Clusters of Valence Electron Poor Metals—Structure,Bonding, and Properties

Metals in low oxidation states are capable of forming metal–metal bonds. An attempt has been made to classify the numerous phases and structures occurring in such metal-rich systems of valence electron poor metals in some sort of order from a rather general point of view. With this purpose in mind, clusters of these elements, their different types of interconnections, and their condensation via shared metal atoms, which finally leads to extended M? M bonded structures, are described. Interstitial atoms play an important role in stabilizing electron deficient clusters, and can actually lead to the loss of all M? M bonds. Surprising similarities emerge between apparently very different systems as the metal-rich oxides of alkali metals, the oxides, halides, and chalcogenides of d transition metals, and the halides and carbide halides of the lanthanoids.     

Homoatomic Bonding of Main Group Elements

Clusters of main group elements are not rare. On the contrary, it is becoming difficult to avoid the discovery of new substances of this type. Clusters are the natural intermediate stages between an element and its isolated atoms or ions. In the form of polycations and polyanions they offer models for the stepwise oxidation and reduction of an element and represent a bridge between the elements. The great majority of homonuclear bonded structures are already present in the solid phases of simple systems. Mobilization of these clusters as molecules represents a great challenge.     

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.     

Ligand-Free Metal Clusters

Recent advances in the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of ligand-free metal clusters immobilized in cryogenic rare gas matrices have contributed greatly to the understanding of electronic, geometric, dynamic, and chemical bonding properties of a wide range of uni- and bimetallic clusters as a function of nuclearity and metal type. The knowledge accumulated on molecular metal aggregates devoid of ligands and isolated on various supports will form an important data base for gauging the reliability of quantum chemical calculations on metal clusters, as well as for comprehending certain aspects of chemisorption on, and catalysis by, supported metal clusters. It can be envisaged that information on ligand-free metal clusters entrapped in a wide range of matrix environments in conjunction with the data for these same metal clusters in the gas phase and in molecular beams will probably contribute towards understanding metal-support interactions and to the designed synthesis of a new breed of high-technology heterogeneous catalysts in the not too distant future.     

Understanding and Practical Use of Ligand and Metal Exchange Reactions in Thiolate‐Protected Metal Clusters to Synthesize Controlled Metal Clusters

It is now possible to accurately synthesize thiolate (SR)‐protected gold clusters (Au_n(SR)_m) with various chemical compositions with atomic precision. The geometric structure, electronic structure, physical properties, and functions of these clusters are well known. In contrast, the ligand or metal atom exchange reactions between these clusters and other substances have not been studied extensively until recently, even though these phenomena were observed during early studies. Understanding the mechanisms of these reactions could allow desired functional metal clusters to be produced via exchange reactions. Therefore, we have studied the exchange reactions between Au_n(SR)_m and analogous clusters and other substances for the past four years. The results have enabled us to gain deep understanding of ligand exchange with respect to preferential exchange sites, acceleration means, effect on electronic structure, and intercluster exchange. We have also synthesized several new metal clusters using ligand and metal exchange reactions. In this account, we summarize our research on ligand and metal exchange reactions.     

The σ2π4 Triple Bond between Molybdenum and Tungsten Atoms: Developing the Chemistry of an Inorganic Functional Group

Numerous analogies between organic and inorganic chemistry have emerged in recent years. The most prominent example is the isolobal relationship. Many reactions have shown that metal-metal double and triple bonds exhibit a pattern of reactivity similar to that of alkenes and alkynes. In compounds containing a σ²π⁴ triple bond between molybdenum and tungsten atoms, the M? M bond order can be increased from three to four by reductive elimination or decreased from three to two or one by oxidative addition. Complexes with M?M bonds can be used to prepare clusters or can serve as catalysts. In this review relationships between structure (electronic and stereochemical) and reactivity that are characteristic for modern inorganic chemistry are discussed.     

[Al7{N(SiMe3)2}6]−: A First Step towards Aluminum Metal Formation by Disproportionation

A “naked” aluminum atom links two aluminum tetrahedra in the [Al₇{N(SiMe₃)₂}₆]⁻ ion (see picture), which results from the reaction of a metastable AlCl solution with LiN(SiMe₃)₂ and crystallizes with [Li(OEt₂)₃]⁺ as cation. This unique structure among molecular metal atom clusters represents a small but characteristic section of cubic close-packed aluminum.     

Nonmolecular Metal Chalcogenide/Halide Solids and Their Molecular Cluster Analogues

A variety of transition-metal cluster structures are found within the extended arrays of solidstate materials. Although molecular analogues of some of these clusters have been synthesized—either by the self-assembly of smaller components in solution or by the excision of intact cluster units directly from the solid-state phase—molecular chemists are often unaware of the rich structural variety expressed in solid-state clusters. This article presents these diverse structural types as potential targets for synthetic molecular chemistry by describing fundamental solid-state cluster topologies in transition-metal chalcogenide/halide phases and detailing cases where molecular counterparts have been prepared. Particular emphasis is placed on cluster excision as a method of molecular cluster synthesis.     

Monovalent Group 13 Organometallic Compounds: Weak Association to Monomeric,Versatile Two-Electron Donors

A weakly associated hexamer is formed for [GaCp*] (Cp*=C₅Me₅) in the solid state (see picture). The recent X-ray crystal structure analyses of [GaCp*] as well as the monomeric In^I and Tl^I compounds [M(2,4,6-Trip₃C₆H₂)] (Trip=2,4,6-iPr₃C₆H₂) throw new light on the association and aggregation of monovalent Group 13 elements in the solid state. The synthesis of [Ni⁰{In[C(SiMe₃)₃]}₄], a complex with terminally bonded In^IR ligands, offers alternative σ-donor/π-acceptor ligands to organometallic chemists. The newest results in this area are likely to open up new and intriguing possibilities in the preparation of main group–transition metal clusters.     

Metal—-Metal “Communication” of Rh or Pd with Nd in Novel Heterobinuclear Complexes

The reaction of a neodymium “ate” complex and an electron-rich transition metal chloride by salt elimination is an efficient method for synthesizing heterobinuclear compounds which contain a lanthanide and a Group 9 or 10 metal [Eq. (1), H₂Ap=2-amino-4-methylpyridine]. The use of bisaminopyridinato ligands allows extremely short distances between Rh or Pd and Nd.     

Multiple Bonds between Transition Metals and “Bare” Main Group Elements: Links between Inorganic Solid State Chemistry and Organometallic Chemistry

The last two decades have seen a dramatic development in the study of metal-metal multiple bonds, particular successes being recorded in the field of organometallic chemistry. Syntheses designed to produce novel transition metal complexes with single, double, triple and quadruple metal-metal bonds occupy a most important place in such research, as also do reactivity studies. A striving to establish general principles has provided much of the motivation for such work, but one less obvious goal—the commercial application of the catalytic properties of metal-metal multiple bonding systems, in the medium and long term—should not be overlooked. All aspects of the investigations of metal-metal multiple bonds also apply to a particular class of compound that has, however, enjoyed little lime-light and thus deserves the present review: complexes with multiple bonds between transition metals and substituent-free (“bare”) main group elements. Although based mostly on accidental discoveries, the few noteworthy examples are now beginning to unfold general concepts of synthesis that are capable of being extended and thus are deserving of exploitation in preparative chemistry. The availability of further structural patterns exhibiting multiple bonds between transition metals and ligand-free main group elements might enable preparative organometallic chemistry to expand in a completely new direction (for instance by the stabilizing or activation of small molecules at the metal complex). This essay discusses the chemistry of complexes of bare carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen ligands (carbido-, nitrido-, and oxo-complexes) and their relationships to higher homologues from both a synthetic and a structural point of view.     

Coinage Metal Complexes of a Tellurium Diimide: cis→trans Isomerization and Metal–Metal Interactions

The different coordination behavior of the ligand tBuN=Te(μ-NtBu)₂Te=NtBu (L) towards Cu⁺ and Ag⁺ results from a cis→trans isomerization. The two Cu⁺ ions in [Cu₂L₃]²⁺ (shown schematically) bridge trans and cis isomers of the ligand, whereas the Ag⁺ ions in [Ag₂L₂]²⁺ link two trans ligands and exhibit a weak Ag⋅⋅⋅Ag interaction.     

Thermally Stable Heterobinuclear Bivalent Group 14 Metal Complexes Ar2M−Sn[1,8-(NR)2C10H6] (M=Ge,Sn; Ar=2,6-(Me2N)2C6H3; R=CH2tBu)

The first thermally robust Ge ^II −Sn ^II compound 1 and the structurally characterized Sn^II-Sn^II analogue 2 , which maintain their structural integrity in solution, were obtained by treating MAr₂ (M=Ge, Sn; Ar=2,6-(Me₂N)₂C₆H₃) with Sn[1,8-(NR₂)₂C₁₀H₆] (R=CH₂tBu). On the basis of structural and spectroscopic data, the M−Sn bond is regarded as the interaction of a MAr₂ donor with an Sn[1,8-(NR₂)₂C₁₀H₆] acceptor.     

Catalysis by Molecular Metal Clusters

Molecular metal clusters form a very large and diverse family. They present the opportunity of modeling the intermediates involved in surface mediated catalytic reactions, of providing a source of very reactive mononuclear metal fragments, and of effecting catalytic cycles in which the cluster remains intact. The last mentioned aspect is the subject of this review article. The state-of-the-art of cluster catalysis is critically analyzed. The possibilities offered by molecular metal catalysts of performing catalytic reactions at multimetal atom sites are also discussed.     

Oxoniobates Containing Metal Clusters

Metal clusters, discrete or condensed, are characteristic of the structures of many compounds which contain transition metals in low oxidation states. The highly reduced oxoniobates support the concept of condensed clusters. They contain Nb₆O₁₂ clusters which are either isolated or linked at the apices of the Nb₆ octahedra to form oligomeric chains or networks. The analysis of the bonding relationships allows the identification of different types of Nb atoms and thus the quantitative prediction of valence electron concentrations for finite or infinite structures composed of these condensed M₆X₁₂ clusters.     

What Do We Know about the Metal-Metal Bond?

Almost all main group and subgroup metals are able to form metal-metal bonds. The bond order ranges from weak interaction to a quadruple bond, and the degree of aggregation from a dinuclear entity to a three-dimensional network. In spite of numerous physicochemical studies, not all aspects of the metal-metal bond are understood. The ability of metal-metal linked polynuclear complexes to serve as a reservoir for missing or excess electrons enables them to react both with nucleophilic or reducing reagents and with electrophilic or oxidizing reagents. The intermediate position occupied by clusters between simple complexes and the bulk metal is of theoretical and practical significance.     

Planar Complexes Containing Metal-Metal Bonds

Planar complexes, and particularly those of platinum, can form structures containing linear chains of heavy metal atoms with metal-metal distances as short as 3.1 Å. The bonding in these chains can be strengthened by partial oxidation, and the bond lengths can be reduced to 2.8 Å in this way. Model structures for the novel nonstoichiometric products, such as K₂[Pt(CN)₄]Cl_0·32 · 2.6 H₂O, are considered. The bonding is also discussed on the basis of a one-dimensional band model.     

Tellurium-Rich Tellurides

The tellurides represent a class of compounds which exhibit a wide range of physical and chemical properties. In addition to the salt-like compounds, some tellurides show metallic properties while others have strong covalent bonds. Like tellurium itself, many of these are semiconductors, e.g., the II-VI compounds CdTe and MnTe, and in this respect are of special interest. Other tellurides, e.g., NbTe₄ and ZrTe₅, have low-dimensional electronic transport properties. Some ternary transition metal-main group metal tellurides appear in an amorphous state with spin glass properties. The tellurium-rich tellurides are characterized without exception by directed Te-Te bonds. It turns out that general structural chemical relationships exist between them which allow these different compounds to be treated as a single comprehensive class of substances. They represent a link between the Zintl phases on the one hand, and molecular compounds on the other.     

Electronic Communication in C4-Bridged Binuclear Complexes with Paramagnetic Bisphosphane Manganese End Groups

Building blocks for conducting polymers or NLO materials are the linear, unsaturated carbon chain bridged manganese complexes 1 ⁿ⁺ (n=0–2). All oxidation states were investigated spectroscopically and by X-ray structure determinations. The analytical data confirm a communication of the electrons over the C₄ chain—a prerequisite for electrical conductivity and NLO properties of oligo- or polymeric materials.