Reactivity of niobium(v) and tantalum(v) halides with carbonyl compounds: synthesis of simple coordination adducts, C-H bond activation, C=O protonation, and halide transfer

The metal halides of Group 5 MX(5) (M = Nb, Ta; X = F, Cl, Br) react with ketones and acetylacetones affording the octahedral complexes [MX(5)(ketone)] () and [TaX(4){kappa(2)(O)-OC(Me)C(R)C(Me)O}] (R = H, Me, ), respectively. The adducts [MX(5)(acetone)] are still reactive towards acetone, acetophenone or benzophenone, giving the aldolate species [MX(4){kappa(2)(O)-OC(Me)CH(2)C(R)(R')O}] (). The syntheses of (M = Ta, X = F, R = R' = Ph) and (M = Ta, X = Cl, R = Me, R' = Ph) take place with concomitant formation of [(Ph(2)CO)(2)-H][TaF(6)], and [(MePhCO)(2)-H][TaCl(6)], respectively. The compounds [acacH(2)][TaF(6)], and [TaF{OC(Me)C(Me)C(Me)O}(3)][TaF(6)], have been isolated as by-products in the reactions of TaF(5) with acacH and 3-methyl-2,4-pentanedione, respectively. The molecular structures of, and have been ascertained by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Synthetic and theoretical study of the incorporation of metal halides in [{Ti(eta5-C5Me5)(mu-NH)}3(mu3-N)

The capacity of the imido-nitrido organometallic ligand [{Ti(eta5-C5Me5)(mu-NH)}3(mu3-N)] (1) to entrap main group metal halides MXn has been investigated. Treatment of 1 with metal halides in toluene or dichloromethane afforded several soluble adducts [MXn(L)] (L=1) in good yields. The reaction of 1 with one equivalent of Group 1 and 13 monohalides MX afforded single cube-type complexes [XM{(mu3-NH)3Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)}] (M=Li, X=Br (2), I (3); M=Na, X=I (4); M=In, X=I (5); M=Tl, X=I (6)). Analogous treatment of 1 with Group 2 and 14 dihalides MX(2) gave the corresponding adducts [I2M{(mu3-NH)3Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)}] (M=Mg (7), Ca (8), Sr (9)) and [Cl(2)M{(mu3-NH)3Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)}] (M=Sn (10), Pb (11)). The treatment of 1 with SnI2 or the reaction of 10 with MeI at 60 degrees C afforded two azametallocubane units linked by two bridging iodine atoms [{ISn(mu3-NH)3Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)}2(mu-I)2] (12). Indium triiodide reacted with 1 in toluene to form the adduct [I3In(mu3-NH)3Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)] (13). Density functional theory calculations have been carried out to study these processes and evaluate the influence of the solvent. X-ray crystal structure determinations have been performed for complexes 10, 12, and 13.     

Alkyl-eta2-alkene niobocene and tantalocene complexes with the allyldimethylsilyl-eta5-cyclopentadienyl ligand: synthesis, NMR studies and DFT calculations

Group 5 metal complexes [M(eta5-C5H5)[eta5-C5H4SiMe2(CH2-eta]2-CH=CH2)]X] (M = Nb, X = Me, CH2Ph, CH2SiMe3; M = Ta, X = Me, CH2Ph) and [Ta(eta5-C5Me5)[eta5-C5H4SiMe2(CH2-eta2-CH=CH2)]X] (X = Cl, Me, CH2Ph, CH2SiMe3) containing a chelating alkene ligand tethered to a cyclopentadienyl ring have been synthesized in high yields by reduction with Na/Hg (X = Cl) and alkylation with reductive elimination (X = alkyl) of the corresponding metal(iv) dichlorides [M(eta5-Cp)[eta5-C5H4SiMe2(CH2CH=CH2)]Cl2] (Cp = C5H5, M = Nb, Ta, Cp = C5Me5, M = Ta). These chloro- and alkyl-alkene coordinated complexes react with CO and isocyanides [CNtBu, CN(2,6-Me2C6H3)] to give the ligand-substituted metal(III) compounds [M(eta5-Cp)[eta5-C5H4SiMe2(CH2CH=CH2)]XL] (X = Cl, Me, CH2Ph, CH2SiMe3). Reaction of the chloro-alkene tantalum complex with LiNHtBu results in formation of the imido hydride derivative [Ta(eta5-C5Me5)[eta5-C5H4SiMe2(CH2CH=CH2)]H(NtBu)]. NMR studies for all of the new compounds and DFT calculations for the alkene-coordinated metal complexes are compared with those known for related group 4 metal cations.     

Reactivity of niobium and tantalum pentahalides with cyclic ethers and the isolation and characterization of intermediates in the polymerization of tetrahydrofuran

The complexes MX5(THF) (M = Nb, X = Cl, 2a; M = Ta, X = F, 2c, X = Cl, 2d) and [MX4(THF){O(CH2)4O(CH2)3CH2)}][MX6] (M = Nb, X = Cl, 3a; M = Ta, X = Cl, 3d, X = Br, 3e, X = I, 3f) result from reactions of MX5 with 0.5 and 1.5 equiv of THF, respectively. Compounds 3 contain the unprecedented 4-(tetrahydrofuran-1-ium)-butan-1-oxo ligand and are likely to play a role in the course of THF polymerization catalyzed by MX5. The addition of L (L = 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, 1,4-dioxane) to MX5 results in the formation of the hexacoordinated complexes MX5(L). The molecular structures of 2d, 3d, and NbCl5(dioxane), 6a, have been ascertained by X-ray diffraction studies.     

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.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of alkaline-earth-metal bis(amido)silane and lithium oxobis(aminolato)silane complexes

Several of alkaline-earth-metal complexes [(η(2):η(2):μ(N):μ(N)-Li)(+)](2)[{η(2)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)}(2)Mg](2-) (4), [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Ca·3THF] (5), [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Sr·THF] (6), and [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Ba·4THF] (7) of a bulky bis(amido)silane ligand were readily prepared by the metathesis reaction of alkali-metal bis(amido)silane [Me(2)Si(DippNLi)(2)] (Dipp = 2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3)) and alkaline-earth-metal halides MX(2) (M = Mg, X = Br; M = Ca, Sr, Ba, X = I). Alternatively, compounds 5-7 were synthesized either by transamination of M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)·2THF (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) and [Me(2)Si(DippNH)(2)] or by transmetalation of Sn[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2), [Me(2)Si(DippNH)(2)], and metallic calcium, strontium, and barium in situ. The metathesis reaction of dilithium bis(amido)silane [Me(2)Si(DippNLi)(2)] and magnesium bromide in the presence of oxygen afforded, however, an unusual lithium oxo polyhedral complex {[(DippN(Me(2)Si)(2))(μ-O)(Me(2)Si)](2)(μ-Br)(2)[(μ(3)-Li)·THF](4)(μ(4)-O)(4)(μ(3)-Li)(2)} (8) with a square-basket-shaped core Li(6)Br(2)O(4) bearing a bis(aminolato)silane ligand. All complexes were characterized using (1)H, (13)C, and (7)Li NMR and IR spectroscopy, in addition to X-ray crystallography.     

Methyl displacements from cyclopentadienyl ring planes in sterically crowded (C5Me5)3M complexes

The displacements of the methyl substituents away from the metal and out of the cyclopentadienyl ring plane are compared in sterically crowded (C(5)Me(5))(3)M complexes vs sterically normal f-element complexes in an attempt to evaluate the utility of this parameter in predicting unusual (C(5)Me(5))(1-) ring reactivity. The out-of-plane displacements of 16 sterically crowded tris(cyclopentadienyl) complexes of general formula (C(5)Me(5))(3)M, (C(5)Me(4)R)(3)M (R = Et, (i)Pr, (t)()Bu, SiMe(3)), (C(5)Me(5))(3)MX (X = anion), and (C(5)Me(5))(3)ML (L = neutral ligand) are compared with [(C(5)Me(5))(2)U](2)(C(6)H(6)), (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(PC(4)H(2)(t)Bu(2)), and 33 representative examples of f-element bis(cyclopentadienyl) complexes with normal cyclopentadienyl behavior and coordination numbers ranging from 6 to 10. In general, the methyl displacement values of sterically crowded complexes overlap with those in the other complexes, which demonstrates that the basis of the structural distortions is complex. However, if the most extreme out-of-plane displacement in each of the sterically crowded complexes is examined vs the analogous maximum out-of-plane displacement in less crowded systems, there appears to be a basis for predicting cyclopentadienyl reactivity.     

The d4/d3 redox pairs [MX(CO)(eta-RC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)Tp']z (z=0 and 1): structural consequences of electron transfer and implications for the inverse halide order

The d4 halide complexes [MX(CO)(eta-RC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)Tp'] {X=F, Cl, Br or I; R=Me or Ph; M=Mo or W; Tp'=hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate} undergo one-electron oxidation to the d3 monocations [MX(CO)(eta-RC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)Tp']+, isolable for M=W, R=Me. X-Ray structural studies on the redox pairs [WX(CO)(eta-MeC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CMe)Tp']z (X=Cl and Br, z=0 and 1), the ESR spectra of the cations [WX(CO)(eta-RC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)Tp']+ (X=F, Cl, Br or I; R=Me or Ph), and DFT calculations on [WX(CO)(eta-MeC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CMe)Tp']z (X=F, Cl, Br and I; z=0 and 1) are consistent with electron removal from a HOMO (of the d4 complexes) which is pi-antibonding with respect to the W-X bond, pi-bonding with respect to the W-C(O) bond, and delta-bonding with respect to the W-Calkyne bonds. The dependence of both oxidation potential and nu(CO) for [MX(CO)(eta-RC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)Tp'] shows an inverse halide order which is consistent with an ionic component to the M-X bond; the small size of fluorine and its closeness to the metal centre leads to the highest energy HOMO and the lowest oxidation potential. In the cations [MX(CO)(eta-RC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)Tp']+ electronegativity effects become more important, leading to a conventional order for Cl, Br and I. However, high M-F pi-donation is still facilitated by the short M-F distance.     

Spacially confined M2 centers (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) on a sterically bulky binucleating support: synthesis, structures and ethylene oligomerization studies

Two new bulky aryl-bridged pyridyl-imine compartmental (pro)ligands, 2,6-{(2,6-i-Pr(2)C6H3)N=C(Me)C5H3N}2C6H3Y (Y = H L1, OH L2-H), have been prepared in moderate to good overall yields via a Stille-type cross-coupling approach. The molecular structure of L2-H reveals a transoid configuration within the pyridyl-imine units with a hydrogen-bonding interaction maintaining the phenol coplanar with one of the adjacent pyridine rings. The interaction of 2 equiv of MX2 with L1 in n-BuOH at 110 degrees C gives the binuclear complexes, [(L1)M2X4] (M = Fe, X = Cl (1a); M = Co, X = Cl (1b); M = Ni, X = Br (1c); M = Zn, X = Cl (1d)), in which the metal centers adopt distorted tetrahedral geometries and occupy the two pyridyl-imine cavities in L1. In contrast, deprotonation of L2-H occurs upon reaction with 2 equiv of MX2 to afford the phenolate-bridged species [(L2)M2(mu-X)X2] (M = Fe, X = Cl (2a); M = Co, X = Cl (2b); M = Ni, X = Br (2c); M = Zn, X = Cl (2d)). 1H NMR studies of diamagnetic 1d and 2d reveal that the limited rotation of the N-aryl groups in 1d is further impeded in 2d by steric interactions imparted by the two closely located N-aryl groups. Partial displacement of the bridging bromide in 2c results upon its treatment with acetonitrile to afford [(L2)Ni2Br3(NCMe)] [2c(MeCN)]; no such reaction occurs for 2a, 2b, or 2d. Upon activation with excess methylalumoxane (MAO), 1b, 1c, 2b, and 2c show some activity for alkene oligomerization forming low molecular-weight materials with methyl-branched products predominating for the nickel systems. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies have been performed on L2-H, 1c, 2b, 2c, 2c(NCMe), and 2d.     

Mononuclear (Pd, Pt), heterodinuclear (PdAg, PtAg), and tetranuclear (Pd2Ag2, Pt2Ag2) 1,1-ethylenedithiolato complexes

lp;&-5q;1 The reactions of [Tl2[S2C=C[C(O)Me]2]]n with [MCl2L2] (1:1) or with [MCl2(NCPh)2] and PPh3 (1:1:2) give complexes [M[eta2-S2C=C[C(O)Me]2]L2] [M = Pt, L2 = 1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod) (1); L2 = bpy, M = Pd (2a), Pt (2b), L = PPh3, M = Pd (3a), Pt (3b)] whereas with MCl2 and QCl (2:1:2) anionic derivatives Q2[M[eta2-S2C=C[C(O)Me]2]2] [M = Pd, Q = NMe4 (4a), Ph3P=N=PPh3 (PPN) (4a'), M = Pt, Q = NMe4 (4b)] are produced. Complexes 1 and 3 react with AgClO4 (1:1) to give tetranuclear complexes [[ML2]2Ag2[mu2,eta2-(S,S')-[S2C=C[C(O)Me]2]2]](ClO4)2 [L = PPh3, M = Pd (5a), Pt (5b), L2 = cod, M = Pt (5b')], while the reactions of 3 with AgClO4 and PPh3 (1:1:2) give dinuclear [[M(PPh3)2][Ag(PPh3)2][mu2,eta2-(S,S')-S2C=C[C(O)Me]2]]]ClO4 [M = Pd (6a), Pt (6b)]. The crystal structures of 3a, 3b, 4a, and two crystal forms of 5b have been determined. The two crystal forms of 5b display two [Pt(PPh3)2][mu2,eta2-(S,S')-[S2C=C[C(O)Me]2]2] moieties bridging two Ag(I) centers.     

Palladium complexes of a phosphorus ylide with two stabilizing groups: synthesis, structure, and DFT study of the bonding modes

The phosphorus ylide ligand [Ph3P=C(CO2Me)C(=NPh)CO2Me] (L1) has been prepared and fully characterized by spectroscopic, crystallographic, and density functional theory (DFT) methods (B3LYP level). The reactivity of L1 toward several cationic Pd(II) and Pt(II) precursors, with two vacant coordination sites, has been studied. The reaction of [M(C/\X)(THF)2]ClO4 with L1 (1:1 molar ratio) gives [M(C/\X)(L1)]ClO4 [M = Pd, C/\X = C6H4CH2NMe2 (1), S-C6H4C(H)MeNMe2 (2), CH2-8-C9H6N (3), C6H4-2-NC5H4 (4), o-CH2C6H4P(o-tol)2 (6), eta3-C3H5 (7); M = Pt, C/\X = o-CH2C6H4P(o-tol)2 (5); M(C/\X) = Pd(C6F5)(SC4H8) (8), PdCl2 (9)]. In complexes 1-9, the ligand L1 bonds systematically to the metal center through the iminic N and the carbonyl O of the stabilizing CO2Me group, as is evident from the NMR data and from the X-ray structure of 3. Ligand L1 can also be orthopalladated by reaction with Pd(OAc)2 and LiCl, giving the dinuclear derivative [Pd(mu-Cl)(C6H4-2-PPh2=C(CO2Me)C(CO2Me)=NPh)]2 (10). The X-ray crystal structure of 10 is also reported. In none of the prepared complexes 1-10 was the C(alpha) atom found to be bonded to the metal center. DFT calculations and Bader analysis were performed on ylide L1 and complex 9 and its congeners in order to assess the preference of the six-membered N,O metallacycle over the four-membered C,N and five-membered C,O rings. The presence of two stabilizing groups at the ylidic C causes a reduction of its bonding capabilities. The increasing strength of the Pd-C, Pd-O, and Pd-N bonds along with other subtle effects are responsible for the relative stabilities of the different bonding modes.     

Mixed amido/imido/guanidinato complexes of niobium: potential precursors for MOCVD of niobium nitride thin films

Novel mixed amido/imido/guanidinato complexes of niobium are reported. The complexes were synthesized by insertion of two equivalents of di-isopropylcarbodiimide (i-Pr-cdi) or bis-cyclohexylcarbodiimide (Cy-cdi) respectively, into the niobium-amido bonds of [Nb(NR(2))(3)(N-t-Bu)] (, R = Me; , R = Et) starting out from [NbCl(3)(N-t-Bu)(py)(2)] and the respective LiNR(2) reagent (py = pyridine). Four representative examples of these mixed ligand amido/imido/guanidinato compounds were synthesized and were characterized by (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, (15)N-NMR, CHN-analysis, mass spectrometry and infra-red spectroscopy. The molecular structures of [Nb(NR(2)){eta(2)-(i-Pr-N)(2)C(NR(2))}(2)(N-t-Bu)] (, R = Me; , R = Et) in the solid state were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies and are discussed together with the molecular structure of the starting compound [Nb(NMe(2))(3)(N-t-Bu)] (). The thermal properties of the new compounds depend on the substitution at the guanidinato ligand. Complexes of i-Pr-cdi are significantly more volatile than complexes of Cy-cdi as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis. Preliminary experiments using as a single-molecule source for metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) in the absence of ammonia indicate the formation of the stoichiometric, and surprisingly carbon-free, cubic niobium nitride phase.     

Mixed hydrazido amido/imido complexes of tantalum, hafnium and zirconium: potential precursors for metal nitride MOCVD

The coordination chemistry of the hydrazine derivatives dimethylhydrazine (Hdmh) and N-trimethylsilyl-N'N'-dimethylhydrazine (Htdmh) at Ta, Zr and Hf was investigated aiming at volatile mixed ligand all-nitrogen coordinated compounds. The hydrazido ligands were introduced either by salt metathesis employing the Li salts of the hydrazines and the tetrachlorides MCl(4) (M = Zr, Hf) or by amine substitution using M(NR(2))(4) (R = Me, Et) and [(t-BuN)Ta(NR(2))(3)]. The new complexes were fully characterised including (1)H/(13)C NMR, mass spectrometry and a study of their thermal behaviour. The crystal structures of [ZrCl(tdmh)(3)] and the all-nitrogen coordinated complex [Ta(N-t-Bu)(NMe(2))(2)(tdmh)] are discussed as well as the structure of the by-product [Li(tdmh)(py)](2). Preliminary MOCVD experiments of the liquid compound [Ta(NEt(2))(2)(N-t-Bu)(tdmh)] were performed and the deposited TaN(Si) films were analysed by RBS and SEM.     

M...HNR interactions in imino-bound diaryltriazene complexes: structure and fluxionality

The nominally square-planar coordination of the d(8) complexes [MClL(1)L(2)(p-XC(6)H(4)NNNHC(6)H(4)X-p)](M = Rh, L(1)= L(2)= CO, X = H, Me, Et or F; M = Ir, L(1)= L(2)= CO, X = Me; M = Pd or Pt, L(1)= Cl, L(2)= PPh(3), X = Me; M = Pd, L(1)L(2)=eta(3)-C(3)H(5), X = Me), with the triazene N-bonded via the imine group, is supplemented by an axial M...H-N interaction involving the terminal amino group.     

Titanium and zirconium complexes of preorganized tripodal triaryloxide ligands

Tri(2-oxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)methane, [O3]3- has been used to prepare titanium and zirconium complexes of the general formula [O3]MX (M = Ti, X = NEt2, Cl, CH2Ph; M = Zr, X = CH2Ph). The tripodal [O3] ligand in titanium complexes adopt the syn- and the anti-conformation, while the syn complex of zirconium undergoes facile C-H activation to give a 5-carbametalatrane [O3C]Zr(THF)3.     

Mono- vs. bi-metallic assembly on a bulky bis(imino)terpyridine framework: a combined experimental and theoretical study

The bis(imino)terpyridine ligands, 6,6'-{(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3)N=CR}2-2,2':6',2'-C15H9N3 (R = H L1, Me L2), have been prepared in high yield from the condensation reaction of the corresponding carbonyl compound with two equivalents of 2,6-diisopropylaniline. The molecular structure of L2 reveals a transoid relationship between the imino and pyridyl nitrogen groups throughout the ligand framework. Treatment of aldimine-containing L1 with one equivalent or an excess of MX2 in n-BuOH at 110 degrees C gives the mononuclear five-coordinate complexes, [(L1)MX2] (M = Fe, X = Cl 1a; M = Ni, X = Br 1b; M = Zn, X = Cl 1c), in which the metal centre occupies the terpyridine cavity and the imino groups pendant. Conversely, reaction of ketimine-containing L2 with excess MX2 in n-BuOH at 110 degrees C affords the binuclear complexes, [(L2)M2X4] (M = Fe, X = Cl 3a; M = Ni, X = Br 3b; M = Zn, X = Cl 3c), in which one metal centre occupies a bidentate pyridylimine cavity while the other a tridentate bipyridylimine cavity. 1H NMR studies on diamagnetic 3c suggests a fluxional process is operational at ambient temperature in which the central pyridine ring undergoes an exchange between metal coordination. Under less forcing conditions (room temperature in dichloromethane), the monometallic counterpart of 1b [(L2)NiBr2] (2b) has been isolated which can be converted to 3b by addition of one equivalent of (DME)NiBr2 (DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) in n-BuOH at 110 degrees C. Quantum mechanical calculations (DFT) have been performed on [(L1)ZnCl2] and [(L2)ZnCl2] for different monometallic conformations and show that 1a is the energetically preferred structure for L1 while there is evidence for dynamic behaviour in L2-containing species leading to bimetallic formation. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies have been performed on 1a, 1b, 1c, 2b, 3a, 3b(H2O) and 3c.     

Synthetic, reactivity, and structural studies on half-sandwich (eta5-C5Me5)Be and related compounds: halide, alkyl, and iminoacyl derivatives

The half-sandwich compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))BeX] (X=Cl, 1 a; Br, 1 b), readily prepared from the reaction of the halides BeX(2) and M[C(5)Me(5)] (M=Na or K), are useful synthons for other (eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Be organometallic compounds, including the alkyl derivatives [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))BeR] (R=Me, 2 a; CMe(3), 2 b; CH(2)CMe(3), 2 c; CH(2)Ph, 2 d). The latter compounds can be obtained by metathetical exchange of the halides 1 with the corresponding lithium reagent and exhibit NMR signals and other properties in accord with the proposed formulation. Attempts to make [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))BeH] have proved fruitless, probably due to instability of the hydride toward disproportionation into [Be(C(5)Me(5))(2)] and BeH(2). The half-sandwich iminoacyl [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Be(C(NXyl)Cp')] and [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(4)H)Be(C(NXyl)Cp')]3, 6 where Xyl=C(6)H(3)-2,6-Me(2) and Cp'=C(5)Me(5) or C(5)Me(4)H, are formed when the beryllocenes [Be(C(5)Me(5))(2)], [Be(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)], and [Be(C(5)Me(5))(C(5)Me(4)H)] are allowed to react with CNXyl. Isolation of three different iminoacyl isomers from the reaction of the mixed-ring beryllocene [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Be(eta(1)-C(5)Me(4)H)] and CNXyl, namely compounds 5 a, 5 b, and 6, provides compelling evidence for the existence in solution of different beryllocene isomers, generated in the course of two very facile processes that explain the solution dynamics of these metallocenes, that is the 1,5-sigmatropic shift of the Be(eta(5)-Cp') unit around the periphery of the eta(1)-Cp' ring, and the molecular inversion rearrangement that exchanges the roles of the two rings.     

Group 11 complexes with unsymmetrical P,S and P,Se disubstituted ferrocene ligands

The reaction of the unsymmetrical ligands 1-diphenylphosphino-1'-(phenylsulfanyl)ferrocene and 1-diphenylphosphino-1'-(phenylselenyl)ferrocene, Fc(EPh)PPh2(E = S, Se), with several group 11 metal derivatives leads to the synthesis of complexes of the type [MX{Fc(EPh)PPh2}](M = Au, X = Cl, C6F5; M = Ag, X = OTf), (OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate), [M{Fc(EPh)PPh2}2]X (M = Au, X = ClO4; M = Ag, X = OTf), [M(PPh3){Fc(EPh)PPh2}]OTf (M = Au, Ag), [Au2{Fc(SPh)PPh2}2](ClO4)2, [Au(C6F5)2{Fc(SePh)PPh2}]ClO4, [Au(C6F5)3{Fc(EPh)PPh2}], [Au2(C6F5)6{Fc(SePh)PPh2}] or [Cu{Fc(EPh)PPh2}2]PF6(E = S, Se). In these complexes coordination depends upon the metal centre; with gold it takes place predominantly to the phosphorus atom and with silver and copper to both phosphorus and chalcogen atoms. The treatment of some of the gold complexes with other metal centres affords heterometallic derivatives that in some cases are in equilibrium with the homometallic derivatives. Several compounds have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, four pairs of homologous compounds, yet not a single pair is isotypic. In many of them a three dimensional network is formed through secondary bonds such as hydrogen bonds, Au...Cl or Au...Se interactions. The complex [Ag(OTf){Fc(SePh)PPh2}] forms one-dimensional chains through trifluoromethanesulfonate bridging ligands.     

Molybdenum oxo and imido complexes of beta-diketiminate ligands: synthesis and structural aspects

Treatment of [MoO2(eta2-Pz)2] (Pz = 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolate) with the diketiminate ligand NacNacH (NacNac = CH[C(Me)NAr]2-, Ar = 2,6-Me2C6H3) at 55 degrees C leads under reduction of the metal to the formation of the dimeric molybdenum(V) compound [{MoO2(NacNac)}2] (1). The compound was characterized by spectroscopic means and by X-ray crystal structure analysis. The dimer consists of a [Mo2O4]2+ core with a short Mo-Mo bond (2.5591(5) A) and one coordinated diketiminate ligand on each metal atom. The reaction of [MoO2(eta2-Pz)2] with NacNacH in benzene at room temperature leads to a mixture of 1 and the monomeric molybdenum(VI) compound [MoO2(NacNac)(eta2-Pz)] (2). From such solutions, yellow crystals of 2 suitable for X-ray structural analysis were obtained revealing the coordination of one bidentate NacNac and one eta2-coordinate Pz ligand. This renders the two oxo groups inequivalent. Further high oxidation state molybdenum compounds containing the NacNac ligand were obtained by the reaction of [Mo(NAr)2Cl2(dme)] (Ar = 2,6-Me2C6H3) and [Mo(N-t-Bu)2Cl2(dme)] (dme = dimethoxyethane) with 1 equiv of the potassium salt NacNacK forming [Mo(NAr)2Cl(NacNac)] (3) and [Mo(N-t-Bu)2Cl(NacNac)] (4), respectively, in good yields. The X-ray structure analysis of 3 revealed a penta-coordinate compound where the geometry is best described as trigonal-bipyramidal.     

Formation of M(4)Se(4) cuboids (M = As, Sb, Bi) via secondary pnictogen-chalcogen interactions in the co-crystals MX(3)·Se[double bond, length as m-dash]P(p-FC(6)H(4))(3) (M = As, X = Br; M = Sb, X = Cl; M = Bi, X = Cl, Br)

The reactions of the group 15 trihalides, MX(3) (M = As, Sb, Bi; X = Cl, Br), with the phosphine selenide SeP(p-FC(6)H(4))(3) result in the formation of co-crystals of formula MX(3)·SeP(p-FC(6)H(4))(3). No reaction was observed with MI(3) (M = As, Sb, Bi). The structures of MX(3)·SeP(p-FC(6)H(4))(3) (M = As, X = Br 2; M = Sb, X = Cl 3; M = Bi, X = Cl 5; M = Bi, X = Br 6) have been established, and are isomorphous, crystallising in the cubic I23 space group. All the structures feature a primary MX(3) unit, which has three weak secondary MSe interactions to SeP(p-FC(6)H(4))(3) molecules. However, each of these SeP(p-FC(6)H(4))(3) molecules bridges three MX(3) molecules, resulting in the generation of an M(4)Se(4) (M = As, Sb, Bi) distorted cuboid linked by the pnictogen-chalcogen interactions. Four opposing corners of the cuboid are occupied by the M atom (M = As, Sb, Bi) of an MX(3) pyramid, and the other four by the selenium atom of the phosphine selenide.