase enzyme families contain one pterin-dithiolene cofactor ligand bound to a molybdenum atom. Consequently, monodithiolene molybdenum complexes have been sought by exploratory synthesis for structural and reactivity studies. Reaction of [MoO(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1-) or [MoO(bdt)(2)](1-) with PhSeCl results in removal of one dithiolate ligand and formation of [MoOCl(2)(S(2)C(2)Me(2))](1-) (1) or [MoOCl(2)(bdt)](1-) (2), which undergoes ligand substitution reactions to form other monodithiolene complexes [MoO(2-AdS)(2)(S(2)C(2)Me(2))](1-) (3), [MoO(SR)(2)(bdt)](1-) (R = 2-Ad (4), 2,4,6-Pr(i)(3)C(6)H(2) (5)), and [MoOCl(SC(6)H(2)-2,4,6-Pr(i)(3))(bdt)](1-) (6) (Ad = 2-adamantyl, bdt = benzene-1,2-dithiolate). These complexes have square pyramidal structures with apical oxo ligands, exhibit rhombic EPR spectra, and 3-5 are electrochemically reducible to Mo(IV)O species. Complexes 1-6 constitute the first examples of five-coordinate monodithiolene Mo(V)O complexes; 6 approaches the proposed structure of the high-pH form of sulfite oxidase. Treatment of [MoO(2)(OSiPh(3))(2)] with Li(2)(bdt) in THF affords [MoO(2)(OSiPh(3))(bdt)](1-) (8). Reaction of 8 with 2,4,6-Pr(i)(3)C(6)H(2)SH in acetonitrile gives [MoO(2)(SC(6)H(2)-2,4,6-Pr(i)(3))(bdt)](1-) (9, 55%). Complexes 8 and 9 are square pyramidal with apical and basal oxo ligands. With one dithiolene and one thiolate ligand of a square pyramidal Mo(VI)O(2)S(3) coordination unit, 9 closely resembles the oxidized sites in sulfite oxidase and assimilatory nitrate reductase as deduced from crystallography (sulfite oxidase) and Mo EXAFS. The complex is the first structural analogue of the active sites in fully oxidized members of the sulfite oxidase family. This work provides a starting point for the development of both structural and reactivity analogues of members of this family.     

Cyaarside (CAs−) and 1,3‐Diarsaallendiide (AsCAs2−) Ligands Coordinated to Uranium and Generated via Activation of the Arsaethynolate Ligand (OCAs−)

Reaction of the trivalent uranium complex [((^Ad,MeArO)₃N)U(DME)] with one molar equiv [Na(OCAs)(dioxane)₃], in the presence of 2.2.2‐crypt, yields [Na(2.2.2‐crypt)][{((^Ad,MeArO)₃N)U^IV(THF)}(μ‐O){((^Ad,MeArO)₃N)U^IV(CAs)}] ( 1 ), the first example of a coordinated η¹‐cyaarside ligand (CAs^?). Formation of the terminal CAs^? is promoted by the highly reducing, oxophilic U^III precursor [((^Ad,MeArO)₃N)U(DME)] and proceeds through reductive C?O bond cleavage of the bound arsaethynolate anion, OCAs^?. If two equiv of OCAs^? react with the U^III precursor, the binuclear, μ‐oxo‐bridged U₂^IV/IV complex [Na(2.2.2‐crypt)]₂[{((^Ad,MeArO)₃N)U^IV}₂(μ‐O)(μ‐AsCAs)] ( 2 ), comprising the hitherto unknown μ:η¹,η¹‐coordinated (AsCAs)^2? ligand, is isolated. The mechanistic pathway to 2 involves the decarbonylation of a dimeric intermediate formed in the reaction of 1 with OCAs^?. An alternative pathway to complex 2 is by conversion of 1 via addition of one further equiv of OCAs^?.