Preparation, properties, and reactivities of unprecedented oxo-sulfido Nb(IV) aqua ions and crystal structure of (Me2NH2)6[Nb5(mu3-S)2(mu3-O)2(mu2-O)2(NCS)14].3.5H2O

By treatment of Zn-reduced ethanolic solutions of NbCl5 with HCl in the presence of sulfide followed by cation-exchange chromatography, two oxo-sulfido niobium aqua ions, the red [Nb4(mu4-S)(mu2-O)5(H2O)10]4+ and the yellow-brown [Nb5(mu3-S)2(mu3-O)2(mu2-O)2(H2O)14]8+, were isolated. Both readily form their respective thiocyanate complexes, for which the structure for the former has been previously reported. Brown crystals of (Me2NH2)6[Nb5S2O4(NCS)14].3.5H2O (1) were isolated in the case of the latter, and the structure was determined by X-ray crystallography (space group: a = 15.4018(5) A, b = 21.1932(8) A, c = 22.0487(8) A, alpha=gamma = 90 degrees , beta = 103.4590(10) degrees , and R(1) = 0.0659). An unprecedented pentanuclear Nb5S2O48+ core is revealed in which short Nb-Nb distances (2.7995(8)-2.9111(8) A) are consistent with metal-metal bonding. A stopped-flow kinetic study of the 1:1 equilibration of NCS- with [Nb4(mu4-S)(mu2-O)5(H2O)10]4+ has been carried out. Equilibration rate constants are independent of [H(+)] in the range investigated (0.5-2.0 M) and at 25 degrees C; kf= 9.5 M(-1) s(-1), kaq = 2.6 x 10(-2) s(-1), and K = 365 M1). Conditions with first NCS- and then [Nb4(mu4-S)(mu2-O)5(H2O)10]4+ in excess revealed a statistical factor of 4, suggesting the presence of four kinetically equivalent Nb atoms. Attempts to study the 1:1 substitution of NCS- with [Nb5(mu3-S)2(mu3-O)2(mu2-O)2(H2O)14]8+ showed signs of saturation kinetics. Quantum chemical calculations using the density functional theory (DFT) approach were performed on both the Nb4O5S4+ and Nb5O4S28+ naked clusters. The highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals have dominant Nb(4d) character. The HOMO for Nb4O5S4+ is a nondegenerate fully filled MO, whereas for Nb5O4S28+, it is a nondegenerate partially filled MO with one unpaired electron. EPR spectroscopy on [Nb5(mu3-S)2(mu3-O)2(mu2-O)2(H2O)14]8+ shows that the molecule has total anisotropy (C2v), with all three tensors, gx= 2.399, gy= 1.975, and gz= 1.531, resolved. No hyperfine interaction expected from the nuclear moment of I = 9/2 for 93Nb was observed.     

Matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and theoretical studies on the reactions of niobium and tantalum mono- and dioxides with methane

The reactions of niobium and tantalum monoxides and dioxides with methane have been investigated using matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and theoretical calculations. The niobium and tantalum oxide molecules were prepared by laser evaporation of Nb(2)O(5) and Ta(2)O(5) bulk targets. The niobium monoxide molecule interacted with methane to form the ONb(CH(4)) complex, which was predicted to have C(3)(v)() symmetry with the metal atom coordinated to three hydrogen atoms of the methane molecule. The ONb(CH(4)) complex rearranged to the CH(3)Nb(O)H isomer upon 300 nm < lambda < 580 nm irradiation. The analogous OTa(CH(4)) complex was not observed, but the CH(3)Ta(O)H molecule was produced upon UV irradiation. The niobium and tantalum dioxide molecules reacted with methane to form the O(2)Nb(CH(4)) and O(2)Ta(CH(4)) complexes with C(s)() symmetry, which underwent photochemical rearrangement to the CH(3)Nb(O)OH and CH(3)Ta(O)OH isomers upon ultraviolet irradiation.     

A Novel Niobium Cluster Aqua Ion with Capping μ4‐Se Ligand

The aqueous solution chemistry of niobium is underexplored, and well characterized aqua complexes are scarce. In this contribution, a new niobium aqua complex was obtained by treatment of Zn‐reduced ethanolic solution of NbCl₅ with HCl in the presence of a selenide source (ZnSe). This is the first example of selenium containing aqua complex of niobium. The yellow‐green aqua complex was isolated by cation‐exchange chromatography and transformed into corresponding isothiocyanate complex by ligand exchange, which was crystallized as (PyH)_4.5[H_1.5Nb₄SeO₅(NCS)₁₀] · 0.5H₂O. X‐ray structural analysis revealed a metal‐metal bonded tetranuclear {Nb₄(μ₄‐Se)(μ₂‐O)₅}⁴⁺ core with a capping μ₄‐Se ligand.     

Phosphaalkynes from acid chlorides via P for O(Cl) metathesis: a recyclable niobium phosphide (P(3-)) reagent that effects C-P triple-bond formation

Reported herein is a new, metathetical P for O(Cl) exchange mediated by an anionic niobium phosphide complex that furnished phosphaalkynes (RCP) from acid chlorides (RC(O)Cl) under mild conditions. The niobaziridine hydride complex, Nb(H)(tBu(H)C=NAr)(N[Np]Ar)2 (1, Np = neopentyl, Ar = 3,5-Me2C6H3), has been shown previously to react with elemental phosphorus (P4), affording the mu-diphosphide complex, (mu2:eta2,eta2-P2)[Nb(N[Np]Ar)3]2, (2), which can be subsequently reduced by sodium amalgam to the anonic, terminal phosphide complex, [Na][PNb(N[Np]Ar)3] (3). It is now shown that treatment of 3 with either pivaloyl (t-BuC(O)Cl) or 1-adamantoyl (1-AdC(O)Cl) chloride provides the thermally unstable niobacyles, (t-BuC(O)P)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3 (4-t-Bu) and (1-AdC(O)P)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3 (4-1-Ad), which are intermediates along the pathway to ejection of the known phosphaalkynes t-BuCP (5-t-Bu) and 1-AdCP(5-1-Ad). Phosphaalkyne ejection from 4-t-Bu and 4-1-Ad proceeds with formation of the niobium(V) oxo complex ONb(N[Np]Ar)3 (6) as a stable byproduct. Preliminary kinetic measurements for fragmentation of 4-t-Bu to 5-t-Bu and 6 in C6D6 solution are consistent with a first-order process, yielding the thermodynamic parameters DeltaH = 24.9 +/- 1.4 kcal mol-1 and DeltaS = 2.4 +/- 4.3 cal mol-1 K-1 over the temperature range 308-338 K. Separation of volatile 5-t-Bu from 6 after thermolysis has been readily achieved by vacuum transfer in yields of 90%. Pure 6 is recovered after vacuum transfer and can be treated with 1.0 equiv of triflic anhydride (Tf2O, Tf = O2SCF3) to afford the bistriflate complex, Nb(OTf)2(N[Np]Ar)3 (7), in high yield. Complex 7 provides direct access to 1 upon reduction with magnesium anthracene, thus completing a cycle of element activation, small-molecule generation via metathetical P-atom transfer, and deoxygenative recycling of the final niobium(V) oxo product.     

CRYSTAL STRUCTURE AND X-RAY CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE BINUCLEAR CLUSTER THIOCYANATE COMPLEX OF NIOBIUM(IV)

Journal of Structural Chemistry - The structure of a binuclear niobium(IV) thiocyanate complex (Bu4N)4[Nb2(μ2-S2)2(NCS)8]·H2O (1·H2O) is studied by X-ray crystallography. Compound...     

Disulfides of manganese carbonyl. Synthesis of Mn(2)(CO)(7)(mu-S2) and its reactions with tertiary phosphines and arsines

The reaction of Mn(2)(CO)(9)(NCMe) with thiirane yielded the sulfidomanganese carbonyl compounds Mn(2)(CO)(7)(mu-S(2)), 2, Mn(4)(CO)(15)(mu(3)-S(2))(mu(4)-S(2)), 3, and Mn(4)(CO)(14)(NCMe)(mu(3)-S(2))(mu(4)-S(2)), 4, by transfer of sulfur from the thiirane to the manganese complex. Compound 3 was obtained in better yield from the reaction of 2 with CO, and compound 4 is obtained from the reaction of 2 with NCMe. The reaction of 2 with PMe(2)Ph yielded the tetramanganese disulfide Mn(4)(CO)(15)(PMe(2)Ph)(2)(mu(3)-S)(2), 5, and S=PMe(2)Ph. The reaction of 5 with PMe(2)Ph yielded Mn(4)(CO)(14)(PMe(2)Ph)(3)(mu(3)-S)(2), 6, by ligand substitution. The reaction of 2 with AsMe(2)Ph yielded the new complexes Mn(4)(CO)(14)(AsMe(2)Ph)(2)(mu(3)-S(2))(2), 7, Mn(4)(CO)(14)(AsMe(2)Ph)(mu(3)-S(2))(mu(4)-S(2)), 8, Mn(6)(CO)(20)(AsMe(2)Ph)(2)(mu(4)-S(2))(3), 9, and Mn(2)(CO)(6)(AsMe(2)Ph)(mu-S(2)), 10. Reaction of 2 with AsPh(3) yielded the monosubstitution derivative Mn(2)(CO)(6)(AsPh(3))(mu-S(2)), 11. Reaction of 7 with PMe(2)Ph yielded Mn(4)(CO)(15)(AsMe(2)Ph)(2)(mu(3)-S)(2), 12. The phosphine analogue of 7, Mn(4)(CO)(14)(PMe(2)Ph)(2)(mu(3)-S(2))(2), 13, was prepared from the reaction of Mn(2)(CO)(9)(PMe(2)Ph) with Me(3)NO and thiirane. Compounds 2-9 and 11-13 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 2 contains a disulfido ligand that bridges two Mn(CO)(3) groups that are joined by a Mn-Mn single bond, 2.6745(5) A in length. A carbonyl ligand bridges the Mn-Mn bond. Compounds 3 and 4 contain four manganese atoms with one triply bridging and one quadruply bridging disulfido ligand. Compounds 5 and 6 contain four manganese atoms with two triply bridging sulfido ligands. Compound 9 contains three quadruply bridging disulfido ligands imbedded in a cluster of six manganese atoms.     

Extraction and complex formation of niobium(V) with 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-(4-tolyl)-4-pyridone

The extraction of niobium(V) from aqueous hydrochloric and sulphuric acid solutions with 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-(4-tolyl)-4-pyridone (HY) dissolved in chloroform is described. Niobium(V) can be quantitatively extracted with HY in the form of two different complexes depending on the chloride ion concentration in the aqueous phase. At a low chloride concentration or without chloride in the aqueous phase niobium(V) is extracted with HY in the form of Nb(OH)₃Y₂ and at a high chloride concentration as a mixed Nb(OH)₃ClY complex. Niobium extraction with HY enables the separation of niobium(V) from zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV). The formation of a mixed chloro-4-pyridone complex is also applicable for the spectrophotometric determination of niobium in the organic phase at the maximum absorption at 350 nm.     

New iso-propoxides, tert-butoxides and neo-pentoxides of niobium(V): synthesis, structure, characterization and stabilization by trifluoroheteroarylalkenolates and pyridine ligands

The synthesis and characterization of nine new heteroleptic alkoxides of niobium is described. Metathesis reactions of Nb(2)Cl(10) with (t)BuCH(2)OH and pyridine (py) or 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) affords monomeric octahedral complexes Nb(OCH(2)(t)Bu)(5)py (1) and Nb(OCH(2)(t)Bu)(5)DMAP (2), respectively, in high yields (>60%). The same reaction with (t)BuOH resulted in a chloro functionalized alkoxide Nb(O(t)Bu)(4)pyCl (3) and could not be pushed to complete removal of remaining Cl(-) ligand. The introduction of a chelating bidental ligand 3,3,3-trifluoro-1-(pyridine-2-yl)propen-2-ol (2-PyCHCOHCF(3)) (4') in the dimeric framework of Nb(2)(O(i)Pr)(10) (4') produced a heteroleptic, monomeric niobium complex Nb(O(i)Pr)(4)(2-PyCHCOCF(3)) (4) with significantly enhanced stability and volatility. As a comparison to (4), five different heteroaryl systems (5-9) with the same side chain have been synthesized and examined in order to understand the influence upon physio-chemical properties. All the new compounds (1-9) have been characterized by microanalysis, variable temperature multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, thermal analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies ((3), (4) and (9)). The molecular structure of (3) revealed mononuclear species with Nb atoms present in the distorted octahedral environment of four (t)BuO, one chloride and one pyridine ligand. Compounds (4) and (9) consisting of four (i)PrO and a trifluoroheteroarylenolate exhibited a stronger distortion in the molecular geometry due to the rigidity of chelating β-alkenolate moiety.     

Synthesis and reactivity of a bis(disulfide)-bridged RuMo3S4 double-cubane cluster: a new family of nona- or decanuclear mixed-metal sulfide clusters with two RuMo3S4 units

A bis(disulfide)-bridged RuMo3S4 double-cubane cluster [{(Cp*Mo)3(mu3-S)4Ru}(mu2-eta2:eta1-S2)]2[PF6]2 (2, Cp* = eta5-C5Me5) is readily available from cluster [(Cp*Mo)3(mu3-S)4RuH2(PPh3)][PF6] (1) and S8. The reactions of cluster 2 with [M(PPh3)4] (M = Pd, Pt) give rise to the formation of a new family of nona- or decanuclear mixed-metal sulfide clusters, [{(Cp*Mo)3(mu3-S)4Ru}2(mu3-S)2{Pd(S)(PPh3)}][PF6]2 (3), [{(Cp*Mo)3(mu3-S)4Ru}2(mu3-S)2{(Pd(PPh3))2(mu2-S)}][PF6]2 (4), and [{(Cp*Mo)3(mu3-S)4Ru}2(mu3-S)2{Pt(PPh3)2}][PF6]2 (5), with two RuMo3S4 cubane units, the structures of which have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Novel borothermal process for the synthesis of nanocrystalline oxides and borides of niobium

A new process has been developed for the synthesis of nanocrystalline niobium oxide and niobium diboride using an amorphous niobium precursor obtained via the solvothermal route. On varying the ratio of niobium precursor to boron and the reaction conditions, pure phases of nanostructured niobium oxides (Nb(2)O(5), NbO(2)), niobium diboride (NbB(2)) and core-shell nanostructures of NbB(2)@Nb(2)O(5) could be obtained at normal pressure and low temperature of 1300 °C compared to a temperature of 1650 °C normally used. The above borothermal process involves the in situ generation of B(2)O(2) to yield either oxide or diboride. The niobium oxides and borides have been characterized in detail by XRD, HRTEM and EDX studies. The core-shell structure has been investigated by XPS depth profiling, EFTEM and EELS (especially to characterize the presence of boron and the shell thickness). The niobium diboride nanorods (with high aspect ratio) show a superconducting transition with the T(c) of 6.4 K. In the core-shell of NbB(2)@Nb(2)O(5), the superconductivity of NbB(2) is masked by the niobium oxide shell and hence no superconductivity was observed. The above methodology has the benefits of realizing both oxides and borides of niobium in nanocrystalline form, in high purity and at much lower temperatures.     

Cubane-type heterometallic sulfido clusters: incorporation of two metal fragments into a dinuclear ReS(mu-S)2ReS core affording bimetallic M2Re2(mu 3-S)4 clusters (M = Ru,Pt, Cu) or trimetallic MM'Re2(mu 3-S)4 clusters via incomplete cubane-type MRe2(mu 3-S)(mu 2-S)3 intermediates (M = Ru,Rh, Ir; M' = Mo,W, Pd,Ru, Rh)

Reactions of a dirhenium tetra(sulfido) complex [PPh(4)](2)[ReS(L)(mu-S)(2)ReS(L)] (L = S(2)C(2)(SiMe(3))(2)) with a series of group 8-11 metal complexes in MeCN at room temperature afforded either the cubane-type clusters [M(2)(ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)] (M = CpRu (2), PtMe(3), Cu(PPh(3)) (4); Cp = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) or the incomplete cubane-type clusters [M(ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(mu(2)-S)(3)] (M = (eta(6)-C(6)HMe(5))Ru (5), CpRh (6), CpIr (7)), depending on the nature of the metal complexes added. It has also been disclosed that the latter incomplete cubane-type clusters can serve as the good precursors to the trimetallic cubane-type clusters still poorly precedented. Thus, treatment of 5-7 with a range of metal complexes in THF at room temperature resulted in the formation of novel trimetallic cubane-type clusters, including the neutral clusters [[(eta(6)-C(6)HMe(5))Ru][W(CO)(3)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)], [(CpM)[W(CO)(3)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)] (M = Rh, Ir), [(Cp*Ir)[Mo(CO)(3)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)], [[(eta(6)-C(6)HMe(5))Ru][Pd(PPh(3))](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)], and [(Cp*Ir)[Pd(PPh(3))](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)] (13) along with the cationic clusters [(Cp*Ir)(CpRu)(ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)][PF(6)] (14) and [(Cp*Ir)[Rh(cod)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)][PF(6)] (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene). The X-ray analyses have been carried out for 2, 4, 7, 13, and the SbF(6) analogue of 14 (14') to confirm their bimetallic cubane-type, bimetallic incomplete cubane-type, or trimetallic cubane-type structures. Fluxional behavior of the incomplete cubane-type and trimetallic cubane-type clusters in solutions has been demonstrated by the variable-temperature (1)H NMR studies, which is ascribable to both the metal-metal bond migration in the cluster cores and the pseudorotation of the dithiolene ligand bonded to the square pyramidal Re centers, where the temperatures at which these processes proceed have been found to depend upon the nature of the metal centers included in the cluster cores.     

Niobium phosphates as new highly selective catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane

Several niobium phosphate phases have been prepared, fully characterized and tested as catalysts for the selective oxidation of ethane to ethylene. Three distinct niobium phosphate catalysts were prepared, and each was comprised predominantly of a different bulk phase, namely Nb(2)P(4)O(15), NbOPO(4) and Nb(1.91)P(2.82)O(12). All of the niobium phosphate catalysts showed high selectivity towards ethylene, but the best catalyst was Nb(1.91)P(2.82)O(12), which was produced from the reduction of niobium oxide phosphate (NbOPO(4)) by hydrogen. It was particularly selective for ethylene, giving ca. 95% selectivity at 5% conversion, decreasing to ca. 90% at 15% conversion, and only produced low levels of carbon oxides. It was also determined that the only primary product from ethane oxidation over this catalyst was ethylene. Catalyst activity also increased with time-on-line, and this behaviour was ascribed to an increase of the concentration of the Nb(1.91)P(2.82)O(12) phase, as partially transformed NbOPO(4), formed during preparation, was converted to Nb(1.91)P(2.82)O(12) during use. Catalysts with predominant phases of Nb(2)P(4)O(15) and NbOPO(4) also showed appreciable activity and selectivities to ethylene with values around 75% and 85% respectively at 5% ethane conversion. The presence of phosphorous is required to achieve high ethylene selectivity, as orthorhombic and monoclinic Nb(2)O(5) catalysts showed similar activity, but displayed selectivities to ethylene that were <20% under the same reaction conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that niobium phosphates have been shown to be highly selective catalysts for the oxidation of ethane to ethylene, and demonstrates that they are worthy candidates for further study.     

Synthesis of a molecular Mo2Fe6S9 cluster with the topology of the PN cluster of nitrogenase by rearrangement of an edge-bridged Mo2Fe6S8 double cubane

The structures of the P cluster and cofactor cluster of nitrogenase are well-defined crystallographically. They have been obtained only by biosynthesis; their chemical synthesis remains a challenge. Synthetic routes are sought to the P cluster in the P(N) state in which two cuboidal Fe(3)S(3) units are connected by a mu(6)-S atom and two Fe-(mu(2)-S(Cys))-Fe bridges. A reaction scheme affording a Mo(2)Fe(6)S(9) cluster in molecular form having the topology of the P(N) cluster has been devised. Reaction of the single cubane [(Tp)MoFe(3)S(4)Cl(3)](1)(-) with PEt(3) gives [(Tp)MoFe(3)S(4)(PEt(3))(3)](1+) (2), which upon reduction with BH(4)(-) affords the edge-bridged all-ferrous double cubane [(Tp)(2)Mo(2)Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(4)] (4) (Tp = tris(pyrazolylhydroborate(1-)). Treatment of 4 with 3 equiv of HS(-) produces [(Tp)(2)Mo(2)Fe(6)S(9)(SH)(2)](3)(-) (7) as the Et(4)N(+) salt in 86% yield. The structure of 7 is built of two (Tp)MoFe(3)(mu(3)-S)(3) cuboidal fragments bridged by two mu(2)-S atoms and one mu(6)-S atom in an arrangement of idealized C(2) symmetry. The cluster undergoes three one-electron oxidation reactions and is oxidatively cleaved by p-tolylthiol to [(Tp)MoFe(3)S(4)(S-p-tol)(3)](2)(-) and by weak acids to [(Tp)MoFe(3)S(4)(SH)(3)](2-). The cluster core of 7 has the bridging pattern [Mo(2)Fe(6)(mu(2)-S)(2)(mu(3)-S)(6)(mu(6)-S)](1+) with the probable charge distribution [Mo(3+)(2)Fe(2+)(5)Fe(3+)S(9)](1+). Cluster 7 is a topological analogue of the P(N) cluster but differs in having two heteroatoms and two Fe-(mu(2)-S)-Fe instead of two Fe-(mu(2)-S(Cys))-Fe bridges. A best-fit superposition of the two cluster cores affords a weighted rms deviation in atom positions of 0.38 A. Cluster 7 is the first molecular topological analogue of the P(N) cluster. This structure had been prepared previously only as a fragment of complex high-nuclearity Mo-Fe-S clusters.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of unprecedented oxo/hydroxo-bridged polynuclear gallium(III) aqua complexes

Two new polynuclear oxo/hydroxo-bridged polynuclear gallium(III) aqua complexes are obtained upon treatment of Ga(3+)(aq) with pyridine: the supramolecular compound of macrocyclic cavitand cucurbit[6]uril with gallium complex containing 32 metal atoms [Ga(32)(mu(4)-O)(12)(mu(3)-O)(8)(mu(2)-O)(7)(mu(2)-OH)(39)(H(2)O)(20)](PyH subsetC(36)H(36)N(24)O(12))(3)(NO(3))(6).53H(2)O (1) and the tridecanuclear complex [Ga(13)(mu(3)-OH)(6)(mu(2)-OH)(18)(H(2)O)(24)](NO(3))(15).12H(2)O (2). It follows that two modes of nucleation exist when Ga(3+)(aq) is hydrolyzed: one around the tetrahedral GaO(4) units (complex 1) and the other around the octahedral GaO(6) units (complex 2). This is the first time that polynuclear oxo/hydroxo-bridged aqua complexes of Ga(III) have been isolated without the use of other ligands to control or block olygomerization.     

Attempted syntheses of lanthanide(III) complexes of the anisole- and anilinosquarate ligands

The polymeric lanthanide complexes (Ln(mu-CH3OC6H5C4O3)(CH3OC6H5C4O3)2 (H2O)4.xH2O)n [Ln=La (1), Eu (2), Gd (3)], formed from the reaction of aqueous solutions of anisolesquarate and Ln(NO3)3.xH2O, are all structurally similar with only subtle differences between the lanthanum complex and the isomorphous pair of europium and gadolinium analogues. The lanthanum atom in 1 has a square antiprismatic coordination geometry comprising two pendant and two mu-1,3-bridging anisolesquarate groups and four aqua ligands. Complexes 2 and 3 have two independent metal atoms in their asymmetric units compared to one for the lanthanum complex. However, the gross structures of 1-3 are essentially the same. The asymmetric unit of the terbium complex ((CH3OC6H5C4O3)3Tb(H2O)4(mu-CH3OC6H5C4O3)(CH3OC6H5C4O3)2Tb(H2O)5).H2O (4) contains two independent binuclear units which hydrogen bond to form an extended structure very similar to those of 1-3. The ionic polymers ([Ln(mu2-C4O4)(H2O)6][C6H5NHC4O3].4H2O)n [Ln=Eu (5), Gd (6), Tb (7)] result from the incomplete hydrolysis of the anilinosquarate ion during the attempted synthesis of Eu(III), Gd(III), and Tb(III) anilinosquarate complexes. However, complete hydrolysis of the substituent is accomplished by La(III) ions, and the neutral polymer (La2(mu2-C4O4)2(mu3-C4O4)(H2O)11.2H2O)n (8) is formed. In complexes 5-7, the central lanthanide atom has a square antiprismatic geometry, being bonded to two mu-1,2-bridging squarate and six aqua ligands. Two anilinosquarate counteranions participate in second-sphere coordination via direct hydrogen bonding to aqua ligands on each metal center. These counteranions, and the included waters of crystallization, serve to link neighboring cationic polymer chains via an extensive array of O-H...O hydrogen bonds to form a 3-dimensional network. The polymeric lanthanum complex 8 contains two different metal environments, each having distorted monocapped square antiprismatic geometry. For one lanthanum atom the coordination polyhedron comprises five aqua and four squarate ligands, while for the other the polyhedron consists of six aqua and three squarate ligands; in each case one of the aqua ligands occupies the capping position. The squarate ligand exhibits two coordination modes in 8 (mu-1,2- and mu-1,3-bridging), and neighboring polymer chains are cross-linked by hydrogen bonds to form a 3-dimensional network.     

Synthetic,structural, electrochemical,and theoretical studies of heterometallic aggregates with a [Pt(2)(mu-S)(2)M] core (M = Hg,Au)

Novel electroactive multimetallic compounds based on the [Pt(2)(mu(2)-S)(2)M] core, viz. [Pt(2)(PPh(3))(4)(mu(3)-S)(2)HgFc]PF(6) (1) [Fc = (eta(5)-C(5)H(4))Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))] and [Pt(2)(PPh(3))(4)(mu(3)-S)(2)Hg(2)Fc'](PF(6))(2) (2) [Fc' = Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))(2)], have been synthesized under the guide of electrospray mass spectrometry. The electrochemistry of these ferrocene funtionalized compounds together with the reported [Pt(2)(PPh(3))(4)(mu(3)-S)(2)HgPPh(3)](PF(6))(2) (3), [Pt(2)(PPh(3))(4)(mu(2)-S)(mu(3)-S)HgPh]PF(6) (4), and [Pt(2)(PPh(3))(4)(mu(2)-S)(mu(3)-S)AuPPh(3)]PF(6) (5) have been investigated using cyclic voltammetry and DFT calculations. These results point to a prominent ligand-based oxidation.     

Edge-bridged Mo2Fe6S8 to pN-type Mo2Fe6S9 cluster conversion: structural fate of the attacking sulfide/selenide nucleophile

Reaction of the edge-bridged double cubane cluster [(Tp)(2)M(2)Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(4)] (1; Tp = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate(1-)) with hydrosulfide affords the clusters [(Tp)(2)M(2)Fe(6)S(9)(SH)(2)](3)(-)(,4)(-) (M = Mo (2), V), which have been established as the first structural (topological) analogues of the P(N) cluster of nitrogenase. The synthetic reaction is an example of core conversion, resulting in the transformation M(2)Fe(6)(mu(3)-S)(6)(mu(4)-S)(2) (C(i)) --> M(2)Fe(6)(mu(2)-S)(2)(mu(3)-S)(6)(mu(6)-S) (C(2)(v)), the reaction pathway of which is unknown. The most prominent structural feature of P(N)-type clusters is the mu(6)-S atom, which bridges six iron atoms in two MFe(3)S(3) cuboidal halves of the cluster. The initial issue in core conversion is the origin of the mu(6)-S atom. Utilizing SeH(-) as a surrogate reactant for SH(-) in the system 1/SeH(-)/L(-) in acetonitrile, a series of selenide clusters [(Tp)(2)Mo(2)Fe(6)S(8)SeL(2)](3)(-) (L(-) = SH(-) (4), SeH(-) (5), EtS(-) (6), CN(-) (7)) was prepared. The electrospray mass spectra of 4 and 6 revealed inclusion of one Se atom in each cluster, and (1)H NMR spectra and crystallographic refinements of 4-7 indicated that this atom was disordered over the two mu(2)-S/Se positions. The clusters {[(Tp)(2)Mo(2)Fe(6)S(9)](mu(2)-S)}(2)(5)(-) (8) and {[(Tp)(2)Mo(2)Fe(6)S(8)Se](mu(2)-Se)}(2)(5)(-) (9) were prepared from 2 and 5, respectively, and shown to be isostructural. They consist of two P(N)-type cluster units bridged by two mu(2)-S or mu(2)-Se atoms. It is concluded that, in the preparation of 2, the probable structural fate of the attacking nucleophile is as a mu(2)-S atom, and that the mu(3)-S and mu(6)-S atoms of the product cluster derive from precursor cluster 1. Cluster fragmentation during P(N)-type cluster synthesis is unlikely.     

A long Nb=O double bond in bis(pyridinium) tetra­chlorooxo(pyridine‐κN)niobate(V) chloride

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, (C₅H₆N)₂[NbCl₄O(C₅H₅N)]Cl or (pyH)₂[O=NbCl₄(py)]Cl (py is pyridine), contains a discrete anionic niobium(V) complex, [O=NbCl₄(py)]⁻, and two protonated pyridine mol­ecules, which form medium–strong hydrogen bonds with the Cl⁻ counter‐ion. The Nb=O distance of 1.7643 (17) Å is the longest among those in congener niobium complexes reported to date. Extensive density functional theory studies of conformations of [O=NbCl₄(py)]⁻ and structural data mining raise doubts regarding the reliability of the length of this Nb=O double bond.     

Nickel-manganese sulfido carbonyl cluster complexes. synthesis, structure, and properties of the unusual paramagnetic complexes Cp2Ni2Mn(CO)3(mu 3-E)2, E = S, Se

The reaction of Mn(2)(CO)(7)(mu-S(2)) with [CpNi(CO)](2) yielded the paramagnetic new compound Cp(2)Ni(2)Mn(CO)(3)(mu(3)-S)(2) (1) and a new hexanuclear metal product Cp(2)Ni(2)Mn(4)(CO)(14)(mu(6)-S(2))(mu(3)-S)(2) (2). Structurally, compound 1 contains two triply bridging sulfido ligands on opposite sides of an open Ni(2)Mn triangular cluster. EPR and temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1 show that it contains one unpaired electron. The electronic structure of 1 was determined by Fenske-Hall molecular orbital calculations which show that the unpaired electron occupies a low lying antibonding orbital delocalized unequally across the three metal atoms. The selenium homologue Cp(2)Ni(2)Mn(CO)(3)(mu(3)-Se)(2) (3) was obtained from the reaction of a mixture of Mn(2)(CO)(10) and [CpNi(CO)](2) with elemental selenium and Me(3)NO.2H(2)O. It also has one unpaired electron. Compound 1 reacted with elemental sulfur to yield the dinickeldimanganese compound, Cp(2)Ni(2)Mn(2)(CO)(6)(mu(4)-S(2))(mu(4)-S(5)), 4, which can also be made from the reaction of Mn(2)(CO)(7)(mu-S(2)) with [CpNi(CO)](2) and sulfur. Compound 4 was converted back to 1 by sulfur abstraction using PPh(3). The reaction of Mn(2)(CO)(10) with [CpNi(CO)](2) in the presence of thiirane yielded the ethanedithiolato compound CpNiMn(CO)(3)(mu-SCH(2)CH(2)S) (5), which was also obtained from the reaction of Mn(4)(CO)(15)(mu(3)-S(2))(mu(4)-S(2)) with [CpNi(CO)](2) in the presence of thiirane. Compound 5 reacted with additional quantities of thiirane to yield the new compound CpNiMn(CO)(3)[mu-S(CH(2)CH(2)S)(2)], 6, which contains a 3-thiapentanedithiolato ligand that bridges the two metal atoms. Compound 6 was also obtained from the reaction of Mn(2)(CO)(10) with [CpNi(CO)](2) and thiirane. The molecular structures of the new compounds 1-6 were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.