Preparation and characterisation of copper(II) complexes with bis(1-pyrazolyl)propane

Summary The synthesis and characterisation of the coordination compounds of some copper(II) salts with bis (1-pyrazolyl)propane, Me₂Cpz₂, are reported. Coloured stable solid complexes of the type Cu(Me₂Cpz₂) X₂(X = Cl^–, Br^– or AcO^–), Cu(Me₂Cpz₂)(ClO₄)₂ · H₂O, [Cu(Me₂Cpz₂)SO₄ · 2 H₂O] · H₂O and [Cu(Me₂Cpz₂)₂X]X (X = NO ₃ ^– or ClO ₄ ^– ) have been isolated and characterised by elemental analysis, electronic, i.r. and magnetic measurements. Probable structures of the complexes are discussed on the basis of their spectral data.     

Transition metal complexes of the Schiff base derived from S-methyldithiocarbazate with 2-aminobenzaldehyde

Summary New complexes of general formula [M(NNS)X] (NNS⁻ = anion of the Schiff base of 2-aminobenzaldehyde with S-methyldithiocarbazate; M = Ni, Cu, Pd or Pt; X = Cl, Br, I, NCS, NO₃ or AcO), [Ni(NNS)(HNNS)]NO₃ and [Co(NNS)₂]Cl were prepared and characterised. The magnetic and spectral evidence suggests a square-planar structure for the mono-ligated complexes and an octahedral structure for the bis-chelated complexes. The copper(II) complexes have been shown to display high antifungal activities against the pathogenic fungi, Alternaria alternata and Curvularia geniculata.     

Preparation,characterization and antifungal properties of transition metal ion complexes of quadridentate N3S ligands

Summary New metal complexes [M(NNNS)X] (M = Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II and Cd^II; NNNS^– = anion of the quadridentate ligands formed from S-methyl--N-(2-aminophenyl)-methylenedithiocarbazate and pyridine-2-aldehyde or 6-methylpyridine-2-aldehyde; X = Cl, NCS, NO₃ or I) and [Co(NNNS)Cl₂]·2H₂O have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis and conductance measurements. Magnetic and spectroscopic evidence support a five-coordinate structure for [M(NNNS)X] (M = Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II and Cd^II; X = Cl, NCS) and a squareplanar structure for [Ni(NNNS)]X (X = NO₃ or I). The [Co(NNNS)Cl₃]·2H₂O complex is low-spin and octahedral. The Schiff bases and some of their metal complexes were tested against three pathogenic fungi, Alternaria alternata, Curvularia geniculata and Fusarium palidoroseum. The metal complexes are less fungitoxic than the free ligands.     

Chelate complexes of some NNO tridentate Schiff bases with iron(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II)

Summary The Schiff bases a-(C₅H₄N)CMe=NNHCOR (R = Ph, 2-thienyl or Me), prepared by condensation of 2-acetylpyridine with the acylhydrazines RCONHNH₂, coordinate in the deprotonated iminol form to yield the octahedral complexes, M[NNO]₂ M = Co or Ni; [NNOH] = Schiff base and the square-planar complexes, Pd[NNO]Cl. The Schiff bases also coordinate in the neutral keto form yielding the octahedral complexes (M[NNOH]2)Z2 (M = Ni, Co or Fe; Z = C104, BF₄ or N03) and complexes of the type M[NNOH]X2 (M = Ni, Co, Fe or Cu; X = Cl, Br or NCS). Spectral and x-ray diffraction data indicate that the complexes M[NNOH]X2 (M = Ni or Fe) are polymeric octahedral, as are the corresponding cobalt complexes having R = 2-thienyl. However, the cobalt complexes Co[NNOH]X2 (X = CI or Br; R = Ph or Me) and the copper complexes Cu[NNOH]CI₂ (R = Ph, 2-thienyl or Me) are five-coordinate, while the thiocyanato complex Co[NNOH](NCS)₂ (R = 2-thienyl) is tetrahedral.     

The preparation and characterization of some new nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes of the pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde Schiff bases ofS-alkyl esters of dithiocarbazic acid

Summary New complexes of general formulae [Ni(HL)₂], [ML]·H₂O and [Cu(HL)X] (H₂L = pyrrole-2-aldehyde Schiff bases ofS-methyl- andS-benzyldithiocarbazates; X = Cl or Br; M = Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II or Cd^II) were prepared and characterized by a variety of physicochemical techniques. The Schiff bases coordinate as NS bidentate chelating agents in [Ni(HL)₂] and [Cu(HL)X], and as tridentate NNS chelates in [ML] (M = Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II or Cd^II). Both the [Ni(HL)₂] and [NiL] complexes are diamagnetic and square-planar. Based on magnetic and spectroscopic evidence, thiolate sulphur-bridged dimeric square-planar structures are assigned to the [Cu(HL)X] and [ML] (M = Ni^II or Cu^II) complexes. The complexes ML (M = Zn^II or Cd^II) are polymeric and octahedral.     

Ni(II) complexes with 8-aminoquinoline derivatives

Some Ni(II) complexes with 5,7-dicloro-8-aminoquinoline (dcaq), 5,7-dibromo-8-aminoquinoline(dbaq) and 5,7-diiodo-8-aminoquinoline(diaq) are described. The compounds are of stoichiometry NiL₂X₂(L= dcaq, dbaq, diaq; X= NO^?₃ and L= dbaq; X= Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, NCS^?) and NiLX₂·H₂O(L= dcaq, diaq; X= Cl^?). The electronic spectra and magnetic susceptibility data at room temperature, are consistent with octahedral geometry for the Ni(II) in each compound. I.r. spectra show the presence of ionic and bridging nitrate groups in the compounds NiL₂(NO₃)₂(L= dcaq, dbaq, diaq) and we assign them polymeric structures. Polymeric structures with bridging chloride are proposed for the compounds NiLCl₂·H₂O(L= dcaq, diaq) and monomeric octahedral structures for NiL₂X₂(L= dbaq; X= Cl, Br, I, NCS).     

Synthesis and characterization of cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) perchlorate complexes with bis [(diphenylphosphinyl)methyl] phenylphosphine oxide,bis [(disphenylphosphinyl)methyl]ethyl phosphinate,and bis [(diphenylphosphinyl)methyl] phosphinic acid

The synthesis and characterization of cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) perchlorate complexes containing bis [(diphenylphosphinyl)methyl] [phenylphosphine oxide (RPPH), bis [(diphenylphosphinyl)methyl] ethyl phosphinate (RPOEt), and bis [(diphenylphosphinyl)methyl] phosphinic acid (RPOH) have been studied. The substituent at the central phosphorus atom of the ligand is responsible for the types of complexes formed. The new complexes [M(RPPh)₂(ClO₄)₂.nH₂O, [M(RPPh)₃](ClO₄)₂.4H₂O, [M(RPOEt)₂](ClO₄)₂.2H₂O, and [M(RPOH)₃] (ClO₄)₂.nH₂O are characterized as high spin and most of them have an octahedral or distorted octahedral geometry [M = Co(II), Ni(II), or Cu(II); n = 2?5]. The coordination of two P = O groups from one ligand to the metal has been proposed for most of the complexes formed. The coordination of all three P = O groups has been assumed for complexes [M(RPPh)₂](ClO₄)₂.nH₂O and [M(RPOEt)₂](ClO₄)₂.2H₂O.     

Solid state thermal isomerisation of diethylenetriamine complexes of NiX2 (X=NO3, ClO4, BF4 and CF3SO3)

Summary [Ni(dien)₂]X₂·nH₂O (dien=diethylenetriamine; n=0, X=NO₃ or CF₃SO₃; n=0.5, X=ClO₄ or BF₄ and n=2, X=CF₃SO₃) complexes have been prepared and investigated thermally in the solid state. [Ni(dien)₂](NO₃)₂ (1) and [Ni(dien)₂](CF₃SO₃)₂ (2) undergo endothermic irreversible phase transitions (209–247°C and 184–205°C; H=5.6 kJ mol^–1 and 7.7 kJ mol^–1 for (1) and (2), respectively). [Ni(dien)₂](ClO₄)₂·0.5H₂O (3) shows an endothermic irreversible phase transition after deaquation (201–216°C; H=7.7 kJ mol^–1). [Ni(dien)₂](BF₄)₂·0.5H₂O also shows an endothermic irreversible phase transition after deaquation, accompanied by partial decomposition. All the complexes possess octahedral geometry with the ligands arranged meridionally. The phase transitions are explained in terms of conformational changes of the triamine chelate rings.Author to whom all correspondence should be directed. Supplementary data available: i.r. spectra (Table 4) and x-ray diffraction patterns (Table 5).     

Modulating the frontier orbitals of L(X)Ga-substituted diphosphenes [L(X)GaP]2 (X = Cl,Br) and their facile oxidation to radical cations

Modulating the electronic structures of main group element compounds is crucial to control their chemical reactivity. Herein we report on the synthesis, frontier orbital modulation, and one-electron oxidation of two L(X)Ga-substituted diphosphenes [L(X)GaP]₂ (X = Cl 2a, Br 2b; L = HC[C(Me)N(Ar)]₂, Ar = 2,6-i-Pr₂C₆H₃). Photolysis of L(Cl)GaPCO 1 gave [L(Cl)GaP]₂2a, which reacted with Me₃SiBr with halide exchange to [L(Br)GaP]₂2b. Reactions with ^MeNHC (^MeNHC = 1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene) gave the corresponding carbene-coordinated complexes L(X)GaPP(^MeNHC)Ga(X)L (X = Cl 3a, Br 3b). DFT calculations revealed that the carbene coordination modulates the frontier orbitals (i.e. HOMO/LUMO) of diphosphenes 2a and 2b, thereby affecting the reactivity of 3a and 3b. In marked contrast to diphosphenes 2a and 2b, the cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of the carbene-coordinated complexes each show one reversible redox event at E_1/2 = −0.65 V (3a) and −0.36 V (3b), indicating their one-electron oxidation to the corresponding radical cations as was confirmed by reactions of 3a and 3b with the [FeCp₂][B(C₆F₅)₄], yielding the radical cations [L(X)GaPP(^MeNHC)Ga(X)L]B(C₆F₅)₄ (X = Cl 4a, Br 4b). The unpaired spin in 4a (79%) and 4b (80%) is mainly located at the carbene-uncoordinated phosphorus atoms as was revealed by DFT calculations and furthermore experimentally proven in reactions with ⁿBu₃SnH, yielding the diphosphane cations [L(X)GaPHP(^MeNHC)Ga(X)L]B(C₆F₅)₄ (X = Cl 5a, Br 5b). Compounds 2–5 were fully characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as by single crystal X-ray diffraction (sc-XRD), and compounds 4a and 4b were further studied by EPR spectroscopy, while their bonding nature was investigated by DFT calculations.

Carbene-coordination allowed for one-electron oxidation of diphosphenes [LGa(X)P]₂ to P-centered radicals cations 4a (X = Cl) and 4b (X = Br), in which the unpaired spin mainly reside at the carbene uncoordinated P-atoms.     

Zum Einfluß der Ringgröße auf die Struktur von Metallchelaten. IV. Palladium(II)- und Platin(II)-Komplexe pyridylsubstituierter Dialkylsulfide und -amine

The Influence of Ring Size on the Structure of Metal Chelates with Tridentate Ligands. IV. Palladium(II) and Platinum(II) Complexes of Pyridyl Substituted Dialkyl Sulfides and Amines [β-(Pyridyl-2)-ethyl]-[(pyridyl-2)-methyl]-amine(2,3-py₂tri) forms planar palladium(II) complexes [Pd(2,3-py₂tri)X]X (X = Cl, Br) occupying trans-positions as a tridentate ligand. An analogous behaviour is observed with bis[β-(pyridyl-2)-ethyl]-sulfide(3,3-py₂Stri) in the chelate compounds [Me^II(3,3-py₂Stri)X]X (Me^II = Pd, Pt; X = Cl, Br, J, SCN). On the other hand the rigid ligand bis[(pyridyl-2)-methyl]-sulfide(2,2-py₂Stri) is only bidentate in the complexes Me^II(2,2-py₂Stri)X₂ (Me^II = Pd, Pt; X = Cl, Br, J, SCN), one pyridine group does not interact with the central atom. The reasons are the angular relations within the thioether group of 2,2-py₂Stri which allow a tridentate coordination in a facial conformation (octahedral and trigonal-bipyramidal nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes), but not in a meridional one (planar palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes). In Pt(2,2-py₂Stri)(SCN)(NCS) one thiocyanato ligand is linked by sulfur, the other one by nitrogen.     

Synthesis,characterization and structural assessment of nitrato,chloro, bromo,perchlorato, thiocyanato and sulphato mono-(benzoin thiosemicarbazonato) copper(II) complexes

Summary Some copper(II) complexes of the type Cu(HL)X·nH₂O (where H₂L = benzoin thiosemicarbazone; X=NO₃; Cl, Br, SCN, ClO₄ or 1/2SO₄; n=O–2) have been prepared and characterized. All complexes have tetragonally distorted octahedral stereochemistry except the sulphatocomplex which is square pyramidal. The i.r. spectra reveal that HL acts as a monobasic tridentate ligand coordinating through the azine group nitrogen atom, thiocarbonyl sulphur atom and hydroxylic oxygen atom while NO₃, Cl, Br and ClO₄ act as terminal monodentate ligands and SCN and SO₄ act as bidentate bridging ligands. The polycrystalline e.s.r. spectra suggest tetragonal symmetry for the copper(II) ion, involving a dx ²–y² ground state.     

Coordination chemistry of poly(1-pyrazolyl)alkanes,part IV. Copper(II) complexes of bis- and tris-(1-pyrazolyl)methane

Summary The reactions of some copper(II) salts with bis(1-pyrazolyl)methane, H₂Cbpz, bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane, H₂Cbdmpz, and tris(1-pyrazolyl)methane, HCtpz give the following solid complexes: CuLX₂ · nH₂O (L=H₂Cbpz, H₂Cbdmpz or HCtpz; X=Cl^–, Br^–, NO ₃ ^– , OAc^–, or 1/2 SO ₄ ^2– and n=0, 1, 3 or 5) and CuL₂X₂ · nH₂O (L=HCtpz, X= C^–, Br^–, NO ₃ ^– or ClO ₄ ^– and n=0 or 2). The complexes have been characterised by elemental analysis, visible and i.r. spectral measurements.The reactions of Cu(HCtpz)X₂ · nH₂O (X=Cl^– or Br^–) with acetylacetonate (acac^–), dialkyldithiocarbamate (S₂CNMe ₂ ^– , S₂CNEt ₂ ^– ) or poly(1-pyrazolyl)borate (H₂Bbpz^–, HBtpz^–) in aqueous solutions lead to the displacement of HCtpz and the subsequent formation of neutral [Cu(acac)₂], [Cu(S₂CNR₂)₂], [Cu(H₂Bbpz)₂] and Cu(HBtpz)₂ while the reaction with oxalate ion, C₂O ₄ ^2– yields a stable neutral solid compound, [Cu(HCtpz)(C₂O₄)].     

Reactions of nitrosyl chloride with [Ni(PPh3)2X2] (X=Cl,Br, NCS or NO3)

Summary Nitrosyl chloride has been treated with [Ni(PPh₃)₂X₂] (X = Cl, Br, NCS or NO₃) to obtain [Ni(PPh₃)XCl]₂ (X=Cl, Br, NCS or NO₃) and [Ni(OPPh₃)(SCN)Cl]₂. The compounds obtained were characterised by analyses, infrared (including far i.r.) and visible spectral studies, magnetic moment and conductivity measurements and many chemical reactions. It is proposed that the compounds have a dimeric structure with a distorted tetrahedral environment around the nickel atom and chloro-bridges.     

Synthesis and characterization of transition metal complexes of a new bidentate ligand {2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl}benzylamine

A new bidentate ligand {2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl}benzylamine(DPEBA) was synthesized and characterized based on the IR, mass and ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectra. Various complexes of platinum group metal ions and Ni(II) and Co(II) ions with the ligand were synthesized. Reaction of RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃ or RuCl₂(Me₂SO)₄ with the ligand DPEBA, resulted in formation of a penta-coordinate, Ru(II) species of the composition [RuCl(DPEBA)₂]Cl. Carbonylation of [RuCl(DPEBA)₂]Cl gave an octahedral carbonyl complex of the type [RuCl(CO)(DPEBA)₂]Cl. The reaction of RuCl₃·3H₂O or RuCl₃(AsPh₃)₂MeOH with a twofold excess of the ligand gave an octahedral Ru(III) cationic species [Ru(DPEBA)₂Cl₂]Cl. Carbonylation of the Ru(III) complex gave rise to a carbonyl complex [RuCl(CO)(DPEBA)₂]Cl₂. The ligand DPEBA reacts with cobalt(II) chloride in methanol to give the 1 : 1 complex [Co(DPEBA)Cl₂]. A series of Rh(I) complexes [Rh(DPEBA)₂Cl], [ RhCl(CO)(DPEBA)] and [Rh(DPEBA)₂]Cl were synthesized by the reaction of DPEBA with RhCl(PPh₃)₃, RhCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ and [Rh(COD)Cl]₂, respectively. Reaction of [Ir(COD)Cl]₂ and IrCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ with the ligand DPEBA, gave the square-planar complexes [Ir(DPBA)₂]Cl and [Ir(DPEBA)(CO)Cl], respectively. Octahedral cationic complexes of the type [M(DPEBA)₂Cl₂]Cl (M = Rh(III), Ir(III)) were synthesized by the reaction of the ligand DPEBA and rhodium and iridium trichlorides. Reaction of NiCl₂·6H₂O with DPEBA in 1 : 2 molar equivalents, in boiling butanol gave an octahedral neutral complex [Ni(DPEBA)₂Cl₂] which readily rearranges to the square-planar complex [Ni(DPEBA)₂]Cl₂ in methanol. Reaction of Pd(II) and Pt(II) chlorides with DPEBA gave square-planar, cationic complexes of the type [M(DPEBA)₂Cl]Cl (M = Pd, Pt). All the complexes were characterized on the basis of their analytical and spectral data.     

Cobalt(II) Complexes of 4,6-Dimethylpyrimidine-2(1H)-one

Some cobalt(II) complexes of 4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-2(1H)-one (HL) have been prepared and studied by infrared and electronic spectra and by magneto-chemical and conductometric measurements. The ligand is coordinated through the unprotonated ring-nitrogen atom and in one case also through the carbonylic oxygen atom. The “blue” complexes [CoX₂ · 2HL] (X₂ = Cl₂, ClBr, Br₂, (NCS)₂) and [CoX₂ · 2HL] · 2HL (X = Cl, Br) have a distorted C_2v [CoX₂N₂] coordination; the thiocyanate ion is N-bonded to the metal. The “green” complexes CoX₂ · 2HL (X = Cl(4H₂O), Br) have a square-pyramidal [CoX₂N₂O] coordination. The “pink” CoX₂ · 4HL · nH₂O (X = ClO₄, n = 2; X = BF₄, n = 8; X = F₃Ac, n = 4) and “cream” CoX₂ · 4HL · 6 H₂O (X = I, ClO₄) complexes have an octahedral coordination; only the F₃Ac^? ion is coordinated. The “cyclamen” CoAcL · 2HL · 2 H₂O and Co₃Ac₄L₂ · 2HL · 2H₂O complexes have a polynuclear constitution; the Ac^? ion behaves as bidentate ligand.     

Copper(II) complexes with neutral bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands: The influence of steric hindrance on their structures and properties

By using the neutral bidentate nitrogen-containing ligands; bis(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane (L0″), bis(3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane (L1″), bis(3-tertiary-butyl-5-isopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane (L3″), and bis(3,5-ditertiary-butyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane (L4″), the copper(II) nitrato complexes [Cu(L0″)₂(NO₃)]NO₃ (1NO₃), [Cu(L0″)(NO₃)₂] (2), [Cu(L1″)(NO₃)₂] (3), [Cu(L3″)(NO₃)₂] (4), and [Cu(L4″)(NO₃)₂] (5), chloro complexes [Cu(L0″)₂Cl]₂(CuCl₄) (6CuCl₄), [Cu(L0″)₂Cl]₂(Cu₂Cl₆) (6Cu₂Cl₆), [Cu(L1″)Cl₂] (7), and [Cu(L3″)Cl₂] (8), nitrito complexes [Cu(L0″)(ONO)₂] (9) and [Cu(L1″)(ONO)₂] (10), and the complexes with perchlorate ions [Cu(L0″)₂(CH₃OH)](ClO₄)₂ (11ClO₄) and [Cu(L1″)₂(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂ (12ClO₄) were systematically synthesized and fully characterized by X-ray crystallography and by IR, far-IR, UV–Vis absorption, and ESR spectroscopy. In comparison with the obtained complexes with four bis(pyrazolyl)methanes having different bulkiness at pyrazolyl rings, the second coordination sphere effects on the ligands are discussed in detail. Moreover, the structures and physicochemical properties of these obtained complexes are compared with those of the related complexes with the neutral tridentate tris(pyrazolyl)methane ligand.     

Copper(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II) and mercury(II) complexes of 1,4-diphenylthiosemicarbazide

Summary The preparation and characterization of Cu^II, Co^II, Ni^II and Hg^II complexes containing 1,4-diphenylthiosemicarbazide (DPhTSC) of the type [Cu(DPhTSC-H)X.H₂O]nH₂O (X= Cl, Br or Ac; n=0 or 1) · [M(DPhTSC-H)₂yH₂O] (M=Co^II or Ni^II; y=0 or 1) and [Hg(DPhTSC)Cl₂]2 H₂O and [Cu(D-PhTSC)₂SO₄]H₂O are reported. The stereochemistry of the complexes have been studied with the help of magnetic and electronic measurements. The anomalous magnetic moments observed in all cases have been explained. The i.r. spectral studies have been used to determine the bonding sites in the complexes.     

Nickel(II) complexes with 4-aminobenzophenone

The following nickel(II) complexes with 4-aminobenzophenone (L) have been prepared and investigated: NiBr₂L_0.67, Ni(NO₃)₂L, NiX₂L₂(X = Cl(H₂O), NO₃), NiCl₂L₃, NiX₂L₄(X = Br, I, BF₄, ClO₄(2H₂O)), NiX₂L₆(X = BF₄, NO₃) and Ni(ClO₄)₂L₈. In the NiCl₂L₂.H₂O, Ni(NO₃)₂L, Ni(NO₃)₂L₂ and Ni(NO₃)₂L₆ complexes the ligand is H₂N-coordinated. In the other complexes the coordination occurs through the carbonylic oxygen atom. Some νNiX(X = Cl, Br, I, ONO₂) and νNiN bands and the νNiOH₂ band of the NiCl₂L₂.H₂O complex were assigned.     

Substitutions of organopalladium(II) species with benzimidazole derivatives

The [Pd(cod)(cotl)]ClO₄ complex (cod = cycloocta-1,5-diene; cotl = cyclooctenyl, C₁₈H₁₃ ^–) undergoes substitutions with new Schiff base ligands containing benzimidazole L [L = 2-(2-N-n-propylidenephenyl)benzimidazole (L¹); 2-(2-N-i-propylidenephenyl)benzimidazole (L²); 2-(2-N-n-butylidenephenyl)benzimidazole (L³); 2-(2-N-i-butylidenephenyl)benzimidazole (L⁴)]. Facile displacement of cod by L occurs to produce complexes of the type [Pd(cotl)L]ClO₄· nMe₂CO (n= 0; L = L¹, L² or L³; n= 2, L = L⁴). Dihalobridge complexes of the type [Pd(cotl)X]₂(X = Cl or Br) undergo halogen-bridge cleavage with L¹–L⁴ to give mononuclear complexes of the type Pd(cotl)LX · nH₂O (n= 2, X = Cl, L = L¹; n= 0, X = Br, L = L¹; n= 0, X = Cl, L = L²; n= 0, X = Cl or Br, L = L³; n= 0, X = Cl, L = L⁴; n= 2, X = Br, L = L⁴) and a binuclear complex [Pd(cotl)Br]₂L². The complexes were characterised by physical properties, i.r., ¹H- and ¹³C-n.m.r. spectral techniques and by mass spectra. Probable structures have been proposed.     

Formation of Methane versus Benzene in the Reactions of (C5Me5)2Th(CH3)2 with [CH3PPh3]X (X=Cl,Br, I) Yielding Thorium‐Carbene or Thorium‐Ylide Complexes

The reaction of (C₅Me₅)₂Th(CH₃)₂ with the phosphonium salts [CH₃PPh₃]X (X=Cl, Br, I) was investigated. When X=Br and I, two equivalents of methane are liberated to afford (C₅Me₅)₂Th[CHPPh₃]X, rare terminal phosphorano‐stabilized carbenes with thorium. These complexes feature the shortest thorium–carbon bonds (≈2.30 Å) reported to date, and electronic structure calculations show some degree of multiple bonding. However, when X=Cl, only one equivalent of methane is lost with concomitant formation of benzene from an unstable phosphorus(V) intermediate, yielding (C₅Me₅)₂Th[κ²‐(C,C′)‐(CH₂)(CH₂)PPh₂]Cl. Density functional theory (DFT) investigations of the reaction energy profiles for [CH₃PPh₃]X, X=Cl and I showed that in the case of iodide, thermodynamics prevents the production of benzene and favors formation of the carbene.