Reversible Hydride Migration from C5Me5 to RhI Revealed by a Cooperative Bimetallic Approach

The use of cyclopentadienyl ligands in organometallic chemistry and catalysis is ubiquitous, mostly due to their robust spectator role. Nonetheless, increasing examples of non-innocent behaviour are being documented. Here, we provide evidence for reversible intramolecular C−H activation at one methyl terminus of C₅Me₅ in [(η-C₅Me₅)Rh(PMe₃)₂] to form a new Rh−H bond, a process so far restricted to early transition metals. Experimental evidence was acquired from bimetallic rhodium/gold structures in which the gold center binds either to the rhodium atom or to the activated Cp* ring. Reversibility of the C−H activation event regenerates the Rh^I and Au^I monometallic precursors, whose cooperative reactivity towards polar E−H bonds (E=O, N), including the N−H bonds in ammonia, can be understood in terms of bimetallic frustration.     

A one‐dimensional heterometallic coordination polymer with a three‐dimensional supramolecular framework: poly[μ2‐aqua‐diaqua(2,2′‐bipyridyl)(μ5‐2‐sulfonatobutanedioato)copper(II)sodium(I)]

The title compound, [CuNa(C₄H₃O₇S)(C₁₀H₈N₂)(H₂O)₃]_n, consists of one Cu^II cation, one Na^I cation, one 2‐sulfonatobutanedioate trianion (SSC³⁻), one 2,2′‐bipyridyl (bpy) ligand and three coordinated water molecules as the building unit. The coordination of the Cu^II cation is composed of two pyridyl N atoms, one water O atom and two carboxylate O atoms in a distorted square‐pyramidal coordination geometry with an axial elongation. The Na^I cation is six‐coordinated by three water molecules and three carboxylate O atoms from three SSC³⁻ ligands in a distorted octahedral geometry. Two SSC³⁻ ligands link two Cu^II cations to form a Cu₂(SSC)₂(bpy)₂ macrocyclic unit lying across an inversion centre, which is further linked by Na^I cations via Na—O bonds to give a one‐dimensional chain. Interchain hydrogen bonds link these chains to form a two‐dimensional layer, which is further extended into a three‐dimensional supramolecular framework through π–π stacking interactions. The thermal stability of the title compound has also been investigated.     

Competing hydrogen‐bond acceptors in ethyl­enediammonium oxotrithio­tungstate(VI)

The structure of the title compound, (C₂H₁₀N₂)[WOS₃], consists of ethyl­ene­diammonium dications and tetra­hedral [WOS₃]²⁻ dianions, which are linked with the aid of four varieties of hydrogen bond, namely N—H⋯O, N—H⋯S, C—H⋯O and C—H⋯S. The strength and number of these hydrogen bonds affect the W—O and W—S bond distances.     

A one‐dimensional silver(I) coordination polymer based on 5‐methyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐amine and pyridine‐2,3‐dicarboxylate

The bifunctional pyridine‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid (H₂pdc) ligand has one N atom and four O atoms, which could bind more than one Ag^I centre with diverse binding modes. A novel infinite one‐dimensional Ag^I coordination polymer, namely catena‐poly[[silver(I)‐(μ₂‐pyridine‐2,3‐dicarboxylato‐κ²N :O ³)‐silver(I)‐tris(μ₂‐5‐methyl‐1,3,4‐thiodiazol‐2‐amine‐κ²N :N ′)] monohydrate ethanol monosolvate], {[Ag₂(C₇H₃NO₄)(C₃H₅N₃S)₃]·H₂O·C₂H₅OH}_n , has been synthesized using H₂pdc and 5‐methyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐amine (tda), and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. One Ag^I atom is located in a four‐coordinated AgN₄ tetrahedral geometry and the other Ag^I atom is in a tetrahedral AgN₃O geometry. A dinuclear Ag^I cluster formed by three tda ligands with a paddelwheel configuration is bridged by the dianionic pdc²⁻ ligand into a one‐dimensional coordination polymer. Interchain N—H…O hydrogen bonds extend the one‐dimensional chains into an undulating two‐dimensional sheet. The sheets are further packed into a three‐dimensional supramolecular framework by interchain N—H…O hydrogen bonds.     

Gallium “Shears” for C=N and C=O Bonds of Isocyanates

Digallane [L¹Ga−GaL¹] ( 1 , L¹=dpp-bian=1,2-[(2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)NC]₂C₁₂H₆) reacts with RN=C=O (R=Ph or Tos) by [2+4] cycloaddition of the isocyanate C=N bonds across both of its C=C−N−Ga fragments to afford [L¹(O=C−NR)Ga−Ga(RN−C=O)L¹] (R=Ph, 3 ; R=Tos, 4 ). The reactions with both isocyanates result in new C−C and N−Ga single bonds. In the case of allyl isocyanate, the [2+4] cycloaddition across one C=C−N−Ga fragment of 1 is accompanied by insertion of a second allyl isocyanate molecule into the Ga−N bond of the same fragment to afford compound [L¹Ga−Ga(AllN− C=O)₂L¹] ( 5 ) (All=allyl). In the presence of Na metal, the related digallane [L²Ga−GaL²] ( 2 ; L²=dpp-dad=[(2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)NC(CH₃)]₂) is converted into the gallium(I) carbene analogue [L²Ga:]⁻ ( 2 A ), which undergoes a variety of reactions with isocyanate substrates. These include the cycloaddition of ethyl isocyanate to 2 A affording [Na₂(THF)₅]{L²Ga[EtN−C(O)]₂GaL²} ( 6 ), cleavage of the N=C bond with release of 1 equiv. of CO to give [Na(THF)₂]₂[L²Ga(p-MeC₆H₄)(N−C(O))₂−N(p-MeC₆H₄)]₂ ( 7 ), cleavage of the C=O bond to yield the di-O-bridged digallium compound [Na(THF)₃]₂[L²Ga-(μ-O)₂-GaL²] ( 8 ), and generation of the further addition product [Na₂(THF)₅][L²Ga(CyNCO₂)]₂ ( 9 ). Complexes 3 – 9 have been characterized by NMR (¹H, ¹³C), IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Their electronic structures have been examined by DFT calculations.     

Spectroscopic and Crystallographic Characterization of the R3N+−C−H⋅⋅⋅X Interaction

As appreciation for nonclassical hydrogen bonds has progressively increased, so have efforts to characterize these interesting interactions. Whereas several kinds of C−H hydrogen bonds have been well-studied, much less is known about the R₃N⁺−C−H⋅⋅⋅X variety. Herein, we present crystallographic and spectroscopic evidence for the existence of these interactions, with special relevance to Selectfluor chemistry. Of particular note is the propensity for Lewis bases to engage in nonclassical hydrogen bonding over halogen bonding with the electrophilic F atom of Selectfluor. Further, the first examples of ¹H NMR experiments detailing R₃N⁺−C−H⋅⋅⋅X (X=O, N) hydrogen bonds are described.     

An unusual two‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonding network in bis(2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthrolin‐1‐ium) peroxodisulfate dihydrate

The title compound, 2C₁₄H₁₃N₂⁺·S₂O₈²⁻·2H₂O, is a protonated amine salt which is formed from two rather uncommon ionic species, namely a peroxodisulfate (pds²⁻) anion, which lies across a crystallographic inversion centre, and a 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthrolin‐1‐ium (Hdmph⁺) cation lying in a general position. Each pds²⁻ anion binds to two water molecules through strong water–peroxo O—H...O interactions, giving rise to an unprecedented planar network of hydrogen‐bonded macrocycles which run parallel to (100). The atoms of the large R₈⁸(30) rings are provided by four water molecules bridging in fully extended form (...H—O—H...) and four pds²⁻ anions alternately acting as long (...O—S—O—O—S—O...) and short (...O—S—O...) bridges. The Hdmph⁺ cations, in turn, bind to these units through hydrogen bonds involving their protonated N atoms. In addition, the crystal structure also contains π–π and aromatic–peroxo C—H...O interactions.     

Three‐dimensional networks in bis(imidazolium) 2,2′‐dithiodibenzoate and 4‐methylimidazolium 2‐[(2‐carboxyphenyl)disulfanyl]benzoate

Cocrystallization of imidazole or 4‐methylimidazole with 2,2′‐dithiodibenzoic acid from methanol solution yields the title 2:1 and 1:1 organic salts, 2C₃H₅N₂⁺·C₁₄H₁₀O₄S₂²⁻, (I), and C₄H₇N₂⁺·C₁₄H₁₀O₄S₂⁻, (II), respectively. Compound (I) crystallizes in the monoclinic C2/c space group with the mid‐point of the S—S bond lying on a twofold axis. The component ions in (I) are linked by intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds to form a two‐dimensional network, which is further linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds into a three‐dimensional network. In contrast, by means of N—H...O, N—H...S and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, the component ions in (II) are linked into a tape and adjacent tapes are further linked by π–π, C—H...O and C—H...π interactions, resulting in a three‐dimensional network.     

Bis[4‐(trimethylammonio)phenyl] disulfide diiodide acetone solvate

The title compound, C₁₈H₂₆N₂S₂²⁺·2I⁻·2C₃H₆O, is an intermediate in the design of the zwitterionic thiolate 4‐(trimethylammonio)benzenethiolate (Tab), in which a pair of aryl‐substituted S atoms are linked by a covalent bond. The central S—S bond length is 2.020 (3) Å and the C_ar—S—S—C_ar torsion angle is −84.1 (2)°. The crystal structure is stabilized by nonclassical hydrogen bonds which occur as intramolecular C—H...I interactions and intermolecular C—H...S and C—H...O contacts. In the crystal structure, both the dication and the two symmetrically independent iodide counter‐anions are located on twofold crystallographic axes, whereas the acetone solvent molecule occupies a general position.     

Plasma-Assisted Coupling Reactions of Dinitrogen and Carbon Dioxide Mediated by Monometallic YB1–4−⋅Anions: Carbon−Nitrogen Bond Formation

Transition-metal catalyzed coupling to form C−N bonds is significant in chemical science. However, the inert nature of N₂ and CO₂ renders their coupling quite challenging. Herein, we report the activation of dinitrogen in the mild plasma atmosphere by the gas-phase monometallic YB_1–4⁻ anions and further coupling of CO₂ to form C−N bonds by using mass spectrometry and theoretical calculation. The observed product anions are NCNBO⁻ and N(BO)₂⁻, accompanied by the formation of neutral products YO and YB_0–2NC, respectively. We can tune the reactivity and the type of products by manipulating the number of B atoms. The B atoms in YB_1–4N₂⁻ act as electron donors in CO₂ reduction reactions, and the carbon atom originating from CO₂ serves as an electron reservoir. This is the first example of gas-phase monometallic anions, which are capable to realize the functionalization of N₂ with CO₂ through C−N bond formation and N−N and C−O bond cleavage.     

Coordination-Induced N−H Bond Splitting of Ammonia and Primary Amine of CuI−MOFs

We report a porous three-dimensional anionic tetrazolium based Cu^I−MOF 1 , which is capable of cleaving the N−H bond of ammonia and primary amine, as well as the O−H bond of H₂O along with spontaneous H₂ evolution. In the gas-solid phase reaction of 1 with ammonia and water vapor, Cu^I−MOF 1 was gradually oxidized to NH₂−Cu^II−MOF and OH−Cu^II−MOF, through single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) structural transformations, which was confirmed by XPS, PXRD and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Density functional theory (DFT) demonstrated that Cu^I−MOF could lower N−H bond dissociation free energy of ammonia through coordination-induced bond weakening and promote H₂ evolution by the reduction potential of 1 . To our knowledge, this is the first example of MOFs that activate ammonia and amine in gas-solid manner.     

A Next-Generation Air-Stable Palladium(I) Dimer Enables Olefin Migration and Selective C−C Coupling in Air

We report a new air-stable Pd^I dimer, [Pd(μ-I)(PCy₂^tBu)]₂, which triggers E-selective olefin migration to enamides and styrene derivatives in the presence of multiple functional groups and with complete tolerance of air. The same dimer also triggers extremely rapid C−C coupling (alkylation and arylation) at room temperature in a modular and triply selective fashion of aromatic C−Br, C−OTf/OFs, and C−Cl bonds in poly(pseudo)halogenated arenes, displaying superior activity over previous Pd^I dimer generations for substrates that bear substituents ortho to C−OTf.     

Evolution of Stabilized 1T-MoS2 by Atomic-Interface Engineering of 2H-MoS2/Fe−Nx towards Enhanced Sodium Ion Storage

Metallic conductive 1T phase molybdenum sulfide (MoS₂) has been identified as promising anode for sodium ion (Na⁺) batteries, but its metastable feature makes it difficult to obtain and its restacking during the charge/discharge processing result in part capacity reversibility. Herein, a synergetic effect of atomic-interface engineering is employed for constructing 2H-MoS₂ layers assembled on single atomically dispersed Fe−N−C (SA Fe−N−C) anode material that boosts its reversible capacity. The work-function-driven-electron transfer occurs from SA Fe−N−C to 2H-MoS₂ via the Fe−S bonds, which enhances the adsorption of Na⁺ by 2H-MoS₂, and lays the foundation for the sodiation process. A phase transfer from 2H to 1T/2H MoS₂ with the ferromagnetic spin-polarization of SA Fe−N−C occurs during the sodiation/desodiation process, which significantly enhances the Na⁺ storage kinetics, and thus the 1T/2H MoS₂/SA Fe−N−C display a high electronic conductivity and a fast Na⁺ diffusion rate.     

A three‐dimensional framework of bis­[tris­(ethyl­enediamine)zinc] tetra­iodo­cadmate diiodide assisted by N—H⋯I hydrogen bonds

The title salt, [Zn(C₂N₂H₈)₃]₂[CdI₄]I₂, conventionally abbreviated [Zn(en)₃]₂[CdI₄]I₂, where en is ethyl­enediamine, contains discrete [Zn(en)₃]²⁺ cations and [CdI₄]²⁻ anions with distorted octa­hedral and nearly tetra­hedral geometries, respectively, as well as uncoordinated I⁻ ions. The cation and the free I⁻ anion lie on twofold rotation axes and the [CdI₄]²⁻ anion lies on a axis in the space group I2d. The structure exhibits numerous weak inter‐ionic hydrogen bonds of two types, viz. N—H⋯I⁻(free ion) and N—H⋯I([CdI₄]²⁻), which support the resulting three‐dimensional framework.     

Water-Promoted Carbon-Carbon Bond Cleavage Employing a Reusable Fe Single-Atom Catalyst

The development of methods for selective cleavage reactions of thermodynamically stable C−C/C=C bonds in a green manner is a challenging research field which is largely unexplored. Herein, we present a heterogeneous Fe−N−C catalyst with highly dispersed iron centers that allows for the oxidative C−C/C=C bond cleavage of amines, secondary alcohols, ketones, and olefins in the presence of air (O₂) and water (H₂O). Mechanistic studies reveal the presence of water to be essential for the performance of the Fe−N−C system, boosting the product yield from <1 % to >90 %. Combined spectroscopic characterizations and control experiments suggest the singlet ¹O₂ and hydroxide species generated from O₂ and H₂O, respectively, take selectively part in the C−C bond cleavage. The broad applicability (>40 examples) even for complex drugs as well as high activity, selectivity, and durability under comparably mild conditions highlight this unique catalytic system.     

Tris­(methyl­ammonium) hydrogen­phosphate di­hydrogenphosphate

The title compound, 3CH₆N⁺·HPO₄²⁻·H₂PO₄⁻, aggregates with the moieties interconnected by O—H⋯O and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, with O⋯O and N⋯O distances in the ranges 2.5366 (16)–2.5785 (14) and 2.7437 (16)–2.9967 (18) Å, respectively. Three C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds are also present, with C⋯O distances in the range 3.2310 (18)–3.3345 (17) Å. All H atoms are ordered. Structures with ordered hydrogenphosphate and di­hydrogen­phosphate components are rare.     

A Carbene Relay Strategy for Cascade Insertion Reactions

Insertion reactions that involve stabilized electrophilic metallocarbenes are of great importance for installing α-heteroatoms to carbonyl compounds. Nevertheless, the limited availability of carbene precursors restricts the introduction of only a single heteroatom. In this report, we describe a new approach based on an I^(III)/S^(VI) reagent that promotes the cascade insertion of heteroatoms. This is achieved by sequentially generating two α-heteroatom-substituted metal carbenes in one reaction. We found that this mixed I^(III)/S^(VI) ylide reacts efficiently with a transition metal catalyst and an X−H bond (where X=O, N). This transformation leads to the sequential formation of a sulfoxonium- and an X-substituted Rh-carbenes, enabling further reactions with another Y−H bond. Remarkably, a wide range of symmetrical and unsymmetrical α,α-O,O-, α,α-O,N-, and α,α-N,N-subsituted ketones can be prepared under mild ambient conditions. In addition, we successfully demonstrated other cascades, such as CN/CN double amidation, C−H/C−S double insertion, and C−S/Y−H double insertion (where Y=S, N, O, C). Notably, the latter two cascades enabled the simultaneous installation of three functional groups to the α-carbon of carbonyl compounds in a single step. These reactions demonstrate the versatility of our approach, allowing for the synthesis of ketones and esters with multiple α-heteroatoms using a common precursor.     

Two polymorphs and the diethylammonium salt of the barbiturate eldoral

Polymorph (Ia) of eldoral [5‐ethyl‐5‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)barbituric acid or 5‐ethyl‐5‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)‐1,3‐diazinane‐2,4,6‐trione], C₁₁H₁₇N₃O₃, displays a hydrogen‐bonded layer structure parallel to (100). The piperidine N atom and the barbiturate carbonyl group in the 2‐position are utilized in N—H...N and N—H...O=C hydrogen bonds, respectively. The structure of polymorph (Ib) contains pseudosymmetry elements. The two independent molecules of (Ib) are connected via N—H...O=C(4/6‐position) and N—H...N(piperidine) hydrogen bonds to give a chain structure in the [100] direction. The hydrogen‐bonded layers, parallel to (010), formed in the salt diethylammonium 5‐ethyl‐5‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)barbiturate [or diethylammonium 5‐ethyl‐2,4,6‐trioxo‐5‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)‐1,3‐diazinan‐1‐ide], C₄H₁₂N⁺·C₁₁H₁₆N₃O₃⁻, (II), closely resemble the corresponding hydrogen‐bonded structure in polymorph (Ia). Like many other 5,5‐disubstituted derivatives of barbituric acid, polymorphs (Ia) and (Ib) contain the R₂²(8) N—H...O=C hydrogen‐bond motif. However, the overall hydrogen‐bonded chain and layer structures of (Ia) and (Ib) are unique because of the involvement of the hydrogen‐bond acceptor function in the piperidine group.     

A new three‐dimensional silver(I) coordination framework with a diamondoid topology constructed from 2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylic acid

The title compound, poly[[μ₄‐5‐carboxy‐4‐carboxylato‐2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐ido]disilver(I)], [Ag₂(C₁₀H₅N₃O₄)]_n, was synthesized by reacting silver nitrate with 2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylic acid (H₃PyIDC) under hydrothermal conditions. The asymmetric unit contains two crystallographically independent Ag^I cations and one unique HPyIDC²⁻ anion. Both Ag^I cations are three‐coordinated in distorted T‐shaped coordination geometries. One Ag^I cation is coordinated by one N and two O atoms from two HPyIDC²⁻ anions, while the other is bonded to one O and two N atoms from two HPyIDC²⁻ anions. It is interesting to note that the HPyIDC²⁻ group acts as a μ₄‐bridging ligand to link the Ag^I cations into a three‐dimensional framework, which can be simplified as a diamondoid topology. The thermal stability and photoluminescent properties of the title compound have also been studied.     

An NHC–Silyl–NHC Pincer Ligand for the Oxidative Addition of C−H,N−H,and O−H Bonds to Cobalt(I) Complexes

N‐Heterocyclic carbene based pincer ligands bearing a central silyl donor, [CSiC]⁻, have been envisioned as a class of strongly σ‐donating ligands that can be used for synthesizing electron‐rich transition‐metal complexes for the activation of inert bonds. However, this type of pincer ligand and complexes thereof have remained elusive owing to their challenging synthesis. We herein describe the first synthesis of a CSiC pincer ligand scaffold through the coupling of a silyl–NHC chelate with a benzyl–NHC chelate induced by one‐electron oxidation in the coordination sphere of a cobalt complex. The monoanionic CSiC ligand stabilizes the Co^I dinitrogen complex [(CSiC)Co(N₂)] with an unusual coordination geometry and enables the challenging oxidative addition of E−H bonds (E=C, N, O) to Co^I to form Co^III complexes. The structure and reactivity of the cobalt(I) complex are ascribed to the unique electronic properties of the CSiC pincer ligand, which provides a strong trans effect and pronounced σ‐donation.