Synthesis and structural characterization of a series of high-hydride content osmium-rhodium carbonyl complexes by the hydrogenation of arene-coordinated clusters

The reaction of [Os3Rh(mu-H)3(CO)12] with an excess amount of 4-vinylphenol (as hydride acceptor) in refluxing m-xylene, chlorobenzene or benzene yielded the three new clusters [Os5Rh2(mu-CO){eta6-C6H4(CH3)2}(CO)16] 1, [Os5Rh2(mu-CO)(eta6-C6H5Cl)(CO)16] 2 and [Os5Rh2(mu-CO)(eta6-C6H6)(CO)16] 3. The treatment of [Os3Rh(mu-H)3(CO)12] 4 in refluxing toluene with an excess amount of 4-vinylphenol afforded a new complex, [Os4Rh(mu-H)(eta6-C6H5CH3)(CO)12], which was isolated as a brown complex in 20% yield together with two known compounds, [Os5Rh2(eta6-C6H5CH3)(mu-CO)(CO)16] in 10% yield and [Os3Rh4(mu3-eta1:eta1:eta1-C6H5CH3)(CO)13] in 5% yield. Complexes 1-4 were fully characterized by IR, 1H NMR spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography. The molecular structures of compounds 1-3 are isomorphous, and only differ in the arene-derivatives that attach to the same metal core. Their metal cores can be viewed as a monocapped octahedral, in which an osmium atom caps one of the Os-Os-Os triangular faces of the Os4Rh2 metal framework. Complex 4 has a trigonal-bipyramidal metal core with a C6H5Me ligand that is terminally bound to the Rh atom that lies in the trigonal plane of the metal core. The hydrogenation of [Os5Rh2(eta6-C6H5CH3)(mu-CO)(CO)16] with [Os3(mu-H)2(CO)10] in chloroform under reflux resulted in two hydrogen-rich compounds: [Os7Rh3(mu-H)11(CO)23] 5 and [Os5Rh3Cl(mu-H)8(CO)18] 6, both in moderate yields. The reaction of [Os5Rh2(eta6-C6H5CH3)(mu-CO)(CO)16] with hydrogen in refluxing chloroform yielded a new cluster compound, [Os5Rh(mu-H)5(CO)18] 7, in 20% yield, together with a known osmium-rhodium cluster, [Os6Rh(mu-H)7(mu-CO)(CO)18], as a major compound. Clusters 5, 6, and 7 have been fully characterized by both spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. Additionally, a deuterium-exchange experiment was performed on [Os7Rh3(mu-H)11(CO)23] 5 and [Os5Rh3Cl(mu-H)8(CO)18] 6. Both the compounds proved to be able to exchange the H atom with D in the presence of D2SO4, and the absence of the hydride signal in the 1H NMR spectrum is consistent with this. Therefore, clusters 5 and 6 may serve as appropriate new hydrogen storage models.     

Activation of two C-H bonds of NHC N-methyl groups on triosmium and triruthenium carbonyl clusters

The thermolysis of the NHC triosmium cluster [Os3(Me2Im)(CO)11] (1a; Me2Im = 1,3-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene) in toluene at reflux temperature sequentially affords the edge-bridged cluster [Os3(micro-H)(micro-kappa2-MeImCH2)(CO)10] () and the face-capped derivative [Os3(micro-H)2(micro3-kappa2-MeImCH)(CO)9] (3a). These products result from the sequential oxidative addition of one (2a) and two (3a) N-methyl C-H bonds of the original NHC ligand. The related face-capped triruthenium cluster [Ru3(micro-H)2(micro3-kappa2-MeImCH)(CO)9] (3b) has been prepared by heating the NHC triruthenium cluster [Ru3(Me2Im)(CO)11] (1b) in THF at reflux temperature. In this case, the pentanuclear derivatives [Ru5(Me2Im)(micro4-kappa2-CO)(CO)14] (4b) and [Ru5(Me2Im)2(micro4-kappa2-CO)(CO)13] (5b) are minor reaction products, but a ruthenium cluster analogous to has not been obtained. The face-capped oxazole-derived NHC triruthenium cluster [Ru3(micro-H)2(micro3-kappa2-OxCH)(CO)9] (3c; MeOx = N-methyloxazol-2-ylidene) is the only isolated product of the thermolysis of [Ru3(MeOx)(CO)11] (1c) in THF at reflux temperature.     

Novel class of heterometallic cubane and boride clusters containing heavier group 16 elements

Thermolysis of an in situ generated intermediate, produced from the reaction of [Cp*MoCl(4)] (Cp* = η(5)-C(5)Me(5)) and [LiBH(4).THF], with excess Te powder yielded isomeric [(Cp*Mo)(2)B(4)TeH(5)Cl] (2 and 3), [(Cp*Mo)(2)B(4)(μ(3)-OEt)TeH(3)Cl] (4), and [(Cp*Mo)(4)B(4)H(4)(μ(4)-BH)(3)] (5). Cluster 4 is a notable example of a dimolybdaoxatelluraborane cluster where both oxygen and tellurium are contiguously bound to molybdenum and boron. Cluster 5 represents an unprecedented metal-rich metallaborane cluster with a cubane core. The dimolybdaheteroborane 2 was found to be very reactive toward metal carbonyl compounds, and as a result, mild pyrolysis of 2 with [Fe(2)(CO)(9)] yielded distorted cubane cluster [(Cp*Mo)(2)(BH)(4)(μ(3)-Te){Fe(CO)(3)}] (6) and with [Co(2)(CO)(8)] produced the bicapped pentagonal bipyramid [(Cp*MoCo)(2)B(3)H(2)(μ(3)-Te)(μ-CO){Co(3)(CO)(6)}] (7) and pentacapped trigonal prism [(Cp*MoCo)(2)B(3)H(2)(μ(3)-Te)(μ-CO)(4){Co(6)(CO)(8)}] (8). The geometry of 8 is an example of a heterometallic boride cluster in which five Co and one Mo atom define a trigonal prismatic framework. The resultant trigonal prism core is in turn capped by two boron, one Te, and one Co atom. In the pentacapped trigonal prism unit of 8, one of the boron atoms is completely encapsulated and bonded to one molybdenum, one boron, and five cobalt atoms. All the new compounds have been characterized in solution by IR, (1)H, (11)B, and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, and the structural types were unambiguously established by crystallographic analysis of 2 and 4-8.     

From tetrahydroborate- to aminoborylvinylidene-osmium complexes via alkynyl-aminoboryl intermediates

The tetrahydroborate OsH(η(2)-H(2)BH(2))(CO)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (1) reacts with aniline and p-toluidine to give the aminoboryl derivatives [chemical structure: see text] (R = H (2), CH(3) (3)) and four H(2) molecules. Treatment of 2 and 3 with phenylacetylene gives Os{B(NHC(6)H(4)R)(2)}(C≡CPh)(CO)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (R = H (4), CH(3) (5)), which react with HBF(4) to afford the amino(fluoro)boryl species Os{BF(NHC(6)H(4)R)}(C≡CPh)(CO)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (R = H (6), CH(3) (7)). In contrast to HBF(4), the addition of acetic acid to 4 and 5 induces the release of phenylacetylene and the formation of the six-coordinate derivatives Os{B(NHC(6)H(4)R)(2)}(κ(2)-O(2)CCH(3))(CO)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (R = H (8), CH(3) (9)). The coordination number six for 4 and 5 can be also achieved by addition of CO. Under this gas Os{B(NHC(6)H(4)R)(2)}(C≡CPh)(CO)(2)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (R = H (10), CH(3) (11)) are formed. In toluene, these alkynyl-aminoboryl compounds evolve into the aminoborylvinylidenes Os{═C═C(Ph)B(NHC(6)H(4)R)(2)}(CO)(2)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (R = H (12), CH(3) (13)) via a unimolecular 1,3-boryl migration from the metal to the C(β) atom of the alkynyl ligand. Similarly to 4 and 5, complexes 6 and 7 coordinate CO to give Os{BF(NHC(6)H(4)R)}(C≡CPh)(CO)(2)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (R = H (15), CH(3) (16)), which evolve to Os{═C═C(Ph)BF(NHC(6)H(4)R)}(CO)(2)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (R = H (17), CH(3) (18)).     

Bimetallic clusters Pt6Au: geometric and electronic structures within density functional theory

Within density functional theory at the general gradient approximation for exchange and correlation (BPW91) and the relativistic 19-electron Los Alamos National Laboratory effective core pseudopotentials and basis sets (3s3p2d), the geometric and electronic structures of Pt(6)Au bimetallic clusters have been studied in detail in comparison with Pt(7). A total of 38 conformations for Pt(6)Au are located. The most stable conformation for Pt(6)Au is a sextet with an edge- and face-capped trigonal bipyramid, in which the Au atom caps an edge of the trigonal bipyramid. Pt(6)Au, in general, prefers a three-dimensional geometry and high spin electronic state with multireference character. The electronic impact of the doping of Au in Pt clusters on the overall chemical activity of the doped bimetallic cluster is not as significant as that of the doping of Pt in Au clusters; however, the doping of Au lowers the chemical activity, thus enhancing the chemoselectivity in the gas phase, of PtAu bimetallic clusters.     

Synthesis, characterization, and electronic structure of new type of heterometallic boride clusters

The reaction of [Cp*TaCl(4)], 1 (Cp* = η(5)-C(5)Me(5)), with [LiBH(4)·THF] at -78 °C, followed by thermolysis in the presence of excess [BH(3)·THF], results in the formation of the oxatantalaborane cluster [(Cp*Ta)(2)B(4)H(10)O], 2 in moderate yield. Compound 2 is a notable example of an oxatantalaborane cluster where oxygen is contiguously bound to both the metal and boron. Upon availability of 2, a room temperature reaction was performed with [Fe(2)(CO)(9)], which led to the isolation of [(Cp*Ta)(2)B(2)H(4)O{H(2)Fe(2)(CO)(6)BH}], 3. Compound 3 is an unusual heterometallic boride cluster in which the [Ta(2)Fe(2)] atoms define a butterfly framework with one boron atom lying in a semi-interstitial position. Likewise, the diselenamolybdaborane, [(Cp*Mo)(2)B(4)H(4)Se(2)], 4 was treated with an excess of [Fe(2)(CO)(9)] to afford the heterometallic boride cluster [(Cp*MoSe)(2)Fe(6)(CO)(13)B(2)(BH)(2)], 5. The cluster core of 5 consists of a cubane [Mo(2)Se(2)Fe(2)B(2)] and a tricapped trigonal prism [Fe(6)B(3)] fused together with four atoms held in common between the two subclusters. In the tricapped trigonal prism subunit, one of the boron atoms is completely encapsulated and bonded to six iron and two boron atoms. Compounds 2, 3, and 5 have been characterized by mass spectrometry, IR, (1)H, (11)B, (13)C NMR spectroscopy, and the geometric structures were unequivocally established by crystallographic analysis. The density functional theory calculations yielded geometries that are in close agreement with the observed structures. Furthermore, the calculated (11)B NMR chemical shifts also support the structural characterization of the compounds. Natural bond order analysis and Wiberg bond indices are used to gain insight into the bonding patterns of the observed geometries of 2, 3, and 5.     

Structure and bonding of transition metal-boryl compounds. Theoretical study of [(PH3)2(CO)ClOs-BR2] and [(PH3)2(CO)2ClOs-BR2] (BR2 = BH2, BF2, B(OH)2, B(OCH=CHO), Bcat)

Quantum chemical DFT calculations using the B3LYP functionals have been carried out for the electronically unsaturated 16 VE five-coordinate osmium boryl-complexes [(PH3)2(CO)ClOs-BR2] and the 18 VE six-coordinate complexes [(PH3)2(CO)2ClOs-BR2] with BR2 = BH2, BF2, B(OH)2, B(OHC=CHO), and Bcat (cat = catecholate O2C6H4). The bonding situation of the Os-BR2 bond was analyzed with the help of the NBO partitioning scheme. The Os-B bond dissociation energies of the 16 VE complexes are very high, and they do not change very much for the different boryl ligands. The 18 VE complexes have only slightly lower bond energies than the 16 VE species. The Os-B bond in both classes of compounds is provided by a covalent sigma-bond which is polarized toward osmium and by strong charge attraction. Os-->B pi-donation is not important for the Os-B binding interactions, except for the Os-BH2 complexes. The stability of the boryl complexes [Os]-BR2 comes mainly from B<--R pi-donation, which is clearly higher than the Os-->B pi-donation. The intraligand charge distribution of the BR2 group changes little when the Os-B bond is formed, except for BH2. The CO ligand in [(PH3)2(CO)2ClOs-BR2] which is trans to BR2 has a relatively weak bond to the osmium atom.     

Ruthenacarboranes from the reaction of nido-1,2-(Cp*RuH)2B3H7 with HC [triple bond] CCO2Me, Cp* = eta5-C5Me5. Hydrometalation, alkyne incorporation, and functional group modification via cooperative metal-boron interactions within a metallaborane cluster framework

Reaction of nido-1,2-(Cp*RuH)2B3H7, 1, and methyl acetylene monocarboxylate under kinetic control generates nido-1,2-(Cp*Ru)2(mu-C[[CO2Me]Me])B3H7 (a pair of geometric isomers, 3 and 5) and nido-1,2-(Cp*Ru)2(1,3-mu-C[[CH2CO2Me]H])B3H7, 4, which display the first examples of exo-cluster mu-alkylidene Ru-B bridges generated by hydrometalation of an alkyne on the cluster framework. Both 3 and 5, but not 4, rearrange into arachno-2,8-mu(C)-5-eta1(O)-Me[CO2Me]C-1,2-(Cp*Ru)2B3H7, 2, in which an unprecedented intramolecular coordination of the carbonyl oxygen atom of the alkyne substituent to a boron framework site opens the ruthenaborane skeleton. Compound 2, in turn, is an intermediate in the formation of the ruthenacarborane nido-1,2-(Cp*Ru)2-3-OH-4-OMe-5-Me-4,5-C2B2H5, 12, in which the carbonyl-oxygen double bond has been cleaved as its oxygen atom inserts into a B-H bond and the carbonyl carbon inserts into the metallaborane framework. In a parallel reaction pathway, nido-1,2-(Cp*Ru)2-5-CO2Me-4,5-C2B2H7, 6, nido-1,2-(Cp*Ru)2-4-B(OH)2-5-CO2Me-4,5-C2B2H6, 16, and nido-1,2-(Cp*Ru)2(mu-H)(mu-BH2)-3-(CH2)2CO2Me-CO2Me-4,5-C2B2H4 (a pair of geometric isomers, 7 and 14, which contain an unusual Ru-B borane bridge) are formed. On heating, 7 rearranges to yield nido-1,2-(Cp*Ru)2-3-(CH2)2CO2Me-4-BH2-5-CO2Me-4,5-C2B2H5, 13, whereas 14 converts to nido-1,2-(Cp*Ru)2-3-(CH2)2CO2Me-4-CO2Me-4,5-C2B2H6, 8. Under thermodynamic control, nido-1,2-(Cp*Ru)2-4,5-B[(CH2)2CO2Me]CO(MeO)[C(CH2)CO2Me]-4,5-C2B2H6, 11, is the major product accompanied by lesser amounts of 6 and 1,2-(Cp*Ru)2-4-OMe-5-Me-4,5-C2B2H6, 10. Compound 11 features a five-membered heterocycle containing a boron atom. The structure of 7, which is an intermediate in the formation of 11, provides the basis for an explanation of this complex condensation of three alkynes. A previously unrecognized role for an exo-cluster bridging borene generated from the metallaborane skeleton by addition of the alkyne is also a feature of this chemistry. Reinsertion or loss of this boron fragment accounts for much of the chemistry observed. NMR experiments reveal labile intermediates, and one has been sufficiently characterized to provide mechanistic insight on the early stages of the alkyne-metallaborane addition reaction. All isolated compounds have been spectroscopically characterized, and most have been structurally characterized in the solid state.     

The synthesis,vibrational spectra,and molecular structure of [Ir(CO)(6)][SbF(6)](3).4HF - the first structurally characterized salt with a tripositive,homoleptic metal carbonyl cation and the first example of a tetrahedral hydrogen-bonded (HF)(4) cluster

The reductive carbonylation of IrF(6) in a dilute solution of SbF(5) in anhydrous HF (1:6 by volume) produces surprisingly at 25 degrees C and 1.5 atm CO the complex salt [Ir(CO)(6)][SbF(6)](3).4HF, while [Ir(CO)(6)][Sb(2)F(11)](3) is obtained in liquid SbF(5) under similar conditions. Vibrational spectra in the CO stretching range for both salts and [Ir(CO)(6)](3+)((solv)) are identical within error limits, and nu(CO)(av) is with 2269 cm(-1) the highest average stretching frequency so far observed for octahedral metal carbonyl cations. A vibrational assignment supported by DFT calculations is presented, and the vibrational fundamentals are compared to those of [Os(CO)(6)](2+). The molecular structure of [Ir(CO)(6)][SbF(6)](3).4HF is determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data for [Ir(CO)(6)][SbF(6)](3).4HF: rhombohedral, R3c (No. 161), a = 14.630(4) A, c = 18.377(7) A, V = 3406.4(18) A(3), Z = 6, T = 150 K, R(1) = 0.0338 [I > 2sigma (I)], wR(2) = 0.0797). The average Ir-C bond length in the octahedral [Ir(CO)(6)](3+) cation is with 2.029(10) the longest observed for iridium carbonyl derivatives, consistent with the absence of Ir --> CO pi-back-bonding. The four solvate HF molecules form a tetrahedron via long, asymmetric, and partly delocalized hydrogen bonds with F-F edge lengths of 2.857 (3x) and 2.914 (3x) A. There is no precedent for a polyhedral (HF)(n) cluster in the gas, liquid, or solid phase. The four F atoms of the (HF)(4) cluster are coordinated to the C atoms of the six CO ligands of the cation, which again is without precedent. The coordination of one of the F atoms to three C atoms in a iso-tridentate mode with contact distances C-F(8) of 2.641(10) A is most unusual. The observed tight C-F coordination in [Ir(CO)(6)][SbF(6)](3).4HF provides conclusive evidence for the presence of electrophilic carbon in the cation and illustrates how superelectrophilic cations such as [Ir(CO)(6)](3+) are solvent stabilized in the conjugate Br?nsted-Lewis superacid HF-SbF(5).     

Reactivity of the heterometallic clusters [HMCo3(CO)12] and [Et4N][MCo3(CO)12] (M = Fe, Ru) toward phosphine selenides, including selenium transfer. Crystal structures of [HRuCo3(CO)7(mu-CO)3(mu-dppy)], [MCo2(mu3-Se)(CO)7(mu-dppy)], and [RuCo2(mu3-Se)(CO)7(mu-dppm)] [dppy = Ph2(2-C5H4N)P, dppm = Ph2PCH2PPh2

The reactivity of [HMCo3(CO)12] and [Et4N][MCo3(CO)12] (M = Fe, Ru) toward phosphine selenides such as Ph3PSe, Ph2P(Se)CH2PPh2, Ph2(2-C5H4N)PSe, Ph2(2-C4H3S)PSe, and Ph2[(2-C5H4N)(2-C4H2S)]PSe has been studied with the aim to obtain new selenido-carbonyl bimetallic clusters. The reactions of the hydrido clusters give two main classes of products: (i) triangular clusters with a mu3-Se capping ligand of the type [MCo2(mu3-Se)(CO)(9-x)L(y)] resulting from the selenium transfer (x = y = 1, 2, with L = monodentate ligand; x = 2, 4, and y = 1, 2, with L = bidentate ligand) (M = Fe, Ru) and (ii) tetranuclear clusters of the type [HMCo3(CO)12xL(y)] obtained by simple substitution of axial, Co-bound carbonyl groups by the deselenized phosphine ligand. The crystal structures of [HRuCo3(CO)7(mu-CO)3(mu-dppy)] (1), [MCo2(mu3-Se)(CO)7(mu-dppy)] (M = Fe (16) or Ru (2)), and [RuCo2(mu3-Se)(CO)7(mu-dppm)] (12) are reported [dppy = Ph2(2-C5H4N)P, dppm = Ph2PCH2PPh2]. Clusters 2, 12, and 16 are the first examples of trinuclear bimetallic selenido clusters substituted by phosphines. Their core consists of metal triangles capped by a mu3-selenium atom with the bidentate ligand bridging two metals in equatorial positions. The core of cluster 1 consists of a RuCo3 tetrahedron, each Co-Co bond being bridged by a carbonyl group and one further bridged by a dppy ligand. The coordination of dppy in a pseudoaxial position causes the migration of the hydride ligand to the Ru(mu-H)Co edge. In contrast to the reactions of the hydrido clusters, those with the anionic clusters [MCo3(CO)12]- do not lead to Se transfer from phosphorus to the cluster but only to CO substitution by the deselenized phosphine.     

The synthesis, structure and dynamic behaviour of disubstituted alkenylphosphine derivatives of [Rh6(CO)16

A series of [Rh(6)(CO)(16)] substituted derivatives containing Ph(2)P(alkenyl) ligands has been synthesized starting from the [Rh(6)(CO)(16-x)(NCMe)(x)](x= 1, 2) clusters and Ph(2)P((CH(2))(n)CH=CH(2))(n= 2, 3) phosphines. It was shown that the terminal alkenyl substituents in these phosphines easily undergo isomerization in the coordination sphere of the hexarhodium complexes to give the allyl -CH(2)CH=C(H)R (R = Me and Et) fragments coordinated through the double bond of the rearranged organic moieties. The solid-state structure of two clusters, [Rh(6)(CO)(14)(mu2,kappa3-Ph(2)PCH(2)CH=C(H)CH(3))](4) and [Rh(6)(CO)(14)(mu2,kappa3-Ph(2)PCH(2)CH=C(H)CH(2)CH(3))](8), was established by X-ray crystallography. Solution structures of the products obtained were also characterized by IR and NMR ((1)H, (31)P, (1)H-(1)H COSY and (1)H-(1)H NOE) spectroscopy. It was shown that 4 and 8 exist in solution as mixtures of three isomers (A, B and C), which differ in the conformation of the coordinated allyl fragment. A similar (two species, A and B) equilibrium was found to occur in the solution of the [Rh(6)(CO)(14)(mu2,kappa3-Ph(2)PCH(2)CH=CH(2))](2) cluster. The dynamic behaviour of 2, 4 and 8[Rh(6)(CO)(14)(mu2,kappa3-Ph(2)PCH=CH(2))] has been studied using VT (31)P and (1)H-(1)H NOESY NMR spectroscopy, rate constants and activation parameters of the (A<-->B) isomerization processes were determined. It was shown that the most probable mechanism of this isomerization involves a dissociative [Rh6(CO)(14)(kappa1-Ph(2)P(alkenyl))] intermediate and re-coordination of the double bond to the same metal atom where the process started from. The conversion of the A and B species in and into the third isomer very likely occurs through the transfer of an allyl hydrogen atom onto the rhodium skeleton to give eventually cis conformation of the coordinated allyl fragment.     

The solid state structure of [b(10)h(11)](-) and its dynamic NMR spectra in solution

The structure of [PPh(3)(benzyl)][B(10)H(11)] was determined at -123 degrees C and 24 degrees C by single-crystal X-ray analyses. The B(10) core of [B(10)H(11)](-) is similar in shape to that of [B(10)H(10)](2)(-). The 11th H atom asymmetrically caps a polar face of the cluster and shows no tendency for disorder in the solid state. Variable temperature multinuclear NMR studies shed light on the dynamic nature of [B(10)H(11)](-) in solution. In addition to the fluxionality of the cluster H atoms, the boron cage is fluxional at moderate temperatures, in contrast to [B(10)H(10)](2)(-). Multiple exchange processes are believed to take place as a function of temperature. Results of ab initio calculations are presented. Crystal data: [PPh(3)(benzyl)][B(10)H(11)] at -123 degrees C, P2(1)/c, a = 9.988(2) A, b = 18.860(2) A, c = 15.072(2) A, beta = 107.916(8) degrees, V = 2701.5(7) A(3), Z = 4; [PPh(3)(benzyl)][B(10)H(11)] at 24 degrees C, P2(1)/c, a = 10.067(5) A, b = 19.009(9) A, c = 15.247(7) A, beta = 107.952(9) degrees, V = 2775(2) A(3), Z = 4.     

Synthesis, Structure, and Nonrigidity of Os7(CO)20(CNBu t )

The cluster Os₇(CO)₂₀(CNBu ^t ) (1) has been prepared in 25% yield by the reaction of Os₆(CO)₁₈ with Me₃NO and Os(CO)₄(CNBu ^t ) at –78°C. The crystal structure of 1 reveals the expected capped octahedral arrangement of metal atoms with the noncarbonyl ligand attached to the capping Os atom. The OsOs lengths in the two independent molecules in the unit cell are in the range 2.823(1)–2.922(1) Å, with the longer bonds associated with the Os₃ triangle farthest from the capping Os atom. The ¹³C NMR spectrum of 1 in solution at room temperature has a 3:3:1 pattern that is consistent with rotation of the individual Os(CO)₂(L) (L=CO or CNBu ^t ) groups in the cluster. This in turn supports the idea that the capping Os(CO)₂(CNBu ^t ) unit binds to the central Os₆ via a centrally directed MO plus two tangential molecular orbitals.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of new divanada- and diniobaboranes containing chalcogen atoms

The reaction of [Cp(n) MCl(4-x) ] (M=V: n=2, x=2; M=Nb: n=1, x=0; Cp=η(5) -C(5) H(5) ) with LiBH(4) ?THF followed by thermolysis in the presence of dichalcogenide ligands E(2) R(2) (E=S, Te; R=2,6-(tBu)(2) -C(6) H(2) OH, Ph) and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (C(7) H(5) NS(2) ) yielded dimetallaheteroboranes [{CpV(μ-TePh)}(2) (μ(3) -Te)BH?thf] (1), [(CpV)(2) (BH(3) S)(2) ] (2), [(CpNb)(2) B(4) H(10) S] (3), [(CpNb)(2) B(4) H(11) S(tBu)(2) C(6) H(2) OH] (4), and [(CpNb)(2) B(4) H(11) TePh] (5). In cluster 1, the V(2) BTe atoms define a tetrahedral framework in which the boron atom is linked to a THF molecule. Compound 2 can be described as a dimetallathiaborane that is built from two edge-fused V(2) BS tetrahedron clusters. Cluster 3 can be considered as an edge-fused cluster in which a trigonal-bipyramidal unit (Nb(2) B(2) S) has been fused with a tetrahedral core (Nb(2) B(2) ) by means of a common Nb(2) edge. In addition, thermolysis of an in-situ-generated intermediate that was produced from the reaction of [Cp(2) VCl(2) ] and LiBH(4) ?THF with excess BH(3) ?THF yielded oxavanadaborane [(CpV)(2) B(3) H(8) (μ(3) -OEt)] (6) and divanadaborane cluster [(CpV)(2) B(5) H(11) ] (7). Cluster 7 exhibits a nido geometry with C(2v) symmetry and it is isostructural with [(Cp*M)(2) B(5) H(9+n) ] (M=Cr, Mo, and W, n=0; M=Ta, n=2; Cp*=η(5) -C(5) Me(5) ). All of these new compounds have been characterized by (1) H?NMR, (11) B?NMR, and (13) C?NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis and the structural types were established unequivocally by crystallographic analysis of compounds?1-4, 6, and 7.     

Edge-bridging and face-capping coordination of alkenyl ligands in triruthenium carbonyl cluster complexes derived from hydrazines: synthetic, structural, theoretical, and kinetic studies

The reactions of the triruthenium cluster complex [Ru3(mu-H)(mu3-eta2-HNNMe2)(CO)9] (1; H2NNMe2=1,1-dimethylhydrazine) with alkynes (PhC triple bond CPh, HC triple bond CH, MeO2CC triple bond CCO2Me, PhC triple bond CH, MeO2CC triple bond CH, HOMe2CC triple bond CH, 2-pyC triple bond CH) give trinuclear complexes containing edge-bridging and/or face-capping alkenyl ligands. Whereas the edge-bridged products are closed triangular species (three Ru-Ru bonds), the face-capped products are open derivatives (two Ru-Ru bonds). For terminal alkynes, products containing gem (RCCH2) and/or trans (RHCCH) alkenyl ligands have been identified in both edge-bridging and face-capping positions, except for the complex [Ru3(mu3-eta2-HNNMe2)(mu3-eta3-HCCH-2-py)(mu-CO)(CO)7], which has the two alkenyl H atoms in a cis arrangement. Under comparable reaction conditions (1:1 molar ratio, THF at reflux, time required for the consumption of complex 1), some reactions give a single product, but most give mixtures of isomers (not all the possible ones), which were separated. To determine the effect of the hydrazido ligand, the reactions of [Ru3(mu-H)(mu3-eta2-MeNNHMe)(CO)9] (2; HMeNNHMe=1,2-dimethylhydrazine) with PhC triple bond CPh, PhC triple bond CH, and HC triple bond CH were also studied. For edge-bridged alkenyl complexes, the Ru--Ru edge that is spanned by the alkenyl ligand depends on the position of the methyl groups on the hydrazido ligand. For face-capped alkenyl complexes, the relative orientation of the hydrazido and alkenyl ligands also depends on the position of the methyl groups on the hydrazido ligand. A kinetic analysis of the reaction of 1 with PhC[triple chemical bond]CPh revealed that the reaction follows an associative mechanism, which implies that incorporation of the alkyne in the cluster is rate-limiting and precedes the release of a CO ligand. X-ray diffraction, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and calculations of minimum-energy structures by DFT methods were used to characterize the products. A comparison of the absolute energies of isomeric compounds (obtained by DFT calculations) helped rationalize the experimental results.     

Condensed metallaborane clusters: synthesis and structure of Fe2(CO)6(eta5-C5Me5RuCO)(eta5-C5Me5Ru)B6H10

Mild pyrolysis of (eta5-C5Me5Ru)2B6H12 with Fe2(CO)9 yields the 12 skeletal electron pair (sep) Fe2(CO)6(eta5-C5Me5RuCO)(eta5-C5Me5Ru)B6H10 cluster; the title compound represents a novel class of hybrid multiple cluster in which a Fe2B2 tetrahedron has been fused to a ruthenaborane substrate.     

Cluster-to-metal magnetic coupling: synthesis and characterization of 25-electron [Re6-nOsnSe8(CN)6](5-n)-(n = 1, 2) clusters and (Re6-nOsnSe8[CNCu(Me6tren)]6)9+(n = 0, 1, 2) assemblies

The first face-capped octahedral clusters with 25 metal-based valence electrons are shown to provide versatile building units capable of engaging in magnetic exchange coupling. Reactions of [Re(5)OsSe(8)Cl(6)](3-) and [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)Cl(6)](2-) with NaCN in a melt of NaNO(3) or KCF(3)SO(3) afford the 24-electron clusters [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](3-) and [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](2-). The 13C NMR spectrum of a 13C-labeled version of the latter species indicates a 1:2 mixture of cis and trans isomers. Cyclic voltammograms of the clusters in acetonitrile display reversible [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](3-/4-), cis-[Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](2-/3-), and trans-[Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](2-/3-) couples at E(1/2) = -1.843, -0.760, and -1.031 V vs FeCp(2)(0/+), respectively, in addition to other redox processes. Accordingly, reduction of [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](3-) with sodium amalgam and [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](2-) with cobaltocene produces the 25-electron clusters [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](4-) and [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](3-). EPR spectra of these S = 1/2 species in frozen DMF solutions exhibit isotropic signals with g = 1.46 for the monoosmium cluster and g = 1.74 and 1.09 for the respective cis and trans isomers of the diosmium cluster. In each case, results from DFT calculations show the unpaired spin to delocalize to some extent into the pi* orbitals of the cyanide ligands, suggesting the possibility of magnetic superexchange. Reaction of [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](3-) with [Ni(H(2)O)(6)](2+) in aqueous solution generates the porous Prussian blue analogue Ni(3)[Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](2).32H(2)O; however, the tendency of the 25-electron clusters to oxidize in water prohibits their use in reactions of this type. Instead, a series of cyano-bridged assemblies, [Re(6-n)Os(n)Se(8)[CNCu(Me(6)tren)](6)](9+) (n = 0, 1, 2; Me(6)tren = tris(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)amine), were synthesized to permit comparison of the exchange coupling abilities of clusters with 23-25 electrons. As expected, the results of magnetic susceptibility measurements show no evidence for exchange coupling in the assemblies containing the 23- and 24-electron clusters, but reveal the presence of weak ferromagnetic coupling in [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)[CNCu(Me(6)tren)](6)](9+). Assuming all cluster-Cu(II) exchange interactions to be equivalent, the data were fit to give an estimated coupling strength of J = 0.4 cm(-1). To our knowledge, the ability of such clusters to participate in magnetic exchange coupling has never previously been demonstrated.     

Flattening the b(6)h(6)(2-) octahedron Ab initio prediction of a new family of planar all-boron aromatic molecules

The structural chemistry of boron is dominated by 3D structures (polyhedra), while in carbon structural chemistry the planar aromatic structures are more abundant. In this Communication we present results of ab initio calculations showing that the polyhedral boranes can be flattened into planar aromatic structures similar to their carbon analogues. We predicted that a B6H62- octahedron (in Li2B6H6), a B5H52- trigonal bipyramid (in Li2B5H5), a B7H72- pentagonal bipyramid (in Li2B7H7), and a B10H84- bioctahedron with a joint edge (in Li4B10H8) can be reduced to a planar aromatic B6H66- hexagon (in Li6B6H6), to a planar pentagon B5H56- (in Li6B5H5), to a planar heptagon B7H76- (in Li6B7H7), and to a naphthalene-like B10H810- (in Li10B10H8). Ab initio prediction of these new planar aromatic boranes shows that a large new family of planar aromatic all-boron molecules is possible.     

Homoleptic mononuclear and binuclear osmium carbonyls Os(CO)n(n = 3-5) and Os2(CO)n (n = 8, 9): comparison with the iron analogues

The structures and energetics of the experimentally known Os(CO)n ( n = 3-5), Os2(CO)9, and Os2(CO)8 have been investigated using density functional theory. For Os(CO)5, the lowest-energy structure is the singlet D(3h) trigonal bipyramid. However, the C(4v) square pyramid for Os(CO)5 lies only approximately 1.5 kcal/mol higher in energy, suggesting extraordinary fluxionality. For the coordinatively unsaturated Os(CO)4 and Os(CO)3, a D(2d) strongly distorted tetrahedral structure and a Cs bent T-shaped structure are the lowest-energy structures, respectively. For Os2(CO)9, the experimentally observed singly bridged Os2(CO)8(mu-CO) structure is the lowest-energy structure. A triply bridged Os2(CO)6(mu-CO)3 structure analogous to the known Fe2(CO)9 structure is a transition state rather than a true minimum and collapses to the singly bridged global minimum structure upon following the corresponding normal mode. An unbridged (OC)5Os --> Os(CO)4 structure with a formal Os --> Os dative bond analogous to known stable complexes of the type (R3P)2(OC)3Os --> W(CO)5 is also found for Os2(CO)9 within 8 kcal/mol of the global minimum. The global minimum for the coordinatively unsaturated Os2(CO)8 is a singly bridged (OC)4Os(mu-CO)Os(CO)3 structure derived from the Os2(CO)9 global minimum by loss of a terminal carbonyl group. However, the unbridged structure for Os2(CO)8 observed in low-temperature matrix experiments lies only approximately 1 kcal/mol above this global minimum. In all cases, the triplet structures for these osmium carbonyls have significantly higher energies than the corresponding singlet structures.     

1,2,3,4-Tetraphenyl-1,2,3,4-tetraphospholane,a highly versatile cyclocarbaphosphine ligand: reactions with activated triosmium clusters and characterization of the products

Reaction of 1,2,3,4-tetraphenyl-1,2,3,4-tetraphospholane (I) with [Os(3)(CO)(11)(NCMe)] at ambient temperature affords substituted clusters: the monosubstituted trinuclear cluster [Os(3)(CO)(11)[(PPh)(4)CH(2)]] (1) and the isomeric linked bis-trinuclear clusters [[Os(3)(CO)(11)](2)[mu-1,4-eta(2)-(PPh)(4)CH(2)]] (2) and [[Os(3)(CO)(11)](2)[mu-1,3-eta(2)-(PPh)(4)CH(2)]] (3). Clusters 2 and 3 can also be prepared by further reaction of 1 with [Os(3)(CO)(11)(NCMe)]. The reaction at 100 degrees C gives, apart from cluster 2, the disubstituted 1,4-bridged trinuclear cluster [Os(3)(CO)(10)[mu-1,4-eta(2)-(PPh)(4)CH(2)]] (4). The conversion of 1 into 4 can be achieved through the pyrolysis of a solution of 1. When 1 reacts with an equimolar amount of [Os(3)(CO)(10)(mu-H)(2)] at 100 degrees C in toluene, the 1,2,4-linked bis-trinuclear cluster [Os(3)(CO)(11)[mu(3)-1,2,4-eta(3)-(PPh)(4)CH(2)]Os(3)(CO)(8)(mu-H)(2)] (5) is obtained. When I reacts with a 2-fold molar amount of [Os(3)(CO)(10)(mu-H)(2)], the 1,2,3,4-linked bis-trinuclear hydride cluster [[Os(3)(CO)(8)(mu-H)(2)](2)[mu(4)-1,2,3,4-eta(4)-(PPh)(4)CH(2)]] (6) is obtained. Cluster 1 exists as two conformational isomers (1y and 1r) in the crystalline state, due to different conformational arrangements of pseudoaxial carbonyls in the cluster. Cluster 3 shows two interconvertible conformers (3y and 3r) due to the inversion of the configuration of the uncoordinated outer phosphorus atom, and a pair of enantiomers exists in 3r. All of the new compounds obtained have been characterized by spectroscopic and analytical techniques, and their structures have been established by X-ray crystallography.