Synthesis and structural characterisation of a novel phosphine-borane-stabilised dicarbanion and an unusual bis(phosphine-borane)

The reaction between the phosphine-borane-substituted alkene [Pr(n)(2)P(BH(3))](Me(3)Si)C[double bond]CH(2) and elemental lithium in THF yields the complex [(pmdeta)Li[Pr(n)(2)P(BH(3))](Me(3)Si)CCH(2)](2)(2b) after recrystallisation; an X-ray crystallographic study of 2b reveals that the lithium is bound to the BH(3) hydrogens of the ligand, with no Li-C(carbanion) contact.     

Catalytic P--H activation by Ti and Zr catalysts

Catalytic dehydrocoupling of phosphines was investigated using the anionic zirconocene trihydride salts [Cp*2Zr(mu-H)3Li]3 (1 a) or [Cp*2Zr(mu-H)3K(thf)4] (1 b), and the metallocycles [CpTi(NPtBu3)(CH2)4] (6) and [Cp*M(NPtBu3)(CH2)4] (M=Ti 20, Zr 21) as catalyst precursors. Dehydrocoupling of primary phosphines RPH2 (R=Ph, C6H2Me3, Cy, C10H7) gave both dehydrocoupled dimers RP(H)P(H)R or cyclic oligophosphines (RP)n (n=4, 5) while reaction of tBu3C6H2PH2 gave the phosphaindoline tBu2(Me2CCH2)C6H2PH 9. Stoichiometric reactions of these catalyst precursors with primary phosphines afforded [Cp*2Zr((PR)2)H][K(thf)4] (R=Ph 2, Cy 3, C6H2Me3 4), [Cp*2Zr((PPh)3)H][K(thf)4] (5), [CpTi(NPtBu3)(PPh)3] (7) and [CpTi(NPtBu3)(mu-PHPh)]2 (8), while reaction of 6 with (C6H2tBu3)PH2 in the presence of PMe3 afforded [CpTi(NPtBu3)(PMe3)(P(C6H2tBu3)] (10). The secondary phosphines Ph2PH and (PhHPCH2)2CH2 also undergo dehydrocoupling affording (Ph2P)2 and (PhPCH2)2CH2. The bisphosphines (CH2PH2)2 and C6H4(PH2)2 are dehydrocoupled to give (PCH2CH2PH)2)(12) and (C6H4P(PH))2 (13) while prolonged reaction of 13 gave (C6H4P2)(8) (14). The analogous bisphosphine Me2C6H4(PH)2 (17) was prepared and dehydrocoupling catalysis afforded (Me2C6H2P(PH))2 (18) and subsequently [(Me2C6H2P2)2(mu-Me2C6H2P2)]2 (19). Stoichiometric reactions with these bisphosphines gave [Cp*2Zr(H)(PH)2C6-H4][Li(thf)4] (22), [CpTi(NPtBu3)(PH)2C6H4]2 (23) and [Cp*Ti(NPtBu3)(PH)2C6H4] (24). Mechanistic implications are discussed.     

Alkali metal complexes of sterically demanding amino-functionalized secondary phosphanide ligands

The reaction between {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PCl(2) (4) and one equivalent of either [C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2)]Li or [2-C(5)H(4)N]ZnCl, followed by in situ reduction with LiAlH(4) gives the secondary phosphanes {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2))PH (5) and {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(2-C(5)H(4)N)PH (6) in good yields as colourless oils. Metalation of 5 with Bu(n)Li in THF gives the lithium phosphanide [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2))P]Li(THF)(2)] (7), which undergoes metathesis with either NaOBu(t) or KOBu(t) to give the heavier alkali metal derivatives [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2))P]Na(tmeda)] (8) and [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2))P]K(pmdeta)] (9) after recrystallization in the presence of the corresponding amine co-ligand [tmeda = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine, pmdeta = N,N,N',N',N'-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine]. The pyridyl-functionalized phosphane 6 undergoes deprotonation on treatment with Bu(n)Li to give a red oil corresponding to the lithium compound [{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(2-C(5)H(4)N)P]Li (10) which could not be crystallized. Treatment of this oil with NaOBu(t) gives the sodium derivative [{[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(2-C(5)H(4)N)P]Na}(2) x (Et(2)O)](2) (11), whilst treatment of with KOBu(t), followed by recrystallization in the presence of pmdeta gives the complex [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(2-C(5)H(4)N)P]K(pmdeta)](2) (12). Compounds 5-12 have been characterised by (1)H, (13)C{(1)H} and (31)P{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses; compounds 7-9, and 12 have additionally been characterised by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 7-9 crystallize as discrete monomers, whereas 11 crystallizes as an unusual dimer of dimers and 12 crystallizes as a dimer with bridging pyridyl-phosphanide ligands.     

Synthesis, structures, and reactivity of yttrium alkyl and alkynyl complexes with mixed Tp(Me2)/Cp ligands

The structurally characterized Tp(Me2)-supported rare earth metal monoalkyl complex (Tp(Me2))CpYCH(2)Ph(THF) (1) was synthesized via the salt-metathesis reaction of (Tp(Me2))CpYCl(THF) with KCH(2)Ph in THF at room temperature. Treatment of 1 with 1 equiv of PhC≡CH under the same conditions afforded the corresponding alkynyl complex (Tp(Me2))CpYC≡CPh(THF) (2). Complex 1 exhibits high activity toward carbodiimides, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, and CS(2); treatment of 1 with such substrates led to the formation of a series of the corresponding Y-C(benzyl) σ-bond insertion products (Tp(Me2))CpY[(RN)(2)CCH(2)Ph] (R = (i)Pr(3a), Cy(3b), 2,6-(i)Pr-C(6)H(3)(3c)), (Tp(Me2))CpY[SC(CH(2)Ph)NPh] (4), (Tp(Me2))CpY[OC(CH(2)Ph)NPh] (5), and (Tp(Me2))CpY(S(2)CCH(2)Ph) (6) in 40-70% isolated yields. Carbodiimides and isothiocyanate can also insert into the Y-C(alkynyl) σ bond of 2 to yield complexes (Tp(Me2))CpY[(RN)(2)CC≡CPh] (R = (i)Pr(7a), Cy(7b)) and (Tp(Me2))CpY[SC(C≡CPh)NPh] (9). Further investigation results indicated that 1 can effectively catalyze the cross-coupling reactions of phenylacetylene with carbodiimides. However, treatment of o-allylaniline with a catalytic amount of 1 gave only the benzyl abstraction product (Tp(Me2))CpY(NHC(6)H(4)CH(2)CH═CH(2)-o)(THF) (10), without observation of the expected organic hydroamination/cyclization product. All of these new complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic properties, and their solid-state structures were also confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Inter- and intramolecular activation of aromatic C-H bonds by diphosphine and hydrido-bridged dinuclear iridium complexes

Reactions of [(Cp*Ir)2(mu-dmpm)(mu-H)2]2+ (1) with NaOtBu in aromatic solvent at room temperature give [(Cp*Ir)(H)(mu-dmpm)(mu-H)(Cp*Ir)(Ar)]+ [Ar = Ph (3), p-Tol (4a), m-Tol (4b), 2-furanyl (5a), 3-furanyl (5b)] via intermolecular aromatic C-H activation. Treatment of [(Cp*Ir)2(mu-dppm)(mu-H)2]2+ (2) with base (Et2NH) results in intramolecular C-H activation of the phenyl group in the dppm ligand to give [(Cp*Ir)(H){mu-PPh(C6H4)CH2PPh2}(mu-H)(Cp*Ir)]+ (6). The structures of 3, 5a, and 6 have been determined by X-ray diffraction methods.     

Lithiation of tris(alkyl- and arylamido)orthophosphates EP[N(H)R]3 (E = O,S, Se): imido substituent effects and P=E bond cleavage

In the solid state, OP[N(H)Me](3) (1a) and OP[N(H)(t)Bu](3) (1b) have hydrogen-bonded structures that exhibit three-dimensional and one-dimensional arrays, respectively. The lithiation of 1b with 1 equiv of (n)BuLi generates the trimeric monolithiated complex (THF)[LiOP(N(t)Bu)[N(H)(t)Bu](2)](3) (4), whereas reaction with an excess of (n)BuLi produces the dimeric dilithium complex [(THF)(2)Li(2)OP(N(t)Bu)(2)[N(H)(t)Bu]](2) (5). Complex 4 contains a Li(2)O(2) ring in an open-ladder structure, whereas 5 embraces a central Li(2)O(2) ring in a closed-ladder arrangement. Investigations of the lithiation of tris(alkyl or arylamido)thiophosphates, SP[N(H)R](3) (2a, R = (i)Pr; 2b, R = (t)Bu; 2c, R = p-tol) with (n)BuLi reveal interesting imido substituent effects. For the alkyl derivatives, only mono- or dilithiation is observed. In the case of R = (t)Bu, lithiation is accompanied by P-S bond cleavage to give the dilithiated cyclodiphosph(V/V)azane [(THF)(2)Li(2)[((t)BuN)(2)P(micro-N(t)Bu)(2)P(N(t)Bu)(2)]] (9). Trilithiation occurs for the triaryl derivatives EP[N(H)Ar](3) (E = S, Ar = p-tolyl; E = Se, Ar = Ph), as demonstrated by the preparation of [(THF)(4)Li(3)[SP(Np-tol)(3)]](2) (10) and [(THF)(4)Li(3)[SeP(NPh)(3)]](2) (11), which are accompanied by the formation of small amounts of 10.[LiOH(THF)](2) and 11.Li(2)Se(2)(THF)(2), respectively.     

Synthesis, structures and stabilities of thioanisole-functionalised phosphido-borane complexes of the alkali metals

Treatment of the secondary phosphine {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) with BH(3)·SMe(2) gives the corresponding phosphine-borane {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(BH(3))(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) (9) as a colourless solid. Deprotonation of 9 with n-BuLi, PhCH(2)Na or PhCH(2)K proceeds cleanly to give the corresponding alkali metal complexes [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}P(BH(3))(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe)]ML](n) [ML = Li(THF), n = 2 (10); ML = Na(tmeda), n = ∞ (11); ML = K(pmdeta), n = 2 (12)] as yellow/orange crystalline solids. X-ray crystallography reveals that the phosphido-borane ligands bind the metal centres through their sulfur and phosphorus atoms and through the hydrogen atoms of the BH(3) group in each case, leading to dimeric or polymeric structures. Compounds 10-12 are stable towards both heat and ambient light; however, on heating in toluene solution in the presence of 10, traces of free phosphine-borane 9 are slowly converted to the free phosphine {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) (5) with concomitant formation of the corresponding phosphido-bis(borane) complex [{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}P(BH(3))(2)(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe)]Li (14).     

Chiral bridged aminotroponiminate complexes of the lanthanides

The enantiomerically pure bridged aminotroponimines, S,S- and R,R-H2{(iPrATI)2diph}, in which two amino-isopropyl-troponimine moieties are linked by 1,2-diamino-1,2-diphenylethane, were deprotonated with nBuLi to give the corresponding dilithium salts [{Li(THF)}2{(S,S)-(iPrATI)2diph)}] (1a) and [{Li(THF)}2{(R,R)-(iPrATI)2diph)}] (1b). The potassium salts [{K(THF)2}2{(S,S)-(iPrATI)2diph}] (2a) and [{K(THF)2}2{(R,R)-(iPrATI)2diph}] (2b) were obtained by a deprotonation reaction with KH. Transmetallation of 2a and 2b with anhydrous lanthanide trichlorides led to [(S,S)-{(iPrATI)2diph}LnCl(THF)] (Ln = Ho (3a), Er (4a)) and [(R,R)-{(iPrATI)2diph}LnCl(THF)] (Ln = Ho (3b), Er (4b), Yb (5b)), respectively. The corresponding Yb complex [(S,S)-{(iPrATI)2diph}YbCl(THF)] (5a) was obtained by treatment of 1a with YbCl3 at elevated temperature. Performing the same reaction at room temperature results in the metallate complex [(S,S)-{(iPrATI)2diph}YbCl2][Li(THF)4] (6). Reaction of NaC5H5 with afforded [(S,S)-{(iPrATI)2diph}Yb(eta5-C5H5)(THF)] (7). The structures of 1a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 5b, 6, and 7 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction in the solid-state.     

Preparation and x-ray structures of alkali-metal derivatives of the ambidentate anions [tBuN(E)P(mu-NtBu)2P(E)NtBu]2- (E = S, Se) and [tBuN(Se)P(mu-NtBu)2PN(H)tBu)]-

The ambidentate dianions [(t)BuN(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu](2)(-) (5a, E = S; 5b, E = Se) are obtained as their disodium and dipotassium salts by the reaction of cis-[(t)Bu(H)N(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(H)(t)Bu] (6a, E = S; 6b, E = Se), with 2 equiv of MN(SiMe(3))(2) (M = Na, K) in THF at 23 degrees C. The corresponding dilithium derivative is prepared by reacting 6a with 2 equiv of (t)BuLi in THF at reflux. The X-ray structures of five complexes of the type [(THF)(x)()M](2)[(t)BuN(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu] (9, M = Li, E = S, x = 2; 11a/11b, M = Na, E = S/Se, x = 2; 12a, M = K, E = S, x = 1; 12b, M = K, E = Se, x = 1.5) have been determined. In the dilithiated derivative 9 the dianion 5a adopts a bis (N,S)-chelated bonding mode involving four-membered LiNPS rings whereas 11a,b and 12a,b display a preference for the formation of six-membered MNPNPN and MEPNPE rings, i.e., (N,N' and E,E')-chelation. The bis-solvated disodium complexes 11a,b and the dilithium complex 9 are monomeric, but the dipotassium complexes 12a,b form dimers with a central K(2)E(2) ring and associate further through weak K.E contacts to give an infinite polymeric network of 20-membered K(6)E(6)P(4)N(4) rings. The monoanions [(t)Bu(H)N(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu)](-) (E = S, Se) were obtained as their lithium derivatives 8a and 8b by the reaction of 1 equiv of (n)BuLi with 6a and 6b, respectively. An X-ray structure of the TMEDA-solvated complex 8a and the (31)P NMR spectrum of 8b indicate a N,E coordination mode. The reaction of 6b with excess (t)BuLi in THF at reflux results in partial deselenation to give the monolithiated P(III)/P(V) complex [(THF)(2)Li[(t)BuN(Se)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)PN(H)(t)Bu]] 10, which adopts a (N,Se) bonding mode.     

Assembly of an allenylidene ligand, a terminal alkyne, and an acetonitrile molecule: formation of osmacyclopentapyrrole derivatives

Treatment in acetonitrile at -30 C of the hydride-alkenylcarbyne complex [OsH([triple bond]CCH=CPh2)(CH3CN)2(P(i)Pr3)2][BF4]2 (1) with (t)BuOK produces the selective deprotonation of the alkenyl substituent of the carbyne and the formation of the bis-solvento hydride-allenylidene derivative [OsH(=C=C=CPh2)(CH3CN)2(P(i)Pr3)2]BF4 (2), which under carbon monoxide atmosphere is converted into [Os(CH=C=CPh2)(CO)(CH3CN)2(P(i)Pr3)2]BF4 (3). When the treatment of 1 with (t)BuOK is carried out in dichloromethane at room temperature, the fluoro-alkenylcarbyne [OsHF([triple bond]CCH=CPh2)(CH3CN)(P(i)Pr3)2]BF4 (4) is isolated. Complex 2 reacts with terminal alkynes. The reactions with phenylacetylene and cyclohexylacetylene afford [Os[(E)-CH=CHR](=C=C=CPh2)(CH3CN)2(P(i)Pr3)2]BF4 (R = Ph (5), Cy (6)), containing an alkenyl ligand beside the allenylidene, while the reaction with acetylene in dichloromethane at -20 degrees C gives the hydride-allenylidene-pi-alkyne [OsH(=C=C=CPh2)(eta2-HC[triple bond]CH)(P(i)Pr3)2]BF4 (7), with the alkyne acting as a four-electron donor ligand. In acetonitrile under reflux, complexes 5 and 6 are transformed into the osmacyclopentapyrrole compounds [Os[C=C(CPh2CR=CH)CMe=NH](CH3CN)2]BF4 (R = Ph (8), Cy (9)), as a result of the assembly of the allenylidene ligand, the alkenyl group, and an acetonitrile molecule. The X-ray structures of 2, 5, and 8 are also reported.     

(Fluoren-9-ylidene)methanedithiolato complexes of gold: synthesis, luminescence, and charge-transfer adducts

Piperidinium 9H-fluorene-9-carbodithioate and its 2,7-di-tert-butyl-substituted analogue [(pipH)(S(2)CCH(C(12)H(6)R(2)-2,7)), R = H (1a), t-Bu (1b)] and 2,7-bis(octyloxy)-9H-fluorene-9-carbodithioic acid [HS(2)CCH(C(12)H(6)(OC(8)H(17))(2)-2,7), 2] and its tautomer [2,7-bis(octyloxy)fluoren-9-ylidene]methanedithiol [(HS)(2)C=C(C(12)H(6)(OC(8)H(17))(2)-2,7), 3] were employed for the preparation of gold complexes with the (fluoren-9-ylidene)methanedithiolato ligand and its substituted analogues. The gold(I) compounds Q(2)[Au(2)(mu-kappa(2)-S,S-S(2)C=C(C(12)H(6)R(2)-2,7))(2)], where Q(+) = PPN(+) or Pr(4)N(+) for R = H (Q(2)4a) or Q(+) = Pr(4)N(+) for R = OC(8)H(17) [(Pr(4)N)(2)4c], were synthesized by reacting Q[AuCl(2)] with 1a or 2 (1:1) and excess piperidine or diethylamine. Complexes of the type [(Au(PR'3))(2)(mu-kappa(2)-S,S-S(2)C=C(C(12)H(6)R(2)-2,7))(2)] with R = H and R' = Me (5a), Et (5b), Ph (5c), and Cy (5d) or R = t-Bu and R' = Me (5e), Et (5f), Ph (5g), and Cy (5h) were obtained by reacting [AuCl(PR'(3))] with 1a,b (1:2) and piperidine. The reactions of 1a,b or 2 with Q[AuCl(4)] (2:1) and piperidine or diethylamine gave Q[Au(kappa(2)-S,S-S(2)C=C(C(12)H(6)R(2)-2,7))(2)] with Q(+) = PPN(+) for R = H [(PPN)6a], Q(+) = PPN(+) or Bu(4)N(+) for R = t-Bu (Q6b), and Q(+) = Bu(4)N(+) for R = OC(8)H(17) [(Bu(4)N)6c]. Complexes Q6a-c reacted with excess triflic acid to give [Au(kappa(2)-S,S-S(2)C=C(C(12)H(6)R(2)-2,7))(kappa(2)-S,S-S(2)CCH(C(12)H(6)R(2)-2,7))] [R = H (7a), t-Bu (7b), OC(8)H(17) (7c)]. By reaction of (Bu(4)N)6b with PhICl(2) (1:1) the complex Bu(4)N[AuCl(2)(kappa(2)-S,S-S(2)C=C(C(12)H(6)(t-Bu)(2)-2,7))] [(Bu(4)N)8b] was obtained. The dithioato complexes [Au(SC(S)CH(C(12)H(8)))(PCy(3))] (9) and [Au(n)(S(2)CCH(C(12)H(8)))(n)] (10) were obtained from the reactions of 1a with [AuCl(PCy(3))] or [AuCl(SMe(2))], respectively (1:1), in the absence of a base. Charge-transfer adducts of general composition Q[Au(kappa(2)-S,S-S(2)C=C(C(12)H(6)R(2)-2,7))(2)].1.5TCNQ.xCH(2)Cl(2) [Q(+) = PPN(+), R = H, x = 0 (11a); Q(+) = PPN(+), R = t-Bu, x = 2 (11b); Q(+) = Bu(4)N(+), R = OC(8)H(17), x = 0 (11c)] were obtained from Q6a-c and TCNQ (1:2). The crystal structures of 5c.THF, 5e.(2)/(3)CH(2)Cl(2), 5g.CH(2)Cl(2), (PPN)6a.2Me(2)CO, and 11b were solved by X-ray diffraction studies. All the gold(I) complexes here described are photoluminescent at 77 K, and their emissions can be generally ascribed to LMMCT (Q(2)4a,c, 5a-h, 10) or LMCT (9) excited states.     

Syntheses and structures of strontium, barium, and europium bis(diphosphanylamido) complexes

Bis(diphosphanylamido) complexes of strontium and europium, [{(Ph(2)P)(2)N}(2)M(THF)(3)] (M = Sr (1), Eu (2)), have been prepared by reaction of [K(THF)(n)()][N(PPh(2))(2)] (n = 1.25, 1.5) and MI(2). The single-crystal X-ray structures of compounds 1 and 2 always show a eta(2) coordination of the ligand via the nitrogen and one phosphorus atom. In solution, a dynamic behavior of the ligand is observed, which is caused by the rapid exchange of the two different phosphorus atoms. As a result of the radius of the larger ion, treatment of [K(THF)(n)()][N(PPh(2))(2)] with BaI(2) gives the coordination polymer [{(Ph(2)P)(2)N}(2)Ba(THF){(Ph(2)P)(2)N}K](n)() (3). Two of the three {(Ph(2)P)(2)N}(-) ligands of compound 3 bind to the metal in eta(2) (N, P) while the third shows a heteroallylic (P, P) coordination mode. In the solid state, the infinite chain is formally held together by pi coordination of the phenyl rings to the potassium atoms.     

Group 11 complexes containing the [C5(CN)5]- ligand; 'coordination-analogues' of molecular organometallic systems

The reactions of Na[C(5)(CN)(5)] (Na[1]) with group 11 phosphine complexes [(P)(n)MCl] (M = Cu, Ag, Au, P = Ph(3)P; M = Cu, P = dppe (Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))] give a range of compounds containing the pentacyanocyclopentadienide ligand, [C(5)(CN)(5)](-) (1). The new complexes [(Ph(3)P)(2)M{1}](2) [M = Cu (3); M = Ag (5)], [(Ph(3)P)(3)Ag{1}] (4), [(dppe)(3)Cu(2){1}(2)] (6) and [Au(PPh(3))(2)][1] (7) include the first complete series of group 11 complexes of any cyclopentadienide ligand to be structurally characterised.     

Divalent lanthanide complexes supported by the bridged bis(amidinates) L Me3SiN(Ph)CN(CH2)3NC(Ph)NSiMe3]: synthesis, molecular structures and one-electron-transfer reactions

Metathesis reactions of YbI(2) with Li(2)L (L = Me(3)SiN(Ph)CN(CH(2))(3)NC(Ph)NSiMe(3)) in THF at a molar ratio of 1:1 and 1:2 both afforded the Yb(II) iodide complex [{YbI(DME)(2)}(2)(μ(2)-L)] (1), which was structurally characterized to be a dinuclear Yb(II) complex with a bridged L ligand. Treatment of EuI(2) with Li(2)L did not afford the analogous [{EuI(DME)(2)}(2)(μ(2)-L)], or another isolable Eu(II) complex, but the hexanuclear heterobimetallic cluster [{Li(DME)(3)}(+)](2)[{(EuI)(2)(μ(2)-I)(2)(μ(3)-L)(2)(Li)(4)}(μ(6)-O)](2-) (2) was isolated as a byproduct in a trace yield. The rational synthesis of cluster 2 could be realized by the reaction of EuI(2) with Li(2)L and H(2)O in a molar ratio of 1:1.5:0.5. The reduction reaction of LLnCl(THF)(2) (Ln = Yb and Eu) with Na/K alloy in THF gave the corresponding Ln(II) complexes [Yb(3)(μ(2)-L)(3)] (3) and [Eu(μ(2)-L)(THF)](2) (4) in good yields. An X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed that each L in complex 3 might adopt a chelating ligand bonding to one Yb atom and each Yb atom coordinates to an additional amidinate group of the other L and acts as a bridging link to assemble a macrocyclic structure. Complex 4 is a dimer in which the two monomers [Eu(μ(2)-L)(THF)] are connected by two μ(2)-amidinate groups from the two L ligands. Complex 3 reacted with CyN═C═NCy and diazabutadienes [2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3)N═CRCR═NC(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)-2,6] (R═H, CH(3)) (DAD) as a one-electron reducing agent to afford the corresponding Yb(III) derivatives: the complex with an oxalamidinate ligand [LYb{(NCy)(2)CC(NCy)(2)}YbL] (5) and the complexes containing a diazabutadiene radical anion [LYb((i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3)NCRCRNC(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2))] (R = H (6), R = CH(3) (7)). Complexes 5-7 were confirmed by an X-ray structure determination.     

New cationic and zwitterionic Cp*M(kappa2-P,S) complexes (M = Rh, Ir): divergent reactivity pathways arising from alternative modes of ancillary ligand participation in substrate activation

Treatment of 0.5 equiv of [Cp*IrCl(2)](2) with 1/3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S(t)Bu-indene afforded Cp*Ir(Cl)(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-indene) (1) in 95% yield (Cp* = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)). Addition of AgOTf or LiB(C(6)F(5))(4) x 2.5 OEt(2) to 1 gave [Cp*Ir(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-indene)](+)X(-) ([2](+)X(-); X = OTf, 78%; X = B(C(6)F(5))(4), 82%), which represent the first examples of isolable coordinatively unsaturated [Cp'Ir(kappa(2)-P,S)](+)X(-) complexes. Exposure of [2](+)OTf(-) to CO afforded [2 x CO](+)OTf(-) in 91% yield, while treatment of [2](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) with PMe(3) generated [2 x PMe(3)](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) in 94% yield. Treatment of 1 with K(2)CO(3) in CH(3)CN allowed for the isolation of the unusual adduct 3 x CH(3)CN (41% isolated yield), in which the CH(3)CN bridges the Lewis acidic Cp*Ir and Lewis basic indenide fragments of the targeted coordinatively unsaturated zwitterion Cp*Ir(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-indenide) (3). In contrast to the formation of [2 x CO](+)OTf(-), exposure of 3 x CH(3)CN to CO did not afford 3 x CO; instead, a clean 1:1 mixture of (kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-indene)Ir(CO)(2) (4) and 1,2,3,4-tetramethylfulvene was generated. Treatment of [2](+)OTf(-) with Ph(2)SiH(2) resulted in the net loss of Ph(2)Si(OTf)H to give Cp*Ir(H)(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-indene) (5) in 44% yield. In contrast, treatment of [2](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) with Ph(2)SiH(2) or PhSiH(3) proceeded via H-Si addition across Ir-S to give the corresponding [Cp*Ir(H)(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S(SiHPhX)-indene)](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) complexes 6a (X = Ph, 68%) or 6b (X = H, 77%), which feature a newly established S-Si linkage. Compound 6a was observed to effect net C-O bond cleavage in diethyl ether with net loss of Ph(2)Si(OEt)H, affording [Cp*Ir(H)(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-SEt-indene)](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) (7) in 77% yield. Furthermore, 6a proved capable of transferring Ph(2)SiH(2) to acetophenone, with concomitant regeneration of [2](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-); however, [2](+)X(-) did not prove to be effective ketone hydrosilylation catalysts. Treatment of 1/3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S(t)Bu-indene with 0.5 equiv of [Cp*RhCl(2)](2) gave Cp*Rh(Cl)(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-indene) (8) in 94% yield. Combination of 8 and LiB(C(6)F(5))(4) x 2.5 Et(2)O produced the coordinatively unsaturated cation [Cp*Rh(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-indene)](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) ([9](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-)), which was transformed into [Cp*Rh(H)(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S(SiHPh(2))-indene)](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) (10) via net H-Si addition of Ph(2)SiH(2) to Rh-S. Unlike [2](+)X(-), complex [9](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) was shown to be an effective catalyst for ketone hydrosilylation. Treatment of 3 x CH(3)CN with Ph(2)SiH(2) resulted in the loss of CH(3)CN, along with the formation of Cp*Ir(H)(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-(1-diphenylsilylindene)) (11) (64% isolated yield) as a mixture of diastereomers. The formation of 11 corresponds to heterolytic H-Si bond activation, involving net addition of H(-) and Ph(2)HSi(+) fragments to Ir and indenide in the unobserved zwitterion 3. Crystallographic data are provided for 1, [2 x CO](+)OTf(-), 3 x CH(3)CN, 7, and 11. Collectively, these results demonstrate the versatility of donor-functionalized indene ancillary ligands in allowing for the selection of divergent metal-ligand cooperativity pathways (simply by ancillary ligand deprotonation) in the activation of small molecule substrates.     

Amino-functionalised diarylphosphide complexes of the alkali metals and lanthanum

The secondary phosphines Ar(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)PH [Ar = mes (3), Tripp (4)] may be isolated in good yields from reactions between Li(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2) and the respective dichlorophosphine, followed by reduction with LiAlH4 [mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2, Tripp = 2,4,6-Pri3C6H2]. Metalation of either 3 or 4 with BunLi gives the corresponding lithium compound; the lithium derivative of 3 was isolated as the separated ion pair complex [Li(12-crown-4)2][(mes)(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)P].THF (5). The lithium complexes Ar(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)PLi undergo metathesis reactions with either NaOBut or KOBut to give the heavier alkali metal phosphides {Ar(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)P}M.1/2OEt2 [Ar = mes, M = Na (8), K (9); Ar = Tripp, M = K (10)]. Metathesis reactions between 9 and LaI3(THF)4 give only intractable products; in contrast, a metathesis reaction between 10 and LaI3(THF)4 yields the heteroleptic complex {(Tripp)(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)P}2LaI (11). Compound 11 reacts cleanly with K{N(SiMe3)2} to give {(Tripp)(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)P}2La{N(SiMe3)2} (14). Compounds 3-5, 8-11 and 14 have been characterised by multi-element NMR spectroscopy; in addition, compounds 5, 11 and 14 have been studied by X-ray crystallography.     

Large effects of ion pairing and protonic-hydridic bonding on the stereochemistry and basicity of crown-, azacrown-, and cryptand-222-potassium salts of anionic tetrahydride complexes of iridium(III)

The compounds [K(Q)][IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)] (Q = 18-crown-6, R = Ph, (i)Pr, Cy; Q = aza-18-crown-6, R = (i)Pr; Q = 1,10-diaza-18-crown-6, R = Ph, (i)Pr, Cy; Q = cryptand-222, R = (i)Pr, Cy) were formed in the reactions of IrH(5)(PR(3))(2) with KH and Q. In solution, the stereochemistry of the salts of [IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)](-) is surprisingly sensitive to the countercation: either trans as the potassium cryptand-222 salts (R = Cy, (i)Pr) or exclusively cis (R = Cy, Ph) as the crown- and azacrown-potassium salts or a mixture of cis and trans (R = (i)Pr). There is IR evidence for protonic-hydridic bonding between the NH of the aza salts and the iridium hydride in solution. In single crystals of [K(18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)] (R = Ph, (i)Pr) and [K(aza-18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)], the potassium bonds to three hydrides on a face of the iridium octahedron according to X-ray diffraction studies. Significantly, [K(1,10-diaza-18-crown-6)][trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] crystallizes in a chain structure held together by protonic-hydridic bonds. In [K(1,10-diaza-18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(PPh(3))(2)], the potassium bonds to two hydrides so that one NH can form an intra-ion-pair protonic-hydridic hydrogen bond while the other forms an inter-ion-pair NH.HIr hydrogen bond to form chains through the lattice. Thus, there is a competition between the potassium and NH groups in forming bonds with the hydrides on iridium. The more basic P(i)R(3) complex has the lower N-H stretch in the IR spectrum because of stronger N[bond]H...HIr hydrogen bonding. The trans complexes have very low Ir-H wavenumbers (1670-1680) due to the trans hydride ligands. The [K(cryptand)](+) salt of [trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)](-) reacts with WH(6)(PMe(2)Ph)(3) (pK(alpha)(THF) 42) to give an equilibrium (K(eq) = 1.6) with IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) and [WH(5)(PMe(2)Ph)(3)](-) while the same reaction of WH(6)(PMe(2)Ph)(3) with the [K(18-crown-6)](+) salt of [cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)](-) has a much larger equilibrium constant (K(eq) = 150) to give IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) and [WH(5)(PMe(2)Ph)(3)](-); therefore, the tetrahydride anion displays an unprecedented increase (about 100-fold) in basicity with a change from [K(crypt)](+) to [K(crown)](+) countercation and a change from trans to cis stereochemistry. The acidity of the pentahydrides decrease in THF as IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)/[K(crypt)][trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 42) > IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2)/[K(crypt)][trans-IrH(4)(PCy(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 43) > IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)/[K(crown)][cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 44) > IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2)/[K(crown)][cis-IrH(4)(PCy(3))(2)]. The loss of PCy(3) from IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2) can result in mixed ligand complexes and H/D exchange with deuterated solvents. Reductive cleavage of P-Ph bonds is observed in some preparations of the PPh(3) complexes.     

Synthesis, structures, and properties of group 9- and group 10-group 6 heterodinuclear nitrosyl complexes

The reaction of the group 9 bis(hydrosulfido) complexes [Cp*M(SH)2(PMe3)] (M=Rh, Ir; Cp*=eta(5)-C 5Me5) with the group 6 nitrosyl complexes [Cp*M'Cl2(NO)] (M'=Mo, W) in the presence of NEt3 affords a series of bis(sulfido)-bridged early-late heterobimetallic (ELHB) complexes [Cp*M(PMe3)(mu-S)2M'(NO)Cp*] (2a, M=Rh, M'=Mo; 2b, M=Rh, M'=W; 3a, M=Ir, M'=Mo; 3b, M=Ir, M'=W). Similar reactions of the group 10 bis(hydrosulfido) complexes [M(SH)2(dppe)] (M=Pd, Pt; dppe=Ph 2P(CH2) 2PPh2), [Pt(SH)2(dppp)] (dppp=Ph2P(CH2) 3PPh2), and [M(SH)2(dpmb)] (dpmb=o-C6H4(CH2PPh2)2) give the group 10-group 6 ELHB complexes [(dppe)M(mu-S)2M'(NO)Cp*] (M=Pd, Pt; M'=Mo, W), [(dppp)Pt(mu-S)2M'(NO)Cp*] (6a, M'=Mo; 6b, M'=W), and [(dpmb)M(mu-S)2M'(NO)Cp*] (M=Pd, Pt; M'=Mo, W), respectively. Cyclic voltammetric measurements reveal that these ELHB complexes undergo reversible one-electron oxidation at the group 6 metal center, which is consistent with isolation of the single-electron oxidation products [Cp*M(PMe3)(mu-S)2M'(NO)Cp*][PF6] (M=Rh, Ir; M'=Mo, W). Upon treatment of 2b and 3b with ROTf (R=Me, Et; OTf=OSO 2CF 3), the O atom of the terminal nitrosyl ligand is readily alkylated to form the alkoxyimido complexes such as [Cp*Rh(PMe3)(mu-S)2W(NOMe)Cp*][OTf]. In contrast, methylation of the Rh-, Ir-, and Pt-Mo complexes 2a, 3a, and 6a results in S-methylation, giving the methanethiolato complexes [Cp*M(PMe3)(mu-SMe)(mu-S)Mo(NO)Cp*][BPh 4] (M=Rh, Ir) and [(dppp)Pt(mu-SMe)(mu-S)Mo(NO)Cp*][OTf], respectively. The Pt-W complex 6b undergoes either S- or O-methylation to form a mixture of [(dppp)Pt(mu-SMe)(mu-S)W(NO)Cp*][OTf] and [(dppp)Pt(mu-S) 2W(NOMe)Cp*][OTf]. These observations indicate that O-alkylation and one-electron oxidation of the dinuclear nitrosyl complexes are facilitated by a common effect, i.e., donation of electrons from the group 9 or 10 metal center, where the group 9 metals behave as the more effective electron donor.     

Complexes of the heavier alkaline Earth metals Ca, Sr, and Ba with O-functionalized phosphanide ligands

Metathesis reactions between either SrI(2) or BaI(2) and 2 equiv of the potassium phosphanide [[(Me(3)Si)(2)CH]-(C(6)H(4)-2-OMe)P]K yield, after recrystallization, the complexes [[([Me(3)Si](2)CH)(C(6)H(4)-2-OMe)P](2)M(THF)(n)] [M = Sr, n = 2 (5); Ba, n = 3 (6)]. Similar metathesis reactions between MI(2) and 2 equiv of the more sterically demanding potassium phosphanide [[(Me(3)Si)(2)CH](C(6)H(3)-2-OMe-3-Me)P]K yield the chemically isostructural complexes [[([Me(3)Si](2)CH)(C(6)H(3)-2-OMe-3-Me)P](2)M(THF)(2)] [M = Ca (9), Sr (7), Ba (8)]. Compounds 5-9 have been characterized by multi-element NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Complex 9 is thermally unstable and decomposes at room temperature to give the tertiary phosphane [(Me(3)Si)(2)CH](C(6)H(3)-2-OMe-3-Me)P(Me) and an unidentified Ca-containing product. Compounds 5 and 6 also decompose at elevated temperatures to give the corresponding tertiary phosphane [(Me(3)Si)(2)CH](C(6)H(4)-2-OMe)P(Me) and intractable metal-containing products. The decomposition of 5, 6, and 9 suggests that these compounds undergo an intramolecular methyl migration from the O atom in one phosphanide ligand to the P atom of an adjacent phosphanide ligand to give species containing dianionic alkoxo-phosphanide ligands.     

Preparation and characterization of an isometallabenzene with the structure of a 1,2,4-cyclohexatriene

The elongated dihydrogen complex [Os{C6H4C(O) CH3}(eta2-H2)(H2O)(PiPr3)2]BF4 reacts with phenylacetylene and HBF4.OEt2 to give the unsaturated compound [Os{(E)-CH=CHPh}(CCPh)(CCH2Ph)(PiPr3)2]BF4 containing alkenyl, alkynyl, and carbyne ligands. The addition of sodium chloride to this compound leads to the cyclic allene Os{=C=C(Ph)CH(Ph)CH=C(CH2Ph)}Cl(PiPr3)2, which is the first isometallabenzene with the structure of a 1,2,4-cyclohexatriene.