Anion-Templated Assembly of a Supramolecular Cage Complex

The templating effect of the tetrafluoroborate ion leads to assembly of four Co^II ions and six bridging ligands around this anion to give a tetrahedral complex with a bridging ligand along each edge and the anion trapped in the central cavity (shown below). Surprisingly under identical conditions but with Ni^II a simpler dinuclear complex forms.     

Self-Assembly of a Three-Dimensional [Ga6(L2)6] Metal–Ligand “Cylinder”

A near trigonal antiprism with metal–metal distances in the nanometer regime is formed by the six metal ions in the crystalline, homochiral [Ga₆(L²)₆] (see structure). This metal–ligand “cylinder” is based on a threefold symmetric, β-diketone ligand, and represents a new geometry for metal–ligand clusters.     

New Transition Metal Clusters with Ligands from Main Groups Five and Six

In both physics and chemistry, increased attention is being paid to metal clusters. One reason for this attitude is furnished by the surprising results that have been obtained from studies of the preparation, structural characterization and physical and chemical properties of the clusters. Whereas investigations of cluster reactivity are at present generally limited to three- or four-membered clusters, successful syntheses of clusters with many more metal atoms have recently been designed. These substances occupy an intermediate position between solid state chemistry and the chemistry of metal complexes. This review presents a versatile method for synthesizing metal clusters: the reaction of complexes of transition metal halides with silylated compounds such as E(SiMe₃)₂ (E = S, Se, Te) and E′R(SiMe₃)₂ (R = Ph, Me, Et; E′ = P, As, Sb). Although some of the compounds thus formed have already been prepared by other routes, the method affords ready access to both small and large transition metal clusters with unusual structures and valence electron concentrations; a variety of reactions in the ligand sphere are also possible.     

Hexatellurium Rings in Coordination Polymers and Molecular Clusters: Synthesis and Crystal Structures of [M(Te6)]X3 (M = Rh,Ir; X = Cl,Br, I) and [Ru2(Te6)](TeBr3)4(TeBr2)2

The reaction of an electron‐rich transition metal M (M = Ru, Rh, Ir), tellurium and TeX₄ (X = Cl, Br, I) resulted in black crystals of five ternary coordination polymers with the general composition [M^III(Te₆)]X₃ (M = Rh, Ir) and of the molecular cluster compound [Ru^II₂(Te₆)](Te^IIBr₃)₄(Te^IIBr₂)₂. X‐ray diffraction on single‐crystals revealed that the compounds [M(Te₆)]X₃ crystallize isostructurally in the trigonal space group type R$\bar{3}$ c. In their crystal structures linear, positively charged [M^III(Te₆)] chains form the motif of a hexagonal rod packing. In the chain, each of the formally uncharged Te₆ molecules with chair conformation acts as a bis‐tridentate bridging ligand to two M atoms. The octahedrally coordinated M atoms are spiro atoms in the chain of trans vertices sharing heterocubane fragments. Including the isolated halide ions, which provide charge balance, the entire arrangement resembles a cut‐out of the α‐polonium structure type.In the monoclinic compound Ru₂Te₁₂Br₁₆ (space group P2₁/n), the ruthenium atoms of the hetero‐cubane core of the molecular cluster [Ru₂(Te₆)](TeBr₃)₄(TeBr₂)₂ are saturated by terminal bromidotellurate(II) groups. Again, the Te₆ ring is formally uncharged. With the tellurium atoms acting as electron‐pair donors the 18 electron rule is fulfilled for the M atoms in all compounds.     

Toposelective and Chiroselective Self-Assembly of [2×2] Grid-Type Inorganic Arrays Containing Different Octahedral Metallic Centers

The introduction of different metal ions in specific positions is achieved in the synthesis of [2×2] grid-type heterometallic complexes (see schematic representation; the black bars symbolize the ditopic ligands, and the circles the different metals ions). This novel method for the construction of inorganic architectures opens the way to a number of developments.     

The Intermetalloid Clusters [Ni2Bi12]4+ and [Rh2Bi12]4+ – Ionothermal Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Chemical Bonding

The intermetalloid clusters [M₂Bi₁₂]⁴⁺ (M = Ni, Rh) were synthesized as halogenido‐aluminates in Lewis‐acidic ionic liquids. The reaction of bismuth and NiCl₂ in [BMIm]Cl · 5AlCl₃ (BMIm = 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) at 180 °C yielded black, triclinic (P1 ) crystals of [Ni₂Bi₁₂][AlCl₄]₃[Al₂Cl₇]. Black, monoclinic (P2₁/m) crystals of [Rh₂Bi₁₂][AlBr₄]₄ precipitated after dissolving the cluster salt Bi_12–xRhX_13–x (X = Cl, Br; 0 < x < 1) in [BMIm]Br·4.1AlBr₃ at 140 °C. In the cationic cluster [Ni₂Bi₁₂]⁴⁺, the nickel atoms center two base‐sharing square antiprisms of bismuth atoms (symmetry close to D_4h). The valence‐electron‐poorer rhodium‐containing cluster is a distorted variant of this motif: the terminating Bi₄ rings are folded to bicyclic “butterflies“ and the central square splits into two dumbbells (symmetry close to D_2h). DFT‐based calculations and real‐space bonding analyses place the intermetalloid units between a triple‐decker complex and a conjoined Wade‐Mingos cluster.     

Organotin Dyes: Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Dibutyltin and Dimethyltin Complexes with 2, 2′‐Dihydroxyazobenzene

The preparation and structures of 2, 2′‐dihydroxyazobenzenato‐dibutyl‐tin [Bu₂SnL] and 2, 2′‐dihydroxyazobenzenato‐dimethyl‐tin [Me₂SnL] are described. The complexes were characterized by IR, NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn) and UV/VIS spectra. The crystal structures were determined by X‐ray diffraction on single crystals. [Bu₂SnL]: monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, cell constants at 208 K: a = 860.73(5), b = 973, 51(18), c = 2340.0(3) pm, β = 93.615(11)°; R₁ = 0.0546. [Me₂SnL]: orthorhombic, space group Pbcn, cell constants at 208 K: a = 1914.6(4), b = 1041.3(3), c = 1323.27(14) pm; R₁ = 0.0529.     

Metalated 1, 3‐Azaphospholes: η1‐(1H‐1, 3‐Benzazaphosphole‐P)M(CO)5 and μ2‐[(1, 3‐Benzazaphospholide‐P)(cyclopentadienide)nickel] Complexes

1H‐1, 3‐Benzazaphospholes react with M(CO)₅(THF) (M = Cr, Mo, W) to give thermally and relatively air stable η¹‐(1H‐1, 3‐Benzazaphosphole‐P)M(CO)₅ complexes. The ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR‐data are in accordance with the preservation of the phosphaaromatic π‐system of the ligand. The strong upfield ³¹P coordination shift, particularly of the Mo and W complexes, forms a contrast to the downfield‐shifts of phosphine‐M(CO)₅ complexes and classifies benzazaphospholes as weak donor but efficient acceptor ligands. Nickelocene reacts as organometallic species with metalation of the NH‐function. The resulting ambident 1, 3‐benzazaphospholide anions prefer a μ₂‐coordination of the η⁵‐CpNi‐fragment at phosphorus to coordination at nitrogen or a η³‐heteroallyl‐η⁵‐CpNi‐semisandwich structure. This is shown by characteristic NMR data and the crystal structure analysis of a η⁵‐CpNi‐benzazaphospholide. The latter is a P‐bridging dimer with a planar Ni₂P₂ ring and trans‐configuration of the two planar heterocyclic phosphido ligands arranged perpendicular to the four‐membered ring.     

The Evolution Aspect in the Crystallization Process of [5,5′‐(HCF2CF2CH2OCH2)2‐2,2′‐bpy]MX2 (M = Pt,Pd; X = I,Br): Role of the Intramolecular CF2─H…X(─M) Hydrogen Bonds

The general species (2,2′‐bpy)MX₂ (M = Pd, Pt; X = Br, I) in a crystallization process results in an isomorphous convergence in P2₁/c. Yet, with polyfluorinated side chains, the general [5,5′‐(HCF₂CF₂CH₂OCH₂)₂‐2,2′‐bpy]MX₂ species proceeds to crystallize the isomorphous structures of 5 (M = Pt; X = I) and 6 (M = Pd; X = I) in P2₁/c only; structure 7 (M = Pt; X = Br) crystallizes in P2₁/c but is not isomorphous with 5 and 6 , and structure 8 (M = Pd; X = Br) forms differently in P–1. The causes making the system nonlinear are (1) the intramolecular CF₂─H^…X(─M) hydrogen bonds found in 5–7 but not in 8, and (2) in response to the transition from I to Br, bifurcated [C─H^…]₂ F ─C hydrogen bonds that are formed in 5 and 6 and bifurcated C─ H [^…F─C]₂ hydrogen bonds in 7 . Additionally, the intramolecular CF₂─H^…X(─M) hydrogen bonding from compounds 5–7 could be affirmed by the IR studies.     

Die Clusterazide M2[Nb6Cl12(N3)6]·(H2O)4—x (M = Ca,Sr, Ba)

The Cluster Azides M₂[Nb₆Cl₁₂(N₃)₆]·(H₂O)_4—x (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) The isotypic cluster compounds M₂[Nb₆Cl₁₂(N₃)₆] · (H₂O)_4—x (M = Ca (1) , M = Sr (2) and M = Ba (3) ) have been synthesized by the reaction of an aequeous solution of Nb₆Cl₁₄ with M(N₃)₂. 1 , 2 and 3 crystallize in the space group Fd3¯ (No. 227) with the lattice constants a = 1990.03(23), 2015.60(12) and 2043, 64(11) pm, respectively. All compounds contain isolated 16e— clusters whose terminal positions are all occupied by orientationally disordered azide ligands.     

Boron Cluster Anions [BnHn]2– (n = 10, 12) in Reactions of Iron(II) and Iron(III) Complexation with 2, 2′‐Bipyridyl and 1, 10‐Phenanthroline

Complexation of Fe^II and Fe^III with azaheterocyclic ligands L (L = phen or bipy) were studied in the presence and in the absence of boron cluster anions [B_nH_n]^2– (n = 10, 12). The reactions were carried out in air at room temperature in organic solvents and/or water. In all the solvents used, well known [FeL₃]An (An = 2Cl^– or SO₄^2–) ferrous complexes were formed from Fe^II salts. Composition of ferric complexes with L ligands depends on the nature of solvent: either dinuclear oxo‐iron(III) chlorides [L₂ClFe^III–O–Fe^IIIL₂Cl]Cl₂ or ferric ferrates(III) [Fe^IIIL₂Cl₂][Fe^IIICl₄], or [Fe^IIIL₂Cl₂][Fe^IIICl₄L] were isolated from Fe^III salts. Introduction of the closo‐borate anions to a Fe³⁺(or Fe²⁺)/L/solv. mixture stabilizes ferrous cationic complexes [FeL₃]²⁺ in all the solvents used: only ferrous [FeL₃][B_nH_n] (n = 10, 12) complexes were isolated from all the reaction mixtures in the presence of boron cluster anions.     

Supramolecular Structures with the 2‐Propyl‐4,5‐dicarboxy‐1H‐imidazole Ligand: Hydrothermal Synthesis,Structures, and Photoluminescence

Self‐assembly of the rigid organic ligand 2‐propyl‐4,5‐dicarboxy‐1H‐imidazole ( L ) with different metal ions (Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺) led to four new complexes, namely, [M( L )(phen)] [M = Zn ( 1 ); Ni ( 2 ); Cd ( 3 )] and [Cu( L )( 4 )] (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline). Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses, and they were further characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Whereas compounds 1 , 2 , and 3 are discrete units, hydrogen‐bonding interactions play a vital role in these complexes. Compounds 1 and 2 form one‐dimensional (1D) and two‐dimensional (2D) structures through hydrogen‐bondinginteractions with helical character. In 1 , the hydrogen bonds (O–H ··· O) alternately bridge the M^II cations of the discrete units to form a one‐dimensional (1D) infinite helical chain. Complex 2 forms a 2D helical layer through parallel hydrogen bonds (N/O–H ··· O/N) between two adjacent helical chains. In 3 , the hydrogen bonds (N–H ··· O) connect adjacent discrete units into a ten‐membered ring with extension into a one‐dimensional double‐chain supramolecular structure. Complex 4 is a two‐dimensional gridlike (4,4) topological layer which is extended to a 3D network by hydrogen bonding. The solid‐state fluorescence spectrum of complex 3 was determined.     

μ‐Rhodizonato‐1κO,1:2κO′,2κO′′‐tetra(triphenylphosphine)disilver(I): A Molecular Complex with the [C6O6]2– Ligand Template

The first silver rhodizonate and overall fourth transition metal rhodizonate complex is presented. The title compound shows a so far unobserved coordination mode of the rhodizonate ligand, which is atypically distorted from planarity. The structure discussion is accompanied by a thorough literature review of the hitherto structurally characterized rhodizonate salts and complexes.     

Synthese und Einkristallstrukturanalyse von [M(NH3)6]C60 · 6 NH3 (M = Co2+, Zn2+)

Synthesis and Single Crystal Structure Analysis of [M(NH₃)₆]C₆₀ · 6 NH₃ (M = Co²⁺, Zn²⁺) [M(NH₃)₆]C₆₀ · 6 NH₃ (M = Co²⁺, Zn²⁺) was synthesized from K₂C₆₀ by ion exchange in liquid ammonia. According to single crystal structure analyses the new fullerides are isostructural to the respective Mn, Ni and Cd compounds. The deformation patterns of the C₆₀^2– anions are similar within this group of compounds. However, there are no indications for significant deformations of the cages as a whole, which could be attributed to a Jahn‐Teller distortion.     

Alkoxide Clusters of Molybdenum and Tungsten as Templates for Organometallic Chemistry: Comparison with Carbonyl Clusters of the Later Transition Elements

Alkoxide and carbonyl ligands complement each other because they both behave as “π buffers” to transition metals. Alkoxides, which are π donors, stabilize early transition metals in high oxidation states by donating electrons into vacant d_π orbitals, whereas carbonyls, which are π acceptors, stabilize later transition elements in their lower oxidation states by accepting electrons from filled d_π orbitals. Both ligands readily form bridges that span M? M bonds. In solution fluxional processes that involve bridge–terminal ligand exchange are common to both alkoxide and carbonyl ligands. The fragments [W(OR)₃], [CpW(CO)₂], [Co(CO)₃], and CH are related by the isolobal analogy. Thus the compounds [(RO)₃W ? W(OR)₃], [Cp(CO)₂W?W(CO)₂Cp], hypothetical [(CO)₃Co?Co(CO)₃], and HC?CH are isolobal. Alkoxide and carbonyl cluster compounds often exhibit striking similarities with respect to substrate binding—e.g., [W₃(μ₃-CR)(OR′)₉] versus [Co₃(μ₃-CR)(CO)₉] and [W₄(C)(NMe)(OiPr)₁₂] versus [Fe₄(C)(CO)₁₃]—but differ with respect to M? M bonding. The carbonyl clusters use e_g-type orbitals for M? M bonding whereas the alkoxide clusters employ t_2g-type orbitals. Another point of difference involves electronic saturation. In general, each metal atom in a metal carbonyl cluster has an 18-electron count; thus, activation of the cluster often requires thermal or photochemical CO expulsion or M? M bond homolysis. Alkoxide clusters, on the other hand, behave as electronically unsaturated species because the π electrons are ligand-centered and the LUMO metal-centered. Also, access to the metal centers may be sterically controlled in metal alkoxide clusters by choice of alkoxide groups whereas ancillary ligands such as tertiary phosphanes or cyclopentadienes must be introduced if steric factors are to be modified in carbonyl clusters. A comparison of the reactivity of alkynes and ethylene with dinuclear alkoxide and carbonyl compounds is presented. For the carbonyl compounds CO ligand loss is a prerequisite for substrate uptake and subsequent activation. For [M₂(OR)₆] compounds (M = Mo and W) the nature of substrate uptake and activation is dependent upon the choice of M and R, leading to a more diverse chemistry.     

Transition Metal Complexes with cyclo-Triphosphorus (η3-P3) and tetrahedro-Tetraphosphorus (η1-P4) Ligands

Salts of 3d, 4d, and 5d metals in the presence of the ligands 1,1,1,-tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane (triphos) or tris (2-diphenylphosphinoethyl) amine (np₃) react with white phosphorus P₄ (or yellow As₄) to produce several mononuclear sandwich and dinuclear triple-decker sandwich complexes, which contain the unprecedented cyclo-triphosphorus (or cyclo-triarsenic) unit acting as a trihapto-ligand. In these complexes the metal atoms are bonded to the there phosphorus atoms of the phosphane ligand and to the three atoms of the cyclo-P₃ or cyclo-As₃ unit. The complexes are diamagnetic or have μ_eff-values corresponding to one or two unpaired electrons. The cyclo-P₃ ligand is coordinatively unsaturated as proved by the fact that the mononuclear sandwich compounds may form Lewis-base adducts with electron-acceptor fragments. Reaction of the complexes (np)₃M (M = Ni, Pd) with white P₄ leads to formation of diamagnetic compounds [(np₃)M(η¹-P₄)], in which the metal atom is bonded to the three phosphorus atoms of the np₃-ligand and in addition to one P atom of the intact P₄ molecule, which behaves as a monohapto-ligand. This article contains a review of the syntheses and structures of these complexes as well as a unified, albeit qualitative, approach to their bonding and properties.