Five new peltogynoids from underground parts of Iris bungei: a Mongolian medicinal plant

Five new peltogynoids, irisoids A-E (1-5), have been isolated from the underground parts of Iris bungei. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic methods and were found to be 1,8,10-trihydroxy-9-methoxy-[1]benzopyrano-[3,2-c][2]-benzopyran-7(5H)-one (1), 1,8-dihydroxy-9,10-dimethoxy-[1]benzopyrano-[3,2-c][2]-benzopyran-7(5H)-one (2), 1,10-dihydroxy-8,9-dimethoxy-[1]benzopyrano-13,2-c][2]-benzopyran-7(5H)-one (3), 1,8-dihydroxy-9,10-methylenedioxy-[1]benzopyrano-[3,2-c][2]-benzopyran-7(5H)-one (4), and 1,8,11-trihydroxy-9,10-methylenedioxy-[1]benzopyrano-[3,2-c][2]-benzopyran-7(5H)-one (5). The structure of irisoid B (2) was established unambiguously by X-ray diffraction study.     

1,2-bis(pyridine-2-carboxamido)benzenate(2-), (bpb)2-: a noninnocent ligand. Syntheses, structures, and mechanisms of formation of [(n-Bu)4N][FeIV2(mu-N)(bpb)2(X)2] (X = CN-, N3-) and the electronic structures of [MIII(bpbox1)(CN)2] (M = Co, Fe)

The well-known tetradentate ligand 1,2-bis(pyridine-2-carboxamido)benzenate(2-), (bpb)2-, and its 4,5-dichloro analogue, (bpc)2-, are shown to be "noninnocent" ligands in the sense that in coordination compounds they can exist in their radical one- and diamagnetic two-electron-oxidized forms (bpbox1)- and (bpbox2)0 (and (bpcox1)- and (bpcox2)0), respectively. Photolysis of high-spin [(n-Bu)4N][FeIII(bpb)(N3)2] and its (bpc)2- analogue in acetone solution at room temperature generates the diamagnetic dinuclear complex [(n-Bu)4N][FeIV2(mu-N)(bpb)2(N3)2] and its (bpc)2- analogue; the corresponding cyano complex [(n-Bu)4N][FeIV2(mu-N)(bpb)2(CN)2] has been prepared via N3- substitution by CN-. Photolysis in frozen acetonitrile solution produces a low-spin ferric species (S = 1/2) which presumably is [FeIII(bpbox2)(N)(N3)]-, as has been established by EPR and M?ssbauer spectroscopy. The mononuclear complexes [(n-Bu)4N][FeIII(bpb)(CN2)] (low spin), [Et4N][CoIII(bpb)(CN)2] and Na[CoIII(bpc)-(CN)2].3CH3OH can be electrochemically or chemically one-electron-oxidized to give [FeIII(bpbox1)(CN)2]0 (S = 0), [CoIII(bpbox1)(CN)2]0 (S = 1/2), and [CoIII(bpcox1)(CN)2]0 (S = 1/2). All complexes have been characterized by UV-vis, EPR, and M?ssbauer spectroscopy, and their electro- and magnetochemistries have been studied. The crystal structures of [(n-Bu)4N][FeIII(bpb)(N3)2].1/2C6H6CH3, Na[FeIII(bpb)(CN)2], Na[CoIII(bpc)(CN)2].3CH3OH, [(n-Bu)4N][FeIV2(mu-N)(bpb)2(CN)2], and [(n-Bu)4N][FeIV2(mu-N)(bpb)(N3)2] have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Electrochemical and chemical reduction of pyridyl-substituted pyrrolidinofullerenes

Using cyclic voltammetry, it is shown that formal reduction potentials of pyridyl-substituted pyrrolidinofullerenes are shifted to negative values as compared with formal potentials of the corresponding redoxtransitions of C₆₀, which indicates weakening of the acceptor properties of the fullerene fragment. NIR spectrophotometric and EPR spectroscopic studies show that cis-2′,5′-di-(4-pyridinyl)pyrrolidino-[3′,4′:1,2][60]fullerene is reduced with 1,8-diazobicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene and morpholine to give a radical anion.     

Role of axial donors in the ligand isomerization processes of quadruply bonded dimolybdenum(II) compounds

Quadruply bonded dimolybdenum(II) complexes with NP-R (2-(2-R)-1,8-naphthyridine; R = thiazolyl (NP-tz), furyl (NP-fu), thienyl (NP-th)) and 2,3-dimethyl-1,8-naphthyridine (NP-Me 2) have been synthesized by reactions of cis-[Mo2(OAc)2(CH3CN)6][BF4]2 with the corresponding ligands. The products cis-[Mo2(NP-tz)2(OAc)2][BF4]2 (1), trans-[Mo2(NP-fu)2(OAc)2][BF4]2 (2), trans-[Mo2(NP-th)2(OAc)2][BF4]2 (3), and trans-[Mo2(NP-Me2)2(OAc)2][BF4]2 (4) were isolated and characterized. The NP-R ligands with stronger R = pyridyl and thiazolyl donors result in cis isomers whereas the weaker furyl and thienyl appendages lead to compounds having a trans orientation of the ligands. The use of NP-Me2 leads to a trans structure with a tetrafluoroborate anion occupying one of the axial sites. Complete replacement of two acetate groups by acetonitrile in 1 and 2 resulted in the cis isomers [Mo2(NP-tz)2(CH3CN)4][OTf]4 (5) and [Mo2(NP-fu)2(CH3CN)4][OTf]4 (6) respectively. The combination of one acetate and two acetonitriles as ancillary ligands, however, yields trans-[Mo2(NP-tz)2(OAc)(CH3CN)2][BF4]3 (7) in the solid state as determined by X-ray crystallography. (1)H NMR spectra of the products are diagnostic of the cis and trans dispositions of the ligands. Solution studies reveal that the ligand arrangements observed in the solid state are mostly retained in the acetonitrile medium. The only exception is 7, for which a mixture of cis and trans isomers are detected on the NMR time scale. The isolation of trans compounds 2- 4 from the cis precursor [Mo2(OAc)2(CH3CN)6][BF4]2 indicates that an isomerization process occurs during the reactions. The mechanism involving acetate migration through axial coordination has been invoked to rationalize the product formation. Compounds 1- 7 were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray methods.     

New consecutive photochemical reactions of naphtho[1,8-de]-1,3-dithiin-1-N-tosylsulfilimines via the through-space interaction between two sulfur atoms; A convenient method for preparation of N-tosylaldimines

Naphtho[1,8-de]-1,3-dithiin-1-N-tosylsulfilimines underwent facile consecutive photochemical reactions to give quantitatively the corresponding N-tosylaldimines, together with naphtho[1,8-cd]-1,2-dithiole, via a sulfur–sulfur interaction. The intermediate, 3-hydro-3-phenyl-naphtho[1,8-ef][1,4]dithia[2]-azepin, was isolated by liquid chromatography of the reaction mixtures, and its structure was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The proposed mechanism for these photochemical reactions is based on quantum yield measurements, photo-intensity effects, and crossover experiments. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 9:29–40, 1998     

Intramolecular electron transfer within a covalent, fixed-distance donor-acceptor molecule in an ionic liquid

Intramolecular photoinduced charge separation and recombination within the donor-acceptor molecule 4-(N-pyrrolidino)naphthalene-1,8-imide-pyromellitimide, 5ANI-PI, are studied using ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy in the room-temperature ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide [EMIM][Tf2N]. The rate constants of both photoinduced charge separation and charge recombination for 5ANI-PI in [EMIM][Tf2N] are comparable to those observed in pyridine, which has a static dielectric constant similar to that of [EMIM][Tf2N] but a viscosity that is nearly 2 orders of magnitude lower than that of [EMIM][Tf2N]. The electron-transfer dynamics of 5ANI-PI in [EMIM][Tf2N] are compared to those in pyridine as a function of temperature and are discussed in the context of recently reported ionic liquid solvation studies.     

Persistent radicals of trivalent tin and lead

In this report we present synthetic, crystallographic, and new electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic work that shows that the synthetic route leading to the recently reported, first persistent plumbyl radical *PbEbt3 (Ebt = ethylbis(trimethylsilyl)silyl), that is, the oxidation of the related PbEbt3-anion, was easily extended to the synthesis of other persistent molecular mononuclear radicals of lead and tin. At first, various novel solvates of homoleptic potassium metallates KSnHyp3 (4a), KPbHyp3 (3a), KSnEbt3 (4b), KPbIbt3 (3c), and KSnIbt3 (4c) (Hyp = tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl, Ibt = isopropylbis(trimethylsilyl)silyl), as well as some heteroleptic metallates, such as [Li(OEt2)2][Sn(n)BuHyp2] (3d), [Li(OEt2)2][Pb(n)BuHyp2] (4d), [Li(thf)4][PbPhHyp2] (3e), and [K(thf)7][PbHyp2{N(SiMe3)2}] (3f), were synthesized and crystallographically characterized. Through oxidation by tin(II) and lead(II) bis(trimethylsilyl)amides or the related 2,6-di-tert-butylphenoxides, they had been oxidized to yield in most cases the corresponding radicals. Five novel persistent homoleptically substituted radicals, that is, *SnHyp3 (2a), *PbHyp3 (1a), *SnEbt3 (2b), *SnIbt3 (2c), and *PbIbt3 (1c), had been characterized by EPR spectroscopy. The stannyl radicals 2a and 2c as well as the plumbyl radical 1c were isolated as intensely colored crystalline compounds and had been characterized by X-ray diffraction. Persistent heteroleptically substituted radicals such as *PbHyp2Ph (1e) or *PbHyp2Et (1g) had also been generated, and some selected EPR data are given for comparison. The plumbyl radicals *PbR3 exhibit a clean monomolecular decay leading to the release of a temperature-dependent stationary concentration of branched silyl radicals. They may thus serve as tunable sources of these reactive species that may be utilized as reagents for mild radical silylations and/or as initiators for radical polymerizations. We present EPR-spectroscopic investigations for the new tin- and lead-containing compounds giving detailed insights into their electronic and geometric structure in solution, as well as structural studies on the crystalline state of the radicals, some of their anionic precursors, and some side-products.     

Syntheses and reactivity studies of solvated dirhenium acetonitrile complexes

Fully and partially solvated triply-bonded [Re2]4+ complexes have been synthesized and their X-ray structures are described. A fully solvated dirhenium salt with BArf [tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate] as the counter anion [Re2(CH3CN)10][BArf]4 () has been characterized. The solubility of the complex in CH2Cl2 and THF in addition to CH3CN offers the possibility of improved reactivity. The structure of [Re2(micro-O)(CH3CN)10][BF4]4 () that possesses a linear [Re(III)-O-Re(III)]4+ unit is reported. Protonation reactions of cis-Re2Cl2(dppm)2(O2CCH3)2 and trans-Re2Cl4(dppm)2 with HBF4.Et2O in acetonitrile afforded cis and trans [Re2(dppm)2(CH3CN)6][BF4]4 ( and ), respectively. Prolonging the reaction time, however, does not lead to fully solvated complex [Re2(CH3CN)10][BF4]4. The neutral nitrogen donor ligands pynp (2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) and tznp (2-(2-thiazolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) react readily with [Re2(CH3CN)10][BF4]4 to provide trans-[Re2(pynp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4 and trans-[Re2(tznp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4. The X-ray structures trans-[Re2(pynp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4 () and trans-[Re2(tznp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]3[PF6] () have been determined.     

An unprecedented polyborate ester anion: X-ray diffraction studies on [1,8-C10H6(NMe2)2H][B5O6(OMe)4

The slow hydrolysis of B(OMe)3 in a CH2Cl2 solution in the presence of 1,8-C10H6(NMe2)2 (5:1 ratio) led to the formation of the novel isolated pentaborate ester anion [B5O6(OMe)4]-, which was characterized by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study as the salt [1,8-C10H6(NMe2)2H][B5O6(OMe)4].     

Electronic structures of tris(dioxolene)chromium and tris(dithiolene)chromium complexes of the electron-transfer series [Cr(dioxolene)(3)](z) and [Cr(dithiolene)(3)](z) (z = 0, 1-, 2-, 3-). A combined experimental and density functional theoretical study

From the reaction mixture of 3,6-di-tert-butylcatechol, H2[3,6L(cat)], [CrCl3(thf)3], and NEt3 in CH3CN in the presence of air, the neutral complex [CrIII(3,6L*(sq))3] (S = 0) (1) was isolated. Reduction of 1 with [Co(Cp)2] in CH2Cl2 yielded microcrystals of [Co(Cp)2][CrIII(3,6L*(sq))2(3,6L(cat))] (S = 1/2) (2) where (3,6L*(sq)(1-) is the pi-radical monoanionic o-semiquinonate of the catecholate dianion (3,6Lcat)(2-). Electrochemistry demonstrated that both species are members of the electron-transfer series [Cr(3,6LO,O)]z (z = 0, 1-, 2-, 3-). The corresponding tris(benzo-1,2-dithiolato)chromium complex [N(n-Bu)4][CrIII(3,5L*S,S)2(3,5LS,S)] (S = 1/2) (3) has also been isolated; (3,5LS,S)(2-) represents the closed-shell dianion 3,5-di-tert-butylbenzene-1,2-dithiolate(2-), and (3,5L*S,S)(1-) is its monoanionic pi radical. Complex 3 is a member of the electron-transfer series [Cr(3,5L(S,S))3]z (z = 0, 1-, 2-, 3-). It is shown by Cr K-edge and S K-edge X-ray absorption, UV-vis, and EPR spectroscopies, as well as X-ray crystallography, of 1 and 3 that the oxidation state of the central Cr ion in each member of both electron-transfer series remains the same (+III) and that all redox processes are ligand-based. These experimental results have been corroborated by broken symmetry density functional theoretical calculations by using the B3LYP functional.     

Effects of axial coordination on the Ru-Ru single bond in diruthenium paddlewheel complexes

The 1,8-naphthyridine-based (NP-based) ligands with furyl, thiazolyl, pyridyl, and pyrrolyl attachments at the 2-position have been synthesized. Reactions of 3-MeNP (3-methyl-1,8-naphthyridine), fuNP (2-(2-furyl)-1,8-naphthyridine), tzNP (2-(2-thiazolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine), pyNP (2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine), and prNP(-1) (2-(2-pyrrolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) with [Ru2(CO)4(CH3CN)6]2+ lead to [Ru2(3-MeNP)2(CO)4(OTf)2] (1), [Ru2(fuNP)2(CO)4]2[BF4]2 (2), [Ru2(tzNP)2(CO)4][ClO4]2 (3), [Ru2(pyNP)2(CO)4][OTf]2 (4), and [Ru2(prNP)2(CO)4] (5). The molecular structures of complexes 1-5 have been established by X-ray crystallographic studies. The modulation of the Ru-Ru single-bond distances with axial donors triflates, furyls, thiazolyls, pyridyls, and pyrrolyls has been examined. A small and gradual increase in the Ru-Ru distance is measured with various donors of increasing strengths. The shortest Ru-Ru distance of 2.6071(9) angstroms is observed for the axially coordinated triflates in complex 1, and the longest Ru-Ru distance of 2.6969(10) angstroms is measured for axial pyrrolyls in complex 5. The Ru-Ru distances in complexes 3 (2.6734(7) angstroms) and 4 (2.6792(9) angstroms), having thiazolyls and pyridyls at axial sites respectively, are similar. The Ru-Ru distance for axial furyls in complex 2 (2.6261(9) angstroms) is significantly shorter than the corresponding distances in 3, 4, and 5. DFT calculations provide insight into the interaction of the Ru-Ru sigma orbital with axial donors. The Ru-Ru sigma orbital is elevated to a higher energy because of the interaction with axial lone pairs. The degree of destabilization depends on the nature of axial ligands: the stronger the ligand, higher the elevation of Ru-Ru orbital. The lengthening of Ru-Ru distances with respect to the axial donors in compounds 1-5 follows along the direction pyrrolyl > pyridyl approximately thiazolyl > furyl > triflate, and the trend correlates well with the computed destabilization of the Ru-Ru sigma orbitals.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and reactivity of osmium(II) and -(IV) complexes containing a dithioimidodiphosphinate ligand

Reduction of trans-[OsL2(O)2] (1) (L-=[N(i-Pr2PS)2]-) with hydrazine hydrate afforded a dinitrogen complex 2, possibly "[OsL2(N2)(solv)]" (solv=H2O or THF), which reacted with RCN, R'NC, and SO2 to give trans-[OsL2(RCN)2] (R=Ph (3), 4-tolyl (4), 4-t-BuC6H4 (5)), trans-[OsL2(R'NC)2] (R'=2,6-Me2C6H3 (xyl) (6), t-Bu (7)), and [Os(L)2(SO2)(H2O)] (8) complexes, respectively. Protonation of compounds 2, 3, and 6 with HBF4 led to formation of dicationic trans-[Os(LH)2(N2)(H2O)][BF4]2 (9), trans-[Os(LH)2(PhCN)2][BF4]2 (10), and trans-[Os(LH)2(xylNC)2][BF4]2 (11), respectively. Treatment of 1 with phenylhydrazine and SnCl2 afforded trans-[OsL2(N2Ph)2] (12) and trans-[OsL2Cl2] (13), respectively. Air oxidation of compound 2 in hexane/MeOH gave the dimethoxy complex trans-[OsL2(OMe)2] (14), which in CH2Cl2 solution was readily air oxidized to 1. Compound 1 is capable of catalyzing aerobic oxidation of PPh3, possibly via an Os(IV) intermediate. The formal potentials for the Os-L complexes have been determined by cyclic voltammetry. The solid-state structures of compounds 4, 6, cis-8, 13, and 14 have been established by X-ray crystallography.     

Functionalization of heteropolyanions-osmium and rhenium nitrido derivatives of Keggin- and Dawson-type polyoxotungstates: synthesis, characterization and multinuclear ((183)W, (15)N) NMR, EPR, IR, and UV/Vis fingerprints

Reaction of K(10)[alpha(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61)] or K(10)[alpha(1)-P(2)W(17)O(61)] or [Bu(4)N][OsCl(4)N] in a water/methanol mixture, and subsequent precipitation with (Bu(4)N)Br provided [alpha(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61){Os(VI)N}](7-) and [alpha(1)-P(2)W(17)O(61){Os(VI)N}](7-) Dawson structures as tetrabutylammonium salts. Reactions of [(Bu(4)N)(4)][alpha-H(3)PW(11)O(39)] with either [ReCl(3)(N(2)Ph(2))(PPh(3))(2)] or [Bu(4)N][ReCl(4)N] are alternatives to the synthesis of [(Bu(4)N)(4)][alpha-PW(11)O(39){Re(VI)N}]. (183)W and (15)N NMR, EPR, IR, and UV-visible spectroscopies and cyclic voltammetry have been used to characterize these compounds and the corresponding [(Bu(4)N)(4)][alpha-PW(11)O(39){Os(VI)N}] Keggin derivative.     

The preparation and characterisation of bimetallic iridium(II) complexes containing derivatised bridging naphthalene-1,8-disulfur or 4,5-dithiolato acephenanthrylene ligands

Oxidative addition of the disulfide compounds naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole, 2-tert-butylnaptho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole, 2,7-di-tert-butylnaphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole, 4,5-dithiaacephenanthrylene and the thio/sulfinyl and thio/sulfonyl compounds naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole 1-oxide, and naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole 1,1-dioxide respectively to [[Ir(mu-Cl)(cod)](2)] give dinuclear Ir-Ir bonded Ir(II) compounds [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-nap)] 1, [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-2-(t)Bu-nap)] 2, [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-2,7-di-(t)Bu-nap)]] 3, [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-4,5-S(2)-phenan)] 4, [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1-S,8-[S(O)]-nap)] 5 and [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1-S,8-[S(O)(2)]-nap)] 6 where the di-sulfur ligands act as bridges between the two Ir(II) metal centres. The compounds were obtained in moderate to good yields as orange or deep red powders or crystalline solids. Five of the new complexes have been structurally characterised and were found to have Ir-Ir bond lengths in the range 2.7630(8) to 2.8113(11) A.     

Cascade cyclizations via N,4-didehydro-2-(phenylamino)pyridine biradicals/zwitterions generated from enyne-carbodiimides

Thermolysis of the enyne-carbodiimides 7 having the central carbon-carbon double bond incorporated as part of the cyclopentene ring favors the formation of the corresponding N,4-didehydro-2-(phenylamino)pyridine intermediates, either as the sigma,pi-biradicals 8 or as the zwitterions 8', for subsequent synthetic elaborations. By placing appropriate substituents at the acetylenic terminus, a variety of the intramolecular decay routes are available for the initially formed sigma,pi-biradicals/zwitterions, leading to the 5,6-dihydrobenzo[c][1,8]naphthyridine 21, the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1,8]naphthyridine 24 and related compounds 25 and 26, the 5,6-dihydrobenz[f]isoquinoline 28, and the benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine 30. Surprisingly, the use of the dimethylamino group of the 2-(dimethylamino)phenyl substituent to capture the carbocationic center in the zwitterion 8e' furnished the 5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole 32 in only 14% yield. The majority of the products were the 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinolines 34 and 35, isolated in 48 and 7% yields, respectively. However, it was possible to redirect the reaction toward 32 by conducting thermolysis of the enyne-carbodiimide 7e in the presence of 5 equiv of dimethylphenylsilyl chloride. Under this reaction condition, the 2-pyridone imine 37 was isolated in 86% yield, which on exposure to silica gel was converted to 32 in essentially quantitative yield. Thermolysis of the enyne-carbodiimide 42 having a methoxymethyl substituent at the acetylenic terminus led to the formation of 46' as a pyridine analogue of ortho-quinone methide imine. An intramolecular hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of 46' then furnished the tetrahydro[1,8]naphthyridino[2,1-c][1,4]benzoxazine 47.     

2,6-Diacylnaphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximides): synthesis, reduction potentials, and core extension

2,6-Diacyl derivatives of naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide)s have been synthesized via Stille coupling reactions of the corresponding 2,6-distannyl derivative with acyl halides. Reaction of these diketones with hydrazine gave phthalazino[6,7,8,1-lmna]pyridazino[5,4,3-gh][3,8]phenanthroline-5,11(4H,10H)-dione fused-ring derivatives. The products were characterized by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and electrochemistry, modeled using density functional theory calculations, and, in some cases, studied and compared using single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Localization and delocalization in a mixed-valence dicopper helicate

The coordination chemistry of the tetradentate pyridyl-thiazole (py-tz) N-donor ligand 6,6'-bis(4-phenylthiazol-2-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine (L1) has been investigated. Reaction of L1 with equimolar copper(II) ions results in the formation of the single-stranded mononuclear complex [Cu(L1)(ClO4)2] (1), whereas reaction with copper(I) ions results in the double-stranded dinuclear helicate [Cu2(L1)2][PF6]2 (2). Both complexes were characterized by X-ray crystallography, UV-vis spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (as well as 1H NMR spectroscopy for diamagnetic 2). Complex 2 is redox-active and, upon one-electron oxidation, forms the stable tricationic mixed-valence helicate [Cu2(L1)2]3+ (3). This species can also be prepared in situ by combining [Cu(MeCN)4][BF4], [Cu(H2O)6][BF4]2, and L1 in a 1:1:2 ratio in nitromethane. X-ray crystallographic analysis of 3 provides structural evidence for the presence of an internuclear Cu-Cu bond, with an even distribution of spin density across the two Cu centers. Room-temperature UV-vis spectroscopy is consistent with this finding; however, frozen-glass EPR spectroscopic investigations suggest solvatochromic behavior at 110 K, with the [Cu2]3+ core varying from localized to delocalized depending on the solvent polarity.     

Evidence of Transannular Bonding Interaction between Two Sulfur Atoms on Photolysis of Naphtho[1,8-ef][1,4]dithiepins

Naphtho[1,8-ef][1,4]dithiepins 5 were prepared by the reaction of naphtho[1,8-de]-1,3-dithiins 3 with diethyl diazomalonate in the presence of copper acetylacetonate. The X-ray crystallographic analysis of 2,3-dihydro-2,2-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylnaphtho[1,8-ef][1,4]dithiepin (5a) revealed that the S.S distance is shorter than the sum of their van der Waals radii, indicating that compounds 5 have a strong through-space interaction between the two sulfur atoms. Direct irradiation of 5 with a 500 W high-pressure mercury lamp (313 nm) at room temperature gave the corresponding olefins 6 and naphtho[1,8-cd]-1,2-dithiole (1) quantitatively. The quantum yields of the consumption of 5a and the formation of 6aand 1 were 0.34. The mechanism of this reaction was investigated by examining the effect of sensitization and light intensity. The results indicate that the reaction may proceed by a one-photon process from an excited singlet state. Ab initio calculations were carried out on model compound 7, and it was shown that the excitation to the S(1) state causes a bonding interaction between the two sulfur atoms, making the reaction possible.     

Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-iridium(III) complexes with pyridylamino ligands: synthesis and applications as asymmetric catalysts for Diels-Alder reactions

Reaction of the dimer [(Cp*IrCl)2(P-Cl)2] with chiral pyridylamino ligands (pyam, L1-L5) in the presence of NaSbF6 gave complexes [Cp*IrCl(pyam)][SbF6] 1-5 as diastereomeric mixtures, which have been fully characterised, including the X-ray molecular structure determination of the complexes (S(Ir),R(N),R(C))-[Cp*IrClL1][SbF6] 1a and (R(Ir),S(N),S(C))-[Cp*IrClL5][SbF6] 5a. Treatment of these cations with AgSbF6 affords the corresponding aqua species [Cp*Ir(pyam)(H2O)][SbF6]2 6-10 which have been also fully characterised. The molecular structure of the complex (S(Ir),R(N),R(C))-[Cp*IrL,(H2O)][SbF6]2 6 has been determined by X-ray diffractometric methods. The aqua complexes [Cp*Ir(pyam)(H2O)][SbF6]2 (6, pyam = L2 (7), L3 (8)) evolve to the cyclometallated species [Cp*Ir{kappa3(N,N',C)-(R)-(C6H4)CH(CH3)NHCH2C5NH4}][SbF6] (11), [Cp*Ir{kappa3(N,N',C)-(R)-(C10H6)CH(CH3)-NHCH2C5NH4)}][SbF6] (12), and [Cp*Ir{kappa3(N,N',C)-(R)-(C10H6)CH(CH3)NHCH2C9NH6)}][SbF6] (13) respectively, via intramolecular activation of an ortho C-H aryl bond. Complexes 6-10 are enantioselective catalysts for the Diels-Alder reaction between methacrolein and cyclopentadiene. Reaction occurs rapidly at room temperature with good exo : endo selectivity (from 81 : 19 to 98 : 2) and moderate enantioselectivity (up to 72%). The involved intermediate Lewis acid-dienophile compounds [Cp*Ir(pyam)(methacrolein)][SbF]2 (pyam = L4 (14), L5 (15)) have been isolated and characterised.     

Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of a uranyl beta-diketiminate complex

Addition of 1 equiv of Li(Ar2nacnac) (Ar2nacnac = (2,6-(i)Pr2C6H3)NC(Me)CHC(Me)N(2,6-(i)Pr2C6H3)) to an Et2O suspension of UO2Cl2(THF)3 generates the uranyl dimer [UO2(Ar2nacnac)Cl]2 (1) in good yield. A second species can be isolated in low yield from the reaction mixtures of 1, namely [Li(OEt2)2][UO2(Ar2nacnac)Cl2] (2). The structures of both 1 and 2 have been confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 reacts with Ph3PO to generate UO2(Ar2nacnac)Cl(Ph3PO) (3). In addition, 1 reacts with AgOTf and either 1 equiv of DPPMO2 or 2 equiv of Ph2MePO to provide [UO2(Ar2nacnac)(DPPMO2)][OTf] (4) and [UO2(Ar2nacnac)(Ph2MePO)2][OTf] (5), respectively. Both 4 and 5 have been fully characterized, including analysis by X-ray crystallography and cyclic voltammetry. Reduction of 4 with Cp2Co provides UO2(Ar2nacnac)(CH{Ph2PO}2) (6), a uranyl(VI) complex that is generated by the formal loss of H* from the DPPMO2 ligand. Labeling studies have been performed in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of hydrogen loss. In contrast, reduction of 5 with Cp2Co provides UO2(Ar2nacnac)(Ph2MePO)2 (7), a rare example of a uranyl(V) complex. As expected, the solid-state molecular structure of 7 reveals slightly longer U-O(oxo) bond lengths relative to 5. Furthermore, complex 7 can be converted back into 5 by oxidation with AgOTf in toluene.