Super‐Bulky Penta‐arylcyclopentadienyl Ligands: Isolation of the Full Range of Half‐Sandwich Heavy Alkaline‐Earth Metal Hydrides

Hydrogenolysis of the half‐sandwich penta‐arylcyclopentadienyl‐supported heavy alkaline‐earth‐metal alkyl complexes (Cp^Ar)Ae[CH(SiMe₃)₂](S) (Cp^Ar=C₅Ar₅, Ar=3,5‐ⁱPr₂‐C₆H_3; S=THF or DABCO) in hexane afforded the calcium, strontium, and barium metal–hydride complexes as the same dimers [(Cp^Ar)Ae(μ‐H)(S)]₂ (Ae=Ca, S=THF, 2‐Ca ; Ae=Sr, Ba, S=DABCO, 4‐Ae ), which were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. 2‐Ca , 4‐Sr , and 4‐Ba catalyzed alkene hydrogenation under mild conditions (30 °C, 6 atm, 5 mol % cat.), with the activity increasing with the metal size. A variety of activated alkenes including tri‐ and tetra‐substituted olefins, semi‐activated alkene (Me₃SiCH=CH₂), and unactivated terminal alkene (1‐hexene) were evaluated.     

Synthesis and characterisation of alkaline earth bis(diphenylphosphano)metallocene complexes and heterobimetallic alkaline earth metal/platinum(II) complexes [Ae(thf)(x)(η5-C5H4PPh2)2Pt(Me)2] (Ae = Ca, Sr, Ba)

A series of alkaline earth metallocene complexes carrying the diphenylphosphanocyclopentadienyl ligand, [Ae(L)(x)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)PPh(2))(2)] (Ae = Ca, L = thf, x = 1 (6a); Ae = Ca, L = dme, x = 1 (6b); Ae = Sr, L = thf, x = 1 (7); Ae = Ba, L = thf, x = 1 (8a); Ae = Ba, L = dme, x = 2 (8b)), were prepared by redox transmetallation/protolysis from the free metals, diphenylmercury and diphenylphosphanocyclopentadiene. These complexes were characterised using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and two by single crystal X-ray diffraction. [Ca(dme)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)PPh(2))(2)] (6b) is a discrete neutral monomeric eight coordinate molecule in which the phosphorus atoms are not coordinated to the calcium ion and the larger barium analogue, ten-coordinate [Ba(dme)(2)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)PPh(2))(2)] (8b), has an extremely bent sandwich structure due to the two dme ligands attached to the metal. Bimetallic complexes, [Ae(thf)(x)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)PPh(2))(2)Pt(Me)(2)].(solv) (Ae = Ca, L = thf, x = 2, solv = 1.5thf (9); Ae = Sr, L = thf, x = 3, solv = 1.5thf (10); Ae = Ba, L = thf, x = 3, solv = thf (11)) were obtained by reaction of the homometallic complexes with [Pt(cod)(Me)(2)]. The crystal structures of [Ca(thf)(2)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)PPh(2))(2)Pt(Me)(2)].1.5thf (9), [Sr(thf)(3)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)PPh(2))(2)Pt(Me)(2)].1.5thf (10) and [Ba(thf)(3)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)PPh(2))(2)Pt(Me)(2)].thf (11) show the eight (calcium) and nine coordinate (strontium and barium) fragments acting as a chelating metalloligand attached to the square planar platinum through the phosphorus donor atoms. The solution chemistry of these bimetallic complexes has been investigated by NMR spectroscopy, electro-spray ionisation mass spectrometry and conductivity experiments which indicate that the bimetallic compounds persist in solution.     

Synthesis and structures of monomeric magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium amides involving the N,N-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)(trimethylsilyl)amido ligand

An extended family of aryl-substituted alkaline earth metal silylamides M{N(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)(SiMe3)}donor(n) was prepared using alkane elimination (Mg), salt elimination (Ca, Sr, Ba), and direct metalation (Sr, Ba). Three different donors, THF, TMEDA (TMEDA = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine), and PMDTA (PMDTA = N,N,N',N',N'-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) were employed to study their influence on the coordination chemistry of the target compounds, producing monomeric species with the composition M{N(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)(SiMe3)}2(THF)2 (M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba), M{N(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)(SiMe3)}2TMEDA (M = Ca, Ba), and M{N(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)(SiMe3)}2PMDTA (M = Sr, Ba). For the heavier metal analogues, varying degrees of agostic interactions are completing the coordination sphere of the metals. Compounds were characterized using IR and NMR spectroscopy in addition to X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and molecular structures of phenylamides of magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium--from molecular to polymeric structures

Several preparative procedures for the synthesis of the THF complexes of the alkaline earth metal bis(phenylamides) of Mg (1), Ca (2), Sr (3), and Ba (4) are presented such as metalation of aniline with strontium and barium, metathesis reactions of MI2 with KN(H)Ph, and metalation of aniline with arylcalcium compounds or dialkylmagnesium. The THF content of these compounds is rather low and an increasing aggregation is observed with the size of the metal atom. Thus, tetrameric [(THF)2Ca{mu-N(H)Ph}2]4 (2) and polymeric [(THF)2Sr{mu-N(H)Ph}2]infinity and {[(THF)2Ba{mu-N(H)Ph}2]2[(THF)Ba{mu-N(H)Ph}2]2}infinity show six-coordinate metal atoms with increasing interactions to the pi systems of the phenyl groups with increasing the radius of the alkaline earth metal atom.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of alkaline-earth-metal bis(amido)silane and lithium oxobis(aminolato)silane complexes

Several of alkaline-earth-metal complexes [(η(2):η(2):μ(N):μ(N)-Li)(+)](2)[{η(2)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)}(2)Mg](2-) (4), [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Ca·3THF] (5), [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Sr·THF] (6), and [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Ba·4THF] (7) of a bulky bis(amido)silane ligand were readily prepared by the metathesis reaction of alkali-metal bis(amido)silane [Me(2)Si(DippNLi)(2)] (Dipp = 2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3)) and alkaline-earth-metal halides MX(2) (M = Mg, X = Br; M = Ca, Sr, Ba, X = I). Alternatively, compounds 5-7 were synthesized either by transamination of M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)·2THF (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) and [Me(2)Si(DippNH)(2)] or by transmetalation of Sn[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2), [Me(2)Si(DippNH)(2)], and metallic calcium, strontium, and barium in situ. The metathesis reaction of dilithium bis(amido)silane [Me(2)Si(DippNLi)(2)] and magnesium bromide in the presence of oxygen afforded, however, an unusual lithium oxo polyhedral complex {[(DippN(Me(2)Si)(2))(μ-O)(Me(2)Si)](2)(μ-Br)(2)[(μ(3)-Li)·THF](4)(μ(4)-O)(4)(μ(3)-Li)(2)} (8) with a square-basket-shaped core Li(6)Br(2)O(4) bearing a bis(aminolato)silane ligand. All complexes were characterized using (1)H, (13)C, and (7)Li NMR and IR spectroscopy, in addition to X-ray crystallography.     

Heavy alkaline earth metal pyrazolates: synthetic pathways, structural trends, and comparison with divalent lanthanoids

Two series of heavy alkaline earth metal pyrazolates, [M(Ph(2)pz)(2)(thf)(4)] 1 a-c (Ph(2)pz=3,5-diphenylpyrazolate, M=Ca, Sr, Ba; THF=tetrahydrofuran) and [M(Ph(2)pz)(2)(dme)(n)] (M=Ca, 2 a, Sr, 2 b, n=2; M=Ba, 2 c, n=3; DME=1,2-dimethoxyethane) have been prepared by redox transmetallation/ligand exchange utilizing Hg(C(6)F(5))(2). Compounds 1 a and 2 b were also obtained by redox transmetallation with Tl(Ph(2)pz). Alternatively, direct reaction of the alkaline earth metals with 3,5-diphenylpyrazole at elevated temperatures under solventless conditions yielded compounds 1 a-c and 2 a-c upon extraction with THF or DME. By contrast, [M(Me(2)pz)(2)(Me(2)pzH)(4)] 3 a-c (M=Ca, Sr, Ba; Me(2)pzH=3,5-dimethylpyrazole) were prepared by protolysis of [M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)(thf)(2)] (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) with Me(2)pzH in THF and by direct metallation with Me(2)pzH in liquid NH(3)/THF. Compounds 1 a-c and 2 a-c display eta(2)-bonded pyrazolate ligands, while 3 a,b exhibit eta(1)-coordination. Complexes 1 a-c have transoid Ph(2)pz ligands and an overall coordination number of eight with a switch from mutually coplanar Ph(2)pz ligands in 1 a,b to perpendicular in 1 c. In eight coordinate 2 a,b the pyrazolate ligands are cisoid, whilst 2 c has an additional DME ligand and a metal coordination number of ten. By contrast, 3 a,b have octahedral geometry with four eta(1)-Me(2)pzH donors, which are hydrogen-bonded to the uncoordinated nitrogen atoms of the two trans Me(2)pz ligands. The application of synthetic routes initially developed for the preparation of lanthanoid pyrazolates provides detailed insight into the similarities and differences between the two groups of metals and structures of their complexes.     

Understanding the formation of new clusters of alkali and alkaline Earth metals: a new synthetic approach,single-crystal structures,and theoretical calculations

A new synthetic approach, reacting alkaline earth metal iodides with butyllithium, lithium hydroxide, and/or lithium butoxide under salt elimination, is presented, giving access to some interesting clusters of calcium, strontium, and barium, partially in combination with lithium. The so far largest calcium cluster Li[[Ca(7)(mu(3)-OH)(8)I(6)(thf)(12)](2)(mu(2)-I)].3THF, 4, and the new strontium compound [Sr(3)I(3)(OH)(2)(thf)(9)]I, 5, are shown to feature common building blocks of OH-capped M(3) triangles. On the basis of mainly electrostatic interactions, these clusters are not volatile. By introducing LiO(t)Bu, the two clusters [IM(O(t)Bu)(4)[Li(thf)](4)(OH)] (6, M = Sr; 7, M = Ba) are prepared, 7 exhibiting volatility as an important physical property, which makes it a potential precursor for chemical vapor deposition. The structural relationship between 4, 5, 6, and 7 and their respective starting materials is shown, and possible reaction mechanisms are proposed. Exhibiting surprising and new structural motifs, the bonding modes of these clusters are investigated by the electron localization function as well as by ab initio calculations.     

Alkaline earth imidazolate coordination polymers by solvent free melt synthesis as potential host lattices for rare earth photoluminescence: (x)(∞)[AE(Im)2(ImH)(2-3)], Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, x = 1-2

The series of alkaline earth elements magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium yields single crystalline imidazolate coordination polymers by reactions of the metals with a melt of 1H-imidazole: (1)(∞)[Mg(Im)(2)(ImH)(3)] (1), (2)(∞)[AE(Im)(2)(ImH)(2)], AE = Ca (2), Sr (3), and (1)(∞)[Ba(Im)(2)(ImH)(2)] (4). No additional solvents were used for the reactions. Co-doping experiments by addition of the rare earth elements cerium, europium and terbium were carried out. They indicate (2)(∞)[Sr(Im)(2)(ImH)(2)] as a possible host lattice for cerium(III) photoluminescence showing a blue emission and thus a novel blue emitting hybrid material phosphor 3:Ce(3+). Co-doping with europium and terbium is also possible but resulted in formation of (3)(∞)[Sr(Im)(2)]:Ln, Ln = Eu and Tb (5), with both exhibiting green emission of either Eu(2+) or Tb(3+). The other alkaline earth elements do not show acceptance of the rare earth ions investigated and a different structural chemistry. For magnesium and barium one-dimensional strand structures are observed whereas calcium and strontium give two-dimensional network structures. Combined with an increase of the ionic radii of AE(2+) the coordinative demand is also increasing from Mg(2+) to Ba(2+), reflected by four different crystal structures for the four elements Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba in 1-4. Different linkages of the imidazolate ligands result in a change from complete σ-N coordination in 1 to additional η(5)-π coordination in 4. The success of co-doping with different lanthanide ions is based on a match in the chemical behaviour and cationic radii. The use of strontium for host lattices with imidazole is a rare example in coordination chemistry of co-doping with small amounts of luminescence centers and successfully reduces the amount of high price rare earth elements in hybrid materials while maintaining the properties. All compounds are examples of pure N-coordinated coordination polymers of the alkaline earth metals and were identified by single crystal X-ray analysis and powder diffraction. The degree of co-doping was determined by SEM/EDX. Mid IR, Far IR and Raman spectroscopy and micro analyses as well as simultaneous DTA/TG were also carried out to characterize the products in addition to the photoluminescence studies of the co-doped samples.     

Formation of PbS materials from lead xanthate precursors

Six lead xanthate adducts Pb(S(2)COR)(2).L [R = Et, (n)Bu, L = bipy, TMEDA (tetramethylethylenediamine), PMDETA (pentamethyldiethylenetriamine)] have been synthesised and the structures of all, save Pb(S(2)COBu(n))(2).TMEDA (4) which is an oil, determined. Pb(S(2)COEt)(2).TMEDA (3) is seven-coordinate at lead through three chelating ligands and one weak intermolecular Pb‥S interaction. Both Pb(S(2)COR)(2).bipy [R = Et (1), (n)Bu (2)] are dimers in which one xanthate is terminal and the other μ(2) bridging at each sulphur, generating an eight-coordinate lead when the bipy donor is included. Both Pb(S(2)COR)(2).PMDETA [R = Et (5), (n)Bu (6)] are seven-coordinate at lead by virtue of two bidentate chelating xanthate ligands and a tridentate PMDETA; there are no intermolecular interactions. Trends in the (207)Pb NMR chemical shifts mirror the changes in the intramolecular coordination number across the series. Pb(S(2)COEt)(2).TMEDA (3) has been used to deposit PbS films on glass, Mo-coated glass and Si by AACVD. Pb(S(2)COEt)(2) also generated PbS nanocubes when decomposed under an autogenerated pressure.     

Oxidation products of calcium and strontium bis(diphenylphosphanide)

The tetrahydrofuran adducts [(thf)(4)M(PPh(2))(2)] (M = Ca, Sr) are air sensitive and can easily be oxidized by chalcogens. Metalation of diphenylphosphane oxide, diphenylphosphinic acid, and diphenyldithiophosphinic acid as well as salt metathetical approaches of the potassium salts with MI(2) allow the synthesis of [(thf)(4)Ca(OPPh(2))(2)] (1), [(dmso)(2)Ca(O(2)PPh(2))(2)] (2), [(thf)(3)Ca(O(2)PPh(2))I](2) (3), [(thf)(3)Ca(S(2)PPh(2))(2)] (4), [(thf)(2)Ca(Se(2)PPh(2))(2)] (5), [(thf)(3)Sr(S(2)PPh(2))(2)] (6), [(thf)(3)Sr(Se(2)PPh(2))(2)] (7), and [(thf)(2)Ca(O(2)PPh(2))(S(2)PPh(2))](2) (8), respectively. The diphenylphosphinite anion in 1 contains a phosphorus atom in a trigonal pyramidal environment and binds terminally via the oxygen atom to calcium. The diphenylphosphinate anions act as bridging ligands leading to polymeric structures of calcium bis(diphenylphosphinates). Therefore strong Lewis bases such as dimethylsulfoxide (dmso) are required to recrystallize this complex yielding chain-like 2. The chain structure can also be cut into smaller units by ligands which avoid bridging positions such as iodide and diphenyldithiophosphinate (3 and 8, respectively). In general, diphenyldithio- and -diselenophosphinate anions act as terminal ligands and allow the isolation of mononuclear complexes 4 to 7. In these molecules the alkaline earth metals show coordination numbers of six (5) and seven (4, 6, and 7).     

Triazenide complexes of the heavier alkaline earths: synthesis, characterization, and suitability for hydroamination catalysis

A series of triazenide complexes of the heavier alkaline earths, Ca, Sr and Ba, have been synthesized by either protonolysis or salt metathesis routes. Although complexes of the form [{Ar 2N 3}M{N(SiMe 3) 2}(THF) n ] (M = Ca, n = 2; M = Sr, n = 3; Ar = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) and [{Ar 2N 3}Ca(I)(THF) 2] 2 could be isolated and characterized by X-ray crystallography, solution studies revealed the propensity of these species to undergo Schlenk-like redistribution with the formation of [{Ar 2N 3} 2M(THF) n ] (M = Ca, n = 1; M = Sr, n = 2). The latter compounds have been synthesized independently. In the case of the large barium dication, attempts to synthesize the heaviest analogue of the series, [{Ar 2N 3} 2Ba(THF) n ], failed and led instead to the isolation of the potassium barate complex [K{Ar 2N 3}Ba{N(SiMe 3) 2} 2(THF) 4]. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies demonstrated that, although in all the aforementioned cases the triazenide ligand binds to the electrophilic group 2 metal centers via symmetrical kappa (2)- N, N-chelates, in the latter compound an unprecedented bridging mode is observed in which the triazenide ligand coordinates through both terminal and internal nitrogen centers. A series of density-functional theory computational experiments have been undertaken to assist in our understanding of this phenomenon. In further experiments, the calcium and strontium amide derivatives [{Ar 2N 3}M{N(SiMe 3) 2}(THF) n ] (M = Ca, n = 2; M = Sr, n = 3) proved to be catalytically active for the intramolecular hydroamination of 1-amino-2,2-diphenylpent-4-ene to form 2-methyl-4,4-diphenylpyrrolidine, with the calcium species demonstrating a higher turnover number than the strontium analogue ( 2a, TOF = 500 h (-1); 2b, TOF = 75 h (-1)). In these instances, because of ambiguities in the structural charcterization of the precatalyst in solution, such quantification holds little value and detailed catalytic studies have not been conducted.     

Alkaline earth metal complexes of a phosphine-borane-stabilized carbanion: synthesis, structures, and stabilities

The reaction between either MgI2 or CaI2 and 2 equiv of [(Me3Si)2{Me2(H3B)P}C]K (2) in toluene gives the corresponding organo-alkaline earth metal compounds [(Me3Si)2{Me2(H3B)P}C]2M in moderate to good yields [M = Mg (3), Ca (4)]. Compound 3 crystallizes solvent-free, whereas X-ray quality crystals of 4 could not be obtained in the absence of coordinating solvents; crystallization of 4 from cold methylcyclohexane/THF gives the solvate [(Me3Si)2{Me2(H3B)P}C]2Ca(THF)4 (4a). The corresponding heavier alkaline earth metal complexes [(Me3Si)2{Me2(H3B)P}C]2M(THF)5 [M = Sr (7), Ba (8)] are obtained from the reaction between MI2 and 2 equiv of 2 in THF, followed by recrystallization from cold methylcyclohexane/THF. Compound 3 degrades over a period of several weeks at room-temperature both in the solid state and in toluene solution to give the free phosphine-borane (Me3Si)2{Me2(H3B)P}CH (5) as the sole phosphorus-containing product. In addition, compounds 3, 4, and 4a react rapidly with THF in toluene solution, yielding 5 as the sole phosphorus-containing product; in contrast, compounds 7 and 8 are stable toward this solvent.     

Heavier group 2 element-catalysed hydroamination of isocyanates

The heteroleptic calcium amides [{ArNC(Me)CHC(Me)NAr}Ca(NR(2))(THF)] (Ar=2,6-di-iso-propylphenyl, R=SiMe(3), Ph) and the homoleptic heavier alkaline earth amides, [M{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)] (M=Ca, Sr and Ba) are reported as pre-catalysts for the hydroamination of isocyanates.     

Single electron transfer (SET) activity of the dialkyl-amido sodium zincate [(TMEDA)·Na(μ-TMP)(μ-tBu)Zn(tBu)] towards TEMPO and chalcone

More usually thought of as a base, the sodium zincate [(TMEDA)·Na(μ-TMP)(μ-(t)Bu)Zn((t)Bu)] 1 can undergo single electron transfer with TEMPO to give [(TMEDA)·Na(μ-TMP)(μ-TEMPO(-))Zn((t)Bu)] 2 and [(TMEDA)·Na(μ-TEMPO(-))(2)Zn((t)Bu)] 3; and with chalcone [PhCOCH=CHPh] gives [{(TMEDA)·Na(μ-TMP)Zn((t)Bu)}(2)(μ-OCPhCH=CHPhCHPhCH=CPh-μ-O)] which contains two chalcone units C-C coupled though their benzylic C atoms.     

Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of heteroleptic rare earth metal bis(phenolate) complexes

The synthesis, characterization and reactivity of heteroleptic rare earth metal complexes supported by the carbon-bridged bis(phenolate) ligand 2,2'-methylene-bis(6-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenoxo) (MBMP(2-)) are described. Reaction of (C(5)H(5))(3)Ln(THF) with MBMPH(2) in a 1 : 1.5 molar ratio in THF at 50 degrees C produced the heteroleptic rare earth metal bis(phenolate) complexes (C(5)H(5))Ln(MBMP)(THF)(n) (Ln = La, n = 3 (); Ln = Yb (), Y (), n = 2) in nearly quantitative yields. The residual C(5)H(5)(-) groups in complexes to can be substituted by the bridged bis(phenolate) ligands at elevated temperature to give the neutral rare earth metal bis(phenolate) complexes, and the ionic radii have a profound effect on the structures of the final products. Complex reacted with MBMPH(2) in a 1 : 0.5 molar ratio in toluene at 80 degrees C to produce a dinuclear complex (MBMP)La(THF)(mu-MBMP)(2)La(THF)(2) () in good isolated yield; whereas complexes and reacted with MBMPH(2) under the same conditions to give (MBMP)Ln(MBMPH)(THF)(2) (Ln = Yb (), Y ()) as the final products, in which one hydroxyl group of the phenol is coordinated to the rare earth metal in a neutral fashion. The reactivity of complexes and with some metal alkyls was explored. Reaction of complex with 1 equiv. of AlEt(3) in toluene at room temperature afforded unexpected ligand redistributed products, and a discrete ion pair ytterbium complex [(MBMP)Yb(THF)(2)(DME)][(MBMP)(2)Yb(THF)(2)] () was isolated in moderate yield. Furthermore, reaction of complex with 1 equiv. of ZnEt(2) in toluene gave a ligand redistributed complex [(mu-MBMP)Zn(THF)](2) () in reasonable isolated yield. Similar reaction of complex with ZnEt(2) also afforded complex ; whereas the reaction of complex with 1 equiv. of n-BuLi in THF afforded the heterodimetallic complex [(THF)Yb(MBMP)(2)Li(THF)(2)] (). All of these complexes were well characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, and single-crystal structure determination, in the cases of complexes , and -.     

Heteroleptic silylamido phenolate complexes of calcium and the larger alkaline earth metals: β-agostic Ae⋅⋅⋅Si-H stabilization and activity in the ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide

The factors governing the stability and the reactivity towards cyclic esters of heteroleptic complexes of the large alkaline earth metals (Ae) have been probed. The synthesis and stability of a family of heteroleptic silylamido and alkoxide complexes of calcium [{LO(i)}Ca-Nu(thf)(n)] supported by mono-anionic amino ether phenolate ligands (i = 1, {LO(1)}(-) = 4-(tert-butyl)-2,6-bis(morpholinomethyl)phenolate, Nu(-) = N(SiMe(2)H)(2)(-), n = 0, 4; i = 2, {LO(2)}(-) = 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-{[2-(methoxymethyl)pyrrolidin-1-yl]methyl}phenolate, Nu(-) = N(SiMe(2)H)(2)(-), n = 0, 5; i = 4, {LO(4)}(-) = 2-{[bis(2-methoxyethyl)amino]methyl}-4,6-di-tert-butylphenolate, Nu(-) = N(SiMe(2)H)(2)(-), n = 1, 6; Nu(-) = HC≡CCH(2)O(-), n = 0, 7) and those of the related [{LO(3)}Ae-N(SiMe(2)H)(2)] ({LO(3)}(-) = 2-[(1,4,7,10-tetraoxa-13-azacyclopentadecan-13-yl)methyl]-4,6-di-tert-butylphenolate Ae = Ca, 1; Sr, 2; Ba, 3) have been investigated. The molecular structures of 1, 2, [(4)(2)], 6, and [(7)(2)] have been determined by X-ray diffraction. These highlight Ae???H-Si internal β-agostic interactions, which play a key role in the stabilization of [{LO(i)}Ae-N(SiMe(2)H)(2)] complexes against ligand redistribution reactions, in contrast to regular [{LO(i)}Ae-N(SiMe(3))(2)]. Pulse-gradient spin-echo (PGSE) NMR measurements showed that 1, 4, 6, and 7 are monomeric in solution. Complexes 1-7 mediate the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of L-lactide highly efficiently, converting up to 5000?equivalents of monomer at 25?°C in a controlled fashion. In the immortal ROP performed with up to 100?equivalents of exogenous 9-anthracenylmethanol or benzyl or propargyl alcohols as a transfer agent, the activity of the catalyst increased with the size of the metal (1<2<3). For Ca-based complexes, the enhanced electron-donating ability of the ancillary ligand favored catalyst activity (1>6>4≈5). The nature of the alcohol had little effect over the activity of the binary catalyst system 1/ROH; in all cases, both the control and end-group fidelity were excellent. In the living ROP of L-LA, the HC≡CCH(2)O(-) initiating group (as in 7) proved superior to N(SiMe(2)H)(2)(-) or N(SiMe(3))(2)(-) (as in 6 or [{LO(4)}Ca-N(SiMe(3))(2)] (B), respectively).     

Neutral zinc, lower-order zincate and higher-order zincate derivatives of pyrrole: synthesis and structural characterisation of zinc complexes with one, two, three or four pyrrolyl ligands

Towards a systematic development of the zinc chemistry of the important five-membered nitrogen heterocycle pyrrole, this work reports the synthesis and characterisation of five crystalline zinc-pyrrolyl complexes. Pyrrolyl in this context means where conversion of the N-H bond to an N-zinc bond has occurred. Two neutral complexes, [(t)BuZn(NC(4)H(4))(TMEDA)·HNC(4)H(4)] 1 and [Zn(NC(4)H(4))(2)(TMEDA)] 2, containing one and two pyrrolyl ligands, respectively, were synthesised by reacting di-t-butylzinc with different amounts of pyrrole in the presence of TMEDA (TMEDA is N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine). X-ray crystallographic studies established that both adopt mononuclear structures with the salient feature of the former the presence of an additional parent protonated pyrrole molecule which engages its anionic counterpart in N-H…πC-C interactions. Employing a similar synthetic approach but adding n-butylsodium to the reaction mixture in attempts to form ate derivatives delivered three distinct sodium zincate (anionic zinc) compounds in [{(THF)(2)·NaZn(THF)(NC(4)H(4))(3)}(∞)] 3, [{(TMEDA)·Na}(2)Zn(NC(4)H(4))(4)] 4, and [{(PMDETA)·Na}(2)Zn(NC(4)H(4))(4)] 5 (PMDETA is N,N,N',N',N'-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine). From their crystal structures, the 1?:?1, Na:Zn complex 3 can be classified as a lower-order zincate having three pyrrolyl ligands bound to zinc in a polymeric chain arrangement, while the 2?:?1, Na:Zn complexes 4 and 5 are molecular higher-order zincates having Zn centres fully saturated by four pyrrolyl ligands. Discussion of the structures of 1-5 focuses on the interplay of σ-bonding and π-bonding between the pyrrolyl ligands and the metal centres. Revealingly, the zinc-free sodiopyrrole complex [{(PMDETA)·Na(NC(4)H(4))}(2)] 6, made and characterised for comparison, shows that on its own sodium prefers the former type of bonding, but is forced to switch to the latter type when combined with the stronger Lewis acid zinc in the zincate compositions. Complexes 1-6 have also been characterised in solution by NMR spectroscopy.     

Allyl strontium compounds: synthesis, molecular structure and properties

The synthesis and attempted isolation of neutral bis(allyl)strontium [Sr(C(3)H(5))(2)] (1) resulted in the isolation of potassium tris(allyl)strontiate K[Sr(C(3)H(5))(3)] (2). In situ generated 1 shows a pronounced Br?nsted basicity, inducing polymerisation of THF. Ate complex 2 crystallises as [K(THF)(2){Sr(C(3)H(5))(3)}(THF)](∞) (2·(THF)(3)). The salt-like solid state structure of 2·(THF)(3) comprises a two-dimensional network of (μ(2)-η(3):η(3)-C(3)H(5))(-) bridged potassium and strontium centres. Synthesis of allyl complexes 1 and 2 utilised SrI(2), [Sr(TMDS)(2)] (3) (TMDS = tetramethyldisilazanide), and [Sr(HMDS)(2)] (HMDS = hexamethyldisilazanide) as strontium precursors. The solid state structure of previously reported [Sr(TMDS)(2)] (3) was established by X-ray single crystal analysis as a dissymmetric dimer of [Sr(2)(TMDS)(4)(THF)(3)] (3·(THF)(3)) with multiple Si-HSr agostic interactions. The presence of ether ligands (THF, 18-crown-6) influenced the Si-HSr resonances in the NMR spectra of the amido complex 3.     

Bis(imidazolin-2-iminato) rare earth metal complexes: synthesis, structural characterization, and catalytic application

Reaction of anhydrous rare earth metal halides MCl(3) with 2 equiv of 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-imine (Im(Dipp)NH) and 2 equiv of trimethylsilylmethyl lithium (Me(3)SiCH(2)Li) in THF furnished the complexes [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)MCl(THF)(n)] (M = Sc, Y, Lu). The molecular structures of all three compounds were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The coordination spheres around the pentacoordinate metal atoms are best described as trigonal bipyramids. Reaction of YbI(2) with 2 equiv of LiCH(2)SiMe(3) and 2 equiv of the imino ligand Im(Dipp)NH in tetrahydrofuran did not result in a divalent complex, but instead the Yb(III) complex [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)YbI(THF)(2)] was obtained and structurally characterized. Treatment of [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)MCl(THF)(n)] with 1 equiv of LiCH(2)SiMe(3) resulted in the formation of [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)M(CH(2)SiMe(3))(THF)(n)]. The coordination arrangement of these compounds in the solid state at the metal atoms is similar to that found for the starting materials, although the introduction of the neosilyl ligand induces a significantly greater distortion from the ideal trigonal-bipyramidal geometry. [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(THF)(2)] was used as precatalyst in the intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization reaction of various terminal aminoalkenes and of one aminoalkyne. The complex showed high catalytic activity and selectivity. A comparison with the previously reported dialkyl yttrium complex [(Im(Dipp)N)Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(THF)(3)] showed no clear tendency in terms of activity.     

Aminotroponiminate calcium and strontium complexes

Heteroleptic aminotroponiminate complexes of calcium and strontium have been prepared. The monomeric calcium complex [((iPr)2ATI)CaI(THF)3] 1 ((iPr)2ATI = N-isopropyl-2-(isopropylamino)troponiminate) and the corresponding dimeric strontium compound [( (iPr)2ATI)SrI(THF)2]2 2 were obtained by reaction of [((iPr)2ATI)K] and MI2. Whereas the mixed ligand compound of composition [((iPr)2ATI)Ca(iPrAT)]2 3 (iPrAT = 2-(isopropylamino)troponate) was not obtained via a salt metathesis but by reaction of [Ca(N(SiMe3)2)2(THF)2] with ( (iPr)2ATI)H and (iPrAT)H, the diphosphanylamido complex [( (iPr)2ATI)Ca((Ph2P)2N)(THF)2] was obtained by reaction of CaI2 with the potassium compounds [( (iPr)2ATI)K] and [K(THF)n][N(PPh2)2]. The single crystal X-ray structures of all compounds were established and the latter compound shows a eta2-coordination mode of the ligand via the nitrogen and one phosphorus atom.