Synthesis and structural investigation of N,N',N' '-trialkylguanidinato-supported zirconium(IV) complexes

The addition of 2 equiv of N,N',N' '-triisopropylguanidine (guanH(2)) to Zr(CH(2)Ph)(4) produced the bis(guanidinato)bis(benzyl)zirconium complex [((i)PrNH)C(N(i)Pr)(2)](2)Zr(CH(2)Ph)(2) (1). The mono(guanidinato) complex [((i)PrN)(2)C(NH(i)Pr)]ZrCl(3) (2) was accessible by the reaction of 2 equiv of guanH(2) with ZrCl(4). Guanidinium hydrochloride, [C(NH(i)Pr)(3)]Cl, is a byproduct of this reaction. When crystallized from THF, complex 2 was isolated as the THF adduct [((i)PrNH)C(N(i)Pr)(2)]ZrCl(3)(THF) (2-THF). The mixed cyclopentadienyl guanidinato complex [eta(5)-1,3-(Me(3)Si)(2)C(5)H(3)][((i)PrNH)C(N(i)Pr)(2)]ZrCl(2) (3) was prepared by treatment of [1,3-(Me(3)Si)(2)C(5)H(3)]ZrCl(3) with the in situ generated lithium triisopropylguanidinate salt. The reaction of guanH(2) with [1,3-(Me(3)Si)(2)C(5)H(3)]ZrMe(3) affords the dimethyl derivative [eta(5)-1,3-(Me(3)Si)(2)C(5)H(3)][((i)PrNH)C(N(i)Pr)(2)]ZrMe(2) (4). Definitive evidence for the molecular structures of these products is provided through single-crystal X-ray characterization of 1, 2-THF, and 3, which are presented. The extent of pi delocalization within the guanidinato ligand is discussed in the context of the metrical parameters obtained from these structural studies.     

Synthesis and properties of a germanium(II) metalloheterocycle derived from 1,8-di(isopropylamino)naphthalene. A novel ligand leading to formation of Ni[Ge[((i)PrN)(2)C(10)H(6)]]4).

A novel mononuclear germylene, Ge[1,8-((i)PrN)(2)C(10)H(6)] (1), was isolated as a stable crystalline solid by the reaction of Li(2)[1,8-((i)PrN)(2)C(10)H(6)] with GeCl(2)(1,4-dioxane). Structural examination of 1 shows that this compound possesses a planar six-membered heterocyclic ring system with a Ge(II) center and that the steric impact of the substituents on the nitrogen centers is greater than that for the related five-membered metalloheterocycles. Compound 1 is readily oxidized with elemental S and Se and the structural details for the dinuclear product [[1,8-((i)PrN)(2)C(10)H(6)]Ge(micro-S)](2) are reported. Furthermore, the lone pair of electrons on the Ge(II) center in 1 allows this species to function as a novel ligand for the preparation of the unique tetrakis(germylene) complex Ni[Ge[((i)PrN)(2)C(10)H(6)]](4) (4). The structural features of 4 are reported and show that the germylene ligand, when coordinated to the Ni(0) center, now exhibited a twisted (nonplanar) heterometallocycle and a cone angle of 145 degrees.     

Bis(imino)pyridine ligand deprotonation promoted by a transient iron amide

Addition of 2 equiv of LiNMe(2) to the bis(imino)pyridine ferrous dichloride, ((i)(Pr)PDI)FeCl(2) ((i)(Pr)PDI = (2,6-(i)()Pr(2)-C(6)H(3)N=CMe)(2)C(5)H(3)N), resulted in deprotonation of the chelate methyl groups, yielding the bis(enamide)pyridine iron dimethylamine adduct, ((i)(Pr)PDEA)Fe(NHMe(2)) ((i)(Pr)PDEA = (2,6-(i)Pr(2)-C(6)H(3)NC=CH(2))(2)C(5)H(3)N). Performing a similar procedure with KN(SiMe(3))(2) in THF solution afforded the corresponding bis(THF) adduct, ((i)(Pr)PDEA)Fe(THF)(2). ((i)(Pr)PDEA)Fe(NHMe(2)) has also been prepared by addition of the free amine to the iron dialkyl complex, ((i)(Pr)PDI)Fe(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2), implicating formation of a transient iron amide that is sufficiently basic to deprotonate the bis(imino)pyridine methyl groups. Deprotonation of the amine ligand in ((i)(Pr)PDEA)Fe(NHMe(2)) has been accomplished by addition of amide bases to afford the ferrous amide-ate complexes, [((i)(Pr)PDEA)Fe(mu-NMe(2))M] (M = Li, K).     

Multinuclear copper(I) guanidinate complexes

A series of multinuclear Copper(I) guanidinate complexes have been synthesized in a succession of reactions between CuCl and the lithium guanidinate systems Li{L} (L = Me(2)NC((i)PrN)(2) (1a), Me(2)NC(CyN)(2) (1b), Me(2)NC((t)BuN)(2)(1c), and Me(2)NC(DipN)(2) (2d) ((i)Pr = iso-propyl, Cy = cyclohexyl, (t)Bu = tert-butyl, and Dip = 2,6-disopropylphenyl) made in situ, and structurally characterized. The di-copper guanidinates systems with the general formula [Cu(2){L}(2)] (L = {Me(2)NC((i)PrN)(2)} (2a), {Me(2)NC(CyN)(2)} (2b), and {Me(2)NC(DipN)(2)} (2d) differed significantly from related amidinate complexes because of a large torsion of the dimer ring, which in turn is a result of transannular repulsion between adjacent guanidinate substituents. Attempts to synthesis the tert-butyl derivative [Cu(2){Me(2)NC((t)BuN)(2)}(2)] result in the separate formation and isolation of the tri-copper complexes [Cu(3){Me(2)NC((t)BuN)(2)}(2)(μ-NMe(2))] (3c) and [Cu(3){Me(2)NC((t)BuN)(2)}(2)(μ-Cl)] (4c), both of which have been unambiguously characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Closer inspection of the solution state behavior of the lithium salt 1c reveals a previously unobserved equilibrium between 1c and its starting materials, LiNMe(2) and N,N'-di-tert-butyl-carbodiimide, for which activation enthalpy and entropy values of ΔH(?) = 48.2 ± 18 kJ mol(-1) and ΔS(?) = 70.6 ± 6 J/K mol have been calculated using 1D-EXSY NMR spectroscopy to establish temperature dependent rates of exchange between the species in solution. The molecular structures of the lithium complexes 1c and 1d have also been determined and shown to form tetrameric and dimeric complexes respectively held together by Li-N and agostic Li···H-C interactions. The thermal chemistry of the copper complexes have also been assessed by thermogravimetric analysis.     

The first urea azine molecule and its coordination to uranium in the first actinide guanidinate complexes

The urea azine molecule (CyNH)(2)C=N-N=C(HNCy)(2) (1) was easily prepared by reaction of the carbodiimide CyN=C=NCy and H(2)NNH(2) and this novel type of bis-guanidine proved useful in affording chelating and bridging ligands for the building of polynuclear compounds, as illustrated by the synthesis of the first uranium guanidinate complexes [(THF)(2)Li(mu-Cl)(2)UCl(mu-L)](2) (2) and [UCl(mu-L)(2)UCl(2)(micro-Cl)(2)UCl(mu-L)](2) (3) (L = - 2H); the X-ray crystal structures of compounds - were determined.     

Oxidation and reduction of bis(imino)pyridine iron dicarbonyl complexes

The oxidation and reduction of a redox-active aryl-substituted bis(imino)pyridine iron dicarbonyl has been explored to determine whether electron-transfer events are ligand- or metal-based or a combination of both. A series of bis(imino)pyridine iron dicarbonyl compounds, [((iPr)PDI)Fe(CO)(2)](-), ((iPr)PDI)Fe(CO)(2), and [((iPr)PDI)Fe(CO)(2)](+) [(iPr)PDI = 2,6-(2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3)N═CMe)(2)C(5)H(3)N], which differ by three oxidation states, were prepared and the electronic structures evaluated using a combination of spectroscopic techniques and, in two cases, [((iPr)PDI)Fe(CO)(2)](+) and [((iPr)PDI)Fe(CO)(2)], metrical parameters from X-ray diffraction. The data establish that the cationic iron dicarbonyl complex is best described as a low-spin iron(I) compound (S(Fe) = ?) with a neutral bis(imino)pyridine chelate. The anionic iron dicarbonyl, [((iPr)PDI)Fe(CO)(2)](-), is also best described as an iron(I) compound but with a two-electron-reduced bis(imino)pyridine. The covalency of the neutral compound, ((iPr)PDI)Fe(CO)(2), suggests that both the oxidative and reductive events are not ligand- or metal-localized but a result of the cooperativity of both entities.     

Selective reaction based on the linked diamido ligands of dinuclear lanthanide complexes

The dinuclear ytterbium pyridyl diamido complexes [Cp(2)Yb(THF)](2)[mu-eta(1):eta(2)-(NH)(2)(C(5)H(3)N-2,6)] (1a) and [Cp(2)Yb(THF)](2)[mu-eta(1):eta(2)-(NH)(2)(C(5)H(3)N-2,3)] (1b) are easily prepared by protonolysis of Cp(3)Yb with 0.5 equiv of the corresponding diaminopyridine in accepted yields, respectively. Treatment of 1a with 2 equiv of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (CyN=C=NCy) in THF at low temperature leads to the isolation of the formal double N-H addition product (Cp(2)Yb)(2)[mu-eta(2):eta(2)-(CyN(CyNH)CN)(2)(C(5)H(3)N-2,6)] (2) in 42% yield. Compound 2 is unstable to heat and slowly isomerized to the mixed neutral/dianionic diguanidinate complex (Cp(2)Yb)(2)[mu-eta(2):eta(2)-(CyNH)(2)CN(C(5)H(3)N-2,6)NC(NCy)(2)](THF) (3) at room temperature. Similarly, treatment of 1b with 2 equiv of CyN=C=NCy gives the addition/ isomerization product (Cp(2)Yb)(2)[mu-eta(2):eta(2):eta(1)-(CyNH)(2)CN(C(5)H(3)N-2,3)NC(NCy)(2)] (4). Moreover, the reaction of various ytterbium aryl diamido complexes (prepared in situ from [Cp(2)YbMe](2) and aryldiamine, respectively) with CyN=C=NCy affords the corresponding addition products (Cp(2)Yb)(2)[mu-eta(2):eta(2)-{CyN(CyNH)CN}(2)(C(6)H(4)-1,4)] (5), (Cp(2)Yb)(2)[mu-eta(2):eta(2)-{CyN(CyNH)CN}(2)(C(6)H(4)-1,3)](6), and (Cp(2)Yb)(2)[mu-eta(2):eta(2)-{CyN(CyNH)CN}(2)(C(13)H(8)-2,7)] (7), respectively. In contrast to pyridyl-bridged bis(guanidinate monoanion) complexes, aryl-bridged bis(guanidinate monoanion) complexes 5-7 are stable even with prolonged heating at 110 degrees C. All the results not only demonstrate that the presence of the pyridyl bridge can impart the diamido complexes with a unique reactivity and initiate the unexpected reaction sequence but also indicate evidently that the number and distribution of negative charges of the diguanidinate ligand is tunable from double monoanionic units to mixed neutral/dianionic isomers. All the complexes are characterized by elemental analysis and IR spectroscopies. The structures of complexes 1a, 3, 5, 6, and 7 are also determined through X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis.     

Insertion, isomerization, and cascade reactivity of the tethered silylalkyl uranium metallocene (η(5)-C5Me4SiMe2CH2-κC)2U

Investigation of the insertion reactivity of the tethered silylalkyl complex (η(5)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)CH(2)-κC)(2)U (1) has led to a series of new reactions for U-C bonds. Elemental sulfur reacts with 1 by inserting two sulfur atoms into each of the U-C bonds to form the bis(tethered alkyl disulfide) complex (η(5):η(2)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)CH(2)S(2))(2)U (2). The bulky substrate N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide, (i)PrN═C═N(i)Pr, inserts into only one of the U-C bonds of 1 to produce the mixed-tether complex (η(5)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)CH(2)-κC)U[η(5)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)CH(2)C((i)PrN)(2)-κ(2)N,N'] (3). Carbon monoxide did not exclusively undergo a simple insertion into the U-C bond of 3 but instead formed {μ-[η(5)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)CH(2)C(═N(i)Pr)O-κ(2)O,N]U[OC(C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)CH(2))CN((i)Pr)-κ(2)O,N](2) (4) in a cascade of reactions that formally includes U-C bond cleavage, C-N bond cleavage of the amidinate ligand, alkyl or silyl migration, U-O, C-C, and C-N bond formations, and CO insertion. The reaction of 3 with isoelectronic tert-butyl isocyanide led to insertion of the substrate into the U-C bond, but with a rearrangement of the amidinate ligand binding mode from κ(2) to κ(1) to form [η(5):η(2)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)CH(2)C(═N(t)Bu)]U[η(5)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)CH(2)C(═N(i)Pr)N((i)Pr)-κN] (5). The product of double insertion of (t)BuN≡C into the U-C bonds of 1, namely [η(5):η(2)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)CH(2)C(═N(t)Bu)](2)U (6), was found to undergo an unusual thermal rearrangement that formally involves C-H bond activation, C-C bond cleavage, and C-C bond coupling to form the first formimidoyl actinide complex, [η(5):η(5):η(3)-(t)BuNC(CH(2)SiMe(2)C(5)Me(4))(CHSiMe(2)C(5)Me(4))]U(η(2)-HC═N(t)Bu) (7).     

Titanium, zinc and alkaline-earth metal complexes supported by bulky O,N,N,O-multidentate ligands: syntheses, characterisation and activity in cyclic ester polymerisation

The reactions of the bulky amino-bis(phenol) ligand Me(2)NCH(2)CH(2)N[CH(2)-3,5-Bu(t)(2)-C(6)H(2)OH-2](2)(1-H(2)) with Zn[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)(4), [Mg[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)](2)(5) and Ca[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)(THF)(2)(6) yield the complexes 1-Zn, 1-Mg and 1-Ca in good yields. The X-ray structure of 1-Ca showed the complex to be dimeric, with calcium in a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. Five of the positions are occupied by an N(2)O(3) donor set, while the sixth is taken up by an intramolecular close contact to an o-Bu(t) substituent, a rare case of a Ca...H-C agostic interaction (Ca...H distances of 2.37 and 2.41 Angstroms). Another sterically hindered calcium complex, Ca[2-Bu(t)-6-(C(6)F(5)N=CH)C(6)H(3)O](2)(THF)(2).(C(7)H(8))(2/3)(7), was prepared by reaction of 6 with the iminophenol 2-Bu(t)-6-(C(6)F(5)N=CH)C(6)H(3)OH (3-H). According to the crystal structure 7 is monomeric and octahedral, with trans THF ligands. The complex Ti[N[CH(2)-3-Bu(t)-5-Me-C(6)H(2)O-2](2)[CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2)]](OPr(i))(2)(2-Ti) was prepared by treatment of Ti(OPr(i)(4)) with the new amino-bis(phenol) Me(2)NCH(2)CH(2)N[CH(2)-3-Bu(t)-5-Me-C(6)H(2)OH-2](2)(2-H(2)). The reduction of 2-Ti with sodium amalgam gave the titanium(III) salt Ti[N[CH(2)-3-Bu(t)-5-Me-C(6)H(2)O-2](2)[CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2)]](OPr(i))(2).Na(THF)(2)(8). A comparison of the X-ray structures of 2-Ti and 8 showed that the additional electron in 8 significantly reduced the intensity of the pi-bonding from the oxygen atoms of the isopropoxide groups to titanium. 1-Ca and 8 were active initiators for the ring-opening polymerisation of epsilon-caprolactone (up to 97% conversion of 200 equivalents in 2 hours) and yielded polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions.     

Theoretical and experimental investigations of ligand exchange in guanidinate ligand systems for group 13 metals

The ligand exchange of guanidinate ligands between metal centres can play an important role in guanidinate chemistry, and ligand exchange between aluminium centres will form a dimeric intermediate. The synthesis and characterization of the dimer [Me(2)NC(N(i)Pr)(2)](2)Al(2)Cl(4) is reported here: compound crystallizes with a twisted boat conformation of its dimer ring. This compound decomposes to monomers at room temperature over four days, or within 18 hours at 90 degrees C. We undertook a detailed computational characterization of the reaction pathway, which supported the dimer structure and subsequent monomer formation. The ligand exchange route was also exploited for the synthesis of [MeC(N(i)Pr)(2)](2)AlCl, [EtC(N(i)Pr)(2)](2)AlCl, [MeC(N(i)Pr)(2)](2)GaCl, and [Me(2)NC(N(i)Pr)(2)](2)GaCl.     

A chiral stannate as an "ansa" pi-arene ligand in rhodium chemistry

Reaction of the triamido stannate MeSi[SiMe(2)N[(R)-CHMePh]](3)SnLi (1) with 0.5 molar equivalent of [RhCl(olefin)(2)](2) (olefin = COE, C(2)H(4)) or [RhCl(P(i)Pr(3))(2)](2) yielded the Rh-Sn complexes [MeSi[SiMe(2)N[(R)-CHMePh]](2)[SiMe(2)N[(R)-CHMe(eta(6)-C(6)H(5))]SnRh(L)] (L = COE: 2a, C(2)H(4): 2b, P(i)Pr(3) 3); their intramolecular eta(6)-coordination, along with the tin-rhodium bond, represents the first "ansa" pi-arene/stannate system.     

N-heterocyclic carbene stabilized copper- and silver-phenylchalcogenolate ring complexes

The ligation of a N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) to group 11 metal salts (Cu, Ag) was explored as an alternative to PR(3) ligands for the formation of copper- and silver-chalcogenolate cluster complexes. AgOAc and CuCl salts ligate with the NHC 1,3-di-isopropylbenzimidazole-2-ylidene ((i)Pr(2)-bimy) forming [Ag(OAc)((i)Pr(2)-bimy)] 1, [Ag(OAc)((i)Pr(2)-bimy)(2)] 2, [CuCl((i)Pr(2)-bimy)](2)3 and [CuCl((i)Pr(2)-bimy)(2)] 4 depending on the ratio of ligand to metal used. These have been characterized via spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. Complexes 1 and 3 were reacted with S(Ph)SiMe(3) and Se(Ph)SiMe(3) to form the polynuclear metal-chalcogenolates [Ag(4)(μ-EPh)(4)((i)Pr(2)-bimy)(4)] (5, E = S; 6, E = Se) and [Cu(3)(μ-EPh)(3)((i)Pr(2)-bimy)(3)] (7, E = S; 8, E = Se) in good yields. The structures of 5-8, as determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography, are described.     

Iron-arylimide clusters [Fe(m)()(NAr)(n)Cl(4)](2)(-) (m,n = 2, 2; 3, 4; 4, 4) from a ferric amide precursor: synthesis,characterization, and comparison to Fe-S chemistry

Tetrahedral FeCl[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)(THF) (2), prepared from FeCl(3) and 2 equiv of Na[N(SiMe(3))(2)] in THF, is a useful ferric starting material for the synthesis of weak-field iron-imide (Fe-NR) clusters. Protonolysis of 2 with aniline yields azobenzene and [Fe(2)(mu-Cl)(3)(THF)(6)](2)[Fe(3)(mu-NPh)(4)Cl(4)] (3), a salt composed of two diferrous monocations and a trinuclear dianion with a formal 2 Fe(III)/1 Fe(IV) oxidation state. Treatment of 2 with LiCl, which gives the adduct [FeCl(2)(N(SiMe(3))(2))(2)](-) (isolated as the [Li(TMEDA)(2)](+) salt), suppresses arylamine oxidation/iron reduction chemistry during protonolysis. Thus, under appropriate conditions, the reaction of 1:1 2/LiCl with arylamine provides a practical route to the following Fe-NR clusters: [Li(2)(THF)(7)][Fe(3)(mu-NPh)(4)Cl(4)] (5a), which contains the same Fe-NR cluster found in 3; [Li(THF)(4)](2)[Fe(3)(mu-N-p-Tol)(4)Cl(4)] (5b); [Li(DME)(3)](2)[Fe(2)(mu-NPh)(2)Cl(4)] (6a); [Li(2)(THF)(7)][Fe(2)(mu-NMes)(2)Cl(4)] (6c). [Li(DME)(3)](2)[Fe(4)(mu(3)-NPh)(4)Cl(4)] (7), a trace product in the synthesis of 5a and 6a, forms readily as the sole Fe-NR complex upon reduction of these lower nuclearity clusters. Products were characterized by X-ray crystallographic analysis, by electronic absorption, (1)H NMR, and M?ssbauer spectroscopies, and by cyclic voltammetry. The structures of the Fe-NR complexes derive from tetrahedral iron centers, edge-fused by imide bridges into linear arrays (5a,b; 6a,c) or the condensed heterocubane geometry (7), and are homologous to fundamental iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster motifs. The analogy to Fe-S chemistry also encompasses parallels between Fe-mediated redox transformations of nitrogen and sulfur ligands and reductive core conversions of linear dinuclear and trinuclear clusters to heterocubane species and is reinforced by other recent examples of iron- and cobalt-imide cluster chemistry. The correspondence of nitrogen and sulfur chemistry at iron is intriguing in the context of speculative Fe-mediated mechanisms for biological nitrogen fixation.     

Cationic aluminum alkyl complexes incorporating aminotroponiminate ligands

The synthesis, structures, and reactivity of cationic aluminum complexes containing the N,N'-diisopropylaminotroponiminate ligand ((i)Pr(2)-ATI(-)) are described. The reaction of ((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlR(2) (1a-e,g,h; R = H (a), Me (b), Et (c), Pr (d), (i)Bu (e), Cy (g), CH(2)Ph (h)) with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] yields ((i)()Pr(2)-ATI)AlR(+) species whose fate depends on the properties of the R ligand. 1a and 1b react with 0.5 equiv of [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] to produce dinuclear monocationic complexes [([(i)Pr(2)-ATI] AlR)(2)(mu-R)][(C(6)F(5))(4)] (2a,b). The cation of 2b contains two ((i)()Pr(2)-ATI)AlMe(+) units linked by an almost linear Al-Me-Al bridge; 2a is presumed to have an analogous structure. 2b does not react further with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)]. However, 1a reacts with 1 equiv of [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] to afford ((i Pr(2)-ATI)Al(C(6)F(5))(mu-H)(2)B(C(6)F(5))(2) (3) and other products, presumably via C(6)F(5)(-) transfer and ligand redistribution of a [((i)()Pr(2)-ATI)AlH][(C(6)F(5))(4)] intermediate. 1c-e react with 1 equiv of [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] to yield stable base-free [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlR][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] complexes (4c-e). 4c crystallizes from chlorobenzene as 4c(ClPh).0.5PhCl, which has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. In the solid state the PhCl ligand of 4c(ClPh) is coordinated by a dative PhCl-Al bond and an ATI/Ph pi-stacking interaction. 1g,h react with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] to yield ((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(R)(C(6)F(5)) (5g,h) via C(6)F(5)(-) transfer of [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlR][(BC(6)F(5))(4)] intermediates. 1c,h react with B(C(6)F(5))(3) to yield ((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(R)(C(6)F(5)) (5c,h) via C(6)F(5)(-) transfer of [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlR][RB(C(6)F(5))(3)] intermediates. The reaction of 4c-e with MeCN or acetone yields [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(R)(L)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] adducts (L = MeCN (8c-e), acetone (9c-e)), which undergo associative intermolecular L exchange. 9c-e undergo slow beta-H transfer to afford the dinuclear dicationic alkoxide complex [(((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(mu-O(i)()Pr))(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)](2) (10) and the corresponding olefin. 4c-e catalyze the head-to-tail dimerization of tert-butyl acetylene by an insertion/sigma-bond metathesis mechanism involving [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(C=C(t)Bu)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (13) and [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(CH=C((t)()Bu)C=C(t)Bu)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (14) intermediates. 13 crystallizes as the dinuclear dicationic complex [([(i Pr(2)-ATI]Al(mu-C=C(t)Bu))(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)](2).5PhCl from chlorobenzene. 4e catalyzes the polymerization of propylene oxide and 2a catalyzes the polymerization of methyl methacrylate. 4c,e react with ethylene-d(4) by beta-H transfer to yield [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlCD(2)CD(2)H][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] initially. Polyethylene is also produced in these reactions by an unidentified active species.     

Encapsulation of cyanometalates by a tris-macrocyclic ligand tricopper(II) complex: syntheses, structural variation, and magnetic exchange coupling pathways

The reaction of [M(CN)(6)](3-) (M = Cr(3+), Mn(3+), Fe(3+), Co(3+)) and [M(CN)(8)](4-/3-) (M = Mo(4+/5+), W(4+/5+)) with the trinuclear copper(II) complex of 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyltris[3-(1,3,5,8,12-pentaazacyclotetradecane)] ([Cu(3)(L)](6+)) leads to partially encapsulated cyanometalates. With hexacyanometalate(III) complexes, [Cu(3)(L)](6+) forms the isostructural host-guest complexes [[[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))(2)][M(CN)(6)](2)][M(CN)(6)]][M(CN)(6)]30 H(2)O with one bridging, two partially encapsulated, and one isolated [M(CN)(6)](3-) unit. The octacyanometalates of Mo(4+/5+) and W(4+/5+) are encapsulated by two tris-macrocyclic host units. Due to the stability of the +IV oxidation state of Mo and W, only assemblies with [M(CN)(8)](4-) were obtained. The Mo(4+) and W(4+) complexes were crystallized in two different structural forms: [[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))](2)[Mo(CN)(8)]](NO(3))(8)15 H(2)O with a structural motif that involves isolated spherical [[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))](2)[M(CN)(8)]](8+) ions and a "string-of-pearls" type of structure [[[Cu(3)(L)](2)[M(CN)(8)]][M(CN)(8)]](NO(3))(4) 20 H(2)O, with [M(CN)(8)](4-) ions that bridge the encapsulated octacyanometalates in a two-dimensional network. The magnetic exchange coupling between the various paramagnetic centers is characterized by temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility and field-dependent magnetization data. Exchange between the CuCu pairs in the [Cu(3)(L)](6+) "ligand" is weakly antiferromagnetic. Ferromagnetic interactions are observed in the cyanometalate assemblies with Cr(3+), exchange coupling of Mn(3+) and Fe(3+) is very small, and the octacoordinate Mo(4+) and W(4+) systems have a closed-shell ground state.     

Synthesis and electronic structure of cationic, neutral, and anionic bis(imino)pyridine iron alkyl complexes: evaluation of redox activity in single-component ethylene polymerization catalysts

A family of cationic, neutral, and anionic bis(imino)pyridine iron alkyl complexes has been prepared, and their electronic and molecular structures have been established by a combination of X-ray diffraction, Mo?ssbauer spectroscopy, magnetochemistry, and open-shell density functional theory. For the cationic complexes, [((iPr)PDI)Fe-R][BPh(4)] ((iPr)PDI = 2,6-(2,6-(i)Pr(2)-C(6)H(3)N═CMe)(2)C(5)H(3)N; R = CH(2)SiMe(3), CH(2)CMe(3), or CH(3)), which are known single-component ethylene polymerization catalysts, the data establish high spin ferrous compounds (S(Fe) = 2) with neutral, redox-innocent bis(imino)pyridine chelates. One-electron reduction to the corresponding neutral alkyls, ((iPr)PDI)Fe(CH(2)SiMe(3)) or ((iPr)PDI)Fe(CH(2)CMe(3)), is chelate-based, resulting in a bis(imino)pyridine radical anion (S(PDI) = 1/2) antiferromagnetically coupled to a high spin ferrous ion (S(Fe) = 2). The neutral neopentyl derivative was reduced by an additional electron and furnished the corresponding anion, [Li(Et(2)O)(3)][((iPr)PDI)Fe(CH(2)CMe(3))N(2)], with concomitant coordination of dinitrogen. The experimental and computational data establish that this S = 0 compound is best described as a low spin ferrous compound (S(Fe) = 0) with a closed-shell singlet bis(imino)pyridine dianion (S(PDI) = 0), demonstrating that the reduction is ligand-based. The change in field strength of the bis(imino)pyridine coupled with the placement of the alkyl ligand into the apical position of the molecule induced a spin state change at the iron center from high to low spin. The relevance of the compounds and their electronic structures to olefin polymerization catalysis is also presented.     

Protonation of a lanthanum phosphide-alkyl occurs at the P-La not the C-La bond: isolation of a cationic lanthanum alkyl complex

Protonation of the heteroleptic, cyclometalated lanthanum phosphide complex [((Me3Si)2CH)(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)P]La(THF)[P(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)(CH(SiMe3)(SiMe2CH2))] with [Et3NH][BPh4] yields the cationic alkyllanthanum complex [(THF)4La[P(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)(CH(SiMe3)(SiMe2CH2))]][BPh4].     

Unusual iron(III) ate complexes stabilized by Li-pi interactions

Several iron(III) complexes incorporating diamidoether ligands are described. The reaction between [Li(2)[RN(SiMe(2))](2)O] and FeX(3) (X=Cl or Br; R=2,4,6-Me(3)Ph or 2,6-iPr(2)Ph) form unusual ate complexes, [FeX(2)Li[RN(SiMe(2))](2)O](2) (2, X=Cl, R=2,4,6-Me(3)Ph; 3, X=Br, R=2,4,6-Me(3)Ph; 4, X=Cl, R=2,6-iPr(2)Ph) which are stabilized by Li-pi interactions. These dimeric iron(III)-diamido complexes exhibit magnetic behaviour characteristic of uncoupled high spin (S= 5/2 ) iron(III) centres. They also undergo halide metathesis resulting in reduced iron(II) species. Thus, reaction of 2 with alkyllithium reagents leads to the formation of iron(II) dimer [Fe[Me(3)PhN(SiMe(2))](2)O](2) (6). Similarly, the previously reported iron(III)-diamido complex [FeCl[tBuN(SiMe(2))](2)O](2) (1) reacts with LiPPh(2) to yield the iron(II) dimer [Fe[tBuN(SiMe(2))](2)O](2) but reaction with LiNPh(2) gives the iron(II) product [Fe(2)(NPh(2))(2)[tBuN(SiMe(2))](2)O] (5). Some redox chemistry is also observed as side reactions in the syntheses of 2-4, yielding THF adducts of FeX(2): the one-dimensional chain [FeBr(2)(THF)(2)](n) (7) and the cluster [Fe(4)Cl(8)(THF)(6)]. The X-ray crystal structures of 3, 5 and 7 are described.     

Synthesis, electronic structure, and catalytic activity of reduced bis(aldimino)pyridine iron compounds: experimental evidence for ligand participation

The two-electron reduction chemistry of the aryl-substituted bis(aldimino)pyridine iron dibromide, ((iPr)PDAI)FeBr(2) ((iPr)PDAI = 2,6-(2,6-(i)Pr(2)-C(6)H(3)-N═CH)(2)C(5)H(3)N), was explored with the goal of generating catalytically active iron compounds and comparing the electronic structure of the resulting compounds to the more well studied ketimine derivatives. Reduction of ((iPr)PDAI)FeBr(2) with excess 0.5% Na(Hg) in toluene solution under an N(2) atmosphere furnished the η(6)-arene complex, ((iPr)PDAI)Fe(η(6)-C(7)H(8)) rather than a dinitrogen derivative. Over time in pentane or diethyl ether solution, ((iPr)PDAI)Fe(η(6)-C(7)H(8)) underwent loss of arene and furnished the dimeric iron compound, [((iPr)PDAI)Fe](2). Crystallographic characterization established a diiron compound bridged through an η(2)-π interaction with an imine arm on an adjacent chelate. Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry established two high spin ferrous centers each coupled to a triplet dianionic bis(aldimino)pyridine chelate. The data were modeled with two strongly antiferromagnetically coupled, high spin iron(II) centers each with an S = 1 [PDAI](2-) chelate. Two electron reduction of ((iPr)PDAI)FeBr(2) in the presence of 1,3-butadiene furnished ((iPr)PDAI)Fe(η(4)-C(4)H(6)), which serves as a precatalyst for olefin hydrogenation with modest turnover frequencies and catalyst lifetimes. Substitution of the trans-coordinated 1,3-butadiene ligand was accomplished with carbon monoxide and N,N-4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and furnished ((iPr)PDAI)Fe(CO)(2) and ((iPr)PDAI)Fe(DMAP), respectively. The molecular and electronic structures of these compounds were established by X-ray diffraction, NMR and Mo?ssbauer spectroscopy, and the results compared to the previously studied ketimine variants.     

Aluminium alkyl and aryloxide complexes of pyrazine and bipyridines: synthesis and structure

The reaction of AlMe(3) and [((t)Bu)(2)Al(micro-OPh)](2) with pyrazine (pyz), 4,4'-bipyridine (4-4'-bipy), 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpetha) and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpethe) yields (Me(3)Al)(2)(micro-pyz)(1), (Me(3)Al)(2)(micro-4,4'-bipy)(2), (Me(3)Al)(2)(micro-bpetha)(3), (Me(3)Al)(2)(micro-bipethe)(4), Al((t)Bu)(2)(OPh)(pyz)(5), [((t)Bu)(2)Al(OPh)](2)(micro-4,4-bipy)(6a), [((t)Bu)(2)Al(OPh)](2)(micro-bpetha)(7a), [((t)Bu)(2)Al(OPh)](2)(micro-bipethe)(8a). Compounds 1-4, 6a and 7a have been confirmed by X-ray crystallography. In solution compounds 1-4 undergo a rapid ligand-dissociation equilibrium resulting in a time-average spectrum in the (1)H NMR. In contrast, the solution equilibria for compounds 5-8a are sufficiently slow such that the mono-aluminium compounds may be observed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy: Al((t)Bu)(2)(OPh)(4,4-bipy)(6b), Al((t)Bu)(2)(OPh)(bpetha)(7b) and Al((t)Bu)(2)(OPh)(bpethe)(8b). The inability to isolate [((t)Bu)(2)Al(OPh)](2)(micro-pyz) and the relative stability of each complex is discussed with respect to the steric interactions across the bridging ligand (L) and the electronic effect on one Lewis acid-base interaction by the second Lewis acid-base interaction on the same ligand.