Arene-mercury complexes stabilized by gallium chloride: relative rates of H/D and arene exchange

We have previously proposed that the Hg(arene)(2)(GaCl(4))(2) catalyzed H/D exchange reaction of C(6)D(6) with arenes occurs via an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction in which the coordinated arene protonates the C(6)D(6). To investigate this mechanism, the kinetics of the Hg(C(6)H(5)Me)(2)(GaCl(4))(2) catalyzed H/D exchange reaction of C(6)D(6) with naphthalene has been studied. Separate second-order rate constants were determined for the 1- and 2-positions on naphthalene; that is, the initial rate of H/D exchange = k(1i)[Hg][C-H(1)] + k(2i)[Hg][C-H(2)]. The ratio of k(1i)/k(2i) ranges from 11 to 2.5 over the temperature range studied, commensurate with the proposed electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction. Observation of the reactions over an extended time period shows that the rates change with time, until they again reach a new and constant second-order kinetics regime. The overall form of the rate equation is unchanged: final rate = k(1f)[Hg][C-H(1)] + k(2f)[Hg][C-H(2)]. This change in the H/D exchange is accompanied by ligand exchange between Hg(C(6)D(6))(2)(GaCl(4))(2) and naphthalene to give Hg(C(10)H(8))(2)(GaCl(4))(2,) that has been characterized by (13)C CPMAS NMR and UV-visible spectroscopy. The activation parameters for the ligand exchange may be determined and are indicative of a dissociative reaction and are consistent with our previously calculated bond dissociation for Hg(C(6)H(6))(2)(AlCl(4))(2). The initial Hg(arene)(2)(GaCl(4))(2) catalyzed reaction of naphthalene with C(6)D(6) involves the deuteration of naphthalene by coordinated C(6)D(6); however, as ligand exchange progresses, the pathway for H/D exchange changes to where the protonation of C(6)D(6) by coordinated naphthalene dominates. The site selectivity for the H/D exchange is initially due to the electrophilic aromatic substitution of naphthalene. As ligand exchange occurs, this selectivity is controlled by the activation of the naphthalene C-H bonds by mercury.     

Aromatic vs aliphatic C-H bond activation by rhodium(I) as a function of agostic interactions: catalytic H/D exchange between olefins and methanol or water

The aryl-PC type ligand 3, benzyl(di-tert-butyl)phosphane, reacts with [Rh(coe)(2)(solv)(n)()]BF(4) (coe = cyclooctene, solv = solvent), producing the C-H activated complexes 4a-c (solv = (a). acetone, (b). THF, (c). methanol). Complexes 4a-c undergo reversible arene C-H activation (observed by NMR spin saturation transfer experiments, SST) and H/D exchange into the hydride and aryl ortho-H with ROD (R = D, Me). They also promote catalytic H/D exchange into the vinylic C-H bond of olefins, with deuterated methanol or water utilized as D-donors. Unexpectedly, complex 2, based on the benzyl-PC type ligand 1 (analogous to 3), di-tert-butyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzyl)phosphane, shows a very different reversible C-H activation pattern as observed by SST. It is not active in H/D exchange with ROD and in catalytic H/D exchange with olefins. To clarify our observations regarding C-H activation/reductive elimination in both PC-Rh systems, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed. Both nucleophilic (oxidative addition) and electrophilic (H/D exchange) C-H activation proceed through eta(2)-C,H agostic intermediates. In the aryl-PC system the agostic interaction causes C-H bond acidity sufficient for the H/D exchange with water or methanol, which is not the case in the benzyl PC-Rh system. In the latter system the C-H coordination pattern of the methyl controls the reversible C-H oxidative addition leading to energetically different C-H activation processes, in accordance with the experimental observations.     

DMSO-Quenched H/D-Exchange 2D NMR Spectroscopy and Its Applications in Protein Science

Hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange combined with two-dimensional (2D) NMR spectroscopy has been widely used for studying the structure, stability, and dynamics of proteins. When we apply the H/D-exchange method to investigate non-native states of proteins such as equilibrium and kinetic folding intermediates, H/D-exchange quenching techniques are indispensable, because the exchange reaction is usually too fast to follow by 2D NMR. In this article, we will describe the dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-quenched H/D-exchange method and its applications in protein science. In this method, the H/D-exchange buffer is replaced by an aprotic DMSO solution, which quenches the exchange reaction. We have improved the DMSO-quenched method by using spin desalting columns, which are used for medium exchange from the H/D-exchange buffer to the DMSO solution. This improvement has allowed us to monitor the H/D exchange of proteins at a high concentration of salts or denaturants. We describe methodological details of the improved DMSO-quenched method and present a case study using the improved method on the H/D-exchange behavior of unfolded human ubiquitin in 6 M guanidinium chloride.     

2D NMR Investigation of Dynamic Equilibrium of Tautomers of Gossypol

Gossypol was obtained as an yellow platelike crystal with m.p. 210-214 . In CDCl3 there were three tautomers of gossypol: Ⅰ aldehyde, Ⅱ lactol, Ⅲ ketal, in equilibrium .Their total 1H NMR spectra were assigned by means of 1D and 2D NMR techniques including 1H-1H cosy ,DEPT, HMQC (1H Detected Heteronuclear Multiple Quantum Coherence) and HMBC (1H Detected Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Connectivity) experiments.This paper first reported that we took use of the 2D NMR techniques to assign all of 1H NMR chemical shifts of each tautomer , through the assignments of each peaks we investigated the tautomerism of gossypol . We concluded that when gossypol ( Ⅰ ) was put into CDCl3 , it would tautomerized three tautomers, they stable existed and attained tautomeric equilibrium in a molar ratio of 6:2:1 according to peaks intensity ratios in CDCl3. The result listed in table 1.Table 1. The 1H spectroscopy chemical shifts (ppm) for gossypol (Ⅰ), (Ⅱ) and (Ⅲ)All spectra were recorded at room tempreture in CDCl3 using TMS as an internal standard reported in δ units,hydroxyl protons were identified by D2O exchange.     

Syntheses, solution multi-NMR characterization, and reactivities of [C6F5Xe]+ salts of weakly coordinating borate anions, [BY4]- (Y = CF3, C6F5, CN, or OTeF5)

New examples of [C6F5Xe]+ salts of the weakly coordinating anions [B(CF3)4]-, [B(C6F5)4]-, [B(CN)4]-, and [B(OTeF5)4]- have been synthesized by metathesis reactions of [C6F5Xe][BF4] with the corresponding MI[BY4] salts (MI = K or Cs; Y = CF3, C6F5, CN, or OTeF5). The salts were characterized in solution by multi-NMR spectroscopy. Their stabilities in prototypic solvents (CH3CN and CH2Cl2) and decomposition products are reported. The influence of the coordinating nature of [BY4]- on the decomposition rate of [C6F5Xe]+ as well as the presence of the weakly nucleophilic [BF4]- ion has been studied. The electrophilic pentafluorophenylation of C6H5F by [C6F5Xe][BY4] in solvents of different coordinating abilities (CH3CN and CH2Cl2) and the effects of stronger nucleophiles (fluoride and water) on the pentafluorophenylation process have been investigated. Simulations of the 19F and 129Xe NMR spectra of [C6F5Xe]+ have provided the complete set of aryl 19F-19F and 129Xe-19F coupling constants and their relative signs. The 19F NMR parameters of the [C6F5Xe]+ cation in the present series of salts are shown to reflect the relative degrees of cation-solvent interactions.     

The structure of arachno-[B6H11]-, at -25 degrees C in (CD3)2O,is resolved via the ab initio/IGLO-GIAO/NMR procedure

The arachno-[B6H11]- solution structure at -25 degrees C was clarified as fluxional compound 2 by applying the ab initio/IGLO/NMR method. The anion 2 can be derived from arachno-B6H12, 1, by the removal of the B2/B3 bridging hydrogen (2). No minimum on the potential energy surface could be found for an asymmetric complex, a, between [B5H8]- and BH3, which had been proposed originally. A Cs-symmetric [mu-(BH3)B5H8]- complex, A, only 3.2 kcal mol-1 higher in energy than 2, is the intermediate in the fluxional rearrangement observed on the NMR time scale. The transition structure [D] connecting 2 (Erel = 0.0) and A (Erel = 3.2) has a relative energy of 9.7 kcal mol-1. The elimination of both a and A as "most stable structure" candidates of arachno-[B6H11]- reinforces the early geometrical bonding systematics for boranes and carboranes.     

Effect of buffer general acid-base catalysis on the stereoselectivity of ester and thioester H/D exchange in D2O

As part of a comprehensive investigation on the stereochemistry of base-catalyzed 1,2-elimination and H/D exchange reactions of carbonyl compounds, we have found that the stereoselectivity of H/D exchange of 3-hydroxybutyryl N-acetylcysteamine (3) in D(2)O is strongly influenced by the presence of buffers. This buffer effect is also operative with a simple acyclic ester, ethyl 3-methoxybutanoate (7). Buffers whose general-acid components are cyclic tertiary ammonium ions are particularly effective in changing the stereoselectivity. (2)H NMR analysis showed that without buffer, H/D exchange of 3 produces 81-82% of the 2R*, 3R* diastereomer of 2-deuterio 3 (the anti product). In the presence of 0.33 M 3-quinuclidinone buffer, only 44% of the 2R*, 3R* diastereomer was formed. With ester 7, the stereoselectivity went from 93-94% in DO(-)/D(2)O to 60% in the presence of buffer. Phosphate buffer, as well as others, also showed substantial effects. The results are put into the context of what is known about the mechanism of H/D exchange of esters and thioesters, and the relevance of the buffer effect on the mechanism of the enoyl-CoA hydratase reaction is discussed. It is likely that hydrogen bonding in the enolate-buffer acid encounter complex is an important stereochemical determinant in producing a greater amount of the 2R*, 3S* diastereomer (the syn product). Studies that involve the protonation of enolate anions in D(2)O need to include the buffer general acid in any understanding of the stereoselectivity.     

Arachno, nido, and closo aromatic isomers of the Li6B6H6 molecule

We analyzed chemical bonding in low-lying isomers of the recently computationally predicted B(6)H(6)Li(6) molecule. According to our calculations the benzene-like B(6)H(6)Li(6) (D(2h), (1)A(1g)) arachno structure with the planar aromatic B(6)H(6)(6-) anion is the most stable one. A nido isomer with two aromatic B(6)H(6)(4-) (pentagonal pyramid) and Li(3)(+) (triangular) moieties, which can be considered as derived from the global minimum structure through a two-electron intramolecular transfer from B(6)H(6)(6-) to three Li(+) cations, was found to be 10.7 kcal/mol higher in energy. A closo isomer with three aromatic moieties (octahedral B(6)H(6)(2-) and two Li(3)(+)) was found to be 31.3 kcal/mol higher in energy than the global minimum. Another isomer with three aromatic moieties (two B(3)H(3)(2-) and Li(3)(+)) was found to be substantially higher in energy (74.4 kcal/mol). Thus, the intramolecular electron transfers from the highly charged B(6)H(6)(6-) anion to cations are not favorable for the B(6)H(6)Li(6) molecule, even when a formation of three-dimensional aromatic B(6)H(6)(2-) anion and two sigma-aromatic Li(3)(+) cations occurs in the closo isomer.     

Aggregation of ionic liquids [C(n)mim]Br (n = 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) in D2O: a NMR study

Aqueous solutions of five ionic liquids (ILs) of the 1-n-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide family, [C(n)mim]Br (n = 4, 6, 8, 10, 12), were investigated by NMR measurements at 298.2 K as a function of IL concentrations. Critical aggregation concentrations and aggregation numbers of these ILs were determined by 1H NMR except for [C4mim]Br in D2O. The effects of the alkyl chain length of the cations were examined on the aggregation behavior of the ILs. 1H NMR data of the solvent D2O were used to investigate the hydration of the ILs in D2O, and it was found that the ionic hydration and the cation-anion association or aggregation of the ILs offset each other. The microenvironment of different protons of cations of the ILs in the aggregates was probed by determining the spin-lattice relaxation rate (1/T1). It is suggested that the imidazolium rings in the aggregates are exposed to water and that the molecular motion of the aggregates is more restricted than that of the monomers of the ILs. Furthermore, a stair-like microscopic aggregation structure is suggested for the [C(n)mim]Br/D2O (n = 6, 8, 10) systems from 2-D 1H-1H NOESY measurements.     

Interaction of hydronium ion with dibenzo-18-crown-6: NMR, IR, and theoretical study

Interaction of dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DBC) with H 3O (+) (HP) in nitrobenzene- d 5 and dichloromethane- d 2 was studied by using (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra and relaxations, FTIR spectra, and quantum chemical DFT calculations. NMR shows that the DBC*HP complex is in a dynamic equilibrium with the reactants, the equilibrium constant K being 0.66 x 10 (3), 1.16 x 10 (4), and 1.03 x 10 (4) L x mol (-1) in CD 2Cl 2, nitrobenzene, and acetonitrile, respectively. The complex appears to have a C 2 v symmetry in NMR, but FTIR combined with DFT normal mode calculations suggest that such high symmetry is only apparent and due to exchange averaging of the structure. FTIR spectra as well as energy-optimized DFT calculations show that the most stable state of the complex in solution is that with three linear hydrogen bonds of HP with one CH 2-O-CH 2 and two Ar-O-Ar oxygen atoms. The structure is similar to that found in solid state but adopts a somewhat different conformation in solution. The dynamics of exchange between bound and free DBC was studied by NMR transverse relaxation. It was found to be too fast to give reproducible results when measured with the ordinary CPMG sequence or its variant DIFTRE removing residual static dipolar interaction, but it could be established by rotating-frame measurements with high intensity of the spin-lock field. The correlation time of exchange was found to be 5.6 x 10 (-6) and 3.8 x 10 (-6) s in dichloromethane and nitrobenzene, respectively. Such fast exchange can be explained by cooperative assistance of present water molecules.     

Multinuclear NMR investigations of the oxygen, water, and hydroxyl environments in sodium hexaniobate

Solid-state (1)H, (17)O MAS NMR, (1)H-(93)Nb TRAPDOR NMR, and (1)H double quantum 2D MAS NMR experiments were used to characterize the oxygen, water, and hydroxyl environments in the monoprotonated hexaniobate material, Na(7)[HNb(6)O(19)].15H(2)O. These solid-state NMR experiments demonstrate that the proton is located on the bridging oxygen of the [Nb(6)O(19)](8-) cluster. The solid-state NMR results also show that the NbOH protons are spatially isolated from similar protons, but undergo proton exchange with the water species located in the crystal lattice. On the basis of double quantum (1)H MAS NMR measurements, it was determined that the water species in the crystal lattice have restricted motional dynamics. Two-dimensional (1)H-(17)O MAS NMR correlation experiments show that these restricted waters are preferentially associated with the bridging oxygen. Solution (17)O NMR experiments show that the hydroxyl proton is also attached to the bridging oxygen for the compound in solution. In addition, solution (17)O NMR kinetic studies for the hexaniobate allowed the measurement of relative oxygen exchange rates between the bridging, terminal, and hydroxyl oxygen and the oxygen of the solvent as a function of pH and temperature. These NMR experiments are some of the first investigations into the proton location, oxygen and proton exchange processes, and water dynamics for a base stable polyoxoniobate material, and they provide insight into the chemistry and reactivity of these materials.     

2D NMR研究对称四甲基六元瓜环与5,5'-二甲基-2,2'-联吡啶的相互作用

运用二维NMR实验研究了作为主体的对称四甲基取代六元瓜环(TMeQ[6])与作为客体的5,5'-二甲基-2,2'-联吡啶(bmbpy)的相互作用. 2D ROESY谱上主客体分子间的NOE相关峰明确地给出了主客体的结合位置和结合物的空间结构: 客体的一个吡啶环进入了主体的内腔, 而另一个吡啶环则位于主体的一端端口外, 进入内腔的吡啶环平面位于主体的长截面上, 两个吡啶环之间为顺式构象. 2D EXSY谱呈现的客体两个吡啶上对应氢之间的交换峰表明: 高温下两个吡啶环交替进入主体的内腔, 分别结合于主体的两个端口, 形成了动态的平衡. 由2D EXSY的交换峰和对角线峰强度计算出了不同温度下的交换速率, 并由此得到了该交换过程的活化能为104.2 kJ/mol.     

The initial stages of solid acid-catalyzed reactions of adsorbed propane. A mechanistic study by in situ MAS NMR

In situ solid-state NMR spectroscopy was employed to study the kinetics of hydrogen/deuterium exchange and scrambling as well as (13)C scrambling reactions of labeled propane over Al(2)O(3)-promoted sulfated zirconia (SZA) catalyst under mild conditions (30-102 degrees C). Three competitive pathways of isotope redistribution were observed during the course of the reaction: (1) a regioselective H/D exchange between acidic protons of the solid surface and the deuterons of the methyl group of propane-1,1,1,3,3,3-d(6), monitored by in situ (1)H MAS NMR; (2) an intramolecular H/D scrambling between methyl deuterons and protons of the methylene group, without exchange with the catalyst surface, monitored by in situ (2)H MAS NMR; (3) a intramolecular (13)C scrambling, by skeletal rearrangement process, favored at higher temperatures, monitored by in situ (13)C MAS NMR. The activation energy of (13)C scrambling was estimated to be very close to that of (2)H scrambling, suggesting that these two processes imply a common transition state, responsible for both vicinal hydride migration and protonated cyclopropane formation. All pathways are consistent with a classical carbenium ion-type mechanism.     

Reactivity of pyrido[4,3,2-kl]acridines: regioselective formation of 6-substituted derivatives

Pyrido[4,3,2-kl]acridines represent a new class of heterocycles, isomers of marine alkaloids. The 7H-pyrido[4,3,2-kl]acridine reacts as an electron rich heterocycle, and in particular via electrophilic substitution such as H/D exchange and the Vilsmeier-Haack reaction. The reaction is fully regioselective and gives the corresponding 6-substituted derivatives. The pyrido[4,3,2-kl]acridin-4-one reacts with amines and thiol, via 1,4-Michael addition to give the 6-amino or 6-thio analogues in a very efficient way. Molecular calculations account for the observed regioselectivity.     

Dynamic NMR: A new procedure for the estimation of mixing times in the 2D EXSY experiments. A four-site exchange system studied by 1D and 2D EXSY spectroscopy

A procedure for the estimation of the mixing time between the last two 90° pulses in the classic three-pulse sequence NOESY/EXSY is proposed and tested and some considerations for the treatment of the two-dimensional (2D) ¹H NMR exchange spectra are given. The rate constants are thus obtained with reasonable precision. This procedure was followed to obtain the 2D spectra of the model compound α-[bis(dimethylamino)methylene]-4-nitrophenylacetonitrile, which represents a four-site exchange system. The barriers to restricted rotations found in this compound were also determined from one-dimensional (1D) ¹H NMR spectra, which were processed with the iterative complete lineshape analysis (CLSA) method. The double-fit approach was incorporated in the CLSA method. It is shown that the results from the 2D dynamic NMR spectral studies corroborate those obtained by the CLSA double-fit method.     

In situ (1)H and (13)C MAS NMR kinetic study of the mechanism of H/D exchange for propane on zeolite H-ZSM-5

The kinetics of hydrogen (H/D) exchange between Br?nsted acid sites of zeolite H-ZSM-5 and variously deuterated propanes (propane-d(8), propane-1,1,1,3,3,3-d(6), propane-2,2-d(2)) have been monitored in situ by (1)H MAS NMR spectroscopy within the temperature range of 503-556 K. The contribution of intramolecular hydrogen transfer to the H/D exchange in the adsorbed propane was estimated by monitoring the kinetics of (13)C-labeled carbon scrambling in propane-2-(13)C in situ with (13)C MAS NMR at 543-573 K. Possible mechanisms of the exchange have been verified on the basis of the analysis of the variation of protium concentration in both the methyl and the methylene groups of propane in dependence of the reaction time. The main route of the exchange consists of a direct exchange of the acidic OH groups of the zeolite with either the methyl groups or the methylene group presumably with a pentacoordinated carbonium ion intermediate. The assumption that the intramolecular H scrambling between the methyl groups and the methylene group of propane via carbenium-ion-type intermediates is the fastest process among the other possible routes does not account for the experimental kinetics of H/D exchange for propanes with different initial contents and locations of deuterium in a propane molecule. The rate constant (k(3)) for intramolecular H/D exchange between the methyl and the methylene groups is 4-5 times lower compared to those of the direct exchange of both the methyl (k(1)) and the methylene (k(2)) groups with Br?nsted acid sites of the zeolite, the k(1) being ca. 1.5 times higher than k(2). At lower temperature (473 K), the exchange is slower, and the expected difference between k(1) and k(2) is more essential, k(1) = 3k(2). This accounts for earlier observed regioselectivity of the exchange for propane on H-ZSM-5 at 473 K. Faster direct exchange with the methyl groups compared to that with the methylene groups was attributed to a possible, more spatial accessibility of the methyl groups for the exchange. Similar activation energies for H and C scramblings with a 2 times more rapid rate of H scrambling was rationalization by the proceeding of these two processes through an isopropyl cation intermediate, as in classical carbenium ion chemistry.     

Gas phase H/D exchange kinetics: DI versus D2O

The gas phase H/D exchange reactions of bradykinin (M + 3H)3+ ions with D2O and DI were monitored in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. The H/D exchange kinetics of both chemical probes (D2O and DI) indicate the presence of two noninterconverting reactive gas phase ion populations of bradykinin (M + 3H)3+ at room temperature. The H/D exchange involving DI, however, generally proceeds faster than that involving D2O. The rate observations described here can be rationalized on the basis of the "relay mechanism" (see Campbell et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 12840-12854) recently proposed to account for H/D exchange between D2O and gaseous protonated polypeptides. The higher exchange rate with DI is believed to arise primarily as a result of its lower gas-phase acidity relative to that of D2O and, secondarily, as a result of the longer bond length of DI relative to that of OD in D2O.     

Lanthanide paramagnetic probes for NMR spectroscopic studies of fast molecular conformational dynamics and temperature control. Effective six-site proton exchange in 18-crown-6 by exchange spectroscopy

(1)H and (13)C NMR measurements are reported for the CDCl(3) and CD(2)Cl(2) solutions of [La(18-crown-6)(NO(3))(3)] (I), [Pr(18-crown-6) (NO(3))(3)] (II), [Ce(18-crown-6)(NO(3))(3)] (III), and [Nd(18-crown-6)(NO(3))(3)] (IV) complexes. Temperature dependencies of the (1)H NMR spectra of paramagnetic II-IV have been analyzed using the dynamic NMR (DNMR) methods for six-site exchange. Two types of conformational dynamic processes were identified (the first one is conditioned by interconversion of complex enantiomeric forms and pseudorotation of a macrocycle molecule upon the C(2) symmetry axis; the second one is conditioned by macrocycle molecule inversion). Application of exchange spectroscopy (2D-EXSY) of DNMR for investigation of this dynamic system (II-IV) simplifies the assignment of the NMR signals and represents the first experimental study of multisite exchange. In the present work, the methodology of paramagnetic 4f (Ce, Pr, and Nd) probe applications for the study of free-energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes in chemical exchange processes, as well as the advantages of this method in a comparison with DNMR studies of diamagnetic substances, is discussed. In particular, as a result of paramagnetic chemical shifts in 4f complexes, the range of measurable rate constants expands considerably compared to the analogous range in diamagnetic compounds. Coordination compounds investigated in the paper represent new types of thermometric NMR sensors and lanthanide paramagnetic probes for in situ temperature control in solution.     

Arene-mercury complexes stabilized by aluminum and gallium chloride: catalysts for H/D exchange of aromatic compounds

Dissolution of Hg(arene)(2)(MCl(4))(2) [arene = C(6)H(5)Me, C(6)H(5)Et, o-C(6)H(4)Me(2), C(6)H(3)-1,2,3-Me(3); M = Al, Ga] in C(6)D(6) results in a rapid H/D exchange and the formation of the appropriate d(n)-arene and C(6)D(5)H. H/D exchange is also observed between C(6)D(6) and the liquid clathrate ionic complexes, [Hg(arene)(2)(MCl(4))][MCl(4)], formed by dissolution of HgCl(2) and MCl(3) in C(6)H(6), m-C(6)H(4)Me(2), or p-C(6)H(4)Me(2). The H/D exchange reaction is found to be catalytic with respect to Hg(arene)(2)(MCl(4))(2) and independent of the initial arene ligand. Reaction of a 1:1 ratio of C(6)H(5)Me and C(6)D(6) with <0.1 mol % Hg(C(6)H(5)Me)(2)(MCl(4))(2) results in an equilibrium mixture of all isotopic isomers: C(6)H(5-x)D(x)Me and C(6)D(6-x)H(x) (x = 0-5). DFT calculations on the model system, Hg(C(6)H(6))(2)(AlCl(4))(2) and [Hg(C(6)H(6))(2)(AlCl(4))](+), show that the charge on the carbon and proton associated with the shortest Hg...C interactions is significantly higher than that on uncomplexed benzene or HgCl(2)(C(6)H(6))(2). The protonation of benzene by either Hg(C(6)H(6))(2)(AlCl(4))(2) or [Hg(C(6)H(6))(2)(AlCl(4))](+) was calculated to be thermodynamically favored in comparison to protonation of benzene by HO(2)CCF(3), a known catalyst for arene H/D exchange. Arene exchange and intramolecular hydrogen transfer reactions are also investigated by DFT calculations.     

B(C6F5)3- vs Al(C6F5)3-derived metallocenium ion pairs. Structural, thermochemical, and structural dynamic divergences

The thermodynamic and structural characteristics of Al(C6F(5)3-derived vs B(C6F5)3-derived group 4 metallocenium ion pairs are quantified. Reaction of 1.0 equiv of B(C6F5)3 or 1.0 or 2.0 equiv of Al(C6F5)3 with rac-C2H4(eta5-Ind)2Zr(CH3)2 (rac-(EBI)Zr(CH3)2) yields rac-(EBI)Zr(CH3)(+)H3CB(C6)F5)(3)(-) (1a), rac-(EBI)Zr(CH3)+H3CAl(C6F5)(3)(-) (1b), and rac-(EBI)Zr2+[H3CAl(C6F5)3](-)(2) (1c), respectively. X-ray crystallographic analysis of 1b indicates the H3CAl(C6F5)(3)(-) anion coordinates to the metal center via a bridging methyl in a manner similar to B(C6F5)3-derived metallocenium ion pairs. However, the Zr-(CH3)(bridging) and Al-(CH3)(bridging) bond lengths of 1b (2.505(4) A and 2.026(4) A, respectively) indicate the methyl group is less completely abstracted in 1b than in typical B(C6F5)3-derived ion pairs. Ion pair formation enthalpies (DeltaH(ipf)) determined by isoperibol solution calorimetry in toluene from the neutral precursors are -21.9(6) kcal mol(-1) (1a), -14.0(15) kcal mol(-1) (1b), and -2.1(1) kcal mol(-1) (1b-->1c), indicating Al(C6F5)3 to have significantly less methide affinity than B(C6F5)3. Analogous experiments with Me2Si(eta5-Me4C5)(t-BuN)Ti(CH3)2 indicate a similar trend. Furthermore, kinetic parameters for ion pair epimerization by cocatalyst exchange (ce) and anion exchange (ae), determined by line-broadening in VT NMR spectra over the range 25-75 degrees C, are DeltaH++(ce) = 22(1) kcal mol(-1), DeltaS++(ce) = 8.2(4) eu, DeltaH++(ae) = 14(2) kcal mol(-1), and DeltaS++(ae) = -15(2) eu for 1a. Line broadening for 1b is not detectable until just below the temperature where decomposition becomes significant ( approximately 75-80 degrees C), but estimation of the activation parameters at 72 degrees C gives DeltaH++(ce) approximately 22 kcal mol(-1)and DeltaH++(ae) approximately 16 kcal mol(-1), consistent with the bridging methide being more strongly bound to the zirconocenium center than in 1a.