Crystal structures of Au2 complex and Au25 nanocluster and mechanistic insight into the conversion of polydisperse nanoparticles into monodisperse Au25 nanoclusters

We previously reported a size-focusing conversion of polydisperse gold nanoparticles capped by phosphine into monodisperse [Au(25)(PPh(3))(10)(SC(2)H(4)Ph)(5)Cl(2)](2+) nanoclusters in the presence of phenylethylthiol. Herein, we have determined the crystal structure of [Au(25)(PPh(3))(10)(SC(2)H(4)Ph)(5)Cl(2)](2+) nanoclusters and also identified an important side-product-a Au(I) complex formed in the size focusing process. The [Au(25)(PPh(3))(10)(SC(2)H(4)Ph)(5)Cl(2)](2+) cluster features a vertex-sharing bi-icosahedral core, resembling a rod. The formula of the Au(I) complex is determined to be [Au(2)(PPh(3))(2)(SC(2)H(4)Ph)](+) by electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry, and its crystal structure (with SbF(6)(-) counterion) reveals Au-Au bridged by -SC(2)H(4)Ph and with terminal bonds to two PPh(3) ligands. Unlike previously reported [Au(2)(PR(3))(2)(SC(2)H(4)Ph)](+) complexes in the solid state, which exist as tetranuclear complexes (i.e., dimers of [Au(2)(PR(3))(2)(SC(2)H(4)Ph)](+) units) through a Au···Au aurophilic interaction, in our case we found that the [Au(2)(PPh(3))(2)(SC(2)H(4)Ph)](+) complex exists as a single entity, rather than being dimerized to form a tetranuclear complex. The observation of this Au(I) complex allows us to gain insight into the intriguing conversion process from polydisperse Au nanoparticles to monodisperse Au(25) nanoclusters.     

Syntheses and structures of dinuclear gold(I) dithiophosphonate complexes and the reaction of the dithiophosphonate complexes with phosphines: diverse coordination types

The dinuclear gold(I) dithiophosphonate complex, [Au(2)(dtp)(2)] (1), where dtp = [S(2)P(R)(OR')](-) with R = p-C(6)H(4)OCH(3); R'= c-C(5)H(9), has been synthesized and its reaction studied with the phosphine ligands PPh(3) and Ph(2)P(CH(2))(n)PPh(2) (n = 1-4). Compound 1 contains two gold atoms homobridged by the anionic dithiophosphonate ligand, forming an eight-membered ring complex in a chair form. After the reaction of 1 with diphosphine ligands, the dinuclear open-ring complexes Au(2)(dppm)(dtp)(2) (2), Au(2)(dppe)(dtp)(2) (3), Au(2)(dppp)(dtp)(2) (4), Au(2)(dppb)(dtp)(2) (5) were formed (dppm = diphenylphosphinomethane; dppe = diphenylphosphinoethane; dppp = diphenylphosphinopropane; dppb = diphenylphosphinobutane). The reaction with dppm is stoichiometry-dependent. Thus, when 1 reacts with 2 equiv of dppm, the ionic complex [Au(2)(dppm)(2)(dtp)]dtp forms. This dtp counterion was exchanged with tetrafluoroborate to yield [Au(2)(dppm)(2)(dtp)]BF(4), the crystallization of which afforded two interconvertible isomers, 6-yellow and 7-white. Reaction of 1 with PPh(3) affords the tetracoordinate mononuclear complex [Au(dtp)(PPh(3))(2)] (8). The molecular structures of 1-8 were confirmed by X-ray crystallography and show multiple coordination modes and geometries. The crystal structures of 1 and its reaction products with dppm (2, 6, 7) show short intramolecular Au.Au aurophilic bonding interactions of 2.95-3.10 A while no intermolecular interactions were discernible. However, reaction products of 1 with longer-chain Ph(2)P(CH(2))(n)PPh(2) ligands, n = 2-4, exhibit structures that lack both intra- and intermolecular Au.Au interactions.     

Osmium-mediated C--H and C--C bond cleavage of a phenolic substrate: p-quinone methide and methylene arenium pincer complexes

The diphosphine 2,4,6-(CH(3))(3)-3,5-(iPr(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)OH (1) reacts with [OsCl(2)(PPh(3))(3)] in presence of an excess of triethylamine to yield the isomeric para-quinone methide derivatives [Os{4-(CH(2))-1-(O)-2,6-(CH(3))(2)-3,5-(iPr(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)}(Cl)(H)(PPh(3))] (2 and 3), which differ in the positions of the mutually trans hydride and chloride ligands. Complex 2 reacts with CO to afford the dicarbonyl species [Os{1-(O)-2,4,6-(CH(3))(3)-3,5-(iPr(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)}(Cl)(CO)(2)] (4), which results from hydride insertion into the quinonic double bond. Protonation of 2 and 3 leads to the formation of the methylene arenium derivative [Os{4-(CH(2))-1-(OH)-2,6-(CH(3))(2)-3,5-(iPr(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)}(Cl)(H)(PPh(3))][OSO(2)CF(3)] (5 a). The diphosphine 1 reacts with [OsCl(2)(PPh(3))(3)] at 100 degrees C under H(2) to afford [Os{1-(OH)-2,6-(CH(3))(2)-3,5-(iPr(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)}(Cl)(H(2))(PPh(3))] (6), a PCP pincer complex resulting formally from C(sp(2))--C(sp(3)) cleavage of the C--CH(3) group in 1. C--C hydrogenolysis resulting in the same complex is achieved by heating 2 under H(2) pressure. Reaction of the diphosphine substrate with [OsCl(2)(PPh(3))(3)] under H(2) at lower temperature allows the observation of a methylene arenium derivative resulting from C--H activation, [Os{4-(CH(2))-1-(OH)-2,6-(CH(3))(2)-3,5-(iPr(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)}(Cl)(2)(H)] (7). This compound reacts with PPh(3) in toluene to afford the ionic derivative [Os{4-(CH(2))-1-(OH)-2,6-(CH(3))(2)-3,5-(iPr(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)}(Cl)(H)(PPh(3))]Cl (5 b). X-ray diffraction studies have been carried out on compounds 2, 3, 4, 5 b, 6, and 7, which allows the study of the structural variations when going from methylene arenium to quinone methide derivatives.     

Luminescent Ag i-Cu i heterometallic hexa-, octa-, and hexadecanuclear alkynyl complexes

A series of Ag(I)-Cu(I) heteronuclear alkynyl complexes were prepared by reaction of polymeric (MCCC(6)H(4)R-4)(n)() (M = Cu(I) or Ag(I); R = H, CH(3), OCH(3), NO(2), COCH(3)) with [M'(2)(mu-Ph(2)PXPPh(2))(2)(MeCN)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (M' = Ag(I) or Cu(I); X = NH or CH(2)). Heterohexanuclear complexes [Ag(4)Cu(2)(mu-Ph(2)PNHPPh(2))(4)(CCC(6)H(4)R-4)(4)](ClO(4))(2) (R = H, 1; CH(3), 2) were afforded when X = NH, and heterooctanuclear complexes [Ag(6)Cu(2)(micro-Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2))(3)(CCC(6)H(4)R-4)(6)(MeCN)](ClO(4))(2) (R = H, 3; CH(3), 4; OCH(3), 5; NO(2), 6) were isolated when X = CH(2). Self-assembly reaction between (MCCC(6)H(4)COCH(3)-4)(n) and [M'(2)(mu-Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2))(2)(MeCN)(2)](ClO(4))(2), however, gave heterohexadecanuclear complex [Ag(6)Cu(2)(micro-Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2))(3)(CCC(6)H(4)COCH(3)-4)(6)](2)(ClO(4))(4) (7). The heterohexanuclear complexes 1 and 2 show a bicapped cubic skeleton (Ag(4)Cu(2)C(4)) consisting of four Ag(I) and two Cu(I) atoms and four acetylide C donors. The heterooctanuclear complexes 3-6 exhibit a waterwheel-like structure that can be regarded as two Ag(3)Cu(CCC(6)H(5))(3) components put together by three bridging Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2) ligands. The heterohexadecanuclear complex 7 can be viewed as a dimer of heterooctanuclear complex [Ag(6)Cu(2)(micro-Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2))(3)(CCC(6)H(4)COCH(3)-4)(6)](ClO(4))(2) through the silver and acetyl oxygen (Ag-O = 2.534 (4) A) linkage between two waterwheel-like Ag(6)Cu(2) units. All of the complexes show intense luminescence in the solid states and in fluid solutions. The microsecond scale of lifetimes in the solid state at 298 K reveals that the emission is phosphorescent in nature. The emissive state in compounds 1-5 is likely derived from a (3)LMCT (CCC(6)H(4)R-4 --> Ag(4)Cu(2) or Ag(6)Cu(2)) transition, mixed with a metal cluster-centered (d --> s) excited state. The lowest lying excited state in compounds 6 and 7 containing electron-deficient 4-nitrophenylacetylide and 4-acetylphenylacetylide, respectively, however, is likely dominated by an intraligand (3)[pi --> pi] character.     

New group 11 complexes with metal-selenium bonds of methyldiphenylphosphane selenide: a solid state, solution and theoretical investigation

Reactions between methyldiphenylphosphane selenide, SePPh(2)Me, and different group 11 metal starting materials {CuCl, [CuNO(3)(PPh(3))(2)], AgOTf, [AgOTf(PPh(3))] (OTf = OSO(2)CF(3)), [AuCl(tht)], [Au(C(6)F(5))(tht)] and [Au(C(6)F(5))(3)(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene)} were performed in order to obtain several new species with metal-selenium bonds. The new complexes [CuCl(SePPh(2)Me)] (1), [AgOTf(SePPh(2)Me)] (2), [AuCl(SePPh(2)Me)] (5), [Au(C(6)F(5))(SePPh(2)Me)] (6) and [Au(C(6)F(5))(3)(SePPh(2)Me)] (7) were isolated and structurally characterized in solution by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, (31)P, (77)Se and (19)F where appropriate). Solid products were isolated also from the reactions between SePPh(2)Me and [CuNO(3)(PPh(3))(2)] or [AgOTf(PPh(3))], respectively. NMR experiments, including low temperature (1)H and (31)P NMR, revealed for them a dynamic behaviour in solution, involving the transfer of selenium from PPh(2)Me to PPh(3). In case of the isolated silver(i) containing solid an equilibrium between, respectively, monomeric [AgOTf(PPh(3))(SePPh(2)Me)] (3) and [AgOTf(PPh(2)Me)(SePPh(3))] (4), and dimeric [Ag(PPh(3))(μ-SePPh(2)Me)](2)(OTf)(2) (3a) and [Ag(PPh(2)Me)(μ-SePPh(3))](2)(OTf)(2) (4a) species was observed in solution. In case of the isolated copper(i) containing solid the NMR studies brought no clear evidence for a similar behaviour, but it can not be excluded in a first stage of the reaction. However the transfer of selenium between the two triorganophosphanes takes place also in this case, but the NMR spectra suggest that the final reaction mixture contains the free triorganophospane selenides SePPh(2)Me and SePPh(3) as well as the complex species [CuNO(3)(PPh(3))(2)], [CuNO(3)(PPh(2)Me)(2)] and [CuNO(3)(PPh(3))(PPh(2)Me)] in equilibrium. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed monomeric structures for the gold(I) 6 and gold(III) 7 complexes. In case of compound 6 weak aurophilic gold(I)···gold(I) contacts were also observed in the crystal. DFT calculations were performed in order to understand the solution behaviour of the silver(I) and copper(I) species containing both P(III) and P(V) ligands, to verify the stability of possible dimeric species and to account for the aurophilic interactions found for 6. In addition, the nature of the electronic transitions involved in the absorption/emission processes observed for 6 and 7 in the solid state were also investigated by means of TD-DFT calculations.     

Two-, three-, and four-coordination at gold(I) supported by the bidentate selenium ligand [Ph2P(Se)NP(Se)Ph2](-)

Treatment of the gold(I) halide complexes LAuCl (L = PMe3, PPh3, CNC6H3Me2-2,6) with K[Ph2P(Se)NP(Se)Ph2] provides the gold-selenium coordination compounds [(N(Ph2PSe)2-Se,Se')AuL]. However, on standing for a number of days, the complex [(N(Ph2PSe)2-Se,Se')AuPMe3] gains a phosphine to provide the bis(phosphine) species [(N(Ph2PSe)2-Se,Se')Au(PMe3)2]. Treatment of the K[Ph2P(Se)NP(Se)Ph2] ligand with [(Ph3PAu)3O]BF4 allows the isolation of [(N(Ph2PSe)2-Se,Se')(AuPPh3)2]BF4. Reaction of the complex [(dppm)(AuCl)2] with AgSO3CF3 followed by addition of the ligand K[Ph2P(Se)NP(Se)Ph2] results in the formation of [(N(Ph2PSe)2-Se,Se')Au2(dppm)]OSO2CF3 and treatment of [(tht)AuCl] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) with an equimolar quantity of K[Ph2P(Se)NP(Se)Ph2] affords the complex [(N(Ph2PSe)2-Se,Se')2Au2]. The compounds [(N(Ph2PSe)2-Se,Se')Au2(dppm)]OSO2CF3, [(N(Ph2PSe)2-Se,Se')AuPPh3] and [(N(Ph2PSe)2-Se,Se')Au(PMe3)2] have been investigated crystallographically. The results reveal that the metal centers are two-, three-, and four-coordinate, respectively. The cationic, eight-membered ring complex bearing the dppm ligand displays transannular aurophilic bonding and is further associated into dimers via intermolecular gold-selenium contacts. The six-membered rings in the other two structures have C2-symmetrical twist conformations, however, the Au(I) coordination sphere in [N(PPh2Se)2]AuPPh3 is not fully symmetrical. The Au-Se bond lengths increase dramatically as the coordination number of the metal atom becomes larger.     

Synthesis, structural characterization, photophysical properties and theoretical analysis of gold(I) thiolate-phosphine complexes

A series of luminescent dinuclear neutral complexes of stoichiometry [(AuSPh)(2)(PPh(2)-(C(6)H(4))(n)-PPh(2))] (n = 1, 2, 3) as well as their tetranuclear cationic derivatives [(Au(2)SPh)(2)(PPh(2)-(C(6)H(4))(n)-PPh(2))(2)](PF(6))(2) are reported. Their crystal structures have been elucidated by X-ray studies. These studies indicate that, for the dinuclear species, only when n = 1 the molecules exhibit intermolecular aurophilic interactions. None of the tetranuclear species crystallizes in their molecular form, due to the formation of aggregates through Au···Au interactions. The origin of the luminescence has been analyzed by computational studies indicating that the presence or absence of aurophilic interactions does not affect the luminescent behavior and that intraligand charge transfer processes which involve the thiolate and the diphosphine are responsible for the emissions. The result is in contrast with the thiolate-gold charge transfer processes which dominate the photophysics of gold-thiolate compounds and reveals the influence of the phenylene spacers in the emissive behavior of these compounds.     

Syntheses and structures of thermally stable diketiminato complexes of gold and copper

While most metallic elements across the Periodic Table form stable chelating β-diketiminato complexes, examples of Au(I) are conspicuous by their absence. We report here the reaction of K[HC(F(3)CC=NR)(2)] with AuCl(PPh(3)) which provides a rare example of a thermally stable gold(I) diketiminato complex, (Ph(3)P)Au[RN=C(CF(3))CH(CF(3))C=NR] [R = 3,5-C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)]. The complex is highly fluxional in solution but in the solid state adopts a U-conformation. By contrast, the analogous reaction of K[HC(F(3)CC=NR)(2)] with CuBr(PPh(3))(3) gives the rigid 18-electron chelate complex (Ph(3)P)(2)Cu[κ(2)-HC{(CF(3))C=NR}(2)].     

Transformation of organic molecules on the low-valent [M(Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))(2)] moiety derived from trans-[M(N(2))(2)(Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))(2)] or related complexes (M = Mo, W)

A zero-valent [M(Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))(2)] moiety (M = Mo, W) generated in situ by dissociation of the N(2) ligands in trans-[M(N(2))(2)(Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))(2)] can activate pi-accepting organic molecules including isocyanides and nitriles, which undergo the electrophilic attack caused by a strong pi-donation from a zero-valent metal center. Cleavage of a variety of C-X bonds (X = H, C, N, O, P, halogen) also occurs at their electron-rich sites through oxidative addition to form reactive intermediates, which subsequently degradate to yield smaller molecules either bound to or dissociated from the metal center. The mechanism is substantiated unambiguously by isolation of numerous intermediate stages.     

On the nature of actinide- and lanthanide-metal bonds in heterobimetallic compounds

Eleven experimentally characterized complexes containing heterobimetallic bonds between elements of the f-block and other elements were examined by quantum chemical methods: [(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(2)(THF)LuRu(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(CO)(2)], [(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)(I)ThRu(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(CO)(2)], [(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(2)YRe(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(2)], [{N(CH(2)CH(2)NSiMe(3))(3)}URe(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(2)], [Y{Ga(NArCh)(2)}{C(PPh(2)NSiH(3))(2)}(CH(3)OCH(3))(2)], [{N(CH(2)CH(2)NSiMe(3))(3)}U{Ga(NArCH)(2)}(THF)], [(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(3)UGa(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))], [Yb(η(5)-C(5)H(5)){Si(SiMe(3))(3)(THF)(2)}], [(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(3)U(SnPh(3))], [(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(3)U(SiPh(3))], and (Ph[Me]N)(3)USi(SiMe(3))(3). Geometries in good agreement with experiment were obtained at the density functional level of theory. The multiconfigurational complete active space self-consistent field method (CASSCF) and subsequent corrections with second order perturbation theory (CASPT2) were applied to further understand the electronic structure of the lanthanide/actinide-metal (or metal-metalloid) bonds. Fragment calculations and energy-decomposition analyses were also performed and indicate that charge transfer occurs from one supported metal fragment to the other, while the bonding itself is always dominated by ionic character.     

Synthetic and structural studies of the coordination behavior of 2-pyridylbis(diphenylphosphino)methane

The coordination chemistry of the potentially semilabile tridentate ligand 2-pyridylbis(diphenylphosphino)methane (NPP) has been investigated. Bidentate (N, P) coordination occurs in CoCl(2)(NPP) (1) and [CdX(mu-X)(NPP)](2) (X = Cl (2); OAc (3)), prepared from the corresponding metal salts, in fac-Re(CO)(3)Br(NPP) (4) and in Fe(CO)(2)(MA)(NPP) (6). The last is one of three products from the reaction of Fe(CO)(4)(MA) (MA = maleic anhydride) with NPP, the other two being Fe(CO)(3)(NPP) (7; P, P coordinated) and the unusual cyclic ylid Ph2PC(2-C5H4N)PPh2C(CH2CO2H)C(=O)(5). The ligand shows tridentate coordination in Cr(CO)(3)(NPP) (9), RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(NPP) (10), and possibly in PtCl(2)(NPP) (8). Carbon monoxide displaces one phosphorus arm of the ligand in 10. Anhydrous NiCl(2) and NPP react in the presence of methanol to give NiCl(2)(P(OMe)Ph(2))(Ph(2)PCH(2)py) (12) in which the NPP ligand has been cleaved. This in turn reacts with O(2) to form trans-NiCl(2)(Ph(2)P(O)CH(2)py)(2) (13). The methine proton of NPP is transferred to the metal on reaction with Pt(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2) and [Ir(COD)(NPP)]BF(4) to form the hydride complexes Pt(H)(PPh(3))(NPP-H) (14) and [Ir(H)(NPP)(NPP-H)]BF(4) (15). In 15 the intact NPP ligand is tridentate. The structures of 1 - 7 and 12 - 15 have been determined.     

Molecular triangle of palladium(II) and its anion binding properties

The ligand 4(3H)-pyrimidone (Hpm) forms the complexes trans-[PdCl(2)(Hpm)(2)] and [Pd(PP)(Hpm)(2)](CF(3)SO(3))(2) (PP = Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2) or Ph(2)P(CH(2))(3)PPh(2)), with the neutral ligand (Hpm), and a bowl-like molecular triangle, [(Pd(bu(2)bipy)(mu-pm))(3)](3+) (bu(2)bipy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine), with the deprotonated ligand (pm). This triangular complex acts as a host for binding of several anionic guests.     

A new type of tweezer complex involving a rhenium-rhenium multiple bond that enforces an unusual structure in a dipalladium(II) unit

The substitution of the mu-acetato ligands in cis-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppm)(2) (1, dppm = Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2)) and trans-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppE)(2) (2, dppE = Ph(2)PC(=CH(2))PPh(2)) by [4-Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)CO(2)](-) occurs with retention of stereochemistry to give cis-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CC(6)H(4)-4-PPh(2))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppm)(2) (3) and trans-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CC(6)H(4)-4-PPh(2))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppE)(2) (6), respectively. The uncoordinated phosphine groups in complexes 3 and 6 have been used to form mixed-metal assemblies with Au(I) and Pd(II), including the Re(2)Pd(2) complex cis-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CC(6)H(4)-4-PPh(2))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppm)(2)(Pd(2)Cl(4)) (5), in which the planar [(P)ClPd(mu-Cl)(2)PdCl(P)] unit has the unusual cis structure. The crystal structures of 3 and 5 have been determined.     

Saccharinate as a versatile polyfunctional ligand. Four distinct coordination modes, misdirected valence, and a dominant aggregate structure from a single reaction system

The reaction system consisting of copper, saccharinate, and the auxiliary ligands H(2)O, PPh(3), and NH(3) produces a sequence of compounds in which saccharinate is coordinated to copper in four distinct manners. The complex trans-[Cu(sacch)(2)(H(2)O)(4)] (2) (produced by thermal dehydration of trans-[Cu(sacch)(2)(H(2)O)(4)].2H(2)O (1)) reacts with triphenylphosphine in CH(2)Cl(2) to produce any or all of three Cu(I) complexes, depending upon conditions. The three Cu(I) compounds are Cu(sacch)(PPh(3))(3) (3), in which saccharinate binds to copper through the carbonyl group of the ligand, Cu(sacch)(PPh(3))(2) (4), in which sacch binds to Cu through its charge-bearing nitrogen atom; and [Cu(sacch)(PPh(3))](2) (5), a dinuclear complex in which saccharinate bridges two Cu centers through its imidate nitrogen and carbonyl oxygen atoms. Complexes 3-5 can be isolated individually, although in solution they exist in a complex equilibrium which has been examined by NMR spectroscopy. Each of the three Cu(I) products reacts with NH(3) in CH(2)Cl(2) solution to produce trans-[Cu(sacch)(2)(NH(3))(4)] (6), an unstable Cu(II) complex that exhibits misdirected valence at the Cu-N(sacch) bond. Complex 6 evolves spontaneously to [Cu(sacch)(NH(3))(4)](sacch).H(2)O (7), which in the solid state is dominated by a supramolecular aggregate of two formula units, linked by hydrogen bonding in which the water molecule plays a central role. Alternative pathways exist to several of the products. The X-ray crystal structure analyses of 3-7 are reported and establish the coordination modes of saccharinate, the misdirected valence in 6, and the supramolecular aggregation in 7. The structure analysis of 7 by single-crystal neutron diffraction is reported and together with the previously reported neutron structure analysis of 1 establishes the substitution of the auxiliary ligand H(2)O by NH(3) in the Cu(II) products.     

Heteroligated metallomacrocycles generated via the weak-link approach

Sequential reaction of two different hemilabile ligands (Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)X)(2)Ar (X = S, Ar = C(6)H(4) or C(6)(CH(3))(4); X = NCH(3), Ar = C(6)H(4); X = O, Ar = 9,10-C(14)H(8)) with a Rh(I) metal center resulted in the formation of heteroligated metallomacrocycles in high yield. The specific reaction conditions for each pair of hemilabile ligands are discussed. The solid-state structure of [[1,4-(Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)S)(2)C(6)H(4)]-[1,4-(Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)S)(2)C(6)(CH(3))(4)]Rh(2)](BF(4))(2), as determined by X-ray crystallography, is presented.     

Mononuclear and dinuclear palladium and nickel complexes of phosphinimine-based tridentate ligands

The tridentate bis-phosphinimine ligands O(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)1, HN(1,2-C(2)H(4)N=PR(3))(2) (R = Ph 2, iPr 3), MeN(1,2-C(2)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)4 and HN(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)5 were prepared. Employing these ligands, monometallic Pd and Ni complexes O(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)PdCl(2)6, RN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PPh(3))(2)PdCl][Cl] (R = H 7, Me 8), [HN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PiPr(3))(2)PdCl][Cl] 9, [MeN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PPh(3))(2)PdCl][PF(6)] 10, [HN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PPh(3))(2)NiCl(2)] 11, [HN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PR(3))(2)NiCl][X] (X = Cl, R = iPr 12, X = PF(6), R = Ph 13, iPr 14), and [HN(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)Ni(MeCN)(2)][BF(4)]Cl 15 were prepared and characterized. While the ether-bis-phosphinimine ligand 1 acts in a bidentate fashion to Pd, the amine-bis-phosphinimine ligands 2-5 act in a tridentate fashion, yielding monometallic complexes of varying geometries. In contrast, initial reaction of the amine-bis-phosphinimine ligands with base followed by treatment with NiCl(2)(DME), afforded the amide-bridged bimetallic complexes N(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PR(3))(2)Ni(2)Cl(3) (R = Ph 16, iPr 17) and N(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)Ni(2)Cl(3)18. The precise nature of a number of these complexes were crystallographically characterized.     

Binuclear (salen)osmium phosphinidine and phosphiniminato complexes

The preparation of a number of binuclear (salen)osmium phosphinidine and phosphiniminato complexes using various strategies are described. Treatment of [Os(VI)(N)(L(1))(sol)](X) (sol = H(2)O or MeOH) with PPh(3) affords an osmium(IV) phosphinidine complex [Os(IV){N(H)PPh(3)}(L(1))(OMe)](X) (X = PF(6)1a, ClO(4)1b). If the reaction is carried out in CH(2)Cl(2) in the presence of excess pyrazine the osmium(III) phosphinidine species [Os(III){N(H)PPh(3)}(L(1))(pz)](PF(6)) 2 can be generated. On the other hand, if the reaction is carried out in CH(2)Cl(2) in the presence of a small amount of H(2)O, a μ-oxo osmium(IV) phosphinidine complex is obtained, [(L(1)){PPh(3)N(H)}Os(IV)-O-Os(IV){N(H)PPh(3)}(L(1))](PF(6))(2)3. Furthermore, if the reaction of [Os(VI)(N)(L(1))(OH(2))]PF(6) with PPh(3) is done in the presence of 2, the μ-pyrazine species, [(L(1)){PPh(3)N(H)}Os(III)-pz-Os(III){N(H)PPh(3)}(L(1))](PF(6))(2)4 can be isolated. Novel binuclear osmium(IV) complexes can be prepared by the use of a diphosphine ligand to attack two Os(VI)≡N. Reaction of [Os(VI)(N)(L(1))(OH(2))](PF(6)) with PPh(2)-C≡C-PPh(2) or PPh(2)-(CH(2))(3)-PPh(2) in MeOH affords the binuclear complexes [(MeO)(L(1))Os(IV){N(H)PPh(2)-R-PPh(2)N(H)}Os(IV)(L(1))(OMe)](PF(6))(2) (R = C≡C 5, (CH(2))(3)6). Reaction of [Os(VI)(N)(L(2))Cl] with PPh(2)FcPPh(2) generates a novel trimetallic complex, [Cl(L(2))Os(IV){NPPh(2)-Fc-PPh(2)N}Os(IV)(L(2))Cl] 7. The structures of 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Ni(P(Ph)2N(C6H4X)2)2]2+ complexes as electrocatalysts for H2 production: effect of substituents, acids, and water on catalytic rates

A series of mononuclear nickel(II) bis(diphosphine) complexes [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4X)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) (P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4X)(2) = 1,5-di(para-X-phenyl)-3,7-diphenyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane; X = OMe, Me, CH(2)P(O)(OEt)(2), Br, and CF(3)) have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4Me)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4OMe)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) are tetracoordinate with distorted square planar geometries. The Ni(II/I) and Ni(I/0) redox couples of each complex are electrochemically reversible in acetonitrile with potentials that are increasingly cathodic as the electron-donating character of X is increased. Each of these complexes is an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen production at the potential of the Ni(II/I) couple. The catalytic rates generally increase as the electron-donating character of X is decreased, and this electronic effect results in the favorable but unusual situation of obtaining higher catalytic rates as overpotentials are decreased. Catalytic studies using acids with a range of pK(a) values reveal that turnover frequencies do not correlate with substrate acid pK(a) values but are highly dependent on the acid structure, with this effect being related to substrate size. Addition of water is shown to dramatically increase catalytic rates for all catalysts. With [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4CH2P(O)(OEt)2)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) using [(DMF)H](+)OTf(-) as the acid and with added water, a turnover frequency of 1850 s(-1) was obtained.     

The first homoleptic gold(I) thiosulfonate complex

A gold(I) thiosulfonate complex, Et(4)N[Au(MeS(2)O(2))(2)], is reported in which gold(I) ions are coordinated by the terminal sulfur atoms from two MeS(2)O(2)(-) ligands in a linear geometry. Two anionic units are linked by an aurophilic interaction forming discrete anionic dimers, [Au(MeS(2)O(2))(2)](2)(2-), which exhibit a shorter Au···Au distance (by 0.2 ?) and smaller dihedral angle than the thiosulfate analogue.     

Taking TiF4 complexes to extremes--the first examples with phosphine co-ligands

The first soft donor adducts of TiF(4), [TiF(4)(diphosphine)] (diphosphine = o-C(6)H(4)(PMe(2))(2), R(2)P(CH(2))(2)PR(2), R = Me or Et) have been prepared from [TiF(4)(MeCN)(2)] and the diphosphines in rigorously anhydrous CH(2)Cl(2), as extremely moisture sensitive yellow solids, and characterised by multinuclear NMR ((1)H, (31)P, (19)F), IR and UV/vis spectroscopy. The crystal structure of [TiF(4){Et(2)P(CH(2))(2)PEt(2)}] has been determined and shows a distorted six-coordinate geometry with disparate Ti-F(transF) and Ti-F(transP) distances and long Ti-P bonds. Weaker soft donor ligands including Ph(3)P, Ph(2)P(CH(2))(2)PPh(2), o-C(6)H(4)(PPh(2))(2), Ph(2)As(CH(2))(2)AsPh(2), o-C(6)H(4)(AsMe(2))(2) and (i)PrS(CH(2))(2)S(i)Pr do not form stable complexes with TiF(4), although surprisingly, fluorotitanate(IV) salts of the previously unknown doubly protonated ligand cations [LH(2)][Ti(4)F(18)] (L = o-C(6)H(4)(PPh(2))(2), o-C(6)H(4)(AsMe(2))(2) and (i)PrS(CH(2))(2)S(i)Pr) are formed in some cases as minor by-products. The structure of [o-C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)H)(2)][Ti(4)F(18)] shows the first authenticated example of a diprotonated o-phenylene-diphosphine. The synthesis and full spectroscopic characterisation are reported for a range of TiF(4) adducts with hard N- or O-donor ligands for comparison purposes, along with crystal structures of [TiF(4)(thf)(2)], [TiF(4)(Ph(3)EO)(2)]·2CH(2)Cl(2) (E = P or As), and [TiF(4)(bipy)].