Zirconium and titanium amido complexes with 3,3-dimethyl-1,5-diaza-8-oxacyclodecane; facile C-H activation of the macrocyclic rim

Reaction of the dilithium salt of 3,3-dimethyl-1,5-diaza-8-oxacyclodecane, [(NLi)2O], with Zr(NEt2)2Cl2(thf)2 gave the formally 20e- complex [Zr(N2O)2]; metallation of the macrocycle [(NH)2O], with Ti(benzyl)4 gave rise to [(N2O)*Ti(benzyl)]2 in which the trianionic diamido (N2O)* was formed by an unprecedented C-H activation of the carbon [small alpha] to the amido nitrogen.     

Preparation of Ti(IV) fluoride N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

1,3,4,5-Tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene (L(Me)) and 1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene (L(iPr )) readily form complexes of trans-TiF4(L(Me))2 (1) and of trans-TiF4(L(iPr))2 (4) with TiF4 in THF, respectively. Complex 1 has been used as a precursor for preparing the Ti(IV) fluoride carbene complexes [{TiF2(L(Me))(NEt 2)}2(mu-F)2] (2) and (TiF4(L(Me))2)(NacNacLi) (3) (NacNac = HC(CMeN(2,6- iPr2C6H3))2). Complex 2 was prepared from the reaction of 1-3 equiv of 1 and 1 equiv of Ti(NEt2)4 or by reacting TiF4 with Ti(NEt2)4 and L(Me) in toluene. Complex 3 has been prepared from 1 and NacNacLi in toluene. Reaction of 1 and AlMe3 in toluene results in ligand transfer and formation of AlMe3(L(Me)). Complex 4 is unstable in solution at room temperature and degrades with formation of [HL(iPr)][TiF5(L(iPr))] (5). Complexes 1, 2.2CH2Cl2, 4, and 5 were characterized by single crystal X-ray structural analysis, elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The relative basicities of L(Me), L (iPr), and the donor ligands THF, pyridine, DMSO, and H2O as well as [Cl](-) and [F](-) toward the Ti(IV) pentafluoride anion were established by NMR and confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. L(Me) and L(iPr ) are more basic than the mentioned molecular donors and more basic than chloride, however less basic than fluoride.     

Zirconium complexes incorporated with asymmetrical tridentate pincer type mono- and di-anionic pyrrolyl ligands: mechanism and reactivity as catalytic precursors

The reactions of Zr(NR(2))(4) (1, R = Me; 2, R = Et) with an asymmetrical tridentate pincer type pyrrole ligand precursor [C(4)H(2)NH(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))] and treatment of the derivatives with either PhNCS or PhNCO have been carried out and characterized. Reacting Zr(NR(2))(4) (1, R = Me; 2, R = Et) with [C(4)H(2)NH(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))] generates Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))](NR(2))(2) (3, R = Me; 4, R = Et) in high yield along with the elimination of 2 equiv of dimethylamine or diethylamine, respectively. Interestingly, while changing the solvent from Et(2)O to CH(2)Cl(2), the complex Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))][C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))]Cl (5) is produced by undergoing C-Cl bond cleavage. Furthermore, reaction of either 3 or 4 with 1 or 2 equiv of PhNCS or PhNCO yields Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))](NMe(2))[PhNC(NMe(2))S] (6), Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))](NEt(2))[PhNC(NEt(2))O] (7) and Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))][PhNC(NEt(2))O](3) (8), respectively. All the aforementioned complexes were characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectrometry and the molecular structures of 5, 6, and 8 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. Complexes 4, 5, and 7 initiated the ethylene polymerization in the presence of MAO as the co-catalyst.     

Unsymmetrical tren-based ligands: synthesis and reactivity of rhenium complexes

Reaction of bis(2-aminoethyl)(3-aminopropyl)amine with C(6)F(6) and K(2)CO(3) in DMSO yields unsymmetrical [(C(6)F(5))HNCH(2)CH(2)](2)NCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)NH(C(6)F(5)) ([N(3)N]H(3)). The tetraamine acts as a tridentate ligand in complexes of the type H[N(3)N]Re(O)X (X = Cl 1, Br 2) prepared by reacting Re(O)X(3)(PPh(3))(2) with [N(3)N]H(3) and an excess of NEt(3) in THF. Addition of 1 equiv of TaCH(CMe(2)Ph)Br(3)(THF)(2) to 1 gives the dimeric compound H[N(3)N]ClReOReBrCl[N(3)N]H (3) in quantitative yield that contains a Re(V)[double bond]O[bond]Re(IV) core with uncoordinated aminopropyl groups in each ligand. Addition of 2 equiv of TaCH(CMe(2)Ph)Cl(3)(THF)(2) to 1 leads to the chloro complex [N(3)N]ReCl (4) with all three amido groups coordinated to the metal, whereas by addition of 2 equiv of TaCH(CMe(2)Ph)Br(3)(THF)(2) to 2 the dibromo species H[N(3)N]ReBr(2) (5) with one uncoordinated amino group is isolated. Reduction of 4 under an atmosphere of dinitrogen with sodium amalgam gives the dinitrogen complex [N(3)N]Re(N(2)) (6). Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations have been carried out on complexes 1, 3, 5, and 6.     

Controlled syntheses, characterization, and reactivity of neutral and anionic lanthanide amides supported by methylene-linked bis(phenolate) ligands

A series of neutral and anionic bis(phenolate) lanthanide amides were synthesized by general metathesis reactions, and their reactivity was explored. Protolytic ligand exchange reactions of MBMPH2 (MBMP = 2,2'-methylene bis(6-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenolate)) with [Ln{N(TMS)2}2(mu-Cl)(THF)]2 (TMS = SiMe3) afforded the desired bridged bis(phenolate) lanthanide chlorides [(MBMP)Ln(mu-Cl)(THF)2]2 [Ln = Nd (1), Yb (2)] in high isolated yields. These lanthanide chlorides were found to be useful precursors for the synthesis of the corresponding lanthanide derivatives. Reactions of 1 and 2 with 2 equiv of NaN(TMS)2 in THF produced the expected neutral bis(phenolate) lanthanide amido complexes (MBMP)Ln[N(TMS)2](THF)2 [Ln = Nd (3), Yb (4)] in high yields. Whereas the reactions of 1 and 2 with LiN(TMS)2 in a 1:4 molar ratio gave the anionic bis(phenolate) lanthanide amides as discrete ion-pair complexes [Li(THF)4][(MBMP)Ln{N(TMS)2}2] [Ln = Nd (5), Yb (6)] in high isolated yields. Further study revealed that 5 and 6 can also be conveniently synthesized in high yields by the direct reactions of MBMPH2 with [Ln{N(TMS)2}2(mu-Cl)(THF)]2 in a 2:1 molar ratio, and then with 4 equiv of nBuLi. The reactivity of the neutral and anionic bis(phenolate) lanthanide amides was comparatively investigated. It was found that the insertion reactions of carbodiimide into the Ln-N bond of neutral lanthanide amido complexes 3 and 4 gave the anticipated bis(phenolate) lanthanide guanidinate complexes [(mu-O-MBMP)Nd{(iPrN)2CN(TMS)2}]2 (7) and (MBMP)Yb[(iPrN)2CN(TMS)2] (8), respectively, in high yields, whereas the similar reaction of carbodiimide with anionic amido complex 5 provided the unexpected ligand-redistributed products, and the homoleptic ion-pair bis(phenolate) neodymium complex [Li(DME)2(THF)][(MBMP)2Nd(THF)2] (9) was finally isolated as one of the products. Furthermore, the anionic bis(phenolate) lanthanide amides showed higher catalytic activity for the polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone than the neutral ones. All of the complexes were characterized with elemental analysis and IR spectra, and the definitive molecular structures of 1-3 and 5-9 were provided by single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

Syntheses and structures of the first terminal phosphanylphosphido complex of hafnium [Cp2Hf(Cl){η(1)-(Me3Si)P-P(NEt2)2}] and the first zirconocene-phosphanylphosphinidene dimer [Cp2Zr{μ(2)-P-P(NEt2)2}2ZrCp2

Reactions of (Et(2)N)(2)P-P(SiMe(3))Li with [Cp(2)MCl(2)] (M = Zr, Hf) in toluene or pentane yield the related terminal phosphanylphosphido complexes [Cp(2)M(Cl){η(1)-(Me(3)Si)P-P(NEt(2))(2)}]. The solid state structure of [Cp(2)Hf(Cl){η(1)-(Me(3)Si)P-P(NEt(2))(2)}] was established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The reaction of (Et(2)N)(2)P-P(SiMe(3))Li with [Cp(2)ZrCl(2)] in THF or DME solutions leads to the formation of deep red crystals of the first neutral diamagnetic zirconocene-phosphanylphosphinidene dimer [Cp(2)Zr{μ(2)-P-P(NEt(2))(2)}(2)ZrCp(2)]. The molecular structure of this compound was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The reactions of (R(2)N)(2)P-P(SiMe(3))Li with [CpZrCl(3)] yield the related tetraphosphetanes R(2)NP(μ(2)-PSiMe(3))(2)PNR(2), which apparently are formed as a result of a transfer of NR(2) groups from a P atom to the Zr atom.     

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.     

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.     

A trigonal bipyramidal uranyl amido complex: synthesis and structural characterization of [Na(THF)2][UO2(N(SiMe3)2)3

The synthesis and structural characterization of a rare example of a uranyl complex possessing three equatorial ligands, [M(THF)2][UO2(N(SiMe3)2)3] (3a, M = Na; 3b, M = K), are described. The sodium salt 3a is prepared by protonolysis of [Na(THF)2]2[UO2(N(SiMe3)2)4], whereas the potassium salt 3b is obtained via a metathesis reaction of uranyl chloride UO2Cl2(THF)2 (4) with 3 equiv of K[N(SiMe3)2]. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of 3a revealed a trigonal-bipyramidal geometry about uranium, formed by two axial oxo and three equatorial amido ligands, with average U=O and U-N bond distances of 1.796(5) and 2.310(4) A, respectively. One of the oxo ligands is also coordinated to the sodium counterion. 1H NMR spectroscopic studies indicate that THF adds reversibly as a ligand to 3 to expand the trigonal bipyramidal geometry. The degree to which the coordination sphere in 3 is electronically satisfied with only three amido donors is suggested by (1) the reversible THF coordination, (2) a modest elongation in the bond distances for a five-coordinate U(VI) complex, and (3) the basicity of the oxo ligands as evidenced in the contact to Na. The vibrational spectra of the series of uranyl amido complexes [UO2(N(SiMe3)2)n]2-n (n = 2-4) are compared, to evaluate the effects on the axial U=O bonding as a function of increased electron density donated from the equatorial region. Raman spectroscopic measurements of the nu 1 symmetric O=U=O stretch show progressive axial bond weakening as the number of amido donors is increased. Crystal data for [Na(THF)2][UO2(N(SiMe3)2)3]: orthorhombic space group Pna2(1), a = 22.945(1) A, b = 15.2830(7) A, c = 12.6787(6) A, z = 4, R1 = 0.0309, wR2 = 0.0524.     

o-(Cyclohexyliminoethyl)(arylamido)benzene and related complexes of zirconium and titanium. The non-innocence of the ketimino functionality

N-Arylamido complexes of zirconium in which the amido functional group is attached to an o-(alkyliminoethyl) substituted aromatic ring, have been synthesised by salt elimination reactions and characterised by spectroscopic and diffraction methods; they are analogous to the N-silylamido species recently reported (Dalton Trans., 2002, 3290-3299). The ligands 2-[CyN=C(CH(3))]C(6)H(4)N(H)(xyl), L(xyl)H, and 2-[CyN=C(CH(3))]C(6)H(4)N(H)(mes) L(mes)H, Cy = C(6)H(11), xyl = 3,5-Me(2)C(6)H(3) mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2), were prepared in good yields by Buchwald-Hartwig amination of the arylbromides with 2-[CyN=C(CH(3))]C(6)H(4)NH(2). Reaction of L(mes)Li with Zr(NEt(2))(2)Cl(2)(thf)(2) gave after chloride substitution the arylamido ketimino complex L(mes)Zr(NEt(2))(2)Cl 1; variable amounts of the arylamido vinylamido complex 2 were also obtained. Interaction of L(mes)Li or L(xyl)Li with Ti(NMe(2))(2)Cl(2) gave rise to the tripodal bis-amido amino complexes 5 and 6 possibly formed by ligand rearrangement involving migration of the dimethylamido group to the ketimino carbon.     

Deprotonation reactions of zirconium and hafnium amide complexes H2N-M[N(SiMe3)2]3 and subsequent silyl migration from amide -N(SiMe3)2 to imide =NH ligands

Ammonolysis of previously reported Cl-M[N(SiMe3)2]3 (M = Zr, 1a; Hf, 1b) leads to the formation of peramides H2N-M[N(SiMe3)2]3 (M = Zr, 2a; Hf, 2b) which upon deprotonation by LiN(SiMe3)2 or Li(THF)3SiPh2But yields imides Li+(THF)n{HN(-)-M[N(SiMe3)2]3} (M = Zr, 3a; Hf, 3b). One -SiMe3 group in 3a-b undergoes silyl migration from a -N(SiMe3)2 ligand to the imide =NH ligand to give Li+(THF)2{Me3SiN(-)-M[NH(SiMe3)][N(SiMe3)2]2} (M = Zr, 4a; Hf, 4b) containing an imide =N(SiMe3) ligand. The kinetics of the 3a --> 4a conversion was investigated between 290 and 315 K and was first-order with respect to 3a. The activation parameters for this silyl migration are DeltaH++ = 13.3(1.3) kcal/mol and DeltaS++ = -34(3) eu in solutions of 3a (in toluene-d8 with 1.07 M THF) prepared in situ. THF in the mixed solvent promoted the 3a --> 4a reaction. The effect of THF on the rate constants of the conversion has been studied, and the kinetics of the reaction was 3.4(0.6)th order with respect to THF. Crystal and molecular structures of H2N-Zr[N(SiMe3)2]3 (2a) and 4a-b have been determined.     

Titanium and zirconium complexes of preorganized tripodal triaryloxide ligands

Tri(2-oxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)methane, [O3]3- has been used to prepare titanium and zirconium complexes of the general formula [O3]MX (M = Ti, X = NEt2, Cl, CH2Ph; M = Zr, X = CH2Ph). The tripodal [O3] ligand in titanium complexes adopt the syn- and the anti-conformation, while the syn complex of zirconium undergoes facile C-H activation to give a 5-carbametalatrane [O3C]Zr(THF)3.     

Crystalline metal (Li, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sn, Pb) complexes of the new chelating N,N'-dianionic [1,2-N(R)C6H4(CH2NR)](2-) ligand (R = SiMe3, CH2Bu(t))

2-Aminomethylaniline was converted into the N,N'-bis(pivaloyl) (1) or -bis(trimethylsilyl) (2) derivative, using 2 Bu(t)C(O)Cl or 2 Me(3)SiCl (≡ RCl), respectively, with 2 NEt(3), or for 2 from successively using 2 LiBu(n) and 2 RCl. N,N'-Bis(neopentyl)-2-(aminomethyl)aniline (3) was prepared by LiAlH(4) reduction of 1. From 2 or 3 and 2 LiBu(n), the appropriate dilitiodiamide {2-[{N(Li)R}C(6)H(4){CH(2)N(Li)R}(L)](2) (L absent, 4a; or L = THF, 4b) or the N,N'-bis(neopentyl) analogue (5) of 4a was prepared. Treatment of 4a with 2 Bu(t)NC, 2 (2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3)NC) or 2 Bu(t)CN (≡ L') furnished the corresponding adduct [2-N{Li(L')R}C(6)H(4){CH(2)N(Li)R}] (4c, 4d or 4e, respectively), whereas 4b with 2 PhCN afforded [2-{N(Li)R}C(6)H(4){CH(2)C(Ph) = NLi(NCPh)}] (6). The dimeric bis(amido)stannylene [Sn{N(R)C(6)H(4)(CH(2)NR)-1,2}](2) (7) was obtained from 4a and [Sn(μ-Cl)NR(2)](2), while the N,N'-bis(neopentyl) analogue 8 of 7 was similarly derived from [Sn(μ-Cl)NR(2)](2) and 5. Reaction of two equivalents of the diamine 2 with Pb(NR(2))(2) yielded 9, the lead homologue of 7. Oxidative addition of sulfur to 7 led to the dimeric bis(diamido)tin sulfide 10. Treatment of 2 successively with 'MgBu(2)' in C(5)H(12) and THF gave [Mg{N(R)C(6)H(4)(CH(2)NR)}(THF)](2) (11a), which by displacement of its THF by an equivalent portion of Bu(t)CN or PhCN produced [Mg{N(R)C(6)H(4)(CH(2)NR)}(CNR')(n)] [R' = Bu(t), n = 1 (11b); R' = Ph, n = 2 (11c)]. The Ca (12), Sr (13) or Ba (14) analogues of the Mg compound 11a were isolated from 2 and either the appropriate compound M(NR(2))(2) (M = Ca, Sr, Ba), or successively 2 LiBu(n) and 2 M(OTos)(2). The new compounds 1-14 were characterized by microanalysis (C, H, N; not for 1, 2, 3, 5), solution NMR spectra, ν(max) (C≡N) (IR for 4c, 4d, 4e, 6, 11b, 11c), selected EI-MS peaks (for 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10), and single crystal X-ray diffraction (for 4a, 4b, 11a).     

C3-chiral tripodal amido complexes

A comprehensive study into the coordination chemistry of two C3-chiral tripodal amido ligands has been carried out. The amido ligands contain a trisilylmethane backbone and chiral peripheral substituents. The amine precursors. HC(SiMe2NH[(S)-1-phenylethyl]]3 (1) and HC[SiMe2NH[(R)-1-indanyl]]3 (2) were found to be in equilibrium in solution with the cyclic diamines HC[SiMe2N[(S)-1-phenylethyl]2](SiMe2NH-[(S)-1-phenylethyl]] (3) and HC[SiMe2NH[(R)-1-indanyl]][SiMe2NH[(R)-1-indanyl]) (4), which are generated upon ejection of one molecule of the chiral primary amine. Reaction of these equilibrium mixtures with three molar equivalents of butyllithium instantaneously gave the trilithium triamides HC[SiMe2N(Li)[(S)-1-phenylethyl]]3 (5) and HC[SiMe2N(Li)[(R)-1-indanyl]]3 (6), both of which were characterised by an X-ray diffraction study. Both lithium compounds possess a central heteroadamantane core, in which the two-coordinate Li atoms are additionally weakly solvated by the three aryl groups of the chiral peripheral substituents, the Li-C contacts being in the range of 2.65-2.73 A. Reaction of 5 and 6 with [TiCl4(thf)2] and ZrCl4 gave the corresponding amido complexes [TiCl-[HC[SiMe2N[(S)-1-phenylethyl]]3]] (7), [TiCl(HC[SiMe2N[(R)-1-indanyl]]3]] (8), [ZrCl[HC[SiMe2N[(S)-1-phenylethyl]]3]] (9) and [ZrCl[HC[SiMe2N[(R)-1-indanyl]]3]] (10), respectively. Of these, compound 7 was structurally characterised by X-ray structure analysis and was shown to possess a C3-symmetrical arrangement of the tripod ligand. The chiral anionic dinuclear complex [Li-(OEt2)4][Zr2Cl3[HC[SiMe2N[(S)-1-phenylethyl]]3]2] (11) was isolated from reaction mixtures leading to 9. An X-ray diffraction study established its dimeric structure, in which the chiral amido ligands cap the two metal centres, which are linked through three symmetrically arranged, bridging chloro ligands. Reaction of 9 and 10 with a series of alkyl Grignard and alkyllithium reagents yielded the corresponding alkylzirconium complexes. X-ray structure analyses of [Zr(CH3)[HC[SiMe2N[(S)-1-phenylethyl]]3]] (12) and [Zr(CH3)-[HC[SiMe2N)[(R)-1-indanyl]]3]] (20) established their detailed molecular arrangements. While the reaction of 12 with the aryl ketones PhC(O)R (R = CH = CHPh, iPr, Et) gave the corresponding C-O insertion products, which contain an additional chiral centre in the alkoxy group, with low stereoselectivity (0-40% de). The corresponding conversions with several aryl aldehydes yielded the alkoxo complexes with high stereoselectivity. Upon hydrolysis, the chiral alcohols were isolated and shown to have enantiomeric excesses between 68 and 82%. High stereodiscrimination was also observed in the insertion reactions of several chiral ketones and aldehydes. However, this was shown to originate primarily from the chirality of the substrate. In analogous experiments with carbonyl compounds, the ethyl- and butyl-zirconium analogues of 12 did not undergo CO insertion into the metal-alkyl bond. Instead, beta-elimination and formal insertion into the metal-hydride bond occurred. It was found that the elimination of the alkene was induced by     

Mixed hydrazido amido/imido complexes of tantalum, hafnium and zirconium: potential precursors for metal nitride MOCVD

The coordination chemistry of the hydrazine derivatives dimethylhydrazine (Hdmh) and N-trimethylsilyl-N'N'-dimethylhydrazine (Htdmh) at Ta, Zr and Hf was investigated aiming at volatile mixed ligand all-nitrogen coordinated compounds. The hydrazido ligands were introduced either by salt metathesis employing the Li salts of the hydrazines and the tetrachlorides MCl(4) (M = Zr, Hf) or by amine substitution using M(NR(2))(4) (R = Me, Et) and [(t-BuN)Ta(NR(2))(3)]. The new complexes were fully characterised including (1)H/(13)C NMR, mass spectrometry and a study of their thermal behaviour. The crystal structures of [ZrCl(tdmh)(3)] and the all-nitrogen coordinated complex [Ta(N-t-Bu)(NMe(2))(2)(tdmh)] are discussed as well as the structure of the by-product [Li(tdmh)(py)](2). Preliminary MOCVD experiments of the liquid compound [Ta(NEt(2))(2)(N-t-Bu)(tdmh)] were performed and the deposited TaN(Si) films were analysed by RBS and SEM.     

Lanthanide and uranium complexes with an SPS-based pincer ligand

Reactions of Ln(BH4)3(THF)n and [Li(Et2O)]SPS(Me)], the lithium salt of an anionic SPS pincer ligand composed of a central hypervalent lambda4-phosphinine ring bearing two ortho-positioned diphenylphosphine sulfide sidearms, led to the monosubstituted compounds [Ln(BH4)2(SPS(Me))(THF)2] [Ln = Ce (1), Nd (2)], while the homoleptic complexes [Ln(SPS(Me))3] [Ln = Ce (3), Nd (4)] were obtained by treatment of LnX3 (X = I, BH4) with [K(Et2O)][SPS(Me)]. The [UX2(SPS(Me))2] complexes [X = Cl (5), BH4 (6)] were isolated from reactions of UX4 and the lithium or potassium salt of the [SPS(Me)]- anion. The X-ray crystal structures of 1.1.5THF, 2.1.5THF, 3.2THF.2Et2O, and 5.4py reveal that the flexible tridentate [SPS(Me)]- anion is bound to the metal as a tertiary phosphine with electronic delocalization within the unsaturated parts of the ligand.     

Iodide, azide, and cyanide complexes of (N,C), (N,N), and (N,O) metallacycles of tetra- and pentavalent uranium

In contrast to the neutral macrocycle [UN*(2)(N,C)] (1) [N* = N(SiMe(3))(3); N,C = CH(2)SiMe(2)N(SiMe(3))] which was quite inert toward I(2), the anionic bismetallacycle [NaUN*(N,C)(2)] (2) was readily transformed into the enlarged monometallacycle [UN*(N,N)I] (4) [N,N = (Me(3)Si)NSiMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)SiMe(2)N(SiMe(3))] resulting from C-C coupling of the two CH(2) groups, and [NaUN*(N,O)(2)] (3) [N,O = OC(═CH(2))SiMe(2)N(SiMe(3))], which is devoid of any U-C bond, was oxidized into the U(V) bismetallacycle [Na{UN*(N,O)(2)}(2)(μ-I)] (5). Sodium amalgam reduction of 4 gave the U(III) compound [UN*(N,N)] (6). Addition of MN(3) or MCN to the (N,C), (N,N), and (N,O) metallacycles 1, 4, and 5 led to the formation of the anionic azide or cyanide derivatives M[UN*(2)(N,C)(N(3))] [M = Na, 7a or Na(15-crown-5), 7b], M[UN*(2)(N,C)(CN)] [M = NEt(4), 8a or Na(15-crown-5), 8b or K(18-crown-6), 8c], M[UN*(N,N)(N(3))(2)] [M = Na, 9a or Na(THF)(4), 9b], [NEt(4)][UN*(N,N)(CN)(2)] (10), M[UN*(N,O)(2)(N(3))] [M = Na, 11a or Na(15-crown-5), 11b], M[UN*(N,O)(2)(CN)] [M = NEt(4), 12a or Na(15-crown-5), 12b]. In the presence of excess iodine in THF, the cyanide 12a was converted back into the iodide 5, while the azide 11a was transformed into the neutral U(V) complex [U(N{SiMe(3)}SiMe(2)C{CHI}O)(2)I(THF)] (13). The X-ray crystal structures of 4, 7b, 8a-c, 9b, 10, 12b, and 13 were determined.     

Tripodal amido boron and aluminum complexes

The synthesis and structural elucidations of novel boron and aluminum complexes incorporating the tripodal triamido [N3]3- ligand framework that is hypothesized to promote the preorganized pyramidal geometry for high Lewis acidity are reported. Salt metathesis between the in situ-generated trianionic lithium complexes of the tripodal amido ligands with BCl3 leads to boranes HC[SiMe2N(4-MeC6H4)]3B (1) and MeSi[SiMe2N(4-MeC6H4)]3B (2); however, substitution of the N-Ar group with the bulky tBu affords the unexpected non-boron-containing LiCl adduct {[HC(SiMe2NtBu)2(SiMeNtBu)]Li3(Et2O)Cl}2 (3) via apparent elimination of MeBCl2. The products derived from the salt metathesis reaction with AlCl3 are determined by the reaction medium: while the reaction in a hexanes-ether mixture or toluene affords solvated salt adduct HC[SiMe2N(4-MeC6H4)]3Al.ClLi(Et2O)2 (4) or salt adduct HC[SiMe2N(4-MeC6H4)]3Al.ClLi (5), respectively; the addition of a small amount of THF produces a mixture of complexes HC[SiMe2N(4-MeC6H4)]3Al.(THF) (6, major) and HC[SiMe2N(4-MeC6H4)]3Al(OCH=CH2).Li(THF)2 (7, minor). The desired complex 6 can be exclusively formed using HC[SiMe2N(4-MeC6H4)]3Li3.(THF)3 and the hexanes-ether mixture solvent. The molecular structures of complexes 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 have been elucidated by X-ray diffraction studies. The structure of 1 shows an approximately trigonal pyramidal geometry at B with no significant N-B p-p pi-interactions. The strong salt adduct and solvate formation of the tripodal amido Al complex, as well as its similarity to the strong Lewis acid Al(C6F5)3 in the THF adduct and enolaluminate formation and structure, indicate the desired core structure [N3]Al is indeed highly Lewis acidic.     

Biphenolate phosphine complexes of tin(IV)

The preparation and structural characterization of tin(IV) complexes supported by (2,2'-phenylphosphino)bis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenolate) ([OPO]2-) are described. The reaction of in-situ prepared Li2[OPO] with SnCl4 in THF at -35 degrees C produced [OPO]SnCl2(THF) as a THF adduct. Addition of SnCl4 to a THF solution of H2[OPO] in the presence of 2 equiv of NEt3 at room temperature led to the formation of the "ate" complex {[OPO]SnCl3}(HNEt3). The metathetical reactions of Li2[OPO] with R2SnCl2 (R=Me, n-Bu) in THF at -35 degrees C generated the corresponding five-coordinate dialkyl complexes [OPO]SnR2. In addition to the multinuclear NMR spectroscopic data for all new compounds, X-ray structures of [OPO]SnCl2(THF), [OPO]SnMe2, and [OPO]Sn(n-Bu)2 are presented.     

Unique formation of a pentanuclear lanthanum(III) thiolate oxide cluster via control of hydrolysis

The reaction of [(TMS)2N]3La(mu-Cl)Li(THF)3 (1) and HSPh produced a bimetallic complex [{(TMS)2N}2La(THF)]2(mu-SPh)(mu-Cl)] (2). Compound [{(TMS)2N}2La5O(SPh)10LiCl2(THF)6] (3) was prepared by control of the hydrolysis of 2 and LiCl or 1 and HSPh with the proper amount of water. 1 was treated first with 1/6 equiv of H2O and then with equimolar HSPh; a polymeric complex [{(TMS)2N}2(mu-SPh)La(mu-SPh)Li(THF)2](infinity) (4) was isolated. 3 contains a central [(mu-SPh)4(mu3-SPh)2{La(THF)}4(mu3-O)]4+ tetrahedral fragment in which two La atoms are linked by a pair of mu-SPh- and mu3-Cl- ligands to a [{(TMS)2N}2La]+ fragment, while the other two are bridged by two mu-SPh- ligands to a [Li(THF)2]+ fragment, forming a bee-shaped structure.