Ring-closing metathesis reactions of terminal alkene-derived cyclic phosphazenes

The first examples of ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reactions of a series of terminal alkene-derived cyclic phosphazenes have been carried out. The tetrakis-, hexakis-, and octakis(allyloxy)cyclophosphazenes (NPPh(2))(NP(OCH(2)CH=CH(2))(2))(2) (1), N(3)P(3)(OCH(2)CH=CH(2))(6) (2), and N(4)P(4)(OCH(2)CH=CH(2))(8) (3) and the tetrakis(allyloxy)-S-phenylthionylphosphazene (NS(O)Ph)[NP(OCH(2)CH=CH(2))(2)](2) (4) were prepared by the reactions of CH(2)=CHCH(2)ONa with the cyclophosphazenes (NPPh(2))(NPCl(2))(2), N(3)P(3)Cl(6), and N(4)P(4)Cl(8) and the S-phenylthionylphosphazene (NS(O)Ph)(NPCl(2))(2). The reactions of 1-4 with Grubbs first-generation olefin metathesis catalyst Cl(2)Ru=CHPh(PCy(3))(2) resulted in the selective formation of seven-membered di-, tri-, and tetraspirocyclic phosphazene compounds (NPPh(2))[NP(OCH(2)CH=CHCH(2)O)](2) (5), N(3)P(3)(OCH(2)CH=CHCH(2)O)(3) (6), and N(4)P(4)(OCH(2)CH=CHCH(2)O)(4) (7) and the dispirocyclic S-phenylthionylphosphazene compound (NS(O)Ph)[NP(OCH(2)CH=CHCH(2)O)](2) (8). X-ray structural studies of 5-8 indicated that the double bond of the spiro-substituted cycloalkene units is in the cis orientation in these compounds. In contrast to the reactions of 1-4, RCM reactions of the homoallyloxy-derived cyclophosphazene and thionylphosphazene (NPPh(2))[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(2)](2) (9) and (NS(O)Ph)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(2)](2) (10) with the same catalyst resulted in the formation of 11-membered diansa compounds NPPh(2)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CHCH(2)CH(2)O)](2) (11) and (NS(O)Ph)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CHCH(2)CH(2)O)](2) (13) and the intermolecular doubly bridged ansa-dibino-ansa compounds 12 and 14. The X-ray structural studies of compounds 11 and 13 indicated that the double bonds of the ansa-substituted cycloalkene units are in the trans orientation in these compounds. The geminal bis(homoallyloxy)tetraphenylcyclotriphosphazene [NPPh(2)](2)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(2)] (15) upon RCM with Grubbs first- and second-generation catalysts gave the spirocyclic product [NPPh(2)](2)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CHCH(2)CH(2)O)] (16) along with the geminal dibino-substituted dimeric compound [NPPh(2)](2)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CHCH(2)CH(2)O)(2)PN][NPPh(2)](2) (17) as the major product. The dibino compound 17, upon reaction with the Grubbs second-generation catalyst, was found to undergo a unique ring-opening metathesis reaction, opening up the bino bridges and partially converting to the spirocyclic compound 16.     

Using delta15N and delta18O to evaluate the sources and pathways of NO3- in rainfall event discharge from drained agricultural grassland lysimeters at high temporal resolutions

The origin of NO(3) (-) yielded in drainage from agricultural grasslands is of environmental significance and has three potential sources; (i) soil organic mater (SOM), (ii) recent agricultural amendments, and (iii) atmospheric inputs. The variation in delta(15)N-NO(3) (-) and delta(18)O-NO(3) (-) was measured from the 'inter-flow' and 'drain-flow' of two 1 ha drained lysimeter plots, one of which had received an application of 21 m(3) of NH(4) (+)-N-rich agricultural slurry, during two rainfall events. Drainage started to occur 1 month after the application of slurry. The concentrations of NO(3) (-)-N from the two lysimeters were comparable; an initial flush of NO(3) (-)-N occurred at the onset of drainage from both lysimeters before levels quickly dropped to <1 mg NO(3) (-)-N L(-1). The isotopic signature of the delta(15)N-NO(3) (-) and delta(18)O-NO(3) (-) during the first two rainfall events showed a great deal of variation over short time-periods from both lysimeters. Isotopic variation of delta(15)N-NO(3) (-) during rainfall events ranged between -1.6 to +5.2 per thousand and +0.4 to +11.1 per thousand from the inter-flow and drain-flow, respectively. Variation in the delta(18)O-NO(3) (-) ranged from +2.0 to +7.8 per thousand and from +3.3 to +8.4 per thousand. No significant relationships between the delta(15)N-NO(3) (-) or delta(18)O-NO(3) (-) and flow rate were observed in most cases although delta(18)O-NO(3) (-) values indicated a positive relationship and delta(15)N-NO(3) (-) values a negative relationship with flow during event 2. Data from a bulked rainfall sample when compared with the theoretical delta(18)O-NO(3) (-) for soil microbial NO(3) (-) indicated that the contribution of rainfall NO(3) (-) accounted for 8% of the NO(3) (-) in the lysimeter drainage at most. The calculated contribution of rainfall NO(3) (-) was not enough to account for the depletion in delta(15)N-NO(3) (-) values observed during the duration of the rainfall event 2. The relationship between delta(15)N-NO(3) (-) and delta(18)O-NO(3) (-) from the drain-flow indicated that denitrification was causing enrichment in the isotopes from this pathway. The presence of slurry seemed to cause a relative depletion in delta(18)O-NO(3) (-) in the inter-flow and delta(15)N-NO(3) (-) in the drain-flow compared with the zero-slurry lysimeter. This may have been caused by increased microbial nitrification stimulated by the presence of increased NH(4) (+)-N.     

A new route to achiral and chiral 1,2-bis(phosphino)ethanes, 1-arsino-2-phosphinoethanes, and 1,3-bis(phosphino)propanes and the molecular structure and catalytic activity of some rhodium(I) complexes derived thereof

A series of unsymmetrical 1,2-bis(phosphino)ethanes R(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PR'(2) and 1-arsino-2-phosphinoethanes R(2)AsCH(2)CH(2)PR'(2) mainly with bulky substituents R and R' were prepared from the cyclic sulfate by stepwise cleavage of the carbon-oxygen bonds by LiPR(2) and LiPR'(2) or LiAsR(2) and LiPR'(2), respectively. Analogously, racemic mixtures of R(2)PCH(2)CH(Me)PPh(2)(R =iPr, Cy ) as well as the enantiomers (R)-, (R)- and (R)-tBu(2)PCH(2)CH(Me)PPh(2)(R)- were obtained from the corresponding unsymmetrical cyclic sulfates and (S)-. On a similar route, the racemates of the 1,3-bis(phosphino)propanes R(2)PCH(2)CH(2)CH(Me)PPh(2)(R =iPr, tBu ), optically pure (R)- and (S,S)-iPr(2)PCH(Me)CH(2)CH(Me)PPh(2)(S,S)- were prepared. The reaction of [[RhCl([small eta](4)-C(8)H(12))](2)] with chelating ligands L-L, where L-L is R(2)PCH(2)P(men)(2)(R =iPr, Ph; men =(1S,2R,5S)-menthyl), Cy(2)AsCH(2)P(men)(2), or (R)-, (R)-, (R)-, (R)- and (S,S)-, in the presence of AgPF(6), gave the complexes [Rh(eta(4)-C(8)H(12))(L-L)]PF(6) which were used as pre-catalysts in the hydrogenation of the methyl ester of alpha-acetamidocinnamic acid (ACM). Depending on L-L, the solvent, the temperature and the pressure of H(2), optical yields of up to 69% ee were achieved. For two of the rhodium complexes, and, the molecular structures were determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis, structural characterization, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of aziridine, 2-aminoethylaziridine and azirine complexes of copper(II) and palladium(II)

The synthesis, spectroscopic and X-ray structural characterization of copper(II) and palladium(II) complexes with aziridine ligands as 2-dimethylaziridine HNCH(2)CMe(2) (a), the bidentate N-(2-aminoethyl)aziridines C(2)H(4)NC(2)H(4)NH(2) (b) or CH(2)CMe(2)NCH(2)CMe(2)NH(2) (c) as well as the unsaturated azirine NCH(2)CPh (d) are reported. Cleavage of the cyclometallated Pd(II) dimer [μ-Cl(C(6)H(4)CHMeNMe(2)-C,N)Pd](2) with ligand a yielded compound [Cl(NHCH(2)CMe(2))(C(6)H(4)CHMe(2)NMe(2)-C,N)Pd] (1a). The reaction of the aziridine complex trans-[Cl(2)Pd(HNC(2)H(4))(2)] with an excess of aziridine in the presence of AgOTf gave the ionic chelate complex trans-[(C(2)H(4)NC(2)H(4)NH(2)-N,N')(2)Pd](OTf)(2) (2b) which contains the new ligand b formed by an unexpected insertion and ring opening reaction of two aziridines ("aziridine dimerization"). CuCl(2) reacted in pure HNC(2)H(4) or HNCH(2)CMe(2) (b) again by "dimerization" to give the tris-chelated ionic complex [Cu(C(2)H(4)NC(2)H(4)NH(2)-N,N')(3)]Cl(2) (3b) or the bis-chelated complex [CuCl(C(2)H(2)Me(2)NC(2)H(2)Me(2)NH(2)-N,N')(2)]Cl (4c). By addition of 2H-3-phenylazirine (d) to PdCl(2), trans-[Cl(2)Pd(NCH(2)CPh)(2)] (5d) was formed. All new compounds were characterized by NMR, IR and mass spectra and also by X-ray structure analyses (except 3b). Additionally the cytotoxic effects of these complexes were examined on HL-60 and NALM-6 human leukemia cells and melanoma WM-115 cells. The antimicrobial activity was also determined. The growth of Gram-positive bacterial strains (S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. faecalis) was inhibited by almost all tested complexes at the concentrations of 37.5-300.0 μg mL(-1). However, MIC values of complexes obtained for Gram-negative E. coli and P. aeruginosa, as well as for C. albicans yeast, mostly exceeded 300 μg mL(-1). The highest antibacterial activity was achieved by complexes 1a and 2b. Complex 2b also inhibited the growth of Gram-negative bacteria.     

Experimental and theoretical study of hydrogen atom abstraction from n-butane by lanthanum oxide cluster anions

Lanthanum oxide cluster anions are prepared by laser ablation and reacted with n-C(4)H(10) in a fast flow reactor. A time-of-flight mass spectrometer is used to detect the cluster distribution before and after the reactions. (La(2)O(3))(m=1-3)OH(-) and La(3)O(7)H(-) are observed as products, which suggests the occurrence of hydrogen atom abstraction reactions: (La(2)O(3))(m=1-3)O(-) + n-C(4)H(10) → (La(2)O(3))(m=1-3)OH(-) + C(4)H(9) and La(3)O(7)(-) + n-C(4)H(10) → La(3)O(7)H(-) + C(4)H(9). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to study the structures and bonding properties of La(2)O(4)(-), La(3)O(7)(-), and La(4)O(7)(-) clusters. The calculated results show that each of La(2)O(4)(-) and La(4)O(7)(-) contains one oxygen-centered radical (O(-?)) which is responsible for the high reactivity toward n-C(4)H(10). La(3)O(7)(-) contains one oxygen-centered radical (O(-?)) and one superoxide unit (O(2)(-?)), and the O(-?) is responsible for its high reactivity toward n-C(4)H(10). The O(-?) and O(2)(-?) can be considered to be generated by the adsorption of an O(2) molecule onto the singlet La(3)O(5)(-) with electron transfer from a terminally bonded oxygen ion (O(2-)) to the O(2). This may help us understand the mechanism of the formation of O(-?) and O(2)(-?) radicals in lanthanum oxide systems. The reaction mechanisms of La(2)O(4)(-) + n-C(4)H(10) and La(3)O(7)(-) + n-C(4)H(10) are also studied by the DFT calculations, and the calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental observations.     

Chloro- and phenoxy-phosphines in frustrated Lewis pair additions to alkynes

The reaction of tBu(C(6)H(4)O(2))P, with the borane B(C(6)F(5))(3) gives rise to NMR data consistent with the formation of the classical Lewis acid-base adduct tBu(C(6)H(4)O(2))P(B(C(6)F(5))(3)) (1). In contrast, the NMR data for the corresponding reactions of tBu(C(20)H(12)O(2))P and Cl(C(20)H(12)O(2))P with B(C(6)F(5))(3) were consistent with the presence of equilibria between free phosphine and borane and the corresponding adducts. Nonetheless, in each case, the adducts tBu(C(20)H(12)O(2))P(B(C(6)F(5))(3)) (2) and Cl(C(20)H(12)O(2))P(B(C(6)F(5))(3)) (3) were isolable. The species 1 reacts with PhCCH to give the new species tBu(C(6)H(4)O(2))P(Ph)C=CHB(C(6)F(5))(3) (4) in near quantitative yield. In an analogous fashion, the addition of PhCCH to solutions of the phosphines tBu(C(20)H(12)O(2))P, tBuPCl(2) and (C(6)H(3)(2,4-tBu(2))O)(3)P each with an equivalent of B(C(6)F(5))(3) gave rise to L(Ph)C=CHB(C(6)F(5))(3) (L = tBu(C(20)H(12)O(2))P 5, tBuPCl(2)6 and (C(6)H(3)(2,4-tBu(2))O)(3)P 7). X-Ray data for 1, 2, 6 and 7 are presented. The implications of these findings are considered.     

Topography of the potential energy hypersurface and criteria for fast-ion conduction in perovskite-related A2B2O5 oxides

We discuss the importance of the topography of the potential energy hypersurface for the ionic conductivity of perovskite-related A(2)B(2)O(5) oxides. A correlation between the energetic preference of the cations for different coordination geometries and the ionic conductivity is proposed based on a first principles periodic density functional theory study of selected possible structures for Ba(2)In(2)O(5), Sr(2)Fe(2)O(5), Sr(2)Mn(2)O(5), and La(2)Ni(2)O(5). There are a large number of low-energy local minima on the potential energy hypersurfaces of the two first compounds due to an energetic preference for BO(4) tetrahedra. Tetrahedral environments are energetically unfavorable for Mn(III) in Sr(2)Mn(2)O(5) and for Ni(II) in La(2)Ni(2)O(5), and the number of low-energy configurations is relatively low in these two cases. Consistent with our findings, in contrast to Sr(2)Fe(2)O(5) and Ba(2)In(2)O(5), Sr(2)Mn(2)O(5) and La(2)Ni(2)O(5) do not exhibit transitions to disordered phases on heating, and there appear to be no reports of enhanced ionic conductivity for these compounds. Thus we suggest that the possibility of many different oxygen orderings associated with a variety of low-energy connectivity schemes within tetrahedral layers such as in the brownmillerite-based structures of Sr(2)Fe(2)O(5) and Ba(2)In(2)O(5) is a prerequisite for high ionic conductivity in perovskite-related A(2)B(2)O(5) oxides.     

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.     

Near-infrared laser spectroscopy of NiI

Laser-induced fluorescence spectrum of NiI in the near infrared region of 714-770 nm has been recorded. Seven bands belonging to three electronic transition systems were observed and analyzed: the (0,0), (1,0), and (2,0) bands of [13.3] (2)Sigma(+)-A (2)Pi(3/2) system; the (1,1) and (0,1) bands of [13.9] (2)Pi(3/2)-X (2)Delta(5/2) system; and the (0,0) and (1,0) bands of [13.9] (2)Pi(3/2)-A (2)Pi(3/2) system. Spectra of isotopic molecules confirmed the vibrational quantum number assignment of the observed bands. Least-squares fit of rotationally resolved transition lines yielded accurate molecular constants for the v=0-2 levels of the [13.3] (2)Sigma(+) state, the v=0 level of the A (2)Pi(3/2), and the v=1 level of the X (2)Delta(5/2) state. The vibrational separation, DeltaG(1/2), of the ground state was measured to be 276.674 cm(-1). With the observation of the [13.9] (2)Pi(3/2)-A (2)Pi(3/2) and [13.9] (2)Pi(3/2)-X (2)Delta(5/2) transitions, we accurately determined the energy separation between the A (2)Pi(3/2) and the X (2)Delta(5/2) to be 163.847 cm(-1). This confirms that the order of the A (2)Pi(3/2) and X (2)Delta(5/2) states in NiI is reversed when compared with other nickel monohalides.     

Amidines derived from Pt(IV)-mediated nitrile-amino alcohol coupling and their Zn(II)-catalyzed conversion into oxazolines

The reaction between the platinum(IV) complex trans-[PtCl(4)(EtCN)(2)] and the amino alcohols NH(2)CH(2)CH(2)OH, NH(2)CH(2)CH(Me)OH-(R)-(-), NH(2)CH(Ph)CH(2)OH-(R)-(-), NH(2)CH(Et)CH(2)OH-(R)-(-), NH(2)CH(Et)CH(2)OH-(S)-(+), and NH(2)CH(Pr(n)())CH(2)OH proceeds rapidly at room temperature in CH(2)Cl(2) to furnish the amidine complexes [PtCl(4)(HN=C(Et)NH(arcraise;)OH)(2)] (1-6) in good yield (70-80%). The related reaction between the platinum(II) complex trans-[PtCl(2)(EtCN)(2)] and monoethanolamine in a molar ratio of 1:2 in CH(2)Cl(2) results in the addition of 4 equiv of NH(2)CH(2)CH(2)OH per mole of complex to give [Pt(HN=C(Et)NHCH(2)CH(2)OH)(2)(NH(2)CH(2)CH(2)OH)(2)](2+) (7). Formulation of 1-6 is based upon satisfactory C, H, N elemental analyses, electrospray mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, and (1)H, (13)C((1)H), (15)N, and (195)Pt NMR spectroscopies, while the structures of trans-[PtCl(4)((Z)-NH=C(Et)NHCH(2)CH(2)OH)(2)] (1), trans-[PtCl(4)((Z)-NH=C(Et)NHCH(2)CH(Me)OH-(R)-(-))(2)] (2), and trans-[PtCl(4)((Z)-NH=C(Et)NHCH(Et)CH(2)OH-(R)-(-))(2)] (4) were determined by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The Z-amidine configuration of the ligands is preserved in CDCl(3) solutions as confirmed by gradient-enhanced (15)N,(1)H-HMQC spectroscopy and NOE experiments. The amidines, formed upon Pt(IV)-mediated nitrile-amino alcohol coupling, were liberated from their platinum(IV) complexes 1, 3, and 4 by reaction with Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2) (dppe) giving free NH=C(Et)NHCHRCH(2)OH (R = H 8, Et 9, Ph 10), with the substituents R of different types, and dppe oxides; the P-containing species were identified by (31)P((1)H) NMR spectroscopy. NOESY spectroscopy indicates that the liberated amidines retained the same configuration relative to the C=N double bond, i.e., syn-(H,Et)-NH=C(Et)NHCHRCH(2)OH. The liberated hydroxo-functionalized amidines 8-10 were converted into oxazolines (11-13) in the presence of a catalytic amount of ZnCl(2). A similar catalytic effect has also been reached using anhydrous MSO(4) (M = Cu, Co, Cd), CdCl(2), and AlCl(3).     

Atmospheric chemistry of 4:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (n-C4F9CH2CH2OH): products and mechanism of Cl atom initiated oxidation in the presence of NOx

Smog chamber/FTIR techniques were used to study the Cl atom initiated oxidation of 4:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (C(4)F(9)CH(2)CH(2)OH, 4:2 FTOH) in the presence of NO(x) in 700 Torr of N(2)/O(2) diluent at 296 K. Chemical activation effects play an important role in the atmospheric chemistry of the peroxy, and possibly the alkoxy, radicals derived from 4:2 FTOH. Cl atoms react with C(4)F(9)CH(2)CH(2)OH to give C(4)F(9)CH(2)C(*)HOH radicals which add O(2) to give chemically activated alpha-hydroxyperoxy radicals, [C(4)F(9)CH(2)C(OO(*))HOH]*. In 700 Torr of N(2)/O(2) at 296 K, approximately 50% of the [C(4)F(9)CH(2)C(OO(*))HOH]* radicals decompose "promptly" to give HO(2) radicals and C(4)F(9)CH(2)CHO, the remaining [C(4)F(9)CH(2)C(OO(*))HOH]* radicals undergo collisional deactivation to give thermalized peroxy radicals, C(4)F(9)CH(2)C(OO(*))HOH. Decomposition to HO(2) and C(4)F(9)CH(2)CHO is the dominant atmospheric fate of the thermalized peroxy radicals. In the presence of excess NO, the thermalized peroxy radicals react to give C(4)F(9)CH(2)C(O(*))HOH radicals which then decompose at a rate >2.5 x 10(6) s(-1) to give HC(O)OH and the alkyl radical C(4)F(9)CH(2)(*). The primary products of 4:2 FTOH oxidation in the presence of excess NO(x) are C(4)F(9)CH(2)CHO, C(4)F(9)CHO, and HCOOH. Secondary products include C(4)F(9)CH(2)C(O)O(2)NO(2), C(4)F(9)C(O)O(2)NO(2), and COF(2). In contrast to experiments conducted in the absence of NO(x), there was no evidence (<2% yield) for the formation of the perfluorinated acid C(4)F(9)C(O)OH. The results are discussed with regard to the atmospheric chemistry of fluorotelomer alcohols.     

Photodissociation mass spectra and mass-selected resonant (1+1)-photodissociation spectroscopy of some alkyl iodide radical cations

Photodissociation (PD) mass spectra and mass selected (1+1)-photodissociation spectra of C(2)H(5)I(+?), C(2)D(5)I(+?),1- C(3)H(7)I(+?), 2-C(3)H(7)I(+?), 1-C(4)H(9)I(+?) and 2- C(4)H(9)I(+?) radical cations were studied within the ? ← X~ absorption band. The photodissociation mass spectra within the range 13,600-15,900 cm(-1) (1.68-1.97 eV) evidence only a simple cleavage of the C-I bond and formation of the corresponding alkyl ions. The resonant (1+1)-photodissociation spectra of C(2)H(5)I(+?) and C(2)D(5)I(+?) show intense vibrational structure in the excited ? state. The thresholds for formation of the states of C(2)H(5)I(+?) and C(2)D(5)I(+?) were estimated to be (13,278 ± 12) cm(-1) (1.6462 ± 0.0014 eV)and (13,363 ± 12) cm(-1) (1.6586 ± 0.0014 eV), respectively. Whereas a few resonant vibronic excitations could be identified with 1-C(3)H(7)I(+?) and 1- C(4)H(7)I(+), no vibrational features were observable with 2- C(3)H(7)I(+?) and 2-C(4)H(9)I(+?). It is concluded that 1- and 2-iodoalkane radical cations do not rearrange, even under the conditions of electron ionisation used to generate the molecular ions.     

Unusual neutral ligand coordination to arsenic and antimony trifluoride

The preparations and spectroscopic characterisation of the hydrolytically unstable As(III) complexes, [AsF(3)(OPR(3))(2)] (R = Me or Ph) and [AsF(3){Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2)}] are described and represent the first examples of complexes of AsF(3) with neutral ligands. The crystal structure of [AsF(3){Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2)}] contains dimers with bridging diphosphine dioxide, but there are also long contacts between the dimers to neighbouring phosphine oxide groups, completing a very distorted six-coordination at arsenic and producing a weakly associated polymer structure. The reaction of AsF(3) with OAsPh(3) affords Ph(3)AsF(2), and no arsine oxide complex was formed. Reaction of SbF(3) with OER(3) (R = Me or Ph, E = P or As), Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2) and Ph(2)P(O)(CH(2))(n)P(O)Ph(2) (n = 1 or 2) in MeOH produces [SbF(3)(OER(3))(2)], [SbF(3){Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2)}] and [SbF(3){Ph(2)P(O)(CH(2))(n)P(O)Ph(2)}] respectively. The X-ray structures reveal that the complexes contain square pyramidal SbF(3)O(2) cores with apical F and cis disposed pnictogen oxides. However, whilst [SbF(3)(OER(3))(2)] (R = Ph: E = P or As; R = Me: E = As) and [SbF(3){Ph(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Ph(2)}] are monomeric, [SbF(3){Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2)}] is a dimer with bridging diphosphine dioxides producing a twelve-membered ring, and [SbF(3){Ph(2)P(O)(CH(2))(2)P(O)Ph(2)}] is a chain polymer with diphosphine dioxide bridges. In the OAsR(3) reactions with SbF(3), R(3)AsF(2) are also formed. Notably the Sb-O(P) bonds are shorter than As-O(P), despite the covalent radii (As < Sb), consistent with very weak coordination of the AsF(3). IR and multinuclear ((1)H, (19)F and (31)P) NMR data are reported and discussed. BiF(3) does not react with pnictogen oxide ligands under similar conditions and halide exchange of bismuth chloro complexes with Me(3)SnF gave BiF(3).     

Aerobic oxidation reactions catalyzed by vanadium complexes of bis(phenolate) ligands

Vanadium(V) complexes of the tridentate bis(phenolate)pyridine ligand H(2)BPP (H(2)BPP = 2,6-(HOC(6)H(2)-2,4-(t)Bu(2))(2)NC(5)H(3)) and the bis(phenolate)amine ligand H(2)BPA (H(2)BPA = N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-4,5-dimethylbenzyl)propylamine) have been synthesized and characterized. The ability of the complexes to mediate the oxidative C-C bond cleavage of pinacol was tested. Reaction of the complex (BPP)V(V)(O)(O(i)Pr) (4) with pinacol afforded the monomeric vanadium(IV) product (BPP)V(IV)(O)(HO(i)Pr) (6) and acetone. Vanadium(IV) complex 6 was oxidized rapidly by air at room temperature in the presence of NEt(3), yielding the vanadium(V) cis-dioxo complex [(BPP)V(V)(O)(2)]HNEt(3). Complex (BPA)V(V)(O)(O(i)Pr) (5) reacted with pinacol at room temperature, to afford acetone and the vanadium(IV) dimer [(BPA)V(IV)(O)(HO(i)Pr)](2). Complexes 4 and 5 were evaluated as catalysts for the aerobic oxidation of 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol and arylglycerol β-aryl ether lignin model compounds. Although both 4 and 5 catalyzed the aerobic oxidation of 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol, complex 4 was found to be a more active and robust catalyst for oxidation of the lignin model compounds. The catalytic activities and selectivities of the bis(phenolate) complexes are compared to previously reported catalysts.     

Organic-inorganic hybrid materials: hydrothermal syntheses and structural characterization of bimetallic organophosphonate oxides of the type Mo/Cu/O/RPO(3)(2-)/organoimine

The hydrothermal reactions of a Cu(II) starting material, a molybdate source, 2,2'-bipyridine or terpyridine, and the appropriate alkyldiphosphonate ligand yield two series of bimetallic organophosphonate hybrid materials of the general types [Cu(n)(bpy)(m)Mo(x)O(y)(H(2)O)(p)[O(3)P(CH(2))(n)PO(3)](z)] and [Cu(n)(terpy)(m)Mo(x)O(y)(H(2)O)(p)[O(3)P(CH(2))(n)PO(3)](z)]. The bipyridyl series includes the one-dimensional materials [Cu(bpy)(MoO(2))(H(2)O)(O(3)PCH(2)PO(3))] (1) and [[Cu(bpy)(2)][Cu(bpy)(H(2)O)](Mo(5)O(15))(O(3)PCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH(2)PO(3))].H(2)O (5.H(2)O) and the two-dimensional hybrids [Cu(bpy)(Mo(2)O(5))(H(2)O)(O(3)PCH(2)PO(3))].H(2)O (2.H(2)O), [[Cu(bpy)](2)(Mo(4)O(12))(H(2)O)(2)(O(3)PCH(2)CH(2)PO(3))].2H(2)O (3.2H(2)O), and [Cu(bpy)(Mo(2)O(5))(O(3)PCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)PO(3))](4). The terpyridyl series is represented by the one-dimensional [[Cu(terpy)(H(2)O)](2)(Mo(5)O(15))(O(3)PCH(2)CH(2)PO(3))].3H(2)O (7.3H(2)O) and the two-dimensional composite materials [Cu(terpy)(Mo(2)O(5))(O(3)PCH(2)PO(3))] (6) and [[Cu(terpy)](2)(Mo(5)O(15))(O(3)PCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)PO(3))] (8). The structures exhibit a variety of molybdate building blocks including isolated [MoO(6)] octahedra in 1, binuclear subunits in 2, 4, and 6, tetranuclear embedded clusters in 3, and the prototypical [Mo(5)O(15)(O(3)PR)(2)](4-) cluster type in 5, 7, and 8. These latter materials exemplify the building block approach to the preparation of extended structures.     

Phase relationships in the BaO-Ga2O3-Ta2O5 system and the structure of Ba6Ga21TaO40

Phase relationships in the BaO-Ga(2)O(3)-Ta(2)O(5) ternary system at 1200 °C were determined. The A(6)B(10)O(30) tetragonal tungsten bronze (TTB) related solution in the BaO-Ta(2)O(5) subsystem dissolved up to ~11 mol % Ga(2)O(3), forming a ternary trapezoid-shaped TTB-related solid solution region defined by the BaTa(2)O(6), Ba(1.1)Ta(5)O(13.6), Ba(1.58)Ga(0.92)Ta(4.08)O(13.16), and Ba(6)GaTa(9)O(30) compositions in the BaO-Ga(2)O(3)-Ta(2)O(5) system. Two ternary phases Ba(6)Ga(21)TaO(40) and eight-layer twinned hexagonal perovskite solid solution Ba(8)Ga(4-x)Ta(4+0.6x)O(24) were confirmed in the BaO-Ga(2)O(3)-Ta(2)O(5) system. Ba(6)Ga(21)TaO(40) crystallized in a monoclinic cell of a = 15.9130(2) ?, b = 11.7309(1) ?, c = 5.13593(6) ?, β = 107.7893(9)°, and Z = 1 in space group C2/m. The structure of Ba(6)Ga(21)TaO(40) was solved by the charge flipping method, and it represents a three-dimensional (3D) mixed GaO(4) tetrahedral and GaO(6)/TaO(6) octahedral framework, forming mixed 1D 5/6-fold tunnels that accommodate the Ba cations along the c axis. The electrical property of Ba(6)Ga(21)TaO(40) was characterized by using ac impedance spectroscopy.     

N,N'-ethylenebis(pyridoxylideneiminato) and N,N'-ethylenebis(pyridoxylaminato): synthesis, characterization, potentiometric, spectroscopic, and DFT studies of their vanadium(IV) and vanadium(V) complexes

The Schiff base N,N'-ethylenebis(pyridoxylideneiminato) (H(2)pyr(2)en, 1) was synthesized by reaction of pyridoxal with ethylenediamine; reduction of H(2)pyr(2)en with NaBH(4) yielded the reduced Schiff base N,N'-ethylenebis(pyridoxylaminato) (H(2)Rpyr(2)en, 2); their crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction. The totally protonated forms of 1 and 2 correspond to H(6)L(4+), and all protonation constants were determined by pH-potentiometric and (1)H NMR titrations. Several vanadium(IV) and vanadium(V) complexes of these and other related ligands were prepared and characterized in solution and in the solid state. The X-ray crystal structure of [V(V)O(2)(HRpyr(2)en)] shows the metal in a distorted octahedral geometry, with the ligand coordinated through the N-amine and O-phenolato moieties, with one of the pyridine-N atoms protonated. Crystals of [(V(V)O(2))(2)(pyren)(2)].2 H(2)O were obtained from solutions containing H(2)pyr(2)en and oxovanadium(IV), where Hpyren is the "half" Schiff base of pyridoxal and ethylenediamine. The complexation of V(IV)O(2+) and V(V)O(2) (+) with H(2)pyr(2)en, H(2)Rpyr(2)en and pyridoxamine in aqueous solution were studied by pH-potentiometry, UV/Vis absorption spectrophotometry, as well as by EPR spectroscopy for the V(IV)O systems and (1)H and (51)V NMR spectroscopy for the V(V)O(2) systems. Very significant differences in the metal-binding abilities of the ligands were found. Both 1 and 2 act as tetradentate ligands. H(2)Rpyr(2)en is stable to hydrolysis and several isomers form in solution, namely cis-trans type complexes with V(IV)O, and alpha-cis- and beta-cis-type complexes with V(V)O(2). The pyridinium-N atoms of the pyridoxal rings do not take part in the coordination but are involved in acid-base reactions that affect the number, type, and relative amount of the isomers of the V(IV)O-H(2)Rpyr(2)en and V(V)O(2)-H(2)Rpyr(2)en complexes present in solution. DFT calculations were carried out and support the formation and identification of the isomers detected by EPR or NMR spectroscopy, and the strong equatorial and axial binding of the O-phenolato in V(IV)O and V(V)O(2) complexes. Moreover, the DFT calculations done for the [V(IV)O(H(2)Rpyr(2)en)] system indicate that for almost all complexes the presence of a sixth equatorial or axial H(2)O ligand leads to much more stable compounds.     

Dititanium complexes of preorganized binucleating bis(amidinates)

Four different dianionic bis(amidinate) ligands ((iPr)L(DBF)(2)(-), (tBu,Et)L(DBF)(2)(-), (iPr)L(Xan)(2)(-), (tBu,Et)L(Xan)(2)(-)) featuring rigid dibenzofuran (DBF) and 9,9-dimethylxanthene (Xan) backbones have been used to prepare several new dititanium complexes. Reaction of the free-base bis(amidines) (LH(2)) with 2 equiv of Ti(NMe(2))(4) forms the hexaamido derivatives (iPr)L(DBF)Ti(2)(NMe(2))(6) (1), (tBu,Et)L(DBF)Ti(2)(NMe(2))(6) (2), (iPr)L(Xan)Ti(2)(NMe(2))(6) (3), and (tBu,Et)L(Xan)Ti(2)(NMe(2))(6) (4) in good yields. Compound 4, which features an unsymmetrically substituted bis(amidinate) ligand, was isolated as an 8:1 mixture of rotational diastereomers with C(2) and C(s)() symmetry, respectively. The two diastereomers interconvert upon heating, and at equilibrium the C(2) isomer is preferred thermodynamically by 0.2 kcal/mol. Compound 3 reacts with excess Me(3)SiCl in toluene to form the mixed amido-chloride derivative (iPr)L(Xan)Ti(2)(NMe(2))(2)Cl(4) (5) in low-moderate yield. Alternatively, 5 is also prepared by reaction of (iPr)L(Xan)H(2) with 2 equiv of Ti(NMe(2))(2)Cl(2) in good yield. Compound 3 reacts with CO(2) to form the red carbamate derivative (iPr)L(Xan)Ti(2)(NMe(2))(4)(O(2)CNMe(2))(2) (6) in moderate yield. Infrared data for 6 indicates bidentate coordination of the carbamate ligands. Metathesis reaction of (iPr)L(Xan)Li(2) with 2 equiv of CpTiCl(3) affords (iPr)L(Xan)Ti(2)Cp(2)Cl(4) (7) in moderate yield. Reduction of 7 with 1% Na amalgam in toluene solution affords the paramagnetic dititanium(III) complex (iPr)L(Xan)Ti(2)Cp(2)Cl(2) (8) in good yield. Structural studies reveal that 8 features two bridging chloride ligands. Reaction of the free-base bis(amidines) with 2 equiv of CpTiMe(3) forms the red sigma-alkyl derivatives (iPr)L(DBF)Ti(2)Cp(2)Me(4) (9), (tBu,Et)L(DBF)Ti(2)Cp(2)Me(4) (10), and (iPr)L(Xan)Ti(2)Cp(2)Me(4) (11) in good yields. Structural data are presented for compounds 4, 5, 8, and 9.     

Synthesis and characterization of iron silicon boron (Fe5Si2B) and iron boride (Fe3B) nanowires

Single-crystal iron silicon boron (Fe(5)Si(2)B) and iron boride (Fe(3)B) nanowires were synthesized by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method on either silicon dioxide (SiO(2)) on silicon (Si) or Si substrates without introducing any catalysts. FeI(2) and BI(3) were used as precursors. The typical size of the nanowires is about 5-50 nm in width and 1-20 mum in length. Different kinds of Fe-Si-B and Fe-B structures were synthesized by adjusting the ratio of FeI(2) vapor to BI(3) vapor. Single-crystal Fe(5)Si(2)B nanowires formed when the FeI(2) sublimator temperature was kept in the range of 540-570 degrees C. If the FeI(2) sublimator temperature was adjusted in the range of 430-470 degrees C, single-crystal Fe(3)B nanowires were produced. Fe(3)B nanowires grow from polycrystalline Fe(5)SiB(2) particles, while Fe(5)Si(2)B nanowires grow out of the Fe(5)Si(2)B layers, which are attached to triangle shaped FeSi particles. Both the ratio of FeI(2) vapor to BI(3) vapor and the formation of the particles (Fe(5)SiB(2) particles for the growth of Fe(3)B nanowires, FeSi particles for the growth of Fe(5)Si(2)B nanowires) are critical for the growth of Fe(3)B and Fe(5)Si(2)B nanowires. The correct FeI(2) vapor to BI(3) vapor ratio assures the desired phase form, while the particles provide preferential sites for adsorption and nucleation of Fe(3)B or Fe(5)Si(2)B molecules. Fe(3)B or Fe(5)Si(2)B nanowires grow due to the preferred growth direction of <110>.     

Synthetic models of the reduced active site of superoxide reductase

We report the synthesis, structural and spectroscopic characterization, and magnetic and electrochemical studies of a series of iron(II) complexes of the pyridyl-appended diazacyclooctane ligand L(8)py(2), including several that model the square-pyramidal [Fe(II)(N(his))(4)(S(cys))] structure of the reduced active site of the non-heme iron enzyme superoxide reductase. Combination of L(8)py(2) with FeCl(2) provides [L(8)py(2)FeCl(2)] (1), which contains a trigonal-prismatic hexacoordinate iron(II) center, whereas a parallel reaction using [Fe(H(2)O)(6)](BF(4))(2) provides [L(8)py(2)Fe(FBF(3))]BF(4) (2), a novel BF(4)(-)-ligated square-pyramidal iron(II) complex. Substitution of the BF(4)(-) ligand in 2 with formate or acetate ions affords distorted pentacoordinate [L(8)py(2)Fe(O(2)CH)]BF(4) (3) and [L(8)py(2)Fe(O(2)CCH(3))]BF(4) (4), respectively. Models of the superoxide reductase active site are prepared upon reaction of 2 with sodium salts of aromatic and aliphatic thiolates. These model complexes include [L(8)py(2)Fe(SC(6)H(4)-p-CH(3))]BF(4) (5), [L(8)py(2)Fe(SC(6)H(4)-m-CH(3))]BF(4) (6), and [L(8)py(2)Fe(SC(6)H(11))]BF(4) (7). X-ray crystallographic studies confirm that the iron(II)-thiolate complexes model the square-pyramidal geometry and N(4)S donor set of the reduced active site of superoxide reductase. The iron(II)-thiolate complexes are high spin (S = 2), and their solutions are yellow in color because of multiple charge-transfer transitions that occur between 300 and 425 nm. The ambient temperature cyclic voltammograms of the iron(II)-thiolate complexes contain irreversible oxidation waves with anodic peak potentials that correlate with the relative electron donating abilities of the thiolate ligands. This electrochemical irreversibility is attributed to the bimolecular generation of disulfides from the electrochemically generated iron(III)-thiolate species.