Dianionic platinadiphospholene complexes

1,2,3,4-tetraphenyl-1,2-dihydrodiphosphetene 1 reacts with lithium or sodium naphthalenide to afford the corresponding dianionic salts 2 and 3. An X-ray crystal structure analysis shows that dianion 3 of general formula [(1)2-2Na3(DME)2, Na(DME)3] is a polymeric structure consisting of [(1)2-2Na3(DME)2] units which are connected together through one sodium atom. Reaction of the dianionic lithium salt 2 with [Pt(COD)Cl2] affords the 4[Li(2.2.1)]2 complex, after the addition of 2 equiv of (2.2.1) cryptate. The overall geometry around platinum in 4[Li(2.2.1)]2 can be described as distorted square planar, and only the diastereomer (1-R, 2-S, 3-R, 4-S) is formed. X-ray data indicate that no delocalization takes place within each platinadiphospholene unit and that complex 4[Li(2.2.1)]2 must be regarded as the coordination of two molecules of dianion 2 onto a Pt2+ center. Reaction of the dianionic sodium salt 3 with 1 equiv of [Pt(COD)Cl2] produces the 4[Na(DME,Et2O)]2 complex which adopts a pseudotetrahedral geometry around platinum ( between interplane angles = 35), the two cationic units [Na(DME, Et2O)] being located along a C2 axis. Four weak interactions exist between the sodium cations and the phosphorus atoms. Only the (1-S, 2-S, 3-S, 4-S) diastereomer is formed. Bond distances in the diphospholene units of 4[Na(DME,Et2O)]2 are close to that of dianion 3 indicating that, like in 4[Li(2.2.1)]2, the complex can be described as a platinum (+2) dianionic species.     

Highly air-stable anionic mononuclear and neutral binuclear palladium(II) complexes for C-C and C-N bond-forming reactions

The short-bite aminobis(phosphonite), PhN{P(-OC10H6(mu-S)C10H6O-)}2 (2), containing a mesocyclic thioether backbone is synthesized by either treating PhN(PCl2)2 with 2 equiv of thiobis(2,2'-naphthol) or reacting chlorophosphite (-OC10H6(mu-S)C10H6O-)PCl (1) with aniline in the presence of a base. Treatment of 2 with an equimolar amount of Pd(COD)Cl2 in the presence of H2O affords a P-N-P-bridged and P,S-metalated binuclear complex, [PhN(P(-OC10H6(mu-S)C10H6O-)-kappaP)2Pd2Cl2{P(-OC10H6(mu-S)C10H6O-)(O)-kappaP,kappaS}2] (3), whereas the same reaction with 2 equiv of Pd(COD)Cl2 in the presence of H2O and Et3N produces the mononuclear anionic complex [{(-OC10H6(mu-S)C10H6O-)P(O)-kappaP,kappaS}PdCl2](Et3NH) (5). By contrast, reaction of 2 with 2 equiv of Pd(COD)Cl2 and H2O in the absence of Et3N gives the hydrogen phosphonate coordinated complex [{(-OC10H6(mu-S)C10H6O-)P(OH)}PdCl2] (4) which converts to the anionic complex in solution or in the presence of a base. Compound 2 on treatment with Pt(COD)X2 (X = Cl or I) afforded P-coordinated four-membered chelate complexes [PhN(P(-OC10H6(mu-S)C10H6O-)-kappaP)2PtX2] (6 X = Cl, 7 X = I). The crystal structures of compounds 2, 3, 5, and 7 are reported. Compound 3 is the first example of a crystallographically characterized binuclear palladium complex containing a bidentate bridging ligand and its hydrolyzed fragments forming metallacycles containing a palladium-phosphorus sigma bond. All palladium complexes proved to be very good catalysts for the Suzuki-Miyaura and Mizoroki-Heck cross-coupling and amination reactions with excellent turnover numbers (TON up to 1.46 x 105 in the case of the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction).     

Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of a uranyl beta-diketiminate complex

Addition of 1 equiv of Li(Ar2nacnac) (Ar2nacnac = (2,6-(i)Pr2C6H3)NC(Me)CHC(Me)N(2,6-(i)Pr2C6H3)) to an Et2O suspension of UO2Cl2(THF)3 generates the uranyl dimer [UO2(Ar2nacnac)Cl]2 (1) in good yield. A second species can be isolated in low yield from the reaction mixtures of 1, namely [Li(OEt2)2][UO2(Ar2nacnac)Cl2] (2). The structures of both 1 and 2 have been confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 reacts with Ph3PO to generate UO2(Ar2nacnac)Cl(Ph3PO) (3). In addition, 1 reacts with AgOTf and either 1 equiv of DPPMO2 or 2 equiv of Ph2MePO to provide [UO2(Ar2nacnac)(DPPMO2)][OTf] (4) and [UO2(Ar2nacnac)(Ph2MePO)2][OTf] (5), respectively. Both 4 and 5 have been fully characterized, including analysis by X-ray crystallography and cyclic voltammetry. Reduction of 4 with Cp2Co provides UO2(Ar2nacnac)(CH{Ph2PO}2) (6), a uranyl(VI) complex that is generated by the formal loss of H* from the DPPMO2 ligand. Labeling studies have been performed in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of hydrogen loss. In contrast, reduction of 5 with Cp2Co provides UO2(Ar2nacnac)(Ph2MePO)2 (7), a rare example of a uranyl(V) complex. As expected, the solid-state molecular structure of 7 reveals slightly longer U-O(oxo) bond lengths relative to 5. Furthermore, complex 7 can be converted back into 5 by oxidation with AgOTf in toluene.     

Divalent germanium compound with a radical-anionic ligand: molecular structures of (dpp-BIAN)*- GeCl and its hydrochloration products [(dpp-BIAN)(H)2]*+ [GeCl3]- and [[(dpp-BIAN)(H)2*+]2(Cl-)]+ [GeCl3]- (dpp-BIAN=1,2-Bis[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene)

The germanium(II) compound (dpp-BIAN)GeCl (1), which contains the radical anion of dpp-BIAN can be prepared either by reacting free dpp-BIAN ligand with 2 equiv of GeCl2(1,4-dioxane) in Et2O or by metathetical reaction of the sodium salt of dpp-BIAN with germanium dichloride in Et2O or benzene. The reaction of benzene solutions of 1 with 2 or 3 equiv of HCl led to protonation of the dpp-BIAN ligand affording [(dpp-BIAN)(H)2]*+[GeCl3]- (2) and [[(dpp-BIAN)(H)2*+]2(Cl-)]+ [GeCl3]- (3), which incorporate the radical cation of the protonated ligand. Compounds 1-3 have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis, and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Molecular structures of 1-3 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In molecule 1, the Ge atom is positioned at the apex of the slightly distorted trigonal pyramid. The Ge-N bond lengths in 1 are 2.0058(19) and 2.004(2) A. The molecular structure of 2 consists of contact ions [(dpp-BIAN)(H)2]+ and [GeCl3]-. In the molecular structure of 3, two radical cations of [(dpp-BIAN)(H)2]+ are "coordinated" by the chlorine anion. The ESR signal of 1 indicates the presence of a dpp-BIAN radical anion and shows a hyperfine structure due to the coupling of an unpaired electron to 14N, 73Ge, 35Cl, 37Cl, and 1H nuclei (AN=0.48 (2 N), AGe=0.96, ACl=0.78 (35Cl), ACl=0.65 (37Cl), AH=0.11 (4 H) mT, g=2.0014). Both 2 and 3 reveal ESR signals of radical cation [(dpp-BIAN)(H)2]*+ (septet, AN=0.53, AH=0.48 mT, g=2.0031).     

High-valent uranium alkyls: evidence for the formation of U(VI)(CH2SiMe3)6

Oxidation of [Li(DME)(3)][U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(5)] with 0.5 equiv of I(2), followed by immediate addition of LiCH(2)SiMe(3), affords the high-valent homoleptic U(V) alkyl complex [Li(THF)(4)][U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(6)] (1) in 82% yield. In the solid-state, 1 adopts an octahedral geometry as shown by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Addition of 2 equiv of tert-butanol to [Li(DME)(3)][U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(5)] generates the heteroleptic U(IV) complex [Li(DME)(3)][U(O(t)Bu)(2)(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)] (2) in high yield. Treatment of 2 with AgOTf fails to produce a U(V) derivative, but instead affords the U(IV) complex (Me(3)SiCH(2))Ag(μ-CH(2)SiMe(3))U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(O(t)Bu)(2)(DME) (3) in 64% yield. Complex 3 has been characterized by X-ray crystallography and is marked by a uranium-silver bond. In contrast, oxidation of 2 can be achieved via reaction with 0.5 equiv of Me(3)NO, producing the heteroleptic U(V) complex [Li(DME)(3)][U(O(t)Bu)(2)(CH(2)SiMe(3))(4)] (4) in moderate yield. We have also attempted the one-electron oxidation of complex 1. Thus, oxidation of 1 with U(O(t)Bu)(6) results in formation of a rare U(VI) alkyl complex, U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(6) (6), which is only stable below -25 °C. Additionally, the electronic properties of 1-4 have been assessed by SQUID magnetometry, while a DFT analysis of complexes 1 and 6 is also provided.     

Synthesis,characterization, and solution redox properties of (trimpsi)M(CO)(2)(NO) complexes [M = V,Nb, Ta; trimpsi = (t)BuSi(CH(2)PMe(2))(3)

Treatment of [Et(4)N][M(CO)(6)] (M = Nb, Ta) with I(2) in DME at -78 degrees C produces solutions of the bimetallic anions [M(2micro-I)(3)(CO)(8)](-). Addition of the tripodal phosphine (t)BuSi(CH(2)PMe(2))(3) (trimpsi) followed by refluxing affords (trimpsi)M(CO)(3)I [M = Nb (1), Ta (2)], which are isolable in good yields as air-stable, orange-red microcrystalline solids. Reduction of these complexes with 2 equiv of Na/Hg, followed by treatment with Diazald in THF, results in the formation of (trimpsi)M(CO)(2)(NO) [M = Nb (3), Ta (4)] in high isolated yields. The congeneric vanadium complex, (trimpsi)V(CO)(2)(NO) (5), can be prepared by reacting [Et(4)N][V(CO)(6)] with [NO][BF(4)] in CH(2)Cl(2) to form V(CO)(5)(NO). These solutions are treated with 1 equiv of trimpsi to obtain (eta(2)-trimpsi)V(CO)(3)(NO). Refluxing orange THF solutions of this material affords 5 in moderate yields. Reaction of (trimpsi)VCl(3)(THF) (6) with 4 equiv of sodium naphthalenide in THF in the presence of excess CO provides [Et(4)N][(trimpsi)V(CO)(3)] (7), (trimpsi)V(CO)(3)H, and [(trimpsi)V(micro-Cl)(3)V(trimpsi)][(eta(2)-trimpsi)V(CO)(4)].3THF ([8][9].3THF). All new complexes have been characterized by conventional spectroscopic methods, and the solid-state molecular structures of 2.(1)/(2)THF, 3-5, and [8][9].3THF have been established by X-ray diffraction analyses. The solution redox properties of 3-5 have also been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Cyclic voltammograms of 3 and 4 both exhibit an irreversible oxidation feature in CH(2)Cl(2) (E(p,a) = -0.71 V at 0.5 V/s for 3, while E(p,a) = -0.55 V at 0.5 V/s for 4), while cyclic voltammograms of 5 in CH(2)Cl(2) show a reversible oxidation feature (E(1/2) = -0.74 V) followed by an irreversible feature (0.61 V at 0.5 V/s). The reversible feature corresponds to the formation of the 17e cation [(trimpsi)V(CO)(2)(NO)](+) ([5](+)()), and the irreversible feature likely involves the oxidation of [5](+)() to an unstable 16e dication. Treatment of 5 with [Cp(2)Fe][BF(4)] in CH(2)Cl(2) generates [5][BF(4)], which slowly decomposes once formed. Nevertheless, [5][BF(4)] has been characterized by IR and ESR spectroscopies.     

Four distinctively different decomposition pathways of metastable Supermesityltellurium(IV) trichloride

Chlorination of bis(supermesityl)ditelluride RTeTeR (R = 2,4,6-t-Bu3C6H2) with 3 equiv of sulfuryl chloride SO2Cl2 provided the intrinsically unstable supermesityltellurium(IV) trichloride RTeCl3 (1) as bright yellow crystals. Severe repulsion between the equatorial Cl atom and one tert-butyl group in an ortho position in the supermesityl ligand is the reason for the extreme reactivity of 1, which is in contrast to that of all previously known monoorganotellurium trihalides. In the solid state at room temperature, (the triclinic modification of) 1 reacts slowly under HCl elimination and intramolecular Te-C bond formation to give the bicyclic 5,7-di-tert-butyl-2-hydro-3,3-dimethylbenzo[b]tellurophene-1,1-dichloride (2), which was originally obtained as a colorless amorphous solid. On one occasion, when the solid-state reaction was allowed to occur under air conditions, compound 2 and a colorless crystalline byproduct, namely, trans-supermesityltellurium hydroxide dichloride (3), had formed, from which a few crystals were hand-selected. The formation of 3 has been tentatively rationalized by a solid-state hydrolysis of a second (monoclinic?) modification present in the bulk material of 1. In diethyl ether, THF, or carbon disulfide, a redox equilibrium exists between yellow supermesityltellurium(IV) trichloride RTeCl3 (1), deep blue supermesityltellurenyl(II) chloride RTeCl (4), and chlorine gas, which can be shifted to 4 when the reaction vessel is purged with argon to remove the chlorine gas. Compound 4 was also obtained by the reaction of RTeTeR (R = 2,4,6-t-Bu3C6H2) with 1 equiv of SO2Cl2. When a solution of 1 was stored with an excess of SO2Cl2 for a prolonged amount of time, Te-C bond cleavage occurred and [(Et2OH)2Te2Cl10].2Et2O (5) was formed. Compounds 1-5 have been characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Conformation of heterocycles controlled by the existence of unusual C-H...X hydrogen bonds: syntheses and structure determination of aluminum aryloxides

The reactions of AlMe3 in diethyl ether with 1 molar equiv of 2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol) (MMBP-H2), 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol) (MDBP-H2), and 2,2'-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol) (EDBP-H2) afford series of four-coordinate monomeric aluminum aryloxides, MeAl(O-O)(OEt2), 1-3 (1, (O-O) = MMBP; 2, (O-O) = MDBP; 3, (O-O) = EDBP). In THF, 1 molar equiv of EDBP-H2 reacts with AlMe3 to provide the THF-coordinated complex MeAl(EDBP)(THF) 4. However, in the absence of a coordinating solvent, the reaction of EDBP-H2 with AlMe3 yields the dimeric complex [MeAl(mu-EDBP)]2 (5). Complex 5 further reacts with Et4NCl, Et4NBr, and Ph3PO to afford the corresponding monomeric ionic complex [Et4N][MeAl(EDBP)(X)] (6, X = Cl; 7, X = Br) and the neutral complex [MeAl(EDBP)(O=PPh3)] (8), respectively. Complexes 1, 2, 4 and 6-8 are subjected to X-ray structure analyses, and the solid state structures reveal that the conformations of the eight-membered heterocycles are governed by the formation of the unusual C-H...X hydrogen bonds.     

Synthesis and Ligand Substitution Reactions of a Mesitylphosphido-Bridged Platinum(II) Dimer

The stable primary phosphine complexes trans-M(PH(2)Mes)(2)Cl(2) (1, M = Pd; 2, M = Pt; Mes = 2,4,6-(t-Bu)(3)C(6)H(2)) were prepared from Pd(PhCN)(2)Cl(2) and K(2)PtCl(4), respectively. Reaction of Pt(COD)Cl(2) (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) with less bulky arylphosphines gives the unstable cis-Pt(PH(2)Ar)(2)Cl(2) (3, Ar = Is = 2,4,6-(i-Pr)(3)C(6)H(2); 4, Ar = Mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)). Spontaneous dehydrochlorination of 4 or direct reaction of K(2)PtCl(4) with 2 equiv of PH(2)Mes gives the insoluble primary phosphido-bridged dimer [Pt(PH(2)Mes)(&mgr;-PHMes)Cl](2) (5), which was characterized spectroscopically, including solid-state (31)P NMR studies. The reversible reaction of 5 with PH(2)Mes gives [Pt(PH(2)Mes)(2)(&mgr;-PHMes)](2)[Cl](2) (6), while PEt(3) yields [Pt(PEt(3))(2)(&mgr;-PHMes)](2)[Cl](2) (7), which on recrystallization forms [Pt(PEt(3))(&mgr;-PHMes)Cl](2) (8). Complex 5 and PPh(3) afford [Pt(PPh(3))(&mgr;-PHMes)Cl](2) (9). Addition of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) to 5 gives the dicationic [Pt(dppe)(&mgr;-PHMes)](2)[Cl](2) (10-Cl), which was also obtained as the tetrafluoroborate salt 10-BF(4)() by deprotonation of [Pt(dppe)(PH(2)Mes)Cl][BF(4)] (11) with Et(3)N or by reaction of [Pt(dppe)(&mgr;-OH)](2)[BF(4)](2) with 2 equiv of PH(2)Mes. Complexes 8, 9, and 10-Cl.2CH(2)Cl(2).2H(2)O were characterized crystallographically.     

Separating the racemic and meso diastereomers of a binucleating tetraphosphine ligand system through the use of nickel chloride

The reaction of a 1:1 mixture of rac- and meso-et,ph-P4 (et,ph-P4 = (Et(2)PCH(2)CH(2))(Ph)PCH(2)P(Ph)CH(2)CH(2)PEt(2)) with 2 equiv of NiCl(2).6H(2)O in EtOH produces soluble rac-Ni(2)Cl(4)(et,ph-P4) and precipitates meso-Ni(2)Cl(4)(et,ph-P4), allowing facile isolation of each bimetallic complex. Subsequent reaction with more than 250 equiv of NaCN in H(2)O/MeOH releases the et,ph-P4 ligand and [Ni(CN)(4)](2-). The rac,trans- and meso,trans-Ni(CN)(2)(eta(2.5)-et,ph-P4) form as intermediates in the cyanolysis of rac- and meso-Ni(2)Cl(4)(et,ph-P4). These have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. The unusual partial isomerization of the meso- to rac-et,ph-P4 ligand via the monometallic trans-Ni(CN)(2)(eta(2.5)-et,ph-P4) intermediate complex is discussed.     

Construction of new heteroselenometallic clusters: formation of crownlike [Et4N]4[(mu5-WSe4)(CuI)5(mu-I)2] and octahedral polymeric [(mu6-WSe4)Cu6I4(py)4]n from planar [Et4N]4[(mu4-WSe4)Cu4I6] with additional faces

The coplanar cluster compound [Et4N]4[(mu4-WSe4)Cu4I6] (1) was prepared from reaction of [Et4N]2[WSe4] with 4 equiv of CuI in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution in the presence of [Et(4)N]I. Treatment of 1 with pyridine (py) in dry MeCN gave the neutral cluster [(mu4-WSe4)Cu4(py)6I2] (2) in good yield. Recrystallization of 1 from py/i-PrOH resulted in the reorganization of the coplanar WSe4Cu4 core and the formation of a neutral polymeric cluster [(mu3-WOSe3)Cu3(py)3(mu-I)]n (3) containing a nest-shaped OWSe3Cu3 core and a terminal W=O bond. The interaction of cluster 1 with excess PPh3 in CH3Cl3 gave [(mu3-WSe4)Cu3(PPh3)3(mu3-I)] (4) which has a cubanelike SeWSe3Cu3I core. Treatment of 1 with 1 equiv of CuI in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) yielded [Et4N]4[(mu5-WSe4)(CuI)5(mu-I)2] (5) which has a crown-like core structure. Treatment of 1 in DMF with 2 equiv of CuI in the presence of py resulted in the formation of a two-dimensional polymeric cluster, [(mu6-WSe4)Cu6I4(py)4]n (6), consisting of an octahedral WSe4Cu6 repeating unit. The solid-state structures of clusters 3, 5, and 6 have been further established by X-ray crystallography. The nonlinear optical properties of 6 have been also investigated. Cluster 6 was found to exhibit good photostability and a large optical limiting effect with the limiting threshold being ca. 0.3 J cm(-2).     

Synthesis and structural characterization of some new porphyrin-fullerene dyads and their application in photoinduced H2 evolution

The [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of C(60) with ethyl isonicotinoylacetate in the presence of piperidine in PhCl at room temperature or in the presence of Mn(OAc)(3) in refluxing PhCl gave the pyridyl-containing dihydrofuran-fused C(60) derivative (4-C(5)H(4)N)C(O)═C(C(60))CO(2)Et (1), whereas the phenyl-containing C(60) derivative PhC(O)═C(C(60))CO(2)Et (2) was similarly prepared by [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of C(60) with ethyl benzoylacetate in the presence of piperidine or Mn(OAc)(3). More interestingly, one of the new porphyrin-fullerene dyads, i.e., [4-C(5)H(4)NC(O)═C(C(60))CO(2)Et]·ZnTPPH (3, ZnTPPH = tetraphenylporphyrinozinc), could be prepared by coordination reaction of the pyridyl-containing C(60) derivative 1 with equimolar ZnTPPH in CS(2)/hexane at room temperature. In addition, the β-keto ester-substituted porphyrin derivative H(2)TPPC(O)CH(2)CO(2)Et (4) was prepared by a sequential reaction of HO(2)CCH(2)CO(2)Et with n-BuLi in 1:2 molar ratio followed by treatment with H(2)TPPC(O)Cl in the presence of Et(3)N and then hydrolysis with diluted HCl, whereas the porphyrinozinc derivative ZnTPPC(O)CH(2)CO(2)Et (5) could be prepared by coordination reaction of 4 with Zn(OAc)(2) in refluxing CHCl(3)/MeOH. Particularly interesting is that the second new porphyrin-fullerene dyad H(2)TPPC(O)═C(C(60))CO(2)Et (6) could be prepared by [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of 4 with C(60) in the presence of piperidine in PhCl at room temperature. In addition, treatment of 6 with Zn(OAc)(2) in refluxing CHCl(3)/MeOH afforded the third new dyad ZnTPPC(O)═C(C(60))CO(2)Et (7). All the new compounds 1-7 were characterized by elemental analysis and various spectroscopic methods and particularly for 2, 3, and 5 by X-ray crystallography. The five-component system consisting of an electron donor EDTA, dyad 3, an electron mediator methylviologen (MV(2+)), the catalyst colloidal Pt, and a proton source HOAc was proved to be effective for photoinduced H(2) evolution. A possible pathway for such a type of H(2) evolution was proposed.     

Studies on the reaction of aziridines with nitriles and carbonyls: synthesis of imidazolines and oxazolidines

Reaction of N-tosylaziridines with nitriles and carbonyls to produce imidazolines and oxazolidines has been studied in the presence of a variety of Lewis acids. The reaction is efficient with 1 equiv of BF3.Et2O or Et3OBF4 in CH2Cl2. However, it is catalytic with metal triflates that give the best results for cycloaddition of N-tosylaziridine with nitriles under solvent free conditions. The same reaction with carbonyls proceeds best in CH2Cl2 in the presence of molecular sieves. Among various triflates, Zn(OTf)2 has been found to be the best. The cleavage of the N-Ts bond of the cyclized products has been studied in order to make it more versatile in synthesis. The mechanistic aspect of the reaction has been studied by using chiral aziridines as substrates. These formal [3+2] cycloaddition reactions of aziridines with nitriles and carbonyls proceed in a Ritter fashion.     

Dititanium complexes of preorganized binucleating bis(amidinates)

Four different dianionic bis(amidinate) ligands ((iPr)L(DBF)(2)(-), (tBu,Et)L(DBF)(2)(-), (iPr)L(Xan)(2)(-), (tBu,Et)L(Xan)(2)(-)) featuring rigid dibenzofuran (DBF) and 9,9-dimethylxanthene (Xan) backbones have been used to prepare several new dititanium complexes. Reaction of the free-base bis(amidines) (LH(2)) with 2 equiv of Ti(NMe(2))(4) forms the hexaamido derivatives (iPr)L(DBF)Ti(2)(NMe(2))(6) (1), (tBu,Et)L(DBF)Ti(2)(NMe(2))(6) (2), (iPr)L(Xan)Ti(2)(NMe(2))(6) (3), and (tBu,Et)L(Xan)Ti(2)(NMe(2))(6) (4) in good yields. Compound 4, which features an unsymmetrically substituted bis(amidinate) ligand, was isolated as an 8:1 mixture of rotational diastereomers with C(2) and C(s)() symmetry, respectively. The two diastereomers interconvert upon heating, and at equilibrium the C(2) isomer is preferred thermodynamically by 0.2 kcal/mol. Compound 3 reacts with excess Me(3)SiCl in toluene to form the mixed amido-chloride derivative (iPr)L(Xan)Ti(2)(NMe(2))(2)Cl(4) (5) in low-moderate yield. Alternatively, 5 is also prepared by reaction of (iPr)L(Xan)H(2) with 2 equiv of Ti(NMe(2))(2)Cl(2) in good yield. Compound 3 reacts with CO(2) to form the red carbamate derivative (iPr)L(Xan)Ti(2)(NMe(2))(4)(O(2)CNMe(2))(2) (6) in moderate yield. Infrared data for 6 indicates bidentate coordination of the carbamate ligands. Metathesis reaction of (iPr)L(Xan)Li(2) with 2 equiv of CpTiCl(3) affords (iPr)L(Xan)Ti(2)Cp(2)Cl(4) (7) in moderate yield. Reduction of 7 with 1% Na amalgam in toluene solution affords the paramagnetic dititanium(III) complex (iPr)L(Xan)Ti(2)Cp(2)Cl(2) (8) in good yield. Structural studies reveal that 8 features two bridging chloride ligands. Reaction of the free-base bis(amidines) with 2 equiv of CpTiMe(3) forms the red sigma-alkyl derivatives (iPr)L(DBF)Ti(2)Cp(2)Me(4) (9), (tBu,Et)L(DBF)Ti(2)Cp(2)Me(4) (10), and (iPr)L(Xan)Ti(2)Cp(2)Me(4) (11) in good yields. Structural data are presented for compounds 4, 5, 8, and 9.     

Tetravalent titanium, zirconium, and cerium oxo and peroxo complexes containing an imidodiphosphinate ligand

Dinuclear Ti(IV), Zr(IV), and Ce(IV) oxo and peroxo complexes containing the imidodiphosphinate ligand [N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)](-) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Treatment of Ti(O-i-Pr)(2)Cl(2) with KN(i-Pr(2)PO)(2) afforded the Ti(IV) di-μ-oxo complex [Ti{N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)}(2)](2)(μ-O)(2) (1) that reacted with 35% H(2)O(2) to give the peroxo complex Ti[N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)](2)(η(2)-O(2)) (2). Treatment of HN(i-Pr(2)PO)(2) with Zr(O-t-Bu)(4) and Ce(2)(O-i-Pr)(8)(i-PrOH)(2) afforded the di-μ-peroxo-bridged dimers [M{N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)}(2)](2)(μ-O(2))(2) [M = Zr (3), Ce (4)]. 4 was also obtained from the reaction of Ce[N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)](3) with 35% H(2)O(2). Treatment of (Et(4)N)(2)[CeCl(6)] with 3 equiv of KN(i-Pr(2)PO)(2) afforded Ce[N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)](3)Cl (5). Reaction of (Et(4)N)(2)[CeCl(6)] with 2 equiv of KN(i-Pr(2)PO)(2) in acetonitrile, followed by treatment with Ag(2)O, afforded the μ-oxo-bridged complex [Ce{N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)}Cl](2)[μ-N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)](2)(μ-O) (6). 6 undergoes ligand redistribution in CH(2)Cl(2) in air to give 5. The solid-state structures of [K(2){N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)}(2)(H(2)O)(8)](n) and complexes 1-6 have been determined.     

Electron-rich, bulky PNN-type ruthenium complexes: synthesis, characterization and catalysis of alcohol dehydrogenation

Reaction of the electron-rich, bulky tridentate PNN ligand (PNN=2-di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl-6-diethylaminomethylpyridine) with Ru(PPh3)3Cl2 at 65 degrees C resulted in formation of the mononuclear dinitrogen complex (PNN)Ru(Cl)2N2 (minor) and the N2 bridged Ru(II) dinuclear complex [(PNN)Ru(Cl)2]2(micro-N2) (major). These complexes can be interconverted; passing argon through a solution of the mixture resulted in formation of pure . The cationic square-pyramidal [(PNN)Ru(PPh3)Cl]OTf was obtained by the reaction of complex with silver triflate followed by PPh3. Reaction of complex with CO yielded (PNN)Ru(CO)Cl2, which upon reaction with one equiv. of AgBF4 gave the cationic [(PNN)Ru(CO)Cl]BF4. The dicationic [(PNN)Ru(CO)(H2O)(acetone)](BF4)2 was obtained from with 2 equiv. of AgBF4 in acetone solution. Complexes , and were structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Complexes and upon addition of an equivalent of base, catalyzed the dehydrogenation of secondary alcohols to the corresponding ketones and primary alcohols to esters in good yields and high selectivity accompanied with the evolution of hydrogen gas.     

Synthesis and characterization of three homoleptic alkoxides of uranium: [Li(THF)]2[UIV(OtBu)6], [Li(Et2O)][UV(OtBu)6], and UVI(OtBu)6

Addition of 6 equiv of LiOtBu to a THF/Et2O solution of UCl4 at -25 degrees C generates [Li(THF)]2[U(OtBu)6] (1) in 61% yield. 1 is soluble in polar organic solvents and is stable for several days in THF. However, 1 slowly decomposes in benzene or hexanes, forming the dinuclear uranium(IV) species [Li(THF)][U2(OtBu)9] (2) as one of the decomposition products. Alternatively, 2 can be directly prepared in moderate yield by the addition of 4.5 equiv LiOtBu to UCl4 in hexanes/THF at room temperature. The decomposition of 1 has been studied by 1H and 7Li{1H} NMR spectroscopies to elucidate the nature of this transformation. Oxidation of 1 occurs readily in the presence of 0.5 or 1 equiv of I2 to give [Li(Et2O)][U(OtBu)6] (3) and U(OtBu)6 (4), respectively, in good yields. Alternately, 3 can be generated by comproportionation of 1 and 4. 1-4 have been fully characterized, including analysis by X-ray crystallography. In the solid-state these complexes possess large U-O-Cq bond angles, suggestive of a significant U-O pi interaction. In addition, we have studied the redox properties of 4 by cyclic voltammetry.     

Synthesis and structural characterisation of lithium and sodium 2,6-dibenzylphenolate complexes

The stoichiometric treatment of 2,6-dibenzylphenol (HOdbp) or 2,2"-dimethoxy-2,6-dibenzylphenol (HOdbpOMe) with n-butyllithium or sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (the latter as a solution in THF) in Et2O or DME affords the dimeric alkali metal phenolates [{M(Odbp)(L)}2] (M = Li; L = Et2O (1), L = DME (2), M = Na; L = Et2O (5), L = DME (6)), [{Li(OdbpOMe)}2] (3) and [{M(OdbpOMe)(L)}2] (M = Li; L = DME (4), M = Na; L = THF (7), L = DME (8)). Complexes 3 and 7 exhibit -OdbpOMe methoxy coordination and all four sodium complexes (5-8) display pi-aryl contacts from one phenolate radial arm to each sodium centre. The attempted synthesis of {Na(odbp)}n by direct sodiation of HOdbp yields a small quantity of the 2-benzylphenolate [{Na(Ombp)(DME)}4] (9) (-Ombp = -OC6H4-2-CH2Ph), providing a rare example of benzyl C-C bond scission.     

Highly stereoselective TiCl4-mediated aldol reactions from (S)-2-benzyloxy-3-pentanone

Stereoselectivity of TiCl4-mediated aldol reactions from (S)-2-benzyloxy-3-pentanone is dramatically improved when the reaction is carried out in the presence of 1.1 equiv of tetrahydrofuran (THF) or 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME). The resultant 2,4-syn-4,5-syn adducts are then obtained in diastereomeric ratios up to 97:3, which proves that the appropriate choice of the Lewis acid (TiCl4-THF or DME vs Ti(i-PrO)Cl3) engaged in the process permits access to both syn-aldol adducts.     

Unusual reaction between (nitrile)Pt complexes and pyrazoles: substitution proceeds via metal-mediated nitrile-pyrazole coupling followed by elimination of the nitrile

The reaction of platinum(IV) complex trans-[PtCl4(EtCN)2] with pyrazoles 3,5-RR'pzH (R/R' = H/H, Me/H, Me/Me) leads to the formation of the trans-[PtCl4{NH=C(Et)(3,5-RR'pz)}2] (1-3) species due to the metal-mediated nitrile-pyrazole coupling. Pyrazolylimino complexes 1-3 (i) completely convert to pyrazole complexes cis-[PtCl4(3,5-RR'pzH)2] by elimination of EtCN upon reflux in a CH2Cl2 solution or upon heating in the solid state; (ii) undergo exchange at the imino C atom with another pyrazole different from that contained in the pyrazolylimino ligand. The reaction of trans-[PtIICl2(EtCN)2] and 3,5-RR'pzH, conducted under conditions similar to those for trans-[PtIVCl4(EtCN)2], is much less selective, and the composition of the products strongly depends on the pyrazole employed: (a) with pzH, the reaction gives a mixture of three products, i.e., [PtCl2NH=C(Et)pz-kappa2N,N}] (4), [PtCl(pzH){NH=C(Et)pz-kappa2N,N}]Cl (5), and [Pt(pzH)2{NH=C(Et)pz-kappa2N,N}]Cl2 (6) (complexes 5 and 6 are rather unstable and gradually transform to trans-[PtCl2(pzH2] and [Pt(pzH)(4)]Cl(2) and free EtCN); (b) with 3,5-Me(2)pzH, the reaction leads to the formation of [PtCl2NH=C(Et)(3,5-Me2pz)-kappa2N,N}] (7) and [PtCl(3,5-Me2pzH)3]Cl (8); (c) in the case of asymmetric pyrazole 3(5)-MepzH, which can be added to EtCN and/or bind metal centers by any of the two nonequivalent nitrogen sites, a broad mixture of currently unidentified products is formed. The reduction of 1-3 with Ph3P=CHCO2Me in CHCl3 allows for the formation of corresponding platinum(II) compounds trans-[PtCl2{NH=C(Et)(3,5-RR'pz)}2] (9-11). Ligands NH=C(Et)(3,5-RR'pz) (12-14) were almost quantitatively liberated from 9-11 with 2 equiv of 1,2-bis-(diphenylphosphino)ethane in CDCl3, giving free imines 12-14 in solution and the precipitate of trans-[Pt(dppe)2](Cl)2. Pyrazolylimines 12-14 undergo splitting in CDCl3 solution at 20-25 degrees C for ca. 20 h to furnish the parent propiononitrile and the pyrazole 3,5-RR'pzH, but they can be synthetically utilized immediately after the liberation.