Flexidentate Coordination Behavior and Chemical Non-Innocence of a Bis(1,3-Diphosphacyclobutadiene) Sandwich Anion

The homoleptic 1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene sandwich complex [Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂]⁻ behaved as a versatile and highly flexible metalloligand toward Ni²⁺, Ru²⁺, Rh⁺, and Pd²⁺ cations, forming a range of unusual oligonuclear compounds. The reaction of [K(thf)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}] with [Ni₂Cp₃]BF₄ initially afforded the σ-complex [CpNi{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}(thf)] ( 2 ), which converted into [Co(η⁴-CpNi{1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂-κP,κC})(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)] ( 3 ) below room temperature. The structure of 3 contains an unprecedented 1,4-diphospha-2-nickelacyclopentadiene moiety formed by an oxidative addition of a ligand P−C bond onto nickel. At elevated temperatures, 3 isomerized to [Co(η⁴-CpNi{1,4-P₂C₂tBu₂-κ²P,P})(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)] ( 4 ), which features a 1,3-diphospha-2-nickelacyclopentadiene unit. Transmetalation of [K(thf)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}] with [Cp*RuCl]₄ (Cp*=C₅Me₅) afforded tetranuclear [(Cp*Ru)₃(μ-Cl)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}] ( 5 ), in which the [Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂]⁻ anion acts as a chelate ligand toward Ru²⁺. The diphosphido complex [(Cp*Ru)₂(μ,η²-P₂)(μ,η²-C₂tBu₂)] ( 6 ) was formed as a byproduct. Pure compound 6 was isolated after prolonged heating of the reaction mixture. The reaction of [K(thf)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂R₂)₂}] (R=tBu; adamantyl, Ad) with [RhCl(cod)]₂ (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene) afforded unprecedented π-complexes [Rh(cod){Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂R₂)₂}] ( 7 : R=tBu; 8 : R=Ad), in which one μ:η⁴:η⁴-P₂C₂R₂ ligand bridges two metal atoms. The pentanuclear complex [Pd₃(PPh₃)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}₂] ( 10 ), featuring a Pd₃ chain and a rare 1,4-diphospha-2-butene ligand, was synthesized by reacting [K(thf)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}] with cis-PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂. The redox properties of selected compounds were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry, whereas DFT calculations gave additional insight into the electronic structures. The results of this study revealed several remarkable and previously unrecognized properties of the [Co(P₂C₂tBu₂)₂]⁻ anion.     

Synthesis,Structure and Light‐Harvesting Properties of Some New Transition‐Metal Dithiocarbamates Involving Ferrocene

Nine new transition‐metal dithiocarbamates involving ferrocene (Fc), namely, [M(FcCH₂Bzdtc)₂] (M=Ni^II ( 1 ), Cu^II ( 2 ), Cd^II ( 3 ), Hg^II ( 4 ), Pd^II ( 5 ), Pt^II ( 6 ) and Pb^II ( 7 ); Bzdtc=N‐benzyl dithiocarbamate) and [M(FcCH₂Bzdtc)₃] (M=Co^II ( 8 ) and UO₂^VI ( 9 )), have been synthesised and characterised by micro analyses, IR spectroscopy, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and in three cases by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. The peak broadening in the ¹H spectrum of the copper complex indicates the paramagnetic behaviour of this compound. A square‐planar geometry around the nickel and copper complexes and distorted linear geometry around the mercury complex have been found. The latter geometry is attributed to the bulkiness of the methylferrocenyl and benzyl groups. The observed single quasi‐reversible cyclic voltammograms for complexes 2 , 8 and 9 indicate the stabilisation of a metal centre other than Fe in their characteristic oxidation state. These complexes have been used as a photosensitiser in dye‐sensitised solar cells.     

Ring Opening and Bidentate Coordination of Amidinate Germylenes and Silylenes on Carbonyl Dicobalt Complexes: The Importance of a Slight Difference in Ligand Volume

The reactions of [Co₂(CO)₈] with one equiv of the benzamidinate (R₂bzam) group‐14 tetrylenes [M(R₂bzam)(HMDS)] (HMDS=N(SiMe₃)₂; 1 : M=Ge, R=iPr; 2 : M=Si, R=tBu; 3 : M=Ge, R=tBu) at 20 °C led to the monosubstituted complexes [Co₂{κ¹M?M(R₂bzam)(HMDS)}(CO)₇] ( 4 : M=Ge, R=iPr; 5 : M=Si, R=tBu; 6 : M=Ge, R=tBu), which contain a terminal κ¹M–tetrylene ligand. Whereas the Co₂Si and Co₂Ge tert‐butyl derivatives 5 and 6 are stable at 20 °C, the Co₂Ge isopropyl derivative 4 evolved to the ligand‐bridged derivative [Co₂{μ‐κ²Ge,N‐Ge(iPr₂bzam)(HMDS)}(μ‐CO)(CO)₅] ( 7 ), in which the Ge atom spans the Co?Co bond and one arm of the amidinate fragment is attached to a Co atom. The mechanism of this reaction has been modeled with the help of DFT calculations, which have also demonstrated that the transformation of amidinate‐tetrylene ligands on the dicobalt framework is negligibly influenced by the nature of the group‐14 metal atom (Si or Ge) but is strongly dependent upon the volume of the amidinate N?R groups. The disubstituted derivatives [Co₂{κ¹M?M(R₂bzam)(HMDS)}₂(CO)₆] ( 8 : M=Ge, R=iPr; 9 : M=Si, R=tBu; 10 : M=Ge, R=tBu), which contain two terminal κ¹M–tetrylene ligands, have been prepared by treating [Co₂(CO)₈] with two equiv of 1 – 3 at 20 °C. The IR spectra of 8 – 10 have shown that the basicity of germylenes 1 and 3 is very high (comparable to that of trialkylphosphanes and 1,3‐diarylimidazol‐2‐ylidenes), whereas that of silylene 2 is even higher.     

Control of molecular topology and metal nuclearity in multimetallic assemblies: designer metallosiloxanes derived from silanetriols

Lipophilic N-bonded silanetriol RSi(OH)(3) (R=(2,6-iPr(2)C(6)H(3))N(SiMe(3))) can be utilized as an effective synthon for building a variety of multimetallic assemblies containing the Si-O-M motif. The type of metallosiloxane synthesized-its nuclearity and its molecular topology-can be readily modulated by the choice of the metal substrate, reaction stoichiometry, and reaction conditions. It is anticipated that the synthetic principles elaborated here will allow the design of many other multifunctional synthons.     

Tris(Butadiene) Compounds versus Butadiene Oligomerization in Second-Row Transition Metal Chemistry: Effects of Increased Ligand Fields

The geometries, energetics, and preferred spin states of the second-row transition metal tris(butadiene) complexes (C₄H₆)₃M (M = Zr–Pd) and their isomers, including the experimentally known very stable molybdenum derivative (C₄H₆)₃Mo, have been examined by density functional theory. Such low-energy structures are found to have low-spin singlet and doublet spin states in contrast to the corresponding derivatives of the first-row transition metals. The three butadiene ligands in the lowest-energy (C₄H₆)₃M structures of the late second-row transition metals couple to form a C₁₂H₁₈ ligand that binds to the central metal atom as a hexahapto ligand for M = Pd but as an octahapto ligand for M = Rh and Ru. However, the lowest-energy (C₄H₆)₃M structures of the early transition metals have three separate tetrahapto butadiene ligands for M = Zr, Nb, and Mo or two tetrahapto butadiene ligands and one dihapto butadiene ligand for M = Tc. The low energy of the experimentally known singlet (C₄H₆)₃Mo structure contrasts with the very high energy of its experimentally unknown singlet chromium (C₄H₆)₃Cr analog relative to quintet (C₁₂H₁₈)Cr isomers with an open-chain C₁₂H₁₈ ligand.     

THF-solvated Heavy Alkali Metal Benzyl Compounds (Na,Rb, Cs): Defined Deprotonation Reagents for Alkali Metal Mediation Chemistry

The incorporation of heavy alkali metals into substrates is both challenging and essential for many reactions. Here, we report the formation of THF-solvated alkali metal benzyl compounds [PhCH₂M ⋅ (thf)_n] (M=Na, Rb, Cs). The synthesis was carried out by deprotonation of toluene with the bimetallic mixture n-butyllithium/alkali metal tert-butoxide and selective crystallization from THF of the defined benzyl compounds. Insights into the molecular structure in the solid as well as in solution state are gained by single crystal X-ray experiments and NMR spectroscopic studies. The compounds could be successfully used as alkali metal mediating reagents. The example of caesium showed the convenient use by deprotonating acidic C−H as well as N−H compounds to gain insight into the aminometalation using these reagents.     

Catalytic Nitrile Hydroboration: A Route to N,N‐Diborylamines and Uses Thereof

Catalytic reduction of nitriles is considered as an attractive and atom‐economical route to a diversity of synthetically valuable primary amines. Compared to other methods, dihydroboration approach has been developed relatively recently but has already attracted the attention of many research groups due to reasonably mild reaction conditions, selectivity control and the access to N,N‐diborylamines, which emerged as powerful reagents for C?N bond forming reactions. Early developments in catalytic dihydroboration of nitriles implied precious metal catalysts along with harsh conditions and prolonged reaction times, whereas recent advances mostly rely on base and main group metal catalytic systems with significantly improved profiles. This minireview aims to provide an overview of advances and challenges of dihydroboration of nitriles with d‐, f‐ and main group metal catalysts. Mechanistic features of different catalytic systems, functional group tolerance and scope of the methods are also presented. The synthetic utility of N,N‐diborylamies, beyond simple protodeborylation, is discussed in the aspect of N‐arylation, imine and amide synthesis.     

Coordination Chemistry of P4S3 and P4Se3 towards the Iron Fragments [Fe(Cp)(CO)2]+ and [Fe(Cp)(PPh3)(CO)]+

The complexes Ag(L)_n[WCA] (L=P₄S₃, P₄Se₃, As₄S₃, and As₄S₄; [WCA]=[Al(OR^F)₄]⁻ and [F{Al(OR^F)₃}₂]⁻; R^F=C(CF₃)₃; WCA=weakly coordinating anion) were tested for their performance as ligand-transfer reagents to transfer the poorly soluble nortricyclane cages P₄S₃, P₄Se₃, and As₄S₃ as well as realgar As₄S₄ to different transition-metal fragments. As₄S₄ and As₄S₃ with the poorest solubility did not yield complexes. However, the more soluble silver-coordinated P₄S₃ and P₄Se₃ cages were transferred to the electron-poor Fp⁺ moiety ([CpFe(CO)₂]⁺). Thus, reaction of the silver salt in the presence of the ligand with Fp−Br yielded [Fp−P₄S₃][Al(OR^F)₄] ( 1 a ), [Fp−P₄S₃][F(Al(OR^F)₃)₂] ( 1 b ), and [Fp−P₄Se₃][Al(OR^F)₄] ( 2 ). Reactions with P₄S₃ also yielded [FpPPh₃−P₄S₃][Al(OR^F)₄] ( 3 ), a complex with the more electron-rich monophosphine-substituted Fp⁺ analogue [FpPPh₃]⁺ ([CpFe(PPh₃)(CO)]⁺). All complex salts were characterized by single-crystal XRD, NMR, Raman, and IR spectroscopy. Interestingly, they show characteristic blueshifts of the vibrational modes of the cage, as well as structural contractions of the cages upon coordination to the Fp/FpPPh₃ moieties, which oppose the typically observed cage expansions that lead to redshifts in the spectra. Structure, bonding, and thermodynamics were investigated by DFT calculations, which support the observed cage contractions. Its reason is assigned to σ and π donation from the slightly P−P and P−E antibonding P₄E₃-cage HOMO (e symmetry) to the metal acceptor fragment.     

Oligonuclear Molecular Models of Intermetallic Phases: A Case Study on [Pd2Zn6Ga2(Cp*)5(CH3)3]

The synthesis, characterization, and theoretical investigation by means of quantum‐chemical calculations of an oligonuclear metal‐rich compound are presented. The reaction of homoleptic dinuclear palladium compound [Pd₂(μ‐GaCp*)₃(GaCp*)₂] with ZnMe₂ resulted in the formation of unprecedented ternary Pd/Ga/Zn compound [Pd₂Zn₆Ga₂(Cp*)₅(CH₃)₃] ( 1 ), which was analyzed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, MS, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1 consisted of two C_s‐symmetric molecular isomers, as revealed by NMR spectroscopy, at which distinct site‐preferences related to the Ga and Zn positions were observed by quantum‐chemical calculations. Structural characterization of compound 1 showed significantly different coordination environments for both palladium centers. Whilst one Pd atom sat in the central of a bi‐capped trigonal prism, thereby resulting in a formal 18‐valence electron fragment, {Pd(ZnMe)₂(ZnCp*)₄(GaMe)}, the other Pd atom occupied one capping unit, thereby resulting in a highly unsaturated 12‐valence electron fragment, {Pd(GaCp*)}. The bonding situation, as determined by atoms‐in‐molecules analysis (AIM), NBO partial charges, and molecular orbital (MO) analysis, pointed out that significant Pd? Pd interactions had a large stake in the stabilization of this unusual molecule. The characterization and quantum‐chemical calculations of compound 1 revealed distinct similarities to related M/Zn/Ga Hume–Rothery intermetallic solid‐state compounds, such as Ga/Zn‐exchange reactions, the site‐preferences of the Zn/Ga positions, and direct M? M bonding, which contributes to the overall stability of the metal‐rich compound.     

Germa‐closo‐dodecaborate: A New Ligand in Transition‐Metal Chemistry with a Strong trans Influence

The strong nucleophilic character of germa‐closo‐dodecaborate towards late transition metal centres is described. The synthesis and characterisation of the first germa‐closo‐dodecaborate complexes are presented, and the solid state structures of the germaborate transition metal complexes were determined by X‐ray crystal structure analyses. The strong trans influence of the new germaborate ligand was determined by IR spectroscopy and NMR coupling constants.     

Mixed-transition-metal acetylides: synthesis and characterization of complexes with up to six different transition metals connected by carbon-rich bridging units

The synthesis and reaction chemistry of heteromultimetallic transition-metal complexes by linking diverse metal-complex building blocks with multifunctional carbon-rich alkynyl-, benzene-, and bipyridyl-based bridging units is discussed. In context with this background, the preparation of [1-{(eta(2)-dppf)(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuC[triple bond]C}-3-{(tBu(2)bpy)(CO)(3)ReC[triple bond]C}-5-(PPh(2))C(6)H(3)] (10) (dppf = 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene; tBu(2)bpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridyl; Ph = phenyl) is described; this complex can react further, leading to the successful synthesis of heterometallic complexes of higher nuclearity. Heterotetrametallic transition-metal compounds were formed when 10 was reacted with [{(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))RhCl(2)}(2)] (18), [(Et(2)S)(2)PtCl(2)] (20) or [(tht)AuC[triple bond]C-bpy] (24) (Me = methyl; Et = ethyl; tht = tetrahydrothiophene; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl-5-yl). Complexes [1-{(eta(2)-dppf)(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuC[triple bond]C}-3-{(tBu(2)bpy)(CO)(3)ReC[triple bond]C}-5-{PPh(2)RhCl(2)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}C(6)H(3)] (19), [{1-[(eta(2)-dppf)(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuC[triple bond]C]-3-[(tBu(2)bpy)(CO)(3)ReC[triple bond]C]-5-(PPh(2))C(6)H(3)}(2)PtCl(2)] (21), and [1-{(eta(2)-dppf)(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuC[triple bond]C}-3-{(tBu(2)bpy)(CO)(3)ReC[triple bond]C}-5-{PPh(2)AuC[triple bond]C-bpy}C(6)H(3)] (25) were thereby obtained in good yield. After a prolonged time in solution, complex 25 undergoes a transmetallation reaction to produce [(tBu(2)bpy)(CO)(3)ReC[triple bond]C-bpy] (26). Moreover, the bipyridyl building block in 25 allowed the synthesis of Fe-Ru-Re-Au-Mo- (28) and Fe-Ru-Re-Au-Cu-Ti-based (30) assemblies on addition of [(nbd)Mo(CO)(4)] (27), (nbd = 1,5-norbornadiene), or [{[Ti](mu-sigma,pi-C[triple bond]CSiMe(3))(2)}Cu(N[triple bond]CMe)][PF(6)] (29) ([Ti] = (eta(5)-C(5)H(4)SiMe(3))(2)Ti) to 25. The identities of 5, 6, 8, 10-12, 14-16, 19, 21, 25, 26, 28, and 30 have been confirmed by elemental analysis and IR, (1)H, (13)C{(1)H}, and (31)P{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy. From selected samples ESI-TOF mass spectra were measured. The solid-state structures of 8, 12, 19 and 26 were additionally solved by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis, confirming the structural assignment made from spectroscopy.     

An NHC-Stabilized H2GeBH2 Precursor for the Preparation of Cationic Group 13/14/15 Hydride Chains

The synthesis, characterization and reactivity studies of the NHC-stabilized complex IDipp ⋅ GeH₂BH₂OTf ( 1 ) (IDipp=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene) are reported. Nucleophilic substitution of the triflate (OTf) group in 1 by phosphine or arsine donors provides access to the cationic group 13/14/15 chains [IDipp ⋅ GeH₂BH₂ERR¹R²]⁺ ( 2 E=P; R, R¹=H; R²=^tBu; 3 E=P; R=H; R¹, R²=Ph; 4 a E=P; R, R¹, R²=Ph; 4 b E=As; R, R¹, R²=Ph). These novel cationic chains were characterized by X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Moreover, the formation of the parent complexes [IDipp ⋅ GeH₂BH₂PH₃][OTf] ( 5 ) and [IDipp ⋅ GeH₃][OTf] ( 6 ) were achieved by reaction of 1 with PH₃. Accompanying DFT computations give insight into the stability of the formed chains with respect to their decomposition.     

Polymers and the Periodic Table: Recent Developments in Inorganic Polymer Science

Polysiloxanes [? R₂Si? O? ]_n, polyphosphazenes [? R₂P?N? ]_n, and polysilanes [? R₂Si? ]_n illustrate that the incorporation of inorganic elements into a polymer main chain can lead to useful properties. These include low temperature flexibility, high thermal and oxidative stability, flame retardancy, novel forms of chemical reactivity, and intriguing electrical and optical characteristics arising from unusual electronic effects such as the delocalization of σ electrons. However, until recently, the development of inorganic polymer science has been held back by the synthetic problem of finding ways to join atoms of inorganic elements together into long chains. This review surveys many of the exciting advances in the field of inorganic polymers over the past decade and focuses mainly on the new inorganic polymer systems that have been prepared during this period. These include random-network polysilynes, poly(carbophosphazene)s, sulfur–nitrogen–phosphorus polymers, poly(organooxothiazene)s, and, very recently, the first examples of polystannanes that possess a main chain of tin atoms. Transition metal based polymer science has also experienced a number of synthetic break-throughs and new materials include high molecular weight metallocene-based polymers, polymetallaynes incorporating elements such as iron, nickel, and rhodium, liquid crystalline organocobalt and organochromium polymers, and lanthanide-based polymers.     

Heterotrimetallic Mixed-Valent Molecular Precursors Containing Periodic Table Neighbors: Assignment of Metal Positions and Oxidation States

A known trinuclear structure was used to design the heterobimetallic mixed-valent, mixed-ligand molecule [Co^II(hfac)₃−Na−Co^III(acac)₃] ( 1 ). This was used as a template structure to develop heterotrimetallic molecules [Co^II(hfac)₃−Na−Fe^III(acac)₃] ( 2 ) and [Ni^II(hfac)₃−Na−Co^III(acac)₃] ( 3 ) via isovalent site-specific substitution at either of the cobalt positions. Diffraction methods, synchrotron resonant diffraction, and multiple-wavelength anomalous diffraction were applied beyond simple structural investigation to provide an unambiguous assignment of the positions and oxidation states for the periodic table neighbors in the heterometallic assemblies. Molecules of 2 and 3 are true heterotrimetallic rather than a statistical mixture of two heterobimetallic counterparts. Trinuclear platform 1 exhibits flexibility in accommodating a variety of di- and trivalent metals, which can be further utilized in the design of molecular precursors for the NaMM′O₄ functional oxide materials.     

How to Polymerize Ethylene in a Highly Controlled Fashion?

Very fast, reversible, polyethylene (PE) chain transfer or complex-catalysed "Aufbaureaktion" describes a "living" chain-growing process on a main-group metal or zinc atom; this process is catalysed by an organo-transition-metal or lanthanide complex. PE chains are transferred very fast between the two metal sites and chain growth takes place through ethylene insertion into the transition-metal- or lanthanide-carbon bond-coordinative chain-transfer polymerisation (CCTP). The transferred chains "rest" at the main-group or zinc centre, at which chain-termination processes like beta-H transfer/elimination are of low significance. Such protocols can be used to synthesise very narrowly distributed PE materials (M(w)/M(n)<1.1 up to a molecular weight of about 4000 g mol(-1)) with differently functionalised end groups. Higher molecular-weight polymers can be obtained with a slightly increased M(w)/M(n), since diffusion control and precipitation of the polymers influences the chain-transfer process. Recently, a few transition-metal- or lanthanide-based catalyst systems that catalyse such a highly reversible chain-growing process have been described. They are summarised and compared within this contribution.     

Preparation of mononuclear, homodinuclear, and heterotrinuclear complexes by salicylaldiminato-functionalized imidazolium salt: approach to multifunctional catalysts

A salicylaldiminato imidazolium salt that bears both a Schiff base and imidazolium salt moiety was used to synthesize heterometallic compounds that could serve as multifunctional catalysts in certain reactions. The successful preparation of seven mononuclear compounds with a variety of transition metals (Pd, Ir, Ru, Zn, Ni) illustrated the high versatility of this class of ligands, which is crucial for the design of catalysts. Synthesis of homodinuclear compounds and heterotrinuclear compounds provided practical methods to connect multiple metal fragments through these ligands. The heterotrinuclear complex (Ni/Ir) was employed as a catalyst in the reaction of dehalogenation/transfer hydrogenation of halo-acetophenones. The preliminary catalytic study showed that this heterometallic species is more active than a combination of the corresponding monometallic species.