Cysteamine and its homoleptic complexes with group 12 metal ions. Differences in the coordination chemistry of ZnII, CdII, and HgII with a small N,S-donor ligand

2-Ammoniumethanethiolate, (-)SCH(2)CH(2)NH(3)(+), the first structurally characterized zwitterionic ammoniumthiolate, is the stable form of cysteamine (HL) in the solid state and in aqueous solution. Reactions of ZnCl(2), Cd(Oac)(2), and HgCl(2) with cysteamine and NaOH in a 1:2:2 ratio, respectively, lead to the homoleptic complexes ML(2). Their single-crystal X-ray structures demonstrate basic differences in the coordination chemistry of Zn(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II). While chelating N,S-coordination modes are found for all metal ions, Zn(II) forms a mononuclear complex with a distorted tetrahedral Zn(N(2)S(2)) coordination mode, whereas Hg(II) displays a dimer with Hg(N(2)S(2)) coordinated monomers being connected by two long Hg...S contacts. Solid-state (199)Hg NMR spectra of HgL(2) and [Hg(HL)(2)]Cl(2) reveal a low-field shift of the signals with increasing coordination number. Strong and nearly symmetric Cd-S-Cd bridges in solid CdL(2) lead to a chain structure, Cd(II) displaying a distorted square pyramidal Cd(N(2)S(3)) coordination mode. The ab initio [MP2/LANL2DZ(d,f)] structures of isolated ML(2) show a change from a distorted tetrahedral to bisphenoidal coordination mode in the sequence Zn(II)-Cd(II)-Hg(II). A natural bond orbital analysis showed a high ionic character for the M-S bonds and suggests that the S-M-S fragment is best described by a 3c4e bond. The strength of the M...N interactions and the stability of ML(2) toward decomposition to M and L-L decreases in the sequence Zn > Cd > Hg. Ab initio calculations further suggest that a tetrahedral S-M-S angle stabilizes Zn(II) against substitution by Cd(II) and Hg(II) in a M(N(2)S(2)) environment. Such geometry is provided in zinc-finger proteins, as was found by a database survey.     

Lanthanide and uranium complexes with an SPS-based pincer ligand

Reactions of Ln(BH4)3(THF)n and [Li(Et2O)]SPS(Me)], the lithium salt of an anionic SPS pincer ligand composed of a central hypervalent lambda4-phosphinine ring bearing two ortho-positioned diphenylphosphine sulfide sidearms, led to the monosubstituted compounds [Ln(BH4)2(SPS(Me))(THF)2] [Ln = Ce (1), Nd (2)], while the homoleptic complexes [Ln(SPS(Me))3] [Ln = Ce (3), Nd (4)] were obtained by treatment of LnX3 (X = I, BH4) with [K(Et2O)][SPS(Me)]. The [UX2(SPS(Me))2] complexes [X = Cl (5), BH4 (6)] were isolated from reactions of UX4 and the lithium or potassium salt of the [SPS(Me)]- anion. The X-ray crystal structures of 1.1.5THF, 2.1.5THF, 3.2THF.2Et2O, and 5.4py reveal that the flexible tridentate [SPS(Me)]- anion is bound to the metal as a tertiary phosphine with electronic delocalization within the unsaturated parts of the ligand.     

Amino-closo-dodecaborate--a new ligand in coordination chemistry

The synthesis and characterization of three ruthenium complexes [Bu(3)MeN][Ru(PPh(3))(2)(NH(2)-B(12)H(11))Cl], [Bu(4)N][Ru(dppb)(NH(2)-B(12)H(11))Cl] and [RuCO(PPh(3))(2)(NH(2)-B(12)H(11))] with amino-closo-dodecaborate as the coordinating ligand are described.     

A hemilabile binucleating pincer ligand for self-assembly of coordination oligomers and polymers

The bis(PNP)-donor pincer ligand 1,4-C(6)H(4){N(CH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))(2)}(2), 1, contains weakly basic nitrogen donor atoms because the lone pairs of electrons are conjugated to the bridging phenylene group, and this feature is used in the synthesis of oligomers and polymers. The complexes [Pd(2)X(2)(mu-1)](OTf)(2), X=Cl, Br or OTf, contain the ligand 1 in bis(pincer) binding mode (mu-kappa(6)-P(4)N(2)), but [Pd(4)Cl(6)(mu(3-)1)(2)]Cl(2) contains the ligand in an unusual unsymmetrical mu(3)-kappa(5)-P(4)N binding mode. The bromide complex is suggested to exist as a polymer [{Pd(2)Br(4)(mu(4)-1)}(n)] with the ligands 1 in mu(4)-kappa(4)-P(4) binding mode. The methylplatinum(II) complexes [Pt(2)Me(4)(mu-1)] and [Pt(2)Me(2)(mu-1)](O(2)CCF(3))(2) contain the ligand in mu-kappa(4)-P(4) and mu-kappa(6)-P(4)N(2) bonding modes, while the silver(I) complex [Ag(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(2) (mu-1)] contains the ligand 1 in an intermediate bonding mode in which the nitrogen donors are very weakly coordinated. The complexes [Pd(2)(OTf)(2)(mu-1)](OTf)(2) and [Ag(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(2)(mu-1)] react with 4,4'-bipyridine to give polymers [Pd(2)(micro-bipy)(mu-1)](OTf)(4) and [Ag(2)(mu-bipy)(mu-1)](O(2)CCF(3))(2).     

Cd(II), Zn(II), and Pd(II) complexes of an isoindoline pincer ligand: consequences of steric crowding

The sterically crowded isoindoline pincer ligand, 6'-MeLH, prepared by condensation of 4-methyl-2-aminopyridine and phthalonitrile, exhibits very different reaction chemistry with Cd2+, Zn2+, and Pd2+. Three different ligand coordination modes are reported, each dependent upon choice of metal ion. This isoindoline binds to Cd2+ as a charge-neutral, zwitterionic, bidentate ligand using imine and pyridine nitrogen atoms to form the eight-coordinate fluxional complex, Cd(6'-MeLH)2(NO3)2. In the presence of Zn2+, however, loss of a pyridine arm occurs through solvolysis and tetrahedrally coordinated complexes are formed with coordination of pyrrole and pyridine nitrogen atoms. Reaction with Pd2+ produces the highly distorted, square planar complex Pd(6'-MeL)Cl in which a deprotonated isoindoline anion coordinates as a tridentate pyridinium NNC pincer ligand.     

Coordination chemistry and reactivity of zinc complexes supported by a phosphido pincer ligand

The preparation and characterization of new Zn(II) complexes of the type [(PPP)ZnR] in which R = Et (1) or N(SiMe(3))(2) (2) and PPP is a tridentate monoanionic phosphido ligand (PPP-H = bis(2-diphenylphosphinophenyl)phosphine) are reported. Reaction of ZnEt(2) and Zn[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2) with one equivalent of proligand PPP-H produced the corresponding tetrahedral zinc ethyl (1) and zinc amido (2) complexes in high yield. Homoleptic (PPP)(2) Zn complex 3 was obtained by reaction of the precursors with two equivalents of the proligand. Structural characterization of 1-3 was achieved by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, (13)C, and (31)P) and X-ray crystallography (3). Variable-temperature (1)H and (31)P?NMR studies highlighted marked flexibility of the phosphido pincer ligand in coordination at the metal center. A DFT calculation on the compounds provided theoretical support for this behavior. The activities of 1 and 2 toward the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and of L- and rac-lactide were investigated, also in combination with an alcohol as external chain-transfer agent. Polyesters with controlled molecular parameters (M(n), end groups) and low polydispersities were obtained. A DFT study on ring-opening polymerization promoted by these complexes highlighted the importance of the coordinative flexibility of the ancillary ligand to promote monomer coordination at the reactive zinc center. Preliminary investigations showed the ability of these complexes to promote copolymerization of L-lactide and ε-caprolactone to achieve random copolymers whose microstructure reproduces the composition of the monomer feed.     

Assembly of ZnII and CdII coordination polymers based on a flexible multicarboxylate ligand and nitrogen‐containing auxiliary ligands through a mixed‐ligand synthetic strategy: syntheses,structures and fluorescence properties

The structures of coordination polymers are strongly influenced by the organic ligands and metal ions used for their construction, so it is important to choose suitable ligands and metal ions and appropriate synthetic processes. Two novel d¹⁰ coordination polymers, namely poly[[diaquabis(2,2′‐bipyridine)[μ₄‐4,4′‐(1,4‐phenylenedioxy)bis(benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylato)]dizinc(II)] dihydrate], {[Zn₂(C₂₂H₁₀O₁₀)(C₁₀H₈N₂)₂(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O}_n, (1), and poly[[diaquabis(1,10‐phenanthroline)[μ₄‐4,4′‐(1,4‐phenylenedioxy)bis(benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylato)]dicadmium(II)] dimethylformamide disolvate], {[Cd₂(C₂₂H₁₀O₁₀)(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂(H₂O)₂]·2C₃H₇NO}_n, (2), have been synthesized from 4,4′‐(1,4‐phenylenedioxy)bis(benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylic acid) (H₄L) and two different N‐containing auxiliary ligands through a mixed‐ligand synthetic strategy under a solvothermal environment. The structures were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, powder X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy. Compounds (1) and (2) both present one‐dimensional chain structures and two‐dimensional supramolecular layer structures constructed by weak hydrogen bonds. It is interesting to note that the carboxylate ligands reveal stable trans configurations in both compounds. The fluorescence properties of (1) and (2) in the solid state were also investigated.     

Synthesis and coordination chemistry of organoiridium complexes supported by an anionic tridentate ligand

Treatment of deprotonated N-(dimethylaminoethyl)-2-diphenylphosphinoaniline with bis(cyclooctene)iridium chloride dimer affords a thermally stable iridium(I) olefin complex. Infrared analysis of the corresponding monocarbonyl iridium(I) compound indicates a relatively electron rich metal center. Reaction of the iridium(I) cyclooctene complex with iodomethane effects oxidation of the metal yielding a five-coordinate iridium(III) methyl iodide complex which reversibly coordinates tetrahydrofuran. X-ray crystallography confirms coordination of ether to the iridium(III) methyl iodide complex and NMR spectroscopic experiments establish an equilibrium constant of 1.66(9) M for tetrahydrofuran binding. A five-coordinate iridium(III) dimethyl complex has also been prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Hydrogenolysis of the dialkyl species permits identification of a short-lived classical iridium(III) dihydride complex.     

Synthesis,structure, and photoluminescence of ZnII and CdII coordination complexes constructed by structurally related 5,6-substituted pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylate ligands

Aiming at exploring the effect of substituting groups of three structurally related ligands, 5,6-diethyl-pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (H₂L¹), 5,6-diphenyl-pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (H₂L²), and dibenzo[f,h]quinoxaline-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (H₂L³), seven new coordination polymers constructed from these three substituted dicarboxylate ligands, {[Zn(L¹)(H₂O)₃]·2H₂O}_∞ (1), {[Cd₂(L^2ʹ)₄(H₂O)]·3H₂O}_∞ (2), [Zn(L²)(CH₃OH)]_∞ (3), {[Zn(L²)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O}_∞ (4), {[Zn(L^2ʹ)]·H₂O}_∞ (5), [Zn₂(L³)(DMF)₄]_∞ (6), [Zn(L³)(2,2ʹ-bipy)(H₂O)]_∞ (7), have been prepared and structurally characterized. 1 is a 1D chain structure in which Zn^II ion is six-coordinated with octahedron geometry. 2 is also a 1D chain structure in which there are two crystallographically independent Cd^II ions in the asymmetric unit and exist transformative L^2ʹ ligands in the resulting complex. 3 and 4 both possess 2D layer network with the same (4, 8²) topology, while the two complexes take different coordination modes during the forming of the compounds. 5 has a 1D chain structure based on the transformative L^2ʹ ligand in which Zn^II ion is five-coordinated with bipyramidal geometry. 6 and 7 both have 1D chain structure constructed from L³ ligand. Thereinto, Zn^II ion in 6 is five-coordinated by three oxygen atoms from two individual L³ ligands and two oxygen atoms from two DMF molecules. While in 7 there are also five coordination sites occupied by two carboxylate oxygen atoms from two L³ ligands. In addition, the compounds are characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra. The luminescent properties of the compounds are also discussed and exhibit strong fluorescent emissions in the solid state.     

Synthesis and coordination chemistry of an alkyne functionalised bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligand

The alkyne functionalised bidentate N-donor ligand (2-propargyloxyphenyl)bis(pyrazolyl)methane was prepared in high yield from the reaction of (2-hydroxyphenyl)bis(pyrazolyl)methane with propargyl bromide in the presence of base. A series of transition-metal complexes including [MCl2] (M=Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, Pt), [M2](NO3)2 (M=Cu, Co, Ni, Zn), [Ag]NO3 and [Pd(dppe)](OTf)2 were prepared and characterised by spectroscopic techniques. In addition, ligand as well as the Co(II) and Zn(II) complexes [CoCl2]2, [ZnCl2] were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The organometallic gold(I) and platinum(II) acetylide complexes [Pz2CH(C6H(4)-2-OCH2C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CAuPPh3)] and trans-[{Pz2CHC6H(4)-2-OCH2C[triple bond, length as m-dash]C}2Pt(PPh3)2] were prepared from and [AuCl(PPh3)] and trans-[PtCl2(PPh3)2], respectively. Treatment of these complexes with [Pd(OTf)2(dppe)] or [Cu(MeCN)4]PF6 results in formation of the cationic, mixed-metal complexes, which were isolated (Pt/Pd, Au/Pt) or detected by electrospray mass spectrometry (Au/Cu, Pt/Cu).     

Advances in the coordination chemistry of nitrogen ligand complexes of coinage metals

Coinage metals nitrogen chemistry has not been studied extensively until recently. The focus of this review is the base- and halide-free complexes of the monoanionic nitrogen ligands. This review describes how minor ligand modifications can result in a drastic change in the metal–metal interactions in multinuclear compounds. Crystal structures of these complexes show individual complexes, dimers, supramolecular columnar packing or more complex supramolecular aggregates. Bulky substituents on the ligands can prevent intermolecular metal–metal interactions or the formation of supramolecular architectures. The nuclearity and metal–metal interactions in these complexes are controlled by ligand steric and electronic factors and solvent of crystallization. Many classes of nitrogen ligand coordination compounds have given rise to advances in several fundamental and applied research aspects. Recent potential applications of nitrogen ligand complexes are highlighted particularly for those complexes included in this review.     

Synthesis and coordination chemistry of the first C2-chiral bisoxazine ligand

The ligand 2,5-bis(oxazinyl)-3,4-diethylpyrrole (4) was obtained in three reaction steps from the known pyrrole derivative 3,4-diethylpyrrole-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (1) which was first coupled with 2 molar equiv of (S)-1-benzoxy-3-butylamine to give the corresponding diamide 2 using dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 1-hydroxybenzitriazole as coupling reagents. Subsequent hydrogenolysis of the benzyl ether functions yielded the dialcohol 3 which was cyclized in high yield after methylsulfonation and treatment with an excess of NaOH giving the target compound 2,5-bis[2-((S)-5-methyloxazinyl)]-3,4-diethylpyrrole (4). Lithiation of 4 by reaction with 1 molar equivalent of nBuLi at -78 degrees C and addition of [PdCl(2)(COD)] to the lithium pyrrolide cleanly gave the palladium complex 5 which was fully characterized. Complex 5 is unstable in solution and dimerizes to give a mixture of two diastereomeric helical dinuclear complexes, 6a and 6b, which cocrystallized in a 1:1 ratio to give X-ray quality single crystals. Both isomers possess virtual molecular 2-fold symmetry (though no crystallographic rotational symmetry), the molecular C(2)-axis being orthogonal to the Pd...Pd vector.     

Flexibility in the coordination chemistry of the 2,3-dimethylindolide ligand with potassium,yttrium, and samarium

The coordination chemistry of the 2,3-dimethylindolide anion (DMI), (Me(2)C(8)H(4)N)(-), with potassium, yttrium, and samarium ions is described. In the potassium salt [K(DMI)(THF)](n), 1, prepared from Me(2)C(8)H(4)NH and KH in THF, the dimethylindole anion binds and bridges potassium ions in three different binding modes, namely eta(1), eta(3), and eta(5), to form a two-dimensional extended structure. In the dimethoxyethane (DME) adduct [K(DMI)(DME)(2)](2), 2, prepared by crystallizing a sample of 1 from DME, DMI exists as a mu-eta(1):eta(1) ligand. Compound 1 reacts with SmI(2)(THF)(4) in THF to form the distorted octahedral complex trans-(DMI)(2)Sm(THF)(4), 3, in which the dimethyindolide anions are bound in the eta(1) mode to samarium. Reaction of 2,3-dimethylindole with Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(THF)(2) afforded the amide complex (DMI)(3)Y(THF)(2), 4, in which the dimethylindolide anions are also bound in the eta(1) mode to yttrium. Compound 1 also reacts with (C(5)Me(5))(2)LnCl(2)K(THF)(2) (Ln = Sm, Y) to form unsolvated amide complexes (C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln(DMI) (Ln = Sm, 5; Y, 6), in which DMI attaches primarily through nitrogen, although the edge of the arene ring is oriented toward the metals at long distances.     

The interplay of metal and supporting ligand in labile coordination to pincer complexes of Ag(I)

The bis(imino)pyridine scaffold provides support for the synthesis and characterization of unique Ag(I) pincer complexes [{ArN=CPh}(2)(NPh)]Ag(+)(OTf)(-) (Ar = 2,5-(t)Bu(2)C(6)H(3)3; 2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3) 4). The bonding interactions between the cation-anion and between the bis(imino)pyridine ligand and the Ag centre are presented. Coordination of pyridine, toluene, 2-butyne and cyclooctene to the Ag centre led to the isolation and crystallographic characterization of labile transient adduct species. Bonding analysis of the adducts revealed conventional ligand-Ag coordination and important unconventional electron donation from the ligand to a π*-orbital of the bis(imino)pyridine group.     

Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Luminescent Properties of ZnII/CdII Coordination Polymers with Different Interpenetrating Networks

Zn^II and Cd^II coordination polymers with dicarboxylate and imidazole‐containing ligands, namely, [Cd (2,3‐PDC)(L)]_n ( 1 ) and {[Zn(3,4‐PDC) (L)_0.5] · H₂O}_n ( 2 ), [2,3‐H₂PDC = 2,3‐pyridine dicarboxylate, 3,4‐H₂PDC = 3,4‐pyridine dicarboxylate, and L = 1,4‐bis(2‐methylimidazol‐3‐ium‐1‐yl)biphenyl], were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Complex 1 shows a three‐dimensional (3D) structure with threefold interpenetrating diamond topology. Complex 2 features a 3D framework with twofold interpenetrating dmc topology. Moreover, the luminescent properties of complexes 1 and 2 were also investigated.     

Effects of two benzenedicarboxylic acids on the construction of CdII coordination polymers incorporating a flexible N‐donor ligand

Compared with the monomorphic type of ligand, combining mixed ligands in one coordination polymer offers greater tunability of the structural framework. Employment of N‐heterocyclic ligands and aromatic polycarboxylates is an effective approach for the construction of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Two new coordination polymers incorporating both 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole (imb) and benzenedicarboxylic acid isomers, namely, catena‐poly[[[di‐μ‐chlorido‐bis[(2‐carboxybenzoato‐κ²O¹,O^1′)cadmium(II)]]‐bis{μ‐2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole‐κ²N:N′}] dihydrate], {[Cd(C₈H₅O₄)Cl(C₁₁H₁₀N₄)]·H₂O}_n, (I), and poly[[aqua(μ₂‐benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato‐κ³O¹,O^1′:O³){μ₂‐2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole‐κ²N:N′}cadmium(II)] dihydrate], {[Cd(C₈H₄O₄)(C₁₁H₁₀N₄)(H₂O)]·2H₂O}_n, (II), have been prepared and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In polymer (I), imb ligands bridge Cd^II ions, forming a one‐dimensional chain, and 2‐carboxybenzoate anions coordinate to the Cd^II ions in a terminal fashion. Polymer (II) exhibits a two‐dimensional network structure in which imb ligands and the benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylate anions join Cd^II ions co‐operatively. This indicates that changing of the aromatic dicarboxylic acids can result in polymers with different compositions and architectures. Moreover, their IR spectra, PXRD (powder X‐ray diffraction) patterns, thermogravimetric analyses and fluorescence properties were also investigated.     

Synthesis and coordination chemistry of a photoswitchable bis(phosphine) ligand

A 1,2-dithienylethene compound bearing bis(phosphine) groups (1o) represents a new class of photoresponsive ligands where there are steric and electronic differences between two photogenerated isomers. The coordination chemistry of this ligand class is demonstrated by preparing a gold(I) complex (2o) and a phosphine selenide (3o).     

A new CdII coordination polymer with a self‐penetrating architecture induced by the molecular conformation of a rigid bithiophene ligand

The design and synthesis of coordination polymers with a self‐penetrating architecture has attracted much interest not only due to their interesting structures but also due to their potential applications. 5,5′‐Bis(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐2,2′‐bithiophene (bpbp), as a conjugated bithiophene ligand, can exhibit trans and cis conformations and this can lead to the construction of a self‐penetrating architecture. In addition, the semi‐rigid ancillary ligand 4,4′‐oxybis(benzoic acid) (H₂oba) can adopt different coordination modes, resulting in coordination polymers with high‐dimensional skeletons. A new Cd^II coordination polymer based on mixed ligands, namely poly[diaquapentakis[μ‐5,5′‐bis(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐2,2′‐bithiophene‐κ²N:N′]bis(nitrato‐κ²O,O′)tetrakis(μ₃‐4,4′‐oxydibenzoato)‐κ¹⁰O:O,O′:O′′,O′′′;κ⁶O:O′:O′′‐pentacadmium(II)], [Cd₅(C₁₄H₁₄O₅)₄(NO₃)₂(C₁₈H₁₂N₂S₂)₅(H₂O)₂]_n, (I), has been synthesized under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction indicates that there are three crystallographically independent Cd^II cations, three bpbp ligands, two deprotonated oba²⁻ ligands, one nitrate ligand and one coordinated water molecule in the asymmetric unit. One Cd^II centre is seven‐coordinated, exhibiting a distorted {CdN₂O₅} pentagonal bipyramidal geometry, while the other two Cd centres are both six‐coordinated, showing slightly distorted {CdN₂O₄} octahedral geometries. The most interesting feature is the co‐existence of trans and cis conformations in a single net, allowing structural interpenetration via self‐threading and yet the expected self‐penetrating structure was obtained. Topological analysis shows that the whole three‐dimensional framework can be classified as a 3‐nodal (4,6,6)‐c net with Schläfli symbol {6¹³.8²}₂{6⁶}, which is a new topology. Furthermore, the luminescence properties of (I) were examined in the solid state at room temperature.     

Gold- and platinum-bismuth donor-acceptor interactions supported by an ambiphilic PBiP pincer ligand

Noble metals meet a heavyweight: A pincer ligand brings together bismuth with gold and platinum, so that metallophilic interactions are established. According to DFT calculations, these interactions contain dominant metal→bismuth contributions.     

Lanthanum and alkali metal coordination chemistry of the bis(dimethylphenylsilyl)amide ligand

The coordination chemistry of the bis(dimethylphenylsilyl)amide ligand, [N(SiMe2Ph)2]1-, with sodium, potassium, and lanthanum has been investigated for comparison with the more commonly used [N(SiMe3)2]1- and [N(SiHMe2)2]1- ligands. HN(SiMe2Ph)2 reacts with KH to produce KN(SiMe2Ph)2, 1, which crystallizes from toluene as the dimer [KN(SiMe2Ph)2(C7H8)]2, 2. The structure of 2 shows that the [N(SiMe2Ph)2]1- ligand can function as a polyhapto ligand with coordination from each phenyl group as well as the normal nitrogen ligation and agostic methyl interactions common in methylsilylamides. Each potassium in 2 is ligated by an eta4-toluene, two bridging nitrogen atoms, and an eta2-phenyl, an eta1-phenyl, and an eta1-methyl group. KN(SiMe2Ph)2 crystallizes from toluene in the presence of 18-crown-6 to make the monometallic complex (18-crown-6)KN(SiMe2Ph)2, 3, in which [N(SiMe2Ph)2]1- functions as a simple monodentate ligand through nitrogen. The reaction of HN(SiMe2Ph)2 with NaH in THF at reflux for 2 days generates Na[N(SiMe2Ph)2], 4, which crystallizes as the solvated dimer {(THF)Na[mu-eta1:eta1-N(SiMe2Ph)2]}2, 5. A lanthanide metallocene derivative of [N(SiMe2Ph)2]1- was obtained by reaction of K[N(SiMe2Ph)2] with [(C5Me5)2La][(mu-Ph)2BPh2]. Crystals of (C5Me5)2La[N(SiMe2Ph)2], 6, show agostic interactions between lanthanum and methyl groups of each silyl substituent. The [N(SiMe3)2]1- analogue of 3, (18-crown-6)KN(SiMe3)2, 7, was also structurally characterized for comparison.