Photolytic generation of benzhydryl cations and radicals from quaternary phosphonium salts: how highly reactive carbocations survive their first nanoseconds

UV irradiation (266 or 280 nm) of benzhydryl triarylphosphonium salts Ar(2)CH-PAr(3)(+)X(-) yields benzhydryl cations Ar(2)CH(+) and/or benzhydryl radicals Ar(2)CH(?). The efficiency and mechanism of the photo-cleavage were studied by nanosecond laser flash photolysis and by ultrafast spectroscopy with a state-of-the-art femtosecond transient spectrometer. The influences of the photo-electrofuge (Ar(2)CH(+)), the photo-nucleofuge (PPh(3) or P(p-Cl-C(6)H(4))(3)), the counterion (X(-) = BF(4)(-), SbF(6)(-), Cl(-), or Br(-)), and the solvent (CH(2)Cl(2) or CH(3)CN) were investigated. Photogeneration of carbocations from Ar(2)CH-PAr(3)(+)BF(4)(-) or -SbF(6)(-) is considerably more efficient than from typical neutral precursors (e.g., benzhydryl chlorides or bromides). The photochemistry of phosphonium salts is controlled by the degree of ion pairing, which depends on the solvent and the concentration of the phosphonium salts. High yields of carbocations are obtained by photolyses of phosphonium salts with complex counterions (X(-) = BF(4)(-) or SbF(6)(-)), while photolyses of phosphonium halides Ar(2)CH-PPh(3)(+)X(-) (X(-) = Cl(-) or Br(-)) in CH(2)Cl(2) yield benzhydryl radicals Ar(2)CH(?) due to photo-electron transfer in the excited phosphonium halide ion pair. At low concentrations in CH(3)CN, the precursor salts are mostly unpaired, and the photo-cleavage mechanism is independent of the nature of the counter-anions. Dichloromethane is better suited for generating the more reactive benzhydryl cations than the more polar and more nucleophilic solvents CH(3)CN or CF(3)CH(2)OH. Efficient photo-generation of the most reactive benzhydryl cations (3,5-F(2)-C(6)H(3))(2)CH(+) and (4-(CF(3))-C(6)H(4))(2)CH(+) was only achieved using the photo-leaving group P(p-Cl-C(6)H(4))(3) and the counter-anion SbF(6)(-) in CH(2)Cl(2). The lifetimes of the photogenerated benzhydryl cations depend greatly on the decay mechanisms, which can be reactions with the solvent, with the photo-leaving group PAr(3), or with the counter-anion X(-) of the precursor salt. However, the nature of the photo-leaving group and the counterion of the precursor phosphonium salt do not affect the rates of the reactions of the obtained benzhydryl cations toward added nucleophiles. The method presented in this work allows us to generate a wide range of donor- and acceptor-substituted benzhydryl cations Ar(2)CH(+) for the purpose of studying their electrophilic reactivities.     

Mixed valence compounds as probes to determine the polarity of 1-butyl-3-methylimadazolium ionic liquids

Radical cations and dications of three bishydrazines belonging to the Class II mixed valence compounds have been generated, either spontaneously or by oxidation with AgSbF6, in two 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium (4+) ionic liquids having BF4(-) and PF6(-) as counterions. The optical spectra of these intermediates have allowed evaluation of Marcus' reorganization energy lambda(s), a parameter that is directly proportional to the solvent polarity. Remarkable differences in lambda(s), as large as 600 cm(-1), have been observed as a function of the counterion, with these data providing support for the observed differences between both ionic liquids (4(+)BF4(-) and 4(+)PF6(-)) in catalysis. However, in terms of polarity, the lambda(s) values rank the hydrophilic 4(+)BF4(-) as being similar to dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethylformamide, while the polarity of hydrophobic 4(+)PF6(-) is analogous to acetonitrile. Overall, our results indicate that ionic liquids are not exceptional liquids in terms of polarity.     

Unexpectedly efficient activation of push-pull nitriles by a Pt(II) center toward dipolar cycloaddition of Z-nitrones

Pt(II)-coordinated NCNR'(2) species are so highly activated towards 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (DCA) that they react smoothly with the acyclic nitrones ArCH=N(+)(O(-))R' (Ar/R' = C(6)H(4)Me-p/Me; C(6)H(4)OMe-p/CH(2)Ph) in the Z-form. Competitive reactivity study of DCA between trans-[PtCl(2)(NCR)(2)] (R = Ph and NR'(2)) species and the acyclic nitrone 4-MeC(6)H(4)CH=N(+)(O(-))Me demonstrates comparable reactivity of the coordinated NCPh and NCNR'(2), while alkylnitrile ligands do not react with the dipole. The reaction between trans-[PtCl(2)(NCNR'(2))(2)] (R'(2) = Me(2), Et(2), C(5)H(10)) and the nitrones proceed as consecutive two-step intermolecular cycloaddition to give mono-(1a-d) and bis-2,3-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazole (2a-d) complexes (Ar/R' = p-tol/Me: R'(2) = Me(2)a, R'(2) = Et(2)b, R'(2) = C(5)H(10)c; Ar/R' = p-MeOC(6)H(4)/CH(2)Ph: R'(2) = Me(2)d). All complexes were characterized by elemental analyses (C, H, N), high resolution ESI-MS, IR, (1)H and (13)C{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy. The structures of trans-1b, trans-2a, trans-2c, and trans-2d were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Metal-free 5-NR'(2)-2,3-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazoles 3a-3d were liberated from the corresponding (dihydrooxadiazole)(2)Pt(II) complexes by treatment with excess NaCN and the heterocycles were characterized by high resolution ESI(+)-MS, (1)H and (13)C{(1)H} spectroscopy.     

Interplay between solvent and counteranion stabilization of highly unsaturated rhodium(III) complexes: facile unsaturation-induced dearomatization

Abstraction of the chloride ligand from the PCN-based chloromethylrhodium complex 2 by AgX (X=BF(4)(-), CF(3)SO(3)(-)) or a direct C-C cleavage reaction of the PCN ligand 1 with [(coe)(2)Rh(solv)(n)](+)X(-) (coe=cyclooctene) lead to the formation of the coordinatively unsaturated rhodium(III) complexes 3. Compound 3 a (X=BF(4)(-)) exhibits a unique medium effect; the metal center is stabilized by reversible coordination of the bulky counteranion or solvent as a function of temperature. Reaction of [(PCN)Rh(CH(3))(Cl)] with AgBAr(f) in diethyl ether leads to an apparent rhodium(III) 14-electron complex 4, which is stabilized by reversible, weak coordination of a solvent molecule. This complex coordinates donors as weak as diethyl ether and dichloromethane. Upon substitution of the BF(4)(-) ion in [(PCN)Rh(CH(3))]BF(4) by the noncoordinating BAr(f)(-) ion in a noncoordinating medium, the resulting highly unsaturated intermediate undergoes a 1,2-metal-to-carbon methyl shift, followed by beta-hydrogen elimination, leading to the Rh-stabilized methylene arenium complex 5. This process represents a unique mild, dearomatization of the aromatic system induced by unsaturation.     

Systematic preparation of Mo 2 4+ building blocks for supramolecular assemblies

The preparation of additional and useful building blocks for the construction of supramolecular entities with quadruply bonded Mo(2)(4+) units has been explored, and five new mixed-ligand complexes with three types of ligands and various basicities are reported. The ligands used were the DAniF (N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) anion, the acetate anion, and neutral acetonitrile molecules. The formamidinate ligands are the least labile, and the acetonitrile molecules are the most labile. This difference as well as a relatively strong trans directing influence by the formamidinate anions in ligand substitution reactions allows designed synthesis of various mixed-ligand building blocks, including rare pairs of cis and trans isomers. The new compounds are cis-Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2) (1), trans-Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2) (2), trans-[Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(CH(3)CN(eq)())(2)]BF(4) (3), trans-[Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(CH(3)CN(eq)())(4)](BF(4))(2) (4), and [Mo(2)(O(2)CH(3))(CH(3)CN(eq)())(6)(CH(3)CN(ax)())](BF(4))(3) (5), where eq and ax designate equatorial and axial ligands, respectively. A comparison with some previously synthesized complexes is given along with a discussion of the overall reactivity of all compounds.     

Use of ionic liquids (ILs) for the IL-anion size-dependent formation of Cr, Mo and W nanoparticles from metal carbonyl M(CO)6 precursors

Stable chromium, molybdenum and tungsten nanoparticles are obtained reproducibly by thermal or photolytic decomposition under argon from mononuclear metal carbonyl precursors M(CO)(6) (M=Cr, Mo, W) suspended in the ionic liquids BMim(+)BF(4)(-), BMim(+)OTf(-) and BtMA(+)Tf(2)N(-) (BMim(+)=n-butyl-methyl-imidazolium, BtMA(+)=n-butyl-trimethyl-ammonium, Tf(2)N=N(O(2)SCF(3))(2), OTf=O(3)SCF(3)) with a very small and uniform size of 1 to 1.5 nm in BMim(+)BF(4)(-) which increases with the molecular volume of the ionic liquid anion to approximately 100 nm in BtMA(+)Tf(2)N(-) [characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering and transmission electron diffraction (TED) analysis].     

Polyfluorinated quaternary ammonium salts of polyoxometalate anions: fluorous biphasic oxidation catalysis with and without fluorous solvents

[reaction: see text] Polyfluorinated quaternary ammonium cations, [CF(3)(CF(2))(7)(CH(2))(3)](3)CH(3)N(+) (R(F)N(+)), were synthesized and used as countercations for the [WZnM(2)(H(2)O)(2)(ZnW(9)O(34))(2)](12)(-) (M = Mn(II), Zn(II)) polyoxometalate. The (R(F)N(+))(12)[WZnM(2)(H(2)O)(2)(ZnW(9)O(34))(2)] compounds were fluorous biphasic catalysts for alcohol and alkenol oxidation, and alkene epoxidation with aqueous hydrogen peroxide. Reaction protocols with or without a fluorous solvent were tested. The catalytic activity and selectivity was affected by both the hydrophobicity of the solvent and the substrate.     

Reactivity and stability of platinum(II) formyl complexes based on PCP-type ligands. The significance of sterics

The synthesis and characterization of several Pt(ii) complexes, including formyl complexes, based on the PCP-type pincer ligands C(6)H(4)[CH(2)P(iPr)(2)](2) ((iPr)PCP) and C(6)H(4)[CH(2)P(tBu)(2)](2) ((tBu)PCP) are described. The chloride complex ((iPr)PCP)PtCl (6) and the unsaturated cationic complexes [(PCP)Pt](+)X(-) (X = OTf(-), BF(4)(-)) (1, 7), based on both PCP ligands, were prepared and the latter reacted with carbon monoxide to give the corresponding cationic carbonyl complexes [(PCP)Pt(CO)](+)X(-) (X = OTf(-), BF(4)(-)) (2, 8a). Hydride nucleophilic attack on both carbonyl complexes resulted in rare neutral platinum formyl complexes ((iPr)PCP)Pt(CHO) (3) and ((tBu)PCP)Pt(CHO) (9). Complex 3 undergoes decarbonylation to the corresponding hydride complex within hours at room temperature, while the bulkier complex 9 is more stable and undergoes complete decarbonylation only after 3-4 d. This observation demonstrates the very significant steric effect of the ligand on stabilization of the corresponding formyl complexes. Reaction of complex 9 with triflic acid resulted in the carbonyl complex [((tBu)PCP)Pt(CO)](+) OTf(-) (8b) with liberation of H(2), an unusual transformation for a metal formyl. Reaction with methyl triflate resulted in the Fischer carbene-type complex, the methoxy-methylidene [((tBu)PCP)Pt(CHOCH(3))](+)OTf(-) (11). The X-ray structures of complexes 2, 6, 8a and 11 were determined.     

CuI complexes with N,N',S,S' scorpionate ligands: evidence for dimer-monomer equilibria

The heteroscorpionate N, N', S, S' donor ligands 4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-(3-(methylthio)-1-(3-(2-(methylthio)phenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)propyl)pyridine (L(a)) and 4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-(2-(methylthio)-1-(3-(2-(methylthio)phenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl)pyridine (L(b)) were prepared. The Cu(I) complexes [Cu(L(a))]2(BF4)2 (a2(BF4)2) and [Cu(L(b))]2(BF4)2 (b2(BF4)2) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Both compounds exhibit a dinuclear structure, presenting each Cu(I) center in a distorted N, N', S, S' tetrahedral environment. On the basis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ESI-mass data, the presence of a mononuclear complex in equilibrium with the dimer was hypothesized for both complexes. The dimerization constants of the processes, 2a(+) = a2(2+) and 2b(+) = b2(2+) , were obtained by (1)H NMR dilution experiments (fast-exchange regime) in CD 3CN: log K(a2(2+)) = 3.55(6) and log K(b2(2+)) = 3.23(5) at 300 K. Thermodynamic parameters were determined by a van't Hoff analysis (280-310 K temperature range): DeltaH(0)(a2(2+)) = -12(1) kJ mol (-1), DeltaH(0)(b2(2+)) = -10(1) kJ mol(-1), DeltaS(0)(a2(2+)) = +27(4) kJ mol (-1), and DeltaS(0)(b2(2+)) = +28(4) kJ mol (-1). Pulsed gradient spin-echo (PGSE) NMR experiments provided the weighted-average hydrodynamic volume (VH) of the species present in CD 3CN solution at different copper concentrations (CCu). Nonlinear interpolation of VH as a function of C Cu for a dimer-monomer equilibrium led to the hydrodynamic volumes of both monomers (VH(0)(M)) and dimers (VH(0)(D)): VH(0)(a(+)) = 620(40) A(3), VH(0)(b(+)) = 550(10) A(3), VH(0)(a2(2+)) = 950(20) A(3), and VH(0)(b2(2+)) = 900(10) A(3). Cyclic voltammetry experiments performed in CH3CN and CH2Cl2 showed a quasi-reversible to irreversible behavior of the Cu(I)/Cu(II) redox couple for both complexes.     

Cationic assembly of metal complex aggregates: structural diversity,solution stability,and magnetic properties

The tetradentate imino-carboxylate ligand [L](2)(-) chelates the equatorial sites of Ni(II) to give the complex [Ni(L)(MeOH)(2)] in which a Ni(II) center is bound in an octahedral coordination environment with MeOH ligands occupying the axial sites. Lanthanide (Ln) and Group II metal ions (M) template the aggregation of six [Ni(L)] fragments into the octahedral cage aggregates (M[Ni(L)](6))(x)(+) (1: M = Sr(II); x = 2,2: M = Ba(II); x = 2, 3: M = La(III); x = 3, 4: M = Ce(III); x = 3, 5: M = Pr(III); x = 3, and 6: M = Nd(III); x = 3). In the presence of Group I cations, however, aggregates composed of the alkali metal-oxide cations template various cage compounds. Thus, Na(+) forms the trigonal bipyramidal [Na(5)O](3+) core within a tricapped trigonal prismatic [Ni(L)](9) aggregate to give ((Na(5)O) subset [Ni(L)](9)(MeOH)(3))(BF(4))(2).OH.CH(3)OH, 7. Li(+) and Na(+) together form a mixed Li(+)/Na(+) core comprising distorted trigonal bipyramidal [Na(3)Li(2)O](3+) within an approximately anti-square prismatic [Ni(L)](8) cage in ((Na(3)Li(2)O) subset [Ni(L)](8)(CH(3)OH)(1.3)(BF(4))(0.7))(BF(4))(2.3).(CH(3)OH)(2.75).(C(4)H(10)O)(0.5), 8, while in the presence of Li(+), a tetrahedral [Li(4)O](2+) core within a hexanuclear open cage [Ni(L)](6) in ((Li(4)O) subset [Ni(L)](6)(CH(3)OH)(3))2ClO(4).1.85CH(3)OH, 9, is produced. In the presence of H(2)O, the Cs(+) cation induces the aggregation of the [Ni(L)(H(2)O)(2)] monomer to give the cluster Cs(2)[Ni(L)(H(2)O)(2)](6).2I.4CH(3)OH.5.25H(2)O, 10. Analysis by electronic spectroscopy and mass spectrometry indicates that in solution the trend in stability follows the order 1-6 > 7 > 8 approximately 9. Magnetic susceptibility data indicate that there is net antiferromagnetic exchange between magnetic centers within the cages.     

Self-assembled ionophores from isoguanosine: diffusion NMR spectroscopy clarifies cation's and anion's influence on supramolecular structure

Cation-templated self-assembly of the lipophilic isoguanosine (isoG 1) with different monovalent cations (M(+)=Li(+), Na(+), K(+), NH(4) (+), and Cs(+)) was studied in solvents of different polarity by using diffusion NMR spectroscopy. Previous studies that did not use diffusion NMR techniques concluded that isoG 1 forms both pentamers (isoG 1)(5)M(+) and decamers (isoG 1)(10)M(+) in the presence of alkali-metal cations. The present diffusion NMR studies demonstrate, however, that isoG 1 does not form (isoG 1)(5)M(+) pentamers. In fact, the diffusion NMR data indicates that both doubly charged decamers of formula (isoG 1)(10)2 M(+) and singly charged decamers, (isoG 1)(10)M(+), are formed with lithium, sodium, potassium, and ammonium tetraphenylborate salts (LiB(Ph)(4), KB(Ph)(4), NaB(Ph)(4) and NH(4)B(Ph)(4)), depending on the isoG 1:salt stoichiometry of the solution. In the presence of CsB(Ph)(4), isoG 1 affords only the singly charged decamers (isoG 1)(10)Cs(+). By monitoring the diffusion coefficient of the B(Ph)(4) (-) ion in the different mixtures of solvents, we also concluded that the anion is more strongly associated to the doubly charged decamers (isoG 1)(10)2 M(+) than to the singly charged decamers (isoG 1)(10)M(+). The (isoG 1)(10)2 M(+) species can, however, exist in solution without the mediation of the anion. This last conclusion was supported by the finding that the doubly charged decamers (isoG 1)(10)2 M(+) also prevail in 1:1 CD(3)CN:CDCl(3), a solvent mixture in which the B(Ph)(4) (-) ion does not interact significantly with the self-assembled complex. These diffusion measurements, which have provided new and improved structural information about these decameric isoG 1 assemblies, demonstrate the utility of combining diffusion NMR techniques with conventional NMR methods in seeking to characterize labile, multicomponent, supramolecular systems in solution, especially those with high symmetry.     

Connecting [NiFe]- and [FeFe]-Hydrogenases: Mixed-Valence Nickel-Iron Dithiolates with Rotated Structures

New mixed-valence iron-nickel dithiolates are described that exhibit structures similar to those of mixed-valence diiron dithiolates. The interaction of tricarbonyl salt [(dppe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)(3)]BF(4) ([1]BF(4), where dppe = Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2) and pdt(2-) = -SCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)S-) with P-donor ligands (L) afforded the substituted derivatives [(dppe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)(2)L]BF(4) incorporating L = PHCy(2) ([1a]BF(4)), PPh(NEt(2))(2) ([1b]BF(4)), P(NMe(2))(3) ([1c]BF(4)), P(i-Pr)(3) ([1d]BF(4)), and PCy(3) ([1e]BF(4)). The related precursor [(dcpe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)(3)]BF(4) ([2]BF(4), where dcpe = Cy(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PCy(2)) gave the more electron-rich family of compounds [(dcpe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)(2)L]BF(4) for L = PPh(2)(2-pyridyl) ([2a]BF(4)), PPh(3) ([2b]BF(4)), and PCy(3) ([2c]BF(4)). For bulky and strongly basic monophosphorus ligands, the salts feature distorted coordination geometries at iron: crystallographic analyses of [1e]BF(4) and [2c]BF(4) showed that they adopt "rotated" Fe(I) centers, in which PCy(3) occupies a basal site and one CO ligand partially bridges the Ni and Fe centers. Like the undistorted mixed-valence derivatives, members of the new class of complexes are described as Ni(II)Fe(I) (S = (1)/(2)) systems according to electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, although with attenuated (31)P hyperfine interactions. Density functional theory calculations using the BP86, B3LYP, and PBE0 exchange-correlation functionals agree with the structural and spectroscopic data, suggesting that the spin for [1e](+) is mostly localized in a Fe(I)-centered d(z(2)) orbital, orthogonal to the Fe-P bond. The PCy(3) complexes, rare examples of species featuring "rotated" Fe centers, both structurally and spectroscopically incorporate features from homobimetallic mixed-valence diiron dithiolates. Also, when the NiS(2)Fe core of the [NiFe]-hydrogenase active site is reproduced, the "hybrid models" incorporate key features of the two major classes of hydrogenase. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetry experiments suggest that the highly basic phosphine ligands enable a second oxidation corresponding to the couple [(dxpe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)(2)L](+/2+). The resulting unsaturated 32e(-) dications represent the closest approach to modeling the highly electrophilic Ni-SI(a) state. In the case of L = PPh(2) (2-pyridyl), chelation of this ligand accompanies the second oxidation.     

The role of the second coordination sphere of [Ni(PCy2NBz2)2](BF4)2 in reversible carbon monoxide binding

The complex [Ni(PCy2NBz2)2](BF4)2, 1, reacts rapidly and reversibly with carbon monoxide (1 atm) at 25 degrees C to form [Ni(CO)(PCy2NBz2)2](BF4)2, 2, which has been characterized by spectroscopic data and by an X-ray diffraction study. In contrast, analogous Ni(II) carbonyl adducts were not observed in studies of several other related nickel(II) diphosphine complexes. The unusual reactivity of 1 is attributed to a complex interplay of electronic and structural factors, with an important contribution being the ability of two positioned amines in the second coordination sphere to act in concert to stabilize the CO adduct. The proposed interaction is supported by X-ray diffraction data for 2 which shows that all of the chelate rings of the cyclic ligands are in boat conformations, placing two pendant amines close (3.30 and 3.38 A) to the carbonyl carbon. Similar close C-N interactions are observed in the crystal structure of the more sterically demanding isocyanide adduct, [Ni(CNCy)(PCy2NBz2)2]2(BF4)2, 4. The data suggest a weak electrostatic interaction between the lone pairs of the nitrogen atoms and the positively charged carbon atom of the carbonyl or isocyanide ligand, and illustrate a novel (non-hydrogen bonding) second coordination sphere effect in controlling reactivity.     

Modulation of metal-metal separations in a series of Ag(I) and intensely blue photoluminescent Cu(I) NHC-bridged triangular clusters

A series of picolyl-substituted NHC-bridged triangular complexes of Ag(I) and Cu(I) were synthesized upon reaction of the corresponding ligand precursors, [Him(CH(2)py)(2)]BF(4) (1a), [Him(CH(2)py-3,4-(OMe)(2))(2)]BF(4) (1b), [Him(CH(2)py-3,5-Me(2)-4-OMe)(2)]BF(4) (1c), [Him(CH(2)py-6-COOMe)(2)]BF(4) (1d), and [H(S)im(CH(2)py)(2)]BF(4) (1e), with Ag(2)O and Cu(2)O, respectively. Complexes [Cu(3)(im(CH(2)py)(2))(3)](BF(4))(3) (2a), [Cu(3)(im(CH(2)py-3,4-(OMe)(2))(2))(3)](BF(4))(3) (2b), [Cu(3)(im(CH(2)py-3,5-Me(2)-4-OMe)(2))(3)](BF(4))(3), (2c), [Ag(3)(im(CH(2)py-3,4-(OMe)(2))(2))(3)](BF(4))(3), (3b), [Ag(3)(im(CH(2)py-3,5-Me(2)-4-OMe)(2))(3)](BF(4))(3) (3c), [Ag(3)(im(CH(2)py-6-COOMe)(2))(3)](BF(4))(3) (3d), and [Ag(3)((S)im(CH(2)py)(2))(3)](BF(4))(3) (3e) were easily prepared by this method. Complex 2e, [Cu(3)((S)im(CH(2)py)(2))(3)](BF(4))(3), was synthesized by a carbene-transfer reaction of 3e, [Ag(3)((S)im(CH(2)py)(2))(3)](BF(4))(3), with CuCl in acetonitrile. The ligand precursor 1d did not react with Cu(2)O. All complexes were fully characterized by NMR, UV-vis, and luminescence spectroscopies and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Complexes 2a-2c, 2e, and 3b-3e were additionally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Each metal complex contains a nearly equilateral triangular M(3) core wrapped by three bridging NHC ligands. In 2a-2c and 2e, the Cu-Cu separations are short and range from 2.4907 to 2.5150 ?. In the corresponding Ag(I) system, the metal-metal separations range from 2.7226 to 2.8624 ?. The Cu(I)-containing species are intensely blue photoluminescent at room temperature both in solution and in the solid state. Upon UV excitation in CH(3)CN, complexes 2a-2c and 2e emit at 459, 427, 429, and 441 nm, whereas in the solid state, these bands move to 433, 429, 432, and 440 nm, respectively. As demonstrated by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, complexes 3b-3e are dynamic in solution and undergo a ligand dissociation process. Complexes 3b-3e are weakly photoemissive in the solid state.     

Selective coupling of methylene groups at a Rh/Os core, yielding C2, C3, or C4 fragments: roles of the adjacent metals in carbon-carbon bond formation

The mixed-metal complex, [RhOs(CO)(4)(dppm)(2)][BF(4)] (1; dppm = micro-Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2)) reacts with diazomethane to yield a number of products resulting from methylene incorporation into the bimetallic core. At -80 degrees C the reaction between 1 and CH(2)N(2) yields the methylene-bridged [RhOs(CO)(3)(micro-CH(2))(micro-CO)(dppm)(2)][BF(4)] (2), which reacts further at ambient temperature to give the allyl methyl species, [RhOs(eta(1)-C(3)H(5))(CH(3))(CO)(3)(dppm)(2)][BF(4)] (4). At intermediate temperatures compounds 1 and 2 react with diazomethane to yield the butanediyl complex [RhOs(C(4)H(8))(CO)(3)(dppm)(2)][BF(4)] (3) by the incorporation and coupling of four methylene units. Compound 2 is proposed to be an intermediate in the formation of 3 and 4 from 1 and on the basis of labeling studies a mechanism has been proposed in which sequential insertions of diazomethane-generated methylene fragments into the Rh-C bond of bridging hydrocarbyl fragments occur. Reaction of the tricarbonyl species, [RhOs(CO)(3)(micro-CH(2))(dppm)(2)][BF(4)] with diazomethane over a range of temperatures generates the ethylene complex [RhOs(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(CO)(3)(dppm)(2)][BF(4)] (7a), but no further incorporation of methylene groups is observed. This observation suggests that carbonyl loss in the formation of the above allyl and butanediyl species only occurs after incorporation of the third methylene fragment. Attempts to generate C(2)-bridged species by the reaction of 1 with ethylene gave no reaction, however, in the presence of trimethylamine oxide the ethylene adducts [RhOs(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(CO)(3)(dppm)(2)][BF(4)] (7b; an isomer of 7a) and [RhOs(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(2)(CO)(2)(dppm)(2)][BF(4)] (8) were obtained. The relationship of the above products to the selective coupling of methylene groups, and the roles of the different metals are discussed.     

Comparison of steric and electronic requirements for C-C and C-H bond activation. Chelating vs nonchelating case

C-H bond activation was observed in a novel PCO ligand 1 (C(6)H(CH(3))(3)(CH(2)OCH(3))(CH(2)P(t-Bu)(2))) at room temperature in THF, acetone, and methanol upon reaction with the cationic rhodium precursor, [Rh(coe)(2)(solv)(n)()]BF(4) (solv = solvent; coe = cyclooctene). The products in acetone (complexes 3a and 3b) and methanol (complexes 4a and 4b) were fully characterized spectroscopically. Two products were formed in each case, namely those containing uncoordinated (3a and 4a) and coordinated (3b and 4b) methoxy arms, respectively. Upon heating of the C-H activation products in methanol at 70 degrees C, C-C bond activation takes place. Solvent evaporation under vacuum at room temperature for 3-4 days also results in C-C activation. The C-C activation product, ((CH(3))Rh(C(6)H(CH(3))(2)(CH(2)OCH(3))(CH(2)P(t-Bu)(2))BF(4)), was characterized by X-ray crystallography, which revealed a square pyramidal geometry with the BF(4)(-) anion coordinated to the metal. Comparison to the structurally similar and isoelectronic nonchelating Rh-PC complex system and computational studies provide insight into the reaction mechanism. The reaction mechanism was studied computationally by means of a two-layer ONIOM model, using both the B3LYP and mPW1K exchange-correlation functionals and a variety of basis sets. Polarization functions significantly affect relative energetics, and the mPW1K profile appears to be more reliable than its B3LYP counterpart. The calculations reveal that the electronic requirements for both C-C and C-H activation are essentially the same (14e intermediates are the key ones). On the other hand, the steric requirements differ significantly, and chelation appears to play an important role in C-C bond activation.     

Oxygen-carbon bond dissociation enthalpies of benzyl phenyl ethers and anisoles. An example of temperature dependent substituent effects

For some time it has been assumed that the direction and magnitude of the effects of Y-substituents on the Z-X bond dissociation enthalpies (BDE's) in compounds of the general formula 4-YC(6)H(4)Z-X could be correlated with the polarity of the Z-X bond undergoing homolysis. Recently we have shown by DFT calculations on 4-YC(6)H(4)CH(2)-X (X = H, F, Cl, Br) that the effects of Y on CH(2)-X BDE's are small and roughly equal for each X, despite large changes in C-X bond polarity. We then proposed that when Y have significant effects on Z-X BDE's it is due to their stabilization or destabilization of the radical. This proposal has been examined by studying 4-YC(6)H(4)O-X BDE's for X = H, CH(3), and CH(2)C(6)H(5) both by theory and experiment. The magnitudes of the effects of Y on O-X BDE's were quantified by Hammett type plots of DeltaBDE's vs sigma(+) (Y). Calculations reveal that changes in O-X BDE's induced by changing Y are large and essentially identical (rho(+) = 6.7-6.9 kcal mol(-)(1)) for these three classes of compounds. The calculated rho(+) values are close to those obtained experimentally for X = H at ca. 300 K and for X = CH(2)C(6)H(5) at ca. 550 K. However, early literature reports of the effects of Y on O-X BDE's for X = CH(3) with measurements made at ca. 1000 K gave rho(+) approximately 3 kcal mol(-)(1). We have confirmed some of these earlier, high-temperature O-CH(3) BDE's and propose that at 1000 K, conjugating groups such as -OCH(3) are essentially free rotors, and no longer lie mainly in the plane of the aromatic ring. As a consequence, the 298 K DFT-calculated DeltaBDE for 4-OCH(3)-anisole of -6.1 kcal mol(-)(1) decreases to -3.8 kcal mol(-)(1) for free rotation, in agreement with the ca. 1000 K experimental value. In contrast, high-temperature O-CH(3) DeltaBDE's for three anisoles with strongly hindered substituent rotation are essentially identical to those that would be observed at ambient temperatures. We conclude that substituent effects measured at elevated temperatures may differ substantially from those appropriate for 298 K.     

New monodentate amidine superbasic ligands with a single configuration in fac-[Re(CO)3(5,5'- or 6,6'-Me2bipyridine)(amidine)]BF4 complexes

Treatment of two precursors, fac-[Re(CO)(3)(L)(CH(3)CN)]BF(4) [L = 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (5,5'-Me(2)bipy) (1) and 6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (6,6'-Me(2)bipy) (2)], with five C(2)-symmetrical saturated heterocyclic amines yielded 10 new amidine complexes, fac-[Re(CO)(3)(L)(HNC(CH(3))N(CH(2)CH(2))(2)Y)]BF(4) [Y = CH(2), (CH(2))(2), (CH(2))(3), NH, or O]. All 10 complexes possess the novel feature of having only one isomer (amidine E configuration), as established by crystallographic and (1)H NMR spectroscopic methods. We are confident that NMR signals of the other possible isomer (amidine Z configuration) would have been detected, if it were present. Isomers are readily detected in closely related amidine complexes because the double-bond character of the amidine C-N3 bond (N3 is bound to Re) leads to slow E to Z isomer interchange. The new fac-[Re(CO)(3)(L)(HNC(CH(3))N(CH(2)CH(2))(2)Y)]BF(4) complexes have C-N3 bonds with essentially identical double-bond character. However, the reason that the Z isomer is so unstable as to be undetectable in the new complexes is undoubtedly because of unfavorable clashes between the equatorial ligands and the bulky N(CH(2)CH(2))(2)Y ring moiety of the axial amidine ligand. The amidine formation reactions in acetonitrile (25 °C) proceeded more easily with 2 than with 1, indicating that the distortion in 6,6'-Me(2)bipy resulting from the proximity of the methyl substituents to the inner coordination sphere enhanced the reactivity of the coordinated CH(3)CN. Reaction times for 1 and 2 exhibited a similar dependence on the basicity and ring size of the heterocyclic amine reactants. Moreover, when the product of the reaction of 1 with piperidine, fac-[Re(CO)(3)(5,5'-Me(2)bipy)(HNC(CH(3))N(CH(2)CH(2))(2)CH(2))]BF(4), was challenged in acetonitrile-d(3) or CDCl(3) with a 5-fold excess of the strong 4-dimethylaminopyridine ligand, there was no evidence for replacement of the amidine ligand after two months, thus establishing that the piperidinylamidine ligand is a robust ligand. This chemistry offers promise as a suitable means for preparing isomerically pure conjugated fac-[(99m)Tc(CO)(3)L](n±) imaging agents, including conjugates with known bioactive heterocyclic amines.     

Tuning redox potentials of bis(imino)pyridine cobalt complexes: an experimental and theoretical study involving solvent and ligand effects

The structure and electrochemical properties of a series of bis(imino)pyridine Co(II) complexes (NNN)CoX(2) and [(NNN)(2)Co][PF(6)](2) (NNN = 2,6-bis[1-(4-R-phenylimino)ethyl]pyridine, with R = CN, CF(3), H, CH(3), OCH(3), N(CH(3))(2); NNN = 2,6-bis[1-(2,6-(iPr)(2)-phenylimino)ethyl]pyridine and X = Cl, Br) were studied using a combination of electrochemical and theoretical methods. Cyclic voltammetry measurements and DFT/B3LYP calculations suggest that in solution (NNN)CoCl(2) complexes exist in equilibrium with disproportionation products [(NNN)(2)Co](2+) [CoCl(4)](2-) with the position of the equilibrium heavily influenced by both the solvent polarity and the steric and electronic properties of the bis(imino)pyridine ligands. In strong polar solvents (e.g., CH(3)CN or H(2)O) or with electron donating substituents (R = OCH(3) or N(CH(3))(2)) the equilibrium is shifted and only oxidation of the charged products [(NNN)(2)Co](2+) and [CoCl(4)](2-) is observed. Conversely, in nonpolar organic solvents such as CH(2)Cl(2) or with electron withdrawing substituents (R = CN or CF(3)), disproportionation is suppressed and oxidation of the (NNN)CoCl(2) complexes leads to 18e(-) Co(III) complexes stabilized by coordination of a solvent moiety. In addition, the [(NNN)(2)Co][PF(6)](2) complexes exhibit reversible Co(II/III) oxidation potentials that are strongly dependent on the electron withdrawing/donating nature of the N-aryl substituents, spanning nearly 750 mV in acetonitrile. The resulting insight on the regulation of redox properties of a series of bis(imino)pyridine cobalt(II) complexes should be particularly valuable to tune suitable conditions for reactivity.     

Novel synthesis and oxidizing ability of tropylium ions annulated with two 2,4-dimethylfuro[2,3-d]pyrimidine-1(2H),3(4H)-diones

Convenient preparation of novel tropylium ions annulated with two 2,4-dimethylfuro[2,3-d]pyrimidine-1(2H),3(4H)-diones, 12a(+).BF(4)(-) and 12b(+)().BF(4)(-), consists of a reaction of 2-methoxytropone with dimethylbarbituric acid to give 7,9-dimethyl-3-[1',3'-dimethyl-2'(1'H),4'(3'H),6'(5'H)-trioxopyrimidin-5'-ylidene]cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dione 8 and the following oxidative cyclization by using DDQ or photoirradiation under aerobic conditions. On the basis of the MO calculations, the selectivity of two types of oxidative cyclization reactions of 8 was rationalized. X-ray crystal analyses and MO calculations were carried out to clarify the structural characteristics of 12a(+). BF(4)(-) and 12b(+).BF(4)(-). The stability of cations 12a(+) and 12b(+) is expressed by the pK(R) + values which were determined spectrophotometrically as 8.8 and 8.6. The electrochemical reduction of 12a(+) and 12b(+) exhibited reduction potential at -0.63 and -0.62 (V vs Ag/AgNO(3)), respectively. Reactions of 12a(+)().BF(4)(-) and 12b(+)().BF(4)(-) with some nucleophiles, hydride and diethylamine, were carried out to clarify that the reactivity of 12a(+)().BF(4)(-) and 12b(+).BF(4)(-) was substantially dependent on the annulating position. The oxidizing ability of 12a(+).BF(4)(-) and 12b(+).BF(4)(-) toward alcohols and amines in the autorecycling process was demonstrated as well.