Syntheses and Characterization of Samarium and Erbium Borohydrido Complexes Supported by N‐Aryliminopyrrole Ligand

Reaction of potassium salt of N‐aryliminopyrrole ligand [2‐(2, 6‐iPr₂C₆H₃N=CH)–C₄H₃NK] ( 1 ) with samarium tris‐boro‐hydride [Sm(BH₄)₃(THF)₃] gave a samarium ate complex [η²‐{2‐(2, 6‐iPr₂C₆H₃N=CH)–C₄H₃N}₃Sm(η¹‐BH₄){K(THF)₆] ( 2 ); whereas similar treatment with erbium borohydride [Er(BH₄)₃(THF)₃] afforded the mono(iminopyrrolyl) complex [η²‐{2‐(2, 6‐iPr₂C₆H₃N=CH)–C₄H₃N}Er(η³‐BH₄)₂(THF)₂] ( 3 ). In the solid‐state structures, the samarium complex 2 shows a rarely observed η¹ and the erbium complex 3 shows a usual η³ coordination mode of the borohydrido ligand.     

Solvent dependence of the solid‐state structures of salicylaldiminate magnesium amide complexes

There are challenges in using magnesium coordination complexes as reagents owing to their tendency to adopt varying aggregation states in solution and thus impacting the reactivity of the complexes. Many magnesium complexes are prone to ligand redistribution via Schlenk equilibrium due to the ionic character within the metal–ligand interactions. The role of the supporting ligand is often crucial for providing stability to the heteroleptic complex. Strategies to minimize ligand redistribution in alkaline earth metal complexes could include using a supporting ligand with tunable sterics and electronics to influence the degree of association to the metal atom. Magnesium bis(hexamethyldisilazide) was reacted with salicylaldimines [¹L = N‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)salicylaldimine and ²L = 3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐N‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)salicylaldimine] in either nondonor (toluene) or donor solvents [tetrahydrofuran (THF) or pyridine]. The structures of the magnesium complexes were studied in the solid state via X‐ray diffraction. In the nondonor solvent, i.e. toluene, the heteroleptic complex bis{μ‐2‐[(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)iminomethyl]phenolato}‐κ³N,O:O;κ³O:N,O‐bis[(hexamethyldisilazido‐κN)magnesium(II)], [Mg₂(C₁₉H₂₂NO)₂(C₆H₁₈NSi₂)₂] or [¹LMgN(SiMe₃)₂]₂, (1), was favored, while in the donor solvent, i.e. pyridine (pyr), the formation of the homoleptic complex {2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐[(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)iminomethyl]phenolato‐κ²N,O}bis(pyridine‐κN)magnesium(II) toluene monosolvate, [Mg(C₂₇H₃₈NO)₂(C₅H₅N)₂]·C₅H₅N or [{²L₂Mg₂(pyr)₂}·pyr], (2), predominated. Heteroleptic complex (1) was crystallized from toluene, while homoleptic complexes (2) and the previously reported [¹L₂Mg·THF] [Quinque et al. (2011). Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. pp. 3321–3326] were crystallized from pyridine and THF, respectively. These studies support solvent‐dependent ligand redistribution in solution. In‐situ¹H NMR experiments were carried out to further probe the solution behavior of these systems.     

Scandium complexes with the tetraphenylethylene and anthracene dianions

The structural study of Sc complexes containing dianions of anthracene and tetraphenylethylene should shed some light on the nature of rare‐earth metal–carbon bonding. The crystal structures of (18‐crown‐6)bis(tetrahydrofuran‐κO)sodium bis(η⁶‐1,1,2,2‐tetraphenylethenediyl)scandium(III) tetrahydrofuran disolvate, [Na(C₄H₈O)₂(C₁₂H₂₄O₆)][Sc(C₂₆H₂₀)₂]·2C₄H₈O or [Na(18‐crown‐6)(THF)₂][Sc(η⁶‐C₂Ph₄)₂]·2(THF), ( 1b ), (η⁵‐1,3‐diphenylcyclopentadienyl)(tetrahydrofuran‐κO)(η⁶‐1,1,2,2‐tetraphenylethenediyl)scandium(III) toluene hemisolvate, [Sc(C₁₇H₁₃)(C₂₆H₂₀)(C₄H₈O)]·0.5C₇H₈ or [(η⁵‐1,3‐Ph₂C₅H₃)Sc(η⁶‐C₂Ph₄)(THF)]·0.5(toluene), ( 5b ), poly[[(μ₂‐η³:η³‐anthracenediyl)bis(η⁶‐anthracenediyl)bis(η⁵‐1,3‐diphenylcyclopentadienyl)tetrakis(tetrahydrofuran)dipotassiumdiscandium(III)] tetrahydrofuran monosolvate], {[K₂Sc₂(C₁₄H₁₀)₃(C₁₇H₁₃)₂(C₄H₈O)₄]·C₄H₈O}_n or [K(THF)₂]₂[(1,3‐Ph₂C₅H₃)₂Sc₂(C₁₄H₁₀)₃]·THF, ( 6 ), and 1,4‐diphenylcyclopenta‐1,3‐diene, C₁₇H₁₄, ( 3a ), have been established. The [Sc(η⁶‐C₂Ph₄)₂]⁻ complex anion in ( 1b ) contains the tetraphenylethylene dianion in a symmetrical bis‐η³‐allyl coordination mode. The complex homoleptic [Sc(η⁶‐C₂Ph₄)₂]⁻ anion retains its structure in THF solution, displaying hindered rotation of the coordinated phenyl rings. The 1D ¹H and ¹³C{¹H}, and 2D COSY ¹H–¹H and ¹³C–¹H NMR data are presented for M[Sc(Ph₄C₂)₂]·xTHF [M = Na and x = 4 for ( 1a ); M = K and x = 3.5 for ( 2a )] in THF‐d₈ media. Complex ( 5b ) exhibits an unsymmetrical bis‐η³‐allyl coordination mode of the dianion, but this changes to a η⁴ coordination mode for (1,3‐Ph₂C₅H₃)Sc(Ph₄C₂)(THF)₂, ( 5a ), in THF‐d₈ solution. A ⁴⁵Sc NMR study of ( 2a ) and UV–Vis studies of ( 1a ), ( 2a ) and ( 5a ) indicate a significant covalent contribution to the Sc—Ph₄C₂ bond character. The unique Sc ate complex, ( 6 ), contains three anthracenide dianions demonstrating both a η⁶‐coordination mode for two bent ligands and a μ₂‐η³:η³‐bridging mode of a flat ligand. Each [(1,3‐Ph₂C₅H₃)₂Sc₂(C₁₄H₁₀)₃]²⁻ dianionic unit is connected to four neighbouring units via short contacts with [K(THF)₂]⁺ cations, forming a two‐dimensional coordination polymer framework parallel to (001).     

The Synthesis,Characterisation, and Reactivity of Some Polydentate Phosphinoamine Ligands with Benzene‐1,3‐diyl and Pyridine‐2,6‐diyl Backbones

The polydentate phosphinoamines 1,3‐{(Ph₂P)₂N}₂C₆H₄ and 2,6‐{(Ph₂P)₂N}₂C₅H₃N have been prepared in a single step from the reaction of the amines 1,3‐(NH₂)₂C₆H₄ or 2,6‐(NH₂)₂C₅H₃N with Ph₂PCl in presence of Et₃N (1 : 4 : 4 molar ratio) in CH₂Cl₂. Reaction of 1,3‐{(Ph₂P)₂N}₂C₆H₄ or 2,6‐{(Ph₂P)₂N}₂C₅H₃N with elemental sulfur or selenium in CH₂Cl₂ affords the corresponding tetrasulfide or tetraselenide, respectively, in good yield. The complexes [1,3‐{Mo(CO)₄(Ph₂P)₂N}₂(C₆H₄)] and [2,6‐{Mo(CO)₄(Ph₂P)₂N}₂(C₅H₃N)] were prepared from the reaction of these phosphinoamines with [Mo(CO)₄(nbd)] (nbd=norbornadiene) in toluene, and the structure of the latter complex has been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Reaction of Cp2ZrCl2 with Inorganic Amides

The reactions of [η⁵‐Cp₂ZrCl₂] (Cp = η⁵‐C₅H₅) with [K(THF)_n][N(PPh₂)₂] (n = 1.25—1.5) and K[CH(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂] are reported. The first reaction led to the monoamido complex [η⁵‐Cp₂Zr(Cl)N(PPh₂)₂] in which the {(Ph₂P)₂N}^— ligand — via a phosphorous and the nitrogen atom — is coordinated to the zirconium atom in a chelating (η²) fashion. Reaction of the potassium methanide compound, K{CH(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂} with zirconocene dichloride yield the carbene‐like mono cyclopentadienyl complex [η⁵‐CpZr(Cl){C(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂}]. The complex is formed by a salt metathesis and concomitant a cyclopentadiene extrusion.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Sodium and Calcium ­Complexes with the Ligand N‐(2,6‐Dimethylphenyl)diphenylphosphinic Amide

The sodium complex [{Ph₂P(O)NH(2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃)}Na{Ph₂P(O)N(2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃)}]₂ ( 2 ) with the ligand N‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)diphenylphosphinic amide was synthesized involving the reaction of the neutral ligand [Ph₂P(O)NH(2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃)] ( 1 ) and sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in toluene at 60 °C. The calcium complex [{Ph₂P(O)NH(2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃)CaI(THF)₃}I] ( 3 ) was obtained by the reaction between the neutral ligand 1 and anhydrous calcium diiodide in THF at ambient temperature. The solid‐state structures of the complexes were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. In the solid‐state structure of 2 , the sodium ion is coordinated through the chelation of oxygen atom attached to the phosphorus atom. Two different P–N and P–O bond lengths are observed, which indicates that one ligand moiety is anionic, whereas the second one is neutral. In the solid‐state structure of 3 , the calcium atom adopts distorted octahedral arrangement through the ligation of two phosphinic amide ligands, three THF molecules, and one iodide ion.     

Structural diversity of polynuclear MgxOy cores in magnesium phenoxide complexes

The binuclear complex bis(2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenolato)‐1κO ,2κO‐(1,2‐dimethoxyethane‐1κ²O ,O ′)bis(μ‐phenylmethanolato‐1:2κ²O :O )(tetrahydrofuran‐2κO )dimagnesium(II), [Mg₂(C₇H₇O)₂(C₁₅H₂₃O)₂(C₄H₈O)(C₄H₁₀O₂)] or [(BHT)(DME)Mg(μ‐OBn)₂Mg(THF)(BHT)], (I), was obtained from the complex [(BHT)Mg(μ‐OBn)(THF)]₂ by substitution of one tetrahydrofuran (THF) molecule with 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME) in toluene (BHT is O‐2,6‐^t Bu₂‐4‐MeC₆H₄ and Bn is benzyl). The trinuclear complex bis(2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenolato)‐1κO ,3κO‐tetrakis(μ‐2‐methylphenolato)‐1:2κ⁴O :O ;2:3κ⁴O :O‐bis(tetrahydrofuran)‐1κO ,3κO‐trimagnesium(II), [Mg₃(C₇H₇O)₄(C₁₅H₂₃O)₂(C₄H₈O)₂] or [(BHT)₂(μ‐O‐2‐MeC₆H₄)₄(THF)₂Mg₃], (II), was formed from a mixture of Bu₂Mg, [(BHT)Mg(ⁿ Bu)(THF)₂] and 2‐methylphenol. An unusual tetranuclear complex, bis(μ₃‐2‐aminoethanolato‐κ⁴O :O :O ,N )tetrakis(μ₂‐2‐aminoethanolato‐κ³O :O ,N )bis(2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenolato‐κO )tetramagnesium(II), [Mg₄(C₂H₆NO)₆(C₁₅H₂₃O)₂] or Mg₄(BHT)₂(OCH₂CH₂NH₂)₆, (III), resulted from the reaction between (BHT)₂Mg(THF)₂ and 2‐aminoethanol. A polymerization test demonstrated the ability of (III) to catalyse the ring‐opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone without activation by alcohol. In all three complexes (I)–(III), the BHT ligand demonstrates the terminal κO‐coordination mode. Complexes (I), (II) and (III) have binuclear rhomboid Mg₂O₂, trinuclear chain‐like Mg₃O₄ and bicubic Mg₄O₆ cores, respectively. A survey of the literature on known polynuclear Mg_x O_y core types for ArO–Mg complexes is also presented.     

Bis(phosphinimino)methanides as ligands in divalent lanthanide and alkaline earth chemistry - synthesis, structure, and catalysis

Divalent bis(phosphinimino)methanide lanthanide complexes of composition [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}EuI(THF)]₂ and [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}YbI(THF)₂] have been prepared by a salt metathesis reactions of K{CH(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂} and LnI₂. Further reactions of these complexes with [K(THF)_nN(PPh₂)₂] led selectively to the heteroleptic amido complexes [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}Ln{(Ph₂P)₂N}(THF)] (Ln = Eu, Yb). The ytterbium complex can also be obtained by reduction of [{CH(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂}Yb{(Ph₂P)₂N}Cl] with elemental potassium. The single crystals of [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}Ln{(Ph₂P)₂N}(THF)] contain enantiomerically pure complexes. As a result of the similar ionic radii of the divalent lanthanides and the heavier alkaline earth metals some similarities in coordination chemistry of the bis(phosphinimino)methanide ligand were anticipated. Therefore, MI₂ (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) was reacted with K{CH(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂} to give [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}CaI(THF)₂], [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}SrI(THF)]₂, and [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}BaI(THF)₂]₂, respectively. As expected the Sr and Eu complexes and the Ca and Yb complexes are very similar, whereas for the Ba compound, as a result of the large ion radius, a different coordination sphere is observed. For all new complexes the solid-state structures were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the solid-state the {CH(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂}⁻ ligand acts as tridentate donor forming a long methanide carbon metal bond. Thus, all complexes presented can be considered as organometallic compounds. [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}YbI(THF)₂] was also used as precatalyst for the intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization reaction of different aminoalkynes and aminoolefines. Good yields but moderate activities were observed.     

Judiciously balancing steric and electronic influences on 2,3‐diiminobutane‐based Pd(II) complexes in nourishing polyethylene properties

A new series of palladium complexes ( Pd1–Pd5 ) ligated by symmetrical 2,3‐diiminobutane derivatives, 2,3‐bis[2,6‐bis{bis(4‐FC₆H₄)₂CH}₂‐4‐(alkyl)C₆H₂N]C₄H₆ (alkyl = Me L1 , Et L2 , ⁱ Pr L3 , ^t Bu L4 ) and 2,3‐bis[2,6‐bis{bis(C₆H₅)₂CH}₂‐4‐{(CH₃)₃C}C₆H₂N]C₄H₆ L5 , have been prepared and well characterized, and their catalytic scope toward ethylene polymerization have been investigated. Upon activation with MAO, all palladium complexes ( Pd1–Pd5) exhibited good activities (up to 1.44 × 10⁶ g (PE) mol^?1(Pd) h^?1) and produced higher molecular weight polyethylene in the range of 10⁵ g mol^?1 with precise molecular weight distribution (M _w/M _n = 1.37–1.77). One of the long‐standing limiting features of the Brookhart type α‐diimine Pd(II) catalysts is that they produce highly branched (ca. 100/1000 C atoms) and totally amorphous polymer. Conversely, herein Pd5 produced polymers having dramatically lower branching number (28/1000) as well as improved melting temperature up to 73.1 °C showing well‐controlled linear architecture, and very similar to polyethylene materials generated by early‐transition‐metal based catalysts. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55 , 3214–3222     

Beryllium Halide Complexes Incorporating Neutral or Anionic Ligands: Potential Precursors for Beryllium Chemistry

Reactions of the beryllium dihalide complexes [BeX₂(OEt₂)₂] (X=Br or I) with N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), a series of diazabutadienes, or bis(diphenylphosphino)methylene (DPPM) have yielded the chelated complexes, [BeX₂(TMEDA)], [BeX₂{(RN=CH)₂}] (R=tBu, mesityl (Mes), 2,6‐diethylphenyl (Dep) or 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl (Dip)), and the non‐chelated system, [BeI₂(κ¹‐P‐DPPM)₂]. Reactions of lithium or potassium salts of a variety of β‐diketiminates have given both three‐coordinate complexes, [{HC(RCNAr)₂}BeX] (R=H or Me; Ar=Mes, Dep or Dip; X=Br or I); and four‐coordinate systems, [{HC(MeCNPh)₂}BeBr(OEt₂)] and [{HC(MeCNDip)(MeCNC₂H₄NMe₂}BeI]. Alkali metal salts of ketiminate, guanidinate, boryl/phosphinosilyl amide, or terphenyl ligands, lead to dimeric [{BeI{μ‐[(OCMe)(DipNCMe)]CH}}₂], and monomeric [{iPr₂NC(NMes)₂}BeI(OEt₂)], [κ²‐N,P‐{(HCNDip)₂B}(PPh₂SiMe₂)NBeI(OEt₂)] and [{C₆H₃Ph₂‐2,6}BeBr(OEt₂)], respectively. Compound [{HC(MeCNPh)₂}BeBr(OEt₂)] undergoes a Schlenk redistribution reaction in solution, affording the homoleptic complex, [{HC(MeCNPh)₂}₂Be]. The majority of the prepared complexes have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography and multi‐nuclear NMR spectroscopy. The structures and stability of the complexes are discussed, as is their potential for use as precursors in poorly developed low oxidation state beryllium chemistry.     

Different coordination modes of trans‐2‐{[(2‐methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenoxide in rare‐earth complexes: influence of the metal cation radius and the number of ligands on steric congestion and ligand coordination modes

A simple and effective synthetic route to homo‐ and heteroleptic rare‐earth (Ln = Y, La and Nd) complexes with a tridentate Schiff base anion has been demonstrated using exchange reactions of rare‐earth chlorides with in‐situ‐generated sodium (E)‐2‐{[(2‐methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenoxide in different molar ratios in absolute methanol. Five crystal structures have been determined and studied, namely tris(2‐{[(2‐methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato‐κ³O¹,N,O²)lanthanum, [La(C₁₄H₁₂NO₂)₃], ( 1 ), tris(2‐{[(2‐methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato‐κ³O¹,N,O²)neodymium tetrahydrofuran disolvate, [La(C₁₄H₁₂NO₂)₃]·2C₄H₈O, ( 2 )·2THF, tris(2‐{[(2‐methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato)‐κ³O¹,N,O²;κ³O¹,N,O²;κ²N,O¹‐yttrium, [Y(C₁₄H₁₂NO₂)₃], ( 3 ), dichlorido‐1κCl,2κCl‐μ‐methanolato‐1:2κ²O:O‐methanol‐2κO‐(μ‐2‐{[(2‐methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato‐1κ³O¹,N,O²:2κO¹)bis(2‐{[(2‐methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato)‐1κ³O¹,N,O²;2κ³O¹,N,O²‐diyttrium–tetrahydrofuran–methanol (1/1/1), [Y₂(C₁₄H₁₂NO₂)₃(CH₃O)Cl₂(CH₄O)]·CH₄O·C₄H₈O, ( 4 )·MeOH·THF, and bis(μ‐2‐{[(2‐methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato‐1κ³O¹,N,O²:2κO¹)bis(2‐{[(2‐methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato‐2κ³O¹,N,O²)sodiumyttrium chloroform disolvate, [NaY(C₁₄H₁₂NO₂)₄]·2CHCl₃, ( 5 )·2CHCl₃. Structural peculiarities of homoleptic tris(iminophenoxide)s ( 1 )–( 3 ), binuclear tris(iminophenoxide) ( 4 ) and homoleptic ate tetrakis(iminophenoxide) ( 5 ) are discussed. The nonflat Schiff base ligand displays μ₂‐κ³O¹,N,O²:κO¹ bridging, and κ³O¹,N,O² and κ²N,O¹ terminal coordination modes, depending on steric congestion, which in turn depends on the ionic radii of the rare‐earth metals and the number of coordinated ligands. It has been demonstrated that interligand dihedral angles of the phenoxide ligand are convenient for comparing steric hindrance in complexes. ( 4 )·MeOH has a flat Y₂O₂ rhomboid core and exhibits both inter‐ and intramolecular MeO—H…Cl hydrogen bonding. Catalytic systems based on complexes ( 1 )–( 3 ) and ( 5 ) have demonstrated medium catalytic performance in acrylonitrile polymerization, providing polyacrylonitrile samples with narrow polydispersity.     

Salicylaldiminato Pyrrolylaldiminato Group 4 Metal Alkene Polymerization Catalysts: Combining High Activity with High Comonomer Incorporation

Summary: Treatment of Zr{3‐Bu^t‐2‐(O)C₆H₃CHN(C₆F₅)}Cl₃(THF) with K[2‐(C₆H₅NCH)C₄H₃N] yields Zr{3‐Bu^t‐2‐(O)C₆H₃CHN(C₆F₅)}{2‐(C₆H₅NCH)C₄H₃N}Cl₂, the first example of a (salicylaldiminato)(pyrrolylaldiminato)zirconium complex. The catalytic behavior of both the new zirconium pre‐catalyst and its titanium analogue have been determined. The titanium system is the more effective catalyst for both ethene homopolymerization and copolymerizations with hex‐1‐ene, norbornene, and cyclopentene. The titanium catalyst combines the high productivities of the bis(salicylaldiminato) parent complex with the more favorable comonomer incorporation of the bis(pyrrolylaldiminato) series.

Copolymerizations with pre‐catalysts 1 and 2 .     

An Unusual Heterobimetallic Disiloxanediolate Cluster of Samarium(III)

The reaction of samarium(II) diiodide with in situ prepared disodium‐1,1,3,3‐tetraphenyl‐1,3‐disiloxanediolate, [(Ph₂SiONa)₂O], afforded the unusual heterobimetallic samarium(III) disiloxanediolate cluster [Me₃SiO{μ‐Na(THF)}₃Sm{μ‐(Ph₂SiO)₂O}₃Na(THF)] ( 1 ) in low yield. A single‐crystal X‐ray structure determination of 1 revealed the presence of a polycylic inorganic ring system in which the samarium atom is not only chelated by three [(Ph₂SiO)₂O]^2? ligands but is also part of a SmNa₃O₄ heterocubane cage.     

Alkaline‐Earth‐Catalysed Cross‐Dehydrocoupling of Amines and Hydrosilanes: Reactivity Trends,Scope and Mechanism

Alkaline‐earth (Ae=Ca, Sr, Ba) complexes are shown to catalyse the chemoselective cross‐dehydrocoupling (CDC) of amines and hydrosilanes. Key trends were delineated in the benchmark couplings of Ph₃SiH with pyrrolidine or tBuNH₂. Ae{E(SiMe₃)₂}₂ ? (THF)_x (E=N, CH; x=2–3) are more efficient than {N^N}Ae{E(SiMe₃)₂} ? (THF)_n (E=N, CH; n=1–2) complexes (where {N^N}^?={ArN(o‐C₆H₄)C(H)=NAr}^? with Ar=2,6‐iPr₂‐C₆H₃) bearing an iminoanilide ligand, and alkyl precatalysts are better than amido analogues. Turnover frequencies (TOFs) increase in the order Ca<Sr<Ba. Ba{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₂ ? (THF)₃ displays the best performance (TOF up to 3600 h^?1). The substrate scope (>30 products) includes diamines and di(hydrosilane)s. Kinetic analysis of the Ba‐promoted CDC of pyrrolidine and Ph₃SiH shows that 1) the kinetic law is rate=k[Ba]¹[amine]⁰[hydrosilane]¹, 2) electron‐withdrawing p‐substituents on the arylhydrosilane improve the reaction rate and 3) a maximal kinetic isotopic effect (k_SiH/k_SiD=4.7) is seen for Ph₃SiX (X=H, D). DFT calculations identified the prevailing mechanism; instead of an inaccessible σ‐bond‐breaking metathesis pathway, the CDC appears to follow a stepwise reaction path with N?Si bond‐forming nucleophilic attack of the catalytically competent Ba pyrrolide onto the incoming silane, followed by rate limiting hydrogen‐atom transfer to barium. The participation of a Ba silyl species is prevented energetically. The reactivity trend Ca<Sr<Ba results from greater accessibility of the metal centre and decreasing Ae?N_amide bond strength upon descending Group 2.     

Transition‐Metal‐Mediated Cleavage of Fluoro‐Silanes under Mild Conditions

Si?F bond cleavage of fluoro‐silanes was achieved by transition‐metal complexes under mild and neutral conditions. The Iridium‐hydride complex [Ir(H)(CO)(PPh₃)₃] was found to readily break the Si?F bond of the diphosphine‐ difluorosilane {(o‐Ph₂P)C₆H₄}₂Si(F)₂ to afford a silyl complex [{[o‐(iPh₂P)C₆H₄]₂(F)Si}Ir(CO)(PPh₃)] and HF. Density functional theory calculations disclose a reaction mechanism in which a hypervalent silicon species with a dative Ir→Si interaction plays a crucial role. The Ir→Si interaction changes the character of the H on the Ir from hydridic to protic, and makes the F on Si more anionic, leading to the formation of H^δ+???F^δ? interaction. Then the Si?F and Ir?H bonds are readily broken to afford the silyl complex and HF through σ‐bond metathesis. Furthermore, the analogous rhodium complex [Rh(H)(CO)(PPh₃)₃] was found to promote the cleavage of the Si?F bond of the triphosphine‐monofluorosilane {(o‐Ph₂P)C₆H₄}₃Si(F) even at ambient temperature.     

Balancing high thermal stability with high activity in diaryliminoacenaphthene‐nickel(II) catalysts for ethylene polymerization

The N,N‐diaryliminoacenaphthenes, 1,2‐[2,4‐{(4‐FC₆H₄)₂CH}₂‐6‐MeC₆H₄N]₂‐C₂C₁₀H₆ ( L1 ) and 1‐[2,4‐{(4‐FC₆H₄)₂CH}₂‐6‐MeC₆H₄N]‐2‐(ArN)C₂C₁₀H₆ (Ar = 2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃ L2 , 2,6‐Et₂C₆H₃ L3 , 2,6‐i‐Pr₂C₆H₃ L4 , 2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂ L5 , 2,6‐Et₂‐4‐MeC₆H₂ L6 ), incorporating at least one N ?2,4‐bis(difluoro benzhydryl)‐6‐methylphenyl group, have been synthesized and fully characterized. Interaction of L1 – L6 with (DME)NiBr₂ (DME = 1,2‐dimethoxyethane) generates the corresponding nickel(II) bromide N,N‐chelates, L NiBr₂ ( 1 – 6 ), in high yield. The molecular structures of 3 and 6 reveal distorted tetrahedral geometries at nickel with the ortho‐substituted difluorobenzhydryl group providing enhanced steric protection to only one side of the metal center. On activation with various aluminum alkyl co‐catalysts, such as methylaluminoxane (MAO) or Et₂AlCl, 1 – 6 displayed outstanding activity toward ethylene polymerization (up to 1.02 × 10⁷ g of PE (mol of Ni)^?1 h^?1). Notably 1 , bearing equivalent fluorobenzhydryl‐substituted N‐aryl groups, was able in the presence of Et₂AlCl to couple high activity with exceptional thermal stability generating high molecular weight branched polyethylenes at temperatures as high as 100 °C. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55 , 1971–1983     

Gemischte Sandwichkomplexe der 4 f‐Elemente: Enantiomerenreine Cyclooctatetraenyl‐Cyclopentadienyl‐Komplexe des Samariums und Lutetiums mit donorfunktionalisierten Cyclopentadienylliganden

Organometallic Compounds of the Lanthanides. 139 Mixed Sandwich Complexes of the 4 f Elements: Enantiomerically Pure Cyclooctatetraenyl Cyclopentadienyl Complexes of Samarium and Lutetium with Donor‐Functionalized Cyclopentadienyl Ligands The reactions of [K{(S)‐C₅H₄CH₂CH(Me)OMe}], [K{(S)‐C₅H₄CH₂CH(Me)NMe₂}] and [K{(S)‐C₅H₄CH(Ph)CH₂NMe₂}] with the cyclooctatetraenyl lanthanide chlorides [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Ln(μ‐Cl)(THF)]₂ (Ln = Sm, Lu) yield the mixed cyclooctatetraenyl cyclopentadienyl lanthanide complexes [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Sm{(S)‐η⁵ : η¹‐C₅H₄CH₂CH(Me)OMe}] ( 1 a ), [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Ln{(S)‐η⁵ : η¹‐C₅H₄CH₂CH(Me)NMe₂}] (Ln = Sm ( 2 a ), Lu ( 2 b )) and [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Ln{(S)‐η⁵ : η¹‐C₅H₄CH(Ph)CH₂NMe₂}] (Ln = Sm ( 3 a ), Lu ( 3 b )). For comparison, the achiral compounds [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Ln{η⁵ : η¹‐C₅H₄CH₂CH₂NMe₂}] (Ln = Sm ( 4 a ), Lu ( 4 b )) are synthesized in an analogous manner. ¹H‐, ¹³C‐NMR‐, and mass spectra of all new compounds as well as the X‐ray crystal structures of 3 b and 4 b are discussed.     

Two derivatives of 1,5‐disubstituted tetrazoles: 1‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐1H‐tetrazol‐5‐amine and {(E)‐[1‐(4‐ethoxyphenyl)‐1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl]iminomethyl}dimethylamine

The geometric features of 1‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐1H‐tetrazol‐5‐amine, C₇H₆N₆O₂, correspond to the presence of the essential interaction of the 5‐amino group lone pair with the π system of the tetrazole ring. Intermolecular N—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds result in the formation of infinite chains running along the [110] direction and involve centrosymmetric ring structures with motifs R₂²(8) and R₂²(20). Molecules of {(E)‐[1‐(4‐ethoxyphenyl)‐1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl]iminomethyl}dimethylamine, C₁₂H₁₆N₆O, are essentially flattened, which facilitates the formation of a conjugated system spanning the whole molecule. Conjugation in the azomethine N=C—N fragment results in practically the same length for the formal double and single bonds.     

A new double‐cube nitride complex containing titanium and potassium

The reaction of the imide–nitride complex [{Ti(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(μ‐NH)}₃(μ₃‐N)] with potassium iodide in pyridine at room temperature affords the adduct di‐μ‐iodido‐1:1′κ⁴I‐bis{tri‐μ₃‐imido‐1:2:3κ³N;1:2:4κ³N;1:3:4κ³N‐μ₃‐nitrido‐2:3:4κ³N‐tris[2,3,4(η⁵)‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl](pyridine‐1κN)‐tetrahedro‐potassiumtrititanium(IV)}, [K₂Ti₆(C₁₀H₁₅)₆I₂N₂(NH)₆(C₅H₅N)₂] or [(C₅H₅N)(μ‐I)K{(μ₃‐NH)₃Ti₃(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)₃(μ₃‐N)}]₂. The crystal structure contains two [KTi₃N₄] cube‐type units held together by two bridging I atoms. There is a centre of inversion located in the middle of this unprecedented discrete K₂I₂ unit. The geometry around K is best described as distorted trigonal prismatic, with three imide groups, two bridging I atoms and one pyridine ligand.     

Molecular structures of a series of substituted bis(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)titanium dihalides CpR2TiX2 [X = F,Cl, Br and I; R = CHPh2, CH(p‐Tol)2 and adamantyl]

Metallocene dihalides and derivatives thereof are of great interest as precursors for catalysts in polymerization reactions, as antitumor agents and, due to their increased stability, as suitable starting materials in salt metathesis reactions and the generation of metallocene fragments. We report the synthesis and structural characterization of a series of eleven substituted bis(η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl)titanium dihalides, namely bis[η⁵‐1‐(diphenylmethyl)cyclopentadienyl]difluoridotitanium(IV), [Ti(C₁₈H₁₅)₂F₂], bis{η⁵‐1‐[bis(4‐methylphenyl)methyl]cyclopentadienyl}difluoridotitanium(IV), [Ti(C₂₀H₁₉)₂F₂], and bis{η⁵‐1‐[bis(adamantan‐2‐yl)methyl]cyclopentadienyl}difluoridotitanium(IV), [Ti(C₁₅H₁₉)₂F₂], together with the bromide and iodide analogues, and the chloride analogues of the diphenylmethyl and adamantyl complexes. These eleven complexes were prepared by the reaction of the corresponding bis(η⁵:η¹‐pentafulvene)titanium complexes with different hydrogen halides (Cl, Br and I). The titanocene fluorides become available via chloride–fluoride exchange reactions.