Phenylbis(2- pyridyl)phosphine: P- vs. N,N′-coordination in carbonylmolybdenum-(O) and -(II) complexes

The first carbonyl molybdenum-(O) and -(II) complexes with phenylbis(2-pyridyl)phosphine (PPhpy₂) have been synthesized. PPhpy₂ reacts with [Mo(CO)₅(NCMe)] to give [Mo(CO)₅(PPhpy₂-P)]. With [Mo(CO)₄(NBD)] (NBD = norbornadiene) it gives [Mo(CO)₄(PPhpy₂-P)₂] when a 2 : 1 ratio is used, or [MO(CO)₄(py₂PhP---N,N′)] for a 1 : 1 ratio. Decarbonylation of any of these pyridylphosphine complexes leads to an oligomer of formula {MO(CO)₃(μ-PPhpy₂)}_n, which is also obtained after heating [MO(CO)₆] in solution with an equimolar amount of PPhpy₂. The oligomer undergoes oxidative addition by iodine or allylbromide to give [MoI₂(CO)₃(py₂PhP---N,N′)], or [MoBr(η³-CH₂CHCH₂)(CO)₂(py₂PhP---N,N′)], respectively. These complexes are also obtained by addition of equimolar amounts of PPhpy₂ to solutions of [MoI₂(CO)₃(NCMe)₂] and MoBr(η³-CH₂CH CH₂)(CO)₂(NCMe)₂, respectively. The ligand tends to act as a P-donor towards molybdenum(O) substrates, and as a chelating N,N′-donor in molybdenum (II) complexes.     

Conversion of rhenium alkylidyne complexes that contain unsupported metal-metal double bonds into relatives that contain μ-alkylidyne ligands

Photolysis of compounds of the type [Re(CCMe₂R)(OR′)₂] (R = Me or Ph; OR′ = O′Bu, OCMe₂(CF₃), or OCMe(CF₃)₂) in benzene with a medium pressure mercury lamp yields compounds of the type [Re(OR′)₂]₂(μ-CCMe₂R)₂ in an intramolecular and irreversible manner. [Re(CCMe₂R)(OR′)₂]₂ and [Re(OR′)₂]₂(μ-CCMe₂R)₂ (OR′ = O′Bu or OCMe₂(CF₃)₂) both react with excess carbon monoxide in several solvents to afford the dimers [Re(OR′)₂(CO)]₂(μ-CCMe₂R)₂ quantitatively. An X-ray study of [Re(O^tBu)₂(CO)]₂ (μ-C^tBu)₂ shows it to consist of two distorted trigonal bipyramids connected by two symmetrically bridging neopentylidyne ligands. The unbridged dimers of general formula [Re(CCMe₂R)(OR′)₂]₂ do not react readily with simple substrates such as phosphines, olefins, or acetylenes, although [Re(CCMe₂R)(O^tBu)₂]₂ can be oxidized by iodine to yield Re(CCMe₂R)(O^tBu)₂I₂ in good yield. In contrast, {Re[OCMe(CF₃)₂]₂}₂(μ-C^tBu)₂ reacts with one equivalent of phenylacetylene to give a species in which one of the two bridging alkylidyne ligands is retained.     

Reductive dehalogenation of chloro(alkynyl)phosphines by octacarbonyldicobalt

Reductive dehalogenation of the (chloro)(phenylethynyl)phosphine (2,4,6-^tBu₃C₆H₂O)(PhCC)PCl, I, by Co₂(CO)₈, II, yields the neutral phosphenium ion complex [(R)(R′)]P=Co(CO)₃, III, (R = 2,4,6-^tBu₃C₆H₂O; R′ = (η²-C≡CPh)Co₂(CO)₆), which contains a trigonally planar coordinated phosphorus atom. When NaCo(CO)₄, V, is used instead of II a dinuclear complex, Co₂(CO)₆[μ²-P(R)(R′)]₂, VI, (R = 2,4,6-^tBu₃C₆H₂O; R′ = C≡CPh) is formed in which the phosphido ligands P(R)(R′), bridge in a μ₂ fashion two Co(CO)₃ units. The mechanism of formation of VI, involving a formal dimerization of two [(2,4,6-^tBu₃C₆H₂O)(PhC≡C)]P=Co(CO)₃ fragments, is discussed. However, (^tBu)(PhC≡C)PCl, VII, reacts with II, to yield the cluster compound VIII, containing the two μ₂-bridging units (^tBu)[(η²-C≡CPh)Co₂(CO)₅]P and (^tBu)(PhC≡C)P.

Compounds II and VI–VIII were identified from their analytical and spectroscopic (IR, ¹H-, ¹³C- and ³¹P-NMR) data. The molecular structure of the cluster compound VIII was determined by an X-ray diffraction study.     

Acyl complexes of molybdenum: structural and reactivity studies

The following structural peculiarities of the agostic acyl structure ₂R) (R = H, SiMe₃) and some characteristic chemical reactivity of the M-η²-acyl and iminoacyl linkage are described. (i) A structural comparison of the bonding parameters within three agostic acetyl Mo complexes containing the dithioacid ligand, indicates that the agostic interaction strengthens upon increasing the electron-releasing properties of the S-chelating ligand. (ii) The acyl-xanthate complex Mo(C(O)Me)(S₂COR)(CO)(PMe₃)₂ undergoes loss of a sulfur atom from the coordinated xanthate and coupling with the acyl ligand to form complexes containing coordinated alkoxythiocarbonyl and monothioacetate ligands. The latter can be metathetically replaced by KS₂COR. (iii) Upon heating at 70°C η²-acyl-dicarbonyl bispirazolilborate complexes of molybdenum of the type Mo(H₂B(pz^*)₂)(η²-C(O)Me)(CO)₂(PMe₃) (pz^* = 3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl) yield functionalized acyl ligands derived from the stereo- and regioselective intramolecular addition of one of the B---H bonds of the H₂B(pz^*)₂ group across the C=O moiety of the η²-acyl group. (iv) The η²-acyl-isocyanide complexes {Mo}(η²-C(O)R)(CNR′) ({Mo} = Mo(H₂B(pz^*)₂)(CO)(PMe₃)) undergo irreversible thermal isomerization to the corresponding η²-iminoacyl-carbonyl derivatives {MO}(η²-C(NR′)R)(CO). This isomerization reaction follows first-order kinetics.     

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene and norbornadiene by tungsten(II) and molybdenum(II) complexes

The reaction of norbornene (NBE) and norbornadiene (NBD) in the presence of seven-coordinate tungsten(II) and molybdenum(II) complexes of the [(CO)₄M(μ-Cl)₃M(SnCl₃)(CO)₃] and [MCl(M′Cl₃)(CO)₃(NCMe)₂] (M=W, Mo; M′=Sn, Ge) types leads to ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and to the formation of high molecular weight polymers. The geometric structure of these polymers was determined by means of ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy. The monitoring of the reaction between cyclic olefins and the metal complex by means of ¹H-NMR spectroscopy allowed us to observe the coordination of NBD to metal atoms in the initiation step of the polymerization process. Compounds of the [MCl(SnCl₃)(CO)₃(η⁴-NBD)] type prepared directly from [(CO)₄M(μ-Cl)₃M(SnCl₃)(CO)₃] or [MCl(M′Cl₃)(CO)₃(NCMe)₂] (M=W, Mo) in the presence of an excess of NBD initiate the ROMP reaction immediately. The detection of the first-formed products in the reaction between the metal complex and cyclic olefins provides valuable information concerning the nature of the initiating species.     

Formation and structure of [Co{Ph2PN(Bu)PPh2-P,P′}2(CO)][Co)(CO)4] - a cage molecule-pair or an ion-pair complex?

The strong π-acid ligand Ph₂PN(ⁱBu)PPh₂ reacts with Co₂(CO)_S (1:1) to give Co₂[μ-Ph₂PN(ⁱBu)PPh₂] (μ-CO)₂(CO)₄ (1); however, when the ratio is 2:1 a novel species [Co{Ph₂PN(ⁱBu)PPh₂-P,P′}₂(CO)][Co(CO)₄] (2) has been obtained. Crystal data for 2: M_r = 1140.83; triclinic, space group P , a = 12.330(2), b = 13.340(2), c = 18.122(3) Å, = 86.63(1), β = 80.75(1), γ = 84.24(1)°, V = 2924 ų, Z = 2; R = 0.060 for 3711 reflections having I 3σ(I). The results of X-ray diffraction, ESR, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility, conductivity, and XPS analysis support that the species 2 is a d⁹-d⁹ cage molecule-pair. The mechanism for the formation of the species 2 has been investigated initially by ³¹P NMR.     

Photochemical reactions of alkynyl iron (II) complexes with carbon disulfide. Insertion of CS2 into an iron-C(sp) bond

The novel alkynyldithiocarboxylate complexes [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)(S₂CCCR) (dppm-P)] (3a,b) and [Fe(η₅-C₅H₅)(S₂CCCR)(PPh₃)] (4a,b) were obtained through the insertion of CS₂ into the iron-akynyl bond in the complexes [Fe(η₅-C₅H₅)(CCR)(L)(L′] L, L′ = dppm R = Ph (1a), ^tBu(1b); L = (CO), L′ = (PPh₃) R = Ph (2a), ^tBu (2b). Variable-temperature ³¹P{¹H} NMR studies indicate the presence of two different isomers, [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η³-S,C,S′---S₂CCCR)(L)(L′)] and [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅(η²-S,S′-S₂CCCR)(L)(L′)], which rapidly interconvert at room temperature. The synthesis of the precursor complex [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)(CC^tBu)(CO)(PPh₃)] is also described.     

Synthesis of novel platinum-silver and platinum-copper complexes with bridging alkynyl ligands

The study of the reactivity of [Pt₂M₄(CCR)₈] (M=Ag or cu; R=Ph or ^tBu) towards different neutral and anionic ligands is reported. This study reveals that reactions of the phenylacetylide derivatives [Pt₂M₄(CCPh)₈] with anionic, X⁻ (X=Cl or Br) or neutral donors (CN^tBu or py) in a molar ratio 1:4 (m/donor ratio 1:1) yield the trinuclear anionic (NBu₄)₂[{Pt(CCPh)₄ (MX)₂] (M=Ag or Cu, X =Cl or Br) or neutral [{Pt(CCPh0₄=sAGL)₂] (L=CN^tBu or py) complexes, respectively. The crystal structure of (NBu₄)₂[{Pt(CCPh)₄}(CuBr)₂](4) shows that the anion is formed by a dianionic Pt(CCPh)₄ fragment and two neutral CuBr units joined through bridging alkynyl ligands. All the alkynyl groups are σ bonded to Pt and η²-coordinated to a Cu atom which have an approximately trigonal-planar geometry. By contrast, similar reactions with [Pt₂M₄(CC^tBu)₈] (molar ratio M/donor 1:1) afford hexanuclear dianionic (NBu₄)₂[Pt₂M₄(CC^tBu)₈X₂] or neutral [Pt₂Ag₄(CC^tBu0₈Py₂]. Only by treatment with a large exces of Br ⁻ (molar ratio M/Br⁻ 1:2) are the trinuclear complexes (NBu₄)₂[{Pt(CC^tBu₄ (MBr)₂] (M=Ag, Cu) obtained. Attempted preparations of analogous complexes with phosphines (L′=PPh₃ or PEt₃) by reactions of [Pt₂M₄(CCR₈] with L′ leads to displacement of alkynyl ligands from platinum and formation of neutral mononuclear complexes [trans-Pt(CCR)₂L′₂].     

Substituted metal carbonyls XXIII . Syntheses of unicoordinated diphosphine complexes of Cr and Mo and their entry into heterobimetallics MM′(CO)10(μ-P-P) [M, M′= Cr, Mo, W; P---P = Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2, n = 2–4] as metalloligands

A series of pentacarbonyl complexes of chromium and molybdenum with unicoordinated-diphosphines, M(CO)₅(η¹-P-P) (P-P = dppe, dppp, dppb) has been prepared by amine oxide-induced phosphine substitution of the binary carbonyls. The basicity of the pendant phosphine groups was demonstrated by their ready conversion to the diphosphine-bridged heterobimetallic complexes (OC)₅M(μ-P-P)M′(CO)₅ (M, M′= Cr, Mo, W; M ≠ M′) in the presence of MCO)₅(CH₃CN). The complexes were characterized by IR and NMR (¹H and ³¹P-{¹H}) spectroscopy.     

Reactions of stereochemically rigid diisocyanides with manganese carbonyl derivatives

The reactions of BrMn(CO)₅ with the non-chelating stereochemically rigid bidentate ligands (L-L) 1,3-, and 1,4-diisocyanobenzene, 4,4′-diisocyanobiphenyl, and 4,4′-diisocyanodiphenylmethane afford well characterized complexes of the types BrMn(CO)₄(L-L), BrMn(CO)₃(L-L)₂, and [BrMn(CO)₄]₂(L-L). Similar reactions with [RC₅H₄Mn(CO)₂NO]⁺PF₆⁻ gave mixtures of oligomers of the type [(RC₅H₄MnNO)_n(L-L)_n+1]ⁿ⁺[PF₆⁻]_n.     

Mixed alkyl isocyanide-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene complexes of molybdenum(II) and tungsten(II)

The reactions of M(CO)₄(R′-DAB) (M = Mo) or W; R′-DAB = R′-N=CHCH=NR′ (R′ = i-propyl, t-butyl, or cyclohexyl) with SnCl₄ in dichloromethane solution result in the formation, in high yield, of the orange, diamagnetic, seven-coordinate oxidative-addition products M(CO)₃(R′-DAB)(SnCl₃)Cl. The reactions of Mo(CO)₃(R′-DAB)(SnCl₃)Cl (R′ = i-Pr or Cy) with an excess of alkyl isocyanide RNC (R = CHMe₂, CMe₃, or C₆H₁₁) in the presence of KPF₆ lead to the formation of [Mo(CNR)₄(R′-DAB)Cl]PF₆ or [Mo(CNR)₅(R′-DAB)](PF₆)₂ depending upon the reaction stoichiometry and reaction conditions. The monocationic chloro species are converted to [Mo(CNR)₅(R′-DAB)](PF₆)₂ upon reflux with the stoichiometric amount of RNC. Under similar reactions conditions M(CO)₃(t-Bu-DAB)(SnCl₃)Cl (M = Mo or W) derivatives react with alkyl isocyanides with the reductive-elimination of the elements of SnCl₄ and the formation of octahedral M(CO)₃(CNR)(t-Bu-DAB). The dark red compounds [Mo(CNCMe₃)₅(R′-DAB)](PF₆)₂ (R′ = i-Pr or Cy) react readily with cyanide ions at ambient temperatures in methanol to yield [Mo(CNCMe₃)₄(R′-DAB)(CN)]PF₆. Attempts to thermally dealkylate the parent complexes [Mo(CNCMe₃)₅(R′-DAB)](PF₆)₂ (R′ = i-Pr or Cy) to these same cyano species were unsuccessful.     

Synthesis and application of diphenylbis (3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane to form η-arene complexes of molybdenum

The neutral nitrogen-bidentate ligand, diphenylbis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane, Ph₂CPz′₂, can readily be obtained by the reaction of Ph₂CCl₂ with excess HPz′ in a mixed-solvent system of toluene and triethylamine. It reacts with [Mo(CO)₆] in 1,2-dimethoxyethane to give the η²-arene complex, [Mo(Ph₂CPz′₂)(CO)₃] (1). This η²-ligation appears to stabilize the coordination of Ph₂CPz′ ₂ in forming [Mo(Ph₂CPz′₂)(CO)₂(N₂C₆H₄NO₂-p)][BPh₄] (2) and [Mo(Ph₂CPz′₂)(CO)₂(N₂Ph)] [BF₄] (3) from the reaction of 1 with the appropriate diazonium salt but the stabilization seems not strong enough when [Mo{P(OMe)₃} ₃(CO)₃] is formed from the reaction of 1 with P(OMe)₃. The solid-state structures of 1 and 3 have been determined by X-ray crystallography: 1-CH₂Cl₂, monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 11.814(3), b = 11.7929(12), c = 19.46 0(6) Å, β = 95.605(24)°, V = 2698.2(11) ų, Z = 4, D_calc = 1.530 g/cm³ , R = 0.044, R_w = 0.036 based on 3218 reflections with I > 2σ(I); 2 (3)-1/2 hexane-1/2 CH₃OH-1/2 H₂O-1 CH₂Cl₂, monoclinic, C2/c, a = 41.766(10), b = 20.518(4), c = 16.784(3) Å, β = 101.871(18)°, V = 14076(5) ų, Z = 8, D_calc = 1.457 g/cm³, R = 0.064, R_w = 0.059 based on 5865 reflections with I > 2σ(I). Two independent cations were found in the asymmetric unit of the crystals of 3. The average distance between the Mo and the two η²-ligated carbon atoms is 2.574 Å in 1 and 2.581 and 2.608 Å in 3. The unfavourable disposition of the η²-phenyl group with respect to the metal centre in 3 and the rigidity of the η²-arene ligation excludes the possibility of any appreciable agostic C---H → Mo interaction.     

Substituted metal carbonyls XIII. Fe(CO)4(η-dppf) [where DPPF = (Ph2PC5H4)2Fe]: a convenient building block for heterometallic complexes

The potential of Fe(CO)₄(η¹-dppf) (dppf = 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) as a precursor for heterometallic species is fully expanded in the synthesis of (OC)₄Fe(μ-dppf)Cr(CO)₅, (OC)₄Fe(μ-dppf)W(CO)₅, and (OC)₄Fe(μ-dppf)Mn₂(CO)₉, all of which have been characterized by IR, NMR (¹H and ³¹P) and elemental analyses. The low energy requirement of TMNO (Me₃NO · 2H₂O)decarbonylation allows the formation of monosubstituted Mn₂(CO)₁₀ as the major product. This aspect is further substantiated by the isolation of Mn₄(CO)₁₈(μ-dppf) in which the single bridging of a diphosphine group between two Mn₂(CO)₉ moieties is unprecedented.     

Behaviour of water-soluble dinuclear rhodium complexes in the hydroformylation reaction of oct-1-ene

The biphasic hydroformylation reaction of oct-1-ene, has been investigated by using the water-soluble dinuclear complex [Rh₂(μ-S^tBu)₂(CO)₂(TPPTS)₂] as precursor. Addition of ethanol as a cosolvent dramatically improved the yields but the good regioselectivity in linear aldehyde observed for neat oct-1-ene—water systems (97%) decreased to 83% (for 22% ethanol w/w). It is shown that the dinuclear framework cannot be maintained, that the mononuclear complex [RhH(CO)(TPPTS)₃] is formed, and that thiol and significant amounts of [Rh₂(μ-S^tBu)₂(CO)₄] move into the organic phase. This reaction from the dinuclear species requires the simultaneous presence of water and carbon monoxide. Introduction of the water-soluble thiol HS(CH₂)₃NMe₂ in the bridging positions affords the complex [Rh₂(μ-S(CH ₂)₃NHMe₂)₂(CO)₂(TPPTS)₂]Cl₂ which can be kept in the aqueous hase but has a low level of catalytic activity.     

New seven-coordinate thiourea and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylthiourea complexes of molybdenum(II) and tungsten(II)

The compounds [MI₂(CO)₃(NCMe)₂] (M = Mo or W) react with one equivalent of thiourea (tu) in MeOH or N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylthiourea (tmtu) in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature to initially afford the monoacetonitrile compounds [MI₂(CO)₃(NCMe)L] (L = tu or tmtu) which rapidly transform to the isolated iodide bridged dimers, [M(μ-I)I(CO)₃L]₂ with loss of acetonitrile. Reaction of [WI₂(CO)₃(NCMe)₂] with two equivalents of tu or tmtu gave the expected mononuclear seven-coordinate compounds [WI₂(CO)₃L₂]. However, reaction of [MoI₂(CO)₃(NCMe)₂] with two equivalents of tu or tmtu rapidly affords the iodide-bridged dimers [Mo(μ-I)I(CO)₂L₂]₂ with loss of carbon monoxide from [MoI₂(CO)₃L₂]. The low temperature (−70°C) ¹³C NMR spectrum of [Mo(μ-I)I(CO)₂ {SC(NMe₂)₂}₂]₂ suggests the complex is based on two capped octahedra with a carbonyl ligand capping each octahedral face.     

Recent studies on metal and metalloid bis(trimethylsilyl)methyls and the transformation of the bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl into the azaallyl and β-diketinimato ligands

Recent results (post-1990) on the synthesis and structures of bis(trimethylsilyl)methyls M(CHR₂)_m (R = SiMe₃) of metals and metalloids M are described, including those of the crystalline lipophilic [Na(μ-CHR₂)]_∞, [Rb(μ-CHR₂)(PMDETA)]₂, K₄(CHR₂)₄(PMDETA)₂, [Mg(CHR₂)(μ-CHR₂)]_∞, P(CHR₂)₂ (gaseous) and P₂(CHR₂)₄, [Yb(CHR₂)₂(OEt₂)₂] and [{Yb(CR₃)(μ-OEt)(OEt₂)}₂]; earlier information on other M(CHR₂)_m complexes and some of their adducts is tabulated. Treatment of M(CHR₂) (M = Li or K) with four different nitriles gave the X-ray-characterized azaallyls or β-diketinimates , and (LL′ = N(R)C(^tBu)CHR, L′L′ = N(R)C(Ph)C(H)C(Ph)NR, LL″ = N(R)C(Ph)NC(H)C(Ph)CHR, R = SiMe₃ and Ar = C₆H₃Me₂-2,5). The two lithium reagents were convenient sources of other metal azaallyls or β-diketinimates, including those of K, Co(II), Zr(IV), Sn(IV), Yb(II), Hf(IV) and U(VI)/U(III). Complexes having one or more of the bulky ligands [LL′]⁻, [L′L′]⁻, [LL]⁻, [LL″]⁻, [L″L]⁻, [LL]⁻ and [{N(R)C(^tBu)CH}₂C₆H₄-2]²⁻ are described and characterized (LL = N(H)C(Ph)C(H)C(Ph)NH, L″L = N(R)C(^tBu)C(H)C(Ph)NR, LL = N(R)C(^tBu)CHPh). Among the features of interest are (i) the contrasting tetrahedral or square-planar geometry for and , respectively, and (ii) olefin-polymerization catalytic activity of some of the zirconium(IV) chlorides.     

Preparation, structures, and haptotropic rearrangement of novel dinuclear ruthenium complexes, (μ2,η:η-guaiazulene)Ru2(CO)4(CNR)

Novel isonitrile derivatives of a diruthenium carbonyl complex, (μ₂,η³:η⁵-guaiazulene)Ru₂(CO)₅ (2), were synthesized by substitution of a CO ligand by an isonitrile, and were subjected to studies on thermal and photochemical haptotropic interconversion. Treatment of 2 (a 45:55 mixture of two haptotropic isomers, 2-A and 2-B) with RNC at room temperature resulted in coordination of RNC and alternation of the coordination mode of the guaiazulene ligand to form (μ₂,η¹:η⁵-guaiazulene)Ru₂(CO)₅(CNR), 5d–5f, [5d; R=^tBu, 5e; 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂, or 5f; 2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃] in moderate to good yields. Thermal dissociation of a CO ligand from 5 at 60 °C resulted in quantitative formation of a desirable isonitrile analogue of 2, (μ₂,η³:η⁵-guaiazulene)Ru₂(CO)₄(CNR), 4d–4f, [4d; R=^tBu, 4e; 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂, or 4f; 2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃], as a 1:1 mixture of the two haptotropic isomers. A direct synthetic route from 2 to 4d–4f was alternatively discovered; treatment of 2 with one equivalent of RNC at 60 °C gave 4d–4f in moderate yields. All of the new compounds were characterized by spectroscopy, and structures of 5d (R=^tBu) and 4d-A (R=^tBu) were determined by crystallography. Thermal and photochemical interconversion between the two haptotropic isomers of 4d–4f revealed that the isomer ratios in the thermal equilibrium and in the photostatic state were in the range of 48:52–54:46.     

Optimised hydrothermal synthesis of multi-dimensional hybrid coordination polymers containing flexible organic ligands

In this paper, we summarise our recent research interest in the hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterisation of multi-dimensional coordination polymers. The use of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (also referred to as H₄pmida) in the literature as a versatile chelating organic ligand is briefly reviewed. This molecule plays an important role in the formation of centrosymmetric dimeric [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ anionic units, which were first used by us as building blocks to construct novel coordination polymers. Starting with [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ in solution, we have isolated [M₂V₂O₂(pmida)₂(H₂O)₁₀] species (where M²⁺ = Mn²⁺, Co²⁺ or Cd²⁺) via the hydrothermal synthetic approach, which were then employed for the construction of [CdVO(pmida)(4,4′-bpy)(H₂O)₂]·(4,4′-bpy)_0.5·(H₂O), [CoVO(pmida)(4,4′-bpy)(H₂O)₂]·(4,4′-bpy)_0.5, [Co(H₂O)₆][CoV₂O₂(pmida)₂(pyr)(H₂O)₂]·2(H₂O) and [Cd₂V₂O₂(pmida)₂(pyr)₂(H₂O)₄]·4(H₂O) by the inclusion of bridging organic ligands in the reactive mixtures, such as pyrazine (pyr) and 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy). These materials can contain channel systems, and exhibit magnetic behaviour, not only due to the V⁴⁺ centres but also to the transition metal centres which establish the links between neighbouring dimeric [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ anionic units. A closely related anionic moiety, [Ge₂(pmida)₂(OH)₂]²⁻, was engineered to allow the study of such crystalline hybrid materials using one- and two-dimensional high-resolution solid-state NMR.     

Preparation and characterization of M2(SeAr′)6 and mixed ligand M2(OR)2(SeAr′)4 species (M = Mo, W)

Toluene solutions of M₂(NMe₂)₆ (M = Mo, W) react with mesitylene selenol (Ar′SeH) to give M₂(SeAr′) ₆ complexes. MO₂(OR)₆ (R = ^tBu, CH₂^tBu) react with excess> 6 fold) Ar′SeH to give Mo₂ (SeAr′)₆, whilst W₂(OR)₆(py)₂ (R = ⁱPr, CH₂^tBu) react with excess (> 6 fold) Ar′SeH to give W₂(OR)₂(SeAr′)₄. Reaction of MO₂(OPrⁱ)₆ with Ar′SeH produces Mo₂(OPrⁱ)₂ (SeAr′)₄ which crystallizes in two different space groups. These areneselenato complexes are air-stable and insoluble in common organic solvents. X-ray crystallographic studies revealed that the Mo₂(SeAr′)₆ and W₂(SeAr′)₆ compounds are isostructural in the solid state and adopt ethane-like staggered configurations with the following important structural parameters, M---M (W---W/Mo---Mo) 2.3000(11)/2.2175(13) Å, M---Se 2.430 (av.)/2.440 (av.) Å, M---M---SE 97.0° (av.)°. In the solid state W₂(OⁱPr)₂(SeAr′)₄ adopts the anti-configuration with crystallographically imposed C_i symmetry and W---W 2.3077(7) Å, W---Se 2.435 (av.) Å, W---O 1.858(6) Å; W---W---SE 100.27(3)°, 93.8(3)° and W---W---O 108.41(17)°. Mo₂(OPrⁱ)₂(SeAr′) ₄ crystallizes in both P and A2/a space groups in which the molecules are isostructural with each other and the tungsten analogue. Important bond lengths and angles are Mo---Mo 2.180(24) Å, Mo---Se 2.432(av.) Å, Mo---O 1.872(9) Å, Mo---Mo---Se 99.39(9)°, 94.71(8)°, Mo---Mo---O 107.55(28)°.     

Synthesis, spectra and crystal structures of two Ru complexes with polypyridyl ligands: cis-[Ru(bpy)2(4,4′-bpy)Cl](PF6)·H2O and cis-[Ru(phen)2(CH3CN)2](PF6)2

Two mononuclear Ru^II complexes of polypyridyl ligands, cis-[Ru(bpy)₂(4,4′-bpy)Cl](PF₆)·H₂O (1) and cis-[Ru(phen)₂(CH₃CN)₂](PF₆)₂ (2) (bpy=2,2′-bipyridyl, 4,4′-bpy=4,4′-bipyridyl, and PHEN=1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR and UV–vis spectra. The crystal structures of both complexes have been determined by X-ray diffraction, indicating that each Ru^II center is hexa-coordinated (RuN₅Cl for 1 and RuN₆ for 2) and takes a distorted octahedral geometry. The favored feature of both complexes is that they are quite useful complex precursors for further constructing new functional architectures.