Studies on the biosynthesis of the notoamides: synthesis of an isotopomer of 6-hydroxydeoxybrevianamide E and biosynthetic incorporation into notoamide J

6-Hydroxydeoxybrevianamide E is proposed as a biosynthetic precursor to several advanced metabolites isolated from both marine-derived Aspergillus sp. and a terrestrial-derived Aspergillus versicolor. To verify the role of this reverse-prenylated indole alkaloid as an intermediate along the biosynthetic pathway, [(13)C](2)-[(15)N]-6-hydroxydeoxybrevianamide E was synthesized and fed to Aspergillus versicolor. Analysis of the metabolites showed incorporation of the intermediate only into the natural product notoamide J.     

N-Methyl-2-(methylamino)troponiminate Complexes of Tin(II), Gallium(III), and Indium(III). Syntheses of [(Me)(2)ATI](2)GaI and [(Me)(2)ATI](2)InCl Using the Tin(II) Reagent [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn

The N-methyl-2-(methylamino)troponimine [(Me)(2)ATI]H reacts with bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amido]tin(II) to yield [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn in excellent yield. The treatment of [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn with GaI and InCl led to the bis(ligand)gallium(III) and -indium(III) compounds [(Me)(2)ATI](2)GaI and [(Me)(2)ATI](2)InCl. These metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. All three metal adducts show fluxional behavior in solution at room temperature. [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn exhibits a pseudo trigonal bipyramidal structure in the solid state. The gallium and indium atoms in [(Me)(2)ATI](2)GaI and [(Me)(2)ATI](2)InCl adopt trigonal bipyramidal geometry around the metal center with the halide occupying an equatorial site. A convenient, high-yield route to [(Me)(2)ATI]H is also reported. Crystal data with Mo Kalpha (lambda = 0.710 73 ?) at 183 K: [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn, C(18)H(22)N(4)Sn, a = 8.4347(11) ?, b = 10.5564(13) ?, c = 11.5527(11) ?, alpha = 66.931(8) degrees, beta = 73.579(9) degrees, gamma = 67.437(7) degrees, V = 863.3(2) ?(3), triclinic, space group P&onemacr;, Z = 2, R = 0.0224; [(Me)(2)ATI](2)GaI, C(18)H(22)GaIN(4), a = 12.947(2) ?, b = 9.5834(9) ?, c = 16.0132(12) ?, beta = 107.418(8) degrees, V = 1895.8(3) ?(3), monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, Z = 4, R = 0.0214; [(Me)(2)ATI](2)InCl, C(18)H(22)ClInN(4), a = 24.337(3) ?, b = 8.004(2) ?, c = 19.339(3) ?, beta = 101.537(13) degrees, V = 3691.1(11) ?(3), monoclinic, space group C2/c, Z = 8, R = 0.0224.     

Notoamide E: Biosynthetic incorporation into notoamides C and D in cultures of Aspergillus versicolor NRRL 35600

Notoamide E, a short-lived secondary metabolite, has been proposed as a biosynthetic intermediate to several advanced metabolites isolated from Aspergillus versicolor. In order to verify the role of this indole alkaloid along the biosynthetic pathway, synthetic doubly ¹³C-labeled notoamide E was fed to Aspergillus versicolor. Analysis of the metabolites showed significant incorporation of notoamide E into the natural products notoamides C and D.     

Reduction of dinitrogen with an yttrium metallocene hydride precursor, [(C5Me5)2YH]2

Treatment of [(C(5)Me(5))(2)YH](2), 1, with KC(8) under N(2) in methylcyclohexane generates the unsolvated reduced dinitrogen complex, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 2, and extends the range of yttrium and lanthanide LnZ(2)Z'/M (Z = monoanion; M = alkali metal) dinitrogen reduction reactions to (Z')(-) = (H)(-). The hydride complex, 1, is unique in this reactivity compared to other alkane-soluble yttrium metallocenes, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)YX](x) {X = [N(SiMe(3))(2)](-), (Me)(-), (C(3)H(5))(-), and (C(5)Me(5))(-)} which did not generate 2 when treated with KC(8). [(C(5)Me(5))(2)LnH](x)/KC(8)/N(2) reactions with Ln = La and Lu did not give isolable dinitrogen complexes. Complex 2 and the unsolvated lutetium analogue, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Lu](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 3, were obtained using benzene as a solvent and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)] as precursors with excess KC(8). Complex 2 functions as a reducing agent with PhSSPh to form [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(μ-SPh)](2), 4, in high yield.     

Trivalent [(C5Me5)2(THF)Ln]2(mu-eta2:eta2-N2) complexes as reducing agents including the reductive homologation of CO to a ketene carboxylate, (mu-eta4-O2C-C=C=O)2-

The [Z(2)Ln(THF)](2)(mu-eta(2)():eta(2)()-N(2)) complexes (Z = monoanionic ligand) generated by reduction of dinitrogen with trivalent lanthanide salts and alkali metals are strong reductants in their own right and provide another option in reductive lanthanide chemistry. Hence, lanthanide-based reduction chemistry can be effected in a diamagnetic trivalent system using the dinitrogen reduction product, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)(THF)La](2)(mu-eta(2)():eta(2)()-N(2)), 1, readily obtained from [(C(5)Me(5))(2)La][BPh(4)], KC(8), and N(2). Complex 1 reduces phenazine, cyclooctatetraene, anthracene, and azobenzene to form [(C(5)Me(5))(2)La](2)[mu-eta(3):eta(3)-(C(12)H(8)N(2))], 2, (C(5)Me(5))La(C(8)H(8)), 3, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)La](2)[mu-eta(3):eta(3)-(C(14)H(10))], 4, and [(C(5)Me(5))La(mu-eta(2)-(PhNNPh)(THF)](2), 5, respectively. Neither stilbene nor naphthalene are reduced by 1, but 1 reduces CO to make the ketene carboxylate complex {[(C(5)Me(5))(2)La](2)[mu-eta(4)-O(2)C-C=C=O](THF)}(2), 6, that contains CO-derived carbon atoms completely free of oxygen.     

Structural and dynamical aspects of alkylammonium salts of a silicodecatungstate as heterogeneous epoxidation catalysts

The structural and dynamical aspects of alkylammonium salts of a silicodecatungstate [(CH(3))(4)N](4)[γ-SiW(10)O(34)(H(2)O)(2)] [C1], [(n-C(3)H(7))(4)N](4)[γ-SiW(10)O(34)(H(2)O)(2)] [C3], [(n-C(4)H(9))(4)N](4)[γ-SiW(10)O(34)(H(2)O)(2)] [C4], and [(n-C(5)H(11))(4)N](4)[γ-SiW(10)O(34)(H(2)O)(2)] [C5] were investigated. The results of sorption isotherms, XRD analyses, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy show that facile sorption of solvent molecules, flexibility of structures, and high mobility of alkylammonium cations are crucial to the uniform distribution of reactant and oxidant molecules throughout the bulk solid, which are related to the high catalytic activities for epoxidation of alkenes.     

Bi-, tetra-, and hexanuclear AuI and binuclear AgI complexes and AgI coordination polymers containing phenylaminobis(phosphonite), PhN{P(OC6H4OMe-o)2}2, and pyridyl ligands

The reactions of phenylaminobis(phosphonite), PhN{P(OC6H4OMe-o)2}2 (1) (PNP), with [AuCl(SMe2)] in appropriate ratios, afford the bi- and mononuclear complexes, [(AuCl)2(micro-PNP)] (2) and [(AuCl)(PNP)]2 (3) in good yield. Treatment of 2 with 2 equiv of AgX (X = OTf or ClO4) followed by the addition of 1 or 2,2'-bipyridine affords [Au2(micro-PNP)2](OTf)2 (4) and [Au2(C10H8N2)2(micro-PNP)](ClO4)2 (5), respectively. Similarly, the macrocycles [Au4(C4H4N2)2(micro-PNP)2](ClO4)4 (6), [Au4(C10H8N2)2(micro-PNP)2](ClO4)4 (7), and [Au6(C3H3N3)2(micro-PNP)3](ClO4)6 (8) are obtained by treating 2 with pyrazine, 4,4'-bipyridine, or 1,3,5-triazine in the presence of AgClO 4. The reaction of 1 with AgOTf in a 1:2 molar ratio produces [Ag2(micro-OTf)2(micro-PNP)] (9). The displacement of triflate ions in 9 by 1 leads to a disubstituted derivative, [Ag2(micro-PNP)3](OTf)2 (10). The equimolar reaction of 1 with AgClO4 in THF affords [Ag2(C4H8O)2(micro-PNP)2](ClO4)2 (11). Treatment of 1 with AgClO4 followed by the addition of 2,2'-bipyridine affords a discrete binuclear complex, [Ag2(C10H8N2)2(micro-PNP)](ClO4)2 (12), whereas similar reactions with 4,4'-bipyridine or pyrazine produce one-dimensional zigzag Ag (I) coordination polymers, [Ag2(C10H8N2)(micro-ClO4)(ClO4)(micro-PNP)]n (13) and [Ag2(C4H4N2)(micro-ClO4)(ClO4)(micro-PNP)]n (14) in good yield. The nature of metal-metal interactions in compounds 2, 4, 5, and 12 was analyzed theoretically by performing HF and CC calculations. The structures of the complexes 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 14 are confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Synthesis and characterisation of anionic and neutral gallium(I) N-heterocyclic carbene analogues

A high yield synthesis of a new, extremely bulky anionic gallium(I) N-heterocyclic carbene analogue, [(DAB*)Ga:](-) (DAB* = {N(Ar*)C(H)}(2), Ar* = C(6)H(2){C(H)Ph(2)}(2)Me-2,6,4) has been developed and four monomeric sodium complexes of the heterocycle have been crystallographically characterised. The gallium(I) heterocycle has been utilised in the preparations of the heteroleptic zinc and cadmium gallyl complexes, [(DAB*)GaMX(tmeda)] (M = Zn or Cd, X = Br or I), which were crystallographically characterised. In addition, [(DAB*)Ga:](-) was oxidatively coupled to give the diamagnetic digallane(4), [(DAB*)GaGa(DAB*)]. The moderate yield synthesis of the six-membered gallium(I) heterocycle, [((But)MesNacnac)Ga:] ((But)MesNacnac = [(MesNCBu(t))(2)CH](-), Mes = mesityl), is described, and the compound found to be a monomer in the solid state by an X-ray crystallographic analysis. A low yield by-product from this synthesis, [Ga(5)I(4)((But)MesNacnac)(3)], was also isolated and shown by X-ray crystallography to be a rare example of a compound bearing a group 13 metal-metal bonded chain stabilised by β-diketiminate ligands. A preliminary analysis of the bonding in the compound was carried out using DFT calculations.     

Guest driven rearrangements of protonation and hydrogen bonding in decavanadate anions as their tetraalkylammonium salts

Single crystal X-ray structure determinations of [(n-C5H11)4N]3[H3V10O28].2(CH3)2CO (TAA-acetone), [(n-C5H11)4N]8[H3V10O28]2[H4V10O28].7C4H8O2 (TAA-dioxane), [(n-C5H11)4N]3[H3V10O28] (TAAh) and [(n-C6H13)4N]2[H4V10O28].4C4H8O2 (THA-dioxane) revealed that protonation and hydrogen bond formation of decavanadate anions in their tetraalkylammonium salts are influenced by the nature of the solvent molecules incorporated as guests into the crystals. When crystallized with acetone molecules, the decavanadate anion forms a self-associated hydrogen-bonded dimer of ([H3V10O28](3-))2 to hide the protons from the aprotic protophobic acetone molecules. When crystallized with 1,4-dioxane molecules, the decavanadate anion exposes its protons to the aprotic protophilic 1,4-dioxane molecules to form a hydrogen-bond assisted solvation complex of ((C4H8O2)4...[H4V10O28)](2-)). Size effects of the tetraalkylammonium cations on crystallizing these hydrogen-bonded assemblies were also examined.     

Synthesis and structure of boron-bridged constrained geometry complexes of titanium

The boron-bridged constrained geometry titanium complexes [Ti[eta5:eta1-(C5H4)B(NR2)NPh](NMe2)2][R = iPr (3), SiMe3(4)] and [Ti[eta5:eta1-(C9H6)B(NiPr2)NPh](NMe2)2](12) have been prepared in good yields by amine elimination reaction from [Ti(NMe2)4]. Subsequent deamination-chlorination with excess Me3SiCl yielded the corresponding dichloro-complexes (5, 6, 13). Reaction of the analogous ligand precursors (C5H5)B(NiPr2)N(H)R (R = Cy, tBu) with [Ti(NMe2)4] did not result in the expected bridged compounds, but rather in the half-sandwich complexes [Ti[(eta5-C5H4)B(NiPr2)N(H)R](NMe2)3][R = Cy (9), tBu (10)]. All compounds were fully characterised by means of multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. Thorough investigation of substituent effects was achieved by comparative X-ray diffraction studies on complexes 3, 5, 6 and 12.     

Cross-correlated relaxation enhanced 1H[bond]13C NMR spectroscopy of methyl groups in very high molecular weight proteins and protein complexes

A comparison of HSQC and HMQC pulse schemes for recording (1)H[bond](13)C correlation maps of protonated methyl groups in highly deuterated proteins is presented. It is shown that HMQC correlation maps can be as much as a factor of 3 more sensitive than their HSQC counterparts and that the sensitivity gains result from a TROSY effect that involves cancellation of intra-methyl dipolar relaxation interactions. (1)H[bond](13)C correlation spectra are recorded on U-[(15)N,(2)H], Ile delta 1-[(13)C,(1)H] samples of (i) malate synthase G, a 723 residue protein, at 37 and 5 degrees C, and of (ii) the protease ClpP, comprising 14 identical subunits, each with 193 residues (305 kDa), at 5 degrees C. The high quality of HMQC spectra obtained in short measuring times strongly suggests that methyl groups will be useful probes of structure and dynamics in supramolecular complexes.     

The chemoselective reactions of tyrosine-containing G-protein-coupled receptor peptides with [Cp*Rh(H2O)3](OTf)2, including 2D NMR structures and the biological consequences

The bioconjugation of organometallic complexes with peptides has proven to be a novel approach for drug discovery. We report the facile and chemoselective reaction of tyrosine-containing G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) peptides with [Cp*Rh(H(2)O)(3)](OTf)(2), in water, at room temperature, and at pH 5-6. We have focused on three important GPCR peptides; namely, [Tyr(1)]-leu-enkephalin, [Tyr(4)]-neurotensin(8-13), and [Tyr(3)]-octreotide, each of which has a different position for the tyrosine residue, together with competing functionalities. Importantly, all other functional groups present, i.e., amino, carboxyl, disulfide, phenyl, and indole, were not prominent sites of reactivity by the Cp*Rh tris aqua complex. Furthermore, the influence of the Cp*Rh moiety on the structure of [Tyr(3)]-octreotide was characterized by 2D NMR, resulting in the first representative structure of an organometallic-peptide complex. The biological consequences of these Cp*Rh-peptide complexes, with respect to GPCR binding and growth inhibition of MCF7 and HT29 cancer cells, will be presented for [(η(6)-Cp*Rh-Tyr(1))-leu-enkephalin](OTf)(2) and [(η(6)-Cp*Rh-Tyr(3))-octreotide](OTf)(2).     

Organoplatinum(IV) tris-chelate complexes, each having a cyclic metallacarbonate ring: synthesis, characterization and kinetic studies of the formation

The complexes [Pt[(CH2)4](NN)], 1a (NN = 2,2'-bipyridine) and 1b (NN = 1,10-phenanthroline) react with 2,3-epoxypropylphenyl ether in the presence of CO2 to give tris-chelate platina(IV)cyclopentane complexes characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy as [Pt[(CH2)4](CH2CHCH2OPhOCO2)(NN)], 2. The reactions proceed by the SN2 mechanism and the rates were independent of concentration of CO2. It is demonstrated that for 1a, the reaction proceeds 2.32 times faster than the similar reaction in which the dimethyl analog, [PtMe2(2,2'-bipyridine)], is used. The analog tris-chelate complex [Pt[(CH2)4](CH2CHPhOCO2)(phen)], 3a, was similarly synthesized.     

(Ph)3PBr][Br7], [(Bz)(Ph)3P]2[Br8], [(n-Bu)3MeN]2[Br20], [C4MPyr]2[Br20], and [(Ph)3PCl]2[Cl2I14]: extending the horizon of polyhalides via synthesis in ionic liquids

The five polyhalides [(Ph)(3)PBr][Br(7)], [(Bz)(Ph)(3)P](2)[Br(8)], [(n-Bu)(3)MeN](2)[Br(20)], [C(4)MPyr](2)[Br(20)] ([C(4)MPyr] = N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium), and [(Ph)(3)PCl](2)[Cl(2)I(14)] were prepared by the reaction of dibromine and iodine monochloride in ionic liquids. The compounds [(Ph)(3)PBr][Br(7)] and [(Bz)(Ph)(3)P](2)[Br(8)] contain discrete pyramidal [Br(7)](-) and Z-shaped [Br(8)](2-) polybromide anions. [(n-Bu)(3)MeN](2)[Br(20)] and [C(4)MPyr](2)[Br(20)] exhibit new infinite two- and three-dimensional polybromide networks and contain the highest percentage of dibromine ever observed in a compound. [(Ph)(3)PCl](2)[Cl(2)I(14)] also consists of a three-dimensional network and is the first example of an infinite polyiodine chloride. All compounds were obtained from ionic liquids as the solvent that, on the one hand, guarantees for a high stability against strongly oxidizing Br(2) and ICl and that, on the other hand, reduces the high volatility of the molecular halogens.     

New diphosphine ligands containing ethyleneglycol and amino alcohol spacers for the rhodium-catalyzed carbonylation of methanol

The new diphosphine ligands Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)C(O)X(CH(2))(2)OC(O)C(6)H(4)PPh(2) (1: X=NH; 2: X=NPh; 3: X=O) and Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)C(O)O(CH(2))(2)O(CH(2))(2)OC(O)C(6)H(4)PPh(2) (5) as well as the monophosphine ligand Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)C(O)X(CH(2))(2)OH (4) have been prepared from 2-diphenylphosphinobenzoic acid and the corresponding amino alcohols or diols. Coordination of the diphosphine ligands to rhodium, iridium, and platinum resulted in the formation of the square-planar complexes [(Pbond;P)Rh(CO)Cl] (6: Pbond;P=1; 7: Pbond;P=2; 8: Pbond;P=3), [(Pbond;P)Rh(CO)Cl](2) (9: Pbond;P=5), [(P-P)Ir(cod)Cl] (10: Pbond;P=1; 11: Pbond;P=2; 12: Pbond;P=3), [(Pbond;P)Ir(CO)Cl] (13: Pbond;P=1; 14: Pbond;P=2; 15: Pbond;P=3), and [(Pbond;P)PtI(2)] (18: Pbond;P=2). In all complexes, the diphosphine ligands are trans coordinated to the metal center, thanks to the large spacer groups, which allow the two phosphorus atoms to occupy opposite positions in the square-planar coordination geometry. The trans coordination is demonstrated unambiguously by the single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of complex 18. In the case of the diphosphine ligand 5, the spacer group is so large that dinuclear complexes with ligand 5 in bridging positions are formed, maintaining the trans coordination of the P atoms on each metal center, as shown by the crystal structure analysis of 9. The monophosphine ligand 4 reacts with [[Ir(cod)Cl](2)] (cod=cyclooctadiene) to give the simple derivative [(4)Ir(cod)Cl] (16) which is converted into the carbonyl complex [(4)Ir(CO)(2)Cl] (17) with carbon monoxide. The crystal structure analysis of 16 also reveals a square-planar coordination geometry in which the phosphine ligand occupies a position cis with respect to the chloro ligand. The diphosphine ligands 1, 2, 3, and 5 have been tested as cocatalysts in combination with the catalyst precursors [[Rh(CO)(2)Cl](2)] and [[Ir(cod)Cl](2)] or [H(2)IrCl(6)] for the carbonylation of methanol at 170 degrees C and 22 bar CO. The best results (TON 800 after 15 min) are obtained for the combination 2/[[Rh(CO)(2)Cl](2)]. After the catalytic reaction, complex 7 is identified in the reaction mixture and can be isolated; it is active for further runs without loss of catalytic activity.     

Magnetic face-to-face interaction and electrocommunication in chromium sandwich compounds

The reaction of [{(C5Me5)CrCl2}2] with [2.2](1,4)cyclophane gave [(C5Me5)Cr{[2.2](1,4)cyclophane}] (1) and [(C5Me5)Cr{[2.2](1,4)cyclophane}Cr(C5Me5)] (2), depending on the reaction conditions. X-ray structure analysis showed 2 to be a ministack which in turn is stacked in the lattice. The chromium atoms are 6.035 A apart, and the distortion of the benzene rings to boat-shaped moieties is less pronounced than in parent [2.2](1,4)cyclophane. The NMR and EPR spectra were consistent with a S=1/2 ground state for 1 and with two interacting S=1/2 centers in 2. Spin density was found in the ligand pi systems, where its sign was negative when the pi system was adjacent to chromium, while on the nonbonded benzene moiety of 1 it was positive. Cyclic voltammograms showed reductions to 1- and 2(2-), as well as oxidations to 1+, 2+, and 2(2+) which were quasireversible, whereas oxidations to 1(2+) and 2(3+) were irreversible. Interaction between the metal ions was revealed by a 260 mV separation of the redox waves belonging to 2+, and 2(2+). Both cations were isolated as [B(C6H5)4]- salts, which in solution decomposed to [2.2](1,4)cyclophane and [(C5Me5)Cr{(eta6-C6H5)B(C6H5)3}] (3). The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of 3 were in accordance with an S=1 ground state. Solid-state magnetic measurements of the dimetallic compounds showed antiferromagnetic interaction with J=-122 cm-1 for 2, J=-31 cm-1 for 2+ (ground state S=1/2), and J=-23.5 cm-1 for 2(2+) (with H=-JS1S2). The decrease of J in the series 2, 2+, and 2(2+) was traced to the number of unpaired electrons and, for the mixed-valent cation 2+, to additional double exchange.     

Adventures in crystallization. Crystalline salts containing one, two, or even three chemically distinct cations obtained from solutions of [(cyclohexyl isocyanide)(4)Rh(I)]+

By judicious selection of crystallization conditions, it has been possible to obtain the salts of a common building block, [(RNC)4Rh(I)]+, in single-crystal form suitable for X-ray diffraction. Salts that contain a single type of cation include deep green [(C6H11NC)12Rh(I)3](SbF6)3, deep green [(C6H11NC)12Rh(I)3](AsF6)3, and straw yellow [(C6H11NC)8Rh(II)2Cl2](BF4)2 (in addition to the previously isolated trimeric deep green [(i-PrNC)12RhI3]Cl3 x 4.5 H2O, monomeric, [(C6H11NC)4 Rh(I)](BPh4), and [(i-PrNC)4Rh(I)](BPh4) (both yellow), and red, dimeric [(C6H11NC)8Rh(I)2]Cl2 x 0.5C6H6 x 2H2O). Ordered crystals of [(C6H11NC)12Rh(I)3](SbF6)3 contain linear Rh3 units, while those of [(C6H11NC)12Rh(I)3](AsF6)3 show disorder which is consistent with the presence of linear or bent Rh3 units. The formation of green [(C6H11NC)12Rh(V/III)3Cl2][(C6H11NC)12Rh(I)3]Cl6, and brown [(C6H11NC)12Rh(V/III)3Cl2][(C6H11NC)8Rh(I)2][(C6H11NC)4RhI]Cl6 x 16H2O x 3C6H6 along with unidentified red-brown cubes from an air-exposed solution of [(C6H11NC)4Rh(I)]Cl is reported. As their formulas indicate, green [(C6H11NC)12Rh(V/III)3Cl2][(C6H11NC)12Rh(I)3]Cl6, and brown [(C6H11NC)12Rh(V/III)3Cl2][(C6H11NC)8Rh(I)2][(C6H11NC)8Rh(I)]Cl6 x 16H2O x 3C6H6 contain two or three chemically distinct cations, respectively, but again are built from a common precursor, [(C6H11NC)4Rh(I)]+.     

The elusive vanadate (V(3)O(9))(3-): isolation, crystal structure, and nonaqueous solution behavior.

The isolation, crystal structure, and nonaqueous solution characteristics of the first trinuclear vanadate are presented. The crystal structure reveals a six-membered cyclic arrangement of alternating vanadium and oxygen atoms for the anion of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)). The (51)V NMR spectrum of this compound in CD(3)CN exhibits multiple peaks. The relative intensities of each resonance can be altered by concentration and temperature changes, the later of which are reversible. Addition of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N]Br and NaClO(4) also perturbs the equilibria between species observed. Conductivity data for [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) in CH(3)CN as a function of concentration display pronounced curvature and indicate formation of a neutral species in solution at the highest concentrations studied. Stoichiometric mixtures of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) with the known vanadates [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(HV(4)O(12)), [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(5)O(14)), and [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(H(3)V(10)O(28)) are prepared and examined by (51)V NMR. Equilibration between the various vanadates is observed and characterized. Resonances for these known vanadates, however, cannot be used to identify the peaks found for [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)), alone, in solution. The existence of ion pairs in acetonitrile is the only interpretation for the solution behavior of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) consistent with all data. As such, we can directly observe each possible ion pairing state by (51)V NMR: (V(3)O(9))(3-) at -555 ppm, [[(C(4)H(9))(4)N](V(3)O(9))] (2-) at -569 ppm, [[(C(4)H(9))(4)N](2)(V(3)O(9))](-) at -576 ppm, and [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) at -628 ppm. To the best of our knowledge, [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) presents the first case in which every possible ion paired state can be observed directly from a parent polyion. Isolation and characterization of this simple metal oxo moiety may now facilitate efforts to design functional polyoxometalates.     

Coordination and reductive chemistry of tetraphenylborate complexes of trivalent rare earth metallocene cations, [(C5Me5)2Ln][(μ-Ph)2BPh2

The reactivity of the tetraphenylborate salts of the rare earth metallocene cations [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)] (Ln = Y, 1; Sm, 2) has been investigated with substrates that undergo reduction with f element complexes to probe metal-substrate interactions prior to reduction. Results with NaN(3), 1-adamantyl azide, acetone, benzophenone, phenanthroline, pyridine, azobenzene, and phenazine are described. Not only were coordination complexes isolated, but substrate reduction by (BPh(4))(-) was also observed. Complex 1 reacts with NaN(3) to form the azide [(C(5)Me(5))(2)YN(3)](x), 3, which crystallizes as [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(μ-N(3))](3), 4, when obtained from 1 and 1-adamantyl azide. The samarium analogue [(C(5)Me(5))(2)SmN(3)](x), 5, can be produced similarly from 2 and NaN(3) and crystallized from MeCN as [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(NCMe)(μ-N(3))](3), 6, and {[(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(μ-N(3))][(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(NCMe)(μ-N(3))]}(n), 7. Complexes 1 and 2 react with stoichiometric amounts of acetone and benzophenone to form the ketone adducts [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln(OCMe(2))(2)][BPh(4)] (Ln = Y, 8; Sm, 9) and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln(OCPh(2))(2)][BPh(4)] (Ln = Y, 10; Sm, 11), respectively. Phenanthroline (phen) coordinates to 1 to form [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(phen)][BPh(4)], 12. Complexes 1 and 2 react with pyridine (py) to form [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln(py)(2)][BPh(4)], (Ln = Y, 13; Sm, 14). Complexes 3, 8, 10, and 12 can also be made from the solvated cation [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(THF)(2)][BPh(4)]. The reaction of 1 with PhNNPh yields the diamagnetic adduct [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(PhNNPh)][BPh(4)], 15, which transforms in benzene to the radical anion complex (C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(PhNNPh), 16, via a one electron reduction by (BPh(4))(-). Complex 1 similarly reacts with phenazine (phz) to produce the first rare earth phenazine radical anion complex {[(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y](2)(phz)}{BPh(4)}, 17. Further reduction of phenazine by (BPh(4))(-) in 17 yields [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y](2)(phz), 18, which contains the common (phz)(2-) dianion. The reduction of fluorenone by (BPh(4))(-) is also reported.     

Relative volatilities of ionic liquids by vacuum distillation of mixtures

The relative volatilities of a variety of common ionic liquids have been determined for the first time. Equimolar mixtures of ionic liquids were vacuum-distilled in a glass sublimation apparatus at approximately 473 K. The composition of the initial distillate, determined by NMR spectroscopy, was used to establish the relative volatility of each ionic liquid in the mixture. The effect of alkyl chain length was studied by distilling mixtures of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids, or mixtures of N-alkyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids, with different alkyl chain lengths. For both classes of salts, the volatility is highest when the alkyl side chain is a butyl group. The effect of cation structure on volatility has been determined by distilling mixtures containing different types of cations. Generally speaking, ionic liquids based on imidazolium and pyridinium cations are more volatile than ionic liquids based on ammonium and pyrrolidinium cations, regardless of the types of counterions present. Similarly, ionic liquids based on the anions [(C2F5SO2)2N](-), [(C4F9SO2)(CF3SO2)N](-) , and [(CF3SO2)2N](-) are more volatile than ionic liquids based on [(CF3SO2)3C](-) and [CF3SO3](-), and are much more volatile than ionic liquids based on [PF6](-).