d–d Dative Bonding Between Iron and the Alkaline-Earth Metals Calcium,Strontium, and Barium

Double deprotonation of the diamine 1,1′-(tBuCH₂NH)-ferrocene ( 1 -H₂) by alkaline-earth (Ae) or Eu^II metal reagents gave the complexes 1 -Ae (Ae=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) and 1 -Eu. 1 -Mg crystallized as a monomer while the heavier complexes crystallized as dimers. The Fe⋅⋅⋅Mg distance in 1 -Mg is too long for a bonding interaction, but short Fe⋅⋅⋅Ae distances in 1 -Ca, 1 -Sr, and 1 -Ba clearly support intramolecular Fe⋅⋅⋅Ae bonding. Further evidence for interactions is provided by a tilting of the Cp rings and the related ¹H NMR chemical-shift difference between the Cp α and β protons. While electrochemical studies are complicated by complex decomposition, UV/Vis spectral features of the complexes support Fe→Ae dative bonding. A comprehensive bonding analysis of all 1 -Ae complexes shows that the heavier species 1 -Ca, 1 -Sr, and 1 -Ba possess genuine Fe→Ae bonds which involve vacant d-orbitals of the alkaline-earth atoms and partially filled d-orbitals on Fe. In 1 -Mg, a weak Fe→Mg donation into vacant p-orbitals of the Mg atom is observed.     

Highly Active Superbulky Alkaline Earth Metal Amide Catalysts for Hydrogenation of Challenging Alkenes and Aromatic Rings

Two series of bulky alkaline earth (Ae) metal amide complexes have been prepared: Ae[N(TRIP)₂]₂ ( 1 ‐Ae) and Ae[N(TRIP)(DIPP)]₂ ( 2 ‐Ae) (Ae=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba; TRIP=SiiPr₃, DIPP=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl). While monomeric 1 ‐Ca was already known, the new complexes have been structurally characterized. Monomers 1 ‐Ae are highly linear while the monomers 2 ‐Ae are slightly bent. The bulkier amide complexes 1 ‐Ae are by far the most active catalysts in alkene hydrogenation with activities increasing from Mg to Ba. Catalyst 1 ‐Ba can reduce internal alkenes like cyclohexene or 3‐hexene and highly challenging substrates like 1‐Me‐cyclohexene or tetraphenylethylene. It is also active in arene hydrogenation reducing anthracene and naphthalene (even when substituted with an alkyl) as well as biphenyl. Benzene could be reduced to cyclohexane but full conversion was not reached. The first step in catalytic hydrogenation is formation of an (amide)AeH species, which can form larger aggregates. Increasing the bulk of the amide ligand decreases aggregate size but it is unclear what the true catalyst(s) is (are). DFT calculations suggest that amide bulk also has a noticeable influence on the thermodynamics for formation of the (amide)AeH species. Complex 1 ‐Ba is currently the most powerful Ae metal hydrogenation catalyst. Due to tremendously increased activities in comparison to those of previously reported catalysts, the substrate scope in hydrogenation catalysis could be extended to challenging multi‐substituted unactivated alkenes and even to arenes among which benzene.     

One‐Pot Synthesis of Zeolitic Strong Solid Bases: A Family of Alkaline‐Earth Metal‐Containing Silicalite‐1

Fabricating stable strong basic sites in well‐preserved crystallized zeolitic frameworks still remains a difficult issue. Here, we reported a family of MFI‐type metallosilicate zeolites, AeS‐1 (Ae: alkaline‐earth metal ions of Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba; S‐1: silicalite‐1) through a direct one‐pot hydrothermal method involving the acidic co‐hydrolysis/condensation of the silica precursor with the Ae salts. Step‐by‐step full characterizations were designed and conducted for in‐depth discussion of the Ae status in AeS‐1. Strong basicity (H_≈22.5–26.5) was detected in AeS‐1. The basicity was further confirmed by CO₂ sorption measurements, ¹³C NMR spectra of chloroform‐adsorbed samples, and ¹H→¹³C and ¹H→²⁹Si cross‐polarization magic‐angle spinning NMR spectra of ethyl cyanoacetate‐adsorbed samples. The results of Knoevenagel condensations demonstrated the excellent solid base catalysis of AeS‐1, which showed high activity, reusability, and shape‐selectivity, all of which are explained by Ae‐derived zeolitic intracrystalline strong basic sites.     

The Valence Orbitals of the Alkaline-Earth Atoms

Quantum chemical calculations of the alkaline-earth oxides, imides and dihydrides of the alkaline-earth atoms (Ae=Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) and the calcium cluster Ca₆H₉[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃(pmdta)₃ (pmdta=N,N,N′,N′′,N′′-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) have been carried out by using density functional theory. Analysis of the electronic structures by charge and energy partitioning methods suggests that the valence orbitals of the lighter atoms Be and Mg are the (n)s and (n)p orbitals. In contrast, the valence orbitals of the heavier atoms Ca, Sr and Ba comprise the (n)s and (n−1)d orbitals. The alkaline-earth metals Be and Mg build covalent bonds like typical main-group elements, whereas Ca, Sr and Ba covalently bind like transition metals. The results not only shed new light on the covalent bonds of the heavier alkaline-earth metals, but are also very important for understanding and designing experimental studies.     

The Recently Synthesized Dimagnesiabutadiene and the Analogous Dimetalla‐Beryllium, ‐Calcium, ‐Strontium,and ‐Barium Compounds

The 2014 synthesis of the remarkable dimagnesium compound Mg₂[C₄(CH₃)₂(Si(CH₃)₃)₂](C₃H₇)₂(C₄H₈O)₂ may point the way to a new chapter in alkaline earth organometallic chemistry. Accordingly, we have studied the known Mg compound and the analogous Be, Ca, Sr, and Ba structures. Although most of our theoretical predictions come from density functional methods, the latter have been benchmarked using coupled cluster theory including single, double, and perturbative triplet excitations, CCSD(T) using cc‐pVTZ basis sets. Among our most important predictions are the energies for dissociation to the butadiene plus the RM?MR [R=(C₃H₇)₂(C₄H₈O)₂; M=Be, Mg, Ca, Si, and Ba] entities. The most reliable predictions for the dissociation energies are 99–104 (Be), 85–93 (Mg), 90–99 (Ca), 83–92 (Sr), and 83–94 (Ba) kcal mol^?1. Thus, there is reason to anticipate that the four unknown compounds should be achievable synthetically. The predicted metal–metal distances (not single bonds) are 2.89 Å (Mg???Mg), 3.46 Å (Ca???Ca), 3.75 Å (Sr???Sr), and 4.04 Å (Ba???Ba). The separated RM?MR compounds have longer M?M distances but genuine metal–metal single bonds. This perhaps counter intuitive result is due to the presence of the bridging carbons in the alkaline earth butadiene compounds. All five compounds incorporate metal–carbon ionic interactions.     

Alkaline Earth Metallocenes Coordinated with Ester Pendants: Synthesis,Structural Characterization,and Application in Metathesis Reactions

A variety of ester‐substituted cyclopentadiene derivatives have been synthesized by one‐pot reactions of 1,4‐dilithio‐1,3‐butadienes, CO, and acid chlorides. Direct deprotonation of the ester‐substituted cyclopentadienes with Ae[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ (Ae=Ca, Sr, Ba) efficiently generated members of a new class of heavier alkaline earth (Ca, Sr, Ba) metallocenes in good to excellent yields. Single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis demonstrated that these heavier alkaline earth metallocenes incorporated two intramolecularly coordinated ester pendants and multiply‐substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands. The corresponding transition metal metallocenes, such as ferrocene derivatives and half‐sandwich cyclopentadienyl tricarbonylrhenium complexes, could be generated highly efficiently by metathesis reactions. The multiply‐substituted cyclopentadiene ligands bearing an ester pendant, and the corresponding heavier alkaline earth and transition‐metal metallocenes, may have further applications in coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, and organic synthesis.     

Highly Fluorinated Tris(indazolyl)borate Silylamido Complexes of the Heavier Alkaline Earth Metals: Synthesis,Characterization, and Efficient Catalytic Intramolecular Hydroamination

Heteroleptic silylamido complexes of the heavier alkaline earth elements calcium and strontium containing the highly fluorinated 3‐phenyl hydrotris(indazolyl)borate {F₁₂‐Tp^{4Bo, 3Ph}}^? ligand have been synthesized by using salt metathesis reactions. The homoleptic precursors [Ae{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] (Ae=Ca, Sr) were treated with [Tl(F₁₂‐Tp^{4Bo, 3Ph})] in pentane to form the corresponding heteroleptic complexes [(F₁₂‐Tp^{4Bo, 3Ph})Ae{N(SiMe₃)₂}] (Ae=Ca ( 1 ); Sr ( 3 )). Compounds 1 and 3 are inert towards intermolecular redistribution. The molecular structures of 1 and 3 have been determined by using X‐ray diffraction. Compound 3 exhibits a Sr ??? MeSi agostic distortion. The synthesis of the homoleptic THF‐free compound [Ca{N(SiMe₂H)₂}₂] ( 4 ) by transamination reaction between [Ca{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] and HN(SiMe₂H)₂ is also reported. This precursor constitutes a convenient starting material for the subsequent preparation of the THF‐free complex [(F₁₂‐Tp^{4Bo, 3Ph})Ca{N(SiMe₂H)₂}] ( 5 ). Compound 5 is stabilized in the solid state by a Ca???β‐Si?H agostic interaction. Complexes 1 and 3 have been used as precatalysts for the intramolecular hydroamination of 2,2‐dimethylpent‐4‐en‐1‐amine. Compound 1 is highly active, converting completely 200 equivalents of aminoalkene in 16 min with 0.50 mol % catalyst loading at 25 °C.     

Transition‐Metal Chemistry of Alkaline‐Earth Elements: The Trisbenzene Complexes M(Bz)3 (M=Sr,Ba)

We report the synthesis and spectroscopic identification of the trisbenzene complexes of strontium and barium M(Bz)₃ (M=Sr, Ba) in low‐temperature Ne matrix. Both complexes are characterized by a D₃ symmetric structure involving three equivalent η⁶‐bound benzene ligands and a closed‐shell singlet electronic ground state. The analysis of the electronic structure shows that the complexes exhibit metal–ligand bonds that are typical for transition metal compounds. The chemical bonds can be explained in terms of weak donation from the π MOs of benzene ligands into the vacant (n?1)d AOs of M and strong backdonation from the occupied (n?1)d AO of M into vacant π* MOs of benzene ligands. The metals in these 20‐electron complexes have 18 effective valence electrons, and, thus, fulfill the 18‐electron rule if only the metal–ligand bonding electrons are counted. The results suggest that the heavier alkaline earth atoms exhibit the full bonding scenario of transition metals.     

Transition‐Metal Chemistry of Alkaline‐Earth Elements: The Trisbenzene Complexes M(Bz)3 (M=Sr,Ba)

We report the synthesis and spectroscopic identification of the trisbenzene complexes of strontium and barium M(Bz)₃ (M=Sr, Ba) in low‐temperature Ne matrix. Both complexes are characterized by a D₃ symmetric structure involving three equivalent η⁶‐bound benzene ligands and a closed‐shell singlet electronic ground state. The analysis of the electronic structure shows that the complexes exhibit metal–ligand bonds that are typical for transition metal compounds. The chemical bonds can be explained in terms of weak donation from the π MOs of benzene ligands into the vacant (n?1)d AOs of M and strong backdonation from the occupied (n?1)d AO of M into vacant π* MOs of benzene ligands. The metals in these 20‐electron complexes have 18 effective valence electrons, and, thus, fulfill the 18‐electron rule if only the metal–ligand bonding electrons are counted. The results suggest that the heavier alkaline earth atoms exhibit the full bonding scenario of transition metals.     

Super‐Bulky Penta‐arylcyclopentadienyl Ligands: Isolation of the Full Range of Half‐Sandwich Heavy Alkaline‐Earth Metal Hydrides

Hydrogenolysis of the half‐sandwich penta‐arylcyclopentadienyl‐supported heavy alkaline‐earth‐metal alkyl complexes (Cp^Ar)Ae[CH(SiMe₃)₂](S) (Cp^Ar=C₅Ar₅, Ar=3,5‐ⁱPr₂‐C₆H_3; S=THF or DABCO) in hexane afforded the calcium, strontium, and barium metal–hydride complexes as the same dimers [(Cp^Ar)Ae(μ‐H)(S)]₂ (Ae=Ca, S=THF, 2‐Ca ; Ae=Sr, Ba, S=DABCO, 4‐Ae ), which were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. 2‐Ca , 4‐Sr , and 4‐Ba catalyzed alkene hydrogenation under mild conditions (30 °C, 6 atm, 5 mol % cat.), with the activity increasing with the metal size. A variety of activated alkenes including tri‐ and tetra‐substituted olefins, semi‐activated alkene (Me₃SiCH=CH₂), and unactivated terminal alkene (1‐hexene) were evaluated.     

Triple Bonds Between Iron and Heavier Group 15 Elements in AFe(CO)3− (A=As,Sb, Bi) Complexes

Heteronuclear transition‐metal–main‐group‐element carbonyl complexes of AsFe(CO)₃⁻, SbFe(CO)₃⁻, and BiFe(CO)₃⁻ were produced by a laser vaporization supersonic ion source in the gas phase, and were studied by mass‐selected IR photodissociation spectroscopy and advanced quantum chemistry methods. These complexes have C_3v structures with all of the carbonyl ligands bonded on the iron center, and feature covalent triple bonds between bare Group 15 elements and Fe(CO)₃⁻. Chemical bonding analyses on the whole series of AFe(CO)₃⁻ (A=N, P, As, Sb, Bi, Mc) complexes indicate that the valence orbitals involved in the triple bonds are hybridized 3d and 4p atomic orbitals of iron, leading to an unusual (dp–p) type of transition‐metal–main‐group‐element multiple bonding. The σ‐type three‐orbital interaction between Fe 3d/4p and Group 15 np valence orbitals plays an important role in the bonding and stability of the heavier AFe(CO)₃⁻ (A=As, Sb, Bi) complexes.     

Primary Fragmentation Pathways of Gas Phase [M(Uracil−H)(Uracil)]+ Complexes (M=Zn,Cu, Ni,Co, Fe,Mn, Cd,Pd , Mg,Ca, Sr,Ba, and Pb): Loss of Uracil versus HNCO

Complexes formed between metal dications, the conjugate base of uracil, and uracil are investigated by sustained off‐resonance irradiation collision‐induced dissociation (SORI‐CID) in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer. Positive‐ion electrospray spectra show that [M(Ura?H)(Ura)]⁺ (M=Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Cd, Pd, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, or Pb) is the most abundant ion even at low concentrations of uracil. SORI‐CID experiments show that the main primary decomposition pathway for all [M(Ura?H)(Ura)]⁺, except where M=Ca, Sr, Ba, or Pb, is the loss of HNCO. Under the same SORI‐CID conditions, when M is Ca, Sr, Ba, or Pb, [M(Ura?H)(Ura)]⁺ are shown to lose a molecule of uracil. Similar results were observed under infrared multiple‐photon dissociation excitation conditions, except that [Ca(Ura?H)(Ura)]⁺ was found to lose HNCO as the primary fragmentation product. The binding energies between neutral uracil and [M(Ura?H)]⁺ (M=Zn, Cu, Ni, Fe, Cd, Pd ,Mg, Ca, Sr Ba, or Pb) are calculated by means of electronic‐structure calculations. The differences in the uracil binding energies between complexes which lose uracil and those which lose HNCO are consistent with the experimentally observed differences in fragmentation pathways. A size dependence in the binding energies suggests that the interaction between uracil and [M(Ura?H)]⁺ is ion–dipole complexation and the experimental evidence presented supports this.     

Triple Bonds Between Iron and Heavier Group 15 Elements in AFe(CO)3− (A=As,Sb, Bi) Complexes

Heteronuclear transition‐metal–main‐group‐element carbonyl complexes of AsFe(CO)₃^?, SbFe(CO)₃^?, and BiFe(CO)₃^? were produced by a laser vaporization supersonic ion source in the gas phase, and were studied by mass‐selected IR photodissociation spectroscopy and advanced quantum chemistry methods. These complexes have C_3v structures with all of the carbonyl ligands bonded on the iron center, and feature covalent triple bonds between bare Group 15 elements and Fe(CO)₃^?. Chemical bonding analyses on the whole series of AFe(CO)₃^? (A=N, P, As, Sb, Bi, Mc) complexes indicate that the valence orbitals involved in the triple bonds are hybridized 3d and 4p atomic orbitals of iron, leading to an unusual (dp–p) type of transition‐metal–main‐group‐element multiple bonding. The σ‐type three‐orbital interaction between Fe 3d/4p and Group 15 np valence orbitals plays an important role in the bonding and stability of the heavier AFe(CO)₃^? (A=As, Sb, Bi) complexes.     

Metal–metal bonded alkaline-earth distannyls

The first families of alkaline-earth stannylides [Ae(SnPh₃)₂·(thf)_x] (Ae = Ca, x = 3, 1; Sr, x = 3, 2; Ba, x = 4, 3) and [Ae{Sn(SiMe₃)₃}₂·(thf)_x] (Ae = Ca, x = 4, 4; Sr, x = 4, 5; Ba, x = 4, 6), where Ae is a large alkaline earth with direct Ae–Sn bonds, are presented. All complexes have been characterised by high-resolution solution NMR spectroscopy, including ¹¹⁹Sn NMR, and by X-ray diffraction crystallography. The molecular structures of [Ca(SnPh₃)₂·(thf)₄] (1′), [Sr(SnPh₃)₂·(thf)₄] (2′), [Ba(SnPh₃)₂·(thf)₅] (3′), 4, 5 and [Ba{Sn(SiMe₃)₃}₂·(thf)₅] (6′), most of which crystallised as higher thf solvates than their parents 1–6, were established by XRD analysis; the experimentally determined Sn–Ae–Sn′ angles lie in the range 158.10(3)–179.33(4)°. In a given series, the ¹¹⁹Sn NMR chemical shifts are slightly deshielded upon descending group 2 from Ca to Ba, while the silyl-substituted stannyls are much more shielded than the phenyl ones (δ¹¹⁹Sn/ppm: 1′, −133.4; 2′, −123.6; 3′, −95.5; 4, −856.8; 5, −848.2; 6′, −792.7). The bonding and electronic properties of these complexes were also analysed by DFT calculations. The combined spectroscopic, crystallographic and computational analysis of these complexes provide some insight into the main features of these unique families of homoleptic complexes. A comprehensive DFT study (Wiberg bond index, QTAIM and energy decomposition analysis) points at a primarily ionic Ae–Sn bonding, with a small covalent contribution, in these series of complexes; the Sn–Ae–Sn′ angle is associated with a flat energy potential surface around its minimum, consistent with the broad range of values determined by experimental and computational methods.

The complete series of heterobimetallic alkaline-earth distannyls [Ae{SnR₃}₂·(thf)_x] (Ae = Ca, Sr, Ba) have been prepared for R = Ph and SiMe₃, and their bonding and electronic properties have been comprehensively investigated.     

A screened hybrid density functional study on energetic complexes: Metal carbohydrazide nitrates

The molecular geometry, electronic structure and thermochemistry of a series of metal carbohydrazide nitrates were investigated using the Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof (HSE) screened hybrid density functional. The results show that Ca, Sr, and Ba complexes have additional coordinated oxygen atoms from the nitrate ion, which differ obviously from Cu, Ni, Co, and Mg complexes in terms of the geometric structure. Detailed NBO analyses clearly indicate that the metal–ligand interactions in Cu, Ni, and Co complexes are covalent, whereas those of Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba complexes are ionic in nature. Furthermore, the donor–acceptor interactions result in a reduction of occupancies of σ_{C? O} and σ_{N? H} orbitals. Consequently, the bond lengths increase and the bond orders decrease. Finally, the calculated heats of formation predict that the ionic alkaline‐earth metal carbohydrazide nitrates are more stable than the covalent transition metal carbohydrazide nitrates. It agrees well with the available experimental thermal stabilities, indicating that the metal–ligand bonding character plays an important role in the stabilities of these energetic complexes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011     

Alkaline‐Earth‐Catalysed Cross‐Dehydrocoupling of Amines and Hydrosilanes: Reactivity Trends,Scope and Mechanism

Alkaline‐earth (Ae=Ca, Sr, Ba) complexes are shown to catalyse the chemoselective cross‐dehydrocoupling (CDC) of amines and hydrosilanes. Key trends were delineated in the benchmark couplings of Ph₃SiH with pyrrolidine or tBuNH₂. Ae{E(SiMe₃)₂}₂ ? (THF)_x (E=N, CH; x=2–3) are more efficient than {N^N}Ae{E(SiMe₃)₂} ? (THF)_n (E=N, CH; n=1–2) complexes (where {N^N}^?={ArN(o‐C₆H₄)C(H)=NAr}^? with Ar=2,6‐iPr₂‐C₆H₃) bearing an iminoanilide ligand, and alkyl precatalysts are better than amido analogues. Turnover frequencies (TOFs) increase in the order Ca<Sr<Ba. Ba{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₂ ? (THF)₃ displays the best performance (TOF up to 3600 h^?1). The substrate scope (>30 products) includes diamines and di(hydrosilane)s. Kinetic analysis of the Ba‐promoted CDC of pyrrolidine and Ph₃SiH shows that 1) the kinetic law is rate=k[Ba]¹[amine]⁰[hydrosilane]¹, 2) electron‐withdrawing p‐substituents on the arylhydrosilane improve the reaction rate and 3) a maximal kinetic isotopic effect (k_SiH/k_SiD=4.7) is seen for Ph₃SiX (X=H, D). DFT calculations identified the prevailing mechanism; instead of an inaccessible σ‐bond‐breaking metathesis pathway, the CDC appears to follow a stepwise reaction path with N?Si bond‐forming nucleophilic attack of the catalytically competent Ba pyrrolide onto the incoming silane, followed by rate limiting hydrogen‐atom transfer to barium. The participation of a Ba silyl species is prevented energetically. The reactivity trend Ca<Sr<Ba results from greater accessibility of the metal centre and decreasing Ae?N_amide bond strength upon descending Group 2.     

Über Perowskite der Zusammensetzung A2BUIVO6 mit A,B = Ba,Sr, Ca,Mg und Pb

On Perovskites of the Composition A₂BU^IVO₆ with A, B = Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg, and Pb The influence of the A und B ions on the charge transfer O → U are studied by diffuse reflectance measurements. They are completed by vibrational spectroscopic spectroscopic and structural investigations.     

Regulation of Charge Delocalization in a Heteronuclear Fe2Ru System by a Stepwise Photochromic Process

Heteronuclear complexes FeCp₂?DTE?C?C?Ru(dppe)₂Cl ( 1 o ; dppe=1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, Cp=cyclopentadienyl, DTE=dithienylethene) and FeCp₂?DTE?C?C?Ru(dppe)₂?C?C?DTE?FeCp₂ ( 2 oo ), with redox‐active ferrocenyl and ruthenium centers separated by a photochromic DTE moiety, were prepared to achieve photoswitchable charge delocalization and Fe???Ru electronic communication. Upon UV‐light irradiation of 2 oo , the Fe???Ru heterometallic electronic interaction is increasingly facilitated with stepwise photocyclization, 2 oo → 2 co → 2 cc ; this is ascribed to the gradual increase in π‐conjugated systems. The near‐infrared absorptions in mixed‐valence species [ 2 oo ]⁺/[ 2 co ]⁺/[ 2 cc ]⁺ are gradually intensified following the conversion of [ 2 oo ]⁺→[ 2 co ]⁺→[ 2 cc ]⁺, which demonstrates that the extent of charge delocalization shows progressive enhancement with stepwise photocyclization. As revealed by electrochemical, spectroscopic, and theoretical studies, complex 2 exhibits nine switchable states through stepwise photochromic and reversible redox processes.     

Heteroleptic Silylamido Phenolate Complexes of Calcium and the Larger Alkaline Earth Metals: β‐Agostic Ae⋅⋅⋅Si?H Stabilization and Activity in the Ring‐Opening Polymerization of L‐Lactide

The factors governing the stability and the reactivity towards cyclic esters of heteroleptic complexes of the large alkaline earth metals (Ae) have been probed. The synthesis and stability of a family of heteroleptic silylamido and alkoxide complexes of calcium [{LOⁱ}Ca? Nu(thf)_n] supported by mono‐anionic amino ether phenolate ligands (i=1, {LO¹}^?=4‐(tert‐butyl)‐2,6‐bis(morpholinomethyl)phenolate, Nu^?=N(SiMe₂H)₂^?, n=0, 4 ; i=2, {LO²}^?=2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐{[2‐(methoxymethyl)pyrrolidin‐1‐yl]methyl}phenolate, Nu^?=N(SiMe₂H)₂^?, n=0, 5 ; i=4, {LO⁴}^?=2‐{[bis(2‐methoxyethyl)amino]methyl}‐4,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenolate, Nu^?=N(SiMe₂H)₂^?, n=1, 6 ; Nu^?=HC?CCH₂O^?, n=0, 7 ) and those of the related [{LO³}Ae? N(SiMe₂H)₂] ({LO³}^?=2‐[(1,4,7,10‐tetraoxa‐13‐azacyclopentadecan‐13‐yl)methyl]‐4,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenolate Ae=Ca, 1 ; Sr, 2 ; Ba, 3 ) have been investigated. The molecular structures of 1 , 2 , [( 4 )₂], 6 , and [( 7 )₂] have been determined by X‐ray diffraction. These highlight Ae???H? Si internal β‐agostic interactions, which play a key role in the stabilization of [{LOⁱ}Ae? N(SiMe₂H)₂] complexes against ligand redistribution reactions, in contrast to regular [{LOⁱ}Ae? N(SiMe₃)₂]. Pulse‐gradient spin‐echo (PGSE) NMR measurements showed that 1 , 4 , 6 , and 7 are monomeric in solution. Complexes 1 – 7 mediate the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of L ‐lactide highly efficiently, converting up to 5000 equivalents of monomer at 25 °C in a controlled fashion. In the immortal ROP performed with up to 100 equivalents of exogenous 9‐anthracenylmethanol or benzyl or propargyl alcohols as a transfer agent, the activity of the catalyst increased with the size of the metal ( 1 < 2 < 3 ). For Ca‐based complexes, the enhanced electron‐donating ability of the ancillary ligand favored catalyst activity ( 1 > 6 > 4 ≈ 5 ). The nature of the alcohol had little effect over the activity of the binary catalyst system 1 /ROH; in all cases, both the control and end‐group fidelity were excellent. In the living ROP of L ‐LA, the HC?CCH₂O^? initiating group (as in 7 ) proved superior to N(SiMe₂H)₂^? or N(SiMe₃)₂^? (as in 6 or [{LO⁴}Ca? N(SiMe₃)₂] ( B ), respectively).     

Four‐Membered Heterometallacyclic d0 and d1 Complexes of Group 4 Metallocenes with Amidato Ligands

A study of the coordination chemistry of different amidato ligands [(R)N?C(Ph)O] (R=Ph, 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl (Dipp)) at Group 4 metallocenes is presented. The heterometallacyclic complexes [Cp₂M(Cl){κ²‐N,O‐(R)N?C(Ph)O}] M=Zr, R=Dipp ( 1 a ), Ph ( 1 b ); M=Hf, R=Ph ( 2 )) were synthesized by reaction of [Cp₂MCl₂] with the corresponding deprotonated amides. Complex 1 a was also prepared by direct deprotonation of the amide with Schwartz reagent [Cp₂Zr(H)Cl]. Salt metathesis reaction of [Cp₂Zr(H)Cl] with deprotonated amide [(Dipp)N?C(Ph)O] gave the zirconocene hydrido complex [Cp₂M(H){κ²‐N,O‐(Dipp)N?C(Ph)O}] ( 3 ). Reaction of 1 a with Mg did not result in the desired Zr(III) complex but in formation of Mg complex [(py)₃Mg(Cl) {κ²‐N,O‐(Dipp)N?C(Ph)O}] ( 4 ; py=pyridine). The paramagnetic complexes [Cp′₂Ti{κ²‐N,O‐(R)N?C(Ph)O}] (Cp′=Cp, R=Ph ( 7 a ); Cp′=Cp, R=Dipp ( 7 b ); Cp′=Cp*, R=Ph ( 8 )) were prepared by the reaction of the known titanocene alkyne complexes [Cp₂′Ti(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] (Cp′=Cp ( 5 ), Cp′=Cp* ( 6 )) with the corresponding amides. Complexes 1 a , 2 , 3 , 4 , 7 a , 7 b , and 8 were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. The structure and bonding of complexes 7 a and 8 were also characterized by EPR spectroscopy.