A tin-complexation strategy for use with diverse acylation methods in the preparation of 1,9-diacyldipyrromethanes

The acylation of dipyrromethanes to form 1,9-diacyldipyrromethanes is an essential step in the rational synthesis of porphyrins. Although several methods for acylation are available, purification is difficult because 1,9-diacyldipyrromethanes typically streak extensively upon chromatography and give amorphous powders upon attempted crystallization. A solution to this problem has been achieved by reacting the 1,9-diacyldipyrromethane with Bu(2)SnCl(2) to give the corresponding dibutyl(5,10-dihydrodipyrrinato)tin(IV) complex. The reaction is selective for dipyrromethanes that bear acyl groups at both the 1- and 9-positions but otherwise is quite tolerant of diverse substituents. The diacyldipyrromethane-tin complexes are stable to air and water, are highly soluble in common organic solvents, crystallize readily, and chromatograph without streaking. Four methods (Friedel-Crafts, Grignard, Vilsmeier, benzoxathiolium salt) were examined for the direct 1,9-diacylation of a dipyrromethane or the 9-acylation of a 1-acyldipyrromethane. In each case, treatment of the crude reaction mixture with Bu(2)SnCl(2) and TEA at room temperature enabled facile isolation of multigram quantities of the 1,9-diacyldipyrromethane-tin complex. The diacyldipyrromethane-tin complexes could be decomplexed with TFA in nearly quantitative yield. Alternatively, use of a diacyldipyrromethane-tin complex in a porphyrin-forming reaction (reduction with NaBH(4), acid-catalyzed condensation with a dipyrromethane, DDQ oxidation) afforded the desired free base porphyrin in yield comparable to that obtained from the uncomplexed diacyldipyrromethane. The acylation/tin-complexation strategy has been applied to a bis(dipyrromethane) and a porphyrin-dipyrromethane. In summary, the tin-complexation strategy has broad scope, is compatible with diverse acylation methods, and greatly facilitates access to 1,9-diacyldipyrromethanes.     

Boron-complexation strategy for use with 1-acyldipyrromethanes

1-Acyldipyrromethanes are important precursors in rational syntheses of diverse porphyrinic compounds. 1-Acyldipyrromethanes are difficult to purify, typically streaking upon chromatography and giving amorphous powders upon attempted crystallization. A solution to this problem has been achieved by reacting the 1-acyldipyrromethane with a dialkylboron triflate (e.g., Bu2B-OTf or 9-BBN-OTf) to give the corresponding B,B-dialkyl-B-(1-acyldipyrromethane)boron(III) complex. The reaction is selective for a 1-acyldipyrromethane in the presence of a dipyrromethane. The 1-acyldipyrromethane-boron complexes are stable to routine handling, are soluble in common organic solvents, are hydrophobic, crystallize readily, and chromatograph without streaking. The 1-acyldipyrromethane can be liberated in high yield from the boron complex upon treatment with 1-pentanol. Alternatively, the 1-acyldipyrromethane-boron complex can be used in the formation of a trans-A2B2-porphyrin. In summary, the boron-complexation strategy has broad scope and greatly facilitates the isolation of 1-acyldipyrromethanes.     

Organometallic synthons: The wittig reaction of tricarbonyl [(3,4,5,6-η)-1,3,5-cycloheptatriene-1-carboxaldehyde] iron

The utility of the Wittig reaction in synthesis of organometallic compounds is exemplified by its application to the preparation of a series of tetraene—Fe(CO)₃ complexes from aldehyde 9 and a variety of triphenylphosphoranes. Reaction of 9 with triphenylmethylene phosphorane afforded unexpectedly a $\text{1}\text{1}$ isomeric mixture of 8-methylheptafulveneiron tricarbonyl (12), probably via a (1,9) hydrogen shift of intermediate 11. Triphenylbenzylidene phosphorane condensed with 9 to give the cis and trans isomers of cycloheptatrienyl—styrene complex 14. The triphenylphosphoranes of carbomethoxymethylene, carboethoxymethylene and cyanomethylene react with 9 yielding the appropriate trans condensation products exclusively. Tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and N-phenyltriazolinedione (NPTD) readily react periselectively with the unrearranged Wittig reaction products at the free diene moiety, affording the corresponding 4+2 cycloadducts. Heptafulvene complex 12, upon reaction with TCNE, gave the 8+2 cycloadduct 26.     

Axial coordination changes the morphology of porphyrin assemblies in an organogel system

The gelation properties of a zinc porphyrin bearing peripheral urea groups (1 x Zn) were evaluated in the absence and the presence of several diamines. In aromatic solvents such as benzene, toluene and p-xylene, 1 x Zn only provided the precipitate. In contrast, 1 x Zn with 0.5 and 1.0 equiv. of piperazine formed gels, and the gel with 0.5 equiv. of piperazine showed a unique physical property called 'thixotropy'. On the other hand, upon addition of similar diamines such as DABCO, ethylenediamine and N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine, 1 x Zn did not gelate these solvents. When the critical gelation concentration was plotted against the ratio of piperazine versus 1 x Zn, it afforded a minimum breakpoint at 0.5 equiv. and the critical concentration increased with further increase in the fraction of piperazine, indicating that the stable gel is formed from the 1 x Zn + piperazine 2:1 complex and the subsequent transformation to the 1:1 complex rather destabilizes the gel. Very interestingly, it was clearly shown by SEM and TEM observations that such structural changes of the unit complex induced by the ratio of piperazine versus 1 x Zn can lead to gradual morphological transitions: that is, spherical structure at 0 equiv., 1-D fibrous structure at 0.5 equiv. and 2-D sheet-like structure at 1.0 equiv. In addition, UV-VIS spectra revealed that 1 x Zn itself adopts a J-aggregation mode, whereas 1 x Zn + piperazine 2:1 and 1:1 complexes adopt an H-like aggregation mode. On the other hand, upon addition of 0.5 equiv. of other diamines, 1 x Zn + diamine complexes result in different morphologies other than the 1-D fibrous structure. To explore a reasonable rationale for these results, we conducted computational studies. As a result, we found that the complex symmetry of the unit complex plays an important role in determining the final ordered structure.     

Masked imidazolyl-dipyrromethanes in the synthesis of imidazole-substituted porphyrins

Imidazole-substituted metalloporphyrins are valuable for studies of self-assembly and for applications where water solubility is required. Rational syntheses of porphyrins bearing one or two imidazol-2-yl or imidazol-4-yl groups at the meso positions have been developed. The syntheses employ dipyrromethanes, 1-acyldipyrromethanes, and 1,9-diacyldipyrromethanes bearing an imidazole group at the 5-position. The polar, reactive imidazole unit was successfully masked by use of (1) the 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl (SEM) group at the imidazole pyrrolic nitrogen, and (2) a dialkylboron motif bound to the pyrrole of the dipyrromethane and coordinated to the imidazole imino nitrogen. The nonpolar nature of such doubly masked imidazolyl-dipyrromethanes facilitated handling. Selected masked dipyrromethanes were characterized by 11B and 15N NMR spectroscopy. Five distinct methods were examined to obtain trans-A2B2-, trans-AB2C-, and trans-AB-porphyrins. Each porphyrin contained one or two SEM-protected imidazole units. The SEM group could be removed with TBAF or HCl. Two zinc(II) porphyrins and a palladium(II) porphyrin bearing a single imidazole moiety were prepared and subjected to alkylation (with ethyl iodide, 1,3-propane sultone, or 1,4-butane sultone) to give water-soluble imidazolium- porphyrins. This work establishes the foundation for the rational synthesis of a variety of porphyrins containing imidazole units.     

Solution behavior and structural properties of Cu(I) complexes featuring m-terphenyl isocyanides

The synthesis of the m-terphenyl isocyanide ligand CNAr (Mes2) (Mes = 2,4,6-Me 3C 6H 2) is described. Isocyanide CNAr (Mes2) readily functions as a sterically encumbering supporting unit for several Cu(I) halide and pseudo halide fragments, fostering in some cases rare structural motifs. Combination of equimolar quantities of CNAr (Mes2) and CuX (X = Cl, Br and I) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution results in the formation of the bridging halide complexes (mu-X) 2[Cu(THF)(CNAr (Mes2))] 2. Addition of CNAr (Mes2) to cuprous chloride in a 2:1 molar ratio generates the complex ClCu(CNAr (Mes2)) 2 in a straightforward manner. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction has revealed ClCu(CNAr (Mes2)) 2 to exist as a three-coordinate monomer in the solid state. As determined by solution (1)H NMR and FTIR spectroscopic studies, monomer ClCu(CNAr (Mes2)) 2 resists tight binding of a third CNAr (Mes2) unit, resulting in rapid isocyanide exchange. Contrastingly, addition of 3 equiv of CNAr (Mes2) to cuprous iodide readily affords the tris-isocyanide species, ICu(CNAr (Mes2)) 3, as determined by X-ray diffraction. Similar coordination behavior is observed in the tris-isocyanide salt [(THF)Cu(CNAr (Mes2)) 3]OTf (OTf = O 3SCF 3), which is generated upon treatment of (C 6H 6)[Cu(OTf)] 2 with 6 equiv of CNAr (Mes2) in THF. The disparate coordination behavior of the [CuCl] fragment relative to both [CuI] and [CuOTf] is rationalized in terms of structure and Lewis acidity of the Cu-containing fragments. The putative triflate species [Cu(CNAr (Mes2)) 3]OTf itself serves as a good Lewis acid and is found to weakly bind C 6H 6 in an eta (1)- C manner in the solid-state. Density Functional Theory is used to describe the bonding and energetics of the eta (1)- C Cu-C 6H 6 interaction.     

Complete family of mono-, bi-, and trinuclear Re(I)(CO)3Cl complexes of the bridging polypyridyl ligand 2,3,8,9,14,15-hexamethyl-5,6,11,12,17,18-hexaazatrinapthalene: syn/anti isomer separation, characterization, and photophysics

The syn and anti isomers of the bi- and trinuclear Re(CO)(3)Cl complexes of 2,3,8,9,14,15-hexamethyl-5,6,11,12,17,18-hexaazatrinapthalene (HATN-Me(6)) are reported. The isomers are characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The formation of the binuclear complex from the reaction of HATN-Me(6) with 2 equiv of Re(CO)(5)Cl in chloroform results in a 1:1 ratio of the syn and anti isomers. However, synthesis of the trinuclear complex from the reaction of HATN-Me(6) with 3 equiv of Re(CO)(5)Cl in chloroform produces only the anti isomer. syn-{(Re(CO)(3)Cl)(3)(μ-HATN-Me(6))} can be synthesized by reacting 1 equiv of Re(CO)(5)Cl with syn-{(Re(CO)(3)Cl)(2)(μ-HATN-Me(6))} in refluxing toluene. The product is isolated by subsequent chromatography. The X-ray crystal structures of syn-{(Re(CO)(3)Cl)(2)(μ-HATN-Me(6))} and anti-{(Re(CO)(3)Cl)(3)(μ-HATN-Me(6))} are presented both showing severe distortions of the HATN ligand unit and intermolecular π stacking. The complexes show intense absorptions in the visible region, comprising strong π → π* and metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) transitions, which are modeled using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). The energy of the MLCT absorption decreases from mono- to bi- to trinuclear complexes. The first reduction potentials of the complexes become more positive upon binding of subsequent Re(CO)(3)Cl fragments, consistent with changes in the energy of the MLCT bands and lowering of the energy of relevant lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals, and this is supported by TD-DFT. The nature of the excited states of all of the complexes is also studied using both resonance Raman and picosecond time-resolved IR spectroscopy, where it is shown that MLCT excitation results in the oxidation of one rhenium center. The patterns of the shifts in the carbonyl bands upon excitation reveal that the MLCT state is localized on one rhenium center on the IR time scale.     

Highly active ethylene polymerization and regioselective 1-hexene oligomerization using zirconium and titanium catalysts with tridentate [ONO] ligands

A series of tridentate dianionic ligands [4-(t)Bu-6-R-2-(3-R'-5-(t)Bu-2-OC(6)H(2))N=CH C(6)H(2)O](2-) (L) [R = R' = (t)Bu (L1); R = CMe(2)Ph, R' = (t)Bu (L2); R = adamantyl, R' = (t)Bu (L3); R = R' = CMe(2)Ph (L4); R = SiMe(2)(t)Bu, R' = CMe(2)Ph (L5)] were synthesized. Reactions of TiCl(4) with 1 equiv of ligands L1-L5 in toluene afford five-coordinate titanium complexes with general formula LTiCl(2) [L = L1 (1); L2 (2); L3 (3); L4 (4); L5 (5)]. The addition of tetrahydrofuran (THF) to titanium complex 5 readily gives THF-solvated six-coordinate complex 6, which also was obtained by reaction of TiCl(4) with 1 equiv of ligand L5 in THF. Reactions of ZrCl(4) with 1 or 2 equiv of ligands L1-L5 afford six-coordinate zirconium mono(ligand) complexes LZrCl(2)(THF) [L = L2 (7); L4 (8); L5 (9)], and bis(ligand) complexes L(2)Zr [L = L1 (10); L4 (11)]. The molecular structures of complexes 2, 8, and 11 were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Upon activation with methylaluminoxane, complexes 1-9 are active for ethylene polymerization. The activities and half-lifes of the catalyst systems based on zirconium complexes are more than 10(6) g of polyethylene (mol Zr)(-1) h(-1) and 6 h, respectively. Complex 9 is more active and long-lived, with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 2.6 × 10(5) (mol C(2)H(4)) (mol Zr)(-1) h(-1), a half-life of >16 h, and a total turnover number (TON) of more than 10(6) (mol C(2)H(4)) (mol Zr)(-1) at 20 °C and 0.5 MPa pressure. Even at 80 °C, complex 9/MAO catalyst system has a long lifetime (t(1/2) > 2 h), as well as high activity that is comparable with that at 20 °C. When activated with methylaluminoxane (MAO), complex 9 also show moderate catalytic activity and more than 99% 2,1-regioselectivity for 1-hexene oligomerization.     

Alkylthio unit as an alpha-pyrrole protecting group for use in dipyrromethane synthesis

The synthesis of porphyrin precursors requires the successive introduction of substituents at the pyrrole alpha- and alpha'-positions (2- and 5-, respectively). An alpha-pyrrole substituent that serves as a temporary masking agent and is not deactivating would greatly facilitate such syntheses, particularly for beta-(3,4)-unsubstituted pyrroles, but has heretofore not been available. A series of alpha-RS groups (R = Me, Et, n-decyl, Ph) have been investigated in this regard, including the determination of the kinetics of substitution at the pyrrolic 3-, 4-, and 5-positions and the application to dipyrromethane formation. The RS group was readily introduced into the pyrrole alpha-position by the reaction of 2-thiocyanatopyrrole (prepared from pyrrole, ammonium thiocyanate, and iodine) and the corresponding Grignard reagent RMgBr. Each 2-alkylthio group activated the pyrrole ring toward deuteration at the 3- or 5- (vs 4-) position. The dipyrromethane synthesis was carried out using a 2:1 ratio of 2-(RS)pyrrole/benzaldehyde with a catalytic amount of InCl3 at room temperature in the absence of any solvent. The alpha-RS group was removed by hydrodesulfurization using Raney nickel or nickel complexes. This stoichiometric synthesis using the alpha-RS-protected pyrrole is in contrast to the traditional synthesis that employs an aldehyde and 25-100 mol equiv of pyrrole. Six meso-substituted dipyrromethanes were prepared by the reaction of 2-(n-decylthio)pyrrole/aldehyde/InCl3 (2.2:1:0.2 ratio) followed by hydrodesulfurization. Other reactions of the 1,9-bis(RS)dipyrromethane include oxidation to give (i) the 1,9-bis(RS)dipyrrin or (ii) the 1,9-bis(RSO2)dipyrromethane, which underwent subsequent complexation with dibutyltin dichloride. In summary, under mild reaction conditions, the 2-alkylthio group is readily introduced to the pyrrole nucleus, directs electrophilic substitution to the 5-position, and is readily removed as required for elaboration of porphyrinic precursors.     

Di- and tetranuclear copper(I) complexes containing phenylaminobis(phosphonite), PhN{P(OC6H4OMe-o)2}2, and their reactivity toward bipyridyl ligands

The aminobis(phosphonite) PhN(P(OC6H4OMe-o)2)2 (PNP; 1) reacts with 2 equiv of CuI to give a binuclear complex, Cu2(mu2-I)2(NCCH3)2(mu-PNP) (2), whereas similar reactions with CuCl and CuBr furnish tetranuclear "ladder"-type complexes, Cu4(mu2-X)2(mu3-X)2(mu-PNP)2 (3, X = Cl; 4, X = Br), in excellent yield. The complex 2 when heated under vacuum turns into the tetranuclear complex 5 in a reversible fashion. Similarly, the complexes 3 and 4 on dissolution in CH3CN dissociate reversibly into the corresponding binuclear complexes from which the tetrameric complexes can be readily regenerated. Treatment of 2 with excess of pyridine produces the heterosubstituted derivative, Cu2(mu2-I)2(C5H5N)2(mu-PNP) (6). The interaction of 2 with 2,2'-bipyridine in 1:1 and 1:2 ratios produces the mono- and disubstituted derivatives, Cu2(mu2-I)I(C10H8N2)(mu-PNP) (7) and [Cu2(mu2-I)(C10H8N2)2(mu-PNP)]I (8), respectively. The chloro and bromo analogues of 7 are prepared by treating the tetranuclear derivatives 3 and 4 with 2,2'-bipyridine. Reaction of 2 with 4,4'-bipyridine in the presence of AgOTf gives the cationic complex [Cu4(NCCH3)4(C10H8N2)2(mu-PNP)2](OTf)4 (9), whereas the complex [Cu2(NCCH3)2(mu-PNP)2](OTf)2 (10) was obtained from the reaction of 2 with 1 equiv of 1 and AgOTf. The reactions of 3 and 4 with 2 equiv of 4,4'-bipyridine in acetonitrile afford one-dimensional copper(I) coordination polymers [Cu2(mu2-X)2(mu-PNP)(C10H8N2)]n (13, X = Cl; 14, X = Br). The molecular structures of 2-4, 6-8, 12, and 14 are confirmed by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and reactivity of the imido analogues of the uranyl ion

Addition of 1.5 equiv of I2 to a THF solution of UI3(THF)4, containing either 6 equiv of tBuNH2 or 2 equiv of RNH2 (R = Ph, 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3, 2,6-(iPr)2C6H3) and 4 equiv of NEt3, generates orange solutions containing U(NtBu)2I2(THF)2 (1) or U(NAr)2I2(THF)3 (Ar = Ph, 2; 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3, 3; 2,6-(iPr)2C6H3, 4), respectively, all of which can be isolated in good yields. Alternatively, 1 can be prepared by reaction of uranium metal with 3 equiv of I2 and 6 equiv of tBuNH2, also in good yield. Complexes 1-4 have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, and each of these complexes exhibits linear N-U-N linkages and short U-N bonds. Using density functional theory simulations of complexes 1 and 2, two triple bonds between the metal center and the nitrogen ligands were identified. Complexes 1 and 2 readily react with neutral Lewis bases such as pyridine or Ph3PO to form U(NR)2I2(L)2 (R = tBu, L = py, 5; Ph3PO, 7; R = Ph, L = py, 6; Ph3PO, 8), and with PMe3 to form U(NR)2I2(THF)(PMe3)2 (R = tBu, 9; Ph, 10). The solid-state molecular structures of 5, 7, and 9 have been determined by X-ray crystallography, and these complexes, like their parent compounds, exhibit linear N-U-N angles and short U-N bonds. Complexes 1 and 2 also react with AgOTf in CH2Cl2, forming U(NR)2(OTf)2(THF)3 (R = tBu, 11; Ph, 12) after recrystallization from THF. Crystals of 12 grown from CH2Cl2 were found to contain a dimer, [U(NPh)2(OTf)2(THF)2]2, a complex possessing bridging triflate groups.     

New ligand systems incorporating two and three 4,4'-bipyridine units. Characterization of bi- and trimetallic rhodium and iridium complexes

The synthesis of new ligand systems based on the bipyridine unit for bi- and trimetallic complexes, including a rare example of a chiral bimetallic complex, is presented. Ligands BBPX (bis-bipyridine-xylene, 3) and TBPBX (tris-bipyridine-bis-xylene, 4) were prepared in one step by reacting alpha,alpha'-dibromo-o-xylene (2) with 2 equiv of the monolithiated derivative of 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine. Dilithium (S)-binaphtholate (5) reacted with 2 equiv of 4-bromomethyl-4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine (6), affording ligand (S)-BBPBINAP (bis-bipyridine-binaphtholate, 7). These ligands reacted cleanly with 1, 1.5, and 1 equiv of the rhodium dimer [Rh(2)Cl(2)(HD)(2)] (HD = 1,5-hexadiene), respectively. Chloride abstraction led to the isolation of the cationic complexes BBPX[Rh(HD)BF(4)](2) (8), TBPBX[Rh(HD)BF(4)](3) (10), and (S)-BBPBINAP[Rh(HD)BF(4)](2) (12). When BBPX (3), TBPBX (4), and (S)-BBPBINAP (7) were added to 2, 3, and 2 equiv of [Rh(NBD)(2)]BF(4) or [Rh(NBD)(CH(3)CN)(2)]BF(4) (NBD = norbornadiene), respectively, clean formation of BBPX[Rh(NBD)BF(4)](2) (9), TBPBX[Rh(NBD)BF(4)](3) (11), and (S)-BBPBINAP[Rh(NBD)BF(4)](2) (13) was observed. The neutral iridium complex (S)-BBPBINAP[IrCl(COD)](2) (14) was obtained by reaction of (S)-BBPBINAP (7) with 1 equiv of [Ir(2)Cl(2)(COD)(2)] (COD = cyclooctadiene). The complexes were fully characterized including X-ray structural studies of 8, 9, and 13, and preliminary studies on their catalytic activity were performed.     

Gold(I) eta2-arene complexes

The reaction of 9-{[N-n-propyl-N-(diphenylphosphino)amino]methyl}anthracene (1) with Au(SMe2)Cl yields complex 2 with an arm-opening configuration. The latter is treated with AgClO4 to form complex 4 and then respectively reacted with acetonitrile, pyridine, and triphenylphosphine sulfide to afford novel gold(I) eta2-arene complexes 3a-c, which have arm-closing configurations and feeble or weak fluorescence emissions. The observation can be attributed to charge transfer from the anthracene unit to the Au+ ion. When the solution of 3a or 4 in CH2Cl2 was added with 1 equiv of Ph3P, complex 5 with the arm-opening configuration was formed and strong emission was restored.     

Synthesis, structural characterization and reactivity of aluminium complexes supported by benzotriazole phenoxide ligands: air-stable alumoxane as an efficient catalyst for ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide

Aluminium complexes bearing sterically bulky benzotriazole-phenoxide ligands are synthesized and characterized structurally. The reaction of 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)phenol ((CMe2Ph)BTP-H) or 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol ((t-Bu)BTP-H) with AlMe(3) (1.2 molar equiv.) in toluene yields [((CMe2Ph)BTP)AlMe(2)] (1) or [((t-Bu)BTP)AlMe(2)] (2) as a four-coordinated monomeric aluminium complex. Compound 1 reacts further with (CMe2Ph)BTP-H in a stoichiometric proportion, affording penta-coordinated monomeric aluminium methyl complex [((CMe2Ph)BTP)(2)AlMe] (3). Complex 3 is also obtained directly upon treatment of AlMe(3) with (CMe2Ph)BTP-H (two molar equiv.) in refluxing toluene in high yield. In the presence of H(2)O (half a molar equiv.), hydrolysis of 3 in a mixed solvent of THF and toluene at ambient temperature affords [{((CMe2Ph)BTP)(2)Al}(2)(μ-O)] (4), in which the oxo ligand acts as a chelating group linearly bridging two aluminium centers. Air-stable alumoxane 4 is an efficient catalyst for the ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide (L-LA) in the presence of 9-anthracenemethanol (9-AnOH). Complex 4 catalyzes the polymerization of L-LA in a controlled manner, yielding PLLAs with the expected molecular weights and narrow polydispersity indices (PDIs).     

A dimeric titanium-containing polyoxometalate. Synthesis, characterization, and catalysis of H2O2-based thioether oxidation

The previously unknown titanium(IV)-containing mu-hydroxo dimeric heteropolytungstate (Bu4N)7[(PTiW11O39)2-OH] (TBA salt of H1) has been synthesized, starting from H5PTiW11O40, and characterized by elemental analysis, multinuclear (31P, 17O, 183W) NMR, IR, FAB-MS, cyclic voltammetry, and potentiometric titration. 31P NMR reveals that H1 (delta -12.76) readily forms in MeCN from the Keggin monomer (POM), PTiW11O40(5-) (2, delta -13.34), upon the addition of 1.5 equiv of H+, via the protonated species, P(TiOH)W11O39(4-) (H2, delta -13.44). The ratio of H1, 2, and H2, which are present in equilibrium in MeCN solution at 25 degrees C, depends on the concentration of both H+ and H2O. The Ti-O-Ti linkage readily reacts with nucleophilic reagents, such as H2O and ROH, to yield monomeric Keggin derivatives. mu-Hydroxo dimer H1 shows higher catalytic activity than 2 for thioether oxidation by hydrogen peroxide in acetonitrile. The reaction proceeds readily at room temperature and affords the corresponding sulfoxide and sulfone in ca. quantitative yield. The addition of H2O2 to H1 or H2 results in the formation of a peroxo complex, most likely the hydroperoxo complex P(TiOOH)W11O39(4-) (I), which has 31P NMR resonance at -12.43 ppm. The rate of the formation of I is higher from H2 than from H1. When H1 is used as a catalyst precursor, the rates of the thioether oxidation and peroxo complex formation increase with increasing H2O concentration, which favors the cleavage of H1 to H2. H2O2 in MeCN slowly converts 2 to another peroxotitanium complex, P(TiO2)W11O39(5-) (II), which has 31P NMR resonance at -12.98 ppm. Peroxo complexes I and II differ in their protonation state and interconvert fast on the 31P NMR time scale. Addition of 1 equiv of H+ completely converts II to I, while 1 equiv of OH- completely converts I to II. 31P NMR confirms that I is stable under turnover conditions (thioether, H2O2, MeCN). Contrary to two-phase systems such as dichloroethane/aqueous H2O2, no products resulting from the destruction of the Keggin POM were detected in MeCN in the presence of H2O2 (a 500-fold molar excess). The reactivity of I, generated in situ from II by adding 1 equiv of H+, toward organic sulfides under stoichiometric conditions was confirmed using both 31P NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy. This is a rare demonstration of the direct stoichiometric oxidation of an organic substrate by a titanium peroxo complex.     

Metal coordination and imine-amine hydrogen bonding as the source of strongly shifted adenine pKa values

The X-ray crystal structure of a Pt(II) complex of composition trans-[(NH(3))(2)Pt(1,9-DimeA) (1,9-DimeAH)](ClO(4))(3) (2) with 1,9-DimeA = 1,9-dimethyladenine and 1,9-DimeAH(+) = 1,9-dimethyladeninium) is presented. Complex 2 forms upon deprotonation of one of the exocyclic amino groups of the adeninium ligands in trans-[(NH(3))(2)Pt(1,9-DimeAH)(2)](ClO(4))(4) (1), where the two nucleobases are in a head-tail arrangement. The low pK(a1) of 1 (4.1 +/- 0.2) is a consequence of a combination of the effects of metal coordination to N7 of the purine base and efficient stabilization of the deprotonated species. This feature is supported by the results of the structure determination of 2, which displays a head-head orientation of the two bases and intramolecular H-bonding between the imine group of 1,9-DimeA and the amino group of 1,9-DimeAH. In the fully deprotonated species trans-[(NH(3))(2)Pt(1,9-DimeA)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (3), the two nucleobases are again in a head-tail arrangement. The findings are of relevance with regard to the concept of "shifted pK(a) values" of nucleobases. This concept is applied to rationalize acid-base catalysis reactions involving nucleobases of DNA and RNA which occur in the near-physiological pH range.     

Dipyrrolyl precursors to bisalkoxide molybdenum olefin metathesis catalysts

Addition of 2 equiv of lithium pyrrolide to Mo(NR)(CHCMe2R')(OTf)2(DME) (OTf = OSO2CF3; R = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3, 1-adamantyl, or 2,6-Br2-4-MeC6H2; R' = Me or Ph) produces Mo(NR)(CHCMe2R')(NC4H4)2 complexes in good yield. All compounds can be recrystallized readily from toluene or mixtures of pentane and ether and are sensitive to air and moisture. An X-ray structure of a 2,6-diisopropylphenylimido species shows it to be an unsymmetric dimer, {Mo(NAr)(syn-CHCMe2Ph)(eta5-NC4H4)(eta1-NC4H4)}{Mo(NAr)(syn-CHCMe2Ph)(eta1-NC4H4)2}, in which the nitrogen in the eta5-pyrrolyl bound to one Mo behaves as a donor to the other Mo. All complexes are fluxional on the NMR time scale at room temperature, with one symmetric species being observed on the NMR time scale at 50 degrees C in toluene-d8. The dimers react with PMe3 (at Mo) or B(C6F5)3 (at a eta5-NC4H4 nitrogen) to give monomeric products in high yield. They also react rapidly with 2 equiv of monoalcohols (e.g., Me3COH or (CF3)2MeCOH) or 1 equiv of a biphenol or binaphthol to give 2 equiv of pyrrole and bisalkoxide or diolate complexes in approximately 100% yield.     

From N-alkylimidazole ligands at a rhenium center: ring opening or formation of NHC complexes

Cationic rhenium tricarbonyl complexes with three N-alkylimidazole ligands undergo deprotonation of the central CH group upon reaction with 1 equiv of KN(SiMe3)2. For the tris(N-methylimidazole) complex, the metal fragment shifts from N to C, leaving an NHC complex with a nonsubstituted N atom. For compounds with at least one N-mesitylimidazole ligand, the intramolecular attack of the deprotonated carbon onto the central carbon of an N-mesitylimidazole ligand results in ring opening of the latter.     

Iodination of alpha-Phosphino Enolate Complexes of Palladium(II) and Platinum(II). Synthesis and Crystal Structures of [(dmba)Pd{Ph(2)PC(I)C(O)Ph}] and of the Dipalladium(II) Complex [(dmba)Pd{Ph(2)PCC(O)Ph}Pd(I)(tmeda)] Obtained by Palladium(0) Insertion into the Carbon-Iodine Bond

Electrophilic attack of 1 equiv of I(2) on a PC(sp)2 carbon of the Pt(II) complex (1) afforded (2) in 90% yield. Complex 2 was subsequently deprotonated by NaOEt in ethanol to give the bis(enolato) complex (3). This alpha-phosphino, alpha-iodo enolato complex was obtained directly and quantitatively by the reaction of 1 with 1 equiv of N-iodosuccinimide (NIS). When 2 equiv of NIS was used, the symmetrical complex (4) was formed selectively. In contrast to I(2), NIS was also able to functionalize the phosphino enolate ligand of complexes to give the corresponding iodo derivatives (C N = dmba (5) or 8-mq (6)). These represent the first examples in which a phosphino enolate C-H bond has been directly functionalized, i.e. replaced by a C-X bond. Attempts to use this procedure with or with were unsuccessful. Reaction of 5 with Pd(dba)(2) in the presence of tetramethylenediamine (tmeda) or 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) afforded (7) and (8), respectively. The solid state structures of complexes 5 and 7.CH(2)Cl(2) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction: 5 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with Z = 4 in a unit cell of dimensions a = 12.867(3) ?, b = 10.625(3) ?, c = 19.509(6) ?, and beta = 102.23(2) degrees; 7.CH(2)Cl(2) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with Z = 8 in a unit cell of dimensions a = 35.906(3) ?, b = 13.565(3) ?, c = 15.775(2) ?, and beta = 95.099(10) degrees. Complex 7 contains two palladium(II) centers, in a square-planar environment, connected by the P-C unit of a phosphino enolate ligand which adopts an unprecedented &mgr;-eta(2)(P,C):eta(2)(P,O) bonding mode. The two coordination planes are almost orthogonal and make a dihedral angle of 88.0(2) degrees, which minimizes the steric hindrance between the ligands.     

Atom transfer reactions of (TTP)Ti(eta 2-3-hexyne): synthesis and molecular structure of trans-(TTP)Ti[OP(Oct)3]2

Atom and group transfer reactions were found to occur between heterocumulenes and (TTP)Ti(eta 2-3-hexyne), 1 (TTP = meso-5,10,15,20-tetra-p-tolylporphyrinato dianion). The imido derivatives (TTP)Ti=NR (R = iPr, 2; tBu, 3) were produced upon treatment of complex 1 with iPrN=C=NiPr, iPrNCO, or tBuNCO. Reactions between complex 1 and CS2, tBuNCS, or tBuNCSe afforded the chalcogenido complexes, (TTP)Ti=Ch (Ch = Se, 4; S, 5). Treatment of complex 1 with 2 equiv of PEt3 yielded the bis(phosphine) complex, (TTP)Ti(PEt3)2, 6. Although (TTP)Ti(eta 2-3-hexyne) readily abstracts oxygen from epoxides and sulfoxides, the reaction between 1 and O=P(Oct)3 did not result in oxygen atom transfer. Instead, the paramagnetic titanium(II) derivative (TTP)Ti[O=P(Oct)3]2, 7, was formed. The molecular structure of complex 7 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction: Ti-O distance 2.080(2) A and Ti-O-P angle of 138.43(10) degrees. Estimates of Ti=O, Ti=S, Ti=Se, and Ti=NR bond strengths are discussed.