Molecular nitrides containing group 4 and 5 metals: single and double azatitanocubanes

Treatment of [[Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(micro-NH)](3)(micro(3)-N)] (1) with the imido complexes [Ti(NAr)Cl(2)(py)(3)] (Ar=2,4,6-C(6)H(2)Me(3)) and [Ti(NtBu)Cl(2)(py)(3)] in toluene affords the single azatitanocubanes [[Cl(2)(ArN)Ti]( micro(3)-NH)(3)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]].(C(7)H(8)) (2.C(7)H(8)) and [[Cl(2)Ti](micro(3)-N)(2)(micro(3)-NH)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]] (3), respectively. Similar reactions of complex 1 with the niobium and tantalum imido derivatives [[M(NtBu)(NHtBu)Cl(2)(NH(2)tBu)](2)] (M=Nb, Ta) in toluene give the single azaheterometallocubanes [[Cl(2)(tBuN)M](micro(3)-N)(micro(3)-NH)(2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]] (M=Nb (4), Ta (5)), both complexes react with 2,4,6-trimethylaniline to yield the analogous species [[Cl(2)(ArN)M](micro(3)-N)(micro(3)-NH)(2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]].(C(7)H(8)) (Ar=2,4,6-C(6)H(2)Me(3), M=Nb (6.C(7)H(8)), Ta (7.C(7)H(8))). Also the azaheterodicubanes [M[micro(3)-N)(2)(micro(3)-NH)](2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)](2)].2C(7)H(8) [M=Ti (8.2C(7)H(8)), Zr (9.2C(7)H(8))], and [M[(micro(3)-N)(5)(micro(3)-NH)][Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)](2)].2 C(7)H(8) (Nb (10.2C(7)H(8)), Ta (11.2C(7)H(8))) were prepared from 1 and the homoleptic dimethylamido complex [M(NMe(2))(x)] (x=4, M=Ti, Zr; x=5, M=Nb, Ta) in toluene at 150 degrees C. X-ray crystal structure determinations were performed for 6 and 10, which revealed a cube- and double-cube-type core, respectively. For complexes 2 and 4-7 we observed and studied by DNMR a rotation or trigonal-twist of the organometallic ligands [[Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(micro-NH)](3)(micro(3)-N)] (1) and [(micro(3)-N)(micro(3)-NH)(2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]](1-). Density functional theory calculations were carried out on model complexes of 2, 3, and 8 to establish and understand their structures.     

Heterobimetallic Clusters of Copper(I) with Trithiotungstate and Trithiomolybdate. Synthesis and Characterization of the Octanuclear Clusters [Et(4)N](4)[M(4)Cu(4)S(12)O(4)] (M = Mo, W) and the Dodecanuclear Clusters [M(4)Cu(4)S(12)O(4)(CuTMEN)(4)] (M = Mo, W; TMEN = N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylethylenediamine)

Synthetic methods for [Et(4)N](4)[W(4)Cu(4)S(12)O(4)] (1), [Et(4)N](4)[Mo(4)Cu(4)S(12)O(4)] (2), [W(4)Cu(4)S(12)O(4)(CuTMEN)(4)] (3), and [Mo(4)Cu(4)S(12)O(4)(CuTMEN)(4)] (4) are described. [Et(4)N](2)[MS(4)], [Et(4)N](2)[MS(2)O(2)], Cu(NO(3))(2).3H(2)O, and KBH(4) (or Et(4)NBH(4)) were used as starting materials for the synthesis of 1 and 2. Compounds 3 and 4 were produced by reaction of [Et(4)N](2)[WOS(3)], Cu(NO(3))(2).3H(2)O, and TMEN and by reaction of [Me(4)N](2)[MO(2)O(2)S(8)], Cu(NO(3))(2).3H(2)O, and TMEN, respectively. Crystal structures of compounds 1-4 were determined. Compounds 1 and 2 crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 14.264(5) ?, b = 32.833(8) ?, c = 14.480(3) ?, beta = 118.66(2) degrees, V = 5950.8(5) ?(3), and Z = 4 for 1 and a = 14.288(5) ?, b = 32.937(10) ?, c = 14.490(3) ?, beta = 118.75(2) degrees, V = 5978.4(7) ?(3), and Z = 4 for 2. Compounds 3 and 4 crystallized in the trigonal space group P3(2)21 with a = 13.836(6) ?, c = 29.81(1) ?, V = 4942(4) ?(3), and Z = 3 for 3 and a = 13.756(9) ?, c = 29.80(2) ?, V = 4885(6) ?(3), and Z = 3 for 4. The cluster cores have approximate C(2v) symmetry. The anions of 1 and 2 may be viewed as consisting of two butterfly-type [CuMOS(3)Cu] fragments bridged by two [MOS(3)](2-) groups. Eight metal atoms in the anions are arranged in an approximate square configuration, with a Cu(4)M(4)S(12) ring structure. Compounds 3 and 4 can be considered to consist of one [M(4)Cu(4)S(12)O(4)](4-) (the anions of 1 and 2) unit capped by Cu(TMEN)(+) groups on each M atom; the Cu(TMEN)(+) groups extend alternately up and down around the Cu(4)M(4) square. The electronic spectra of the compounds are dominated by the internal transitions of the [MOS(3)](2-) moiety. (95)Mo NMR spectral data are investigated and compared with those of other compounds.     

Design, formation and properties of tetrahedral M(4)L(4) and M(4)L(6) supramolecular clusters

The rigid tris- and bis(catecholamide) ligands H(6)A, H(4)B and H(4)C form tetrahedral clusters of the type M(4)L(4) and M(4)L(6) through self-assembly reactions with tri- and tetravalent metal ions such as Ga(III), Fe(III), Ti(IV) and Sn(IV). General design principles for the synthesis of such clusters are presented with an emphasis on geometric requirements and kinetic and thermodynamic considerations. The solution and solid-state characterization of these complexes is presented, and their dynamic solution behavior is described. The tris-catecholamide H(6)A forms M(4)L(4) tetrahedra with Ga(III), Ti(IV), and Sn(IV); (Et(3)N)(8)[Ti(4)A(4)] crystallizes in R3(-)c (No. 167), with a = 22.6143(5) A, c = 106.038(2) A. The cluster is a racemic mixture of homoconfigurational tetrahedra (all Delta or all Lambda at the metal centers within a given cluster). Though the synthetic procedure for synthesis of the cluster is markedly metal-dependent, extensive electrospray mass spectrometry investigations show that the M(4)A(4) (M = Ga(III), Ti(IV), and Sn(IV)) clusters are remarkably stable once formed. Two approaches are presented for the formation of M(4)L(6) tetrahedral clusters. Of the bis(catecholamide) ligands, H(4)B forms an M(4)L(6) tetrahedron (M = Ga(III)) based on an "edge-on" design, while H(4)C forms an M(4)L(6) tetrahedron (M = Ga(III), Fe(III)) based on a "face-on" strategy. K(5)[Et(4)N](7)[Fe(4)C(6)] crystallizes in I43(-)d (No. 220) with a = 43.706(8) A. This M(4)L(6) tetrahedral cluster is also a racemic mixture of homoconfigurational tetrahedra and has a cavity large enough to encapsulate a molecule of Et(4)N(+). This host-guest interaction is maintained in solution as revealed by NMR investigations of the Ga(III) complex.     

Scandium and yttrium metallocene borohydride complexes: comparisons of (BH4)1- vs. (BPh4)1- coordination and reactivity

The synthetically accessible borohydride complexes (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Ln(THF)(BH(4)) and (C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln(THF)(BH(4)) (Ln = Sc, Y) were examined as precursors alternative to the heavily-used tetraphenylborate analogs, [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Ln][BPh(4)] and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln][BPh(4)], employed in LnA(2)A'/M reduction reactions (A = anion; M = alkali metal) that generate "LnA(2)" reactivity and form reduced dinitrogen complexes [(C(5)R(5))(2)(THF)(x)Ln](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)) (x = 0, 1). The crystal structures of the yttrium borohydrides, (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Y(THF)(μ-H)(3)BH, 1, and (C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(THF)(μ-H)(2)BH(2), 2, were determined for comparison with those of the yttrium tetraphenylborates, [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Y][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)], 3, and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)], 4. The complex (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BH(2), 5, was synthesized and structurally characterized for comparison with (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BH(2), 6, [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc][(μ-Ph)BPh(3)], 7, and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sc][(μ-Ph)BPh(3)], 8. Structural information was also obtained on the borohydride derivatives, (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BC(8)H(14), 9, and (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BC(8)H(14), 10, obtained from 9-borabicyclo(3.3.1)nonane (9-BBN) and (C(5)Me(4)R)(2)Sc(η(3)-C(3)H(5)), where R = H, 11; Me, 12. The preference of the metals for borohydride over tetraphenylborate binding was shown by the facile displacement of (BPh(4))(1-) in 3, 4, 7, and 8 by (BH(4))(1-) to make the respective borohydride complexes 1, 2, 5, and 6. These results are consistent with the fact that the borohydrides are not as useful as precursors in A(2)LnA'/M reductions of N(2). An unusual structural isomer of [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 13', was isolated from this study that shows the variations in ligand orientation that can occur in the solid state.     

Rhodium(I) and Rhodium(III) complexes containing the chiral ligand 2,6-bis[4'(S)-isopropyloxazolin-2'-yl]pyridine (pybox): an unprecedented monohapto coordination of pybox

The complex [Rh(kappa(3)-N,N,N-pybox)(CO)][PF(6)] (1) has been prepared by reaction of the precursor [Rh(mu-Cl)(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(2)](2), 2,6-bis[4'(S)-isopropyloxazolin-2'-yl]pyridine (pybox), CO, and NaPF(6). Complex 1 reacts with monodentate phosphines to give the complexes [Rh(kappa(1)-N-pybox)(CO)(PR(3))(2)][PF(6)] (R(3) = MePh(2) (2), Me(2)Ph (3), (C(3)H(5))Ph(2) (4)), which show a previously unseen monodentate coordination of pybox. Complex 1 undergoes oxidative addition reactions with iodine and CH(3)I leading to the complexes [RhI(R)(kappa(3)-N,N,N-pybox)(CO)][PF(6)] (R = I (5); R = CH(3) (6)). Furthermore, a new allenyl Rh(III)-pybox complex of formula [Rh(CH=C=CH(2))Cl(2)(kappa(3)-N,N,N-pybox)] (7) has been synthesized by a one-pot reaction from [Rh(mu-Cl)(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(2)](2), pybox, and an equimolar amount of propargyl chloride.     

Probing Lewis acidity of Y(BH4)3 via its reactions with MBH4 (M = Li, Na, K, NMe4)

High-energy milling of Y(BH(4))(3) (containing LiCl as a by-product, which has not been removed) with MBH(4) (M = Li, Na, K, (CH(3))(4)N) leads to the first two examples of quasi-ternary yttrium borohydrides: KY(BH(4))(4) and (CH(3))(4)NY(BH(4))(4), while no chemical reaction is observed for LiBH(4) and NaBH(4). KY(BH(4))(4) is isostructural to NaSc(BH(4))(4) (Cmcm, a = 8.5157(4) ?, b = 12.4979(6) ?, c = 9.6368(5) ?, V = 1025.62(9) ?(3), Z = 4), while (CH(3))(4)NY(BH(4))(4) crystallises in primitive orthorhombic cell, similarly to KSc(BH(4))(4) (Pnma, a = 15.0290(10) ?, b = 8.5164(6) ?, c = 12.0811(7) ?, V = 1546.29(17) ?(3), Z = 4). The thermal decomposition of hydrogen-rich KY(BH(4))(4) (8.6 wt.% H) involves the formation of an unidentified intermediate at 200 °C and recovery of KBH(4) at higher temperatures; at 410 °C, KCl and YH(2) are observed. The thermal decomposition of (CH(3))(4)NY(BH(4))(4) occurs via two partly overlapping endothermic steps with concomitant emission of H(2) and organic compounds. Heating of a NaBH(4)/Y(BH(4))(3) mixture above 165 °C results in a mixed-cation mixed-anion borohydride, NaY(BH(4))(2)Cl(2), but not NaY(BH(4))(4). The reduced reactivity of Y(BH(4))(3) towards borohydride Lewis bases when compared to hypothetical scandium borohydride can be explained by the lower Lewis acidity of Y(BH(4))(3) than Sc(BH(4))(3).     

Coordination-position isomeric M(II)Cu(II) and Cu(II)M(II) (M = Co, Ni, Zn) complexes derived from macrocyclic compartmental ligands

The dinucleating macrocyclic ligands (L(2;2))(2-) and (L(2;3))(2-), comprised of two 2-[(N-methylamino)methyl]-6-(iminomethyl)-4-bromophenolate entities combined by the -(CH(2))(2)- chain between the two aminic nitrogen atoms and by the -(CH(2))(2)- or -(CH(2))(3)- chain between the two iminic nitrogen atoms, have afforded the following M(II)Cu(II) complexes: [CoCu(L(2;2))](ClO(4))(2).MeCN (1A), [NiCu(L(2;2))](ClO(4))(2) (2A), [ZnCu(L(2;2))](ClO(4))(2).0.5MeCN.EtOH (3A), [CoCu(L(2;3))(MeCN)(2-PrOH)](ClO(4))(2) (4A), [NiCu(L(2;3))](ClO(4))(2) (5A), and [ZnCu(L(2;3))](ClO(4))(2).1.5DMF (6A). [CoCu(L(2;2))(MeCN)(3)](ClO(4))(2) (1A') crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, a = 11.691(2) A, b = 18.572(3) A, c = 17.058(3) A, beta= 91.18(2) degrees, V = 3703(1) A(3), and Z = 4. [NiCu(L(2;2))(DMF)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (2A') crystallizes in the triclinic space group P(-)1, a = 11.260(2) A, b = 16.359(6) A, c = 10.853(4) A, alpha= 96.98(3) degrees, beta= 91.18(2) degrees, gamma= 75.20(2) degrees, V = 1917(1) A(3), and Z = 2. 4A crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 15.064(8) A, b = 11.434(5) A, c = 21.352(5) A, beta= 95.83(2)degrees, V = 3659(2) A(3), and Z = 4. The X-ray crystallographic results demonstrate the M(II) to reside in the N(amine)(2)O(2) site and the Cu(II) in the N(imine)(2)O(2) site. The complexes 1-6 are regarded to be isomeric with [CuCo(L(2;2)))](ClO(4))(2).DMF (1B), [CuNi(L(2;2)))](ClO(4))(2).DMF.MeOH (2B), [CuZn(L(2;2)))](ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (3B)), [CuCo(L(2;3)))](ClO(4))(2).2H(2)O (4B), [CuNi(L(2;3)))](ClO(4))(2) (5B), and [CuZn(L(2;3)))](ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (6B) reported previously, when we ignore exogenous donating and solvating molecules. The isomeric M(II)Cu(II) and Cu(II)M(II) complexes are differentiated by X-ray structural, magnetic, visible spectroscopic, and electrochemical studies. The two isomeric forms are significantly stabilized by the "macrocyclic effect" of the ligands, but 1A is converted into 1B on an electrode, and 2A is converted into 2B at elevated temperature.     

Exploring the metal coordination properties of the pyrimidine part of purine nucleobases: isomerization reactions in heteronuclear Pt(II)/Pd(II) of 9-methyladenine

The synthesis and characterization of three heteronuclear Pt(2)Pd(2) (4, 5) and PtPd(2) (6) complexes of the model nucleobase 9-methyladenine (9-MeA) is reported. The compounds were prepared by reacting [Pt(NH(3))(3)(9-MeA-N7)](ClO(4))(2) (1) with [Pd(en)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2) at different ratios r between Pt and Pd, with the goal to probe Pd(II) binding to any of the three available nitrogen atoms, N1, N3, N6 or combinations thereof. Pd(II) coordination occurs at N1 and at the deprotonated N6 positions, yet not at N3. 4 and 5 are isomers of [{(en)Pd}(2){N1,N6-9-MeA(-)-N7)Pt(NH(3))(3)}(2)](ClO(4))(6)·nH(2)O, with a head-head orientation of the two bridging 9-MeA(-) ligands in 4 and a head-tail orientation in 5. 6 is [{(en)Pd}(2)(OH)(N1,N6-9MeA(-)-N7)Pt(NH(3))(3)](ClO(4))(4)·4H(2)O, hence a condensation product between [Pt(NH(3))(3)(9-MeA-N7)](2+) and a μ-OH bridged dinuclear (en)Pd-OH-Pd(en) unit, which connects the N1 and N6 positions of 9-MeA(-) in an intramolecular fashion. 4 and 5, which slowly interconvert in aqueous solution, display distinct structural differences such as significantly different intramolecular Pd···Pd contacts (3.124 0(16) ? in 4; 2.986 6(14) ? in 5), among others. Binding of (en)Pd(II) to the exocyclic N6 atom in 4 and 5 is accompanied by a large movement of Pd(II) out of the 9-MeA(-) plane and a trend to a further shortening of the C6-N6 bond as compared to free 9-MeA. The packing patterns of 4 and 5 reveal substantial anion-π interactions.     

Investigations on the electronic effects of the peripheral 4'-group on 5-(4'-substituted)phenylazo-8-hydroxyquinoline ligands: zinc and aluminium complexes

A new series of 5-(4'-substituted)phenylazo-8-hydroxyquinolines (H[L-R]; R = N(CH(3))(2), C(2)H(5), n-C(4)H(9), C(CH(3))(3), H, and F, ) has been prepared and the corresponding Zn[L-R](2) (1a-6a) and Al[L-R](3) (1b-6b) complexes successfully synthesized. These compounds have been studied in order to design new molecular materials with enhanced electron transport properties. The obtained species have been extensively characterized by absorption and emission spectra and by cyclic voltammetric measurements. Experimental and computational results show that the Zn[L-N(CH(3))(2)].2H(2)O (1a) and Al[L-N(CH(3))(2)](1b) complexes only feature luminescence (at 620 and 600 nm), respectively. The unique effects, which are induced by the N=N-C(6)H(4)-N(CH(3))(2) group, are further proved by a reversible electron transfer process detected by cyclic voltammetry. These outcomes, discussed on the basis of theoretical calculations performed on the (H[L-N(CH3)2])-, H[L-N(CH3)2] and (H[L-N(CH3)(2)])+ species, suggest that metal complexes formed by 5-(4'-N,N-dimethylamino)phenylazo-8-hydroxyquinoline should be considered as electron transport materials suitable for applications in photonic devices.     

Molecular nitrides with titanium and rare-earth metals

A series of titanium-group 3/lanthanide metal complexes have been prepared by reaction of [{Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(μ-NH)}(3)(μ(3)-N)] (1) with halide, triflate, or amido derivatives of the rare-earth metals. Treatment of 1 with metal halide complexes [MCl(3)(thf)(n)] or metal trifluoromethanesulfonate derivatives [M(O(3)SCF(3))(3)] at room temperature affords the cube-type adducts [X(3)M{(μ(3)-NH)(3)Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-N)}] (X = Cl, M = Sc (2), Y (3), La (4), Sm (5), Er (6), Lu (7); X = OTf, M = Y (8), Sm (9), Er (10)). Treatment of yttrium (3) and lanthanum (4) halide complexes with 3 equiv of lithium 2,6-dimethylphenoxido [LiOAr] produces the aryloxido complexes [(ArO)(3)M{(μ(3)-NH)(3)Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-N)}] (M = Y (11), La (12)). Complex 1 reacts with 0.5 equiv of rare-earth bis(trimethylsilyl)amido derivatives [M{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(3)] in toluene at 85-180 °C to afford the corner-shared double-cube nitrido compounds [M(μ(3)-N)(3)(μ(3)-NH)(3){Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-N)}(2)] (M = Sc (13), Y (14), La (15), Sm (16), Eu (17), Er (18), Lu (19)) via NH(SiMe(3))(2) elimination. A single-cube intermediate [{(Me(3)Si)(2)N}Sc{(μ(3)-N)(2)(μ(3)-NH)Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-N)}] (20) was obtained by the treatment of 1 with 1 equiv of the scandium bis(trimethylsilyl)amido derivative [Sc{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(3)]. The X-ray crystal structures of 2, 7, 11, 14, 15, and 19 have been determined. The thermal decomposition in the solid state of double-cube nitrido complexes 14, 15, and 18 has been investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) measurements, as well as by pyrolysis experiments at 1100 °C under different atmospheres (Ar, H(2)/N(2), NH(3)) for the yttrium complex 14.     

Actinide metals with multiple bonds to carbon: synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of U(IV) and Th(IV) bis(iminophosphorano)methandiide pincer carbene complexes

Treatment of ThCl(4)(DME)(2) or UCl(4) with 1 equiv of dilithiumbis(iminophosphorano) methandiide, [Li(2)C(Ph(2)P═NSiMe(3))(2)] (1), afforded the chloro actinide carbene complexes [Cl(2)M(C(Ph(2)P═NSiMe(3))(2))] (2 (M = Th) and 3 (M = U)) in situ. Stable PCP metal-carbene complexes [Cp(2)Th(C(Ph(2)P═NSiMe(3))(2))] (4), [Cp(2)U(C(Ph(2)P═NSiMe(3))(2))] (5), [TpTh(C(Ph(2)P═NSiMe(3))(2))Cl] (6), and [TpU(C(Ph(2)P═NSiMe(3))(2))Cl] (7) were generated from 2 or 3 by further reaction with 2 equiv of thallium(I) cyclopentadienide (CpTl) in THF to yield 4 or 5 or with 1 equiv of potassium hydrotris(pyrazol-1-yl) borate (TpK) also in THF to give 6 or 7, respectively. The derivative complexes were isolated, and their crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction. All of these U (or Th)-carbene complexes (4-7) possess a very short M (Th or U)═carbene bond with evidence for multiple bond character. Gaussian 03 DFT calculations indicate that the M═C double bond is constructed by interaction of the 5f and 6d orbitals of the actinide metal with carbene 2p orbitals of both π and σ character. Complex 3 reacted with acetonitrile or benzonitrile to cyclo-add C≡N to the U═carbon double bond, thereby forming a new C-C bond in a new chelated quadridentate ligand in the bridged dimetallic complexes (9 and 10). A single carbon-U bond is retained. The newly coordinated uranium complex dimerizes with one equivalent of unconverted 3 using two chlorides and the newly formed imine derived from the nitrile as three connecting bridges. In addition, a new crystal structure of [CpUCl(3)(THF)(2)] (8) was determined by X-ray diffraction.     

(N2)3- radical chemistry via trivalent lanthanide salt/alkali metal reduction of dinitrogen: new syntheses and examples of (N2)2- and (N2)3- complexes and density functional theory comparisons of closed shell Sc3+, Y3+, and Lu3+ versus 4f(9) Dy3+

New syntheses of complexes containing the recently discovered (N(2))(3-) radical trianion have been developed by examining variations on the LnA(3)/M reductive system that delivers "LnA(2)" reactivity when Ln = scandium, yttrium, or a lanthanide, M = an alkali metal, and A = N(SiMe(3))(2) and C(5)R(5). The first examples of LnA(3)/M reduction of dinitrogen with aryloxide ligands (A = OC(6)R(5)) are reported: the combination of Dy(OAr)(3) (OAr = OC(6)H(3)(t)Bu(2)-2,6) with KC(8) under dinitrogen was found to produce both (N(2))(2-) and (N(2))(3-) products, [(ArO)(2)Dy(THF)(2)](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 1, and [(ArO)(2)Dy(THF)](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(THF)(6)], 2a, respectively. The range of metals that form (N(2))(3-) complexes with [N(SiMe(3))(2)](-) ancillary ligands has been expanded from Y to Lu, Er, and La. Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/M reactions with M = Na as well as KC(8) are reported. Reduction of the isolated (N(2))(2-) complex {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 3, with KC(8) forms the (N(2))(3-) complex, {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(THF)(6)], 4a, in high yield. The reverse transformation, the conversion of 4a to 3 can be accomplished cleanly with elemental Hg. The crown ether derivative {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(18-crown-6)(THF)(2)] was isolated from reduction of 3 with KC(8) in the presence of 18-crown-6 and found to be much less soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF) than the [K(THF)(6)](+) salt, which facilitates its separation from 3. Evidence for ligand metalation in the Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/KC(8) reaction was obtained through the crystal structure of the metallacyclic complex {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y[CH(2)Si(Me(2))NSiMe(3)]}[K(18-crown-6)(THF)(toluene)]. Density functional theory previously used only with reduced dinitrogen complexes of closed shell Sc(3+) and Y(3+) was extended to Lu(3+) as well as to open shell 4f(9) Dy(3+) complexes to allow the first comparison of bonding between these four metals.     

Ferrimagnetic Mixed-Valency and Mixed-Metal Tris(oxalato)iron(III) Compounds: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetism

The synthesis and structural and magnetic characterization of 16 compounds AM(II)Fe(III)(C(2)O(4))(3) (A = N(n-C(3)H(7))(4), N(n-C(4)H(9))(4), N(n-C(5)H(11))(4), P(n-C(4)H(9))(4), P(C(6)H(5))(4), N(n-C(4)H(9))(3)(C(6)H(5)CH(2)), (C(6)H(5))(3)PNP(C(6)H(5))(3), As(C(6)H(5))(4); M(II) = Mn, Fe) are reported. X-ray powder diffraction profiles are indexed in R3c or its subgroup P6(5)22 or P6/mmm to derive unit cell constants. The structures of all the compounds consist of two-dimensional honeycomb networks [M(II)Fe(III)(C(2)O(4))(3)(-)](infinity). The M(II) = Fe compounds behave as ferrimagnets with T(c) between 33 and 48 K, but five exhibit a crossover from positive to negative magnetization near 30 K when cooled in a field of 10 mT. The compounds exhibiting this unusual magnetic behavior are those that have the highest T(c). Within the set N(n-C(n)()H(2)(n)()(+1))(4)Fe(II)Fe(III)(C(2)O(4))(3) (n = 3-5), T(c) increases with interlayer separation and the low-temperature magnetization changes from positive (n = 3) to negative (n = 4, 5). In the M = Mn(II) compounds, the in-plane cell parameter a(0) is approximately 0.03 ? greater than in the corresponding M = Fe(II) ones while the interlayer separation (c(0)/6) is on average 0.08 ? smaller. All members of the M(II) = Mn series have magnetic susceptibilities showing broad maxima at 55 K characteristic of two-dimensional antiferromagnetism, but the magnetization of several of the salts increases sharply below 27 K due to the onset of spin canting, the magnitude of which varies significantly with A.     

Complexes of platinum(II) containing neutral and deprotonated 9-methyladenine. Synthesis, x-ray structures, and NMR studies on the cyclic trimer cis-[L2Pt[9-MeAd([bond]H)]]3(NO3)3 and the Dinuclear cis-[L2Pt(ONO2)[9-MeAd([bond]H)]PtL2](NO3)2 (L = PMePh2)

The dinuclear hydroxo complex cis-[L(2)Pt(mu-OH)](2)(NO(3))(2) (L = PMePh(2), 1), in CH(2)Cl(2), CH(3)CN, or DMF solution, deprotonates the NH(2) group of 9-methyladenine (9-MeAd) to give the complex cis-[L(2)Pt[9-MeAd(-H)]](3)(NO(3))(3), 2, which was isolated in good yield. The X-ray structure shows that the nucleobase binds symmetrically the metal centers through the N(1),N(6) atoms forming a cyclic trimer with Pt...Pt distances in the range 5.202(1)-5.382(1) A. Dissolution of 2 in DMSO or DMF determines the partial (or total) dissociation of the cyclic structure to form several fragments. A multinuclear NMR analysis of the resulting mixture supports the presence of the mononuclear species cis-[L(2)Pt[9-MeAd(-H)]](+), 3, in which the deprotonated nucleobase chelates the metal center with the N(6),N(7) atoms. Addition of a stoichiometric amount of the nitrato complex cis-[L(2)Pt(ONO(2))(2)] (L = PMePh(2), 4) to a DMSO or DMF solution of 2 affords quantitatively the diplatinated compound cis-[L(2)Pt(ONO(2))[9-MeAd(-H)]PtL(2)](NO(3))(2), 5. The single-crystal X-ray analysis shows that the adenine behaves as a tridentate ligand bridging two cis-L(2)Pt units at the N(1) and N(6),N(7) sites, respectively [Pt(1)-N(1) = 2.109(5) A, Pt(2)-N(6) = 2.095(7) A, Pt(2)-N(7) = 2.126(7) A]. The N(1)-bonded metal center completes the coordination sphere through an oxygen atom of a nitrate group, and its coordination plane is arranged orthogonally with respect the second one. The Pt-O distance [2.109(5) A] is similar to those found in the nitrato complex 4 [2.110 A, average]. The related complex cis-[[L(2)Pt(ONO(2))](2)(9-MeAd)](NO(3))(2), 6, containing the neutral adenine platinated at the N(1),N(7) atoms, was isolated and its stability in solution investigated by NMR spectroscopy. In DMSO, 6 undergoes decomposition forming a mixture of the species 4, 5, and the adenine mono- and bis-adducts cis-[L(2)Pt(9-MeAd)(DMSO)](2+), 7, and cis-[L(2)Pt(9-MeAd)(2)](2+), 8, respectively. This last complex, quantitatively formed upon addition of 9-MeAd (Pt/adenine = 1:2) to the mixture, was also isolated and characterized.     

Bimetallic isopropoxides M[Al(OC(3)H(i)(7))(4)](3) (M = Pr, Nd)--catalyzed reduction of 2-octanone and benzophenone

Bimetallic alkoxides of praseodymium and neodymium with aluminum, viz., M[Al(OC(3)H(i)(7))(4)](3), where M = Pr(III)/Nd(III), have been used as catalysts in Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV) reduction of 2-octanone and benzophenone in isopropanol to give their corresponding secondary alcohols. The reduction of ketones is investigated by following the absorption spectra involving 4f-4f transitions. During the MPV reduction the oscillator strengths (P) and the Judd-Ofelt intensity (T(lambda), lambda = 2,4,6) parameters corresponding to each 4f-4f band (H43-->D21, H43-->P03, H43-->P13, and H43-->P23 in praseodymium, and I9/24-->F3/24, I9/24-->F5/24, I9/24-->F7/24, I9/24-->G5/24, and I9/24-->G7/24 in neodymium alkoxides) at different time intervals have also been calculated and used in the determination of rates. Rates were calculated in terms of complexation of ketone and isopropanol with M[Al(OC(3)H(i)(7))(4)](3) during the MPV reaction, from the changes in both absorbance and oscillator strength with time, and were found to be comparable, verifying the Judd-Ofelt theory. The stronger oxyphilicity of Pr(III) and Nd(III) in M[Al(OC(3)H(i)(7))(4)](3) than of their analogue Al(III) in Al(OC(3)H(i)(7))(3) made the bimetallic alkoxides better catalyst in MPV reduction of ketones.     

Syntheses, structure, and magnetic properties of hexanuclear Mn(III)(2)M(III)(4) (M = Y, Gd, Tb, Dy) complexes

The synthesis and characterizations of a family of isomorphous [Mn(III)(2)M(III)(4)L(2)(μ(4)-O)(2)(N(3))(2)(CH(3)O)(2)(CH(3)OH)(4)(NO(3))(2)]·2H(2)O (M = Y(1), Gd(2), Tb(3), Dy(4)) are reported, where H(4)L = N,N'-dihydroxyethyl-N,N'-(2-hydroxy-4,5-dimethylbenzyl)ethylenediamine. They were obtained from the reactions of H(4)L with M(NO(3))(3)·6H(2)O, Mn(ClO(4))(2)·6H(2)O, NaN(3) and NEt(3) in a 1?:?1?:?1?:?2?:?2 molar ratio. The core structure consists of a Mn(2)M(4) unit. The four M(III) ions that are held together by two μ(4)-bridging oxygen atoms form a butterfly M(4) moiety. The M(4) core is further connected to the two five-coordinate trigonal-bipyramidal Mn(III) ions via one μ(4)-O(2-), two alkyloxo and one methoxo triple bridges. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate the presence of intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions in complex 2, and overall intramolecular ferromagnetic interactions in complexes 3 and 4. The alternating current (AC) magnetic susceptibility studies revealed that complexes 3 and 4 showed frequency-dependent out-of-phase signals, which indicates that they exhibit slow relaxation of the magnetization.     

Synthesis and characterization of six new quaternary actinide thiophosphate compounds: Cs(8)U(5)(P(3)S(10))(2)(PS(4))(6)(,) K(10)Th(3)(P(2)S(7))(4)(PS(4))(2), and A(5)An(PS(4))(3), (A = K, Rb, Cs; An = U, Th)

Six new actinide metal thiophosphates have been synthesized by the reactive flux method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction: Cs(8)U(5)(P(3)S(10))(2)(PS(4))(6) (I), K(10)Th(3)(P(2)S(7))(4)(PS(4))(2) (II), K(5)U(PS(4))(3) (III), K(5)Th(PS(4))(3) (IV), Rb(5)Th(PS(4))(3) (V), and Cs(5)Th(PS(4))(3) (VI). Compound I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 33.2897(1) A, b = 14.9295(1) A, c = 17.3528(2) A, beta = 115.478(1) degrees, Z = 8. Compound II crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 32.8085(6) A, b = 9.0482(2) A, c = 27.2972(3) A, beta = 125.720(1) degrees, Z = 8. Compound III crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 14.6132(1) A, b = 17.0884(2) A, c = 9.7082(2) A, beta = 108.63(1) degrees, Z = 4. Compound IV crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 9.7436(1) A, b = 11.3894(2) A, c = 20.0163(3) A, beta = 90.041(1) degrees, Z = 4, as a pseudo-merohedrally twinned cell. Compound V crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 13.197(4) A, b = 9.997(4) A, c = 18.189(7) A, beta = 100.77(1) degrees, Z = 4. Compound VI crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 13.5624(1) A, b = 10.3007(1) A, c = 18.6738(1) A, beta = 100.670(1) degrees, Z = 4. Optical band-gap measurements by diffuse reflectance show that compounds I and III contain tetravalent uranium as part of an extended electronic system. Thorium-containing compounds are large-gap materials. Raman spectroscopy on single crystals displays the vibrational characteristics expected for [PS(4)](3)(-), [P(2)S(7)](4-), and the new [P(3)S(10)](5)(-) building blocks. This new thiophosphate building block has not been observed except in the structure of the uranium-containing compound Cs(8)U(5)(P(3)S(10))(2)(PS(4))(6).     

1,4-dicyanobenzene as a scaffold for the preparation of bimetallic actinide complexes exhibiting metal-metal communication

Reaction of two equivalents of [(C(5)Me(4)Et)(2)U(CH(3))(Cl)] (6) or [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Th(CH(3))(Br)] (7) with 1,4-dicyanobenzene leads to the formation of the novel 1,4-phenylenediketimide-bridged bimetallic organoactinide complexes [{(C(5)Me(4)Et)(2)(Cl)U}(2)(mu-{N==C(CH(3))-C(6)H(4)-(CH(3))C==N})] (8) and [{(C(5)Me(5))(2)(Br)Th}(2)(mu-{N==C(CH(3))-C(6)H(4)- (CH(3))C==N})] (9), respectively. These complexes were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy. Metal-metal interactions in these isovalent bimetallic systems were assessed by means of cyclic voltammetry, UV-visible/NIR absorption spectroscopy, and variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility. Although evidence for magnetic coupling between metal centers in the bimetallic U(IV)/U(IV) (5f(2)-5f(2)) complex is ambiguous, the complex displays appreciable electronic communication between the metal centers through the pi system of the dianionic diketimide bridging ligand, as judged by voltammetry. The transition intensities of the f-f bands for the bimetallic U(IV)/U(IV) system decrease substantially compared to the related monometallic ketimide chloride complex, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)U(Cl){-N==C(CH(3))-(3,4,5-F(3)-C(6)H(2))}] (11). Also reported herein are new synthetic routes to the actinide starting materials [(C(5)Me(4)Et)(2)U(CH(3))(Cl)] (6) and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Th(CH(3))(Br)] (7) in addition to the syntheses and structures of the monometallic uranium complexes [(C(5)Me(4)Et)(2)UCl(2)] (3), [(C(5)Me(4)Et)(2)U(CH(3))(2)] (4), [(C(5)Me(4)Et)(2)U{-N==C(CH(3))-C(6)H(4)-C==N}(2)] (10), and 11.     

Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of four new organically templated metal sulfates [C5H14N2][M(II)(H2O)6](SO4)2, (M(II) = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni)

A series of novel organically templated metal sulfates, [C(5)H(14)N(2)][M(II)(H(2)O)(6)](SO(4))(2) with (M(II) = Mn (1), Fe (2), Co (3) and Ni (4)), have been successfully synthesized by slow evaporation and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction as well as with infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and magnetic measurements. All compounds were prepared using a racemic source of the 2-methylpiperazine and they crystallized in the monoclinic systems, P2(1)/n for (1, 3) and P2(1)/c for (2,4). Crystal data are as follows: [C(5)H(14)N(2)][Mn(H(2)O)(6)](SO(4))(2), a = 6.6385(10) ?, b = 11.0448(2) ?, c = 12.6418(2) ?, β = 101.903(10)°, V = 906.98(3) ?(3), Z = 2; [C(5)H(14)N(2)][Fe(H(2)O)(6)](SO(4))(2), a = 10.9273(2) ?, b = 7.8620(10) ?, c = 11.7845(3) ?, β = 116.733(10)°, V = 904.20(3) ?(3), Z = 2; [C(5)H(14)N(2)][Co(H(2)O)(6)](SO(4))(2), a = 6.5710(2) ?, b = 10.9078(3) ?, c = 12.5518(3) ?, β = 101.547(2)°, V = 881.44(4) ?(3), Z = 2; [C(5)H(14)N(2)][Ni(H(2)O)(6)](SO(4))(2), a = 10.8328(2) ?, b = 7.8443(10) ?, c = 11.6790(2) ?, β = 116.826(10)°, V = 885.63(2) ?(3), Z = 2. The three-dimensional structure networks for these compounds consist of isolated [M(II)(H(2)O)(6)](2+) and [C(5)H(14)N(2)](2+) cations and (SO(4))(2-) anions linked by hydrogen-bonds only. The use of racemic 2-methylpiperazine results in crystallographic disorder of the amines and creation of inversion centers. The magnetic measurements indicate that the Mn complex (1) is paramagnetic, while compounds 2, 3 and 4, (M(II) = Fe, Co, Ni respectively) exhibit single ion anisotropy.     

Enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrones to methacrolein catalyzed by (eta5-C5Me5)M{(R)-prophos} containing complexes (M = Rh, Ir; (R)-prophos = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane): on the origin of the enantioselectivity

The rhodium and iridium Lewis-acid cations [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))M{(R)-Prophos}(H(2)O)](2+) ((R)-Prophos = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane) efficiently catalyze the enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrones to methacrolein. Reactions occur with perfect endo selectivity and with enantiomeric excesses up to 96%. Intermediates [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))M{(R)-Prophos}(methacrolein)](SbF(6))(2) (M = Rh (3), Ir (4)) have been spectroscopically and crystallographically characterized. The nitrone complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))M{(R)-Prophos}(nitrone)](SbF(6))(2) (M = Rh, nitrone = 1-pyrrolidine N-oxide (5), 2,3,4,5,-tetrahydropyridine N-oxide (6), 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline N-oxide (7); M = Ir, nitrone = 1-pyrrolidine N-oxide (8)) have been isolated and characterized including the X-ray crystal structure of compounds 6 and 8. The equilibrium between methacrolein and nitrone complexes is also studied. [Ir]-adduct complexes are detected by (31)P NMR spectroscopy. A catalytic cycle involving [M]-methacrolein, [M]-nitrone, as well as [M]-adduct species is proposed, the first complex being the true catalyst. The absolute configuration of the adduct 4-methyl-2-N,3-diphenyl-isoxazolidine-4-carbaldehyde (9) was determined through its (S)-(-)-alpha-methylbenzylamine derivative diastereomer. Structural parameters strongly suggest that the disposition of the methacrolein in 3 and 4 is fixed by CH/pi attractive interactions between the pro-S phenyl ring of the Ph(2)PCH(CH(3)) moiety of the (R)-Prophos ligand and the CHO aldehyde proton. Proton NMR data indicate that this conformation is maintained in solution. From the structural data and the results of catalysis the origin of the enantioselectivity is discussed.