Exploring the Potential Energy Surface of E2P4 Clusters (E=Group 13 Element): The Quest for Inverse Carbon‐Free Sandwiches

Inverse carbon‐free sandwich structures with formula E₂P₄ (E=Al, Ga, In, Tl) have been proposed as a promising new target in main‐group chemistry. Our computational exploration of their corresponding potential‐energy surfaces at the S12h/TZ2P level shows that indeed stable carbon‐free inverse‐sandwiches can be obtained if one chooses an appropriate Group 13 element for E. The boron analogue B₂P₄ does not form the D_4h‐symmetric inverse‐sandwich structure, but instead prefers a D_2d structure of two perpendicular BP₂ units with the formation of a double B?B bond. For the other elements of Group 13, Al–Tl, the most favorable isomer is the D_4h inverse‐sandwich structure. The preference for the D_2d isomer for B₂P₄ and D_4h for their heavier analogues has been rationalized in terms of an isomerization‐energy decomposition analysis, and further corroborated by determination of aromaticity of these species.     

Theoretical Study on Inverse Sandwich Complexes [E-C{5-n}H{5-n}Nn-E]+ and [E-C{5-n}H{5-n}Pn-E]+ (n=1, 2, 3; E=Al,Ga, In,Tl)

The inverse sandwiches [E-C_{5-n}H_{5-n}N_n-E]⁺ and [E-C_{5-n}H_{5-n}P_n-E]⁺ (n=1, 2, 3; E=Al, Ga, In, Tl) with low-valent boron group elements are studied. The (η5,η5) coordinated inverse sandwich [E-C_{5-n}H_{5-n}N_n-E]⁺ is unstable in energy or nonexistent. However, the (η5,η5) coordinated [E-C_{5-n}H_{5-n}P_n-E]⁺ is not only stable in energy, but also stable against dissociation. The dissoction stability [E-C_{5-n}H_{5-n}P_n-E]⁺ with the same E element decreases as the number n increases, while for the certain n number, the dissociation energies with different E elements are close to each other. [E-C₄H₄P-E]⁺ has similar dissocition stability to the well-known [E-C₅H₅-E]⁺. The inteaction between C_{5-n}H_{5-n}P_n and lowvalent E element is mainly ionic. Since lone pairs of electrons locate on both E and P atoms, the (η5, η5) coordinated inverse sandwich [E-C_{5-n}H_{5-n}P_n-E]⁺ would act as multi electron-donors.     

Complexes of Monocationic Group 13 Elements with Pentaphospha‐ and Pentaarsaferrocene

Reactions of the sandwich complexes [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐E₅)] (Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅; E=P ( 1 ), As ( 2 )) with the monovalent Group 13 metals Tl⁺, In⁺, and Ga⁺ containing the weakly coordinating anion [TEF] ([TEF]=[Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄]^?) are described. Here, the one‐dimensional coordination polymers [M(μ,η⁵:η¹‐E₅FeCp*)₃]_n[TEF]_n (E=P, M=Tl ( 3 a ), In ( 3 b ), Ga ( 3 c ); E=As, M=Tl ( 4 a ), In ( 4 b )) are obtained as sole products in good yields. All products were analyzed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, revealing a similar assembly of the products with η⁵‐bound E₅ ligands and very weak σ‐interactions between one P or As atom of the ring to the neighbored Group 13 metal cation. By exchanging the [TEF] anion of 4 a for the larger [FAl] anion ([FAl]=[FAl{OC₆F₁₀(C₆F₅)}₃]^?), the coordination compound [Tl{(η⁵‐As₅)FeCp*}₃][FAl] ( 5 ) without any σ‐interactions of the As₅‐ring is obtained. All products are readily soluble in CH₂Cl₂ and exhibit a dynamic coordination behavior in solution, which is supported by NMR spectroscopy and ESI‐MS spectrometry as well as by osmometric molecular‐weight determination. For a better understanding of the proceeding equilibrium DFT calculations of the cationic complexes were performed for the gas phase and in solution. Furthermore, the ³¹P{¹H} magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra of 3 a–c are presented and the first crystal structure of the starting material 2 was determined.     

Univalent Gallium Complexes of Simple and ansa‐Arene Ligands: Effects on the Polymerization of Isobutylene

Using [Ga(C₆H₅F)₂]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^?( 1 ) (R^F=C(CF₃)₃) as starting material, we isolated bis‐ and tris‐η⁶‐coordinated gallium(I) arene complex salts of p‐xylene (1,4‐Me₂C₆H₄), hexamethylbenzene (C₆Me₆), diphenylethane (PhC₂H₄Ph), and m‐terphenyl (1,3‐Ph₂C₆H₄): [Ga(1,4‐Me₂C₆H₄)_2.5]⁺ ( 2⁺ ), [Ga(C₆Me₆)₂]⁺ ( 3⁺ ), [Ga(PhC₂H₄Ph)]⁺ ( 4⁺ ) and [(C₆H₅F)Ga(μ‐1,3‐Ph₂C₆H₄)₂Ga(C₆H₅F)]²⁺ ( 5²⁺ ). 4⁺ is the first structurally characterized ansa‐like bent sandwich chelate of univalent gallium and 5²⁺ the first binuclear gallium(I) complex without a Ga?Ga bond. Beyond confirming the structural findings by multinuclear NMR spectroscopic investigations and density functional calculations (RI‐BP86/SV(P) level), [Ga(PhC₂H₄Ph)]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^?( 4 ) and [(C₆H₅F)Ga(μ‐1,3‐Ph₂C₆H₄)₂Ga(C₆H₅F)]²⁺{[Al(OR^F)₄] ^?}₂ ( 5 ), featuring ansa‐arene ligands, were tested as catalysts for the synthesis of highly reactive polyisobutylene (HR‐PIB). In comparison to the recently published 1 and the [Ga(1,3,5‐Me₃C₆H₃)₂]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^? salt ( 6 ) (1,3,5‐Me₃C₆H₃=mesitylene), 4 and 5 gave slightly reduced reactivities. This allowed for favorably increased polymerization temperatures of up to +15 °C, while yielding HR‐PIB with high contents of terminal olefinic double bonds (α‐contents=84–93 %), low molecular weights (M_n=1000–3000 g mol^?1) and good monomer conversions (up to 83 % in two hours). While the chelate complexes delivered more favorable results than 1 and 6 , the reaction kinetics resembled and thus concurred with the recently proposed coordinative polymerization mechanism.     

A Neutral “Aluminocene” Sandwich Complex: η1‐ versus η5‐Coordination Modes of a Pentaarylborole with ECp* (E=Al,Ga; Cp*=C5Me5)

The pentaaryl borole (Ph*C)₄BXyl^F [Ph*=3,5‐tBu₂(C₆H₃); Xyl^F=3,5‐(CF₃)₂(C₆H₃)] reacts with low‐valent Group 13 precursors AlCp* and GaCp* by two divergent routes. In the case of [AlCp*]₄, the borole reacts as an oxidising agent and accepts two electrons. Structural, spectroscopic, and computational analysis of the resulting unprecedented neutral η⁵‐Cp*,η⁵‐[(Ph*C)₄BXyl^F] complex of Al^III revealed a strong, ionic bonding interaction. The formation of the heteroleptic borole‐cyclopentadienyl “aluminocene” leads to significant changes in the ¹³C NMR chemical shifts within the borole unit. In the case of the less‐reductive GaCp*, borole (Ph*C)₄BXyl^F reacts as a Lewis acid to form a dynamic adduct with a dative 2‐center‐2‐electron Ga?B bond. The Lewis adduct was also studied structurally, spectroscopically, and computationally.     

Theoretical assessing on the coordination mode and bonding in heteronuclear group‐13 dimetallocene

In this article, the coordination mode, the nature of metal–ligand interaction and dimetallic bonding in heteronuclear group‐13 dimetallocene (CpMM′CpI₂; Cp = C₅H₅, M/M′=B, Al, Ga, In, and Tl) have been investigated within the framework of the atoms in molecules theory, electron localization function, and energy decomposition analysis. The calculated results show that the symmetries of the title compounds, the coordination modes between the metal and ligand, the strength and nature of M‐ligand interaction and M M′ bond are well correlated with the periodicity changing of group‐13 metal atom going from the lighter to the heavier (B, Al, Ga, In, and Tl). The heavier group 13 metal atom is corresponding to the higher symmetry, stronger metal–ligand interaction, and weaker dimetallic bond. The covalent characters of both metal–ligand interaction and dimetallic bond are decreasing in the sequence of M′=Al, Ga, In, and Tl, for the same M atom.     

2, 4‐Dimethylpenta‐1, 3‐dien‐ und 2, 4‐Dimethylpentadienyl‐Komplexe des Rhodiums und Iridiums

2, 4‐Dimethylpenta‐1, 3‐diene and 2, 4‐Dimethylpentadienyl Complexes of Rhodium and Iridium The complexes [(η⁴‐C₇H₁₂)RhCl]₂ ( 1 ) (C₇H₁₂ = 2, 4‐dimethylpenta‐1, 3‐diene) and [(η⁴‐C₇H₁₂)₂IrCl] ( 2 ) were obtained by interaction of C₇H₁₂ with [(η²‐C₂H₄)₂RhCl]₂ and [(η²‐cyclooctene)₂IrCl]₂, respectively. The reaction of 1 or 2 with CpTl (Cp = η⁵‐C₅H₅) yields the compounds [CpM(η⁴‐C₇H₁₂)] ( 3a : M = Rh; 3b : M = Ir). The hydride abstraction at the pentadiene ligand of 3a , b with Ph₃CBF₄ proceeds differently depending on the solvent. In acetone or THF the “half‐open” metallocenium complexes [CpM(η⁵‐C₇H₁₁)]BF₄ ( 4a : M = Rh; 4b : M = Ir) are obtained exclusively. In dichloromethane mixtures are produced which additionally contain the species [(η⁵‐C₇H₁₁)M(η⁵‐C₅H₄CPh₃)]BF₄ ( 5a : M = Rh; 5b : M = Ir) formed by electrophilic substitution at the Cp ring, as well as the η³‐2, 4‐dimethylpentenyl compound [(η³‐C₇H₁₃)Rh{η⁵‐C₅H₃(CPh₃)₂}]BF₄ ( 6 ). By interaction of 2, 4‐dimethylpentadienyl potassium with 1 or 2 the complexes [(η⁴‐C₇H₁₂)M(η⁵‐C₇H₁₁)] ( 7a : M = Rh; 7b : M = Ir) are generated which show dynamic behaviour in solution; however, attempts to synthesize the “open” metallocenium cations [(η⁵‐C₇H₁₁)₂M]⁺ by hydride abstraction from 7a , b failed. The new compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopically, 4b and 5a also by X‐ray structure analysis.     

Synthese und Molekülstruktur von [{Cp′(μ‐η1 : η5‐C5H3Me)Mo(μ‐AlRH)}2] (Cp′ = C5H4Me,R = iBu,Et)

Synthesis and Molecular Structure of [{Cp′(μ‐η¹ : η⁵‐C₅H₃Me)Mo(μ‐AlRH)}₂] (Cp′ = C₅H₄Me, R = ⁱBu, Et) [Cp′₂MoH₂] reacts with HAlR₂ to give [{Cp′(μ‐η¹ : η⁵‐C₅H₃Me)Mo(μ‐AlRH)}₂] (Cp′ = C₅H₄Me, R = ⁱBu ( 1 ), Et ( 2 )). Crystal structure determinations were carried out on [Cp′₂MoH₂] and 1 . 1 exhibits a direct Mo–Al bond (2.636(2) Å).     

Regioselective Insertion of Aluminum(I) in the cyclo‐P5 Ring of Pentaphosphaferrocene

A route to directly access mixed Al–Fe polyphosphide complexes was developed. The reactivity of pentaphosphaferrocene, [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐P₅)] (Cp*=C₅Me₅), with two different low‐valent aluminum compounds was investigated. The steric and electronic environment around the [Al^I] centre are found to be crucial for the formation of the resulting Al–Fe polyphosphides. Reaction with the sterically demanding [Dipp‐BDIAl^I] (Dipp‐BDI={[2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃NCMe]₂CH}^?) resulted in the first Al‐based neutral triple‐decker type polyphosphide complex. For [(Cp*Al^I)₄], an unprecedented regioselective insertion of three [Cp*Al^III]²⁺ moieties into two adjacent P?P bonds of the cyclo‐P₅ ring of [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐P₅)] was observed. The regioselectivity of the insertion reaction could be rationalized by isolating an analogue of the reaction intermediate stabilized by a strong σ‐donor carbene.     

Insight into Oxide‐Bridged Heterobimetallic Al/Zr Olefin Polymerization Catalysts

Reaction of (TBBP)AlMe ? THF with [Cp*₂Zr(Me)OH] gave [(TBBP)Al(THF)?O?Zr(Me)Cp*₂] (TBBP=3,3’,5,5’‐tetra‐tBu‐2,2'‐biphenolato). Reaction of [DIPPnacnacAl(Me)?O?Zr(Me)Cp₂] with [PhMe₂NH]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]^? gave a cationic Al/Zr complex that could be structurally characterized as its THF adduct [(DIPPnacnac)Al(Me)?O?Zr(THF)Cp₂]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]^? (DIPPnacnac=HC[(Me)C=N(2,6‐iPr₂?C₆H₃)]₂). The first complex polymerizes ethene in the presence of an alkylaluminum scavenger but in the absence of methylalumoxane (MAO). The adduct cation is inactive under these conditions. Theoretical calculations show very high energy barriers (ΔG=40–47 kcal mol^?1) for ethene insertion with a bridged AlOZr catalyst. This is due to an unfavorable six‐membered‐ring transition state, in which the methyl group bridges the metal and ethene with an obtuse metal‐Me‐C angle that prevents synchronized bond‐breaking and making. A more‐likely pathway is dissociation of the Al‐O‐Zr complex into an aluminate and the active polymerization catalyst [Cp*₂ZrMe]⁺.     

Decamethyl­ferrocenium bis­(2‐oxo‐1,3‐dithiole‐4,5‐dithiolato‐κ2S4,S5)nickelate(III) tetra­hydro­furan solvate

The title compound, [Fe(C₁₀H₁₅)₂][Ni(C₃OS₄)₂]·C₄H₈O or [Fe(Cp*)₂][Ni(dmio)₂]·THF, where [Fe(Cp*)₂]⁺ is the deca­methyl­ferrocenium cation, dmio is the 2‐oxo‐1,3‐dithiole‐4,5‐dithiol­ate dianion and THF is tetra­hydro­furan, crystallizes with two independent half‐anion units [one Ni atom is at the centre of symmetry (, , 0) and the other is at the centre of symmetry (, 0, )], one cation unit (located in a general position) and one THF solvent mol­ecule in the asymmetric unit. The crystal structure consists of two‐dimensional layers composed of parallel mixed chains, where pairs of cations alternate with single anions. These layers are separated by sheets of anions and THF mol­ecules.     

Unerwartete Reduktion von [Cp*TaCl4(PH2R)] (R = But,Cy, Ad,Ph, 2,4,6‐Me3C6H2; Cp* = C5Me5) durch Reaktion mit DBU – Molekülstruktur von [(DBU)H][Cp*TaCl4] (DBU = 1,8‐Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐en)

Unexpected Reduction of [Cp*TaCl₄(PH₂R)] (R = Bu^t, Cy, Ad, Ph, 2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂; Cp* = C₅Me₅) by Reaction with DBU – Molecular Structure of [(DBU)H][Cp*TaCl₄] (DBU = 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene) [Cp*TaCl₄(PH₂R)] (R = Bu^t, Cy, Ad, Ph, 2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂ (Mes); Cp* = C₅Me₅) react with DBU in an internal redox reaction with formation of [(DBU)H][Cp*TaCl₄] ( 1 ) (DBU = 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene) and the corresponding diphosphane (P₂H₂R₂) or decomposition products thereof. 1 was characterised spectroscopically and by crystal structure determination. In the solid state, hydrogen bonding between the (DBU)H cation and one chloro ligand of the anion is observed.     

Proton‐transfer compounds of 8‐hydroxy‐7‐iodoquinoline‐5‐sulfonic acid (ferron) with 4‐chloroaniline and 4‐bromoaniline

The crystal structures of the proton‐transfer compounds of ferron (8‐hydroxy‐7‐iodoquinoline‐5‐sulfonic acid) with 4‐chloroaniline and 4‐bromoaniline, namely 4‐chloroanilinium 8‐hydroxy‐7‐iodoquinoline‐5‐sulfonate monohydrate, C₆H₇ClN⁺·C₉H₅INO₄S⁻·H₂O, and 4‐bromoanilinium 8‐hydroxy‐7‐iodoquinoline‐5‐sulfonate monohydrate, C₆H₇BrN⁺·C₉H₅INO₄S⁻·H₂O, have been determined. The compounds are isomorphous and comprise sheets of hydrogen‐bonded cations, anions and water molecules which are extended into a three‐dimensional framework structure through centrosymmetric R₂²(10) O—H...N hydrogen‐bonded ferron dimer interactions.     

Insertions‐ und Substitutionsreaktion von Ameisensäuremethylester mit [Cp′2ZrCl(PHTipp)] – Molekülstruktur von meso‐trans‐[Cp′2ZrCl{OCH(PHTipp)2}] (Cp′ = η5‐C5MeH4, Tipp = 2,4,6‐Pri3C6H2)

Insertion and Substitution Reaction of Methyl Formate with [Cp′₂ZrCl(PHTipp)] – Molecular Structure of meso‐trans ‐[Cp′₂ZrCl{OCH(PHTipp)₂}] (Cp′ = η⁵‐C₅MeH₄, Tipp = 2,4,6‐Prⁱ₃C₆H₂) [Cp′₂ZrCl(PHTipp)] ( 1 ) (Cp′ = η⁵‐C₅MeH₄, Tipp = 2,4,6‐Prⁱ₃C₆H₂) reacts with methyl formate with insertion and substitution to give [Cp′₂ZrCl{OCH(PHTipp)₂}] ( 2 ). 2 was characterized spectroscopically (¹H, ³¹P NMR, IR, MS) and by X‐ray structure determination. Only the meso‐trans isomer is present in the solid state.     

Three‐dimensional networks in 5‐methylimidazolium 3‐carboxy‐4‐hydroxybenzenesulfonate and bis(5‐methylimidazolium) 3‐carboxylato‐4‐hydroxybenzenesulfonate

The two title proton‐transfer compounds, 5‐methylimidazolium 3‐carboxy‐4‐hydroxybenzenesulfonate, C₄H₇N₂⁺·C₇H₅O₆S⁻, (I), and bis(5‐methylimidazolium) 3‐carboxylato‐4‐hydroxybenzenesulfonate, 2C₄H₇N₂⁺·C₇H₅O₆S²⁻, (II), are each organized into a three‐dimensional network by a combination of X—H...O (X = O, N or C) hydrogen bonds, and π–π and C—H...π interactions.     

Pentafulvenkomplexe des Titans — Synthese,Struktur und Fluktuierendes Verhalten von Cp′Ti{η6‐C5H4=C(p‐Tol)2}Cl (Cp′ = Cp*, Cp)

Complexes of Titanium — Synthesis, Structure, and Fluxional Behaviour of CpTi{η⁶‐C₅H₄=C(p‐Tol)₂}Cl (Cp′ = Cp*, Cp) The reaction of Cp′TiCl₃ (C′ = Cp* or Cp) with magnesium and 6, 6‐di‐para‐tolylpentafulvene generates good yields of pentafulvene complexes Cp*Ti{η⁶‐C₅H₄=C(p‐Tol)₂}Cl ( 4 ) and CpTi{η⁶‐C₅H₄=C(p‐Tol)₂}Cl ( 5 ), respectively. The crystal and molecular structure of 4 have been determined from X‐ray data and exhibits compared to known η⁶‐pentafulvene complexes an unusual large Ti—C(p‐Tol)₂ (Fv)‐distance (2.535(5)Å) evoked by the bulky substituents at the exocyclic carbon. Dynamic ¹H‐NMR and spin saturation transfer experiments point out a rotation of the fulvene ligand around the Ti—Ct2 axis (Ct2 = centroid of the fulvene ring carbon atoms) with an activation barrier ΔG^≠_C = 60.6 ± 0.5 kJ mol⁻¹ (T_C = 314 ± 2 K). For 5 this barrier is significantly larger. Analogous dynamic behaviour is well known for diene complexes, but to our knowledge, it is here first‐time described for a pentafulvene complex.     

Iodination of cyclo‐E5‐Complexes (E=P,As)

In a high‐yield one‐pot synthesis, the reactions of [Cp*M(η⁵‐P₅)] (M=Fe ( 1 ), Ru ( 2 )) with I₂ resulted in the selective formation of [Cp*MP₆I₆]⁺ salts ( 3 , 4 ). The products comprise unprecedented all‐cis tripodal triphosphino‐cyclotriphosphine ligands. The iodination of [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐As₅)] ( 6 ) gave, in addition to [Fe(CH₃CN)₆]²⁺ salts of the rare [As₆I₈]^2? (in 7 ) and [As₄I₁₄]^2? (in 8 ) anions, the first di‐cationic Fe‐As triple decker complex [(Cp*Fe)₂(μ,η^5:5‐As₅)][As₆I₈] ( 9 ). In contrast, the iodination of [Cp*Ru(η⁵‐As₅)] ( 10 ) did not result in the full cleavage of the M?As bonds. Instead, a number of dinuclear complexes were obtained: [(Cp*Ru)₂(μ,η^5:5‐As₅)][As₆I₈]_0.5 ( 11 ) represents the first Ru‐As₅ triple decker complex, thus completing the series of monocationic complexes [(Cp^RM)₂(μ,η^5:5‐E₅)]⁺ (M=Fe, Ru; E=P, As). [(Cp*Ru)₂As₈I₆] ( 12 ) crystallizes as a racemic mixture of both enantiomers, while [(Cp*Ru)₂As₄I₄] ( 13 ) crystallizes as a symmetric and an asymmetric isomer and features a unique tetramer of {AsI} arsinidene units as a middle deck.     

η4‐HBCC‐σ,π‐Borataallyl Complexes of Ruthenium Comprising an Agostic Interaction

Thermolysis of [Cp*Ru(PPh₂(CH₂)PPh₂)BH₂(L₂)] 1 (Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅; L=C₇H₄NS₂), with terminal alkynes led to the formation of η⁴‐σ,π‐borataallyl complexes [Cp*Ru(μ‐H)B{R‐C=CH₂}(L)₂] ( 2 a – c ) and η²‐vinylborane complexes [Cp*Ru(R‐C=CH₂)BH(L)₂] ( 3 a – c ) ( 2 a , 3 a : R=Ph; 2 b , 3 b : R=COOCH₃; 2 c , 3 c : R=p‐CH₃‐C₆H₄; L=C₇H₄NS₂) through hydroboration reaction. Ruthenium and the HBCC unit of the vinylborane moiety in 2 a – c are linked by a unique η⁴‐interaction. Conversions of 1 into 3 a – c proceed through the formation of intermediates 2 a – c . Furthermore, in an attempt to expand the library of these novel complexes, chemistry of σ‐borane complex [Cp*RuCO(μ‐H)BH₂L] 4 (L=C₇H₄NS₂) was investigated with both internal and terminal alkynes. Interestingly, under photolytic conditions, 4 reacts with methyl propiolate to generate the η⁴‐σ,π‐borataallyl complexes [Cp*Ru(μ‐H)BH{R‐C=CH₂}(L)] 5 and [Cp*Ru(μ‐H)BH{HC=CH‐R}(L)] 6 (R=COOCH₃; L=C₇H₄NS₂) by Markovnikov and anti‐Markovnikov hydroboration. In an extension, photolysis of 4 in the presence of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate yielded η⁴‐σ,π‐borataallyl complex [Cp*Ru(μ‐H)BH{R‐C=CH‐R}(L)] 7 (R=COOCH₃; L=C₇H₄NS₂). An agostic interaction was also found to be present in 2 a – c and 5 – 7 , which is rare among the borataallyl complexes. All the new compounds have been characterized in solution by IR, ¹H, ¹¹B, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and the structural types were unequivocally established by crystallographic analysis of 2 b , 3 a – c and 5 – 7 . DFT calculations were performed to evaluate possible bonding and electronic structures of the new compounds.     

cyclo‐P4 Building Blocks: Achieving Non‐Classical Fullerene Topology and Beyond

The cyclo‐P₄ complexes [Cp^RTa(CO)₂(η⁴‐P₄)] (Cp^R: Cp′′=1,3‐C₅H₃tBu₂, Cp′′′=1,2,4‐C₅H₂tBu₃) turned out to be predestined for the formation of hollow spherical supramolecules with non‐classical fullerene‐like topology. The resulting assemblies constructed with CuX (X=Cl, Br) showed a highly symmetric 32‐vertex core of solely four‐ and six‐membered rings. In some supramolecules, the inner cavity was occupied by an additional CuX unit. On the other hand, using CuI, two different supramolecules with either peanut‐ or pear‐like shapes and outer diameters in the range of 2–2.5 nm were isolated. Furthermore, the spherical supramolecules containing Cp′′′ ligands at tantalum are soluble in CH₂Cl₂. NMR spectroscopic investigations in solution revealed the formation of isomeric supramolecules owing to the steric hindrance caused by the third tBu group on the Cp′′′ ligand. In addition, a 2D coordination polymer was obtained and structurally characterized.     

Rare‐Earth‐Metal–Hydrocarbyl Complexes Bearing Linked Cyclopentadienyl or Fluorenyl Ligands: Synthesis,Catalyzed Styrene Polymerization,and Structure–Reactivity Relationship

A series of rare‐earth‐metal–hydrocarbyl complexes bearing N‐type functionalized cyclopentadienyl (Cp) and fluorenyl (Flu) ligands were facilely synthesized. Treatment of [Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(thf)₂] with equimolar amount of the electron‐donating aminophenyl‐Cp ligand C₅Me₄H‐C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂ afforded the corresponding binuclear monoalkyl complex [({C₅Me₄‐C₆H₄‐o‐NMe(μ‐CH₂)}Y{CH₂SiMe₃})₂] ( 1 a ) via alkyl abstraction and C? H activation of the NMe₂ group. The lutetium bis(allyl) complex [(C₅Me₄‐C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂)Lu(η³‐C₃H₅)₂] ( 2 b ), which contained an electron‐donating aminophenyl‐Cp ligand, was isolated from the sequential metathesis reactions of LuCl₃ with (C₅Me₄‐C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂)Li (1 equiv) and C₃H₅MgCl (2 equiv). Following a similar procedure, the yttrium‐ and scandium–bis(allyl) complexes, [(C₅Me₄‐C₅H₄N)Ln(η³‐C₃H₅)₂] (Ln=Y ( 3 a ), Sc ( 3 b )), which also contained electron‐withdrawing pyridyl‐Cp ligands, were also obtained selectively. Deprotonation of the bulky pyridyl‐Flu ligand (C₁₃H₉‐C₅H₄N) by [Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(thf)₂] generated the rare‐earth‐metal–dialkyl complexes, [(η³‐C₁₃H₈‐C₅H₄N)Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(thf)] (Ln=Y ( 4 a ), Sc ( 4 b ), Lu ( 4 c )), in which an unusual asymmetric η³‐allyl bonding mode of Flu moiety was observed. Switching to the bidentate yttrium–trisalkyl complex [Y(CH₂C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂)₃], the same reaction conditions afforded the corresponding yttrium bis(aminobenzyl) complex [(η³‐C₁₃H₈‐C₅H₄N)Y(CH₂C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂)₂] ( 5 ). Complexes 1 – 5 were fully characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR and X‐ray spectroscopy, and by elemental analysis. In the presence of both [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] and AliBu₃, the electron‐donating aminophenyl‐Cp‐based complexes 1 and 2 did not show any activity towards styrene polymerization. In striking contrast, upon activation with [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] only, the electron‐withdrawing pyridyl‐Cp‐based complexes 3 , in particular scandium complex 3 b , exhibited outstanding activitiy to give perfectly syndiotactic (rrrr >99 %) polystyrene, whereas their bulky pyridyl‐Flu analogues ( 4 and 5 ) in combination with [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] and AliBu₃ displayed much‐lower activity to afford syndiotactic‐enriched polystyrene.