Alkali Metal Compounds of Hydroquinone: Synthesis and Crystal Structure

A number of novel routes to the alkali metal compounds of hydroquinone M₂[p‐C₆H₄O₂] (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) and M[p‐C₆H₄O(OH)] (M = K, Rb, Cs) have been synthetically explored. The selective synthesis of the alkali 4‐hydroxyphenolates and 1, 4‐phenylenediolates is based on optimized reaction conditions (solvents, temperatures). All compounds were structurally characterized by means of powder X‐ray diffraction using Rietveld profile refinement including C—C and C—O bond distance restraints. The atomic arrangement of M₂[p‐C₆H₄O₂](M = Na, K) (tetragonal, space group: P4₂/ncm) is characterized by infinite pillars of [M₂^[3]O₂^[3]]‐units along the c axis connected by [p‐C₆H₄O₂]^2—‐anions with stacking direction along c. The coordinatively unsaturated alkali metals, surrounded by three oxygen atoms, exhibit symmetrical (K) as well as asymmetrical (Na) interactions with the phenylene rings. M[p‐C₆H₄O(OH] (M = K, Rb) (tetragonal, space group: P4/n) forms hydrogen‐bridged linear chains of [p‐C₆H₄O(OH)]^—‐anions along the c direction. The phenylene planes of neighboring chains have an almost orthogonal arrangement while the interchain planes are parallel. K and Rb are fourfold coordinated by two different oxygen coordination spheres.     

Three Inter‐Alkali Metal Acetylides: KNaC2, KRbC2, and NaRbC2: Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Structural Systematics

Three alkali metal acetylides, namely KNaC₂, KRbC₂, and NaRbC₂, were synthesized and characterized by means of X‐ray powder diffraction. KNaC₂ and KRbC₂ crystallize as a variant of the anti‐PbCl₂‐type structure (Pnma, Z = 4), whereas NaRbC₂ crystallizes as a variant of the anti‐PbFCl‐type structure (Pmmn, Z = 2). Based on a simple systematic approach developed by Sabrowsky et al. for inter‐alkali metal chalcogenides all known inter‐alkali metal acetylides can be classified into two classes: variants of the anti‐PbCl₂ type structure and variants of the anti‐PbFCl type structure. Acetylides with Q(ABC₂) ≤ 1.45 crystallize in the anti‐PbCl₂‐type structure, whereas for Q(ABC₂) > 1.45 the anti‐PbFCl‐type structure is found (Q(ABC₂) = V_m(A₂C₂)/V_m(B₂C₂) with V_m(A₂C₂) > V_m(B₂C₂); V_m: molar volume, A, B = alkali metals).     

Structures of Organo Alkali Metal Complexes and Related Compounds

The investigation of the reactivity and structure of organometallic compounds of alkali metals has experienced a blustering development in the last decades. This class includes compounds that are especially important for our understanding of chemical bonding and also quite simple, for example methyl alkali metal complexes, whose structures have been unequivocally determined. Organometallic compounds of alkali metals (and also magnesium) generally exist as ion aggregates whose properties can be significantly modified through solvation by, for example, ether or amines. Important advances in the synthesis of new compounds, especially those of the heavier alkali metals, have been based on these results. It was long believed that the alkali metals had little tendency to undergo coordination and that their coordination chemistry would offer few surprises. This picture has now changed completely. Results from crystal structure investigations have revealed a variety of often surprising structure types (rings, heterocubanes, chains, layers, etc.) not only with the organometallic compounds but also with the amides, imides, alkoxides, phenoxides, enolates, and even halides. A comparison reveals interesting similarities between compounds that appear to be so different and leads to a general classification of the structure types possible with C, N, O, and halo ligands.     

Two ZnII Metal‐Organic Frameworks with Coordinatively Unsaturated Metal Sites: Structures,Adsorption, and Catalysis

Assembly of Zn(NO₃)₂ with the tripodal ligand H₃TCPB (1,3,5‐tri(4‐carboxyphenoxy)benzene) affords two porous isoreticular metal‐organic frameworks, [Zn₃(TCPB)₂?2DEF]? 3DEF ( 1 ) and [Zn₃(TCPB)₂?2H₂O]? 2H₂O?4DMF ( 2 ). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal that 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c and possesses a 2D network containing 1D microporous opening channels with an effective size of 3.0×2.9 Ų, whereas 2 crystallizes in the trigonal space group c1 and also possesses a 2D network containing 1D channels, with an effective aperture of 4.0×4.0 Ų. TOPOS analysis reveals that both 1 and 2 have a (3,6)‐connected network topology with the Schläfli symbol of (4³?6¹²) (4³)₂. According to the variable‐temperature powder X‐ray diffraction patterns, the solid phase of 1 can be converted into that of 2 during a temperature‐induced dynamic structural transformation, thus indicating that the framework of 2 represents the most thermally stable polymorph. Desolvated 2 exhibits highly selective adsorption behaviors toward H₂/N₂, CO₂/N₂, and CO₂/CH₄; furthermore, it displays size‐selective catalytic activity towards carbonyl cyanosilylation and Henry (nitroaldol) reactions.     

NaCu5(C2)3: The First Alkali Metal Transition Metal Acetylide with a Three‐dimensional Framework Structure

By heating the red residue of the reaction of NaC₂H and CuI in liquid ammonia at 463 K for 30 min in a dynamic vacuum orange polycrystalline NaCu₅(C₂)₃ is obtained. The crystal structure was solved and refined from X‐ray powder diffraction data (orthorhombic, Pnma, a = 732.80(2) pm, b = 1099.63(4) pm, c = 726.15(2) pm, Z = 4, R_B = 0.030). It consists of a three‐dimensional framework of Cu^I and C₂^2— ions with small channels running parallel to [100] and [001]. The sodium ions reside at the intersections of these channels. The vibrational spectra of NaCu₅(C₂)₃ show some similarities with the spectra of phenylethynylcopper(I), but they are different to those of Cu₂C₂. Therefore NaCu₅(C₂)₃ does probably not represent a crystalline model compound for the unknown structure of amorphous Cu₂C₂.     

Synthesis and Solid‐State Structures of a Tetrathiafulvalene‐Conjugated Bistetracene

A tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)‐conjugated bistetracene was synthesized and characterized in the molecular electronic structures based on the spectroscopic measurements and the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. UV/Vis absorption and electrochemical measurements of 5 revealed the considerable electronic communication between two tetracenedithiole units by through‐bond and/or through‐space interactions. The difference in the crystal‐packing structures of 5 , showing polymorphism, results in a variety of intermolecular electronic‐coupling pattern. Of these, the π‐stacking structure of 5 A gave a large transfer integral of HOMOs (97 meV), which value is beyond hexacene and rubrene, thus, quite beneficial to achieve the high hole mobility.     

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.     

Nitrogen‐Rich Alkali Metal Salts (Na and K) of [Bis(N,N‐bis(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)amine)‐zinc(II)] Anion: Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Energetic Properties

Two nitrogen‐rich alkali metal salts based on nitrogen‐rich anion [Zn(bta)₂]^2–: {[Na₂Zn(bta)₂(H₂O)₈] · H₂O}_n ( 1 ) and {[K₂Zn(bta)₂(H₂O)₄]}_n ( 2 ) were synthesized by reactions of alkali hydroxide, N,N‐bis(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)amine (H₂bta), and zinc chloride in aqueous solutions. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined by low temperature single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and fully characterized by elemental analysis and FT‐IR spectroscopy. The structures demonstrate that an infinite 1‐dimensional (1D) chain structure is constructed by Na⁺ ions and bridging water molecules in compound 1 , which is connected by extensive hydrogen bonds forming a complex 3D network, whereas compound 2 features a more complicated 3D metal‐organic framework (MOF). The thermal behaviors of 1 and 2 were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. The DSC results illustrate that both compounds exhibit high thermal stabilities (decomposition temperature > 345 °C). In addition, the heats of formation were calculated on the basis of the experimental constant‐volume energies of combustion measured by using bomb calorimetry. Lastly, the sensitivities towards impact and friction were assessed according to Bundesamt für Materialforschung (BAM) standard methods.     

Lewis‐Base Stabilized N‐Silver(I) Succinimide Complexes: Synthesis,Crystal Structures and Their Use as CVD‐Precursors

Four Lewis‐base stabilized N‐silver(I) succinimide complexes of type [L_n·R_m·AgNC₄H₄O₂] (L = N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), n = 1, m = 0, 2a ; L = P(OEt)₃, n = 2, m = 0, 2b ; L = PPh₃, m = 0, n = 2, 2c ; L = P(OMe)₃, R = TMEDA, n = 1, m = 1, 2d ) were prepared by a “one‐pot” synthesis methodology and characterized. The molecular structures of 2a and 2c have been determined by using X‐ray single crystal analysis. Complex 2a exists as ion pair {[Ag(TMEDA)₂]⁺[Ag(NC₄H₄O₂)₂]^–} in the solid state and complex 2c is a monomer with the three‐coordinate silver atom. Complex 2b was used as precursor in the deposition of silver for the first time by using MOCVD technique. The silver films obtained were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersion X‐ray analysis (EDX). SEM and EDX studies show that the dense and homogeneous silver films could be obtained.     

Solid‐State Structural Characterization of Cutinase–ECE‐Pincer–Metal Hybrids

Crystal‐clear structures : The first crystal structures of organometallic pincer–cutinase hybrids (see figure) provide insight into the 3D structural arrangement of both the protein and the organometallic pincer moiety, and reveal different binding modes for different pincers.

     

Synthesis and Structures of N‐Alkyl‐1,13‐dimethoxychromeno‐ [2,3,4‐kl]acridinium Salts: The Missing Azaoxa[4]helicenium

Helical structures are interesting due to their inherent chirality. Helicenium ions are triarylmethylium structures twisted into configurationally stable helicenes through the introduction of two heteroatom bridges between the three aryl substituents. Of the configurationally stable [4]helicenium ions, derivatives with sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen bridges have already been synthesised. However, one [4]helicenium ion has proven elusive, until now. We present herein the first synthesis of the 1,13‐dimethoxychromeno[2,3,4‐kl]acridinium (DMCA⁺) [4]helicenium ion. A series of six differently N‐substituted DMCA⁺ ions as their hexafluorophosphate salts are reported. Their cation stability was evaluated and it was found that DMCA⁺ is ideally suited as a phase‐transfer catalyst with a pK_R+ of 13.0. The selectivity of nucleophilic addition to the central carbon atom of DMCA⁺ has been demonstrated with diastereotopic ratios of up to 1:10. The single‐crystal structures of several of the DMCA⁺ salts were determined, and structural differences between N‐aryl‐ and N‐alkyl‐substituted cations were observed. The results of a comparative study of the photophysics of the [4]helicenium ions are presented. DMCA⁺ is found to be a potent red‐emitting dye with a fluorescence quantum yield of 20 % in apolar solvents and a fluorescence lifetime of 12 ns. [4]Helicenium ions, including DMCA⁺, all suffer from solvent‐induced quenching, which reduces the fluorescence quantum yields significantly (?_fl<5 %) in polar solvents. A difference in photophysical properties is observed between N‐aryl‐ and N‐alkyl‐substituted DMCA⁺, which has tentatively been attributed to a difference in molecular conformation.     

Synthesis and Structures of ansa‐Titanocene Complexes with Diatomic Bridging Units for Overall Water Splitting

The synthesis of a series of ansa‐titanocene dichlorides [Cp′₂TiCl₂] (Cp′=bridged η⁵‐tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) and the corresponding titanocene bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complexes [Cp′₂Ti(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] is described. The ethanediyl‐bridged complexes [C₂H₄(C₅Me₄)₂TiCl₂] ( 2 ‐Cl₂) and [C₂H₄(C₅Me₄)₂Ti(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] ( 2‐ btmsa; btmsa=η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃) can be obtained from the hitherto unknown calcocenophane complex [C₂H₄(C₅Me₄)₂Ca(THF)₂] ( 1 ). Furthermore, a heterodiatomic bridging unit containing both, a dimethylsilyl and a methylene group was introduced to yield the ansa‐titanocene dichloride [Me₂SiCH₂(C₅Me₄)₂TiCl₂] ( 3 ‐Cl₂) and the bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complex [Me₂SiCH₂(C₅Me₄)₂Ti(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] ( 3 ‐btmsa). Besides, tetramethyldisilyl‐ and dimethylsilyl‐bridged metallocene complexes (structural motif 4 and 5 , respectively) were prepared. All ansa‐titanocene alkyne complexes were reacted with stoichiometric amounts of water; the hydrolysis products were isolated as model complexes for the investigation of the elemental steps of overall water splitting. Compounds 1 , 2 ‐btmsa, 2 ‐(OH)₂, 3 ‐Cl₂, 3 ‐btmsa, 4 ‐(OH)₂, 3 ‐alkenyl and 5 ‐alkenyl were characterised by X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthesis and some Reactions of Alkali Metal Carbamotelluroates

Sodium and potassium carbamotelluroates [M(R₂NCOTe), M = Na, K, Rb, Cs] were synthesized in moderate to good yields by reacting carbamoyl chloride with the corresponding alkali metal tellurides. The salts readily reacted with trimethylsilyl chloride to form O‐trimethylsilyl carbamotelluroate (R₂NCTeOSiMe₃), which further reacted with RbF and CsF to lead to the corresponding heavy alkali metal carbamotelluroates. These salts reacted with alkyl iodide and carbamoyl chlorides to give the corresponding Te‐alkyl carbamotelluroates and dicarbamoyl tellurides in moderate yields.     

Alkali Metal Cation Affinities of Anionic Main Group‐Element Hydrides Across the Periodic Table

We have carried out an extensive exploration of gas‐phase alkali metal cation affinities (AMCA) of archetypal anionic bases across the periodic system using relativistic density functional theory at ZORA‐BP86/QZ4P//ZORA‐BP86/TZ2P. AMCA values of all bases were computed for the lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium cations and compared with the corresponding proton affinities (PA). One purpose of this work is to provide an intrinsically consistent set of values of the 298 K AMCAs of all anionic (XH_{n ‐1}⁻) constituted by main group‐element hydrides of groups 14–17 along the periods 2–6. In particular, we wish to establish the trend in affinity for a cation as the latter varies from proton to, and along, the alkali cations. Our main purpose is to understand these trends in terms of the underlying bonding mechanism using Kohn–Sham molecular orbital theory together with a quantitative bond energy decomposition analyses (EDA).     

Syntheses and Characterization of Polyfunctional Organotin Chlorides

We report the syntheses and crystal structures of novel organotin chloride complexes with functional organic substituents from HSnCl₃ · 2Et₂O ( 1 – 3 ). Whereas Cl₃SnCHPhCH₂C(O)(CH)₂Ph ( 1 ) was synthesized in a traditional route from HSnCl₃ · 2Et₂O and dibenzylideneacetone, C₆H₅Cl₅O₄Sn₂ ( 2 ) and C₈H₉Cl₅O₄Sn₂ ( 3 ) represent products of a condensation reaction of mononuclear organotintrichlorides that comprise both C=C and C=O functional groups and additionally exhibit characteristic intramolecular donor‐acceptor interactions. Due to the condensation, compounds 2 and 3 combine SnCl₂ with SnCl₃ groups within one molecule.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Photoluminescence of Lanthanide Coordination Polymers with 4‐Acetamidobenzoate

The reactions of Ln(NO₃)₃ · 6H₂O and 4‐acetamidobenzoic acid (Haba) with 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bpy) in ethanol solution resulted in three new lanthanide coordination polymers, namely {[Ln(aba)₃(H₂O)₂] · 0.5(4,4′‐bpy) · 2H₂O}_∞ [Ln = Sm ( 1 ), Gd ( 2 ), and Er ( 3 ), aba = 4‐acetamidobenzoate]. Compounds 1 – 3 are isomorphous and have one‐dimensional chains bridged by four aba anions. 4,4′‐Bipyridine molecules don’t take part in the coordination with Ln^III ions and occur in the lattice as guest molecules. Moreover, the adjacent 1D chains in the complex are further linked through numerous N–H ··· O and O–H ··· O hydrogen bonds to form a 3D supramolecular network. In addition, complex 1 in the solid state shows characteristic emission in the visible region at room temperature.     

Hydrogen‐Bonded Complexes between 4‐Alkoxystilbazoles and Fluorophenols: Solid‐State Structures and Liquid Crystallinity

48 new hydrogen‐bonded complexes have been prepared by combining 16 fluorophenols of general formula C₆F_nH_5?nOH with three different alkoxystilbazoles (butyloxy‐, octyloxy‐ and dodecyloxy‐). Single‐crystal X‐ray structures were obtained for 10 of the 16 complexes of octyloxystilbazole from which it was found that most of the structures could be collected into one of two groups according to both the motif shown by the complex and by the solid‐state packing. Because all but one crystallised in the P$\bar 1$ space group, meaningful comparisons could be drawn and it was observed that six structures were extremely close in nature so that significant molecular overlap was found. On this basis, doubt is cast on the significance of some of the weaker intermolecular contacts found in the solid state. 40 of the new complexes showed liquid‐crystal properties and it was found that although complexes of butyloxystilbazole were all nematic, almost all of those with dodecyloxystilbazole showed a smectic A (SmA) phase. Complexes of octyloxystilbazole showed a mixture of both. Structure/property correlations showed that clearing points were independent of the pK_a of the phenol. The most stable mesophases were found when the fluorophenol contained a fluorine at the 2‐position, which was interpreted in terms of the formation of an intramolecular H???F hydrogen bond to give a six‐membered ring linking the two components into a stable, coplanar conformation. The least stable mesophases were found when no such ring formation was possible and the phenol was relatively free to move.