Der Dihydridoiridium(III)‐Komplex [IrH2Cl(PiPr3)2] als Molekülbaustein für unsymmetrische Rhodium–Iridiumund Iridium–Iridium‐Zweikernverbindungen

The Dihydridoiridium(III) Complex [IrH₂Cl(P i Pr₃)₂] as a Molecular Building Block for Unsymmetrical Binuclear Rhodium–Iridium and Iridium–Iridium Compounds The title compound [IrH₂Cl(PiPr₃)₂] ( 3 ) reacts with the chloro‐bridged dimers [RhCl(PiPr₃)₂]₂ ( 1 ) and [IrCl(C₈H₁₄)(PiPr₃)]₂ ( 5 ) by cleavage of the Cl‐bridges to give the unsymmetrical binuclear complexes 4 and 6 with Rh(μ‐Cl)₂Ir and Ir(μ‐Cl)₂Ir as the central building block. The reactions of 3 with the bis(cyclooctene) and (1,5‐cyclooctadiene) compounds [MCl(C₈H₁₄)₂]₂ ( 7 , 8 ) and [MCl(η⁴‐C₈H₁₂)]₂ ( 9 , 10 ) (M = Rh, Ir) occur analogously and afford the rhodium(I)‐iridium(III) and iridium(I)‐iridium(III) complexes 11 – 14 in 70–80% yield. Treatment of [(η⁴‐C₈H₁₂)M(μ‐Cl)₂IrH₂(PiPr₃)₂] ( 13 , 14 ) with phenylacetylene leads to the formation of the substitution products [(η⁴‐C₈H₁₂)M(μ‐Cl)₂IrH(C≡CPh)(PiPr₃)₂] ( 15 , 16 ) without changing the central molecular core. Similarly, the compound [(η⁴‐C₈H₁₂)Rh(μ‐Br)₂IrH(C≡CPh)(PiPr₃)₂] ( 18 ) has been prepared; it was characterized by X‐ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and Structure of Unprecedented Samarium Complex with Bulky Bis‐iminopyrrolyl Ligand via Intramolecular C=N Bond Activation

An unprecedentate samarium complex of the molecular composition [{κ³‐{(Ph₂CH)N=CH}₂C₄H₂N)}{κ³‐{(Ph₂CHN=CH)(Ph₂CHNCH)C₄H₂N}Sm}₂] ( 2 ), which was isolated by the reaction of a potassium salt of 2,5‐bis{N‐(diphenylmethyl)‐iminomethyl}pyrrolyl ligand [K(THF)₂{(Ph₂CH)N=CH}₂C₄H₂N)] ( 1 ) with anhydrous samarium diiodide in THF at 60 °C through the in situ reduction of imine bond is presented. The homoleptic samarium complex [[κ³‐{(Ph₂CH)–N=CH}₂C₄H₂N)]₃Sm] ( 3 ) can also be obtained from the reaction of compound 1 with anhydrous samarium triiodide (SmI₃) in THF at 60 °C. The molecular structures of complexes 2 and 3 were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The molecular structure of complex 2 reveals the formation of a C–C bond in the 2,5‐bis{N‐(diphenylmethyl)iminomethyl}pyrrole ligand moiety (Ph₂Py^–). However, complex 3 is a homoleptic samarium complex of three bis‐iminopyrrolyl ligands. In complex 2 , the samarium ion adopts an octahedral arrangement, whereas in complex 3 , a distorted three face‐centered trigonal prismatic mode of nine coordination is observed around the metal ion.     

From Dibismuthenes to Three‐ and Two‐Coordinated Bismuthinidenes by Fine Ligand Tuning: Evidence for Aromatic BiC3N Rings through a Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

The reduction of N,C,N‐chelated bismuth chlorides [C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH?NR)₂]BiCl₂ [where R=tBu ( 1 ), 2′,6′‐Me₂C₆H₃ ( 2 ), or 4′‐Me₂NC₆H₄ ( 3 )] or N,C‐chelated analogues [C₆H₂‐2‐(CH?N‐2′,6′‐iPr₂C₆H₃)‐4,6‐(tBu)₂]BiCl₂ ( 4 ) and [C₆H₂‐2‐(CH₂NEt₂)‐4,6‐(tBu)₂]BiCl₂ ( 5 ) is reported. Reduction of compounds 1 – 3 gave monomeric N,C,N‐chelated bismuthinidenes [C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH?NR)₂]Bi [where R=tBu ( 6 ), 2′,6′‐Me₂C₆H₃ ( 7 ) or 4′‐Me₂NC₆H₄ ( 8 )]. Similarly, the reduction of 4 led to the isolation of the compound [C₆H₂‐2‐(CH?N‐2′,6′‐iPr₂C₆H₃)‐4,6‐(tBu)₂]Bi ( 9 ) as an unprecedented two‐coordinated bismuthinidene that has been structurally characterized. In contrast, the dibismuthene {[C₆H₂‐2‐(CH₂NEt₂)‐4,6‐(tBu)₂]Bi}₂ ( 10 ) was obtained by the reduction of 5 . Compounds 6 – 10 were characterized by using ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and their structures, except for 7 , were determined with the help of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. It is clear that the structure of the reduced products (bismuthinidene versus dibismuthene) is ligand‐dependent and particularly influenced by the strength of the N→Bi intramolecular interaction(s). Therefore, a theoretical survey describing the bonding situation in the studied compounds and related bismuth(I) systems is included. Importantly, we found that the C₃NBi chelating ring in the two‐coordinated bismuthinidene 9 exhibits significant aromatic character by delocalization of the bismuth lone pair.     

Lewis Base Assisted Magnesium Complexes Incorporating Pyrrolyl and Ketiminate Ligands: Synthesis,Structural Diversity and Characterization

A series of four, five and six‐coordinated magnesium derivatives integrating with substituted pyrrole and ketimine ligands are conveniently synthesized. Reaction of two equiv of 2‐dimethylaminomethyl pyrrole with Mg[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ in THF affords the monomeric magnesium complex Mg[C₄H₃N(2‐CH₂NMe₂)]₂ (THF)₂ ( 1 ) in high yield along with elimination of two equiv of HN(SiMe₃)₂. Similarly, the reaction between two equiv of 2‐t‐butylaminomethyl pyrrole and Mg[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ in THF renders the magnesium derivative, Mg[C₄H₃N(2‐CH₂NH^tBu)]₂(THF)2₂( 2 ) in good yield. Interestingly, reaction between two equiv of 2‐t‐butylaminomethyl pyrrole and Mg[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ in toluene, instead of THF, generates Mg[C₄H₃N(2‐CH2NH^tBu)]₂ ( 3 ), also in high yield. Furthermore, the assembly of two equiv of ketimine ligand, HOCMeCHCMeNAr (Ar = C₆H₃‐2,6‐ⁱPr₂) and Mg[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂, yields five‐coordinated magnesium derivatives, Mg(OCMeCHCMeNAr)₂(THF) ( 4 ) and Mg(OCMeCHCMeNAr)₂(OEt₂) ( 5 ), using THF and diethyl ether, respectively. All the aforementioned derivatives are characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy as well as 1 , 3 , 4 and 5 are subjected to X‐ray diffraction analysis in solid state.     

Synthesis and Characterization of an Eclipsed Digermylene as a Building Block to Construct a Cyclic Octagermylene

The preparation of an unprecedented Ge^I‐Ge^I bonded digermylene [K₂{Ge₂(μ‐κ²:η²:η⁴‐2,6‐(2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃‐N)₂‐4‐CH₃C₅H₂N)₂}] in an eclipsed conformation stabilized by two bridging diamidopyridyl ligands is presented. Although it exhibits an eclipsed conformation, the Ge−Ge bond length is 2.5168(6) Å, which is shorter than those in the trans ‐bent and gauche digermylenes. In combination with two pendant amido groups, the Ge^I₂ motif is employed as a building block to assemble the first example of octagermylene [Ge₄(μ‐κ²:κ¹‐2,6‐(2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃‐N)₂‐4‐CH₃C₅H₂N)₂]₂ showing a cyclic configuration and containing three distinct types of Ge^I−Ge^I bonds.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Reactivity of RuII Complexes with Trimethylsilylethinylamidinate Ligands

The mononuclear amidinate complexes [(η⁶‐cymene)‐RuCl( 1a )] ( 2 ) and [(η⁶‐C₆H₆)RuCl( 1b )] ( 3 ), with the trimethylsilyl‐ethinylamidinate ligands [Me₃SiC≡CC(N‐c‐C₆H₁₁)₂]^– ( 1a^– ) and[Me₃SiC≡CC(N‐i‐C₃H₇)₂]^– ( 1b^– ) were synthesized in high yields by salt metathesis. In addition, the related phosphane complexes[(η⁵‐C₅H₅)Ru(PPh₃)( 1b )] ( 4a ) [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Ru(PPh₃)( 1b )] ( 4b ), and [(η⁶‐C₆H₆)Ru(PPh₃)( 1b )](BF₄) ( 5 ‐BF₄) were prepared by ligand exchange reactions. Investigations on the removal of the trimethyl‐silyl group using [Bu₄N]F resulted in the isolation of [(η⁶‐C₆H₆)Ru(PPh₃){(N‐i‐C₃H₇)₂CC≡CH}](BF₄) ( 6 ‐BF₄) bearing a terminal alkynyl hydrogen atom, while 2 and 3 revealed to yield intricate reaction mixtures. Compounds 1a / b to 6 ‐BF₄ were characterized by multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P) and IR spectroscopy and elemental analyses, including X‐ray diffraction analysis of 1b , 2 , and 3 .     

A new entry into aluminum chemistry: [L(1)AlMe]⋅THF, a versatile building block for bimetallic and polymetallic complexes

[L¹AlMe]?THF ( 1 ; L¹=CH[C(CH₂)](CMe)(2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃N)₂) is prepared by a new method to test its reactivity towards metal complexes to give heterobimetallic or polymetallic complexes. The treatment of 1 with germanium chloride ([LGeCl]), tin chloride ([LSnCl]; L=CH(CMe2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃N)₂), bismuth amide ([1,8‐C₁₀H₆(NSiMe₃)₂BiNMe₂]), and dimethyl zinc (ZnMe₂) gave the desired compounds with different functional groups on the aluminum center. All compounds have been thoroughly characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, EI mass spectrometry, X‐ray crystallography ( 2 , 3 , and 5 ), and elemental analysis.     

The Synthesis,Characterization and Dehydrogenation of Sigma‐Complexes of BN‐Cyclohexanes

The coordination chemistry of the 1,2‐BN‐cyclohexanes 2,2‐R₂‐1,2‐B,N‐C₄H₁₀ (R₂=HH, MeH, Me₂) with Ir and Rh metal fragments has been studied. This led to the solution (NMR spectroscopy) and solid‐state (X‐ray diffraction) characterization of [Ir(PCy₃)₂(H)₂(η²η²‐H₂BNR₂C₄H₈)][BAr^F₄] (NR₂=NH₂, NMeH) and [Rh(iPr₂PCH₂CH₂CH₂PiPr₂)(η²η²‐H₂BNR₂C₄H₈)][BAr^F₄] (NR₂=NH₂, NMeH, NMe₂). For NR₂=NH₂ subsequent metal‐promoted, dehydrocoupling shows the eventual formation of the cyclic tricyclic borazine [BNC₄H₈]₃, via amino‐borane and, tentatively characterized using DFT/GIAO chemical shift calculations, cycloborazane intermediates. For NR₂=NMeH the final product is the cyclic amino‐borane HBNMeC₄H₈. The mechanism of dehydrogenation of 2,2‐H,Me‐1,2‐B,N‐C₄H₁₀ using the {Rh(iPr₂PCH₂CH₂CH₂PiPr₂)}⁺ catalyst has been probed. Catalytic experiments indicate the rapid formation of a dimeric species, [Rh₂(iPr₂PCH₂CH₂CH₂PiPr₂)₂H₅][BAr^F₄]. Using the initial rate method starting from this dimer, a first‐order relationship to [amine‐borane], but half‐order to [Rh] is established, which is suggested to be due to a rapid dimer–monomer equilibrium operating.     

Aromatic Osmacyclopropenefuran Bicycles and Their Relevance for the Metal‐Mediated Hydration of Functionalized Allenes

The aromatic osmacyclopropenefuran bicycles [OsTp{κ³‐C¹,C²,O‐(C¹H₂C²CHC(OEt)O)}(PⁱPr₃)]BF₄ (Tp=hydridotris(1‐pyrazolyl)borate) and [OsH{κ³‐C¹,C²,O‐(C¹H₂C²CHC(OEt)O)}(CO)(PⁱPr₃)₂]BF₄, with the metal fragment in a common vertex between the fused three‐ and five‐membered rings, have been prepared via the π‐allene intermediates [OsTp(η²‐CH₂=CCHCO₂Et)(OCMe₂)(PⁱPr₃)]BF₄ and [OsH(η²‐CH₂=CCHCO₂Et)(CO)(OH₂)(PⁱPr₃)₂]BF₄, and their aromaticity analyzed by DFT calculations. The bicycle containing the [OsH(CO)(PⁱPr₃)₂]⁺ metal fragment is a key intermediate in the [OsH(CO)(OH₂)₂(PⁱPr₃)₂]BF₄‐catalyzed regioselective anti‐Markovnikov hydration of ethyl buta‐2,3‐dienoate to ethyl 4‐hydroxycrotonate.     

Scandium complexes with the tetraphenylethylene and anthracene dianions

The structural study of Sc complexes containing dianions of anthracene and tetraphenylethylene should shed some light on the nature of rare‐earth metal–carbon bonding. The crystal structures of (18‐crown‐6)bis(tetrahydrofuran‐κO)sodium bis(η⁶‐1,1,2,2‐tetraphenylethenediyl)scandium(III) tetrahydrofuran disolvate, [Na(C₄H₈O)₂(C₁₂H₂₄O₆)][Sc(C₂₆H₂₀)₂]·2C₄H₈O or [Na(18‐crown‐6)(THF)₂][Sc(η⁶‐C₂Ph₄)₂]·2(THF), ( 1b ), (η⁵‐1,3‐diphenylcyclopentadienyl)(tetrahydrofuran‐κO)(η⁶‐1,1,2,2‐tetraphenylethenediyl)scandium(III) toluene hemisolvate, [Sc(C₁₇H₁₃)(C₂₆H₂₀)(C₄H₈O)]·0.5C₇H₈ or [(η⁵‐1,3‐Ph₂C₅H₃)Sc(η⁶‐C₂Ph₄)(THF)]·0.5(toluene), ( 5b ), poly[[(μ₂‐η³:η³‐anthracenediyl)bis(η⁶‐anthracenediyl)bis(η⁵‐1,3‐diphenylcyclopentadienyl)tetrakis(tetrahydrofuran)dipotassiumdiscandium(III)] tetrahydrofuran monosolvate], {[K₂Sc₂(C₁₄H₁₀)₃(C₁₇H₁₃)₂(C₄H₈O)₄]·C₄H₈O}_n or [K(THF)₂]₂[(1,3‐Ph₂C₅H₃)₂Sc₂(C₁₄H₁₀)₃]·THF, ( 6 ), and 1,4‐diphenylcyclopenta‐1,3‐diene, C₁₇H₁₄, ( 3a ), have been established. The [Sc(η⁶‐C₂Ph₄)₂]⁻ complex anion in ( 1b ) contains the tetraphenylethylene dianion in a symmetrical bis‐η³‐allyl coordination mode. The complex homoleptic [Sc(η⁶‐C₂Ph₄)₂]⁻ anion retains its structure in THF solution, displaying hindered rotation of the coordinated phenyl rings. The 1D ¹H and ¹³C{¹H}, and 2D COSY ¹H–¹H and ¹³C–¹H NMR data are presented for M[Sc(Ph₄C₂)₂]·xTHF [M = Na and x = 4 for ( 1a ); M = K and x = 3.5 for ( 2a )] in THF‐d₈ media. Complex ( 5b ) exhibits an unsymmetrical bis‐η³‐allyl coordination mode of the dianion, but this changes to a η⁴ coordination mode for (1,3‐Ph₂C₅H₃)Sc(Ph₄C₂)(THF)₂, ( 5a ), in THF‐d₈ solution. A ⁴⁵Sc NMR study of ( 2a ) and UV–Vis studies of ( 1a ), ( 2a ) and ( 5a ) indicate a significant covalent contribution to the Sc—Ph₄C₂ bond character. The unique Sc ate complex, ( 6 ), contains three anthracenide dianions demonstrating both a η⁶‐coordination mode for two bent ligands and a μ₂‐η³:η³‐bridging mode of a flat ligand. Each [(1,3‐Ph₂C₅H₃)₂Sc₂(C₁₄H₁₀)₃]²⁻ dianionic unit is connected to four neighbouring units via short contacts with [K(THF)₂]⁺ cations, forming a two‐dimensional coordination polymer framework parallel to (001).     

Iridium(I)‐ und Iridium(III)‐Komplexe mit Triisopropylarsan als Ligand

Iridium(I) and Iridium(III) Complexes with Triisopropylarsane as Ligand The ethene complex trans‐[IrCl(C₂H₄)(AsiPr₃)₂] ( 2 ), which was prepared from [IrCl(C₂H₄)₂]₂ and AsiPr₃, reacted with CO and Ph₂CN₂ by displacement of ethene to yield the substitution products trans‐[IrCl(L)(AsiPr₃)₂] ( 3 : L = CO; 4 : L = N₂). UV irradiation of 2 in the presence of acetonitrile gave via intramolecular oxidative addition the hydrido(vinyl)iridium(III) compound [IrHCl(CH=CH₂)(CH₃CN)(AsiPr₃)₂] ( 5 ). The reaction of 2 with dihydrogen led under argon to the formation of the octahedral complex [IrH₂Cl(C₂H₄)(AsiPr₃)₂] ( 7 ), whereas from 2 under 1 bar H₂ the ethene‐free compound [IrH₂Cl(AsiPr₃)₂] ( 6 ) was generated. Complex 6 reacted with ethene to afford 7 and with pyridine to give [IrH₂Cl(py)(AsiPr₃)₂] ( 8 ). The mixed arsane(phosphane)iridium(I) compound [IrCl(C₂H₄)(PiPr₃)(AsiPr₃)] ( 11 ) was prepared either from the dinuclear complex [IrCl(C₂H₄)(PiPr₃)]2 ( 9 ) and AsiPr₃ or by ligand exchange from [IrCl(C₂H₄)(PiPr₃)(SbiPr₃)] ( 10 ) und triisopropylarsane. The molecular structure of 5 was determined by X‐ray crystallography.     

Synthese und dynamisches Verhalten von [Rh2(μ-H)3H2(PiPr3)4]+. Beiträge zur Reaktivität des Tetrahydridodirhodium-Komplexes [Rh2H4(PiPr3)4]

Synthesis and Dynamic Behaviour of [Rh₂(μ-H)₃H₂(PiPr₃)₄]⁺. Contributions to the Reactivity of the Tetrahydridodirhodium Complex [Rh₂H₄(PiPr₃)₄] An improved synthesis of [Rh₂H₄(PiPr₃)₄] ( 2 ) from [Rh(η³-C₃H₅)(PiPr₃)₂] ( 1 ) or [Rh(η³-CH₂C₆H₅)(PiPr₃)₂] ( 3 ) and H₂ is described. Compound 2 reacts with CO or CH₃OH to give trans-[RhH(CO)(PiPr₃)₂] ( 4 ) and with ethene/acetone to yield a mixture of 4 and trans-[RhCH₃(CO)(PiPr₃)₂] ( 5 ). The carbonyl(methyl) complex 5 has also been prepared from trans-[RhCl(CO)(PiPr₃)₂] ( 6 ) and CH₃MgI. Whereas the reaction of 2 with two parts of CF₃CO₂H leads to [RhH₂(η²-O₂CCF₃) · (PiPr₃)₂] ( 8 ), treatment of 2 with one equivalent of CF₃CO₂H in presence of NH₄PF₆ gives the dinuclear compound [Rh₂H₅(PiPr₃)₄]PF₆ ( 9a ). The reactions of 2 with HBF₄ and [NO]BF₄ afford the complexes [Rh₂H₅(PiPr₃)₄]BF₄ ( 9b ) and trans-[RhF(NO)(PiPr₃)₂]BF₄ ( 11 ), respectively. In solution, the cation [Rh₂(μ-H)₃H₂(PiPr₃)₄]⁺ of the compounds 9a and 9b undergoes an intramolecular rearrangement in which the bridging hydrido and the phosphane ligands are involved.     

Heterobimetallische phosphanido-verbrückte Zweikern-Komplexe - Synthese von cis-rac-[(η-C5H4R)2Zr{μ-PH(2,4,6−iPr3C6H2)}2M(CO)4] (RMe,MCr,Mo; RH,MMo)

Heterobimetallic Phosphanido-bridged Dinuclear Complexes - Syntheses of cis-rac-[(η-C₅H₄R)₂Zr{μ-PH(2,4,6-ⁱPr₃C₆H₂)}₂M(CO)₄] (R?Me, M?Cr, Mo; R?H, M?Mo) The zirconocene bisphosphanido complexes [(η-C₅H₄R)₂Zr{PH(2,4,6-ⁱPr₃C₆H₂)}₂] (R?Me, H) react with [(NBD)M(CO)₄] (NBD?norbornadiene, M?Cr, Mo) to give only one diastereomer of the phosphanido-bridged heterobimetallic dinuclear complexes cis-rac-[(η-C₅H₄R)₂Zr{μ-PH(2,4,6-ⁱPr₃C₆H₂)}₂M(CO)₄] [R?Me, M?Cr ( 1 ), Mo ( 2 ); R?H, M?Mo ( 3 )]. However, no reaction was observed between [(η-C₅H₅)₂Zr{PH(2,4,6-^tBu₃ C₆H₂)}₂] and [Pt(PPh₃)₄]. 1—3 were characterised spectroscopically. For 1—3 , the presence of the racemic isomer was shown by NMR spectroscopy. No reaction was observed at room temperature for 3 and CS₂, (NO)BF₄, Me₃NO or PH(2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂)₂. With Et₂AlH or PhC?CH decomposition of 3 was observed.     

Reversible Cleavage/Formation of the Chromium–Chromium Quintuple Bond in the Highly Regioselective Alkyne Cyclotrimerization

Herein we report the employment of the quintuply bonded dichromium amidinates [Cr{κ²‐HC(N‐2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)(N‐2,6‐R₂C₆H₃)}]₂ (R=iPr ( 1 ), Me ( 7 )) as catalysts to mediate the [2+2+2] cyclotrimerization of terminal alkynes giving 1,3,5‐trisubstituted benzenes. During the catalysis, the ultrashort Cr−Cr quintuple bond underwent reversible cleavage/formation, corroborated by the characterization of two inverted arene sandwich dichromium complexes (μ‐η⁶:η⁶‐1,3,5‐(Me₃Si)₃C₆H₃)[Cr{κ²‐HC(N ‐2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)(N ‐2,6‐R₂C₆H₃)}]₂ (R=ⁱPr ( 5 ), Me ( 8 )). In the presence of σ donors, such as THF and 2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂CN, the bridging arene 1,3,5‐(Me₃Si)₃C₆H₃ in 5 and 8 was extruded and 1 and 7 were regenerated. Theoretical calculations were employed to disclose the reaction pathways of these highly regioselective [2+2+2] cylcotrimerization reactions of terminal alkynes.     

Direct Synthesis of Titanium Complexes with Chelating cis‐9,10‐Dihydrophenanthrenediamide Ligands through Sequential C?C Bond‐Forming Reactions from o‐Metalated Arylimines

A series of new titanium(IV) complexes with o‐metalated arylimine and/or cis‐9,10‐dihydrophenanthrenediamide ligands, [o‐C₆H₄(CH?NR)TiCl₃] (R=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃ ( 3 a ), 2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃ ( 3 b ), tBu ( 3 c )), [cis‐9,10‐PhenH₂(NR)₂TiCl₂] (PhenH₂=9,10‐dihydrophenanthrene; R=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃ ( 4 a ), 2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃ ( 4 b ), tBu ( 4 c )), [{cis‐9,10‐PhenH₂(NR)₂}{o‐C₆H₄(HC?NR)}TiCl] (R=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃ ( 5 a ), 2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃ ( 5 b ), tBu ( 5 c )), have been synthesised from the reactions of TiCl₄ with o‐C₆H₄(CH?NR)Li (R=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃, 2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃, tBu). Complexes 4 and 5 were formed unexpectedly from the reactions of TiCl₄ with two or three equivalents of the corresponding o‐C₆H₄(CH?NR)Li followed by sequential intramolecular C? C bond‐forming reductive elimination and oxidative coupling reactions. Attempts to isolate the intermediates, [{o‐C₆H₄(CH?NR)}₂TiCl₂] ( 2 ), were unsuccessful. All complexes were characterised by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and the molecular structures of 3 a , 4 a – c , 5 a , and 5 c were determined by X‐ray crystallography.     

Reactivity of Cationic Agostic and Carbene Structures Derived from Platinum(II) Metallacycles

This paper describes the formation of new platinacyclic complexes derived from the phosphine ligands PiPr₂Xyl, PMeXyl₂, and PMe₂Ar (Xyl=2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃ and Ar=2,6‐(2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃)₂‐C₆H₃) as well as reactivity studies of the trans‐[Pt(C^P)₂] bis‐metallacyclic complex 1 a derived from PiPr₂Xyl. Protonation of compound 1 a with [H(OEt₂)₂][BAr_F] (BAr_F=B[3,5‐(CF₃)₂C₆H₃]₄) forms a cationic δ‐agostic structure 4 a , whereas α‐hydride abstraction employing [Ph₃C][PF₆] produces a cationic platinum carbene trans‐[Pt{PiPr₂(2,6‐CH(Me)C₆H₃}{PiPr₂(2,6‐CH₂(Me)C₆H₃}][PF₆] ( 8 ). Compounds 4 a and 8 react with H₂ to yield the same 1:3 equilibrium mixture of 4 a and trans‐[PtH(PiPr₂Xyl)₂][BAr_F] ( 6 ), in which one of the phosphine ligands participates in a δ‐agostic interaction. DFT calculations reveal that H₂ activation by 8 occurs at the highly electrophilic alkylidene terminus with no participation of the metal. The two compounds 4 a and 8 experience C–C coupling reactions of a different nature. Thus, 4 a gives rise to complex trans‐[PtH{(E)‐1,2‐bis(2‐(PiPr₂)‐3‐MeC₆H₃)CH?CH}] ( 7 ) that contains a tridentate diphosphine–alkene ligand, through agostic C?H oxidative cleavage and C–C reductive coupling steps, whereas the C–C coupling reaction in 8 involves classical migratory insertion of its [Pt?CH] and [Pt?CH₂] bonds promoted by platinum coordination of CO or CNXyl. The mechanisms of the C?C bond‐forming reactions have also been investigated by computational methods.     

Synthesis of a “Masked” Terminal Zinc Sulfide and Its Reactivity with Brønsted and Lewis Acids

The “masked” terminal Zn sulfide, [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][^MeLZn(S)] ( 2 ) (^MeL={(2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)NC(Me)}₂CH), was isolated via reaction of [^MeLZnSCPh₃] ( 1 ) with 2.3 equivalents of KC₈ in THF, in the presence of 2.2.2‐cryptand, at ?78 °C. Complex 2 reacts readily with PhCCH and N₂O to form [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][^MeLZn(SH)(CCPh)] ( 4 ) and [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][^MeLZn(SNNO)] ( 5 ), respectively, displaying both Brønsted and Lewis basicity. In addition, the electronic structure of 2 was examined computationally and compared with the previously reported Ni congener, [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][^tBuLNi(S)] (^tBuL={(2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)NC(^tBu)}₂CH).     

Hydrogenation of Imines Catalyzed by Trisphosphine‐Substituted Molybdenum and Tungsten Nitrosyl Hydrides and Co‐Catalytic Acid

Hydride complexes Mo,W(CO)(NO)H(mer‐etpⁱp) (iPr₂PCH₂CH₂)₂PPh=etpⁱp) ( 2 a,b(syn) , syn and anti of NO and Ph(etpⁱp) orientions) were prepared and probed in imine hydrogenations together with co‐catalytic [H(Et₂O)₂][B(C₆F₅)₄] (140 °C, 60 bar H₂). 2 a,b(syn) were obtained via reduction of syn/anti‐Mo,W(NO)Cl₃(mer‐etpⁱp) and syn,anti‐Mo,W(NO)(CO)Cl(mer‐etpⁱp). [H(Et₂O)₂][B(C₆F₅)₄] in THF converted the hydrides into THF complexes syn‐[Mo,W(NO)(CO)(etpⁱp)(THF)][B(C₆F₅)₄]. Combinations of the p‐substituents of aryl imines p‐R¹C₆H₄CH=N‐p‐C₆H₄R² (R¹,R²=H,F,Cl,OMe,α‐Np) were hydrogenated to amines (maximum initial TOFs of 1960 h^?1 ( 2 a(syn) ) and 740 h^?1 ( 2 b(syn) ) for N‐(4‐methoxybenzylidene)aniline). An ‘ionic hydrogenation’ mechanism based on linear Hammett plots (ρ=?10.5, p‐substitution on the C‐side and ρ=0.86, p‐substitution on the N‐side), iminium intermediates, linear P(H₂) dependence, and DKIE=1.38 is proposed. Heterolytic splitting of H₂ followed by ‘proton before hydride’ transfers are the steps in the ionic mechanism where H₂ ligand addition is rate limiting.     

Synthesis and Ligand Modification Chemistry of a Molybdenum Dinitrogen Complex: Redox and Chemical Activity of a Bis(imino)pyridine Ligand

The bis(imino)pyridine 2,6‐(2,6‐iPr₂‐C₆H₃N?CPh)₂‐C₅H₃N (^iPrBPDI) molybdenum dinitrogen complex, [{(^iPrBPDI)Mo(N₂)}₂(μ₂,η¹,η¹‐N₂)] has been prepared and contains both weakly (terminal) and modestly (bridging) activated N₂ ligands. Addition of ammonia resulted in sequential N? H bond activations, thus forming bridging parent imido (μ‐NH) ligands with concomitant reduction of one of the imines of the supporting chelate. Using primary and secondary amines, model intermediates have been isolated that highlight the role of metal–ligand cooperativity in NH₃ oxidation.     

Yttrium bis(alkyl) and bis(amido) complexes bearing N,O multidentate ligands. Synthesis and catalytic activity towards ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide

Methoxy‐modified β‐diimines HL ¹ and HL ² reacted with Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ to afford the corresponding bis(alkyl)s [L¹Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] ( 1 ) and [L²Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] ( 2 ), respectively. Amination of 1 with 2,6‐diisopropyl aniline gave the bis(amido) counterpart [L¹Y{N(H)(2,6‐iPr₂? C₆H₃)}₂] ( 3 ), selectively. Treatment of Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ with methoxy‐modified anilido imine HL ³ yielded bis(alkyl) complex [L³Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF)] ( 4 ) that sequentially reacted with 2,6‐diisopropyl aniline to give the bis(amido) analogue [L³Y{N(H)(2,6‐iPr₂? C₆H₃)}₂] ( 5 ). Complex 2 was “base‐free” monomer, in which the tetradentate β‐diiminato ligand was meridional with the two alkyl species locating above and below it, generating tetragonal bipyramidal core about the metal center. Complex 3 was asymmetric monomer containing trigonal bipyramidal core with trans‐arrangement of the amido ligands. In contrast, the two cis‐located alkyl species in complex 4 were endo and exo towards the O,N,N tridentate anilido‐imido moiety. The bis(amido) complex 5 was confirmed to be structural analogue to 4 albeit without THF coordination. All these yttrium complexes are highly active initiators for the ring‐opening polymerization of L ‐LA at room temperature. The catalytic activity of the complexes and their “single‐site” or “double‐site” behavior depend on the ligand framework and the geometry of the alkyl (amido) species in the corresponding complexes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5662–5672, 2007