Solution and solid-state structure of the anion [Ag(2)[closo-CB(11)H(12)](4)](2-)

Addition of the carbene 1,3-dimesitylimidazol-2-ylidene (IMes) to a toluene solution of Ag[closo-CB(11)H(12)] results in the formation of the complex [(IMes)(2)Ag](2)[Ag(2)[closo-CB(11)H(12)](4)], the anionic component of which contains two silver(I) centers bridged by two carboranes in addition to one terminally bound carborane on each metal, in the solid-state. Comparison of the observed (11)B[(1)H] NMR chemical shifts of [(IMes)(2)Ag](2)[Ag(2)[closo-CB(11)H(12)](4)] or Ag[closo-CB(11)H(12)] with [NBu(4)][closo-CB(11)H(12)] in CD(2)Cl(2) demonstrates that the silver ion interacts significantly with the cage in solution. Theoretical investigations using the ab initio/GIAO/NMR method of [closo-CB(11)H(12)](-) and Na[closo-CB(11)H(12)] as model geometries for the silver salts support experimental evidence for these Ag...[BH] interactions in solution.     

Preparation and Structures of the 2.2.2-Cryptand(1+) Salts of the [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-), [As(2)S(4)](2)(-), [As(10)S(3)](2)(-), and [As(4)Se(6)](2)(-) Anions

2.2.2-Cryptand(1+) salts of the [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-), [As(2)S(4)](2)(-), [As(10)S(3)](2)(-), and [As(4)Se(6)](2)(-) anions have been synthesized from the reduction of binary chalcogenide compounds by K in NH(3)(l) in the presence of the alkali-metal-encapsulating ligand 2.2.2-cryptand (4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane), followed by recrystallization from CH(3)CN. The [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-) anion, which has crystallographically imposed symmetry 2, consists of two discrete edge-sharing SbSe(3) pyramids with terminal Se atoms cis to each other. The Sb-Se(t) bond distance is 2.443(1) ?, whereas the Sb-Se(b) distance is 2.615(1) ? (t = terminal; b = bridge). The Se(b)-Sb-Se(t) angles range from 104.78(4) to 105.18(5) degrees, whereas the Se(b)-Sb-Se(b) angles are 88.09(4) and 88.99(4) degrees. The (77)Se NMR data for this anion in solution are consistent with its X-ray structure (delta 337 and 124 ppm, 1:1 intensity, -30 degrees C, CH(3)CN/CD(3)CN). Similar to this [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-) anion, the [As(2)S(4)](2)(-) anion consists of two discrete edge-sharing AsS(3) pyramidal units. The As-S(t) bond distances are 2.136(7) and 2.120(7) ?, whereas the As-S(b) distances range from 2.306(7) to 2.325(7) ?. The S(b)-As-S(t) angles range from 106.2(3) to 108.2(3) degrees, and the S(b)-As-S(b) angles are 88.3(2) and 88.9(2) degrees. The [As(10)S(3)](2)(-) anion has an 11-atom As(10)S center composed of six five-membered edge-sharing rings. One of the three waist positions is occupied by a S atom, and the other two waist positions feature As atoms with exocyclic S atoms attached, making each As atom in the structure three-coordinate. The As-As bond distances range from 2.388(3) to 2.474(3) ?. The As-S(t) bond distances are 2.181(5) and 2.175(4) ?, and the As-S(b) bond distance is 2.284(6) ?. The [As(4)Se(6)](2)(-) anion features two AsSe(3) units joined by Se-Se bonds with the two exocyclic Se atoms trans to each other. The average As-Se(t) bond distance is 2.273(2) ?, whereas the As-Se(b) bond distances range from 2.357(3) to 2.462(2) ?. The Se(b)-As-Se(t) angles range from 101.52(8) to 105.95(9) degrees, and the Se(b)-As-Se(b) angles range from 91.82(7) to 102.97(9) degrees. The (77)Se NMR data for this anion in solution are consistent with its X-ray structure (delta 564 and 317 ppm, 3:1 intensity, 25 degrees C, DMF/CD(3)CN).     

The (Calix[4]arene)chloromolybdate(IV) anion [MoCl(Calix)](-): a convenient entry into molybdenum Calix[4]arene chemistry

The complex (HNEt(3))[MoCl(NCMe)(Calix)] (1), prepared from the reaction of [MoCl(4)(NCMe)(2)] with p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene, H(4)Calix, in the presence of triethylamine, has been used as a source of the d(2)-[Mo(NCMe)(Calix)] fragment. Complex 1 is readily oxidized with PhICl(2) to afford the molybdenum(VI) dichloro complex [MoCl(2)(Calix)] (2). Both complexes are a convenient entry point into molybdenum(VI) and molybdenum(IV) calixarene chemistry. The reaction of 1 with trimethylphosphine and pyridine in the presence of catalytic amounts [Ag(OTf)] led to the formation of neutral d(2) complexes [Mo(PMe(3))(NCMe)(Calix)] (3) and [Mo(NC(5)H(5))(NCMe)(Calix)] (4). The role of the silver salt in the reaction mixture is presumably the oxidation of the chloromolybdate anion of 1 to give a reactive molybdenum(V) species. The same reactions can also be initiated with ferrocenium cations such as [Cp(2)Fe](BF(4)). Without the presence of coordinating ligands, the dimeric complex [[Mo(NCMe)(Calix)](2)] (5) was isolated. The reaction of 1 with Ph(2)CN(2) led to the formation of a metallahydrazone complex [Mo(N(2)CPh(2))(NCMe)(Calix)] (6), in which the diphenyldiazomethane has been formally reduced by two electrons. Molybdenum(VI) complexes were also obtained from reaction of 1 with azobenzene and sodium azide in the presence of catalytic amounts of silver salt. The reaction with azobenzene led under cleavage of the nitrogen nitrogen bond to an imido complex [Mo(NPh)(NCMe)(Calix)] (7), whereas the reaction with sodium azide afforded the mononuclear molybdenum(VI) nitrido complex (HNEt(3))[MoN(Calix)] (8).     

Dynamic disorder in ammonium oxofluorotungstates (NH4)2WO2F4 and (NH4)3WO3F3

Ammonium oxofluorotungstates, (NH₄)₂WO₂F₄ and (NH₄)₃WO₃F₃, are characterized by vibration spectroscopy and quantum chemistry methods with the use of NMR ¹⁹F and ¹H data. It is shown in the approximation of the density-functional theory that in isolated octahedrons [WO₂F₄]^2? and [WO₃F₃]^3? the mutual arrangement of oxygen atoms in cis-position corresponds to the energy minimum. The presence of intraspheric disorder in [WO₃F₃]^3? (unlike [WO₂F₄]^2?) explains the complex character of vibrational spectra of this anion and eliminates existent in the literature differences in their interpretation (between C _2v and C _3v structure variants). Models of intraspheric dynamics of [WO₃F₃]^3? are discussed.     

Mechanistic studies on the reactions of PhS(-) or [MoS(4)](2)(-) with [M(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-) (M = Fe or Co)

Kinetic studies, using stopped-flow spectrophotometry, on the reactions of [M(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-) (M = Fe or Co) with PhS(-) to form [M(SPh)(4)](2)(-) are described, as are the reactions between [M(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-) and [MoS(4)](2)(-) to form [S(2)MoS(2)Fe(SPh)(2)](2)(-) or [S(2)MoS(2)CoS(2)MoS(2)](2)(-). The kinetics of the reactions with PhS(-) are consistent with an initial associative substitution mechanism involving attack of PhS(-) at one of the tetrahedral M sites of [M(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-) to form [M(4)(SPh)(11)](3)(-). Subsequent or concomitant cleavage of a micro-SPh ligand, at the same M, initiates a cascade of rapid reactions which result ultimately in the complete rupture of the cluster and formation of [M(SPh)(4)](2)(-). The kinetics of the reaction between [M(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-) and [MoS(4)](2)(-) indicate an initial dissociative substitution mechanism at low concentrations of [MoS(4)](2)(-), in which rate-limiting dissociation of a terminal thiolate from [M(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-) produces [M(4)(SPh)(9)](-) and the coordinatively unsaturated M site is rapidly attacked by a sulfido group of [MoS(4)](2)(-). It is proposed that subsequent chelation of the MoS(4) ligand results in cleavage of an M-micro-SPh bond, initiating a cascade of reactions which lead to the ultimate break-up of the cluster and formation of the products, [S(2)MoS(2)Fe(SPh)(2)](2)(-) or [S(2)MoS(2)CoS(2)MoS(2)](2)(-). With [Co(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-), at higher concentrations of [MoS(4)](2)(-), a further substitution pathway is evident which exhibits a second order dependence on the concentration of [MoS(4)](2)(-). The mechanistic picture of cluster disruption which emerges from these studies rationalizes the "all or nothing" reactivity of [M(4)(SPh)(10)](2)(-).     

Microsolvation of the dicyanamide anion: [N(CN)(2)(-)](H(2)O)n (n = 0-12)

Photoelectron spectroscopy is combined with ab initio calculations to study the microsolvation of the dicyanamide anion, N(CN)(2)(-). Photoelectron spectra of [N(CN)(2)(-)](H2O)n (n = 0-12) have been measured at room temperature and also at low temperature for n = 0-4. Vibrationally resolved photoelectron spectra are obtained for N(CN)(2)(-), allowing the electron affinity of the N(CN)2 radical to be determined accurately as 4.135 +/- 0.010 eV. The electron binding energies and the spectral width of the hydrated clusters are observed to increase with the number of water molecules. The first five waters are observed to provide significant stabilization to the solute, whereas the stabilization becomes weaker for n > 5. The spectral width, which carries information about the solvent reorganization upon electron detachment in [N(CN)(2)(-)](H2O)n, levels off for n > 6. Theoretical calculations reveal several close-lying isomers for n = 1 and 2 due to the fact that the N(CN)(2)(-) anion possesses three almost equivalent hydration sites. In all the hydrated clusters, the most stable structures consist of a water cluster solvating one end of the N(CN)(2)(-) anion.     

The elusive tetrasulfate anion [S4O13](2-)

Sulfates united: the unique tetrasulfate S(4)O(13)(2-) anion was observed in the structure of (NO(2))(2)[S(4)O(13)] that forms in the reaction of N(2)O(5) with SO(3). Theoretical investigations show that the anion is a stable member of the polysulfate series [S(n)O(3n+1)](2-), which was investigated up to n=11.     

Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivities of [eta(2)-P(7)M(CO)(4)](3)(-), [eta(2)-HP(7)M(CO)(4)](2)(-), and [eta(2)-RP(7)M(CO)(4)](2)(-) Zintl Ion Complexes Where M = Mo, W

Ethylenediamine (en) solutions of [eta(4)-P(7)M(CO)(3)](3)(-) ions [M = W (1a), Mo (1b)] react under one atmosphere of CO to form microcrystalline yellow powders of [eta(2)-P(7)M(CO)(4)](3)(-) complexes [M = W (4a), Mo (4b)]. Compounds 4 are unstable, losing CO to re-form 1, but are highly nucleophilic and basic. They are protonated with methanol in en solvent giving [eta(2)-HP(7)M(CO)(4)](2)(-) ions (5) and are alkylated with R(4)N(+) salts in en solutions to give [eta(2)-RP(7)M(CO)(4)](2)(-) complexes (6) in good yields (R = alkyl). Compounds 5 and 6 can also be prepared by carbonylations of the [eta(4)-HP(7)M(CO)(3)](2)(-) (3) and [eta(4)-RP(7)M(CO)(3)](2)(-) (2) precursors, respectively. The carbonylations of 1-3 to form 4-6 require a change from eta(4)- to eta(2)-coordination of the P(7) cages in order to maintain 18-electron configurations at the metal centers. Comparative protonation/deprotonation studies show 4 to be more basic than 1. The compounds were characterized by IR and (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR spectroscopic studies and microanalysis where appropriate. The [K(2,2,2-crypt)](+) salts of 5 were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. For 5, the M-P bonds are very long (2.71(1) ?, average). The P(7)(3)(-) cages of 5 are not displaced by dppe. The P(7) cages in 4-6 have nortricyclane-like structures in contrast to the norbornadiene-type geometries observed for 1-3. (31)P NMR spectroscopic studies for 5-6 show C(1) symmetry in solution (seven inequivalent phosphorus nuclei), consistent with the structural studies for 5, and C(s)() symmetry for 4 (five phosphorus nuclei in a 2:2:1:1:1 ratio). Crystallographic data for [K(2,2,2-crypt)](2)[eta(2)-HP(7)W(CO)(4)].en: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 23.067(20) ?, b = 12.6931(13) ?, c = 21.433(2) ?, beta = 90.758(7) degrees, V = 6274.9(10) ?(3), Z = 4, R(F) = 0.0573, R(w)(F(2)) = 0.1409. For [K(2,2,2-crypt)](2)[eta(2)-HP(7)Mo(CO)(4)].en: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 22.848(2) ?, b = 12.528(2) ?, c = 21.460(2) ?, beta = 91.412(12) degrees, V = 6140.9(12) ?(3), Z = 4, R(F) = 0.0681, R(w)(F(2)) = 0.1399.     

Preparation and characterization of the argentates: [Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-), [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))M(CO)(5)](2)](-) (M = Cr, W), and [Ag[(micro-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)](-): X-ray crystal structure of [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)

The first example of a mononuclear diphosphanidoargentate, bis[bis(trifluoromethyl)phosphanido]argentate, [Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-), is obtained via the reaction of HP(CF(3))(2) with [Ag(CN)(2)](-) and isolated as its [K(18-crown-6)] salt. When the cyclic phosphane (PCF(3))(4) is reacted with a slight excess of [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)], selective insertion of one PCF(3) unit into each silver phosphorus bond is observed, which on the basis of NMR spectroscopic evidence suggests the [Ag[P(CF(3))P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-) ion. On treatment of the phosphane complexes [M(CO)(5)PH(CF(3))(2)] (M = Cr, W) with [K(18-crown-6)][Ag(CN)(2)], the analogous trinuclear argentates, [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))M(CO)(5)](2)](-), are formed. The chromium compound [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)] crystallizes in a noncentrosymmetric space group Fdd2 (No. 43), a = 2970.2(6) pm, b = 1584.5(3) pm, c = 1787.0(4), V = 8.410(3) nm(3), Z = 8. The C(2) symmetric anion, [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)](-), shows a nearly linear arrangement of the P-Ag-P unit. Although the bis(pentafluorophenyl)phosphanido compound [Ag[P(C(6)F(5))(2)](2)](-) has not been obtained so far, the synthesis of its trinuclear counterpart, [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)], was successful.     

Aqueous telluridoindate chemistry: water-soluble salts of monomeric, dimeric, and trimeric In/Te anions [InTe(4)](5-), [In(2)Te(6)](6-), and [In(3)Te(10)](11-)

Water-soluble salts of monomeric, dimeric, and/or trimeric telluridoindate anions, [K(5)(H(2)O)(2.16)][InTe(4)] (1), [K(5)(H(2)O)(5)][InTe(4)] (2), [K(6)(H(2)O)(6)][In(2)Te(6)] (3), [K(16)(H(2)O)(9.62)][InTe(4)](2)[In(2)Te(6)] (4), [K(133)(H(2)O)(24)][In(3)Te(10)](12)Te(0.5) (5), and [Rb(6)(H(2)O)(6)][In(2)Te(6)] (6), were prepared by a fusion/extraction method starting from the elements and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction as well as spectroscopic methods. The compounds are the first hydrates of telluridoindate salts and thus point toward an aqueous coordination chemistry with binary In/Te ligands. Both crystallization from the extracts as mixtures of salts as well as preliminary spectroscopic investigation of the solutions indicate the presence of an equilibrium of different anionic species. Here, the indates differ from related stannates, which also show pH-dependent aggregation, but to a much lesser extent and in a better distinguishable manner. We present syntheses and crystal structures and discuss observation of the coexistence of different anions both in the solid state and in solution.     

Theoretical Modeling of Water Exchange on [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+), [Pt(H(2)O)(4)](2+), and trans-[PtCl(2)(H(2)O)(2)

Density functional theory is applied to modeling the exchange in aqueous solution of H(2)O on [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+), [Pt(H(2)O)(4)](2+), and trans-[PtCl(2)(H(2)O)(2)]. Optimized structures for the starting molecules are reported together with trigonal bipyramidal (tbp) systems relevant to an associative mechanism. While a rigorous tbp geometry cannot by symmetry be the actual transition state, it appears that the energy differences between model tbp structures and the actual transition states are small. Ground state geometries calculated via the local density approximation (LDA) for [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+) and relativistically corrected LDA for the Pt complexes are in good agreement with available experimental data. Nonlocal gradient corrections to the LDA lead to relatively inferior structures. The computed structures for analogous Pd and Pt species are very similar. The equatorial M-OH(2) bonds of all the LDA-optimized tbp structures are predicted to expand by 0.25-0.30 ?, while the axial bonds change little relative to the planar precursors. This bond stretching in the transition state counteracts the decrease in partial molar volume caused by coordination of the entering water molecule and can explain qualitatively the small and closely similar volumes of activation observed. The relatively higher activation enthalpies of the Pt species can be traced to the relativistic correction of the total energies while the absolute DeltaH() values for exchange on [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+) and [Pt(H(2)O)(4)](2+) are reproduced using relativistically corrected LDA energies and a simple Born model for hydration. The validity of the latter is confirmed via some simple atomistic molecular mechanics estimates of the relative hydration enthalpies of [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+) and [Pd(H(2)O)(5)](2+). The computed DeltaH() values are 57, 92, and 103 kJ/mol compared to experimental values of 50(2), 90(2), and 100(2) kJ/mol for [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+), [Pt(H(2)O)(4)](2+), and trans-[PtCl(2)(H(2)O)(2)], respectively. The calculated activation enthalpy for a hypothetical dissociative water exchange at [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+) is 199 kJ/mol. A qualitative analysis of the modeling procedure, the relative hydration enthalpies, and the zero-point and finite temperature corrections yields an estimated uncertainty for the theoretical activation enthalpies of about 15 kJ/mol.     

Tetranuclear and Pentanuclear Vanadium(IV/V) Carboxylate Complexes: [V(4)O(8)(NO(3))(O(2)CR)(4)](2-) and [V(5)O(9)X(O(2)CR)(4)](2-) (X = Cl(-), Br(-)) Salts

The syntheses and properties of tetra- and pentanuclear vanadium(IV,V) carboxylate complexes are reported. Reaction of (NBzEt(3))(2)[VOCl(4)] (1a) with NaO(2)CPh and atmospheric H(2)O/O(2) in MeCN leads to formation of (NBzEt(3))(2)[V(5)O(9)Cl(O(2)CPh)(4)] 4a; a similar reaction employing (NEt(4))(2)[VOCl(4)] (1b) gives (NEt(4))(2)[V(5)O(9)Cl(O(2)CPh)(4)] (4b). Complex 4a.MeCN crystallizes in space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with the following unit cell dimensions at -148 degrees C: a = 13.863(13) ?, b = 34.009(43) ?, c = 12.773(11) ?, and Z = 4. The reaction between (NEt(4))(2)[VOBr(4)] (2a) and NaO(2)CPh under similar conditions gives (NEt(4))(2)[V(5)O(9)Br(O(2)CPh)(4)] (6a), and the use of (PPh(4))(2)[VOBr(4)] (2b) likewise gives (PPh(4))(2)[V(5)O(9)Br(O(2)CPh)(4)] (6b). Complex 6b crystallizes in space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with the following unit cell dimensions at -139 degrees C: a = 18.638(3) ?, b = 23.557(4) ?, c = 12.731(2) ?, and Z = 4. The anions of 4a and 6b consist of a V(5) square pyramid with each vertical face bridged by a &mgr;(3)-O(2)(-) ion, the basal face bridged by a &mgr;(4)-X(-) (X = Cl, Br) ion, and a terminal, multiply-bonded O(2)(-) ion on each metal. The RCO(2)(-) groups bridge each basal edge to give C(4)(v)() virtual symmetry. The apical and basal metals are V(V) and V(IV), respectively (i.e., the anions are trapped-valence). The reaction of 1b with AgNO(3) and Na(tca) (tca = thiophene-2-carboxylate) in MeCN under anaerobic conditions gives (NEt(4))(2)[V(4)O(8)(NO(3))(tca)(4)] (7). Complex 7.H(2)O crystallizes in space group C2/c with the following unit cell dimensions at -170 degrees C: a = 23.606(4) ?, b = 15.211(3) ?, c = 23.999(5) ?, and Z = 4. The anion of 7 is similar to those of 4a and 6b except that the apical [VO] unit is absent, leaving a V(4) square unit, and the &mgr;(4)-X(-) ion is replaced with a &mgr;(4),eta(1)-NO(3)(-) ion. The four metal centers are now at the V(IV), 3V(V) oxidation level, but the structure indicates four equivalent V centers, suggesting an electronically delocalized system. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data were collected on powdered samples of 4b, 6a, and 7 in the 2.00-300 K range in a 10 kG applied field. 4b and 6a both show a slow increase in effective magnetic moment (&mgr;(eff)) from approximately 3.6-3.7 &mgr;(B) at 320 K to approximately 4.5-4.6 &mgr;(B) at 11.0 K and then a slight decrease to approximately 4.2 &mgr;(B) at 2.00 K. The data were fit to the theoretical expression for a V(IV)(4) square with two exchange parameters J = J(cis)() and J' = J(trans)() (H = -2JS(i)()S(j)()): fitting of the data gave, in the format 4b/6a, J= +39.7/+46.4 cm(-)(1), J' = -11.1/-18.2 cm(-)(1) and g = 1.83/1.90, with the complexes possessing S(T) = 2 ground states. The latter were confirmed by magnetization vs field studies in the 2.00-30.0 K and 0.500-50.0 kG ranges: fitting of the data gave S(T) = 2 and D = 0.00 cm(-)(1) for both complexes, where D is the axial zero-field splitting parameter. Complex 7 shows a nearly temperature-independent &mgr;(eff) (1.6-2.0 &mgr;(B)) consistent with a single d electron per V(4) unit. The (1)H NMR spectra of 4b and 6a in CD(3)CN are consistent with retention of their pentanuclear structure on dissolution. The EPR spectrum of 7 in a toluene/MeCN (1:2) solution at approximately 25 degrees C yields an isotropic signal with a 29-line hyperfine pattern assignable to hyperfine interactions with four equivalent I = (7)/(2) (51)V nuclei.     

Valence-Dependent Metal-Metal Bonding and Optical Spectra in Confacial Bioctahedral [Re(2)Cl(9)](z)()(-) (z = 1, 2, 3). Crystallographic and Computational Characterization of [Re(2)Cl(9)](-) and [Re(2)Cl(9)](2)(-)

The geometric structure of the confacial bioctahedral [Re(2)Cl(9)](z)()(-) anion has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction in two distinct oxidation states, Re(IV)(2) and Re(III)Re(IV). [Bu(4)N][Re(2)Cl(9)] crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/m [a/? = 10.6363(3), b/? = 11.420(1), c/? = 13.612(1), beta/deg = 111.18(1), Z = 2], while [Et(4)N](2)[Re(2)Cl(9)] crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma [a/? = 15.82(1), b/? = 8.55(2), c/? = 22.52(3), Z = 4]. The Re-Re separation contracts from 2.704(1) ? in [Bu(4)N][Re(2)Cl(9)] to 2.473(4) ? in [Et(4)N](2)[Re(2)Cl(9)] (or, equivalently, from 2.725 to 2.481 ? after standard corrections for thermal motions), while the formal metal-metal bond order falls from 3.0 to 2.5. SCF-Xalpha-SW molecular orbital calculations show that, despite the {d(3)d(3)} configuration, the single sigma bond in [Re(2)Cl(9)](-) dominates the observed structural properties. For [Re(2)Cl(9)](2)(-), the 0.23 ? contraction in Re-Re is attributed jointly to radial expansion of the Re 5d orbitals and to diminished metal-metal electrostatic repulsion, which act in concert to make both sigma and delta(pi) bonding more important in the reduced species. Computed transition energies and oscillator strengths for the two structurally defined anions permit rational analysis of their ultraviolet spectra, which involve both sigma --> sigma and halide-to-metal change-transfer absorptions. The intense sigma --> sigma band progresses from 31 000 cm(-)(1) in [Re(2)Cl(9)](-) to 36 400 cm(-)(1) in [Re(2)Cl(9)](2)(-), according to the present assignments. For electrogenerated, highly reactive [Re(2)Cl(9)](3)(-) (where conventional X-ray structural information is unlikely to become available), the dominant absorption band advances to 40 000 cm(-)(1), suggesting further strengthening of the metal-metal sigma bond in the Re(III)(2) species.     

Assignment of the electronic spectra of [Mo(CN)(8)](4)(-) and [W(CN)(8)](4)(-) by Ab initio calculations

CASPT2 calculations are performed on the dodecahedral and square antiprismatic isomers of the [Mo(CN)(8)](4)(-) and [W(CN)(8)](4)(-) complexes. The high-energy experimental bands above 40000 cm(-)(1) are assigned to MLCT transitions. The experimental observed trend of the extinction coefficients for the molybdenum and tungsten complex is reproduced by our CASSCF oscillator strengths. All bands below 40000 cm(-)(1) can be ascribed to ligand-field transitions, although small contributions from forbidden MLCT transitions cannot be excluded. In order to account for all experimental bands in the electronic spectrum of these octacyanocomplexes, a dynamic equilibrium in solution between the two isomeric forms must be hypothesized. Spin-orbit coupling effects are found to be more important for the square antiprismatic isomers; in particular, large singlet-triplet mixings are calculated for this isomer of [W(CN)(8)](4)(-). Ligand-field and Racah parameters as well as spin-orbit coupling constants are determined on the basis of the calculated transition energies. The obtained values for these parameters support the recently proposed model for exchange interactions in magnetic clusters and networks containing pentavalent octocyanometalates of molybdenum and tungsten.