Detailed structural investigation of the grafting of [Ta(=CHtBu)(CH2tBu)3] and [Cp*TaMe4] on silica partially dehydroxylated at 700 degrees C and the activity of the grafted complexes toward alkane metathesis

The reaction of [Ta(=CHtBu)(CH2tBu)3] or [Cp*Ta(CH3)4] with a silica partially dehydroxylated at 700 degrees C gives the corresponding monosiloxy surface complexes [([triple bond]SiO)Ta(=CHtBu)(CH2tBu)2] and [([triple bond]SiO)Ta(CH3)3Cp*] by eliminating a sigma-bonded ligand as the corresponding alkane (H-CH2tBu or H-CH3). EXAFS data show that an adjacent siloxane bridge of the surface plays the role of an extra surface ligand, which most likely stabilizes these complexes as in [([triple bond]SiO)Ta(=CHtBu)(CH2tBu)2([triple bond]SiOSi[triple bond])] (1a') and [([triple bond]SiO)Ta(CH3)3Cp*([triple bond]SiOSi[triple bond])] (2a'). In the case of [(SiO)Ta(=CHtBu)(CH2tBu)2([triple bond]SiOSi[triple bond])], the structure is further stabilized by an additional interaction: a C-H agostic bond as evidenced by the small J coupling constant for the carbenic C-H (JC-H = 80 Hz), which was measured by J-resolved 2D solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The product selectivity in propane metathesis in the presence of [([triple bond]SiO)Ta(=CHtBu)(CH2tBu)2([triple bond]SiOSi[triple bond])] (1a') as a catalyst precursor and the inactivity of the surface complex [([triple bond]SiO)Ta(CH3)3Cp*([triple bond]SiOSi[triple bond])] (2a') show that the active site is required to be highly electrophilic and probably involves a metallacyclobutane intermediate.     

Steroid and antibacterial steroidal glycosides from marine green alga Codium iyengarii Borgesen

The ethyl acetate soluble part of methanolic extract of marine green alga Codium iyengarii collected from Karachi coast of Arabian Sea afforded a new steroid ([structure: see text], iyengadione) and two new steroidal glycosides [iyengaroside-A ([structure: see text]) and B ([structure: see text])] along with clerosterol galactoside ([structure: see text]). Their structures were elucidated with the aid of 1D-NMR spectroscopy and reconfirmed through HMBC experiments. The bactericidal activity of [structure: see text] was also explored and found positive response from iyengaroside-A ([structure: see text]) and clerosterol galactoside ([structure: see text]).     

Metallocyclopeptide complexes with MII(S.Cys)4 chromophores

The tetracysteinyl peptide cyclo[Lys1,12](Gln-Cys-Gly-Val-Cys-Gly-Lys-Cys-Ile-Ala-Cys-Lys) ([symbol: see text] L(Cys.SH)4) was synthesized by solid-phase methods using an Fmoc/t-Bu/allyl strategy on a PAL-PEG-PS support. The formation of the 1:1 complexes with M = Fe2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ was observed by spectrophotometric monitoring of reactions in aqueous solution at pH 7.5. Size exclusion chromatography indicated that the peptide is a monomer and the complexes are dimers [M2([symbol: see text]L(Cys.S)4)2] in aqueous buffer at pH 7.5. Cobalt and nickel K-edge X-ray absorption data and EXAFS analysis of [Co2([symbol: see text] L(Cys.S)4)2] and [Ni2([symbol: see text] L(Cys.S)4)2] as lyophilized solids are reported. Derived bond distances are Co-S = 2.30 A and Ni-S = 2.21 A. From the collective results provided by absorption spectra, K-edges, EXAFS, and bond length comparisons with known structures, it is shown that [Fe2([symbol: see text] L(Cys.S)4)2] and [Co2([symbol: see text] L(Cys.S)4)2] possess distorted tetrahedral structures and [Ni2([symbol: see text] L(Cys.S)4)2] has distorted square planar stereochemistry. The Co(II) chromophore is particularly distinctive of the assigned structure, displaying three components of the parent tetrahedral ligand field transition 4A2-->4T1(P) (610, 685, 740 nm). The observed structures conform to the intrinsic stereochemical preferences of the metal ions. Structures for the binuclear complexes are suggested. These are the first characterized metal complexes of a cysteinyl cyclopeptide and among the few well-documented complexes of synthetic cyclopeptides. This study is a desirable first step in the design of cyclic peptides for the binding of mononuclear and polynuclear metal centers.     

Specificity in template syntheses of hexaaza-macrobicyclic cages: [Pt(Me5-tricosatrieneN6)]4+ and [Pt(Me5-tricosaneN6)]4+

The racemic C3 hexadentate cage complex, [Pt(Me5-tricosatrieneN6)]Cl4 (1,5,9,13,20-pentamethyl-3,7,11,15,18,22-hexaazabicyclo[7.7.7]tricosa- 3,14,18-triene)platinum(IV) tetrachloride), was synthesised stereospecifically and regiospecifically from a reaction of the bis-triamine template [Pt(tamc)2]Cl4 (bis[1,1,1-tris(aminomethyl)ethane]- platinum(IV) tetrachloride) with formaldehyde and then propanal, in acetonitrile under basic conditions. Largely, one racemic diastereoisomer was obtained in a surprisingly high yield (approximately 50%), even though the molecule has seven chiral centres. The origins of the stereoselective synthesis are addressed. The crystal structure of [Pt(Me5-tricosatrieneN6)]-(ZnCl4)1.5Cl.2H2O showed that all three imines were attached to one tame fragment with a chiral amine site ([symbol: see text] SSS, delta RRR) and a chiral methine carbon site ([symbol: see text] RRR, delta SSS) on each ligand strand. The PtN6(4+) moiety had a slightly distorted octahedral configuration with the two types of Pt-N bonds related to the imine and the amine donors, 2.050(7) and 2.072(6) A, respectively. Treatment with sodium borohydride (15 s, 20 degrees C) at pH approximately 12.5 reduced the imine groups, but not the Pt(IV) ion, producing a C3 saturated ligand complex [Pt(Me5-tricosaneN6)]Cl4 ((1,5,9,13,20- pentamethyl-3,7,11,15,18,22- hexaazabicyclo[7.7.7]tricosane)platinum(IV)tetrachloride). X-ray crystallographic analysis showed that the average Pt-N bond distance in the cation increased upon imine reduction to 2.10 (av) A. The cyclic voltammograms of the two cage complexes displayed irreversible two-electron reduction waves in aqueous media and a approximately 0.3 V shift to more positive potentials compared to that of the smaller cavity sar (3,6,10,13,16,19-hexaazabicyclo[6.6.6]icosane) analogue. After reduction, net dissociation of one strand of the cage was also evident, to give unstable square planar Pt(II) macrocyclic products.     

Synthesis, structural characterization, gas sorption and guest-exchange studies of the lightweight, porous metal-organic framework alpha-[Mg3(O2CH)6

Unsolvated magnesium formate crystallizes upon reaction of the metal nitrate with formic acid in DMF at elevated temperatures. Single-crystal XRD studies reveal the formation of [Mg3(O2CH)6 [symbol: see text] DMF], 1, a metal-organic framework with DMF molecules filling the channels of an extended diamondoid lattice. The DMF molecules in 1 can be entirely removed without disruption to the framework, giving the guest-free material alpha-[Mg3(O2CH)6], 2. Compound 2 has been characterized by both powder and single-crystal XRD studies. Thermogravimetric analyses of 1 show guest loss from 120 to 190 degrees C, with decomposition of the sample at approximately 417 degrees C. Gas sorption studies using both N2 and H2 indicate that the framework displays permanent porosity. The porosity of the framework is further demonstrated by the ability of 2 to uptake a variety of small molecules upon soaking. Single-crystal XRD studies have been completed on the six inclusion compounds [Mg3(O2CH)6 [symbol: see text] THF], 3; [Mg3(O2CH)6 [symbol: see text] Et2O], 4; [Mg3(O2CH)6 [symbol: see text] Me2CO], 5; [Mg3(O2CH)6 [symbol: see text] C6H6], 6; [Mg3(O2CH)6 [symbol: see text] EtOH], 7; and [Mg3(O2CH)(6) [symbol: see text] MeOH], 8. Analyses of the metrical parameters of 1-8 indicate that the framework has the ability to contract or expand depending on the nature of the guest present.     

Metallosupramolecular chemistry with bis(benzene-o-dithiolato) ligands

The bis(benzene-o-dithiol) ligands H(4)-1, H(4)-2, and H(4)-3 react with [Ti(OC(2)H(5))(4)] to give dinuclear triple-stranded helicates [Ti(2)L(3)](4)(-) (L = 1(4)(-), 2(4)(-), 3(4)(-)). NMR spectroscopic investigations revealed that the complex anions possess C(3) symmetry in solution. A crystal structure analysis for (PNP)(4)[Ti(2)(2)(3)] ((PNP)(4)[14]) confirmed the C(3) symmetry for the complex anion in the solid state. The complex anion in Li(PNP)(3)[Ti(2)(1)(3)] (Li(PNP)(3)[13]) does not exhibit C(3) symmetry in the solid state due to the formation of polymeric chains of lithium bridged complex anions. Complexes [13](4)(-) and [14](4)(-) were obtained as racemic mixtures of the Delta,Delta and Lambda,Lambda isomers. In contrast to that, complex (PNP)(4)[Ti(2)(3)(3)] ((PNP)(4)[15]) with the enantiomerically pure chiral ligand 3(4)(-) shows a strong Cotton effect in the CD spectrum, indicating that the chirality of the ligands leads to the formation of chiral metal centers. The o-phenylene diamine bridged bis(benzene-o-dithiol) ligand H(4)-4 reacts with Ti(4+) to give the dinuclear double-stranded complex Li(2)[Ti(2)(4)(2)(mu-OCH(3))(2)] containing two bridging methoxy ligands between the metal centers. The crystal structure analysis and the (1)H NMR spectrum of (Ph(4)As)(2)[Ti(2)(4)(2)(mu-OCH(3))(2)] ((Ph(4)As)(2)[(16]) reveal C(2) symmetry for the anion [Ti(2)(4)(2)(mu-OCH(3))(2)](2)(-). For a comparative study the dicatechol ligand H(4)-5, containing the same o-phenylene diamine bridging group as the bis(benzene-o-dithiol) ligands H(4)-4, was prepared and reacted with [TiO(acac)(2)] to give the dinuclear complex anion [Ti(2)(5)(2)(mu-OCH(3))(2)](2)(-). The molecular structure of (PNP)(2)[Ti(2)(5)(2)(mu-OCH(3))(2)] ((PNP)(2)[17]) contains a complex anion which is similar to [16](2)(-), with the exception that strong N-H...O hydrogen bonds are formed in complex anion [17](2)(-), while N-H...S hydrogen bonds are absent in complex anion [16](2)(-).     

Through-shell alkyllithium additions and borane reductions

The through-shell borane reduction and methyllithium addition to benzaldehyde (1), benzocyclobutenone (2), and benzocyclobutenedione (3) incarcerated inside a hemicarcerand (4) with four tetramethylenedioxy bridges are reported. All guests could be reduced and methylated. Selective monoreduction and monomethylation were observed for 3. In the methyllithium addition to 4[symbol: see text]3, the initially formed lithium alcoholate underwent a Moore rearrangement. The reactivity of the incarcerated guests toward methyllithium increased in the order 1 < 2 < 3 and toward borane in the order 1 < 2 approximately equal 3. Guest reactivity was correlated with the inner-phase location of the reacting carbonyl group in the preferred guest inner-phase orientation. The latter was determined from the X-ray structures of 4[symbol: see text]1, 4[symbol: see text]2, and 4[symbol: see text]3, from molecular mechanical calculations, and from the hemicarcerand-induced upfield shift of the guest proton resonances. In the methyllithium and n-butyllithium addition to 4[symbol: see text]1 and 4[symbol: see text]3 at elevated temperatures, selective cleavage of a host's spanner or tetramethylenedioxy bridge, respectively, was observed. The cleavage of one spanner also took place in the methyllithium addition to the 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone hemicarceplex. These scission reactions are initiated by the initially formed lithium alcoholates, which show enhanced basicity and nucleophilicity in the inner phase as compared to the bulk phase. Mechanisms for the host scission reactions are discussed.     

A new unusual natural pigment from Selaginella sinensis and its noticeable physicochemical properties

A new unusual pigment with a novel carbon framework named selaginellin (1) was isolated from the acetone extract of Selaginella sinensis, and its methoxy derivative (1a) was synthesized. Both selaginellin 1 and 1a are racemic compounds. The structure of selaginellin 1 was established as (R,S)-4-[(4'-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-3-((4-hydroxyphenyl)ethynyl)biphenyl-2-yl)(4-hydroxyphenyl)methylene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one and 1a as (R,S)-4-[(4'-methoxy-4-(methoxymethyl)-3-((4-methoxyphenyl)ethynyl)biphenyl-2-yl)(4-methoxyphenyl)methylene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one by the analysis of one- and two-dimensional NMR data, HR-ESIMS, EI-MS, IR, UV, CD, and single-crystal X-ray experiments, and the mechanism of their color change according to different pH values and fluorescent properties was studied.     

The assignment of the absolute configuration of 1,2-diols by low-temperature NMR of a single MPA derivative

[reaction: see text] The absolute configuration of 1,2-primary/secondary diols can be easily assigned by low-temperature NMR of a bis-MPA ester derivative. The assignment requires the analysis of just the methylene protons, is not limited by the absence of signals from the R group of the diol, and requires a very small and recoverable sample.     

Raman scattering properties of a protonic titanate HxTi2-x/4[symbol: see text]x/4O4.H2O ([symbol: see text], vacancy; x=0.7) with lepidocrocite-type layered structure

Raman scattering spectroscopy is employed to characterize a layered titanate HxTi2-x/4[symbol: see text]x/4O4.H2O ([symbol: see text]: vacancy; x=0.7) with lepidocrocite (gamma-FeOOH)-type layered structure. Nine Raman lines corresponding to (3Ag+3B1g+3B3g) Raman-active modes expected from this orthorhombic structure (space group D2h25-Immm) are recorded at 183, 270, 387, 449, 558, 658, 704, 803, and 908 cm(-1), which are assigned to Ti-O lattice vibrations within the two-dimensional (2D) lepidocrocite-type TiO6 octahedral host layers. These intrinsic Raman bands present a clear signature that can be used for probing the protonic titanate HxTi2-x/4[symbol: see text]x/4O4.H2O and the 2D titanate nanosheets, as well as their corresponding derivates.     

Structural impact of coordinating a helical 2,6-pyridyl diamide with divalent metals

[Structure: see text] The structural consequences of coordinating 2,6-bis[2-((4S)-4-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-yl)phenyl]carbamoylpyridines, 2, with divalent metals such as Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) are reported. Metal coordination occurs under mild conditions in a manner that preserves the helical bias of the parent ligand in the solid state and in solution. 1H NMR line-shape analysis indicates that metal coordination increases the helical interconversion barrier, thus rigidifying the dynamic helicity of 2.     

A cross-coupling strategy for the synthesis of dimetallic assemblies containing mixed bipyridine-terpyridine bridging ligands: luminescence and energy transfer properties

Tris-bidentate complexes of the form [Ir(N[symbol: see text]C)2(N[symbol: see text]N)]+ and [Ru(N[symbol: see text]N)3]2+ incorporating a boronic acid substituent (N[symbol: see text]C=2-phenylpyridyl, N[symbol: see text]N=a 2,2'-bipyridyl ligand), are cross-coupled with bromo-substituted bis-terpyridyl ruthenium and iridium complexes to generate heterometallic assemblies comprising bpy-phi(n)-tpy bridges; they display efficient energy transfer from Ir(III) to Ru(II).     

Low-temperature UV-visible and NMR spectroscopic investigations of O(2) binding to ((6)L)Fe(II), a ferrous heme bearing covalently tethered axial pyridine ligands

In this report, we describe the reversible dioxygen reactivity of ((6)L)Fe(II) (1) [(6)L = partially fluorinated tetraphenylporphyrin with covalently appended TMPA moiety; TMPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine] using a combination of low-temperature UV-vis and multinuclear ((1)H and (2)H) NMR spectroscopies. Complex 1, or its pyrrole-deuterated analogue ((6)L-d(8))Fe(II) (1-d(8)), exhibits downfield shifted pyrrole resonances (delta 28-60 ppm) in all solvents utilized [CH(2)Cl(2), (CH(3))(2)C(O), CH(3)CN, THF], indicative of a five-coordinate high-spin ferrous heme, even when there is no exogenous axial solvent ligand present (i.e., in methylene chloride). Furthermore, ((6)L)Fe(II) (1) exhibits non-pyrrolic upfield and downfield shifted peaks in CH(2)Cl(2), (CH(3))(2)C(O), and CH(3)CN solvents, which we ascribed to resonances arising from the intra- or intermolecular binding of a TMPA-pyridyl arm to the ferrous heme. Upon exposure to dioxygen at 193 K in methylene chloride, ((6)L)Fe(II) (1) [UV-vis: lambda(max) = 433 (Soret), 529 (sh), 559 nm] reversibly forms a dioxygen adduct [UV-vis: lambda(max) = 422 (Soret), 542 nm], formulated as the six-coordinate low-spin [delta(pyrrole) 9.3 ppm, 193 K] heme-superoxo complex ((6)L)Fe(III)-(O(2)(-)) (2). The coordination of the tethered pyridyl arm to the heme-superoxo complex as axial base ligand is suggested. In coordinating solvents such as THF, reversible oxygenation (193 K) of ((6)L)Fe(II) (1) [UV-vis: lambda(max) = 424 (Soret), 542 nm] also occurs to give a similar adduct ((6)L)Fe(III)-(O(2)(-)) (2) [UV-vis: lambda(max) = 418 (Soret), 537 nm. (2)H NMR: delta(pyrrole) 8.9 ppm, 193 K]. Here, we are unable to distinguish between a bound solvent ligand or tethered pyridyl arm as axial base ligand. In all solvents, the dioxygen adducts decompose (thermally) to the ferric-hydroxy complex ((6)L)Fe(III)-OH (3) [UV-vis: lambda(max) = 412-414 (Soret), 566-575 nm; approximately delta(pyrrole) 120 ppm at 193 K]. This study on the O(2)-binding chemistry of the heme-only homonuclear ((6)L)Fe(II) (1) system lays the foundation for a more complete understanding of the dioxygen reactivity of heterobinuclear heme-Cu complexes, such as [((6)L)Fe(II)Cu(I)](+), which are models for cytochrome c oxidase.     

X-ray, 31P CP/MAS,and single-crystal NMR studies,and 31P DFT GIAO calculations of inclusion complexes of bis[6-O,6-O'-(1,2:3,4- diisopropylidene-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl)thiophosphoryl] disulfide: the importance of C-H...S=P contacts in the solid state

Bis[6-O,6-O'-(1,2:3,4-diisopropylidene-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl) thiophosphoryl] disulfide shows a strong tendency to form inclusion compounds. The crystal and molecular structure of eight different solvates was established by X-ray analysis. The results indicate three different types of disulfide arrangements in the crystal lattice. By means of 31P CP/MAS NMR experiments the principal values delta 11, delta 22, and delta 33 of the 31P chemical shift tensor were obtained for each form. The orientation of its principal axes with respect to a molecular frame was investigated by means of 31P CP and single-crystal NMR for the complex with propan-2-ol. The principal axis 1 of both chemically equivalent phosphorus atoms is nearly parallel to the P-S bond and the principal axis 3 is very close to the P=S bond. DFT GIAO calculations of the model compound (EtO)2(S)P1SSP2(S)-(OEt)2 allowed assignment of the experimental chemical shift curves to the magnetically nonequivalent atoms P1 and P2. The maximum difference between calculated angles [symbol: see text] i-P-X)calcd and experimental angles [symbol: see text] i-P-X)exptl is 8.3 degrees and the rms distance 3.8 degrees (i = principal axes 1, 2, 3; X = S, -S-, -O1-, -O2-). The influence of C-H...S weak hydrogen bonding on phosphorus shielding was tested theoretically (31P DFT GIAO) employing the dimethoxythiophosphoryl disulfide.CH4 complex as a model compound. The sensitivity of 31P delta ii parameters to intermolecular forces is demonstrated.     

Synthesis of 2-alkyl- and 2-carboxy-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes via the lithiation of tetramethoxy-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene

[reaction: see text]. Tetramethoxy-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene reacts readily with n-butyllithium to give a putative monolithiated intermediate that is substituted with alkyl halides and carbon dioxide to give in 60-75% yield conformationally mobile calix[4]arenes monosubstituted at the methylene bridge (2-position). 2-Alkyl- and 2-benzyl-substituted tetramethoxycalix[4]arenes are converted in 62-68% overall yield to the corresponding tetrahydroxy-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes by treatment with boron tribromide. The tetrahydroxy-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes exist in the cone conformation at room temperature in CDCl3 as judged by NMR spectroscopy.     

A 3,12-connected vertice sharing adamantoid hydrogen bonded network featuring tetrameric clusters of cyclotriveratrylene

The crystalline supramolecular complex [Sr(H2O)8][(CH3CN) [symbol: see text] (CTV)]4(H2O)4[Co(C2B9H11)2]2 features [(CH3CN) [symbol: see text] (CTV)] host-guest interactions, back-to-back tetrameric clusters of CTV host molecules and an extensive hydrogen bonding giving a 3,12-connected net.     

Novel catalytic kinetic resolution of racemic epoxides to allylic alcohols

[formula: see text] The kinetic resolution of racemic epoxides via catalytic enantioselective rearrangement to allylic alcohols was investigated. Using the Li-salt of (1S,3R,4R)-3-(pyrrolidinyl)methyl-2-azabicyclo [2.2.1] heptane 1 as catalyst allowed both epoxides and allylic alcohols to be obtained in an enantioenriched form.     

Diastereoselective synthesis of 3,4-dimethoxy-7-morphinanone: a potential route to morphine

[reaction: see text] Diastereoselective synthesis of racemic 3,4-dimethoxy-7-morphinanone from racemic 2-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)cyclohexen-1-ol has been achieved. The relative structure has been determined by transformation of the product into the known 3, 4-dimethoxy-6-morphinanone. Resolution of the starting cyclohexenol has also been accomplished for use in a future enantiocontrolled synthesis of morphine.     

Thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities of complementary double helices utilizing amidinium-carboxylate salt bridges

A series of dimer strands consisting of m-terphenyl backbones bearing complementary chiral or achiral amidines and achiral carboxylic acid residues connected by various types of linkers, such as diacetylene, Pt(II)-acetylide, and p-diethynylbenzene linkages, were synthesized by a modular strategy, and their chiroptical properties on the complementary double helix formations were investigated by absorption, circular dichroism (CD), and (1)H NMR spectroscopies. The thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities of the complementary double helices assisted by amidinium-carboxylate salt bridges are highly dependent on their linkages, and the thermodynamic analyses of the dimer duplexes revealed that the association constants increased in the order: Pt(II)-acetylide linker < p-diethynylbenzene linker < diacetylene linker, which is in agreement with the reverse order of their bulkiness. The substituents on the amidine groups were also found to affect the stabilities on the duplexes and the association constants increased in the order: isopropyl < (R)-1-phenylethyl < cyclohexyl. In addition, the introduction of electron-donating and/or electron-withdrawing substituents at the phenyl groups of the p-diethynylbenzene linkers connecting the amidine and carboxylic acid units, respectively, tends to stabilize the complementary double helices, especially in polar solvents, such as DMSO, due to the attractive charge-transfer interactions between the aromatic linkers, although the salt bridge formation is hampered in DMSO. Furthermore, the kinetic analyses of the chain exchange reactions for the duplexes bearing diacetylene and p-diethynylbenzene linkages showed that these were slow processes with negative ΔS([symbol: see text]) values, meaning that the chain exchange reactions proceed via direct exchange pathways. In contrast, those for the duplexes bearing Pt(II)-acetylide linkages were fast processes supported by positive ΔS([symbol: see text]) values, suggesting that the chain exchange reactions proceed via dissociation-exchange ones. The helix-inversion kinetics investigated for the racemic dimer duplexes composed of achiral amidines based on variable-temperature (1)H NMR measurements indicated that the barriers for the helix-inversion increased in the order: Pt(II)-acetylide linker, p-diethynylbenzene linker < diacetylene linker.     

Heteronuclear chains of four metal atoms including one quadruply bonded dimetal unit. Dichromium and dimolybdenum compounds with appended copper(I) atoms

It is shown that the M2(DPhIP)4 molecules (M = Cr, Mo; HDPhIP = 2,6-di(phenylimino)piperidine) can each capture two CuI atoms to form molecules with linear Cu...M[symbol: see text] M...Cu chains. In these chains the CuI atoms have only weak interactions with the M atoms (Cr...Cu = 2.628 A; Mo...Cu = 2.615 A) even though their introduction causes marked decreases in the M[symbol: see text]M distances (from 2.265 to 1.906 A for Cr and from 2.114 to 2.078 A for Mo). These seemingly contradictory facts are explained by noting that in the M2(DPhIP)4 molecules there are strong destabilizing (to the M[symbol: see text]M bonds) donor interactions of the dangling nitrogen atoms with the pi* orbitals. When these are eliminated by the introduction of the CuI atoms, the M[symbol: see text]M bonds become stronger and shorter.