Latent ruthenium carbene complexes with six-membered N- and S-chelate rings

New ruthenium carbene complexes with chelating N- and S-benzylidene ligands were synthesized by the reactions of second- and third-generation Grubbs catalysts with ortho-vinylbenzyl-substituted amines or sulfides. These complexes were shown to exhibit catalytic activity in ring-opening metathesis polymerization and ring-closing metathesis.     

Cobalt and manganese complexes with redox-active ligands in polymerization of acrylonitrile and methyl methacrylate

The influence of bis[4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-o-iminobenzosemiquinonato]cobalt(ii) and 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-o-iminobenzosemiquinonato]-[4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-o-amidophenolate]manganese(iii) on polymerization of methyl methacrylate and acrylonitrile in the presence of azobisisobutyronitrile (as a traditional radical initiator) and alkyl halides (used for initiation of controlled atom transfer radical polymerization process) was studied. The effect of the nature of the activating agents (amines) and the temperature conditions on the overall polymerization rate of the indicated monomers, as well as molecular weight characteristics of the synthesized polymers, were analyzed. The optimal conditions for the synthesis of polyacrylonitrile and poly(methyl methacrylate) with a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution were selected.     

Novel olefin metathetis catalysts with fluorinated <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-alkyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>´-arylimidazolin-2-ylidene ligands

Novel ruthenium carbene complexes bearing unsymmetrical NHC-ligands based on N-alkyl-N´-arylimidazoline with hexafluoroisopropylmethoxy group in para-position of N-aryl moiety have been synthesized. Catalytic activity of complexes obtained was investigated on model reactions of intra- and intermolecular olefin metathesis.     

Ruthenium complexes with lumazine derivatives: structural,electrochemical, computational and radical scavenging studies

In this research study, the formation and characterization of new ruthenium(II) and (III) complexes encompassing multidentate ligands derived from 6-acetyl-1,3,7-trimethyllumazine (almz) are reported. The 1:1 molar coordination reactions of trans-[RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃] with N-1-[1,3,7-trimethyllumazine]benzohydride (bzlmz) and 6-(N-methyloxime)-1,3,7-trimethyllumazine (ohlmz) formed a diamagnetic ruthenium(II) complex, cis-[RuCl₂(bzlmz)(PPh₃)] (1), and paramagnetic complex, cis-[Ru^IIICl₂(olmz)(PPh₃)] (2) [Holmz = 6-(N-hydroxy-N′-methylamino)-1,3,7-trimethyllumazine], respectively. These ruthenium complexes were characterized via physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. Structural elucidations of the metal complexes were confirmed using single crystal X-ray analysis. The redox properties of the metal complexes were investigated via cyclic voltammetry. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy confirmed the presence of a paramagnetic metal centre in 2. The radical scavenging activities of the metal complexes were explored towards the DPPH and NO radicals. Quantum calculations at the density functional theory level provided insight into the interpretation of the IR and UV–Vis experimental spectra of 1.     

Synthesis of urethane—acrylic multi-block copolymers via electrochemically mediated ATRP

The electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerisation (eATRP) of n-butyl acrylate was investigated under a variety of catalyst concentrations. Poly(n-butyl acrylate)-block-polyurethane-block-poly(n-butyl acrylate) copolymers were prepared via electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerisation (eATRP) using only 7 × 10^?6 mole % of Cu^II complex. The successful chain extension and formation of penta-block copolymers confirmed the living nature of the poly(alkyl acrylates) prepared by eATRP. In this work, the tri-block and penta-block urethane-acrylate copolymers were synthesised for the first time by using tertiary bromine-terminated polyurethane macro-initiators as transitional products reacting with n-butyl acrylate, and subsequently with tert-butyl acrylate in the presence of the Cu^IIBr₂/TPMA catalyst complex. The results of ¹H NMR spectral studies support the formation of tri-block poly(n-butyl acrylate)-block-polyurethane-block-poly(n-butyl acrylate) copolymers, and penta-block poly(tert-butyl acrylate)-block-poly(n-butyl acrylate)-block-polyurethane-block-poly(n-butyl acrylate)-block-poly(tert-butyl acrylate) copolymers.     

Synthesis and characterization of half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes with N-alkyl pyridyl-imine ligands and their application in transfer hydrogenation of ketones

A series of new arene ruthenium(II) complexes were prepared by reaction of ruthenium(II) precursors of the general formula [(η⁶-arene)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ with N,N′-bidentate pyridyl-imine ligands to form complexes of the type [(η⁶-arene)RuCl(C₅H₄N-2-CH=N-R)]PF₆, with arene = C₆H₆, R = iso-propyl (1a), tert-butyl (1b), cyclohexyl (1c), cyclopentyl (1d) and n-butyl (1e); arene = p-cymene, R = iso-propyl (2a), tert-butyl (2b). The complexes were fully characterized by ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR, UV–Vis and IR spectroscopies, elemental analyses, and the single-crystal X-ray structures of 2a and 2b have been determined. The single-crystal molecular structure revealed both compounds with a pseudo-octahedral geometry around the Ru(II) center, normally referred to as a piano stool conformation, with the pyridyl-imine as a bidentate N,N ligand. The activity of all complexes in the transfer hydrogenation of cyclohexanone in the presence of NaOH and iso-propanol is reported, the compounds showing turnover numbers of close to 1990 and high conversions. Complex 2b was also shown to be very effective for a range of aliphatic and cyclic ketones, giving conversions of up to 100 %.     

Synthesis,structure, and magnetic properties of magnesium bis-3,6-di-<Emphasis Type="Italic">tert</Emphasis>-butyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">о</Emphasis>-benzosemiquinonate complexes with N-donor ligands

A series of six-coordinate magnesium bis-3,6-di-tert-butyl-о-benzosemiquinonate complexes with different N-donor ligands (2,2´-dipyridyl, 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, pyridine, N-phenyl-1-(4-pyridinyl)methanimine) were synthesized. The molecular and crystal structures of these complexes were determined by X-ray diffraction. In the complexes with bidentate N-donor ligands, the O,O-diolate o-semiquinone ligands are cis to each other, whereas the compounds with monodentate ligands contain organic radical anions in trans positions. The specific features of magnetic exchange coupling between organic radical ligands were studied by temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements.     

Synthesis and surface properties of a new fluorinated acrylic diblock copolymer via AGET ATRP

A series of fluorinated diblock copolymers poly(2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate)-b-poly(glycidyl methacrylate) PHFMA-b-PGMA with different fluorine content were synthesized by activator generated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (AGET ATRP). FTIR, ¹H NMR and GPC data verified feasibility and controllability of the synthesis. In order to evaluate the effect of chain structure on the surface properties, corresponding homopolymer poly(2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate) and random copolymer copoly(2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate-r-glycidyl methacrylate) were also comparatively studied. Contact angle measurements indicated that the water and ethyleneglycol contact angles of block- and random copolymers increased with increase of fluorine content, but in different manner. This difference comes from different surface energy at the same fluorine content on film surface. The surface stability of block-copolymer was obviously better than that of random copolymer; the same results were observed in heat resistance tests.     

Unique feature of chain reactions of thiols with quinone imines: thiols as reactants and simultaneously catalysts at the rate-determining step of chain propagation

The isomerization of radical adducts, formed due to the addition of thiyl radicals to the cyclohexadiene ring of quinone imine, to phenoxyl and aromatic aminyl radicals is considered by quantum chemical methods (DFT/PBE and CCSD). Isomerization via the intramolecular transfer of the highly mobile H atom of the C—H bond to the O or N atoms from the position of PhS? radical addition to the cyclohexadiene ring of quinone imine cannot virtually occur because of the high activation energy comparable or even exceeding the C—H bond dissociation energy. An alternative bimolecular mechanism involving the thiol molecule, which is inserted into the transition state thus extending it to be favorable for the reaction to occur, was proposed. After the reaction, the thiol is regenerated, i.e., acts as both the reactant and catalyst of the chain reaction of quinone imine with thiol. The reasons for the high rate of the H atom transfer via this mechanism are considered.     

Photo-dehydrogenation of 4,6-diaryl-2-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidines

Electron-transfer-induced photo-oxidation of 4,6-diaryl-substituted 2-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidines (THPMs) in chloroform under argon atmosphere results in the smooth formation of 4,6-diaryl-substituted 2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyrimidines. Sequentially, electron-transfer and proton removal processes in this oxidative reaction result in the occurrence of two different benzylic and allylic radical intermediates, which converted to each other via resonance. Preferably, capto-dative stabilized radical center stimulates the type of product. Based on the proposed oxidation reaction mechanism, the electron transfer from the excited THPMs to chloroform starts this oxidative reaction. The results of the computational study obtained at DFT-B₃LYP/6-311++G** level of theory indicate that the first electron is preferably removed from the N₁ atom of the heterocyclic ring. A comparison of the sum of the Mulliken spin densities of the radical intermediates supports the argument that the more stable capto-dative stabilized radical is involved in the reaction.     

Polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-iminoquinones: Reversible and irreversible inhibition

New regulators of radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate based on N-(aryl)-o-iminoquinones of various structures are proposed. It is shown that samples of polymethylmethacrylate with the participation of N-(aryl)-o-iminobenzoquinones could be used as macroinitiators of polymerization. Optimal conditions to synthesize polymers in the presence of o-iminobenzoquinones are determined, which make it possible to obtain polymethylmethacrylate with a polydispersity coefficient of no more than 1.5 on deep conversions during bulk polymerization.     

Specific features of radical copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-butyl acrylate in the presence of the tributylborane–<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-quinone system

Copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and n-butyl acrylate (n-BA) in the presence of the tributylborane–p-quinone system has been investigated. Reactivity ratios of the monomers differ from the values known for conventional radical polymerization. The copolymerization proceeds in a controlled manner according to the reversible inhibition mechanism. The nature of p-quinone and the composition of the monomer mixture affect the realization of this mechanism. The microstructure of the copolymers obtained in the presence of borane and p-quinones depends on the nature of the latter.     

Crystallochemical study of ruthenium(III) tris-dipivaloylmethanate

The structure of ruthenium(III) dipivaloylmethanate is determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction at temperature of 150 K. The crystallographic data for C₃₃H₅₇O₆Ru are as follows: a = 9.6119(11) Å, b = 17.4603(19) Å, c = 21.519(2) Å, β = 95.187(2)°, C2/c space group, V = 3596.7(7) ų, Z = 4, d_calc = = 1.202 g/cm³, R = 0.0642. The structure is molecular, the metal atom coordinates six oxygen atoms of three ligands of β-diketone. The Ru–O distances are in the range of 1.99 Å to2.03 Å. The complexes have a distorted single layer hexagonal packing with the Ru…Ru distances being 9.84 Å within the layer, and 10.93 Å between the layers.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-aryl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-iminobenzoquinones as novel regulators of radical polymerization

The effect of a number of quinoid compounds on methyl methacrylate polymerization initiated by azo-bis(isobutyronitrile) has been studied. It has been revealed that N-aryl-o-iminobenzoquinones, in contrast to o-benzoquinones, can provide radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in controllable mode. The efficiency of the compounds as chain growth regulators has been found to depend on their composition and reaction conditions. It has been established that 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-o-iminobenzoquinone and 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-o-iminobenzoquinone under radical initiation conditions provide the synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate) with wide-range molecular weight, retaining polydispersity indices about ~1.4–1.8 up to deep conversions.     

A Facile Route for Cyclic Polyelectrolyte Synthesis without Any Protection or Deprotection Process

Conventionally, protection and deprotection are required in the preparation of alkyne-terminated polymers. Herein, by tuning the feed molar ratio of catalyst to initiator or using proper solvent, well-defined alkyne-terminated poly(acrylic ester)s have been directly synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), and the protection and deprotection are even avoided in this controlled polymerization process. After that, the terminal bromine is translated into azide group completely, and the obtained linear poly(acrylic ester) as PtBA is converted into cyclic PtBA by click reaction. Finally, cyclic poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is prepared after hydrolysis of the cyclic PtBA, and it can be found that the desired cyclic polyelectrolyte actually exhibits quite different properties on conductivity and DSC compared with the linear one.     

Coordination compounds of CuCl<Subscript>2</Subscript> with 1-(<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-heterylmethyl)silatranes

Reactions of CuCl₂ with 1-(N-indolylmethyl)and 1-(N-carbazolylmethyl)silatranes (L) afforded new complexes CuCl2?L. Quantum chemical calculations of these complexes and a Cu^II complex with 1-(N-pyrrolylmethyl)silatrane showed that the Cu atom is coordinated to both the equatorial O atom of the silatranyl group and the π-system of the ligand? heterocycle.     

Coordination radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate,initiated by the azobis(isobutyronitrile)–tri-<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-butylborane binary system

A procedure for coordination radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the bulk, initiated by the azobis(isobutyronitrile)–tri-n-butylborane binary system at 60°С, was developed. Butyl radicals participating in the initiation step were detected by EPR. These radicals are generated by complexation of cyanoisopropyl radicals with trialkylborane. The radical at the boron atom transforms from the C-centered to N-centered structure with the subsequent S_R2 reaction and fast generation of n-butyl radicals. As found by NMR and confirmed by kinetic studies, the tri-n-butylborane–initiator–monomer system stimulates generation of propagating poly(methyl methacrylate) radicals.     

Secondary self-assembly behaviors of PEO-<Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis>-P<Emphasis Type="Italic">t</Emphasis>BA-<Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis>-PS triblock terpolymers in solution

A series of PEO₄₅-b-PtBA₅₃-b-PS _x (x = 42, 84, 165) triblock terpolymers were synthesized by the atom transfer radical polymerization and characterized by size exclusion chromatography and ¹H NMR. Their self-assemblies were conducted by a two-step hierarchical self-assembly method and a one-step dialysis method and the self-assembly behaviors were investigated. The morphologies, sizes, and size distributions of micelles produced by the self-assembly were determined by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The secondary self-assembled structure of PEO₄₅-b-PtBA₅₃-b-PS _x obtained by the two-step hierarchical self-assembly could be controlled by tuning the length of PS block, the core forming block. The micelles were uniform with diameters of 20–25 nm and their size distributions, except for that of PEO₄₅-b-PtBA₅₃-b-PS₁₆₅, were narrow with particle size distribution indexes ranging from 0.014 to 0.246. The one-step dialysis of the triblock terpolymers produced vesicular micelles with distinct vesicle walls that exhibited similar thicknesses. The vesicles did not show significant aggregation. The size distribution of PEO₄₅-b-PtBA₅₃-b-PS₄₂ vesicle was the narrowest with a particle size distribution index value of 0.135. The PEO₄₅-b-PtBA₅₃-b-PS₁₆₅ vesicles tended to overlap with each other.     

Synthesis,structure, and catalytic properties of Zr(IV) complex with trifluoroacetylacetone

Zirconium complex with trifluoroacetylacetone (Tfac) of the composition Zr(Tfac)₄(I) was synthesized and its structure was determined by X-ray diffraction. In the presence of polymethylaluminoxane, complex I is an active catalyst in ethylene polymerization to linear unbranched polyethylene. Crystals I are triclinic: a = 8.1600(16), b = 11.498(2), c = 15.766(3) Å, α = 99.20(3)°, β = 103.07(3)°, γ= 107.94(3)°, space group P \(\overline 1 \), Z = 2, ρ(calcd.) = 1.759 g/cm³, R = 0.0679. The structure consists of individual mononuclear Zr(Tfac)₄ complexes. The Zr atom coordinates eight O atoms of four β-diketonate ligands (Zr-O 2.17–2.20 Å). The complexes in a crystal are bonded by van der Waals interactions.     

Polymerization of 1,3-Butadiene Catalyzed by Cobalt(Ⅱ) and Nickel(Ⅱ) Complexes Bearing Pyridine-2-imidate Ligands

Cobalt and nickel complexes (1a-1d and 2a-2d, respectively) supported by 2-imidate-pyridine ligands were synthesized and used for 1,3-butadiene polymerization. The complexes were characterized by IR and element analysis, and complex 1a was further characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The solid state structure of complex 1a displayed a distorted tetrahedral geometry. Upon activation with ethylaluminum sesquichloride (EASC), all the complexes showed high activities toward 1,3-butadiene polymerization. The cobalt complexes produced polymers with high cis-1,4 contents and high molecular weights, while the nickel complexes displayed low cis-1,4 selectivity and the resulting polymers had low molecular weights. The catalytic activities of the complexes highly depended on the ligand structure. With the increment of polymerization temperature, the cis-1,4 content and the molecular weight of the resulting polymer decreased.