Developments in heterobimetallic s-block systems: synthesis and structural survey of molecular M/Ae (M=Li, Na, K, Cs; Ae=Ca, Sr) aryloxo complexes

A series of novel heterobimetallic group 1/strontium and group 1/calcium aryloxo complexes having the composition [MAe(Odpp)3] [Ae=Sr and M=Na (1), K (2, 3), Cs (4); Ae=Ca and M=Na (5), K (6), Cs (7)] or [M2Ae(Odpp)4] [M=Li and Ae=Sr (9), Ca (10)] have been prepared using 2,6-diphenylphenol (HOdpp) as the ligand. Through the use of solid-state direct metalation, these compounds were obtained either directly from the reaction vessel or after workup in toluene. The Lewis base adduct [KCa(Odpp)3(thf)] (8) was obtained by treatment of [KCa(Odpp)3] (6) with tetrahydrofuran (thf). All of the compounds displayed extensive metal-pi-arene interactions, which provide significant stabilization in these reactive species. The thermal stabilities and volatilities of representative heterobimetallic strontium and calcium complexes were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis.     

Synthesis and characterisation of group nine transition metal complexes containing new mesityl and naphthyl based azaindole scorpionate ligands

Two novel boron-based flexible scorpionate ligands based on 7-azaindole, Li[HB(azaindolyl)(2)(1-naphthyl)] and Li[HB(azaindolyl)(2)(mesityl)] {Li[(Naphth)Bai] and Li[(Mes)Bai] respectively}, have been prepared (mesityl = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl). These salts have been isolated in two forms, either as dimeric structures which contain bridging hydride interactions with the lithium centres or as crystalline material containing mono nuclear bis-acetonitrile solvates. The newly formed ligands have been utilised to prepare a range of group nine transition metal complexes with the general formula [M(COD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(Ar)}] (where M = rhodium, iridium; Ar = 1-naphthyl, mesityl; COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) and [Rh(NBD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(Ar)}] (where NBD = 2,5-norbornadiene; Ar = 1-naphthyl, mesityl). These new complexes have been compared to the previously reported compounds which contain the related scorpionate ligands Li[HB(azaindolyl)(2)(phenyl)] and K[HB(azaindolyl)(3)] {Li[(Ph)Bai] and K[Tai] respectively}. Structural characterisation of the complexes [Rh(COD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(mesityl)}], [Ir(COD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(mesityl)}] and [Rh(NBD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(naphthyl)}] confirm the expected κ(3)-NNH coordination mode for these new ligands. Spectroscopic analysis suggests strong interactions of the B-H functional group with the metal centres in all cases.     

Metal–π Interactions Dominate in the Solid‐State Structures of Molecular Heterobimetallic Alkali‐Metal–Europium(II) Aryloxo Complexes

Treatment of Eu metal, 2,6‐diphenylphenol (HOdpp), and MOdpp (M=Na, K) at elevated temperature in the presence of mercury afforded heterobimetallic complexes which were structurally characterized after crystallization from toluene. The structures of [MEu(Odpp)₃]?nPhMe (M=Na, n=1, 1 ; K, n=2.5, 2 ) consist solely of bridging aryloxide ligands and feature extensive π‐Ph–metal interactions. Rather than a heterobimetallic species, treatment of Eu metal and HOdpp with LiOdpp under similar conditions afforded a number of products, including a mixed‐valent europium complex, [Eu₂(Odpp)₃][Eu(Odpp)₄]?4 PhMe ( 3 ). The structural framework of the [Eu₂(Odpp)₃]⁺ cation of 3 is similar to that of the molecular heterobimetallics 1 and 2 , including the presence of π‐Ph–Eu interactions. The reluctance of the reaction to provide a Eu/Li heterobimetallic complex was exemplified by the simultaneous crystallization of [Eu₂(Odpp)₄]?PhMe ( 6 ) and the homoleptic cubane [Li₄(Odpp)₄]?2 C₆H₁₄ ( 5 ) from toluene/hexane.     

Hybrid dibismuthines and distibines as ligands towards transition metal carbonyls

The hybrid dibismuthines O(CH(2)CH(2)BiPh(2))(2) and MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)BiPh(2))(2) react with [M(CO)(5)(thf)] (M = Cr or W) to form [{M(CO)(5)}(2){O(CH(2)CH(2)BiPh(2))(2)}] and [{Cr(CO)(5)}(2){MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)BiPh(2))(2)}] containing bridging bidentate (Bi(2)) coordination. The unsymmetrical tertiary bismuthine complexes [M(CO)(5){BiPh(2)(o-C(6)H(4)OMe)}] are also described. Depending upon the molar ratio, the hybrid distibines O(CH(2)CH(2)SbMe(2))(2) and MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2) react with [M(CO)(5)(thf)] to give the pentacarbonyl complexes [{M(CO)(5)}(2){O(CH(2)CH(2)SbMe(2))(2)}] and [{Cr(CO)(5)}(2){MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}] or tetracarbonyls cis-[M(CO)(4){O(CH(2)CH(2)SbMe(2))(2)}] and cis-[M(CO)(4){MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}]. The latter can also be obtained from [Cr(CO)(4)(nbd)] or [W(CO)(4)(pip)(2)], and contain chelating bidentates (Sb(2)-coordinated) as determined crystallographically. S(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2) coordinates as a tridentate (SSb(2)) in fac-[M(CO)(3){S(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}] (M = Cr or Mo) and fac-[Mn(CO)(3){S(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}][CF(3)SO(3)]. Fac-[Mn(CO)(3){MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}][CF(3)SO(3)] contains NSb(2)-coordinated ligand in the solid state, but in solution a second species, Sb(2)-coordinated and with a κ(1)-CF(3)SO(3) replacing the coordinated amine is also evident. X-ray crystal structures were also determined for fac-[Cr(CO)(3){S(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}], fac-[Mn(CO)(3){S(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}][CF(3)SO(3)] and fac-[Mn(CO)(3){MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}] [CF(3)SO(3)]. Hypervalent N···Sb interactions are present in cis-[M(CO)(4){MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}] (M = Mo or W), but absent for M = Cr.     

Rhenium complexes of tris(pyrazolyl)methanes and sulfonate derivative

The trioxo [ReO(3){SO(3)C(pz)(3)}] (1) (pz = pyrazolyl) and oxo [ReOCl{SO(3)C(pz)(3)}(PPh(3))]Cl (2) compounds with tris(pyrazolyl)methanesulfonate were obtained by treatment of Re(2)O(7) or [ReOCl(3)(PPh(3))(2)], respectively, with Li[SO(3)C(pz)(3)], whereas [ReCl(3){HC(pz)(3)}] (3), [ReCl(3){HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)}] (4) and [ReCl(4){eta(2)-HC(pz)(3)}] (5) were prepared by reaction of [ReOCl(3)(PPh(3))(2)] (3,4) or [ReCl(4)(NCMe)(2)] (5) with hydrotris(pyrazolyl)methane HC(pz)(3) (3,5) or hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3) (4). [ReO{SO(3)C(pz)(3)}{OC(CH(3))(2)pz}][ReO(4)] 6, with a chelated pyrazolyl-alkoxide, was derived from an unprecedented ketone-pyrazolyl coupling on reaction of crude 1 with acetone. The compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR and NMR spectroscopies, FAB-MS spectrometry and cyclic voltammetry and, in the case of 5 and 6, also by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical E(L) Lever parameter has been estimated, for the first time, for the SO(3)C(pz)(3)(-) and oxo ligands allowing the measurement of their electron-donor character and comparison with other ligands. Compounds 1, 2 and 6 appear to be the first tris(pyrazolyl)methanesulfonate complexes of rhenium to be reported.     

Trapping unstable terminal M-O multiple bonds of monocyclopentadienyl niobium and tantalum complexes with Lewis acids

Hydrolysis of [NbCp'Cl(4)] (Cp' = η(5)-C(5)H(4)SiMe(3)) with the water adduct H(2)O·B(C(6)F(5))(3) afforded the oxo-borane compound [NbCp'Cl(2){O·B(C(6)F(5))(3)}] (2a). This compound reacted with [MgBz(2)(THF)(2)] giving [NbCp'Bz(2){O·B(C(6)F(5))(3)}] (2b), whereas [NbCp'Me(2){O·B(C(6)F(5))(3)}] (2c) was obtained from the reaction of [NbCp'Me(4)] with H(2)O·B(C(6)F(5))(3). Addition of Al(C(6)F(5))(3) to solutions containing the oxo-borane compounds [MCp(R)X(2){O·B(C(6)F(5))(3)}] (M = Ta, Cp(R) = η(5)-C(5)Me(5) (Cp*), X = Cl 1a, Bz 1b, Me 1c; M = Nb, Cp(R) = Cp', X = Cl 2a) afforded the oxo-alane complexes [MCp(R)X(2){O·Al(C(6)F(5))(3)}] (M = Ta, Cp(R) = Cp*, X = Cl 3a, Bz 3b, Me 3c; M = Nb, Cp(R) = Cp', X = Cl 4a), releasing B(C(6)F(5))(3). Compound 3a was also obtained by addition of Al(C(6)F(5))(3) to the dinuclear μ-oxo compound [TaCp*Cl(2)(μ-O)](2), meanwhile addition of the water adduct H(2)O·Al(C(6)F(5))(3) to [TaCp*Me(4)] gave complex 3c. The structure of 2a and 3a was obtained by X-ray diffraction studies. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to further understand these types of oxo compounds.     

Crystalline metal (Li, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sn, Pb) complexes of the new chelating N,N'-dianionic [1,2-N(R)C6H4(CH2NR)](2-) ligand (R = SiMe3, CH2Bu(t))

2-Aminomethylaniline was converted into the N,N'-bis(pivaloyl) (1) or -bis(trimethylsilyl) (2) derivative, using 2 Bu(t)C(O)Cl or 2 Me(3)SiCl (≡ RCl), respectively, with 2 NEt(3), or for 2 from successively using 2 LiBu(n) and 2 RCl. N,N'-Bis(neopentyl)-2-(aminomethyl)aniline (3) was prepared by LiAlH(4) reduction of 1. From 2 or 3 and 2 LiBu(n), the appropriate dilitiodiamide {2-[{N(Li)R}C(6)H(4){CH(2)N(Li)R}(L)](2) (L absent, 4a; or L = THF, 4b) or the N,N'-bis(neopentyl) analogue (5) of 4a was prepared. Treatment of 4a with 2 Bu(t)NC, 2 (2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3)NC) or 2 Bu(t)CN (≡ L') furnished the corresponding adduct [2-N{Li(L')R}C(6)H(4){CH(2)N(Li)R}] (4c, 4d or 4e, respectively), whereas 4b with 2 PhCN afforded [2-{N(Li)R}C(6)H(4){CH(2)C(Ph) = NLi(NCPh)}] (6). The dimeric bis(amido)stannylene [Sn{N(R)C(6)H(4)(CH(2)NR)-1,2}](2) (7) was obtained from 4a and [Sn(μ-Cl)NR(2)](2), while the N,N'-bis(neopentyl) analogue 8 of 7 was similarly derived from [Sn(μ-Cl)NR(2)](2) and 5. Reaction of two equivalents of the diamine 2 with Pb(NR(2))(2) yielded 9, the lead homologue of 7. Oxidative addition of sulfur to 7 led to the dimeric bis(diamido)tin sulfide 10. Treatment of 2 successively with 'MgBu(2)' in C(5)H(12) and THF gave [Mg{N(R)C(6)H(4)(CH(2)NR)}(THF)](2) (11a), which by displacement of its THF by an equivalent portion of Bu(t)CN or PhCN produced [Mg{N(R)C(6)H(4)(CH(2)NR)}(CNR')(n)] [R' = Bu(t), n = 1 (11b); R' = Ph, n = 2 (11c)]. The Ca (12), Sr (13) or Ba (14) analogues of the Mg compound 11a were isolated from 2 and either the appropriate compound M(NR(2))(2) (M = Ca, Sr, Ba), or successively 2 LiBu(n) and 2 M(OTos)(2). The new compounds 1-14 were characterized by microanalysis (C, H, N; not for 1, 2, 3, 5), solution NMR spectra, ν(max) (C≡N) (IR for 4c, 4d, 4e, 6, 11b, 11c), selected EI-MS peaks (for 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10), and single crystal X-ray diffraction (for 4a, 4b, 11a).     

Cation-induced synthesis of new polyoxopalladates

Seven polyoxopalladate compounds, [Pd(15)(SeO(3))(10)(μ(3)-O)(10)](10-), with Na(+) (1) and K(+) (2) as counterions, and Na(6)[M(II){Pd(12)(SeO(3))(8)(μ(4)-O)(8)}]·nH(2)O (M = Co (3), Zn (4), Ni (5), Cu (6), Mn (7); n = 7-9), have been prepared and characterized by SXRD, FT-IR, UV-vis, EA, TGA, and ESI-MS. These compounds comprise two distinct cluster configurations, {Pd(15)} and {M(II)Pd(12)}, which reveals the possibility of obtaining desired noble metal clusters with a certain nuclearity by using different cations as potential structural directing or template agents in synthesis. All compounds showed apparent absorptions in the visible light region, while 3 and 7 were found to show paramagnetic behavior typical of mononuclear Co(II) and Mn(II) complexes with zero-field splitting.     

Unusual neutral ligand coordination to arsenic and antimony trifluoride

The preparations and spectroscopic characterisation of the hydrolytically unstable As(III) complexes, [AsF(3)(OPR(3))(2)] (R = Me or Ph) and [AsF(3){Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2)}] are described and represent the first examples of complexes of AsF(3) with neutral ligands. The crystal structure of [AsF(3){Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2)}] contains dimers with bridging diphosphine dioxide, but there are also long contacts between the dimers to neighbouring phosphine oxide groups, completing a very distorted six-coordination at arsenic and producing a weakly associated polymer structure. The reaction of AsF(3) with OAsPh(3) affords Ph(3)AsF(2), and no arsine oxide complex was formed. Reaction of SbF(3) with OER(3) (R = Me or Ph, E = P or As), Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2) and Ph(2)P(O)(CH(2))(n)P(O)Ph(2) (n = 1 or 2) in MeOH produces [SbF(3)(OER(3))(2)], [SbF(3){Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2)}] and [SbF(3){Ph(2)P(O)(CH(2))(n)P(O)Ph(2)}] respectively. The X-ray structures reveal that the complexes contain square pyramidal SbF(3)O(2) cores with apical F and cis disposed pnictogen oxides. However, whilst [SbF(3)(OER(3))(2)] (R = Ph: E = P or As; R = Me: E = As) and [SbF(3){Ph(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Ph(2)}] are monomeric, [SbF(3){Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2)}] is a dimer with bridging diphosphine dioxides producing a twelve-membered ring, and [SbF(3){Ph(2)P(O)(CH(2))(2)P(O)Ph(2)}] is a chain polymer with diphosphine dioxide bridges. In the OAsR(3) reactions with SbF(3), R(3)AsF(2) are also formed. Notably the Sb-O(P) bonds are shorter than As-O(P), despite the covalent radii (As < Sb), consistent with very weak coordination of the AsF(3). IR and multinuclear ((1)H, (19)F and (31)P) NMR data are reported and discussed. BiF(3) does not react with pnictogen oxide ligands under similar conditions and halide exchange of bismuth chloro complexes with Me(3)SnF gave BiF(3).     

Structure and properties of one-dimensional heterobimetallic polymers containing dicyanoaurate and dirhodium(II) fragments

The synthesis and characterization of compound [Rh(2)(O(2)CEt)(4)(H(2)O)(2)] (1) and one-dimensional heterobimetallic polymers K(n){Rh(2)(O(2)CEt)(4)[Au(CN)(2)]}(n) (2) and K(n){Rh(2)(O(2)CMe)(4)[Au(CN)(2)]}(n)·4nH(2)O (3), constructed from dirhodiumtetracarboxylato units, [Rh(2)(O(2)CR)(4)](+), and dicyanoaurate, [Au(CN)(2)](-), fragments are described. In both compounds 2 and 3 the resulting polymeric chains are nonlinear and have in common similar structural parameters, although the solid state supramolecular arrangement is very different. These structural differences explain the fact that complex 2 displays aurophilic interactions while this type of interactions are absent in complex 3. As a result, compound 2 shows rich blue luminescent properties whereas compound 3 is not luminescent. The electrical conductivity in solid state of compounds 2 and 3 is also studied.     

Metal-promoted synthesis of amidines containing the model nucleobases 1-methylcytosine and 9-methyladenine

The amidine complexes cis-[L(2)PtNH==C(R){1-MeCy(-2H)}]NO(3) (R = Me, 1a; Ph, 1b, Me(3)C, 1c; Ph(2)(H)C, 1d) and cis-[L(2)PtNH==C(R){9-MeAd(-2H)}]NO(3) (R = Me, 2a; Ph, 2b; Me(3)C, 2c; Ph(2)(H)C, 2d), are formed when cis-[L(2)Pt(μ-OH)](2)(NO(3))(2) (L = PPh(3)) reacts with 1-methylcytosine (1-MeCy) and 9-methyladenine (9-MeAd) in solution of MeCN, PhCN, Me(3)CCN and Ph(2)(H)CCN. Reaction of 1a,b and 2a,b with HCl affords the protonated amidines [NH(2)==C(R){1-MeCy(-H)}]NO(3) (R = Me, 3a; Ph, 3b) and [NH(2)==C(R){9-MeAd(-H)}]NO(3) (R = Me, 4a; Ph, 4b) and cis-(PPh(3))(2)PtCl(2) in quantitative yield. Treatment of 3b and 4b with NaOH allows the isolation of the neutral benzimidamides NH(2)-C(Ph){1-MeCy(-2H)} (5b) and NH(2)-C(Ph){9-MeAd(-2H)} (6b). In the solid state 3b shows a planar structure with the hydrogen atom on N(4) cytosine position involved in a strong H-bond with the NO(3)(-) ion. Intermolecular H-bonds between the oxygen of the cytosine ring and one of the H atoms of the amidine-NH(2) group allow the dimerization of the molecule. A detailed analysis of the spectra of 3b in DMF-d(7) at -55 °C indicates the presence of an equilibrium between the species [NH(2)==C(R){1-MeCy(-H)}]NO(3) and [NH(2)==C(R){1-MeCy(-H)}](2)(NO(3))(2), exchanging with trace amounts of water at 25 °C. [(15)N,(1)H]-HMBC experiments for 5b and 6b indicate that the amino tautomer H(2)N-C(Ph){nucleobase(-2H)}, is the only detectable in solution and such structure has been confirmed in the solid state. The reaction of 5b and 6b with cis-L(2)Pt(ONO(2))(2) (L = PPh(3)), in chlorinated solvents, determines the immediate appearance of a pale yellow colour due to the coordination of the neutral amidine, likely in its imino form HN==C(Ph){nucleobase(-H)}, to give the adducts cis-[L(2)PtNH==C(Ph){nucleobase(-H)}](2+). In fact, addition of "proton sponge" leads to the immediate deprotonation of the amidine ligand with formation of the starting complexes 1b and 2b.     

Lithium aryloxo magnesiates: an examination of ligand size and donor effects

The combination of equimolar amounts of LiOAr and Mg(OAr)2 (OAr=aryloxide) in polar media afforded several lithium aryloxomagnesiates. Factors influencing the structural chemistry of the compounds, such as the degree of ligand bulk, type of Lewis base donors, and crystallization solvent, are examined. Structural characterization reveals a discrete, solvent-separated species, [Li(thf)4][Mg(BHT)3].THF (1) (BHT=2,6-tBu2-4-MeC6H2O) and a family of molecular compounds with various Li/Mg stoichimetries, including a 1:1 Li/Mg ratio in [LiMg(Odpp)3(thf)2].0.5PhMe (2) (Odpp=2,6-Ph2C6H3O) and [Li(Et2O)Mg(Odpp)3].0.5PhMe (3), a 2:1 Li/Mg ratio as in [{Li(thf)2}2Mg(OMes)4].2THF (4) (OMes=2,4,6-Me3C6H2O) and [{Li(tmeda)}2Mg(m-Odtp)4].0.5Et2O (5) (m-Odtp=3,5-tBu2C6H3O), and a novel 2:3 Li/Mg ratio in [{Li(thf)2}2Mg3(m-Odtp)8(thf)2].3THF (6). Two new homometallic magnesium bis(aryloxides), Mg(Odpp)2(thf)2 (7) and Mg(Odpp)2(Et2O)2 (8), are also included for the sake of comparison. The solution behavior of the heterobimetallic compounds in arene and polar solvent is analyzed by 1H NMR spectroscopy.     

First complexes of scandium and yttrium with NNO and NNS heteroscorpionate ligands

The reaction of ScCl(3)(THF)(3) or YCl(3) in a 1:1 molar ratio under reflux for 8 h with [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)] [bdmpza = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate], [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)] [bdmpzdta = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)dithioacetate], and (Hbdmpze) [bdmpze = 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)ethoxide] affords the corresponding complexes [MCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzx)(THF)] (x = a, M = Sc (1), Y (2); x = dta, M = Sc (3), Y (4); x = e, M = Sc (5), Y (6)). However, when the reaction was carried out for 1 h under reflux between ScCl(3)(THF)(3) and [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)], a new anionic complex [Li(THF)(4)][ScCl(3)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)] (7) was obtained. Reaction of [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)] with YCl(3) in a 2:1 molar ratio under reflux for 8 h gave the complex [YCl(kappa(3)-bdmpza)(2)] (8). The same reaction, but with the lithium compound [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)], led to the formation of an anionic complex [Li(THF)(4)][YCl(3)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)] (9). The X-ray crystal structures of 7 and 9 were established. Finally, the addition of 1 equiv of [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)] or [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)] to a solution of YCl(3) in THF under reflux, followed by the addition of 1 equiv of 1,10-phenanthroline, resulted in the formation of the corresponding complexes [YCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzx)(phen)] (x = a (10), x = dta (11)). These complexes are the first examples of group 3 metals stabilized by heteroscorpionate ligands. In addition, we have explored the reactivity of some of these complexes with alcohols and amides. For example, the direct reaction of [YCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpza)(THF)] (2) with several alcohols gave the alkoxide complexes [YCl(kappa(3)-bdmpza)(OR)] (R = Et (12), iPr (13)). Finally, the reaction between [ScCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)(THF)] (3) or [Li(THF)(4)][ScCl(3)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)] (7) and LiN(SiMe(3))(2).Et(2)O in 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios gave rise to the complexes [ScCl(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta){N(SiMe(3))(2)}] (14) and [Sc(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta){N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)] (15), respectively.     

Molybdenum and tungsten eta2-alkyne-1-thio complexes acting as sulfur donors in homoleptic Werner type complexes with nickel(II) and palladium(II)

Facile access to the eta2-alkyne-1-thio complexes [Tp'M(CO)2{eta2-(BnS)CC(S)}] (Tp' = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate; Bn = benzyl; M = Mo, W) by reductive removal of one benzyl group in the corresponding bis(benzylthio)acetylene complexes, [Tp'M(CO)2{eta2-(BnS)CC(SBn)}](PF6), has been thoroughly investigated. Experimental evidence of the intermediates, [Tp'M(CO)2{eta2-(BnS)CC(SBn)}] (M = Mo, W), and the fate of the cleaved benzyl group by isolation of the byproduct, [Tp'W(CO){C(O)Bn}{eta2-(BnS)CC(SBn)}], is provided. Neutral eta2-alkyne-1-thio complexes [Tp'M(CO)2{eta2-(BnS)CC(S)}] bearing a free terminal sulfur atom have been established as monodentate ligands L in homoleptic pentanuclear [M'L4]2+ complexes with nickel(II) and palladium(II). Comparison of the NMR and IR spectroscopic as well as cyclovoltammetric data of the heterobimetallic complexes with the free thio-alkyne complexes reveals a strong electronic coupling of the redox-active eta2-CC-bound metal centers and the sulfur-coordinated metal ion.     

Hypervalent neutral O-donor ligand complexes of silicon tetrafluoride, comparisons with other group 14 tetrafluorides and a search for soft donor ligand complexes

The hypervalent adducts of SiF(4), trans-[SiF(4)(R(3)PO)(2)] (R = Me, Et or Ph), cis-[SiF(4){R(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)R(2)}] (R = Me or Ph), cis-[SiF(4)(pyNO)(2)] and trans-[SiF(4)(DMSO)(2)] have been prepared from SiF(4) and the ligands in anhydrous CH(2)Cl(2), and characterised by microanalysis, IR and VT multinuclear ((1)H, (19)F, (31)P) NMR spectroscopy. The NMR studies show extensive dissociation at ambient temperatures in non-coordinating solvents, but mixtures of cis and trans isomers of the monodentate ligand complexes were identified at low temperatures. Crystal structures are reported for trans-[SiF(4)(R(3)PO)(2)] (R = Me or Ph), and cis-[SiF(4)(pyNO)(2)]. The GeF(4) analogues cis-[GeF(4){R(2)P(O)(CH(2))(n)P(O)R(2)}] (R = Me or Ph, n = 1; R = Ph, n = 2) were similarly characterised and the structures of cis-[GeF(4){R(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)R(2)}] (R = Me or Ph) determined. The reaction of R(3)AsO (R = Me or Ph) with SiF(4) does not give simple adducts, but forms [R(3)AsOH](+) cations as fluorosilicate salts. SiF(4) adducts of some ether ligands (including THF, 12-crown-4) were also characterised by (19)F NMR spectroscopy in solution at low temperatures (～190 K), but are fully dissociated at room temperature. Attempts to isolate, or even to identify, SiF(4) adducts with phosphine or thioether ligands in solution at 190 K were unsuccessful, contrasting with the recent isolation and detailed characterisation of GeF(4) analogues. The chemistry of SiF(4) with these oxygen donor ligands, and with soft donors (P, As, S or Se), is compared and contrasted with those of GeF(4), SnF(4) and SiCl(4). The key energy factors determining stability of these complexes are discussed.     

New insights into the polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by rare-earth borohydride complexes: a combined experimental and computational approach

Polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by the rare-earth borohydride complexes [Ln(BH(4))(3)(thf)(3)] (Ln=Nd, Sm) or [Sm(BH(4))(Cp*)(2)(thf)] (Cp*=eta-C(5)Me(5)) proceeds at ambient temperature to give rather syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with molar masses M(n) higher than expected and quite broad molar mass distributions, which is consistent with a poor initiation efficiency. The polymerization of MMA was investigated by performing density functional theory (DFT) calculations on an eta-C(5)H(5) model metallocene and showed that in the reaction of [Eu(BH(4))(Cp)(2)] with MMA the borate [Eu(Cp)(2){(OBH(3))(OMe)C=C(Me)(2)}] (e-2) complex, which forms via the enolate [Eu(Cp)(2){O(OMe)C=C(Me)(2)}] (e), is calculated to be exergonic and is the most likely of all of the possible products. This product is favored because the reaction that leads to the formation of carboxylate [Eu(Cp)(2){OOC-C(Me)(=CH(2))}] (f) is thermodynamically favorable, but kinetically disfavored, and both of the potential products from a Markovnikov [Eu(Cp)(2){O(OMe)C-CH(Me)(CH(2)BH(3))}] (g) or anti-Markovnikov [Eu(Cp)(2){O(OMe)C-C(Me(2))(BH(3))}] (h) hydroboration reaction are also kinetically inaccessible. Similar computational results were obtained for the reaction of [Eu(BH(4))(3)] and MMA with all of the products showing extra stabilization. The DFT calculations performed by using [Eu(Cp)(2)(H)] to model the mechanism previously reported for the polymerization of MMA initiated by [Sm(Cp*)(2)(H)](2) confirmed the favorable exergonic formation of the intermediate [Eu(Cp)(2){O(OMe)C=C(Me)(2)}] (e') as the kinetic product, this enolate species ultimately leads to the formation of PMMA as experimentally observed. Replacing H by BH(4) thus prevents the 1,4-addition of the [Eu(BH(4))(Cp)(2)] borohydride ligand to the first incoming MMA molecule and instead favors the formation of the borate complex e-2. This intermediate is the somewhat active species in the polymerization of MMA initiated by the borohydride precursors [Ln(BH(4))(3)(thf)(3)] or [Sm(BH(4))(Cp*)(2)(thf)].     

Thio- and seleno-ether complexes with Group 4 tetrahalides and tin tetrachloride: preparation and use in CVD for metal chalcogenide films

Reaction of TiCl(4) or ZrI(4) with the soft, neutral o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)EMe)(2) (E = S or Se) in anhydrous CH(2)Cl(2) (or toluene) yields the distorted octahedral chelate complexes [MX(4){o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)EMe)(2)}]. Using Et(2)Se gives [MX(4)(Et(2)Se)(2)] (M = Zr, X = Cl or I; M = Hf, X = I). The Sn(IV) analogues, [SnCl(4){o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)EMe)(2)}] and [SnCl(4)(Et(2)Se)(2)] were obtained similarly. These complexes have been characterised spectroscopically and analytically, and crystal structures of trans-[SnCl(4)(Et(2)Se)(2)] and some selenonium salts derived as minor by-products from the parent Group 4 complexes are described. The neutral chalcogenoether complexes have been evaluated as single source precursors to ME(2)/ME thin films via LPCVD. [TiCl(4){o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)EMe)(2)}] leads to the deposition of air and moisture stable TiE(2) films (with no residual Cl). Coverage of the substrate is uniform with platelet growth perpendicular to the surface. The heavier Zr(IV) species do not lead to significant ZrE(2) deposition. On the other hand, LPCVD of [SnCl(4){o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)SMe)(2)}] leads to deposition of SnS(2) at lower temperatures and SnS at higher temperatures, while [SnCl(4){o-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)SeMe)(2)}] gives rather uneven coatings of SnSe(2). The Et(2)Se derivative, [SnCl(4)(Et(2)Se)(2)] leads to uniform deposition of SnSe(2) with growth perpendicular to the substrate surface. The SnE(2)/SnE films are stable indefinitely to air and moisture. The generation of TiS(2), SnS(2) and SnS in this way are very rare examples of metal sulfide deposition from C-S bond fission within a thioether complex.     

The beta-dialdiminato ligand [{N(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)C(H)}2CPh]-: the conjugate acid and Li, Al, Ga and In derivatives

The synthesis of the following crystalline complexes is described: [Li(L)(thf)2] (), [Li(L)(tmeda)] (), [MCl2(L)] [M=Al (), Ga ()], [In(Cl)(L)(micro-Cl)2Li(OEt2)2] (), [In(Cl)(L){N(H)C6H3Pri(2)-2,6}] (), [In(L){N(H)C6H3Pri(2)-2,6}2] (), [{In(Cl)(L)(micro-OH)}2] (), [L(Cl)In-In(Cl)(L)] () (the thf-solvate, the solvate-free and the hexane-solvate), [{In(Cl)L}2(micro-S)] () and [InCl2(L)(tmeda)] () ([L]-=[{N(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)C(H)}2CPh]-). From H(L) (), via Li(L) in Et2O, and thf, tmeda, AlCl3, GaCl3 or InCl3 there was obtained , , , or , respectively in excellent yield. Compound was the precursor for each of , and [{InCl3(tmeda)2{micro-(OSnMe2)2}}] () by treatment with one () or two () equivalents of K[N(H)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)], successively Li[N(SiMe3)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)] and moist air (), Na in thf (), tmeda (), or successively tmeda and Me3SnSnMe3 (). Crystals of (with an equivalent of In) and were obtained from InCl or thermolysis of [In(Cl)(L){N(SiMe3)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)}] () {prepared in situ from and Li[N(SiMe3)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)] in Et2O}, respectively. Compound was obtained from a thf solution of and sulfur. X-Ray data for crystalline , , , , , and are presented. The M(L) moiety in each (not the L-free ) has the monoanionic L ligated to the metal in the N,N'-chelating mode. The MN1C1C2C3N2 six-membered M(L) ring is pi-delocalised and has the half-chair (, and ) or boat (, and ) conformation.     

Syntheses and structures of the first terminal phosphanylphosphido complex of hafnium [Cp2Hf(Cl){η(1)-(Me3Si)P-P(NEt2)2}] and the first zirconocene-phosphanylphosphinidene dimer [Cp2Zr{μ(2)-P-P(NEt2)2}2ZrCp2

Reactions of (Et(2)N)(2)P-P(SiMe(3))Li with [Cp(2)MCl(2)] (M = Zr, Hf) in toluene or pentane yield the related terminal phosphanylphosphido complexes [Cp(2)M(Cl){η(1)-(Me(3)Si)P-P(NEt(2))(2)}]. The solid state structure of [Cp(2)Hf(Cl){η(1)-(Me(3)Si)P-P(NEt(2))(2)}] was established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The reaction of (Et(2)N)(2)P-P(SiMe(3))Li with [Cp(2)ZrCl(2)] in THF or DME solutions leads to the formation of deep red crystals of the first neutral diamagnetic zirconocene-phosphanylphosphinidene dimer [Cp(2)Zr{μ(2)-P-P(NEt(2))(2)}(2)ZrCp(2)]. The molecular structure of this compound was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The reactions of (R(2)N)(2)P-P(SiMe(3))Li with [CpZrCl(3)] yield the related tetraphosphetanes R(2)NP(μ(2)-PSiMe(3))(2)PNR(2), which apparently are formed as a result of a transfer of NR(2) groups from a P atom to the Zr atom.     

Lanthanide(III)/actinide(III) differentiation in the cerium and uranium complexes [M(C5Me5)2(L)]0,+ (L=2,2'-bipyridine, 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine): structural, magnetic, and reactivity studies

Treatment of [Ce(Cp*)(2)I] or [U(Cp*)(2)I(py)] with 1 mol equivalent of bipy (Cp*=C(5)Me(5); bipy=2,2'-bipyridine) in THF gave the adducts [M(Cp*)(2)I(bipy)] (M=Ce (1 a), M=U (1 b)), which were transformed into [M(Cp*)(2)(bipy)] (M=Ce (2 a), M=U (2 b)) by Na(Hg) reduction. The crystal structures of 1 a and 1 b show, by comparing the U-N and Ce-N distances and the variations in the C-C and C-N bond lengths within the bidentate ligand, that the extent of donation of electron density into the LUMO of bipy is more important in the actinide than in the lanthanide compound. Reaction of [Ce(Cp*)(2)I] or [U(Cp*)(2)I(py)] with 1 mol equivalent of terpy (terpy=2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) in THF afforded the adducts [M(Cp*)(2)(terpy)]I (M=Ce (3 a), M=U (3 b)), which were reduced to the neutral complexes [M(Cp*)(2)(terpy)] (M=Ce (4 a), M=U (4 b)) by sodium amalgam. The complexes [M(Cp*)(2)(terpy)][M(Cp*)(2)I(2)] (M=Ce (5 a), M=U (5 b)) were prepared from a 2:1 mixture of [M(Cp*)(2)I] and terpy. The rapid and reversible electron-transfer reactions between 3 and 4 in solution were revealed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The spectrum of 5 b is identical to that of the 1:1 mixture of [U(Cp*)(2)I(py)] and 3 b, or [U(Cp*)(2)I(2)] and 4 b. The magnetic data for 3 and 4 are consistent with trivalent cerium and uranium species, with the formulation [M(III)(Cp*)(2)(terpy(*-))] for 4 a and 4 b, in which spins on the individual units are uncoupled at 300 K and antiferromagnetically coupled at low temperature. Comparison of the crystal structures of 3 b, 4 b, and 5 b with those of 3 a and the previously reported ytterbium complex [Yb(Cp*)(2)(terpy)] shows that the U-N distances are much shorter, by 0.2 A, than those expected from a purely ionic bonding model. This difference should reflect the presence of stronger electron transfer between the metal and the terpy ligand in the actinide compounds. This feature is also supported by the small but systematic structural variations within the terdentate ligands, which strongly suggest that the LUMO of terpy is more filled in the actinide than in the lanthanide complexes and that the canonical forms [U(IV)(Cp*)(2)(terpy(*-))]I and [U(IV)(Cp*)(2)(terpy(2-))] contribute significantly to the true structures of 3 b and 4 b, respectively. This assumption was confirmed by the reactions of complexes 3 and 4 with the H(.) and H(+) donor reagents Ph(3)SnH and NEt(3)HBPh(4), which led to clear differentiation of the cerium and uranium complexes. No reaction was observed between 3 a and Ph(3)SnH, while the uranium counterpart 3 b was transformed in pyridine into the uranium(IV) compound [U(Cp*)(2){NC(5)H(4)(py)(2)}]I (6), where NC(5)H(4)(py)(2) is the 2,6-dipyridyl(hydro-4-pyridyl) ligand. Complex 6 was further hydrogenated to [U(Cp*)(2){NC(5)H(8)(py)(2)}]I (7) by an excess of Ph(3)SnH in refluxing pyridine. Treatment of 4 a with NEt(3)HBPh(4) led to oxidation of the terpy(*-) ligand and formation of [Ce(Cp*)(2)(terpy)]BPh(4), whereas similar reaction with 4 b afforded [U(Cp*)(2){NC(5)H(4)(py)(2)}]BPh(4) (6'). The crystal structures of 6, 6' and 7 were determined.