Triarylborane-Based Helical Donor–Acceptor Compounds: Synthesis,Photophysical, and Electronic Properties

The synthesis and characterization of 10-(dimesitylboryl)-N,N-di-p-tolylbenzo[c]phenanthren-4-amine (3-B(Mes)₂-[4]helix-9-N(p-Tol)₂ 1 ) and 13-(dimesitylboryl)-N,N-di-p-tolyldibenzo[c,g]phenanthren-8-amine (3-B(Mes)₂-[5]helix-12-N(p-Tol)₂ 2 ) are reported herein. Their electrochemical and photophysical properties have been studied experimentally and theoretically. The donor and acceptor-substituted helicene derivatives exhibit moderate fluorescence quantum yields in THF (Φ_f=0.48 and 0.61 for 1 and 2 , respectively), which are higher than unsubstituted ones (Φ_f=0.18 for [4]helicene; Φ_f<0.05 for [n]helicenes (n≥5)). In the solid state, the Φ_f values are higher (Φ_f=1.00 and 0.55 for 1 and 2 , respectively) than those in solution, most likely due to the restrictions of molecular motions. The S₁←S₀ transitions of 1 and 2 are predominately HOMO→LUMO transitions. Upon excitation with UV light, the interplanar angle between the two terminal aryl rings of the [5]helix core of 2 decreases (S₁ state compared with S₀ state), which is similar to placing a spring under an external force.     

EPR study of mono-o-iminobenzosemiquinonato nickel(II) complexes with Ni-C σ-bond

New square-planar (Ph₃P)Ni^II(o-Tol)(ISQ-Prⁱ) (1), (Ph₃P)Ni^II(o-Tol)(ISQ-Me) (2), (Ph₃P)Ni^II(o-Tol)(ISQ-Bu^t) (3) nickel complexes (where ISQ-Prⁱ = 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(2,6-di-iso-propylphenyl)-o-iminobenzosemiquinonate, ISQ-Me = 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(2,6-di-methylphenyl)-o-iminobenzosemiquinonate, ISQ-Bu^t = 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(2,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-o-iminobenzosemiquinonate, o-Tol = o-tolyl ligand) have been synthesized. Complexes contain σ-bound o-tolyl and neutral donor ligand Ph₃P. The sterical hindrances of N-aryl in o-iminobenzosemiquinonate ligands lead to the tetrahedral distortion of square-planar configurations of complexes as it was established using EPR spectroscopy.     

A bis(silylene)pyridine pincer ligand can stabilize mononuclear manganese(0) complexes: facile access to isolable analogues of the elusive d7-Mn(CO)5 radical

Using the potentially tridentate N,N′-bis(N-heterocyclic silylene)pyridine [SiNSi] pincer-type ligand, 2,6-N,N′-diethyl-bis[N,N′-di-tert-butyl(phenylamidinato)silylene] diaminopyridine, led to the first isolable bis(silylene)pyridine-stabilized manganese(0) complex, {κ³-[SiNSi]Mn(dmpe)} 4 (dmpe = (Me₂P)₂C₂H₄), which represents an isolobal 17 VE analogue of the elusive Mn(CO)₅ radical. The compound is accessible through the reductive dehalogenation of the corresponding dihalido (SiNSi)Mn(ii) complexes 1 (Cl) and 2 (Br) with potassium graphite. Exposing 4 towards the stronger π-acceptor ligands CO and 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide afforded the related Mn(0) complexes κ²-[SiNSi]Mn(CO)₃ (5) and κ³-[SiNSi]Mn(CNXylyl)₂(κ¹-dmpe) (6), respectively. Remarkably, the stabilization of Mn(0) in the coordination sphere of the [SiNSi] ligand favors the d⁷ low-spin electronic configuration, as suggested by EPR spectroscopy, SQUID measurements and DFT calculations. The suitability of 4 acting as a superior pre-catalyst in regioselective hydroboration of quinolines has also been demonstrated.

An isolable bis(silylene)pyridine stabilized manganese(0) complex {κ³-[SiNSi]Mn(dmpe)}, isolobal to elusive Mn(CO)₅ radical has been synthesized and fully characterised.     

Salen and half-salen palladium(II) complexes: synthesis, characteriztion and catalytic activity toward Suzuki-Miyaura reaction

Salen and half-salen palladium(II) complexes (salden)Pd (1, salden=N,N′-bis(3,5-di- tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-dimethylethylenediamine), (hsalph)PdCl (2, hsalph=3,5-di-tert- butylsalicylidene-1-iminophenylene-2-amine), and (salph)Pd (4, salph=N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert- butylsalicylidene)-1,2-phenylenediamine) were prepared and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Complex 2 proved to exhibit high catalytic activity toward Suzuki-Miyaura reaction. Polyaromatic C₃-symmetric derivatives and various fluorinated biphenyl derivatives were readily achieved in good yields using Suzuki-Miyaura reaction catalyzed by complex 2.     

Electron density distribution in crystals of the antimony(V) spiroendoperoxide complexes

The experimental and theoretical electron densities in complexes [6-(2,6-di-iso-propylphenyl)imino-2,4-di-tert-butylcyclohexa-2,4-diene-1-peroxo-1-olato-N,O,O′]tris(p-chlorophenyl)antimony(V), (p-Cl–C₆H₄)₃Sb(2,6-iso-Pr–Ph–AP) · O₂ (I), and [6-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)imino-2,4-di-tert-butylcyclohexa-2,4-diene-1-peroxo-1-olato-N,O,O′]tris(p-chlorophenyl)antimony(V), (p-Cl–C₆H₄)₃Sb(2,6-Me–Ph–AP) · O₂ (II), where AP is 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-o-iminobenzoquinone dianion, are studied on the basis of high-resolution X-ray diffraction data and theoretical calculations using the density functional theory (B3LYP/DGDZVP). The nature of chemical bonds and the charge distribution on atoms are studied, and the energy of molecular oxygen addition to the Sb(V) o-aminophenolate complexes is estimated. The structures are deposited with the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CIF files CCDC nos. 1560600 (spherical refinement) and 1560601 (multipole refinement) for complex I; 1560602 (spherical) and 1560603 (multipole) for complex II).     

Complexing and extraction of palladium(II) by <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-alkyl(tolyl)thiamethylcalix[4]arenes from chloride solutions

Complexing [PdCl₄]^2? with calix[4]arenes (L) functionalized by CH₂SR (R = Me (1), n-Bu (2), or p-Tol (3)) in their upper rims has been studied in toluene and CCl₄. The stoichiometry of the extracted palladium species (PdCl₂) _n L, where n = 1 or 2 is established by spectroscopic methods (NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectrophotometry, atomic absorption) and extraction. For slow coordinative extraction, the concentration constants of complex formation and extraction from chloride solutions are determined using the coupled equilibria method. The kinetic and thermodynamic laws of extraction coincide, and their parameters increase in the following row of the substituents at the sulfur atom: p-Tol < Bu < Me.     

Hexacoordinate triphenylantimony(V) complex with tridentate bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-phenolate-2-yl)-amine ligand: Synthesis,NMR and X-ray study

The oxidative addition reaction of 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butyl-phenyl)-o-iminobenzoquinone (IBQ) to triphenylantimony(III) proceeds with the migration of hydroxyl-proton to a nitrogen atom to form tridentate O,N,O′-coordinated bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-phenolate-2-yl)-amine ligand. In accordance with ¹H, ¹³C, DEPT NMR data, the new hexacoordinate complex [bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-phenolate-2-yl)-amine]triphenylantimony(V), [(AP-AP)H]SbPh₃ (1) in solution has a C_s symmetry plane leading to the equivalence of two O,N-chelate o-aminophenolato moieties. The molecular structure of 1 · acetone was studied by a single-crystal X-ray. Compound 1 was found to be air-stable both in solid and in solution. Its oxidation by PbO₂ leads to paramagnetic [4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-phenolate-2-yl)-o-iminobenzosemiquinolato]triphenylantimony(V), [(AP-ISQ)]SbPh₃ (2).     

Template Assembling of the Pentadentate Redox-Active Ligand in the Coordination Sphere of Tin(IV)

Heptacoordinated tin complexes with pentadentate redox-active ligands containing the diiminopyridine fragment combined with two sterically hindered phenolate coordination centers, LSn-Cl₂ and L'SnCl₂ (L and L' are dianions of deprotonated 2,6-bis[2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(methylidenylamino) phenol]pyridine and 2,6-bis[2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(ethylidenylamino)phenol]pyridine, respectively), are synthesized. The molecular and electronic structures of the synthesized compounds were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis (for complex I, CIF file CCDC no. 1557838), a set of spectral methods, and quantum-chemical calculations. The redox properties of the obtained complexes are characterized by cyclic voltammetry.     

Enantioselective synthesis of (1S,2S)-1,2-di-tert-butyl and (1R,2R)-1,2-di-(1-adamantyl)ethylenediamines

An enantioselective synthesis of sterically congested 1,2-di-tert-butyl and 1,2-di-(1-adamantyl)ethylenediamines has been developed. Thus, diastereomerically pure trans-1-apocamphanecarbonyl-4,5-dimethoxy-2-imidazolidinones 6 and 7 were successfully prepared by optical resolution of (±)-trans-4,5-dimethoxy-2-imidazolidinone using apocamphanecarbonyl chloride (MAC-Cl) followed by stereospecific and stepwise substitution of the dimethoxyl groups using tert-butyl or 1-adamantyl cuprates to provide (4S,5S)-4,5-di-tert-butyl and (4R,5R)-4,5-di-(1-adamantyl)-2-imidazolidinones 12 and 15, respectively. Furthermore, N-acetyl 4,5-di-tert-butyl and 4,5-di-(1-adamantyl)-2-imidazolidinones 16a,b were enantioselectively deacetylated using a catalytic oxazaborolidine system to provide enantiopure 1-p-tolylsulfonyl-4,5-di-tert-butyl-2-imidazolidinones 12 and 19 and 1-p-tolylsulfonyl-4,5-di-(1-adamantyl)-2-imidazolidinones 18 and 20, respectively. Finally, N-p-tolylsulfonyl-2-imidazolidinones 12 and 15 were treated with 30 equiv of Ba(OH)₂·8H₂O to achieve ring cleavage and to provide (1S,2S)-1,2-di-tert-butylethylenediamine 3 and (1R,2R)-1,2-di-(1-adamantyl)ethylenediamine 4.     

The acid-mediated intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of derived 2-nitro-1,1-ethenediamines for the synthesis of novel fused bicyclic isoxazoles

The discovery of a novel synthesis of new fused bicyclic isoxazoles, for example, N-methyl-3-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-4H-isoxazolo[3,4-c]azepin-8-amine (2a), N-methyl-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydroisoxazolo[3,4-c]pyridin-7-amine (2b) and N-methyl-3-phenyl-4H-pyrrolo[3,4-c]isoxazol-6-amine (2d) in high yield is reported. We speculate that the reaction proceeds via acid-mediated intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition from 2-nitro-1,1-ethenediamines 1a,b,d.     

Between imide,imidyl and nitrene – an imido iron complex in two oxidation states

Imidyl and nitrene metal species play an important role in the N-functionalisation of unreactive C–H bonds as well as the aziridination of olefines. We report on the synthesis of the trigonal imido iron complexes [Fe(NMes)L₂]^0,− (L = –N{Dipp}SiMe₃); Dipp = 2,6-diisopropyl-phenyl; Mes = (2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) via reaction of mesityl azide (MesN₃) with the linear iron precursors [FeL₂]^0,−. UV-vis-, EPR-, ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetometry, and computational methods suggest for the reduced form an electronic structure as a ferromagnetically coupled iron(ii) imidyl radical, whereas oxidation leads to mixed iron(iii) imidyl and electrophilic iron(ii) nitrene character. Reactivity studies show that both complexes are capable of H atom abstraction from C–H bonds. Further, the reduced form [Fe(NMes)L₂]⁻ reacts nucleophilically with CS₂ by inserting into the imido iron bond, as well as electrophilically with CO under nitrene transfer. The neutral [Fe(NMes)L₂] complex shows enhanced electrophilic behavior as evidenced by nitrene transfer to a phosphine, yet in combination with an overall reduced reactivity.

A pair of trigonal imido iron complexes ([Fe(NMes)L₂]^0,−) in two oxidation states is reported. The anionic complex K{crypt.222}[Fe(NMes)L₂] is best described as an iron(ii) imide.     

Reactions of [Pd(C6F5)2(CNR)2] with [PdCl2(NCPh)2]. Insertion of p-MeC6H4NC into Pd-C6F5 bonds

[Pd(C₆F₅)₂(CNR)₂] (R = Cy, Bu^t, p-MeC₆H₄ (p-Tol)) react with [PdCl₂(NCPh)₂] to give [Pd₂(μ-Cl)₂(C₆F₅)₂(CNR)₂]. In refluxing benzene insertion of isocyanide into the C₆F₅Pd bonds occurs only for R = p-Tol, to give a imidoyl bridged polynuclear complex cis-[Pd₂ (μ-Cl)₂[μ-C(C₆F₅) = N(Tol-p)]_2n]. This complex reacts with (a) Tl(acac) to give [Pd₂{μ-C(C₆F₅) = N(Tol-p)}₂(acac)₂]; (b) neutral monodentate ligands to afford dimeric complexes [Pd₂{μ-C(C₆F₅) = N(Tol-p)}₂Cl₂L₂] (L = NMe₃, py, 4-Me-py, SC₄H₈), and (c) isocyanides to give insoluble complexes of the same composition which are thought to be polymeric, [$\text{Pd}$(CNR)Cl{μ-C(C₆F₅) = $\text{N}$(p-Tol)}]_n (R = p-Tol, Me, Bu^t). Thermal decomposition of cis-[Pd₂ (μ-Cl)₂ [μ-C(C₆F₅) = N( p-Tol)]_2n] gives the diazabutadiene species (p-Tol)NC(C₆F₅)C(C₆F₅)N(p-Tol) in high yield.     

Unraveling the reactivity of a cationic iminoborane: avenues to unusual boron cations

A cationic terminal iminoborane [Mes*N B ← IPr₂Me₂][AlBr₄] (3⁺[AlBr₄]⁻) (Mes* = 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl and IPr₂Me₂ = 1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene) has been synthesized and characterized. The employment of an aryl group and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand enables 3⁺[AlBr₄]⁻ to exhibit both B-centered Lewis acidity and BN multiple bond reactivities, thus allowing for the construction of tri-coordinate boron cations 5⁺–12⁺. More importantly, initial reactions involving coordination, addition, and [2 + 3] cycloadditions have been observed for the cationic iminoborane, demonstrating the potential to build numerous organoboron species via several synthetic routes.

An NHC-stabilized aryliminoboryl cation exhibits both boron-centered Lewis acidity and multiple bond reactivity and could be utilized as an effective synthon for unusual cationic boron species.     

Synthesis of aromatic tetracyclic tin compounds by template and transmetallation reactions: Alkyl vs aryl migration from tin to nitrogen

The syntheses of [bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenyl)amine]diphenyltin (1) and [bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenyl)amine]dichloro-phenyl-stannate (2) by template reactions using 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol, aqueous ammonia and SnPh₂Cl₂ are reported. We also report the syntheses of compounds 2, [bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenyl)amine]trichloro-stannate (4), [bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenyl)methylamine]chloro-methyltin (5), and [bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenyl)-n-butylamine]n-butyl-chlorotin (6) and [bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenyl)amine]n-butyl-dichloro-stannate (7), performed by transmetallation reactions of the octahedral zinc coordination compound Zn[3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-quinone-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-1-phenyl)imine]₂ (3) with SnPhCl₃ or SnPh₂Cl₂, SnCl₄, SnMe₂Cl₂, Sn(nBu)₂Cl₂ and Sn(nBu)Cl₃, respectively. The X-ray diffraction structures of compounds 1, 2, 4 and 6 are reported. The transmetallation reactions with Sn(alkyl)₂Cl₂ afforded pentacoordinated tin compounds, where an alkyl group migrated from tin to nitrogen, while similar reactions with Sn-Ph compounds did not present any phenyl group migration.     

Dinuclear nickel(II) complexes with Schiff base ligands: syntheses, structures and bio-relevant catalytic activities

Three Ni(II) complexes of cresol-based Schiff-base ligands, namely [Ni₂(L¹)(NCS)₃(H₂O)₂], (1) [Ni₂(L²)(CH₃COO)(NCS)₂(H₂O)] (2) and [Ni₂(L³)(NCS)₃] (3), (where L¹ = 2,6-bis(N-ethylpyrrolidineiminomethyl)-4-methylphenolato, L² = 2,6-bis(N-ethylpiperidineiminomethyl)-4-methylphenolato and L³ = 2,6-bis{N-ethyl-N-(3-hydroxypropyl iminomethyl)}-4-methylphenolato), have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction in addition to routine physicochemical techniques. Density functional theory calculations have been performed to understand the nature of the electronic spectra of the complexes. Complexes 1?C3 when reacted with 4-nitrophenyl phosphate in 50:50 acetonitrile?Cwater medium promote the cleavage of the O?CP bond to form p-nitrophenol and smoothly convert 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) to 3,5-di-tert-butylquinone (3,5-DTBQ) either in MeOH or in MeCN medium. Phosphatase- and catecholase-like activities were monitored by UV?Cvis spectrophotometry and the Michaelis?CMenten equation was applied to rationalize all the kinetic parameters. Upon treatment with urea, complexes 1 and 2 give rise to [Ni₂(L¹)(NCS)₂(NCO)(H₂O)₂] (1??) and [Ni₂(L²)(CH₃COO)(NCO)(NCS)(H₂O)] (2??) derivatives, respectively, whereas 3 remains unaltered under same reaction conditions.     

Effect of solvent nature on the photoreduction kinetics of substituted benzoquinones

Effect of the solvent nature on the kinetics of photoreduction of substituted benzoquinones in the presence of hydrogen donors has been studied. It has been found that the effective photoreduction rate constant (k_H) for quinones decreases with an increase in solvent polarity. For the 3,6-di-tert-butylbenzoquinone–1,2-N,N-dimethylaniline pair, the dependence of ln k_H on the difference of the reciprocals of optical and static solvent permitivities (1/ε _∞–1/ε₀) is stepwise with a break point corresponding to CH₂Cl₂. A similar relationship lnk_H = f(1/ε _∞–1/ε₀) is observed for the p-chloranil–mesitylene pair. In the study of the photoreduction kinetics for a series of seven o-benzoquinones in the presence of p-derivatives of N,N-dimethylaniline in CH₂Cl₂, it has been found that the dependence of k_H on the free energy of electron transfer (ΔG_e) has a maximum for the 3,6-di-tert-butylquinone-1,2–N,N-dimethylaniline pair at ΔG_e = 0.11 eV.     

Sequence-independent activation of photocycloadditions using two colours of light

We exploit two reactive chromophores to establish sequence-independent photochemical activation, employing ortho-methyl benzaldehyde (oMBA) and N,N-(dimethylamino)pyrene aryl tetrazole (APAT) with N-(2-hydroxy)ethyl maleimide (NHEM), without any additives. Critically, the order of the irradiation sequence is irrelevant, as the shorter wavelength does not activate the higher wavelength activated species. Therefore, full sequence-independent λ-orthogonality is achieved through differences in both the reaction quantum yields (Φ_r,oMBA and Φ_r,APAT) and wavelength-dependent reactivity profiles of the employed chromophores.

We exploit two reactive chromophores to establish sequence-independent photochemical activation without any additives.     

Salen-type zirconium complexes with a labile coordination site and a robust skeleton: crystal structure of [(t-Bu4-salen)ZrCl2(H2O)]

Treatment of LZrCl₂ (L=N,N^′-ethylenebis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylideneiminato) (1), N,N^′-o-phenylenebis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylideneiminato) (2)), which is an effective catalyst precursor for ethylene oligomerization, with 1.5 equiv of water in toluene afforded H₂O-coordinating salen-type zirconium complexes [LZrCl₂(H₂O)]. The effects of the content of H₂O and the temperature on the equilibrium of association and disassociation of H₂O molecule in [LZrCl₂(H₂O)_n] (n=0, 1) were studied in solution (CDCl₃) by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal and molecular structure of [1(H₂O)] was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis, which revealed that a herringbone supramolecular assembly was constructed in the crystalline state of [1(H₂O)], stacked by the intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the OH group of the coordinating H₂O and one of the chloride ligands.     

Quantum chemical modeling of the stability of reduced forms of Roussin’s red esters. Effect of the nature of the ligand

The reduced forms of Roussin’s red esters [Fe₂(μ-RS)₂(NO)₄]n? (n = 1, 2; R = Ph, Pr) and their possible decomposition products were studied by quantum chemical calculations. The energy diagram of the processes that occur in a dichloromethane solution was constructed. According to this diagram, the monoanions are much more stable than the corresponding dianions. Possible dissociation paths of the dianions in solution were proposed. The anions with the propyl ligand are more stable than the anions with the phenyl ligand.