Preparation and characterization of the argentates: [Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-), [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))M(CO)(5)](2)](-) (M = Cr, W), and [Ag[(micro-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)](-): X-ray crystal structure of [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)

The first example of a mononuclear diphosphanidoargentate, bis[bis(trifluoromethyl)phosphanido]argentate, [Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-), is obtained via the reaction of HP(CF(3))(2) with [Ag(CN)(2)](-) and isolated as its [K(18-crown-6)] salt. When the cyclic phosphane (PCF(3))(4) is reacted with a slight excess of [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)], selective insertion of one PCF(3) unit into each silver phosphorus bond is observed, which on the basis of NMR spectroscopic evidence suggests the [Ag[P(CF(3))P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-) ion. On treatment of the phosphane complexes [M(CO)(5)PH(CF(3))(2)] (M = Cr, W) with [K(18-crown-6)][Ag(CN)(2)], the analogous trinuclear argentates, [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))M(CO)(5)](2)](-), are formed. The chromium compound [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)] crystallizes in a noncentrosymmetric space group Fdd2 (No. 43), a = 2970.2(6) pm, b = 1584.5(3) pm, c = 1787.0(4), V = 8.410(3) nm(3), Z = 8. The C(2) symmetric anion, [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)](-), shows a nearly linear arrangement of the P-Ag-P unit. Although the bis(pentafluorophenyl)phosphanido compound [Ag[P(C(6)F(5))(2)](2)](-) has not been obtained so far, the synthesis of its trinuclear counterpart, [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)], was successful.     

Stabilization of the P(CF3)(2)(-) and P(C6F5)(2)(-) ions by coordination to pentacarbonyl tungsten: structures of [18-crown-6-K]P(CF3)2, [18-crown-6-K][W[P(CF3)2](CO)5], and [18-crown-6-K][[W(CO)5]2[mu-P(C6F5)2]].THF

The stabilization of the P(CF(3))(2)(-) ion by intermediary coordination to the very weak Lewis acid acetone gives access to single crystals of [18-crown-6-K]P(CF(3))(2). The X-ray single crystal analysis exhibits nearly isolated P(CF(3))(2)(-) ions with an unusually short P-C distance of 184(1) pm, which can be explained by negative hyperconjugation and is also found by quantum chemical hybrid DFT calculation. Coordination of the P(CF(3))(2)(-) ion to pentacarbonyl tungsten has only a minor effect on electronic and geometric properties of the P(CF(3))(2) moiety, while a strong increase in thermal stability of the dissolved species is achieved. The hitherto unknown P(C(6)F(5))(2)(-) ion is stabilized by coordination to pentacarbonyl tungsten and isolated as a stable 18-crown-6 potassium salt, [18-crown-6-K][W[P(C(6)F(5))(2)](CO)(5)], which is fully characterized. The tungstate, [W[P(C(6)F(5))(2)](CO)(5)](-), decomposes slowly in solution, while coordination of the phosphorus atom to a second pentacarbonyl tungsten moiety results in an enhanced thermal stability in solution. The single-crystal X-ray analysis of [18-crown-6-K][[W(CO)(5)](2)[mu-P(C(6)F(5))(2)]].THF exhibits a very tight arrangement of the two C(6)F(5) and two W(CO)(5) groups around the central phosphorus atom. NMR spectroscopic investigations of the [[W(CO)(5)](2)[mu-P(C(6)F(5))(2)]](-) ion exhibit a hindered rotation of both the C(6)F(5) and W(CO)(5) groups in solution.     

Preparation and characterization of [Hg[P(C6F5)2]2], [Hg[(mu-P(C6F5)2)W(CO)5]2], and [Hg[(mu-P(CF3)2)W(CO)5]2] and the X-ray crystal structure of [Hg[(mu-P(C6F5)2)W(CO)5]2].2DMF

The thermally unstable compound [Hg[P(C(6)F(5))(2)](2)] was obtained from the reaction of mercury cyanide and bis(pentafluorophenyl)phosphane in DMF solution and characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The thermally stable trinuclear compounds [Hg[(mu-P(CF(3))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)] and [Hg[(mu-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)] are isolated and completely characterized. The higher order NMR spectra exhibiting multinuclear satellite systems have been sufficiently analyzed. [Hg[(mu-P(CF(3))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)].2DMF crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 2366.2(3) pm, b = 1046.9(1) pm, c = 104.0(1) pm, and beta = 104.01(1) degrees. Structural, NMR spectroscopic, and vibrational data prove a weak coordination of the two DMF molecules. Structural, vibrational, and NMR spectroscopic evidence is given for a successive weakening of the pi back-bonding effect of the W-P bond in the order [W(CO)(5)PH(R(f))(2)], [Hg[(mu-P(R(f))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)], and [W[P(R(f))(2)](CO)(5)](-) with R(f) = C(6)F(5) and CF(3). The pi back-bonding effect of the W-C bonds increases vice versa.     

Polyfluorinated Tris(pyrazolyl)borates. Syntheses and Spectroscopic and Structural Characterization of Group 1 and Group 11 Metal Complexes of [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)](-) and [HB(3-(CF(3))Pz)(3)](-)

The fluorinated tris(pyrazolyl)borate ligands [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)](-) and [HB(3-(CF(3))Pz)(3)](-) (where Pz = pyrazolyl) have been synthesized as their sodium salts from the corresponding pyrazoles and NaBH(4) in high yield. These sodium complexes and the related [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]K(DMAC) were used as ligand transfer agents in the preparation of the copper and silver complexes [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]Cu(DMAC), [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]CuPPh(3), [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]AgPPh(3), and [HB(3-(CF(3))Pz)(3)]AgPPh(3). Metal complexes of the fluorinated [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)](-) ligand have highly electrophilic metal sites relative to their hydrocarbon analogs. This is evident from the formation of stable adducts with neutral oxygen donors such as H(2)O, dimethylacetamide, or thf. Furthermore, the metal compounds derived from fluorinated ligands show fairly long-range coupling between fluorines of the trifluoromethyl groups and the hydrogen, silver, or phosphorus. The solid state structures show that the fluorines are in close proximity to these nuclei, thus suggesting a possible through-space coupling mechanism. Crystal structures of the sodium adducts exhibit significant metal-fluorine interactions. The treatment of [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]Na(H(2)O) with Et(4)NBr led to [Et(4)N][HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)], which contains a well-separated [Et(4)N](+) cation and the [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)](-) anion in the solid state. Crystal data with Mo Kalpha (lambda = 0.710 73 ?) at 193 K: [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]Na(H(2)O), C(15)H(6)BF(18)N(6)NaO, a = 7.992(2) ?, b = 15.049(2) ?, c = 9.934(2) ?, beta = 101.16(2) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/m, Z = 2; [{HB(3-(CF(3))Pz)(3)}Na(thf)](2), C(32)H(30)B(2)F(18)N(12)Na(2)O(2), a = 9.063(3) ?, b = 10.183(2) ?, c = 12.129(2) ?, alpha = 94.61(1) degrees, beta = 101.16(2) degrees, gamma = 95.66(2) degrees, triclinic, &Pmacr;1, Z = 1; [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]Cu(DMAC), C(19)H(13)BCuF(18)N(7)O, a = 15.124(4) ?, b = 8.833(2) ?, c = 21.637(6) ?, beta = 105.291(14) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, Z = 4; [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]CuPPh(3), C(33)H(19)BCuF(18)N(6)P, a = 9.1671(8) ?, b = 14.908(2) ?, c = 26.764(3) ?, beta = 94.891(1) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z = 4; [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]AgPPh(3).0.5C(6)H(14), C(36)H(26)AgBF(18)N(6)P, a = 13.929(2) ?, b = 16.498(2) ?, c = 18.752(2) ?, beta = 111.439(6) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z = 4; [Et(4)N][HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)], C(23)H(24)BF(18)N(7), a = 10.155(2) ?, b = 18.580(4) ?, c = 16.875(5) ?, beta = 99.01(2) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, Z = 4.     

Metal(II) hexafluorophosphates(V) (M = Sr, Pb) containing XeF(2)-coordinated metal ions [M(XeF(2))(3)](PF(6))(2), [Pb(3)(XeF(2))(11)](PF(6))(6), and [Sr(3)(XeF(2))(10)](PF(6))(6)

From the system MF(2)/PF(5)/XeF(2)/anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF), four compounds [Sr(XeF(2))(3)](PF(6))(2), [Pb(XeF(2))(3)](PF(6))(2), [Sr(3)(XeF(2))(10)](PF(6))(6), and [Pb(3)(XeF(2))(11)](PF(6))(6) were isolated and characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The [M(XeF(2))(3)](PF(6))(2) (M = Sr, Pb) compounds are isostructural with the previously reported [Sr(XeF(2))(3)](AsF(6))(2). The structure of [Sr(3)(XeF(2))(10)](PF(6))(6) (space group C2/c; a = 11.778(6) Angstrom, b = 12.497(6) Angstrom, c = 34.60(2) Angstrom, beta = 95.574(4) degrees, V = 5069(4) Angstrom(3), Z = 4) contains two crystallographically independent metal centers with a coordination number of 10 and rather unusual coordination spheres in the shape of tetracapped trigonal prisms. The bridging XeF(2) molecules and one bridging PF(6)- anion, which connect the metal centers, form complicated 3D structures. The structure of [Pb(3)(XeF(2))(11)](PF(6))(6) (space group C2/m; a = 13.01(3) Angstrom, b = 11.437(4) Angstrom, c = 18.487(7) Angstrom, beta = 104.374(9) degrees, V = 2665(6) Angstrom(3), Z = 2) consists of a 3D network of the general formula {[Pb(3)(XeF(2))(10)](PF(6))(6)}n and a noncoordinated XeF(2) molecule fixed in the crystal structure only by weak electrostatic interactions. This structure also contains two crystallographically independent Pb atoms. One of them possesses a unique homoleptic environment built up by eight F atoms from eight XeF(2) molecules in the shape of a cube, whereas the second Pb atom with a coordination number of 9 adopts the shape of a tricapped trigonal prism common for lead compounds. [Pb(3)(XeF(2))(11)](PF(6))(6) and [Sr(3)(XeF(2))(10)](PF(6))(6) are formed when an excess of XeF(2) is used during the process of the crystallization of [M(XeF(2))(3)](PF(6))(2) from their aHF solutions.     

2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)](2)Ga(+)Li[Al(OCH(CF(3))(2))(4)](2)(-) (Mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)): A compound containing a linear unsolvated two-coordinate gallium cation

The title compound [2,6-Mes(2)C(2)H(3)](2)Ga(+)Li[Al(OCH(CF(3))(2))(4)](2)(-), 1, containing a linear two-coordinate gallium cation, has been obtained by metathesis reaction of [2,6-Mes(2)C(2)H(3)](2)GaCl with 2 equiv of Li[Al(OCH(CF(3))(2))(4)] in C(6)H(5)Cl solution at room temperature. Compound 1 has been characterized by (1)H, (13)C((1)H), (19)F, and (27)Al NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Compound 1 consists of isolated [2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)](2)Ga(+) cations and Li[Al(OCH(CF(3))(2))(4)](2)(-) anions. The C-Ga-C angle is 175.69(7) degrees, and the Ga-C distances are 1.9130(14) and 1.9145(16) A. The title compound is remarkably stable, is only a weak Lewis acid, and polymerizes cyclohexene oxide.     

The reaction of Li[Al(OR)4] R = OC(CF3)2Ph, OC(CF3)3 with NO/NO2 giving NO[Al(OR)4], Li[NO3] and N2O. The synthesis of NO[Al(OR)4] from Li[Al(OR)4] and NO[SbF6] in sulfur dioxide solution

NO[Al(OC(CF(3))(2)Ph)(4)] 1 and NO[Al(OC(CF(3))(3))(4)] 2 were obtained by the metathesis reaction of NO[SbF(6)] and the corresponding Li[Al(OR)(4)] salts in liquid sulfur dioxide solution in ca 40% (1) and 85% (2) isolated yield. 1 and 2, as well as Li[NO(3)] and N(2)O, were also given by the reaction of an excess of mixture of (90 mol%) NO, (10 mol%) NO(2) with Li[Al(OR)(4)] followed by extraction with SO(2). The unfavourable disproportionation reaction of 2NO(2)(g) to [NO](+)(g) and [NO(3)](-)(g)[DeltaH degrees = +616.2 kJ mol(-1)] is more than compensated by the disproportionation energy of 3NO(g) to N(2)O(g) and NO(2)(g)[DeltaH degrees =-155.4 kJ mol(-1)] and the lattice energy of Li[NO(3)](s)[U(POT)= 862 kJ mol(-1)]. Evidence is presented that the reaction proceeds via a complex of [Li](+) with NO, NO(2)(or their dimers) and N(2)O. NO(2) and Li[Al(OC(CF(3))(3))(4)] gave [NO(3)(NO)(3)][Al(OC(CF(3))(3))(4)](2), NO[Al(OC(CF(3))(3))(4)] and (NO(2))[Al(OC(CF(3))(3))(4)] products. The aluminium complex [Li[AlF(OC(CF(3))(2)Ph)(3)]](2) 3 was prepared by the thermal decomposition of Li[Al(OC(CF(3))(2)Ph)(4)]. Compounds 1 and 3 were characterized by single crystal X-ray structural analyses, 1-3 by elemental analyses, NMR, IR, Raman and mass spectra. Solid 1 contains [Al(OC(CF(3))(2)Ph)(4)](-) and [NO](+) weakly linked via donor acceptor interactions, while in the SO(2) solution there is an equilibrium between the associated [NO](+)[Al(OC(CF(3))(2)Ph)(4)](-) and separated solvated ions. Solid 2 contains essentially ionic [NO](+) and [Al(OC(CF(3))(3))(4)](-). Complex 3 consists of two [Li[AlF(OC(CF(3))(2)Ph)(3)]] units linked via fluorine lithium contacts. Compound 1 is unstable in the SO(2) solution and decomposes to yield [AlF(OC(CF(3))(2)Ph)(3)](-), [(PhC(CF(3))(2)O)(3)Al(mu-F)Al(OC(CF(3))(2)Ph)(3)](-) anions as well as (NO)C(6)H(4)C(CF(3))(2)OH, while compound 2 is stable in liquid SO(2). The [small nu](NO(+)) in 1 and [NO](+)(toluene)[SbCl(6)] are similar, implying similar basicities of [Al(OC(CF(3))(2)Ph)(4)](-) and toluene.     

Synthesis and properties of mercury bis(trifluoromethyl)phosphanides and their phosphane complexes

The thermally unstable compounds Hg(CN)P(CF(3))(2) and Hg[P(CF(3))(2)](2) were obtained by reactions of mercury cyanide and bis(trifluoromethyl)phosphane in solution and characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. An increase in thermal stability is observed when the products form 18 valence electron complexes. The compounds [Hg(P(CF(3))(2))(2)(dppe)] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane) and [Hg(P(CF(3))(2))(2)(Me(3)P)(2)] have been isolated in almost quantitative yield by reacting [Hg(CN)(2)(dppe)] or [Hg(CN)(2)(Me(3)P)(2)] with HP(CF(3))(2). [Hg(P(CF(3))(2))(2)(dppe)] crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1. The mercury atom is coordinated in a distorted tetrahedral fashion. The Hg-P(CF(3))(2) bonds, ca. 250 pm, are significantly longer than those of the mercury bis(phosphanides) Hg(PR(2))(2) with R = t-Bu, 245 pm, or SiMe(3), 241 pm. These easily accessible compounds [Hg(P(CF(3))(2))(2)(dppe)] and [Hg(P(CF(3))(2))(2)(Me(3)P)(2)] act as nucleophilic bis(trifluoromethyl)phosphane group transfer reagents.     

X-ray Crystallographic Study of the Ruthenium Blue Complexes [Ru(2)Cl(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).4H(2)O, [Ru(2)Br(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).2H(2)O, and [Ru(2)I(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2): Steric Interactions and the Ru-Ru "Bond Length"

X-ray crystal structures are reported for the following complexes: [Ru(2)Cl(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).4H(2)O (tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane), monoclinic P2(1)/n, Z = 4, a = 14.418(8) ?, b = 11.577(3) ?, c = 18.471(1) ?, beta = 91.08(5) degrees, V = 3082 ?(3), R(R(w)) = 0.039 (0.043) using 4067 unique data with I > 2.5sigma(I) at 293 K; [Ru(2)Br(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).2H(2)O, monoclinic P2(1)/a, Z = 4, a = 13.638(4) ?, b = 12.283(4) ?, c = 18.679(6) ?, beta = 109.19(2) degrees, V = 3069.5 ?(3), R(R(w)) = 0.052 (0.054) using 3668 unique data with I > 2.5sigma(I) at 293 K; [Ru(2)I(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2), cubic P2(1)/3, Z = 3, a = 14.03(4) ?, beta = 90.0 degrees, V = 2763.1(1) ?(3), R (R(w)) = 0.022 (0.025) using 896 unique data with I > 2.5sigma(I) at 293 K. All of the cations have cofacial bioctahedral geometries, although [Ru(2)Cl(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).4H(2)O, [Ru(2)Br(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).2H(2)O, and [Ru(2)I(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2) are not isomorphous. Average bond lengths and angles for the cofacial bioctahedral cores, [N(3)Ru(&mgr;-X)(3)RuN(3)](2+), are compared to those for the analogous ammine complexes [Ru(2)Cl(3)(NH(3))(6)](BPh(4))(2) and [Ru(2)Br(3)(NH(3))(6)](ZnBr(4)). The Ru-Ru distances in the tacn complexes are longer than those in the equivalent ammine complexes, probably as a result of steric interactions.     

Air-stable platinum and palladium complexes featuring bis[2,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]phosphinous acid ligands

Secondary phosphane oxides, R(2)P(O)H, are commonly used as preligands for transition-metal complexes of phosphinous acids, R(2)P-OH (R=alkyl, aryl), which are relevant as efficient catalysts in cross-coupling processes. In contrast to previous work by other groups, we are interested in the ligating properties of an electron-deficient phosphinous acid, (R(f))(2)P-OH, bearing the strongly electron-withdrawing and sterically demanding 2,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl group towards catalysis-relevant metals, such as palladium and platinum. The preligand bis[2,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]phosphane oxide, (R(f))(2)P(O)H, reacts smoothly with solid platinum(II) dichloride yielding the trans-configured phosphinous acid platinum complex trans-[PtCl(2)({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)POH)(2)]. The deprotonation of one phosphinous acid ligand with an appropriate base leads to the cis-configured monoanion complex cis-[PtCl(2)({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)PO)(2)H](-), featuring the quasi-chelating phosphinous acid phosphinito unit, (R(f))(2)P-O-H···O=P(R(f))(2), which exhibits a strong hydrogen bridge substantiated by an O···O distance of 245.1(4) pm. The second deprotonation step is accompanied by a rearrangement to afford the trans-configured dianion trans-[PtCl(2)({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)PO)(2)](2-). The reaction of (R(f))(2)P(O)H with solid palladium(II) dichloride initially yields a mononuclear palladium complex [PdCl(2)({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)POH)(2)], which condenses under liberation of HCl to the neutral dinuclear palladium complex [Pd(2)(μ-Cl)(2){({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)PO)(2)H}(2)]. The equilibrium between the mononuclear [PdCl(2)({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)POH)(2)] and dinuclear [Pd(2)(μ-Cl)(2){({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)PO)(2)H}(2)] palladium complexes is reversible and can be shifted in each direction by the addition of base or HCl, respectively. Treatment of palladium(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate, [Pd(F(6)acac)(2)], with a slight excess of (R(f))(2)P(O)H yields the complex [Pd(F(6)acac)({2,4-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)PO)(2)H]. The quasi-chelating phosphinous acid phosphinito unit, which is formed by the liberation of HF(6)acac, is characterized by a O···O distance of 244.1(3) pm. These transition metal complexes are stable towards air and moisture and can be stored for months without any evidence of decomposition.     

Unsymmetrical linear pentanuclear nickel string complexes: [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(H(2)O)(BF(4))](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(SO(3)CF(3))(2)](SO(3)CF(3))

The one-electron oxidized linear pentanuclear nickel complexes [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(H(2)O)(BF(4))](BF(4))(2) (1) and [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(SO(3)CF(3))(2)](SO(3)CF(3)) (2) have been synthesized by reacting the neutral compound [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)Cl(2)] with the corresponding silver salts. These compounds have been characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 15.3022(1) A, b = 31.0705(3) A, c = 15.8109(2) A, beta = 92.2425(4) degrees, V = 7511.49(13) A(3), Z = 4, and compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 42.1894(7) A, b = 17.0770(3) A, c = 21.2117(4) A, beta = 102.5688(8) degrees, V = 14916.1(5) A(3), Z = 8. X-ray structural studies reveal an unsymmetrical Ni(5) unit for both compounds 1 and 2. Compounds 1 and 2 show stronger Ni-Ni interactions as compared to those of the neutral compounds.     

Isolation of (CO)1- and (CO2)1- radical complexes of rare earths via Ln(NR2)3/K reduction and [K2(18-crown-6)2]2+ oligomerization

Deep-blue solutions of Y(2+) formed from Y(NR(2))(3) (R = SiMe(3)) and excess potassium in the presence of 18-crown-6 at -45 °C under vacuum in diethyl ether react with CO at -78 °C to form colorless crystals of the (CO)(1-) radical complex, {[(R(2)N)(3)Y(μ-CO)(2)][K(2)(18-crown-6)(2)]}(n), 1. The polymeric structure contains trigonal bipyramidal [(R(2)N)(3)Y(μ-CO)(2)](2-) units with axial (CO)(1-) ligands linked by [K(2)(18-crown-6)(2)](2+) dications. Byproducts such as the ynediolate, [(R(2)N)(3)Y](2)(μ-OC≡CO){[K(18-crown-6)](2)(18-crown-6)}, 2, in which two (CO)(1-) anions are coupled to form (OC≡CO)(2-), and the insertion/rearrangement product, {(R(2)N)(2)Y[OC(═CH(2))Si(Me(2))NSiMe(3)]}[K(18-crown-6)], 3, are common in these reactions that give variable results depending on the specific reaction conditions. The CO reduction in the presence of THF forms a solvated variant of 2, the ynediolate [(R(2)N)(3)Y](2)(μ-OC≡CO)[K(18-crown-6)(THF)(2)](2), 2a. CO(2) reacts analogously with Y(2+) to form the (CO(2))(1-) radical complex, {[(R(2)N)(3)Y(μ-CO(2))(2)][K(2)(18-crown-6)(2)]}(n), 4, that has a structure similar to that of 1. Analogous (CO)(1-) and (OC≡CO)(2-) complexes of lutetium were isolated using Lu(NR(2))(3)/K/18-crown-6: {[(R(2)N)(3)Lu(μ-CO)(2)][K(2)(18-crown-6)(2)]}(n), 5, [(R(2)N)(3)Lu](2)(μ-OC≡CO){[K(18-crown-6)](2)(18-crown-6)}, 6, and [(R(2)N)(3)Lu](2)(μ-OC≡CO)[K(18-crown-6)(Et(2)O)(2)](2), 6a.     

Rb(3)Ti(3)(P(4)S(13))(PS(4))(3) and Cs(2)Ti(2)(P(2)S(8))(PS(4))(2): two polar titanium thiophosphates with complex one-dimensional tunnels

The reactions of Ti with in situ formed polythiophosphate fluxes of A(2)S(3) (A = Rb, Cs), P(2)S(5), and S at 500 degrees C result in the formation of two new quaternary titanium thiophosphates with compositions Rb(3)Ti(3)(P(4)S(13))(PS(4))(3) (1) and Cs(2)Ti(2)(P(2)S(8))(PS(4))(2) (2). Rb(3)Ti(3)(P(4)S(13))(PS(4))(3) (1) crystallizes in the chiral hexagonal space group P6(3) (No. 173) with lattice parameters a = 18.2475(9) Angstrom, c = 6.8687(3) Angstrom, V = 1980.7(2) Angstrom(3), Z = 2. Cs(2)Ti(2)(P(2)S(8))(PS(4))(2) (2) crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric monoclinic space group Cc (No. 9) with a = 21.9709(14) Angstrom, b = 6.9093(3) Angstrom, c = 17.1489(10) Angstrom, beta = 98.79(1) degrees, V = 2572.7(2) Angstrom(3), Z = 4. In the structure of 1 TiS(6) octahedra, three [PS(4)] tetrahedra, and the hitherto unknown [P(4)S(13)](6-) anion are joined to form two different types of helical chains. These chains are connected yielding two different helical tunnels being directed along [001]. The tunnels are occupied by the Rb+ ions. The [P(4)S(13)](6-) anion is generated by three [PS(4)] tetrahedra sharing corners with one [PS(4)] group in the center of the starlike anion. The P atoms of the three [PS(4)] tetrahedra attached to the central [PS(4)] group define an equilateral triangle. The [P(4)S(13)](6-) anion may be regarded as a new member of the [P(n)S(3n+1)]((n+2)-) series. The structure of Cs(2)Ti(2)(P(2)S(8))(PS(4))(2) (2) consists of the one-dimensional polar tunnels containing the Cs(+) cations. The rare [P(2)S(8)](4-) anion which is composed of two [PS(4)] tetrahedra joined by a S(2)(2-) anion is a fundamental building unit in the structure of 2. One-dimensional undulated chains being directed along [100] are joined by [PS(4)] tetrahedra to form the three-dimensional network with polar tunnels running along [010]. The compounds are characterized with IR, Raman spectroscopy, and UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.     

Rearrangement reactions of the transient lewis acids (CF(3))(3)B and (CF(3))(3)BCF(2): an experimental and theoretical study

Short-lived (CF(3))(3)B and (CF(3))(3)BCF(2) are generated as intermediates by thermal dissociation of (CF(3))(3)BCO and F(-) abstraction from the weak coordinating anion [B(CF(3))(4)](-), respectively. Both Lewis acids cannot be detected because of their instability with respect to rearrangement reactions at the B-C-F moiety. A cascade of 1,2-fluorine shifts to boron followed by perfluoroalkyl group migrations and also difluorocarbene transfer reactions occur. In the gas phase, (CF(3))(3)B rearranges to a mixture of linear perfluoroalkyldifluoroboranes C(n)()F(2)(n)()(+1)BF(2) (n = 2-7), while the respective reactions of (CF(3))(3)BCF(2) result in a mixture of linear (n = 2-4) and branched monoperfluoroalkyldifluoroboranes, e.g., (C(2)F(5))(CF(3))FCBF(2). For comparison, the reactions of [CF(3)BF(3)](-) and [C(2)F(5)BF(3)](-) with AsF(5) are studied, and the products in the case of [CF(3)BF(3)](-) are BF(3) and C(2)F(5)BF(2) whereas in the case of [C(2)F(5)BF(3)](-), C(2)F(5)BF(2) is the sole product. In contrast to reports in the literature, it is found that CF(3)BF(2) is too unstable at room temperature to be detected. The decomposition of (CF(3))(3)BCO in anhydrous HF leads to a mixture of the new conjugate Br?nsted-Lewis acids [H(2)F][(CF(3))(3)BF] and [H(2)F][C(2)F(5)BF(3)]. All reactions are modeled by density functional calculations. The energy barriers of the transition states are low in agreement with the experimental results that (CF(3))(3)B and (CF(3))(3)BCF(2) are short-lived intermediates. Since CF(2) complexes are key intermediates in the rearrangement reactions of (CF(3))(3)B and (CF(3))(3)BCF(2), CF(2) affinities of some perfluoroalkylfluoroboranes are presented. CF(2) affinities are compared to CO and F(-) affinities of selected boranes showing a trend in Lewis acidity, and its influence on the stability of the complexes is discussed. Fluoride ion affinities are calculated for a variety of different fluoroboranes, including perfluorocarboranes, and compared to those of the title compounds.     

Silver(I)-organophosphane complexes of electron withdrawing CF3- or NO2-substituted scorpionate ligands

New silver(I) complexes have been synthesized from the reaction of AgNO(3), monodentate tertiary phosphanes PR(3) (PR(3) = P(C(6)H(5))(3), P(o-C(6)H(4)CH(3))(3), P(m-C(6)H(4)CH(3))(3), P(p-C(6)H(4)CH(3))(3), PCH(3)(C(6)H(5))(2)) and two novel electron withdrawing ligands: potassium dihydrobis(3-nitropyrazol-1-yl)borate and potassium dihydrobis(3-trifluoromethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate. These compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, ESI-MS and multinuclear ((1)H, (19)F and (31)P) NMR spectroscopy. Solid state structures of the potassium salts K[H(2)B(3-(NO(2))pz)(2)] and K[H(2)B(3-(CF(3))pz)(2)] have been reported. They form polymeric networks due to intermolecular contacts of various types between the potassium ion and atoms of the neighboring molecules. The silver adducts [H(2)B(3-(NO(2))pz)(2)]Ag[P(C(6)H(5))(3)](2) and [H(2)B(3-(NO(2))pz)(2)]Ag[P(p-C(6)H(4)CH(3))(3)] have pseudo tetrahedral and trigonal planar silver sites, respectively. The bis(pyrazolyl)borate ligand acts as a kappa(2)-N(2) donor. The nitro-substituents are coplanar with the pyrazolyl rings in all these adducts indicating efficient electron delocalization between the two units. The [H(2)B(3-(CF(3))pz)(2)]Ag[P(C(6)H(5))(3)] complex has been obtained from re-crystallization of {[H(2)B(3-(CF(3))pz)(2)]Ag[P(C(6)H(5))(3)](2)} in a dichloromethane-diethyl ether solution; it is a three-coordinate, trigonal planar silver complex.     

Hydroxoundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(2-) as a Nucleophile. Preparation and Structural Characterization of O-Alkyl and O-Acyl Derivatives of Hydroxoundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(2-)

The syntheses, solid state structures, and spectral properties of O-alkyl and O-acyl derivatives of hydroxoundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(2-), 1, are described. Alkylation of 1 with ethyl iodide was achieved in dimethyl sulfoxide using potassium hydroxide as a base, leading to [N(n-C(4)H(9))(4)](2)[CH(3)CH(2)O-B(12)H(11)(2-)], 2, bis(tetrabutylammonium) ethoxyundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(2-) [monoclinic P2(1)/n, a = 1192.4(9) pm, b = 1253.9(4) pm, c = 3049.1(10) pm, beta = 92.69(4) degrees, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0693, wR(2) = 0.1517]. Alkylation with 1,5-dibromopentane afforded the cyclic oxonium salt [PPN][C(5)H(10)O-B(12)H(11)(1-)], 3, (&mgr;-nitrido)bis(triphenylphosphorus)(1+) tetrahydropyrane-undecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(1-) [monoclinic P2(1)/c, a = 1938.1(2) pm, b = 1329.7(10) pm, c = 1944.0(2) pm, beta = 108.82(10) degrees, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0484, wR(2) = 0.0833]. Acylation of 1 in acetonitrile with acyl chlorides in the presence of pyridine yielded [N(n-C(4)H(9))(4)](2)[C(6)H(5)CO(2)-B(12)H(11)(2-)], 4, bis(tetrabutylammonium) undecahydrobenzoyl-closo-dodecaborate(2-) [monoclinic P2(1)/c, a = 1812.0(4) pm, b = 1711.9(3) pm, c = 1685.0(3) pm, beta = 114.03(3) degrees, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0915, wR(2) = 0.2093], and [N(n-C(4)H(9))(4)](2)[CH(3)CO(2)-B(12)H(11)(2-)], 5, bis(tetrabutylammonium) acetoxyundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(2-) [monoclinic P2(1)/n, a = 1190.5(2) pm, b = 1243.0(10) pm, c = 3078.4(4) pm, beta = 92.76(10) degrees, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0642, wR(2) = 0.1462]. All crystal structures showed distortion of the pseudoicosahedral geometry of the boron cluster. The boron-oxygen distances varied from 144.2(5) pm for 2, 148.5(3) pm for 5, 149.4(12) pm for 4, to 152.8(4) pm for 3. The 3-fold coordinated oxygen of oxonium salt 3 is nearly planar.     

Synthesis and Chemical and Electrochemical Characterization of Fe-S Carbonyl Clusters. X-ray Crystal Structures of [N(PPh(3))(2)](2)[Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)] and [N(PPh(3))(2)](2)[Fe(6)S(6)(CO)(12)

A reinvestigation of the redox behavior of the [Fe(3)(&mgr;(3)-S)(CO)(9)](2)(-) dianion led to the isolation and characterization of the new [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](2)(-), as well as the known [Fe(6)S(6)(CO)(12)](2)(-) dianion. As a corollary, new syntheses of the [Fe(3)S(CO)(9)](2)(-) dianion are also reported. The [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](2)(-) dianion has been obtained by oxidative condensation of [Fe(3)S(CO)(9)](2)(-) induced by tropylium and Ag(I) salts or SCl(2), or more straightforwardly through the reaction of [Fe(4)(CO)(13)](2)(-) with SCl(2). The [Fe(6)S(6)(CO)(12)](2)(-) dianion has been isolated as a byproduct of the synthesis of [Fe(3)S(CO)(9)](2)(-) and [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](2)(-) or by reaction of [Fe(4)(CO)(13)](2)(-) with elemental sulfur. The structures of [N(PPh(3))(2)](2)[Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)] and [N(PPh(3))(2)](2)[Fe(6)S(6)(CO)(12)] were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Crystal data: for [N(PPh(3))(2)](2)[Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)], monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c (No. 14), a = 24.060(5), b = 14.355(6), c = 23.898(13) ?, beta = 90.42(3) degrees, Z = 4; for [N(PPh(3))(2)](2)[Fe(6)S(6)(CO)(12)], monoclinic, space group C2/c (No. 15), a = 34.424(4), b = 14.081(2), c = 19.674(2) ?, beta = 115.72(1) degrees, Z = 4. The new [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](2)(-) dianion shows a "bow tie" arrangement of the five metal atoms. The two Fe(3) triangles sharing the central Fe atom are not coplanar and show a dihedral angle of 55.08(3) degrees. Each Fe(3) moiety is capped by a triply bridging sulfide ligand. The 14 carbonyl groups are all terminal; two are bonded to the unique central atom and three to each peripheral iron atom. Protonation of the [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](2)(-) dianion gives reversibly rise to the corresponding [HFe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](-) monohydride derivative, which shows an (1)H-NMR signal at delta -21.7 ppm. Its further protonation results in decomposition to mixtures of Fe(2)S(2)(CO)(6) and Fe(3)S(2)(CO)(9), rather than formation of the expected H(2)Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14) dihydride. Exhaustive reduction of [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](2)(-) with sodium diphenyl ketyl progressively leads to fragmentation into [Fe(3)S(CO)(9)](2)(-) and [Fe(CO)(4)](2)(-), whereas electrochemical, as well as chemical oxidation with silver or tropylium tetrafluoroborate, in dichloromethane, generates the corresponding [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](-) radical anion which exhibits an ESR signal at g = 2.067 at 200 K. The electrochemical studies also indicated the existence of a subsequent one-electron anodic oxidation which possesses features of chemical reversibility in dichloromethane but not in acetonitrile solution. A reexamination of the electrochemical behavior of the [Fe(3)S(CO)(9)](2)(-) dianion coupled with ESR monitoring enabled the spectroscopic characterization of the [Fe(3)S(CO)(9)](-) radical monoanion and demonstrated its direct involvement in the generation of the [Fe(5)S(2)(CO)(14)](n)()(-) (n = 0, 1, 2) system.     

Acceptor (CF3)PCPH pincer reactivity with (PPh3)3Ir(CO)H

The syntheses of Ir(I) and Ir(III) complexes incorporating the electron-withdrawing pincer ligand (1,3-C(6)H(4)(CH(2)P(CF(3))(2))(2)) ((CF(3))PCPH) with (PPh(3))(3)Ir(CO)H and subsequent chemistry are reported. Under ambient conditions, reaction of 1 equiv. (CF(3))PCPH with (PPh(3))(3)Ir(CO)H gave the mono-bridged complex [Ir(CO)(PPh(3))(2)(H)](2)(μ-(CF(3))PCPH) (1). Reaction of (PPh(3))(3)Ir(CO)H with excess (CF(3))PCPH and MeI gave the doubly-bridged complex [Ir(CO)(PPh(3))(H)](2)(μ-(CF(3))PCPH)(2) (2), whereas the tetrameric oligomer [Ir(CO)(PPh(3))(H)](4)(μ-(CF(3))PCPH)(4) (2-sq) was obtained from a 1:1 ligand:metal mixture in benzene in the presence of excess MeI. At higher temperatures (165 °C) the reaction of (CF(3))PCPH with (PPh(3))(3)Ir(CO)H afforded the 5-coordinate Ir(I) complex ((CF(3))PCP)Ir(CO)(PPh(3)) (3). Complex 3 shows mild catalytic activity for the decarbonylation of 2-naphthaldehyde in refluxing diglyme (162 °C).     

Synthesis and characterization of six new quaternary actinide thiophosphate compounds: Cs(8)U(5)(P(3)S(10))(2)(PS(4))(6)(,) K(10)Th(3)(P(2)S(7))(4)(PS(4))(2), and A(5)An(PS(4))(3), (A = K, Rb, Cs; An = U, Th)

Six new actinide metal thiophosphates have been synthesized by the reactive flux method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction: Cs(8)U(5)(P(3)S(10))(2)(PS(4))(6) (I), K(10)Th(3)(P(2)S(7))(4)(PS(4))(2) (II), K(5)U(PS(4))(3) (III), K(5)Th(PS(4))(3) (IV), Rb(5)Th(PS(4))(3) (V), and Cs(5)Th(PS(4))(3) (VI). Compound I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 33.2897(1) A, b = 14.9295(1) A, c = 17.3528(2) A, beta = 115.478(1) degrees, Z = 8. Compound II crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 32.8085(6) A, b = 9.0482(2) A, c = 27.2972(3) A, beta = 125.720(1) degrees, Z = 8. Compound III crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 14.6132(1) A, b = 17.0884(2) A, c = 9.7082(2) A, beta = 108.63(1) degrees, Z = 4. Compound IV crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 9.7436(1) A, b = 11.3894(2) A, c = 20.0163(3) A, beta = 90.041(1) degrees, Z = 4, as a pseudo-merohedrally twinned cell. Compound V crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 13.197(4) A, b = 9.997(4) A, c = 18.189(7) A, beta = 100.77(1) degrees, Z = 4. Compound VI crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 13.5624(1) A, b = 10.3007(1) A, c = 18.6738(1) A, beta = 100.670(1) degrees, Z = 4. Optical band-gap measurements by diffuse reflectance show that compounds I and III contain tetravalent uranium as part of an extended electronic system. Thorium-containing compounds are large-gap materials. Raman spectroscopy on single crystals displays the vibrational characteristics expected for [PS(4)](3)(-), [P(2)S(7)](4-), and the new [P(3)S(10)](5)(-) building blocks. This new thiophosphate building block has not been observed except in the structure of the uranium-containing compound Cs(8)U(5)(P(3)S(10))(2)(PS(4))(6).     

(CF(3))(4)Au(2)(C(5)H(5)N)(2)] - a new alkyl gold(ii) derivative with a very short Au-Au bond

A new gold(ii) species [(CF(3))(4)Au(2)(C(5)H(5)N)(2)] with a very short unsupported Au-Au bond (250.62(9) pm) was generated by photo irradiation of a silver aurate, [Ag(Py)(2)][Au(CF(3))(2)], unambiguously characterized by (19)F and (109)Ag NMR studies.