Electronically unsaturated three-coordinate chloride and methyl complexes of iron,cobalt, and nickel

Three-coordinate organometallic complexes are rare, especially with the prototypical methyl ligand. Using a hindered, rigid bidentate ligand (L), it is possible to create 12-electron methyliron(II) and 13-electron methylcobalt(II) complexes. These complexes are thermally stable, and (1)H NMR spectra suggest that the low coordination number is maintained in solution. Attempts to create the 14-electron LNiCH(3) led instead to the three-coordinate nickel(I) complex LNi(THF). Single crystals of LMCH(3) are isomorphous with the new three-coordinate chloride complexes LNiCl and LCoCl. Along with the recently reported LFeCl (Smith, J. M.; Lachicotte, R. J.; Holland, P. L. Chem. Commun. 2001, 1542), these are the only examples of three-coordinate iron(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II) complexes with terminal chloride ligands, enabling the systematic evaluation of the effect of coordination number and metal identity on M-Cl bond lengths. Electronic structure calculations predict the ground states of the trigonal complexes.     

Extremely bulky amido-group 14 element chloride complexes: potential synthons for low oxidation state main group chemistry

The preparation of a series of extremely bulky secondary amines, Ar*N(H)SiR(3) (Ar* = C(6)H(2){C(H)Ph(2)}(2)Me-2,6,4; R(3) = Me(3), MePh(2) or Ph(3)) is described. Their deprotonation with either LiBu(n), NaH or KH yields alkali metal amide complexes, several monomeric examples of which, [Li(L){N(SiMe(3))(Ar*)}] (L = OEt(2) or THF), [Na(THF)(3){N(SiMe(3))(Ar*)}] and [K(OEt(2)){N(SiPh(3))(Ar*)], have been crystallographically characterised. Reactions of the lithium amides with germanium, tin or lead dichloride have yielded the first structurally characterised two-coordinate, monomeric amido germanium(II) and tin(II) chloride complexes, [{(SiR(3))(Ar*)N}ECl] (E = Ge or Sn; R = Me or Ph), and a chloride bridged amido-lead(II) dimer, [{[(SiMe(3))(Ar*)N]Pb(μ-Cl)}(2)]. DFT calculations on [{(SiMe(3))(Ar*)N}GeCl] show its HOMO to exhibit Ge lone pair character and its LUMO to encompass its Ge based p-orbital. A series of bulky amido silicon(IV) chloride complexes have also been prepared and several examples, [{(SiR(3))(Ar*)N}SiCl(3)] (R(3) = Me(3), MePh(2)) and [{(SiMe(3))(Ar*)N}SiHCl(2)], were crystallographically characterised. The sterically hindered group 14 complexes reported in this study hold significant potential as precursors for kinetically stabilised low oxidation state and/or low coordination number group 14 complexes.     

Coordination chemistry of silanedithiolato ligands derived from cyclotrisilathiane: synthesis and structures of complexes of iron(II), cobalt(II), palladium(II), copper(I), and silver(I)

The coordination chemistry of chelating silanedithiolato ligands has been investigated on Fe(II), Co(II), Pd(II), Cu(I), and Ag(I). Treatment of M(OAc)(2) (M = Fe, Co, Pd) with cyclotrisilathiane (SSiMe(2))(3) in the presence of Lewis bases resulted in formation of Fe(S(2)SiMe(2))(PMDETA) (1), Fe(S(2)SiMe(2))(Me(3)TACN) (2), Co(S(2)SiMe(2))(PMDETA) (3), and Pd(S(2)SiMe(2))(PEt(3))(2) (4) (PMDETA = N,N,N',N',N' '-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine; Me(3)TACN = 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane). The analogous reactions of M(OAc) (M = Cu, Ag) in the presence of PEt(3) gave rise to the dinuclear complexes M(2)[(SSiMe(2))(2)S](PEt(3))(3) [M = Cu (5), Ag (6)]. Complexes were characterized in solution by (1)H, (31)P[(1)H], and (29)Si[(1)H] NMR and in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Mononuclear complexes 1-3 have a four-membered MS(2)Si ring, and these five-coordinate complexes adopt trigonal-bipyramidal (for the PMDETA adducts) or square-pyramidal (for the Me(3)TACN adduct) geometries. In dimer 6, the (SSiMe(2))(2)S(2)(-) silanedithiolato ligand bridges two metal centers, one of which is three-coordinate and the other four-coordinate. The chelating effect of silanedithiolato ligands leads to an increase in the stability of silylated thiolato complexes.     

Synthesis and reactivity of a conveniently prepared two-coordinate bis(amido) nickel(II) complex

A strictly two-coordinate nickel(II) bis(amido) complex has been prepared and its reactivity towards a variety of small molecules is described. Ni[N(SiMe(3))(DIPP)](2) reacts with DMAP and acetonitrile to form T-shaped three-coordinate complexes, and preliminary results show that Ni[N(SiMe(3))(DIPP)](2) is a catalyst for the hydrosilation of olefins with secondary silanes at ambient temperature.     

Uranium (III) scorpionates: synthesis and structure of [(TpMe2)2U[N(C6H5)2]] and [(TpMe2)2U[N(SiMe3)2]

Reaction of [(Tp(Me)2)(2)UI] with KNR(2) (R = C(6)H(5), SiMe(3)) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) afforded the monomeric trivalent actinide amide complexes [(Tp(Me)2)(2)U[N(C(6)H(5))(2)]], 1, and [(Tp(Me)2)(2)U[N(SiMe(3))(2)]], 2. The complexes have been fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and their structures were confirmed by X-ray crystallographic studies. In the solid state 1 and 2 exhibit distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometries. The U-NR(2) bond lengths in both complexes are the same but in complex 2 the greater steric demands of the N(SiMe(3))(2) ligand led to elongated U-N(pz) bonds, especially those opposite the amido ligand.     

Reversal of polarization in amidophosphines: neutral- and anionic-kappaP coordination vs. anionic-kappaP,N coordination and the formation of nickelaazaphosphiranes

Nickel(ii) chloride reacts with the bis(tert-butylamino)diazadiphosphetidine {Bu(t)(H)NP(micro-NBu(t))(2)PN(H)Bu(t)} to form trans-[{Bu(t)(H)NP(micro-NBu(t))(2)PN(H)Bu(t)}(2)NiCl(2)]. In solution and the solid-state each heterocyclic ligand coordinates nickel through one phosphorus atom only. For comparison the solid-state structure of the known trans-[NiCl(2)(PEt(3))(2)] was also determined and it was found that the two complexes have almost identical bond parameters about nickel. The nickel-amidophosphine complexes [{Bu(t)OP(micro-NBu(t))(2)PNBu(t)}NiCl(PBu(n)(3))], [(PBu(n)(3))ClNi{Bu(t)NP(micro-NBu(t))(2)PNBu(t)}NiCl(PBu(n)(3))], and [{Me(2)Si(micro-NBu(t))(2)PNBu(t)}NiCl(PBu(n)(3))] were synthesized and X-ray structurally characterized. In these mono- and di-nuclear nickel complexes the nickel ions are coordinated in pseudo square-planar fashions, by one trialkylphosphine ligand, one chloride ligand and one kappaP,N-coordinated amidophosphine moiety from tert-butylamido-substituted heterocycles. Attempts to create nickel complexes chelated in a kappa(2)P fashion by the o-phenylenediamine-tethered mono- and di-anionic 1-{Me(2)Si(micro-NBu(t))(2)PN} 2-{Me(2)Si(micro-NBu(t))(2)PNH}C(6)H(4) and 1,2-{Me(2)Si(micro-NBu(t))(2)PN}C(6)H(4), respectively, afforded instead [1,2-{Me(2)Si(micro-NBu(t))(2)PN}{Me(2)Si(micro-NBu(t))(2)PN}C(6)H(4)NiCl] and [1,2-{Me(2)Si(micro-NBu(t))(2)PN}{Me(2)Si(micro-NBu(t))(2)PN}C(6)H(4)Ni{PEt(3)}], each complex having kappaP,N and kappaP coordinated amidophosphine ligands.     

(N2)3- radical chemistry via trivalent lanthanide salt/alkali metal reduction of dinitrogen: new syntheses and examples of (N2)2- and (N2)3- complexes and density functional theory comparisons of closed shell Sc3+, Y3+, and Lu3+ versus 4f(9) Dy3+

New syntheses of complexes containing the recently discovered (N(2))(3-) radical trianion have been developed by examining variations on the LnA(3)/M reductive system that delivers "LnA(2)" reactivity when Ln = scandium, yttrium, or a lanthanide, M = an alkali metal, and A = N(SiMe(3))(2) and C(5)R(5). The first examples of LnA(3)/M reduction of dinitrogen with aryloxide ligands (A = OC(6)R(5)) are reported: the combination of Dy(OAr)(3) (OAr = OC(6)H(3)(t)Bu(2)-2,6) with KC(8) under dinitrogen was found to produce both (N(2))(2-) and (N(2))(3-) products, [(ArO)(2)Dy(THF)(2)](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 1, and [(ArO)(2)Dy(THF)](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(THF)(6)], 2a, respectively. The range of metals that form (N(2))(3-) complexes with [N(SiMe(3))(2)](-) ancillary ligands has been expanded from Y to Lu, Er, and La. Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/M reactions with M = Na as well as KC(8) are reported. Reduction of the isolated (N(2))(2-) complex {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 3, with KC(8) forms the (N(2))(3-) complex, {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(THF)(6)], 4a, in high yield. The reverse transformation, the conversion of 4a to 3 can be accomplished cleanly with elemental Hg. The crown ether derivative {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(18-crown-6)(THF)(2)] was isolated from reduction of 3 with KC(8) in the presence of 18-crown-6 and found to be much less soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF) than the [K(THF)(6)](+) salt, which facilitates its separation from 3. Evidence for ligand metalation in the Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/KC(8) reaction was obtained through the crystal structure of the metallacyclic complex {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y[CH(2)Si(Me(2))NSiMe(3)]}[K(18-crown-6)(THF)(toluene)]. Density functional theory previously used only with reduced dinitrogen complexes of closed shell Sc(3+) and Y(3+) was extended to Lu(3+) as well as to open shell 4f(9) Dy(3+) complexes to allow the first comparison of bonding between these four metals.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of alkaline-earth-metal bis(amido)silane and lithium oxobis(aminolato)silane complexes

Several of alkaline-earth-metal complexes [(η(2):η(2):μ(N):μ(N)-Li)(+)](2)[{η(2)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)}(2)Mg](2-) (4), [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Ca·3THF] (5), [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Sr·THF] (6), and [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Ba·4THF] (7) of a bulky bis(amido)silane ligand were readily prepared by the metathesis reaction of alkali-metal bis(amido)silane [Me(2)Si(DippNLi)(2)] (Dipp = 2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3)) and alkaline-earth-metal halides MX(2) (M = Mg, X = Br; M = Ca, Sr, Ba, X = I). Alternatively, compounds 5-7 were synthesized either by transamination of M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)·2THF (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) and [Me(2)Si(DippNH)(2)] or by transmetalation of Sn[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2), [Me(2)Si(DippNH)(2)], and metallic calcium, strontium, and barium in situ. The metathesis reaction of dilithium bis(amido)silane [Me(2)Si(DippNLi)(2)] and magnesium bromide in the presence of oxygen afforded, however, an unusual lithium oxo polyhedral complex {[(DippN(Me(2)Si)(2))(μ-O)(Me(2)Si)](2)(μ-Br)(2)[(μ(3)-Li)·THF](4)(μ(4)-O)(4)(μ(3)-Li)(2)} (8) with a square-basket-shaped core Li(6)Br(2)O(4) bearing a bis(aminolato)silane ligand. All complexes were characterized using (1)H, (13)C, and (7)Li NMR and IR spectroscopy, in addition to X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis, structure and catalytic activity of alkali metal-free bent-sandwiched lanthanide amido complexes with calix[4]-pyrrolyl ligands

Simple silylamine elimination reactions of calix[4]-pyrrole [R(2)C(C(4)H(2)NH)](4) (R = Me (1), {-(CH(2))(5)-}(0.5) (2)) with 2 equiv. of [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](3)Ln(μ-Cl)Li(THF)(3) (Ln = Nd, Sm, Dy) in reflux toluene, afforded the novel dinuclear alkali metal-free trivalent lanthanide amido complexes (η(5):η(1):η(5):η(1)-R(8)-calix[4]-pyrrolyl){LnN(SiMe(3))(2)}(2) (R = Me, Ln = Nd (3), Sm (4), Dy (5); R = {-(CH(2))(5)-}(0.5), Ln = Nd (6), Sm(7)). The complexes were fully characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray analyses. X-ray diffraction studies showed that each lanthanide metal was supported by bispyrrolyl anions in an η(5) fashion and along with three nitrogen atoms from N(SiMe(3))(2) and two other pyrroyl rings in η(1) modes formed the novel bent-sandwiched lanthanide amido bridged trivalent lanthanide amido complexes, similar to ansa-cyclopentadienyl ligand-supported lanthanide amides with respect to each metal center. The catalytic activities of these organolanthanide complexes as single component l-lactide polymerization catalysts were studied.     

Synthetic and structural studies of donor-functionalized alkoxy derivatives of gallium

The synthesis of a range of alkyl/chloro-gallium alkoxide and amido/alkoxide compounds was achieved via a series of protonolysis and alcoholysis steps. The initial reaction involved the synthesis of [Me(Cl)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2) (1) via methyl group transfer from the reaction of GaCl(3) with two equivalents of LiN(SiMe(3))(2). Reaction of 1 with varying amounts of ROH resulted in the formation of [Me(Cl)Ga(OR)](2) (2, R = CH(2)CH(2)OMe; 3, CH(CH(3))CH(2)NMe(2)), [Me(Cl)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(μ(2)-OR)Ga(Cl)Me] (4, R = CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2)), or [MeGa(OR)(2)] (5, R = CH(CH(3))CH(2)NMe(2)). Compound 4 represents an intermediate in the formation of dimeric complexes, of the type [Me(Cl)Ga(OR)](2), when formed from compound [Me(Cl)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2). A methylgallium amido/alkoxide complex [MeGa{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(OCH(2)CH(2)OMe)](2) (6) was isolated when 2 was further reacted with LiN(SiMe(3))(2). In addition, reaction of 2 with HO(t)Bu resulted in a simple alcohol/alkoxide exchange and formation of [Me(Cl)Ga(O(t)Bu)](2) (7). In contrast to the formation of 1, the in situ reaction of GaCl(3) with one equivalent of LiN(SiMe(3))(2) yielded [Cl(2)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2) in low yield, where no methyl group transfer has occurred. Reaction of alcohol with [Cl(2)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2) was then found to yield [Cl(2)Ga(OR)](2) (8, R = CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2)), and further reaction of 8 with LiN(SiMe(3))(2) yielded the gallium amido alkoxide complex, [ClGa{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(OR)](2) (9, R = CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2)), similar to 6. The structures of compounds 4, 5, 7, and 8 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

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

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

Cube-type nitrido complexes containing titanium and alkali/alkaline-earth metals

Treatment of [[Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(mu-NH)](3)(mu(3)-N)] with alkali-metal bis(trimethylsilyl)amido derivatives [M[N(SiMe(3))(2)]] in toluene affords edge-linked double-cube nitrido complexes [M(mu(4)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)]](2) (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) or corner-shared double-cube nitrido complexes [M(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(5)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)](2)] (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs). Analogous reactions with 1/2 equiv of alkaline-earth bis(trimethylsilyl)amido derivatives [M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)(thf)(2)] give corner-shared double-cube nitrido complexes [M[(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)](2)] (M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba). If 1 equiv of the group 2 amido reagent is employed, single-cube-type derivatives [(thf)(x)[(Me(3)Si)(2)N]M[(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)]] (M = Mg, x = 0; M = Ca, Sr, Ba, x = 1) can be isolated or identified. The tetrahydrofuran molecules are easily displaced with 4-tert-butylpyridine in toluene, affording the analogous complexes [(tBupy)[(Me(3)Si)(2)N]M[(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)]] (M = Ca, Sr). The X-ray crystal structures of [M(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(5)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)](2)] (M = K, Rb, Cs) and [M[(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3))-N)](2)] (M = Ca, Sr) have been determined. The properties and solid-state structures of the azaheterometallocubane complexes bearing alkali and alkaline-earth metals are discussed.     

Unusual iron(III) ate complexes stabilized by Li-pi interactions

Several iron(III) complexes incorporating diamidoether ligands are described. The reaction between [Li(2)[RN(SiMe(2))](2)O] and FeX(3) (X=Cl or Br; R=2,4,6-Me(3)Ph or 2,6-iPr(2)Ph) form unusual ate complexes, [FeX(2)Li[RN(SiMe(2))](2)O](2) (2, X=Cl, R=2,4,6-Me(3)Ph; 3, X=Br, R=2,4,6-Me(3)Ph; 4, X=Cl, R=2,6-iPr(2)Ph) which are stabilized by Li-pi interactions. These dimeric iron(III)-diamido complexes exhibit magnetic behaviour characteristic of uncoupled high spin (S= 5/2 ) iron(III) centres. They also undergo halide metathesis resulting in reduced iron(II) species. Thus, reaction of 2 with alkyllithium reagents leads to the formation of iron(II) dimer [Fe[Me(3)PhN(SiMe(2))](2)O](2) (6). Similarly, the previously reported iron(III)-diamido complex [FeCl[tBuN(SiMe(2))](2)O](2) (1) reacts with LiPPh(2) to yield the iron(II) dimer [Fe[tBuN(SiMe(2))](2)O](2) but reaction with LiNPh(2) gives the iron(II) product [Fe(2)(NPh(2))(2)[tBuN(SiMe(2))](2)O] (5). Some redox chemistry is also observed as side reactions in the syntheses of 2-4, yielding THF adducts of FeX(2): the one-dimensional chain [FeBr(2)(THF)(2)](n) (7) and the cluster [Fe(4)Cl(8)(THF)(6)]. The X-ray crystal structures of 3, 5 and 7 are described.     

Molecular nitrides with titanium and rare-earth metals

A series of titanium-group 3/lanthanide metal complexes have been prepared by reaction of [{Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(μ-NH)}(3)(μ(3)-N)] (1) with halide, triflate, or amido derivatives of the rare-earth metals. Treatment of 1 with metal halide complexes [MCl(3)(thf)(n)] or metal trifluoromethanesulfonate derivatives [M(O(3)SCF(3))(3)] at room temperature affords the cube-type adducts [X(3)M{(μ(3)-NH)(3)Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-N)}] (X = Cl, M = Sc (2), Y (3), La (4), Sm (5), Er (6), Lu (7); X = OTf, M = Y (8), Sm (9), Er (10)). Treatment of yttrium (3) and lanthanum (4) halide complexes with 3 equiv of lithium 2,6-dimethylphenoxido [LiOAr] produces the aryloxido complexes [(ArO)(3)M{(μ(3)-NH)(3)Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-N)}] (M = Y (11), La (12)). Complex 1 reacts with 0.5 equiv of rare-earth bis(trimethylsilyl)amido derivatives [M{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(3)] in toluene at 85-180 °C to afford the corner-shared double-cube nitrido compounds [M(μ(3)-N)(3)(μ(3)-NH)(3){Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-N)}(2)] (M = Sc (13), Y (14), La (15), Sm (16), Eu (17), Er (18), Lu (19)) via NH(SiMe(3))(2) elimination. A single-cube intermediate [{(Me(3)Si)(2)N}Sc{(μ(3)-N)(2)(μ(3)-NH)Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-N)}] (20) was obtained by the treatment of 1 with 1 equiv of the scandium bis(trimethylsilyl)amido derivative [Sc{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(3)]. The X-ray crystal structures of 2, 7, 11, 14, 15, and 19 have been determined. The thermal decomposition in the solid state of double-cube nitrido complexes 14, 15, and 18 has been investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) measurements, as well as by pyrolysis experiments at 1100 °C under different atmospheres (Ar, H(2)/N(2), NH(3)) for the yttrium complex 14.     

Osmabenzenes from the reactions of a dicationic osmabenzyne complex

Treatment of the osmabenzyne Os([triple bond]CC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)Cl(2)(PPh(3))(2) (1) with 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) and thallium triflate (TlOTf) produces the thermally stable dicationic osmabenzyne [Os([triple bond]CC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)](OTf)(2) (2). The dicationic osmabenzyne 2 reacts with ROH (R = H, Me) to give osmabenzene complexes [Os(=C(OR)CH=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf, in which the metallabenzene ring deviates significantly from planarity. In contrast, reaction of the dicationic complex 2 with NaBH(4) produces a cyclopentadienyl complex, presumably through the osmabenzene intermediate [Os(=CHC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf. The higher thermal stability of [Os(=C(OR)CH=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf relative to [Os(=CHC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf can be related to the stabilization effect of the OR groups on the metallacycle. A theoretical study shows that conversion of the dicationic osmabenzyne complex [Os([triple bond]CC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)](OTf)(2) to a carbene complex by reductive elimination is thermodynamically unfavorable. The theoretical study also suggests that the nonplanarity of the osmabenzenes [Os(=C(OR)CH=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf is mainly due to electronic reasons.     

Synthesis and structures of the [benzamidinato]3- complexes Li3(tmeda)(L1)]2 and [Li(thf)4][Li5(L2)(OEt2)2] [L1 = N(SiMe3)C(Ph)N(SiMe3) and L2 = N(SiMe3)C(C6H4-4)NPh

Reduction at ambient temperature of each of the lithium benzamidinates [Li(L(1))(tmeda)] or [{Li(L(2))(OEt(2))(2)}(2)] with four equivalents of lithium metal in diethyl ether or thf furnished the brown crystalline [Li(3)(L(1))(tmeda)] (1) or [Li(thf)(4)][Li(5)(L(2))(2)(OEt(2))(2)] (2), respectively. Their structures show that in each the [N(R(1))C(R(3))NR(2)](3-) moiety has the three negative charges largely localised on each of N, N' and R = Aryl); a consequence is that the "aromatic" 2,3- and 5,6-CC bonds of R(3) approximate to being double bonds. Multinuclear NMR spectra in C(6)D(6) and C(7)D(8) show that 1 and 2 exhibit dynamic behaviour. [The following abbreviations are used: L(1) = N(SiMe(3))C(Ph)N(SiMe(3)); L(2) = N(SiMe(3))C(C(6)H(4)Me-4)N(Ph); tmeda = (Me(2)NCH(2)-)(2); thf = tetrahydrofuran.] This reduction is further supported by a DFT analysis.     

Methyl displacements from cyclopentadienyl ring planes in sterically crowded (C5Me5)3M complexes

The displacements of the methyl substituents away from the metal and out of the cyclopentadienyl ring plane are compared in sterically crowded (C(5)Me(5))(3)M complexes vs sterically normal f-element complexes in an attempt to evaluate the utility of this parameter in predicting unusual (C(5)Me(5))(1-) ring reactivity. The out-of-plane displacements of 16 sterically crowded tris(cyclopentadienyl) complexes of general formula (C(5)Me(5))(3)M, (C(5)Me(4)R)(3)M (R = Et, (i)Pr, (t)()Bu, SiMe(3)), (C(5)Me(5))(3)MX (X = anion), and (C(5)Me(5))(3)ML (L = neutral ligand) are compared with [(C(5)Me(5))(2)U](2)(C(6)H(6)), (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(PC(4)H(2)(t)Bu(2)), and 33 representative examples of f-element bis(cyclopentadienyl) complexes with normal cyclopentadienyl behavior and coordination numbers ranging from 6 to 10. In general, the methyl displacement values of sterically crowded complexes overlap with those in the other complexes, which demonstrates that the basis of the structural distortions is complex. However, if the most extreme out-of-plane displacement in each of the sterically crowded complexes is examined vs the analogous maximum out-of-plane displacement in less crowded systems, there appears to be a basis for predicting cyclopentadienyl reactivity.     

Neutral (bis-beta-diketonato) iron(III), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) metallocycles: structural, electrochemical and solvent extraction studies

Neutral dimeric metallocyclic complexes of type [M(2)(L(1))(2)B(n)] (where M = cobalt(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II), L(1) is the doubly deprotonated form of a 1,3-aryl linked bis-beta-diketone ligand of type 1,3-bis(RC(O)CH(2)C(O))C(6)H(4) (R=Me, n-Pr, t-Bu) and B is pyridine (Py) or 4-ethylpyridine (EtPy)) have been synthesised, adding to similar complexes already reported for copper(II). New lipophilic ligand derivatives with R = octyl or nonyl were also prepared for use in solvent extraction experiments. Structural, electrochemical and solvent extraction investigations of selected metal complex systems from the above series are reported, with the X-ray structures of [Co(2)(L(1))(2)(Py)(4)] x 2.25CHCl(3) x 0.5H(2)O (R=Pr), [Co(2)(L(1))(2)(EtPy)(4)] (R=t-Bu), [Ni(2)(L(1))(2)(EtPy)(4)] (R=t-Bu), [Zn(2)(L(1))(2)(EtPy)(2)] (R=Me) and [Zn(2)(L(1))(2)(EtPy)(4)] (R=t-Bu) being presented. The electrochemistry of H(2)L(1) (R=t-Bu) and of [Fe(2)(L(1))(3)], [Co(2)(L(1))(2)(Py)(4)], [Ni(2)(L(1))(2)(Py)(4)], [Cu(2)(L(1))(2)] and [Zn(2)(L(1))(2)(Py)(2)] has been examined. Oxidative processes for the complexes are dominantly irreversible, but several examples of quasireversible behaviour were observed and support the assignment of an anodic process, seen between +1.0 and +1.6 V, as a metal-centred oxidation. The reduction processes for the respective metal complexes are not simple, and irreversible in most cases. Solvent extraction studies (water/chloroform) involving variable concentrations of metal, bis-beta-diketone and heterocyclic base have been performed for cobalt(II) and zinc(II) using a radiotracer technique to probe the stoichiometries of the extracted species in each case. Synergism was observed when 4-ethylpyridine was added to the bis-beta-diketone ligand in the chloroform phase. Competitive extraction studies show a clear uptake preference for copper(II) over cobalt(II), nickel(II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II).     

A digermyne with a Ge-Ge single bond that activates dihydrogen in the solid state

The reduction of the bulky amido-germanium(II) chloride complex, LGeCl (L = N(SiMe(3))(Ar*); Ar* = C(6)H(2)Me{C(H)Ph(2)}(2)-4,2,6), with the magnesium(I) dimer, [{((Mes)Nacnac)Mg}(2)] ((Mes)Nacnac = [(MesNCMe)(2)CH](-); Mes = mesityl), afforded LGeGeL, which represents the first example of a digermyne with a Ge-Ge single bond. Computational studies of the compound have highlighted significant electronic differences between it and multiply bonded digermynes. LGeGeL was shown to cleanly activate H(2) in solution or the solid state, at temperatures as low as -10 °C, to give the mixed valence compound, LGeGe(H)(2)L.     

Structure, reactivity, and density functional theory analysis of the six-electron reductant, [(C5Me5)2U]2(mu-eta6:eta6-C6H6), synthesized via a new mode of (C5Me5)3M reactivity

The sterically crowded (C(5)Me(5))(3)U complex reacts with KC(8) or K/(18-crown-6) in benzene to form [(C(5)Me(5))(2)U](2)(mu-eta(6):eta(6)-C(6)H(6)), 1, and KC(5)Me(5). These reactions suggested that (C(5)Me(5))(3)U could be susceptible to (C(5)Me(5))(1-) substitution by benzene anions via ionic salt metathesis. To test this idea in the synthesis of a more conventional product, (C(5)Me(5))(3)U was treated with KN(SiMe(3))(2) to form (C(5)Me(5))(2)U[N(SiMe(3))(2)] and KC(5)Me(5). 1 has long U-C(C(5)Me(5)) bond distances comparable to (C(5)Me(5))(3)U, and it too is susceptible to (C(5)Me(5))(1-) substitution via ionic metathesis: 1 reacts with KN(SiMe(3))(2) to make its amide-substituted analogue [[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](C(5)Me(5))U](2)(mu-eta(6):eta(6)-C(6)H(6)), 2. Complexes 1 and 2 have nonplanar C(6)H(6)-derived ligands sandwiched between the two uranium ions. 1 and 2 were examined by reactivity studies, electronic absorption spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. [(C(5)Me(5))(2)U](2)(mu-eta(6):eta(6)-C(6)H(6)) functions as a six-electron reductant in its reaction with 3 equiv of cyclooctatetraene to form [(C(5)Me(5))(C(8)H(8))U](2)(mu-eta(3):eta(3)-C(8)H(8)), (C(5)Me(5))(2), and benzene. This multielectron transformation can be formally attributed to three different sources: two electrons from two U(III) centers, two electrons from sterically induced reduction by two (C(5)Me(5))(1-) ligands, and two electrons from a bridging (C(6)H(6))(2-) moiety.