A comparison of the influences of alkoxide and thiolate ligands on the electronic structure and reactivity of molybdenum(3+) and tungsten(3+) complexes. preparation and structures of M(2)(O(T)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4), [Mo(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)](2), and W(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)(py)

M(2)(O(t)Bu)(6) compounds (M = Mo, W) react in hydrocarbon solvents with an excess of (t)BuSH to give M(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4), red, air- and temperature-sensitive compounds. (1)H NMR studies reveal the equilibrium M(2)(O(t)Bu)(6) + 4(t)BuSH <==> M(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4) + 4(t)BuOH proceeds to the right slowly at 22 degrees C. The intermediates M(2)(O(t)Bu)(4)(S(t)Bu)(2), M(2)(O(t)Bu)(3)(S(t)Bu)(3), and M(2)(O(t)Bu)(5)(S(t)Bu) have been detected. The equilibrium constants show the M-O(t)Bu bonds to be enthalpically favored over the M-S(t)Bu bonds. In contrast to the M(2)(O(t)Bu)(6) compounds, M(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4) compounds are inert with respect to the addition of CO, CO(2), ethyne, (t)BuC triple bond CH, MeC triple bond N, and PhC triple bond N. Addition of an excess of (t)BuSH to a hydrocarbon solution of W(2)(O(t)Bu)(6)(mu-CO) leads to the rapid expulsion of CO and subsequent formation of W(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4). Addition of an excess of (t)BuSH to hydrocarbon solutions of [Mo(O(t)Bu)(3)(NO)](2) and W(O(t)Bu)(3)(NO)(py) gives the structurally related compounds [Mo(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)](2) and W(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)(py), with linear M-N-O moieties and five-coordinate metal atoms. The values of nu(NO) are higher in the related thiolate compounds than in their alkoxide counterparts. The bonding in the model compounds M(2)(EH)(6), M(2)(OH)(2)(EH)(4), (HE)(3)M triple bond CMe, and W(EH)(3)(NO)(NH(3)) and the fragments M(EH)(3), where M = Mo or W and E = O or S, has been examined by DFT B3LYP calculations employing various basis sets including polarization functions for O and S and two different core potentials, LANL2 and relativistic CEP. BLYP calculations were done with ZORA relativistic terms using ADF 2000. The calculations, irrespective of the method used, indicate that the M-O bonds are more ionic than the M-S bonds and that E ppi to M dpi bonding is more important for E = O. The latter raises the M-M pi orbital energies by ca. 1 eV for M(2)(OH)(6) relative to M(2)(SH)(6). For M(EH)(3) fragments, the metal d(xz)(),d(yz)() orbitals are destabilized by OH ppi bonding, and in W(EH)(3)(NO)(NH(3)) the O ppi to M dpi donation enhances W dpi to NO pi* back-bonding. Estimates of the bond strengths for the M triple bond M in M(2)(EH)(6) compounds and M triple bond C in (EH)(3)M triple bond CMe have been obtained. The stronger pi donation of the alkoxide ligands is proposed to enhance back-bonding to the pi* orbitals of alkynes and nitriles and facilitate their reductive cleavage, a reaction that is not observed for their thiolate counterpart.     

Ditungsten Siloxide Hydrides, [(silox)(2)WH(n)()](2) (n = 1, 2; silox = (t)BuSiO), and Related Complexes

The addition of 4.0 equiv of Na(silox) to Na[W(2)Cl(7)(THF)(5)] afforded (silox)(2)ClW&tbd1;WCl(silox)(2) (1, 65%). Treatment of 1 with 2.0 equiv of MeMgBr in Et(2)O provided (silox)(2)MeW&tbd1;WMe(silox)(2) (2, 81%). In the presence of 1 atm of H(2), reduction of 1 with 2.0 equiv of Na/Hg in DME provided (silox)(2)HW&tbd1;WH(silox)(2) (3, 70%), characterized by a hydride resonance at delta 19.69 (J(WH) = 325 Hz, (1)H NMR). Exposure of 2 to 1 atm of H(2) yielded 3 and CH(4) via (silox)(2)HW&tbd1;WMe(silox)(2) (4); use of D(2) led to [(silox)(2)WD](2) (3-d(2)). Exposure of 3 to ethylene ( approximately 1 atm, 25 degrees C) in hexanes generated (silox)(2)EtW&tbd1;WEt(silox)(2) (5), but solutions of 5 reverted to 3 and free C(2)H(4) upon standing. NMR spectral data are consistent with a sterically locked, gauche, C(2) symmetry for 1-5. Thermolysis of 3 at 100 degrees C (4 h) resulted in partial conversion to (silox)(2)HW&tbd1;W(OSi(t)Bu(2)CMe(2)CH(2))(silox) (6a, approximately 60%) and free H(2), while extended thermolysis with degassing (5 d, 70 degrees C) produced a second cyclometalated rotational isomer, 6b (6a:6b approximately 3:1). When left at 25 degrees C (4 h) in sealed NMR tubes, 6 and free H(2) regenerated 3. Reduction of 1 with 2.0 equiv of Na/Hg in DME also afforded 6a (25%). When 3 was exposed to approximately 3 atm of H(2), equilibrium amounts of [(silox)(2)WH(2)](2) (7) were observed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy (3 + H(2) right harpoon over left harpoon 7; 25.9-88.7 degrees C, DeltaH = -9.6(4) kcal/mol, DeltaS = -21(2) eu). Benzene solutions of 3 and 1-3 atm of D(2) revealed incorporation of deuterium into the silox ligands, presumably via intermediate 6. In sealed tubes containing [(silox)(2)WCl](2) (1) and dihydrogen (1-3 atm), (1)H NMR spectral evidence for [(silox)(2)WCl](2)(&mgr;-H)(2) (8) was obtained, suggesting that formation of 3 from 1 proceeded via reduction of 8. Alternatively, 3 may be formed from direct reduction of 1 to give [(silox)(2)W](2) (9), followed by H(2) addition. Hydride chemical shifts for 7 are temperature dependent, varying from delta 1.39 (-70 degrees C, toluene-d(8)), to delta 3.68 (90 degrees C). (29)Si{(1)H} NMR spectra revealed a similar temperature dependence of the silox (delta 12.43, -60 degrees C, to delta 13.64, 45 degrees C) resonances. These effects may arise from thermal population of a low-lying, deltadelta, paramagnetic excited state of D(2)(d)() [(silox)(2)W](2)(&mgr;-H)(4) (DeltaE approximately 2.1 kcal/mol, chi(7a) approximately 0.03), an explanation favored over thermal equilibration with an energetically similar but structurally distinct isomer (e.g., [(silox)(2)WH(2)](2)(&mgr;-H)(2), DeltaG degrees approximately 0.69 kcal/mol, chi(7b) approximately 0.25) on the basis of spectral arguments. Extended Hückel and ab initio molecular orbital calculations on model complexes [(H(3)SiO)(2)W](2)(&mgr;-H)(4) (staggered bridged 7a', EHMO), [(H(3)SiO)(2)WH(2)](2) (all-terminal 7b', EHMO), [(H(3)SiO)(2)W](2) (9', EHMO), (HO)(4)W(2)(H(4)) (staggered-bridged 7", ab initio), and (HO)(4)W(2)(H(4)) (bent-terminal 7, ab initio) generally support the explanation of a thermally accessible excited state and assign 7 a geometry intermediate between the all-terminal and staggered-bridged forms.     

Molybdenum and tungsten structural differences are dependent on ndz(2)/(n + 1)s mixing: comparisons of (silox)3MX/R (M = Mo, W; silox = (t)Bu3SiO)

Treatment of trans-(Et 2O) 2MoCl 4 with 2 or 3 equiv of Na(silox) (i.e., NaOSi (t) Bu 3) afforded (silox) 3MoCl 2 ( 1-Mo) or (silox) 3MoCl ( 2-Mo). Purification of 2-Mo was accomplished via addition of PMe 3 to precipitate (silox) 3ClMoPMe 3 ( 2-MoPMe 3), followed by thermolysis to remove phosphine. Use of MoCl 3(THF) 3 with various amounts of Na(silox) produced (silox) 2ClMoMoCl(silox) 2 ( 3-Mo). Alkylation of 2-Mo with MeMgBr or EtMgBr afforded (silox) 3MoR (R = Me, 2-MoMe; Et, 2-MoEt). 2-MoEt was also synthesized from C 2H 4 and (silox) 3MoH, which was prepared from 2-Mo and NaBEt 3H. Thermolysis of WCl 6 with HOSi ( t )Bu 3 afforded (silox) 2WCl 4 ( 4-W), and sequential treatment of 4-W with Na/Hg and Na(silox) provided (silox) 3WCl 2 ( 1-W, tbp, X-ray), which was alternatively prepared from trans-(Et 2S) 2WCl 4 and 3 equiv of Tl(silox). Na/Hg reduction of 1-W generated (silox) 3WCl ( 2-W). Alkylation of 2-W with MeMgBr produced (silox) 3WMe ( 2-WMe), which dehydrogenated to (silox) 3WCH ( 6-W) with Delta H (double dagger) = 14.9(9) kcal/mol and Delta S (double dagger) = -26(2) eu. Magnetism and structural studies revealed that 2-Mo and 2-MoEt have triplet ground states (GS) and distorted trigonal monopyramid (tmp) and tmp structures, respectively. In contrast, 2-W and 2-WMe possess squashed-T d (distorted square planar) structures, and the former has a singlet GS. Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics studies of the S = 0 and S = 1 states for full models of 2-Mo, 2-MoEt, 2-W, and 2-WMe corroborate the experimental findings and are consistent with the greater nd z (2) /( n + 1)s mixing in the third-row transition-metal species being the dominant feature in determining the structural disparity between molybdenum and tungsten.     

1,4-dioxobenzene compounds of gallium: reversible binding of pyridines to [[((t)Bu)(2)Ga](2)(mu-OC(6)H(4)O)](n) in the solid state

The gallium aryloxide polymer, [[((t)Bu)(2)Ga](2)(mu-OC(6)H(4)O)](n)(1) is synthesized by the addition of Ga((t)()Bu)(3) with hydroquinone in a noncoordinating solvent, and reacts with pyridines to yield the yellow compound [((t)()Bu)(2)Ga(L)](2)(mu-OC(6)H(4)O) [L = py (2), 4-Mepy (3), and 3,5-Me(2)py (4)] via cleavage of the Ga(2)O(2) dimeric core. The analogous formation of Ga((t)()Bu)(2)(OPh)(py) (5) occurs by dissolution of [((t)Bu)(2)Ga(mu-OPh)](2) in pyridine. In solution, 2-4 undergo dissociation of one of the pyridine ligands to yield [((t)()Bu)(2)Ga(L)(mu-OC(6)H(4)O)Ga((t)Bu)(2)](2), for which the DeltaH and DeltaS have been determined. Thermolysis of compounds 2-4 in the solid-state results in the loss of the Lewis base and the formation of 1. The reaction of 1 or [((t)Bu)(2)Ga(mu-OPh)](2) with the vapor of the appropriate ligand results in the solid state formation of 2-4 or 5, respectively. The deltaH and deltaS for both ligand dissociation and association for the solid-vapor reactions have been determined. The interconversion of 1 into 2-4, as well as [((t)Bu)(2)Ga(mu-OPh)](2) into 5, and their reverse reactions, have been followed by (13)C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy, TG/DTA, SEM, EDX, and powder XRD. Insight into this solid-state polycondensation polymerization reaction may be gained from the single-crystal X-ray crystallographic packing diagrams of 2-5. The crystal packing for compounds 2, 3, and 5 involve a head-to-head arrangement that is maintained through repeated ligand dissociation and association cycles. In contrast, when compound 4 is crystallized from solution a head-to-tail packing arrangement is formed, but during reintroduction of 3,5-Me(2)py in the solid state-vapor reaction of compound 1, a head-to-head polymorph is postulated to account for the alteration in the deltaH of subsequent ligand dissociation reactions. Thus, the deltaH for the condensation polymerization reaction is dependent on the crystal packing; however, the subsequent reversibility of the reaction is dependent on the polymorph.     

Lithiation of (tBuNH)3PNSiMe3 and formation of tetraimidophosphate complexes containing M3O3 rings (M = Li, K): X-ray structure of the stable radical [(Me3SiN)P(mu3-N(t)Bu)3[mu3-Li(THF)]3(OtBu))

The reaction of ((t)BuNH)(3)PNSiMe(3) (1) with 1 equiv of (n)BuLi results in the formation of Li[P(NH(t)Bu)(2)(N(t)Bu)(NSiMe(3))] (2); treatment of 2 with a second equivalent of (n)BuLi produces the dilithium salt Li(2)[P(NH(t)Bu)(N(t)Bu)(2)(NSiMe(3))] (3). Similarly, the reaction of 1 and (n)BuLi in a 1:3 stoichiometry produces the trilithiated species Li(3)[P(N(t)Bu)(3)(NSiMe(3))] (4). These three complexes represent imido analogues of dihydrogen phosphate [H(2)PO(4)](-), hydrogen phosphate [HPO(4)](2)(-), and orthophosphate [PO(4)](3)(-), respectively. Reaction of 4 with alkali metal alkoxides MOR (M = Li, R = SiMe(3); M = K, R = (t)Bu) generates the imido-alkoxy complexes [Li(3)[P(N(t)Bu)(3)(NSiMe(3))](MOR)(3)] (8, M = Li; 9, M = K). These compounds were characterized by multinuclear ((1)H, (7)Li, (13)C, and (31)P) NMR spectroscopy and, in the cases of 2, 8, and 9.3THF, by X-ray crystallography. In the solid state, 2 exists as a dimer with Li-N contacts serving to link the two Li[P(NH(t)Bu)(2)(N(t)Bu)(NSiMe(3))] units. The monomeric compounds 8 and 9.3THF consist of a rare M(3)O(3) ring coordinated to the (LiN)(3) unit of 4. The unexpected formation of the stable radical [(Me(3)SiN)P(mu(3)-N(t)Bu)(3)[mu(3)-Li(THF)](3)(O(t)Bu)] (10) is also reported. X-ray crystallography indicated that 10 has a distorted cubic structure consisting of the radical dianion [P(N(t)Bu)(3)(NSiMe(3))](.2)(-), two lithium cations, and a molecule of LiO(t)Bu in the solid state. In dilute THF solution, the cube is disrupted to give the radical monoanion [(Me(3)SiN)((t)BuN)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)Li(THF)(2)](.-), which was identified by EPR spectroscopy.     

Group 6 imido complexes supported by diamido-donor ligands

Reactions of the lithiated diamido-pyridine or diamido-amine ligands Li(2)N(2)N(py) or Li(2)N(2)N(am) with [W(NAr)Cl(4)(THF)] (Ar = Ph or 2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2); THF = tetrahydrofuran) afforded the corresponding imido-dichloride complexes [W(NAr)(N(2)N(py))Cl(2)] (R = Ph, 1, or 2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2), 2) or [W(NAr)(N(2)N(am))Cl(2)] (R = Ph, 3, or 2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2), 4), respectively, where N(2)N(py) = MeC(2-C(5)H(4)N)(CH(2)NSiMe(3))(2) and N(2)N(am) = Me(3)SiN(CH(2)CH(2)NSiMe(3))(2). Subsequent reactions of 1 with MeMgBr or PhMgCl afforded the dimethyl or diphenyl complexes [W(NPh)(N(2)N(py))R(2)] (R = Me, 5, or Ph, 6), respectively, which have both been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Reactions of Li(2)N(2)N(py) or Li(2)N(2)N(am) with [Mo(NR)(2)Cl(2)(DME)] (R = (t)Bu or Ph; DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) afforded the corresponding bis(imido) complexes [Mo(NR)(2)(N(2)N(py))] (R = (t)Bu, 7, or Ph, 8) and [Mo(N(t)Bu)(2)(N(2)N(am))] (9).     

Preparation, Crystal Structures, and Isomerization of the Tellurium Diimide Dimers RNTe(&mgr;-NR')(2)TeNR (R = R' = (t)Bu; R = PPh(2)NSiMe(3), R' = (t)Bu, (t)Oct): X-ray Structure of the Telluradiazole Dimer [(t)Bu(2)C(6)H(2)N(2)Te](2)

The reaction of R'NHLi (R = (t)Bu, (t)Oct) with Ph(2)P(NSiMe(3))(2)Te(Cl)NPPh(2)NSiMe(3) in toluene at -78 degrees C, followed by warming to 23 degrees C, produces the tellurium diimide dimers RNTe(&mgr;-NR')(2)TeNR (2a, R' = (t)Bu, R = NPPh(2)NSiMe(3); 2b, R' = (t)Oct, R = NPPh(2)NSiMe(3)) and Ph(2)P(NHSiMe(3))(NSiMe(3)). X-ray analyses revealed that 2a and 2b have centrosymmetric structures containing a planar four-membered Te(2)N(2) ring and short exocyclic tellurium-nitrogen bond lengths (d(Te-N) = 1.900(5) and 1.897(4) or 1.905(4) ? for 2a and 2b, respectively). The exocyclic imido substituents adopt a trans arrangement with respect to the Te(2)N(2) ring. By contrast, the reaction of 2,4,6-(t)Bu(3)C(6)H(2)NHLi with Ph(2)P(NSiMe(3))(2)Te(Cl)NPPh(2)NSiMe(3) in toluene under similar conditions produces the telluradiazole ((t)Bu(2)C(6)H(2)N(2)Te)(2) (3), which exists as a weakly associated dimer in the solid state with intramolecular Te-N distances of 2.628(4) ?. The tellurium diimide dimer (t)BuNTe(&mgr;-N(t)Bu)(2)TeN(t)Bu (2c'), prepared by the reaction of TeCl(4) with (t)BuNHLi in a 1:4 molar ratio, consists of a folded Te(2)N(2) ring with exocyclic N(t)Bu groups in a cis orientation. The (1)H, (31)P, and (125)Te NMR spectra of 2a and 2b indicate that the trans isomers slowly transform into the corresponding cis isomers in solution. Crystals of 2b are triclinic, space group P&onemacr; (No. 2), with a = 13.304(3) ?, b = 16.927(3) ?, c = 13.292(5) ?, alpha = 98.94(2), beta = 109.27(2), gamma = 69.04(2) degrees, V = 2636(1) ?(3), and Z = 4. The final R and R(w) values were 0.034 and 0.033, respectively. Crystals of 2c' are orthorhombic, space group Pnma (No. 62), with a = 9.535(3) ?, b = 14.264(3) ?, c = 16.963(4) ?, V = 2307.1(9) ?(3), and Z = 4. The final R and R(w) values were 0.040 and 0.040, respectively. Crystals of 3 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n (No. 14), with a = 9.117(3) ?, b = 11.481(4) ?, c = 16.550(4) ?, beta = 97.76(2) degrees, V = 1716.5(8) ?(3), and Z = 4. The final R and R(w) values were 0.031 and 0.034, respectively.     

Synthesis, X-ray Crystal Structure Determination, and NMR Spectroscopic Investigation of Two Homoleptic Four-Coordinate Lanthanide Complexes: Trivalent ((t)Bu(2)P)(2)La[(&mgr;-P(t)Bu(2))(2)Li(thf)] and Divalent Yb[(&mgr;-P(t)Bu(2))(2)Li(thf)](2)(,)(1)

La(OSO(2)CF(3))(3) reacts with 4 equiv of LiP(t)Bu(2) in tetrahydrofuran to give dark red ((t)Bu(2)P)(2)La[(&mgr;-P(t)Bu(2))(2)Li(thf)] (1). Yb(OSO(2)CF(3))(3) reacts with LiP(t)Bu(2) in tetrahydrofuran in a 1:5 ratio to produce Yb[(&mgr;-P(t)Bu(2))(2)Li(thf)](2) (2) and 1/2 an equiv of (t)Bu(2)P-P(t)Bu(2). Both 1 and 2 crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c. Crystal data for 1 at 214 K: a = 11.562 (1) ?, b = 15.914 (1) ?, c = 25.373 (3) ?, beta = 92.40 (1) degrees; V = 4664.5 ?(3); Z = 4; D(calcd) = 1.137 g cm(-)(3); R(F)() = 2.61%. Crystal data for 2 at 217 K: a = 21.641 (2) ?, b = 12.189 (1) ?, c = 20.485 (2) ?, beta = 109.01 (1) degrees; V = 5108.9 ?(3); Z = 4; D(calcd) = 1.185 g cm(-)(3); R(F)() = 2.80%. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 show the four-coordinate lanthanide atoms in distorted tetrahedral environments. These complexes are the first representatives of the lanthanide elements surrounded by four only-phosphorus-containing substituents. The main features of the crystal structure of 1 are the shortest La-P distances (2.857(1) and 2.861(1) ?) reported so far and a three-coordinate lithium cation. The molecular structure of 2 represents a divalent bis "ate" complex with two three-coordinate lithium cations. Complex 2 shows photoluminescent properties. VT NMR spectra ((7)Li and (31)P) are reported for 1and 2.     

Four-coordinate Mo(II) as (silox)2Mo(PMe3)2 and its W(IV) congener (silox)2HW(eta2-CH2PMe2)(PMe3) (silox = tBu3SiO)

The reduction of [( (t) Bu 3SiO) 2MoCl] 2 ( 2 2) provided the cyclometalated derivative, (silox) 2HMoMo(kappa-O,C-OSi (t) Bu 2CMe 2CH 2)(silox) ( 3), and alkylation of 2 2 with MeMgBr afforded [( (t) Bu 3SiO) 2MoCH 3] 2 ( 4 2). The hydrogenation of 4 2 was ineffective, but the reduction of 2 2 under H 2 generated [( (t) Bu 3SiO) 2MoH] 2 ( 5 2), and the addition of 2-butyne to 3 gave [(silox) 2Mo] 2(mu:eta (2)eta (2)-C 2Me 2) ( 6), thereby implicating the existence of [(silox) 2Mo] 2 ( 1 2). The addition of (silox)H to Mo(NMe 2) 4 led to (silox) 2Mo(NMe 2) 2 ( 7), but further elaboration of the core proved ineffective. The silanolysis of MoCl 5 afforded (silox) 2MoCl 4 ( 8) and (silox) 3MoCl 3 ( 9) as a mixture from which pure 8 could be isolated, and the addition of THF or PMe 3 resulted in derivatives of 9 as (silox) 2Cl 3MoL (L = THF, 10; PMe 3, 11). Reductions of 11 and (silox) 2WCl 4 ( 15) in the presence of excess PMe 3 provided (silox) 2Cl 2MPMe 3 (M = Mo, 12; W, 16) or (silox) 2HW(eta (2)-CH 2PMe 2)PMe 3 ( 14). While "(silox) 2W(PMe 3) 2" was unstable with respect to W(IV) as 14, a reduction of 12 led to the stable Mo(II) diphosphine, (silox) 2Mo(PMe 3) 2 ( 17). X-ray crystal structures of 10 (pseudo- O h ), 12 (square pyramidal), and 14 and 17 (distorted T d ) are reported. Calculations address the diamagnetism of 12 and 16, and the distortion of 17 and its stability to cyclometalation in contrast to 14.     

Investigations of the TeCl(4)-(t)BuNHLi Reaction: Synthesis, X-ray Structures, and Fluxional Behavior of the Tellurium-Nitrogen Compounds [Li(2)Te(N(t)Bu)(3)](2), {[LiTe(N(t)Bu)(2)(NH(t)Bu)](2)LiCl}(2), and {Te(2)(N(t)Bu)(4)[LiTe(N(t)Bu)(2)(NH(t)Bu)]LiCl}(2)

The reaction of (t)BuNHLi with TeCl(4) in toluene at -78 degrees C produces (t)BuNTe(&mgr;-N(t)Bu)(2)TeN(t)Bu (1) (55%) or [((t)BuNH)Te(&mgr;-N(t)Bu)(2)TeN(t)Bu]Cl (2) (65%) for 4:1 or 7:2 molar ratios, respectively. The complex {Te(2)(N(t)Bu)(4)[LiTe(N(t)Bu)(2)(NH(t)Bu)]LiCl}(2) (5) is obtained as a minor product (23%) from the 4:1 reaction. It is a centrosymmetric dimer in which each half consists of the tellurium diimide dimer 1 bonded through an exocyclic nitrogen atom to a molecule of LiTe(N(t)Bu)(2)(NH(t)Bu) which, in turn, is linked to a LiCl molecule. Crystals of 5 are monoclinic, of space group C2/c, with a = 27.680(6) ?, b = 23.662(3) ?, c = 12.989(2) ?, beta = 96.32(2) degrees, V = 8455(2) ?(3), and Z = 4. The final R and R(w) values were 0.046 and 0.047. At 65 degrees C in toluene solution, 5 dissociates into 1, LiCl, and {[LiTe(N(t)Bu)(2)(NH(t)Bu)](2)LiCl}(2) (4), which may also be prepared by treatment of [Li(2)Te(N(t)Bu)(3)](2) (6) with 2 equiv of HCl gas. The centrosymmetric structure of 6 consists of a distorted hexagonal prism involving two pyramidal Te(N(t)Bu)(3)(2)(-) anions linked by four Li atoms to give a Te(2)N(6)Li(4) cluster. Crystals of 6 are monoclinic, of space group P2(1)/c, with a = 10.194(2) ?, b = 17.135(3) ?, c = 10.482(2) ?, beta = 109.21(1) degrees, V = 1729.0(5) ?(3), and Z = 2. The final R and R(w) values were 0.026 and 0.023. VT (1)H and (7)Li NMR studies reveal that, unlike 1, compounds 2, 4, and 6 are fluxional molecules. Possible mechanisms for these fluxional processes are discussed.     

Syntheses, luminescence behavior, and assembly reaction of tetraalkynylplatinate(II) complexes: crystal structures of [Pt((t)Bu(3)trpy)(Ctbd1;CC(5)H(4)N)Pt((t)Bu(3)trpy)](PF(6))(3) and [Pt(2)Ag(4)(Ctbd1;CCtbd1;CC(6)H(4)CH(3)-4)(8)(THF)(4)

A series of tetraalkynylplatinate(II) complexes, (NBu(4))(2)[Pt(Ctbd1;CR)(4)] (R = C(6)H(4)N-4, C(6)H(4)N-3, and C(6)H(3)N(2)-5), and the diynyl analogues, (NBu(4))(2)[Pt(Ctbd1;CCtbd1;CR)(4)] (R = C(6)H(5) and C(6)H(4)CH(3)-4), have been synthesized. These complexes displayed intense photoluminescence, which was assigned as metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions. Reaction of (Bu(4)N)(2)[Pt(Ctbd1;CC(5)H(4)N-4)(4)] with 4 equiv of [Pt((t)Bu(3)trpy)(MeCN)](OTf)(2) in methanol did not yield the expected pentanuclear platinum product, [Pt(Ctbd1;CC(5)H(4)N)(4)[Pt((t)Bu(3)trpy)](4)](OTf)(6), but instead afforded a strongly luminescent 4-ethynylpyridine-bridged dinuclear complex, [Pt((t)Bu(3)trpy)(Ctbd1;CC(5)H(4)N)Pt((t)Bu(3)trpy)](PF(6))(3,) which has been structurally characterized. The emission origin is assigned as derived from states of predominantly (3)MLCT [d(pi)(Pt) --> pi((t)Bu(3)trpy)] character, probably mixed with some intraligand (3)IL [pi --> pi(Ctbd1;C)], and ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (3)LLCT [pi(Ctbd1;C) --> pi((t)()Bu(3)trpy)] character. On the other hand, reaction of (Bu(4)N)(2)[Pt(Ctbd1;CCtbd1;CC(6)H(4)CH(3)-4)(4)] with [Ag(MeCN)(4)][BF(4)] gave a mixed-metal aggregate, [Pt(2)Ag(4)(Ctbd1;CCtbd1;CC(6)H(4)CH(3)-4)(8)(THF)(4)]. The crystal structure of [Pt(2)Ag(4)(Ctbd1;CCtbd1;CC(6)H(4)CH(3)-4)(8)(THF)(4)] has also been determined. A comparison study of the spectroscopic properties of the hexanuclear platinum-silver complex with its precursor complex has been made and their spectroscopic origins were suggested.     

Novel Chemistry of the Aromatic 1,2,4-Triphospholyl and 1,3,-Diphospholyl Anions,P 3 C 2 t Bu 2 and P 2 C 3 t Bu 3 , and the 1,3,5-Triphosphabenzene,P 3 C 3 t Bu 3

Oxidative coupling of the P 3 C 2 t Bu 2 anion with I 2 affords a convenient synthetic route to the remarkable hexaphosphapentaprismane cage P 6 C 4 t Bu 4 , which undergoes ready insertion reactions of carbene like fragments such as S, Se, Te, SnR 2 specifically into the P--P bond, which in turn connects the two P 3 C 2 t Bu 2 fragments. Di- and tri-phospholyl compounds MP 3 C 2 t Bu 2 (M = Ga, In, Tl), M'(P 3 C 2 t Bu 2 ) 2 (M' = Zn, Cd, Hg), and [1 + 4] cyclo-additions of the triphosphabenzene, P 3 C 3 t Bu 3 , and extrusion of the t BuC or P moeities from the 6-membered ring are presented.     

High-valent uranium alkyls: evidence for the formation of U(VI)(CH2SiMe3)6

Oxidation of [Li(DME)(3)][U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(5)] with 0.5 equiv of I(2), followed by immediate addition of LiCH(2)SiMe(3), affords the high-valent homoleptic U(V) alkyl complex [Li(THF)(4)][U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(6)] (1) in 82% yield. In the solid-state, 1 adopts an octahedral geometry as shown by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Addition of 2 equiv of tert-butanol to [Li(DME)(3)][U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(5)] generates the heteroleptic U(IV) complex [Li(DME)(3)][U(O(t)Bu)(2)(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)] (2) in high yield. Treatment of 2 with AgOTf fails to produce a U(V) derivative, but instead affords the U(IV) complex (Me(3)SiCH(2))Ag(μ-CH(2)SiMe(3))U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(O(t)Bu)(2)(DME) (3) in 64% yield. Complex 3 has been characterized by X-ray crystallography and is marked by a uranium-silver bond. In contrast, oxidation of 2 can be achieved via reaction with 0.5 equiv of Me(3)NO, producing the heteroleptic U(V) complex [Li(DME)(3)][U(O(t)Bu)(2)(CH(2)SiMe(3))(4)] (4) in moderate yield. We have also attempted the one-electron oxidation of complex 1. Thus, oxidation of 1 with U(O(t)Bu)(6) results in formation of a rare U(VI) alkyl complex, U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(6) (6), which is only stable below -25 °C. Additionally, the electronic properties of 1-4 have been assessed by SQUID magnetometry, while a DFT analysis of complexes 1 and 6 is also provided.     

Stabilizing high-valent metal ions with a ketimide ligand set: synthesis of Mn(N=C(t)Bu2)4

Reaction of MnCl(2) with 4 equiv of Li(N=C(t)Bu(2)) generates [Li(THF)](2)[Mn(N=C(t)Bu(2))(4)] (1) in 80% yield. Oxidation of 1 with 0.5 equiv of I(2) produces [Li][Mn(N=C(t)Bu(2))(4)] (2) in 88% yield. Both complexes 1 and 2 exhibit tetrahedral structures about the Mn center in the solid-state, as determined by X-ray crystallography. Reaction of 2 with 12-crown-4 generates [Li(12-crown-4)(2)][Mn(N=C(t)Bu(2))(4)] (3) in 94% yield. Interestingly, in the solid-state, complex 3 exhibits a squashed tetrahedral structure about Mn. Addition of 1 equiv of I(2) to 1 generates the Mn(IV) ketimide, Mn(N=C(t)Bu(2))(4) (4), in 75% yield. Complex 4 was fully characterized, including analysis by X-ray crystallography and cyclic voltammetry. Like 3, complex 4 also exhibits a squashed tetrahedral structure in the solid-state. Interestingly, thermolysis of complex 4 at 50 °C for 6 h results in the formation of Mn(3)(N=C(t)Bu(2))(6) (6), which can be isolated in 49% yield. Also observed in the reaction mixture is pivalonitrile, isobutylene, and isobutene, the products of ketimide ligand oxidation. We have also synthesized the homoleptic Cr(IV) ketimide complex, Cr(N=C(t)Bu(2))(4) (5), and have analyzed its electrochemical properties with cyclic voltammetry.     

Coupling of an aldehyde or ketone to pyridine mediated by a tungsten imido complex

The reactivity of W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(py)2 and W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(pic)2 (py=pyridine; pic=4-picoline) with unsaturated substrates has been investigated. Treatment of W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(py)2 with diphenylacetylene or 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene generates W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(eta2-PhCCPh) and W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(eta4-CH2=C(Me)C(Me)=CH2), respectively, while the addition of ethylene to W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(py)2 generates the known metallacycle W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(CH2CH2CH2CH2). The addition of 2 equiv of acetone to W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(pic)2 provides the azaoxymetallacycle W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(OCH(Me)2)(OC(Me)2-o-C5H3N-p-Me), the result of acetone insertion into the ortho C-H bond of picoline. Similarily, the addition of 2 equiv of RC(O)H [R=Ph, tBu] to W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(py)2 generates W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(OCH2R)(OCHR-o-C5H4N) [R=Ph, tBu,]. In contrast, reaction between W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(py)2 and 2-pyridine carboxaldehyde yields the diolate W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(OCH(C5H4N)CH(C5H4N)O). The synthesis of W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(PMe3)(py)(eta2-OC(H)C6H4-p-Me), formed by the addition of p-tolualdehyde to a mixture of W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(py)2 and PMe3, suggests that an eta2-aldehyde intermediate is involved in the formation of the azaoxymetallacycle, while the isolation of W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(Cl)(OC(Me)(CMe3)-o-C5H4N), formed by the reaction of pinacolone with W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(py)2, in the presence of adventitious CH2Cl2, suggests that the reaction proceeds via the hydride W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(H)(OC(Me)(CMe3)-o-C5H4N).     

Tris(tert-butoxy)siloxy derivatives of boron,including the boronous acid HOB[OSi(O(t)Bu)(3)](2) and the metal (siloxy)boryloxide complex Cp(2)Zr(Me)OB[OSi(O(t)Bu)(3)](2): a remarkable crystal structure with 18 independent molecules in its asymmetric unit

Silanolysis of B(O(t)Bu)(3) with 2 and 3 equiv of HOSi(O(t)Bu)(3) led to the formation of (t)BuOB[OSi(O(t)Bu)(3)](2) (1) and B[OSi(O(t)Bu)(3)](3) (2), respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 are efficient single-source molecular precursors to B/Si/O materials via thermolytic routes in nonpolar media, as demonstrated by the generation of BO(1.5).2SiO(2) (BOSi2(xg)) and BO(1.5).3SiO(2) (BOSi3(xg)) xerogels, respectively. Use of a block copolymer template provided B/Si/O materials (BOSi2(epe) and BOSi3(epe)) with a broad distribution of mesopores (by N(2) porosimetry) and smaller, more uniform particle sizes (by TEM) as compared to the nontemplated materials. Hydrolyses of 1 and 2 with excess H(2)O resulted in formation of the expected amounts of (t)BuOH and HOSi(O(t)Bu)(3); however, reaction of 1 with 1 equiv of H(2)O led to isolation of the new boronous acid HOB[OSi(O(t)Bu)(3)](2) (3). This ligand precursor is well suited for the synthesis of new metal (siloxy)boryloxide complexes via proton-transfer reactions involving the BOH group. The reaction of 3 with Cp(2)ZrMe(2) resulted in formation of Cp(2)Zr(Me)OB[OSi(O(t)Bu)(3)](2) (4) in high yield. This rare example of a transition metal boryloxide complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group Ponemacr; and exhibits a crystal structure with an unprecedented number of independent molecules in its asymmetric unit (i.e., Z' = 18 and Z = 36). This unusual crystal structure presented an opportunity to perform statistical analyses of the metric parameters for the 18 crystallographically independent molecules. Complex 4 readily converts to Cp(2)Zr[OSi(O(t)Bu)(3)](2) (5) upon thermolysis or upon dissolution in Et(2)O at room temperature.     

Synthesis and reactivity of [(silox)2Mo=NR]2Hg (R=tBu, tAmyl; silox=OSitBu3): unusual thermal stability and ready nucleophilic cleavage rationalized by electronic factors

Treatment of (DME)Cl2Mo(=NR)2 (R=tBu, (1-tBu), tAmyl (1-tAmyl)) with 2 equiv of tBu3SiOH (siloxH) and 1 equiv of HCl produced (silox)2Cl2Mo=NR (R=tBu, (3-tBu), tAmyl (3-tAmyl)); subsequent reduction by Na/Hg afforded the Mo(V) chloride, (silox)2ClMo=NtBu (4-tBu), and the Mo(IV) mercury derivatives, [(silox)2Mo=NR]2Hg (R=tBu ((5-tBu)2Hg), tAmyl ((5-tAmyl)2Hg)). Reductions of 3-tBu and 3-tAmyl in the presence of L (L=PMe3, pyridine, 4-picoline) led to the isolation of adducts (silox)2(Me3P)Mo=NR (R=tBu (6-tBu), tAmyl (6-tAmyl)) and (silox)2L2Mo=NtBu (L=py (7-py), 4-pic (7-4-pic)). Single-crystal X-ray structural investigations of pseudo-tetrahedral 4-tBu, Hg-capped, pseudo-trigonal planar (5-tBu)2Hg, pseudo-tetrahedral 6-tBu, and trigonal bipyramidal 7-4-pic reveal that all possess a closed O-Mo-O angle when compared to the N=Mo-O angles. A molecular orbital rationale and supporting calculations suggest that this is a manifestation of the greater pi-donating ability of the imido relative to that of the siloxides. While the D(Mo-Hg) of [(HO)2Mo=NH]2Hg ((5')2Hg) was calculated to be 22.4 kcal/mol, (5-R)2Hg (R=tBu, tAmyl) are remarkably stable; (5-tBu)2Hg degraded in a first-order fashion with DeltaG=31.9(1) kcal/mol. In the presence of strong (L=PMe, pyridine, S8) or weak (L=2-butyne, ethylene, N2O, 1,4,7,10-tetrathiacyclododecane, 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexathiacyclooctadecane) nucleophiles, an enhanced rate of Mo-Hg bond cleavage was noted, with some of the former group generating adducts in <5 min; the products were 6-tBu, 7-py, (silox)2(S)Mo=NtBu (10-tBu), (silox)2Mo=NtBu(C2Me2) (8-tBu), (silox)2(C2H4)Mo=NtBu (11-tBu), (silox)2(O)Mo=NtBu (9-tBu), and a mixture of 10-tBu and 11-tBu, respectively. Some of these were independently prepared via substitution of 6-tBu. According to calculations and a molecular orbital rationale, dissociation of the Mo-Hg bond in (5-R)2Hg (R=tBu, tAmyl) is orbitally forbidden, and the addition of a nucleophile to the terminus of the Mo-Hg-Mo linkage mitigates the symmetry requirements. The mechanism of thermal degradation was studied with mixed success. NMR spectroscopy revealed imido exchange between (5-tBu)2Hg and (5-tAmyl)2Hg during an initial induction period and a subsequent rapid exchange period that implicated free 5-R (R=tBu, tAmyl). Further crossover studies revealed siloxide exchange as an additional complication.     

New superhindered polydentate polyphosphine ligands P(CH2CH2P(t)Bu2)3, PhP(CH2CH2P(t)Bu2)2, P(CH2CH2CH2P(t)Bu2)3, and their ruthenium(II) chloride complexes

The synthesis and characterization of the extremely hindered phosphine ligands, P(CH(2)CH(2)P(t)Bu(2))(3) (P(2)P(3)(tBu), 1), PhP(CH(2)CH(2)P(t)Bu(2))(2) (PhP(2)P(2)(tBu), 2), and P(CH(2)CH(2)CH(2)P(t)Bu(2))(3) (P(3)P(3)(tBu), 3) are reported, along with the synthesis and characterization of ruthenium chloro complexes RuCl(2)(P(2)P(3)(tBu)) (4), RuCl(2)(PhP(2)P(2)(tBu)) (5), and RuCl(2)(P(3)P(3)(tBu)) (6). The bulky P(2)P(3)(tBu) (1) and P(3)P(3)(tBu) (3) ligands are the most sterically encumbered PP(3)-type ligands so far synthesized, and in all cases, only three phosphorus donors are able to bind to the metal center. Complexes RuCl(2)(PhP(2)P(2)(tBu)) (5) and RuCl(2)(P(3)P(3)(tBu)) (6) were characterized by crystallography. Low temperature solution and solid state (31)P{(1)H} NMR were used to demonstrate that the structure of RuCl(2)(P(2)P(3)(tBu)) (4) is probably analogous to that of RuCl(2)(PhP(2)P(2)(tBu)) (5) which had been structurally characterized.     

Assessing the reactivity of sodium zincate [(TMEDA)Na(TMP)Zn(t)Bu2] towards benzoylferrocene: deprotonative metalation vs. alkylation reactions

Exploring the reactivity of the mixed-metal reagent [(TMEDA)Na(TMP)Zn(t)Bu(2)] (1) towards substituted metallocene benzoylferrocene 2, this study has found that two competing reactivity pathways are available for the sodium TMP-zincate, namely (i) remote 1,6-nucleophilic addition of a tert-butyl group to the phenyl ring of 2, and (ii) simultaneous alpha-deprotonation of the substituted cyclopentadienyl ring of the metallocene and alkylation (1,2-addition) across the C=O bond of the carbonyl group. A key organometallic intermediate [(TMEDA)Na(μ-TMP)Zn{OC((t)Bu)(Ph)(η(5)-C(5)H(3))Fe(η(5)-C(5)H(5))}] (3), resulting from the latter reaction has been trapped and characterised by X-ray crystallography and multinuclear ((1)H and (13)C) NMR spectroscopy. Its molecular structure revealed a unique two-fold activation of the tert-butyl groups bonded to zinc in the bimetallic base 1, showing for the first time that each alkyl group can exhibit markedly different reactivities (deprotonation vs. 1,2-addition) towards the same substrate molecule. Iodine interception of the organometallic intermediates of the reaction between 1 and 2 allowed the isolation and characterization ((1)H, (13)C NMR and X-ray crystallography) of the ferrocenyl derivatives [PhC(OH)((t)Bu)(η(5)-C(5)H(3)I)Fe(η(5)-C(5)H(5))] (4) and [4-(t)Bu-C(6)H(4)C([double bond, length as m-dash]O)(η(5)-C(5)H(4))Fe(η(5)-C(5)H(5))] (5) in a 29% and 24% isolated yield respectively. The low yield observed for the formation of 5 (resulting from the 1,6-addition reaction followed by spontaneous aerobic oxidation during aqueous workup) could be increased to 41% when the reaction mixture was hydrolysed in the presence of the radical oxidant TEMPO.     

Tristhiolatomolybdenum nitrides, (RS)(3)Mo[triple bond]N where R = (i)Pr and (t)Bu,preparation, characterization and comparisons with related trialkoxymolybdenumnitrides

The addition of thiols to ((t)BuO)(3)Mo[triple bond]N in toluene leads to the formation of (RS)(3)Mo[triple bond]N compounds as yellow, air-sensitive compounds, where R = (i)Pr and (t)Bu. The single-crystal structure of ((t)BuS)(3)Mo[triple bond]N reveals a weakly associated dimeric structure where two ((t)BuS)(3)Mo[triple bond]N units (Mo-N = 1.61 A, Mo-S = 2.31 A (av)) are linked via thiolate sulfur bridges with long 3.03 A (av) Mo-S interactions. Density functional theory calculations employing Gaussian 98 B3LYP (LANL2DZ for Mo and 6-31G* for N, O, S, and H) have been carried out for model compounds (HE)(3)Mo[triple bond]N and (HE)(3)MoNO, where E = O and S. A comparison of the structure and bonding within the related series ((t)BuE)(3)Mo[triple bond]N and ((t)BuE)(3)MoNO is made for E = O and S. In the thiolate compounds, the highest energy orbitals are sulfur lone-pair combinations. In the alkoxides, the HOMO is the N 2p lone-pair which has M-N sigma and M-O pi* character for the nitride. As a result of greater O p pi to Mo pi interactions, the M-N pi orbitals of the Mo-N triple bond are destabilized with respect to their thiolate counterpart. For the nitrosyl compounds, the greater O p pi to Mo d pi interaction favors greater back-bonding to the nitrosyl pi* orbitals for the alkoxides relative to the thiolates. The results of the calculations are correlated with the observed structural features and spectroscopic properties of the related alkoxide and thiolate compounds.