Homo‐ and Heterovalent Polynuclear Cerium and Cerium/Manganese Aggregates

Reactions of Ce^III(NO₃)₃?6 H₂O or (NH₄)₂[Ce^IV(NO₃)₆] with Mn‐containing starting materials result in seven novel polynuclear Ce or Ce/Mn complexes with pivalato (^tBuCO ) and, in most cases, auxiliary N,O‐ or N,O,O‐donor ligands. With nuclearities ranging from 6–14, the compounds present aesthetically pleasing structures. Complexes [Ce^IV₆(μ₃‐O)₄(μ₃‐OH)₄(μ‐O₂C^tBu)₁₂] ( 1 ), [Ce^IV₆Mn^III₄(μ₄‐O)₄(μ₃‐O)₄(O₂C^tBu)₁₂(ea)₄(OAc)₄]?4 H₂O?4 MeCN (ea^?=2‐aminoethanolato; 2 ), [Ce^IV₆Mn^III₈(μ₄‐O)₄(μ₃‐O)₈(pye)₄(O₂C^tBu)₁₈]₂[Ce^IV₆(μ₃‐O)₄(μ₃‐OH)₄(O₂C^tBu)₁₀(NO₃)₄] [Ce^III(NO₃)₅(H₂O)]?21 MeCN (pye^?=pyridine‐2‐ethanolato; 3 ), and [Ce^IV₆Ce^III₂Mn^III₂(μ₄‐O)₄(μ₃‐O)₄(^tbdea)₂(O₂C^tBu)₁₂(NO₃)₂(OAc)₂]?4 CH₂Cl₂ (^tbdea^2?=2,2′‐(tert‐butylimino]bis[ethanolato]; 4 ) all contain structures based on an octahedral {Ce^IV₆(μ₃‐O)₈} core, in which many of the O‐atoms are either protonated to give (μ₃‐OH)^? hydroxo ligands or coordinate to further metal centers (Mn^III or Ce^III) to give interstitial (μ₄‐O)^2? oxo bridges. The decanuclear complex [Ce^IV₈Ce^IIIMn^III(μ₄‐O)₃(μ₃‐O)₃(μ₃‐OH)₂(μ‐OH)(bdea)₄(O₂C^tBu)_9.5(NO₃)_3.5(OAc)₂]?1.5 MeCN (bdea^2?=2,2′‐(butylimino]bis[ethanolato]; 5 ) contains a rather compact Ce^IV₇ core with the Ce^III and Mn^III centers well‐separated from each other on the periphery. The aggregate in [Ce^IV₄Mn^IV₂(μ₃‐O)₄(bdea)₂(O₂C^tBu)₁₀(NO₃)₂]?4 MeCN ( 6 ) is based on a quasi‐planar {Mn^IV₂Ce^IV₄(μ₃‐O)₄} core made up of four edge‐sharing {Mn^IVCe^IV₂(μ₃‐O)} or {Ce^IV₃(μ₃‐O)} triangles. The structure of [Ce^IV₃Mn^IV₄Mn^III(μ₄‐O)₂(μ₃‐O)₇(O₂C^tBu)₁₂(NO₃)(furan)]?6 H₂O ( 7 ?6 H₂O) can be considered as {Mn^IV₂Ce^IV₂O₄} and distorted {Mn^IV₂Mn^IIICe^IVO₄} cubane units linked through a central (μ₄‐O) bridge. The Ce₆Mn₈ equals the highest nuclearity yet reported for a heterometallic Ce/Mn aggregate. In contrast to most of the previously reported heterometallic Ce/Mn systems, which contain only Ce^IV and either Mn^IV or Mn^III, some of the aggregates presented here show mixed valency, either Mn^IV/Mn^III (see 7 ) or Ce^IV/Ce^III (see 4 and 5 ). Interestingly, some of the compounds, including the heterovalent Ce^IV/Ce^III 4 , could be obtained from either Ce^III(NO₃)₃?6 H₂O or (NH₄)₂[Ce^IV(NO₃)₆] as starting material.     

Cerium(IV) Hexanuclear Clusters from Cerium(III) Precursors: Molecular Models for Oxidative Growth of Ceria Nanoparticles

Reactions of cerium(III) nitrate, Ce(NO₃)₃?6 H₂O, with different carboxylic acids, such as pivalic acid, benzoic acid, and 4‐methoxybenzoic acid, in the presence of a tridentate N,N,N‐donor ligand, diethylenetriamine (L¹), under aerobic conditions yielded the corresponding cerium hexamers Ce₆O₈(O₂CtBu)₈(L¹)₄ ( 1 ), Ce₆O₈(O₂CC₆H₅)₈(L¹)₄ ( 2 ), and Ce₆O₈(O₂CC₆H₄‐4‐OCH₃)₈(L¹)₄ ( 3 ). Hexamers 1 , 2 , and 3 contain the same octahedral Ce^IV₆O₈ core, in which all interstitial oxygen atoms are connected by μ₃‐oxo bridging ligands. In contrast, treatment of the Ce^IV precursor (NH₄)₂Ce(NO₃)₆ (CAN) with pivalic acid and the ligand L¹ under the same conditions afforded Ce₆O₄(OH)₄(O₂CtBu)₁₂(L¹)₂ ( 4 ), exhibiting a deformed octahedral Ce^IV₆O₄(OH)₄ core containing μ₃‐oxo and μ₃‐hydroxo moieties in defined positions. In contrast to the formation of 1 – 3 , the use of N‐methyldiethanolamine (L) in the reaction with Ce(NO₃)₃?6 H₂O and pivalic acid afforded a previously reported Ce^III dinuclear cluster, Ce₂(O₂CtBu)₆L₂, even in the presence of dioxygen. ESI‐MS analysis of the reaction mixture clearly indicated the importance of the ligand L¹ in promoting oxidation of the Ce^III aggregates, [Ce_n(O₂CtBu)_3n(L¹)₂], which is necessary for the formation of Ce^IV hexamers.     

Cerium‐Complex‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Arylmethanols under Atmospheric Pressure of Dioxygen and Its Mechanism through a Side‐On μ‐Peroxo Dicerium(IV) Complex

A new Ce^IV complex [Ce{NH(CH₂CH₂N=CHC₆H₂‐3,5‐(tBu)₂‐2‐O)₂}(NO₃)₂] ( 1 ), bearing a dianionic pentadentate ligand with an N₃O₂ donor set, has been prepared by treating (NH₄)₂Ce(NO₃)₆ with the sodium salt of ligand L1 . Complex 1 in the presence of TEMPO and 4 Å molecular sieves (MS4 A) has been found to serve as a catalyst for the oxidation of arylmethanols using dioxygen as an oxidant. We propose an oxidation mechanism based on the isolation and reactivity study of a trivalent cerium complex [Ce{NH(CH₂CH₂N=CHC₆H₂‐3,5‐(tBu)₂‐2‐O)₂}(NO₃)(THF)] ( 2 ), its side‐on μ‐O₂ adduct [Ce{NH(CH₂CH₂N=CHC₆H₂‐3,5‐(tBu)₂‐2‐O)₂}(NO₃)]₂(μ‐η²:η²‐O₂) ( 3 ), and the hydroxo‐bridged Ce^IV complex [Ce{NH(CH₂CH₂N=CHC₆H₂‐3,5‐(tBu)₂‐2‐O)₂}(NO₃)]₂(μ‐OH)₂ ( 4 ) as key intermediates during the catalytic cycle. Complex 2 was synthesized by reduction of 1 with 2,5‐dimethyl‐1,4‐bis(trimethylsilyl)‐1,4‐diazacyclohexadiene. Bubbling O₂ into a solution of 2 resulted in formation of the peroxo complex 3 . This provides the first direct evidence for cerium‐catalyzed oxidation of alcohols under an O₂ atmosphere.     

Synthesis and Structure of the Cerium Schiff‐Base Complexes [Ce(Salen′)2] and [(THF)2KCe(Salen′)2]

The synthesis of [Ce(Salen′)₂] ( 1 ) (H₂Salen′ = N,N′‐bis(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylidene)ethylenediamine) was performed using two different approaches. CeCl₃ reacts with two equivalents of K₂Salen′ in THF under the formation of [(THF)₂KCe(Salen′)₂] ( 2 ). Complex 2 could be converted to the Ce^IV complex 1 via oxidation with p‐benzoquinone and air, respectively. The reversible reduction process was realized using elemental potassium in boiling THF. Furthermore, the reaction of the Ce^IV starting material [(^tBuO)₄Ce(THF)₂] with the “free” ligand H₂Salen′ in boiling toluene lead in the formation of 1 as well.     

Cation‐Mediated Conversion of the State of Charge in Uranium Arene Inverted‐Sandwich Complexes

Two new arene inverted‐sandwich complexes of uranium supported by siloxide ancillary ligands [K{U(OSi(OtBu)₃)₃}₂(μ‐η⁶:η⁶‐C₇H₈)] ( 3 ) and [K₂{U(OSi(OtBu)₃)₃}₂(μ‐η⁶:η⁶‐C₇H₈)] ( 4 ) were synthesized by the reduction of the parent arene‐bridged complex [{U(OSi(OtBu)₃)₃}₂(μ‐η⁶:η⁶‐C₇H₈)] ( 2 ) with stoichiometric amounts of KC₈ yielding a rare family of inverted‐sandwich complexes in three states of charge. The structural data and computational studies of the electronic structure are in agreement with the presence of high‐valent uranium centers bridged by a reduced tetra‐anionic toluene with the best formulation being U^V–(arene^4?)–U^V, KU^IV–(arene^4?)–U^V, and K₂U^IV–(arene^4?)–U^IV for complexes 2 , 3 , and 4 respectively. The potassium cations in complexes 3 and 4 are coordinated to the siloxide ligands both in the solid state and in solution. The addition of KOTf (OTf=triflate) to the neutral compound 2 promotes its disproportionation to yield complexes 3 and 4 (depending on the stoichiometry) and the U^IV mononuclear complex [U(OSi(OtBu)₃)₃(OTf)(thf)₂] ( 5 ). This unprecedented reactivity demonstrates the key role of potassium for the stability of these complexes.     

Multinuclear NMR Spectroscopic Characterization of Vanadium(V) Alkylperoxo Complexes VO(OOtBu)k(OnBu)3-k, where k = 1, 2, 3

Using ⁵¹V, ¹⁷O, ¹³C and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, vanadium(V) alkylperoxo complexes VO(OOtBu)_k(OnBu)_3-k, where k = 1, 2 and 3, were characterized in the reaction of VO(OnBu)₃ with tBuOOH in CH₂Cl₂.     

Diimido‐, Imido(oxo)‐, Dioxo‐ und Imido(alkyliden)‐Halbsandwich‐Verbindungen über selektive Hydrolyse und α—H‐Abstraktion an Organylkomplexen des sechswertigen Molybdäns und Wolframs

Diimido, Imido Oxo, Dioxo, and Imido Alkylidene Halfsandwich Compounds via Selective Hydrolysis and α—H Abstraction in Molybdenum(VI) and Tungsten(VI) Organyl Complexes Organometal imides [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)₂Ph] (M = Mo, W, R = H, Me, R′ = Mes, tBu) 4 — 8 can be prepared by reaction of halfsandwich complexes [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)₂Cl] with phenyl lithium in good yields. Starting from phenyl complexes 4 — 8 as well as from previously described methyl compounds [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)₂Me] (M = Mo, W), reactions with aqueous HCl lead to imido(oxo) methyl and phenyl complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)(O)(R)] M = Mo, R = Me ( 9 ), Ph ( 10 ); M = W, R = Ph ( 11 ) and dioxo complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(O)₂(CH₃)] M = Mo ( 12 ), M = W ( 13 ). Hydrolysis of organometal imides with conservation of M‐C σ and π bonds is in fact an attractive synthetic alternative for the synthesis of organometal oxides with respect to known strategies based on the oxidative decarbonylation of low valent alkyl CO and NO complexes. In a similar manner, protolysis of [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)W(NtBu)₂(CH₃)] and [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Mo(NtBu)₂(CH₃)] by HCl gas leads to [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)W(NtBu)Cl₂(CH₃)] 14 und [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Mo(NtBu)Cl₂(CH₃)] 15 with conservation of the M‐C bonds. The inert character of the relatively non‐polar M‐C σ bonds with respect to protolysis offers a strategy for the synthesis of methyl chloro complexes not accessible by partial methylation of [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)Cl₃] with MeLi. As pure substances only trimethyl compounds [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NtBu)(CH₃)₃] 16 ‐ 18 , M = Mo, W, R = H, Me, are isolated. Imido(benzylidene) complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)(CHPh)(CH₂Ph)] M = Mo ( 19 ), W ( 20 ) are generated by alkylation of [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)Cl₃] with PhCH₂MgCl via α‐H abstraction. Based on nmr data a trend of decreasing donor capability of the ligands [NtBu]^2— > [O]^2— > [CHR]^2— ? 2 [CH₃]^— > 2 [Cl]^— emerges.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of an Unexpected Tetranuclear Zinc(II) Complex and a Benzoquinone Compound Derived from ZnII‐ and CdII‐Promoted Reactivity of Schiff Base Ligands

An unexpected polyhydroxyl‐bridged tetranuclear Zn^II complex and a benzoquinone compound derived from metal‐ion promoted reactivity of Schiff base ligands were synthesized and characterized. The reaction of zinc(II) acetate dihydrate with oxime‐type Schiff base ligand HL¹ [HL¹ = 1‐(3‐((3,5‐dibromosalicylaldehyde)amino)phenyl)ethan‐1‐one O‐benzyl oxime] in methanol, acetone, and acetonitrile resulted in the chemoselective cleavage of the C=N bond of the Schiff base HL¹, and then the further addition of acetone to two salicylaldehyde molecules derived from cleavage of the C=N bond in situ α,α double aldol reaction promoted by Zn^II ions. The newly formed ligands H₄L² coordinate to four Zn^II ions forming a defect‐dicubane core structure [Zn^II₄(H₂L²)₂(μ₃‐OCH₃)₂(μ‐OCH₃)₂(CH₃OH)₂] ( 1 ) bridged exclusively by oxygen‐based ligands. The similar ligand HL³ [HL³ = 1‐(3‐((3,5‐dichlorosalicylaldehyde)amino)phenyl)ethan‐1‐one O‐benzyl oxime)] was employed to react with Cd^II acetate dihydrate under the same reaction conditions. No aldol addition occurred but a unexpected benzoquinone compound 2,5‐bis(((3‐(1‐((benzyloxy)imino)ethyl)phenyl)imino)methyl)‐1,4‐benzoquinone ( 2 ) formed. The results provided interesting insights into one‐pot routes involving in situ reactions act as a strategy for obtaining a variety of polymeric/polynuclear complexes which are inconvenient to obtain from directly presynthesizing the ligands.     

Chalcogenide Derivatives of Imidotin Cage Complexes

Reaction of the secocubane [Sn₃(μ₂‐NHtBu)₂(μ₂‐NtBu)(μ₃‐NtBu)] ( 1 ) with dibutylmagnesium produces the heterobimetallic cubane [Sn₃Mg(μ₃‐NtBu)₄] ( 4 ) which forms the monochalcogenide complexes of general formula [ESn₃Mg(μ₃‐NtBu)₄] ( 5 a , E=Se; 5 b , E=Te) upon reaction with elemental chalcogens in THF. By contrast, the reaction of the anionic lithiated cubane [Sn₃Li(μ₃‐NtBu)₄]^? with the appropriate quantity of selenium or tellurium leads to the sequential chalcogenation of each of the three Sn^II centres. Pure samples of the mono‐ or dichalcogenides are, however, best obtained by stoichiometric redistribution reactions of [Sn₃Li(μ₃‐NtBu)₄]^? and the trichalcogenides [E₃Sn₃Li(μ₃‐NtBu)₄]^? (E=Se, Te). These reactions are conveniently monitored by using ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopy. The anion [Sn₃Li(μ₃‐NtBu)₄]^? also acts as an effective chalcogen‐transfer reagent in reactions of selenium with the neutral cubane [{Snμ₃‐N(dipp)}₄] ( 8 ) (dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) to give the dimer [(thf)Sn{μ‐N(dipp)}₂Sn(μ‐Se)₂Sn{μ‐N(dipp)}₂Sn(thf)] ( 9 ), a transformation that results in cleavage of the Sn₄N₄ cubane into four‐membered Sn₂N₂ rings. The X‐ray structures of 4 , 5 a , 5 b , [Sn₃Li(thf)(μ₃‐NtBu)₄(μ₃‐Se)(μ₂‐Li)(thf)]₂ ( 6 a ), [TeSn₃Li(μ₃‐NtBu)₄][Li(thf)₄] ( 6 b ), [Te₂Sn₃Li(μ₃‐NtBu)₄][Li([12]crown‐4)₂] ( 7 b′′ ) and 9 are presented. The fluxional behaviour of cubic imidotin chalcogenides and the correlation between NMR coupling constants and tin–chalcogen bond lengths are also discussed.     

Yttrium Siloxide Complexes Bearing Terminal Methyl Ligands: Molecular Models for Ln−CH3 Terminated Silica Surfaces

Surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC) on silica materials is a prominent approach for the generation of highly active heterogenized polymerization catalysts. Despite advanced methods of characterization, the elucidation of the catalytically active surface species remains a challenging task. Alkylated rare‐earth metal siloxide complexes can be regarded as molecular models of respective covalently bonded alkylated surface species, primarily used for 1,3‐diene polymerization. Here, we performed both salt metathesis reactions of [Y(MMe₄)₃] (M = Al, Ga) with [K{OSi(OtBu)₃}] and alkylation reactions of [Y{OSi(OtBu)₃}₃]₂ with AlMe₃. The obtained complexes [Y(CH₃)[(AlMe₂){OSi(OtBu)₃}₂](AlMe₄)]₂, [Y(CH₃)[(AlMe₂){OSi(OtBu)₃}₂]‐{OSi(OtBu)₃}], [Y{OSi(OtBu)₃}₃(μ‐Me)Y(μ‐Me)₂Y{OSi(OtBu)₃}₂(AlMe₄)], and [Y(CH₃)(GaMe₄){OSi(OtBu)₃}]₂ represent rare examples of organoyttrium species with terminal methyl groups. The formation and purity of the mixed methyl/siloxy yttrium complexes could be enhanced by treating [Y(MMe₄)₃] with [K(MMe₂){OSi(OtBu)₃}₂]_n (M=Al: n=2; M=Ga: n=∞). Complexes [K(MMe₂){OSi(OtBu)₃}₂]_n were obtained by addition of [K{OSi(OtBu)₃}] to [Me₂M{OSi(OtBu)₃}]₂. Deeper insight into the fluxional behavior of the mixed methyl/siloxy yttrium complexes in solution was gained by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic studies at variable temperature and ¹H–⁸⁹Y HSQC NMR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis and Characterization of donor‐functionalized ansa‐Cyclopentadienyl‐Indenyl and ansa‐Indenyl‐Indenyl Complexes of Yttrium,Samarium, Thulium,and Lutetium

The stepwise reaction of Me₂SiCl₂ with K[C₅H₃ ^tBuMe‐3] or Li[C₉H₇] and then with K[C₉H₆CH₂CH₂‐ NMe₂‐1] followed by double deprotonation with NaH or LiBu, yields the two dimethylsilicon bridged cyclopentadienyl‐indenyl and indenyl‐indenyl donor‐functionalized ligand systems K₂[(C₅H₂ ^tBu‐3‐Me‐5)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)] ( 1 ), and Li₂[(1‐C₉H₆)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)] ( 2 ), respectively. Treatment of 1 with YCl₃(THF)₃, SmCl₃(THF)_1.77, TmI₃(DME)₃, and LuCl₃(THF)₃ gives the mixed ansa‐metallocenes [(C₅H₂ ^tBu‐3‐Me‐5)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)]LnX (X = Cl, Ln = Y ( 3 ), Sm ( 4 ), Lu ( 5 ); X = I, Ln = Tm ( 6 )), respectively. The reaction of 2 with LuCl₃(THF)₃ yields [(1‐C₉H₆)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)]LuCl ( 7 ). Compound 4 reacts with LiMe to give the corresponding alkyl derivative [(C₅H₂ ^tBu‐3‐Me‐5)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)]Sm(CH₃) ( 8 ). The new complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, MS spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of 5 and 6 were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction.     

Novel Trinuclear MnII/MnII/MnII Complexes – Crystal Structures and Catalytic Properties

The trinuclear manganese(II) complexes [Mn₃(L¹)₂(μ‐OAc)₄]·2Et₂O {HL¹ = (1‐hydroxy‐4‐nitrobenzyl)((2‐pyridyl)methyl)((1‐methylimidazol‐2‐yl)methyl)amine} ( 1·2EtOH ), [Mn₃(L²)₂(μ‐OAc)₄] {HL² = ((1‐methylimidazol‐2‐yl)methyl)(1‐hydroxybenzyl)amine} ( 2 ) and [Mn₃(L³)₂(μ‐OAc)₆] {L³ = bis(1‐methylimidazol‐2‐yl)methanone} ( 3 ) were synthesized. The compounds were characterized by X‐ray crystallography, mass spectrometry, IR, UV‐vis spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The manganese atoms in 1 and 2 are bridged by phenol moieties of the ligands and acetates. In 3 they are only bridged by acetates in a mono‐ and bi‐dentate way. The resulting Mn···Mn distances are 3.233(1) Å ( 1 ), 3.364(1) Å ( 2 ) and 3.643(7) Å ( 3 ). In the present compounds different limiting cases for the phenomenon of the carboxylate shift are realized. Besides symmetric mono‐ and bi‐dentate bridging an unusual intermediate is also observed. 1·2EtOH is the first example of a trinuclear model for the OEC that shows catalase activity. Furthermore it was characterized by temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements and a total spin ground state of S_t = 5/2 was found. The results for 1 reveals antiferromagnetic coupling between the central and the terminal manganese ions, with J = ?1.2 cm^?1, g = 2.00 (fixed), χ_TIP = 150×10^?6 cm³mol^?1.     

tert‐Butyl(tert‐butoxy)zinc Hydroxides: Hybrid Models for Single‐Source Precursors of ZnO Nanocrystals

Alkylzinc alkoxides, [RZnOR′]₄, have received much attention as efficient precursors of ZnO nanocrystals (NCs), and their “Zn₄O₄” heterocubane core has been regarded as a “preorganized ZnO”. A comprehensive investigation of the synthesis and characterization of a new family of tert‐butyl(tert‐butoxy)zinc hydroxides, [(tBu)₄Zn₄(μ₃‐OtBu)_x(μ₃‐OH)_4?x], as model single‐source precursors of ZnO NCs is reported. The direct reaction between well‐defined [tBuZnOH]₆ ( 1₆ ) and [tBuZnOtBu]₄ ( 2₄ ) in various molar ratios allows the isolation of new mixed cubane aggregates as crystalline solids in a high yield: [(tBu)₄Zn₄(μ₃‐OtBu)₃(μ₃‐OH)] ( 3 ), [(tBu)₄Zn₄(μ₃‐OtBu)₂(μ₃‐OH)₂] ( 4 ), [(tBu)₄Zn₄(μ₃‐OtBu)(μ₃‐OH)₃] ( 5 ). The resulting products were characterized in solution by ¹H NMR and IR spectroscopy, and in the solid state by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The thermal transformations of 2 – 5 were monitored by in situ variable‐temperature powder X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric measurements. The investigation showed that the Zn?OH groups appeared to be a desirable feature for the solid‐state synthesis of ZnO NCs that significantly decreased the decomposition temperature of crystalline precursors 3 – 5 .     

Synthesis and Catalytic Water Oxidation Activities of Ruthenium Complexes Containing Neutral Ligands

Two dinuclear and one mononuclear ruthenium complexes containing neutral polypyridyl ligands have been synthesised as pre‐water oxidation catalysts and characterised by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and ESI‐MS. Their catalytic water oxidation properties in the presence of [Ce(NH₄)₂(NO₃)₆] (Ce^IV) as oxidant at pH 1.0 have been investigated. At low concentrations of Ce^IV (5 mM ), high turnover numbers of up to 4500 have been achieved. An ¹⁸O‐labelling experiment established that both O atoms in the evolved O₂ originate from water. Combined electrochemical study and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometric analysis suggest that ligand exchange between coordinated 4‐picoline and free water produces Ru aquo species as the real water oxidation catalysts.     

Visible‐Light‐Induced Photoredox Catalysis with a Tetracerium‐Containing Silicotungstate

The development of visible‐light‐induced photocatalysts for chemoselective functional group transformations has received considerable attention. Polyoxometalates (POMs) are potential materials for efficient photocatalysts because their properties can be precisely tuned by changing their constituent elements and structures and by the introduction of additional metal cations. Furthermore, they are thermally and oxidatively more stable than the frequently utilized organometallic complexes. The visible‐light‐responsive tetranuclear cerium(III)‐containing silicotungstate TBA₆[{Ce(H₂O)}₂{Ce(CH₃CN)}₂(μ₄‐O)(γ‐SiW₁₀O₃₆)₂] (CePOM; TBA=tetra‐n‐butylammonium) has now been synthesized; when CePOM was irradiated with visible light (λ>400 nm), a unique intramolecular Ce^III‐to‐POM(W^VI) charge transfer was observed. With CePOM, the photocatalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of primary and secondary amines as well as the α‐cyanation of tertiary amines smoothly proceeded in the presence of O₂ (1 atm) as the sole oxidant.     

Cations Controlling the Chiral Assembly of Luminescent Atomically Precise Copper(I) Clusters

Chiral assembly and asymmetric synthesis are critically important for the generation of chiral metal clusters with chiroptical activities. Here, a racemic mixture of [K(CH₃OH)₂(18‐crown‐6)]⁺[Cu₅(S^tBu)₆]^? ( 1?CH₃OH ) in the chiral space group was prepared, in which the chiral red‐emissive anionic [Cu₅(S^tBu)₆]^? cluster was arranged along a twofold screw axis. Interestingly, the release of the coordinated CH₃OH of the cationic units turned the chiral 1?CH₃OH crystal into a mesomeric crystal [K(18‐crown‐6)]⁺[Cu₅(S^tBu)₆]^? ( 1 ), which has a centrosymmetric space group, by adding symmetry elements of glide and mirror planes through both disordered [Cu₅(S^tBu)₆]^? units. The switchable chiral/achiral rearrangement of [Cu₅(S^tBu)₆]^? clusters along with the capture/release of CH₃OH were concomitant with an intense increase/decrease in luminescence. We also used cationic chiral amino alcohols to induce the chiral assembly of a pair of enantiomers, [d /l ‐valinol(18‐crown‐6)]⁺[Cu₅(S^tBu)₆]^? ( d /l ‐Cu_5V ), which display impressive circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) in contrast to the CPL‐silent racemic mixture of 1?CH₃OH and mesomeric 1 .     

Reduction of a Cerium(III) Siloxide Complex To Afford a Quadruple‐Decker Arene‐Bridged Cerium(II) Sandwich

Organometallic multi‐decker sandwich complexes containing f‐elements remain rare, despite their attractive magnetic and electronic properties. The reduction of the Ce^III siloxide complex, [KCeL₄] ( 1 ; L=OSi(OtBu)₃), with excess potassium in a THF/toluene mixture afforded a quadruple‐decker arene‐bridged complex, [K(2.2.2‐crypt)]₂[{(KL₃Ce)(μ‐η⁶:η⁶‐C₇H₈)}₂Ce] ( 3 ). The structure of 3 features a [Ce(C₇H₈)₂] sandwich capped by [KL₃Ce] moieties with a linear arrangement of the Ce ions. Structural parameters, UV/Vis/NIR data, and DFT studies indicate the presence of Ce^II ions involved in δ bonding between the Ce cations and toluene dianions. Complex 3 is a rare lanthanide multi‐decker complex and the first containing non‐classical divalent lanthanide ions. Moreover, oxidation of 1 by AgOTf (OTf=O₃SCF₃) yielded the Ce^IV complex, [CeL₄] ( 2 ), showing that siloxide ligands can stabilize Ce in three oxidation states.     

Altering the Activity of Catechol Oxidase Model Compounds by Electronic Influence on the Copper Core

The catecholase activity of the dicopper(II) complexes [Cu₂(L¹)(μ‐OCH₃)(NCCH₃)₂](PF₆)₂·H₂O·CH₃CN ( 1 ), [Cu₂(L²)(μ‐OH)(MeOH)(NCCH₃)](BF₄)₂ ( 2 ), [Cu₂(L³)(μ‐OMe)(NCCH₃)₂](BF₄)₂·2CH₃CN·H₂O ( 3 ), [Cu₂(L²)(μ‐OAc)₂]BF₄·H₂O ( 4 ), [Cu₂(L⁴)(μ‐OAc)₂]ClO₄ ( 5 ) and [Cu₂(L⁵)(μ‐OMe)(NCCH₃)₃(OH₂)](ClO₄)₂·2CH₃OH·CH₃CN ( 6 ) consisting of varying para‐substituted phenol ligands HL¹ = 4‐trifluoromethyl‐2,6‐bis((4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)methyl)phenol, HL² = 4‐bromo‐2,6‐bis((4‐methyl‐1,4‐diazepan‐1‐yl)methyl)phenol, HL³ = 4‐bromo‐2‐((4‐methyl‐1,4‐diazepan‐1‐yl)methyl)‐6‐((4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)methyl)phenol, HL⁴ = 2,6‐bis((4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)methyl)‐4‐nitrophenol and HL⁵ = 4‐tert‐butyl‐2,6‐bis((4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)methyl)phenol was studied. The main difference within the six complexes lies in the individual copper–copper separation that is enforced by the chelating side arms of the phenolate ligand entity and more importantly in the exogenous bridging solvent, hydroxide, methanolate or acetate ions. The distance between the copper cores varies from 2.94Å in 1 to 3.29Å in 5 . The catalytic activity of the complexes 1 – 6 towards the oxidation of 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol was determined spectrophotometrically by monitoring the increase of the 3,5–di‐tert‐butylquinone characteristic absorption band at about 400 nm over time saturated with O₂. The complexes are able to oxidize the substrate 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol to the corresponding o‐quinone with distinct catalytic activity (k_cat between 92 h^?1 and 189 h^?1), with an order of decreasing activity 6 > 5 > 1 , 2 , 4 ≥ 3 . A kinetic treatment of the data based on the Michaelis‐Menten approach was applied. A correlation of the catecholase activities with the variation of the para‐ substituents as well as other effects resulting from the copper core distances is discussed. [Cu₂(L⁵)(μ‐OMe)(NCCH₃)₃(OH)₂](ClO₄)₂·2CH₃OH·CH₃CN ( 6 ) exhibited the highest activity of the six complexes as a result of its high turnover rate.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Reactivity of a Tetranuclear Cerium(IV) Oxo Cluster Supported by the Kläui Tripodal Ligand [Co(η5‐C5H5){P(O)(OEt)2}3]−

A tetranuclear Ce^IV oxo cluster compound containing the Kläui tripodal ligand [Co(η⁵‐C₅H₅){P(O)(OEt)₂}₃]^? (L_OEt^?) has been synthesized and its reactions with H₂O₂, CO₂, NO, and Brønsted acids have been studied. The treatment of [Ce(L_OEt)(NO₃)₃] with Et₄NOH in acetonitrile afforded the tetranuclear Ce^IV oxo cluster [Ce₄(L_OEt)₄O₇H₂] ( 1 ) containing an adamantane‐like {Ce₄(μ₂‐O)₆} core with a μ₄‐oxo ligand at the center. The reaction of 1 with H₂O₂ resulted in the formation of the peroxo cluster [Ce₄(L_OEt)₄(μ₄‐O)(μ₂‐O₂)₄(μ₂‐OH)₂] ( 2 ). The treatment of 1 with CO₂ and NO led to isolation of [Ce(L_OEt)₂(CO₃)] and [Ce(L_OEt)(NO₃)₃], respectively. The protonation of 1 with HCl, ROH (R=2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl), and Ph₃SiOH yielded [Ce(L_OEt)Cl₃] ( 3 ), [Ce(L_OEt)(OR)₃] ( 4 ), and [Ce(L_OEt)(OSiPh₃)₃] ( 5 ), respectively. The chloride ligands in 3 are labile and can be abstracted by silver(I) salts. The treatment of 3 with AgOTs (OTs^?=tosylate) and Ag₂O afforded [Ce(L_OEt)(OTs)₃] ( 6 ) and 1 , respectively. The electrochemistry of the Ce‐L_OEt complexes has been studied by using cyclic voltammetry. The crystal structures of complexes 1 – 5 have been determined.     

Vanadium(V) Oxo and Imido Calix[8]arene Complexes: Synthesis,Structural Studies,and Ethylene Homo/Copolymerisation Capability

Interaction of p‐tert‐butylcalix[8]areneH₈ (L⁸H₈) with [NaVO(OtBu)₄] (formed in situ from VOCl₃) afforded the complex [Na(NCMe)₅][(VO)₂L⁸H]?4 MeCN ( 1 ?4 MeCN). Increasing [NaVO(OtBu)₄] to 4 equiv led to [Na(NCMe)₆]₂[(Na(VO)₄L⁸)(Na(NCMe))₃]₂?10 MeCN ( 2 ?10 MeCN). With adventitious oxygen, reaction of 4 equiv of [VO(OtBu)₃] with L⁸H₈ afforded the alkali‐metal‐free complex [(VO)₄L⁸(μ³‐O)₂] ( 3 ); solvates 3 ?3 MeCN and 3 ?3 CH₂Cl₂ were isolated. For the lithium analogue, the order of addition had to be reversed such that lithium tert‐butoxide was added to L⁸H₈ and then treated with 2 equiv of VOCl₃; crystallisation afforded [(VO₂)₂Li₆[L⁸](thf)₂(OtBu)₂(Et₂O)₂]?Et₂O ( 4 ?Et₂O). Upon extraction into acetonitrile, [Li(NCMe)₄][(VO)₂L⁸H]?8 MeCN ( 5 ?8 MeCN) was formed. Use of the imido precursors [V(NtBu)(OtBu)₃] and [V(Np‐tolyl)(OtBu)₃] and L⁸H₈, afforded [tBuNH₃][{V(p‐tolylN)}₂L⁸H]?3 1/2 MeCN ( 6 ?3 1/2 MeCN). The molecular structures of 1 to 6 are reported. Complexes 1 , 3 , and 4 were screened as precatalysts for the polymerisation of ethylene in the presence of cocatalysts at various temperatures and for the copolymerisation of ethylene with propylene. Activities as high as 136 000 g (mmol(V) h)^?1 were sometimes achieved; higher molecular weight polymers could be obtained versus the benchmark [VO(OEt)Cl₂]. For copolymerisation, incorporation of propylene was 7.1–10.9 mol % (compare 10 mol % for [VO(OEt)Cl₂]), although catalytic activities were lower than [VO(OEt)Cl₂].