Reductive Dehydrogenation of a Stannane via Multiple Sn−H Activation by Frustrated Lewis Pairs

A bulky substituted stannane Ar*SnH₃ (Ar*=2,6‐(2′,4′,6′‐triisopropylphenyl)phenyl) was treated with the well‐known frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) Pt Bu₃/B(C₆F₅)₃ in varying stoichiometries. To some degree, hydride abstraction and adduct formation is observed, leading to [Ar*SnH₂(Pt Bu₃)]⁺ which is rather unreactive toward further dehydrogenation. In a competing process, the FLP proved to be capable of completely striping‐off hydrogen and hydrides to generate the first cationic phosphonio‐stannylene [Ar*Sn(Pt Bu₃)]⁺. This behavior provides insight into the activation/abstraction mechanism processes involved in these Group 14 hydride derivatives.     

Al/P- and Ga/P-Based Frustrated Lewis Pairs and Electronically Unsaturated Substrates: Ring Cleavage and Ring Closure,C−C and C−N Bond Formation

Al/P- and Ga/P-based frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) reacted with an azirine under mild conditions under cleavage of the heterocycle on two different positions. Opening of the C−C bond yielded an unusual nitrile–ylide adduct in which a C−N moiety coordinated to the FLP backbone. Cleavage of a C−N bond afforded the thermodynamically favored enamine adduct with the N atom bound to P and Al or Ga atoms. Ring closure was observed upon treatment of an Al/P FLP with electronically unsaturated substrates (4-(1-cyclohexenyl)-1-aza-but-1-en-3-ynes) and yielded by C−N bond formation hexahydroquinoline derivatives, which coordinated to the FLP through P−C and Al−C bonds. Diphenylcyclopropenone showed a diverse reactivity, which depending on steric shielding and the polarizing effect of Al or Ga atoms afforded different products. An AltBu₂/P FLP yielded an adduct with the C=O group coordinated to P and Al. The dineopentyl derivative gave an equilibrium mixture consisting of a similar product and a simple adduct with O bound to Al and a three-coordinate P atom. Both compounds co-crystallize. The Ga/P FLP only formed the simple adduct with the same substrate. Rearrangement resulted in all cases in C₃-ring cleavage and migration of a mesityl group from P to a former ring C atom by C−C bond formation. Diphenylthiocyclopropenone (evidence for the presence of P=C bonds) and an imine derivative afforded similar products.     

Reversible Dihydrogen Activation and Hydride Transfer by a Uranium Nitride Complex

Cleavage of dihydrogen is an important step in the industrial and enzymatic transformation of N₂ into ammonia. The reversible cleavage of dihydrogen was achieved under mild conditions (room temperature and 1 atmosphere of H₂) by the molecular uranium nitride complex, [Cs{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃}₂(μ‐N)] 1, leading to a rare hydride–imide bridged diuranium(IV) complex, [Cs{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃}₂(μ‐H)(μ‐NH)], 2 that slowly releases H₂ under vacuum. This complex is highly reactive and quickly transfers hydride to acetonitrile and carbon dioxide at room temperature, affording the ketimide‐ and formate‐bridged U^IV species [Cs{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃}₂(μ‐NH)(μ‐CH₃CHN)], 3 and [Cs{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃}₂(μ‐HCOO)(μ‐NHCOO)], 4 .     

Ligand‐to‐Ligand Charge‐Transfer Transitions of Platinum(II) Complexes with Arylacetylide Ligands with Different Chain Lengths: Spectroscopic Characterization,Effect of Molecular Conformations,and Density Functional Theory Calculations

The complexes [Pt(tBu₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1R}]⁺ (n=1: R=alkyl and aryl (Ar); n=1–3: R=phenyl (Ph) or Ph‐N(CH₃)₂‐4; n=1 and 2, R=Ph‐NH₂‐4; tBu₃tpy=4,4’,4’’‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,2’:6’,2’’‐terpyridine) and [Pt(Cl₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (R=tert‐butyl (tBu), Ph, 9,9’‐dibutylfluorene, 9,9’‐dibutyl‐7‐dimethyl‐amine‐fluorene; Cl₃tpy=4,4’,4’’‐trichloro‐2,2’:6’,2’’‐terpyridine) were prepared. The effects of substituent(s) on the terpyridine (tpy) and acetylide ligands and chain length of arylacetylide ligands on the absorption and emission spectra were examined. Resonance Raman (RR) spectra of [Pt(tBu₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (R=n‐butyl, Ph, and C₆H₄‐OCH₃‐4) obtained in acetonitrile at 298 K reveal that the structural distortion of the C?C bond in the electronic excited state obtained by 502.9 nm excitation is substantially larger than that obtained by 416 nm excitation. Density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations on [Pt(H₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (R= n‐propyl (nPr), 2‐pyridyl (Py)), [Pt(H₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1Ph}]⁺ (n=1–3), and [Pt(H₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1C₆H₄‐N(CH₃)₂‐4}]⁺/+H⁺ (n=1–3; H₃tpy=nonsubstituted terpyridine) at two different conformations were performed, namely, with the phenyl rings of the arylacetylide ligands coplanar (“cop”) with and perpendicular (“per”) to the H₃tpy ligand. Combining the experimental data and calculated results, the two lowest energy absorption peak maxima, λ₁ and λ₂, of [Pt(Y₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (Y=tBu or Cl, R=aryl) are attributed to ¹[π(C?CR)→π*(Y₃tpy)] in the “cop” conformation and mixed ¹[d_π(Pt)→π*(Y₃tpy)]/¹[π(C?CR)→π*(Y₃tpy)] transitions in the “per” conformation. The lowest energy absorption peak λ₁ for [Pt(tBu₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1C₆H₄‐H‐4}]⁺ (n=1–3) shows a redshift with increasing chain length. However, for [Pt(tBu₃tpy){C?C(C6H4C?C)_n?1C₆H₄‐N(CH₃)₂‐4}]⁺ (n=1–3), λ₁ shows a blueshift with increasing chain length n, but shows a redshift after the addition of acid. The emissions of [Pt(Y₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (Y=tBu or Cl) at 524–642 nm measured in dichloromethane at 298 K are assigned to the ³[π(C?CAr)→π*(Y₃tpy)] excited states and mixed ³[d_π(Pt)→π*(Y₃tpy)]/³[π(C?C)→π*(Y₃tpy)] excited states for R=aryl and alkyl groups, respectively. [Pt(tBu₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1C₆H₄‐N(CH₃)₂‐4}]⁺ (n=1 and 2) are nonemissive, and this is attributed to the small energy gap between the singlet ground state (S₀) and the lowest triplet excited state (T₁).     

Carbon dioxide reduction by an Al–O–P frustrated Lewis pair

The reaction of tBu₂P(O)H with Bis₂AlH (Bis = CH(SiMe₃)₂) afforded the adduct tBu₂P(H)–O–Al(H)Bis₂ (3). It slowly releases H₂ to form the first oxygen-bridged geminal Al/P frustrated Lewis pair tBu₂P–O–AlBis₂. It is capable of reversibly binding molecular hydrogen to afford 3, shown by NMR and H/D scrambling experiments, and forms a 1,2-adduct with CO₂. Importantly, the H₂ adduct 3 reduces CO₂ in a stoichiometric reaction leading to the formic acid adduct tBu₂P(H)–O–Al(CO₂H)Bis₂. The formation of the different species was explored by density functional theory calculations which provide support for the experimental results. All products were characterized by NMR spectroscopy as well as X-ray diffraction experiments and elemental analyses.

Addition vs. reduction: the geminal FLP Bis₂Al–O–PtBu₂ can reversibly bind molecular hydrogen, it reacts with CO₂ to give an adduct, and its hydrogen adduct reduces CO₂ to an adduct of formic acid.     

Characterization of a Palladium Dihydrogen Complex

The preparation and isolation of the first palladium dihydrogen complex is described. NMR spectroscopy reveals a very short H? H bond length, but the hydrogen molecule is activated toward heterolytic cleavage. An X‐ray crystal structure suggests that proton transfer to the ^tBuPCP (κ³‐2,6‐(^tBu₂PCH₂)₂C₆H₃) pincer ligand is possible. The basicity of the ipso‐carbon atom of the pincer ligand was investigated in a related complex.     

The Hydride‐Ion Affinity of Borenium Cations and Their Propensity to Activate H2 in Frustrated Lewis Pairs

A range of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) containing borenium cations have been synthesised. The catechol (Cat)‐ligated borenium cation [CatB(PtBu₃)]⁺ has a lower hydride‐ion affinity (HIA) than B(C₆F₅)₃. This resulted in H₂ activation being energetically unfavourable in a FLP with the strong base PtBu₃. However, ligand disproportionation of CatBH(PtBu₃) at 100 °C enabled trapping of H₂ activation products. DFT calculations at the M06‐2X/6‐311G(d,p)/PCM (CH₂Cl₂) level revealed that replacing catechol with chlorides significantly increases the chloride‐ion affinity (CIA) and HIA. Dichloro–borenium cations, [Cl₂B(amine)]⁺, were calculated to have considerably greater HIA than B(C₆F₅)₃. Control reactions confirmed that the HIA calculations can be used to successfully predict hydride‐transfer reactivity between borenium cations and neutral boranes. The borenium cations [Y(Cl)B(2,6‐lutidine)]⁺ (Y=Cl or Ph) form FLPs with P(mesityl)₃ that undergo slow deprotonation of an ortho‐methyl of lutidine at 20 °C to form the four‐membered boracycles [(CH₂{NC₅H₃Me})B(Cl)Y] and [HPMes₃]⁺. When equimolar [Y(Cl)B(2,6‐lutidine)]⁺/P(mesityl)₃ was heated under H₂ (4 atm), heterolytic cleavage of dihydrogen was competitive with boracycle formation.     

C−H Activation of Inert Arenes using a Photochemically Activated Guanidinato-Magnesium(I) Compound

UV irradiation of solutions of a guanidinate coordinated dimagnesium(I) compound, [{(Priso)Mg}₂] 3 (Priso=[(DipN)₂CNPrⁱ₂]⁻, Dip=2,6-diisopropylphenyl), in either benzene, toluene, the three isomers of xylene, or mesitylene, leads to facile activation of an aromatic C−H bond of the solvent in all cases, and formation of aryl/hydride bridged magnesium(II) products, [{(Priso)Mg}₂(μ-H)(μ-Ar)] 4 – 9 . In contrast to similar reactions reported for β-diketiminate coordinated counterparts of 3 , these C−H activations proceed with little regioselectivity, though they are considerably faster. Reaction of 3 with an excess of the pyridine, p-NC₅H₄Bu^t (py^But), gave [(Priso)Mg(py^ButH)(py^But)₂] 10 , presumably via reduction of the pyridine to yield a radical intermediate, [(Priso)Mg(py^But⋅)(py^But)₂] 11 , which then abstracts a proton from the reaction solvent or a reactant. DFT calculations suggest two possible pathways to the observed arene C−H activations. One of these involves photochemical cleavage of the Mg−Mg bond of 3 , generating magnesium(I) doublet radicals, (Priso)Mg⋅. These then doubly reduce the arene substrate to give “Birch-like” products, which subsequently rearrange via C−H activation of the arene. Circumstantial evidence for the photochemical generation of transient magnesium radical species includes the fact that irradiation of a cyclohexane solution of 3 leads to an intramolecular aliphatic C−H activation process and formation of an alkyl-bridged magnesium(II) species, [{Mg(μ-Priso^−H)}₂] 12 . Furthermore, irradiation of a 1 : 1 mixture of 3 and the β-diketiminato dimagnesium(I) compound, [{(^DipNacnac)Mg}₂] (^DipNacnac=[HC(MeCNDip)₂]⁻), effects a “scrambling” reaction, and the near quantitative formation of an unsymmetrical dimagnesium(I) compound, [(Priso)Mg−Mg(^DipNacnac)] 13 . Finally, the EPR spectrum (77 K) of a glassed solution of UV irradiated 3 is dominated by a broad featureless signal, indicating the presence of a doublet radical species.     

Nitrogen‐Based Lewis Acids Derived from Phosphonium Diazo Cations

Reaction of PPh₃ and [(p‐ClC₆H₄)N₂][BF₄] affords [(p‐ClC₆H₄)N(PPh₃)N(PPh₃)][BF₄] 1 , while reaction with (Ph₂PCH₂)₂ gave [(p‐ClC₆H₄)(NPh₂PCH₂)₂)][BF₄] 2 . These species confirm the Lewis acidity of [(p‐ClC₆H₄)N₂(PR₃)][BF₄] cations at N. In contrast, use of bulky phosphines afford the species [ArN₂(PR₃)][BF₄] (R=tBu 3 , Mes 4 ). Compound 3 undergoes one electron reduction to give the stable radical [(p‐ClC₆H₄)N₂(PtBu₃)]^. 5 . Combination of 3 and PtBu₃ acts as an FLP to effect (SPh)₂ cleavage, generating [PhSPtBu₃]⁺ and the radical [ArN₂(PR₃)]^.. Collectively, these data affirm the ability of the cations [ArN₂(PR₃)]⁺ to behave as one or two electron acceptors.     

A Dicationic Organoplatinum(II) Complex Containing a Bridging 2,5‐Bis‐(4‐ethynylphenyl)‐[1,3,4]oxadiazole Ligand Behaves as a Phosphorescent Gelator for Organic Solvents

A dicationic platinum(II) terpyridyl complex, [(tBu₃tpy)Pt(OXD)Pt(tBu₃tpy)](PF₆)₂ (tBu₃tpy=4,4′,4“‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′:6′,2”‐terpyridyl, OXD=2,5‐bis(4‐ethynylphenyl)[1,3,4]oxadiazole) formed phosphorescent organogels in acetonitrile or in a mixture of acetonitrile and alcohol. The structure and properties of these emissive gels were analyzed by polarizing optical and confocal laser scanning microscopy, and by variable‐temperature ¹H NMR, UV/Vis, and emission spectroscopy. Dry gels were studied by scanning electron microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). SEM images of the dry gel revealed a network of interwoven nanofibers (diameter 12–60 nm, length>5 μm). Intermolecular π–π interactions between the [(tBu₃tpy)PtC≡C] moieties could be deduced from the variable ¹H NMR spectra. The PXRD and SAXS data showed that the assembly of the gelator could be represented by a rectangular 2D lattice of 68 Å × 14 Å. The ability of the complex to gelate a number of organic solvents is most likely due to intermolecular π–π interactions between the [(tBu₃tpy)PtC≡C] moieties.     

Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Amine-Boranes using Geminal Phosphino-Boranes

The reaction of the intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) tBu₂PCH₂BPh₂ with the amine-boranes NH₃ · BH₃ and Me₂NH · BH₃ leads to the formation of the corresponding FLP-H₂ adducts as well as novel five-membered heterocycles that result from capturing the in situ formed amino-borane by a second equivalent of FLP. The sterically more demanding tBu₂PCH₂BMes₂ does not form such a five-membered heterocycle when reacted with Me₂NH · BH₃ and its H₂ adduct liberates dihydrogen at elevated temperatures, promoting the metal-free catalytic dehydrogenation of amine-boranes.     

Reactions of a Ga/P‐Based Frustrated Lewis Pair with HX (X = F – I), Heterocumulenes R–NCY (Y = O,S) and Chalcogens–Adduct Formation and Surprising Stability towards Protolysis

Treatment of the geminal Ga/P‐based frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) Mes₂P–C(GatBu₂)=C(H)–Ph ( 1 ) with HX (X = F, Cl, Br, I) afforded the corresponding adducts 2 with the protons bound to the P and the halide anions coordinated to the Ga atoms. Short intramolecular contacts may indicate P–H ··· X hydrogen bonding interactions. The Br and I compounds ( 2c , 2d ) were accessible in moderate yields even when aqueous solutions of the acids were employed. These unexpected reactions confirm the surprising stability of FLP 1 towards protolysis. Heterocumulenes R–N=C=Y (Y = O, S) and 1 yielded adducts with two different structural motifs. The N=C=Y groups were coordinated to the FLP either via the C=Y (Y = S; Ph–N=C=O) or the C=N bonds (Ph–N=C=O, Et–N=C=O). For phenyl isocyanate the C=O bonded isomer was observed in the solid state, while both isomeric forms were detected in solution. Steric shielding and the hardness of the atoms may influence the formation of the respective isomer. Cleavage of the C=S bonds of isothiocyanates was observed for the first time and afforded a sulfur adduct 9a , in which an S atom (electron sextet) was bound to the lone pair of electrons at phosphorus and to the Lewis acidic Ga atom. Four‐membered PCGaY heterocycles resulted, which were also synthesized in high yields by the direct reaction of 1 with propylene sulfide or selenium.     

Synthesis and Chloride Affinity of Sterically Demanding Ditopic Lithium Bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borates

The synthesis and full characterization of the sterically demanding ditopic lithium bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borates Li₂[p‐C₆H₄(B(Ph)pz^R₂)₂] is reported (pz^R = 3‐phenylpyrazol‐1‐yl ( 3 ^Ph), 3‐t‐butylpyrazol‐1‐yl ( 3 ^tBu)). Compound 3 ^Ph crystallizes from THF as THF‐adduct 3 ^Ph(THF)₄ which features a straight conformation with a long Li···Li distance of 12.68(1) Å. Compound 3 ^tBu was found to function as efficient and selective scavenger of chloride ions. In the presence of LiCl it forms anionic complexes [ 3 ^tBuCl]⁻ with a central Li‐Cl‐Li core (Li···Li = 3.75(1) Å).     

Induced Self‐Assembly of Platinum(II) Alkynyl Complexes through Specific Interactions between Citrate and Guanidinium for Proof‐of‐Principle Detection of Citrate and an Assay of Citrate Lyase

Water‐soluble alkynylplatinum(II) terpyridine complexes appended with guanidinium moieties, [Pt(tpy)(C?C?Ar)][OTf]₂ (tpy=terpyridine; OTf=trifluoromethanesulfonate; Ar=C₆H₄‐{NHC(?NH₂⁺)(NH₂)}‐4 ( 1 ), C₆H₄‐{CH₂NHC(?NH₂⁺)(NH₂)}‐4 ( 2 )), and [Pt(tBu₃tpy)(C?CC₆H₄‐{NHC(?NH₂⁺)(NH₂)}‐4)][OTf]₂ ( 3 ; tBu₃tpy=4,4′,4′′‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine), have been synthesized and characterized. The photophysical properties of the complexes have been studied. Based on the results of UV/Vis absorption, resonance light scattering, and dynamic light scattering experiments, in aqueous buffer solutions complexes 1 and 2 undergo aggregation in the presence of citrate through strong and specific electrostatic and hydrogen‐bonding interactions with citrate. The emergence of a triplet metal–metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (³MMLCT) emission in the near‐infrared (NIR) region brought on by the induced self‐assembly of complex 1 has been demonstrated for proof‐of‐principle detection of citrate with good sensitivity and selectivity over other mono‐ and dicarboxylate substrates in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle as well as phosphate and lactate anions. Such a good selectivity toward citrate has been rationalized by the high charge density of citrate under physiological conditions and specific interactions between the guanidinium moiety on complex 1 and citrate. Extension of the work to citrate detection in fetal bovine serum and real‐time monitoring of the activity of citrate lyase by the NIR emission of complex 1 have also been demonstrated.     

Dibutylsilylene Derivatives of Tartaric Acid

Crystals of the bis(tert‐butyl)silylene (DTBS) derivatives of the tartaric acids were synthesized from D ‐, L ‐, rac‐, and meso‐tartaric acid and DTBS bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate): two polymorphs of Si₂tBu₄(L ‐Tart1,2;3,4H_–4) (L ‐ 1a and L ‐ 1b ), the mirror image of the denser modification (D ‐ 1b ) as well as the racemate ( 2 ), and the meso analogue Si₂tBu₄(meso‐Tart1,3;2,4H_–4) ( 3 ). The structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The threo‐configured D ‐ and L ‐ (and rac‐) tartrates were coordinated by two tBu₂Si units forming five‐membered chelate rings, whereas the erythro‐configured meso‐tartrate formed six‐membered chelate rings. The new compounds were analyzed by NMR techniques, including ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography.     

Bimetallic Cooperative Cleavage of Dinitrogen to Nitride and Tandem Frustrated Lewis Pair Hydrogenation to Ammonia

Although reductive cleavage of dinitrogen (N₂) to nitride (N^3?) and hydrogenation with dihydrogen (H₂) to yield ammonia (NH₃) is accomplished in heterogeneous Haber–Bosch industrial processes on a vast scale, sequentially coupling these elementary reactions together with a single metal complex remains a major challenge for homogeneous molecular complexes. Herein, we report that the reaction of a chloro titanium triamidoamine complex with magnesium effects complete reductive cleavage of N₂ to give a dinitride dititanium dimagnesium ditriamidoamine complex. Tandem H₂ splitting by a phosphine–borane frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) shuttles H atoms to the N^3?, evolving NH₃. Isotope labelling experiments confirmed N₂ and H₂ fixation. Though not yet catalytic, these results give unprecedented insight into coupling N₂ and H₂ cleavage and N?H bond formation steps together, highlight the importance of heterobimetallic cooperativity in N₂ activation, and establish FLPs in NH₃ synthesis.     

Small Chains of Main Group Elements by BH3 Adduct Formation of tBu2E-N(H)-EtBu2 (E = P,As)

Borane adducts of bis(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)amine ( 1a ) and bis(di-tert-butylarsino)amine ( 1b ) are reported. Based on quantum-chemical investigations in combination with experimental results, it is demonstrated that the tautomerism known for tBu₂P-N(H)-PtBu₂ ( 1a ), can be observed for the mono adduct tBu₂P-N(H)-P(BH₃)tBu₂ ( 2a ) as well, whereas for the corresponding arsenic compound 2b only one stable isomer is found. The bis-borane adduct tBu₂(BH₃)As-N(H)-As(BH₃)tBu₂ ( 3b ) is a rare example of a structurally characterized, tertiary arsine borane adduct, which can be directly compared with the corresponding phosphorus compound tBu₂(BH₃)P-N(H)-P(BH₃)tBu₂ ( 3a ). Deprotonation of mixtures containing 2a by nBuLi leads to the lithium-containing coordination polymer 4a , in which the actual chain consists only of non-carbon atoms.     

Characterization and structure of OsH(OH)(CO)(PtBu2Me)2

A synthesis of the title compound by hydrolysis of OsH(C₆H₅)(CO)(P^tBu₂Me)₂ has the advantage that the product shows ¹H NMR spectra free of the influence of hydrogen bonding to water impurity. In the solid state, the hydroxyl group interacts weakly with that of a neighbor. The Os–OH bond is rapidly split by H₂, to give H₂O and Os(H)₂(H₂)(CO)(P^tBu₂Me)₂.     

Reaction of Frustrated Lewis Pairs with Ketones and Esters

The frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) Mes₂PCH₂CH₂B(C₆F₅)₂ ( 1 ) reacts with an enolizable conjugated ynone by 1,4‐addition involving enolate tautomerization to give an eight‐membered zwitterionic heterocycle. The conjugated endione PhCO‐CH?CH‐COPh reacts with the intermolecular FLP tBu₃P/B(C₆F₅)₃ by a simple 1,4‐addition to an enone subunit. The same substrate undergoes a more complex reaction with the FLP 1 that involves internal acetal formation to give a heterobicyclic zwitterionic product. FLP 1 reacts with dimethyl maleate by selective overall addition to the C?C double bond to give a six‐membered heterocycle. It adds analogously to the triple bond of an acetylenic ester to give a similarly structured six‐membered heterocycle. The intermolecular FLP P(o‐tolyl)₃/B(C₆F₅)₃ reacts analogously with acetylenic ester by trans‐addition to the carbon–carbon triple bond. An excess of the intermolecular FLP tBu₃P/B(C₆F₅)₃, which contains a more nucleophilic phosphane, reacts differently with acetylenic ester examples, namely by O? C(alkyl) bond cleavage to give the {R‐CO₂[B(C₆F₅)₃]₂^?}[alkyl‐PtBu₃⁺] salts. Simple aryl or alkyl esters react analogously by using the borane‐stabilized carboxylates as good leaving groups. All essential products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction.     

A Reversible Proton Relay Process Mediated by Hydrogen‐Bonding Interactions in [FeFe]Hydrogenase Modeling

A reversible and temperature‐dependent proton‐relay process is demonstrated for a Fe₂ complex possessing a terminal thiolate in the presence of nitrogen‐based acids. The terminal sulfur site (S^t) of the complex forms a hydrogen‐bond interaction with N,N‐dimethylanilinium acid at 183 K. The Fe₂ core, instead, is protonated to generate a bridging hydride at 298 K. Reversibility is observed for the tautomerization between the hydrogen‐bonded pair and the Fe–hydride species. X‐ray structural analysis of the hydrogen‐bonded species at 193 K reveals a short N(H)???S^t contact. Employment of pyridinium acid also results in similar behavior, with reversible proton–hydride interconversion. DFT investigation of the proton‐transfer pathways indicates that the pK_a value of the hydrogen‐bonded species is enhanced by 3.2 pK_a units when the temperature is decreased from 298 K to 183 K.