Molecular and Silica‐Supported Mo and W d0 Imido‐Methoxybenzylidene Complexes: Structure and Metathesis Activity

5‐Coordinated methoxybenzylidene complexes M(=NAr)(=CH?C₆H₄?o‐OMe)(O^tBu_F3)₂ (Ar=2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃; ^tBu_F3=CMe₂(CF₃)) of Mo ( 1m_Mo ) and W ( 1m_W ) were synthesized by cross‐metathesis from the corresponding neophylidene/neopentylidene precursors and o‐methoxystyrene. 1m_Mo and 1m_W were grafted onto the surface of silica partially dehydroxylated at 700 °C to give well‐defined silica‐supported alkylidenes (≡SiO)M(=NAr)(=CH?C₆H₄?o‐OMe)(O^tBu_F3) (M=Mo ( 1_Mo ), W ( 1_W )). Supported methoxybenzylidene complexes were tested in metathesis of cis‐4‐nonene, 1‐nonene, and ethyl oleate, and compared to their molecular precursors and supported classical analogs (≡SiO)M(=NAr)(=CHCMe₂R)(O^tBu_F3) (M=Mo, R=Ph ( 2_Mo ), M=W, R=Me ( 2_W )). Both grafted complexes 1_Mo and 1_W show significantly better performance as compared to their molecular precursors 1m_Mo and 1m_W but are less efficient than the classical 4‐coordinated alkylidenes 2_Mo and 2_W . Noteworthy, both 1_Mo and 1_W can reach equilibrium conversion in metathesis of cis‐4‐nonene at catalyst loadings as low as 50 ppm.     

Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of the molybdenum(VI) complex [MoCl(NAr)2(CH2CMe2Ph)] (Ar=2,6-Pr2C6H3)

The compounds [MoCl(NAr)₂R] (R=CH₂CMe₂Ph (1) or CH₂CMe₃(2); Ar=2,6-Prⁱ₂C₆H₃) have been prepared from [MoCl₂(NAr)₂(dme)] (dme=1,2-dimethoxyethane) and one equivalent of the respective Grignard reagent RMgCl in diethyl ether. Similarly, the mixed-imido complex [MoCl₂(NAr)(NBu^t)(dme)] affords [MoCl(NAr)(NBu^t)(CH₂CMe₂Ph)] (3). Chloride substitution reactions of 1 with the appropriate lithium reagents afford the compounds [MoCp(NAr)₂(CH₂CMe₂Ph)] (4) (Cp=cyclopentadienyl), [MoInd(NAr)₂(CH₂CMe₂Ph)] (5) (Ind=Indenyl), [Mo(OBu^t)(NAr)₂(CH₂CMe ₂Ph)] (6), [MoMe(NAr)₂(CH₂CMe₂Ph)] (7), [MoMe(PMe₃)(NAr)₂(CH₂CMe ₂Ph)] (8) (formed in the presence of PMe₃) and [Mo(NHAr)(NAr)₂(CH₂CMe₂P h)](9). In the latter case, a by-product {[Mo(NAr)₂(CH₂CMe₂Ph) ]₂(μ-O)}(10) has also been isolated. The crystal structures of 1, 4, 5 and 10 have been determined. All possess distorted tetrahedral metal centres with cis near-linear arylimido ligands; in each case (except 5, for which the evidence is unclear) there are α-agostic interactions present.     

Unusual Structure,Fluxionality, and Reaction Mechanism of Carbonyl Hydrosilylation by Silyl Hydride Complex [(ArN)Mo(H)(SiH2Ph)(PMe3)3]

The reactions of bis(borohydride) complexes [(RN?)Mo(BH₄)₂(PMe₃)₂] ( 4 : R=2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃; 5 : R=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃) with hydrosilanes afford new silyl hydride derivatives [(RN?)Mo(H)(SiR′₃)(PMe₃)₃] ( 3 : R=Ar, R′₃=H₂Ph; 8 : R=Ar′, R′₃=H₂Ph; 9 : R=Ar, R′₃=(OEt)₃; 10 : R=Ar, R′₃=HMePh). These compounds can also be conveniently prepared by reacting [(RN?)Mo(H)(Cl)(PMe₃)₃] with one equivalent of LiBH₄ in the presence of a silane. Complex 3 undergoes intramolecular and intermolecular phosphine exchange, as well as exchange between the silyl ligand and the free silane. Kinetic and DFT studies show that the intermolecular phosphine exchange occurs through the predissociation of a PMe₃ group, which, surprisingly, is facilitated by the silane. The intramolecular exchange proceeds through a new non‐Bailar‐twist pathway. The silyl/silane exchange proceeds through an unusual Mo^VI intermediate, [(ArN?)Mo(H)₂(SiH₂Ph)₂(PMe₃)₂] ( 19 ). Complex 3 was found to be the catalyst of a variety of hydrosilylation reactions of carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones) and nitriles, as well as of silane alcoholysis. Stoichiometric mechanistic studies of the hydrosilylation of acetone, supported by DFT calculations, suggest the operation of an unexpected mechanism, in that the silyl ligand of compound 3 plays an unusual role as a spectator ligand. The addition of acetone to compound 3 leads to the formation of [trans‐(ArN)Mo(OiPr)(SiH₂Ph)(PMe₃)₂] ( 18 ). This latter species does not undergo the elimination of a Si? O group (which corresponds to the conventional Ojima′s mechanism of hydrosilylation). Rather, complex 18 undergoes unusual reversible β‐CH activation of the isopropoxy ligand. In the hydrosilylation of benzaldehyde, the reaction proceeds through the formation of a new intermediate bis(benzaldehyde) adduct, [(ArN?)Mo(η²‐PhC(O)H)₂(PMe₃)], which reacts further with hydrosilane through a η¹‐silane complex, as studied by DFT calculations.     

DFT study on mechanism of carbonyl hydrosilylation catalyzed by high-valent molybdenum (IV) hydrides

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been employed to investigate hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds catalyzed by three high-valent molybdenum (VI) hydrides: Mo(NAr)H(Cp)(PMe₃) (1A), Mo(NAr)H(PMe₃)₃ (1B), and Mo(NAr)H (Tp)(PMe₃) (Tp?=?tris(pyrazolyl) borate) (1C). Three independent mechanisms have been explored. The first mechanism is “carbonyl insertion pathway”, in which the carbonyls insert into Mo?H bond to give a metal alkoxide complex. The second mechanism is the “ionic hydrosilylation pathway”, in which the carbonyls nucleophilically attacks η¹-silane molybdenum adduct. The third mechanism is [2 + 2] addition mechanism which was proposed to be favorable for the high-valent di-oxo molybdenum complex MoO₂Cl₂ catalyzing the hydrosilylation. Our studies have identified the “carbonyl insertion pathway” to be the preferable pathway for three molybdenum hydrides catalyzing hydrosilylation of carbonyls. For Mo(NAr)H (Tp)(PMe₃) (Tp?=?tris(pyrazolyl) borate), the proposed nonhydride mechanism experimentally is calculated to be more than 32.6?kcal/mol higher than the “carbonyl insertion pathway”. Our calculation results have derived meaningful mechanistic insights for the high-valent transition metal complexes catalyzing the reduction reaction.     

Living and stereoselective polymerization of [2.2]-paracyclophan-2-ENE derivatives

Paracyclophene based monomers can be polymerized in a living fashion using the alkylidene initiator Mo(NAr)(CHCMe₂Ph)(OCMe(CF₃)₂)₂. The cis-specific nature of the polymerization is critical, since small amounts of trans olefin in the backbone renders the material insoluble. These polymers have complex photophysical behavior, probably a consequence of the close proximity of chromophores along the polymer backbone. Polymerization of 9-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-[2.2]-paracyclophan-1-ene produces a new precursor material which furnishes PPV under remarkably mild conditions.     

Synthesis and characterization of a trianionic pincer supported Mo-alkylidene anion and alkyne insertion into a Mo(IV)-Cpincer bond to form metallocyclopropene(η-vinyl) complexes

This report describes two approaches to form complexes featuring Mo-C multiple bonds and a trianionic pincer ligand. Treating the trianionic pincer ligand precursor [^tBuOCO]H₃ (1) with MeLi provides the corresponding dilithio salt [^tBuOCHO]Li₂(THF)₃ (6) in situ, which further reacts with Mo(NAr) (CHCMe₂Ph)(OTf)₂(DME) to provide the terphenyl diphenolate complex [^tBuOCHO]Mo(NAr)CHCMe₂Ph (5). Complex 5 is characterized by ¹H, ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, combustion analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The solid state structure of 5 reveals a distorted trigonal pyramidal geometry for the Mo(VI) ion. Treating 5 with one equiv. of phosphorane in toluene converts the diphenolate ligand into a trianionic pincer ligand by deprotonation of the pincer C_ipso-H proton to give the alkylidene salt {[^tBuOCHO]Mo(NAr)(CHCMe₂Ph)}{Ph₃PCH₃} (7). Treating [^tBuOCO]MoNMe₂(NHMe₂)₂ (2), containing a d² Mo(IV) ion, with terminal alkynes (H-C≡CR, R = Ph, 3,5-F₂C₆H₃, 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃ and SiMe₃) produces in excellent yield the corresponding metallocyclopropylidene complexes 10-R (R H, F, CF₃) and 11 (R = SiMe₃). X-ray diffraction studies on single crystals of 10-H and 11 reveal three important features: 1) a highly distorted hexacoordinate Mo(VI) center, 2) a metallocyclopropene(η²-vinyl) fragment, and 3) a highly distorted CH group in the metallocyclopropene unit. A single point calculation and an NBO analysis performed on 10-H′ confirms the multiple bond between Mo1 and C28. The highest occupied Kohn-Sham molecular orbital (HOMO) represents a π-combination between d_yz of Mo1 and the p_y orbital of C28, and the corresponding π∗-combination of those orbitals constitutes the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO).     

Synthesis of laterally attached side‐chain liquid‐crystalline polynorbornenes with high mesogen density by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization

(±)‐exo,endo‐5,6‐Bis{[[11′‐[2″,5″‐bis[2‐(3′‐fluoro‐4′‐n‐alkoxyphenyl)ethynyl]phenyl]undecyl]oxy]carbonyl}bicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐ene (n = 1–12) monomers were polymerized by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature with Mo(CHCMe₂Ph)(N‐2,6‐ⁱPr₂Ph)(O^tBu)₂ as the initiator to produce polymers with number‐average degrees of polymerization of 8–37 and relatively narrow polydispersities (polydispersity index = 1.08–1.31). The thermotropic behavior of these materials was independent of the molecular weight and therefore representative of that of a polymer at approximately 15 repeat units. The polymers exhibited an enantiotropic nematic mesophase when n was 2 or greater. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4076–4087, 2006     

Neue phosphidoverbrückte Mehrkernkomplexe des Ag und Zn. Die Kristallstrukturen von [Ag3(PPh2)3(PnBu2tBu)3], [Ag4(PPh2)4(PR3)4] (PR3 = PMenPr2, PnPr3), [Ag4(PPh2)4(PEt3)4]n, [Zn4(PPh2)4Cl4(PRR2)2] (PRR′2 = PMenPr2, PnBu3, PEt2Ph), [Zn4(PhPSiMe3)4Cl4(C4H8O)2] und [Zn4(PtBu2)4Cl4]

New Phosphido-bridged Multinuclear Complexes of Ag and Zn. The Crystal Structures of [Ag₃(PPh₂)₃(PⁿBu₂^tBu)₃], [Ag₄(PPh₂)₄(PR₃)₄] (PR₃ = PMeⁿPr₂, PⁿPr₃), [Ag₄(PPh₂)₄(PEt₃)₄]_n, [Zn₄(PPh₂)₄Cl₄(PRR′₂)₂] (PRR′₂ = PMeⁿPr₂, PⁿBu₃, PEt₂Ph), [Zn₄(PhPSiMe₃)₄Cl₄(C₄H₈O)₂] and [Zn₄(P^tBu₂)₄Cl₄] AgCl reacts with Ph₂PSiMe₃ in the presence of tertiary Phosphines (PⁿBu₂^tBu, PMeⁿPr₂, PⁿPr₃ and PEt₃) to form the multinuclear complexes [Ag₃(PPh₂)₃(PⁿBu₂^tBu)₃] 1 , [Ag₄(PPh₂)₄(PR₃)₄] (PR₃ = PMeⁿPr₂ 2 , PⁿPr₃ 3 ) and [Ag₄(PPh₂)₄(PEt₃)₄]_n 4 . In analogy to that ZnCl₂ reacts with Ph₂PSiMe₃ and PRR′₂ to form the multinuclear complexes [Zn₄(PPh₂)₄Cl₄(PRR′₂)₂] (PRR′₂ = PMeⁿPr₂ 5 , PⁿBu₃ 6 , PEt₂Ph 7 ). Further it was possible to obtain the compounds [Zn₄(PhPSiMe₃)₄Cl₄(C₄H₈O)₂] 8 and [Zn₄(P^tBu₂)₄Cl₄] 9 by reaction of ZnCl₂ with PhP(SiMe₃)₂ and ^tBu₂PSiMe₃, respectively. The structures were characterized by X-ray single crystal structure analysis. Crystallographic data see “Inhaltsübersicht”.     

Lanthanide(II) Complexes of the Dihydrotriazinido Ligand [N{C(Ph)=N}2C(tBu)Ph]−

The potassium dihydrotriazinide K(L^Ph,tBu) ( 1 ) was obtained by a metal exchange route from [Li(L^Ph,tBu)(THF)₃] and KOtBu (L^Ph,tBu = [N{C(Ph)=N}₂C(tBu)Ph]). Reaction of 1 with 1 or 0.5 equivalents of SmI₂(thf)₂ yielded the monosubstituted Sm^II complex [Sm(L^Ph,tBu)I(THF)₄] ( 2 ) or the disubstituted [Sm(L^Ph,tBu)₂(THF)₂] ( 3 ), respectively. Attempted synthesis of a heteroleptic Sm^II amido‐alkyl complex by the reaction of 2 with KCH₂Ph produced compound 3 due to ligand redistribution. The Yb^II bis(dihydrotriazinide) [Yb(L^Ph,tBu)₂(THF)₂] ( 4 ) was isolated from the 1:1 reaction of YbI₂(THF)₂ and 1 . Molecular structures of the crystalline compounds 2 , 3· 2C₆H₆ and 4· PhMe were determined by X‐ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and catalytic properties of polynuclear molybdenum silicon-containing carbene complexes

The molybdenum silicon-containing carbene complexes PhMe₂Si—CH=Mo(NAr)(OR)₂ (1), Ph₂Si[CH=Mo(NAr)(OR)₂]₂ (2), and (RO)₂(ArN)Mo=CH—(SiMe₂)₂—CH=Mo(NAr)(OR)₂ (Ar = 2,6-Prⁱ ₂C₆H₃; R = CMe₂CF₃) were synthesized by the reaction of the R′— CH=Mo(NAr)(OR)₂ compounds (R′ = Bu^t or PhMe₂C) with silicon-containing vinyl reagents. The structures of complexes 1 and 2 and the known PhMe₂C—CH=Mo(NAr)(OCMe₂CF₃)₂ compound were established by X-ray diffraction. The catalytic properties of the silicon-containing carbene complexes in homometathesis of hex-1-ene and metathesis polymerization of cyclooctene were studied. The catalytic activity of these complexes and the stereoregularity of the resulting polyoctenamers substantially depend on the nature of the substituent at the carbene carbon atom. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 2, pp. 247–252, February, 2007.     

t-Butyl isocyanide complexes of rhenium(I), chromium(O), tungsten(O,I) and platinum(II); X-ray crystal structures of bis(t-butylisocyanide)- tris(trimethylphosphine)chlororhenium(I) and tris(t-butylisocyanide)bis(trimethyl- phosphine)chlororhenium(I)

The reduction of ReCl₄(THF)₂ in the presence of excess t-butylisocyanide by sodium amalgam produces pentakis(t-butylisocyanide)chlororhenium(I), which has been converted to the corresponding methyl and ethyl derivatives. The reaction of pentakis(trimethylphosphine)chlororhenium(I) with Bu^tNC gives partially substituted complexes, ReCl(CNBu^t)₂(PMe₃)3 and ReCl(CNBu^t)₃(PMe₃)₂. The structures of both compounds have been determined by X-ray methods. Octahedral ReCl(CNBu^t)₂(PMe₃)₃ has trans isocyanide groups with one linear [C---N---C = 175(1)°] and one slightly bent [C---N---C = 159(1)°]. The Re---C bond lengths are equal within experimental error [2.004(7), 2.003(7)Å]. In the octahedral ReCl(CNBu^t)₃(PMe₃)₂, for which the structure is not well defined, due to disorder, the unique isocyanide trans to chlorine is considerably bent at the nitrogen atom [C--- ---C = 141(6)°] and appears to show the shortest Re---C bond length, 1.94(5) vs 2.02(5)Å for the other two isocyanides which are mutually trans. Protonation of these two isocyanide complexes with fluoroboric acid gives, respectively, the salts [ReCl(CNBu^t)CNHBu^t(PMe₃)₃]BF₄ and [ReCl(CNBu^t)₂CNHBu^t(PMe₃)₂]BF₄, whose configurations have been determined by NMR spectroscopy. The reduction by sodium amalgam of Cr₂(CO₂Me)₄ in tetrahydrofuran in presence of Bu^tNC gives a high yield of Cr(CNBu^t)₆ while similar reduction of the dimeric tungsten(II) complex of the anion (mhp) of 2-methyl-6- hydroxypyridine gives W(CNBu^t)₆. Interaction of W₂(mhp)₄ in methanol-ether with Bu^tNC gives a tungsten(I) complex W₂(η-mhp)₂(Bu^tNC)₄, which may be an intermediate in the reductive cleavage reaction. Interaction of cis-PtMe₂(PMe₃)₂ with Bu^tNC leads only to replacement of one PMe₃ group to give the complex cis-PtMe₂(PMe₃)(CNBu^t).     

Neutral and Cationic Molybdenum Imido Alkylidene N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Reactivity in Selected Olefin Metathesis Reactions and Immobilization on Silica

The synthesis and single‐crystal X‐ray structures of the novel molybdenum imido alkylidene N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes [Mo(N‐2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃)(IMesH₂)(CHCMe₂Ph)(OTf)₂] ( 3 ), [Mo(N‐2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃)(IMes)(CHCMe₂Ph)(OTf)₂] ( 4 ), [Mo(N‐2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃)(IMesH₂)(CHCMe₂Ph)(OTf){OCH(CF₃)₂}] ( 5 ), [Mo(N‐2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃)(CH₃CN)(IMesH₂)(CHCMe₂Ph)(OTf)]⁺ BAr_F^? ( 6 ), [Mo(N‐2,6‐Cl₂C₆H₃)(IMesH₂)(CHCMe₃)(OTf)₂] ( 7 ) and [Mo(N‐2,6‐Cl₂C₆H₃)(IMes)(CHCMe₃)(OTf)₂] ( 8 ) are reported (IMesH₂=1,3‐dimesitylimidazolidin‐2‐ylidene, IMes=1,3‐dimesitylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene, BAr_F^?=tetrakis‐[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] borate, OTf=CF₃SO₃^?). Also, silica‐immobilized versions I1 and I2 were prepared. Catalysts 3 – 8 , I1 and I2 were used in homo‐, cross‐, and ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) reactions and in the cyclopolymerization of α,ω‐diynes. In the RCM of α,ω‐dienes, in the homometathesis of 1‐alkenes, and in the ethenolysis of cyclooctene, turnover numbers (TONs) up to 100 000, 210 000 and 30 000, respectively, were achieved. With I1 and I2 , virtually Mo‐free products were obtained (<3 ppm Mo). With 1,6‐hepta‐ and 1,7‐octadiynes, catalysts 3 , 4 , and 5 allowed for the regioselective cyclopolymerization of 4,4‐bis(ethoxycarbonyl)‐1,6‐heptadiyne, 4,4‐bis(hydroxymethyl)‐1,6‐heptadiyne, 4,4‐bis[(3,5‐diethoxybenzoyloxy)methyl]‐1,6‐heptadiyne, 4,4,5,5‐tetrakis(ethoxycarbonyl)‐1,7‐octadiyne, and 1,6‐heptadiyne‐4‐carboxylic acid, underlining the high functional‐group tolerance of these novel Group 6 metal alkylidenes.     

Olefin polymerization and copolymerization with soluble transition‐metal complex catalysts

Olefin polymerizations catalyzed by Cp′TiCl₂(O‐2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃) ( 1 – 5 ; Cp′ = cyclopentadienyl group), RuCl₂(ethylene)(pybox) { 7 ; pybox = 2,6‐bis[(4S)‐4‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazolin‐2‐yl]pyridine}, and FeCl₂(pybox) ( 8 ) were investigated in the presence of a cocatalyst. The Cp*TiCl₂(O‐2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃) ( 5 )–methylaluminoxane (MAO) catalyst exhibited remarkable catalytic activity for both ethylene and 1‐hexene polymerizations, and the effect of the substituents on the cyclopentadienyl group was an important factor for the catalytic activity. A high level of 1‐hexene incorporation and a lower r_E · r_H value with 5 than with [Me₂Si(C₅Me₄)(N^tBu)]TiCl₂ ( 6 ) were obtained, despite the rather wide bond angle of Cp Ti O (120.5°) of 5 compared with the bond angle of Cp Ti N of 6 (107.6°). The 7 –MAO catalyst exhibited moderate catalytic activity for ethylene homopolymerization and ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization, and the resultant copolymer incorporated 1‐hexene. The 8 –MAO catalyst also exhibited activity for ethylene polymerization, and an attempted ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization gave linear polyethylene. The efficient polymerization of a norbornene macromonomer bearing a ring‐opened poly(norbornene) substituent was accomplished by ringopening metathesis polymerization with the well‐defined Mo(CHCMe₂Ph)(N‐2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)[OCMe(CF₃)₂]₂ ( 10 ). The key step for the macromonomer synthesis was the exclusive end‐capping of the ring‐opened poly(norbornene) with p‐Me₃SiOC₆H₄CHO, and the use of 10 was effective for this polymerization proceeding with complete conversion. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 4613–4626, 2000     

Tailored molybdenum imido alkylidene N-heterocyclic carbene complexes as latent catalysts for the polymerization of dicyclopentadiene

Three novel molybdenum imido alkylidene N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) pre-catalysts, that is, Mo(N-t-Bu)(1-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3-isopropyl-4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidene)(CHCMe₂Ph)(OTf)₂ ( I1 , OTf = CF₃SO₃), Mo(N-t-Bu)(1-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3-isopropyl-4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidene)(CHCMe₂Ph)(OTf)(t-BuO) ( I2 ) and Mo(N-2,6-Me₂-C₆H₃)(1,3,4-triphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene)(CHCMe₂Ph)(OTf)₂ ( I3 ) are presented. Compared to complexes based on imidazol-2-ylidenes or imidazolin-2-ylidenes, (1-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3-isopropyl-4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidene) used in precatalysts I1 and I2 exerts a comparably strong trans effect to the triflate groups trans to the NHC, while (1,3,4-triphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene) used in I3 has a weaker trans effect on the triflate. In combination with a suitable second anionic ligand at molybdenum, that is, OTf, t-BuO, compounds I1 – I3 require higher temperatures to become active and can thus be used as truly room temperature latent pre-catalysts, even for a highly reactive monomer such as dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). When used as latent precatalysts, I1 – I3 offer access to poly-DCPD with different degrees of cross-linking and glass-transition temperatures (T_g). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 3028–3033     

Synthesis and characterization of aluminum(III) and tin(II) complexes supported by diiminophosphinate ligands and their application in ring‐opening polymerization catalysis of ε‐caprolactone

A series of Al(III) and Sn(II) diiminophosphinate complexes have been synthesized. Reaction of Ph(ArCH₂)P(?NBu^t)NHBu^t (Ar = Ph, 3 ; Ar = 8‐quinolyl, 4 ) with AlR₃ (R = Me, Et) gave aluminum complexes [R₂Al{(NBu^t)₂P(Ph)(CH₂Ar)}] (R = Me, Ar = Ph, 5 ; R = Me, Ar = 8‐quinolyl, 6 ; R = Et, Ar = Ph, 7 ; R = Et, Ar = quinolyl, 8 ). Lithiated 3 and 4 were treated with SnCl₂ to afford tin(II) complexes [ClSn{(NBu^t)₂P(Ph)(CH₂Ar)}] (Ar = Ph, 9 ; Ar = 8‐quinolyl, 10 ). Complex 9 was converted to [(Me₃Si)₂NSn{(NBu^t)₂P(Ph)(CH₂Ph)}] ( 11 ) by treatment with LiN(SiMe₃)₂. Complex 11 was also obtained by reaction of 3 with [Sn{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂]. Complex 9 reacted with [LiOC₆H₄Bu^t‐4] to yield [4‐Bu^tC₆H₄OSn{(NBu^t)₂P(Ph)(CH₂Ph)}] ( 12 ). Compounds 3–12 were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The structures of complexes 6 , 10 , and 11 were further characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction techniques. The catalytic activity of complexes 5–8 , 11 , and 12 toward the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (CL) was studied. In the presence of BzOH, the complexes catalyzed the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐CL in the activity order of 5 > 7 ≈ 8 > 6 ? 11 > 12 , giving polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions. The kinetic studies showed a first‐order dependency on the monomer concentration in each case. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4621–4631, 2006     

Synthesis and Characterization of Rhenabenzyne Complexes

Reactions of [ReH₅(PMe₂Ph)₃] with alkynols HC≡CC(OH)(R)C≡CSiMe₃ (R=tBu, iPr, 1‐adamantyl) in the presence of HCl give the vinylcarbyne complexes [Re{≡CCH?C(R)C≡CSiMe₃}Cl₂(PMe₂Ph)₃], which react with tBuMgCl to give [Re{≡CCH?C(R)C≡CSiMe₃}HCl(PMe₂Ph)₃]. Treatment of [Re{≡CCH?C(R)C≡CSiMe₃}HCl(PMe₂Ph)₃] with nBu₄NF gives [Re{≡CCH?C(R)C≡CH}HCl(PMe₂Ph)₃], which first isomerizes to the bicyclic complexes [Re{CH?CH? C(R)?CCH?}Cl(PMe₂Ph)₃], and then to the rhenabenzynes [Re{≡CCH?C(R)CH?CH}Cl(PMe₂Ph)₃]. The NMR spectroscopic and structural data as well as the aromatic stabilization energy (ASE) and nucleus‐independent chemical‐shift (NICS) values suggest that these rhenabenzynes have aromatic character.     

Synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of [Ph2PMe2][(η-C5H4Bu)2Li] and [(η-C5H4Bu)2Yb(Cl)CH2P(Me)Ph2]

The interaction of [(η⁵-C₅H₄Bu^t)₂YbCl · LiCl] with one equivalent of Li[(CH₂) (CH₂)PPh₂] in tetrahydrofuran gave [Ph₂PMe₂][(η⁵-C₅H₄Bu^t)₂Li] (1) and [(η⁵-C₅H₄Bu^t)₂Yb(Cl)CH₂P(Me)Ph₂] (2) in 10% and 30% yields, respectively. 1 could also be prepared in 70% yield from the reaction of [Ph₂PMe₂][CF₃SO₃] with two equivalents of (C₅H₄Bu^t)Li. Both compounds have been fully characterized by analytical, spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction methods. The solid state structure of 1 reveals a sandwich structure for the [(η⁵-C₅H₄Bu^t)₂Li]⁻ anion.     

Reactions of rac‐(ebthi)M(η2‐Me3SiC2SiMe3) (M=Ti,Zr) with Aryl Nitriles

The reactions of the Group 4 metallocene alkyne complexes rac‐(ebthi)M(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃) ( 1 a : M=Ti, 1 b : M=Zr; rac‐(ebthi)=rac‐1,2‐ethylene‐1,1′‐bis(η⁵‐tetrahydroindenyl)) with Ph?C?N were investigated. For 1 a , an unusual nitrile–nitrile coupling to 1‐titana‐2,5‐diazacyclopenta‐2,4‐diene ( 2 ) at ambient temperature was observed. At higher temperature, the C?C coupling of two nitriles resulted in the formation of a dinuclear complex with a four‐membered diimine bridge ( 3 ). The reaction of 1 b with Ph?C?N afforded dinuclear compound 4 and 2,4,6‐triphenyltriazine. Additionally, the reactivity of 1 b towards other nitriles was investigated.     

Evaluation of Several Molybdenum and Ruthenium Catalysts for the Metathesis Homocoupling of 3‐Methyl‐1‐Butene

We synthesized Mo(NC ₆F₅)(CHCM e₂Ph)(TPPO )(PP hMe₂)Cl (TPPO = 2,3,5,6‐tetraphenylphenoxide), Mo(NC ₆F₅)(CHCM e₂Ph)(TTBTO )(PP hMe₂)Cl (TTBTO = 2,6‐di(3′,5′‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl)phenoxide), and Mo(NC ₆F₅)(CHCM e₂Ph)(TPPO )(PP hMe₂)(CF ₃Pyr) (CF ₃Pyr = 3,4‐bistrifluoromethylpyrrolide), in order to evaluate them as catalysts for the homocoupling of 3‐methyl‐1‐butene. They were compared with Mo(NC ₆F₅)(CHCM e₂Ph)(HMTO )(PP hMe₂)Cl (HMTO = 2,6‐dimesitylphenoxide), Mo(NC ₆F₅)(CHCM e₂Ph)(HIPTO )(PP hMe₂)Cl (HIPTO = 2,6‐di(2′,4′,6′‐triisopropylphenyl)phenoxide), and several other Mo and Ru catalysts. In the best cases turnover numbers (TON s) of 400 – 700 were observed for the homocoupling of 3‐methyl‐1‐butene in a closed vessel (ethylene not removed).     

Synthesis and crystal structures of the first germanium-containing alkylidene complexes of molybdenum R3Ge-CHMo(NAr)(OR′)2 (R = Me, Ph) with direct germanium-carbene carbon bond

The novel germanium-containing alkylidene complexes of molybdenum R₃Ge-CHMo(NAr)(OCMe₂CF₃)₂ (Ar = 2,6-i-Pr₂C₆H₃; R = Me, Ph) have been prepared by the reaction of organogermanium vinyl reagents R₃ GeCHCH₂ with known alkylidene compounds Alkyl-CHMo(NAr)(OCMe₂CF₃)₂ (Alkyl = Bu^t, PhMe₂C). The titled compounds were isolated as crystalline solids and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. The geometry of the Mo atoms in the compounds can be described as a distorted tetrahedron.