New Rh(III) complexes of 5‐methyl‐5‐(pyridyl)‐2,4‐imidazolidenedione: Synthesis,X‐ray structure,electrochemical study and catalytic behaviour for hydrogenation of ketones

We describe the reaction of anion [RhCl₆]³⁻ with a series of hydantoin ligands (HL1, HL2 and HL3 = 5‐methyl‐5‐(2‐, 3‐ and 4‐pyridyl)‐2,4‐imidazolidenedione, respectively). Based on spectroscopic, cyclic voltammetric, elemental and MS analyses, the complexes have the general formula K[RhCl₂(L1)₂] ( 1 ), cis ‐ and trans ‐K[RhCl₄(HL2)₂] ( 2a and 2b ) and cis ‐ and trans ‐K[RhCl₄(HL3)₂] ( 3a and 3b ). Complexes 2a , 2b , 3a and 3b were characterized successfully using infrared, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectral analyses. Dissolution of complex 1 in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) led to elimination of one KL1 ligand and coordination of two DMSO molecules as ligands and transformation of this complex to cis ‐ and trans ‐[RhCl₂L1(DMSO)₂] ( 1a and 1b ). Recrystallization led to separation and isolation of crystals of 1a from the initial mixture. X‐ray analysis results showed that this complex was crystallized as solvated complex cis ‐[RhCl₂L1(DMSO)₂]DMSO. The catalytic activity of these complexes was then evaluated for the hydrogenation of various ketones.     

The first example of a two‐coordinated AuI atom bonded to an FeII atom and an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand

The aurophilicity exhibited by Au^I complexes depends strongly on the nature of the supporting ligands present and the length of the Au–element (Au—E) bond may be used as a measure of the donor–acceptor properties of the coordinated ligands. A binuclear iron–gold complex, [1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene‐2κC²]dicarbonyl‐1κ²C‐(1η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl)gold(I)iron(II)(Au—Fe) benzene trisolvate, [AuFe(C₅H₅)(C₂₇H₃₆N₂)(CO)₂]·3C₆H₆, was prepared by reaction of K[CpFe(CO)₂] (Cp is cyclopentadienyl) with (NHC)AuCl [NHC = 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene]. In addition to the binuclear complex, the asymmetric unit contains three benzene solvent molecules. This is the first example of a two‐coordinated Au atom bonded to an Fe and a C atom of an N‐heterocyclic carbene.     

The Synthesis of (η3‐C3H5)Pd{Si[N(tBu)CH]2}Cl and the Catalytic Property for Heck Reaction

Treatment of N‐heterocyclic silylene Si[N(^tBu)CH]₂ ( 1 ) and [(η³‐C₃H₅)PdCl]₂ in toluene led to the formation of the mononuclear complex (η³‐C₃H₅)Pd{Si[N(^tBu)CH]₂}Cl ( 3 ), the silicon analogue to N‐heterocyclic carbene complex (η³‐C₃H₅)Pd{C[N(^tBu)CH]₂}Cl ( 2 ). Complex 3 was characterized with ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR. Investigation shows that (η³‐C₃H₅)Pd{Si[N(^tBu)CH]₂}Cl is an active catalyst for Heck coupling reaction of styrene with aryl bromides.     

Heterobi‐ and ‐trinuclear Complexes with an Amino(ethynyl)carbene as Bridging Ligand

The sequential reaction of the amino(trimethylsilyl)carbene complex [(CO)₅W=C(NH₂)C≡CSiMe₃] ( 1 ) with nBuLi and [I‐Fe(CO)₂Cp] affords the C(carbene)‐N bridged heterobinuclear complex [(CO)₅W=C{NHFe(CO)₂Cp}C≡CSiMe₃] ( 2 ). Desilylation of 1 is achieved by treatment with KF in THF/MeOH. From the reaction of the resulting complex [(CO)₅W=C(NH₂)C≡CH] ( 3 ) with nBuLi and [I‐Fe(CO)₂Cp] two binuclear WFe compounds in a ratio of approximately 1:1 are obtained: the C(carbene)‐C≡C bridged complex 4 and the C(carbene)‐N bridged complex 5 . Repetition of the deprotonation/metallation sequence yields the trinuclear WFe₂ complex 6 . One Fe(CO)₂Cp fragment in 6 is bonded to the amino group and the other one to the terminal carbon atom of the ethynyl substituent. The analogous reaction of 3 with nBuLi and [Br‐Ni(PMe₂Ph)₂Mes] gives a ca. 1:1 mixture of two heterobinuclear complexes ( 7 and 8 ). Complex 7 is bridged by the C(carbene)‐C≡C and complex 8 by the C(carbene)‐N fragment. Subsequent reaction of 7 with BuLi and [Br‐Ni(PMe₂Ph)₂Mes] finally affords the trinuclear WNi₂ complex 9 related to 6 . The solid‐state structure of 2 is established by an X‐ray diffraction analysis. The spectroscopic data of the bi‐ and trinuclear complexes indicate electronic communication between the metal centers through the bridging group.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Reactivity of a Uranium(VI) Carbene Imido Oxo Complex

We report the uranium(VI) carbene imido oxo complex [U(BIPM^TMS)(NMes)(O)(DMAP)₂] ( 5 , BIPM^TMS=C(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂; Mes=2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂; DMAP=4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine) which exhibits the unprecedented arrangement of three formal multiply bonded ligands to one metal center where the coordinated heteroatoms derive from different element groups. This complex was prepared by incorporation of carbene, imido, and then oxo groups at the uranium center by salt elimination, protonolysis, and two‐electron oxidation, respectively. The oxo and imido groups adopt axial positions in a T‐shaped motif with respect to the carbene, which is consistent with an inverse trans‐influence. Complex 5 reacts with tert‐butylisocyanate at the imido rather than carbene group to afford the uranyl(VI) carbene complex [U(BIPM^TMS)(O)₂(DMAP)₂] ( 6 ).     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Reactivity of a Uranium(VI) Carbene Imido Oxo Complex

We report the uranium(VI) carbene imido oxo complex [U(BIPM^TMS)(NMes)(O)(DMAP)₂] ( 5 , BIPM^TMS=C(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂; Mes=2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂; DMAP=4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine) which exhibits the unprecedented arrangement of three formal multiply bonded ligands to one metal center where the coordinated heteroatoms derive from different element groups. This complex was prepared by incorporation of carbene, imido, and then oxo groups at the uranium center by salt elimination, protonolysis, and two‐electron oxidation, respectively. The oxo and imido groups adopt axial positions in a T‐shaped motif with respect to the carbene, which is consistent with an inverse trans‐influence. Complex 5 reacts with tert‐butylisocyanate at the imido rather than carbene group to afford the uranyl(VI) carbene complex [U(BIPM^TMS)(O)₂(DMAP)₂] ( 6 ).     

Gold(I) and Silver(I) Complexes of Diphosphacyclobutadiene Cobaltate Sandwich Anions

The synthesis and structural characterization of the first coordination compounds of bis(diphosphacyclobutadiene) cobaltate anions [M(P₂C₂R₂)₂]^? is described. Reactions of the new potassium salts [K(thf)₃{Co(η⁴‐P₂C₂tPent₂)₂}] ( 1 ) and [K(thf)₄{Co(η⁴‐P₂C₂Ad₂)₂}] ( 2 ) with [AuCl(tht)] (tht=tetrahydrothiophene), [AuCl(PPh₃)] and Ag[SbF₆] afforded the complexes [Au{Co(P₂C₂tPent₂)₂}(PMe₃)₂] ( 3 ), [Au{Co(P₂C₂Ad₂)₂}]_x ( 4 ), [Ag{Co(P₂C₂Ad₂)₂}]_x ( 5 ), [Au(PMe₃)₄][Au{Co(P₂C₂Ad₂)₂}₂] ( 6 ), [K([18]crown‐6)(thf)₂][Au{Co(P₂C₂Ad₂)₂}₂] ( 7 ), and [K([18]crown‐6)(thf)₂][M{Co(P₂C₂Ad₂)₂}₂] ( 8 : M=Au 9 : M=Ag) in moderate yields. The molecular structures of 2 and 3 , and 6 – 9 were elucidated by X‐ray crystallography. Complexes 4 – 9 were thoroughly characterized by ³¹P and ¹³C solid state NMR spectroscopy. The complexes [Au{Co(P₂C₂Ad₂)₂}]_x ( 4 ) and [Ag{Co(P₂C₂Ad₂)₂}]_x ( 5 ) exist as coordination polymers in the solid state. The linking mode between the monomeric units in the polymers is deduced. The soluble complexes 1 – 3 , 6 , and 7 were studied by multinuclear ¹H‐, ³¹P{¹H}‐, and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopy in solution. Variable temperature NMR measurements of 3 and 6 in deuterated THF reveal the formation of equilibria between the ionic species [Au(PMe₃)₄]⁺, [Au(PMe₃)₂]⁺, [Co(P₂C₂R₂)₂]^?, and [Au{Co(P₂C₂R₂)₂}₂]^? (R=tPent and Ad).     

Trapping a Silicon(I) Radical with Carbenes: A Cationic cAAC–Silicon(I) Radical and an NHC–Parent‐Silyliumylidene Cation

The trapping of a silicon(I) radical with N‐heterocyclic carbenes is described. The reaction of the cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene [cAAC_Me] (cAAC_Me=:C(CMe₂)₂(CH₂)NAr, Ar=2,6‐i Pr₂C₆H₃) with H₂SiI₂ in a 3:1 molar ratio in DME afforded a mixture of the separated ion pair [(cAAC_Me)₂Si:^.]⁺I⁻ ( 1 ), which features a cationic cAAC–silicon(I) radical, and [cAAC_Me−H]⁺I⁻. In addition, the reaction of the NHC–iodosilicon(I) dimer [I_Ar(I)Si:]₂ (I_Ar=:C{N(Ar)CH}₂) with 4 equiv of I_Me (:C{N(Me)CMe}₂), which proceeded through the formation of a silicon(I) radical intermediate, afforded [(I_Me)₂SiH]⁺I⁻ ( 2 ) comprising the first NHC–parent‐silyliumylidene cation. Its further reaction with fluorobenzene afforded the C_Ar−H bond activation product [1‐F‐2‐I_Me‐C₆H₄]⁺I⁻ ( 3 ). The isolation of 2 and 3 confirmed the reaction mechanism for the formation of 1 . Compounds 1 – 3 were analyzed by EPR and NMR spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and X‐ray crystallography.     

Stable ‐ESiMe3 Complexes of CuI and AgI (E=S,Se) with NHCs: Synthons in Ternary Nanocluster Assembly

As a part of efforts to prepare new “metallachalcogenolate” precursors and develop their chemistry for the formation of ternary mixed‐metal chalcogenide nanoclusters, two sets of thermally stable, N‐heterocyclic carbene metal–chalcogenolate complexes of the general formula [(IPr)Ag?ESiMe₃] (IPr=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene; E=S, 1 ; Se, 2 ) and [(iPr₂‐bimy)Cu?ESiMe₃]₂ (iPr₂‐bimy=1,3‐diisopropylbenzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene; E=S, 4 ; Se, 5 ) are reported. These are prepared from the reaction between the corresponding carbene metal acetate, [(IPr)AgOAc] and [(iPr‐bimy)CuOAc] respectively, and E(SiMe₃)₂ at low temperature. The reaction of [(IPr)Ag?ESiMe₃] 1 with mercury(II) acetate affords the heterometallic complex [{(IPr)AgS}₂Hg] 3 containing two (IPr)Ag?S^? fragments bonded to a central Hg^II, representing a mixed mercury–silver sulfide complex. The reaction of [(iPr₂‐bimy)Cu‐SSiMe₃]₂, which contains a smaller N‐heterocyclic‐carbene, with mercuric(II) acetate affords the high nuclearity cluster, [(iPr₂‐bimy)₆Cu₁₀S₈Hg₃] 6 . The new N‐heterocyclic carbene metal–chalcogenolate complexes 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 and the ternary mixed‐metal chalcogenolate complex 3 and cluster 6 have been characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (¹H and ¹³C), elemental analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(chiral methylpropargyl ester)s Carrying Azobenzene Moieties

Novel chiral methylpropargyl esters bearing azobenzene groups, namely, 4‐[4′‐(benzyloxy)phenylazophenyl]‐ carbonyl‐(S)‐1‐methylpropargyl ester ( e ), 4‐[4′‐(n‐butyloxy)phenylazophenyl]carbonyl‐(S)‐1‐methylpropargyl ester ( f ), 4‐[4′‐(n‐hexyloxy)phenylazophenyl]carbonyl‐(S)‐1‐methylpropargyl ester ( g ), and 4‐[4′‐(n‐octyloxy)phenylazo‐ phenyl]carbonyl‐(S)‐1‐methylpropargyl ester ( h ) were synthesized and polymerized with Rh⁺(nbd)[η⁶‐C₆H₅B^?‐ (C₆H₅)₃] (nbd=norbornadiene) catalyst to give the corresponding polymers with moderate molecular weights (M_n=8.4×10³–15.7×10³) in good yields (76%? –?91%). The structures of polymers were illustrated by IR and NMR spectroscopies. Polymers were soluble in comment organic solvents including toluene, CHCl₃ CH₂Cl₂, THF, and DMSO, while insoluble in diethyl ether, n‐hexane and methanol. Large optical rotations of polymer solutions demonstrated that all the polymers take a helical structure with a predominantly one‐handed screw sense in organic solvents.     

The one‐dimensional structure of Cu(dmen)2Pd(CN)4 (dmen is N,N‐di­methyl­ethyl­enedi­amine)

The title compound, catena‐poly­[[μ‐cyano‐1:2κ²C:N‐dicyano‐1κ²C‐bis(N,N‐di­methyl­ethyl­enedi­amine‐2κ²N,N′)­pallad­ium(II)­copper(II)]‐μ‐cyano‐1:2′κ²C:N], [CuPd(CN)₄(C₄H₁₂N₂)₂]_n, consists of infinite quasi‐linear chains with all metal positions on centers of symmetry. The paramagnetic [Cu(dmen)₂]²⁺ cations are linked by diamagnetic [Pd(CN)₄]²⁻ anions via bridging cyano groups, which occupy trans positions in both cation and anion, giving rise to 2,2‐TT‐type chains. The coordination polyhedron of the paramagnetic Cu atom is an octahedron exhibiting typical elongation due to the Jahn–Teller effect, with two longer Cu—N([triple‐bond]C) bonds in the axial positions [2.5528 (13) Å] and four shorter Cu—N_dmen bonds (dmen is N,N‐dimethylethylenediamine) in the equatorial plane [1.9926 (11) and 2.1149 (12) Å]. The Cu—N[triple‐bond]C angle is 138.03 (12)°. Neighboring chains form weak N—H⋯NC hydrogen bonds.     

Effect of dicationic gemini surfactants 16–s‐16 (s = 4, 5, 6) on the ninhydrin‐dipeptide (glycyl‐tyrosine) reaction

The effect of dicationic gemini surfactants H₃₃C₁₆(CH₃)₂N⁺‐(CH₂)_s‐N⁺(CH₃)₂ C₁₆H₃₃, 2Br^? (s= 4, 5, 6) on the reaction of a dipeptide glycyl–tyrosine (Gly–Tyr) with ninhydrin has been studied spectrophotometrically at 70°C and pH 5.0. The reaction follows first‐ and fractional‐order kinetics, respectively, in [Gly–Tyr] and [ninhydrin]. The gemini surfactant micellar media are comparatively more effective than their single chain–single head counterpart cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) micelles. Whereas typical rate constant (k_Ψ) increase and leveling‐off regions, just like CTAB, are observed with geminis, the latter produces a third region of increasing k_Ψ at higher concentrations. This subsequent increase is ascribed to the change in the micellar morphology of the geminis. The pseudophase model of micelles was used to quantitatively analyze the k_Ψ ? [gemini] data, wherein the micellar‐binding constants K_S for [Gly–Tyr] and K_N for ninhydrin were evaluated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 800–809, 2012     

[3+2] Cycloadditions of Metallo Nitrile Ylides and Metallo Nitrile Imines with Metal Carbonyl,Thiocarbonyl, and Isocyanide Complexes: Heterodimetallic Systems with Bridging Heterocycles [1]

The reactions of [Re(CO)₆]⁺, [FeCp(CO)₂CS]⁺ and [FeCp(CNPh)₃]⁺ with the metallo nitrile ylides [M^–{C⁺=N–C^–(H)CO₂Et}(CO)₅]^– (M = Cr, W) and the chromio nitrile imine [Cr^–{C⁺=N–N^–H}(CO)₅]^– (generated by mono‐α‐deprotonation of the parent isocyanide complexes) to give neutral 5‐metallated 1,3‐oxazolin‐ ( 1 ), 1,3‐thiazolin‐ ( 2 ), imidazolin‐ ( 3 , 4 ), 1,3,4‐oxdiazolin‐ ( 5 ), 1,3,4‐thiadiazolin‐ ( 6 ) and 1,3,4‐triazolin‐2‐ylidene ( 8 ) chromium and tungsten complexes represent the first all‐organometallic versions of Huisgen’s 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions. The formation of 6 and 8 is accompanied by partial decomposition to (OC)₅Cr–C≡N–FeCpL₂ {L = CO ( 7 ), CNPh ( 9 )}. The structures of 4a and 5 have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction.     

Hyperpolarising Pyruvate through Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE)

Hyperpolarisation methods that premagnetise agents such as pyruvate are currently receiving significant attention because they produce sensitivity gains that allow disease tracking and interrogation of cellular metabolism by magnetic resonance. Here, we communicate how signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) can provide strong ¹³C pyruvate signal enhancements in seconds through the formation of the novel polarisation transfer catalyst [Ir(H)₂(η²‐pyruvate)(DMSO)(IMes)]. By harnessing SABRE, strong signals for [1‐¹³C]‐ and [2‐¹³C]pyruvate in addition to a long‐lived singlet state in the [1,2‐¹³C₂] form are readily created; the latter can be observed five minutes after the initial hyperpolarisation step. We also demonstrate how this development may help with future studies of chemical reactivity.     

Reaction of the Pincer‐type Ligand {2, 6‐[P(O)(OEt)2]2‐4‐tert‐Bu‐C6H2}— with [Ph3C]+[PF6]—. Unprecedented Rearrangement and Carbon‐Carbon Bond Formation

The reaction of the organolithium derivative {2, 6‐[P(O)(OEt)₂]₂‐4‐tert‐Bu‐C₆H₂}Li ( 1 ‐Li) with [Ph₃C]⁺[PF₆]^— gave the substituted biphenyl derivative 4‐[(C₆H₅)₂CH]‐4′‐[tert‐Bu]‐2′, 6′‐[P(O)(OEt)₂]₂‐1, 1′‐biphenyl ( 5 ) which was characterized by ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X‐ray analysis. Ab initio MO‐calculations reveal the intramolecular O···C distances in 5 of 2.952(4) and 2.988(5)Å being shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii of oxygen and carbon to be the result of crystal packing effects. Also reported are the synthesis and structure of the bromine‐substituted derivative {2, 6‐[P(O)(OEt)₂]₂‐4‐tert‐Bu]C₆H₂}Br ( 9 ) and the structure of the protonated ligand 5‐tert‐Bu‐1, 3‐[P(O)(OEt)₂]₂C₆H₃ ( 1 ‐H). The structures of 1 ‐H, 5 , and 9 are compared with those of related metal‐substituted derivatives.     

Synthesis and Structure of (N,)C,N‐chelated Organoantimony(III) and Bismuth(III) Cations and Isolation of Their Adducts with Ag[CB11H12]

The treatment of N,C,N‐chelated antimony(III) and bismuth(III) chlorides [C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH=NR)₂]MCl₂ [R = tBu and M = Sb ( 1 ) or Bi ( 2 ); R = Dmp and M = Sb ( 3 ) or Bi ( 4 )] (Dmp = 2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃) with one molar equivalent of Ag[CB₁₁H₁₂] led to a smooth formation of corresponding ionic pairs {[C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH=NR)₂]MCl}⁺[CB₁₁H₁₂]^– [R = tBu and M = Sb ( 7 ) or Bi ( 8 ), R = Dmp and M = Sb ( 9 ) or Bi ( 10 )]. Similarly, the reaction of C,N‐chelated analogues [C₆H₂‐2‐(CH=NDip)‐4,6‐(tBu)₂]MCl₂ [M = Sb ( 5 ) or Bi ( 6 ), Dip = 2′,6′‐iPr₂C₆H₃] gave compounds {[C₆H₂‐2‐(CH=NDip)‐4,6‐(tBu)₂]MCl}⁺[CB₁₁H₁₂]^– [M = Sb ( 11 ) or Bi ( 12 )]. All compounds 7 – 12 were characterized with ¹H, ¹¹B and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, ESI‐mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, and molecular structures of 7 – 9 and 12 were determined by the help of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. In contrast, all attempts to cleave also the second M–Cl bond in 7 – 12 using another molar equivalent Ag[CB₁₁H₁₂] remained unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the reaction between 7 (or 8 ) and Ag[CB₁₁H₁₂] produced unprecedented adducts of both reagents namely {[C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH=NtBu)₂]SbCl}₂²⁺[Ag₂(CB₁₁H₁₂)₄]^2– ( 13 ) and {[C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH=NtBu)₂]BiCl}⁺[Ag(CB₁₁H₁₂)₂]^– ( 14 ) in a reproducible manner. The molecular structures of these sparingly soluble compounds were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Fluxionality of Strained Hypercoordinate Silicon‐Bridged [1]Ferrocenophanes

The first hypercoordinate sila[1]ferrocenophanes [fcSiMe(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)] ( 5 a ) and [fcSi(CH₂Cl)(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)] ( 5 b ) (fc=(η⁵‐C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵‐C₅H₄)) were synthesized by low‐temperature (?78 °C) reactions of Li[2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂] with the appropriate chlorinated sila[1]ferrocenophanes ([fcSiMeCl] ( 1 a ) and [fcSi(CH₂Cl)Cl] ( 1 d ), respectively). Single‐crystal Xray diffraction studies revealed pseudo‐trigonal bipyramidal structures for both 5 a and 5 b , with one of the shortest reported Si???N distances for an sp³‐hybridized nitrogen atom interacting with a tetraorganosilane detected for 5 a (2.776(2) Å). Elongated Si? C_ipso bonds trans to the donating NMe₂ arms (1.919(2) and 1.909(2) Å for 5 a and 5 b , respectively) were observed relative to both the non‐trans bonds ( 5 a : 1.891(2); 5 b : 1.879(2) Å) and the Si? C_ipso bonds of the non‐hypercoordinate analogues ([fcSiMePh] ( 1 b ): 1.879(4), 1.880(4) Å; [fcSi(CH₂Cl)Ph] ( 1 e ): 1.881(2), 1.884(2)). Solution‐state fluxionality of 5 a and 5 b , suggestive of reversible coordination of the NMe₂ group to silicon, was demonstrated by means of variable‐temperature NMR studies. The ΔG^≠ of the fluxional processes for 5 a and 5 b in CD₂Cl₂ were estimated to be 35.0 and 37.6 kJ mol^?1, respectively (35.8 and 38.3 kJ mol^?1 in [D₈]toluene). The quaternization of 5 a and 5 b by MeOTf, to give [fcSiMe(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₃)][OTf] ( 7 a‐ OTf) and [fcSi(CH₂Cl)(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₃)][OTf] ( 7 b‐ OTf), respectively, supported the reversibility of NMe₂ coordination at the silicon center as the source of fluxionality for 5 a and 5 b . Surprisingly, low room‐temperature stability was detected for 5 b due to its tendency to intramolecularly cyclize and form the spirocyclic [fcSi(cyclo‐CH₂NMe₂CH₂C₆H₄)]Cl ( 9 ‐Cl). This process was observed in both solution and the solid state, and isolation and Xray characterization of 9 ‐Cl was achieved. The model compound, [Fc₂Si(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)₂] ( 8 ), synthesized through reaction of [Fc₂SiCl₂] with two equivalents of Li[2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂] at ?78 °C, showed a lack of hypercoordination in both the solid state and in solution (down to ?80 °C). This suggests that either the reduced steric hindrance around Si or the unique electronics of the strained sila[1]ferrocenophanes is necessary for hypercoordination to occur.     

Modified Riemschneider Reaction of 3‐Thiocyanatoquinolinediones

The Riemschneider reaction of 3‐thiocyanatoquinoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐diones with conc. H₂SO₄ was investigated. Using different reaction conditions, 13 types of reaction products were isolated. Compounds bearing a Me, Et, or Bu group at C(3) afforded mainly [1,3]thiazolo[5,4‐c]quinoline‐2,4‐diones and 1,9b‐dihydro‐9b‐hydroxythiazolo[5,4‐c]quinoline‐2,4‐diones. In the case of the 3‐Bu derivatives of the starting compounds, C‐debutylation was also observed. If a Bn group is present at C(3), rapid C‐debenzylation of the starting thiocyanates occurred, yielding [1,3]oxathiolo[4,5‐c]quinoline‐2,4‐diones, and mixtures of mono‐, di‐, and trisulfides derived from 4‐hydroxy‐3‐sulfanylquinoline‐2‐ones. The reaction mechanism of all of the transformations is discussed. All new compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR, and EI and ESI mass spectra, and in some cases, ¹⁵N‐NMR spectra were also used to characterize new compounds.     

An N‐Heterocyclic Silylene‐Stabilized Digermanium(0) Complex

The synthesis of an N‐heterocyclic silylene‐stabilized digermanium(0) complex is described. The reaction of the amidinate‐stabilized silicon(II) amide [LSiN(SiMe₃)₂] ( 1 ; L=PhC(NtBu)₂) with GeCl₂?dioxane in toluene afforded the Si^II–Ge^II adduct [L{(Me₃Si)₂N}Si→GeCl₂] ( 2 ). Reaction of the adduct with two equivalents of KC₈ in toluene at room temperature afforded the N‐heterocyclic carbene silylene‐stabilized digermanium(0) complex [L{(Me₃Si)₂N}Si→ Ge?Ge←Si{N(SiMe₃)₂}L] ( 3 ). X‐ray crystallography and theoretical studies show conclusively that the N‐heterocyclic silylenes stabilize the singlet digermanium(0) moiety by a weak synergic donor–acceptor interaction.     

Synthesis and Structures of Homoleptic Methyl‐ and Phenylthiomethylaluminium Complexes [Al(CH2SR)3](R = Me,Ph)

Sulfur‐substituted methylmercury compounds [Hg(CH₂SR)₂]( 1a, R = Me; 1b, R = Ph ) react with aluminium amalgam in refluxing toluene with transmetallation to give homoleptic tris(thiomethyl)aluminium complexes [Al(CH₂SR)₃]( 2a, R = Me; 2b, R = Ph ) (degree of conversion: >80%, isolated yields: 2a 63%, 2b 41%). Their identities were confirmed by NMR spectros‐copy (¹H, ¹³C) and X‐ray crystal structure analyses. In crystals of compound 2a the aluminium atoms possess a trigonal‐bipyramidal arrangement with the coordination polyhedron defined by three carbon and two sulfur atoms. Two of the three CH₂SMe ligands are bridging ligands (μ‐η²; 1kC:2kS), the third one is terminal bound (η¹; kC). The structure is polymeric. Crystals are threaded by helical chains built up of six‐membered Al₂C₂S₂ rings. Crystals of 2b are built up of centrosymmetrical dimers with six‐membered Al₂C₂S₂ rings having bridging CH₂SPh ligands (μ‐η²; 1kC:2kS). On each Al atom two terminal (η¹; kC)CH₂SPh ligands are bound. They exhibit quite different Al‐C‐S angles (116.7(4) and 106.5(3)?). Similar values (114.32115.7? and 109.52109.9?) were found in ab initio calculations of model compounds [{Al(CH₂SR)₃}₂]( 3a, R=H; 3b, R=Me; 3c, R=CH=CH₂ ). A conformational energy diagram for rotation of one of the terminal CH₂SH ligand in the parent compound 3a around the Al‐C bond is discussed in terms of repulsive interactions of lone electron pairs of sulfur atoms.