Solvothermal synthesis and crystal structure of Sb(III) and Sb(V) thioantimonates: [Mn(en)3]2Sb2S5 and [Ni(en)3(Hen)]SbS4

Thioantimonate compounds of [Mn(en)₃]₂Sb₂S₅ (1) and [Ni(en)₃(Hen)]SbS₄ (2) (en=ethylenediamine) were prepared by reaction of transition metal chloride with Sb and S₈ powders under solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 consists of discrete [Sb₂S₅]⁴⁻ anion, which is formed by corner-sharing SbS₃ trigonal pyramids. Compound 2 is composed of discrete tetrahedral [SbS₄]³⁻ anion. The compounds 1 and 2 are charge compensated by [M(en)₃]²⁺ cations, whereas in the crystal of 2 there is another counter ion of [Hen]⁺. The results of the synthesis suggest that the temperature, the concentration and the existing states of the starting materials and so on are important for the structure and composition of the final products. In addition, the oxidation-state of antimony might be related to the molar ratio of the reactants. Excess amount of elemental S is beneficial to the higher oxidation-state of thioantimonate (V). Compound 1 decomposes from 150°C to 350°C, while compound 2 decomposes from 200°C to 350°C remaining Sb₂S₃ and NiSbS as residues.     

Nickel(IV) dithiocarbamato complexes of the [Ni(ndtc)3]X type: X-ray structure of [Ni(hmidtc)3][FeCl4]

A series of fourteen octahedral nickel(IV) dithiocarbamato complexes of the general formula [Ni(ndtc)₃]X·yH₂O {ndtc stands for the appropriate dithiocarbamate anion, X stands for ClO₄⁻ (1-8; y = 0) or [FeCl₄]⁻ (9-14; y = 0 for 9-12, 1 for 13 and 0.5 for 14} was prepared by the oxidation of the corresponding nickel(II) complexes, i.e. [Ni(ndtc)₂], with NOClO₄ or FeCl₃. The complexes, involving a high-valent Ni^IVS₆ core, were characterized by elemental analysis (C, H, N, Cl and Ni), UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and magnetochemical and conductivity measurements. The X-ray structure of [Ni(hmidtc)₃][FeCl₄] (9) was determined {it consists of covalently discrete complex [Ni(hmidtc)₃]⁺ cations and [FeCl₄]⁻ anions} and this revealed slightly distorted octahedral and tetrahedral geometries within the complex cations, and anions, respectively. The Ni(IV) atom is six-coordinated by three bidentate S-donor hexamethyleneiminedithiocarbamate anions (hmidtc), with Ni-S bond lengths ranging from 2.2597(5) to 2.2652(5) Å, while the shortest Ni···Cl and Ni···Fe distances equal 4.1043(12), and 6.2862(6) Å, respectively. Moreover, the formal oxidation state of iron in [FeCl₄]⁻ as well as the coordination geometry in its vicinity was also proved by ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy in the case of 9.     

Syntheses and X-ray crystallographic studies of {[Ni(en)2(pot)2]0.5CHCl3} and [Ni(en)2](3-pytol)2

Two novel Ni(II) complexes {[Ni(en)₂(pot)₂]0.5CHCl₃} (3) {pot = 5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thione} (1) and [Ni(en)₂](3-pytol)₂ (4) {3-pytol = 5-(3-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol} (2) have been synthesized using en as coligand. The metal complexes have been characterized by physical and analytical techniques and also by single crystal X-ray studies. The complexes 3 and 4 crystallize in monoclinic system with space group P21/a and P121/c, respectively. The complex 3 has a slightly distorted octahedral geometry with trans (pot)⁻ ligands while 4 has a square planar geometry around the centrosymmetric Ni(II) center with ionically linked trans (3-pytol)⁻ ligands. The π?π (face to face) interaction plays an important role along with hydrogen bondings to form supramolecular architecture in both complexes.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and spectroscopic properties of Ag2Nb[P2S6][S2] and KAg2[PS4]

Ag₂Nb[P₂S₆][S₂] (1) was obtained from the direct solid state reaction of Ag, Nb, P₂S₅ and S at 500 °C. KAg₂[PS₄] (2) was prepared from the reaction of K₂S₃, Ag, Nd, P₂S₅ and extra S powder at 700 °C. Compound 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a=12.2188(11), b=26.3725(16), c=6.7517(4) Å, V=2175.7(3) Å³, Z=8. Compound 2 crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric tetragonal space group with lattice parameters a=6.6471(7), c=8.1693(11) Å, V=360.95(7) Å³, Z=2. The structure of Ag₂Nb[P₂S₆][S₂] (1) consists of [Nb₂S₁₂], [P₂S₆] and new found puckered [Ag₂S₄] chains which are along [001] direction. The Nb atoms are located at the center of distorted bicapped trigonal prisms. Two prisms share square face of two [S₂²⁻] to form one [Nb₂S₁₂] unit, in which Nb-Nb bond is formed. The [Nb₂S₁₂] units share all S²⁻ corners with ethane-like [P₂S₆] units to form 14-membered rings. The novel puckered [Ag₂S₄] chains are composed of distorted [AgS₄] tetrahedra and [AgS₃] triangles that share corners with each other. These chains are connected with [P₂S₆] units and [Nb₂S₁₂] units to form three-dimensional frame work. The structural skeleton of 2 is built up from [AgS₄] and [PS₄] tetrahedra linked by corner-sharing. The three-dimensional anionic framework contains orthogonal, intersecting tunnels directed along [100] and [010]. This compound possesses a compressed chalcopyrite-like structure. The structure is compressed along [001] and results from eight coordination sphere for K⁺. Both compounds are characterized with UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and compound 1 with IR and Raman spectra.     

Solvothermal syntheses, and characterization of [Ln(en)4(SbSe4)] (Ln=Ce, Pr) and [Ln(en)4]SbSe4·0.5en (Ln=Eu, Gd, Er, Tm, Yb): The effect of lanthanide contraction on the crystal structures of lanthanide selenidoantimonates(V)

Two types of lanthanide selenidoantimonates [Ln(en)₄(SbSe₄)] (Ln=Ce(1a), Pr(1b)) and [Ln(en)₄]SbSe₄·0.5en (Ln=Eu(2a), Gd(2b), Er(2c), Tm(2d), Yb(2e); en=ethylenediamine) were solvothermally synthesized by reactions of LnCl₃, Sb and Se with the stoichiometric ratio in en solvent at 140 °C. The four-en coordinated lanthanide complex cation [Ln(en)₄]³⁺ formed in situ balances the charge of SbSe₄³⁻ anion. In compounds 1a and 1b, the SbSe₄³⁻ anion act as a monodentate ligand to coordinate complex [Ln(en)₄]³⁺ and the neutral compound [Ln(en)₄(SbSe₄)] is formed. The Ln³⁺ ion has a nine-coordinated environment involving eight N atoms and one Se atom forming a distorted monocapped square antiprism. In 2a-2e the lanthanide(III) ion exists as isolated complex [Ln(en)₄]³⁺, in which the Ln³⁺ ion is in a bicapped trigonal prism geometry. A systematic investigation of the crystal structures reveals that two types of structural features of these lanthanide selenidoantimonates are related with lanthanides contraction across the lanthanide series. TG curves show that compounds 1a-1b and 2a-2e remove their organic components in one and two steps, respectively.     

Syntheses, crystal structures, and characterization of As(III) and As(V) thioarsenates, [Mn2(phen)(As2S5)]n and [Mn3(phen)3(AsS4)2]n·nH2O

The hydrothermal reactions of As, Mn, S, phen (phen=1,10-phenanthroline), and en (en=ethylenediamine) yield two manganese As(III) and As(V) thioarsenates, [Mn₂(phen)(As^III₂S₅)]_n (1) and [Mn₃(phen)₃(As^VS₄)₂]_n·nH₂O (2), respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that compound 1 is a two-dimensional (2D) layer of (6,3) topology. The 18-membered rings within the 2D porous layers are formed by corner-, edge-, and face-sharing cubane-like [Mn₂As₂S₄] units along the [100] direction. Whereas compound 2 is a one-dimensional (1D) chain structure. They are both characterized by IR, elemental analysis, EDS, and X-ray powder diffraction. The thermogravimetric analysis of 1 and 2 are discussed. Both the compounds are semiconductors with the band gap of E_g (compound 1)=2.01 eV (617 nm) and E_g (compound 2)=1.97 eV (629 nm), respectively. In addition, the variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data suggest weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Mn²⁺ ions in these two compounds.     

The new silver(I)thioantimonate(III) [C4N2H14][Ag3Sb3S7] and a new structural variant of the silver(I)thioantimonate(III) [C2N2H9]2[Ag5Sb3S8] both synthesized under solvothermal conditions

The novel silver(I)thioantimonates(III) [C₄N₂H₁₄][Ag₃Sb₃S₇] (I) (C₄N₂H₁₂=1,4-diaminobutane) and [C₂N₂H₉]₂[Ag₅Sb₃S₈] (II) (C₂N₂H₈=ethylenediamine) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions using AgNO₃, Sb, S and the amines as structure directing molecules. Both compounds crystallize as orange needles with lattice parameters a=6.669(1) Å, b=30.440(3) Å, c=9.154(1) Å for I (space group Pnma), and a=6.2712(4) Å, b=15.901(1) Å, c=23.012(2) Å, β=95.37(1)° for II (space group P2₁/n). In both compounds the primary building units are trigonal SbS₃ pyramids, AgS₃ triangles and AgS₄ tetrahedra. In I the layered [Ag₃Sb₃S₇]²⁻ anion is constructed by two different chains. An [Sb₂S₄] chain running along [100] is formed by vertex sharing of SbS₃ pyramids. The second chain contains a Ag₃SbS₅ group composed of the AgS₄ tetrahedron, two AgS₃ units and one SbS₃ pyramid. The Ag₃SbS₅ units are joined via S atoms to form the second chain which is also directed along [100]. The layered anion is then obtained by condensation of the two individual chains. The organic structure director is sandwiched by the inorganic layers and the shortest inter-layer distance is about 6.4 Å. In II the primary building units are linked into different six-membered rings which form a honeycomb-like layer. Two such layers are connected via Ag-S bonds of the AgS₄ tetrahedra giving the final undulated double layer anion. The structure directing ethylenediamine cations are located in pairs between the layers and a sandwich-like arrangement of alternating anionic layers and organic cations is observed. The inter-layer separation is about 5.4 Å. Both compounds decompose in a more or less complex manner when heated in an argon atmosphere. The optical band gaps of about 1.9 eV for the two compounds proof the semiconducting behavior. For II the conductivity was measured with impedance spectroscopy and amounts to σ_295K=7.6×10⁻⁷ Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹. At 80 °C the conductivity is significantly larger by one order of magnitude.     

Syntheses and structures of [Me2Si{As(PBu)3}2] and [(CyP)3SiMe2] (Cy = cyclohexyl, C6H11)

The reaction of the anion [(^tBuP)₃As]⁻ (1) with Me₂SiCl₂ results in nucleophilic substitution of the Cl⁻ anions, giving the di- and mono-substituted products [Me₂Si{As(P^tBu)₃}₂] (3a) and [Me₂Si(Cl){As(P^tBu)₃}] (3b). Analogous reactions of the pre-isolated [(CyP)₄As]⁻ anion (2) (Cy = cyclohexyl) with Me₂SiCl₂ produced mixtures of products, from which no pure materials could be isolated. However, reaction of 2 [generated in situ from CyPHLi and As(NMe₂)₃] gives the heterocycle [(CyP)₃SiMe₂] (4). The X-ray structures of 3a and 4 are reported.     

Structural characterization of [Fe(NO)(mnt)2] salts

The iron dithiolene compounds [Fe₂(mnt)₄]²⁻ [1]²⁻ and [Fe(NO)(mnt)₂]ⁿ (n = 1−, [2]¹⁻; n = 2−, [2]²⁻) ([mnt]²⁻ = maleonitriledithiolate = [(NC)₂C₂S₂]²⁻) have been characterized structurally by X-ray diffraction as their [Et₄N]⁺ salts at 100 K. Dianion [2]²⁻ is prepared from [2]¹⁻ by reduction with Na[Et₃BH] and is observed to have a bent Fe-NO angle at 149.9(5)° in contrast to the linear configuration of Fe-NO in [2]¹⁻ (180.0°). The change from linear to bent binding mode for NO, an increase of more than 0.1 Å in the Fe-N bond length, and the relative invariance of the Fe-S distances for [2]²⁻ versus [2]¹⁻ indicate that the NO ligand is the site of reduction. The [Et₃NH]⁺ complex of [2]¹⁻ was also identified by crystallography and found to have hydrogen bonding contacts between [Et₃NH]⁺ and the cyano nitrogen atom of an [mnt]²⁻ ligand. Furthermore, relatively close S?S contacts (3.602-3.615 Å) occur between [2]¹⁻ anions, which pack together in an offset, head-to-head fashion. These S?S contacts are absent in the structure of [Et₄N][2]. Infrared spectra show an energy decrease for, and a significant broadening of, the NO bond stretching absorption peak in [2]²⁻, which is consistent with a bent NO ligand sampling a range of conformations both by facile pivoting about the Fe-N axis and by a breathing of the Fe-NO angle.     

A family of three-dimensional porous coordination polymers with general formula (Kat)2[{M(H2O)n}3{Re6Q8(CN)6}2]·xH2O (Q=S, Se; n=1.5, 2)

The X-ray crystal structures of a series of new compounds (H₃O)₂[{Mn(H₂O)_1.5}₃{Re₆Se₈(CN)₆}₂]·19H₂O (1), (Me₄N)₂[{Co(H₂O)_1.5}₃{Re₆S₈(CN)₆}₂]·13H₂O (2), (Me₄N)₂[{Co(H₂O)_1.5}₃{Re₆Se₈(CN)₆}₂]·3H₂O (3), (Et₄N)₂[{Mn(H₂O)₂}₃{Re₆Se₈(CN)₆}₂]·6.5H₂O (4), (Et₄N)₂[{Ni(H₂O)₂}₃{Re₆S₈(CN)₆}₂]·6.5H₂O (5), and (Et₄N)₂[{Co(H₂O)₂}₃{Re₆S₈(CN)₆}₂]·10H₂O (6) are reported. All six compounds are isostructural crystallizing in cubic space group with four formulae per unit cell. For compounds 1, 3-5 the following parameters were found: (1) a=19.857(2) Å, R1=0.0283; (3 at 150 K) a=19.634(1) Å, R1=0.0572; (4) a=20.060(2) Å, R1=0.0288; (5) a=19.697(2) Å, R1=0.0224. The structures consist three-dimensional cyano-bridged framework formed by cyano cluster anions [Re₆Q₈(CN)₆]⁴⁻, Q=S, Se and transition metal cations, M²⁺=Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺. Water molecules and large organic cations Me₄N⁺ and Et₄N⁺ are included in cavities of this framework. Porosity of the framework, its ability to accommodate different cations and water molecules by little changes in the structure, as well as distortion of coordination framework under loss of water of crystallization is discussed.     

New Selenidogermanates with Transition-Metal Complexes as Counterions: Solvothermal Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Properties of [Mn(en)3]2Ge2Se6 and [Fe(dien)2]2Ge2Se6

Summary. New selenidogermanates [Mn(en)₃]₂Ge₂Se₆ (en = ethylenediamine) and [Fe(dien)₂]₂Ge₂Se₆ (dien= diethylenetriamine) were synthesized by the reaction of germanium dioxide, elemental selenium, and transition metal chlorides in respectively en and dien. Both compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with two formula units in the unit cell, and consist of discrete [Ge₂Se₆]⁴⁻ anions with transition metal complex cations as counter ions. The [Ge₂Se₆]⁴⁻ anion is formed by two GeSe₄ tetrahedra sharing a common edge to form a planar Ge₂Se₂ four-membered ring. The [Mn(en)₃]²⁺ and [Ni(dien)₂]²⁺ complex cations are in distorted octahedral geometry. In both selenidogermanates extensive N–H···Se hydrogen bonding contacts lead to 3-dimensional network structures. The band gaps of 2.36 and 2.25 eV were derived from optical absorption spectra. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the first compound decomposes in two steps under the nitrogen stream, while the second exhibits a one-step decomposition process.     

Solvothermal syntheses, crystal structures and properties of five new thioantimonates(III) containing the [Sb4S7] anion

Five new thioantimonates have been synthesized in the presence of organic amines under solvothermal conditions and their structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All of the compounds are layered and contain antimony-sulphide anions of stoichiometry [Sb₄S₇]²⁻, but the structure of the anion formed is dependent on the amine used in synthesis. (H₃N(CH₂)₄NH₃)[Sb₄S₇] (1) contains [Sb₄S₇]²⁻ double chains directed along [010]. Weak interchain Sb-S interactions between neighbouring chains cause the double chains to pack into layers in the ab plane. In the [001] direction, the layers of double chains alternate with doubly protonated diaminobutane molecules to which the chains are hydrogen bonded. Compounds of general formula (TH)₂[Sb₄S₇] (T=CH₃(CH₂)₂NH₂(2), (CH₃)₂CHNH₂(3), CH₃(CH₂)₃NH₂(4) and CH₃(CH₂)₄NH₂(5)) adopt a more complex structure in which [Sb₃S₈]⁷⁻ units are linked by SbS₃³⁻ pyramids to form chains, which in turn are bridged by sulphur atoms to create sheets containing large heterorings. Pairs of such sheets form double layers of four atoms thickness that are stacked along [001]. Protonated amine molecules are located between anionic antimony-sulphide layers to which they are hydrogen bonded. Thermal analysis reveals that the decomposition temperature of materials containing [Sb₄S₇]²⁻ anions is dependent both on the structure of the anion, the lowest decomposition temperature being that of the low-dimensional phase (1) and on the identity of the amine, the decomposition temperature decreasing with an increasing number of carbon atoms and decreasing density.     

Supramolecular structures containing ‘isolated’ pentaborate anions and non-metal cations: Crystal structures of [Me3NCH2CH2OH][B5O6(OH)4] and [4-MepyH, 4-Mepy][B5O6(OH)4]

The solid-state structures of two non-metal pentaborates [Me₃NCH₂CH₂OH][B₅O₆(OH)₄] (1) and [4-MepyH, 4-Mepy][B₅O₆(OH)₄] (2) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Structures 1 and 2 both contain supramolecular pentaborate frameworks held together by extensive H-bond interactions. The framework of 1 exists essentially as planes of pentaborate anions linked via three pairwise ‘planar’ β → α interactions, with a fourth β → β interaction crosslinking the planes. The framework of 2 is very similar except that one of the three pairwise linkages within the plane is replaced by pairwise ‘step-like’ bifurcated H-bonds to both α sites of a neighboring anion. The cations in 1 and the cations and neutral 4-Mepy ligands in 2 are present in the framework cavities and channels, with additional H-bond interactions existing between cations and anions.     

Reactivity of 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine with [Re2(CO)8(CH3CN)2]: Molecular structures of [Re2(CO)8(C14H10N4)] and [Re2(CO)8(C14H10N4)Re2(CO)8]

The reaction of the labile compound [Re₂(CO)₈(CH₃CN)₂] with 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine in dichloromethane solution at reflux temperature afforded the structural dirhenium isomers [Re₂(CO)₈(C₁₄H₁₀N₄)] (1 and 2), and the complex [Re₂(CO)₈(C₁₄H₁₀N₄)Re₂(CO)₈] (3). In 1, the ligand is σ,σ′-N,N′-coordinated to a Re(CO)₃ fragment through pyridine and pyrazine to form a five-membered chelate ring. A seven-membered ring is obtained for isomer 2 by N-coordination of the 2-pyridyl groups while the pyrazine ring remains uncoordinated. For 2, isomers 2a and 2b are found in a dynamic equilibrium ratio [2a]/[2b]  =  7 in solution, detected by ¹H NMR (−50 °C, CD₃COCD₃), coalescence being observed above room temperature. The ligand in 3 behaves as an 8e-donor bridge bonding two Re(CO)₃ fragments through two (σ,σ′-N,N′) interactions. When the reaction was carried out in refluxing tetrahydrofuran, complex [Re₂(CO)₆(C₁₄H₁₀N₄)₂] (4) was obtained in addition to compounds 1-3. The dinuclear rhenium derivative 4 contains two units of the organic ligand σ,σ′-N,N′-coordinated in a chelate form to each rhenium core. The X-ray crystal structures for 1 and 3 are reported.     

Unexpected product formed by the reaction of [2,6-(MeOCH2)2C6H3]Li with SbCl3: Structure of Sb-O intramolecularly coordinated organoantimony cation

Reaction of [2,6-(MeOCH₂)₂C₆H₃]Li (1) with SbCl₃ in 1:1 molar ratio yielded except the intended product [2,6-(MeOCH₂)₂C₆H₃]SbCl₂ (2) unexpected complex 3 consisting of antimony anion [Sb₆Cl₂₂]⁴⁻ compensated by four intramolecularly coordinated organoantimony cations [2,6-(MeOCH₂)₂C₆H₃]₂Sb⁺. Compound 3 is labile in CH₂Cl₂(CHCl₃) solution and decomposes to compound 2 and SbCl₃. Both compounds were characterized by the help of ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, ESI-mass spectrometry and in the case of 3 by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques.     

[H2en]2{La2M(SO4)6(H2O)2} (M=Co, Ni): First organically templated 3d-4f mixed metal sulfates

The first organically templated 3d-4f mixed metal sulfates, [H₂en]₂{La₂M(SO₄)₆(H₂O)₂} (M=Co 1, Ni 2) have been synthesized and structurally determined from non-merohedrally twinned crystals. The two compounds are isostructural and their structures feature a three-dimensional anionic network formed by the lanthanum(III) and nickel(II) ions bridged by sulfate anions. The La(III) ions in both compounds are 10-coordinated by four sulfate anions in bidentate chelating fashion, and two sulfate anions in a unidentate fashion. The transition metal(II) ion is octahedrally coordinated by six oxygens from four sulfate anions and two aqua ligands. The doubly protonated enthylenediamine cations are located at the tunnels formed by 8-membered rings (four La and four sulfate anions).     

Solvent-dependent formation of two different Cd(II) complexes with p-BrC6H4C(S)NHP(O)(OiPr)2 (HL). Crystallographic modification of Cd(HL)2L2

Reaction of the potassium salt of N-(diisopropoxyphosphoryl)-p-bromothiobenzamide p-BrC₆H₄C(S)NHP(O)(OiPr)₂ (HL) with Cd(II) cations in freshly dried and distilled EtOH leads exclusively to the complex [Cd(p-BrC₆H₄C(S)NH₂-S)(L-O,S)₂] ([Cd(L^I)L₂]), while the same reaction in H₂O leads to the complex [Cd(HL-O)₂(L-O,S)₂] ([Cd(HL)₂L₂]). The corresponding reactions with Zn(II) always lead to the complex [Zn(L-O,S)₂] ([ZnL₂]) regardless of the solvent. The crystal structure of [Cd(HL)₂L₂]^.2/3H₂O reveals to be a polymorph to the previously reported anhydrous [Cd(HL)₂L₂].     

New organomercury(II) compounds containing intramolecular N → Hg interactions: crystal and molecular structure of [2-(Me2NCH2)C6H4]HgCl and [2-(Me2NCH2)C6H4]Hg[S(S)PPh2]

[2-(Me₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]HgCl (1) was prepared by reacting HgCl₂ with [2-(Me₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]Li in diethyl ether. The reactions of 1 with the sodium or ammonium salt of the appropriate thiophosphinato ligand, in 1:1 molar ratio, afford the isolation of [2-(Me₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]Hg[S(S)PR₂] [R=Me (2), Et (3), Ph (4)], [2-(Me₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]Hg[S(O)PPh₂] (5) and [2-(Me₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]Hg[S(S)P(OⁱPr)₂] (6). The compounds were investigated by IR and multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P) spectroscopy. The molecular structures of 1 and 4 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Due to the strong intramolecular coordination of the N atom of the pendant CH₂NMe₂ arm [Hg(1)-N(1) 2.764(6) and 2.725(4) Å in 1 and 4, respectively] both compounds exhibit a T-shaped (C,N)HgX core in the molecular unit, with almost linear arrangement of the covalent bonds [C(1)-Hg(1)-Cl(1) 176.93(18)° in 1, and C(1)-Hg(1)-S(1) 169.54(16)° in 4]. The crystals of 1 contain discrete monomeric molecules, while the crystals of 4 contain dimer associations built through asymmetric bridging dithiophosphinato ligands [Hg(1)-S(1) 2.3911(16) Å, Hg(1)?S(2a) 3.102(2) Å], thus resulting in an overall pseudo-trigonal bipyramidal (or seesaw) (C,N)HgS₂ core, with the nitrogen atom and the weekly bonded sulfur atom in equatorial positions [N(1)-Hg(1)?S(2a) 82.01(10)°].     

Formation and structural characterization of novel polynuclear palladium selenolato complexes [Pd3Se(SePh)3(PPh3)3]Cl and [Pd6Cl2Se4(SePh)2(PPh3)6]

In addition to well-known dinuclear phenylselenolato palladium complexes, the reaction of [PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂] and NaSePh affords small amounts of novel trinuclear and hexanuclear complexes [Pd₃Se(SePh)₃(PPh₃)₃]Cl (1) and [Pd₆Cl₂Se₄(SePh)₂(PPh₃)₆] (2). Complex 1 is triclinic, P1?, a=13.6310(2), b=16.2596(2), c=16.9899(3) Å, α=83.1738(5), β=78.9882(5), γ=78.7635(5)°. Complex 2 is monoclinic, C2/c, a=25.7165(9), b=17.6426(8), c=27.9151(14) Å, β=110.513(2)°. There are no structural forerunners for 1, but the hexanuclear complex 2 is isostructural with [Pd₆Cl₂Te₄(TeR)₂(PPh₃)₆] (R=Ph, C₄H₃S) that have been observed as one of the products in the oxidative addition of R₂Te₂ to [Pd(PPh₃)₄]. Mononuclear palladium complexes may play a significant role as building blocks in the formation of the polynuclear complexes.     

Coordination chemistry of ester-functionalized cp ligands: synthesis and catalytic activity of [Rh{CpCO2(CHPh)2OH}(NBD)] and [Rh{CpCO2(CH2)3OH}(NBD)]

Two new sodium hydroxyalkoxycarbonylcyclopentadienide salts Na[rac-CpCO₂(CHPh)₂OH] (1) and Na[(2S,3S)-CpCO₂(CHPh)₂OH] (2) were prepared by reaction of NaCp with the five-membered cyclic carbonates cis-4,5-diphenyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one and (4S,5S)-4,5-diphenyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one. The reaction of these salts with [Rh(NBD)Cl]₂ gave [Rh{rac-CpCO₂(CHPh)₂OH}(NBD)] (3) and (−)-[Rh{(2S,3S)-CpCO₂(CHPh)₂OH}(NBD)] (4) whose catalytic activity in the hydroformylation of hex-1-ene and styrene has been investigated and compared with that of the previously reported rhodium complexes [Rh{CpCO₂(CHR)₂OH}(NBD)] (R=H, Me). In addition we also discuss some preliminary results regarding the behavior of these complexes in the hydrogenation of the same substrates. The reactivity of NaCp toward the six-membered cyclic carbonate 1,3-dioxan-2-one has also been studied and it has been found that the reaction leads to two cyclopentadienide anions [CpCO₂(CH₂)₃OH]⁻ (5) and [CpCO₂(CH₂)₃OC(O)O(CH₂)₃OH]⁻ (6) in amounts strictly dependent on the carbonate/NaCp stoichiometric ratio.