One-pot synthesis of metal primary phosphine complexes from O=PCl2R or PCl2R. Isolation and characterization of primary alkylphosphine complexes of a metalloporphyrin

Treatment of [Ru(II)(Por)(CO)] [Por = porphyrinato(2-)] and O=PCl(2)R [R = Ad (adamantyl), Bu(t), Bu(sec)] or PCl2Mes (Mes = mesityl) with LiAlH4 afforded primary alkyl- and arylphosphine complexes [Ru(II)(Por)(PH2R)2], which have been isolated in pure form and characterized by 1H NMR, 31P NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The structures of [Ru(II)(TTP)(PH2Ad)2] and [Ru(II)(F20-TPP)(PH2Mes)2] were determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Diverse reactivity of dialkylaluminum dimesitylboryloxides [(mu-Mes2BO)AlR2]2. Synthetic and structural study

Several stable dimeric dialkylaluminum boryloxides of the formula [(mu-Mes2BO)AlR2]2 (R = Me (1), Et (2), iBu) have been prepared from dimesitylborinic acid Mes2BOH and trialkylaluminums R3Al. Compound 1 has been characterized by X-ray diffraction. These compounds exhibit diverse reactivity toward protonolytic reagents depending on the bulkiness of these reagents. Treatment of 1 with tert-butyl alcohol afforded crystalline species trans-[mu-tBuO)(Mes2BO)AlMe]2 (3), which is the first example of a mixed system containing boryloxide and alkoxide ligands together. Most surprisingly, Mes2BOH was found to undergo catalytic decomposition in the presence of [(mu-Mes2BO)AlR2]2 via the unexpected cleavage of one boron-carbon bond. The molecular structure of the decomposition product, i.e., trimesitylboroxin [MesBO]3 (4) is reported.     

T-shaped platinum boryl complexes: synthesis and structure

A series of cationic T-shaped 14-electron boryl complexes of the type trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt{B(X)X'}](+) (X=Br; X'=ortho-tolyl, tBu, NMe(2), piperidyl, Br; XX'=(NMe(2))(2), catecholato) were synthesized by halide abstraction from trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt(Br){B(X)X'}] (Cy=cyclohexyl) with Na[BAr(f) (4)] (Ar(f)=3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)), K[B(C(6)F(5))(4)], or Na[BPh(4)]. X-ray diffraction studies were performed on all compounds, revealing a subtle correlation between the trans-influence of the boryl moiety and the Pt--H and Pt--C separations. However, no notable agostic C--H interaction with the platinum center was detected. trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt(BCat)](+) (Cat=catecholato), the complex with the shortest Pt--H and Pt--C distances, was treated with Lewis bases (L), forming compounds of the type trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt(L)(BCat)](+), thus proving a decisive influence of the degree of trans-influence exerted by the boryl ligands on the chemical reactivity of the title complexes. Another point that was investigated and clarified is the different behavior of trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt(Br){B(Br)Mes}] (Mes=mesityl) towards K[B(C(6)F(5))(4)] with formation of the borylene species trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt(Br)(BMes)](+).     

P2 addition to terminal phosphide M[triple bond]P triple bonds: a rational synthesis of cyclo-P3 complexes

The diphosphaazide complex (Mes*NPP)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3 (Mes* = 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl, Np = neopentyl, Ar = 3,5-Me2C6H3), 1, has previously been reported to lose the P2 unit upon gentle heating, to form (Mes*N)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3, 2. The first-order activation parameters for this process have been estimated here using an Eyring analysis to have the values Delta H(double dagger) = 19.6(2) kcal/mol and Delta S(double dagger) = -14.2(5) eu. The eliminated P2 unit can be transferred to the terminal phosphide complexes P[triple bond]M(N[(i)Pr]Ar)3, 3-M (M = Mo, W), and [P[triple bond]Nb(N[Np]Ar)3](-), 3-Nb, to give the cyclo-P3 complexes (P3)M(N[(i)Pr]Ar)3 and [(P3)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3](-). These reactions represent the formal addition of a P[triple bond]P triple bond across a M[triple bond]P triple bond and are the first efficient transfers of the P2 unit to substrates present in stoichiometric quantities. The related complex (OC)5W(Mes*NPP)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3, 1-W(CO)5, was used to transfer the (P2)W(CO)5 unit in an analogous manner to the substrates 3-M (M = Mo, W, Nb) as well as to [(OC)5WP[triple bond]Nb(N[Np]Ar)3](-). The rate constants for the fragmentation of 1 and 1-W(CO)5 were unchanged in the presence of the terminal phosphide 3-Mo, supporting the hypothesis that molecular P2 and (P2)W(CO)5, respectively, are reactive intermediates. In a reaction related to the combination of P[triple bond]P and M[triple bond]P triple bonds, the phosphaalkyne AdC[triple bond]P (Ad = 1-adamantyl) was observed to react with 3-Mo to generate the cyclo-CP2 complex (AdCP2)Mo(N[(i)Pr]Ar)3. Reactions of the electrophiles Ph3SnCl, Mes*NPCl, and AdC(O)Cl with the anionic, nucleophilic complexes [(OC)5W(P3)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3](-) and [{(OC)5W}2(P3)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3](-) yielded coordinated eta(2)-triphosphirene ligands. The Mes*NPW(CO)5 group of one such product engages in a fluxional ring-migration process, according to NMR spectroscopic data. The structures of (OC)5W(P3)W(N[(i)Pr]Ar)3, [(Et2O)Na][{(OC)5W}2(P3)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3], (AdCP2)Mo(N[(i)Pr]Ar)3, (OC)5W(Ph3SnP3)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3, Mes*NP(W(CO)5)P3Nb(N[Np]Ar)3, and {(OC)5W}2AdC(O)P3Nb(N[Np]Ar)3, as determined by X-ray crystallography, are discussed in detail.     

Applications of bis(1-R-imidazol-2-yl)disulfides and diselenides as ligands for main-group and transition metals: kappa2-(N,N) coordination, S-S bond cleavage, and S-S/E-E (E = S, Se) bond metathesis reactions

Bis(1-R-imidazol-2-yl)disulfides, (mim(R))2 (R = Ph, Bu(t)), and diselenides, (seim(Mes))2, serve as bidentate N,N-donor ligands for main-group and transition metals. For example, [kappa2-(mim(Bu)(t))2]MCl2 (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Zn), [kappa2-(mim(Ph))2]MCl2 (M = Co, Zn), [kappa2-(mim(Bu)(t))2]CuX (X = Cl, I), and [kappa2-(seim(Mes))2]MCl2 (M = Fe, Co, Ni) are obtained by treatment of (mim(Bu)(t))2 or (seim(Mes))2 with the respective metal halide and have been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. On the other hand, the zerovalent nickel complex Ni(PMe3)4 effects cleavage of the disulfide bond of (mim(Bu)(t))2 to give square-planar trans-Ni(PMe3)2(mim(Bu)(t))2 in which the (mim(Bu)(t)) ligands coordinate via nitrogen rather than sulfur, a most uncommon coordination mode for this class of ligands. Although [kappa2-(mim(R))2]MCl2 (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) are not subject to homolytic cleavage of the S-S bond because the tetravalent state is not readily accessible, the observation that [kappa2-(mimPh)2]CoCl2 and [kappa2-(mim(Bu)(t))2]CoCl2 form an equilibrium mixture with the asymmetric disulfide [kappa2-(mim(Ph))(mim(Bu)(t))]CoCl2 indicates that S-S bond cleavage via another mechanism is possible. Likewise, metathesis between disulfide and diselenide ligands is observed in the formation of [kappa2-(mim(Bu)(t))(seim(Mes))]CoCl2 upon treatment of [kappa2-(mim(Bu)(t))2]CoCl2 with [kappa2-(seim(Mes))2]CoCl2.     

Proton induced P-H and Mo-H bond activation at the phosphide bridged dimolybdenum complexes [Mo2Cp2(mu-H)(mu-PHR)(CO)4](R = Cy, 2,4,6-C6H2R'3; R'= H, Me, tBu)

The new hydride complexes [Mo2Cp2(mu-H)(mu-PHR)(CO)4] having bulky substituents (R = 2,4,6-C(6)H2tBu3= Mes*, R = 2,4,6-C6H2Me3= Mes) have been prepared in good yield by addition of Li[PHR] to the triply bonded [Mo2Cp2(CO)4] and further protonation of the resulting anionic phosphide complex [Mo2Cp2(mu-PHR)(CO)4]-. Protonation of the Mes* compound with either [H(OEt2)2][B{3,5-C6H3(CF3)2}4] or HBF4.OEt2 gives the cationic phosphinidene complex [Mo2Cp2(mu-H)(mu-PMes*)(CO)4]+ in high yield. In contrast, protonation of the analogous hydride compounds with Mes or Cy substituents on phosphorus give the corresponding unsaturated tetracarbonyls [Mo2Cp2(mu-PHR)(CO)4]+, which are unstable at room temperature and display a cis geometry. Decomposition of the latter give the electron-precise pentacarbonyls [Mo2Cp2(mu-PHR)(mu-CO)(CO)4]+, also displaying a cis arrangement of the metal fragments. In the presence of BF4- as external anion, fluoride abstraction competes with carbonylation to yield the neutral fluorophosphide hydrides [Mo2Cp2(mu-H)(mu-PFR)(CO)4]. Similar results were obtained in the protonation reactions of the hydride compounds having a Ph substituent on phosphorus. In that case, using HCl as protonation reagent gave the chloro-complex [Mo2ClCp2(mu-PHPh)(CO)4] in good yield. The structures and dynamic behaviour of the new compounds are analyzed on the basis of solution IR and 1H, 31P, 19F and 13C NMR data as well as the X-ray studies carried out on [Mo2Cp2(mu-H)(mu-PHMes)(CO)4](cis isomer), [Mo2Cp2(mu-H)(mu-PFMes)(CO)4](trans isomer), [Mo2Cp2(mu-PHCy)(mu-CO)(CO)4](BF4) and [Mo2ClCp2(mu-PHPh)(CO)4].     

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.     

Synthesis and characterisation of the first carbene and diazabutadiene-indium(II) complexes

The reactions of IMes [:CN(Mes)C2H2N(Mes), Mes = mesityl] and DAB [(ArN=CH)2, Ar = C6H3Pri2-2,6] with indium(I) halides have afforded the first carbene and diazabutadiene indium(II) complexes, [In2Br4(IMes)2] and [In2Cl2(DAB.)2], both of which have been crystallographically characterised.     

Synthesis and characterisation of group nine transition metal complexes containing new mesityl and naphthyl based azaindole scorpionate ligands

Two novel boron-based flexible scorpionate ligands based on 7-azaindole, Li[HB(azaindolyl)(2)(1-naphthyl)] and Li[HB(azaindolyl)(2)(mesityl)] {Li[(Naphth)Bai] and Li[(Mes)Bai] respectively}, have been prepared (mesityl = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl). These salts have been isolated in two forms, either as dimeric structures which contain bridging hydride interactions with the lithium centres or as crystalline material containing mono nuclear bis-acetonitrile solvates. The newly formed ligands have been utilised to prepare a range of group nine transition metal complexes with the general formula [M(COD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(Ar)}] (where M = rhodium, iridium; Ar = 1-naphthyl, mesityl; COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) and [Rh(NBD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(Ar)}] (where NBD = 2,5-norbornadiene; Ar = 1-naphthyl, mesityl). These new complexes have been compared to the previously reported compounds which contain the related scorpionate ligands Li[HB(azaindolyl)(2)(phenyl)] and K[HB(azaindolyl)(3)] {Li[(Ph)Bai] and K[Tai] respectively}. Structural characterisation of the complexes [Rh(COD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(mesityl)}], [Ir(COD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(mesityl)}] and [Rh(NBD){κ(3)-NNH-HB (azaindolyl)(2)(naphthyl)}] confirm the expected κ(3)-NNH coordination mode for these new ligands. Spectroscopic analysis suggests strong interactions of the B-H functional group with the metal centres in all cases.     

Chemical reactivity and electrochemistry of metal-metal-bonded zincocenes

Attempts to prepare mixed-ligand zinc-zinc-bonded compounds that contain bulky C(5)Me(5) and terphenyl groups, [Zn(2)(C(5)Me(5))(Ar')], lead to disproportionation. The resulting half-sandwich Zn(II) complexes [(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))ZnAr'] (Ar' = 2,6-(2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3))(2)-C(6)H(3), 2; 2,6-(2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))(2)-C(6)H(3), 3) can also be obtained from the reaction of [Zn(C(5)Me(5))(2)] with the corresponding LiAr'. In the presence of pyr-py (4-pyrrolidinopyridine) or DBU (1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene), [Zn(2)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)] reacts with C(5)Me(5)OH to afford the tetrametallic complexes [Zn(2)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))L(μ-OC(5)Me(5))](2) (L = pyr-py, 6; DBU, 8), respectively. The bulkier terphenyloxide Ar(Mes)O(-) group (Ar(Mes) = 2,6-(2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2))(2)-C(6)H(3)) gives instead the dimetallic compound [Zn(2)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(OAr(Mes))(pyr-py)(2)], 7, that features a terminal Zn-OAr(Mes) bond. DFT calculations on models of 6-8 and also on the Zn-Zn-bonded complexes [Zn(2)(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(OC(5)H(5))(py)(2)] and [(η(5)-C(5)H(5))ZnZn(py)(3)](+) have been performed and reveal the nonsymmetric nature of the Zn-Zn bond with lower charge and higher participation of the s orbital of the zinc atom coordinated to the cyclopentadienyl ligand with respect to the metal within the pseudo-ZnL(3) fragment. Cyclic voltammetric studies on [Zn(2)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)] have been also carried out and the results compared with the behavior of [Zn(C(5)Me(5))(2)] and related magnesium and calcium metallocenes.     

Synthesis, structure, and electrochemical properties of copper(I) complexes with S/N homoscorpionate and heteroscorpionate ligands

Dinuclear Cu(I) complexes with bifunctionalized homoscorpionate ligands, hydrotris(thioxotriazolyl)borato [Li(Tr(Me,o)(-)(Py)) (1) and Li(Tr(Mes,Me)) (2)], and the heteroscorpionate ligand hydro[bis(thioxotriazolyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazolyl]borato [K(Br(Mes)pz(o)(-)(Py))] (3) were synthesized and crystallographically characterized. The complexes [Cu(Tr(Mes,Me))](2) (4) and [Cu(Tr(Me,o)(-)(Py))](2) (5) exhibit a similar coordination geometry where every metal is surrounded by three thioxo groups in a trigonal arrangement. The presence of a [B-H...Cu] three-center-two-electron interaction in both compounds causes the overall coordination to become tetrahedrally distorted (S(3)H coordination for each metal). The complex [Cu(Br(Mes)pz(o)(-)(Py))](2) (6) presents a trigonal geometry in which the metals interact with two thioxo groups and a bridging pyrazolyl nitrogen atom. A weak contact with a pyridine nitrogen atom completes the coordination of the metals (S(2)N,N' coordination for each metal). [Cu(Tr(Mes,Me))](2), [Cu(Tr(Me,o)(-)(Py))](2), and [Cu(Br(Mes)pz(o)(-)(Py))](2) exhibit fluxional behavior in solution as evidenced by variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy, and for 5 and 6 two species in equilibrium [in the ratio 2/1 for 5 (CDCl(3)) and 3/2 for 6 (CD(2)Cl(2))] are distinguishable in the (1)H NMR spectra at 270 K. 2D-NOESY spectra recorded at 270 K assisted in the attribution of solution molecular geometries for each isomer of 5 and 6. The free energy of activation (DeltaG()(Tc)) was determined for both equilibria from the evaluation of the coalescence temperature. DFT calculations were performed to describe plausible molecular geometry for the minor isomer of 5 and 6 and to propose a possible mechanism of interconversion between major and minor isomers. Cyclic voltammograms were recorded in CH(2)Cl(2) (3 and 6) or CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)CN (1/1, v/v) (2, 4, and 5) solutions using 0.1 M TBAHFP or TBAOTf as supporting electrolytes. [Cu(Tr(Mes,Me))](2), [Cu(Tr(Me,o)(-)(Py))](2), and [Cu(Br(Mes)pz(o)(-)(Py))](2) exhibit a quasi-reversible Cu(I)/Cu(II) redox behavior with E(pa) = +719 mV and E(pc) = +538 mV for 4, E(pa) = +636 mV and E(pc) = -316 mV for 5, and E(pa) = +418 mV and E(pc) = -319 mV for 6.     

Direct observation of a 14-electron ruthenacyclobutane relevant to olefin metathesis

The 14-electron ruthenium phosphonium alkylidene complex [(IH2Mes)Cl2Ru=CH(PCy3)][B(C6F5)4], 1b, a highly active olefin metathesis catalyst, reacts with stoichiometric quantities of ethylene at -50 degrees C in CD2Cl2 to generate the ruthenacyclobutane complex [(IH2Mes)Cl2RuCH2CH2CH2], 2, and [CH2=CH(PCy3)][B(C6F5)4] in quantitative yield by NMR spectroscopy. 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies on 2 and 2-13C3 are consistent with a symmetrical C2v structure, providing the first experimental information concerning this crucial intermediate in ruthenium-mediated olefin metathesis. At -50 degrees C, exchange with free ethylene takes place on the chemical time scale. Complex 2 decomposes in solution upon warming to room temperature, generating propene and unknown ruthenium product(s).     

Cluster expansion reactions of group 6 and 8 metallaboranes using transition metal carbonyl compounds of groups 7-9

The reinvestigation of an early synthesis of heterometallic cubane-type clusters has led to the isolation of a number of new clusters which have been characterized by spectroscopic and crystallographic techniques. The thermolysis of [(Cp*Mo)(2)B(4)H(4)E(2)] (1: E = S; 2: E = Se; Cp* = η(5)-C(5)Me(5)) in presence of [Fe(2)(CO)(9)] yielded cubane-type clusters [(Cp*Mo)(2)(μ(3)-E)(2)B(2)H(μ-H){Fe(CO)(2)}(2)Fe(CO)(3)], 4 and 5 (4: E = S; 5: E = Se) together with fused clusters [(Cp*Mo)(2)B(4)H(4)E(2)Fe(CO)(2)Fe(CO)(3)] (8: E = S; 9: E = Se). In a similar fashion, reaction of [(Cp*RuCO)(2)B(2)H(6)], 3, with [Fe(2)(CO)(9)] yielded [(Cp*Ru)(2)(μ(3)-CO)(2)B(2)H(μ-H){Fe(CO)(2)}(2)Fe(CO)(3)], 6, and an incomplete cubane cluster [(μ(3)-BH)(3)(Cp*Ru)(2){Fe(CO)(3)}(2)], 7. Clusters 4-6 can be described as heterometallic cubane clusters containing a Fe(CO)(3) moiety exo-bonded to the cubane, while 7 has an incomplete cubane [Ru(2)Fe(2)B(3)] core. The geometry of both compounds 8 and 9 consist of a bicapped octahedron [Mo(2)Fe(2)B(3)E] and a trigonal bipyramidal [Mo(2)B(2)E] core, fused through a common three vertex [Mo(2)B] triangular face. In addition, thermolysis of 3 with [Mn(2)(CO)(10)] permits the isolation of arachno-[(Cp*RuCO)(2)B(3)H(7)], 10. Cluster 10 constitutes a diruthenaborane analogue of 8-sep pentaborane(11) and has a structural isomeric relationship to 1,2-[{Cp*Ru}(2)(CO)(2)B(3)H(7)].     

A neutral, monomeric germanium(I) radical

Stoichiometric reduction of the bulky β-diketiminato germanium(II) chloride complex [((But)Nacnac)GeCl] ((But)Nacnac = [{N(Dip)C(Bu(t))}(2)CH](-), Dip = C(6)H(3)Pr(i)(2)-2,6) with either sodium naphthalenide or the magnesium(I) dimer [{((Mes)Nacnac)Mg}(2)] ((Mes)Nacnac = [(MesNCMe)(2)CH](-), Mes = mesityl) afforded the radical complex [((But)Nacnac)Ge:](?) in moderate yields. X-ray crystallographic, EPR/ENDOR spectroscopic, computational, and reactivity studies revealed this to be the first authenticated monomeric, neutral germanium(I) radical.     

Preparation, characterization, and theoretical analysis of group 14 element(I) dimers: a case study of magnesium(I) compounds as reducing agents in inorganic synthesis

A synthetic route to the new amidine (DipNH)(DipN)C(C(6)H(4)Bu(t)-4) (ButisoH; Dip = C(6)H(3)Pr(i)(2)-2,6) has been developed. Its deprotonation with either LiBu(n) or KN(SiMe(3))(2) yields the amidinate complexes [M(Butiso)] (M = Li or K). Their reactions with group 14 element halides/pseudohalides afford the heteroleptic group 14 complexes [(Butiso)SiCl(3)], [(Butiso)ECl] (E = Ge or Sn), and [{(Butiso)Pb(μ-O(3)SCF(3))(THF)}(∞)], all of which have been crystallographically characterized. In addition, the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of the homoleptic complex [Pb(Butiso)(2)] is reported. Reductions of the heteroleptic complexes with a soluble magnesium(I) dimer, [{((Mes)Nacnac)Mg}(2)] ((Mes)Nacnac = [(MesNCMe)(2)CH](-); Mes = mesityl), have given moderate-to-high yields of the group 14 element(I) dimers [{(Butiso)E}(2)] (E = Si, Ge, or Sn), the X-ray crystallographic studies of which reveal trans-bent structures. The corresponding lead(I) complex could not be prepared. Comprehensive spectroscopic and theoretical analyses of [{(Butiso)E}(2)] have allowed their properties to be compared. All complexes possess E-E single bonds and can be considered as intramolecularly base-stabilized examples of ditetrelynes, REER. Taken as a whole, this study highlights the synthetic utility of soluble and easy to prepare magnesium(I) dimers as valuable alternatives to the harsh, and often insoluble, alkali-metal reducing agents that are currently widely employed in the synthesis of low-oxidation-state organometallic/inorganic complexes.     

Structural variation, dynamics, and catalytic application of palladium(II) complexes of di-N-heterocyclic carbene-amine ligands

A series of palladium(II) complexes incorporating di-NHC-amine ligands has been prepared and their structural, dynamic and catalytic behaviour investigated. The complexes [trans-(kappa(2)-(tBu)CN(Bn)C(tBu))PdCl(2)] (12) and [trans-(kappa(2)-(Mes)CN(H)C(Mes))PdCl(2)] (13) do not exhibit interaction between the amine nitrogen and palladium atom respectively. NMR spectroscopy between -40 and 25 degrees C shows that the di-NHC-amine ligand is flexible expressing C(s) symmetry and for 13 rotation of the mesityl groups is prevented. In the related C(1) complex [(kappa(3)-(tBu)CN(H)C(tBu))PdCl][Cl] (14) coordination of NHC moieties and amine nitrogen atom is observed between -40 and 25 degrees C. Reaction between 12-14 and two equivalents of AgBF(4) in acetonitrile gives the analogous complexes [trans-(kappa(2)-(tBu)CN(Bn)C(tBu))Pd(MeCN)(2)][BF(4)](2) (15), [trans-(kappa(2)-(Mes)CN(H)C(Mes))Pd(MeCN)(2)][BF(4)](2) (16) and [(kappa(3)-(tBu)CN(H)C(tBu))Pd(MeCN)][BF(4)](2) (17) indicating that ligand structure determines amine coordination. The single crystal X-ray structures of 12, 17 and two ligand imidazolium salt precursors (tBu)C(H)N(Bn)C(H)(tBu)][Cl](2) (2) and [(tBu)C(H)N(H)C(H)(tBu)][BPh(4)](2) (4) have been determined. Complexes 12-14 and 15-17 have been shown to be active precatalysts for Heck and hydroamination reactions respectively.     

A Comparison of the Stability and Reactivity of Diamido‐ and Diaminocarbene Copper Alkoxide and Hydride Complexes

The mononuclear N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) copper alkoxide complexes [(6‐NHC)CuOtBu] (6‐NHC=6‐MesDAC ( 1 ), 6‐Mes ( 2 )) have been prepared by addition of the free carbenes to the tetrameric tert‐butoxide precursor [Cu(OtBu)]₄, or by protonolysis of [(6‐NHC)CuMes] (6‐NHC=6‐MesDAC ( 3 ), 6‐Mes ( 4 )) with tBuOH. In contrast to the relatively stable diaminocarbene complex 2 , the diamidocarbene derivative 1 proved susceptible to both thermal and hydrolytic ring‐opening reactions, the latter affording [(6‐MesDAC)Cu(OC(O)CMe₂C(O)N(H)Mes)(CNMes)] ( 6 ). The intermediacy of [(6‐MesDAC)Cu(OH)] in this reaction was supported by the generation of Cu₂O as an additional product. Attempts to generate an isolable copper hydride complex of the type [(6‐MesDAC)CuH] by reaction of 1 with Et₃SiH resulted instead in migratory insertion to generate [(6‐MesDAC‐H)Cu(P(p‐tolyl)₃)] ( 9 ) upon trapping by P(p‐tolyl)₃. Migratory insertion was also observed during attempts to prepare [(6‐Mes)CuH], with [(6‐Mes‐H)Cu(6‐Mes)] ( 10 ) isolated, following a reaction that was significantly slower than in the 6‐MesDAC case. The longer lifetime of [(6‐Mes)CuH] allowed it to be trapped stoichiometrically by alkyne, and also employed in the catalytic semi‐reduction of alkynes and hydrosilylation of ketones.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of new divanada- and diniobaboranes containing chalcogen atoms

The reaction of [Cp(n) MCl(4-x) ] (M=V: n=2, x=2; M=Nb: n=1, x=0; Cp=η(5) -C(5) H(5) ) with LiBH(4) ?THF followed by thermolysis in the presence of dichalcogenide ligands E(2) R(2) (E=S, Te; R=2,6-(tBu)(2) -C(6) H(2) OH, Ph) and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (C(7) H(5) NS(2) ) yielded dimetallaheteroboranes [{CpV(μ-TePh)}(2) (μ(3) -Te)BH?thf] (1), [(CpV)(2) (BH(3) S)(2) ] (2), [(CpNb)(2) B(4) H(10) S] (3), [(CpNb)(2) B(4) H(11) S(tBu)(2) C(6) H(2) OH] (4), and [(CpNb)(2) B(4) H(11) TePh] (5). In cluster 1, the V(2) BTe atoms define a tetrahedral framework in which the boron atom is linked to a THF molecule. Compound 2 can be described as a dimetallathiaborane that is built from two edge-fused V(2) BS tetrahedron clusters. Cluster 3 can be considered as an edge-fused cluster in which a trigonal-bipyramidal unit (Nb(2) B(2) S) has been fused with a tetrahedral core (Nb(2) B(2) ) by means of a common Nb(2) edge. In addition, thermolysis of an in-situ-generated intermediate that was produced from the reaction of [Cp(2) VCl(2) ] and LiBH(4) ?THF with excess BH(3) ?THF yielded oxavanadaborane [(CpV)(2) B(3) H(8) (μ(3) -OEt)] (6) and divanadaborane cluster [(CpV)(2) B(5) H(11) ] (7). Cluster 7 exhibits a nido geometry with C(2v) symmetry and it is isostructural with [(Cp*M)(2) B(5) H(9+n) ] (M=Cr, Mo, and W, n=0; M=Ta, n=2; Cp*=η(5) -C(5) Me(5) ). All of these new compounds have been characterized by (1) H?NMR, (11) B?NMR, and (13) C?NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis and the structural types were established unequivocally by crystallographic analysis of compounds?1-4, 6, and 7.     

Oxidative cleavage of tetraaryltetraphosphane-1,4-diides by nickel(II) and palladium(II): formation of unusual Ni(0) and Pd(0) diaryldiphosphene complexes

[Na(2)(thf)(4)(P(4)Mes(4))] (1) (Mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)) reacts with one equivalent of [NiCl(2)(PEt(3))(2)], [NiCl(2)(PMe(2)Ph)(2)], [PdCl(2)(PBu(n)(3))(2)] or [PdCl(2)(PMe(2)Ph)(2)] to give the corresponding nickel(0) and palladium(0) dimesityldiphosphene complexes [Ni(eta(2)-P(2)Mes(2))(PEt(3))(2)] (2), [Ni(eta(2)-P(2)Mes(2))(PMe(2)Ph)(2)] (3), [Pd(eta(2)-P(2)Mes(2))(PBu(n)(3))(2)] (4) and [Pd(eta(2)-P(2)Mes(2))(PMe(2)Ph)(2)] (5), respectively, via a redox reaction. The molecular structures of the diphosphene complexes 2-5 are described.     

The structural characteristics of organozinc complexes incorporating N,N'-bidentate ligands

Dimethylzinc reacts with an excess of N-2-pyridylaniline 6 to give the homoleptic species, Zn[PhN(2-C(5)H(4)N)](2) 8. Single crystal X-ray diffraction reveals a solid-state dimer based on an 8-membered (NCNZn)(2) core motif. Zn[CyN(2-C(5)H(4)N)]Me (Cy =c-C(6)H(11)) 10, prepared by the combination of ZnMe(2) with the corresponding cyclohexyl-substituted pyridylamine, is also dimeric in the solid state but reveals a central (ZnN)(2) metallacycle. Employment of (p-Tol)NH(2-C(5)H(4)N)(p-Tol = 4-MeC(6)H(4)) 11 yielded the tris(zinc) adduct Zn(3)[(p-Tol)N(2-C(5)H(4)N)](4)Me(2) 12, which incorporates a central chiral molecule of 'Zn[(p-Tol)N(2-C(5)H(4)N)](2)' 12a, that bridges two 'Zn[(p-Tol)N(2-C(5)H(4)N)]Me' 12b units. A similar trimetallic structure is noted when the pyridylaniline substrate 11 is replaced with the bicyclic guanidine 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidine (hppH), affording Zn(3)(hpp)(4)Me(2) 13. Spectroscopic studies point to retention of the solid-state structure of in hydrocarbon solution. Reaction of 13 with dimesityl borinic acid, Mes(2)BOH (Mes = mesityl), affords Zn(3)(hpp)(4)(OBMes(2))(2) 14 in which the trimetallic core is retained. This reactivity is in contrast to the closely related reaction of dimeric Zn[Me(2)NC[N(i)Pr](2)]Me 15 with Mes(2)BOH, which yielded Zn[Me(2)NC[N(i)Pr](2)][OBMes(2)].Me(2)NC[N(i)Pr][NH(i)Pr] 16 as a result of protonation at the guanidine ligand in addition to the Zn-Me bond.