Bimetallic carbonyl thiolates as functional models for Fe-only hydrogenases

The anion [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PMe(3))](-) (2(-)) is protonated by sulfuric or toluenesulfonic acid to give HFe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PMe(3)) (2H), the structure of which has the hydride bridging the Fe atoms with the PMe(3) and CN(-) trans to the same sulfur atom. (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR spectroscopy revealed that HFe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PMe(3)) is stereochemically rigid on the NMR time scale with four inequivalent carbonyl ligands. Treatment of 2(-) with (Me(3)O)BF(4) gave Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CNMe)(CO)(4)(PMe(3)) (2Me). The Et(4)NCN-induced reaction of Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CO)(6) with P(OMe)(3) gave [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)[P(OMe)(3)]](-) (4). Spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements indicate that 2H can be further protonated at nitrogen to give [HFe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CNH)(CO)(4)(PMe(3))](+) (2H(2)(+)). Electrochemical and analytical data show that reduction of 2H(2)(+) gives H(2) and 2(-). Parallel electrochemical studies on [HFe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CO)(4)(PMe(3))(2)](+) (3H(+)) in acidic solutions led also to catalytic proton reduction. The 3H(+)/3H couple is reversible, whereas the 2H(2)(+)/2H(2) couple is not, because of the efficiency of the latter as a proton reduction catalyst. Proton reduction is proposed to involve protonation of reduced diiron hydrides. DFT calculations establish that the regiochemistry of protonation is subtly dependent on the coligands but is more favorable to occur at the Fe-Fe bond for [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PMe(3))](-) than for [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PH(3))](-) or [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)[P(OMe)(3)]](-). The Fe(2)H unit stabilizes the conformer with eclipsed CN and PMe(3) because of an attractive electrostatic interaction between these ligands.     

Arene-mercury complexes stabilized by aluminum and gallium chloride: catalysts for H/D exchange of aromatic compounds

Dissolution of Hg(arene)(2)(MCl(4))(2) [arene = C(6)H(5)Me, C(6)H(5)Et, o-C(6)H(4)Me(2), C(6)H(3)-1,2,3-Me(3); M = Al, Ga] in C(6)D(6) results in a rapid H/D exchange and the formation of the appropriate d(n)-arene and C(6)D(5)H. H/D exchange is also observed between C(6)D(6) and the liquid clathrate ionic complexes, [Hg(arene)(2)(MCl(4))][MCl(4)], formed by dissolution of HgCl(2) and MCl(3) in C(6)H(6), m-C(6)H(4)Me(2), or p-C(6)H(4)Me(2). The H/D exchange reaction is found to be catalytic with respect to Hg(arene)(2)(MCl(4))(2) and independent of the initial arene ligand. Reaction of a 1:1 ratio of C(6)H(5)Me and C(6)D(6) with <0.1 mol % Hg(C(6)H(5)Me)(2)(MCl(4))(2) results in an equilibrium mixture of all isotopic isomers: C(6)H(5-x)D(x)Me and C(6)D(6-x)H(x) (x = 0-5). DFT calculations on the model system, Hg(C(6)H(6))(2)(AlCl(4))(2) and [Hg(C(6)H(6))(2)(AlCl(4))](+), show that the charge on the carbon and proton associated with the shortest Hg...C interactions is significantly higher than that on uncomplexed benzene or HgCl(2)(C(6)H(6))(2). The protonation of benzene by either Hg(C(6)H(6))(2)(AlCl(4))(2) or [Hg(C(6)H(6))(2)(AlCl(4))](+) was calculated to be thermodynamically favored in comparison to protonation of benzene by HO(2)CCF(3), a known catalyst for arene H/D exchange. Arene exchange and intramolecular hydrogen transfer reactions are also investigated by DFT calculations.     

Chelate control of diiron(I) dithiolates relevant to the [Fe-Fe]- hydrogenase active site

The reaction of Fe2(S2C2H4)(CO)6 with cis-Ph2PCH=CHPPh2 (dppv) yields Fe2(S2C2H4)(CO)4(dppv), 1(CO)4, wherein the dppv ligand is chelated to a single iron center. NMR analysis indicates that in 1(CO)4, the dppv ligand spans axial and basal coordination sites. In addition to the axial-basal isomer, the 1,3-propanedithiolate and azadithiolate derivatives exist as dibasal isomers. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the axial-basal isomer is destabilized by nonbonding interactions between the dppv and the central NH or CH2 of the larger dithiolates. The Fe(CO)3 subunit in 1(CO)4 undergoes substitution with PMe3 and cyanide to afford 1(CO)3(PMe3) and (Et4N)[1(CN)(CO)3], respectively. Kinetic studies show that 1(CO)4 reacts faster with donor ligands than does its parent Fe2(S2C2H4)(CO)6. The rate of reaction of 1(CO)4 with PMe3 was first order in each reactant, k = 3.1 x 10(-4) M(-1) s(-1). The activation parameters for this substitution reaction, DeltaH = 5.8(5) kcal/mol and DeltaS = -48(2) cal/deg.mol, indicate an associative pathway. DFT calculations suggest that, relative to Fe2(S2C2H4)(CO)6, the enhanced electrophilicity of 1(CO)4 arises from the stabilization of a "rotated" transition state, which is favored by the unsymmetrically disposed donor ligands. Oxidation of MeCN solutions of 1(CO)3(PMe3) with Cp2FePF6 yielded [Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CO)2(dppv)(PMe3)(NCMe)](PF6)2. Reaction of this compound with PMe3 yielded [Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CO)(dppv)(PMe3)2(NCMe)](PF6)2.     

Haptotropic rearrangement in tricarbonylchromium complexes of 2-aminobiphenyl and 4-aminobiphenyl

The para-aminobiphenyl compound [(η(6)-C(6)H(5))(C(6)H(4)-4-NH(2))]Cr(CO)(3) (1) has an arene-phenyl dihedral angle of 38.01(6)°, as determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and 34.7(11)°, as determined by DFT calculations. It undergoes haptotropic rearrangement at 140 °C in solution to form [(η(6)-C(6)H(4)-4-NH(2))(C(6)H(5))]Cr(CO)(3) (2), even though previous reports have suggested that such rearrangements should not be observed in compounds with arene-phenyl dihedral angles greater than 22°. NMR analysis gave a rate constant of k = 5.0 × 10(-5) s(-1) for the rearrangement of 1 to 2. The ortho-substituted analog [(η(6)-C(6)H(5))(C(6)H(4)-2-NH(2))]Cr(CO)(3) (3) has an arene-phenyl dihedral angle of 67.70(7)°, as determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and 51.9(10)°, as determined by DFT calculations. Surprisingly, even though it displays a more extreme canting of arene rings, 3 rearranges to [(η(6)-C(6)H(4)-2-NH(2))(C(6)H(5))]Cr(CO)(3) (4) at 140 °C in solution with a rate constant of k = 2.6 × 10(-4) s(-1). This approximately five-fold rate enhancement likely results from the ortho-amino group providing intramolecular stabilization for intermediates formed during the rearrangement.     

Isolation, observation, and computational modeling of proposed intermediates in catalytic proton reductions with the hydrogenase mimic Fe2(CO)6S2C6H4

Proposed electrocatalytic proton reduction intermediates of hydrogenase mimics were synthesized, observed, and studied computationally. A new mechanism for H(2) generation appears to involve Fe(2)(CO)(6)(1,2-S(2)C(6)H(4)) (3), the dianions {[1,2-S(2)C(6)H(4)][Fe(CO)(3)(μ-CO)Fe(CO)(2)](2-) (3(2-)), the bridging hydride {[1,2-S(2)C(6)H(4)][Fe(CO)(3)(μ-CO)(μ-H)Fe(CO)(2)]}(-), 3H(-)(bridging), and the terminal hydride 3H(-)(term-stag), {[1,2-S(2)C(6)H(4)][HFe(CO)(3)Fe(CO)(3)]}(-), as intermediates. The dimeric sodium derivative of 3(2-), {[Na(2)(THF)(OEt(2))(3)][3(2-)]}(2) (4) was isolated from reaction of Fe(2)(CO)(6)(1,2-S(2)C(6)H(4)) (3) with excess sodium and was characterized by X-ray crystallography. It possesses a bridging CO and an unsymmetrically bridging dithiolate ligand. Complex 4 reacts with 4 equiv. of triflic or benzoic acid (2 equiv. per Fe center) to generate H(2) and 3 in 75% and 60% yields, respectively. Reaction of 4 with 2 equiv. of benzoic acid generated two hydrides in a 1.7 : 1 ratio (by (1)H NMR spectroscopy). Chemical shift calculations on geometry optimized structures of possible hydride isomers strongly suggest that the main product, 3H(-)(bridging), possesses a bridging hydride ligand, while the minor product is a terminal hydride, 3H(-)(term-stag). Computational studies support a catalytic proton reduction mechanism involving a two-electron reduction of 3 that severs an Fe-S bond to generate a dangling thiolate and an electron rich Fe center. The latter iron center is the initial site of protonation, and this event is followed by protonation at the dangling thiolate to give the thiol thiolate [Fe(2)H(CO)(6)(1,2-SHSC(6)H(4))]. This species then undergoes an intramolecular acid-base reaction to form a dihydrogen complex that loses H(2) and regenerates 3.     

Experimental and theoretical study of hydrogen atom abstraction from n-butane by lanthanum oxide cluster anions

Lanthanum oxide cluster anions are prepared by laser ablation and reacted with n-C(4)H(10) in a fast flow reactor. A time-of-flight mass spectrometer is used to detect the cluster distribution before and after the reactions. (La(2)O(3))(m=1-3)OH(-) and La(3)O(7)H(-) are observed as products, which suggests the occurrence of hydrogen atom abstraction reactions: (La(2)O(3))(m=1-3)O(-) + n-C(4)H(10) → (La(2)O(3))(m=1-3)OH(-) + C(4)H(9) and La(3)O(7)(-) + n-C(4)H(10) → La(3)O(7)H(-) + C(4)H(9). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to study the structures and bonding properties of La(2)O(4)(-), La(3)O(7)(-), and La(4)O(7)(-) clusters. The calculated results show that each of La(2)O(4)(-) and La(4)O(7)(-) contains one oxygen-centered radical (O(-?)) which is responsible for the high reactivity toward n-C(4)H(10). La(3)O(7)(-) contains one oxygen-centered radical (O(-?)) and one superoxide unit (O(2)(-?)), and the O(-?) is responsible for its high reactivity toward n-C(4)H(10). The O(-?) and O(2)(-?) can be considered to be generated by the adsorption of an O(2) molecule onto the singlet La(3)O(5)(-) with electron transfer from a terminally bonded oxygen ion (O(2-)) to the O(2). This may help us understand the mechanism of the formation of O(-?) and O(2)(-?) radicals in lanthanum oxide systems. The reaction mechanisms of La(2)O(4)(-) + n-C(4)H(10) and La(3)O(7)(-) + n-C(4)H(10) are also studied by the DFT calculations, and the calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental observations.     

Diferrous cyanides as models for the Fe-only hydrogenases

The first systematic study of diferrous dicyano dithiolates is described. Oxidation of [Fe2(S2C2H4)(CN)2(CO)4](2-) in the presence of cyanide and tertiary phosphines and of Fe2(S2C2H4)(CO)4(PMe3)2 in the presence of cyanide affords a series of diferrous cyanide derivatives that bear a stoichiometric, structural, and electronic relationship to the H(ox)(air) state of the Fe-only hydrogenases. With PPh3 as the trapping ligand, we obtained an unsymmetrical isomer of Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CN)2(PPh3)2(CO)2, as confirmed crystallographically. This diferrous cyanide features the semibridging CO-ligand, with Fe-muC bond lengths of 2.15 and 1.85 A. Four isomers of Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CN)2(PMe3)2(CO)2 were observed, the initial product again being unsymmetrical but more stable isomers being symmetrical. DFT calculations confirm that the most stable isomers of Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CN)2(PMe3)2(CO)2 have cyanide trans to mu-CO. Oxidative decarbonylation also afforded the new tetracyanide [Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CN)4(CO)2]2-. Insights into the oxidative decarbonylation mechanism of these syntheses come from the spectroscopic characterization of the tetracarbonyl [Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CN)3(CO)3](-). This species reacts with PEt3 to produce the stable adduct [Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CN)3(CO)2(PEt3)](-).     

Theoretical study of the reaction of ethane with oxygen molecules in the ground triplet and singlet delta States

Quantum chemical calculations are carried out to study the reaction of ethane with molecular oxygen in the ground triplet and singlet delta states. Transition states, intermediates, and possible products of the reaction on the triplet and singlet potential energy surfaces are identified on the basis of the coupled-cluster method. The basis set dependence of coupled-cluster energy values is estimated by the second-order perturbation theory. The values of energy barriers are also refined by using the compound CBS-Q and G3 techniques. It was found that the C(2)H(6) + O(2)(X(3)Σ(g)(-)) reaction leads to the formation of C(2)H(5) and HO(2) products, whereas the C(2)H(6) + O(2)(a(1)Δ(g)) process produces C(2)H(4) and H(2)O(2) molecules. The appropriate rate constants of these reaction paths are estimated on the basis of variational and nonvariational transition-state theories assuming tunneling and possible nonadiabatic transitions in the temperature range 500-4000 K. The calculations showed that the rate constant of the C(2)H(6) + O(2)(a(1)Δ(g)) reaction path is much greater than that of the C(2)H(6) + O(2)(X(3)Σ(g)(-)) one. At the same time, the singlet and triplet potential surface intersection is detected that leads to the appearance of the nonadiabatic quenching channel O(2)(a(1)Δ(g)) + C(2)H(6) → O(2)(X (3)Σ(g)(-)) + C(2)H(6). The rate constant of this process is estimated with the use of the Landau-Zener model. It is demonstrated that, in the case of the existence of thermal equilibrium in the distribution of molecules over the electronic states, at low temperatures (T < 1200 K) the main products of the reaction of C(2)H(6) with O(2) are C(2)H(4) and H(2)O(2), rather than C(2)H(5) and HO(2). At higher temperature (T > 1200 K) the situation is inverted.     

Diruthenium(III,III) ethynyl-phenyleneimine molecular wires: preparation via on-complex Schiff base condensation

The diruthenium compound trans-Ru(2)(DMBA)(4)(C≡C-C(6)H(4)-4-CHO)(2) (1; DMBA is N,N'-dimethylbenzamidinate) was prepared from the reaction between Ru(2)(DMBA)(4)(NO(3))(2) and HC≡C-C(6)H(4)-4-CHO under the weak base conditions. The aldehyde groups of 1 undergo a condensation reaction with NH(2)C(6)H(4)-4-Y (Y = H and NH(2)) to afford new compounds trans-Ru(2)(DMBA)(4)(C≡C-C(6)H(4)-4-CH═N-C(6)H(4)-4'-Y)(2) (Y = H (2) and NH(2) (3)). A related compound, Ru(2)(DMBA)(4)(C≡C-C(6)H(4)-4-N═C(Me)Fc)(2) (4), was also prepared from the reaction between Ru(2)(DMBA)(4)(NO(3))(2) and HC≡C-C(6)H(4)-N═C(Me)Fc. X-ray structural studies of compounds 1 and 2 revealed significant deviation from an idealized D(4h) geometry in the coordination sphere of the Ru(2) core. Voltammetric measurements revealed four one electron redox processes for compounds 1-3: the Ru(2) centered oxidation and reduction, and a pair of reductions of the imine or aldehyde groups. Compound 4 displays an additional oxidation attributed to the Fc groups. DFT calculations were performed on model compounds to gain a more thorough understanding of the interaction of the organic functional groups across the diruthenium bridge.     

First principles study on the solvation and structure of C2O4(2-)(H2O)n, n = 6-12

The structures and energies of hydrated oxalate clusters, C2O4(2-)(H2O)n, n = 6-12, are obtained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and compared to SO4(2-)(H2O)n. Although the evolution of the cluster structure with size is similar to that of SO4(2-)(H2O)n, there are a number of important and distinctive futures in C2O4(2-)(H2O)n, including the separation of the two charges due to the C-C bond in C2O4(2-), the lower symmetry around C2O4(2-), and the torsion along the C-C bond, that affect both the structure and the solvation energy. The solvation dynamics for the isomers of C2O4(2-)(H2O)12 are also examined by DFT based ab initio molecular dynamics.     

Divalent carbon(0) chemistry, part 2: Protonation and complexes with main group and transition metal Lewis acids.

Quantum-chemical calculations with DFT (BP86) and ab initio methods (MP2, SCS-MP2) were carried out for protonated and diprotonated compounds N-H(+) and N-(H(+))(2) and for the complexes N-BH(3), N-(BH(3))(2), N-CO(2), N-(CO(2))(2), N-W(CO)(5), N-Ni(CO)(3) and N-Ni(CO)(2) where N=C(PH(3))(2) (1), C(PMe(3))(2) (2), C(PPh(3))(2) (3), C(PPh(3))(CO) (4), C(CO)(2) (5), C(NHC(H))(2) (6), C(NHC(Me))(2) (7) (Me(2)N)(2)C==C==C(NMe(2))(2) (8) and NHC (9) (NHC(H)=N-heterocyclic carbene, NHC(Me)=N-substituted N-heterocyclic carbene). Compounds 1-4 and 6-9 are very strong electron donors, and this is manifested in calculated protonation energies that reach values of up to 300 kcal mol(-1) for 7 and in very high bond strengths of the donor-acceptor complexes. The electronic structure of the compounds was analyzed with charge- and energy-partitioning methods. The calculations show that the experimentally known compounds 2-5 and 8 chemically behave like molecules L(2)C which have two L-->C donor-acceptor bonds and a carbon atom with two electron lone pairs. The behavior is not directly obvious when the linear structures of carbon suboxide and tetraaminoallenes are considered. They only come to the fore on reaction with strong electron-pair acceptors. The calculations predict that single and double protonation of 5 and 8 take place at the central carbon atom, where the negative charge increases upon subsequent protonation. The hitherto experimentally unknown carbodicarbenes 6 and 7 are predicted to be even stronger Lewis bases than the carbodiphosphoranes 1-3.     

Infrared predissociation spectroscopy of M+ (C6H6)(1-4)(H2O)(1-2)Ar(0-1) cluster ions, M = Li, Na

Infrared predissociation (IRPD) spectra of Li(+)(C(6)H(6))(1-4)(H(2)O)(1-2)Ar(0-1) and Na(+)(C(6)H(6))(2-4)(H(2)O)(1-2)Ar(1) are presented along with ab initio calculations. The results indicate that the global minimum energy structure for Li(+)(C(6)H(6))(2)(H(2)O)(2) has each water forming a π-hydrogen bond with the same benzene molecule. This bonding motif is preserved in Li(+)(C(6)H(6))(3-4)(H(2)O)(2)Ar(0-1) with the additional benzene ligands binding to the available free OH groups. Argon tagging allows high-energy Li(+)(C(6)H(6))(2-4)(H(2)O)(2)Ar isomers containing water-water hydrogen bonds to be trapped and detected. The monohydrated, Li(+) containing clusters contain benzene-water interactions with varying strength as indicated by shifts in OH stretching frequencies. The IRPD spectra of M(+)(C(6)H(6))(1-4)(H(2)O)(1-2)Ar are very different for lithium-bearing versus sodium-bearing cluster ions emphasizing the important role of ion size in determining the most favorable balance of competing noncovalent interactions.     

Redox and structural properties of mixed-valence models for the active site of the [FeFe]-hydrogenase: progress and challenges

The one-electron oxidations of a series of diiron(I) dithiolato carbonyls were examined to evaluate the factors that affect the oxidation state assignments, structures, and reactivity of these low-molecular weight models for the H ox state of the [FeFe]-hydrogenases. The propanedithiolates Fe 2(S 2C 3H 6)(CO) 3(L)(dppv) (L = CO, PMe 3, P i-Pr 3) oxidize at potentials approximately 180 mV milder than the related ethanedithiolates ( Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2007, 46, 6152). The steric clash between the central methylene of the propanedithiolate and the phosphine favors the rotated structure, which forms upon oxidation. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectra for the mixed-valence cations indicate that the unpaired electron is localized on the Fe(CO)(dppv) center in both [Fe 2(S 2C 3H 6)(CO) 4(dppv)]BF 4 and [Fe 2(S 2C 3H 6)(CO) 3(PMe 3)(dppv)]BF 4, as seen previously for the ethanedithiolate [Fe 2(S 2C 2H 4)(CO) 3(PMe 3)(dppv)]BF 4. For [Fe 2(S 2C n H 2 n )(CO) 3(P i-Pr 3)(dppv)]BF 4; however, the spin is localized on the Fe(CO) 2(P i-Pr 3) center, although the Fe(CO)(dppv) site is rotated in the crystalline state. IR and EPR spectra, as well as redox potentials and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations, suggest that the Fe(CO) 2(P i-Pr 3) site is rotated in solution, driven by steric factors. Analysis of the DFT-computed partial atomic charges for the mixed-valence species shows that the Fe atom featuring a vacant apical coordination position is an electrophilic Fe(I) center. One-electron oxidation of [Fe 2(S 2C 2H 4)(CN)(CO) 3(dppv)] (-) resulted in 2e oxidation of 0.5 equiv to give the mu-cyano derivative [Fe (I) 2(S 2C 2H 4)(CO) 3(dppv)](mu-CN)[Fe (II) 2(S 2C 2H 4)(mu-CO)(CO) 2(CN)(dppv)], which was characterized spectroscopically.     

{4-t-Bu-2,6-[P(O)(O-i-Pr)2]2C6H2Sn}2: an intramolecularly coordinated organotin(I) compound with a Sn-Sn single bond, its disproportionation toward a diorganostannylene and elemental tin, and its oxidation with PhI(OAc)2

Syntheses of the intramolecularly coordinated organotin(I) compound {4-t-Bu-2,6-[P(O)(O-i-Pr)(2)](2)C(6)H(2)Sn}(2) (2), which crystallized in two different pseudopolymorphs 2 and 2·C(7)H(8), of the diorganostannylene {4-t-Bu-2,6-[P(O)(O-i-Pr)(2)](2)C(6)H(2)}(2)Sn (3) and of the organotin(II) acetate 4-t-Bu-2,6-[P(O)(O-i-Pr)(2)](2)C(6)H(2)SnOAc (4) are reported. The compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR, IR (3 and 4), UV-vis spectroscopy (2), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (3 and 4), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Density functional theory calculations on compound 2 revealed the stabilizing effect of the intramolecular P═O → Sn coordination.     

Guided-ion beam and theoretical study of the potential energy surface for activation of methane by W+

A guided-ion beam tandem mass spectrometer is used to study the reactions, W(+) + CH(4) (CD(4)) and [W,C,2H](+) + H(2) (D(2)), to probe the [W,C,4H](+) potential energy surface. The reaction W(+) + CH(4) produces [W,C,2H](+) in the only low-energy process. The analogous reaction in the CD(4) system exhibits a cross section with strong differences at the lowest energies caused by zero-point energy differences, demonstrating that this reaction is slightly exothermic for CH(4) and slightly endothermic for CD(4). The [W,C,2H](+) product ion reacts further at thermal energies with CH(4) to produce W(CH(2))(x)(+) (x = 2-4). At higher energies, the W(+) + CH(4) reaction forms WH(+) as the dominant ionic product with smaller amounts of WCH(3)(+), WCH(+), and WC(+) also formed. The energy dependent cross sections for endothermic formation of the various products are analyzed and allow the determination of D(0)(W(+)-CH(3)) approximately 2.31 +/- 0.10 eV, D(0)(W(+)-CH(2)) = 4.74 +/- 0.03 eV, D(0)(W(+)-CH) = 6.01 +/- 0.28 eV, and D(0)(W(+)-C) = 4.96 +/- 0.22 eV. We also examine the reverse reaction, [W,C,2H](+) + H(2) (D(2)) --> W(+) + CH(4) (CH(2)D(2)). Combining the cross sections for the forward and reverse processes yields an equilibrium constant from which D(0)(W(+)-CH(2)) = 4.72 +/- 0.04 eV is derived. Theoretical calculations performed at the B3LYP/HW+/6-311++G(3df,3p) level yield thermochemistry in reasonable agreement with experiment. These calculations help identify the structures and electronic states of the species involved and characterize the potential energy surface for the [W,C,4H](+) system.     

Cyclopropenylidene carbene ligands in palladium catalysed coupling reactions: carbene ligand rotation and application to the Stille reaction

Reaction of [Pd(PPh(3))(4)] with 1,1-dichloro-2,3-diarylcyclopropenes gives complexes of the type cis-[PdCl(2)(PPh(3))(C(3)(Ar)(2))] (Ar = Ph 5, Mes 6). Reaction of [Pd(dba)(2)] with 1,1-dichloro-2,3-diarylcyclopropenes in benzene gave the corresponding binuclear palladium complexes trans-[PdCl(2)(C(3)(Ar)(2))](2) (Ar = Ph 7, p-(OMe)C(6)H(4)8, p-(F)C(6)H(4)9). Alternatively, when the reactions were performed in acetonitrile, the complexes trans-[PdCl(2)(NCMe)(C(3)(Ar)(2))] (Ar = Ph 10, p-(OMe)C(6)H(4)11 and p-(F)C(6)H(4)) 12) were isolated. Addition of phosphine ligands to the binuclear palladium complex 7 or acetonitrile adducts 11 and 12 gave complexes of the type cis-[PdCl(2)(PR(3))(C(3)(Ar)(2))] (Ar = Ph, R = Cy 13, Ar = p-(OMe)C(6)H(4), R = Ph 14, Ar = p-(F)C(6)H(4), R = Ph 15). Crystal structures of complexes 6·3.25CHCl(3), 10, 11·H(2)O and 12-15 are reported. DFT calculations of complexes 10-12 indicate the barrier to rotation about the carbene-palladium bond is very low, suggesting limited double bond character in these species. Complexes 5-9 were tested for catalytic activity in C-C coupling (Mizoroki-Heck, Suzuki-Miyaura and, for the first time, Stille reactions) and C-N coupling (Buchwald-Hartwig amination) showing excellent conversion with moderate to high selectivity.     

Anion induced formation of supramolecular associations involving lone pair-π and anion-π interactions in Co(II) malonate complexes: experimental observations, Hirshfeld surface analyses and DFT studies

Three Co(II)-malonate complexes, namely, (C(5)H(7)N(2))(4)[Co(C(3)H(2)O(4))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(2) (1), (C(5)H(7)N(2))(4)[Co(C(3)H(2)O(4))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (2), and (C(5)H(7)N(2))(4)[Co(C(3)H(2)O(4))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](PF(6))(2) (3) [C(5)H(7)N(2) = protonated 2-aminopyridine, C(3)H(4)O(4) = malonic acid, NO(3)(-) = nitrate, ClO(4)(-) = perchlorate, PF(6)(-) = hexafluorophosphate], have been synthesized from purely aqueous media, and their crystal structures have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. A thorough analysis of Hirshfeld surfaces and fingerprint plots facilitates a comparison of intermolecular interactions in 1-3, which are crucial in building supramolecular architectures. When these complexes are structurally compared with their previously reported analogous Ni(II) or Mg(II) compounds, a very interesting feature regarding the role of counteranions has emerged. This phenomenon can be best described as anion-induced formation of extended supramolecular networks of the type lone pair-π/π-π/π-anion-π/π-lone pair and lone pair-π/π-π/π-anion involving various weak forces like lone pair-π, π-π, and anion-π interactions. The strength of these π contacts has been estimated using DFT calculations (M06/6-31+G*), and the formation energy of the supramolecular networks has been also evaluated. The influence of the anion (NO(3)(-), ClO(4)(-), and PF(6)(-)) on the total interaction energy of the assembly is also studied.     

Arene-mercury complexes stabilized aluminum and gallium chloride: synthesis and structural characterization.

Reaction of HgCl(2) with 2 equiv of MCl(3) in an aromatic solvent yields Hg(arene)(2)(MCl(4))(2) where, arene = C(6)H(5)Me, M = Al (1), Ga (2); arene = C(6)H(5)Et, M = Al (3) and Ga (4); o-C(6)H(4)Me(2), M = Al (5), Ga (6); C(6)H(3)-1,2,3-Me(3), M = Al (7) and Ga (8). The solid-state structures of compounds 1-5 and 7 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. In the solid state, compounds 1-4 and 7 exist as neutral complexes in which two arenes are bound to the mercury, and the MCl(3) groups are bound through bridging chlorides to the mercury; compound 5 exists as a cation-anion pair [Hg(o-C(6)H(4)Me(2))(2)(AlCl(4))][AlCl(4)]. However, in solution compounds 1-8 all exist as neutral complexes. The structures of Hg(arene)(2)(AlCl(4))(2) and [Hg(arene)(2)(AlCl(4))](+) have been determined by DFT calculations [B3LYP level] to facilitate the assignment of the (13)C CPMAS NMR spectra and are in good agreement with the X-ray diffraction structures of compounds 1 and 5. Reaction of HgCl(2) with MCl(3) in benzene, m-xylene, and p-xylene results in the formation of liquid clathrates whose spectroscopic characterization is consistent with ionic structures, [Hg(arene)(2)(MCl(4))][MCl(4)]. The calculated energy difference between Hg(C(6)H(5)Me)(2)(AlCl(4))(2) and [Hg(C(6)H(5)Me)(2)(AlCl(4))][AlCl(4)] is discussed with respect to the structure of compound 5 in the solid state versus solution state and the proposed speciation in the liquid clathrates.     

Exploring the dynamics of reaction N((2)D)+C2H4 with crossed molecular-beam experiments and quantum-chemical calculations

We conducted the title reaction using a crossed molecular-beam apparatus, quantum-chemical calculations, and RRKM calculations. Synchrotron radiation from an undulator served to ionize selectively reaction products by advantage of negligibly small dissociative ionization. We observed two products with gross formula C(2)H(3)N and C(2)H(2)N associated with loss of one and two hydrogen atoms, respectively. Measurements of kinetic-energy distributions, angular distributions, low-resolution photoionization spectra, and branching ratios of the two products were carried out. Furthermore, we evaluated total branching ratios of various exit channels using RRKM calculations based on the potential-energy surface of reaction N((2)D)+C(2)H(4) established with the method CCSD(T)/6-311+G(3df,2p)//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p)+ZPE[B3LYP/6-311G(d,p)]. The combination of experimental and computational results allows us to reveal the reaction dynamics. The N((2)D) atom adds to the C=C π-bond of ethene (C(2)H(4)) to form a cyclic complex c-CH(2)(N)CH(2) that directly ejects a hydrogen atom or rearranges to other intermediates followed by elimination of a hydrogen atom to produce C(2)H(3)N; c-CH(2)(N)CH+H is the dominant product channel. Subsequently, most C(2)H(3)N radicals, notably c-CH(2)(N)CH, further decompose to CH(2)CN+H. This work provides results and explanations different from the previous work of Balucani et al. [J. Phys. Chem. A, 2000, 104, 5655], indicating that selective photoionization with synchrotron radiation as an ionization source is a good choice in chemical dynamics research.     

Neutral helium compounds: theoretical evidence for a large class of polynuclear complexes

Ab initio calculations at the MP2 and CCSD(T) levels of theory disclose the conceivable existence of neutral complexes containing up to four helium atoms. These species are formally obtained by replacing the hydrogen atoms of parent molecules such as CH(4), SiH(4), NH(3), PH(3), H(2)O, H(2)S, C(2)H(2), C(2)H(4), and C(6)H(6) with -NBeHe moieties, which behave as monovalent functional groups containing helium. The geometries and vibrational frequencies of these M(NBeHe)(n) (n>1; M=central moiety) polyhelium complexes have been investigated at the MP2(full)/6-31G(d) level of theory, and their stability with respect to the loss of helium atom(s) has been evaluated by means of single-point calculations at the CCSD(T)/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. Molecules such as H(n)C(NBeHe)(4-n) and H(n)Si(NBeHe)(4-n) (n=0-3), C(2)(NBeHe)(2), and ortho-, meta-, and para-C(6)H(4)(NBeHe)(2) were invariably characterized as energy minima, and were found to be stable with respect to the loss of helium atom(s) by approximately 4-5 kcal mol(-1). On the other hand, species such as C(2)(NBeHe)(4) and C(6)(NBeHe)(6) were characterized as high-order saddle points on the potential-energy surface, and were unstable with respect to helium atom(s) loss owing to the bending motion of the -NBeHe groups. The molecules containing N, P, O, or S as the central atom also showed a variable topology and include second-order saddle points such as S(NBeHe)(2), third-order saddle points such as HN(NBeHe)(2), but also minimum-energy structures such as O(NBeHe)(2) and HP(NBeHe)(2), which are also stable by approximately 5 kcal mol(-1) with respect to the helium atom(s) loss. These results suggest the conceivable existence of an, in principle, very large class of M(NBeHe)(n) (n>1) polyhelium complexes, whose stability may be substantially affected by the nature and the size of the central moiety M. Atoms-in-Molecules (AIM) calculations on selected species invariably suggest that, in our investigated M(NBeHe)(n) (n>1) compounds, the beryllium-helium interaction is essentially electrostatic.