The σ‐Aromatic Clusters [Zn3]+ and [Zn2Cu]: Embryonic Brass

The triangular clusters [Zn₃Cp*₃]⁺ and [Zn₂CuCp*₃] were obtained by addition of the in situ generated, electrophilic, and isolobal species [ZnCp*]⁺ and [CuCp*] to Carmona’s compound, [Cp*Zn? ZnCp*], without splitting the Zn? Zn bond. The choice of non‐coordinating fluoroaromatic solvents was crucial. The bonding situations of the all‐hydrocarbon‐ligand‐protected clusters were investigated by quantum chemical calculations revealing a high degree of σ‐aromaticity similar to the triatomic hydrogen ion [H₃]⁺. The new species serve as molecular building units of Cu_nZn_m nanobrass clusters as indicated by LIFDI mass spectrometry.     

Low-Valent MxAl3 Cluster Salts with Tetrahedral [SiAl3]+ and Trigonal-Bipyramidal [M2Al3]2+ Cores (M=Si/Ge)

Schnöckel's [(AlCp*)₄] and Jutzi's [SiCp*][B(C₆F₅)₄] (Cp*=C₅Me₅) are landmarks in modern main-group chemistry with diverse applications in synthesis and catalysis. Despite the isoelectronic relationship between the AlCp* and the [SiCp*]⁺ fragments, their mutual reactivity is hitherto unknown. Here, we report on their reaction giving the complex salts [Cp*Si(AlCp*)₃][WCA] ([WCA]⁻=[Al(OR^F)₄]⁻ and [F{Al(OR^F)₃}₂]⁻; R^F=C(CF₃)₃). The tetrahedral [SiAl₃]⁺ core not only represents a rare example of a low-valent silicon-doped aluminium-cluster, but also—due to its facile accessibility and high stability—provides a convenient preparative entry towards low-valent Si−Al clusters in general. For example, an elusive binuclear [Si₂(AlCp*)₅]²⁺ with extremely short Al−Si bonds and a high negative partial charge at the Si atoms was structurally characterised and its bonding situation analysed by DFT. Crystals of the isostructural [Ge₂(AlCp*)₅]²⁺ dication were also obtained and represent the first mixed Al−Ge cluster.     

Exploring Cu/Al cluster growth and reactivity: from embryonic building blocks to intermetalloid,open-shell superatoms

Cluster growth reactions in the system [Cu₅](Mes)₅ + [Al₄](Cp*)₄ (Mes = mesitylene, Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadiene) were explored and monitored by in situ LIFDI-MS and ¹H-NMR. Feedback into experimental design allowed for an informed choice and precise adjustment of reaction conditions and led to isolation of the intermetallic cluster [Cu₄Al₄](Cp*)₅(Mes) (1). Cluster 1 reacts with excess 3-hexyne to yield the triangular cluster [Cu₂Al](Cp*)₃ (2). The two embryonic [Cu₄Al₄](Cp*)₅(Mes) and [Cu₂Al](Cp*)₃ clusters 1 and 2, respectively, were shown to be intermediates in the formation of an inseparable composite of the closely related clusters [Cu₇Al₆](Cp*)₆ (3), [HCu₇Al₆](Cp*)₆ (3H) and [Cu₈Al₆](Cp*)₆ (4), which just differ by one Cu core atom. The radical nature of the open-shell superatomic [Cu₇Al₆](Cp*)₆ cluster 3 is reflected in its reactivity towards addition of one Cu core atom leading to the closed shell superatom [Cu₈Al₆](Cp*)₆ (4), and as well by its ability to undergo σ(C–H) and σ(Si–H) activation reactions of C₆H₅CH₃ (toluene) and (TMS)₃SiH (TMS = tris(trimethylsilyl)).

Cu/Al cluster growth reactions leading to open- and closed-shell superatoms are investigated. Therein, LIFDI-MS is presented as a powerful technique for the in situ detection of cluster identities and reactivity patterns.     

Salts of Anionic Metal Carbonyl Clusters with Cryptand[2.2.2](Na+), DB‐18‐crown‐6(Na+), and Paramagnetic Cp*2Cr+ Cations Obtained by Reduction

Reduction of neutral metal clusters (Co₄(CO)₁₂, Ru₃(CO)₁₂, Fe₃(CO)₁₂, Ir₄(CO)₁₂, Rh₆(CO)₁₆, {CpMo(CO)₃}₂, {Mn(CO)₅}₂) by decamethylchromocene (Cp*₂Cr) or sodium fluorenone ketyl in the presence of cryptand[2.2.2] and DB‐18‐crown‐6 was studied. Nine new salts with paramagnetic Cp*₂Cr⁺, cryptand[2.2.2](Na⁺), and DB‐18‐crown‐6(Na⁺) cations and [Co₆(CO)₁₅]^2– ( 1 , 2 ), [Ru₆(CO)₁₈]^2– ( 3 – 4 ) dianions, [Rh₁₁(CO)₂₃]^3– ( 6 ) trianions, and new [Ir₈(CO)₁₈]^2– ( 5 ) dianions were obtained and structurally characterized. The increase of nuclearity of clusters under reduction was shown. Fe₃(CO)₁₂ preserves the Fe₃ core under reduction forming the [Fe₃(CO)₁₁]^2– dianions in 7 . The [CpMo(CO)₃]₂ and [Mn(CO)₅]₂ dimers dissociate under reduction forming mononuclear [CpMo(CO)₃]^– ( 8 ) and [Mn(CO)₅]^– ( 9 ) anions. In all anions the increase of negative charge on metal atoms shifts the bands attributed to carbonyl C–O stretching vibrations to smaller wavenumbers in agreement with the elongation of the C–O bonds in 1 – 9 . In contrast, the M–C(CO) bonds are noticeably shortened at the reduction. Magnetic susceptibility of the salts with Cp*₂Cr⁺ is defined by high spin Cp*₂Cr⁺ (S = 3/2) species, whereas all obtained anionic metal clusters and mononuclear anions are diamagnetic. Rather weak magnetic coupling between S = 3/2 spins is observed with Weiss temperature from –1 to –11 K. That is explained by rather long distances between Cp*₂Cr⁺ and the absence of effective π–π interaction between them except compound 7 showing the largest Weiss temperature of –11 K. The {DB‐18‐crown‐6(Na⁺)}₂[Co₆(CO)₁₅]^2– units in 2 are organized in infinite 1D chains through the coordination of carbonyl groups of the Co₆ clusters to the Na⁺ ions and π–π stacking between benzo groups of the DB‐18‐crown‐6(Na⁺) cations.     

Reaction of Pentelidene Complexes with Diazoalkanes: Stabilization of Parent 2,3‐Dipnictabutadienes

The reaction of the phosphinidene complex [Cp*P{W(CO)₅}₂] ( 1 a ) with diphenyldiazomethane leads to [{W(CO)₅}Cp*P=NN{W(CO)₅}=CPh₂] ( 2 ). Compound 2 is a rare example of a phosphadiazadiene ligand (R‐P=N?N=CR′R′′) complex. At temperatures above 0 °C, 2 decomposes into the complex [{W(CO)₅}PCp*{N(H)N=CPh₂)₂] ( 3 ), among other species. The reaction of the pentelidene complexes [Cp*E{W(CO)₅}₂] (E=P, As) with diazomethane (CH₂NN) proceeds differently. For the arsinidene complex ( 1 b ), only the arsaalkene complex 4 b [{W(CO)₅}₂{η^1:2‐(Cp*)As=CH₂}] is formed. The reaction with the phosphinidene complex ( 1 a ) results in three products, the two phosphaalkene complexes [{W(CO)₅}₂{η^1:2‐(R)P=CH₂}] ( 4 a : R=Cp*, 5 : R=H) and the triazaphosphole derivative [{W(CO)₅}P(Cp*)‐CH₂‐N{W(CO)₅}=N‐N(N=CH₂)] ( 6 a ). The phosphaalkene complex ( 4 a ) and the arsaalkene complex ( 4 b ) are not stable at room temperature and decompose to the complexes [{W(CO)₅}₄(CH₂=E?E=CH₂)] ( 7 a : E=P, 7 b : E=As), which are the first examples of complexes with parent 2,3‐diphospha‐1,3‐butadiene and 2,3‐diarsa‐1,3‐butadiene ligands.     

Stepwise Formation of a 1,3‐Butadiene Analogue of Mixed Heavier Group 15 Elements

The reaction of the phosphinidene complex [Cp*P{W(CO)₅}₂] ( 1 a ) with di‐tert‐butylcarboimidophosphene leads to the P? C cage compound 6 and the Lewis acid–base adduct [Cp*P{W(CO)₅}₂(CNtBu)] ( 2 a ). In contrast, the arsinidene complex shows a different reactivity. At low temperatures, the arsaphosphene complex [{W(CO)₅}{η²‐(Cp*)As?P(tBu)}{W(CO)₅}] ( 3 ) is formed. At these temperatures, 3 reacts further with a second equivalent of carboimidophosphene to form [{W(CO)₅}{η²‐{(Cp*)(tBu)P}As?P(tBu)}{W(CO)₅}] ( 5 ), probably by the insertion of a phosphinidene unit (tBuP) into an As? C bond. In contrast, at room temperature 3 reacts further by a radical‐type reaction to form [{(tBu)P?As? As?P(tBu)}{W(CO)₅}₄] ( 4 ). Compound 4 is the first example of a neutral, 1,3‐butadiene analogue containing only mixed heavier Group 15 elements. It consists of two P?As double bonds connected by arsenic atoms.     

The Versatile Coordination Modes of Monophosphine‐o‐Carborane in the Formation of Iridium and Rhodium Complexes: Synthesis,Reactivity, and Characterization

Monophosphine‐o‐carborane has four competitive coordination modes when it coordinates to metal centers. To explore the structural transitions driven by these competitive coordination modes, a series of monophosphine‐o‐carborane Ir,Rh complexes were synthesized and characterized. [Cp*M(Cl)₂{1‐(PPh₂)‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₁}] (M=Ir ( 1 a ), Rh ( 1 b ); Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅), [Cp*Ir(H){7‐(PPh₂)‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₁₁}] ( 2 a ), and [1‐(PPh₂)‐3‐(η⁵‐Cp*)‐3,1,2‐MC₂B₉H₁₀] (M=Ir ( 3 a ), Rh ( 3 b )) can be all prepared directly by the reaction of 1‐(PPh₂)‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₁ with dimeric complexes [(Cp*MCl₂)₂] (M=Ir, Rh) under different conditions. Compound 3 b was treated with AgOTf (OTf=CF₃SO₃^?) to afford the tetranuclear metallacarborane [Ag₂(thf)₂(OTf)₂{1‐(PPh₂)‐3‐(η⁵‐Cp*)‐3,1,2‐RhC₂B₉H₁₀}₂] ( 4 b ). The arylphosphine group in 3 a and 3 b was functionalized by elemental sulfur (1 equiv) in the presence of Et₃N to afford [1‐{(S)PPh₂}‐3‐(η⁵‐Cp*)‐3,1,2‐MC₂B₉H₁₀] (M=Ir ( 5 a ), Rh ( 5 b )). Additionally, the 1‐(PPh₂)‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₁ ligand was functionalized by elemental sulfur (2 equiv) and then treated with [(Cp*IrCl₂)₂], thus resulting in two 16‐electron complexes [Cp*Ir(7‐{(S)PPh₂}‐8‐S‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₉)] ( 6 a ) and [Cp*Ir(7‐{(S)PPh₂}‐8‐S‐9‐OCH₃‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₉)] ( 7 a ). Compound 6 a further reacted with nBuPPh₂, thereby leading to 18‐electron complex [Cp*Ir(nBuPPh₂)(7‐{(S)PPh₂}‐8‐S‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₁₀)] ( 8 a ). The influences of other factors on structural transitions or the formation of targeted compounds, including reaction temperature and solvent, were also explored.     

Dreiecksdodekaedrische Heterotri‐ und ‐tetrametall‐Eisen–Ruthenium‐Cluster mit CpR‐ und Pn‐Liganden (n = 5, 4)

Triangulated Dodecahedral Heterotrimetallic‐ and ‐tetrametallic Iron–Ruthenium Clusters with Cp^R and P_n Ligands (n = 5, 4) The cothermolysis of [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐P₅)] ( 1 ) and [{Cp″(OC)₂Ru}₂](Ru–Ru) ( 2 ), Cp″ = C₅H₃But₂‐1,3, affords low yields of [Cp″Ru(η⁵‐P₅)] ( 3 ) and [{Cp″Ru}₂P₄] ( 4 ) as well as the triangulated dodecahedral hetero‐ and homotrimetallic clusters [{Cp″Ru}₂{Cp*Fe}P₅] ( 5 ), [{Cp″Ru}₃P₅] ( 6 ), [{Cp*Fe}₂{Cp″Ru}P₅] ( 7 ) and the tetranuclear compound [{Cp″Ru}₃{Cp*Fe}P₄] ( 8 ). X‐ray crystallographic studies show that the P₅ ligand in the distorted M₂M′P₅‐triangulated dodecahedra of 5 and 7 offers an unusual novel coordination mode derived from the educt 1 .     

Comparative Catalytic Activity of Group 9 [Cp*MIII] Complexes: Cobalt‐Catalyzed CH Amidation of Arenes with Dioxazolones as Amidating Reagents

A procedure for the [Cp*Co^III]‐catalyzed direct C? H amidation of arenes with dioxazolone has been developed. This reaction proceeds under straightforward and mild conditions with a broad range of substrates, including anilides. A comparative study on the catalytic activity of Group 9 [{Cp*MCl₂}₂] complexes revealed the unique efficiency of the cobalt catalyst.     

Comparative Catalytic Activity of Group 9 [Cp*MIII] Complexes: Cobalt‐Catalyzed C?H Amidation of Arenes with Dioxazolones as Amidating Reagents

A procedure for the [Cp*Co^III]‐catalyzed direct C H amidation of arenes with dioxazolone has been developed. This reaction proceeds under straightforward and mild conditions with a broad range of substrates, including anilides. A comparative study on the catalytic activity of Group 9 [{Cp*MCl₂}₂] complexes revealed the unique efficiency of the cobalt catalyst.     

Insertion Reactions of Heterocumulenes with Zincocene Cp*2Zn

Zincocene Cp*₂Zn reacts with carbodiimides C(NR)₂ with insertion into the Zn–Cp* bond and formation of [(Cp*C(NR)₂]₂Zn [R = Et ( 1 ), iPr ( 2 ), Cy ( 3 )]. In addition, the reaction of Cp*₂Zn with CS₂ under dry conditions gives (Cp*CS₂)₂Zn ( 4 ), whereas in the presence of a small amount of water [Zn₄(μ₄‐O)(S₂CCp*)₆] ( 5 ) is obtained. Compounds 1 – 4 were characterized by NMR (¹H, ¹³C) and IR spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction ( 2 – 4 , 5 of poor quality). The solid‐state structure of 5 is comparable to the carboxylate complex previously obtained from the reaction of Cp*₂Zn with CO₂.     

Subvalente Galliumtriflate – mögliche Ausgangsverbindungen für Clusterverbindungen des Galliums

Subvalent Gallium Triflates – Potentially Useful Starting Materials for Gallium Cluster Compounds By reaction of GaCp* with trifluormethanesulfonic acid in hexane a mixture of gallium trifluormethanesulfonates (triflates, OTf) is obtained. This mixture reacts readily with lithiumsilanides [Li(thf)₃Si(SiMe₃)₂R] (R = Me, SiMe₃) to afford the cluster compounds [Ga₆{Si(SiMe₃)Me}₆], [Ga₂{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₄] and [Ga₁₀{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₆]. By crystallization from various solvents the gallium triflates [Ga(OTf)₃(thf)₃], [HGa(OTf)(thf)₄]⁺ [Ga(OTf)₄(thf)₃]⁻, [Cp*GaGa(OTf)₂]₂ and [Ga(toluene)₂]⁺ [Ga₅(OTf)₆(Cp*)₂]⁻ were isolated and characterized by single crystal X ray structure analysis.     

Cationic Zinc Organyls as Precatalysts for Hydroamination Reactions

The cationic zinc triple‐decker complex [Zn₂Cp*₃]⁺[BAr^F₄]^? (BAr^F₄=B(3,5‐(CF₃)₂C₆H₃)₄) exhibits catalytic activity in intra‐ and intermolecular hydroamination reactions in the absence of a cocatalyst. These hydroaminations presumably proceed through the activation of the C?C multiple bond of the alkene or alkyne by a highly electrophilic zinc species, which is formed upon elimination of the Cp* ligands. The reaction of [Zn₂Cp*₃]⁺[BAr^F₄]^? with phenylacetylene gives the hydrocarbonation product (Cp*)(Ph)CCH₂, which might be formed via a similar reaction pathway. Additionally, several other structurally well‐defined cationic zinc organyls have been examined as precatalysts for intermolecular hydroamination reactions without the addition of a cocatalyst. These studies reveal that the highest activity is achieved in the absence of any donor ligands. The neutral complex [ZnCp^2S₂] (Cp^2S=C₅Me₄(CH₂)₂SMe) shows a remarkably high catalytic activity in the presence of a Brønsted acid.     

Effect of Partial Hydrolysis in Switching the Mode of Inter‐molecular Bonding between Metal Complexes

The assembly of [Cd(L¹)]^— {[L¹]^3— = N[CH₂CH₂N=C(CH₃)COO^—]₃} into the tetranuclear cluster {[Cd(L¹)]Na(H₂O)₂}₂ in the presence of Na⁺ is mediated by Na⁺‐carboxylate interactions; in contrast In³⁺ and Fe³⁺ induce the partial hydrolysis of [L¹]^3— to afford the complexes [In(L²)Cl] and {[Fe(L²)]₂O} {[L²]^2— = N[CH₂CH₂NH₂][CH₂CH₂N=C(CH₃)COO^—]₂} which aggregate via intermolecular H‐bonding.     

Metal-Rich Metallaboranes: Synthesis,Structure, and Bonding of Heteronuclear Trimetallic Clusters containing (μ3-BH) Ligand

Building upon our earlier results on the chemistry of nido-1,2-[(Cp*RuH)₂B₃H₇] (Cp*=ɳ⁵-C₅Me₅) (nido- 1 ) with different transition metal carbonyls, we continued to investigate the reactivity with group 7 metal carbonyls under photolytic condition. Photolysis of nido- 1 with [Mn₂(CO)₁₀] led to the isolation of a trimetallic [(Cp*Ru)₂{Mn(CO)₃}(μ-H)(μ-CO)₃(μ₃-BH)] ( 2 ) cluster with a triply bridging borylene moiety. Cluster 2 is a rare example of a tetrahedral cluster having hydrido(hydroborylene) moiety. In an attempt to synthesize the Re analogue of 2 , a similar reaction was carried out with [Re₂(CO)₁₀] that yielded the trimetallic [(Cp*Ru)₂{Re(CO)₃}(μ-H)(μ-CO)₃(μ₃-BH)] ( 3 ) cluster having a triply bridging borylene unit. Along with 3 , a trimetallic square pyramid cluster [(Cp*Ru)₂{Re(CO)₃}(μ-H)₂(μ-CO)(μ₃,ɳ²-B₂H₅)] ( 4 ), and heterotrimetallic hydride clusters [{Cp*Ru(CO)₂}-{Re(CO)₄}₂(μ-H)] ( 5 ) and [{Cp*Ru(CO)}{Re(CO)₄}₂(μ-H)₃] ( 6 ) were isolated. Cluster 4 is a unique example of a M₂M′B₂ cluster having diboron capped Ru₂Re-triangle. The hydride clusters 5 and 6 have triangular RuRe₂ frameworks with one and three μ-Hs respectively. All the clusters have been characterized by using mass spectrometry, ¹H, ¹¹B{¹H}, ¹³C{¹H} NMR and IR spectroscopies analyses and the structures of clusters 2 – 6 have been unambiguously established by XRD analyses. Furthermore, to understand the electronic, structural, and bonding features of the synthesized metal-rich clusters, DFT calculations have been performed.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic and structural characterization of the first mixed fluoro-bromo group 4 organometallic complex [{Cp*ZrF2Br}4] (Cp* = C5Me5)

[{Cp*ZrF₂Br}₄] is conveniently prepared in high yield from the reaction of [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄] with four equivalents of Me₃SiBr. In contrast the reaction of [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄] with Me₃SiI under identical reaction conditions leads to a mixture of [Cp*ZrI₃] and unreacted [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄]. The crystal structure of [{Cp*ZrF₂Br}₄] has been determined by X-ray diffraction studies. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system [a = 9.325(1), b = 23.483(3), c = 27.016(5) Å, α = β = γ = 90°, space group Ibam, Z = 4]. The tetrameric core structure of [{Cp*ZrF₂Br}₄] contains four zirconium atoms linked by alternating single and triple fluorine bridges. One terminal bromine atom is bonded to each zirconium. ¹H and ¹⁹FNMR spectroscopic data and structural features of the title compound are compared with those for the mixed fluoro-chloro complexes [{Cp*ZrF₂Cl}₄], [{Cp*ZrF₂Cl}₂{Cp*ZrFCl₂}₂] and the trifluoro complex [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄].     

Tris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)methane‐Based Heterobimetallic Complexes that Contain Zn and CdTransition‐Metal Bonds: Synthesis,Structures, and Quantum Chemical Calculations

Reactions of the tris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)methanide amido complexes [M′{C(3,5‐Me₂pz)₃}{N(SiMe₃)₂}] (M′=Mg ( 1 a ), Zn ( 1 b ), Cd ( 1 c ); 3,5‐Me₂pz=3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl) with two equivalents of the acidic Group 6 cyclopentadienyl (Cp) tricarbonyl hydrides [MCp(CO)₃H] (M=Cr ( 2 a ), Mo ( 2 b )) gave different types of heterobimetallic complex. In each case, two reactions took place, namely the conversion of the tris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)methanide ligand (Tpmd*) into the ‐methane derivative (Tpm*) and the reaction of the acidic hydride M?H bond with the M′?N(SiMe₃)₂ moiety. The latter produces HN(SiMe₃)₂ as a byproduct. The Group 2 representatives [Mg(Tpm*){MCp(CO)₃}₂(thf)] ( 3 a / b ) form isocarbonyl bridges between the magnesium and chromium/molybdenum centres, whereas direct metal–metal bonds are formed in the case of the ions [Zn(Tpm*){MCp(CO)₃}]⁺ ( 4 a / b ; [MCp(CO)₃]^? as the counteranion) and [Cd(Tpm*){MCp(CO)₃}(thf)]⁺ ( 5 a / b ; [Cd{MCp(CO)₃}₃]^? as the counteranion). Complexes 4 a and 5 a / b are the first complexes that contain Zn?Cr, Cd?Cr, and Cd?Mo bonds (bond lengths 251.6, 269.8, and 278.9 pm, respectively). Quantum chemical calculations on 4 a / b* (and also on 5 a / b* ) provide evidence for an interaction between the metal atoms.     

Speciation of [Cp*2M2O5] in Polar and Donor Solvents

The speciation of compounds [Cp*₂M₂O₅] (M=Mo, W; Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) in different protic and aprotic polar solvents (methanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetone, acetonitrile), in the presence of variable amounts of water or acid/base, has been investigated by ¹H NMR spectrometry and electrical conductivity. Specific hypotheses suggested by the experimental results have been further probed by DFT calculations. The solvent (S)‐assisted ionic dissociation to generate [Cp*MO₂(S)]⁺ and [Cp*MO₃]^? takes place extensively for both metals only in water/methanol mixtures. Equilibrium amounts of the neutral hydroxido species [Cp*MO₂(OH)] are generated in the presence of water, with the relative amount increasing in the order MeCN≈acetone<MeOH<DMSO. Addition of a base (Et₃N) converts [Cp*₂M₂O₅] into [Et₃NH]⁺[Cp*MO₃]^?, for which the presence of a N? H???O?M interaction is revealed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy in comparison with the sodium salts, Na⁺[Cp*MO₃]^?. These are fully dissociated in DMSO and MeOH, but display a slow equilibrium between free ions and the ion pair in MeCN and acetone. Only one resonance is observed for mixtures of [Cp*MO₃]^? and [Cp*MO₂(OH)] because of a rapid self‐exchange. In the presence of extensive ionic dissociation, only one resonance is observed for mixtures of the cationic [Cp*MO₂(S)]⁺ product and the residual undissociated [Cp*₂M₂O₅] because of a rapid associative exchange via the trinuclear [Cp*₃M₃O₇]⁺ intermediate. In neat methanol, complex [Cp*₂W₂O₅] reacts to yield extensive amounts of a new species, formulated as the mononuclear methoxido complex [Cp*WO₂(OMe)] on the basis of the DFT study. An equivalent product is not observed for the Mo system. The addition of increasing amounts of water results in the rapid decrease of this product in favor of [Cp*₂W₂O₅] and [Cp*WO₂(OH)].     

On the Reactivity of Silylated Ge9 Clusters: Synthesis and Characterization of [ZnCp*(Ge9{Si(SiMe3)3}3)], [CuPiPr3(Ge9{Si(SiMe3)3}3)], and [(CuPiPr3)4{Ge9(SiPh3)2}2]

We report on the synthesis of new derivatives of silylated clusters of the type [Ge₉(SiR₃)₃]^? (R = SiMe₃, Me = CH₃; R = Ph, Ph = C₆H₅) as well as on their reactivity towards copper and zinc compounds. The silylated cluster compounds were synthesized by heterogeneous reactions starting from the Zintl phase K₄Ge₉. Reaction of K[Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃] with ZnCl₂ leads to the already known dimeric compound [Zn(Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃)₂] ( 1 ), whereas upon the reaction with [ZnCp*₂] the coordination of [ZnCp*]⁺ to the cluster takes place (Cp*=1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) under the formation of [ZnCp*(Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃)] ( 2 ). A similar reaction leads to [CuPiPr₃(Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃)] ( 3 ) from [CuPiPr₃Cl] (iPr=isopropyl). Further we investigated the novel silylated cluster units [Ge₉(SiPh₃)₃]^? ( 4 ) and [Ge₉(SiPh₃)₂]^? ( 5 ), which could be identified by mass spectroscopy. Bis‐ and tris‐silylated species can be synthesized by the respective stoichiometric reactions, and the products were characterized by ESI‐MS and NMR experiments. These clusters show rather different reactivity. The reaction of the tris‐silylated anion 4 with [CuPiPr₃Cl] leads to [(CuPiPr₃)₃Ge₉(SiPh₃)₂]⁺ as shown from NMR experiments and to [(CuPiPr₃)₄{Ge₉(SiPh₃)₂}₂] ( 6 ), which was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 6 shows a new type of coordination of the Cu atoms to the silylated Zintl clusters.     

Facile access to the pnictocenium ions [Cp*ECl]+ (E = P, As) and [(Cp*)2P]+: chloride ion affinity of Al(OR(F))3

The pnictocenium salts [Cp*PCl]⁺[μCl]^? ( 1 a ), [Cp*PCl]⁺[ClAl(OR^F)₃]^? ( 1 b ), [Cp*AsCl]⁺[ClAl(OR^F)₃]^? ( 2 ), and [(Cp*)₂P]⁺[μCl]^? ( 3 ), in which Cp*=Me₅C₅, μCl=(^FRO)₃Al? Cl? Al(OR^F)₃, and OR^F=OC(CF₃)₃, were prepared by halide abstraction from the respective halopnictines with the Lewis superacid PhF→Al(OR^F)₃. 1 The X‐ray crystal structures of 1 a , 2 , and 3 established that in the half as well as in the sandwich cations the Cp* rings are attached in an η²‐fashion. By using one or two equivalents of the Lewis acid, the two new weakly coordinating anions [μCl]^? and [ClAl(OR^F)₃]^? resulted. They also stabilize the highly reactive cations in PhF or 1,2‐F₂C₆H₄ solution at room temperature. The chloride ion affinities (CIAs) of a range of classical strong Lewis acids were also investigated. The calculations are based on a set of isodesmic BP86/SV(P) reactions and a non‐isodesmic reference reaction assessed at the G3MP2 level.