Ferromagnetic interaction in iron(II)–bis-Schiff base complexes

The preparation and magnetic properties of three Fe(II)–bis-Schiff base complexes, [Fe₂(L1)2(4,4′-bpy)] · MeOH (1), [Fe(L2)(EtOH)] (2) and [Fe(L3)(MeOH)] (3) (L1 = N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde)-1,2-phenylenediimine; L2 = N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-phenylenediamine; L3 = N,N′-bis(5-Cl-salicylidene)-1,2-phenylenediamine; 4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine) are reported. X-ray single crystal structure analyses for 1–3 reveal that 1 shows a dinuclear Fe(II)–bis-Schiff base complex bridged by 4,4′-bpy, while 2 and 3 show mononuclear structures. Molecular packing of 2 shows a uniform one-dimensional chain structure through hydrogen bonds and Fe?π interaction and that of 3 indicates significant π–π interaction to form a dimmer structure. The χT–T plots of 1–3 show all ferromagnetic interaction at low temperature. The origin of the ferromagnetic interaction observed in 2 is tentatively ascribed to the dimer formation through Fe?π interaction at low temperature.     

Enantioselective self-assembly,crystallographic structure and magnetic properties of the two enantiomers of the optically active canted antiferromagnet [Ru(bpy)3][Mn2(ox)3]

The two enantiomers of [Ru(bpy)₃][Mn₂(ox)₃] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, ox = oxalate), namely [(Δ)-Ru(bpy)₃][(Δ)-Mn₂(ox)₃], (Δ-1) and [(Λ)-Ru(bpy)₃][(Λ)-Mn₂(ox)₃], (Λ-1), were obtained as single crystals using [(Δ)-Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ and [(Λ)-Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺, respectively, as a chiral templating cation. Their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compounds crystallise in the enantiomeric chiral cubic space groups, P4₃32 (Δ-1) and P4₁32 (Λ-1), with a = 15.492(2) and 15.507(2) Å, respectively (Z = 4). Both structures include a three-dimensional 10-gon 3-connected (10,3) anionic network wrapped around the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ cations. In both crystalline enantiomers, the resolved ruthenium template cation imposes both the topology and the absolute configuration of all the metal centres. The thermal variation of the magnetic susceptibility, measured on Δ-1 and Λ-1 crystals, reveals an antiferromagnetic coupling between the oxalate-bridged manganese ions in the paramagnetic region characterised by a negative Weiss constant Θ = −35 K. Below T_N = 13 K, Δ-1 and Λ-1 exhibit a canted antiferromagnetic order.     

Biotransformation of 3-azidomethyl-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-one and analogs by Saccharomyces cerevisiae: New evidence for an SN2′ mechanism

(Z)-3-XCH₂-4-(C₆H₅)-3-buten-2-one enones (X = SCN, N₃, SO₂Me, OC₆H₅) were synthesized and submitted to biotransformations using whole Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. The enone (X = SCN) produced (R)-4-(phenyl)-3-methylbutan-2-one (R)-6 with 93% ee and enones (X = N₃, SO₂Me, OC₆H₅) yielded a mixture of (R)-6 and the corresponding CC bond reduction products. Biotransformation with enone (X = N₃) mediated by Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in two products via two different routes: (i) the ketone (R)-4-azido-3-benzylbutan-2-one in 28% yield and with >99% ee by CC bond reduction; (ii) ketone (R)-6 in 51% yield and with 95% ee via cascade reactions beginning with azido group displacement by the formal hydride from flavin mononucleotide in an S_N2′ type reaction followed by reduction of the newly formed CC bond.     

Uranium(VI) bis(imido) disulfonamide and dihalide complexes: Synthesis density functional theory analysis

Novel cis- and trans-bis(imido) uranium disulfonamide derivatives have been prepared from iodide metathesis reactions between two equivalents of K[N(Me)(SO₂Ar’)] (Ar’ = 4-Me-C₆H₄) and U(N^tBu)₂(I)₂(L)_x (L = OPPh₃, x = 2; Me₂bpy, x = 1; Me₂bpy = 4,4’-dimethyl-2,2’-bipyridyl). These bis(amide) derivatives serve as useful precursors for the synthesis of the trans-diphenolate complex U(N^tBu)₂(O-2-^tBuC₆H₄)₂(OPPh₃)₂ (5), cis- and trans-dithiolate complexes U(N^tBu)₂(SPh)₂(L)_x (L = OPPh₃ (6); Me₂bpy (7)), and cis- and trans-dihalide complexes with the general formulas U(N^tBu)₂(X)₂(L)_x (X = Cl, L = OPPh₃ (8), L = Me₂bpy (10); X = Br, L = OPPh₃ (9), L = Me₂bpy (11)). DFT calculations performed on the trans-dihalide series U(N^tBu)₂(X)₂(L)₂ and the UO₂²⁺ analogues UO₂X₂(OPPh₃)₂ suggest that the uranium centers in the [U(N^tBu)₂]²⁺ ions possess more covalent character than analogous UO₂²⁺ derivatives but that the U-X bonds in the U(N^tBu)₂X₂L₂ complexes possess a more ionic nature.     

Stereospecific ligands and their complexes. IV: Synthesis,characterization and cytotoxicity of novel platinum(IV) complexes with ethylenediamine-N,N′-di-S,S-2-propanoate and halogenido ligands: Crystal structure of s-cis-[Pt(S,S-eddp)Cl2]·4H2O and uns-cis-[Pt(S,S-eddp)Br2]

The syntheses of two novel platinum(IV) complexes of formula [PtX₂(S,S-eddp)]·nH₂O (S,S-eddp = ethylenediamine-N,N′-di-S,S-2-propanoate ion, X = chlorido (1) or bromido (2), n = 4, 0) are reported. The complexes have been obtained by direct reaction of corresponding potassium hexahalogenidoplatinate(IV) with neutralized ethylenediamine-N,N′-di-S,S-2-propanoic acid (H₂-S,S-eddp). The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The spectroscopically predicted geometrical configurations of the obtained complexes were confirmed by X-ray analyses of the crystal structures of the s-cis-[Pt(S,S-eddp)Cl₂]·4H₂O and uns-cis-[Pt(S,S-eddp)Br₂]. These complexes displayed significantly lower in vitro cytotoxicity in comparison to cisplatin.     

Synthesis of palladium–biscarbene complexes derived from 1,1′-methylenebis(1,2,4-triazole) functionalized in the methylene bridge

Palladium–biscarbene complexes derived from N,N′-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methane, which bear an alkyl chain functionalized with a hydroxyl group, have been synthesized ([Pd(L1)Br₂] (6) and [Pd(L1)I₂] (7) [L1 = 1,1′-(3-hydroxypropylidene)bis(4-butyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene)]). Each product is obtained as a non-equimolecular mixture of two conformers. The hydroxyl group has been replaced by bromide and methanesulphonate and ( [Pd(L2)Br₂] [L2 = 1,1′-(3-bromopropylidene)bis(4-butyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene)] (9)) and ([Pd(L3)Br₂] [L3 = 1,1′-(3-methanesulphonyloxypropylidene)-bis(4-butyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene)] (10)) were obtained, respectively, as mixtures of conformers. All compounds consist of a six-membered metallacyclic structure in a boat conformation. Major conformers present the functionalized chain in the axial position, while in minor conformers it is located in the equatorial position.     

New chemical and chemo-enzymatic routes for the synthesis of (RS)- and (S)-enciprazine

The chemo-enzymatic synthesis of racemic and enantiopure (RS)- and (S)-enciprazine 1, a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic drug, is described herein. The synthesis started from 1-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazine 3, which was treated with 2-(chloromethyl) oxirane (RS)-4 using lithium bromide to afford a racemic alcohol, 1-chloro-3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazin-1-yl) propan-2-ol (RS)-6 in 85% yield. Intermediate (S)-6 was synthesized from racemic alcohol (RS)-6 using Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) with vinyl acetate as the acyl donor. Various reaction parameters such as temperature, time, substrate, enzyme concentration, and the effect of the reaction medium on the conversion and enantiomeric excess for the transesterification of (RS)-6 by CRL were optimized. It was observed that 10 mM of (RS)-6, 50 mg/mL of CRL in 4.0 mL of toluene with vinyl acetate (5.4 mmol) as acyl donor at 30 °C gave good conversion (C = 49.4%) and enantiomeric excess (ee_P = 98.4% and ee_S = 96%) after 9 h of reaction. Compound (S)-6 is a key intermediate for the synthesis of enantiopure (S)-1. The (RS)- and (S)-enciprazine drug 1 was synthesized by treating (RS)- and (S)-6 with 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenol 5 using MeCN as a solvent and K₂CO₃ as a base.     

Design,synthesis and physical properties of the metal complexes using π-radical with photo-excited high-spin state as a ligand

Two π-radicals, 3-pyridinyl-phenylanthracene(iminonitroxide) (3) and 3-pyridinyl-phenylanthracene-(nitronylnitroxide) (4) were designed as candidates of the ligand for the metal complexes to clarify the exchange interactions between the paramagnetic centers of the metal ions and the photo-excited high-spin states of the purely organic π-radical. Compounds 3 and 4 were synthesized and their magnetic properties were examined, showing weak antiferromagnetic interactions, θ = −1.5 K for 3 and −0.7 K for 4. The photo-excited states of 3 and 4 were investigated by time-resolved ESR and clarified that both π-radicals have the quartet (S = 3/2) high-spin states as their lowest photo-excited states. Two metal complexes [Fe(III)(L)(4)] · (BPh₄) (Low spin) (LH₂ = N,N′-bis(1-hydroxy-2-benzyliden)-1,7-diamino-4-azaheptane) and [Cu(II)(hfac)₂(4)₂] using 4 were prepared. Their magnetic behaviors are well analyzed with the Bleaney–Bowers model with J/k_B = − 0.86 K and three S = 1/2 spin cluster model with J/k_B = −1.0 K, respectively, showing weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the paramagnetic centers of the metal ions and the π-radical in the ground state.     

Synthesis,characterization and X-ray crystal structure determination of cyclopalladated [Csp2,N,N′]−, zwitterionic and chelated compounds in the reaction of 3,5-diphenyl-N-alkylaminopyrazole derived ligands with Pd(II)

The synthesis of two N-alkylaminopyrazole ligands, 1-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-3,5-diphenylpyrazole (L1) and 1-[2-(dioctylamino)ethyl]-3,5-diphenylpyrazole (L2), is reported. These ligands present, a priori, one pyrazole nitrogen and one amine nitrogen as potential donor atoms. However, in the reaction of the ligands (L1 and L2) with [PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂] one of the C_phenyl atoms can also behave as a donor atom. As a result, we have obtained the formation of three different compounds for each one of the ligands: chelated ([PdCl₂(L)] L = L1 (1a), L2 (2a)), zwitterionic ([PdCl₃(LH)] LH = LH1 (1b), LH2 (2b)), and cyclopalladated compounds ([PdCl(LC)] (LC = LC1 (1c), LC2 (2c)). The solid-state structures for 1a, 1b and 1c were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The potentially [C,N,N′]^? ligand is coordinated through the N_pz and the N_amino to the metal atom for 1a, through the N_pz for 1b, and through the N_pz, the N_amino and a C_phenyl for 1c.     

Versatile binding properties of di-pyridyl ligands with Cu(II) complexes: The syntheses,structural characterization and thermal analysis of six new species

A novel series of 4,4′-bipyridine- and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane-Cu(II) complexes were synthesized using a variety of amine ligands (DPA = di(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, Medpt = 3,3′-diamino-N-methyldipropylamine, Hbpca = bis(2-pyridylcarbonyl)amine, TPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) and cyclen = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane). Different complexes were obtained including mononuclear [Cu(cyclen)(4,4′-bipy)](ClO₄)₂ (1), dinuclear {[Cu(μ₂-bpca)(4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)]ClO₄}₂ (2), [Cu₂(DPA)₂(μ₂-4,4′-bipy)(ClO₄)₄)]·H₂O (3), [Cu₂(cyclen)₂(μ₂-bpe)](ClO₄)₄ (4) and [Cu₂(TPA)₂(μ₂-bpe)](ClO₄)₄ (5) and the 1-D polymer, {[Cu(Medpt)(μ₂-4,4′-bipy)](ClO₄)₂}_n (6). In the 1–6 samples, cooling up to 100 K produces only the expected, minor, changes in cell constants given no space group changes. Therefore, data for the 100 K structures are reported only. Single-crystal X-ray crystallography reveals the monodentate coordination of the 4,4′-bipy in 1 and 2, and the bridged nature of the di-pyridyl ligands in the dinuclear complexes 2–5 and in the polymeric complex 6. In this series, structures 3–6 consist of the 4,4′-bipy or bpe bridging the two Cu(II) centers, the coordination by the tri- or the tetra-N donors of the amine, and the ClO₄^? groups as counter ions in 4–6 complexes. In the complexes 3–6, the Cu···Cu distances across the bridged di-pyridyl ligands were found to be greater than 11 Å. The magnetic properties of complex 3 reveal no evidence for magnetic coupling between the two Cu(II) centers (J = ?0.58 cm^?1).     

Iridium aminyl radical complexes as catalysts for the catalytic dehydrogenation of primary hydroxyl functions in natural products

The cationic tetra-coordinated 16 electron complex [Ir(trop₂dach)]⁺OTf⁻ (1) where (OTf⁻ = CF₃SO₃⁻) and the neutral amine amido complex [Ir(trop₂dach-1H)] (2) were isolated and structurally characterized. The NH function in 1 is easily deprotonated (pK_a^DMSO = 10.5) to yield the amino amido complex [Ir(trop₂dach-1H)] (2), which is deprotonated at pK_a^DMSO = 19.6 to the anionic di(amido) iridate [Ir(trop₂dach-2H)]⁻ (3); [(R,R)-top₂dach stands for the tetrachelating diamino diolefin ligand (R,R)-N,N′-bis(5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane; (R,R)-top₂dach-1H and (R,R)-top₂dach-2H indicate the mono and double deprotonated form]. Complex 3 is easily oxidized by 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ) to the neutral iridium aminyl radical complex [Ir(trop₂dach-2H)] (4). In combination with BQ as hydrogen acceptor and catalytic amounts of base, 4 serves as catalyst in the highly efficient dehydrogenation of functionalized primary alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes, RCH₂OH + BQ → RCHO + H₂BQ (H₂BQ = catechol). Alcohols like geraniol and retinol are rapidly converted to geranial and retinal, while the conversion of sterically hindered alcohols like lavandulol is slower and the primary product, lavandulal, isomerizes to isolavandulal in a classical base-catalyzed reaction.     

Reaction of isocyanides with iminophosphorane-based carbene ligands: Synthesis of unprecedented ketenimine–ruthenium complexes

The RuC bond of the bis(iminophosphorano)methandiide-based ruthenium(II) carbene complexes [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(κ²-C,N-C[P{NP(O)(OR)₂}Ph₂]₂)] (R = Et (1), Ph (2)) undergoes a C–C coupling process with isocyanides to afford ketenimine derivatives [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(κ³-C,C,N-C(CNR′)[P{NP(O)(OR)₂}Ph₂]₂)] (R = Et, R′ = Bz (3a), 2,6-C₆H₃Me₂ (3b), Cy (3c); R = Ph, R′ = Bz (4a), 2,6-C₆H₃Me₂ (4b), Cy (4c)). Compounds 3–4a–c represent the first examples of ketenimine–ruthenium complexes reported to date. Protonation of 3–4a with HBF₄ · Et₂O takes place selectively at the ketenimine nitrogen atom yielding the cationic derivatives [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(κ³-C,C,N-C(CNHBz)[P{NP(O)(OR)₂}Ph₂]₂)][BF₄] (R = Et (5a), Ph (6a)).     

Synthesis and asymmetric catalytic application of chiral imidazolium–phosphines derived from (1R,2R)-trans-diaminocyclohexane

Reaction between a chiral imidazole–amine precursor derived from (1R,2R)-trans-diaminocyclohexane and P¹Cl (where P¹ = PPh₂, P(1,3,5-Me₃C₆H₃)₂, P(2,2′-O,O′-(1,1′-biphenyl), P((R)-(2,2′-O,O′-(1,1′-binaphthyl))) and P((S)-(2,2′-O,O′-(1,1′-binaphthyl)))) followed by RX (where R = ⁿPr, ⁱPr, CHPh₂, X = Br; R = ⁱPr, X = I), respectively, gives a selection of chiral imidazolium–phosphine compounds. Deprotonation of the imidazolium salt gives the corresponding NHC–P ligands that can be used in metal-mediated asymmetric catalytic applications. Catalytic reactions show that NHC–P ligands give a significantly greater rate of reaction for a palladium catalysed allylic substitution reaction in comparison to analogous di-NHC or NHC–imine ligands and that NHC–P hybrids are also effective for iridium catalysed transfer hydrogenation.     

Approaches to (R)- and (S)-1′-(1-aminoethyl)ferrocene-1-carboxylic acid derivatives

Lipase-catalyzed esterification of (±)-methyl 1′-(1-hydroxyethyl)ferrocene-1-carboxylate 4 afforded its (R)-acetate (−)-5 (ee = 99%) and (S)-(+)-4 (ee = 90%). Stereoretentive azidation/amination/acetylation of (R)-(−)-5 gave (R)-(+)-methyl 1′-(1-acetamidoethyl)ferrocene-1-carboxylate (R)-3 (ee = 98%). In a similar manner (S)-(+)-4 was converted into (S)-(−)-3 (ee = 84%). Both enantiomers of 3 were obtained in high chemical yields without a loss of enantiomeric purity. The title compounds can be coupled with natural amino acids and peptides on both C- and N-termini.     

Spontaneous resolution of a novel chiral coordination polymer through supramolecular interactions and solvent symmetry breaking

The spontaneous resolution reaction of racemic trans-2,3-dihydro-2,3-dipyridyl-benzo[e]indole 1 with Cd(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O in the presence of 2-butanol under solvothermal reaction conditions favors the formation of crystal 2 [P-Cd(R,R,-1)₂(ClO₄)₂], while a similar reaction in the presence of ethanol only favors the formation of crystal 3 [M-Cd(S,S,-1)₂(ClO₄)₂]. The crystal structural determination shows that both 2 and 3 crystallize in chiral enantiomorphous space groups (P6₁22 and P6₅22) and their structures are 1D infinite chain, and are just enantiomorphous pairs most like. The spontaneous resolution process displays estimated ee values of ca. +0.6 for 2-butanol and ca. −0.4 for ethanol. Enantiomerically pure (S,S)-trans-2,3-dihydro-2,3-dipyridyl-benzo[e]indole (S,S,-1) can be obtained through the decomposition of mechanically separated 3. Additionally (S,S,-1) also crystallizes in a chiral space group (P2₁). The CD (circular dichroism) spectra of both 2 and 3 in the solid state are also approximately enantiomorphous pairs. However, their fluorescent spectra in the solid state display a moderate difference in maximum emission peaks (Δλ = 19 nm). Crystal data for 2: C₄₄H₃₄Cl₂N₆O₈Cd, M = 958.07, hexagonal, P6₁22, a = 10.5488(5), c = 68.256(4) Å, α = γ = 90°, β = 120°, V = 6577.8(6) Å³, Z = 6, D_c = 1.451 mg m⁻³, R₁ = 0.0498, wR₂ = 0.1124, μ = 0.679 mm⁻¹, S = 0.623, Flack χ = −0.02(6). For space group P6₅22, R₁ = 0.0670, wR₂ = 0.1602, S = 0.725 with a Flack value of 1.03(7); Crystal data for 3, C₄₄H₃₄Cl₂N₆O₈Cd, M = 958.07, hexagonal, P6₅22, a = 10.5446(3), c = 68.265(3) Å, V = 6573.3(4) Å³, Z = 6, D_c = 1.452 mg m⁻³, R₁ = 0.0444,wR₂ = 0.1002, μ = 0.679 mm⁻¹, S = 0.558, Flack χ = 0.01(5). For space group P6₁22, R₁ = 0.0501, wR₂ = 0.1178, S = 0.599 with a Flack value of 1.00(5). The low Flack parameter indicates that the absolute configurations of 2 and 3 are stated; Crystal data for (S,S)-1, C₂₂H₁₇N₂, M = 323.39, orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, a = 9.2598(7), b = 9.4617(8), c = 19.1452(16) Å, V = 1677.4(2) Å³, Z = 4, D_c = 1.281 mg m⁻³, R₁ = 0.0417, wR₂ = 0.1191, T = 293 K, μ = 0.077 mm⁻¹, S = 0.862.     

Second-order non-linear optical response in LB films for the metal complexes

The complexes with long alkyl chains {[Fe(C₁₆-trz)₃](ClO₄)₂}_n (1), [Fe(C₁₅-BPT)₂(NCS)₂] (2), [Fe(C₁₆-salen)Cl] (3), [Fe(C₁₆-salmmen)Cl] (4), K[Fe(C₁₆-salen)(CN)₂] (5), K[Fe(C₁₆-salmmen)(CN)₂] (6), Na[Fe(C₁₆-salmmen)(CN)₂] (7), [Mn(C₁₆-salen)Cl] (8), [Ni(C₁₆-salen)] (9), [Cu(C₁₆-salen)] (10) were synthesized (C₁₆-trz = 4-hexadecyl-1,2,4-triazole, C₁₅-BPT = N-(3,5-di-2-pyridinyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-hexadecanecarboxamide, C₁₆-salen = N,N-bis[4-(hexadecyloxy)salicylidene]ethylenediamine, C₁₆-salmmen = N,N′-bis[4-(hexadecyloxy)salicylidene]-1,2-diaminopropane). Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of compounds 1–10 were prepared (Scheme 1). The transfers of the molecules from onto the gas–water surface to glass substrate were confirmed by UV–Vis spectra. The second harmonic generation (SHG) were estimated for the LB films formed by the metal complexes. The SHG was observed for the complexes with the long alkyl chains in LB film. The order of the intensity for the SHG related with the number of unpaired d electrons or the d electron configurations.     

Synthesis of rigid and C2-symmetric 18-crown-6 type macrocycles bearing diamide–diester groups: enantiomeric recognition for α-(1-naphthyl)ethylammonium perchlorate salts

A series of rigid and chiral C₂-symmetric 18-crown-6 type macrocycles (S,S)-4, (S,S)-5, (S,S)-6 and (R,R)-2 bearing diamide–ester groups were synthesized. The binding properties of these macrocycles were examined for α-(1-naphthyl)ethylammonium perchlorates salts by an ¹H NMR titration method. Taking into account the host employed, important differences were observed in the K_a values of (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of guests for macrocycles (S,S)-4 and (S,S)-6, K_S/K_R = 3.6, and K_S/K_R = 0.1 (K_R/K_S = 10.3) ΔΔG = 3.19 and ΔΔG = ?5.77 kJ mol^?1, respectively. The results indicated excellent enantioselectivity of macrocyclic (S,S)-6 towards the enantiomers of α-(1-naphthyl)ethylammonium perchlorate salts.     

Synthesis of the (1S,2S)- and (1R,2S)-stereoisomers of the respective E- and Z-isomers of ethyl 4-[(2-hydroxycyclohexyl)methyl]phenoxy-3-methyl-2-butenoate using yeast whole cell bioreduction of the parent ketones

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain DBM 2115, was successfully employed in the reduction of the separated Z- and E-isomers of ethyl 4-[(2-oxocyclohexyl)methyl]phenoxy-3-methyl-2-butenoates 1 and 2, in order to prepare the (1S,2S)- and (1R,2S)-enantiomers of the corresponding ethyl 4-[(2-hydroxycyclohexyl)methyl]phenoxy-3-methyl-2-butenoates 3–6. The products were obtained with the required absolute configuration: (1S,2S)-3 (ee = 98%; yield 48%), (1R,2S)-4 (ee = >99%; yield 45%), (1S,2S)-5 (ee = 98.5%; yield 47%), and (1R,2S)-6 (ee = >99%; chemical yield 44%).     

Metal–metal bond cleavage of carbene complexes by halogens: The crystal and molecular structures of ax-[Mn2(CO)9{C(OEt)2-thienyl}], [Mn(CO)4(I){C(OEt)2-thienyl}] and eq-[Mn2(CO)9{C(NH2)2-thienyl}]

The metal–metal bond in [M₂(CO)₉{C(OEt)R}] (M = Mn (1), Re (2), R = 2-thienyl (a), 2-bithienyl (b)) is readily cleaved with halogens to afford cis-[M(CO)₄(X){C(OEt)R}] (M = Mn (3), X = I; M = Re (4), X = Br). In the binuclear manganese complex, the carbene ligand is found in an axial position due to steric reasons, whereas the electronically favoured equatorial position is found for the carbene ligands in the corresponding rhenium complexes and in [Mn₂(CO)₉{C(NH₂)thienyl}] (5a), containing a sterically less demanding NH₂-substituent.     

Magnetic property of 1:2 mixture of Co(p-tolsal)2; p-tolsal = N-p-tolylsalicylideniminato,and cyclic pentacarbene–pyridine with S = 10/2 in dilute frozen solution

A cyclic pentadiazo-pyridine ligand, cD5py, was prepared and its photoproduct, cC5py, in a frozen solution was confirmed to be a high-spin polycarbene with S = 10/2. The magnetic property of the 1:2 mixture of Co(p-tolsal)₂; p-tolsal = N-p-tolylsalicylideniminato, and cD5py in a dilute frozen solution after irradiation was investigated by SQUID magneto/susceptometry. In the ac magnetic susceptibility measurements, the in-phase and out-of-phase components (χ′ and χ″, respectively) with frequency dependence were observed, indicating that the 1:2 complex, Co(p-tolsal)₂-(cC5py)₂, had slow magnetic relaxation characteristic of the single-molecule magnet (SMM). From the χ″ versus T plots with various frequencies, the values of activation barrier, U_eff, for the reverse of the magnetism was estimated to be 72 K. In the dc magnetic susceptibility measurements, the magnetic hysteresis loops were observed below 3 K. The value of the coercive force, H_c, depends on the temperature and increases on cooling. The hysteresis loop with H_c = 7.1 kOe was observed at 1.9 K.