Synthesis and structure of the incomplete cuboidal clusters [W3Se4H3(dmpe)3]+, [W3Se4H(3-x)(OH)x(dmpe)3]+ and [W3Se4(OH)3(dmpe)3]+, and the mechanism of the acid-assisted substitution of the coordinated hydrides

The novel incomplete cuboidal cluster [W3Se4H3(dmpe)3](PF6), [1](PF6), has been prepared by reduction of [W3Se4Br3(dmpe)3](PF6) with LiBH4 in THF solution. The trihydroxo complex [W3Se4(OH)3(dmpe)3](PF6), [2](PF6), was obtained by reacting [W3Se4Br3(dmpe)3](PF6) with NaOH in MeCN-H2O solution. The complexes [1](PF6) and [2](PF6) were converted to their BPh4- salts by treatment with NaBPh4. Recrystallisation of [1](BPh4) in the presence of traces of water affords the mixed dihydride hydroxo complex [W3Se4H2(OH)(dmpe)3](BPh4). The crystal structures of [1](BPh4), [2](BPh4) and [W3Se4H2(OH)(dmpe)3](BPh4) have been resolved. Although the [1]+ trihydride does not react with an excess of halide salts, reaction with HX leads to [W3Se4X3(dmpe)3]+ (X = Cl, Br). The kinetics of this reaction has been studied at 25 degrees C in MeCN-H2O solution (1:1, v/v) and found to occur with two consecutive kinetic steps. The first step is independent of the nature and concentration of the X(-) anion but shows a first order dependence on the concentration of acid (k1 = 12.0 mol(-1) dm(3) s(-1)), whereas the second one is independent of the nature and concentration of both the acid and added salts (k2 = 0.024 s(-1)). In contrast, the reaction of [2]+ with acids occurs in a single step with kobs = 0.63 s(-1)(HCl) and 0.17 s(-1)(HBr). These kinetic results are discussed on the basis of the mechanism previously proposed for the reactions of the analogous [W3S4H3(dmpe)3]+ cluster, with special emphasis on the effects caused by the change of S by Se on the rate constants for the different processes involved.     

Metallocene-terminated allylium salts: the effect of end group on localization in polymethines

A range of 1,3-di(metallocenyl)allylium salts [Mc(CH)(3)Mc'](+)[X](-) [Mc, Mc' = ferrocenyl (Fc), 2,3,4,5,1',2',3',4'-octamethylferrocen-1-yl (Fc' '), ruthenocenyl (Rc); X = BF(4), PF(6)] was synthesized by reaction of (2-lithiovinyl)metallocenes with formylmetallocenes, followed by treatment of the resulting alcohols with HX. Two salts with X = BAr'(4) [Ar' = 3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)] were synthesized by anion metathesis from the corresponding PF(6) salts. The crystal structure of [Fc' '(CH)(3)Fc' '](+)[PF(6)](-) contains symmetrical termethine cations, while the same appears to be true in the disordered structure of [Fc(CH)(3)Fc](+)[PF(6)](-). The formally unsymmetrical cation in [Fc(CH)(3)Fc' '](+)[BF(4)](-) is only slightly unsymmetrical with little bond-length alternation in the allylium bridge. In contrast, the crystal structures of [Rc(CH)(3)Rc](+)[PF(6)](-) and [Rc(CH)(3)Rc](+)[BAr'(4)](-) both contain a bond-alternated "Peierls-distorted" cation, which can be considered as a ruthenocene bridged to a [(eta(6)-fulvene)(eta(5)-cyclopentadienyl)ruthenium] cation by a vinylene moiety. The strong similarity between solid-state and solution infrared and Raman spectra of [BF(4)](-), [PF(6)](-), and [BAr'(4)](-) salts of [Rc(CH)(3)Rc](+) indicates that the C-C stretching constant in the allylium chain and, therefore, the structure, of this ion are largely independent of the local environment, suggesting that the unsymmetrical structures observed in the crystal structures are not simply an artifact of packing. Differences in the solvatochromism of [Rc(CH)(3)Rc](+) and [Fc(CH)(3)Fc](+) also suggest a localized structure for the former cation in solution. Electrochemistry, UV-visible-NIR spectroscopy, and DF calculations give insight into the electronic structure of the metallocene-terminated allylium cations. Using an analogy between polymethines and mixed-valence compounds, the difference between the behaviors of [Fc(CH)(3)Fc](+) and [Rc(CH)(3)Rc](+) is attributed to larger reorganization energy associated with the geometry differences between metallocene and [(eta(6)-fulvene)(eta(5)-cyclopentadienyl)metal] structures in the ruthenium case.     

Magnetic semiconductor: structural,magnetic, and conducting properties of the salts of the 6-oxoverdazyl radical cation with M(dmit)(2) anions (M = Ni,Zn, Pd,and Pt,dmit = 1,3-dithiol-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate)

Five kinds of (1:1), (1:3), and (2:1) salts of 3-[4-(diethylmethylammonio)phenyl]-1,5-diphenyl-6-oxoverdazyl radical cation [V](+) with M(dmit)(2) anions (M = Ni, Zn, Pd, and Pt, dmit = 1,3-dithiol-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate) ([V](+)[Ni(dmit)(2)](-) (1), [V](+)[Ni(dmit)(2)](3)(-) (2), [V](+)(2)[Zn(dmit)(2)](2-) (3), [V](+)(2)[Pd(dmit)(2)](2-) (4), and [V](+)(2)[Pt(dmit)(2)](2-) (5)) and an iodide salt of [V](+) ([V](+)[I](-) (6)) have been prepared, and the magnetic susceptibilities (chi(M) values) have been measured between 1.8 and 300 K. The chi(M) of the (1:1) Ni salt (1) can be well reproduced by the sum of the contributions from (i) a Curie-Weiss system with a Curie constant (C) of 0.376 K emu/mol and a negative Weiss constant (theta) of -1.5 K and (ii) the one-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnetic alternating chain system with 2J(A-B)/k(B) = -274 K (alternation parameter alpha = J(A-C)/J(A-B) = 0.2). The chi(M) of the (1:3) Ni salt (2) can be well explained by the two-term contributions from (i) the Curie-Weiss system with C = 0.376 K emu/mol and theta = -5.0 K and (ii) the dimer system with 2J/k(B) = -258 K. The magnetic properties of 1 and 2 were discussed based on the results obtained by crystal structure analysis and ESR measurements of 1 and 2. The chi(M) values of the (2:1) Zn, Pd, Pt salts 3, 4, and 5 and [V](+)[I](-) salt 6 follow the Curie-Weiss law with C = 0.723, 0.713, 0.712, and 0.342 K emu/mol and theta = -2.8, -3.1, -2.6, and +0.02 K, respectively, indicating that only the spins of the verdazyl radical cation contribute to the magnetic property of these salts. The salts 1, 3, and 5 are insulators. On the other hand, the conductivity (sigma) of the Ni salt 2 and Pd salt 4 at 20 degrees C was sigma = 8.9 x 10(-2) and 1.3 x 10(-4) S cm(-)(1) with an activation energy E(A) = 0.11 and 0.40 eV, respectively. The salts 2 and 4 are new molecular magnetic semiconductors.     

Structural comparison of copper(I) and copper(II) complexes with tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine ligand

Copper(I) complexes with the tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPMA) ligand were synthesized and characterized to examine the effect of counteranions (Br(-), ClO(4)(-), and BPh(4)(-)), as well as auxiliary ligands (CH(3)CN, 4,4'-dipyridyl, and PPh(3)) on the molecular structures in both solid state and solution. Partial dissociation of one of the pyridyl arms in TPMA was not observed when small auxiliary ligands such as CH(3)CN or Br(-) were coordinated to copper(I), but was found to occur with larger ones such as PPh(3) or 4,4'-dipyridyl. All complexes were found to adopt a distorted tetrahedral geometry, with the exception of [Cu(I)(TPMA)][BPh(4)], which was found to be trigonal pyramidal because of stabilization via a long cuprophilic interaction with a bond length of 2.8323(12) ?. Copper(II) complexes with the general formula [Cu(II)(TPMA)X][Y] (X = Cl(-), Br(-) and Y = ClO(4)(-), BPh(4)(-)) were also synthesized to examine the effect of different counterions on the geometry of [Cu(II)(TPMA)X](+) cation, and were found to be isostructural with previously reported [Cu(II)(TPMA)X][X] (X = Cl(-) or Br(-)) complexes.     

Anion-dependent formation of helicates versus mesocates of triple-stranded M2L3 (M = Fe2+, Cu2+) complexes

A series of dinuclear triple-stranded complexes, [Fe(2)L(3)?X]X(6) [X = BF(4)(-) (1), ClO(4)(-) (2)], [Fe(2)L(3)?SO(4)](2)(SO(4))(5) (3), [Fe(2)L(3)?Br](BPh(4))(6) (4), Fe(2)L(3)(NO(3))Br(6) (5), and [Cu(2)L(3)?NO(3)](NO(3))(6) (6), which incorporate a central cavity to encapsulate different anions, have been synthesized via the self-assembly of iron(II) or copper(II) salts with the N,N'-bis[5-(2,2'-bipyridyl)methyl]imidazolium bromide (LBr) ligand. X-ray crystallographic studies (for 1-4 and 6) and elemental analyses confirmed the cagelike triple-stranded structure. The anionic guest is bound in the cage and shows remarkable influence on the outcome of the self-assembly process with regard to the configuration at the metal centers. The mesocates (with different configurations at the two metal centers) have formed in the presence of large tetrahedral anions, while helicates (with the same configuration at both metal centers) were obtained when using the relatively smaller spherical or trigonal-planar anions Br(-) or NO(3)(-).     

Development of cation/anion "interaction" scales for ionic liquids through ESI-MS measurements

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry applied to ionic liquids allowed the study of loosely bonded supramolecules, originating from these organic salts. Based on the observation that ionic liquids formed cationic [C(q+1)X(q)](+) and anionic [C(q)X(q+1)](-) supramolecular aggregates, we have investigated mixed networks, formed by different cations coordinated to a selected anion or by different anions bonded to a given cation, i.e., [C1...X...C2](+) and [X1...C...X2](-), with the aim to build a scale of the cation-anion interaction strength. The qualitative order of intrinsic bond strength to Br- was found to be the following: [emim](+) > [bmim](+) > [mor1,2](+) > [hmim]+ > [omim](+) > [mor1,4](+) > [bupy](+) > [bpyrr](+) > [picol](+) > [bm(2)im](+) > [TBA](+). Similarly, the interaction energies to 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium (bmim) species envisaged two classes of anions: species tightly coordinated to the cationic moiety that include CF3COO(-), Br(-), N(CN)2(-), and BF4(-) and anions loosely interacting with the alkylimidazolium species such as OTf(-), PF6(-), and Tf2N(-).     

Molecular paramagnetic semiconductor: crystal structures and magnetic and conducting properties of the Ni(dmit)(2) salts of 6-oxoverdazyl radical cations (dmit = 1,3-dithiol-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate)

Four kinds of 1:1 and 1:3 salts of 3-[4-(trimethylammonio)phenyl]-1,5-diphenyl-6-oxoverdazyl radical cation ([1](+)) and its mono- and dimethyl derivatives ([2](+) and [3](+)) with Ni(dmit)(2) anions (dmit = 1,3-dithiol-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate) ([1](+)[Ni(dmit)(2)](-) (4), [2](+)[Ni(dmit)(2)](-) (5), [3](+)[Ni(dmit)(2)](-) (6), and [1](+)[Ni(dmit)(2)](3)(-) (7)) have been prepared, and the magnetic susceptibilities (chi(M)) have been measured between 1.8 and 300 K. The chi(M) values of salts 5 and 7 can be well reproduced by the sum of the contributions from (i). a Curie-Weiss system with a Curie constant of 0.376 (K emu)/mol and negative Weiss constants (THETAV;) of -0.4 and -1.7 K and (ii). a dimer system with strong negative exchange interactions of 2J/k(B) = -354 and -258 K, respectively. The dimer formations in Ni(dmit)(2) anions have been ascertained by the crystal structure analyses of salts 4-6. In salts 4 and 6, Ni(dmit)(2) dimer molecules are sandwiched between two verdazyl cations, indicating the formation of a linear tetramer in 4 and 6. The magnetic susceptibility data for salts 4 and 6 have been fitted to a linear tetramer model using an end exchange interaction of 2J(1)/k(B) = -600 K and a central interaction of 2J(2)/k(B) = -280 K for 4 and 2J(1)/k(B) = -30 K and 2J(2)/k(B) = -580 K for 6, respectively. The results of the temperature dependence of the g(T) value in salts 4-6 obtained by ESR measurement also support the above analyses. The 1:1 salts 4-6 are insulators. On the other hand, the conductivity of the 1:3 salt 7 at 20 degrees C was sigma = 0.10 S cm(-)(1) with an activation energy E(A) = 0.099 eV, showing the semiconductor property. Salt 7 is a new molecular paramagnetic semiconductor.     

NH/pi interaction in a spin-crossover complex [FeII(HLMe)2](BPh4)2.2CH3CN (BPh4-=Tetraphenylborate; HLMe=2-Methylimidazol-4-yl-methylideneamino-2-ethylpyridine)

Three FeII complexes, [Fe(HLR)2](BPh4)2.solvent (R=H, Me, Ph), were synthesized, where BPh4-=tetraphenylborate and HLR=2-substituted-imidazol-4-yl-methylideneamino-2-ethylpyridine. The magnetic susceptibility measurements in 5-300 K revealed that [Fe(HLH)2](BPh4)2.H2O, [Fe(HLMe)2](BPh4)2.2CH3CN, and [Fe(HLPh)2](BPh4)2.CH3CN are low-spin (LS), spin-crossover (SC), and high-spin (HS) FeII complexes, respectively, indicating that the spin state can be effectively tuned by the bulkiness of the substituent. Complex shows a steep SC around 250 K, where it assumes a cyclic structure of {[Fe(HLMe)2]BPh4}2 constructed by four NH/pi bonds between the imidazole group and the phenyl ring of BPh4- in the HS state and a deformed structure with NH/pi bonds and linear CH3CN...HN hydrogen bonds at the terminals in the LS state.     

Anionic Halomolybdate(III) Chemistry. Tetrahydrofuran Loss from [MoX(3)Y(THF)(2)](-) (X, Y = Cl, Br, I), Preparation and Properties of [Mo(3)X(12)](3)(-) (X = Br, I), and Crystal Structure of the Edge-Sharing Trioctahedral [PPh(4)](3)[Mo(3)I(12)

By interaction of MoX(3)(THF)(3) with [Cat]X in THF, the salts [Cat][MoX(4)(THF)(2)] have been synthesized [X = I, Cat = PPh(4), NBu(4), NPr(4), (Ph(3)P)(2)N; X = Br, Cat = NBu(4), PPh(4) (Ph(3)P)(2)N]. Mixed-halide species [MoX(3)Y(THF)(2)](-) (X, Y = Cl, Br, I) have also been generated in solution and investigated by (1)H-NMR. When the tetraiodo, tetrabromo, and mixed bromoiodo salts are dissolved in CH(2)Cl(2), clean loss of all coordinated THF is observed by (1)H-NMR. On the other hand, [MoCl(4)(THF)(2)](-) loses only 1.5 THF/Mo. The salts [Cat](3)[Mo(3)X(12)] (X = Br, I) have been isolated from [Cat][MoX(4)(THF)(2)] or by running the reaction between MoX(3)(THF)(3) and [Cat]X directly in CH(2)Cl(2). The crystal structure of [PPh(4)](3)[Mo(3)I(12)] exhibits a linear face-sharing trioctahedron for the trianion: triclinic, space group P&onemacr;; a = 11.385(2), b = 12.697(3), c = 16.849(2) ?; alpha = 76.65(2), beta = 71.967(12), gamma = 84.56(2) degrees; Z = 1; 431 parameters and 3957 data with I > 2sigma(I). The metal-metal distance is 3.258(2) ?. Structural and magnetic data are consistent with the presence of a metal-metal sigma bond order of (1)/(2) and with the remaining 7 electrons being located in 7 substantially nonbonding orbitals. The ground state of the molecule is predicted to be subject to a Jahn-Teller distortion, which is experimentally apparent from the nature of the thermal ellipsoid of the central Mo atom. The [Mo(3)X(12)](3)(-) ions reacts with phosphines (PMe(3), dppe) to form products of lower nuclearity by rupture of the bridging Mo-X bonds.     

Electronic structures of ruthenium and osmium complexes of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone

The reaction of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) with [M(II)(H)(CO)(X)(PPh(3))(3)] in boiling toluene leads to the homolytic cleavage of the M(II)-H bond, affording the paramagnetic trans-[M(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X] (M = Ru, X = Cl, 1; M = Os, X = Br, 3) and cis-[M(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X] (M = Ru, X = Cl, 2; M = Os, X = Br, 4) complexes. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations of 1, 2·toluene, and 4·CH(2)Cl(2), EPR spectra, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have substantiated that 1-4 are 9,10-phenanthrenesemiquinone radical (PQ(?-)) complexes of ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) and are defined as trans-[Ru(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl] (1), cis-[Ru(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl] (2), trans-[Os(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO) Br] (3), and cis-[Os(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Br] (4). Two comparatively longer C-O [average lengths: 1, 1.291(3) ?; 2·toluene, 1.281(5) ?; 4·CH(2)Cl(2), 1.300(8) ?] and shorter C-C lengths [1, 1.418(5) ?; 2·toluene, 1.439(6) ?; 4·CH(2)Cl(2), 1.434(9) ?] of the OO chelates are consistent with the presence of a reduced PQ(?-) ligand in 1-4. A minor contribution of the alternate resonance form, trans- or cis-[M(I)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X], of 1-4 has been predicted by the anisotropic X- and Q-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the frozen glasses of the complexes at 25 K and unrestricted DFT calculations on 1, trans-[Ru(PQ)(PMe(3))(2)(CO)Cl] (5), cis-[Ru(PQ)(PMe(3))(2)(CO)Cl] (6), and cis-[Os(PQ)(PMe(3))(2)(CO)Br] (7). However, no thermodynamic equilibria between [M(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X] and [M(I)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X] tautomers have been detected. 1-4 undergo one-electron oxidation at -0.06, -0.05, 0.03, and -0.03 V versus a ferrocenium/ferrocene, Fc(+)/Fc, couple because of the formation of PQ complexes as trans-[Ru(II)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl](+) (1(+)), cis-[Ru(II)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl](+) (2(+)), trans-[Os(II)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Br](+) (3(+)), and cis-[Os(II)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Br](+) (4(+)). The trans isomers 1 and 3 also undergo one-electron reduction at -1.11 and -0.96 V, forming PQ(2-) complexes trans-[Ru(II)(PQ(2-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl](-) (1(-)) and trans-[Os(II)(PQ(2-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Br](-) (3(-)). Oxidation of 1 by I(2) affords diamagnetic 1(+)I(3)(-) in low yields. Bond parameters of 1(+)I(3)(-) [C-O, 1.256(3) and 1.258(3) ?; C-C, 1.482(3) ?] are consistent with ligand oxidation, yielding a coordinated PQ ligand. Origins of UV-vis/near-IR absorption features of 1-4 and the electrogenerated species have been investigated by spectroelectrochemical measurements and time-dependent DFT calculations on 5, 6, 5(+), and 5(-).     

Synthesis, characterization, and bromine substitution by 4,4'-di(5-nonyl)-2,2'-bipyridine in Cu(II)(4,4'-di(5-nonyl)-2,2'-bipyridine)Br(2)

The crystal structure of a novel compound Cu(II)(dNbpy)Br(2) (dNbpy = 4,4'-di(5-nonyl)-2,2'-bipyridine), which is used in the reverse atom transfer radical polymerization, is reported. Cu(II)(dNbpy)Br(2) crystallizes in the triclinic P1 space group with a = 12.5283(11) A, b = 15.0256(14) A, c = 17.7900(16) A, alpha = 90.350(2) degrees, beta = 99.360(2) degrees, gamma = 107.937(2) degrees, and Z = 2. The Cu(II) center in the complex has a distorted square planar geometry and is coordinated by two nitrogen atoms of a single dNbpy ligand (Cu-N = 2.011(7) and 2.022(7) A) and two bromine atoms (Cu-Br = 2.3621(14) and 2.3567(13) A). The similarity of the absorption spectra in the solid state and in solution suggested that the geometry of the complex remained unchanged upon dissolution. In the presence of dNbpy, Cu(II)(dNbpy)Br(2) undergoes Br substitution to form ionic [Cu(II)(dNbpy)(2)Br](+)[Br](-). DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees values for this equilibrium were negative and dependent on the polarity of the medium. It was found that, under the typical polymerization conditions (T > or =90 degrees C and the total copper concentration in the range 1.0 x 10(-2)-1.0 x 10(-1) M), Cu(II)Br(2) and 2 equiv of dNbpy will predominantly form the neutral Cu(II)(dNbpy)Br(2) complex. In a polar medium under the same conditions, [Cu(II)(dNbpy)(2)Br](+)[Br](-) is preferred.     

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution at low overpotentials by cobalt macrocyclic glyoxime and tetraimine complexes

Cobalt complexes supported by diglyoxime ligands of the type Co(dmgBF2)2(CH3CN)2 and Co(dpgBF2)2(CH3CN)2 (where dmgBF2 is difluoroboryl-dimethylglyoxime and dpgBF2 is difluoroboryl-diphenylglyoxime), as well as cobalt complexes with [14]-tetraene-N4 (Tim) ligands of the type [Co(TimR)X2]n+ (R=methyl or phenyl, X=Br or CH3CN; n=1 with X=Br and n=3 with X=CH3CN), have been observed to evolve H2 electrocatalytically at potentials between -0.55 V and -0.20 V vs SCE in CH3CN. The complexes with more positive Co(II/I) redox potentials exhibited lower activity for H2 production. For the complexes Co(dmgBF2)2(CH3CN)2, Co(dpgBF2)2(CH3CN)2, [Co(TimMe)Br2]Br, and [Co(TimMe)(CH3CN)2](BPh4)3, bulk electrolysis confirmed the catalytic nature of the process, with turnover numbers in excess of 5 and essentially quantitative faradaic yields for H2 production. In contrast, the complexes [Co(TimPh/Me)Br2]Br and [Co(TimPh/Me)(CH3CN)2](BPh4)3 were less stable, and bulk electrolysis only produced faradaic yields for H2 production of 20-25%. Cyclic voltammetry of Co(dmgBF2)2(CH3CN)2, [Co(TimMe)Br2]+, and [Co(TimMe)(CH3CN)2]3+ in the presence of acid revealed redox waves consistent with the Co(III)-H/Co(II)-H couple, suggesting the presence of Co(III) hydride intermediates in the catalytic system. The potentials at which these Co complexes catalyzed H2 evolution were close to the reported thermodynamic potentials for the production of H2 from protons in CH3CN, with the smallest overpotential being 40 mV for Co(dmgBF2)2(CH3CN)2 determined by electrochemistry. Consistent with this small overpotential, Co(dmgBF2)2(CH3CN)2 was also able to oxidize H2 in the presence of a suitable conjugate base. Digital simulations of the electrochemical data were used to study the mechanism of H2 evolution catalysis, and these studies are discussed.     

Preparation and reactivity of mixed-ligand ruthenium(II) hydride complexes with phosphites and polypyridyls

Chloro complexes [RuCl(N-N)P3]BPh4 (1-3) [N-N = 2,2'-bipyridine, bpy; 1,10-phenanthroline, phen; 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, 5,5'-Me2bpy; P = P(OEt)3, PPh(OEt)2 and PPh2OEt] were prepared by allowing the [RuCl4(N-N)].H2O compounds to react with an excess of phosphite in ethanol. The bis(bipyridine) [RuCl(bpy)2[P(OEt)3]]BPh4 (7) complex was also prepared by reacting RuCl2(bpy)2.2H2O with phosphite and ethanol. Treatment of the chloro complexes 1-3 and 7 with NaBH4 yielded the hydride [RuH(N-N)P3]BPh4 (4-6) and [RuH(bpy)2P]BPh4 (8) derivatives, which were characterized spectroscopically and by the X-ray crystal structure determination of [RuH(bpy)[P(OEt)3]3]BPh4 (4a). Protonation reaction of the new hydrides with Br?nsted acid was studied and led to dicationic [Ru(eta2-H2)(N-N)P3]2+ (9, 10) and [Ru(eta(2-H2)(bpy)2P]2+ (11) dihydrogen derivatives. The presence of the eta2-H2 ligand was indicated by a short T(1 min) value and by the measurements of the J(HD) in the [Ru](eta2-HD) isotopomers. From T(1 min) and J(HD) values the H-H distances of the dihydrogen complexes were also calculated. A series of ruthenium complexes, [RuL(N-N)P3](BPh4)2 and [RuL(bpy)2P](BPh4)2 (P = P(OEt)3; L = H2O, CO, 4-CH3C6H4NC, CH3CN, 4-CH3C6H4CN, PPh(OEt)2], was prepared by substituting the labile eta2-H2 ligand in the 9, 10, 11 derivatives. The reactions of the new hydrides 4-6 and 8 with both mono- and bis(aryldiazonium) cations were studied and led to aryldiazene [Ru(C6H5N=NH)(N-N)P3](BPh4)2 (19, 21), [[Ru(N-N)P3]2(mu-4,4'-NH=NC6H4-C6H4N=NH)](BPh4)4 (20), and [Ru(C6H5N=NH)(bpy)2P](BPh4)2 (22) derivatives. Also the heteroallenes CO2 and CS2 reacted with [RuH(bpy)2P]BPh4, yielding the formato [Ru[eta1-OC(H)=O](bpy)2P]BPh4 and dithioformato [Ru[eta1-SC(H)=S](bpy)2P]BPh4 derivatives.     

Synthesis in ionic liquids: [Bi2Te2Br](AlCl4), a direct gap semiconductor with a cationic framework

The Lewis acidic ionic liquid EMIMBr-AlCl(3) (EMIM = 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium) allows a novel synthetic route to the semiconducting layered metal chalcogenides halide [Bi(2)Te(2)Br](AlCl(4)) and its Sb analogue. [Bi(2)Te(2)Br](AlCl(4)) is a direct band gap, strongly anisotropic semiconductor and consists of cationic infinite layers of [Bi(2)Te(2)Br](+) and [AlCl(4)](-) anions inserted between the layers.     

Bis(allyl)gallium cation, tris(allyl)gallium, and tetrakis(allyl)gallate: synthesis, characterization, and reactivity

A series of cationic, neutral, and anionic allylgallium complexes has been isolated and fully characterized. It includes neutral [Ga(η(1)-C(3)H(5))(3)(L)] (1, L = THF; 2, L = OPPh(3)), cationic [Ga(η(1)-C(3)H(5))(2)(THF)(2)](+)[A](-) (3, [A](-) = [B(C(6)F(5))(4)](-); 4, [A](-) = [B(C(6)H(3)Cl(2))(4)](-)), as well as anionic [Cat](+)[Ga(η(1)-C(3)H(5))(4)](-) (5, [Cat](+) = K(+); 6, [Cat](+) = [K(dibenzo-18-c-6](+); 7, [Cat](+) = [PPh(4)](+)). Binding modes of the allyl ligand in solution and in the solid state have been studied comparatively. Single crystal X-ray analyses revealed a four-coordinate neutral gallium center in 2, a five-coordinate cationic gallium center in 4 and [4·THF], and a four-coordinate anionic gallium center with a bridging μ(2)-η(1):η(2) coordination mode of the allyl ligand in 6. The reactivity of this series of allylgallium complexes toward benzophenone and N-heteroaromatics has been investigated. Counterion effects have also been studied. Reactions of 1 and 5 with isoquinoline revealed the first examples of organogallium complexes reacting under 1,2-insertion with pyridine derivatives.     

Synthesis and structural comparison of a series of divalent Ln(Tp(R,R)')2 (Ln = Sm, Eu, Yb) and trivalent Sm(Tp(Me2))2X (X = F, Cl, I, BPh4) complexes

Reaction of LnI2 (Ln = Sm, Yb) with two equivalents of NaTp(Me2) or reduction of Eu(Tp(Me2))2OTf gives good yields of the highly insoluble homoleptic Ln(II) complexes, Ln(Tp(Me2))2 (Ln = Sm (1a), Yb (2a), Eu (3a)). Use of the additionally 4-ethyl substituted Tp(Me2,4Et) ligand produces the analogous, but soluble Ln(Tp(Me2,4Et))2 (1-3b) complexes. Soluble compounds are also obtained with the Tp(Ph) and Tp(Tn) ligands (Tn = thienyl), Ln(Tp(Ph))2 (Ln = Sm, 1c; Yb, 2c) and Ln(Tp(Tn))2 (Ln = Sm, 1d; Yb, 2d). To provide benchmark parameters for structural comparison the series of Sm(Tp(Me2))2X complexes (X = F, 1e; Cl, 1f; Br, 1g; I, 1h; BPh4, 1j) were prepared either via oxidation of the Sm(Tp(Me2))2 or salt metathesis from SmX3 (X = Cl, Br, I). The solid-state structures of 1-3a, 1b, 1-2c and 1e, 1f, 1h, and 1j were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The homoleptic bis-Tp complexes are all six-coordinate with trigonal antiprismatic geometries, planes of the kappa(3)-Tp ligands are parallel to one another. In the series of Sm(Tp(Me2))2X complexes the structure changes from seven-coordinate molecular compounds, with intact Sm-X bonds, for X = F, Cl, to six-coordinate ionic structures [Sm(Tp(Me2))2]X (X = I, BPh4), suitable crystals of the bromide compound could not be obtained. The dependence of the structures on the size of X is understandable in terms of the interplay between the size of the cleft that the [Sm(Tp(Me2))2](+) fragment can make available and the donor ability of the anionic group toward the hard Sm(III) center.     

PX4+, P2X5+, and P5X2+ (X=Br,I) salts of the superweak Al(OR)4- anion [R=C(CF3)3

PX(4) (+)[Al(OR)(4)](-) (X=I: 1 a, X=Br: 1 b) was prepared from X(2), PX(3), and Ag[Al(OR)(4)] [R=C(CF(3))(3)] in CH(2)Cl(2) at -30 degrees C in 69-86 % yield. P(2)X(5) (+) salts were prepared from 2 PX(3) and Ag[Al(OR)(4)] in CH(2)Cl(2) at -30 degrees C yielding almost quantitatively P(2)X(5) (+)[Al(OR)(4)](-) (X=I: 3 a, X=Br: 3 b). The phosphorus-rich P(5)X(2) (+) salts arose from the reaction of cold (-78 degrees C) mixtures of PX(3), P(4), and Ag[Al(OR)(4)] giving P(5)X(2) (+)[Al(OR)(4)](-) (X=I: 4 a, X=Br: 4 b) with a C(2v)-symmetric P(5) cage. Silver salt metathesis presumably generated unstable PX(2) (+) cations from PX(3) and Ag[Al(OR)(4)] (X=Br, I) that acted as electrophilic carbene analogues and inserted into the Xbond;X (Pbond;X/Pbond;P) bond of X(2) (PX(3)/P(4)) leading to the highly electrophilic and CH(2)Cl(2)-soluble PX(4) (+) (P(2)X(5) (+)/P(5)X(2) (+)) salts. Reactions that aimed to synthesize P(2)I(3) (+) from P(2)I(4) and Ag[Al(OR)(4)] instead led to anion decomposition and the formation of P(2)I(5)(CS(2))(+)[(RO)(3)Al-F-Al(OR)(3)](-) (5). All salts were characterized by variable-temperature solution NMR studies (3 b also by (31)P MAS NMR), Raman and/or IR spectroscopy as well as X-ray crystallography (with the exception of 4 a). The thermochemical volumes of the Pbond;X cations are 121 (PBr(4) (+)), 161 (PI(4) (+)), 194 (P(2)Br(5) (+)), 271 (P(2)I(5) (+)), and 180 A(3) (P(5)Br(2) (+)). The observed reactions were fully accounted for by thermochemical calculations based on (RI-)MP2/TZVPP ab initio results and COSMO solvation enthalpy calculations (CH(2)Cl(2) solution). The enthalpies of formation of the gaseous Pbond;X cations were derived as +764 (PI(4) (+)), +617 (PBr(4) (+)), +749 (P(2)I(5) (+)), +579 (P(2)Br(5) (+)), +762 (P(5)I(2) (+)), and +705 kJ mol(-1) (P(5)Br(2) (+)). The insertion of the intermediately prepared carbene analogue PX(2) (+) cations into the respective bonds were calculated, at the (RI-)MP2/TZVPP level, to be exergonic at 298 K in CH(2)Cl(2) by Delta(r)G(CH(2)Cl(2))=-133.5 (PI(4) (+)), -183.9 (PBr(4) (+)), -106.5 (P(2)I(5) (+)), -81.5 (P(2)Br(5) (+)), -113.2 (P(5)I(2) (+)), and -114.5 kJ mol(-1) (P(5)Br(2) (+)).     

Facile access to redox-active C2-bridged complexes with half-sandwich manganese end groups

The dinuclear mixed-valent complex [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC(2)Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)](+)[(eta2-MeC5H4)3Mn](-)[1](+)[2]- (dmpe=1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane) was prepared by the reaction of [Mn(MeC5H4)2] with dmpe and Me(3)SnC[triple chemical bond]CSnMe3. The reactions of [1](+)[2]- with K[PF6] and Na[BPh4] yielded the corresponding anion metathesis products [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)][PF6] ([1][PF6]) and [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)][BPh4] ([1][BPh4]). These mixed-valent species can be reduced to the neutral form by reaction with Na/Hg. The obtained complex [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)] (1) displays a triplet/singlet spin equilibrium in solution and in the solid state, which was additionally studied by DFT calculations. The diamagnetic dicationic species [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)][PF6]2 ([1][PF6]2) was obtained by oxidizing the mixed-valent complex [1][PF6] with one equivalent of [Fe(C5H5)2][PF6]. Both redox processes are fully reversible. The dinuclear compounds were characterized by NMR, IR, UV-visible, and Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. X-ray diffraction studies were performed on [1][2], [1][PF6], [1][BPh4], and [1][PF6]2.     

Oxidative addition of n-alkyl halides to diimine-dialkylplatinum(II) complexes: a closer look at the kinetic behaviors

The n-alkyl halides, RX, were oxidatively added to the platina(II)cyclopentane complexes [Pt[(CH2)4](NN)], in which NN = bpy (2,2'-bipyridyl) or phen (1,10-phenanthroline), to give the platinum(IV) complexes [PtRX[(CH2)4](NN)], R = Et and X = Br or I; R = nBu and X = I, 1-3. The same reactions with the analogous dimethyl complex [PtMe2(bpy)] gave the expected platinum(IV) complexes [PtRXMe2(bpy)], R = Et or nPr and X = Br or I; R = nBu and X = I, 4-8. Kinetics of the reactions in benzene and acetone was studied using UV-vis spectrophotometery and a common S(N)2 mechanism was suggested for each case. The platina(ii)cyclopentane complexes reacted faster than the corresponding dimethyl analogs by a factor of 2-3. This is described as being due to a lower positive charge, calculated by density functional theory (DFT), on the platinum atom of [Pt[(CH)2)4](bpy)] compared with that on the platinum atom of the dimethyl analog [PtMe2(bpy)]. The values of DeltaDeltaS(double dagger) = DeltaS(double dagger)(acetone) - DeltaS(double dagger)(benzene) were found to be either positive or negative in different reactions and this is related to the solvation of the corresponding alkyl halide. It is suggested that in these reactions of RX reagents, for a given X, the electronic effects of the R group are mainly responsible for the change in the rates of the reactions and the bulkiness of the group is far less important.     

Coordination of a complete series of N2 reduction intermediates (N2H2, N2H4, and NH3) to an iron phosphine scaffold

The series of dinitrogen reduction intermediates (N(2)H(2), N(2)H(4), and NH(3)) coordinated to the Fe(DMeOPrPE)(2)H(+)(DMeOPrPE = 1,2-[bis(dimethoxypropyl)phosphino]ethane) scaffold has been synthesized or generated. The synthesis of trans-[Fe(DMeOPrPE)(2)(NH(3))H][BPh(4)] and generation of trans-[Fe(DMeOPrPE)(2)(N(2)H(4))H][BPh(4)] were achieved by substitu tion of the dinitrogen ligand on trans-[Fe(DMeOPrPE)(2)(N(2))H][BPh(4)]. The trans-[Fe(DMeOPrPE)(2)(N(2)H(2))H](+) complex and its deprotonated conjugate base, trans-Fe(DMeOPrPE)(2)(N(2)H)H, were observed by (31)P and (1)H NMR from decomposition of trans-[Fe(DMeOPrPE)(2)(N(2)H(4))H](+) in the presence of excess hydrazine. Attempts to chemically oxidize trans-[Fe(DMeOPrPE)(2)(N(2)H(4))H](+) to trans-[Fe(DMeOPrPE)(2)(N(2)H(2))H][BPh(4)] with a variety of oxidizing agents yielded only decomposition products consistent with the intermediate formation of trans-[Fe(DMeOPrPE)(2)(N(2)H(2))H](+) prior to decomposition.