Rhodium(I) carbonyl complexes of chalcogen functionalized tripodal phosphines, [CH3C(CH2P(X)Ph2)3] {X = O, S, Se} and their reactivity

The reaction of dimeric rhodium precursor [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ with two molar equivalent of 1,1,1-tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane trichalcogenide ligands, [CH₃C(CH₂P(X)Ph₂)₃](L), where X = O(a), S(b) and Se(c) affords the complexes of the type [Rh(CO)₂Cl(L)] (1a–1c). The complexes 1a–1c have been characterized by elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, IR and NMR (¹H, ³¹P and ¹³C) spectroscopy and the ligands a–c are structurally determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1a–1c undergo oxidative addition (OA) reactions with different electrophiles such as CH₃I, C₂H₅I and C₆H₅CH₂Cl to give Rh(III) complexes of the types [Rh(CO)(COR)ClXL] {R = –CH₃ (2a–2c), –C₂H₅ (3a–3c); X = I and R = –CH₂C₆H₅ (4a–4c); X = Cl}. Kinetic data for the reaction of a–c with CH₃I indicate a first-order reaction. The catalytic activity of 1a–1c for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid and its ester is evaluated and a higher turn over number (TON = 1564–1723) is obtained compared to that of the well-known commercial species [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ (TON = 1000) under the reaction conditions: temperature 130 ± 2 °C, pressure 30 ± 2 bar and time 1 h.     

Organophosphonate derivatives of titanium and niobium alkoxoanions

The organophosphonate-substituted alkoxides [Bu₄ⁿN]₂[{Ti(OMe)₃(O₃PPh)}₂] (1) and [Bu₄ⁿN]₂[{Nb(OMe)₃(O₃PPh)}₂(μ-O)] (2) have been prepared from [Bu₄ⁿN][PhPO₃H] and the metal alkoxides Ti(OMe)₄ or Nb(OMe)₅ respectively. In 1, the bridging phenylphosphonates occupy trans coordination sites, whereas in 2, a cis–bridging geometry is adopted.     

Preparation of new dinuclear half-titanocene complexes with ortho- and meta-xylene linkages and investigation of styrene polymerization

Half-titanocene is well-known as an excellent catalyst for the preparation of SPS (syndiotactic polystyrene) when activated with methylaluminoxane (MAO). Dinuclear half-sandwich complexes of titanium bearing a xylene bridge, (TiCl₂L)₂{(μ-η⁵, η⁵-C₅H₄-ortho-(CH₂–C₆H₄–CH₂)C₅H₄}, (4 (L = Cl), 7 (L = O-2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)) and (TiCl₂L)₂{(μ-η⁵, η⁵-C₅H₄-meta-(CH₂–C₆H₄–CH₂)C₅H₄} (5 (L = Cl), 8(L = O-2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)), have been successfully synthesized and introduced for styrene polymerization. The catalysts were characterized by ¹H- and ¹³C NMR, and elemental analysis. These catalysts were found to be effective in forming SPS in combination with MAO. The activities of the catalysts with rigid ortho- and meta-xylene bridges were higher than those of catalysts with flexible pentamethylene bridges. The catalytic activity of four dinuclear half-titanocenes increased in the order of 4 < 5 < 7 < 8. This result displays that the meta-xylene bridged catalyst is more active than the ortho-xylene bridged and that the aryloxo group at the titanium center is more effective at promoting catalyst activity compared to the chloride group at the titanium center. Temperature and ratio of [Al]:[Ti] had significant effects on catalytic activity. Polymerizations were conducted at three different temperatures (25, 40, and 70 °C) with variation in the [Al]:[Ti] ratio from 2000 to 4000. It was observed that activity of the catalysts increased with increasing temperature, as well as higher [Al]:[Ti]. Different xylene linkage patterns (ortho and meta) were recognized to be a principal factor leading to the characteristics of the dinuclear catalyst due to its different spatial arrangement, causing dissimilar intramolecular interactions between the two active sites.     

Co(III) complexes of Me-salpn and Me-salbn and the ring size effect on the coordination modes and electrochemical properties: The crystal structures of trans-[Co(Me-salpn)(py)2]PF6 and cis-α-[Co(Me-salbn)(4-Mepy)2]BPh4 · 4-Mepy

The synthesis and characterization of a series of cobalt(III) complexes of the general type [Co(N₂O₂)(L₂)]⁺ are described. The N₂O₂ Schiff base ligands used are Me-salpn (H₂Me-salpn = N,N′-bis(methylsalicylidene)-1,3-propylenediamine) (1–3) and Me-salbn (H₂Me-salbn = N,N′-bis(methylsalicylidene)-1,4-butylenediamine) (4–5). The two ancillary ligands L include: pyridine (py) 1, 3-metheylpyridine (3-Mepy) 2, 1-methylimidazole (1-MeIm) 3, 4-methylpyridine (4-Mepy) 4 and pyridine (py) 5. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV–Vis, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of trans-[Co^III(Me-salpn)(py)₂]PF₆, 1, and cis-α-[Co^III(Me-salbn)(4-Mepy)₂]BPh₄ · 4-Mepy, 4, have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Examination of the solution and crystalline structures revealed that the outer coordination sphere of the complexes exerts a noticeable influence on the inner coordination sphere of the Co(III) ion. The electrochemical reduction of these complexes at a glassy carbon electrode in acetonitrile solution indicates that the first reduction process corresponding to Co^III–Co^II is electrochemically irreversible, which is accompanied by the dissociation of the axial (R-py)–cobalt bonds. It has also been observed that the Co(III) state is stabilized with increasing the flexibility of the ligand environment.     

Theoretical investigation on possible mechanisms on regioselective formation of (η-siloxyallyl)tungsten complexes

Selective formation of (η³-siloxyallyl)tungsten complexes by reaction of hydrido(hydrosilylene)tungsten complexes with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds was reported experimentally. The mechanisms have been investigated by employing the model reaction of [Cp(CO)₂(H)WSi(H)–{C(SiH₃)₃}] (R), derived from the original experimental complex Cp′(CO)₂(H)WSi(H)–[C(SiMe₃)₃] (1a, Cp′ = Cp*; 1b, Cp′ = η⁵-C₅Me₄Et), with methyl vinyl ketone, under the aid of the density functional calculations at the b3lyp level of theory. It is theoretically predicted that the route involving migration of the hydride to silicon to afford a 16e intermediate [Cp(CO)₂W–SiH₂–{C(SiH₃)₃}] is inaccessible (route 2), supporting the proposition by experiments. Another route, via [2 + 4] cycloaddition followed by directly Si–H reductive elimination, is theoretically predicted to be accessible (route 1). In route 1, two possible paths with different attacking directions of the oxygen of methyl vinyl ketone at Si (WSi) are put forward. The attack at the Si atom from the hydride (H1) side of the plane W–Si–H1 in R is found to be preferred kinetically. The regioselectivity for formation of (η³-siloxyallyl)tungsten complexes, where only the exo-anti isomer was obtained, is discussed based on the consideration of thermodynamics and kinetics.     

Structural characterization, thermal, dielectric, vibrational properties and molecular motions in

[C₃N₂H₅]₆[Bi₄Br₁₈] has been synthesized and characterized by the X-ray (at 293 and 110 K), calorimetric, dilatometric and dielectric measurements. At room temperature it crystallizes in the monoclinic space group, C2/m. A crystal structure consists of disordered imidazolium cations and ordered discrete tetramers of [Bi₄Br₁₈]^6-. This compound reveals a rich polymorphism in a solid state. It undergoes three solid–solid phase transitions: from phase I to II at 426/423 K (heating–cooling), II→III at 227 K and III→IV at 219.5/219 K. A clear dielectric relaxation process is found in the room temperature phase II. Infrared studies of the polycrystalline [C₃N₂H₅]₆[Bi₄Br₁₈] showed that the ν(N–H), δ(ring) and δ(C–H) modes of the imidazolium cations appeared to be very sensitive to the IV→III phase transition. ¹H NMR measurements confirmed a key role of the imidazolium cations in the phase transitions mechanisms at low temperatures.     

The d metal-sulfosalicylate complexes: Herring-bone, ladder and double-stranded chain frameworks with green luminescences

Assembly of 5-sulfosalicylic acid (H₃L) and d¹⁰ transition metal ions (Cd^II, Ag^I) with the neutral N-donor ligands produces five new complexes: [Cd₂(HL)₂(4,4′-bipy)₃]_n·2nH₂O (1), {[Cd₂(μ₂-HCO₂)₂(4,4′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₄][Cd(HL)₂(4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)₂]}_n (2), {[Cd(4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)₄][HL]·H₂O}_n (3), [Cd(HL)(dpp)₂(H₂O)]_n·4nH₂O (4), {[Ag(4,4′-bipy)][Hhbs]}_n (5) (4,4′-bipy=4,4′-bipyridine, dpp=1,3-di(pyridin-4-yl)propane, H₂hbs=4-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid, the decarboxylation product of H₃L). Complex 1 adopts a 5-connected 3D bilayer topology. Complex 2 has the herring-bone and ladder chain, which are extended to a 3D network via hydrogen bonding. In 3–4 complexes, 3 is a 3D supermolecular structure formed by polymeric chains and 2D network of HL²⁻, while 4 gives the double-stranded chains. In 5, ladder arrays are stacked with the 2D networks of Hhbs⁻ anions in an –ABAB– sequence. Complexes 1–4 display green luminescences in solid state at room temperature, while emission spectra of 3 and 4 show obvious blue-shifts at low temperature.     

A directly ring-to-ring linked ferrocene–pseudotitanocene complex

Addition of excess ferrocenylacetylene (FcCCH) to [η⁵-(C₅H₅)Ti][μ:η²:η²-C₂(SiMe₃)₂]₂[η⁵-(C₅H₅)Mg] (1) affords the novel ferrocene–pseudotitanocene complex [η⁵-1,2,5,6-tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)-4-ferrocenylcyclohexa-1,4-dienyl](η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)titanium(II), [η⁵-(Me₃Si)₄FcC₆H₂]Ti(η⁵-C₅H₅) (2), as the sole isolated titanium-containing product. Its structure was established by EI MS, NMR and UV–vis spectroscopy. The formation of 2 follows the general reaction route of terminal acetylenes with 1.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and spectroscopic properties of KEu[AsS4], K3Dy[AsS4]2 and Rb4Nd0.67[AsS4]2

Three rare earth compounds, KEu[AsS₄] (1), K₃Dy[AsS₄]₂ (2), and Rb₄Nd_0.67[AsS₄]₂ (3) have been synthesized employing the molten flux method. The reactions of A₂S₃ (A = K, Rb), Ln (Ln = Eu, Dy, Nd), As₂S₃, S were accomplished at 600 °C for 96 h in evacuated fused silica ampoules. Crystal data for these compounds are: 1, monoclinic, space group P2₁/m (no. 11), a = 6.7276(7) Å, b = 6.7190(5) Å, c = 8.6947(9) Å, β = 107.287(12)°, Z = 2; 2, monoclinic, space group C2/c (no. 15), a = 10.3381(7) Å, b = 18.7439(12) Å, c = 8.8185(6) Å, β = 117.060(7)°, Z = 4; 3, orthorhombic, space group Ibam (no. 72), a = 18.7333(15) Å, b = 9.1461(5) Å, c = 10.2060(6) Å, Z = 4. 1 is a two-dimensional structure with ²_∞[Eu(AsS₄)]⁻ layers separated by potassium cations. Within each layer, distorted bicapped trigonal [EuS₈] prisms are linked through distorted [AsS₄]³⁻ tetrahedra. Each Eu²⁺ cation is coordinated by two [AsS₄]³⁻ units by edge-sharing and bonded to further two [AsS₄]³⁻ units by corner-sharing. Compound 2 contains a one-dimensional structure with ¹_∞[Dy(AsS₄)₂]³⁻ chains separated by potassium cations. Within each chain, distorted bicapped trigonal prisms of [DyS₈] are linked by slightly distorted [AsS₄]³⁻ tetrahedra. Each Dy³⁺ ion is surrounded by four [AsS₄]³⁻ moieties in an edge-sharing fashion. For compound 3 also a one-dimensional structure with ¹_∞[Nd₀.₆₇(AsS₄)₂]⁴⁻ chains is observed. But the Nd position is only partially occupied and overall every third Nd atom is missing along the chain. This cuts the infinite chains into short dimers containing two bridging [As₄]³⁻ units and four terminal [AsS₄]³⁻ groups. 1 is characterized with UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, IR, and Raman spectra.     

{XW12O40 [Cu(en)2(H2O)]3} (X=V, Si): Two novel tri-supported Keggin POMs with transition metal complexes

Two novel polyoxometalate derivatives, {X^IVW^VI₁₀W^V₂O₄₀[Cu(en)₂(H₂O)]₃} [X=V (1), Si (2); en=ethylenediamine], have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV–Vis, XPS, EPR, TG and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. They represent the first classical Keggin polyoxoanion supported by three transition metal complex moieties, which further act as the neutral molecular unit for the construction of the interesting three-dimensional supramolecular frameworks. The magnetic properties of 1 have also been studied in the temperature range of 4–300 K, and its magnetic susceptibility obeys the Curie–Weiss law, showing antiferromagnetic coupling.     

Effect of chelating agent on the oxidation rate of PCP in the magnetite/H2O2 system at neutral pH

The complex [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ reacts with two molar equivalent of pyridine carboxylic acids ligands Py-2-COOH(a), Py-3-COOH(b) and Py-4-COOH(c) to yield rhodium(I) dicarbonyl chelate complex [Rh(CO)₂(L^/)](1a) {L^/ = η²-(N,O) coordinated Py-2-COO⁻(a^/)} and non-chelate complexes [Rh(CO)₂ClL^//](1b,c) {L^// = η¹-(N) coordinated Py-3-COOH(b), Py-4-COOH(c)}. The complexes 1 undergo oxidative addition (OA) reactions with different electrophiles such as CH₃I, C₂H₅I, C₆H₅CH₂Cl and I₂ to give penta coordinated Rh(III) complexes of the types [Rh(CO)(CORⁿ)XL^/], {n = 1,2,3; R¹ = CH₃(2a); R² = C₂H₅(3a); X = I and R³ = CH₂C₆H₅ (4a); X = Cl}, [Rh(CO)I₂L^/](5a), [Rh(CO)(CORⁿ)ClXL^//] {R¹ = CH₃(6b,c); R² = C₂H₅(7b,c); X = I and R³ = CH₂C₆H₅ (8b,c); X = Cl} and [Rh(CO)ClI₂L^//](9b,c). The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Kinetic data for the reaction of 1a–b with CH₃I indicate a first order reaction. The catalytic activity of 1a–c for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid and its ester is evaluated and a higher turn over number (TON = 810–1094) is obtained compared with that of the well-known commercial species [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ (TON = 653) at mild reaction conditions (temperature 130 ± 5 °C, pressure 35 ± 5 bar).     

Cyanometallate incorporated supramolecular networks based on a nitroalkyl-substituted CuN4 precursor: Synthesis, crystal structure, thermal and electrochemical studies

Two new copper(II) complexes, viz. [Cu(nelin)(H₂O)₂]₂[Fe(CN)₆] · 6H₂O (2) and [{Cu(nelin)}₂Ni(CN)₄](ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O (3), have been synthesized using [Cu(nelin)](ClO₄)₂ (1) (nelin = 1,9-diamino-5-methyl-5-nitro-3,7-diazanonane) as a nitroalkyl-substituted Cu^IIN₄ precursor, and their structures and supramolecular networks have been fully explored using the single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The H-bonded 1D chains of 2 run along the a-axis, being generated from supramolecular synthons using cations and anions, and are further propagated into a 3D array to form irregular honeycomb-like channels which are divided into two halves, with each half accomodating a helical water chain running in opposite directions to each other. In complex 3, the trinuclear units are arranged in successive rows in a herringbone fashion and bifurcated hydrogen bonding through the uncoordinated terminals of the [Ni(CN)₄]²⁻ units give rise to a supramolecular (4,4) network. A comparison of the PXRD pattern of complex 2 and its dehydrated form indicate marked changes in the diffraction pattern with the development of a quasi glassy nature in the dehydrated form. The electrochemical properties of 1, 2 and 3 have been investigated in comparative ways using the cyclic voltammetric technique in aqueous and MeCN solutions with Ag/AgCl as a reference electrode. Electrochemical reduction generates the one-electron reduced nitro-radical anion. In water–alcohol glass at 77 K complex 2 exhibits a typical four-line hyperfine EPR spectra with g_|| = 2.11, g = 2.02, A_|| = 150 Oe and A = 5 Oe at ν = 9.45 MHz.     

New series of platinum group metal complexes bearing η- and η-cyclichydrocarbons and Schiff base derived from 2-acetylthiazole: Syntheses and structural studies

The mononuclear complexes [(η⁶-arene)Ru(ata)Cl]PF₆ {ata = 2-acetylthiazole azine; arene = C₆H₆ [(1)PF₆]; p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me [(2)PF₆]; C₆Me₆ [(3)PF₆]}, [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)M(ata)]PF₆ {M = Rh [(4)PF₆]; Ir [(5)PF₆]} and [(η⁵-Cp)Ru(PPh₃)₂Cl] {η⁵-Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅ [(6)PF₆]; η⁵-C₅Me₅ (Cp^*) [(7)PF₆]; η⁵-C₉H₇ (indenyl); [(8)PF₆]} have been synthesised from the reaction of 2-acetylthiazole azine (ata) and the corresponding dimers [(η⁶-arene)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂, [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)M(μ-Cl)Cl]₂, and [(η⁵-Cp)Ru(PPh₃)₂Cl], respectively. In addition to these complexes a hydrolysed product (9)PF₆, was isolated from complex (4)PF₆ in the process of crystallization. All these complexes are isolated as hexafluorophosphate salts and characterized by IR, NMR, mass spectrometry and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The molecular structures of [2]PF₆ and [9]PF₆ have been established by single-crystal X-ray structure analyses.     

Role of ligand conformation in the structural diversity of copper(II) and silver(I) coordination polymers containing the angular dipyridyl ligand bearing amide spacer

The new dipyridyl ligands N,N′-(methylenedi-p-phenylene)bis(pyridine-4-carboxamide), L1, and N,N′-(methylenedi-p-phenylene)bis(pyridine-3-carboxamide), L2, incorporating amide spacers have been synthesized and reacted with metal salts to give complexes of the types [Cu(L1)₂X₂]_∞ (X = Cl, 1 and X = Br, 2), {[Cu(L1)₂(DMF)](NO₃)₂}_∞, 3, {[Ag₂(L1)₂](SO₄)}_∞, 4, and {[Cu(L2)(DMSO)₂(NO₃)](NO₃)}_∞, 5. All compounds have been characterized by spectroscopic methods and their structures determined by X-ray crystallography.Complexes 1, 2 and 3 form 1-D double-stranded polymeric chains showing rhombic molecular squares with approximate dimensions of 16.95 × 19.13 Å² for 1, 17.03 × 19.06 Å² for 2 and 16.66 × 19.94 Å² for 3. Complex 4 forms infinite 1-D zigzag polymeric chains, which are interlinked through a series of Ag–O interactions to form wavy 1-D ladder like chains, and complex 5 forms 1-D sinusoidal chains. While the L1 ligands in complexes 1, 2 and 3 adopt the cis conformation and that in complex 4 adopts trans conformation, the L2 ligand in complex 5 adopts the trans-anti conformation. The ligand conformations also differ in the dihedral angles between the pyridyl and phenyl rings. All complexes exhibit emissions which may be tentatively assigned as intraligand (IL) π → π* transition.     

Supramolecular aggregation in new crystals with nonlinear optical properties: 2-aminophenol-HClO4, 3-aminophenol-HClO4 and 4-aminophenol-HClO4

Three new hybrid crystals of 2-aminophenol-HClO₄ (2-AP-HClO₄, 1), 3-aminophenol-HClO₄ (3-AP-HClO₄, 2) and 4-aminophenol-HClO₄ (4-AP-HClO₄, 3) were obtained and their crystal structures determined. The 1 crystallises in centrosymmetric space group C2/c of monoclinic system while the other two (2 and 3) crystallise in the non-centro symmetric space group P2₁ and P2₁2₁2₁, respectively. The oppositely charged units of the crystals, i.e. positively charged 2-APH⁺, 3-APH⁺ and 4-APH⁺ and ClO₄⁻, interact via weak N⁺–HO and O–HO hydrogen bonds forming 3D-supramolecular network. Relative to KDP the SHG efficiencies are 0.62 for 2 and 0.33 for 3, measured at 1064 nm using the Kurtz–Perry method.     

Novel coordination polymers with ferrocene-containing dicarboxylate ligand: Syntheses, crystal structures and properties

A new ferrocene-containing dicarboxylate ligand, L = 5-ferrocene-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, has been prepared. Self-assembly of L, M(II) salts (M = Co and Zn) and chelating ligands dpa or phen (dpa = 2,2′-dipyridylamine and phen = 1,10-phen) gave rise to four new coordination polymers {[Co(L)(dpa)] · 2MeOH}_n (1), {[Zn(L)(dpa)] · 2MeOH}_n (2), {[Co(L)(phen)(H₂O)] · MeOH} (3), [Zn(L)(phen)(H₂O)] · MeOH (4). The isostructural complexes 1 and 2 possess 1D helical chain structures with 2₁ screw axes along the b-direction, and the right- and left-handed helical chains are alternate arrayed into 2D layer structures through hydrogen-bonding interactions; while isostructural complexes 3 and 4 are 1D linear chain structures with phen and ferrocene groups of L as pendants hanging on the different sides of the main chain. A structural comparison of complexes 1–4 demonstrated that the characteristics of subsidiary ligands and slight difference in coordination models of L play very important role in the construction of the complexes. In addition, the redox properties of complexes 1–4, as well as the magnetic properties of complexes 1 and 3 are also investigated.     

Energetics of copper diphosphates – Cu2P2O7 and Cu3(P2O6OH)2

Differential scanning calorimetry and high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry are used to study enthalpy of phase transition and enthalpies of formation of Cu₂P₂O₇ and Cu₃(P₂O₆OH)₂. α-Cu₂P₂O₇ is reversibly transformed to β-Cu₂P₂O₇ at 338–363 K with an enthalpy of phase transition of 0.15 ± 0.03 kJ mol⁻¹. Enthalpies of formation from oxides of α-Cu₂P₂O₇ and Cu₃(P₂O₆OH)₂ are −279.0 ± 1.4 kJ mol⁻¹ and −538.8 ± 2.7 kJ mol⁻¹, and their standard enthalpies of formation (enthalpy of formation from elements) are −2096.1 ± 4.3 kJ mol⁻¹ and −4302.7 ± 6.7 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. The presence of hydrogen in diphosphate groups changes the geometry of Cu(II) and decreases acid–base interaction between oxide components in Cu₃(P₂O₆OH)₂, thus decreasing its thermodynamic stability.     

A small methanoato ligand in the structural differentiation of copper(II) complexes

Several copper(II) methanoato complexes, namely mononuclear [Cu(O₂CH)₂(2-mpy)₂] (1) (2-mpy = 2-methylpyridine), binuclear [Cu₂(μ-O₂CH)₄(2-mpy)₂] (2), and the polynuclear {[Cu(μ-O₂CH)₂(2-mpy)₂][Cu₂(μ-O₂CH)₄]}_n (3) and {Na₂[Cu(μ-O₂CH)₂(O₂CH)₂][Cu₂(μ-O₂CH)₄]}_n (4), have been synthesized. The mononuclear complex 1 is formed by two asymmetric chelate methanoate anions and two 2-methylpyridine molecules, giving a highly distorted ‘elongated octahedral’ coordination sphere. Complex 1 decomposes outside the mother-liquid, transforming into a regular isolated binuclear paddle-wheel complex 2 with four intra-binuclear bridging methanoates and two axial 2-mpy ligands. The polynuclear complex 3 is formed of alternate mononuclear and binuclear building blocks resembling the central cores of 1 and 2, but with significant differences, especially for the methanoates of the mononuclear units. The oxygen atom of the mononuclear unit in the octahedral axial position in 3 is simultaneously coordinated to the axial position of the binuclear paddle-wheel central core, thus enabling a chain type of structure. A chain of alternate mononuclear and binuclear building blocks, as in the neutral compound 3, are found as well in the ionic polymeric compound 4, though two types of bridges are found in 4, while there is only one type in 3. Namely, the axial position of the octahedral mononuclear unit in 4 is occupied by the methanoate oxygen atom that is already a part of the binuclear paddle-wheel unit, while one equatorial methanoate from the mononuclear unit serves as a triatomic bridge to the axial position of the binuclear building block. A very strong antiferromagnetic interaction is found for all the complexes with the paddle-wheel building blocks [Cu₂(μ-O₂CH)₄] 2–4 (−2J = 444–482 cm⁻¹), attributed to the methanoate intra-binuclear bridges. On the other hand, this strong antiferromagnetism, found already at room temperature, reduces the intensity of the EPR S = 1 spin signals reported for the isolated paddle-wheel complex 2. For the polymeric 3, only the spin S = ½ signals are found in the EPR spectra, and they are assigned to the mononuclear building blocks. No signals with a clear origin are however seen in the room temperature EPR spectrum of the polymeric analogue 4, only the S = ½ signals in the low temperature spectra. This feature is suggested to be due to a specific influence between the adjacent S = 1 (binuclear) and S = ½ (mononuclear) species via their bridges.     

Lithiated γ-O-functionalized propyl phenyl sulfides and sulfones of the type Li[CH(SOxPh)CH2CH2OR] (x = 0, 2). [Li{CH(SPh)CH2CH2Ot-Bu}(tmeda)] – A structurally characterized organolithium inner complex

Lithiation of O-functionalized alkyl phenyl sulfides PhSCH₂CH₂CH₂OR (R = Me, 1a; i-Pr, 1b; t-Bu, 1c; CPh₃, 1d) with n-BuLi/tmeda in n-pentane resulted in the formation of α- and ortho-lithiated compounds [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR}(tmeda)] (α-2a–d) and [Li{o-C₆H₄SCH₂CH₂CH₂OR)(tmeda)] (o-2a–d), respectively, which has been proved by subsequent reaction with n-Bu₃SnCl yielding the requisite stannylated γ-OR-functionalized propyl phenyl sulfides n-Bu₃SnCH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR (α-3a–d) and n-Bu₃Sn(o-C₆H₄SCH₂CH₂CH₂OR) (o-3a–d). The α/ortho ratios were found to be dependent on the sterical demand of the substituent R. Stannylated alkyl phenyl sulfides α-3a–c were found to react with n-BuLi/tmeda and n-BuLi yielding the pure α-lithiated compounds α-2a–c and [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR}] (α-4a–b), respectively, as white to yellowish powders. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂Ot-Bu}(tmeda)] (α-2c) exhibited a distorted tetrahedral coordination of lithium having a chelating tmeda ligand and a C,O coordinated organyl ligand. Thus, α-2c is a typical organolithium inner complex.Lithiation of O-functionalized alkyl phenyl sulfones PhSO₂CH₂CH₂CH₂OR (R = Me, 5a; i-Pr, 5b; CPh₃, 5c) with n-BuLi resulted in the exclusive formation of the α-lithiated products Li[CH(SO₂Ph)CH₂CH₂OR] (6a–c) that were found to react with n-Bu₃SnCl yielding the requisite α-stannylated compounds n-Bu₃SnCH(SO₂Ph)CH₂CH₂OR (7a–c). The identities of all lithium and tin compounds have been unambiguously proved by NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn).     

Interaction of N-(aryl)picolinamides with iridium. N–H and C–H bond activations

Reaction of N-(4-R-phenyl)picolinamide (R = OCH₃, CH₃, H, Cl and NO₂) with [Ir(PPh₃)₃Cl] in refluxing ethanol in the presence of a base (NEt₃) affords two yellow complexes (1-R and 2-R). The 1-R complexes contain an amide ligand coordinated to the metal center as a monoanionic bidentate N,N donor along with two triphenylphosphines, a chloride and a hydride. The 2-R complexes contain an amide ligand coordinated to the metal center as a monoanionic bidentate N,N donor along with two triphenylphosphines and two hydrides. Similar reaction of N-(naphthyl)picolinamide with [Ir(PPh₃)₃Cl] affords two organometallic complexes, 3 and 4. In complex 3 the amide ligand is coordinated to the metal center, via C–H activation of the naphthyl ring at the 8-position, as a dianionic tridentate N,N,C donor, along with two triphenylphosphines and one chloride. Complex 4 is similar to complex 3, except a hydride is bonded to iridium instead of the chloride. Structures of the 1-OCH₃, 2-Cl and 4 complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. All the complexes are diamagnetic, and show characteristic ¹H NMR signals and intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. Cyclic voltammetry on all the complexes shows a Ir^III–Ir^IV oxidation within 0.50–1.16 V vs. SCE and a reduction of the coordinated amide ligand within −1.02 to −1.25 V vs. SCE.