Synthesis, crystal structure and reactivity of uranium(IV) complexes with p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene ligands

Reactions of UCl4 with 25,27-dimethoxy-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (H2Me2calix) in THF or pyridine at 80 degrees C gave [UCl2(Me2calix)L2] [L = THF (1) or pyridine (2)]. Similar treatment of U(acac)(4) (acac = MeCOCHCOMe) with H2Me2calix in THF or pyridine afforded [U(acac)2(Me2calix)] (3). The bis-calixarene compound [U(Me2calix)(H2calix)] (4) was obtained by reaction of U(OTf)4 or U(OTf)3 with H2Me2calix in pyridine at 110 degrees C. Treatment of UCl4 with H2Me2calix in pyridine at 110 degrees C gave [Mepy][UCl2(Hcalix)(py)2] (5) resulting from demethylation and acid cleavage of the methoxy groups of the calixarene ligand of 2. Adventitious traces of air were responsible for the formation of [Hpy][Mepy]4[{UCl(calix)}3(mu3-O)][UCl6] (6) during the reaction of UCl4 and H2Me2calix, and of [{U(Me2calix)(mu3-O)LiCl(THF)}2] (7) during the reaction of 2 with tBuLi. The X-ray crystal structures of 1.2THF, 2.2py, 3.0.25L (L = THF and py), 4.2py, 5, 6.3py and 7.THF have been determined.     

Synthesis, structure, reactivity, and thermal isomerization of boron-substituted 13-vertex cobaltacarboranes (eta5-Cp)Co(eta6-R2C2B10Me8H2) (R = H, Et)

Reduction of boron-substituted carboranes o-R2C2B10Me8H2 (R = H, Et), thermal isomerization, and nucleophilic reaction of the resultant 13-vertex cobaltacarboranes were studied. Reaction of o-C2B10Me8H4 (1) with excess potassium metal in tetrahydrofuran (THF) gave, after recrystallization from a THF solution of 18-crown-6 ether, [[K(18-crown-6)(THF)2][K(18-crown-6)]][[4-(18-crown-6)-2,3,5,8,9,11,12,13-Me8-4,1,6-KC2B10H4]2] (2) in 78% yield. Interaction of 1 with excess sodium or potassium metal in THF, followed by treatment with CoCl2/CpNa and then aerobatic oxidation, afforded two boron-substituted 13-vertex cobaltacarboranes, 4-Cp-2,3,5,8,9,11,12,13-Me8-4,1,6-CoC2B10Me8H4 (3) and 4-Cp-2,3,5,9,10,11,12,13-Me8-4,1,6-CoC2B10Me8H4 (4), in 15% and 8% yield, respectively. Subsequently, thermal isomerization of 3 and 4 yielded another two new isomers, 4-Cp-2,3,5,6,8,11,12,13-Me8-4,1,9-CoC2B10Me8H4 (5) and 4-Cp-2,3,5,6,7,11,12,13-Me8-4,1,9-CoC2B10Me8H4 (6). Treatment of 3 or 4 with strong bases such as nBuLi and MeLi generated unexpected nucleophilic substitution products 4-nBuCp-2,3,5,8,9,11,12,13-Me8-4,1,6-CoC2B10Me8H4 (7), 4-nBuCp-2,3,5,9,10,11,12,13-Me8-4,1,6-CoC2B10Me8H4 (8a), and 4-MeCp-2,3,5,9,10,11,12,13-Me8-4,1,6-CoC2B10Me8H4 (8b) in good yields. Under the same reaction conditions, however, only one 13-vertex cobaltacarborane, 4-Cp-1,9-Et2-2,5,6,7,8,11,12,13-Me8-4,1,9-CoC2B10Me8H4 (10), was isolated when o-Et2C2B10Me8H2 (9) was used as the starting material. Complex 10 is a thermodynamically stable product and has a substitution pattern different from that of 3-6. These results show that the substituents on either the cage carbon or boron atoms have an important effect on the formation and thermal stability of the 13-vertex metallacarboranes. The formation of these complexes can be rationalized by the diamond-square-diamond mechanism.     

Structural diversity in solvated lithium aryloxides. Syntheses, characterization, and structures of [Li(OAr)(THF)x]n and [Li(OAr)(py)x]2 complexes where OAr = OC6H5, OC6H4(2-Me), OC6H3(2,6-(Me))2, OC6H4(2-Pr(i)), OC6H3(2,6-Pr(i)))2, OC6h4(2-Bu(t)), OC6H3(2,6-Bu(t)))2

A series of sterically varied aryl alcohols H-OAr [OAr = OC6H5 (OPh), OC6H4(2-Me) (oMP), OC6H3(2,6-(Me))2 (DMP), OC6H4(2-Pr(i)) (oPP), OC6H3(2,6-(Pr(i)))2 (DIP), OC6H4(2-Bu(t)) (oBP), OC6H3(2,6-(Bu(t)))2 (DBP); Me = CH3, Pr(i) = CHMe2, and Bu(t) = CMe3] were reacted with LiN(SiMe3)2 in a Lewis basic solvent [tetrahydrofuran (THF) or pyridine (py)] to generate the appropriate "Li(OAr)(solv)x". In the presence of THF, the OPh derivative was previously identified as the hexagonal prismatic complex [Li(OPh)(THF)]6; however, the structure isolated from the above route proved to be the tetranuclear species [Li(OPh)(THF)]4 (1). The other "Li(OAr)(THF)x" products isolated were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction as [Li(OAr)(THF)]4 [OAr = oMP (2), DMP (3), oPP (4)], [Li(DIP)(THF)]3 (5), [Li(oBP)(THF)2]2, (6), and [Li(DBP)(THF)]2, (7). The tetranuclear species (1-4) consist of symmetric cubes of alternating tetrahedral Li and pyramidal O atoms, with terminal THF solvent molecules bound to each metal center. The trinuclear species 5 consists of a six-membered ring of alternating trigonal planar Li and bridging O atoms, with one THF solvent molecule bound to each metal center. Compound 6 possesses two Li atoms that adopt tetrahedral geometries involving two bridging oBP and two terminal THF ligands. The structure of 7 was identical to the previously reported [Li(DBP)(THF)]2 species, but different unit cell parameters were observed. Compound 7 varies from 6 in that only one solvent molecule is bound to each Li metal center of 7 because of the steric bulk of the DBP ligand. In contrast to the structurally diverse THF adducts, when py was used as the solvent, the appropriate "Li(OAr)(py)x" complexes were isolated as [Li(OAr)(py)2]2 (OAr = OPh (8), oMP (9), DMP (10), oPP (11), DIP (12), oBP (13)) and [Li(DBP)(py)]2 (14). Compounds 8-13 adopt a dinuclear, edge-shared tetrahedral complex. For 14, because of the steric crowding of the DBP ligand, only one py is coordinated, yielding a dinuclear fused trigonal planar arrangement. Two additional structure types were also characterized for the DIP ligand: [Li(DIP)(H-DIP)(py)]2 (12b) and [Li2(DIP)2(py)3] (12c). Multinuclear (6,7Li and 13C) solid-state MAS NMR spectroscopic studies indicate that the bulk powder possesses several Li environments for "transitional ligands" of the THF complexes; however, the py adducts possess only one Li environment, which is consistent with the solid-state structures. Solution NMR studies indicate that "transitional" compounds of the THF precursors display multiple species in solution whereas the py adducts display only one lithium environment.     

Group 6 imido complexes supported by diamido-donor ligands

Reactions of the lithiated diamido-pyridine or diamido-amine ligands Li(2)N(2)N(py) or Li(2)N(2)N(am) with [W(NAr)Cl(4)(THF)] (Ar = Ph or 2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2); THF = tetrahydrofuran) afforded the corresponding imido-dichloride complexes [W(NAr)(N(2)N(py))Cl(2)] (R = Ph, 1, or 2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2), 2) or [W(NAr)(N(2)N(am))Cl(2)] (R = Ph, 3, or 2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2), 4), respectively, where N(2)N(py) = MeC(2-C(5)H(4)N)(CH(2)NSiMe(3))(2) and N(2)N(am) = Me(3)SiN(CH(2)CH(2)NSiMe(3))(2). Subsequent reactions of 1 with MeMgBr or PhMgCl afforded the dimethyl or diphenyl complexes [W(NPh)(N(2)N(py))R(2)] (R = Me, 5, or Ph, 6), respectively, which have both been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Reactions of Li(2)N(2)N(py) or Li(2)N(2)N(am) with [Mo(NR)(2)Cl(2)(DME)] (R = (t)Bu or Ph; DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) afforded the corresponding bis(imido) complexes [Mo(NR)(2)(N(2)N(py))] (R = (t)Bu, 7, or Ph, 8) and [Mo(N(t)Bu)(2)(N(2)N(am))] (9).     

Varying the Lewis base coordination of the Y2N2 core in the reduced dinitrogen complexes {[(Me3Si)2N]2(L)Y}2(μ-η2:η2-N2) (L = benzonitrile, pyridines, triphenylphosphine oxide, and trimethylamine N-oxide)

The effect of the neutral donor ligand, L, on the Ln(2)N(2) core in the (N═N)(2-) complexes, [A(2)(L)Ln](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)) (Ln = Sc, Y, lanthanide; A = monoanion; L = neutral ligand), is unknown since all of the crystallographically characterized examples were obtained with L = tetrahydrofuran (THF). To explore variation in L, displacement reactions between {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Y}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 1, and benzonitrile, pyridine (py), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), triphenylphosphine oxide, and trimethylamine N-oxide were investigated. THF is displaced by all of these ligands to form {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(L)Y}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)) complexes (L = PhCN, 2; py, 3; DMAP, 4; Ph(3)PO, 5; Me(3)NO, 6) that were fully characterized by analytical, spectroscopic, density functional theory, and X-ray crystallographic methods. The crystal structures of the Y(2)N(2) cores in 2-5 are similar to that in 1 with N-N bond distances between 1.255(3) ? and 1.274(3) ?, but X-ray analysis of the N-N distance in 6 shows it to be shorter: 1.198(3) ?.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of alkaline-earth-metal bis(amido)silane and lithium oxobis(aminolato)silane complexes

Several of alkaline-earth-metal complexes [(η(2):η(2):μ(N):μ(N)-Li)(+)](2)[{η(2)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)}(2)Mg](2-) (4), [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Ca·3THF] (5), [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Sr·THF] (6), and [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Ba·4THF] (7) of a bulky bis(amido)silane ligand were readily prepared by the metathesis reaction of alkali-metal bis(amido)silane [Me(2)Si(DippNLi)(2)] (Dipp = 2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3)) and alkaline-earth-metal halides MX(2) (M = Mg, X = Br; M = Ca, Sr, Ba, X = I). Alternatively, compounds 5-7 were synthesized either by transamination of M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)·2THF (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) and [Me(2)Si(DippNH)(2)] or by transmetalation of Sn[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2), [Me(2)Si(DippNH)(2)], and metallic calcium, strontium, and barium in situ. The metathesis reaction of dilithium bis(amido)silane [Me(2)Si(DippNLi)(2)] and magnesium bromide in the presence of oxygen afforded, however, an unusual lithium oxo polyhedral complex {[(DippN(Me(2)Si)(2))(μ-O)(Me(2)Si)](2)(μ-Br)(2)[(μ(3)-Li)·THF](4)(μ(4)-O)(4)(μ(3)-Li)(2)} (8) with a square-basket-shaped core Li(6)Br(2)O(4) bearing a bis(aminolato)silane ligand. All complexes were characterized using (1)H, (13)C, and (7)Li NMR and IR spectroscopy, in addition to X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis of triamidoamine ligands of the type (ArylNHCH(2)CH(2))(3)N and molybdenum and tungsten complexes that contain an [ArylNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N]3- ligand

Aryl bromides react with (H(2)NCH(2)CH(2))(3)N in a reaction catalyzed by Pd(2)(dba)(3) in the presence of BINAP and NaO-t-Bu to give the arylated derivatives (ArylNHCH(2)CH(2))(3)N [Aryl = C(6)H(5) (1a), 4-FC(6)H(4) (1b), 4-t-BuC(6)H(4) (1c), 3,5-Me(2)C(6)H(3) (1d), 3,5-Ph(2)C(6)H(3) (1e), 3,5-(4-t-BuC(6)H(4))(2)C(6)H(3) (1f), 2-MeC(6)H(4) (1g), 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2) (1h)]. Reactions between (ArNHCH(2)CH(2))(3)N (Ar = C(6)H(5), 4-FC(6)H(4), 3,5-Me(2)C(6)H(3), and 3,5-Ph(2)C(6)H(3)) and Mo(NMe(2))(4) in toluene at 70 degrees C lead to [(ArNHCH(2)CH(2))(3)N]Mo(NMe(2)) complexes in yields ranging from 64 to 96%. Dimethylamido species (Ar = 4-FC(6)H(4), 3,5-Me(2)C(6)H(3)) could be converted into paramagnetic [(ArNHCH(2)CH(2))(3)N]MoCl species by treating them with 2,6-lutidinium chloride in tetrahydrofuran (THF). The "direct reaction" between 1a-f and MoCl(4)(THF)(2) in THF followed by 3 equiv of MeMgCl yielded [(ArNHCH(2)CH(2))(3)N]MoCl species (3a-f) in high yield. If 4 equiv of LiMe instead of MeMgCl are employed in the direct reaction, then [(ArNHCH(2)CH(2))(3)N]MoMe species are formed. Tungsten species, [(ArNHCH(2)CH(2))(3)N]WCl, could be prepared by analogous "direct" methods. Cyclic voltammetric studies reveal that MoCl complexes become more difficult to reduce as the electron donating ability of the [ArylNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N]3- ligand increases, and the reductions become less reversible, consistent with ready loss of chloride from ([(ArNHCH(2)CH(2))(3)N]MoCl)(-). Tungsten complexes are more difficult to reduce, and reductions are irreversible on the CV time scale.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of uranium(IV) complexes with calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6 and 8): mononuclear, polynuclear and 1D polymeric species

Reactions of UCl4 with calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6) in THF gave the mononuclear [UCl2(calix[4]arene - 2H)(THF)2].2THF (.2THF) and the bis-dinuclear [U2Cl2(calix[6]arene - 6H)(THF)3]2.6THF (.6THF) complexes, respectively, while the mono-, di- and trinuclear compounds [Hpy]2[UCl3(calix[4]arene - 3H)].py (.py), [Hpy](4)[U2Cl6(calix[6]arene - 6H)].3py (.3py), [Hpy]3[U2Cl5(calix[6]arene - 6H)(py)].py (.py) and [Hpy]6[U3Cl11(calix[8]arene - 7H)].3py (.3py) were obtained by treatment of UCl4 with calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6, 8) in pyridine. The sodium salt of calix[8]arene reacted with UCl4 to give the pentanuclear complex [U{U2Cl3(calix[8]arene - 7H)(py)5}2].8py (.8py). Reaction of U(acac)4 (acac = MeCOCHCOMe) with calix[4]arene in pyridine afforded the mononuclear complex [U(acac)2(calix[4]arene - 2H)].4py (.4py) and its treatment with the sodium salt of calix[8]arene led to the formation of the 1D polymer [U2(acac)6(calix[8]arene - 6H)(py)4Na4]n. The sandwich complex [Hpy]2[U(calix[4]arene - 3H)2][OTf].4py (.4py) was obtained by treatment of U(OTf)4 (OTf = OSO2CF3) with calix[4]arene in pyridine. All the complexes have been characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis.     

General synthesis of (salen)ruthenium(III) complexes via N...N coupling of (salen)ruthenium(VI) nitrides

Reaction of [Ru (VI)(N)(L (1))(MeOH)] (+) (L (1) = N, N'-bis(salicylidene)- o-cyclohexylenediamine dianion) with excess pyridine in CH 3CN produces [Ru (III)(L (1))(py) 2] (+) and N 2. The proposed mechanism involves initial equilibrium formation of [Ru (VI)(N)(L (1))(py)] (+), which undergoes rapid N...N coupling to produce [(py)(L (1))Ru (III) N N-Ru (III)(L (1))(py)] (2+); this is followed by pyridine substituion to give the final product. This ligand-induced N...N coupling of Ru (VI)N is utilized in the preparation of a series of new ruthenium(III) salen complexes, [Ru (III)(L)(X) 2] (+/-) (L = salen ligand; X = H 2O, 1-MeIm, py, Me 2SO, PhNH 2, ( t )BuNH 2, Cl (-) or CN (-)). The structures of [Ru (III)(L (1))(NH 2Ph) 2](PF 6) ( 6), K[Ru (III)(L (1))(CN) 2] ( 9), [Ru (III)(L (2))(NCCH 3) 2][Au (I)(CN) 2] ( 11) (L (2) = N, N'-bis(salicylidene)- o-phenylenediamine dianion) and [N ( n )Bu 4][Ru (III)(L (3))Cl 2] ( 12) (L (3) = N, N'-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine dianion) have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

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.     

Synthesis and characterization of a family of structurally characterized dysprosium alkoxides for improved fatigue-resistance characteristics of PDyZT thin films

Using either an ammoniacal route, the reaction between DyCl3, Na0, and HOR in liquid ammonia, or preferentially reacting Dy(N(SiMe3)2)3 with HOR in a solvent, we isolated a family of dysprosium alkoxides as [Dy(mu-ONep)2(ONep)]4 (1), (ONep)2Dy[(mu3-ONep)(mu-ONep)Dy(ONep)(THF)]2(mu-ONep) (2), (ONep)2Dy[(mu3-ONep)(mu-ONep)Dy(ONep)(py)]2(mu-ONep) (3), [Dy3(mu3-OBut)2(mu-OBut3(OBut)4(HOBut)2] (4), [Dy3(mu3-OBut)2(mu-OBut)3(OBut)4(THF)2] (5), [Dy3(mu3-OBut)2(mu-OBut)3(OBut)4(py)2] (6), (DMP)Dy(mu-DMP)4[Dy(DMP)2(NH3)]2 (7), [Dy(eta6-DMP)(DMP)2]2 (8), Dy(DMP)3(THF)3 (9), Dy(DMP)3(py)3 (10), Dy(DIP)3(NH3)2 (11), [Dy(eta6-DIP)(DIP)2]2 (12), Dy(DIP)3(THF)2 (13), Dy(DIP)3(py)3 (14), Dy(DBP)3(NH3) (15), Dy(DBP)3 (16), Dy(DBP)3(THF) (17), Dy(DBP)3(py)2 (18), [Dy(mu-TPS)(TPS2]2 (19), Dy(TPS)3(THF)3 (20), and Dy(TPS)3(py)3 (21), where ONep = OCH2CMe3, OBut) = OCMe3, DMP = OC6H3(Me)(2)-2,6, DIP = OC6H3(CHMe2)(2)-2,6, DBP = OC6H3(CMe3)(2)-2,6, TPS = OSi(C6H5)3, tol = toluene, THF = tetrahydrofuran, and py = pyridine. We were not able to obtain X-ray quality crystals of compounds 2, 8, and 9. The structures observed and data collected for the Dy compounds are consistent with those reported for its other congeners. A number of these precursors were used as Dy dopants in Pb(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 (PZT 30/70) thin films, with compound 12 yielding the highest-quality films. The resulting Pb0.94Dy0.04(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 [PDyZT (4/30/70)] had similar properties to PZT (30/70), but showed substantial resistance to polarization reversal fatigue.     

Structural modulation of Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes of sterically hindered tripyridine ligands by the bridgehead alkyl groups

Structures of Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes of sterically hindered tripyridine ligands RL = tris(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)methane (HL), 1,1,1-tris(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)ethane (MeL), and 1,1,1-tris(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)propane (EtL), [Cu(RL)(MeCN)]PF(6) (1-3), [Cu(RL)(SO(4))] (4-6), and [Cu(RL)(NO(3))(2)] (7-9), have been explored in the solid state and in solution to gain some insights into modulation of the copper coordination structures by bridgehead alkyl groups (CH, CMe, and CEt). The crystal structures of 1-9 show that RL binds a copper ion in a tridentate facial-capping mode, except for 3, where EtL chelates in a bidentate mode with two pyridyl nitrogen atoms. To avoid the steric repulsion between the bridgehead alkyl group and the 3-H(py) atoms, the pyridine rings in Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes of MeL and EtL shift toward the Cu side as compared to those in Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes of HL, leading to the significant differences in the nonbonding interatomic distances, H.H (between the 3-H(py) atoms), N.N (between the N(py) atoms), and C.C (between the 6-Me carbon atoms), the Cu-N(py), Cu-N(MeCN), and Cu-O bond distances, and the tilt of the pyridine rings. The copper coordination geometries in 4-6, where a SO(4) ligand chelates in a bidentate mode, are varied from a square pyramid of 4 to distorted trigonal bipyramids of 5 and 6. Such structural differences are not observed for 7-9, where two NO(3) ligands coordinate in a monodentate mode. The structures of 1-9 in solution are investigated by means of the electronic, (1)H NMR, and ESR spectroscopy. The (1)H NMR spectra show that the structures of 1-3 in the solid state are kept in solution with rapid coordination exchange of the pyridine rings. The electronic and the ESR spectra reveal the structural changes of 5 and 6 in solution. The bridgehead alkyl groups and 6-Me groups in the sterically hindered tripyridine ligand play important roles in modulating the copper coordination structures.     

New and versatile routes to zirconium imido dichloride compounds

Reactions of zirconium dialkyl- or bis(amido)-dichloride complexes "[Zr(CH2SiMe3)2Cl2(Et2O)2]" or [Zr(NMe2)2Cl2(THF)2] with primary alkyl and aryl amines are described. Reaction of "[Zr(CH2SiMe3)2Cl2(Et2O)2]" with RNH2 in THF afforded dimeric [Zr2(mu-NR)2Cl4(THF)4](R=2,6-C6H3iPr2 (1), 2,6-C6H3Me2 (2) or Ph (3)), [Zr2(mu-NR)2Cl4(THF)3](R=tBu (5), iPr (6), CH2Ph (7)), or the "ate" complex [Zr2(mu-NC6F5)2Cl6(THF)2{Li(THF)3}2](4, the LiCl coming from the in situ prepared "[Zr(CH2SiMe3)2Cl2(Et2O)2]"). With [Zr(NMe2)2Cl2(THF)2] the compounds [Zr2(mu-NR)2Cl4(L)x(L')y](R=2,6-C6H3iPr2 (8), 2,6-C6H3Me2 (9), Ph (10) or C6F5 (11); (L)x(L')y=(NHMe2)3(THF), (NHMe2)2(THF)2 or undefined), [Zr2(mu-NtBu)2Cl4(NHMe2)3] (12) and insoluble [Zr(NR)Cl2(NHMe2)]x(R=iPr (13) or CH2Ph (14)) were obtained. Attempts to form monomeric terminal imido compounds by reaction of or with an excess of pyridine led, respectively, to the corresponding dimeric adducts [Zr2(mu-2,6-C6H3Me2)2Cl4(py)4] (15) and [Zr2(mu-NtBu)2Cl4(py)3] (16). The X-ray structures of 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 15 have been determined.     

Homolysis of the Ln-N (Ln = Yb, Eu) bond. Synthesis, structural characterization and catalytic activity of ytterbium(II) and europium(II) complexes with methoxyethyl functionalized indenyl ligands

The interaction of methoxyethyl functionalized indene compounds (C(9)H(6)-1-R-3-CH(2)CH(2)OMe, R =t-BuNHSiMe(2)(1), Me(3)Si (2), H (3)) with [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](3)Ln(mu-Cl)Li(THF)(3)(Ln=Yb (4), Eu (5)) produced a series of new ytterbium(II) and europium(II) complexes via tandem silylamine elimination/homolysis of the Ln-N (Ln=Yb, Eu) bond. Treatment of the lanthanide(III) amides [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](3)Ln(mu-Cl)Li(THF)(3)(Ln=Yb (4), Eu (5) with 2 equiv. of, 1,2 and 3, respectively, produced, after workup, the ytterbium(II) complexes [eta5:eta1-Me(2)Si(MeOCH(2)CH(2)C(9)H(5))(NHBu-t)](2)Yb(II) (6), (eta5:eta1-MeOCH(2)CH(2)C(9)H(5)SiMe(3))(2)Yb(II) (7), (eta5:eta1-MeOCH(2)CH(2)C(9)H(6))(2)Yb(II)(8) and the corresponding europium(II) complexes [eta5:eta1-Me(2)Si(MeOCH(2)CH(2)C(9)H(5))(NHBu-t)](2)Eu(II)(9), (eta5:eta1-MeOCH(2)CH(2)C(9)H(5)SiMe(3))(2)Eu(II)(10) and (eta5:eta1-MeOCH(2)CH(2)C(9)H(6))(2)Eu(II)(11) in moderate to good yield. In contrast, interaction of the corresponding indene compounds 1, 2 or 3 with the lanthanide amides [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](3)Ln (Ln = Yb, Eu) was not observed, while addition of 0.5 equiv. of anhydrous LiCl to the corresponding reaction mixture produced, after workup, the corresponding ytterbium(II) or europium(II) complexes. All the new compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopic and elemental analyses. The structures of complexes, and were determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. The catalytic activity of all the ytterbium(II) and europium(II) complexes on MMA polymerization was examined. It was found that all the ytterbium(II) and europium(II) complexes can function as single-component MMA polymerization catalysts. The temperature, solvent and ligand effects on the catalytic activity were studied.     

'Pincer' pyridine dicarbene complexes of nickel and their derivatives. Unusual ring opening of a coordinated imidazol-2-ylidene

The reaction of NiBr2(DME), DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane, with the pincer pyridine dicarbene ligands (C-N-C) ( 2) and (C-NMe-C) ( 2Me), (C-N-C = 2,6-bis-[(DiPP)imidazol-2-ylidene]pyridine, C-NMe-C = 2,6-bis-[(DiPP)imidazol-2-ylidene]-3,5-dimethylpyridine, DiPP = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) gave the square planar complexes [Ni(C-N(Me)-C)Br]Br, 3.( Br)- and 3Me.( Br)- respectively. Transmetallation from [(C-NMe-C)2Ag2](Ag6I8), 6Me.( Ag6 I8)2- to NiBr2(DME) gave [Ni(C-NMe-C)Br](AgI2), 3Me.( AgI2)-. Reaction of 3.( Br)- with KPF6 resulted only in exchange of the ionic bromide, however the reaction of 3.( Br)- with AgBF4 in MeCN or AgOTf in THF resulted in the exchange of both coordinated and ionic bromides, giving rise to the square planar 4.( BF4)-2 and octahedral 5, respectively. In contrast, the reaction of 3Me.( AgI2)-, with excess AgOTf resulted in an unusual reverse transmetallation leading to 6Me.( OTf)-. The substitution of tmeda in Ni(CH3)2(tmeda), tmeda = N,N,N,N-tetramethylethylenediamine, by 2 produced the complex 7, in which ring opening of the heterocyclic imidazole ring of one of the NHC functional groups has taken place.     

(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.     

Reduction of sterically hindered β-diketiminato europium(III) complexes by the β-diketiminato anion: a convenient route for the synthesis of β-diketiminato europium(II) complexes

The metathesis reaction of anhydrous EuCl(3) with sodium salt of bulky β-diketiminato NaL (L = [N(2, 4, 6- Me(3)C(6)H(2))C(Me)](2)CH(-), L(2, 4, 6-Me3); [N(2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3))C(Me)](2)CH(-), L(2, 6-ipr2) and [(2, 6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3))NC(Me)CHC(Me)N(C(6)H(5))](-), L(2, 6-ipr2)(Ph)) in THF at 60 °C afforded the corresponding Eu(II) complexes: Eu(II)(L(2, 4, 6-Me3))(2)(THF) (1), Eu(II)(L(2, 6-ipr2))(2) (2) and Eu(II)(L(2, 6-ipr2)(Ph))(2) (5) with the formations of dimers (L(2, 4, 6-Me3))(2) (3) and (L(2, 6-ipr2))(2) (4) for the former two reactions and proligand L(2, 6-ipr2)(Ph)H (6) for the latter one. Compounds 1-6 were confirmed by an X-ray crystal structure analysis. The central metal Eu(II) in 1 is coordinated by two monoanionic L(2, 4, 6-Me3) ligands and one THF molecule in a trigonal bipyramid. The Eu(II) in each of 2 and 5 is ligated by two monoanionic ligands to form a tetrahedral geometry. The BVS (Bond Valence Sum) calculation indicates the oxidation state of Eu in all the three complexes is 2+ (2.12 for 1, 1.86 for 2 and 1.99 for 5). The isolation of dimers of (L(2, 4, 6-Me3))(2) and L(2, 6-ipr2))(2) and proligand L(2, 6-ipr2)(Ph)H demonstrates that the reducing agent in the present reduction of a Eu(III) ion to a Eu(II) ion might be the (L(2, 4, 6-Me3))(-), (L(2, 6-ipr2))(-) and (L(2, 6-ipr2)(Ph))(-), respectively. The possible mechanism for the reduction pathway is presented.     

The synthesis, structure and ethene polymerisation catalysis of mono(salicylaldiminato) titanium and zirconium complexes

The silyl ethers 3-But-2-(OSiMe3)C6H3CH=NR (2a-e) have been prepared by deprotonation of the known iminophenols (1a-e) and treatment with SiClMe3 (a, R = C6H5; b, R = 2,6-Pri2C6H3; c, R = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2; d, R = 2-C6H5C6H4; e, R = C6F5). 2a-c react with TiCl4 in hydrocarbon solvents to give the binuclear complexes [Ti{3-But-2-(O)C6H3CH=N(R)}Cl(mu-Cl3)TiCl3] (3a-c). The pentafluorophenyl species 2e reacts with TiCl4 to give the known complex Ti{3-But-2-(O)C6H3CH=N(R)}2Cl2. The mononuclear five-coordinate complex, Ti{3-But-2-(O)C6H3CH=N(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)}Cl3 (4c), was isolated after repeated recrystallisation of 3c. Performing the dehalosilylation reaction in the presence of tetrahydrofuran yields the octahedral, mononuclear complexes Ti{3-But-2-(O)C6H3CH=N(R)}Cl3(THF) (5a-e). The reaction with ZrCl4(THF)2 proceeds similarly to give complexes Zr{3-But-2-(O)C6H3CH=N(R)}Cl3(THF) (6b-e). The crystal structures of 3b, 4c, 5a, 5c, 5e, 6b, 6d, 6e and the salicylaldehyde titanium complex Ti{3-But-2-(O)C6H3CH=O}Cl3(THF) (7) have been determined. Activation of complexes 5a-e and 6b-e with MAO in an ethene saturated toluene solution gives polyethylene with at best high activity depending on the imine substituent.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of Sm(II) and Yb(II) complexes containing sterically demanding, chelating secondary phosphide ligands

Metathesis between [(Me3Si)2CH)(C6H4-2-OMe)P]K and SmI2(THF)2 in THF yields [([Me3Si]2CH)(C6H4-2-OMe)P)2Sm(DME)(THF)] (1), after recrystallization. A similar reaction between [(Me3Si)2CH)(C6H3-2-OMe-3-Me)P]K and SmI2(THF)2 yields [([Me3Si]2CH)(C6H3-2-OMe-3-Me)P)2Sm(DME)].Et2O (2), while reaction between [(Me3Si)2CH)(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)P]K and either SmI2(THF)2 or YbI2 yields the five-coordinate complex [([Me3Si]2CH)(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)P)2Sm(THF)] (3) or the solvent-free complex [([Me3Si]2CH)(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)P)2Yb] (4), respectively. X-ray crystallography shows that complex 2 adopts a distorted cis octahedral geometry, while complex 1 adopts a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry (1, triclinic, P1, a = 11.0625(9) A, b = 15.924(6) A, c = 17.2104(14) A, alpha = 72.327(2) degrees, beta = 83.934(2) degrees, gamma = 79.556(2) degrees, Z = 2; 2, monoclinic, P2(1), a = 13.176(4) A, b = 13.080(4) A, c = 14.546(4) A, beta = 95.363(6) degrees, Z = 2). Complex 3 crystallizes as monomers with a square pyramidal geometry at Sm and exhibits short contacts between Sm and the ipso-carbon atoms of the ligands (3, monoclinic, C2/c, a = 14.9880(17) A, b = 13.0528(15) A, c = 24.330(3) A, beta = 104.507(2) degrees, Z = 4). Whereas preliminary X-ray crystallographic data for 4 indicate a monomeric structure in the solid state, variable-temperature 1H, 13C(1H), 31P(1H), and 171Yb NMR spectroscopies suggest that 4 undergoes an unusual dynamic process in solution, which is ascribed to a monomer-dimer equilibrium in which exchange of the bridging and terminal phosphide groups may be frozen out at low temperature.     

Titanium tert-butoxyimido compounds

The synthesis and molecular and electronic structures of the first tert-butoxyimido complexes of titanium (TiNO(t)Bu functional group) are reported, featuring a variety of mono- or poly-dentate, neutral or anionic N-donor ligands. Reaction of Ti(NMe(2))(2)Cl(2) with (t)BuONH(2) gave good yields of Ti(NO(t)Bu)Cl(2)(NHMe(2))(2) (1). Compound 1 serves as an excellent entry point into new tert-butoxyimido complexes by reaction with a variety of fac-N(3) donor ligands, namely, Me(3)[9]aneN(3) (trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane), HC(Me(2)pz)(3) (tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane), or Me(3)[6]aneN(3) (trimethyl-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane) to give Ti(NO(t)Bu)(Me(3)[9]aneN(3))Cl(2) (2), Ti(NO(t)Bu){HC(Me(2)pz)(3)}Cl(2) (3), or Ti(NO(t)Bu)(Me(3)[6]aneN(3))Cl(2) (4) in good yield. It was found that 4 could be converted into Ti(NO(t)Bu)Cl(2)(py)(3) (5) in very good yield by reaction with an excess of pyridine. Compound 5 is effective in a range of salt metathesis reactions with lithiated amide or pyrrolide ligands, and reacts with Li(2)N(2)N(py), Li(2)N(2)N(Me), LiN(pyr)N(Me(2)), or Li(2)N(2)(pyr)N(Me) to give Ti(N(2)N(py))(NO(t)Bu)(py) (6), Ti(N(2)N(Me))(NO(t)Bu)(py) (7), Ti(N(pyr)N(Me(2)))(NO(t)Bu)Cl(py)(2) (9), or Ti(N(2)(pyr)N(Me))(NO(t)Bu)(py)(2) (10) in moderate to good yields (N(2)N(py) = (2-NC(5)H(4))C(Me)(CH(2)NSiMe(3))(2); N(2)N(Me) = MeN(CH(2)CH(2)NSiMe(3))(2); N(pyr)N(Me(2)) = Me(2)NCH(2)(2-NC(4)H(3)); N(2)(pyr)N(Me) = MeN{CH(2)(2-NC(4)H(3))}(2)). Compounds 7, 9, and 10 reacted with 2,2'-bipyridyl by pyridine exchange reactions forming Ti(N(2)N(Me))(NO(t)Bu)(bipy) (8), Ti(N(pyr)N(Me(2)))(NO(t)Bu)Cl(bipy) (11), and Ti(N(2)(pyr)N(Me))(NO(t)Bu)(bipy) (12). Ten tert-butoxyimido compounds, namely, 1-6, 11, and 12, have been structurally characterized revealing approximately linear Ti-N-O(t)Bu linkages with Ti-N distances [range 1.686(2)-1.734(2) ?] that are generally intermediate between those in the homologous alkylimido and phenylimido analogues, and shorter than in the diphenylhydrazido counterparts. Density functional theory (DFT) studies on the model compounds Ti(NR)Cl(2)(NHMe(2))(2) (1_R; R = OMe, Me, Ph, NMe(2)) confirmed this trend and found that the destabilizing effect of the -OMe oxygen 2p(π) lone pair on one of the Ti-N π-bonds in 1_OMe is comparable to that of the occupied phenyl ring π orbitals in the phenylimido homologue 1_Ph but much less than for the -NMe(2) nitrogen lone pair in 1_NMe(2).