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

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

Synthesis of the (N2)3- radical from Y2+ and its protonolysis reactivity to form (N2H2)2- via the Y[N(SiMe3)2]3/KC8 reduction system

Examination of the Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/KC(8) reduction system that allowed isolation of the (N(2))(3-) radical has led to the first evidence of Y(2+) in solution. The deep-blue solutions obtained from Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3) and KC(8) in THF at -35 °C under argon have EPR spectra containing a doublet at g(iso) = 1.976 with a 110 G hyperfine coupling constant. The solutions react with N(2) to generate (N(2))(2-) and (N(2))(3-) complexes {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Y}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)) (1) and {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Y}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(THF)(6)] (2), respectively, and demonstrate that the Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/KC(8) reaction can proceed through an Y(2+) intermediate. The reactivity of (N(2))(3-) radical with proton sources was probed for the first time for comparison with the (N(2))(2-) and (N(2))(4-) chemistry. Complex 2 reacts with [Et(3)NH][BPh(4)] to form {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Y}(2)(μ-N(2)H(2)), the first lanthanide (N(2)H(2))(2-) complex derived from dinitrogen, as well as 1 as a byproduct, consistent with radical disproportionation reactivity.     

Osmabenzenes from the reactions of a dicationic osmabenzyne complex

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

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

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

Reactions of trialkoxynitridomolybdenum with low-coordinate phosphorus compounds containing a P=N double bond

The reactions of N≡Mo(OR)(3) (R = (t)Bu, (i)Pr) with (Me(3)Si)(2)NPNSiMe(3) (1), (Me(3)Si)(2)NPN(t)Bu (2), (Me(3)Si)(2)NPS(N(t)Bu) (3) and (Me(3)Si)(2)NP(NSiMe(3))(2) (4) have been studied. Reported complexes were synthesized via 1,2-addition of an Mo-OR bond across the P=N bond, resulting in four-membered metallacycles of the corresponding σ(2)λ(3)-iminophosphine or σ(3)λ(5)-iminophosphorane with trialkoxynitridomolybdenum. The structure of all new compounds was elucidated by (1)H, (13)C and (31)P NMR spectroscopy. Compounds [(Me(3)Si)(2)N-P(NSiMe(3))(O-(t)Bu)]{((t)BuO)(2)Mo≡N} (5), [(Me(3)Si)(2)N-PS(N(t)Bu)(O-(t)Bu)]{((t)BuO)(2)Mo≡N} (7), [(Me(3)Si)(2)N-P(NSiMe(3))(2)(O-(t)Bu)]{((t)BuO)(2)Mo≡N} (8) and [(Me(3)Si)(2)N-P(NSiMe(3))(2)(O-(i)Pr)]{((i)PrO)(2)Mo≡N} (12) were also characterized by single X-ray analysis and shown to be metallacycles containing the Mo atom with an intact terminal nitrido ligand.     

Reactions of LiE(SiMe(3))(3), E = Si, Ge: X-ray Crystal Structure of the Cyclotetrastannane [ClSnSi(SiMe(3))(3)](4)

Reaction of SnCl(2).dioxane with 2 equiv of Li(THF)(3)Si(SiMe(3))(3) in hexane afforded the cyclotetrastannane [(Me(3)Si)(3)SiSnCl](4) in reasonable yield. From pentane, the product crystallized as a red-orange disolvate in the P&onemacr; space group (triclinic) with a = 14.735(2) ?, b = 14.976(2) ?, c = 24.066(3) ?, alpha = 76.94 degrees, beta = 76.19 degrees, gamma = 62.11 degrees, V = 4517.5 ?(3), and Z = 2. The Sn(4) ring consisted of a slightly distorted, nonplanar (fold angle = 18.9 degrees ) rectangle with Sn-Sn distances of 2.8054(6), 2.8111(6), 2.9122(6), and 2.9146(6) ?. The pentane molecules were disordered. Selected mono- and dihalogermanes were treated with 1 equiv of Li(THF)(3)Si(SiMe(3))(3) or Li(THF)(2.5)Ge(SiMe(3))(3), affording (Me(3)Si)(3)EGe(CF(3))(3) (E = Si, Ge) and (Me(3)Si)(3)GeGeR(3) (R = Cl, CH(3), C(6)H(5)). Besides the monosubstitution product, the reaction of GeCl(4) with 1 equiv of Li(THF)(2.5)Ge(SiMe(3))(3) also gave a small amount of the linear tetragermane (Me(3)Si)(3)GeGeCl(2)GeCl(2)Ge(SiMe(3))(3). Good yields of the analogous phenyl derivative, (Me(3)Si)(3)GeGePh(2)GePh(2)Ge(SiMe(3))(3), were obtained by treating Ph(2)GeCl(2) with 2 equiv of the lithium-germyl reagent.     

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

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

Synthesis and structures of some new types of lithium beta-diketiminates

The tetracyclic dilithio-Si,Si'-oxo-bridged bis(N,N'-methylsilyl-beta-diketiminates) 2 and 3, having an outer LiNCCCNLiNCCCN macrocycle, were prepared from [Li{CH(SiMe(3))SiMe(OMe)(2)}](infinity) and 2 PhCN. They differ in that the substituent at the beta-C atom of each diketiminato ligand is either SiMe(3) (2) or H (3). Each of and has (i) a central Si-O-Si unit, (ii) an Si(Me) fragment N,N'-intramolecularly bridging each beta-diketiminate, and (iii) an Li(thf)(2) moiety N,N'-intermolecularly bridging the two beta-diketiminates (thf = tetrahydrofuran). Treatment of [Li{CH(SiMe(3))(SiMe(2)OMe)}](8) with 2Me(2)C(CN)(2) yielded the amorphous [Li{Si(Me)(2)((NCR)(2)CH)}](n) [R = C(Me)(2)CN] (4). From [Li{N(SiMe(3))C(Bu(t))C(H)SiMe(3)}](2) (A) and 1,3- or 1,4-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2), with no apparent synergy between the two CN groups, the product was the appropriate (mu-C(6)H(4))-bis(lithium beta-diketiminate) 6 or 7. Reaction of [Li{N(SiMe(3))C(Ph)=C(H)SiMe(3)}(tmeda)] and 1,3-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2) afforded 1,3-C(6)H(4)(X)X' (X =CC(Ph)N(SiMe3)Li(tmeda)N(SiMe3)CH; X' = CN(SiMe3)Li(tmeda)NC(Ph)=C(H)SiMe3)(9). Interaction of A and 2[1,2-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2)] gave the bis(lithio-isoindoline) derivative [C6H4C(=NH)N{Li(OEt2)}C=C(SiMe3)C(Bu(t))=N(SiMe3)]2 (5). The X-ray structures of 2, 3, 5 and 9 are presented, and reaction pathways for each reaction are suggested.     

Flexible coordination of the carboxylate ligand in tin(II) amides and a 1,3-diaza-2,4-distannacyclobutanediyl

A series of tin(II) amido complexes possessing m-terphenyl carboxylate ligands have been prepared. These complexes, namely [(Me(3)Si)(2)NSn(mu-O(2)CC(6)H(2)Ph(3))](2), [(Me(3)Si)(2)NSn(mu-O(2)CC(6)H(3)Mes(2))](2), and [(Me(3)Si)(2)NSn(mu-O(2)CC(6)H(2)Mes(2)Me)](2) [Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl], are the first structurally characterized examples of tin(II) carboxylate complexes exhibiting discrete Sn(2)O(4)C(2) heterocyclic cores. Initial reactivity studies led to the isolation of a 1,3-diaza-2,4-distannacyclobutanediyl, [(Mes(2)C(6)H(3)CO(2))Sn(mu-NSiMe(3))](2). This molecule possesses a Sn(2)N(2) heterocyclic core and it was crystallised as both the CH(2)Cl(2) and Et(2)O solvates. Although the tin atoms in this molecule have a formal oxidation state of 3+, preliminary computational studies on this molecule suggest that it is best described as a ground state singlet. Finally, the X-ray crystal structure of (CH(2)Cl)(Cl)Sn[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2), the product of oxidative addition of CH(2)Cl(2) to Sn[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2), is also presented herein.     

Linear and cyclic polysilanes containing the bis(trimethylsilyl)amino group: synthesis,reactions, and spectroscopic characterization

The reaction of linear (Si(n)Cl(2)(n)(+2); n = 3-5) and cyclic (Si(5)Cl(10)) perchloropolysilanes with 1 or 2 equiv of LiN(SiMe(3))(2) results in the formation of the bis(trimethylsilyl)amino derivatives (Me(3)Si)(2)NSi(3)Cl(7) (1), (Me(3)Si)(2)NSi(4)Cl(9) (2), (Me(3)Si)(2)N(SiCl(2))(n)N(SiMe(3))(2) (n = 3, 4; n = 4, 5; n = 5, 6), cyclo-(Me(3)Si)(2)NSi(5)Cl(9) (7), and cyclo-[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Si(5)Cl(8) (8). 1-8 easily can be hydrogenated with LiAlH(4) to give the corresponding amino and diamino polysilanyl hydrides. The monosubstituted and cyclic compounds 1, 2, 7, and 8 additionally afford Si-Si bond scission products, which cannot be separated in all cases. Chloro- and dichloro derivatives of Si(3)H(8), n-Si(4)H(10), and n-Si(5)H(12) are obtained from the corresponding aminosilanes and dry HCl. All compounds were characterized by standard spectroscopic techniques. For Si-H derivatives the coupled (29)Si NMR spectra were analyzed to obtain an unequivocal structural proof.     

Reactions of tetrakis(dimethylamide)-titanium, -zirconium and -hafnium with silanes: synthesis of unusual amide hydride complexes and mechanistic studies of titanium-silicon-nitride (Ti-Si-N) formation

M(NMe(2))(4) (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) were found to react with H(2)SiR'Ph (R' = H, Me, Ph) to yield H(2), aminosilanes, and black solids. Unusual amide hydride complexes [(Me(2)N)(3)M(mu-H)(mu-NMe(2))(2)](2)M (M = Zr, 1; Hf, 2) were observed to be intermediates and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. [(Me(2)N)(3)M(mu-D)(mu-NMe(2))(2)](2)M (1-d(2), 2-d(2)) were prepared through reactions of M(NMe(2))(4) with D(2)SiPh(2). Reactions of (Me(2)N)(3)ZrSi(SiMe(3))(3) (5) with H(2)SiR'Ph were found to give aminosilanes and (Me(2)N)(2)Zr(H)Si(SiMe(3))(3) (6). These reactions are reversible through unusual equilibria such as (Me(2)N)(3)ZrSi(SiMe(3))(3) (5) + H(2)SiPh(2) right arrow over left arrow (Me(2)N)(2)Zr(H)Si(SiMe(3))(3) (6) + HSi(NMe(2))Ph(2). The deuteride ligand in (Me(2)N)(2)Zr(D)Si(SiMe(3))(3) (6-d(1)) undergoes H-D exchange with H(2)SiR'Ph (R' = Me, H) to give 6 and HDSiR'Ph. The reaction of Ti(NMe(2))(4) with SiH(4) in chemical vapor deposition at 450 degrees C yielded thin Ti-Si-N ternary films containing TiN and Si(3)N(4). Ti(NMe(2))(4) reacts with SiH(4) at 23 degrees C to give H(2), HSi(NMe(2))(3), and a black solid. HNMe(2) was not detected in this reaction. The reaction mixture, upon heating, gave TiN and Si(3)N(4) powders. Analyses and reactivities of the black solid revealed that it contained -H and unreacted -NMe(2) ligands but no silicon-containing ligand. Ab initio quantum chemical calculations of the reactions of Ti(NR(2))(4) (R = Me, H) with SiH(4) indicated that the formation of aminosilanes and HTi(NR(2))(3) was favored. These calculations also showed that HTi(NH(2))(3) (3b) reacted with SiH(4) or H(3)Si-NH(2) in the following step to give H(2)Ti(NH(2))(2) (4b) and aminosilanes. The results in the current studies indicated that the role of SiH(4) in its reaction with Ti(NMe(2))(4) was mainly to remove amide ligands as HSi(NMe(2))(3). The removal of amide ligands is incomplete, and the reaction thus yielded "=Ti(H)(NMe(2))" as the black solid. Subsequent heating of the black solid and HSi(NMe(2))(3) may then yield TiN and Si(3)N(4), respectively, as the Ti-Si-N materials.     

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

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

Expanding dinitrogen reduction chemistry to trivalent lanthanides via the LnZ3/alkali metal reduction system: evaluation of the generality of forming Ln2(mu-eta2:eta2-N2) complexes via LnZ3/K

The Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/K dinitrogen reduction system, which mimicks the reactions of the highly reducing divalent ions Tm(II), Dy(II), and Nd(II), has been explored with the entire lanthanide series and uranium to examine its generality and to correlate the observed reactivity with accessibility of divalent oxidation states. The Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/K reduction of dinitrogen provides access from readily available starting materials to the formerly rare class of M(2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-N(2)) complexes, [[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Ln](2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-N(2)), 1, that had previously been made only from TmI(2), DyI(2), and NdI(2) in the presence of KN(SiMe(3))(2). This LnZ(3)/alkali metal reduction system provides crystallographically characterizable examples of 1 for Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Y, Tm, and Lu. Sodium can be used as the alkali metal as well as potassium. These compounds have NN distances in the 1.258(3) to 1.318(5) A range consistent with formation of an (N=N)(2)(-) moiety. Isolation of 1 with this selection of metals demonstrates that the Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/alkali metal reaction can mimic divalent lanthanide reduction chemistry with metals that have calculated Ln(III)/Ln(II) reduction potentials ranging from -2.3 to -3.9 V vs NHE. In the case of Ln = Sm, which has an analogous Ln(III)/Ln(II) potential of -1.55 V, reduction to the stable divalent tris(amide) complex, K[Sm[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)], is observed instead of dinitrogen reduction. When the metal is La, Ce, Pr, or U, the first crystallographically characterized examples of the tetrakis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] anions, [M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](4)](-), are isolated as THF-solvated potassium or sodium salts. The implications of the LnZ(3)/alkali metal reduction chemistry on the mechanism of dinitrogen reduction and on reductive lanthanide chemistry in general are discussed.     

Molybdenocene trihydride complexes: influence of a [Me2Si] ansa bridge on classical versus nonclassical nature, stability with respect to elimination of dihydrogen, and acidity

Experimental and computational studies on a series of cationic molybdenocene trihydride complexes, namely [Cp(2)MoH(3)]+, [(Cp(Bu)t)(2)MoH(3)]+, [Cp(2)MoH(3)]+, and ([Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4))(2)]MoH(3))+, demonstrate that the most stable form for the ansa molybdenocene derivative is a nonclassical dihydrogen-hydride isomer, ([Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4))(2)]Mo(eta(2)-H(2))(H))+, whereas the stable forms for the non-ansa complexes are classical trihydrides, [Cp(2)Mo(H)(3)]+, [(Cp(Bu)t)(2)Mo(H)(3)]+, and [Cp(2)Mo(H)(3)]+. In addition to altering the classical versus nonclassical nature of [Cp(2)MoH(3)]+ and ([Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4))(2)]Mo(eta(2)-H(2))(H))+, the [Me(2)Si] ansa bridge also markedly influences the stability of the complex with respect to elimination of H(2) and dissociation of H+. Finally, computational studies on ([H(2)Si(C(5)H(4))(2)]MoH(2)D)+ and ([H(2)Si(C(5)H(4))(2)]MoHD(2))+ establish that deuterium exhibits a greater preference than hydrogen to occupy dihydrogen versus hydride sites.     

Synthesis of zinc trisubstituted hydrazido complexes and ortho-metalation of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine

The zinc hydrazide complexes [EtZn(N(SiMe(3))NMe(2))](2), [EtZn(N(Me)NMe(2))](4), and Zn(3)Et(4)(N(Et)NMe(2))(2) were synthesized by allowing excess hydrazine, HN(R)NMe(2), to react with diethyl zinc. The product of the reaction between ZnEt(2) and HN(i-Pr)NMe(2)ortho-metalated 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) at room temperature, producing the complex Zn[(NC(5)H(3)-p-NMe(2))ZnEt(N(i-Pr)NMe(2))](2). At elevated temperatures, Zn(3)Et(4)(N(Et)NMe(2))(2) also ortho-metalated DMAP, but [EtZn(N(Me)NMe(2))](4) did not. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the hydrazide ligands in [EtZn(N(SiMe(3))NMe(2))](2) act as bridging mono-hapto amide ligands, and in Zn(3)Et(4)(N(Et)NMe(2))(2) and Zn[(NC(5)H(3)-p-NMe(2))ZnEt(N(i-Pr)NMe(2))](2) the hydrazide ligands are di-hapto.     

Scandium alkyl and amide complexes containing a cyclen-derived (NNNN) macrocyclic ligand: synthesis, structure and ring-opening polymerization activity toward lactide monomers

Cyclic polyamine 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane, (Me(3)TACD)H (= Me(3)[12]aneN(4)), reacted with [K{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}] in benzene-d(6) to give [K{(Me(3)TACD)SiMe(2)N(SiHMe(2))}] (1) under hydrogen evolution. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction of 1 shows a dinuclear structure in the solid state, featuring a bridging μ-amido and a weak β-agostic Si-H bond. 1,7-Dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (Me(2)TACD)H(2) (= Me(2)[12]aneN(4)) and (Me(3)TACD)H were reacted with [Sc{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(3)(thf)] in benzene-d(6) to give [{(Me(2)TACD)SiMe(2)N(SiHMe(2))}Sc{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}] (2) and [(Me(3)TACD)Sc{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(2)SiMe(2)] (3), respectively. Both compounds are monomeric in solution and X-ray diffraction studies showed the scandium metal centers to be six-coordinate. The scandium alkyl complex [Sc(Me(3)TACD)(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)] (4) was obtained by reacting (Me(3)TACD)H with [Sc(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(thf)] in benzene-d(6). The scandium amide complexes 2 and 3 catalyzed the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of meso-lactide to give syndiotactic polylactides.     

Catalytic addition of amine N-H bonds to carbodiimides by half-sandwich rare-earth metal complexes: efficient synthesis of substituted guanidines through amine protonolysis of rare-earth metal guanidinates

Reaction of [Ln(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(thf)(2)] (Ln=Y, Yb, and Lu) with one equivalent of Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4)H)NHR' (R'=Ph, 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2), tBu) affords straightforwardly the corresponding half-sandwich rare-earth metal alkyl complexes [{Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4))(NR')}Ln(CH(2)SiMe(3))(thf)(n)] (1: Ln = Y, R' = Ph, n=2; 2: Ln = Y, R' = C(6)H(2)Me(3)-2,4,6, n=1; 3: Ln = Y, R' = tBu, n=1; 4: Ln = Yb, R' = Ph, n=2; 5: Ln = Lu, R' = Ph, n=2) in high yields. These complexes, especially the yttrium complexes 1-3, serve as excellent catalyst precursors for the catalytic addition of various primary and secondary amines to carbodiimides, efficiently yielding a series of guanidine derivatives with a wide range of substituents on the nitrogen atoms. Functional groups such as C[triple chemical bond]N, C[triple chemical bond]CH, and aromatic C--X (X: F, Cl, Br, I) bonds can survive the catalytic reaction conditions. A primary amino group can be distinguished from a secondary one by the catalyst system, and therefore, the reaction of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-5-aminoisoquinoline with iPrN==C==NiPr can be achieved stepwise first at the primary amino group to selectively give the monoguanidine 38, and then at the cyclic secondary amino unit to give the biguanidine 39. Some key reaction intermediates or true catalyst species, such as the amido complexes [{Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4))(NPh)}Y(NEt(2))(thf)(2)] (40) and [{Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4))(NPh)}Y(NHC(6)H(4)Br-4)(thf)(2)] (42), and the guanidinate complexes [{Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4))(NPh)}Y{iPrNC(NEt(2))(NiPr)}(thf)] (41) and [{Me(2)Si(C(5)Me(4))(NPh)}Y{iPrN}C(NC(6)H(4)Br-4)(NHiPr)}(thf)] (44) have been isolated and structurally characterized. Reactivity studies on these complexes suggest that the present catalytic formation of a guanidine compound proceeds mechanistically through nucleophilic addition of an amido species, formed by acid-base reaction between a rare-earth metal alkyl bond and an amine N--H bond, to a carbodiimide, followed by amine protonolysis of the resultant guanidinate species.     

Mixed dinitrogen-organocyanamide complexes of molybdenum(0) and their protic conversion into hydrazide and amidoazavinylidene derivatives

Organocyanamides, Ntbd1;CNR(2) (R = Me or Et), react with trans-[Mo(N(2))(2)(dppe)(2)] (1, dppe = Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2)), in THF, to give the first mixed molybdenum dinitrogen-cyanamide complexes trans-[Mo(N(2))(NCNR(2))(dppe)(2)] (R = Me 2a or Et 2b) which are selectively protonated at N(2) by HBF(4) to yield the hydrazide(2-) complexes trans-[Mo(NNH(2))(NCNR(2))(dppe)(2)][BF(4)](2) (R = Me, 3a, or Et, 3b). On treatment with Ag[BF(4)], oxidation and metal fluorination occur, and the ligating cyanamide undergoes an unprecedented beta-protonation at the unsaturated C atom to form trans-[MoF(NCHNR(2))(dppe)(2)][BF(4)](2) (R = Me, 4a, or Et, 4b) compounds which present the novel amidoazavinylidene (or amidomethyleneamide) ligands. Complexes 4 are also formed from the corresponding compounds 3, with liberation of ammonia and hydrazine. The crystal structure of 2b was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis which indicates that the N atom of the amide group has a trigonal planar geometry.     

Synthesis, structure, and LLCT transitions in terminal hydrazido(2-) bipyridine complexes of titanium

Addition of 2,2'-bipyridine and its derivatives to Ti(NMe2)2(dpma), where dpma is N,N-di(pyrrolyl-alpha-methyl)-N-methylamine, followed by various hydrazine derivatives was used to generate a series of terminal hydrazido(2-) complexes. Among the new complexes is Ti[=NN(H)Ph](But-bpy)(dpma), which was structurally characterized, where But-bpy is 4,4'-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine. Other new complexes reported are Ti(NNMe2)(Me-bpy)(dpma), Ti(NNMe2)(bpy)(dpma), Ti(NNMe2)(Ph-bpy)(dpma), Ti[NN(Me)Ph](But-bpy)(dpma), Ti[NN(Me)p-tolyl](But-bpy)(dpma), and Ti[NN(Me)4-FC6H4](But-bpy)(dpma). Titanium hydrazido(2-) complexes bearing bpy substituents possess a low-energy transition, leading them to have blue or green colors, which is somewhat unusual for titanium(IV) species. Through absorption studies on the derivatives, it was determined that the low-energy transition is the result of an unusual ligand-to-ligand charge transfer where electron density residing on the hydrazido(2-) is transferred to the bpy pi* orbitals.     

Synthesis and reactivity of silylated tetrathiafulvalenes

Novel organosilylated tetrathiafulvalenes (TTFs) possessing Si-H or Si-Si bonds have been synthesised. The crystal structures of several derivatives have been determined by X-ray diffraction, including that of dimeric (Si(2)Me(4))(TTF)(2) () incorporating a diatomic SiMe(2)-SiMe(2) linker. Cyclic voltammetry measurements in all cases show two oxidation waves. DFT calculations were performed to rationalize the absence of an electronic communication between the two TTF moieties of through the disilanyl spacer. The reactivity of the Si-H bond has been exploited to prepare the dinuclear complex [{Ru(CO)(4)}(2){mu-(Me(2)Si)(4)TTF}] (), starting from Ru(3)(CO)(12) and TTF(SiMe(2)H)(4) (). Treatment of with 2 equiv. of PPh(3) or dppm results in selective substitution of a CO ligand trans to a SiMe(2) group to afford mer-[{Ru(PPh(3))(CO)(3)}(2){mu-(Me(2)Si)(4)TTF}] () and mer-[{Ru(CO)(3)}(2)(eta(1)-dppm){mu-(Me(2)Si)(4)TTF}] (). Attempts to transform the Si-H bonds of some TTF(SiMe(2)H)(n) (n = 1, 2) into Si-O functions using stoichiometric amounts of water in the presence of tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) were unsuccessful. Quantitative cleavage of the C(TTF)-Si bond was observed instead of formation of TTF-based-siloxanes. Essays of catalytic bis-silylation of phenylacetylene with and TTF(SiMe(2)-SiMe(3)) () in the presence of Pd(OAc)(2)/1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutylisocyanide failed. Again, cleavage of the C(TTF)-Si bond was noticed.