Rearrangement of a P4 Butterfly Complex—The Formation of a Homoleptic Phosphorus–Iron Sandwich Complex

The versatile coordination behavior of the P₄ butterfly complex [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^1:1-P₄)] ( 1 , Cp′′′=η⁵-C₅H₂^tBu₃) towards different iron(II) compounds is presented. The reaction of 1 with [FeBr₂⋅dme] (dme=dimethoxyethane) leads to the chelate complex [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:2-P₄){FeBr₂}] ( 2 ), whereas, in the reaction with [Fe(CH₃CN)₆][PF₆]₂, an unprecedented rearrangement of the P₄ butterfly structural motif leads to the cyclo-P₄ moiety in {(Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂)₂(μ₃,η^1:1:4-P₄)}₂Fe][PF₆]₂ ( 3 ). Complex 3 represents the first fully characterized “carbon-free” sandwich complex containing cyclo-P₄R₂ ligands in a homoleptic-like iron–phosphorus-containing molecule. Alternatively, 2 can be transformed into 3 by halogen abstraction and subsequent coordination of 1 . The additional isolated side products, [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:2-P₄){Cp′′′Fe(CO)}][PF₆] ( 4 ) and [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:4-P₄){Cp′′′Fe}][PF₆] ( 5 ), give insight into the stepwise activation of the P₄ butterfly moiety in 1 .     

A General Pathway to Heterobimetallic Triple-Decker Complexes

A systematic study on the reactivity of the triple-decker complex [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ,η⁴:η⁴-C₇H₈)] ( A ) (Cp’’’=1,2,4-tritertbutyl-cyclopentadienyl) towards sandwich complexes containing cyclo-P₃, cyclo-P₄, and cyclo-P₅ ligands under mild conditions is presented. The heterobimetallic triple-decker sandwich complexes [(Cp*Fe)(Cp’’’Co)(μ,η⁵:η⁴-P₅)] ( 1 ) and [(Cp’’’Co)(Cp’’’Ni)(μ,η³:η³-P₃)] ( 3 ) (Cp*=1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) were synthesized and fully characterized. In solution, these complexes exhibit a unique fluxional behavior, which was investigated by variable temperature NMR spectroscopy. The dynamic processes can be blocked by coordination to {W(CO)₅} fragments, leading to the complexes [(Cp*Fe)(Cp’’’Co)(μ₃,η⁵:η⁴:η¹-P₅){W(CO)₅}] ( 2 a ), [(Cp*Fe)(Cp’’’Co)(μ₄,η⁵:η⁴:η¹:η¹-P₅){(W(CO)₅)₂}] ( 2 b ), and [(Cp’’’Co)(Cp’’’Ni)(μ₃,η³:η²:η¹-P₃){W(CO)₅}] ( 4 ), respectively. The thermolysis of 3 leads to the tetrahedrane complex [(Cp’’’Ni)₂(μ,η²:η²-P₂)] ( 5 ). All compounds were fully characterized using single-crystal X-ray structure analysis, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis.     

The Butterfly Complex [{Cp*Cr(CO)3}2(μ,η1:1-P4)] as a Versatile Ligand and Its Unexpected P1/P3 Fragmentation

The versatile coordination behavior of the P₄ butterfly complex [{Cp*Cr(CO)₃}₂(μ,η^1:1-P₄)] ( 1 ) towards Lewis acidic pentacarbonyl compounds of Cr, Mo and W is reported. The reaction of 1 with [W(CO)₄(nbd)] (nbd=norbornadiene) yields the complex [{Cp*Cr(CO)₃}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:1:1-P₄){W(CO)₄}] ( 2 ) in which 1 serves as a chelating P₄ butterfly ligand. In contrast, reactions of 1 with [M(CO)₄(nbd)] (M=Cr ( a ), Mo ( b )) result in the step-wise formation of [{Cp*Cr(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^3:1:1-P₄){M(CO)₅}] ( 3 a,b ) and [{Cp*Cr(CO)₂}₂-(μ₄,η^3:1:1:1-P₄){M(CO)₅}₂] ( 4 a,b ) which contain a folded cyclo-P₄ unit. Complex 4 a undergoes an unprecedented P₁/P₃-fragmentation yielding the cyclo-P₃ complex [Cp*Cr(CO)₂(η³-P₃)] ( 5 ) and the as yet unknown phosphinidene complex [Cp*Cr(CO)₂{Cr(CO)₅}₂(μ₃-P)] ( 6 ). The identity of 6 is confirmed by spectroscopic methods and by the in situ formation of [{Cp*Cr(CO)₂(tBuNC)}P{Cr(CO)₅}₂(tBuNC)] ( 7 ). DFT calculations throw light on the bonding situation of the reported products.     

E4 Butterfly Complexes (E=P,As) as Chelating Ligands

The coordination properties of new types of bidentate phosphane and arsane ligands with a narrow bite angle are reported. The reactions of [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^1:1‐P₄)] ( 1 a ) with the copper salt [Cu(CH₃CN)₄][BF₄] leads, depending on the stoichiometry, to the formation of the spiro compound [{{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:1:1‐P₄)}₂Cu]⁺[BF₄]^? ( 2 ) or the monoadduct [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:2‐P₄){Cu(MeCN)}]⁺[BF₄]^? ( 3 ). Similarly, the arsane ligand [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^1:1‐As₄)] ( 1 b ) reacts with [Cu(CH₃CN)₄][BF₄] to give [{{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:1:1‐As₄)}₂Cu]⁺[BF₄]^? ( 5 ). Protonation of 1 a occurs at the “wing tip” phosphorus atoms, which is in line with the results of DFT calculations. The compounds are characterized by spectroscopic methods (heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy and IR spectrometry) and by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.     

Metal-Assisted Opening of Intact P4 Tetrahedra

The reactivity of ruthenium and manganese complexes bearing intact white phosphorus in the coordination sphere was investigated towards the low-valent transition-metal species [Cp′′′Co] (Cp′′′=η⁵-C₅H₂-1,2,4-tBu₃) and [L⁰M] (L⁰=CH[CHN(2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)]₂; M=Fe, Co). Remarkably, and irrespective of the metal species, the reaction proceeds by the selective cleavage of two P–P edges and the formation of a square-planar cyclo-P₄ ligand. The reaction products [{CpRu(PPh₃)₂}{CoCp′′′}(μ,η^1:4-P₄)][CF₃SO₃] ( 5 ), [{Cp^BIGMn(CO)₂}₂{CoCp′′′}(μ,η^1:1:4-P₄)] ( 6 ) and [{Cp^BIGMn(CO)₂}₂{ML⁰}(μ,η^1:1:4-P₄)] (Cp^BIG=C₅(C₆H₄nBu)₅; L⁰=CH[CHN(2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)]₂; M=Fe ( 7 a ), Co ( 7 b )), respectively, were fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic methods. The electronic structure of the cyclo-P₄ ligand in the complexes 5 – 7 is best described as a π-delocalized P₄²⁻ system, which is further stabilized by two and three metal moieties, respectively. DFT calculations envisaged a potential intermediate in the reaction to form 5 , in which a quasi-butterfly-shaped P₄ moiety bridges the two metals and behaves as an η³-coordinated ligand towards the cobalt center.     

[{Cp″Co}3(μ3-P)(μ3-PSe)], ein Dreikerncluster mit einem PSe-Liganden

[{Cp″Co}₃(μ₃-P)(μ₃-PSe)], a Trinuclear Cluster with a PSe Ligand The cothermolysis of [Cp″Co(CO)₂] ( 1 ), Cp″ = C₅H₃Bu-1.3, and P₄ gives besides [{Cp″Co}₃(μ₃-P)₂] ( 2 ) the cobalt P_n complexes [{Cp″Co}₄(μ₃-P)₄] ( 3 ) and [{Cp″Co}₂(μ, η^2:2-P₂)₂] ( 4 ). 2 can be oxidized with grey selenium forming [{Cp″Co}₃(μ₃-P)(μ₃-PSe)] ( 5 ) and [{Cp″Co}₃(μ₃-PSe)₂] ( 6 ), complexes with the hitherto unknown PSe ligand. The crystal structure of 5 reveals a trigonal-bipyramidal Co₃P₂ skeleton with one μ₃-PSe ligand.     

Heterometall-Komplexe mit E6-Liganden (E = P,As)

Heterometallic Complexes with E₆ Ligands (E = P, As) The reaction of [Cp*Co(μ-CO)]₂ 1 with the sandwich complexes [Cp*Fe(η⁵-E₅)] 2 a: E = P, 2 b: E = As in decalin at 190°C affords besides [CpCo₂E₄] 4: E = P, 7: E = As and [CpFe₂P₄] 5 the trinuclear complexes [(Cp*Fe)₂(Cp*Co)(μ-η²-P₂)(μ₃-η^1:2:1-P₂)₂] 3 as well as [(Cp*Fe)₂(Cp*Co)(μ₃-η^2:2:2-As₃)₂] 6 . With [Mo(CO)₅(thf)] 3 and 6 form in a build-up reaction the tetranuclear clusters [(Cp*Fe)₂(Cp*Co)E₆{Mo(CO)₃}] 10: E = P, 11: E = As. 3, 6 and 11 have been further characterized by an X-ray crystal structure determination.     

Ring Expansions of Nonpolar Polyphosphorus Rings

The reaction of the phosphinidene complex [Cp*P{W(CO)₅}₂] ( 1 a ) (Cp*=C₅Me₅) with the anionic cyclo-P_n ligand complex [(η³-P₃)Nb(ODipp)₃]⁻ ( 2 , Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl) resulted in the formation of [{W(CO)₅}₂{μ₃,η^3:1:1-P₄Cp*}Nb(ODipp)₃]⁻ ( 3 ), which represents an unprecedented example of a ring expansion of a polyphosphorus-ligand complex initiated by a phosphinidene complex. Furthermore, the reaction of the pnictinidene complexes [Cp*E{W(CO)₅}₂] (E=P: 1 a , As: 1 b ) with the neutral complex [Cp′′′Co(η⁴-P₄)] (Cp′′′=1,2,4-tBu₃C₅H₂) led to a cyclo-P₄E ring (E=P, As) through the insertion of the pentel atom into the cyclo-P₄ ligand. Starting from 1 a , the two isomers [Cp′′′Co(μ₃,η^4:1:1-P₅Cp*){W(CO)₅}₂] ( 5 a , b ), and from 1 b , the three isomers [Cp′′′Co(μ₃,η^4:1:1-AsP₄Cp*){W(CO)₅}₂] ( 6 a – c ) with unprecedented cyclo-P₄E ligands (E=P, As) were isolated. The complexes 6 a – c represent unique examples of ring expansions which lead to new mixed five-membered cyclo-P₄As ligands. The possible reaction pathways for the formation of 5 a , b and 6 a – c were investigated by a combination of temperature-dependent ³¹P{¹H} NMR studies and DFT calculations.     

Niob- und Tantalkomplexe mit P2- und P4-Liganden

Niobium and Tantalum Complexes with P₂ and P₄ Ligands The photolysis of [Cp″Ta(CO)₄] 1 (Cp″ = C₅H₃^tBu₂?1,3) and P₄ affords Cp″(CO)₂Ta(η⁴?P₄) 2 , [{Cp″(CO)Ta}₂(m??η^2:2?P₂)₂] 3 and [Cp₃″(CO)₃Ta₃(P₂)₂] 4 . In a photochemical reaction 2 and [Cp*Nb(CO)₄] 5 form [{Cp*(CO)Nb}{Cp″(CO)Ta}(m??η^2:2?P₂)₂] 6 and [{Cp*(CO)₂Nb} {Cp*Nb}{Cp″(CO)Ta}(m?₃?η^2:1:1?P₂)₂] 7 , a compound with the novel m?₃?η^2:2:1?P₂-coordination mode. The reaction of 2 and [Cp*Co(C₂H₄)₂] 8 leads to [{Cp*Co} {Cp″(CO)Ta}(m??η^2:2?P₂)₂] 9 , a heteronuclear complex with an ?early”? and a ?late”? transition metal. Complexes 2, 3, 7 and 9 have been further characterized by X-ray structure analyses.     

Cationic Functionalisation by Phosphenium Ion Insertion

The reaction of [Cp′′′Ni(η³-P₃)] ( 1 ) with in situ generated phosphenium ions [RR′P]⁺ yields the unprecedented polyphosphorus cations of the type [Cp′′′Ni(η³-P₄R₂)][X] (R=Ph ( 2 a ), Mes ( 2 b ), Cy ( 2 c ), 2,2′-biphen ( 2 d ), Me ( 2 e ); [X]⁻=[OTf]⁻, [SbF₆]⁻, [GaCl₄]⁻, [BAr^F]⁻, [TEF]⁻) and [Cp′′′Ni(η³-P₄RCl)][TEF] (R=Ph ( 2 f ), tBu ( 2 g )). In the reaction of 1 with [Br₂P]⁺, an analogous compound is observed only as an intermediate and the final product is an unexpected dinuclear complex [{Cp′′′Ni}₂(μ,η³:η¹:η¹-P₄Br₃)][TEF] ( 3 a ). A similar product [{Cp′′′Ni}₂(μ,η³:η¹:η¹-P₄(2,2′-biphen)Cl)][GaCl₄] ( 3 b ) is obtained, when 2 d [GaCl₄] is kept in solution for prolonged times. Although the central structural motif of 2 a – g consists of a “butterfly-like” folded P₄ ring attached to a {Cp′′′Ni} fragment, the structures of 3 a and 3 b exhibit a unique asymmetrically substituted and distorted P₄ chain stabilised by two {Cp′′′Ni} fragments. Additional DFT calculations shed light on the reaction pathway for the formation of 2 a – 2 g and the bonding situation in 3 a .     

Dreiecksdodekaedrische Heterotri‐ und ‐tetrametall‐Eisen–Ruthenium‐Cluster mit CpR‐ und Pn‐Liganden (n = 5, 4)

Triangulated Dodecahedral Heterotrimetallic‐ and ‐tetrametallic Iron–Ruthenium Clusters with Cp^R and P_n Ligands (n = 5, 4) The cothermolysis of [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐P₅)] ( 1 ) and [{Cp″(OC)₂Ru}₂](Ru–Ru) ( 2 ), Cp″ = C₅H₃But₂‐1,3, affords low yields of [Cp″Ru(η⁵‐P₅)] ( 3 ) and [{Cp″Ru}₂P₄] ( 4 ) as well as the triangulated dodecahedral hetero‐ and homotrimetallic clusters [{Cp″Ru}₂{Cp*Fe}P₅] ( 5 ), [{Cp″Ru}₃P₅] ( 6 ), [{Cp*Fe}₂{Cp″Ru}P₅] ( 7 ) and the tetranuclear compound [{Cp″Ru}₃{Cp*Fe}P₄] ( 8 ). X‐ray crystallographic studies show that the P₅ ligand in the distorted M₂M′P₅‐triangulated dodecahedra of 5 and 7 offers an unusual novel coordination mode derived from the educt 1 .     

Halogenation and Nucleophilic Quenching: Two Routes to E−X Bond Formation in Cobalt Triple-Decker Complexes (E=As,P; X=F,Cl, Br,I)

The oxidation of [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ,η² : η²-E₂)₂] (E=As ( 1 ), P ( 2 ); Cp’’’=1,2,4-tri(tert-butyl)cyclopentadienyl) with halogens or halogen sources (I₂, PBr₅, PCl₅) was investigated. For the arsenic derivative, the ionic compounds [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ,η⁴ : η⁴−As₄X)][Y] (X=I, Y=[As₆I₈]_0.5 ( 3 a ), Y=[Co₂Cl_6-nI_n]_0.5 (n=0, 2, 4; 3 b ); X=Br, Y=[Co₂Br₆]_0.5 ( 4 ); X=Cl, Y=[Co₂Cl₆]_0.5 ( 5 )) were isolated. The oxidation of the phosphorus analogue 2 with bromine and chlorine sources yielded the ionic complexes [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ-PBr₂)₂(μ-Br)][Co₂Br₆]_0.5 ( 6 a ), [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ-PCl₂)₂(μ-Cl)][Co₂Cl₆]_0.5 ( 6 b ) and the neutral species [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ-PCl₂)(μ-PCl)(μ,η¹ : η¹-P₂Cl₃] ( 7 ), respectively. As an alternative approach, quenching of the dications [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ,η⁴ : η⁴-E₄)][TEF]₂ (TEF=[Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄]⁻, E=As ( 8 ), P ( 9 )) with KI yielded [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ,η⁴ : η⁴-As₄I)][I] ( 10 ), representing the homologue of 3 , and the neutral complex [(Cp’’’Co)(Cp’’’CoI₂)(μ,η⁴ : η¹-P₄)] ( 11 ), respectively. The use of [(CH₃)₄N]F instead of KI leads to the formation of [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ-PF₂)(μ,η² : η¹ : η¹-P₃F₂)] ( 12 ) and 2 , thereby revealing synthetic access to polyphosphorus compounds bearing P−F groups and avoiding the use of very strong fluorinating reagents, such as XeF₂, that are difficult to control.     

The Missing Parent Compound [(C5H5)Fe(η5-P5)]: Synthesis,Characterization, Coordination Behavior and Encapsulation

The so far missing parent compound of the large family of pentaphosphaferrocenes [CpFe(η⁵-P₅)] ( 1 b ) was synthesized by the thermolysis of [CpFe(CO)₂]₂ with P₄ using the very high-boiling solvent diisopropylbenzene. It was comprehensively characterized by, inter alia, NMR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray structure analysis, cyclic voltammetry and DFT computations. Moreover, its coordination behavior towards Cu^I halides was explored, revealing the unprecedented 2D polymeric networks [{CpFe(η^5:1:1:1:1-P₅)}Cu₂(μ-X)₂]_n ( 2 a : X=Cl, 2 b : X=Br) and [{CpFe(η^5:1:1-P₅)}Cu(μ-I)]_n ( 3 ) and even the first cyclo-P₅-containing 3D coordination polymer [{CpFe(η^5:1:1-P₅)}Cu(μ-I)]_n ( 4 ). The sandwich complex 1 b can also be incorporated in nano-sized supramolecules based on [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)] ( 1 a ) and CuX (X=Cl, Br, I): [CpFe(η⁵-P₅)]@[{Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)}₁₂(CuX)_20-n] ( 5 a : X=Cl, n=2.4; 5 b : X=Br, n=2.4; 5 c : X=I, n=0.95). Thereby, the formation of the CuI-containing fullerene-like sphere 5 c is found for the first time.     

Synthesis and Reactivity of a Cyclooctatetraene-Like Polyphosphorus Ligand Complex [Cyclo-P8]

The thermolysis of Cp′′′Ta(CO)₄ with white phosphorus (P₄) gives access to [{Cp′′′Ta}₂(μ,η^{2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1}-P₈)] ( A ), representing the first complex containing a cyclooctatetraene-like (COT) cyclo-P₈ ligand. While ring sizes of n >6 have remained elusive for cyclo-P_n structural motifs, the choice of the transition metal, co-ligand and reaction conditions allowed the isolation of A . Reactivity investigations reveal its versatile coordination behaviour as well as its redox properties. Oxidation leads to dimerization to afford [{Cp′′′Ta}₄(μ₄,η^{2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1}-P₁₆)][TEF]₂ ( 4 , TEF=[Al(OC{CF₃}₃)₄]⁻). Reduction, however, leads to the fission of one P−P bond in A followed by rapid dimerization to form [K@[2.2.2]cryptand]₂[{Cp′′′Ta}₄(μ₄,η^{2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1}-P₁₆)] ( 5 ), which features an unprecedented chain-type P₁₆ ligand. Lastly, A serves as a P₂ synthon, via ring contraction to the triple-decker complex [{Cp′′′Ta}₂(μ,η^{6 : 6}-P₆)] ( B ).     

Halogenation of the Hexaphosphabenzene Complex [(Cp*Mo)2(μ,η6:η6-P6)]: Snapshots on the Reaction Progress

The oxidation of [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ,η⁶:η⁶-P₆)] ( 1 ) with halogens or halogen sources was investigated. The iodination afforded the ionic complexes [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ,η³:η³-P₃)(μ,η¹:η¹:η¹:η¹-P₃I₃)][X] (X=I₃⁻, I⁻) ( 2 ) and [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ,η⁴:η⁴-P₄)(μ-PI₂)][I₃] ( 3 ), while the reaction with PBr₅ led to the complexes [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ,η³:η³-P₃)(μ-Br)₂][Cp*MoBr₄] ( 4 ) [(Cp*MoBr)₂(μ,η³:η³-P₃)(μ,η¹-P₂Br₃)] ( 5 ) and [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ-PBr₂)(μ-PHBr)(μ-Br)₂] ( 6 ). The reaction of 1 with the far stronger oxidizing agent PCl₅ was followed via time- and temperature-dependent ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy. One of the first intermediates detected at 193 K was [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ,η³:η³-P₃)(μ-PCl₂)₂][PCl₆] ( 8 ) which rearranges upon warming to [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ-PCl₂)₂(μ-Cl)₂] ( 9 ), [(Cp*MoCl)₂(μ,η³:η³-P₃)(μ-PCl₂)] ( 10 ) and [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ,η⁴:η⁴-P₄)(μ-PCl₂)][Cp*MoCl₄] ( 11 ), which could be isolated at room temperature. All complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy and their electronic structures were elucidated by DFT calculations.     

Reaktionen von Nitrosylkomplexen. XIII. Synthese neuer zwei- und dreikerniger heterobimetallischer Komplexe mit NO-Brückenliganden

Reactions of Nitrosyl Complexes. XIII. Synthesis of Novel Di- and Trinuclear Heterobimetallic Complexes with Bridging NO Ligands By reaction of [{Cp′Fe(μ-NO)}₂] with [Cp′Mn(CO)₂ · (THF)] (Cp′ = μ⁵-C₅H₄Me) in THF [Cp₃′Fe₂Mn(μ-CO)₂(μ-NO) · (μ₃-NO)] 1 is formed in high yield. The reaction of [{Cp′Fe(μ-NO)}₂]Na with [Cp′Mn(CO)₂NO]BF₄ in DME/acetone yields besides known [{Cp′Mn(CO)(NO)}₂] 2 the novel complex [Cp₂′FeMn(μ-NO)₂NO] 3 . By interaction between [Cp′Mn(CO)₂(THF)] and 3 , [Cp₃′FeMn₂(μ-CO)(μ-NO)₂ · (μ₃-NO)] 4 is formed. The complex 4 represents the hitherto unknown missing link in the series of the isoelectronic clusters [Cp₃′Mn₃(μ-NO)₃(μ₃-NO)], 1 , and [Cp₃′Fe₃(μ-CO)₃(μ₃-NO)]. Attempts to synthesize the unknown complex [(Cp′FeNO)₂ · Cr(CO)₅] by addition of carbene analogous Cr(CO)₅ fragments to the Fe=Fe bond in [{Cp′Fe(μ-NO)}₂] only led to very low yields of [Cp₂′FeCr(CO)₅] 5 . The new complexes were characterized by mass, NMR and IR spectra.     

Selective Formation and Unusual Reactivity of Tetraarsabicyclo[1.1.0]butane Complexes

The selective formation of the dinuclear butterfly complexes [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^1:1‐E₄)] (E=P ( 1 a ), As ( 1 b )) and [{Cp*Cr(CO)₃}₂(μ,η^1:1‐E₄)] (E=P ( 2 a ), As ( 2 b )) as new representatives of this rare class of compounds was found by reaction of E₄ with the corresponding dimeric carbonyl complexes. Complexes 1 b and 2 b are the first As₄ butterfly compounds with a bridging coordination mode. Moreover, first studies regarding the reactivity of 1 b and 2 b are presented, revealing the formation of the unprecedented As₈ cuneane complexes [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂{Cp′′′Fe(CO)}₂(μ₄,η^1:1:2:2‐As₈)] ( 3 b ) and [{Cp*Cr(CO)₃}₄(μ₄,η^1:1:1:1‐As₈)] ( 4 ). The compounds are fully characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as by X‐ray structure analysis. In addition, DFT calculations give insight into the transformation pathway from the E₄ butterfly to the corresponding cuneane structural motif.     

Mehrkernige Eisen/Tantal‐ und Tantal‐Komplexe mit Asn‐Liganden

Polynuclear Iron/Tantalum and Tantalum Complexes with As_n Ligands Starting with [Cp@Ta(CO)₄] ( 1 ) (Cp@ = C₅H₃^tBu₂‐1,3) and As₄ or (^tBuAs)₄ ( 2 ) its thermolysis at 190 °C in decalin gives [{Cp@Ta}₂(μ‐η⁴ : η⁴‐As₈)] ( 3 ), which is also formed according to equation (2) in addition to [{Cp@Ta}₃As₆] ( 5 ). The reaction of 1 or [{Cp*(OC)₂Fe}₂] ( 6 ) with 3 affords 5 or [{Cp*Fe}{Cp@Ta}As₅] ( 8 ) demonstrating the use of 3 as As_n source. 8 can also be synthesized from 1 and [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐As₅)] ( 7 ) for which the cothermolysis of 2 and 6 gives a better yield.     

Arsenic-Rich Polyarsenides Stabilized by Cp*Fe Fragments

The redox chemistry of [Cp*Fe(η⁵-As₅)] ( 1 , Cp*=η⁵-C₅Me₅) has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, revealing a redox behavior similar to that of its lighter congener [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)]. However, the subsequent chemical reduction of 1 by KH led to the formation of a mixture of novel As_n scaffolds with n up to 18 that are stabilized only by [Cp*Fe] fragments. These include the arsenic-poor triple-decker complex [K(dme)₂][{Cp*Fe(μ,η^2:2-As₂)}₂] ( 2 ) and the arsenic-rich complexes [K(dme)₃]₂[(Cp*Fe)₂(μ,η^4:4-As₁₀)] ( 3 ), [K(dme)₂]₂[(Cp*Fe)₂(μ,η^2:2:2:2-As₁₄)] ( 4 ), and [K(dme)₃]₂[(Cp*Fe)₄(μ₄,η^{4:3:3:2:2:1:1}-As₁₈)] ( 5 ). Compound 4 and the polyarsenide complex 5 are the largest anionic As_n ligand complexes reported thus far. Complexes 2 – 5 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy ( 2 ), and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, DFT calculations showed that the intermediate [Cp*Fe(η⁵-As₅)]⁻, which is presumably formed first, undergoes fast dimerization to the dianion [(Cp*Fe)₂(μ,η^4:4-As₁₀)]²⁻.     

Insertion of Phosphenium Ions into a Bicyclo[1.1.0]Tetraphosphabutane Iron Complex

By reacting [{Cp‴Fe(CO)₂}₂(µ,η^1:1-P₄)] (1) with in situ generated phosphenium ions [Ph₂P][A] ([A]⁻ = [OTf]⁻ = [O₃SCF₃]⁻, [PF₆]⁻), a mixture of two main products of the composition [{Cp‴Fe(CO)₂}₂(µ,η^1:1-P₅(C₆H₅)₂)][PF₆] (2a and 3a) could be identified by extensive ³¹P NMR spectroscopic studies at 193 K. Compound 3a was also characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, showing the rarely observed bicyclo[2.1.0]pentaphosphapentane unit. At room temperature, the novel compound [{Cp‴Fe}(µ,η^4:1-P₅Ph₂){Cp‴(CO)₂Fe}][PF₆] (4) is formed by decarbonylation. Reacting 1 with in situ generated diphenyl arsenium ions gives short-lived intermediates at 193 K which disproportionate at room temperature into tetraphenyldiarsine and [{Cp‴Fe(CO)₂}₄(µ₄,η^1:1:1:1-P₈)][OTf]₂ (5) containing a tetracyclo[3.3.0.0^2,7.0^3,6]octaphosphaoctane ligand.