Bimetallic single-source precursors [M(NH3)4][Co(C2O4)2(H2O)2]·2H2O (M = Pd, Pt) for the one run synthesis of CoPd and CoPt magnetic nanoalloys

All the steps of the proposed technique, from the synthesis of single-source precursors to the preparation of CoPd and CoPt nanoalloys, are described. The double complex salts (DCS) [M(NH₃)₄][Co(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O (M = Pd, Pt), which were synthesized by mixing solutions containing [M(NH₃)₄]²⁺ cations and [Co(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂]²⁻ anions, have been used as precursors. The salts obtained were characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, XRD and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The prepared compounds crystallize in the monoclinic (space group I2/m, M = Pd) and orthorhombic (space group I222, M = Pt) crystal systems. Thermal decomposition of the salts in helium or hydrogen atmosphere at 200-600 °C results in the formation of nanoalloys powders (random solid solution Co_0.50Pd_0.50 and chemically ordered CoPt). The size of the bimetallic particles varied from 5 to 20 nm. Order-disorder structural transformations in Co_0.50Pt_0.50 nanoalloys were studied. The magnetic properties of both chemically disordered Co_0.50Pd_0.50 and ordered CoPt clusters have also been measured.     

Structural and spectroscopic trends in mononuclear arylchalcogenolato-palladium(II) and -platinum(II) complexes: Crystal structures of [M(TeAr)2(dppe)] {M = palladium, platinum; Ar = phenyl, 2-thienyl; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane}

A series of mononuclear [M(EAr)₂(dppe)] [M = Pd, Pt; E = Se, Te; Ar = phenyl, 2-thienyl; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane] complexes has been prepared in good yields by the reactions of [MCl₂(dppe)] and corresponding ArE⁻ with a special emphasis on the aryltellurolato palladium and -platinum complexes for which the existing structural information is virtually non-existent. The complexes have crystallized in five isomorphic groups: (1) [Pd(SePh)₂(dppe)] and [Pt(SePh)₂(dppe)], (2) [Pd(TePh)₂(dppe)] and [Pt(TePh)₂(dppe)], (3) [Pd(SeTh)₂(dppe)], (4) [Pt(SeTh)₂(dppe)] and [Pd(TeTh)₂(dppe)], and (5) [Pt(TePh)₂(dppe)]. In addition, solvated [Pd(TePh)₂(dppe)] · CH₃OH and [Pd(TeTh)₂(dppe)] · 1/2CH₂Cl₂ could be isolated and structurally characterized. The metal atom in each complex exhibits an approximate square-planar coordination. The Pd-Se, Pt-Se, Pd-Te, and Pt-Te bonds span a range of 2.4350(7)-2.4828(7) Å, 2.442(1)-2.511(1) Å, 2.5871(7)-2.6704(8) Å, and 2.6053(6)-2.6594(9) Å, respectively, and the respective Pd-P and Pt-P bond distances are 2.265(2)-2.295(2) Å and 2.247(2)-2.270(2) Å. The orientation of the arylchalcogenolato ligands with respect to the M(E₂)(P₂) plane has been found to depend on the E-M-E bond angle. The NMR spectroscopic information indicates the formation of only cis-[M(EAr)₂(dppe)] complexes in solution. The trends in the ³¹P, ⁷⁷Se, ¹²⁵Te, and ¹⁹⁵Pt chemical shifts expectedly depend on the nature of metal, chalcogen, and aryl group. Each trend can be considered independently of other factors. The ⁷⁷Se or ¹²⁵Te resonances appear as second-order multiplets in case of palladium and platinum complexes, respectively. Spectral simulation has yielded all relevant coupling constants.     

Mononuclear Pt(II) and Pd(II) 1,4-dithiolato complexes. Crystal structures of [Pt((−) DIOS) (PPh3)2] and [Pd(S(CH2) 4S)(Ph2P(CH2) 3PPh2)]. Application in styrene hydroformylation

Addition of 1,4-dithiols to dichloromethane solutions of [PtCl₂(P-P)] (P-P = (PPh₃)₂, Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂, Phd₂P(CH₂)₄PPh₂; 1,4-dithiols = HS(CH₂)₄SH, (−)DIOSH₂ (2,3-O-isopropylidene-1,4-dithiol-l-threitol), BINASH₂ (1,1′-dinaphthalene-2,2′-dithiol)) in the presence of NEt₃ yielded the mononuclear complexes [Pt(1,4-dithiolato)(P-P)]. Related palladium(II) complexes [Pd(dithiolato)(P-P)] (P-P=Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂, Ph₂P(CH₂)₄PPh₂; dithiolato = ⁻S(CH₂)₄S⁻, (−)-DIOS) were prepared by the same method. The structure of [Pt((−)DIOS)(PPh₃)₂] and [Pd(S(CH₂)₄S)(Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂)] complexes was determined by X-ray diffraction methods. Pt—dithiolato—SnC1₂ systems are active in the hydroformylation of styrene. At 100 atm and 125°C [Pt(dithiolate)(P-P)]/SnCl₂ (Pt:Sn = 20) systems provided aldehyde conversion up to 80%.     

Backbone modified small bite-angle diphosphines: Synthesis and molecular structures of [M(CO)4{X2PC(RR)PX2}] (M = Mo, W; X = Ph, Cy; R = H, Me, Et, Pr, allyl, R = Me, allyl)

A range of new small bite-angle diphosphine complexes, [M(CO)₄{X₂PC(R¹R²)PX₂}] (M = Mo, W; X = Ph, Cy; R¹ = H, Me, Et, Pr, allyl, R² = Me, allyl), have been prepared via elaboration of the methylene backbones in [M(CO)₄(X₂PCH₂PX₂)] as a result of successive deprotonation and alkyl halide addition. When X = Ph it proved possible to replace both methylene protons but for X = Cy only one substitution proved possible. This is likely due to the electron-releasing nature of the cyclohexyl groups but may also be due to steric constraints. Attempts to prepare the bis(allyl) substituted complex [Mo(CO)₄{Ph₂PC(allyl)₂PPh₂}] were only moderately successful. The crystal structures of nine of these complexes are presented.     

Stereochemically non-rigid transition metal complexes of 2,6-bis[(1-phenylimino) ethyl]pyridine (BIP) part 1. Dynamic NMR studies of [M(C6F5) 2(BIP)] (M = Pd or Pt)

The complexes [M(C₆F₅)₂(BIP)] (M = Pd^II or Pt^II, BIP = 2,6-bis[(1-phenylimino)ethyl]pyridine) have been synthesised and characterised as involving BIP as a bidentate chelate ligand. In solution they undergo 1,4 metallotropic shifts of the M(C₆ F₅)₂ moiety, E,Z isomerisation of the pendant imine bond, and restricted C-C rotation of the pendant portion of the BIP ligand. ¹H and ¹⁹F dynamic NMR studies yielded activation energies for these three types of fluxion. ΔG^≠ (298 K) values for the three processes were 89.6, 86.6 and 47.4kJmol⁻¹ respectively for the Pt^II complex. Values for the Pd^II complex were significantly lower in magnitude, namely 71.6, 70.4 and 41.8 kJ mol⁻¹ respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of new sulfide aggregates of the type [{Pt2(μ3-S)2(P-P)2}M(C6F5)2] (M=Ni, Pd, Pt; P-P=2PPh3, 2PMe2Ph, dppf)

The reaction of [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(P-P)₂] (P-P=2PPh₃, 2PMe₂Ph, dppf) [dppf=1,1^′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene] with cis-[M(C₆F₅)₂(PhCN)₂] (M=Ni, Pd) or cis-[Pt(C₆F₅)₂(THF)₂] (THF=tetrahydrofuran) afforded sulfide aggregates of the type [{Pt₂(μ₃-S)₂(P-P)₂}M(C₆F₅)₂] (M=Ni, Pd, Pt). X-ray crystal analysis revealed that [{Pt₂(μ₃-S)₂(dppf)₂}Pd(C₆F₅)₂], [{Pt₂(μ₃-S)₂(PPh₃)₂}Ni(C₆F₅)₂], [{Pt₂(μ₃-S)₂(PPh₃)₂}Pd(C₆F₅)₂] and [{Pt₂(μ₃-S)₂(PMe₂Ph)₂}Pt(C₆F₅)₂] have triangular M₃S₂ core structures capped on both sides by μ₃-sulfido ligands. The structural features of these polymetallic complexes are described. Some of them display short metal-metal contacts.     

Oxidative addition of (PhSe)2 and (FcSe)2 to zerovalent palladium and platinum trialkylphosphine complexes (Fc = ferrocenyl, [Fe(η-C5H5)(η-C5H4)])

Room temperature reaction of [Pd₂(dba)₃]/PR₃ or [Pt(C₂H₄)(PR₃)₂] (dba = dibenzylideneacetone; R = Et, Bu) with the diselenides (R′Se)₂ (R′ = Ph, Fc) yielded the oxidative addition products trans-[M(SeR′)₂(PR₃)₂] (M = Pd, Pt). These have been characterised by multinuclear NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and, in the cases of trans-[Pt(SePh)₂(PR₃)₂] (R = Et, Bu) and trans-[Pt(SeFc)₂(PBu₃)₂], also by X-ray crystallography.     

Reactivity of ZrCl4 and HfCl4 with silylamines and thermal decomposition of the compounds [MCl4{NH(R)(SiR′3)}] (M = Zr,Hf, R = tBu,R′ = Me; R = SiR′3 = SiMe3, SiMe2H)

The Lewis acid/base adducts [MCl₄{NH(R)(SiR′₃)}] (M = Zr, Hf; R = tBu, R′ = Me; R = SiR′₃ = SiMe₃, SiMe₂H) were synthesized by the 1:1 reaction of MCl₄ with NH(R)(SiR′₃) in dichloromethane solution at room temperature. The decomposition of [MCl₄{NH(R)(SiR′₃)}] proceeds with the elimination of R′₃SiCl, as shown by thermogravimetric analysis. Pyrolysis of the compounds at 620 °C under inert conditions (N₂, vacuum) afforded powders of composition [ClMN] or [Cl₂MNH]. Preliminary low pressure chemical vapour deposition experiments show that [MCl₄{NH(R)(SiR′₃)}] deposits thin films of metal nitride contaminated with metal oxide.     

Unusual stabilization of cationic “M(η-allyl) (M = Pt, Pd) units by a dianionic cis-{Pt(C6F5)2(CCSiMe3)2} fragment

Chloride abstraction from [{M(η³ --- C₃H₅)Cl}_n] (M = Pt, n = 4 or M = Pd, n = 2) by (NBu₄)₂[cis-Pt(C₆F₅)₂(CCSiMe₃)₂] (1) gives rise to novel homo- and hetero-dinuclear zwitterionic derivatives (NBu₄) [{cis-Pt(C₆F₅)₂(CCSiMe₃)₂}M(η³-C₃H₅)] (M = Pt 2; M = Pd 3) which are formed by a M(η³-allyl)⁺ unit attached to both alkynyl ligands of the {cis-Pt(C₆F₅)₂(CCSiMe₃)₂}²⁻ fragment. The structure of 3 has been established by X-ray diffraction.     

Alkaline earth metal poly(hydrogen fluorides) hexafluoroarsenates(V) and hexafluorophosphate(V): M2(H2F3)(HF2)2(AF6) (M = Ca, A = As; M = Sr, A = As, P)

New compounds of the type M₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(AF₆) with M = Ca, A = As and M = Sr, A = As, P) were isolated. Ca₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(AsF₆) was prepared from Ca(AsF₆)₂ with repeated additions of neutral anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF). It crystallizes in a space group P4₃22 with a = 714.67(10) pm, c = 1754.8(3) pm, V = 0.8963(2) nm³ and Z = 4. Sr₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(AsF₆) was prepared at room temperature by dissolving SrF₂ in aHF acidified with AsF₅ in mole ratio SrF₂:AsF₅ = 2:1. It crystallizes in a space group P4₃22 with a = 746.00(12) pm, c = 1805.1(5) pm, V = 1.0046(4) nm³ and Z = 4. Sr₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(PF₆) was prepared from Sr(XeF₂)_n(PF₆)₂ in neutral aHF. It crystallizes in a space group P4₁22 with a = 737.0(3) pm, c = 1793.7(14) pm, V = 0.9744(9) nm³ and Z = 4. The compounds M₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(AF₆) gradually lose HF at room temperature in a dynamic vacuum or during being powdered for recording IR spectra or X-ray powder ray diffraction patterns. All compounds are isotypical with coordination of nine fluorine atoms around a metal center forming a distorted Archimedian antiprism with one face capped. This is the first example of the compounds in which H₂F₃⁻ and HF₂⁻ anions simultaneously bridge metal centers forming close packed three-dimensional network of polymeric compounds with low solubility in aHF. The HF₂⁻ anions are asymmetric with usual F?F distances of 227.3-228.5 pm. Vibrational frequency (ν₁) of HF₂⁻ is close to that in NaHF₂. The anion H₂F₃⁻ exhibits unusually small F?F?F angle of 95.1°-97.6° most probably as a consequence of close packed structure.     

Kristallstrukturen,spektroskopische Charakterisierung und Normalkoordinatenanalyse von (n‐Bu4N)2[M(ECN)4] (M = Pd,Pt; E = S,Se)

Crystal Structures, Spectroscopic Analysis, and Normal Coordinate Analysis of ( n ‐Bu₄N)₂[M(ECN)₄] (M = Pd, Pt; E = S, Se) The reaction of (NH₄)₂[PdCl₄] or K₂[PtCl₄] with KSCN or KSeCN in aqueous solutions yields the complex anions [Pd(SCN)₄]^2–, [Pt(SCN)₄]^2– and [Pt(SeCN)₄]^2–, which are converted into (n‐Bu₄N) salts with (n‐Bu₄N)HSO₄. (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pd(SeCN)₄] is formed by treatment of (n‐Bu₄N)₂[PdCl₄] with (n‐Bu₄N)SeCN in acetone. X‐ray structure determinations on single crystals of (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pd(SCN)₄] (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 13.088(3), b = 12.481(2), c = 13.574(3) Å, β = 91.494(15)°, Z = 2), (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pd(SeCN)₄] (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 13.171(2), b = 12.644(2), c = 13.560(2) Å, β = 91.430(11)°, Z = 2) and (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pt(SeCN)₄] (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 13.167(2), b = 12.641(1), c = 13.563(2) Å, β = 91.516(18)°, Z = 2) reveal, that the compounds crystallize isotypically and the complex anions are centrosymmetric and approximate planar. In the Raman spectra the metal ligand stretching modes of (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pd(SCN)₄] ( 1 ) and (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pt(SCN)₄] ( 3 ) are observed in the range of 260–303 cm^–1 and of (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pd(SeCN)₄] ( 2 ) and (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pt(SeCN)₄] ( 4 ) in the range of 171–195 cm^–1. The IR and Raman spectra are assigned by normal coordinate analysis using the molecular parameters of the X‐ray determination. The valence force constants are f_d(PdS) = 1.17, f_d(PdSe) = 1.17, f_d(PtS) = 1.44 and f_d(PtSe) = 1.42 mdyn/Å. The ⁷⁷Se NMR resonances are 23 for 2 , –3 for 4 and the ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR resonances 549 for 3 and 130 ppm for 4 .     

Selenium-capped trimolybdenum and tritungsten carbonyl clusters [Se2M3(CO)10] (M = Mo, W)

A facile synthesis of the novel selenium-capped trimolybdenum and tritungsten ring carbonyl clusters [Se₂M₃(CO)₁₀]²⁻ (M = Mo, 1; W, 4) have been achieved. The selenium-capped trimolybdenum cluster compound [Et₄N]₂[Se₂Mo₃(CO)₁₀] ([Et₄N]₂[1]) can be obtained from the reaction of the trichromium cluster compound [Et₄N]₂[Se₂Cr₃(CO)₁₀] with 4 equiv. of Mo(CO)₆ in refluxing acetone. On the other hand, when [Et₄N]₂[Se₂Cr₃(CO)₁₀] reacted with 4 equiv. of W(CO)₆ in refluxing acetone, the planar cluster compound [Et₄N]₂[Se₂W₄(CO)₁₈] ([Et₄N]₂[3]) was isolated, which could further transform to the tritungsten cluster compound [Et₄N]₂[Se₂W₃(CO)₁₀] ([Et₄N]₂[4]) in good yield. Alternatively, clusters 1 and 4 could be formed from the reactions of the monosubstituted products [Et₄N]₂[Se₂Cr₂M(CO)₁₀] (M = Mo; W, [Et₄N]₂[2]) with 3 equiv. of M(CO)₆ in acetone, respectively. Complexes 1-4 are fully characterized by IR, ⁷⁷Se NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Clusters 1, 2, and 4 are isostructural and each display a trigonal bipyramidal structure with a homometallic M₃ ring (M = Mo, 1; W, 4) or a heterometallic Cr₂W ring that is further capped above and below by μ₃-Se atoms. Further, the intermediate planar complex 3 exhibits a Se₂W₂ square with each Se atom externally coordinated to one W(CO)₅ group. This paper describes a systematic route to a series of selenium-capped trimetallic carbonyl clusters and the formation and the structural features of the resultant clusters are discussed.     

Some complexes containing carbon chains end-capped by M(CO)2Tp′ [M = Mo, W; Tp′ = HB(pz)3, HB(dmpz)3] groups

Complexes M(CCCSiMe₃)(CO)₂Tp′ (Tp′ = Tp [HB(pz)₃], M = Mo 2, W 4; Tp′ = Tp^∗ [HB(dmpz)₃], M = Mo 3) are obtained from M(CCCSiMe₃)(O₂CCF₃)(CO)₂(tmeda) (1) and K[Tp′].Reactions of 2 or 4 with AuCl(PPh₃)/K₂CO₃ in MeOH afforded M{CCCAu(PPh₃)}(CO)₂Tp′ (M = Mo 5, W 6) containing C₃ chains linking the Group 6 metal and gold centres.In turn, the gold complexes react with Co₃(μ₃-CBr)(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ to give the C₄-bridged {Tp(OC)₂M}CCCC{Co₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₇} (M = Mo 7, W 8), while Mo(CBr)(CO)₂Tp^∗ and Co₃{μ₃-C(CC)₂Au(PPh₃)}(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ give {Tp^∗(OC)₂Mo}C(CC)₂C{Co₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₇} (9) via a phosphine-gold(I) halide elimination reaction. The C₃ complexes Tp′(OC)₂MCCCRu(dppe)Cp^∗ (Tp′ = Tp, M = Mo 10, W 11; Tp′ = Tp^∗, M = Mo 12) were obtained from 2-4 and RuCl(dppe)Cp^∗ via KF-induced metalla-desilylation reactions. Reactions between Mo(CBr)(CO)₂Tp^∗ and Ru{(CC)_nAu(PPh₃)}(dppe)Cp^∗ (n = 2, 3) afforded {Tp^∗(OC)₂Mo}C(CC)_n{Ru(dppe)Cp^∗} (n = 2 13, 3 14), containing C₅ and C₇ chains, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations of 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 12 are reported.     

The decomposition kinetics of [Et4N]2[M(dmit)2] (M = Ni, Pd) in a nitrogen atmosphere using thermogravimetry

Thermal properties and thermal decompositions of [NEt₄]₂[M(dmit)₂] (M = Ni(II), Pd(II), dmit = 1,3-dithiole-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate) have been studied by thermogravimetry (TG). The TG analysis has shown that the complexes are thermally stable up to 460 K and the decomposition of the complexes occurs in three consecutive stages up to 873 K. A thermal stability scale for [M(dmit)₂]ⁿ⁻ anions was based on the thermal properties. Kinetics parameters, such as activation energy, E_a, and kinetic apparent pre-exponential factor, ln A_app, have been calculated from the thermogravimetric data at heating rates of 10, 15, 20 and 25 K/min involving differential (Friedman's equation) and integral (Flynn-Wall-Ozawa's equation) methods.     

Synthesis, characterization and study of the chromogenic properties of the hybrid polyoxometalates [PW11O39(SiR)2O] (R = Et, (CH2)nCHCH2 (n = 0, 1, 4), CH2CH2SiEt3, CH2CH2SiMe2Ph)

Reaction of Cl₃SiR or (EtO)₃SiR with [PW₁₁O₃₉]⁷⁻ affords the disubstituted hybrid anions [PW₁₁O₃₉(SiR)₂O]³⁻. These species have been characterized by IR spectroscopy in the solid state and by multinuclear NMR (¹H, ²⁹Si, ³¹P and ¹⁸³W) and cyclic voltammetry in solution. The hydrosilylation of [PW₁₁O₃₉(Si-CHCH₂)₂O]³⁻ has been achieved with Et₃SiH and PhSiMe₂H. These are the first examples of hydrosilylation on a hybrid tungstophosphate core. The chromogenic behaviour of hybrid species has been demonstrated in solution.     

Reassignment of the crystal space group of crystalline Pr[M(CN)6] · 5H2O (M = Cr,Fe, Co)

Refinement of the X-ray crystal structures of Pr[M(CN)₆] · 5H₂O (M = Cr, Fe, Co) enables their space group to be reassigned to P6₃/mmc. Spectral characteristics are reported for M = Cr and the distinction between the pentahydrate and tetrahydrate series is clearly made from assignments of the infrared spectra.     

Reactivity of M(en)Cl2 (M = Pd/Pt,en = 1,2-diaminoethane) with N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-p-phenylenediamine: Binding with hexafluorobenzene

Schiff base N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-p-phenylenediamine (LH₂) complexed with Pt(en)Cl₂ and Pd(en)Cl₂ provided [Pt(en)L]₂ · 4PF₆ (1) and Pd(Salen) (2) (Salen = N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-ethylenediamine), respectively, which were characterized by their elemental analysis, spectroscopic data and X-ray data. A solid complex obtained by the reaction of hexafluorobenzene (hfb) with the representative complex 1 has been isolated and characterized as 3 (1 · hfb) using UV–Vis, NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹F) data. A solid complex of hfb with a reported Zn-cyclophane 4 has also been prepared and characterized 5 (4 · hfb) for comparison with complex 3. The association of hfb with 1 and 4 has also been monitored using UV–Vis and luminescence data.     

Two new metal derivates of the alumosiloxane [Ph2SiO]8[AlO(OH)]4: [Ph2SiO]8[AlO2(Na)]4 · 5(THF) and [Ph2SiO]8[AlO(OH)]2[AlO2]2[Zn(OH)]2 · 2(OEt2)

When the polycyclic alumosiloxane [Ph₂SiO]₈[AlO(OH)]₄ is allowed to react with either cyclopentadienyl sodium in tetrahydrofuran or with dimethyl zinc in diethyl ether the organic ligands on the metal elements are eliminated as cyclopentadiene or methane and the metals are bonded to oxygen atoms in the alumosiloxane forming [Ph₂SiO]₈[AlO₂(Na)]₄ · 5(THF) or [Ph₂SiO]₈[AlO(OH)]₂[AlO₂]₂[Zn(OH)]₂ · 2(OEt₂), respectively. X-ray structure determinations reveal that in the sodium derivative the original polycycle rests almost unchanged while in the zinc derivative the inner skeleton is rearranged.     

Theoretical studies of the oxidative addition of PhBr to Pd(PX3)2 and Pd(X2PCH2CH2PX2) (X = Me, H, Cl)

The density functional theory calculations were used to study the influence of the substituent at P on the oxidative addition of PhBr to Pd(PX₃)₂ and Pd(X₂PCH₂CH₂PX₂) where X = Me, H, Cl. It was shown that the C_ipso-Br activation energy by Pd(PX₃)₂ correlates well with the rigidity of the X₃P-Pd-PX₃ angle and increases via the trend X = Cl < H < Me. The more rigid the X₃P-Pd-PX₃ angle is, the higher the oxidative addition barrier is. The exothermicity of this reaction also increases via the same sequence X = Cl < H < Me. The trend in the exothermicity is a result of the Pd(II)-PX₃ bond strength increasing faster than the Pd(0)-PX₃ bond strength upon going from X = Cl to Me. Contrary to the trend in the barrier to the oxidative addition of PhBr to Pd(PX₃)₂, the C_ipso-Br activation energy by Pd(X₂PCH₂CH₂PX₂) decreases in the following order X = Cl > H > Me. This trend correlates well with the filled d_π orbital energy of the metal center. For a given X, the oxidative addition reaction energy was found to be more exothermic for the case of X₂PCH₂CH₂PX₂ than for the case of PX₃. This effect is especially more important for the strong electron donating phosphine ligands (X = Me) than for the weak electron donating phosphine ligands (X = Cl).     

Supramolecular 2D structures in [M(NCS)2(bpe)2(H2O)2] (M = Mn, Fe) systems connected by hydrogen bonds

Here we report the synthesis and characterization by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, UV-Vis and EPR spectroscopies, and the magnetic measurements of two new compounds: [Mn(NCS)₂(bpe)₂(H₂O)₂] (1) and [Fe(NCS)₂(bpe)₂(H₂O)₂] (2) (bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene). Single-crystal structure analyses reveals discrete octahedral metal units that are assembled into 2D sheets through O-Hw?N(bpe) and O-Hw?S(thiocyanate) hydrogen bonds. The intermetallic M?M distances are 6.90 and 6.87 Å for 1 and 2, respectively. Supramolecular architectures are obtained by connections through H-bonds. Slight interactions are observed for compound 2.