Oxovanadium(V) tetrathiacalix[4]arene complexes and their activity as oxidation catalysts

With the aim of modeling reactive moieties and relevant intermediates on the surfaces of vanadium oxide based catalysts during oxygenation/dehydrogenation of organic substrates, mono- and dinuclear vanadium oxo complexes of doubly deprotonated p-tert-butylated tetrathiacalix[4]arene (H4TC) have been synthesized and characterized: PPh4[(H2TC)VOCl(2)] (1) and (PPh4)2[{(H2TC)V(O)(mu-O)}2] (2). According to the NMR spectra of the dissolved complexes they both retain the structures adopted in the crystalline state, as revealed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Compounds 1 and 2 were tested as catalysts for the oxidation of alcohols with O(2) at 80 degrees C. Both 1 and 2 efficiently catalyze the oxidation of benzyl alcohol, crotyl alcohol, 1-phenyl-1-propanol, and fluorenol, and in most cases dinuclear complex 2 is more active than mononuclear complex 1. Moreover, the two thiacalixarene complexes 1 and 2 are in many instances more active than oxovanadium(V) complexes containing "classical" calixarene ligands tested previously. Complexes 1 and 2 also show significant activity in the oxidation of dihydroanthracene. Further investigations led to the conclusion that 1 acts as precatalyst that is converted to the active species PPh4[(TC)V==O] (3) at 80 degrees C by double intramolecular HCl elimination. For complex 2, the results of mechanistic investigations indicated that the oxidation chemistry takes place at the bridging oxo ligands and that the two vanadium centers cooperate during the process. The intermediate (PPh4)2[{H2TCV(O)}2(mu-OH)(mu-OC13H9)] (4) was isolated and characterized, also with respect to its reactivity, and the results afforded a mechanistic proposal for a reasonable catalytic cycle. The implications which these findings gathered in solution may have for oxidation mechanisms on the surfaces of V-based heterogeneous catalysts are discussed.     

Synthesis and structure of tetranuclear orthometallated Pd(II) complexes derived from bis-iminophosphoranes

The reaction of Pd(OAc)2 with bis-iminophosphoranes Ph3P=NCH2CH2CH2N=PPh3 (1a), [C6H4(C(O)N=PPh3)2-1,3] (1b) and [C6H4(C(O)N=PPh3)2-1,2] (1c), gives the orthopalladated tetranuclear complexes [{Pd(mu-Cl){C6H4(PPh2=NCH2-kappa-C,N)-2}}2CH2]2 (2a) [{Pd(mu-OAc){C6H4(PPh2=NC(O)-kappa-C,N)-2}}2C6H4-1',3']2 (2b) and [{Pd(mu-OAc){C6H4(PPh2=NC(O)-kappa-C,N)-2}}2C6H4-1',2']2 (2c). The reaction takes place in CH2Cl2 for 1a, but must be performed in glacial acetic acid for 1b and 1c. The process implies in all cases the activation of a C-H bond on a Ph ring of the phosphonium group, with concomitant formation of endo complexes. This is the expected behaviour for 1a, but for 1b and 1c reverses the exo orientation observed in other ketostabilized iminophosphoranes. The influence of the solvent in the orientation of the reaction is discussed. The dinuclear acetylacetonate complexes [{Pd(acac-O,O'){C6H4(PPh2=NCH2-kappa-C,N)-2}}2CH2] (3a), [{Pd(acac-O,O'){C6H4(PPh2=NC(O)-kappa-C,N)-2}}2C6H4-1',3'] (3b) and [{Pd(acac-O,O'){C6H4(PPh2=NC(O)-kappa-C,N)-2}}2C6H4-1',2'] (3c) have been obtained from the halide-bridging tetranuclear derivatives. The X-ray crystal structure of [3c.4CHCl3] is also reported.     

Synthesis and reactivity of calix[4]arene-supported group 4 imido complexes

New mononuclear titanium and zirconium imido complexes [M(NR)(R'(2)calix)] [M=Ti, R'=Me, R=tBu (1), R=2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2) (2), R=2,6-C(6)H(3)iPr(2) (3), R=2,4,6-C(6)H(2)Me(3) (4); M=Ti, R'=Bz, R=tBu (5), R=2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2) (6), R=2,6-C(6)H(3)iPr(2) (7); M=Zr, R'=Me, R=2,6-C(6)H(3)iPr(2) (8)] supported by 1,3-diorganyl ether p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes (R'(2)calix) were prepared in good yield from the readily available complexes [MCl(2)(Me(2)calix)], [Ti(NR)Cl(2)(py)(3)], and [Ti(NR)Cl(2)(NHMe(2))(2)]. The crystallographically characterised complex [Ti(NtBu)(Me(2)calix)] (1) reacts readily with CO(2), CS(2), and p-tolyl-isocyanate to give the isolated complexes [Ti[N(tBu)C(O)O](Me(2)calix)] (10), [[Ti(mu-O)(Me(2)calix)](2)] (11), [[Ti(mu-S)(Me(2)calix)](2)] (12), and [Ti[N(tBu)C(O)N(-4-C(6)H(4)Me)](Me(2)calix)] (13). In the case of CO(2) and CS(2), the addition of the heterocumulene to the Ti-N multiple bond is followed by a cycloreversion reaction to give the dinuclear complexes 11 and 12. The X-ray structure of 13.4(C(7)H(8)) clearly establishes the N,N'-coordination mode of the ureate ligand in this compound. Complex 1 undergoes tert-butyl/arylamine exchange reactions to form 2, 3, [Ti(N-4-C(6)H(4)Me)(Me(2)calix)] (14), [Ti(N-4-C(6)H(4)Fc)(Me(2)calix)] (15) [Fc=Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))], and [[Ti(Me(2)calix)](2)[mu-(N-4-C(6)H(4))(2)CH(2)]] (16). Reaction of 1 with H(2)O, H(2)S and HCl afforded the compounds [[Ti(mu-O)(Me(2)calix)](2)] (11), [[Ti(mu-S)(Me(2)calix)](2)] (12), and [TiCl(2)(Me(2)calix)] in excellent yields. Furthermore, treatment of 1 with two equivalents of phenols results in the formation of [Ti(O-4-C(6)H(4)R)(2)(Me(2)calix)] (R=Me 17 or tBu 18), [Ti(O-2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2))(2)(Me(2)calix)] (19) and [Ti(mbmp)(Me(2)calix)] (20; H(2)mbmp=2,2'-methylene-bis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol) or CH(2)([CH(3)][C(4)H(9)]C(6)H(2)-OH)(2)). The bis(phenolate) compounds 17 and 18 with para-substituted phenolate ligands undergo elimination and/or rearrangement reactions in the nonpolar solvents pentane or hexane. The metal-containing products of the elimination reactions are dinuclear complexes [[Ti(O-4-C(6)H(4)R)(Mecalix)](2)] [R=Me (23) or tBu (24)] where Mecalix=monomethyl ether of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene. The products of the rearrangement reaction are [Ti(O-4-C(6)H(4)Me)(2) (paco-Me(2)calix)] (25) and [Ti(O-4-C(6)H(4)tBu)(2)(paco-Me(2)calix)] (26), in which the metallated calix[4]arene ligand is coordinated in a form reminiscent of the partial cone (paco) conformation of calix[4]arene. In these compounds, one of the methoxy groups is located inside the cavity of the calix[4]arene ligand. The complexes 24, 25 and 26 have been crystallographically characterised. Complexes with sterically more demanding phenolate ligands, namely 19 and 20 and the analogous zirconium complexes [Zr(O-4-C(6)H(4)Me)(2)(Me(2)calix)] (21) and [Zr(O-2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2))(2)(Me(2)calix)] (22) do not rearrange. Density functional calculations for the model complexes [M(OC(6)H(5))(2)(Me(2)calix)] with the calixarene possessing either cone or partial cone conformations are briefly presented.     

Synthesis and characterization of diametrically substituted tetra-O-n-butylcalix[4]arene ligands and their chelated complexes of titanium,molybdenum, and palladium

The ligation properties of three new upper-rim-substituted calix[4]arene ligands, 5,17-bis(hydroxymethyl)-tetra-n-butoxycalix[4]arene ((HOCH2)2-nBu4Clx, 7), 5,17-bis((diphenylphosphinito)methoxy)-tetra-n-butoxycalix[4]arene ((PPh2OCH2)2-nBu4Clx, 8), and 5,17-bis((diphenylphosphino)methyl)-tetra-n-butoxycalix[4]arene ((PPh2CH2)2-nBu4Clx, 10) are reported herein. The newly prepared compounds differ from previously reported diametrically substituted calix[4]arene derivatives in that the lower-rim substituent was n-butyl. The presence of this lower-rim substituent did not reduce the inherent crystallinity of these complexes as purification of all materials occurred via simple crystallizations. The key precursor for the syntheses of 8 and 10 was 7, acquisition of which occurred in six steps starting from tetra-tert-butylcalix[4]arene, 1. Calix[4]arene derivatives include, tetra-n-butoxycalix[4]arene (nBu4Clx, 3), 5,11,17,23-tetrabromo-tetra-n-butoxycalix[4]arene (Br4-nBu4Clx, 4), 5,17-dibromo-tetra-n-butoxycalix[4]arene (Br2-nBu4Clx, 5), 5,17-bis(formyl)-tetra-n-butoxycalix[4]arene ((CHO)2-nBu4Clx, 6), and 5,17-bis(chloromethyl)-tetra-n-butoxycalix[4]arene ((ClCH2)2-nBu4Clx, 9), all of which were synthesized using modifications of existing procedures. Characterization of all compounds occurred, when possible, using 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR, elemental analyses, FAB-MS, ESI-MS, FT-IR, and X-ray crystallography. The solid-state structures of all calix[4]arene intermediates and ligands showed that the annulus adopted the pinched-cone conformation in which the average C(5)...C(17) intraannular separation was 4.5 +/- 0.4 A. Reaction of 7 with CpTiMe3 yielded the cis-chelate, CpTi(Me)[(OCH2)2-nBu4Clx] (11), quantitatively. Data obtained using ESI-MS (positive-ion mode) confirmed the monomer formulation showed above, and 1H NMR spectra provided sufficient information to deduce the nature of the Ti coordination sphere. Reaction of 8 with cis-Cl2Pd(NCPh)2 in refluxing benzene afforded cis-Cl2Pd[(PPh2OCH2)2-nBu4Clx] (12) in good yields. The monomeric identity of this compound was verified by both X-ray crystallography and positive-ion ESI-MS. The cis-bidentate calix[4]arene ligand did not undergo any noticeable contortion upon chelation of the PdCl2 fragment. Acid-promoted decomposition of 12 occurred in the presence of adventitious HCl and gaseous HCl, and the products of this decomposition were 9 and [mu2-ClPd(PPh2OH)(PPh2O)]2. In addition, chelates of 8 that contained Mo(CO)3L (L = NCMe (14a), NCEt (14b), and CO (14c)) showed that the mode of coordination was relatively insensitive to the identity of the metal. X-ray crystallography afforded views of the solid-state structures of 14b,c and, like 12, showed that the Mo(CO)3L fragment resided above the pinched-cone of the calix[4]arene. 1H NMR revealed that C-H/pi interactions existed between L (14a,b) and a phenyl ring of the coordinated phosphinite. Finally, the bis(diphenylphosphine)calix[4]arene ligand (10) readily coordinated the Mo(CO)3L species, but the reaction did not go to completion, as evidenced by 1H NMR, even after a 5 day reaction time. Data suggest that the product is similar to that observed for 12 and 14, but the incomplete reaction complicated attempts to obtain pure material and prohibited definitive assignment of the coordination array.     

Catalytic applications of keto-stabilised phosphorus ylides based on a macrocyclic scaffold: calixarenes with one or two pendant Ni(P,O)-subunits as ethylene oligomerisation and polymerisation catalysts

Four calix[4]arenes containing either one or two ylidic -C(O)CH=PPh3 moieties anchored at p-phenolic carbon atoms were prepared starting from cone-25,27-dipropoxycalix[4]arene (1): 1,3-alternate-5,17-bis(2-triphenylphosphoranylideneacetyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxycalix[4]arene (12), 1,3-alternate-5-(2-triphenylphosphoranylideneacetyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxycalix[4]arene (13), cone-5-(2-triphenylphosphoranylideneacetyl)-25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-dipropoxycalix[4]arene (14), cone-5,17-bis(2-triphenylphosphoranylideneacetyl)-25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-dipropoxycalix[4]arene (15). All the ylides were shown to be suitable for the preparation of SHOP-type complexes, i.e. of molecules containing [NiPh{Ph2PCH=C(O)R}(PPh3)] subunits (R = calixarene fragment). The monometallic complexes, namely those obtained from the monophosphorus ylides 13 and 14, proved to be efficient ethylene oligomerisation or polymerisation catalysts. At 80 degrees C, they displayed significantly better activities than the prototype [NiPh{Ph(2)PCH=C(O)Ph}(PPh3)], hence reflecting the beneficial role of the bulky calixarene substituent. The systems derived from the two ylides 12 and 15, both containing two convergent ylidic moieties, resulted in lower activities, the proximity of the two catalytic centres facilitating an intramolecular deactivation pathway during the period of catalyst activation. For the first time, the solid-state structure of a complex containing two "NiPh(P,O)(PPh3)" units as well as that of a SHOP-type complex having two linked phosphorus units were determined.     

Origins of cooperative noncovalent host-guest chemistry in mixed valence complexes

The electronic effects resulting from noncovalent host-guest interactions between calix[6]arene and a ruthenium dimer, [Ru3O(OAc)6(CO)(ppy)]2-mu-pz (ppy=4-phenyl pyridine, pz=pyrazine), are presented. The noncovalent interaction is between the calix[6]arene and the ppy ligands of the dimer. The dimer can bind 2 equiv of calix[6]arene. The complex [Ru3O(OAc)6(CO)(ppy)]2-mu-pz forms a highly stable mixed valence ion with strong electronic coupling between the two Ru3 clusters. The strength of the electronic interaction is found to be moderated by calix[6]arene binding. Addition of calix[6]arene to the mixed valence ion causes the electronic coupling to decrease. The binding of calix[6]arene is found to be cooperative. The origins of cooperative binding are developed in terms of the potential energy surfaces associated with the symmetric and asymmetric mixed valence ion. In particular, it is found that symmetry breaking (through the binding of a single calix[6]arene) destabilizes the mixed valence state. Restoration of symmetry (through the binding of a second calix[6]arene) increases the stability of the mixed valence ion and provides an additional driving force for the binding of the second calix[6]arene.     

Mononuclear (Pd, Pt), heterodinuclear (PdAg, PtAg), and tetranuclear (Pd2Ag2, Pt2Ag2) 1,1-ethylenedithiolato complexes

lp;&-5q;1 The reactions of [Tl2[S2C=C[C(O)Me]2]]n with [MCl2L2] (1:1) or with [MCl2(NCPh)2] and PPh3 (1:1:2) give complexes [M[eta2-S2C=C[C(O)Me]2]L2] [M = Pt, L2 = 1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod) (1); L2 = bpy, M = Pd (2a), Pt (2b), L = PPh3, M = Pd (3a), Pt (3b)] whereas with MCl2 and QCl (2:1:2) anionic derivatives Q2[M[eta2-S2C=C[C(O)Me]2]2] [M = Pd, Q = NMe4 (4a), Ph3P=N=PPh3 (PPN) (4a'), M = Pt, Q = NMe4 (4b)] are produced. Complexes 1 and 3 react with AgClO4 (1:1) to give tetranuclear complexes [[ML2]2Ag2[mu2,eta2-(S,S')-[S2C=C[C(O)Me]2]2]](ClO4)2 [L = PPh3, M = Pd (5a), Pt (5b), L2 = cod, M = Pt (5b')], while the reactions of 3 with AgClO4 and PPh3 (1:1:2) give dinuclear [[M(PPh3)2][Ag(PPh3)2][mu2,eta2-(S,S')-S2C=C[C(O)Me]2]]]ClO4 [M = Pd (6a), Pt (6b)]. The crystal structures of 3a, 3b, 4a, and two crystal forms of 5b have been determined. The two crystal forms of 5b display two [Pt(PPh3)2][mu2,eta2-(S,S')-[S2C=C[C(O)Me]2]2] moieties bridging two Ag(I) centers.     

The first acetimine gold(I) and gold(III) complexes and the first acetonine complexes

Ketimino(phosphino)gold(I) complexes of the type [Au[NR=C(Me)R']L]X (X = ClO4, R = H, L = PPh3, R'=Me (la), Et (2a); L=PAr3 (Ar=C6H4OMe-4), R'=Me (1b), Et (2b); L=PPh3, R=R'=Me (3); X= CF3SO3 (OTf), L=PPh3, R=R'=Me (3'); R=Ar, R'=Me (4)) have been prepared from [Au(acac)L] (acac = acetyl acetonate) and ammonium salts [RNH3]X dissolved in the appropriate ketone MeC(O)R'. Complexes [Au(NH=CMe2)2]X (X = C1O4 (6), OTf (6')) were obtained from solutions of [Au(NH3)2]X in acetone. The reaction of 6 with PPN[AuCl2] or with PhICl2 gave [AuCl(NH=CMe2)] (7) or [AuCI2(NH=CMe2)2]ClO4 (8), respectively. Complex 7 was oxidized with PhICl2 to give [AuCl3(NH=CMe2)] (9). The reaction of [AuCl(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene), NaClO4, and ammonia in acetone gave [Au(acetonine)2]ClO4 (10) (acetonine = 2,2,4,4,6-pentamethyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyrimidine) which reacted with PPh3 or with PPN[AuCl2] to give [Au(PPh3)(acetonine)]ClO4 (11) or [AuCl(acetonine)] (12), respectively. Complex 11 reacts with [Au(PPh3)(Me2CO)]ClO4 to give [(AuPPh3)2(mu-acetonine)](ClO4)2 (13). The reaction of AgClO4 with acetonine gave [Ag(acetonine)(OClO3)] (14). The crystal structures of [Au(NH2Ar)(PPh3)]OTf (5), 6' and 10 have been determined.     

Complexation of dirhodium(II) with N-functionalized calix[4]resorcinarenes

Russian Chemical Bulletin - Some features of the complexation of [Rh2(OAc)4?2H2O] with calix[4]resorcinarenes functionalized by aminoalkyl groups in the upper or lower rims in EtOH and Me2CO...     

Synthesis, crystal structure and reactivity of uranium(IV) complexes with p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene ligands

Reactions of UCl4 with 25,27-dimethoxy-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (H2Me2calix) in THF or pyridine at 80 degrees C gave [UCl2(Me2calix)L2] [L = THF (1) or pyridine (2)]. Similar treatment of U(acac)(4) (acac = MeCOCHCOMe) with H2Me2calix in THF or pyridine afforded [U(acac)2(Me2calix)] (3). The bis-calixarene compound [U(Me2calix)(H2calix)] (4) was obtained by reaction of U(OTf)4 or U(OTf)3 with H2Me2calix in pyridine at 110 degrees C. Treatment of UCl4 with H2Me2calix in pyridine at 110 degrees C gave [Mepy][UCl2(Hcalix)(py)2] (5) resulting from demethylation and acid cleavage of the methoxy groups of the calixarene ligand of 2. Adventitious traces of air were responsible for the formation of [Hpy][Mepy]4[{UCl(calix)}3(mu3-O)][UCl6] (6) during the reaction of UCl4 and H2Me2calix, and of [{U(Me2calix)(mu3-O)LiCl(THF)}2] (7) during the reaction of 2 with tBuLi. The X-ray crystal structures of 1.2THF, 2.2py, 3.0.25L (L = THF and py), 4.2py, 5, 6.3py and 7.THF have been determined.     

Cationic Rh complexes with novel spiro tetraarylpentaborate anions prepared from arylboronic acids and aryloxorhodium complexes

Ar-B(OH)2 (1a: Ar = C6H4OMe-4, 1b: Ar = C6H3Me2-2,6) react immediately with Rh(OC6H4Me-4)(PMe3)3 (2) in 5 : 1 molar ratio at room temperature to generate [Rh(PMe3)4]+[B5O6Ar4]- (3a: Ar = C6H4OMe-4, 3b: Ar = C6H3Me2-2,6). p-Cresol (92%/Rh), anisole (80%/Rh) and H2O (364%/Rh) are formed from 1a and 2. The reaction of 1a with 2 for 24 h produces [Rh(PMe3)4]+[B5O6(OH)4]- (4) as a yellow solid. This is attributed to hydrolytic dearylation of once formed 3a because the direct reaction of 3a with excess H2O forms 4. An equimolar reaction of 2 with phenylboroxine (PhBO)3 causes transfer of the 4-methylphenoxo ligand from rhodium to boron to produce [Rh(PMe3)4]+[B3O3Ph3(OC6H4Me-4)]- (5). Arylboronic acids 1a and 1b react with Rh(OC6H4Me-4)(PR3)3 (6: R = Et, 8: R = Ph) and with Rh(OC6H4Me-4)(cod)(PR3) (11: R = iPr, 12: R = Ph) to form [Rh(PR3)4]+[B5O6Ar4]- (7a: R = Et, Ar = C6H4OMe-4, 7b: R = Et, Ar = C6H3Me2-2,6, 9a: R = Ph, Ar = C6H3Me2-2,6) and [Rh(cod)(PR3)(L)]+[B5O6Ar4]- (13b: R = iPr, L = acetone, Ar = C6H3Me2-2,6, 14a: R = Ph, L = PPh3, Ar = C6H4OMe-4, 14b: R = Ph, L = PPh3, Ar = C6H3Me2-2,6), respectively. Hydrolysis of 14a yields [Rh(cod)(PPh3)2]+[B5O6(OH)4]- (15) quantitatively.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of uranium(IV) complexes with calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6 and 8): mononuclear, polynuclear and 1D polymeric species

Reactions of UCl4 with calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6) in THF gave the mononuclear [UCl2(calix[4]arene - 2H)(THF)2].2THF (.2THF) and the bis-dinuclear [U2Cl2(calix[6]arene - 6H)(THF)3]2.6THF (.6THF) complexes, respectively, while the mono-, di- and trinuclear compounds [Hpy]2[UCl3(calix[4]arene - 3H)].py (.py), [Hpy](4)[U2Cl6(calix[6]arene - 6H)].3py (.3py), [Hpy]3[U2Cl5(calix[6]arene - 6H)(py)].py (.py) and [Hpy]6[U3Cl11(calix[8]arene - 7H)].3py (.3py) were obtained by treatment of UCl4 with calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6, 8) in pyridine. The sodium salt of calix[8]arene reacted with UCl4 to give the pentanuclear complex [U{U2Cl3(calix[8]arene - 7H)(py)5}2].8py (.8py). Reaction of U(acac)4 (acac = MeCOCHCOMe) with calix[4]arene in pyridine afforded the mononuclear complex [U(acac)2(calix[4]arene - 2H)].4py (.4py) and its treatment with the sodium salt of calix[8]arene led to the formation of the 1D polymer [U2(acac)6(calix[8]arene - 6H)(py)4Na4]n. The sandwich complex [Hpy]2[U(calix[4]arene - 3H)2][OTf].4py (.4py) was obtained by treatment of U(OTf)4 (OTf = OSO2CF3) with calix[4]arene in pyridine. All the complexes have been characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Catalytic investigations of calix[4]arene scaffold based phase transfer catalyst

Calix[4]arene scaffold based quaternary ammonium salts as multi-site phase transfer catalysts were prepared and their catalytic activities were investigated for Darzens condensation, O/N-alkylation reactions and ethyl benzene oxidation. These calix[4]arene based multi-site phase transfer catalysts showed significant high catalytic activity as compared to single-site phase transfer catalysts.     

Oxo- and imidovanadium complexes incorporating methylene- and dimethyleneoxa-bridged calix[3]- and -[4]arenes: synthesis, structures and ethylene polymerisation catalysis

Reaction of [V(X)(OR)3] (X=O, Np-tolyl; R=Et, nPr or tBu) with p-tert-butylhexahomotrioxacalix[3]areneH3, LH3, affords the air-stable complexes [{V(X)L}n] (X=O, n=1 (1); X=Np-tolyl, n=2 (2)). Alternatively, 1 is readily available either from interaction of [V(mes)3THF] with LH3, and subsequent oxidation with O2 or upon reaction of LLi3 with [VOCl3]. Reaction of [V(Np-tolyl)(OtBu)3] with 1,3-dimethylether-p-tert-butylcalix[4]areneH2, Cax(OMe)2(OH)2, afforded [{VO(OtBu)}2(mu-O)Cax(OMe)2(O)2].2 MeCN (42 MeCN), in which two vanadium atoms are bound to just one calix[4]arene ligand; the n-propoxide analogue of 4, namely [{VO(OnPr)}2(mu-O)Cax(OMe)2(O)2].1.5 MeCN (51.5 MeCN), has also been isolated from a similar reaction using [V(O)(OnPr)3]. Reaction of [VOCl3], LiOtBu, (Me3Si)2O and Cax(OMe)2(OH)2 gave [{VO(OtBu)Cax(OMe)2(O)2}2Li4O2].8 MeCN (68 MeCN), in which an Li4O4 cube (two of the oxygen atoms are derived from the calixarene ligands) is sandwiched between two Cax(OMe)2(O)2. The reaction between [V(Np-tolyl)(OtBu)3] and Cax(OMe)2(OH)2, afforded [V(Np-tolyl)(OtBu)2Cax(OMe)2(O)(OH)]5 MeCN (75 MeCN), in which two tert-butoxide groups remain bound to the tetrahedral vanadium atom, which itself is bound to the calix[4]arene through only one phenolic oxygen atom. Reaction of p-tert-butylcalix[4]areneH4, Cax(OH)4 and [V(Np-tolyl)(OnPr)3] led to loss of the imido group and formation of the dimeric complex [{VCax(O)4(NCMe)}2].6 MeCN (86 MeCN). Monomeric vanadyl oxo- and imidocalix[4]arene complexes [V(X)Cax(O)3(OMe)(NCMe)] (X=O (11), Np-tolyl (12)) were obtained by the reaction of the methylether-p-tert-butylcalix[4]areneH3, Cax(OMe)(OH)3, and [V(X)(OR)3] (R=Et or nPr). Vanadyl calix[4]arene fragments can be linked by the reaction of 2,6-bis(bromomethyl)pyridine with Cax(OH)4 and subsequent treatment with [VOCl3] to afford the complex [{VOCax(O)4}2(mu-2,6-(CH2)2C5H3N)].4 MeCN (134 MeCN). The compounds 1-13 have been structurally characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Upon activation with methylaluminoxane, these complexes displayed poor activities, however, the use of dimethylaluminium chloride and the reactivator ethyltrichloroacetate generates highly active, thermally stable catalysts for the conversion of ethylene to, at 25 degrees C, ultra-high-molecular-weight (>5, 500,000), linear polyethylene, whilst at higher temperature (80 degrees C), the molecular weight of the polyethylene drops to about 450,000. Using 1 and 2 at 25 degrees C for ethylene/propylene co-polymerisation (50:50 feed) leads to ultra-high-molecular-weight (>2,900,000) polymer with about 14.5 mol% propylene incorporation. The catalytic systems employing the methyleneoxa-bridged complexes 1 and 2 are an order of magnitude more active than the bimetallic complexes 5 and 13, which, in turn, are an order of magnitude more active than pro-catalysts 8, 11 and 12. These differences in activity are discussed in terms of the structures of each class of complex.     

Alkali and alkaline-earth-metalated forms of calix[4]arenes: synthons in the synthesis of transition metal complexes

This is the first coherent report on the metalation of calix[4]arene by alkali and alkaline-earth metals, thus providing a high-yield production of appropriate synthons for the synthesis of transition metal calix[4]arenes. In addition, various facets of the coordination chemistry by calix[4]arene anions of alkali and alkaline-earth metal ions have been singled out. Among them: 1) the exo and endo coordination of metal ions by the calix[4]arene skeleton; 2) the pi solvation of the ions by the phenyl rings; 3) the ion-carrier properties of metallacalix[4]arenes; 4) the simulation of the kinetically labile coordination sphere of alkali and alkaline-earth metal ions by a polyoxo rigid skeleton. The peculiarities of the complexation of alkali and alkaline-earth metal ions by calix[4]arenes outlined are deduced from the synthesis and the structural characterization both in solution ((1)H NMR) and in the solid state (X-ray structure analysis) of the following classes of compounds: 1) [p-tBu-calix[4](OMS(n))(4)](2) (M=Li, Na, K); 2) [p-tBu-calix[4](OR)(2)(O)(2)ML] (M=Mg, L=THF, R=C(5)H(9); M=Ca, L=TMEDA (tetramethylethylenediamine), R=C(5)H(9); M=Ca, L=DME (dimethoxyethane), R=C(5)H(9); M=Ba, L=TMEDA, R=C(5)H(9); M=Ba, L=none, R=C(5)H(9)); 3) [p-tBu-calix[4](OC(5)H(9))(2)(O)(2)Ca(2)I(2)(MeCN)(2)]; 4) [(p-tBu-calix[4](OR)(2)(O)(2))(2)BaNa(2)].     

Synthesis, structure and DFT study of dinuclear iron, cobalt and nickel complexes with cyclopentadienyl-metal moieties

Reactions of 1,1'-bis(dipheny1phosphino)cobaltocene with Co(PMe(3))(4), Ni(PMe(3))(4), Fe(PMe(3))(4), Ni(COD)(2), FeMe(2)(PMe(3))(4) or NiMe(2)(PMe(3))(3) afford a series of novel dinuclear complexes [((Me(3)P)[lower bond 1 start]Co(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2)))((Me(3)P)M[upper bond 1 end](η(5)-C(5)H(4)P[lower bond 1 end]Ph(2)))] (M = Co(1), Ni(2) and Fe(3)) [Co(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2))(2)Ni[upper bond 1 end](COD)](4), [Co(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2))(2)Ni[upper bond 1 end](PMe(3))(2)] (5) and [((Me(3)P)[lower bond 1 start]Co(Me)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2)))((Me(3)P)Fe[upper bond 1 end](Me)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)P[lower bond 1 end]Ph(2)))] (6). Reactions of 1,1'-bis(dipheny1phosphino)ferrocene with Ni(PMe(3))(4), NiMe(2)(PMe(3))(3), or Co(PMe(3))(4) gives rise to complexes [Fe(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2))(2)M[upper bond 1 end](PMe(3))(2)] (M = Ni (7), Co (8)). The complexes 1-8 were spectroscopically investigated and studied by X-ray single crystal diffraction. The possible reaction mechanisms and structural characteristics are discussed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations strongly support the deductions.     

Sulfido-bridged dinuclear molybdenum-copper complexes related to the active site of CO dehydrogenase: [(dithiolate)Mo(O)S2Cu(SAr)]2- (dithiolate = 1,2-S2C6H4, 1,2-S2C6H2-3,6-Cl2, 1,2-S2C2H4)

The [MoCu] carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) is a Cu-containing molybdo-flavoprotein, the active site of which contains a pterin-dithiolene cofactor bound to a sulfido-bridged dinuclear Mo-Cu complex. In this paper, the synthesis and characterization of dinuclear Mo-Cu complexes relevant to the active site of [MoCu]-CODH are described. Reaction of [MoO2S2]2- with CuCN affords the dinuclear complex [O2MoS2Cu(CN)]2- (1), in which the CN- ligand can be replaced with various aryl thiolates to give rise to a series of dinuclear complexes [O2MoS2Cu(SAr)]2- (Ar = Ph (2), o-Tol (3), and p-Tol (4)). An alternative synthesis of complex 2 is the reaction of [MoO2S2]2- with [Cu(SPh)3]2-. Similarly, [O2MoS2Cu(PPh3)]- (5), [O2MoS2Cu(dppe)]- (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) (6), and [O2MoS2Cu(triphos)]- (triphos = 1,1,1-tris[(diphenylphosphino)methyl]ethane) (7) were prepared from the reactions of [MoO2S2]2- with the Cu(I) phosphine complexes. Treatment of 1, 2, 4, or 5 with dithiols (1,2-(SH)2C6H4, 1,2-(SH)2C6H2-3,6-Cl2, and 1,2-(SH)2C2H4), in acetonitrile, leads to the replacement of a molybdenum-bound oxo ligand to yield [(dithiolate)Mo(O)S2CuL]2- (L = CN, SAr; dithiolate = 1,2-S2C6H4, 1,2-S2C6H2-3,6-Cl2, or 1,2-S2C2H4) (8-13) or [(1,2-S2C6H4)Mo(O)S2Cu(PPh3)]- (14) complexes.     

SHOP-type nickel complexes with alkyl substituents on phosphorus, synthesis and catalytic ethylene oligomerization

The beta-keto phosphorus ylides (n-Bu)3P=CHC(O)Ph 6, (t-Bu)2PhP=CHC(O)Ph 7, (t-Bu)Ph2P=CHC(O)Ph 8, (n-Bu)2PhP=CHC(O)Ph 9, (n-Bu)Ph2P=CHC(O)Ph 10, Me2PhP=CHC(O)Ph 11 and Ph3P=CHC(O)(o-OMe-C6H4) 12 have been synthesized in 80-96% yields. The Ni(II) complexes [NiPh{Ph2PCH...C(...O)(o-OMeC6H4)}(PPh3)] 13, [NiPh{Ph(t-Bu)PCHC(O)Ph}(PPh3)] 15, [NiPh{(n-Bu)2PCH...C(...O)Ph}(PPh3)] 16 and [NiPh{Ph(n-Bu)PCH...C(...O)Ph}(PPh3)] 17 have been prepared by reaction of equimolar amounts of [Ni(COD)2] and PPh3 with the beta-keto phosphorus ylides 12 or 8-10, respectively, and characterized by 1H and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy. NMR studies and the crystal structure determination of 13 indicated an interaction between the hydrogen atom of the C-H group alpha to phosphorus and the ether function. The complexes [NiPh{Ph2PCHC(O)Ph}(Py)] 18, [NiPh{Ph(t-Bu)PCHC(O)Ph}(Py)] 19, [NiPh{(n-Bu)2PCH...C(...O)Ph}(Py)] 20, [NiPh{Ph(n-Bu)PCH...C(...O)Ph}(Py)] 21 and [NiPh{Me2PCH...C(...O)Ph}(Py)] 22 have been isolated from the reactions of [Ni(COD)2] and an excess of pyridine with the -keto phosphorus ylides Ph3PCH=C(O)Ph 3 or 8-11, respectively, and characterized by 1H and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy. Ligands 3, 8, 10 and 12 have been used to prepare in situ oligomerization catalysts by reaction with one equiv. of [Ni(COD)2] and PPh3 under an ethylene pressure of 30 or 60 bar. The catalyst prepared in situ from 12, [Ni(COD)2] and PPh3 was the most active of the series with a TON of 12700 mol C2H4 (mol Ni)-1 under 30 bar ethylene. When the beta-keto phosphorus ylide 8 was reacted in situ with three equiv. of [Ni(COD)2] and one equiv. of PPh3 under 30 bar of ethylene, ethylene polymerization was observed with a TON of 5500 mol C2H4 (mol Ni)-1.     

Two organometallic fragments inclusioned in a 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene tetraphosphane: evidence for transition metal-arene interaction through the cavity

The preparation of an 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene tetraphosphane ligand, 25,26,27,28-tetrakis{2-(diphenylphosphino)ethoxy}calix[4]arene (4), is described. Ligand 4 is obtained in four steps in 17% overall yield. Reaction of 4 with AgBF4 produced the encapsulated two silver complex [Ag2{(P,P,P,P)-tetraphencalix[4]arene}](BF4)2. The solid-state structure shows that the encapsulated silver undergoes a substantial pi-interaction by two opposite arene rings. Rhodation of 4 employing [Rh(cot)2]BF4 yielded the encapsulated complex with a bent coordination mode. Two organometallic fragments inclusioned inside a 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene tetraphosphane was also achieved by the reaction of 4 with [PtH(PPh3)2 (thf)]+. Full characterization includes X-ray structural studies of compounds 4-6.     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of ruthenium carboxylato and 2-oxocarboxylato complexes bearing the bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetato ligand

A series of ruthenium(II) acetonitrile, pyridine (py), carbonyl, SO2, and nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(L)(PPh3)] (L = NCMe, py, CO, SO2) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(L)(PPh3)]BF4 (L = NO) containing the bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetato (bdmpza) ligand, a N,N,O heteroscorpionate ligand, have been prepared. Starting from ruthenium chlorido, carboxylato, or 2-oxocarboxylato complexes, a variety of acetonitrile complexes [Ru(bdmpza)Cl(NCMe)(PPh3)] (4) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(NCMe)(PPh3)] (R = Me (5a), R = Ph (5b)), as well as the pyridine complexes [Ru(bdmpza)Cl(PPh3)(py)] (6) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(PPh3)(py)] (R = Me (7a), R = Ph (7b), R = (CO)Me (8a), R = (CO)Et (8b), R = (CO)Ph) (8c)), have been synthesized. Treatment of various carboxylato complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(PPh3)2] (R = Me (2a), Ph (2b)) with CO afforded carbonyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(CO)(PPh3)] (9a, 9b). In the same way, the corresponding sulfur dioxide complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CMe)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10a) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10b) were formed in a reaction of the carboxylato complexes with gaseous SO2. None of the 2-oxocarboxylato complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)R)(PPh3)2] (R = Me (3a), Et (3b), Ph (3c)) showed any reactivity toward CO or SO2, whereas the nitrosyl complex cations [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CMe)(NO)(PPh3)](+) (11) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)Ph)(NO)(PPh3)](+) (12) were formed in a reaction of the acetato 2a or the benzoylformato complex 3c with an excess of nitric oxide. Similar cationic carboxylato nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(NO)(PPh3)]BF4 (R = Me (13a), R = Ph (13b)) and 2-oxocarboxylato nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)R)(NO)(PPh3)]BF4 (R = Me (14a), R = Et (14b), R = Ph (14c)) are also accessible via a reaction with NO[BF4]. X-ray crystal structures of the chlorido acetonitrile complex [Ru(bdmpza)Cl(NCMe)(PPh3)] (4), the pyridine complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CMe)(PPh3)(py)] (7a) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CC(O)Et)(PPh3)(py)] (8b), the carbonyl complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(CO)(PPh3)] (9b), the sulfur dioxide complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10b), as well as the nitrosyl complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)Me)(NO)(PPh3)]BF4 (14a), are reported. The molecular structure of the sulfur dioxide complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10b) revealed a rather unusual intramolecular SO2-O2CPh Lewis acid-base adduct.