Molecular nitrides containing group 4 and 5 metals: single and double azatitanocubanes

Treatment of [[Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(micro-NH)](3)(micro(3)-N)] (1) with the imido complexes [Ti(NAr)Cl(2)(py)(3)] (Ar=2,4,6-C(6)H(2)Me(3)) and [Ti(NtBu)Cl(2)(py)(3)] in toluene affords the single azatitanocubanes [[Cl(2)(ArN)Ti]( micro(3)-NH)(3)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]].(C(7)H(8)) (2.C(7)H(8)) and [[Cl(2)Ti](micro(3)-N)(2)(micro(3)-NH)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]] (3), respectively. Similar reactions of complex 1 with the niobium and tantalum imido derivatives [[M(NtBu)(NHtBu)Cl(2)(NH(2)tBu)](2)] (M=Nb, Ta) in toluene give the single azaheterometallocubanes [[Cl(2)(tBuN)M](micro(3)-N)(micro(3)-NH)(2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]] (M=Nb (4), Ta (5)), both complexes react with 2,4,6-trimethylaniline to yield the analogous species [[Cl(2)(ArN)M](micro(3)-N)(micro(3)-NH)(2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]].(C(7)H(8)) (Ar=2,4,6-C(6)H(2)Me(3), M=Nb (6.C(7)H(8)), Ta (7.C(7)H(8))). Also the azaheterodicubanes [M[micro(3)-N)(2)(micro(3)-NH)](2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)](2)].2C(7)H(8) [M=Ti (8.2C(7)H(8)), Zr (9.2C(7)H(8))], and [M[(micro(3)-N)(5)(micro(3)-NH)][Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)](2)].2 C(7)H(8) (Nb (10.2C(7)H(8)), Ta (11.2C(7)H(8))) were prepared from 1 and the homoleptic dimethylamido complex [M(NMe(2))(x)] (x=4, M=Ti, Zr; x=5, M=Nb, Ta) in toluene at 150 degrees C. X-ray crystal structure determinations were performed for 6 and 10, which revealed a cube- and double-cube-type core, respectively. For complexes 2 and 4-7 we observed and studied by DNMR a rotation or trigonal-twist of the organometallic ligands [[Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(micro-NH)](3)(micro(3)-N)] (1) and [(micro(3)-N)(micro(3)-NH)(2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(micro(3)-N)]](1-). Density functional theory calculations were carried out on model complexes of 2, 3, and 8 to establish and understand their structures.     

Synthesis, reactivity, electrochemical behavior, and crystal structure of a family of multivalent metal carbido-carbonyl clusters based on the rh(10)(c)(2)au(4-6) framework

Six metal carbido-carbonyl clusters have been isolated and recognized as members of a multivalent family based on the dioctahedral Rh(10)(C)(2) frame, with variable numbers of CO ligands, AuPPh(3) moieties, and anionic charge: [Rh(10)(C)(2)(CO)(x)(AuPPh(3))(y)](n-) (x = 18, 20; y = 4, 5, 6; n = 0, 1, 2). Anions [Rh(10)(C)(2)(CO)(18)(AuPPh(3))(4)](-) ([2](-)) and [Rh(10)(C)(2)(CO)(18)(AuPPh(3))(4)](2-) ([2](2-)) have been obtained by the reduction of [Rh(10)(C)(2)(CO)(18)(AuPPh(3))(4)] (2) under N(2), while [Rh(10)(C)(2)(CO)(18)(AuPPh(3))(5)](-) ([3](-)) was obtained from [Rh(10)(C)(2)(CO)(20)(AuPPh(3))(4)] (1) by reduction under a CO atmosphere. [3](-) can be better obtained by the addition of AuPPh(3)Cl to [2](2-). [Rh(10)(C)(2)(CO)(18)(AuPPh(3))(6)] (4) is obtained from [3](-) and 2 as well by the reduction and subsequent addition of AuPPh(3)Cl. The molecular structures of [2](2-) ([NBu(4)](+) salt), [3](-) ([NMe(4)](+) salt), and 4 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The redox activities of complexes 1, 2 and [3](-) have been investigated by electrochemical and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques. The data from EPR spectroscopy have been accounted for by theoretical calculations.     

A new cyclic borazine species B(8)(NH)(4)(NMe(2))(8) containing a twelve-membered B(8)N(4) ring

The reaction between B(2)(NMe(2))(4) and two equivalents of [NH(4)][PF(6)] in thf at room temperature affords the new cyclic borazine B(8)(NH)(4)(NMe(2))(8) containing a non-planar twelve-membered ring with alternating B(2)(NMe(2))(2) and NH units.     

Cube-type nitrido complexes containing titanium and alkali/alkaline-earth metals

Treatment of [[Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(mu-NH)](3)(mu(3)-N)] with alkali-metal bis(trimethylsilyl)amido derivatives [M[N(SiMe(3))(2)]] in toluene affords edge-linked double-cube nitrido complexes [M(mu(4)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)]](2) (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) or corner-shared double-cube nitrido complexes [M(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(5)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)](2)] (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs). Analogous reactions with 1/2 equiv of alkaline-earth bis(trimethylsilyl)amido derivatives [M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)(thf)(2)] give corner-shared double-cube nitrido complexes [M[(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)](2)] (M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba). If 1 equiv of the group 2 amido reagent is employed, single-cube-type derivatives [(thf)(x)[(Me(3)Si)(2)N]M[(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)]] (M = Mg, x = 0; M = Ca, Sr, Ba, x = 1) can be isolated or identified. The tetrahydrofuran molecules are easily displaced with 4-tert-butylpyridine in toluene, affording the analogous complexes [(tBupy)[(Me(3)Si)(2)N]M[(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)]] (M = Ca, Sr). The X-ray crystal structures of [M(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(5)[Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3)-N)](2)] (M = K, Rb, Cs) and [M[(mu(3)-N)(mu(3)-NH)(2)Ti(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(mu(3))-N)](2)] (M = Ca, Sr) have been determined. The properties and solid-state structures of the azaheterometallocubane complexes bearing alkali and alkaline-earth metals are discussed.     

1,2-Distanna-closo-dodecaborate--a rare example of a 1,2-distannylene ligand in transition metal chemistry

The coordination chemistry of the novel bidentate tin ligand 1,2-distanna-closo-dodecaborate is illustrated for the first time by reactions with molybdenum, platinum and gold metal complexes. Up to three clusters coordinate two metal centers in close proximity. For all these metal complexes the typical μ-bridging coordination mode was observed exclusively. Furthermore, two cluster anions react with dichloromethane via substitution of the chloride ions. The carbon functionalized tin cluster [Et(4)N](2)[CH(2)(Sn(2)B(10)H(10))(2)] and the coordination complexes [Et(3)NMe](6)[Mo(2)(CO)(6)(Sn(2)B(10)H(10))(3)], [Et(3)NMe](2)[{HPt(PEt(3))(2)(Sn(2)B(10)H(10))}(2)], [Et(4)N](2)[{HPt(PPh(3))(2)(Sn(2)B(10)H(10))}(2)] and [{(TP)Au}(2)(Sn(2)B(10)H(10))] (TP = PhP(o-Ph(2)PC(6)H(4))(2)) are fully characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses and crystal structure analyses.     

Synthesis and characterization of N-[2-P(i-Pr)2-4-methylphenyl]2- (PNP) pincer tin(IV) and tin(II) complexes

N-[2-P(i-Pr)(2)-4-methylphenyl](2)(-) (PNP) pincer complexes of tin(IV) and tin(II), [(PNP)SnCl(3)] (2) and [(PNP)SnN(SiMe(3))(2)] (3), respectively, were prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction, solution and solid state NMR spectroscopy, and (119)Sn M?ssbauer spectroscopy. Furthermore, (119)Sn cross polarization magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopic data of [Sn(NMe(2))(2)](2) are reported. Compound 2 is surprisingly stable toward air, but attempts to substitute chloride ligands caused decomposition.     

1,1-ethylenedithiolato complexes of palladium(II) and platinum(II) with isocyanide and carbene ligands

The reactions of [Tl(2)[S(2)C=C[C(O)Me](2)]](n) with [MCl(2)(NCPh)(2)] and CNR (1:1:2) give complexes [M[eta(2)-S(2)C=C[C(O)Me](2)](CNR)(2)] [R = (t)Bu, M = Pd (1a), Pt (1b); R = C(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6 (Xy), M = Pd (2a), Pt (2b)]. Compound 1b reacts with AgClO(4) (1:1) to give [[Pt(CN(t)Bu)(2)](2)Ag(2)[mu(2),eta(2)-(S,S')-[S(2)C=C[C(O)Me](2)](2)]](ClO(4))(2) (3). The reactions of 1 or 2 with diethylamine give mixed isocyanide carbene complexes [M[eta(2)-S(2)C=C[C(O)Me](2)](CNR)[C(NEt(2))(NHR)]] [R = (t)Bu, M = Pd (4a), Pt (4b); R = Xy, M = Pd (5a), Pt (5b)] regardless of the molar ratio of the reagents. The same complexes react with an excess of ammonia to give [M[eta(2)-(S,S')-S(2)C=C[C(O)Me](2)](CN(t)Bu)[C(NH(2))(NH(t)Bu)]] [M = Pd (6a), Pt (6b)] or [M[eta(2)-(S,S')-S(2)C=C[C(O)Me](2)][C(NH(2))(NHXy)](2)] [M = Pd (7a), Pt (7b)] probably depending on steric factors. The crystal structures of 2b, 4a, and 4b have been determined. Compounds 4a and 4b are isostructural. They all display distorted square planar metal environments and chelating planar E,Z-2,2-diacetyl-1,1-ethylenedithiolato ligands that coordinate through the sulfur atoms.     

Synthesis and characterization of the dimercury(I)-linked compound [PPn]4[(Re7C(CO)21Hg)2]. Oxidative cleavage of the mercury-mercury bond leading to carbidoheptarhenate complexes of mercury(II), including [PPN][Re7C(CO)21Hg(S=C(NME2)2)

The reaction of [PPN](3)[Re(7)C(CO)(21)] with Hg(2)(NO(3))(2).2H(2)O in dichloromethane formed the complex [PPN](4)[(Re(7)C(CO)(21)Hg)(2)] ([PPN](4)[1]), isolated in 60% yield. Analogous salts of [1](4-) with [PPh(4)](+) and [NEt(4)](+) were also prepared. The crystal structure of [PPN](4)[1] showed that two carbidoheptarhenate cores are linked by a dimercury(I) unit (d(Hg-Hg) = 2.610(4) A), with each individual mercury atom face-bridging. Oxidative cleavage of the Hg-Hg bond in [1](4-) was effected by 4-bromophenyl disulfide to form [Re(7)C(CO)(21)HgSC(6)H(4)Br](2-) ([4](2-)), by I(2) to form [Re(7)C(CO)(21)HgI](2-) ([5](2-)), and by Br(2) to form [Re(7)C(CO)(21)HgBr](2-) ([6](2-)). Oxidation of [1](4-) by ferrocenium ion (2 equiv) in the presence of tetramethylthiourea resulted in the derivative [Re(7)C(CO)(21)HgSC(NMe(2))(2)](-) ([7](-)). The molecular structure of [PPN][7] was determined by X-ray crystallography. This is the first example of a carbidoheptarhenate-mercury complex with a neutral ligand on mercury, and ligand exchange was demonstrated by displacement with triethylphosphine. Complex [7](-) can also be prepared by protonating [Re(7)C(CO)(21)HgO(2)CCH(3)](2-) in the presence of tetramethylthiourea. Cyclic voltammetry data to calibrate and compare the redox properties of compounds [1](4-) and [7](-) have been measured.     

Synthesis and structures of gallium amido imido phenyl clusters (PhGa)(4)(NH(i)Bu)(4)(N(i)Bu)(2) and (PhGa)(7)(NHMe)(4)(NMe)(5)

The phenylgallium-containing clusters constructed with bridging imido and amido ligands, (PhGa)(4)(NH(i)Bu)(4)(N(i)Bu)(2) (1) (51% yield) and (PhGa)(7)(NHMe)(4)(NMe)(5) (2) (31% yield), were synthesized from the room-temperature reactions of bis(dimethylamido)phenylgallium, [PhGa(NMe(2))(2)](2), with isobutylamine and methylamine, respectively. The reaction of [PhGa(NMe(2))(2)](2) in refluxing isobutylamine (85 degrees C) afforded (Ph(2)GaNH(i)Bu)(2) as one of the products, while the reaction of [PhGa(NMe(2))(2)](2) with methylamine at 150 degrees C afforded compound 2 in only 9% yield. Compound 1 possessed an admantane-like Ga(4)N(6) core, whereas compound 2 had a novel Ga(7)N(9) core constructed with both chair- and boat-shaped Ga(3)N(3) rings. The presence of several isomers of compounds 1 and 2 in solution is discussed along the structural similarities with other known gallium-nitrogen clusters and with gallium nitride.     

Structural and magnetic studies of the tris(cyclopentadienyl)manganese(II) "paddle-wheel" anions [Cp(3-n)(MeCp)(n)Mn](-) (n=0-3, MeCp=C(5)H(4)CH(3), Cp=C(5)H(5))

The ion-contact complexes [{(eta(5)-Cp)(2)Mn(eta(2):eta(5)-Cp)K}(3)]x0.5 THF (1x0.5 THF) and [{(eta(2)-Cp)(2)(eta(2);eta(5)-MeCp)MnK(thf)}]x2 THF (2x2 THF) and ion-separated complexes [Mg(thf)(6)][(eta(2)-Cp)(3)Mn](2) (3), [Mg(thf)(6)][(eta(2)-Cp)(eta(2)-MeCp)(2)Mn)](2)x0.5 THF (4x0.5 THF), [Mg(thf)(6)][(eta(2)-MeCp)(3)Mn)](2)x0.5 THF (5x0.5 THF) and [Li([12]crown-4)](5)[(eta-Cp)(3)Mn](5) (6) (Cp=C(5)H(5), CpMe=C(5)H(4)CH(3)), have been prepared and structurally characterised. The effects of varying the Cp and CpMe ligands in complexes 1-5 have been probed by variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and EPR spectroscopic studies.     

(Ph)3PBr][Br7], [(Bz)(Ph)3P]2[Br8], [(n-Bu)3MeN]2[Br20], [C4MPyr]2[Br20], and [(Ph)3PCl]2[Cl2I14]: extending the horizon of polyhalides via synthesis in ionic liquids

The five polyhalides [(Ph)(3)PBr][Br(7)], [(Bz)(Ph)(3)P](2)[Br(8)], [(n-Bu)(3)MeN](2)[Br(20)], [C(4)MPyr](2)[Br(20)] ([C(4)MPyr] = N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium), and [(Ph)(3)PCl](2)[Cl(2)I(14)] were prepared by the reaction of dibromine and iodine monochloride in ionic liquids. The compounds [(Ph)(3)PBr][Br(7)] and [(Bz)(Ph)(3)P](2)[Br(8)] contain discrete pyramidal [Br(7)](-) and Z-shaped [Br(8)](2-) polybromide anions. [(n-Bu)(3)MeN](2)[Br(20)] and [C(4)MPyr](2)[Br(20)] exhibit new infinite two- and three-dimensional polybromide networks and contain the highest percentage of dibromine ever observed in a compound. [(Ph)(3)PCl](2)[Cl(2)I(14)] also consists of a three-dimensional network and is the first example of an infinite polyiodine chloride. All compounds were obtained from ionic liquids as the solvent that, on the one hand, guarantees for a high stability against strongly oxidizing Br(2) and ICl and that, on the other hand, reduces the high volatility of the molecular halogens.     

(NEt(4))(2)[Fe(CN)(2)(CO)('S(3)')]: an iron thiolate complex modeling the [Fe(CN)(2)(CO)(S-Cys)(2)] site of [NiFe] hydrogenase centers

In the search for complexes modeling the [Fe(CN)(2)(CO)(cysteinate)(2)] cores of the active centers of [NiFe] hydrogenases, the complex (NEt(4))(2)[Fe(CN)(2)(CO)('S(3)')] (4) was found ('S(3)'(2-)=bis(2-mercaptophenyl)sulfide(2-)). Starting complex for the synthesis of 4 was [Fe(CO)(2)('S(3)')](2) (1). Complex 1 formed from [Fe(CO)(3)(PhCH=CHCOMe)] and neutral 'S(3)'-H(2). Reactions of 1 with PCy(3) or DPPE (1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) yielded diastereoselectively [Fe(CO)(2)(PCy(3))('S(3)')] (2) and [Fe(CO)(dppe)('S(3)')] (3). The diastereoselective formation of 2 and 3 is rationalized by the trans influence of the 'S(3)'(2-) thiolate and thioether S atoms which act as pi donors and pi acceptors, respectively. The trans influence of the 'S(3)'(2-) sulfur donors also rationalizes the diastereoselective formation of the C(1) symmetrical anion of 4, when 1 is treated with four equivalents of NEt(4)CN. The molecular structures of 1, 3 x 0.5 C(7)H(8), and (AsPh(4))(2)[Fe(CN)(2)(CO)('S(3)')] x acetone (4 a x C(3)H(6)O) were determined by X-ray structure analyses. Complex 4 is the first complex that models the unusual 2:1 cyano/carbonyl and dithiolate coordination of the [NiFe] hydrogenase iron site. Complex 4 can be reversibly oxidized electrochemically; chemical oxidation of 4 by [Fe(Cp)(2)PF(6)], however, led to loss of the CO ligand and yielded only products, which could not be characterized. When dissolved in solvents of increasing proton activity (from CH(3)CN to buffered H(2)O), complex 4 exhibits drastic nu(CO) blue shifts of up to 44 cm(-1), and relatively small nu(CN) red shifts of approximately 10 cm(-1). The nu(CO) frequency of 4 in H(2)O (1973 cm(-1)) is higher than that of any hydrogenase state (1952 cm(-1)). In addition, the nu(CO) frequency shift of 4 in various solvents is larger than that of [NiFe] hydrogenase in its most reduced or oxidized state. These results demonstrate that complexes modeling properly the nu(CO) frequencies of [NiFe] hydrogenase probably need a [Ni(thiolate)(2)] unit. The results also demonstrate that the nu(CO) frequency of [Fe(CN)(2)(CO)(thiolate)(2)] complexes is more significantly shifted by changing the solvent than the nu(CO) frequency of [NiFe] hydrogenases by coupled-proton and electron-transfer reactions. The "iron-wheel" complex [Fe(6)[Fe('S(3)')(2)](6)] (6) resulting as a minor by-product from the recrystallization of 2 in boiling toluene could be characterized by X-ray structure analysis.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel oxo-centered phosphanylzincates of potassium and cesium with a central Zn6O2P4 double-heterocubane cage

The hydrolysis reaction of K(2)(MeZn)(2)(PSitBu(3))(2) in THF/toluene solution yields the [(MeZn)(4)Zn(2)(mu(3)-PSitBu(3))(4)(mu(4)-O)(2)](4-) anions independent of the applied stoichiometry. If the applied molar ratio resembles the composition of the anion, [(thf)K](2)[(eta(6)-toluene)K](2)[(MeZn)(4)Zn(2)(mu(3)-PSitBu(3))(4)(mu(4)-O)(2)] (1) crystallizes from a mixture of THF and toluene. In the case with less water, a phosphanediylzincate moiety is bonded to this anion, and [Zn(PSitBu(3))(2)K(4)(thf)(6)](2)[(MeZn)(4)Zn(2)(mu(3)-PSitBu(3))(4)(mu(4)-O)(2)] (2) crystallizes. However, again the major product is 1. The same anion is also observed with larger and softer cations, and [(thf)(3)Cs(2)](2)[(MeZn)(4)Zn(2)(mu(3)-PSitBu(3))(4)(mu(4)-O)(2)] (3) is obtained if the cesium zincate is used in this reaction. In all of these compounds, the anion is a slightly distorted Zn(6)O(2)P(4) double-heterocubane cage with a central Zn(2)O(2) ring having Zn-O bond lengths of approximately 207 pm.     

Synthesis and characterization of new biphenolate and binaphtholate rare-Earth-metal amido complexes: catalysts for asymmetric olefin hydroamination/cyclization

Monomeric diolate amido yttrium complexes [Y[diolate][N(SiHMe(2))(2)](thf)(2)] can be prepared in good yield by treating [Y[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](3)(thf)(2)] with either 3,3'-di-tert-butyl-5,5',6,6'-tetramethyl-1,1'-biphenyl-2,2'-diol (H(2)(Biphen)), 3,3'-bis(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl)-2,2'-dihydroxy-1,1'-dinaphthyl (H(2)(Trip(2)BINO)) or 3,3'-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-2,2'-dihydroxy-1,1'-dinaphthyl (H(2)(Dip(2)BINO)) in racemic and enantiopure form. The racemic complex [Y(biphen)[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](thf)(2)] dimerizes upon heating to give the heterochiral complex (R,S)-[Y(biphen)[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](thf)](2). The corresponding dimeric heterochiral lanthanum complex was the sole product in the reaction of H(2)(Biphen) with [La[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](3)(thf)(2)]. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction of both dimeric complexes revealed that the two Ln(biphen)[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](thf) fragments are connected through bridging phenolate groups of the biphenolate ligands. The two different phenolate groups undergo an intramolecular exchange process in solution leading to their equivalence on the NMR timescale. All complexes were active catalysts for the hydroamination/cyclization of aminoalkynes and aminoalkenes at elevated temperature, with [Y((R)-dip(2)bino)[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](thf)(2)] being the most active one giving enantioselectivities of up to 57 % ee. Kinetic resolution of 2-aminohex-5-ene proceeded with this catalyst with 6.4:1 trans selectivity to give 2,5-dimethylpyrrolidine with a k(rel) of 2.6.     

An unexpected dependence on the SnII base; reactions of Sn(NR2)2 with aromatic dithiols

Unexpectedly, the reactions of the Sn(II) base Sn(NMe(2))(2) with 1,2-benzodithiols [L(SH)(2)] do not give the stannylenes, L(S)(2)Sn, which are generated with Sn{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2), instead the ion-separated Sn(IV) compounds [Sn{L(S)(2)}](2-) 2[R(2)NH(2)](+) are formed in high yields.     

Syntheses and characterization of some mixed Te/Se polychalcogenide anions [Te(m)Se(n)]2-

Several mixed Te/Se polychalcogenide anions [Te(m)Se(n)](2-) were synthesized at 293 K by reactions between Te(n)(2-)and Se(n)(2-) anions in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of different-size ammonium or phosphonium cations, in some cases in the presence of metal species. The structures of these anions were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The crystal structures of [NEt(4)](2)[Te(3)Se(6)] (1) and [NEt(4)](2)[Te(3)Se(7)] (2) consist, respectively, of one-dimensional infinite 1(infinity)[Te(3)Se(6)(2-)] and 1(infinity)[Te(3)Se(7)(2-)] anionic chains separated by NEt(4)(+) cations. In compound 1, each chain comprises Te(3)Se(5) eight-membered rings bridged by Se atoms. The Te(3)Se(5) ring has an "open book" conformation. The NMR spectrum of a DMF solution of [NEt(4)](2)[Te(3)Se(6)] crystals at 223 K shows (77)Se resonances at delta = 290, 349, and 771 ppm and a single (125)Te resonance at delta = 944.7 ppm. In compound 2, each chain comprises Te(3)Se(6) five- and six-membered rings bridged by Se atoms. The Te(3)Se(6) ring can be regarded as an inorganic analogue of bicyclononane. The anion of [PPh(4)](2)[Te(2)Se(2)] (4) contains a Se-Te-Te-Se chain with the terminal Se atoms trans to one another. The new compounds [PPN](2)[TeSe(10)] (3), [NMe(4)](2)[TeSe(3)].DMF (5), and [NEt(4)](2)[TeSe(3)] (6) contain known anions.     

Benzotriazolate cage complexes of tin(II) and lithium: halide-influenced serendipitous assembly

The one-pot reactions of the tin(II) halides SnX(2) (X = F, Cl, Br, I) with lithium hexamethyldisilazide, [Li(hmds)], and benzotriazole, (bta)H, produce contrasting outcomes. Tin(II) fluoride does not react with [Li(hmds)] and (bta)H, the outcome being the formation of insoluble [Li(bta)](∞). Tin(II) chloride and tin(II) bromide react with [Li(hmds)] and (bta)H in toluene to produce the hexadecametallic tin(II)-lithium cages [(hmds)(8)Sn(8)(bta)(12)Li(8)X(4)]·(n toluene) [X = Cl, 3·(8 toluene); X = Br, 4·(3 toluene)]. The reaction of tin(II) iodide with [Li(hmds)] and (bta)H in thf solvent produces the ion-separated species [{(thf)(2)Li(bta)}(3){Li(thf)}](2)[SnI(4)]·(thf), [5](2)[SnI(4)]·(thf), the structure of which contains a cyclic trimeric unit of lithium benzotriazolate and a rare example of the tetraiodostannate(II) dianion.     

Reactions of [Et(4)N](3)[Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(4)] with Alkyl Halides and Dihalides: Formation of the Alkyl- and the Dialkylantimony-Iron Carbonyl Complexes

The reactions of [Et(4)N](3)[Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(4)] (1) with RX (R = Me, Et, n-Pr; X = I) in MeCN form the monoalkylated antimony complexes [Et(4)N](2)[RSb{Fe(CO)(4)}(3)] (R = Me, 2; R = Et, 4; R = n-Pr, 6) and the dialkylated antimony clusters [Et(4)N][R(2)Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(2)] (R = Me, 3; R = Et, 5; R = n-Pr, 7), respectively. When [Et(4)N](3)[Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(4)] reacts with i-PrI, only the monoalkylated antimony complex [Et(4)N](2)[i-PrSb{Fe(CO)(4)}(3)] (8) is obtained. The mixed dialkylantimony complex [Et(4)N][MeEtSb{Fe(CO)(4)}(2)] (9) also can be synthesized from the reaction of 2 with EtI. While the reaction with Br(CH(2))(2)Br produces [Et(4)N](2)[BrSb{Fe(CO)(4)}(3)] (10), treatment with Cl(CH(2))(3)Br forms the monoalkylated product [Et(4)N](2)[Cl(CH(2))(3)Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(3)] (11) and a dialkylated novel antimony-iron complex [Et(4)N][{&mgr;-(CH(2))(3)}Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(3)] (12). On the other hand, the reaction with Br(CH(2))(4)Br forms the monoalkylated antimony product and the dialkylated antimony complex [Et(4)N][{&mgr;-(CH(2))(4)}Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(2)] (13). Complexes 2-13 are characterized by spectroscopic methods or/and X-ray analyses. On the basis of these analyses, the core of the monoalkyl clusters consists of a central antimony atom tetrahedrally bonded to one alkyl group and three Fe(CO)(4) fragments and the dialkyl products are structurally similar to the monoalkyl clusters, with the central antimony bonded to two alkyl groups and two Fe(CO)(4) moieties in each case. The dialkyl complex 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 13.014(8) ?, b = 11.527(8) ?, c = 17.085(5) ?, beta = 105.04(3) degrees, V = 2475(2) ?(3), and Z = 4. Crystals of 12 are orthorhombic, of space group Pbca, with a = 14.791(4) ?, b = 15.555(4) ?, c = 27.118(8) ?, V = 6239(3) ?(3), and Z = 8. The anion of cluster 12 exhibits a central antimony atom bonded to three Fe(CO)(4) fragments with a -(CH(2))(3)- group bridging between the Sb atom and one Fe(CO)(4) fragment. This paper discusses the details of the reactions of [Et(4)N](3)[Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(4)] with a series of alkyl halides and dihalides. These reactions basically proceed via a novel double-alkylation pathway, and this facile methodology can as well provide a convenient route to a series of alkylated antimony-iron carbonyl clusters.     

An experimental and theoretical vibrational spectroscopic study of [AsPh(4)](2)[Sn(dmit)(3)] x Me(2)CO

As shown previously by X-ray structure determinations, [tris(1,3-dithiole-2-thione-4,5-dithiolato)stannate(IV)](2-) salts, [Q](2)[Sn(dmit)(3)], contain isolated cations and dianions. While the tin centres generally having octahedral geometries, the overall shapes of the dianions of these complexes in the solid state can differ with conformations varying from T, Y to asymmetrical arrangements. We now report, as a follow up to our earlier study on the Y-shaped complex, [NEt(4)](2)[Sn(dmit)(3)], an experimental and theoretical study of the vibrational spectra of solid solvated {[AsPh(4)](2)[Sn(dmit)(3)] x Me(2)CO}, in which the dianion has a T-shaped conformation. The infrared and Raman spectra, recorded from 4000 to 150 cm(-1), have been analysed by different ab initio calculations based on restricted Hartree-Fock (RHF) and density functional theory (DFT-Beck3LYP). The calculations were carried out on isolated dianions and cations with the 6-31G and 6-31G(d) basis sets and effective core potentials of Steven, Bash and Krauss (SBK). Fundamentals, overtones and combinations have been assigned. Generally, the Y- and T-shaped dianions exhibit similar infrared/Raman spectra, apart from differences in the C=C and the symmetrical M-S stretching frequencies: such differences can be used diagnostically to distinguish the overall shape of the tris(chelated)metallate dianion.     

Heterobimetallic chalcogenidometallate strands: synthesis, structure, magnetism, and conductivity

Two salts with one-dimensional, SiS(2)-type telluridostannate chain anions {[MSnTe(4)](2-)}(n), Rb(2)[HgSnTe(4)] (2) and (NMe(4))(2)[MnSnTe(4)] (3), were prepared by the reactions of [SnTe](4-) anions with Hg(2+) or Mn(2+) ions in solution. We present the crystal structures of 2 and 3, as well as the magnetic properties of the previously reported Cs(+) analogue Cs(2)[MnSnTe(4)] (1).