Terminal Alkyne Coupling Reactions Through a Ring: Effect of Ring Size on Rate and Regioselectivity

Terminal alkyne coupling reactions promoted by rhodium(I) complexes of macrocyclic NHC-based pincer ligands—which feature dodecamethylene, tetradecamethylene or hexadecamethylene wingtip linkers viz. [Rh(CNC-n)(C₂H₄)][BAr^F₄] (n=12, 14, 16; Ar^F=3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃)—have been investigated, using the bulky alkynes HC≡CtBu and HC≡CAr’ (Ar’=3,5-tBu₂C₆H₃) as substrates. These stoichiometric reactions proceed with formation of rhodium(III) alkynyl alkenyl derivatives and produce rhodium(I) complexes of conjugated 1,3-enynes by C−C bond reductive elimination through the annulus of the ancillary ligand. The intermediates are formed with orthogonal regioselectivity, with E-alkenyl complexes derived from HC≡CtBu and gem-alkenyl complexes derived from HC≡CAr’, and the reductive elimination step is appreciably affected by the ring size of the macrocycle. For the homocoupling of HC≡CtBu, E-tBuC≡CCH=CHtBu is produced via direct reductive elimination from the corresponding rhodium(III) alkynyl E-alkenyl derivatives with increasing efficacy as the ring is expanded. In contrast, direct reductive elimination of Ar'C≡CC(=CH₂)Ar’ is encumbered relative to head-to-head coupling of HC≡CAr’ and it is only with the largest macrocyclic ligand studied that the two processes are competitive. These results showcase how macrocyclic ligands can be used to interrogate the mechanism and tune the outcome of terminal alkyne coupling reactions, and are discussed with reference to catalytic reactions mediated by the acyclic homologue [Rh(CNC-Me)(C₂H₄)][BAr^F₄] and solvent effects.     

Molybdenum Tricarbonyl Complexes Supported by Linear PNP Ligands: Influence of P- and N-Substituents on Relative Stability,Stereoisomerism and on the Activation of Small Molecules

Series of linear tridentate PN^PhP^R-ligands (R=Me, Et, Pln, Ph, Cyp, ⁱPr, Cy, ^tBu) and molybdenum tricarbonyl complexes [Mo(CO)₃PN^PhP^R] (R=Ph, Et, Cyp, ⁱPr, Cy,) were synthesized and characterized using NMR-, IR-, and Raman spectroscopy as well as X-ray crystallography. The influence of the different phosphine donor groups of the PN^PhP^R ligands on the bonding and activation of CO ligands is investigated. Importantly, all complexes are found to adopt a fac geometry, both in solution and in the solid state. This is in contrast to analogous complexes supported by PN^HP ligands. DFT calculations reveal that the phenyl ring at the central amine function is the cause of the preferred geometry, hindering isomerization to a mer geometry.     

Cobalt(II) and Cobalt(III) Tri‐tert‐butoxysilanethiolates. Synthesis,Properties, Crystal and Molecular Structures of [Co{μ‐SSi(OBut)3}{SSi(OBut)3}(NH3)]2 and [Co{SSi(OBut)3}2(NH3)4][SSi(OBut)3] Complexes

The heteroleptic neutral tri‐tert‐butoxysilanethiolate of cobalt(II) incorporating ammonia as additional ligand ( 1 ) has been prepared by the reaction of a cobalt(II) ammine complex with tri‐tert‐butoxysilanethiol in water. Complex 1 , dissolved in hexane, undergoes oxidation in an ammonia saturated atmosphere to the ionic cobalt(III) compound 2 . Molecular and crystal structures of 1 and 2 have been determined by single crystal X‐ray structural analysis. 1 forms a dimeric molecule [Co{μ‐SSi(OBu^t)₃}{SSi(OBu^t)₃}(NH₃)]₂ with a folded central Co₂S₂ ring and distorted tetrahedral ligand arrangement at both Co^II atoms (CoNS₃ core). The product 2 is composed of the octahedral Co^III complex cation [Co{SSi(OBu^t)₃}₂(NH₃)₄]⁺ and the tri‐tert‐butoxysilanethiolate anion. Within the crystal two pairs of ions interact by hydrogen bonds forming well separated entities. 1 and 2 are the first structurally characterized cobalt thiolates where metal is also bonded to ammonia and 2 is the first cobalt(III) silanethiolate.     

Interconversion of Molybdenum Imido and Amido Complexes by Proton‐Coupled Electron Transfer

Interconversion of the molybdenum amido [(^PhTpy)(PPh₂Me)₂Mo(NHtBuAr)][BArF²⁴] (^PhTpy=4′‐Ph‐2,2′,6′,2“‐terpyridine; tBuAr=4‐tert‐butyl‐C₆H₄; ArF²⁴=(C₆H₃‐3,5‐(CF₃)₂)₄) and imido [(^PhTpy)(PPh₂Me)₂Mo(NtBuAr)][BArF²⁴] complexes has been accomplished by proton‐coupled electron transfer. The 2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenoxyl radical was used as an oxidant and the non‐classical ammine complex [(^PhTpy)(PPh₂Me)₂Mo(NH₃)][BArF²⁴] as the reductant. The N?H bond dissociation free energy (BDFE) of the amido N?H bond formed and cleaved in the sequence was experimentally bracketed between 45.8 and 52.3 kcal mol^?1, in agreement with a DFT‐computed value of 48 kcal mol^?1. The N?H BDFE in combination with electrochemical data eliminate proton transfer as the first step in the N?H bond‐forming sequence and favor initial electron transfer or concerted pathways.     

Diphospha-Ureas from the Phosphaketene Ph3GePCO

The phosphaketene Ph₃GePCO is shown to react with the phosphide KP(tBu)₂ to generate the anion [Ph₃GePC(O)P(tBu)₂]⁻ 1 . This species reacts with CH₃I or ClGePh₃ to give the dissymmetric diphospha-ureas (tBu)₂PC(O)P(GePh₃)(CH₃) 2 and (Ph₃Ge)₂PC(O)P(tBu)₂ 3 respectively. Sequential treatment of 2 with a base and CH₃I affords a route to (tBu)₂PC(O)P(CH₃)₂ 5 . These species are products of the first modular diphospha-urea synthesis. The subsequent thermal and photochemical reactivity of these species was also probed and described.     

An Alumanylyttrium Complex with an Absorption due to a Transition from the Al−Y Bond to an Unoccupied d-Orbital

The reaction between a dialkyl-substituted alumanyl anion and [Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(thf)₃][BPh₄] resulted in the formation of (dialkylalumanyl)yttrium complex 2 , which exhibits the first 2-center–2-electron (2 c-2 e) Al−Y bond. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of 2 together with an X-ray crystallographic analysis indicated a C_2v symmetrical structure. DFT calculations on 2 revealed that its LUMO consists of overlapping 3 p- and 4 d-orbitals of the Al and Y atoms, respectively, and that the HOMO–LUMO gap is narrow. The UV/Vis spectrum of 2 exhibited a visible absorption at 432 nm, which suggests that the strong σ-donating and π-accepting character of the three-coordinate dialkylalumanyl ligand generates a colored d⁰-complex that does not contain any π-electrons.     

Allylic Peroxidations with Bis(2‐pyridylimino)isoindolato‐Cobalt and ‐Iron Complexes

Several novel substituted bis(2‐pyridylimino)isoindolato (BPI) cobalt(II) and iron(II) complexes [M(BPI)(OAc)(H₂O)] (M = Co: 1 ‐ 6, Fe: 7) have been synthesized by reaction of bis(2‐pyridylimino)isoindole derivatives with the corresponding metal(II) acetates. Reaction of 1‐6 with 1.5 ‐ 2 molar equivalents of t‐BuOOH gave the corresponding alkylperoxocobalt(III) complexes [Co(BPI)(OAc)(OOtBu)] (10 ‐ 15). Using an aqueous solution of t‐BuOOH (70 %), cyclohexene was selectively catalytically oxidized to the dialkylperoxide cyclohex‐2‐ene‐1‐t‐butylperoxide.     

A comparative DFT study of oxygen reduction reaction on mononuclear and binuclear cobalt and iron phthalocyanines

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyzed by mononuclear and planar binuclear cobalt (CoPc) and iron phthalocyanine (FePc) catalysts is investigated in detail by density functional theory (DFT) methods. The calculation results indicate that the ORR activity of Fe-based Pcs is much higher than that of Co-based Pcs, which is due to the fact that the former could catalyze 4e^- ORRs, while the latter could catalyze only 2e^- ORRs from O₂ to H₂O₂. The original high activities of Fe-based Pcs could be attributed to their high energy level of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), which could lead to the stronger adsorption energy between catalysts and ORR species. Nevertheless, the HOMO of Co-based Pcs is the ring orbital, not the 3d Co orbital, thereby inhibiting the electron transfer from metal to adsorbates. Furthermore, compared with mononuclear FePc, the planar binuclear FePc has more stable structure in acidic medium and more suitable adsorption energy of ORR species, making it a promising non-precious electrocatalyst for ORR.     

Site Preference in Multimetallic Nanoclusters: Incorporation of Alkali Metal Ions or Copper Atoms into the Alkynyl‐Protected Body‐Centered Cubic Cluster [Au7Ag8(C≡CtBu)12]+

The synthesis, structure, substitution chemistry, and optical properties of the gold‐centered cubic monocationic cluster [Au@Ag₈@Au₆(C≡C^tBu)₁₂]⁺ are reported. The metal framework of this cluster can be described as a fragment of a body‐centered cubic (bcc) lattice with the silver and gold atoms occupying the vertices and the body center of the cube, respectively. The incorporation of alkali metal atoms gave rise to [M_nAg_8?nAu₇(C≡C^tBu)₁₂]⁺ clusters (n=1 for M=Na, K, Rb, Cs and n=2 for M=K, Rb), with the alkali metal ion(s) presumably occupying the vertex site(s), whereas the incorporation of copper atoms produced [Cu_nAg₈Au_7?n(C≡C^tBu)₁₂]⁺ clusters (n=1–6), with the Cu atom(s) presumably occupying the capping site(s). The parent cluster exhibited strong emission in the near‐IR region (λ_max=818 nm) with a quantum yield of 2 % upon excitation at λ=482 nm. Its photoluminescence was quenched upon substitution with a Na⁺ ion. DFT calculations confirmed the superatom characteristics of the title compound and the sodium‐substituted derivatives.     

Understanding the Subtleties of Frustrated Lewis Pair Activation of Carbonyl Compounds by N‐Heterocyclic Carbene/Alkyl Gallium Pairings

This study reports the use of the trisalkylgallium GaR₃ (R=CH₂SiMe₃), containing sterically demanding monosilyl groups, as an effective Lewis‐acid component for frustrated Lewis pair activation of carbonyl compounds, when combined with the bulky N‐heterocyclic carbene 1,3‐bis(tert‐butyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene (ItBu) or 1,3‐bis(tert‐butyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene (SItBu). The reduction of aldehydes can be achieved by insertion into the C=O functionality at the C2 (so‐called normal) position of the carbene affording zwitterionic products [ItBuCH₂OGaR₃] ( 1 ) or [ItBuCH(p‐Br‐C₆H₄)OGaR₃] ( 2 ), or alternatively, at its abnormal (C4) site yielding [aItBuCH(p‐Br‐C₆H₄)OGaR₃] ( 3 ). As evidence of the cooperative behaviour of both components, ItBu and GaR₃, neither of them alone are able to activate any of the carbonyl‐containing substrates included in this study NMR spectroscopic studies of the new compounds point to complex equilibria involving the formation of kinetic and thermodynamic species as implicated through DFT calculations. Extension to ketones proved successful for electrophilic α,α,α‐trifluoroacetophenone, yielding [aItBuC(Ph)(CF₃)OGaR₃] ( 7 ). However, in the case of ketones and nitriles bearing acidic hydrogen atoms, C?H bond activation takes place preferentially, affording novel imidazolium gallate salts such as [{ItBuH}⁺{(p‐I‐C₆H₄)C(CH₂)OGaR₃}^?] ( 8 ) or [{ItBuH}⁺{Ph₂C=C=NGaR₃}^?] ( 12 ).     

Polyimido Sulfur(VI) Phosphanyl Ligand in Metal Complexation

Herein, new complexes containing the [Ph₂PCH₂S(NtBu)₃]^? anion are presented, supplying three imido nitrogen atoms and a remote phosphorus atom as potential donor sites to main group and transition‐metal cations. The lithiated complex [(tmeda)Li{(NtBu)₃SCH₂PPh₂}] ( 1 ) is an excellent starting material in transmetalation reactions. Herein, the transition‐metal complexes [M{(NtBu)₃SCH₂PPh₂}₂] (M=Mn ( 2 ), Ni ( 3 ), Zn ( 4 )) were synthesized and structurally characterized. Their isotypical molecules show SN₂ chelation and no employment of the adjacent phosphorus atom in coordination. The third pendent imido group is always twisted toward the vacant face of the tetrahedrally coordinated sulfur atom.     

Transmetallation reactions of [Sn(R)2(Ph2PC6H4-2-S)2] with metal complexes of the Group 10: Stereoselective synthesis of cis-[M(Ph2PC6H4-2-S)2] (M=Ni, Pd, Pt)

The complexes cis-[M(Ph₂PC₆H₄-2-S)₂] M=Ni, Pd, Pt were stereoselectively synthesized by transmetallation reactions of [M(Cl)₂(NCC₆H₅)₂] M=Pd, Pt or NiCl₂·6H₂O with [Sn(R)₂(Ph₂PC₆H₄-2-S)₂] R=Ph, ⁿBu or ^tBu. The conformation of the Pd and Pt derivatives being unequivocally confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies showing both metal centers to be into a slightly distorted square planar environment, the main distortion being due to the steric hindrance caused by the aromatic rings in the phosphine moiety.     

Synthese und Struktur der Komplexe [(n‐Bu)4N]2[{(THF)Cl4Re≡N}2PdCl2], [Ph4P]2[(THF)Cl4Re≡N‐PdCl(μ‐Cl)]2 und [(n‐Bu)4N]2[Pd3Cl8]

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Complexes [(n‐Bu)₄N]₂[{(THF)Cl₄Re≡N}₂PdCl₂], [Ph₄P]₂[(THF)Cl₄Re≡N‐PdCl(μ‐Cl)]₂ and [(n‐Bu)₄N]₂[Pd₃Cl₈] The threenuclear complex [(n‐Bu)₄N]₂[{(THF)Cl₄Re≡N}₂ PdCl₂] ( 1 ) is obtained in THF by the reaction of PdCl₂(NCC₆H₅)₂ with [(n‐Bu)₄N][ReNCl₄] in the molar ration 1:2. It forms orange crystals with the composition 1· THF crystallizing in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 2973.3(2); b = 1486.63(7); c = 1662.67(8)pm; β = 120.036(5)° and Z = 4. If the reaction is carried out with PdCl₂ instead of PdCl₂(NCC₆H₅)₂, orange crystals of hitherto unknown [(n‐Bu)₄N]₂[Pd₃Cl₈] ( 3 ) are obtained besides some crystals of 1· THF. 3 crystallizes with the space group P1¯ and a = 1141.50(8), b = 1401.2(1), c = 1665.9(1)pm, α = 67.529(8)°, β = 81.960(9)°, γ = 66.813(8)° and Z = 2. In the centrosymmetric complex anion [{(THF)Cl₄Re≡N}₂PdCl₂]^2— a linear PdCl₂ moiety is connected in trans arrangement with two complex fragments [(THF)Cl₄Re≡N]^— via asymmetric nitrido bridges Re≡N‐Pd. For Pd(II) thereby results a square‐planar coordination PdCl₂N₂. The linear nitrido bridges are characterized by distances Re‐N = 163.8(7)pm and Pd‐N = 194.1(7)pm. The crystal structure of 3 contains two symmetry independent, planar complexes [Pd₃Cl₈]^2— with the symmetry 1¯, in which the Pd atoms are connected by slightly asymmetric chloro bridges. By the reaction of equimolar amounts of [Ph₄P][ReNCl₄] and PdCl₂(NCC₆H₅)₂ in THF brown crystals of the heterometallic complex, [Ph₄P]₂[(THF)Cl₄Re≡N‐PdCl(μ‐Cl)]₂ ( 2 ) result. 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a = 979.55(9); b = 2221.5(1); c = 1523.1(2)pm; β = 100.33(1)° and Z = 2. In the central unit ClPd(μ‐Cl)₂PdCl of the centrosymmetric anionic complex [(THF)Cl₄Re≡N‐PdCl(μ‐Cl)]₂^2— the coordination of the Pd atoms is completed by two nitrido bridges Re≡N‐Pd to nitrido complex fragments [(THF)Cl₄Re≡N]^— forming a square‐planar arrangement for Pd(II). The distances in the linear nitrido bridges are Re‐N = 163.8(9)pm and Pd‐N = 191.5(9)pm.     

Redox chemistry and H-atom abstraction reactivity of a terminal zirconium(iv) oxo compound mediated by an appended cobalt(i) center

The reactivity of the terminal zirconium(iv) oxo complex, O Zr(MesNPⁱPr₂)₃CoCN^tBu (2), is explored, revealing unique redox activity imparted by the pendent redox active cobalt(i) center. Oxo complex 2 can be chemically reduced using Na/Hg or Ph₃C^• to afford the Zr^IV/Co⁰ complexes [(μ-Na)OZr(MesNPⁱPr₂)₃CoCN^tBu]₂ (3) and Ph₃COZr(MesNPⁱPr₂)₃CoCN^tBu (4), respectively. Based on the cyclic voltammogram of 2, Ph₃˙ should not be sufficiently reducing to achieve the chemical reduction of 2, but sufficient driving force for the reaction is provided by the nucleophilicity of the terminal oxo fragment and its affinity to bind Ph₃C⁺. Accordingly, 2 reacts readily with [Ph₃C][BPh₄] and Ph₃CCl to afford [Ph₃COZr(MesNPⁱPr₂)₃CoCN^tBu][BPh₄] ([5][BPh4]) and Ph₃COZr(MesNPⁱPr₂)₃CoCl (6), respectively. The chemical oxidation of 2 is also investigated, revealing that oxidation of 2 is accompanied by immediate hydrogen atom abstraction to afford the hydroxide complex [HOZr(MesNPⁱPr₂)₃CoCN^tBu]⁺ ([9]+). Thus it is posited that the transient [OZr(MesNPⁱPr₂)₃CoCN^tBu]⁺ [2]⁺ cation generated upon oxidation combines the basicity of a nucleophilic early metal oxo fragment with the oxidizing power of the appended cobalt center to facilitate H-atom abstraction.

Bimetallic cooperativity is demonstrated with a Co/Zr complex featuring both nucleophilic Zr(iv) oxo and redox active Co sites.     

Heterodinuclear M1M2 Complexes (M1=Ni,Pd, Pt; M2=Rh,Ir) Supported by a Tetradentate Phosphine Ligand and Their Application for Hydrosilylation

A new series of cationic heterodinuclear complexes, [M¹M²Cl₂(meso-dpmppp)(RNC)₂]PF₆ (M¹=Ni, M²=Rh, R=^tBu ( 1 a ); M¹=Pd, M²=Rh, R=^tBu ( 2 a ), Xyl ( 2 b ); M¹=Pt, M²=Rh, R=^tBu ( 3 a ), Xyl ( 3 b ); M¹=Pd, M²=Ir, R=^tBu ( 4 a )), supported by a tetradentate phosphine ligand, meso-Ph₂PCH₂P(Ph)(CH₂)₃P(Ph)CH₂PPh₂ (meso-dpmppp), were synthesized by stepwise reactions of meso-dpmppp with NiCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O or MCl₂(cod) (M=Pd, Pt), forming mononuclear metalloligands of [M¹Cl₂(meso-dpmppp)], and with [M²Cl(cod)]₂ (M²=Rh, Ir) and RNC (R=^tBu, Xyl) in the presence of [NH₄][PF₆]. The related neutral PdRh complex, [PdRhCl₃(meso-dpmppp)(XylNC)] ( 5 ), was also prepared. The structures of 1 – 5 were determined by X-ray analyses to contain two square planar d⁸ metal centers with face-to-face arrangement, where meso-dpmppp supports M¹ and M² metal ions in cis/trans-P,P coordination mode, combining cis-{M¹P₂Cl₂} and trans-{M²P₂(CNR)₂} units. Complexes 1 – 4 showed an intence characteristic absorption around 422–464 nm derived from Rh^I→RNC MLCT transition (HOMO→LUMO+1), which are influenced by changing M¹ (Ni^II, Pd^II, Pt^II) metal ions since HOMO composed of dσ* orbitals appreciably destabilized by changing M¹ from Ni to Pd, and Pt. The electronic structures of 1 a – 4 a were investigated on the basis of DFT calculations and NBO analyses to show weak but noticeable d⁸–d⁸ metallophilic interaction as empirical dispersion energy of 0.9–1.5 kcal/mol without M¹–M² covalent bonding interaction. In addition, 1 – 5 were utilized as catalysts for hydrosilylation of styrene, and the NiRh complex 1 a was found to show higher activity and chemo- and regioselectivity compared with 2 – 5 .     

Synthesis of Square‐Planar Aluminum(III) Complexes

The synthesis of two four‐coordinate and square planar (SP) complexes of aluminum(III) is presented. Reaction of a phenyl‐substituted bis(imino)pyridine ligand that is reduced by two electrons, Na₂(^PhI₂P^2?), with AlCl₃ afforded five‐coordinate [(^PhI₂P^2?)Al(THF)Cl] ( 1 ). Square‐planar [(^PhI₂P^2?)AlCl] ( 2 ) was obtained by performing the same reaction in diethyl ether followed by lyphilization of 2 from benzene. The four‐coordinate geometry index for 2 , τ₄, is 0.22, where 0 would be a perfectly square‐planar molecule. The analogous aluminum hydride complex, [(^PhI₂P^2?)AlH] ( 3 ), is also square‐planar, and was characterized crystallographically and has τ₄=0.13. Both 2 and 3 are Lewis acidic and bind 2,6‐lutidine.     

The Importance of Ligand-Induced Backdonation in the Stabilization of Square Planar d10 Nickel π-Complexes

The electronic nature of Ni π-complexes is underexplored even though these complexes have been widely postulated as intermediates in organometallic chemistry. Herein, the geometric and electronic structure of a series of nickel π-complexes, Ni(dtbpe)(X) (dtbpe=1,2-bis(di-tert-butyl)phosphinoethane; X=alkene or carbonyl containing π-ligands), is probed using a combination of ³¹P NMR, Ni K-edge XAS, Ni K_β XES, and DFT calculations. These complexes are best described as square planar d¹⁰ complexes with π-backbonding acting as the dominant contributor to M−L bonding to the π-ligand. The degree of backbonding correlates with ²J_PP from NMR and the energy of the Ni 1s→4p_z pre-edge in the Ni K-edge XAS data, and is determined by the energy of the π*_ip ligand acceptor orbital. Thus, unactivated olefinic ligands tend to be poor π-acids whereas ketones, aldehydes, and esters allow for greater backbonding. However, backbonding is still significant even in cases in which metal contributions are minor. In such cases, backbonding is dominated by charge donation from the diphosphine, which allows for strong backdonation, although the metal centre retains a formal d¹⁰ electronic configuration. This ligand-induced backbonding can be formally described as a 3-centre-4-electron (3c-4e) interaction, in which the nickel centre mediates charge transfer from the phosphine σ-donors to the π*_ip ligand acceptor orbital. The implications of this bonding motif are described with respect to both structure and reactivity.     

Heavy Chains: Synthesis,Reactivity and Decomposition of Interpnictogen Chains with Terminal Diaryl Bismuth Fragments

In this work, we report the preparation of multiple interpnictogen chain compounds with three consecutive pnictogen atoms and terminal Ar₂Bi fragments (Ar=Ph, Mes). Symmetrical compounds of the form Ar₂Bi−E(tBu)−Bi₂Ar ( 1 : Ar=Ph, E=P; 2 : Ar=Ph, Mes, E=As) as well as ternary interpnictogen compounds of the form Ar₂Bi−E¹(tBu)−E²tBu₂ (Ar=Ph, Mes; 4 : E¹=P, E²=As; 5 : E¹=P, E²=Sb; 6 : E¹=As, E²=P) were prepared. The decomposition in solution at room temperature and under the influence of light was studied for compounds 1 – 6 . The reactivity of 1_Ph and 2_Ph with the small N-heterocyclic carbene 1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene (Me₂IMe) was also studied. In the case of 1_Ph , the formation and consecutive decomposition of Me₂IMe=PtBu ( 8 ) was observed in solution. Hence, it was shown that 1_Ph can react as a “masked phosphinidene”. In the case of 2_Ph , no reaction with Me₂IMe was observed. All isolated compounds were analysed by NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Ring and Cluster Structures of {Li[C(NtBu)2(HNtBu)]}2·(THF) and {Li2[C(NtBu)3]}2, Containing the Novel Anions [C(NtBu)2(HNtBu)]−- and [C(NtBu)3]2−

The reaction of tert.-butyl carbodiimide with one equivalent of LiNH^tBu in tetrahydrofuran at-78 °C produces {Li[C(N^tBu)₂(HN^tBu)]}₂-(THF) (1), which is an eight-membered Li₂C₂N₄ ring; the deprotonation of (1) with two equivalents of n-BuLi in tetrahydrofuran at -78 °C and recrystallisation of the product from n-pentane yielded the unsolvated dimer {Li₂[C(N^tBu)₃]}₂ (2), which adopts the structure of a distorted hexagonal prism.     

Oxidative P−P Bond Addition to Cobalt(−I): Formation of a Low‐Spin Cobalt(III) Phosphanido Complex

The first homoleptic cobalt phosphanido complex [K(thf)₄][Co{1,2‐(Pt Bu₂)₂C₂B₁₀H₁₂}₂] ( 1 ) was prepared by an unprecedented oxidative P−P bond addition of an ortho ‐carborane‐substituted 1,2‐diphosphetane to cobalt(−I) in [K(thf)_0.2][Co(η⁴‐cod)₂)] (cod=1,5‐cycloctadiene). Compound 1 is a rare distorted tetrahedral 3d⁶ complex with a low‐spin ground state configuration. Magnetic measurements revealed that the complex is diamagnetic between 2 to 270 K in the solid state and at 298 K in [D₈]THF solution. Based on DFT calculations, the unusual singlet ground state is caused by the strong σ‐donor and moderate π‐donor properties of the bis(phosphanido) ligand.