Are oxocarbon dianions aromatic?

Assessment of the cyclic electron delocalization of the oxocarbon dianions, C(n)()O(n)()(2)(-) and their neutral counterparts C(n)()O(n)() (n = 3-6), by means of structural, energetic, and magnetic criteria, shows that C(3)O(3)(2)(-) is doubly aromatic (both sigma and pi cyclic electron delocalization), C(4)O(4)(2)(-) is moderately aromatic, but C(5)O(5)(2)(-), as well as C(6)O(6)(2)(-), are less so. Localized orbital contributions, computed by the individual gauge for localized orbitals method (IGLO), to the nucleus-independent chemical shifts (NICS) allow pi effects to be disected from the sigma single bonds and other influences. The C-C(pi) contribution to (NICS(0,pi) (i.e., at the center of the ring) in oxocarbon dianions decreases with ring size but shows little ring size effect at points 1.0 A above the ring. On the basis of the same criteria, C(4)O(4) exhibits cyclic electron delocalization due to partial occupancy of the sigma CC bonds. However, the dissociation energies of all the neutral oxocarbons, C(n)()O(n)(), are highly exothermic.     

Synthesis and characterization of mono- and binuclear platinum complexes containing terminal and bridging diynyldiphenylphosphine ligands

A series of mononuclear platinum complexes containing diynyldiphenylphosphine ligands [cis-Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CR)L](n)(n= 0, L = tht, R = Ph 2a, Bu(t)2b; L = PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CR, 4a, 4b; n=-1, L = CN(-), 3a, 3b) has been synthesized and the X-ray crystal structures of 4a and 4b have been determined. In order to compare the eta2-bonding capability of the inner and outer alkyne units, the reactivity of towards [cis-Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(thf)(2)] or [Pt(eta2)-C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2)] has been examined. Complexes coordinate the fragment "cis-Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)" using the inner alkynyl fragment and the sulfur of the tht ligand giving rise the binuclear derivatives [(C(6)F(5))(2)Pt(mu-tht)(mu-1kappaP:2eta2-C(alpha),C(beta)-PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CR)Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)](R = Ph 5a, Bu(t)5b). The phenyldiynylphosphine complexes 2a, 3a and 4a react with [Pt(eta2)-C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2)] to give the mixed-valence Pt(II)-Pt(0) complexes [((C(6)F(5))(2)LPt(mu-1kappaP:2eta2)-C(5),C(6)-PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CPh))Pt(PPh(3))(2)](n)(L = tht 6a, CN 8a and PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CPh 9a) in which the Pt(0) fragment is eta2-complexed by the outer fragment. Complex 6a isomerizes in solution to a final complex [((C(6)F(5))(2)(tht)Pt(mu-1kappaP:2eta2)-C(alpha),C(beta)-PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CPh))Pt(PPh(3))(2)]7a having the Pt(0) fragment coordinated to the inner alkyne function. In contrast, the tert-butyldiynylphosphine complexes 2b and 3b coordinate the Pt(0) unit through the phosphorus substituted inner acetylenic entity yielding 7b and 8b. By using 4a and 2 equiv. of [Pt(eta2)-C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2)] as precursors, the synthesis of the trinuclear complex [cis-((C(6)F(5))(2)Pt(mu-1kappaP:2eta2)-C(5),C(6)-PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CPh)(2))(Pt(PPh(3))(2))(2)]10a, bearing two Pt(0)(PPh(3))(2)eta2)-coordinated to the outer alkyne functions is achieved. The structure of 7a has been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Electron affinities of Al(n) clusters and multiple-fold aromaticity of the square Al4(2-) structure

The concept of aromaticity was first invented to account for the unusual stability of planar organic molecules with 4n + 2 delocalized pi electrons. Recent photoelectron spectroscopy experiments on all-metal MAl(4)(-) systems with an approximate square planar Al(4)(2-) unit and an alkali metal led to the suggestion that Al(4)(2-) is aromatic. The square Al(4)(2-) structure was recognized as the prototype of a new family of aromatic molecules. High-level ab initio calculations based on extrapolating CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVxZ (x = D, T, and Q) to the complete basis set limit were used to calculate the first electron affinities of Al(n)(), n = 0-4. The calculated electron affinities, 0.41 eV (n = 0), 1.51 eV (n = 1), 1.89 eV (n = 3), and 2.18 eV (n = 4), are all in excellent agreement with available experimental data. On the basis of the high-level ab initio quantum chemical calculations, we can estimate the resonance energy and show that it is quite large, large enough to stabilize Al(4)(2-) with respect to Al(4). Analysis of the calculated results shows that the aromaticity of Al(4)(2-) is unusual and different from that of C(6)H(6). Particularly, compared to the usual (1-fold) pi aromaticity in C(6)H(6), which may be represented by two Kekulé structures sharing a common sigma bond framework, the square Al(4)(2-) structure has an unusual "multiple-fold" aromaticity determined by three independent delocalized (pi and sigma) bonding systems, each of which satisfies the 4n + 2 electron counting rule, leading to a total of 4 x 4 x 4 = 64 potential resonating Kekulé-like structures without a common sigma frame. We also discuss the 2-fold aromaticity (pi plus sigma) of the Al(3)(-) anion, which can be represented by 3 x 3 = 9 potential resonating Kekulé-like structures, each with two localized chemical bonds. These results lead us to suggest a general approach (applicable to both organic and inorganic molecules) for examining delocalized chemical bonding. The possible electronic contribution to the aromaticity of a molecule should not be limited to only one particular delocalized bonding system satisfying a certain electron counting rule of aromaticity. More than one independent delocalized bonding system can simultaneously satisfy the electron counting rule of aromaticity, and therefore, a molecular structure could have multiple-fold aromaticity.     

Syntheses, structures, and surface aromaticity of the new carbaalane [(AlH)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)R)(6)] (R = Ph, CH(2)SiMe(3)) and a stepwise functionalization of the inner and outer sphere of the cluster

The reaction of the acetylene RC triple bond CH (R = Ph, CH(2)SiMe(3)) with an excess of AlH(3).NMe(3) in boiling toluene leads to the carbaalane [(AlH)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)R)(6)] (R = Ph 1, CH(2)SiMe(3) 2) in good yield. Treatment of 2 with BCl(3) under varying conditions gives the chlorinated products [(AlCl)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(6)] 3 and [(AlCl)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)CH(2)SiMe(2)Cl)(6)] 4, respectively. The latter clearly demonstrates that the cluster can be stepwise functionalized within the inner and outer sphere. The X-ray single-crystal structures of 1, 2, and 4 have been determined. All compounds have in common that the central core consists of a cluster having eight aluminum and six carbon atoms. The bonding properties in this cluster are described as a new manifestation of three-dimensional surface aromaticity. Each Al(4)C fragment of the cube is formed by four bonds with three electron pairs, thus leading to a strong delocalization of the electrons. A phenomenological modeling using a three-dimensional Hückel scheme with fitted parameters to reproduce the energies from ab initio calculations revealed that the orbital scheme localized at one Al(4)C fragment possesses an orbital sextet with a large HOMO-LUMO gap. This is in line with the criteria of aromaticity. The idea of aromaticity was sustained also by qualitative valence bond reasons enumerating the different resonance structures by means of graph theoretical methods.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a New Alkenyldecaborane and Alkenyl Monocarbon Carboranes

Decaborane(14) reacts with 1-(CH(3))(3)SiC&tbd1;CC(4)H(9) in the presence of dimethyl sulfide to give the new alkenyldecaborane 5-(S(CH(3))(2))-6-[(CH(3))(3)Si(C(4)H(9))C=CH]B(10)H(11) (I). Crystal data for 5-(S(CH(3))(2))-6-[(CH(3))(3)Si(C(4)H(9))C=CH]B(10)H(11): space group P2(1)/n, monoclinic, a = 9.471(1) ?, b = 13.947(3) ?, c = 17.678(3) ?, beta = 100.32(1) degrees. A total of 3366 unique reflections were collected over the range 2.0 degrees /= 3sigma(F(o)(2)) and were used in the final refinement. R(F)() = 0.083; R(w)(F)() = 0.094. The single-crystal X-ray structure of 5-(S(CH(3))(2))-6-[((CH(3))(3)Si)(2)C=CH]B(10)H(11) (A) is also reported. Crystal data for 5-(S(CH(3))(2))-6-[((CH(3))(3)Si)(2)C=CH]B(10)H(11): space group, P2(1)2(1)2(1), orthorhombic, a = 9.059 (3) ?, b = 12.193(4) ?, c = 21.431(3) ?. A total of 4836 unique reflections were collected over the range 6 degrees /= 3sigma(F(o)(2)) and were used in the final refinement. R(F)() = 0.052; R(w)(F)() = 0.059. The reactions of 5-(S(CH(3))(2))6-[(CH(3))(3)Si(C(4)H(9))C=CH]B(10)H(11) and 5-(S(CH(3))(2))6-[((CH(3))(3)Si)(2)C=CH]B(10)H(11) with a variety of alkyl isocyanides were investigated. All of the alkenyl monocarbon carboranes reported are the result of incorporation of the carbon atom from the isocyanide into the alkenyldecaborane framework and reduction of N&tbd1;C bond to a N-C single bond. The characterization of these compounds is based on (1)H and (11)B NMR data, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.     

Formation and chemical reactivities of a new type of double-butterfly [[Fe2(mu-CO)(CO)6]2(mu-SZS-mu)]2-: synthetic and structural studies on novel linear and macrocyclic butterfly Fe/E (E=S,Se) cluster complexes

A new type of double-butterfly [[Fe(2)(mu-CO)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)](2-) (3), a dianion that has two mu-CO ligands, has been synthesized from dithiol HSZSH (Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2)), [Fe(3)(CO)(12)], and Et(3)N in a molar ratio of 1:2:2 at room temperature. Interestingly, the in situ reactions of dianions 3 with various electrophiles affords a series of novel linear and macrocyclic butterfly Fe/E (E=S, Se) cluster complexes. For instance, while reactions of 3 with PhC(O)Cl and Ph(2)PCl give linear clusters [[Fe(2)(mu-PhCO)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (4 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2)) and [[Fe(2)(mu-Ph(2)P)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (5 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2)), reactions with CS(2) followed by treatment with monohalides RX or dihalides X-Y-X give both linear clusters [[Fe(2)(mu-RCS(2))(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (6 a-e: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1,2)CH(2); R=Me, PhCH(2), FeCp(CO)(2)) and macrocyclic clusters [[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)(mu-CS(2)YCS(2)-mu)] (7 a-e: Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2); Y=(CH(2))(2-4), 1,3,5-Me(CH(2))(2)C(6)H(3), 1,4-(CH(2))(2)C(6)H(4)). In addition, reactions of dianions 3 with [Fe(2)(mu-S(2))(CO)(6)] followed by treatment with RX or X-Y-X give linear clusters [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-RS)(mu(4)-S)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (8 a-c: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1,2)CH(2); R=Me, PhCH(2)) and macrocyclic clusters [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-S)](2)(mu-SYS-mu)(mu-SZS-mu)] (9 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2); Y=(CH(2))(4)), and reactions with SeCl(2) afford macrocycles [[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-Se)(mu-SZS-mu)] (10 d: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(3)CH(2)) and [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-Se)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)(2)] (11 a-d: Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2)). Production pathways have been suggested; these involve initial nucleophilic attacks by the Fe-centered dianions 3 at the corresponding electrophiles. All the products are new and have been characterized by combustion analysis and spectroscopy, and by X-ray diffraction techniques for 6 c, 7 d, 9 b, 10 d, and 11 c in particular. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the double-butterfly cluster core Fe(4)S(2)Se in 10 d is severely distorted in comparison to that in 11 c. In view of the Z chains in 10 a-c being shorter than the chain in 10 d, the double cluster core Fe(4)S(2)Se in 10 a-c would be expected to be even more severely distorted, a possible reason for why 10 a-c could not be formed.     

The role of diisopropanolamine (dipaH3) in cluster dimerisation and polymerisation: from spin frustrated S= 5 FeIII 6 clusters to the novel 1-D covalent polymer of mixed valence [CoII3CoIII] tetramers

The synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties of two hexanuclear Fe(6) clusters of general formula [Fe(6)(O)(2)(OH)(2)(O(2)CR)(10)(dipaH(2))(2)].xMeCN.yH(2)O (R = Ph, x= 5.5, y= 1 (1), R = C(Me)(3), x= 2, y= 3 (2)) are reported. The presence of the flexible amino-alcohol ligand diisopropanolamine (dipaH(3)) induces the dimerisation of two trinuclear Fe(III) complexes, [Fe(3)O(O(2)CPh)(6)(H(2)O)(3)](NO(3)) and [Fe(3)O(O(2)CC(Me)(3))(6)(H(2)O)(3)](O(2)CC(Me)(3)), to form the hexanuclear clusters 1 and 2. DC magnetic susceptibility measurements on 1 and 2 assign ground spin states of S= 5, with zero-field splitting parameters (D) of ca. 0.25 cm(-1) obtained from magnetisation isotherms. AC susceptibilities showed no maxima as a function of frequency, at low temperatures, and this confirmed the lack of single-molecule magnetic behaviour. Clusters 1 and 2 are isostructural, consisting of two fused {Fe(3)O} trinuclear units, bridged in two positions by one mu(2)-OH(-) unit and two mu(2)-O(2)CR(-) bridging carboxylates (R = Ph (), C(Me)(3)()). The two singly deprotonated dipaH(2)(-) bridging ligands span the Fe1-Fe2 edges in and via one micro(2)-bridging alcohol arm and one terminal nitrogen atom while the second alcohol arm remains free. The ground spin state of S= 5 in 1 and 2 can be attributed to the presence of spin frustration within the system. 1 and 2 join a small family of spin frustrated S= 5 Fe(6) systems the magnetism of which give weight to a recent report that it is the trans position of the two shortest Fe(2) pair frustrated exchange pathways in these Fe(6) clusters that gives rise to a ground spin state of S= 5 (trans) and not a ground spin state of S= 0 (cis). The M?ssbauer spectra of 1 and 2 show two quadrupole doublets, as expected, at 295 K, but a broad asymmetric lineshape at 77 K. The synthesis and magnetic properties of {[Co(II)(3)Co(III)(OH)(O(2)CC(Me)(3))(4)(HO(2)CC(Me)(3))(2)(dipaH)(2)].2MeCN}(n)(3) are reported. 3 is a covalently bonded 1D polymer of tetrameric cobalt clusters. The presence of the dipaH(3) ligand here not only dimerises the [Co(II)(2)(micro-H(2)O)(O(2)CC(Me)(3))(4)(HO(2)CC(Me)(3))(4)] starting complex into the tetranuclear species but also polymerises the [Co(II)(3)Co(III)] clusters in 3 by acting as the propagating ligand in the 1D chain. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on show each [Co(4)] moiety exhibits weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the three Co(II)S= 3/2 metal centres and fitted J values are given. The ambiguity in assignment of the spin ground state of S= 1/2 or 3/2 is discussed.     

A new type of tweezer complex involving a rhenium-rhenium multiple bond that enforces an unusual structure in a dipalladium(II) unit

The substitution of the mu-acetato ligands in cis-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppm)(2) (1, dppm = Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2)) and trans-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppE)(2) (2, dppE = Ph(2)PC(=CH(2))PPh(2)) by [4-Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)CO(2)](-) occurs with retention of stereochemistry to give cis-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CC(6)H(4)-4-PPh(2))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppm)(2) (3) and trans-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CC(6)H(4)-4-PPh(2))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppE)(2) (6), respectively. The uncoordinated phosphine groups in complexes 3 and 6 have been used to form mixed-metal assemblies with Au(I) and Pd(II), including the Re(2)Pd(2) complex cis-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CC(6)H(4)-4-PPh(2))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppm)(2)(Pd(2)Cl(4)) (5), in which the planar [(P)ClPd(mu-Cl)(2)PdCl(P)] unit has the unusual cis structure. The crystal structures of 3 and 5 have been determined.     

Framework engineering by anions and porous functionalities of Cu(II)/4,4'-bpy coordination polymers

A combination of framework-builder (Cu(II) ion and 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bpy) ligand) and framework-regulator (AF(6) type anions; A = Si, Ge, and P) provides a series of novel porous coordination polymers. The highly porous coordination polymers ([Cu(AF(6))(4,4'-bpy)(2)].8H(2)O)(n)(A = Si (1a.8H(2)O), Ge (2a.8H(2)O)) afford robust 3-dimensional (3-D), microporous networks (3-D Regular Grid) by using AF(6)(2-) anions. The channel size of these complexes is ca. 8 x 8 A(2) along the c-axis and 6 x 2 A(2) along the a- or b-axes. When compounds 1a.8H(2)O or 2a.8H(2)O were immersed in water, a conversion of 3-D networks (1a.8H(2)O or 2a.8H(2)O) to interpenetrated networks ([Cu(4,4'-bpy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)].AF(6))(n)(A = Si (1b) and Ge (2b)) (2-D Interpenetration) took place. This 2-D interpenetrated network 1b shows unique dynamic anion-exchange properties, which accompany drastic structural conversions. When a PF(6)(-) monoanion instead of AF(6)(2)(-) dianions was used as the framework-regulator with another co-counteranion (coexistent anions), porous coordination polymers with various types of frameworks, ([Cu(2)(4,4'-bpy)(5)(H(2)O)(4)].anions.2H(2)O.4EtOH)(n)(anions = 4PF(6)(-) (3.2H(2)O.4EtOH), 2PF(6)(-) + 2ClO(4)(-) (4.2H(2)O.4EtOH)) (2-D Double-Layer), ([Cu(2)(PF(6))(NO(3))(4,4'-bpy)(4)].2PF(6).2H(2)O)(n)(5.2PF(6).2H(2)O) (3-D Undulated Grid), ([Cu(PF(6))(4,4'-bpy)(2)(MeCN)].PF(6).2MeCN)(n)(6.2MeCN) (2-D Grid), and ([Cu(4,4'-bpy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)].PF(6).BF(4))(n) (7) (2-D Grid), were obtained, where the three modes of PF(6)(-) anions are observed. 5.2PF(6).2H(2)O has rare PF(6)(-) bridges. The PF(6)(-) and NO(3)(-) monoanions alternately link to the Cu(II) centers in the undulated 2-D sheets of [Cu(4,4'-bpy)(2)](n)() to form a 3-D porous network. The free PF(6)(-) anions are included in the channels. 6.2MeCN affords both free and terminal-bridged PF(6)(-) anions. 3.2H(2)O.4EtOH, 4.2H(2)O.4EtOH, and 7 bear free PF(6)(-) anions. All of the anions in 3.2H(2)O.4EtOH and 4.2H(2)O.4EtOH are freely located in the channels constructed from a host network. Interestingly, these Cu(II) frameworks are rationally controlled by counteranions and selectively converted to other frameworks.     

Dianionic tetraborates do exist as stable entities

To date, B(6)H(6)(2-) and some of its derivatives are the smallest members of the closo-borates that have been synthesized and analyzed in condensed phases. In contrast, no stable dianionic tetraborate has yet been observed, either in solution or solids or in the gas phase. In this work, the gas-phase stability of dianionic tetraborates B(4)X(4)(2-) (X = H, CN, NC, or BO) is investigated with ab initio methods. For this objective, the geometries of the dianions are optimized, the electronic stability is tested, and various fragmentation channels are studied. In agreement with previous examinations, tetrahedral isomers of all examined tetraborates have been found to represent geometrically stable isomers and to exhibit a triplet electronic ground state. However, these isomers are electronically unstable, i.e., their additional electrons are not bound. Furthermore, new D(2)(d)()-symmetric isomers of B(4)X(4)(2-) (X = H, CN, NC, or BO) have been identified that have a closed-shell singlet ground state and are lower in energy than their tetrahedral counterparts. Moreover, B(4)(CN)(4)(2-) and B(4)(BO)(4)(2-) represent stable gas-phase dianions and are predicted to be observable in suitable experiments. The electronic properties and geometries of these dianions are discussed in detail and explained in terms of the electrostatic repulsion of the excess electrons and the aromaticity of the dianions.     

Structures, energetics, and aromaticities of the tetrasilacyclobutadiene dianion and related compounds: (Si4H4)(2-), (Si4H4)(2-)·2Li+, [Si4(SiH3)4](2-)·2Li+, [Si4(SiH3)4](2-)·2Na+, and [Si4(SiH3)4](2-)·2K+

In light of the important recent synthesis of a stable tetrasilacyclobutadiene dianion compound by Sekiguchi and co-workers and the absence of theoretical studies, ab initio methods have been used to investigate this dianion and a number of related species. These theoretical methods predict multiple minima for each compound, and most minima contain folded and bicyclic silicon rings. For (Si(4)H(4))(2-), (Si(4)H(4))(2-)·2Li(+), [Si(4)(SiH(3))(4)](2-)·2Li(+), [Si(4)(SiH(3))(4)](2-)·2Na(+), and [Si(4)(SiH(3))(4)](2-)·2K(+), respectively, the energetically lowest-lying structures are designated A-3 (C(2v) symmetry), B-8 (C(1) symmetry), C-1 (C(2) symmetry), D-1 (C(2) symmetry), and E-1 (C(2h) symmetry). None of these structures satisfies both the ring planarity and the cyclic bond equalization criteria of aromaticity. However, all of the representative NICS values of these lowest-lying structures are negative, indicating some aromatic character. Especially, structures C-1 and D-1 of C(2) symmetry effectively satisfy the criteria of aromaticity due to the slightly trapezoidal silicon rings, which are nearly planar with nearly equal bond lengths. SiH(3) substitution for hydrogen in (Si(4)H(4))(2-)·2Li(+) significantly reduces the degree of aromaticity, as reflected in the substantially smaller NICS absolute values for [Si(4)(SiH(3))(4)](2-)·2Li(+) than those of (Si(4)H(4))(2-) and (Si(4)H(4))(2-)·2Li(+). The aromaticity is further weakened in [Si(4)(SiH(3))(4)](2-)·2Na(+) and [Si(4)(SiH(3))(4)](2-)·2K(+) by replacing lithium with the sodium and potassium cations.     

Theoretical notions of aromaticity and antiaromaticity: phenalenyl ions versus fluorenyl ions

The dications 6, 7, and 8 and dianions 9, 10, and 11 of the bistricyclic aromatic enes bifluorenylidene (1), 1,1'-biphenalenylidene (2), and 9-(9H-fluoren-9-ylidene)-1H-phenalene (4), as well as monocations 12a and 13a and monoanions 14a and 15a of phenalene (3) and fluorene (5), were subjected to a systematic DFT and ab initio study. B3LYP and MP2 methods were employed to estimate the relative aromaticity/antiaromaticity of these ions, using energetic, magnetic, and structural criteria. The couplings of monoions 12a-15a to give the respective diions 6-11 result in a similar destabilization in both the fluorene and phenalene series. The interactions between the C13H8 units in diions 6-11 are weak and are not expected to result in a significant loss of aromaticity/gain of antiaromaticity, as compared with the respective monoions. The antiaromaticity of bifluorenylidene dication (6), relative to that of two fluorenyl cations (12a), is only slightly enhanced as compared with the aromaticity of biphenalenylidene dication ((E)-7)) relative to that of two phenalenyl cations (13a). In particular, the homodesmotic reaction 6 + 2.13a = (E)-7 + 2.12a is only slightly exothermic, DeltaE(Tot) = -6.0 kJ/mol. The energetic effect of the analogous reaction involving anions 9 + 2.15a = (E)-10 + 2.14a is even smaller, DeltaE(Tot) = -3.4 kJ/mol. Bifluorenylidene dianion (9) and 1,1'-biphenalenylidene dianion ((E)-10) are aromatic, but the employed criteria disagree about their relative aromaticity. The electronic and structural properties of heteromerous dication 8 and dianion 11 lie between those of the homomerous diions. Thus, dications 6-8 and dianions 9-11 form a continuum of aromaticity/antiaromaticity.     

Dinuclear nickel complexes with a Ni(2)O(2) core: a structural and magnetic study

The acetylacetonate complexes [Ni(2)L(1)(acac)(MeOH)] x H(2)O, 1 x H(2)O and [Ni(2)L(3)(acac)(MeOH)] x 1.5H(2)O, 2 x 1.5H(2)O (H(3)L(1) = (2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine and H(3)L(3) = (2-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine) were prepared and fully characterised. Their crystal structures show that they are dinuclear complexes, extended into chains by hydrogen bond interactions. These compounds were used as starting materials for the isolation of the corresponding [Ni(2)HL(x)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x n MeOH and [Ni(2)HL(x)(O(2)CCH(2)CO(2))(H(2)O)]x nH(2)O dicarboxylate complexes (x = 1, 3; n = 1-3). The crystal structures of [Ni(2)HL(1)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x MeOH, 3 x MeOH, [Ni(2)HL(3)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x 3 MeOH, 4 x 3 MeOH and [Ni(2)HL(1)(O(2)CCH(2)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x 2.5H(2)O x 0.25 MeOH x MeCN, 5 x 2.5H(2)O x 0.25 MeOH x MeCN, were solved. Complexes 3-5 show dinuclear [Ni(2)HL(x)(dicarboxylate)(H(2)O)] units, expanded through hydrogen bonds that involve carboxylate and water ligands, as well as solvate molecules. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibilities of all the complexes show an intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between the Ni(II) ions, which is attempted to be rationalized by comparison with previous results and in the light of molecular orbital treatment. Magnetisation measurements are in accord with a S = 2 ground state in all cases.     

Push-pull vs captodative aromaticity

Vinylogs of fulvalenes with cyclopropenyl and cyclopentadienyl moieties attached either to different carbon atoms ( c-C 3H 2CHCHC 5H 4- c, 7) or to the same carbon atom [XC( c-C 3H 2)( c-C 5H 4), 10] [X = CH 2; C(CN) 2; C(NH 2) 2; C(OCH 2) 2; O; c-C 3H 2; c-C 5H 4; SiH 2; CCl 2] of the double bond inserted between the two rings are examined theoretically at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level. Both types of compounds are shown to possess aromaticity, which was called "push-pull" and "captodative" aromaticity, respectively. For the captodative mesoionic structures XC( c-C 3H 2)( c-C 5H 4), the presence of both the two aromatic moieties and the CC double bond is the necessary and sufficient condition for their existence as energetic minima on the potential energy surface. Aromatic stabilization energy (ASE) was assessed by the use of homodesmotic reactions and heats of hydrogenation. Spatial magnetic criteria (through space NMR shieldings, TSNMRS) of the two types of vinylogous fulvalenes 7 and 10 have been calculated by the GIAO perturbation method employing the nucleus independent chemical shift (NICS) concept of Paul von Rague Schleyer, and visualized as iso-chemical-shielding surfaces (ICSS) of various sizes and directions. TSNMRS values can be successfully employed to visualize and quantify the partial push-pull and captodative aromaticity of both the three- and five-membered ring moieties. In addition, the push -pull effect in compounds 7 and 10 could be quantified by the occupation quotient pi* CC/pi CC of the double bond inserted between the two rings.     

The first binuclear sandwich-like complexes based on the aromatic tetraatomic species

The first binuclear sandwich-like complexes based on the aromatic tetraatomic species with formula M(2)(η(4)-E(4))(2) (M = Al, Ga; E = N, P, As) have been studied by density functional theory (DFT). The stable conformer for each M(2)(η(4)-E(4))(2) is the staggered one with D(4d) symmetry except for Ga(2)(η(2)-N(4))(2) with C(2v) symmetry. Natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis indicates that the metal-metal bonds of Al(2)(η(4)-E(4))(2) (E = N, P, As) and Ga(2)(η(4)-E(4))(2) (E = P, As) are all σ single bonds, which are derived mostly from the s and p(z) orbitals of the metal atoms by molecular orbital (MO) analysis. For M(2)(η(4)-E(4))(2) (M = Al, Ga; E = P, As), the metal-ligand interactions are covalent, while for Al(2)(η(4)-N(4))(2) the interactions between the Al atoms and the N(4)(2-) ligands are ionic. According to the calculated dissociation energies for breaking metal-metal bonds, the Al-Al and Ga-Ga bonds are very strong indicating that these stable sandwich-like compounds Al(2)(η(4)-E(4))(2) (E = N, P, As) and Ga(2)(η(4)-E(4))(2) (E = P, As) may be synthesized in future experiments. The nitrogen-rich compounds Al(2)(η(4)-N(4))(2) and Ga(2)(η(2)-N(4))(2) may be used as potential candidates of high energy density materials (HEDMs). Nucleus-independent chemical shifts (NICS) values reveal that the E(4)(2-) rings in the Al(2)(η(4)-E(4))(2) (E = N, P, As) and Ga(2)(η(4)-E(4))(2) (E = P, As) species possess conflicting aromaticity (σ antiaromaticity and π aromaticity) and with the same ligands, the E(4)(2-) ligands in Ga(2)(η(4)-E(4))(2) have more aromaticity than those in Al(2)(η(4)-E(4))(2).     

Electronic and molecular structures of the members of the electron transfer series [Cr(tbpy)3]n (n = 3+, 2+, 1+, 0): an X-ray absorption spectroscopic and density functional theoretical study

The electron transfer series of complexes [Cr((t)bpy)(3)](n)(PF(6))(n) (n = 3+, 2+, 1+, 0 (1-4)) has been synthesized and the molecular structures of 1, 2, and 3 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography; the structure of 4 has been investigated using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis. Magnetic susceptibility measurements (4-300 K) established an S = 3/2 ground state for 1, an S = 1 ground state for 2, an S = 1/2 ground state for 3, and an S = 0 ground state for 4. The electrochemistry of this series in CH(3)CN solution exhibits three reversible one-electron transfer waves. UV-vis/NIR spectra and Cr K-edge X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) are reported. The same experimental techniques have been applied for [Cr(III)(tacn)(2)]Br(3)·5H(2)O (5) and [Cr(II)(tacn)(2)]Cl(2) (6), which possess an S = 3/2 and an S = 2 ground state, respectively (tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane, a tridentate, pure σ-donor ligand). The Cr K-edge XAS spectra of the corresponding complexes K(4)[Cr(II)(CN)(6)]·10H(2)O (S = 1) (7) and K(3)[Cr(III)(CN)(6)] (S = 3/2) (8) have also been recorded. All complexes have been studied computationally with density functional theory (DFT) using the B3LYP functional. The molecular and electronic structures of the anionic members of the series [Cr(bpy)(3)](1-,2-,3-) have also been calculated. It is unequivocally shown that all members of the electron transfer series 1-4 and [Cr(bpy)(3)](n) (n = 3+, 2+, 1+, 0, 1-, 2, 3-) possess a central Cr(III) ion ((t(2g))(3), S = 3/2). The three N,N'-coordinated neutral (bpy(0)) ligands in the trication 1 and [Cr(III)(bpy)(3)](3+) are one-electron reduced in a stepwise fashion to localized one, two, and three π-radical anions (bpy(?))(1-) in the dicationic, monocationic, and neutral species, respectively. Complexes 2 and [Cr(bpy)(3)](2+) cannot be described as low-spin Cr(II) species; they are in fact best described as [Cr(III)((t)bpy(?))((t)bpy(0))(2)](2+) and [Cr(III)(bpy(?))(bpy(0))(2)](2+) species. Further one-electron reductions yield one, two, and three diamagnetic (bpy(2-))(2-) dianions in the mono-, di-, and trianion. Thus, [Cr(III)(bpy(2-))(3)](3-) is a normal Werner-type Cr(III) (!) species. In all complexes containing (bpy(?))(1-) ligands, the ligand spins are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled to the spins of the central Cr(III) ion (d(3), S(Cr) = 3/2) affording the observed ground states given above. Thus, all redox chemistry of [Cr(bpy)(3)](n) complexes is ligand-based and documents that the ligand 2,2'-bipyridine is a redox noninnocent ligand; it exists in three oxidation levels in these complexes: as N,N'-coordinated neutral (bpy(0)), monoanionic π-radical (bpy(?))(1-), and diamagnetic dianionic (bpy(2-))(2-).     

A new type of intermediate, C+(BCH3)11- <--> C(BCH3)11, in a Grob fragmentation coupled with intramolecular hydride transfer. A nonclassical carbocation ylide or a carbenoid?

In solvolysis of alkyl halides Hal-(CH(2))(n)-C(BCH(3))(11)(-) (n = 2, 5, 6, but not 3, 4, or 7) and protonation of alkenes CH(2)=CH-(CH(2))(n)(-)(2)-C(BCH(3))(11)(-) (n = 3, 6, 7, but not 4 or 5) carrying the icosahedral electrofuge -C(BCH(3))(11)(-) attached through its cage carbon atom, generation of incipient positive charge on C(alpha) (as shown in Scheme 1 in the article) leads to simultaneous cleavage of the C(beta)-C(BCH(3))(11)(-) bond. The products are a C(alpha)=C(beta) alkene and a postulated intermediate C(+)(BCH(3))(11)(-) <--> C(BCH(3))(11), trapped as the adduct Nu-C(BCH(3))(11)(-) by one of the nucleophiles (Nu(-)) present. The reaction kinetics is E1, first order in the haloalkylcarborane and zero order in [Nu(-)], and the elimination appears to be concerted, as in the usual E2 mechanism. The process is best viewed as a Grob fragmentation. The loss of the longer chains involves intrachain hydride transfer from the C(alpha)-H bond to an incipient carbocation on C(delta)(') or C(epsilon)(') via a five- or six-membered cyclic transition state, respectively. The electronic structure of the postulated intermediate is believed to lie between those of a nonclassical carbonium ylide C(+)(BCH(3))(11)(-) and a carbenoid C(BCH(3))(11) whose electronic ground state resembles the S(2) state of ordinary carbenes.     

Towards new organometallic wires: tetraruthenium complexes bridged by phenylenevinylene and vinylpyridine ligands

The tetranuclear complexes [{(PiPr(3))(2)(CO)ClRu(mu-CH=CHpy)Ru Cl(CO)(PPh(3))(2)}(2)(mu-CH=CH-C(6)H(4)- CH=CH-1,4)] (3 a) and [{(PiPr(3))(2)(CO)ClRu(mu-CH=CHpy)RuCl(CO)(PPh(3))(2)}(2)(mu-CH=CH-C(6)H(4)-CH=CH-1,3)] (3b), which contain vinylpyridine ligands that connect peripheral Ru(PiPr(3))(2)(CO)Cl units to a central divinylphenylene-bridged diruthenium core, have been prepared and investigated. These complexes, in various oxidation states up to the tetracation level, have been characterized by standard electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques, including IR, UV/Vis/NIR and ESR spectroscopy. A comparison with the results for the vinylpyridine-bridged dinuclear complex [PiPr(3))(2)(CO)ClRu(mu-CH=CHpy)RuCl(CO)(PPh(3))(2)(CH=CHPh)] (6) and the divinylphenylene-bridged complexes [{(EtOOCpy)(CO)Cl(PPh(3))(2)Ru}(2)(mu-CH=CH-C(6)H(4)-CH=CH-1,4)] (8a) and [{(EtOOCpy)(CO)Cl(PPh(3))(2)Ru}(2)(mu-CH=CH-C(6)H(4)-CH=CH-1,3)] (8b), which represent the outer sections (6) or the inner core (8a,b) of complexes 3a,b, and with the mononuclear complex [(EtOOCpy)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)RuCl(CH=CHPh)] (7) indicate that every accessible oxidation process is primarily centred on one of the vinyl ligands, with smaller contributions from the metal centres. The experimental results and quantum chemical calculations indicate charge- and spin-delocalization across the central divinylphenylenediruthenium part of 3a,b or the styrylruthenium unit of 6, but not beyond. The energy gap between the higher lying styryl- or divinylphenylenediruthenium-based and the lower occupied vinylpyridineruthenium-based orbitals increases in the order 6<3 b<3 a and thus follows the conjugation within the non-heteroatom-substituted aromatic vinyl ligand.     

Valence and spin situations in isomeric [(bpy)Ru(Q')2]n (Q' = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-N-aryl-1,2-benzoquinonemonoimine). An experimental and DFT analysis

The article deals with the ruthenium complexes, [(bpy)Ru(Q')(2)] (1-3) incorporating two unsymmetrical redox-noninnocent iminoquinone moieties [bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; Q' = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-N-aryl-1,2-benzoquinonemonoimine, aryl = C(6)H(5) (Q'(1)), 1; m-Cl(2)C(6)H(3) (Q'(2)), 2; m-(OCH(3))(2)C(6)H(3) (Q'(3)), 3]. 1 and 3 have been preferentially stabilised in the cc-isomeric form while both the ct- and cc-isomeric forms of 2 are isolated [ct: cis and trans and cc: cis and cis with respect to the mutual orientations of O and N donors of two Q']. The isomeric identities of 1-3 have been authenticated by their single-crystal X-ray structures. The collective consideration of crystallographic and DFT data along with other analytical events reveals that 1-3 exhibit the valence configuration of [(bpy)Ru(II)(Q'(Sq))(2)]. The magnetization studies reveal a ferromagnetic response at 300 K and virtual diamagnetic behaviour at 2 K. DFT calculations on representative 2a and 2b predict that the excited triplet (S = 1) state is lying close to the singlet (S = 0) ground state with singlet-triplet separation of 0.038 eV and 0.075 eV, respectively. In corroboration with the paramagnetic features the complexes exhibit free radical EPR signals with g～2 and (1)HNMR spectra with broad aromatic proton signals associated with the Q' at 300 K. Experimental results in conjunction with the DFT (for representative 2a and 2b) reveal iminoquinone based preferential electron-transfer processes leaving the ruthenium(ii) ion mostly as a redox insensitive entity: [(bpy)Ru(II)(Q'(Q))(2)](2+) (1(2+)-3(2+)) ? [(bpy)Ru(II)(Q(')(Sq))(Q(')(Q))](+) (1(+)-3(+)) ? [(bpy)Ru(II)(Q(')(Sq))(2)] (1-3) ? [(bpy)Ru(II)(Q(')(Sq))(Q(')(Cat))](-)/[(bpy)Ru(III)(Q(')(Cat))(2)](-) (1(-)-3(-)). The diamagnetic doubly oxidised state, [(bpy)Ru(II)(Q'(Q))(2)](2+) in 1(2+)-3(2+) has been authenticated further by the crystal structure determination of the representative [(bpy)Ru(II)(Q'(3))(2)](ClO(4))(2) [3](ClO(4))(2) as well as by its sharp (1)H NMR spectrum. The key electronic transitions in each redox state of 1(n)-3(n) have been assigned by TD-DFT calculations on representative 2a and 2b.     

Contribution of spin and anisotropy to single molecule magnet behavior in a family of bell-shaped Mn11Ln2 coordination clusters

The synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of a family of isostructural "bell-shaped" heterometallic coordination clusters [Mn(III)(9)Mn(II)(2)La(III)(2)(μ(4)-O)(7)(μ(3)-O)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(piv)(10.8)(O(2)CC(4)H(3)O)(6.2)(NO(3))(2)(OH(2))(1.5)(MeCN)(0.5)]·12CH(3)CN·2H(2)O (1) and [Mn(III)(9)Mn(II)(2)Ln(2)(μ(4)-O)(7)(μ (3)-O)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(piv)(10.6)(O(2)CC(4)H(3)O)(6.4)(NO(3))(2)(OH(2))]·nCH(3)CN·H(2)O (Ln = Pr(III), n = 8 (2); Ln = Nd(III), n = 10 (3); Ln = Eu(III), n = 17 (4); Ln = Gd(III), n = 13 (5); piv = pivalate) are reported. The complexes were obtained from the reaction of [Mn(III)(2)Mn(II)(4)O(2)(piv)(10)(4-Me-py)(2.5)(pivH)(1.5)] and Ln(NO(3))(3)·6H(2)O in the presence of 2-furan-carboxylic acid (C(4)H(3)OCOOH) in CH(3)CN. Compounds 1-5 are isomorphous, crystallizing in the triclinic space group P1 with Z = 2. The Mn(III) and Mn(II) centers together form the shell of the bell, while the two Ln(III) centers can be regarded as the bell's clapper. The magnetic properties of 1-4 reveal dominant antiferromagnetic interactions between the magnetic centers leading to small spin ground states; while those of 5 indicate similar antiferromagnetic interactions between the manganese ions but with unusually strong ferromagnetic interactions between the Gd(III) ions leading to a large overall spin ground state of S = 11-12. While ac and dc magnetic measurements confirmed that Mn(11)Gd(2) (5) is a single-molecule magnet (SMM) showing hysteresis loops at low temperatures, compounds 1-4 do not show any slow relaxation of the magnetization, indicating that the S = 7 spin of the ferromagnetic Gd(2) unit in 5 is a necessary contribution to its SMM behavior.