Asymmetric oxidative α-fluorination of 2-alkylphenylacetaldehydes with AgHF2 and ruthenium/PNNP catalysts

During attempts directed at epoxide ring opening with different HF sources, we discovered that the Lewis acidic [RuCl(PNNP)]⁺ (1) or [Ru(OEt₂)₂(PNNP)]²⁺ (2) catalysts promote the [1,2]-phenyl shift (Meinwald rearrangement) in phenyl-substituted epoxides to give the corresponding 2-alkylphenylacetaldehydes, which are fluorinated at the α-position in the presence of silver bifluoride (AgHF₂) (PNNP is (1S,2S)-N,N′-bis[o-(diphenylphosphino)benzylidene]cyclohexane-1,2-diamine). The optimization of aldehyde fluorination with PhCH(R)CHO (R = Me, Et, ⁱPr, ^tBu) as substrates showed that catalyst [1]SbF₆ gives a moderate degree of enantioselectivity (up to 27% ee) and 35% yield. The substrate scope is limited to benzylic aldehydes. The reaction is unprecedented for transition metal catalysts. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the mechanism involves chemical oxidation followed by enantioselective fluorination with F⁻.     

Strong Electronic Effects in the cis‐Selective Asymmetric Cyclopropanation of Olefins Catalyzed by [RuCl(PNNP)]+

The cationic [RuCl(PNNP)]⁺ catalysts containing tetradentate ligands with a P₂N₂ donor set (PNNP) show strong electronic effects in the cyclopropanation of para‐substituted styrenes. The reactivity trend confirms that the carbene transfer to the olefin has electrophilic character. Linear free‐energy relationships are observed for the relative reactivity, the cis/trans selectivity, and for the enantioselectivity (of the cis‐cyclopropane). The linear correlation between log (k_X/k_H) and σ shows a large value of ρ (−2.4), which is indicative of significant charge buildup in the transition state of the carbene transfer to the olefin. All the relevant parameters (reactivity, diastereoselectivity, and enantioselectivity) increase with the increasing electron density at the C=C bond. To define the scope of the [RuCl(PNNP)]⁺ catalysts, 1‐ and 2‐substituted styrenes, and oct‐1‐ene were also investigated.     

Asymmetric catalysis. Part 153: Metal-catalysed enantioselective α-ketol rearrangement

Promoted by catalytic amounts of Ni complexes tertiary α-hydroxyketones 1a, 3a–5a undergo rearrangement, forming chiral isomers 1b, 3b–5b. The best enantioselection was obtained with the model system 1-benzoylcyclopentanol 4a/2-hydroxy-2-phenylcyclohexanone 4b. In a ligand screening 2-[4-(S)-tert-butyloxazolin-2-yl]pyridine gave the highest enantiomeric excess of 46% (S)-4b. The analogous isomerisation reactions of α-hydroxyimines 6a, 7a forming chiral α-aminoketones 6b, 7b were established.     

Silver N-heterocyclic carbene complexes as initiators for bulk ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of l-lactides

Synthetic, structural and catalysis studies of two silver complexes namely, {[1-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-(N-phenylacetamido)imidazol-2-ylidene]₂Ag}⁺Cl⁻1b, supported over an amido-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, and [1-(i-propyl)-3-(benzyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]AgCl 2b, supported over a non-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, are reported. Specifically, 1b, a cationic complex bearing 2:1 NHC ligand to metal ratio, was obtained from the reaction of 1-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-(N-phenylacetamido)imidazolium chloride 1a with Ag₂O in 52% yield. The corresponding 1a was synthesized by the alkylation reaction of 1-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylimidazole) with N-phenyl chloroacetamide in 73% yield. The other silver complex 2b, a neutral complex bearing 1:1 NHC ligand to metal ratio, was obtained from the reaction of 1-(i-propyl)-3-(benzyl)imidazolium chloride 2a with Ag₂O in 42% yield. The 2a was synthesized by the alkylation reaction of 1-(i-propylimidazole) with benzyl chloride in 45% yield. The molecular structures of the imidazolium chloride, 1a, and the silver complexes, 1b and 2b, have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies. The silver complexes, 1b and 2b, successfully catalyze bulk ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of l-lactides at elevated temperatures under solvent-free melt conditions producing moderate to low molecular weight polylactide polymers having narrow molecular weight distributions.     

Asymmetric cyclopropanation catalyzed by fluorous bis(oxazolines)–copper complexes

Fluorous bis(oxazoline)–copper(I) complexes generated in situ were tested as catalysts in the metal-catalyzed cyclopropanation of styrene with various α-diazoacetates. Under optimized conditions in CH₂Cl₂, quite good yields were obtained. Diastereoselectivities were found to be substrate and, to a lesser extent, ligand dependent, with trans/cis ratios ranging from 62/38 (cyclopropanation with α-ethyldiazoacetate 2a using ligand 1a) to 98/2 (cyclopropanation with methyl phenyldiazoacetate 2c using ligand 1b). Enantioselectivities up to 84% ee for the trans-isomer and 81% ee for the cis-isomer were observed using ligand 1b. Fluorous bis(oxazoline)–copper(I) complexes could be very easily separated from the products by simple precipitation using hexane, and recycled without loss of stereo- as well as enantioselectivities.     

Organoplatinum(II) complexes with phosphite ligands

The phosphite complexes cis-[PtMe₂L(SMe₂)] in which L = P(OⁱPr)₃, 1a, or L = P(OPh)₃, 1b, were synthesized by the reaction of cis,cis-[Me₂Pt(μ-SMe₂)₂PtMe₂] with 2 equiv. of L. If 4 equiv. of L was used the bis-phosphite complexes cis-[PtMe₂L₂] in which L = P(OⁱPr)₃, 2a, or L = P(OPh)₃, 2b, were obtained. The reaction of cis-[Pt(p-MeC₆H₄)₂(SMe₂)₂] with 2 equiv. of L gave the aryl bis-phosphite complexes cis-[Pt(p-MeC₆H₄)₂L₂] in which L = P(OⁱPr)₃, 2a′, or L = P(OPh)₃, 2b′. Use of 1 equiv. of L in the latter reaction gave the bis-phosphite complex along with the starting complex in a 1:1 ratio.The complexes failed to react with MeI. The reaction of cis,cis-[Me₂Pt(μ-SMe₂)₂PtMe₂] with 2 equiv. of the phosphine PPh₃ gave cis-[PtMe₂(PPh₃)₂] and cis-[PtMe₂(PPh₃)(SMe₂)] along with unreacted starting material. Reaction of cis-[PtMe₂L(SMe₂)], 1a and 1b with the bidentate phosphine ligand bis(diphenylphosphino)methane, dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂, gave [PtMe₂(dppm)], 8, along with cis-[PtMe₂L₂], 2. The reaction of cis-[PtMe₂L(SMe₂)] with 1/2 equiv. of the bidentate N-donor ligand NN = 4,4′-bipyridine yielded the binuclear complexes [PtMe₂L(μ-NN)PtMe₂L] in which L = P(OⁱPr)₃, 3a, or L = P(OPh)₃, 3b.The complexes were fully characterized using multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P, and ¹⁹⁵Pt) spectroscopy.     

Syntheses, structures, spectroscopic, electrochemical properties and DFT calculation of Ru(II)–thioarylazoimidazole complexes

The reaction of 1-alkyl-2-{(o-thioalkyl)phenylazo}imidazoles (SRaaiNR) (2a/2b) with Ru(II) has synthesized [Ru(SRaaiNR)₂](ClO₄)₂ (3a/3b) in 2-methoxyethanol. The reaction in methanol, however, has synthesized [Ru(SRaaiNR)(SRaaiNR)Cl](ClO₄) (4a/4b). The solid phase reaction of SRaaiNR and RuCl₃ on silica gel surface upon microwave irradiation has synthesized [Ru(SRaaiNR)(SaaiNR)](PF₆) (5a/5b) [SRaaiNR represents tridentate N,N′,S-chelator; SRaaiNR is N,N′-bidentate chelator where S does not coordinate and SaaiNR refers N,N′,S-chelator where S refers to thiolato binding]. The structural characterization of [Ru(SEtaaiNEt)(SEtaaiNEt)Cl](ClO₄) (4b) and [Ru(SEtaaiNEt)(SaaiNEt)](PF₆) (5b) has been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction study. The IR, UV–Vis, and ¹H NMR spectral data also support the stereochemistry of the complexes. The complexes show metal oxidation, Ru(III)/Ru(II), and ligand reductions (azo/azo⁻, azo⁻/azo). The molecular orbital diagram has been drawn by density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Normal mode of analysis has been performed to correlate calculated and experimental frequencies of representative complexes. The electronic movement and assignment of electronic spectra have been carried out by TDDFT calculation both in gas and acetonitrile phase.     

Structural controlled pure metallo-triangular assembly through bisterpyridinyl Dibenzo[b,d]thiophene,Dibenzo[b,d]furan and Dibenzo[b,d]carbazole

A novel family of metallocycles was constructed by a one-pot self-assembly of three analogous bis(terpyridine) ligand monomers L1-L3, having different bent angles, with metal ions (Zn²⁺ or Cd²⁺). The dibenzo[b,d]thiophene-containing ligand L3 assembled with the metal ions to form a single trimer, whereas the dibenzo[b,d]furan-containing ligand L2 and dibenzo[b,d]carbazole-containing ligand L1 formed a mixture of trimers and tetramers. Heteroatoms (N, O, S) significantly contributed to the molecular size of the assemblies, owing to the bent angle of the bis-terpyridines ligands.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of novel ruthenium(II) complexes featuring an N,N,O-scorpionate ligand: A versatile synthetic precursor for open-face scorpionatoruthenium(II) complexes

The syntheses and characterization of novel ruthenium(II) complexes containing bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetato (bdmpza), a new class of scorpionate ligands, are reported herein. [RuCl(bdmpza)(η⁴-1,5-cyclooctadiene)] (1) was found to be a versatile precursor to synthesize a wide range of new ruthenium(II) complexes with the bdmpza ligand. The treatment of 1 with pyridine (py), diphenylphosphinoethane (dppe), 2,2′-bipyridyl (bpy), 1,10-phenanethroline (phen), or bispicolylamine (Hbpica) in refluxing N,N-dimethylformamide resulted in displacement of the 1,5-cyclooctadiene ligand to afford [RuCl(bdmpza)(py)₂] (2), [RuCl(bdmpza)(dppe)] (3), [RuCl(bdmpza)(bpy)] (4), [RuCl(bdmpza)(phen)] (5), and [Ru(bdmpza)(Hbpica)]Cl (6Cl) in good yields, respectively. The structures of 1–4, and 6 were determined by X-ray structure analyses.     

Novel enantiopure non-C2-symmetric NCN-pincer palladium complexes with l-proline chiral auxiliaries: mer η3-N,C,N versus square planar η4-N,C,N,O coordination

New chiral NCN-pincer palladium complexes containing proline ester moieties as chiral auxiliaries have been synthesized. The parent ligands 2,6-bis{[(S)-2-(methoxycarbonyl)-1-pyrrolidinyl]methyl}-1-bromobenzene L^Me and 2,6-bis{[(S)-2-(benzoxycarbonyl)-1-pyrrolidinyl]methyl}-1-bromobenzene L^Bn were prepared in a single synthetic step and were obtained enantiomerically pure. Neutral arylpalladium bromide complexes 1a and 1b, formed upon treatment of the respective ligands L^Me and L^Bn with [Pd₂(dba)₃]·CHCl₃, were isolated as mixtures of three stereoisomers (S_NS_NS_CS_C, R_NS_NS_CS_C and R_NR_NS_CS_C). The ratio of stereoisomers is approximately 1:1:0.6 in the case of methyl ester derivative 1a, whereas the bulkier benzyl ester derivative 1b predominantly forms the (S_NS_NS_CS_C)-stereoisomer. Upon abstraction of the bromide ion from unresolved mixtures of 1a and 1b, cationic complexes 2 and 3, respectively, form as single diastereoisomers in which one of the ester prolinate carbonyl groups is coordinated to palladium according to X-ray crystal structure determination. This coordination of a carbonyl group to the metal has a substantial influence on the stereochemistry and results in the formation of a single diastereoisomer, having the (R_NR_NS_CS_C)-configuration, regardless of the stereochemistry or ratio of stereoisomers of the starting bromide compound. The structures of compounds 2 and 3 were somewhat unexpected since formation of the corresponding cationic [Pd(NCN)(OH₂)]⁺ complexes was anticipated. In preliminary tests of these cationic complexes as catalysts in the enantioselective aldol condensation of benzaldehyde with methyl isocyanoacetate, modest selectivities were observed.     

Synthesis and structure of highly substituted pyrazole ligands and their complexes with platinum(II) and palladium(II) metal ions

Reaction of 3-methoxycarbonyl-2-methyl- or 3-dimethoxyphosphoryl-2-methyl-substituted 4-oxo-4H-chromones 1 with N-methylhydrazine resulted in the formation of isomeric, highly substituted pyrazoles 4 (major products) and 5 (minor products). Intramolecular transesterification of 4 and 5 under basic conditions led, respectively, to tricyclic derivatives 7 and 8. The structures of pyrazoles 4a (dimethyl 2-methyl-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl-phosphonate) and 4b (methyl 4-oxo-2-methyl-4H-chromene-3-carboxylate) were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Pyrazoles 4a and 4b were used as ligands (L) in the formation of ML₂Cl₂ complexes with platinum(II) or palladium(II) metal ions (M). Potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II), used as the metal ion reagent, gave both trans-[Pt(4a)₂Cl₂] and cis-[Pt(4a)₂Cl₂], complexes with ligand 4a, and only cis-[Pt(4b)₂Cl₂] isomer with ligand 4b. Palladium complexes were obtained by the reaction of bis(benzonitrile)dichloropalladium(II) with the test ligands. trans-[Pd(4a)₂Cl₂] and trans-[Pd(4b)₂Cl₂] were the exclusive products of these reactions. The structures of all the complexes were confirmed by IR, ¹H NMR and FAB MS spectral analysis, elemental analysis and Kurnakov tests.     

Stabilization of the labile metal configuration in halfsandwich complexes [CpRh(PN)Hal]X

PN ligands 3 and 4, derived from 2-diphenylphosphanylmethylpyridine 2a, were synthesized, to which in the backbone a tether to a cyclopentadiene system and for comparison an ⁱPr substituent were attached. The chiral compounds were resolved by introduction of a menthoxy substituent into the 2-position of the pyridine system and/or palladium complexes with enantiomerically pure co-ligands. The tripod ligand 3b contains three different binding sites (Cp, P, N) connected by a resolved chiral carbon atom. (S_C)-configuration of this tripod ligand enforces (R_Rh)-configuration at the metal atom in the halfsandwich rhodium complex (L_Ment,S_C,R_Rh)-7b. The opposite metal configuration is inaccessible. Substitution of the chloro ligand in (L_Ment,S_C,R_Rh)-7b by halide (Br, I) or pseudohalide (N₃, CN, SCN) ligands occurs with retention of configuration to give complexes 8b-11b. However, in the reaction of (L_Ment,S_C,R_Rh)-7b with PPh₃ the pyridine arm of the tripod ligand in compound 13b becomes detached from the metal atom. In the Cp*Rh and CpRh compounds of the bidentate PN ligands 4a and 4b both metal configurations are accessible and in complexes 14a-17a and 14b-17b they equilibrate fast. The stereochemical assignments are corroborated by 9 X-ray analyses.     

Ruthenium monoterpyridine complexes with 2,6-bis(benzoxazol-2-yl)pyridine as an ancillary ligand: Synthesis,structure and spectral studies

Ruthenium monoterpyridine complexes, [1]⁺ and [2]²⁺, with 2,6-bis(benzoxazol-2-yl)pyridine as an ancillary ligand, L, have been synthesized and characterized by UV–Vis, FT-IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The formulations of the complexes were confirmed by the single crystal structure of their perchlorate salts. In both complexes, the Ru^II center is hexa-coordinated in a distorted geometry. In complex [1]⁺, the ancillary ligand L behaves as a bidentate ligand; in [2]²⁺, however, it binds the metal center as a tridentate ligand. The central pyridine nitrogen of terpyridine (N_p,trpy) is in a cis position with respect to the central pyridine nitrogen of the ancillary ligand (N_p,benz) in complex [1]⁺ and in a trans-position in complex [2]²⁺. The cis orientation of N_p,trpy and N_p,benz in complex [1]⁺ forces L to behave as bidentate. The quasi-reversible Ru^II/Ru^III couple appears at 0.90 and 1.44 V versus SCE in the case of complex [1]⁺ and [2]²⁺, respectively. [1]⁺, in the presence of aqueous AgNO₃, affords [2]²⁺ through an intramolecular dissociative interchange pathway.     

Syntheses, structures and ligand conformations of Cu(II), Co(II) and Ag(I) complexes containing the phosphinic amide ligands

The syntheses, structures and ligand conformations of the complexes trans-Cu(L1)₂(ClO₄)₂, (L1 = N-(2-pyrimidinyl)-P,P-diphenyl-phosphinic amide), 1, [trans-Co(L1)₂(CH₃OH)₂](ClO₄)₂·O(C₂H₅)₂, 2, [trans-Co(L2)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂·2CH₃OH, (L2 = N-(2-pyridinyl)-P,P-diphenyl-phosphinic amide), 3, [cis-Co(L2)₂(NO₃)](NO₃), 4, and [Ag(L3)(NO₃)(CH₃CN)]_∞, (L3 = N-(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)-P,P-diphenyl-phosphinic amide), 5, are reported. The L1 and L2 ligands in the monomeric complexes 1-4 chelate the metal centers through the pyrimidyl/pyridyl nitrogen atoms and the phosphinic amide oxygen atoms, whereas the L3 ligands in complex 5 bridge the metal centers, forming a 1-D zigzag chain. The chelating L2 ligands in complexes 3 and 4 adopt cis conformations and the bridging L3 ligand in complex 5 adopts a trans conformation, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of chiral mono N-heterocyclic carbene-substituted rhodium complexes and their catalytic properties in hydrosilylation reactions

Different chiral mono-substituted N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of rhodium were prepared, starting from [Rh(COD)Cl]₂ (COD = cyclooctadiene) by addition of free N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC), or an in-situ deprotonation of the corresponding iminium salt. All new complexes were characterized by spectroscopy methods. In addition, the structures of chloro(η⁴-1,5-cyclooctadiene)(1,3-di-[(1R,2R,3R,5S)-2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-3-yl] imidazolin-2-ylidene)rhodium(I) (5a), chloro(η⁴-1,5-cyclooctadiene)(1,3-di-[(1R,2S,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-menthylcyclohex-1-yl]imidazol-2-ylidene)rhodium(I) (5b) and chloro(η⁴-1,5-cyclooctadiene)(1,3-di-[(2R,4S,5S)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxacyclohex-5-yl]imidazolin-2-ylidene)rhodium(I) (5i) were analyzed by DFT-calculations. The enantioselective hydrosilylation of acetophenone, ethylpyruvate and n-propylpyruvate with diphenylsilane and hydrolysis was carried out with chiral C₂-symmetrical mono-substituted N-heterocyclic carbene rhodium complexes giving for the first time an enantioselective excess of up to 74% ee in the case of the n-propylpyruvate.     

Novel hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate ruthenium(II) complexes containing the water-soluble phosphane 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane: Synthesis and evaluation of DNA binding properties

A series of half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes containing κ³(N,N,N)-hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate (κ³(N,N,N)-Tp) and the water-soluble phosphane 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) [RuX{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)_2−n(PTA)_n] (n = 2, X = Cl (1), n = 1, X = Cl (2), I (3), NCS (4), H (5)) and [Ru{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(PTA)L][PF₆] (L = NCMe (6), PTA (7)) have been synthesized. Complexes containing 1-methyl-3,5-diaza-1-azonia-7-phosphaadamantane(m-PTA) triflate [RuCl{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(m-PTA)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ (8) and [RuX{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(m-PTA)][CF₃SO₃] (X = Cl (9), H (10)) have been obtained by treatment, respectively, of complexes 1, 2 and 5 with methyl triflate. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for complexes 1, 2 and 4 have been carried out. DNA binding properties by using a mobility shift assay and antimicrobial activity of selected complexes have been evaluated.     

Formation and isomerization of cis,cis-Ir(H)2(--Ph)(CO)(PPh3)2 and cis,cis-Ir(H)(--Ph)2(CO)(PPh3)2 in oxidative addition of hydrogen and phenylacetylene to trans-Ir(CO)(--Ph)(PPh3)2

Oxidative addition of H–R (H--Ph and H₂) to trans-Ir(--Ph)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (2) gives the initial products, cis, cis-Ir(H)(--Ph)₂(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (3a) and cis, cis-Ir(H)₂(--Ph)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (3b), respectively. Both cis-bis(PPh₃) complexes, 3a and 3b undergo isomerization to give the trans-bis(PPh₃) complexes, trans, trans-Ir(H)(--Ph)₂(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (4a) and cis, trans-Ir(H)₂(--Ph)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (4b). The isomerization, 3b→4b is first order with respect to 3b with k₁=6.37×10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ at 25°C under N₂ in CDCl₃. The reaction rate (k₁) seems independent of the concentration of H₂. A large negative entropy of activation (ΔS^≠=−24.9±5.7 cal deg⁻¹ mol⁻¹) and a relatively small enthalpy of activation (ΔH^≠=14.5±3.3 kcal mol⁻¹) were obtained in the temperature range 15∼35°C for the isomerization, 3b→4b under 1 atm of H₂.     

Bifunctional nickel precatalysts of amido-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes for base-free Michael reaction under ambient conditions

A series of new bifunctional nickel precatalysts, [1-(R)-3-N-(benzylacetamido)imidazol-2-ylidene]₂ Ni [R = Me (1b), i-Pr (2b), and CH₂Ph (3b)], containing a Lewis acidic metal site and a Lewis basic amido-N site in a pendent ligand sidearm, have been successfully designed for base-free Michael addition reaction. Specifically, the nickel (1–3)b complexes catalyzed the highly desired base-free Michael addition reactions of representative cyclic 5-membered β-dicarbonyl and β-ketoester substrates with a variety of activated olefinic compounds in air at ambient temperature in good to excellent yield. The nickel (1–3)b complexes were synthesized from the reactions of the corresponding imidazolium chloride salts, (1–3)a, with NiCl₂•6H₂O in presence of K₂CO₃ as a base in 55–73% yield. The density functional theory (DFT) studies performed on the nickel complexes suggested the presence of a strong Ni–NHC σ-interaction in these complexes.     

Bifunctional nickel precatalysts of amido-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes for base-free Michael reaction under ambient conditions

A series of new bifunctional nickel precatalysts, [1-(R)-3-N-(benzylacetamido)imidazol-2-ylidene]₂ Ni [R = Me (1b), i-Pr (2b), and CH₂Ph (3b)], containing a Lewis acidic metal site and a Lewis basic amido-N site in a pendent ligand sidearm, have been successfully designed for base-free Michael addition reaction. Specifically, the nickel (1–3)b complexes catalyzed the highly desired base-free Michael addition reactions of representative cyclic 5-membered β-dicarbonyl and β-ketoester substrates with a variety of activated olefinic compounds in air at ambient temperature in good to excellent yield. The nickel (1–3)b complexes were synthesized from the reactions of the corresponding imidazolium chloride salts, (1–3)a, with NiCl₂?6H₂O in presence of K₂CO₃ as a base in 55–73% yield. The density functional theory (DFT) studies performed on the nickel complexes suggested the presence of a strong Ni–NHC σ-interaction in these complexes.     

Synthesis of uranium complexes incorporating extended azo-imine ligands: Molecular and electronic structure

The new azo-imine ligands 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-((2-((2-hydroxyphenyl)diazenyl) phenylimino)methyl)phenol, H₂L¹, 1a, and 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-((2-((2-hydroxyphenyl) diazenyl)p-chlorophenylimino)phenol, H₂L², 1b, were prepared. Reaction of H₂L¹;1a, and H₂L²;1b, with uranyl nitrate hexahydrate afforded the mononuclear complexes of compositions [U(O)₂(L¹)(H₂O)]; 2a, and [U(O)₂(L²)(H₂O)]; 2b, complexes respectively. The newly synthesised ligands (1a and 1b) and the complexes (2a and 2b) were characterised unequivocally. The x-ray structure of 2a was determined. The tetradentate dianionic ligand (L¹)^2- coordinated the uranium ion equatorially with a water molecule in the same plane. Two axially coordinated oxo ligands completed the overall pentagonal bipyramid geometry around U(VI) ion. Structural pattern, electron transfer properties (oxidation near 1.32 ​V vs Ag/AgCl) and electronic transitions of [U(O)₂(L¹)(H₂O)]; 2a, and [U(O)₂(L²)(H₂O)]; 2b have been rationalized by DFT calculations.