On the road to a termolecular complex with acetone: a heterometallic supramolecular network [[Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)].micro(2)-OCMe(2).[Cu(4)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)]

A novel heterometallic supramolecular network [[Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)].micro(2)-OCMe(2).[Cu(4)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)]](2)( infinity ) has been prepared by codeposition of the volatile mono(acetone) adduct [Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4).eta(1)-OCMe(2)](2) and copper(I) trifluoroacetate, [Cu(4)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)]. The product is of interest from the viewpoints of gas-phase supramolecular synthesis and a rare bridging coordination mode of acetone. It has been fully characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction. An X-ray structure revealed a layered 2D arrangement of the heterometallic [[Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)].micro(2)-OCMe(2).[Cu(4)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)]] units built by axial intermolecular interactions of the open electrophilic Rh(II) and Cu(I) centers and O-atoms of neighboring carboxylate groups. The coordination of the acetone molecules within the [[Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)].micro(2)-OCMe(2).[Cu(4)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)]] unit is asymmetric with the Rh-O and Cu-O distances being 2.2173(15) and 2.7197(17) A, respectively. This work shows the potential of gas-phase deposition that may provide additional possibilities in supramolecular synthesis by utilizing intermolecular interactions and coordination bonds in a new way compared with conventional solution chemistry.     

Bismuth pyrostannate, Bi2Sn2O7, from the first structurally characterized heterobimetallic Bi:Sn alkoxides

The first heterobimetallic Bi:Sn alkoxide complexes [Bi(2)SnO(OCH(CF(3))(2))(5)(O(t)Bu)(3)(THF)] (1) and [BiSnO(OCH(CF(3))(2))(3)(O(t)Bu)(2)](2) (2) are described. The complexes were obtained through mixing and heating equimolar quantities of the component alkoxides, Bi(OCH(CF(3))(2))(3) and Sn(O(t)Bu)(4), under solvent-free conditions (1) and in THF (2). The solid-state structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction showing ligand redistribution from Bi(III) to Sn(IV) in the two molecular species. Compound 2 behaves as a single-source precursor for the thermolytic formation of bismuth pyrostannate, Bi(2)Sn(2)O(7).     

Carbon dioxide as a solubility "switch" for the reversible dissolution of highly fluorinated complexes and reagents in organic solvents: application to crystallization

Highly fluorinated organic or organometallic solid compounds can be made to dissolve in liquid hydrocarbons by the application of 20-70 bar of CO(2) gas. Subsequently releasing the gas causes the compounds to precipitate or crystallize, giving quantitative recovery of the solid. The resulting crystals can be of sufficient quality for single-crystal X-ray crystallography; the structures of Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(2)CF(2)CF(3))(4)(DMF)(2), Rh(2)(O(2)C(CF(2))(9)F)(4)(MeOH)(2), Cr(hfacac)(3), and P[C(6)H(3)(3,5-CF(3))(2)](3) have been determined from crystals grown in this manner.     

Rational syntheses, structure, and properties of the first bismuth(II) carboxylate

Bismuth(II) trifluoroacetate (1), the first inorganic salt of bismuth in oxidation state +2, has been obtained in its pure, unstabilized form. Several synthetic routes suggested for the isolation of the new compound include (i) mild oxidation of elemental bismuth with some metal trifluoroacetates, e.g., Ag(I) and Hg(II); (ii) mild reduction of bismuth(III) trifluoroacetate with metals, such as Zn; (iii) comproportionation reaction between Bi and Bi(O(2)CCF(3))(3). The last approach gives the title compound 1 in quantitative yield as a sole product. Bismuth(II) trifluoroacetate has been characterized by NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy as well as by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystallographic study reveals the dinuclear paddle-wheel structure for diamagnetic molecules Bi(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4). The Bi-Bi bond distances in dimetal units of 1 are averaged to 2.9462(3) A, and there are no axial intermolecular contacts between these units in the solid state. The compound is volatile and exists in vapor phase up to 220 degrees C when it disproportionates back to Bi(0) and Bi(III) species, i.e., by the reverse of the synthetic route iii. In contrast, the solution chemistry is quite limited: the bismuth(II) trifluoroacetate is decomposed by the majority of common solvents, but it can be stabilized by aromatic systems. The dibismuth unit has been shown to be preserved in the latter solvents and can be crystallized out in a form of pi-adducts with arenes. Two such adducts, Bi(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4).(C(6)H(5)Me) (2) and Bi(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4).(1,4-C(6)H(4)Me(2))(2) (3), have been isolated as single crystals and characterized by X-ray diffraction techniques. In the structures of both 2 and 3, the bismuth(II) centers exhibit weak eta(6)-coordination to aromatic rings.     

Binding of DNA purine sites to dirhodium compounds probed by mass spectrometry

The adducts formed between the antitumor active compounds [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](BF(4))(2), Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4), and Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4) with DNA oligonucleotides have been assessed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) and nanoelectrospray (nanoESI) coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS). A series of MALDI studies performed on dipurine (AA, AG, GA, and GG)-containing single-stranded oligonucleotides of different lengths (tetra- to dodecamers) led to the establishment of the relative reactivity cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2)(OH(2))(2)](2+) (activated cisplatin) approximately Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4) > cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2)Cl(2)] (cisplatin) > [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](BF(4))(2) > Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4) approximately Pt(C(6)H(6)O(4))(NH(3))(2) (carboplatin). The relative reactivity of the complexes is associated with the lability of the leaving groups. The general trend is that an increase in the length of the oligonucleotide leads to enhanced reactivity for Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](BF(4))(2) and Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4) (except for the case of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+), which reacts faster with the GG octamers than with the dodecamers), whereas the reactivity of Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4) is independent of the oligonucleotide length. When monitored by ESI, the dodecamers containing GG react faster than the respectiveAA oligonucleotides in reactions with Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4) and Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](BF(4))(2), whereas AA oligonucleotides react faster with Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4). The mixed (AG, GA) purine sequences exhibit comparable rates of reactivity with the homopurine (AA, GG) dodecamers in reactions with Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4). The observation of initial dirhodium-DNA adducts with weak axial (ax) interactions, followed by rearrangement to more stable equatorial (eq) adducts, was achieved by electrospray ionization; the Rh-Rh bond as well as coordinated acetate or acetonitrile ligands remain intact in these dirhodium-DNA adducts. MALDI in-source decay (ISD), collision-induced dissociation (CID) MS-MS, and enzymatic digestion studies followed by MALDI and ESI MS reveal that, in the dirhodium compounds studied, the purine sites of the DNA oligonucleotides interact with the dirhodium core. Ultimately, both MALDI and ESI MS proved to be complementary, valuable tools for probing the identity and stability of dinuclear metal-DNA adducts.     

Hydrolysis of a basic bismuth nitrate--formation and stability of novel bismuth oxido clusters

The synthesis of the nanoscaled bismuth oxido clusters [Bi(38)O(45)(NO(3))(20)(DMSO)(28)](NO(3))(4)·4DMSO (1a) and [Bi(38)O(45)(OH)(2)(pTsO)(8)(NO(3))(12)(DMSO)(24)](NO(3))(2)·4DMSO·2H(2)O (2) starting from the basic bismuth nitrate [Bi(6)O(4)(OH)(4)](NO(3))(6)·H(2)O is reported herein. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, ESI mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, and molecular dynamics simulation were used to study the formation, structure, and stability of these large metal oxido clusters. Compounds 1a and 2 are based on a [Bi(38)O(45)](24+) core, which is structurally related to δ-Bi(2)O(3). Examination of the fragmentation pathways of 1a and 2 by infrared multi-photon dissociation (IRMPD) tandem MS experiments allows the identification of novel bismuth oxido cluster species in the gas phase.     

Metal ion-controlled self-assembly using pyrimidine hydrazone molecular strands with terminal hydroxymethyl groups: a comparison of Pb(II) and Zn(II) complexes

Metal complexation studies were performed with the ditopic pyrimidine-hydrazone (pym-hyz) strand 6-hydroxymethylpyridine-2-carboxaldehyde (2-methyl-pyrimidine-4,6-diyl)bis(1-methylhydrazone) (1) and Pb(ClO(4))(2)·3H(2)O, Pb(SO(3)CF(3))(2)·H(2)O, Zn(SO(3)CF(3))(2), and Zn(BF(4))(2) to examine the ability of 1 to form various supramolecular architectures. X-ray crystallographic and NMR studies showed that coordination of the Pb(II) salts with 1 on a 2:1 metal/ligand ratio in CH(3)CN and CH(3)NO(2) resulted in the linear complexes [Pb(2)1(ClO(4))(4)] (2), [Pb(2)1(ClO(4))(3)(H(2)O)]ClO(4) (3), and [Pb(2)1(SO(3)CF(3))(3)(H(2)O)]SO(3)CF(3) (4). Two unusually distorted [2 × 2] grid complexes, [Pb1(ClO(4))](4)(ClO(4))(4) (5) and [Pb1(ClO(4))](4)(ClO(4))(4)·4CH(3)NO(2) (6), were formed by reacting Pb(ClO(4))(2)·6H(2)O and 1 on a 1:1 metal/ligand ratio in CH(3)CN and CH(3)NO(2). These grids formed despite coordination of the hydroxymethyl arms due to the large, flexible coordination sphere of the Pb(II) ions. A [2 × 2] grid complex was formed in solution by reacting Pb(SO(3)CF(3))(2)·H(2)O and 1 on a 1:1 metal/ligand ratio in CH(3)CN as shown by (1)H NMR, microanalysis, and ESMS. Reacting the Zn(II) salts with 1 on a 2:1 metal/ligand ratio gave the linear complexes [Zn(2)1(H(2)O)(4)](SO(3)CF(3))(4)·C(2)H(5)O (7) and [Zn(2)1(BF(4))(H(2)O)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(3)·H(2)O (8). (1)H NMR studies showed the Zn(II) and Pb(II) ions in these linear complexes were labile undergoing metal ion exchange. All of the complexes exhibited pym-hyz linkages in their cisoid conformation and binding between the hydroxymethyl arms and the metal ions. No complexes were isolated from reacting either of the Zn(II) salts with 1 on a 1:1 metal/ligand ratio, due to the smaller size of the Zn(II) coordination sphere as compared to the much larger Pb(II) ions.     

Tuning the properties at heterobimetallic core: mixed-ligand bismuth-rhodium paddlewheel carboxylates

Mixed-ligand heterometallic compounds [BiRh(O2CCF3)4-x(O2CR)x] (R = But, x = 2 (cis); R = Me, Bui, x = 1) have been obtained by gas-phase reactions of bismuth(II) trifluoroacetate with the corresponding rhodium(II) carboxylate. This synthetic approach was found to be very effective for tuning the properties and introduction of chiral ligands at a heterobimetallic core.     

Oxygen reduction to water mediated by a dirhodium hydrido-chloride complex

The two-electron mixed-valence dirhodium complex Rh(2)(0,II)(tfepma)(2)(CN(t)Bu)(2)Cl(2) (tfepma = CH(3)N[P(OCH(2)CF(3))(2)](2)) reacts with HCl to furnish two isomeric dirhodium hydrido-chloride complexes, Rh(2)(II,II)(tfepma)(2)(CN(t)Bu)(2)Cl(3)H. In the presence of HCl, the hydride complex effects the reduction of 0.5 equiv of O(2) to 1 equiv of H(2)O, generating Rh(2)(II,II)(tfepma)(2)(CN(t)Bu)(2)Cl(4), which can be prepared independently by chlorine oxidation of the Rh(2)(0,II) precursor. The starting Rh(2)(0,II) complex is regenerated photochemically to close an oxygen-to-water reduction photocycle.     

3d-Metal derivatives of the [Cu(I)(SO3)4]7- ion: structure and magnetism

The Cu(SO(3))(4)(7-) anion, which consists of a tetrahedrally coordinated Cu(I) centre coordinated to four sulfur atoms, is able to act as a multidentate ligand in discrete and infinite supramolecular species. The slow oxidation of an aqueous solution of Na(7)Cu(SO(3))(4) yields a mixed oxidation state, 2D network of composition Na(5){[Cu(II)(H(2)O)][Cu(I)(SO(3))(4)]}·6H(2)O. The addition of Cu(II) and 2,2'-bipyridine to an aqueous Na(7)Cu(SO(3))(4) solution leads to the formation of a pentanuclear complex of composition {[Cu(II)(H(2)O)(bipy)](4)[Cu(I)(SO(3))(4)]}(+); a combination of hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions leads to the generation of infinite parallel channels that are occupied by disordered nitrate anions and water molecules. A pair of Cu(SO(3))(4)(7-) anions each act as a tridentate ligand towards a single Mn(II) centre when Mn(II) ions are combined with an excess of Cu(SO(3))(4)(7-). An anionic pentanuclear complex of composition {[Cu(I)(SO(3))(4)](2)[Fe(III)(H(2)O)](3)(O)} is formed when Fe(II) is added to a Cu(+)/SO(3)(2-) solution. Hydrated ferrous [Fe(H(2)O)(6)(2+)] and sodium ions act as counterions for the complexes and are responsible for the formation of an extensive hydrogen bond network within the crystal. Magnetic susceptibility studies over the temperature range 2-300 K show that weak ferromagnetic coupling occurs within the Cu(II) containing chains of Na(5){[Cu(II)(H(2)O)][Cu(I)(SO(3))(4)]}·6H(2)O, while zero coupling exists in the pentanuclear cluster {[Cu(II)(H(2)O)(bipy)](4)[Cu(I)(SO(3))(4)]}(NO(3))·H(2)O. Weak Mn(II)-O-S-O-Mn(II) antiferromagnetic coupling occurs in Na(H(2)O)(6){[Cu(I)(SO(3))(4)][Mn(II)(H(2)O)(2)](3)}, the latter formed when Mn was in excess during synthesis. The compound, Na(3)(H(2)O)(6)[Fe(II)(H(2)O)(6)](2){[Cu(I)(SO(3))(4)](2)[Fe(III)(H(2)O)](3)(O)}·H(2)O, contained trace magnetic impurities that affected the expected magnetic behaviour.     

Rhodium pyrazolate complexes as potential CVD precursors

Reaction of 3,5-(CF(3))(2)PzLi with [Rh(μ-Cl)(η(2)-C(2)H(4))(2)](2) or [Rh(μ-Cl)(PMe(3))(2)](2) in Et(2)O gave the dinuclear complexes [Rh(η(2)-C(2)H(4))(2)(μ-3,5-(CF(3))(2)-Pz)](2) (1) and [Rh(2)(μ-Cl)(μ-3,5-(CF(3))(2)-Pz) (PMe(3))(4)] (2) respectively (3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz = bis-trifluoromethyl pyrazolate). Reaction of PMe(3) with [Rh(COD)(μ-3,5-(CF(3))(2)-Pz)](2) in toluene gave [Rh(3,5-(CF(3))(2)-Pz)(PMe(3))(3)] (3). Reaction of 1 and 3 in toluene (1?:?4) gave moderate yields of the dinuclear complex [Rh(PMe(3))(2)(μ-3,5-(CF(3))(2)-Pz)](2) (4). Reaction of 3,5-(CF(3))(2)PzLi with [Rh(PMe(3))(4)]Cl in Et(2)O gave the ionic complex [Rh(PMe(3))(4)][3,5-(CF(3))(2)-Pz] (5). Two of the complexes, 1 and 3, were studied for use as CVD precursors. Polycrystalline thin films of rhodium (fcc-Rh) and metastable-amorphous films of rhodium phosphide (Rh(2)P) were grown from 1 and 3 respectively at 170 and 130 °C, 0.3 mmHg in a hot wall reactor using Ar as the carrier gas (5 cc min(-1)). Thin films of amorphous rhodium and rhodium phosphide (Rh(2)P) were grown from 1 and 3 at 170 and 130 °C respectively at 0.3 mmHg in a hot wall reactor using H(2) as the carrier gas (7 cc min(-1)).     

Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure and preliminary reactivity behaviour of new heteropolytopic ligands based on the 1,3,5-triazine spacer and pyrazolyl, tris-pyrazolylmethyl and tris-pyrazolylethoxy bonding fragments

Four new potentially polytopic nitrogen donor ligands based on the 1,3,5-triazine fragment, L(1)-L(4) (L(1) = 2-chloro-4,6-di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine, L(2) = N,N'-bis(4,6-di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diamine, L(3) = 2,4,6-tris(tri(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)-1,3,5-triazine, and L(4) = 2,4,6-tris(2,2,2-tri(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethoxy)-1,3,5-triazine) have been synthesized and characterized. The X-ray crystal structure of L(3) confirms that its molecular nature consists of a 1,3,5-triazine ring bearing three tripodal tris(pyrazolyl) arms. L(1), L(2), and L(4) react with Cu(I), Cu(II), Pd(II) and Ag(I) salts yielding mono-, di-, and oligonuclear derivatives: [Cu(L(1))(Cy(3)P)]ClO(4), [{Ag(2)(L(2))}(CF(3)SO(3))(2)]·H(2)O, [Cu(2)(L(2))(NO(3))(2)](NO(3))(2)·H(2)O, [Cu(2)(L(2))(CH(3)COO)(2)](CH(3)COO)(2)·3H(2)O, [Pd(2)(L(2))(Cl)(4)]·2H(2)O, [Ru(L(2))(Cl)(OH)]·CH(3)OH, [Ag(3)(L(4))(2)](CF(3)SO(3))(3) and [Ag(3)(L(4))(2)](BF(4))(3). The interaction of L(3) with Ag(I), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ru(II) complexes unexpectedly produced the hydrolysis of the ligand with formation, in all cases, of tris(pyrazolyl)methane (TPM) derivatives. In detail, the already known [Ag(TPM)(2)](CF(3)SO(3)) and [Cu(TPM)(2)](NO(3))(2), as well as the new [Zn(TPM)(2)](CF(3)SO(3))(2) and [Ru(TMP)(p-cymene)]Cl(OH)·2H(2)O complexes have been isolated. Single-crystal XRD determinations on the latter derivatives confirm their formulation, evidencing, for the Ru(II) complex, an interesting supramolecular arrangement of the anions and crystallization water molecules.     

Dirhodium paddlewheel with functionalized carboxylate bridges: new building block for self-assembly and immobilization on solid support

A new dirhodium(II,II) paddlewheel complex, [Rh(2)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)COOC(2)H(5))(4)] (1), has been synthesized using a predesigned functionalized carboxylate, namely, 4-(ethoxycarbonyl)benzoate. The target product has been crystallized from the acetone solution and structurally characterized as a bis-acetone adduct, [Rh(2)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)COOC(2)H(5))(4)(OCMe(2))(2)]·C(6)H(14) (2). By utilizing the ability of dangling ester groups to coordinate to open axial ends of neighboring dirhodium units, 1 can self-assemble to form 2D networks upon crystallization from solutions of noncoordinating solvents such as chlorobenzene and chloroform. The resulting [Rh(2)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)COOC(2)H(5))(4)]·2C(6)H(5)Cl (3) and [Rh(2)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)COOC(2)H(5))(4)]·2CHCl(3) (4) products have microporous solid state structures with the pores filled with the corresponding disordered solvent molecules. Notably, 3 and 4 represent unique examples of 2D extended frameworks based on dirhodium tetracarboxylate paddlewheel units devoid of any exogenous ligands. In solution, the dangling ends of carboxylate bridges of 1 have been successfully utilized for condensation reaction with the selected solid support, benzylamine-functionalized polystyrene, allowing successful heterogenization of dirhodium units through the equatorial covalent attachment to the substrate. The resulting solid product was tested as a catalyst in the cyclopropanation reaction of styrene with methyl phenyldiazoacetate to show good yields and diastereoselectivity.     

Tetranuclear copper(I) carboxylates: the effect of a stepwise increase in Lewis acidity on solid-state structures and photoluminescence

X-Ray diffraction studies of three aliphatic copper(I) carboxylates revealed a tetranuclear core structure for [Cu(4)(O(2)CCH(2)CH(3))(4)] (1), [Cu(4)(O(2)CCF(3))(O(2)CCH(2)CH(3))(3)] (2), and [Cu(4)(O(2)CCF(2)CF(3))(4)] (3). The effect of a stepwise increase in electrophilicity on solid-state interactions of copper(I) tetramers as well as the implications of structural variations on photoluminescent properties of the above copper(I) propionates have been discussed.     

Hydrolysis studies on bismuth nitrate: synthesis and crystallization of four novel polynuclear basic bismuth nitrates

Hydrolysis of Bi(NO(3))(3) in aqueous solution gave crystals of the novel compounds [Bi(6)O(4)(OH)(4)(NO(3))(5)(H(2)O)](NO(3)) (1) and [Bi(6)O(4)(OH)(4)(NO(3))(6)(H(2)O)(2)]·H(2)O (2) among the series of hexanuclear bismuth oxido nitrates. Compounds 1 and 2 both crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n but show significant differences in their lattice parameters: 1, a = 9.2516(6) ?, b = 13.4298(9) ?, c = 17.8471(14) ?, β = 94.531(6)°, V = 2210.5(3) ?(3); 2, a = 9.0149(3) ?, b = 16.9298(4) ?, c = 15.6864(4) ?, β = 90.129(3)°, V = 2394.06(12) ?(3). Variation of the conditions for partial hydrolysis of Bi(NO(3))(3) gave bismuth oxido nitrates of even higher nuclearity, [{Bi(38)O(45)(NO(3))(24)(DMSO)(26)}·4DMSO][{Bi(38)O(45)(NO(3))(24)(DMSO)(24)}·4DMSO] (3) and [{Bi(38)O(45)(NO(3))(24)(DMSO)(26)}·2DMSO][{Bi(38)O(45)(NO(3))(24)(DMSO)(24)}·0.5DMSO] (5), upon crystallization from DMSO. Bismuth oxido clusters 3 and 5 crystallize in the triclinic space group P1? both with two crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. The following lattice parameters are observed: 3, a = 20.3804(10) ?, b = 20.3871(9) ?, c = 34.9715(15) ?, α = 76.657(4)°, β = 73.479(4)°, γ = 60.228(5)°, V = 12021.7(9) ?(3); 5, a = 20.0329(4) ?, b = 20.0601(4) ?, c = 34.3532(6) ?, α = 90.196(1)°, β = 91.344(2)°, γ = 119.370(2)°, V = 12025.8(4) ?(3). Differences in the number of DMSO molecules (coordinated and noncoordinated) and ligand (nitrate, DMSO) coordination modes are observed.     

Metal–Metal Single Bonds with the Magnetic Anisotropy of Quadruple Bonds: A Systematic Series of Heterobimetallic Bismuth(II)–Rhodium(II) Formamidinate Complexes

The first set of five heterobimetallic MM′(form)₄ (form=formamidinate) complexes containing a BiRh core has been successfully synthesized. The Bi?Rh bond lengths lie between 2.5196(6) and 2.572(2) Å, consistent with Bi?Rh single bonds. All complexes have rich electrochemistry, with the [BiRh]^4+/5+ redox couples spanning approximately 700 mV and showing a strong correlation to remote ligand substitution. Visible spectroscopy showed two features for complexes 1 – 5 at approximately 459 and 551 nm, unique to BiRh paddlewheel complexes that are attributed to LMCT bands into the Bi?Rh σ* orbital. The large spin–orbit coupling (SOC) of Bi creates a massive Bi?Rh magnetic anisotropy, Δχ, approximately ?4800×10^?36 m³molecule^?1, which is the largest value reported for any single bond to date.     

Dinuclear Rh(II) pyrazolates as CVD precursors for rhodium thin films

New dinuclear rhodium(II) pyrazolate (Pz) complexes of formula Rh(2)(3-R,5-R'Pz)(4)·2L (R = R' = CF(3), L = H(2)O (1), CH(3)CN (2)) and Rh(2)(3-R,5-R'Pz)(4) (R = R' = (t)Bu (3); R = CF(3), R' = (t)Bu (4)) have been synthesized from the interaction of the lithium salt of the corresponding pyrazole with Rh(2)(OAc)(4) in diethyl ether. The complexes were characterized by X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic methods. They were further evaluated as precursors for the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of Rh thin films using H(2) as the carrier gas. The resulting films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).     

A kinetic study on the pairwise competition reaction of alpha-diazo esters with rhodium(II) catalysts: implication for the mechanism of Rh(II)-carbene transfer.

The relative rate constants for the Rh(II)-mediated diazo decomposition of a series of para- or meta-substituted diazophenylacetates were measured through intermolecular competition. The kinetic data were further subjected to Hammett correlation analysis and were found to have better linear correlation with sigma(+). Reaction constants for four Rh(II) catalysts have been obtained, Rh(2)(OAc)(4) (rho = -1.29 with sigma(+), r = -0.99), Rh(2)(Ooct)(4) (rho = -1.31 with sigma(+), r = -0.99), Rh(2)(acam)(4) (rho = -1.18 with sigma(+), r = -0.99), Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4) (rho = -1.46 with sigma(+), r = -0.99). The mechanistic implications of these data are discussed.     

Air-stable platinum and palladium complexes featuring bis[2,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]phosphinous acid ligands

Secondary phosphane oxides, R(2)P(O)H, are commonly used as preligands for transition-metal complexes of phosphinous acids, R(2)P-OH (R=alkyl, aryl), which are relevant as efficient catalysts in cross-coupling processes. In contrast to previous work by other groups, we are interested in the ligating properties of an electron-deficient phosphinous acid, (R(f))(2)P-OH, bearing the strongly electron-withdrawing and sterically demanding 2,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl group towards catalysis-relevant metals, such as palladium and platinum. The preligand bis[2,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]phosphane oxide, (R(f))(2)P(O)H, reacts smoothly with solid platinum(II) dichloride yielding the trans-configured phosphinous acid platinum complex trans-[PtCl(2)({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)POH)(2)]. The deprotonation of one phosphinous acid ligand with an appropriate base leads to the cis-configured monoanion complex cis-[PtCl(2)({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)PO)(2)H](-), featuring the quasi-chelating phosphinous acid phosphinito unit, (R(f))(2)P-O-H···O=P(R(f))(2), which exhibits a strong hydrogen bridge substantiated by an O···O distance of 245.1(4) pm. The second deprotonation step is accompanied by a rearrangement to afford the trans-configured dianion trans-[PtCl(2)({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)PO)(2)](2-). The reaction of (R(f))(2)P(O)H with solid palladium(II) dichloride initially yields a mononuclear palladium complex [PdCl(2)({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)POH)(2)], which condenses under liberation of HCl to the neutral dinuclear palladium complex [Pd(2)(μ-Cl)(2){({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)PO)(2)H}(2)]. The equilibrium between the mononuclear [PdCl(2)({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)POH)(2)] and dinuclear [Pd(2)(μ-Cl)(2){({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)PO)(2)H}(2)] palladium complexes is reversible and can be shifted in each direction by the addition of base or HCl, respectively. Treatment of palladium(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate, [Pd(F(6)acac)(2)], with a slight excess of (R(f))(2)P(O)H yields the complex [Pd(F(6)acac)({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)PO)(2)H]. The quasi-chelating phosphinous acid phosphinito unit, which is formed by the liberation of HF(6)acac, is characterized by a O···O distance of 244.1(3) pm. These transition metal complexes are stable towards air and moisture and can be stored for months without any evidence of decomposition.