The coordinatively unsaturated cluster cations [Pt3{M(CO)3}(μ-Ph2PCH2PPh2)3] (M = Re, Mn)

The coordinatively unsaturated cluster [Pt₃(μ₃-CO)(μ-dppm)₃]²⁺ (1, dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) reacts with Na⁺[M(CO)₅]⁻ to give the mixed metal clusters [Pt₃{M(CO)₃}(μ-dppm)₃]⁺ (M = Re, 2; Mn, 3). The new clusters are characterized by spectroscopic methods and, for M = Re, by an X-ray structure determination. The Pt₃Re core in 2 is tetrahedral with particularly short metal-metal distances.     

Group 3 and 4 metal alkyl and hydrido complexes containing a linked amido-cyclopentadienyl ligand: “constrained geometry” polymerization catalysts for nonpolar and polar monomers

In order to understand the nature of the putative cationic 12-electron species [M(η⁵:η¹-C₅R₄SiMe₂NR′)R″]⁺ of titanium catalysts supported by a linked amido-cyclopentadienyl ligand, several derivatives with different cyclopentadienyl C₅R₄ and amido substituents R′ were studied systematically. The use of tridentate variants (C₅R₄SiMe₂NCH₂CH₂X)²⁻ (C₅R₄=C₅Me₄, C₅H₄, C₅H₃^tBu; X=OMe, SMe, NMe₂) allowed the NMR spectroscopic observation of the titanium benzyl cations [Ti(η⁵:η¹-C₅Me₄SiMe₂NCH₂CH₂X)(CH₂Ph)]⁺. Isoelectronic neutral rare earth metal complexes [Ln(η⁵:η¹-C₅R₄SiMe₂NR′)R″] can be expected to be active for polymerization. To arrive at neutral 12-electron hydride and alkyl species of the rare earth metals, we employed a lanthanide tris(alkyl) complex [Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂] (Ln=Y, Lu, Yb, Er, Tb), which allows the facile synthesis of the linked amido-cyclopentadienyl complex [Ln(η⁵:η¹-C₅Me₄SiMe₂NCMe₃)(CH₂SiMe₃)(THF)]. Hydrogenolysis of the linked amido-cyclopentadienyl alkyl complex leads to the dimeric hydrido complex [Ln(η⁵:η¹-C₅Me₄SiMe₂NCMe₃)(THF)(μ-H)]₂. These complexes are single-site, single-component catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene and a variety of polar monomers such as acrylates and acrylonitrile. Nonpolar monomers such as -olefins and styrene, in contrast, give isolable mono-insertion products which allow detailed studies of the initiation process.     

Comparison of calculated DFT/B3LYP and experimental C and O NMR chemical shifts, ab initio HF/6-31G* optimised structures, and single crystal X-ray structures of some substituted methyl 5β-cholan-24-oates

Single crystal X-ray structures (monoclinic space group P2₁) for methyl 3-oxo-5β-cholan-24-oate and methyl 3,12-dioxo-5β-cholan-24-oate have been solved and compared with HF/6-31G* optimised structures. In the crystalline packings the side chains are connected with weak OC(sp³)HO-type of interactions between C25–H and C24–O–C25 and the keto ends with weak C(sp³)HO=C-type of interactions between C4–H and O=C3. The orientations of the side chains, which steric configurations are of great importance to the biological activity of the molecules, are compared with the experimental structure of methyl 3-hydroxy-5β-cholan-24-oate. Probable reasons for the observed differences are discussed. In addition, ¹³C and ¹⁷O NMR chemical shifts of methyl 3-oxo-5β-cholan-24-oate and methyl 3,12-dioxo-5β-cholan-24-oate as well as the epimeric methyl 3-hydroxy-5β-cholan-24-oate and methyl 3β-hydroxy-5β-cholan-24-oate have been calculated (DFT/B3LYP/6-311G*) and compared with the experimental values by linear regression analyses. In general, the correspondence between the theoretical and experimental parameters is good or excellent.     

Iron carbonyl complexes from 2-[2,3-diaza-4-(2-thienyl)buta-1,3-dienyl]thiophene: N---N bond cleavage and cyclometalation

When thienyl Schiff base 1, derived from 2-formylthiophene and hydrazine, reacted with Fe₂(CO)₉ in n-hexane, three major complexes were obtained: (1) a diironhexacarbonyl complex with two 2-thienylmethylideneamido bridging ligands 2, which resulted from the =N---N= bond cleavage of ligand 1; (2) a doubly cyclometalated di-μ-di-(η¹:η²-thienyl; η¹:η¹(N))bis(hexacarbonyldiiron) complex (3); and (3) a cyclometalated (μ-η¹:η²-thienyl; η¹:η¹(N))hexacarbonyldiiron complex (4). Molecular structures of compounds 1a, 1c, and 2a have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Carbonylation of 2-bornenyl(methyl)zirconocene

The reaction of methylzirconocenechloride with 2-bornenyllithium yields (2-bornenyl)methylzirconocene (10a). Carbonylation of 10a takes place exclusively by CO-insertion into the Zr-C(sp²) bond to give Cp₂ZrMe(η²-OC-C₁₀H₁₅) (16a). The corresponding hafnium complex 10b reacts analogously to give 16b. Complex 16a was characterized by X-ray diffraction, and found to contain an η²-acyl ligand bonded to zirconium in the thermodynamically favored “O-inside” arrangement with the following bonding parameters: d Zr-C(acyl) = 2.192(7) Å, d Zr-O(acyl) = 2.258(6) Å, d C=O = 1.246(9) Å, angles O(acyl)---Zr---C(acyl) = 32.5(2)°, Zr---C(acyl)---O(acyl) = 76.7(4)°.     

Synthesis, structure and hydrogenation catalytic activity of [Ru3(μ3,η-ampy)(μ,η:η-PhC=CHPh)(CO)6(PPh3) (Hampy = 2-amino-6-methylpyridine)

The compound [RU₃(μ₃,η²- -ampy)(μ₃η¹:η²-PhC=CHPh)(CO)₆(PPh₃)₂] (1) (ampy = 2-amino-6-methylpyridinate) has been prepared by reaction of [RU₃(η-H)(μ₃,η²- ampy) (μ,η¹:η²-PhC=CHPh)(CO)₇(PPh₃)] with triphenylphosphine at room temperature. However, the reaction of [RU₃(μ-H)(μ₃, η² -ampy)(CO)₇(PPh₃)₂] with diphenylacetylene requires a higher temperature (110°C) and does not give complex 1 but the phenyl derivative [RU₃(μ₃,η²-ampy)(μ,η ¹:η² -PhC=CHPh)(μ,-PPh₂)(Ph)(CO)₅(PPh₃)] (2). The thermolysis of complex 1 (110°C) also gives complex 2 quantitatively. Both 1 and 2 have been characterized by0 X-ray diffraction methods. Complex 1 is a catalyst precursor for the homogeneous hydrogenation of diphenylacetylene to a mixture of cis- and trans -stilbene under mild conditions (80°C, 1 atm. of H₂), although progressive deactivation of the catalytic species is observed. The dihydride [RU₃(μ-H)₂(μ ₃,η²-ampy)(μ,η¹:η²- PhC=CHPh)(CO)₅(PPh₃)₂] (3), which has been characterized spectroscopically, is an intermediate in the catalytic hydrogenation reaction.     

Aromatic hydrocarbons, carbocyclic ligands spanning several oxidation states in both Main Group and transition elements. Recent advances with early transition d elements

In this paper some synthetic procedures to obtain (η⁶-arene)metal derivatives are reviewed. The metal-atom-arene-vapor co-condensation technique is the most appropriate to generate complexes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or heterocycles. As far as the aluminium halide-mediated synthesis is concerned, two classes of reaction are observed. When AlX₃ is used with a metal halide in the presence of an aromatic hydrocarbon in the absence of any reducing agent, AlX₃ can function as a dehalogenating agent, to give ionic compounds of general formula [M(η⁶-arene)n](AlX₄)_m, or it can add across the M---X bond with formation of M(μ-X)_nAlX_4−n systems. In both cases the metal displays its typical oxidation state. However, the use of AlX₃ in combination with aluminium (the Fischer-Hafner reducing system) affords ionic or covalent low-oxidation-state metal(η⁶-arene) complexes. Attention is focused on our most recent results concerning the synthesis, properties and reactivity of η⁶-arene derivatives of Group 4 and 5 elements, showing, inter alia, the first example of a tetraarylborate anion behaving as a 12-electron donor to one metal atom and low-valent η⁶-arene compounds as useful reagents in the inorganic and coordination chemistry of the corresponding metal in nonaqueous systems.     

Formation, solution structure and reactivity of alkylperoxo complexes of titanium

A detailed in situ ¹³C and ¹H NMR spectroscopic characterization of the following families of alkylperoxo complexes of titanium is presented: Ti(η²-OOtBu)_n(OiPr)_4−n, where n = 1–4; binuclear complexes [(iPrO)₃Ti(μ-OiPr)₂Ti(OiPr)₂(η²-OOtBu)] and [(η²-OOtBu)(iPrO)₂Ti(μ-OiPr)₂Ti(OiPr)₂(η²-OOtBu)]; complexes with β-diketonato ligands: Ti(LL)₂(OEt)(η²-OOtBu), Ti(LL)₂(OiPr)(η²-OOtBu), Ti(LL)₂(η²-OOtBu)₂, Ti(LL)₂(OtBu)(η¹-OOtBu), where HLL = acetylacetone, dipivaloylmethane. These alkylperoxo complexes could not be isolated due to their instability and were studied in situ at low temperatures. Whereas the side-on (η²) coordination mode of tert-butylperoxo ligand is generally preferable, the end-on (η¹) coordination caused by spatial hindrance from surrounding bulky ligands is found in two cases. The quantitative data on the reactivity of alkylperoxo complexes found towards sulfides and alkenes were obtained. The system TiO(acac)₂/tBuOOH in C₆H₆ was reinvestigated using ¹³C and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The structure of the complex Ti(acac)₂{CH₃C(O)(OOtBu)COO} actually formed in this system was elucidated. Four types of titanium(IV) alkylperoxo complexes were detected in the Sharpless–Katsuki catalytic system using ¹³C NMR spectroscopy.     

Half-way coordination state of a butadienyl group on ruthenium. η-Allylic bonding with η-character or vice versa

The butadienyl complexes formed by the reaction of trans-(R¹)CH=CHCCR² (R¹, R² = SiMe₃, ^tBu, Me, Et) with RuCl(CO)H(PPh₃)₃ exhibit unique structures: instead of taking the 18-electron configuration of the metal by conventional η³-coordination of the butadienyl ligand, they shift significantly to the 16-electron η¹-coordination state.     

Bis(η-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)-and(ηcyclopentadienyl) (η-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)-platinium dications: Pt(IV) metallocenes

Reaction of [Pt₂(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂(η-Br)₃]³⁺(Br⁻)₃ with C₅R₅H (R = H,Me) in the presence of AgBF₄ gives the first platinocenium dications, [Pt(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(η⁵-C₅R₅)]²⁺(BF₄⁻ )₂. On electrochemical reduction, [pt(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂]²⁺ yields [Pt(η⁴-C₅Me₅H)(η²-C₅Me₅)]+ BF₄⁻. kw]Cyclopentadienyl; Metallocenes; Platinum; Electrochemistry     

New aspects of the reaction of silver(I) cations with the ethylenediaminetetraacetate ion

The highly neutralized ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) titrant (95–99% as Y⁴⁻ anion) precipitates with Ag⁺ cations to form the Ag₄Y species, in aqueous medium, which is well characterized from conductometric titration, thermal analysis and potentiometric titration of the silver content of the solid. The precipitate dissolves in excess Y⁴⁻ to form a complex, AgY³⁻. Equilibrium studies at 25°C and ionic strength 0.50 M (NaNO₃) have shown from solubility and potentiometric measurements that the formation constant (95% confidence level) β₁ = (1.93 ± 0.07) × 10⁵ M⁻¹ and the solubility products are K_S0 = [Ag +]⁴[Y⁴⁻] = (9.0 ± 0.4) × 10⁻¹⁸ M⁵ and K_S1 = [Ag +]³[AgY³⁻] = (1.74 ± 0.08) × 10⁻¹² M⁴. The presence of Na⁺, rather than ionic strength, markedly affects the equilibrium; the data at ionic strength 0.10 M are: β₁ = (1.19 ± 0.03) × 10⁶ M⁻¹, K_S0 = (1.6 ± 0.4) × 10⁻¹⁹ M⁵ and K_S1 = (1.9 ± 0.5) × 10⁻¹³ M⁴; at ionic strength tending to zero; β₁ = (1.82 ± 0.05) × 10⁷ M⁻¹, K_S0 = (2.6 ± 0.8) × 10⁻²² M⁵ and K_S1 = (5 ± 1) × 10⁻¹⁵ M⁴. The intrinsic solubility is 2.03 mM silver (I) in 0.50 M NaNO₃. Well-defined potentiometric titration curves can be taken in the range 1–2 mM with the Ag indicator electrode. Thermal analysis revealed from differential scanning calorimetry a sharp exothermic peak at 142°C; thermal gravimetry/differential thermal gravimetry has shown mass loss due to silver formation and a brown residue, a water-soluble polymeric acid (decomposition range 135–157°C), tending to pure silver at 600°C, consistent with the original Ag₄Y salt.     

1,3-丙二胺邻苯二酚钼钨手性八面体配合物的仿生合成、晶体结构以及与ATP作用的液相NMR研究

合成了1,3-丙二胺邻苯二酚钼钨手性八面体配合物(NH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂[Mo_0.4W_0.6O₂(C₆H₄O₂)₂],并对其进行了单晶结构解析,研究了其与ATP作用的液相NMR谱.该晶体属正交晶系,空间群为Pcan.晶胞参数a=0.7501(2)nm,b=2.3994(7)nm,c=1.2178(4)nm,Z=4.[Mo_0.4W_0.6O₂(C₆H₄O₂)₂]^2-的配位几何构型为手性八面体,晶体为外消旋体.配位阴离子中MoW中心金属离子除了与两个端基O配位形成cis-MO键外,同时还分别与两个邻苯二酚配位基团的的氧原子配位,形成4个M-Ob(M=Mo,W)键,构成两个五元环.利用¹HNMR,¹³CNMR,³¹PNMR以及¹H-¹⁵NHMBC对标题配合物及其与ATP在D₂O溶剂中的作用进行了研究,发现标题配合物的MoW中心金属离子在纯D₂O溶剂中被还原成+5价,但与ATP混合后转化为+6价,且与原配位基邻苯二酚发生解离.解离后的[MO₂]²⁺最大可能与腺嘌呤上的氨基N原子配位,而此配位可能是其抗癌抗肿瘤活性的主要作用机理之一.     

Mehrfachbindungen zwischen Hauptgruppenelementen und Übergangsmetallen : XLV. Eigenschaften und Reaktionsverhalten von Hydrogenchalkogenid-Komplexen der Metalle Chrom, Molybdän und Wolfram

Hydrogensulfido and hydrogenselenido complexes of general composition (η⁵-C₅R₅(CO)3M(EH) (R = H, CH₃; M = Cr, Mo, W; E = S, Se) react at the EH functions by deprotonation, bimolecular elimination of H₂E, or by loss of the chalcogen atoms E. Reactions with Lewis-acidic complex cations such as [((η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃M]⁺ (R = H, CH₃; M = Mo, W) are useful for the synthesis of chalcogen bridged compounds (μ-E)[(η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃M]₂. The heterodinuclear chalcogen bridge complexes thus generated form metathesis equilibria with their corresponding homodinuclear systems.     

Synthesis and application of diphenylbis (3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane to form η-arene complexes of molybdenum

The neutral nitrogen-bidentate ligand, diphenylbis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane, Ph₂CPz′₂, can readily be obtained by the reaction of Ph₂CCl₂ with excess HPz′ in a mixed-solvent system of toluene and triethylamine. It reacts with [Mo(CO)₆] in 1,2-dimethoxyethane to give the η²-arene complex, [Mo(Ph₂CPz′₂)(CO)₃] (1). This η²-ligation appears to stabilize the coordination of Ph₂CPz′ ₂ in forming [Mo(Ph₂CPz′₂)(CO)₂(N₂C₆H₄NO₂-p)][BPh₄] (2) and [Mo(Ph₂CPz′₂)(CO)₂(N₂Ph)] [BF₄] (3) from the reaction of 1 with the appropriate diazonium salt but the stabilization seems not strong enough when [Mo{P(OMe)₃} ₃(CO)₃] is formed from the reaction of 1 with P(OMe)₃. The solid-state structures of 1 and 3 have been determined by X-ray crystallography: 1-CH₂Cl₂, monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 11.814(3), b = 11.7929(12), c = 19.46 0(6) Å, β = 95.605(24)°, V = 2698.2(11) ų, Z = 4, D_calc = 1.530 g/cm³ , R = 0.044, R_w = 0.036 based on 3218 reflections with I > 2σ(I); 2 (3)-1/2 hexane-1/2 CH₃OH-1/2 H₂O-1 CH₂Cl₂, monoclinic, C2/c, a = 41.766(10), b = 20.518(4), c = 16.784(3) Å, β = 101.871(18)°, V = 14076(5) ų, Z = 8, D_calc = 1.457 g/cm³, R = 0.064, R_w = 0.059 based on 5865 reflections with I > 2σ(I). Two independent cations were found in the asymmetric unit of the crystals of 3. The average distance between the Mo and the two η²-ligated carbon atoms is 2.574 Å in 1 and 2.581 and 2.608 Å in 3. The unfavourable disposition of the η²-phenyl group with respect to the metal centre in 3 and the rigidity of the η²-arene ligation excludes the possibility of any appreciable agostic C---H → Mo interaction.     

Stabile Bis(η-alkin)MCl2-komplexe; Darstellung und reaktivität

The synthesis and reactivity of {(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CCSiMe₃)₂} MCl₂ (M = Fe: 3a; M = Co: 3b; M = Ni: 3c) is described. The complexes 3 are accessible by the reaction of (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃) ₂Ti(CSiMe₃)₂ (1) with equimolar amounts of MCl₂ (2) (M = Fe, Co, Ni). 3a reacts with the organic chelat ligands 2,2′-dipyridyl (dipy) (4a) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) (4b) in THF at 25°C to afford in quantitative yields (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CSiMe₃)₂ (1) and [Fe(dipy)₂]Cl₂ (5a) or [Fe(phen)₂]Cl₂ (5b). 1/n[Cu^IHal]_n (6) or 1/n[Ag^IHal]_n (7) (Hal = Cl, Br) react with {(η⁵ -C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CCSiMe₃)₂}FeCl₂ (3a), by replacement of the FeCl₂ building block in 3a, to yield the compounds {(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(C CSiMe₃)₂}Cu^IHal (8) or {(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CSiMe₃)₂}Ag^IHal (9) (Hal = Cl, Br), respectively. In 8 and 9 each of the two Me₃SiCC-units is η²-coordinated to monomeric Cu^I Hal or Ag^IHal moieties. Compounds 8 and 9 can also be synthesized by the reaction of (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂ Ti(CSiMe₃)₂ (1) with 1/n[Cu^IHal]_n (6) or 1/n [Ag^IHal]_n (7) in excellent yields. All new compounds have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic data (IR, ¹H-NMR, MS). The magnetic moments of compounds 3 were measured.     

Reactions of the cationic diruthenium carbonyl complex [Ru2(μ-dppm)2(CO)4(μ,η-O2CMe)] with bidentate ligands; intramolecularly assisted stereospecific synthesis via the second-sphere face-to-face π–π stacking interactions

The reactions of the diruthenium carbonyl complexes [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₄(μ,η²-O₂CMe)]X (X=BF₄⁻ (1a) or PF₆⁻ (1b)) with neutral or anionic bidentate ligands (L,L) afford a series of the diruthenium bridging carbonyl complexes [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-(L,L))₂]X_n ((L,L)=acetate (O₂CMe), 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), acetylacetonate (acac), 8-quinolinolate (quin); n=0, 1, 2). Apparently with coordination of the bidentate ligands, the bound acetate ligand of [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₄(μ,η²-O₂CMe)]⁺ either migrates within the same complex or into a different one, or is simply replaced. The reaction of [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₄(μ,η²-O₂CMe)]⁺ (1) with 2,2′-bipyridine produces [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-O₂CMe)₂] (2), [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-O₂CMe)(η²-bpy)]⁺ (3), and [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-bpy)₂]²⁺ (4). Alternatively compound 2 can be prepared from the reaction of 1a with MeCO₂H–Et₃N, while compound 4 can be obtained from the reaction of 3 with bpy. The reaction of 1b with acetylacetone–Et₃N produces [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-O₂CMe)(η²-acac)] (5) and [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-acac)₂] (6). Compound 2 can also react with acetylacetone–Et₃N to produce 6. Surprisingly [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-quin)₂] (7) was obtained stereospecifically as the only one product from the reaction of 1b with 8-quinolinol–Et₃N. The structure of 7 has been established by X-ray crystallography and found to adopt a cis geometry. Further, the stereospecific reaction is probably caused by the second-sphere π–π face-to-face stacking interactions between the phenyl rings of dppm and the electron-deficient six-membered ring moiety of the bound quinolinate (i.e. the N-included six-membered ring) in 7. The presence of such interactions is indeed supported by an observed charge-transfer band in a UV–vis spectrum.     

The lively chemistry of the di-μ-methylene-bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium) complexes, analogues of surface reactions in heterogeneous catalysis

The chemistry of the di-μ-methylene-bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium) complexes is reviewed. The complex [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)RhCl₂}₂] (1a) reacted with MeLi to give, after oxidative work-up, blood-red cis-[{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)₂], 2. This has the two rhodiums in the +4 oxidation state (d⁵), and linked by a metal-metal bond (2.620 Å). Trans-2 was formed on isomerisation of cis-2 in the presence of Lewis acids, or by direct reaction of 1a with Al₂Me₆, followed by dehydrogenation with acetone. The Rh-methyls in [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)₂] were readily replaced under acidic conditions (HX) to give [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(X)₂] (X = Cl, Br or I); these latter complexes reacted with a variety of RMgX to give [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)₂] (R = alkyl, Ph, vinyl, etc.). Trans-2 also reacted with HBF₄ in the presence of L to give first [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)(L)]⁺ and then [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(L)₂]²⁺ (L = MeCN, CO, etc.). The {(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂ core is rather kinetically inert and also forms a variety of complexes with oxy-ligands, both cis-, e.g. [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(μ-OAc)]⁺ and trans-, such as [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺. The complexes [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)L]⁺ (R = Me or aryl) in the presence of CO, or [{(η⁵-C₄Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)₂] (R = Me, Ph or CO₂Me) in the presence of mild oxidants, readily yield the C---C---C coupled products RCH=CH₂. The mechanisms of these couplings have been elucidated by detailed labelling studies: they are more complex than expected, but allow direct analogies to be drawn to C---C couplints that occur during Fischer-Tropsch reactions on rhodium surfaces.     

Structures of propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, and pivalaldehyde complexes of the chiral rhenium fragment [(η-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)]

The crystal structures of propionaldehyde complex (RS,SR)-(η⁵-C₅H₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(η²-O=CHCH₂CH₃)]⁺ PF₆⁻ (1b⁺ PF₆^s−; monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.166 (1) Å, b = 18.316(1) Å, c = 14.872(2) Å, β = 100.51(1)°, Z = 4) and butyraldehyde complex (RS,SR)-[(η⁵-C₅H₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(η²-O=CHCH₂CH₂CH₃)]⁺ PF₆⁻ (1c⁺PF₆⁻; monoclinic, P2₁/a (No. 14), a = 14.851(1) Å, b = 18.623(3) Å, c = 10.026(2) Å, β = 102.95(1)°, Z = 4) have been determined at 22°C and −125°C, respectively. These exhibit C O bond lengths (1.35(1), 1.338(5) Å) that are intermediate between those of propionaldehyde (1.209(4) Å) and 1-propanol (1.41 Å). Other geometric features are analyzed. Reaction of [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(ClCH₂Cl)]⁺ BF₄⁻ and pivalaldehyde gives [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(η²-O=CHC(CH₃)₃)]⁺BF₄⁻ (81%), the spectroscopic properties of which establish a π C O binding mode.     

Hydrothermal syntheses and crystal structures of bimetallic cluster complexes [{Cd(phen)2}2V4O12]·5H2O and [Ni(phen)3]2[V4O12]·17.5H2O

The hydrothermal reactions of vanadium oxide starting materials with divalent transition metal cations in the presence of nitrogen donor chelating ligands yield the bimetallic cluster complexes with the formulae [{Cd(phen₂)₂V₄O₁₂]·5H₂O (1) and [Ni(phen)₃]₂[V₄O₁₂]·17.5H₂O (2). Crystal data: C₄₈H₅₂Cd₂N₈O₂₂V₄ (1), triclinic. a=10.3366(10), b=11.320(3), c=13.268(3) Å, =103.888(17)°, β=92.256(15)°, γ=107.444(14)°, Z=1; C₇₂H₁₃₁N₁₂Ni₂O_29.5V₄ (2), triclinic. a=12.305(3), b=13.172(6), c=15.133(4), =79.05(3)°, β=76.09(2)°, γ=74.66(3)°, Z=1. Data were collected on a Siemens P4 four-circle diffractometer at 293 K in the range 1.59° <θ<26.02° and 2.01°<θ<25.01° using the ω-scan technique, respectively. The structure of 1 consists of a [V₄O₁₂]⁴⁻ cluster covalently attached to two {Cd(phen)₂}²⁺ fragments, in which the [V₄O₁₂]⁴⁻ cluster adopts a chair-like configuration. In the structure of 2, the [V₄O₁₂]⁴⁻ cluster is isolated. And the complex formed a layer structure via hydrogen bonds between the [V₄O₁₂]⁴⁻ unit and crystallization water molecules.     

Bonding and structural preferences of indenyl complexes: MInd2Ln (n=0–3)

A search of bis(indenyl) derivatives available in the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre was performed and the two main families, MInd₂ and MInd₂L_n (n=1–3), were structurally analyzed in detail. DFT calculations were performed for some relevant compounds in order to understand their electronic structure and interpret the experimental data. For MInd₂ complexes, the rotation angles between the rings show a wide range of values, depending both on the electron count and on the steric effects of the ring substituents. Hapticity change toward η³ is induced by extra electrons, but a perfect η³ coordination is never observed. For the electron deficient Cr(II) complexes, two isomers having two and four unpaired electrons are known for different substituents, and the calculated energies in models are very close, as expected. The MInd₂L₂ family is the largest one and examples of η³ coordination can be found. Both electronic and steric effects play a major role in determining the structural parameters of these species, but in the absence of bulky ring substituents, the rings are fluxional.