Carba-closo-dodecaborates with one or two alkynyl substituents bonded to boron

Salts of the carba-closo-dodecaborate anion with one or two phenyl- or trimethylsilylalkynyl substituents were synthesized by Pd-catalyzed Kumada-type cross-coupling reactions of the corresponding iodinated clusters with alkynyl Grignard reagents. Selective monofunctionalization in the 7- and 12-position of the {closo-CB(11)} cluster was achieved, resulting in salts of the anions: [1-R-12-R'C[triple bond]C-closo-CB(11)H(10)](-) (R = H, Ph; R' = Ph, Me(3)Si (1-4)), [12-Hal-7-PhC[triple bond]C-closo-CB(11)H(10)](-) (Hal = F (5), Cl (6), Br (7)), and [12-F-7-Me(3)SiC[triple bond]C-closo-CB(11)H(10)](-) (8). Furthermore, the disubstituted derivatives [7,12-(RC[triple bond]C)(2)-closo-CB(11)H(10)](-) (R = Ph (9), Me(3)Si (10)) are described. All salts were characterized by multi-NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy as well as by mass spectrometry (MALDI). The crystal structures of Cs(+)1 and [Et(4)N](+)6 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The spectroscopic and structural properties are compared to values derived from DFT calculations and to data of related boron species with alkynyl groups.     

Designing ionic liquids with boron cluster anions: alkylpyridinium and imidazolium [nido-C(2)B(9)H(11)] and [closo-CB(11)H(12)] carborane salts

A range of new alkylpyridinium and imidazolium carborane salts with [nido-C(2)B(9)H(12)](-), [closo-CB(11)H(12)](-), and [RC(2)B(11)H(11)](-) (R = methyl or butyl) anions have been prepared and characterized by physical and thermal methods, including the solid state structures of five of the salts determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The tendency of the salts to form low-melting ionic liquids has been assessed; all the salts studied with [nido-C(2)B(9)H(12)](-) anions melted below 100 degrees C and, significantly, have melting points that are 25-85 degrees C lower than those of the corresponding [closo-CB(11)H(12)](-) analogs, demonstrating that a wider range of boron-rich ionic liquid materials can be readily accessed.     

Microwave-assisted Kumada-type cross-coupling reactions of iodinated carba-closo-dodecaborate anions

The microwave-assisted Pd-catalyzed Kumada-type cross-coupling reaction of iodinated carba-closo-dodecaborate anions requires smaller amounts of Grignard reagent and catalyst and results in higher yields in much shorter reaction times in comparison to a reaction with conventional heat transfer. 12-Ph(3)P-closo-1-CB(11)H(11) was identified as the side product of the cross-coupling reactions that use [PdCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)]. The inner salt, which is the first example for a {closo-1-CB(11)} cluster with a B-P bond, was selectively synthesized via a related microwave-assisted cross-coupling protocol and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In addition, the crystal structures of the tetraethyl ammonium salts of [12-Ph-closo-1-CB(11)H(11)](-), [12-(4-MeOC(6)H(4))-closo-1-CB(11)H(11)](-), and [12-(H(2)C═(Me)CC≡C)-closo-1-CB(11)H(11)](-) are described.     

Reactions of the tetrahedral clusters [MCo(3)(CO)(12)](-) (M = Ru, Fe) with functional mono- and diynes

The tetrahedral cluster [RuCo(3)(CO)(12)](-) reacts with various alkynes, including the new PhCtbd1;CC(O)NHCH(2)Ctbd1;CH (L(1)()), to afford the butterfly clusters [RuCo(3)(CO)(10)(micro(4)-eta(2)-RC(2)R')](-) (1, R = R' = C(O)OMe; 2, R = H, R' = Ph; 3, R = H, R' = MeC=CH(2); 4, R = H, R' = CH(2)OCH(2)Ctbd1;CH; 5, R = H, R' = CH(2)NHC(O)Ctbd1;CPh), in which the ruthenium atom occupies a hinge position and the alkyne is coordinated in a micro(4)-eta(2) fashion. Reaction of the anions 1-3 with [Cu(NCMe)(4)]BF(4) led to selective loss of the 12e fragment Co(CO)(-) to form [RuCo(2)(CO)(9)(micro(3)-eta(2)-RC(2)R')] (6, R = R' = C(O)OMe; 7, R = H, R' = Ph; 8, R = H, R' = MeC=CH(2)). To prepare functionalized RuCo(3) or FeCo(3) clusters that could be subsequently condensed with a silica matrix via the sol-gel method, we reacted [MCo(3)(CO)(12)](-) (M = Ru, Fe) with the alkyne PhCtbd1;CC(O)NH(CH(2))(3)Si(OMe)(3)(L(2)()) and obtained the butterfly clusters [MCo(3)(CO)(10)(micro(4)-eta(2)-PhC(2)C(O)NH(CH(2))(3)Si(OMe)(3))](-) 9 and 10, respectively. Air-stable [RuCo(3)(CO)(10)(micro(4)-eta(2)-Me(3)SiC(2)Ctbd1;CSiMe(3))](-) (11) was obtained from 1,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)butadiyne and reacted with [Cu(NCMe)(4)]BF(4) to give [RuCo(2)(CO)(9)(micro(3)-eta(2)-HC(2)Ctbd1;CSiMe(3))] (12), owing to partial ligand proto-desilylation, and not the expected [RuCo(2)(CO)(9)(micro(3)-eta(2)-Me(3)SiC(2)Ctbd1;CSiMe(3))]. Reaction of 11 with [NO]BF(4) afforded, in addition to 12, [RuCo(3)(CO)(9)(NO)(micro(4)-eta(2)-Me(3)SiC(2)Ctbd1;CSiMe(3))] (13) owing to selective CO substitution on a wing-tip cobalt atom with NO. The thermal reaction of 11 with [AuCl(PPh(3))] led to replacement of a CO on Ru by the PPh(3) originating from [AuCl(PPh(3))] and afforded [RuCo(3)(CO)(9)(PPh(3))(micro(4)-eta(2)-Me(3)SiC(2)Ctbd1;CSiMe(3))](-) (14), also obtained directly by reaction of 11 with one equivalent of PPh(3). Proto-desilylation of 11 using TBAF/THF-H(2)O afforded [RuCo(3)(CO)(10)(micro(4)-eta(2)-Me(3)SiC(2)Ctbd1;CH)](-) (15) which, by Sonogashira coupling with 1,4-diiodobenzene, yielded the dicluster complex [[RuCo(3)(CO)(10)(micro(4)-eta(2)-Me(3)SiC(2)Ctbd1;C)]](2)C(6)H(4)](2)(-) (16). The crystal structures of NEt(4).3a, NEt(4).4a, 6, NEt(4).11b, NEt(4).14, and [N(n-Bu)(4)].15a have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Preliminary results indicate the potential of silica-tethered alkyne mixed-metal clusters, obtained by the sol-gel method, as precursors to bimetallic particles.     

Microwave-assisted alkylation of [CB11H12]- and related anions

A total of 19 permethylated derivatives of substituted [CB(11)H(12)](-) anions have been prepared using alkylation with microwave assistance. The reactions proceed much faster and more cleanly than under ordinary conditions. Microwave assistance is especially convenient for the permethylation of carborane anions carrying electron-withdrawing groups in positions 1 and/or 12. Even [1-F-CB(11)H(11)](-) can be undecamethylated, whereas under ordinary heating, it has only been hexamethylated.     

Silver phosphanes partnered with carborane monoanions: synthesis, structures and use as highly active Lewis acid catalysts in a hetero-Diels-Alder reaction

Four Lewis acidic silver phosphane complexes partnered with [1-closo-CB(11)H(12)](-) and [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)](-) have been synthesised and studied by solution NMR and solid-state X-ray diffraction techniques. In the complex [Ag(PPh(3))(CB(11)H(12))] (1), the silver is coordinated with the carborane by two stronger 3c-2e B-H-Ag bonds, one weaker B-H-Ag interaction and a very weak Ag.C(arene) contact in the solid state. In solution, the carborane remains closely connected with the [Ag(PPh(3))](+) fragment, as evidenced by (11)B chemical shifts. Complex 2 [Ag(PPh(3))(2)(CB(11)H(12))](2) adopts a dimeric motif in the solid state, each carborane bridging two Ag centres. In solution at low temperature, two distinct complexes are observed that are suggested to be monomeric [Ag(PPh(3))(2)][CB(11)H(12)] and dimeric [Ag(PPh(3))(2)(CB(11)H(12))](2). With the more weakly coordinating anion [CB(11)H(6)Br(6)](-) and one phosphane, complex 3 [Ag(PPh(3))(CB(11)H(6)Br(6))] is isolated. Complex 4, [Ag(PPh(3))(2)(CB(11)H(6)Br(6))], has been characterised spectroscopically. All of the complexes have been assessed as Lewis acids in the hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of N-benzylideneaniline with Danishefsky's diene. Exceptionally low catalyst loadings for this Lewis acid catalysed reaction are required (0.1 mol %) coupled with turnover frequencies of 4000 h(-1) (quantitative conversion to product after 15 minutes using 3 at room temperature). Moreover, the reaction does not occur in rigorously dry solvent as addition of a substoichiometric amount of water (50 mol %) is necessary for turnover of the catalyst. It is suggested that a Lewis assisted Br?nsted acid is formed between the water and the silver. The effect of changing the counterion to [BF(4)](-), [OTf](-) and [ClO(4)](-) has also been studied. Significant decreases in reaction rate and final product yield are observed on changing the anion from [CB(11)H(6)Br(6)](-), thus demonstrating the utility of weakly coordinating carborane anions in organic synthesis.     

Dodecamethyl-closo-dodecaborate(2-)

Bis(tetraethylammonium) dodecamethyl-closo-dodecaborate(2-), [NEt(4)](2)[closo-B(12)Me(12)], [NEt(4)](2)2, was prepared employing modified Friedel-Crafts reaction conditions from [NEt(4)](2)[closo-B(12)H(12)], [NEt(4)](2)1, trimethylaluminum, and methyl iodide. The [NEt(4)](2)2 salt provides sufficient solubility in water to allow the synthesis of the important alkali metal salts A(2)2 (A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) using cation-exchange procedures. The solid state structure of colorless [AsPh(4)](2)2 reveals a nearly perfect icosahedral B(12) cluster with B-B bonds ranging from 1.785(3) to 1.807(3) A and B-C bonds of 1.597(3)-1.625(3) A. In contrast, the crystal structure of dark-red [Py(2)CH(2)]2 (obtained from [NEt(4)](2)2 and [Py(2)CH(2)]Br(2)) contains a distorted icosahedral dianion [B-B = 1.740(13)-1.811(14) A, B-C = 1.591(13)-1.704(13) A]. In the [Py(2)CH(2)]2 salt, the dianion 2(2-) and its dipositive dipyridiniomethane counterion form a red charge-transfer complex. One-electron oxidation of 2(2)(-) by ceric(IV) ammonium nitrate affords the blue, air-stable radical [hypercloso-B(12)Me(12)](*-), dodecamethyl-hypercloso-dodecaborate(1-), 2(*-), isolated as the PPN salt. X-ray crystallography reveals that the geometries of the B(12) clusters observed in hypercloso-[PPN]2 and closo-[AsPh(4)](2)2 are identical and essentially undistorted icosahedra. The anion in the [PPN]2 structure contains B-B bonds ranging from 1.784(8) to 1.806(7) A and a range of B-C bonds from 1.596(7) to 1.616(7) A.     

HCB11(CF3)(n)F(11-n)-: inert anions with high anodic oxidation potentials

Cs salts of four of the title anions were prepared by fluorination of salts of partly methylated (n = 11, 10) or partly methylated and partly iodinated (n = 6, 5) CB(11)H(12)(-) anions. The CH vertex is acidic, and in the unhindered anion with n = 6 it has been alkylated. Neat Cs(+)[1-H-CB(11)(CF(3))(11)](-) is as treacherously explosive as Cs(+)[CB(11)(CF(3))(12)](-), but no explosions occurred with the salts of the other three anions. BL3YP/6-31G* gas-phase electron detachment energies of the title anions are remarkably high, 5-8 eV. Treated with NiF(3)(+) in anhydrous liquid HF at -60 °C, anions with n = 11 or 10 resist oxidation, whereas anions with n = 6 or 5 are converted to colored EPR-active species, presumably the neutral radicals [HCB(11)(CF(3))(n)F(11-n)](?). These are stable for hours at -60 °C after extraction into cold perfluorohexane or perfluorotri-n-butylamine solutions. On warming to -20 °C in a Teflon or quartz tube, the color and EPR activity disappear, and the original anions are recovered nearly quantitatively, suggesting that the radicals oxidize the solvent.     

Solid-state structural and magnetic investigations of [M[HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)](2)](BF(4))(2) (M = Fe,Co, Ni,Cu): observation of a thermally induced solid-state phase change controlling an iron(II) spin-state crossover

The reaction of M(BF(4))(2).xH(2)O (M = Co, Ni, and Cu) and HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3) in a 1:2 ratio yields [Co[HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)](2)](BF(4))(2) (2), [Ni[HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)](2)](BF(4))(2) (3), and [Cu[HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)](2)](BF(4))(2) (4). Over the temperature range from 5 to 350, 345, or 320 K, Curie law behavior is observed for microcrystalline samples of all three compounds showing them to have three, two, and one unpaired electrons, respectively, with no spin-crossover observed for 2. Crystalline samples of these compounds torque in the applied magnetic field the first time the sample is cooled to 5 K. The solid-state structures of all three are isomorphous at 220 K, monoclinic in the space group C2/c. The metal is located on a unique crystallographic site and has a trigonally distorted octahedral structure, with 4 showing the expected Jahn-Teller distortions. Cooling crystals of all three to low temperatures leads to the observation of the same phase change to triclinic in the new space group P(-)1 with nonmerohedral twinning. This change is reversible and yields two crystallographically unique metal sites at low temperature. The bond angles and distances for the two different metal sites for each compound in the low temperature structures are very similar to each other and to those in the 220 K structures. The same phase change, monoclinic to triclinic, has been observed previously for [Fe[HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)](2)](BF(4))(2) (1), except in this case, the phase change results in half of the cations changing over from the high-spin state to the low-spin state while the other half of the cations remain high-spin, with the low-spin form decreasing its Fe-N bond distances by 0.19 A. The new results with 2-4 show that it is the phase transition, which occurs in complexes of the type [M[HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)](2)](BF(4))(2) with first row transition metals, that is driving the unusual spin-crossover behavior of [Fe[HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)](2)](BF(4))(2).     

Silver-phosphine complexes of the highly methylated carborane monoanion [closo-1-H-CB11Me11]-

The synthesis of the silver(I) salt of the highly methylated carborane anion [closo-1-H-CB(11)Me(11)](-) is described, Ag[closo-1-H-CB(11)Me(11)] 1, which in the solid state shows close intermolecular Ag...H(3)C contacts. Addition of various monodentate phosphines to 1 results in the formation of the complexes (R(3)P)Ag[closo-1-H-CB(11)Me(11)] [R = Ph, 2; cyclohexyl (C(6)H(11)), 3; (3,5-Me(2)-C(6)H(3)), 4]. All these complexes show close intermolecular Ag.H(3)C contacts in the solid state that are considerably shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radius of methyl (2.00 A) and the ionic radius of silver(I) (1.29 A). For 2 and 3 there are other close intermolecular Ag...H(3)C contacts in the solid state, arising from proximate carborane anions in the crystal lattice. Addition of methyl groups to the periphery of the phosphine ligand (complex 4) switches off the majority of these interactions, leaving essentially a single cage interacting with the cationic silver-phosphine fragment through three CH(3) groups. In solution (CD(2)Cl(2)) Ag...H(3)C contacts remain, as evidenced by both the downfield chemical shift change and the significant line-broadening observed for the cage methyl signals. These studies also show that the metal fragment is fluxional over the surface of the cage. The Ag...H(3)C interactions in solution may be switched off by addition of a stronger Lewis base than [closo-1-H-CB(11)Me(11)](-). Thus, addition of [NBu(4)][closo-1-H-CB(11)H(5)Br(6)] to 2 affords (Ph(3)P)Ag[closo-1-H-CB(11)H(5)Br(6)], while adding Et(2)O or PPh(3) affords the well-separated ion-pairs [(Ph(3)P)(L)Ag][closo-1-H-CB(11)Me(11)] (L = OEt(2) 5, PPh(3) 6,) both of which have been crystallographically characterized. DFT calculations on 2 (at the B3LYP/DZVP level) show small energy differences between the possible coordination isomers of this compound, with the favored geometry being one in which the [(Ph(3)P)Ag](+) fragment interacts with three of the [BCH(3)] vertices on the lower surface of the cage, similar to the experimentally observed structure of 4.     

A mechanistic study of the reaction between a diiron(II) complex [FeII(2)(mu-OH)2(6-Me3-TPA)2](2+) and O2 to form a diiron(III) peroxo complex

A kinetic study of the reaction between a diiron(II) complex [Fe(II)(2)(mu-OH)(2)(6-Me(3)-TPA)(2)](2+) 1, where 6-Me(3)-TPA = tris(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine, and dioxygen is presented. A diiron(III) peroxo complex [Fe(III)(2)(mu-O)(mu-O(2))(6-Me(3)-TPA)(2)](2+) 2 forms quantitatively in dichloromethane at temperatures from -80 to -40 degrees C. The reaction is first order in [Fe(II)(2)] and [O(2)], with the activation parameters DeltaH(double dagger) = 17 +/- 2 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS(double dagger) = -175 +/- 20 J mol(-1) K(-1). The reaction rate is not significantly influenced by the addition of H(2)O or D(2)O. The reaction proceeds faster in more polar solvents (acetone and acetonitrile), but the yield of 2 is not quantitative in these solvents. Complex 1 reacts with NO at a rate about 10(3) faster than with O(2). The mechanistic analysis suggests an associative rate-limiting step for the oxygenation of 1, similar to that for stearoyl-ACP Delta(9)-desaturase, but distinct from the probable dissociative pathway of methane monoxygenase. An eta(1)-superoxo Fe(II)Fe(III) species is a likely steady-state intermediate during the oxygenation of complex 1.     

S-alkylation and S-amination of methyl thioethers--derivatives of closo-[B(12)H(12)](2-). synthesis of a boronated phosphonate, gem-bisphosphonates, and dodecaborane-ortho-carborane oligomers

A variety of S-alkylated products was prepared by alkylation of methyl thioethers [MeSB(12)H(11)](2-) (5), [1-(MeS)-2(7,12)-(Me(2)S)B(12)H(10)](-) (6-8), and [1,2(7,12)-(MeS)(2)B(12)H(10)](2-) (9-11) with alkyl halides and tosylates in acetonitrile. Since these methyl thioethers can be prepared easily in B-10-enriched form on a large scale and due to their chemical versatility, they are potentially very attractive boron entities for the design and synthesis of therapeutics for boron neutron capture therapy of cancer. It was found that alkylation of 6-8 can be complicated by an equilibrium which establishes between, on the one hand, one of the former species and, on the other hand, 1,2(7,12)-(Me(2)S)(2)B(12)H(10) (2-4) and [1,2(7,12)-(MeS)(2)B(12)H(10)](2-) (9-11). A boronated phosphonate 1-(MeS(CH(2))(4)P(O)(OEt)(2))-7-(Me(2)S)B(12)H(10) (14g) and a gem-bisphosphonate 1-(MeS(CH(2))(3)CH[P(O)(OEt)(2)](2))-7-(Me(2)S)B(12)H(10) (14h) were prepared from thioether 7 and the corresponding iodide and tosylate, respectively, and subsequently converted to their sodium salts. The propargyl sulfonium salts obtained by alkylation of thioethers 7, 8, 10, and 11 with propargyl bromide have been further converted to two- and three-cage oligomers containing both ortho-carborane and dodecaborane moieties. Methyl thioethers derived from closo-[B(12)H(12)](2-) are excellent participants in Michael addition reactions in the presence of a strong acid. The sulfonium salts with tertiary alkyl and vinyl substituents have been prepared by this method. Methyl thioethers 5-11 react with hydroxylamine-O-sulfonate yielding the corresponding aminosulfonium salts, albeit in lower yields as compared to those in the alkylation reactions. Several derivatives of methyl thioethers 5-11 have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

A novel zirconium polyoxometalate complex that contains both a coordinated saturated anion, [PMo12O40]3-, and a coordinated unsaturated anion, [PMo11O39]7-

The novel 8-coordinate zirconium compound (NH(4))(6)[Zr(PMo(12)O(40))(PMo(11)O(39))].26H(2)O (1) has been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and vibrational and (31)P NMR spectroscopy. It is the first example of a metal complex containing both parent, [PMo(12)O(40)](3)(-), and monovacant lacunary, [PMo(11)O(39)](7)(-), anions. Furthermore, this is the first crystallographic determination of the [PMo(11)O(39)](7)(-) anion.     

Infrared and computational investigation of vanadium-substituted Keggin [PVnW12-nO40](n+3)- polyoxometallic anions

This study investigates complex salts of [PW(12)O(40)](3-), [PVW(11)O(40)](4-), [PV(2)W(10)O(40)](5-), and [PV(3)W(9)O(40)](6-) Keggin anions using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy under ambient atmospheric and high-vacuum conditions and by computational methods. A detailed vibrational study suggests that the presence and amount of vanadium in these anions can be tested quickly and reliably with the help of infrared spectroscopy because the salts of these anions exhibit distinctly different infrared absorption signatures (particularly in the 1025-1250 cm(-1) region, where the P-O stretch is surrounded by a set of complex vibrations involving V-O and W-O bonds). Investigation of these salts with different countercations suggests that the overall appearance of the spectra, and thus the ability to use infrared as a diagnostic tool to identify the presence and number of vanadium atoms in Keggin structure anions, is not affected significantly. Last, it is shown that all the structures investigated are extremely stable across a wide range of temperatures.     

Collision-induced gas-phase reactions of perhalogenated closo-dodecaborate clusters--a comparative study

The gas phase reactivity of perhalogenated closo-dodecaborate clusters [B(12)X(12)](2-) (X = F, Cl, Br, I) with N-tetraalkylated ammonium counter ions was investigated by electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MS). Collisions with the background gases introduced a broad variety of gas phase reactions. This study represents the first experimental approach to a new class of boron-rich boron clusters that are not accessible in the condensed phase. The anionic ion pair [B(12)X(12) + N(C(n)H(2n+1))(4)](-) is generally found as the ion of highest mass. Its reaction sequence starts with an alkyl transfer from the ammonium ion to the dodecaborate cluster. Subsequently, the alkylated intermediate [B(12)X(12) + C(n)H(2n+1)](-) decomposes to give very reactive ions of the general formula [B(12)X(11)](-). These ions possess a free boron vertex and immediately bind to the residual gases N(2) and H(2)O in the ion trap by formation of the corresponding adducts [B(12)X(11) + N(2)](-) and [B(12)X(11) + H(2)O](-). Subsequent fragmentations of the water adduct repetitively substitute halogen atoms by hydroxyl groups. The fragmentation process of the free anion [B(12)X(12)](2-) depends on the applied excitation energy and on the halogen substituent X. A radical dehalogenation of the B(12) unit is observed for X = I, whereas for X = Cl or F the loss of small molecules (mainly BX(3)) dominates. The different reaction behavior is explained by the different electron affinity of the halogens and the strength of the boron-halogen-bonds. Surprisingly, isolation of the fragment ion [B(12)I(9)](-) in the ion trap yields the highly stable [B(24)I(18)](2-) dianion. This observation suggests a reaction between two negative ions in the gas phase.     

Synthesis and structural studies of NCN diimine palladium pincer complexes bearing m-terphenyl scaffolds

The reaction of 2,6-[2-{RN=C(H)}C(6)H(4)](2)C(6)H(3)I [R = Ph (4), Cy (5), 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3) (6), 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2) (7), (S)-alpha-methylbenzyl (8)] with Pd(2)(dba)(3) afforded the NCN diimine pincer palladium complexes [2,6-[2-{RN=C(H)}C(6)H(4)](2)C(6)H(3)PdI] (9-13) by oxidative addition of the C-I bonds of the ligand precursors. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of complexes 9-13 reveal formal C(2)-symmetric environments. Variable-temperature NMR studies of complexes 11 and 12 show hindered rotation about the N-Ar bonds and also suggest that atropisomers of complexes 9-13 do not interconvert on the NMR time scale. Consistent with this proposal, isolation of the two possible isomers of 13 (13a and 13b) was possible, and their structures and NMR properties have been examined in detail.     

Monocarbaborane anion chemistry. [COOH], [CH2OH] and [CHO] units as functional groups on ten-vertex monocarbaborane anionic compounds

B(10)H(14) reacts with para-C(6)H(4)(CHO)(COOH) in aqueous KOH solution to give the [nido-6-CB(9)H(11)-6-(C(6)H(4)-para-COOH)](-) anion 1, which undergoes cage closure with iodine in alkaline solution to give the [closo-2-CB(9)H(9)-2-(C(6)H(4)-para-COOH)](-) anion 2. Upon heating, anion 2 rearranges to form the [closo-1-CB(9)H(9)-1-(C(6)H(4)-para-COOH)](-) anion 3. Similarly, B(10)H(14) with glyoxylic acid OHCCOOH in aqueous KOH gives the [arachno-6-CB(9)H(13)-6-(COOH)](-) anion 4, which undergoes cage closure with iodine in alkaline solution to give the [closo-2-CB(9)H(9)-2-(COOH)](-) anion 5. Upon heating, anion 5 rearranges to give the [closo-1-CB(9)H(9)-1-(COOH)](-) anion 6. Reduction of the [COOH] anions 3 and 6 with diisobutylaluminium hydride gives the [CH(2)OH] hydroxy anions [closo-1-CB(9)H(9)-1-(C(6)H(4)-para-CH(2)OH)](-) and [closo-1-CB(9)H(9)-1-(CH(2)OH)](-) 8 respectively. The [closo-1-CB(9)H(9)-1-(C(6)H(4)-para-CH(2)OH)](-) anion 7 can also be made via isomerisation of the [closo-2-CB(9)H(9)-2-(C(6)H(4)-para-CH(2)OH)](-) anion 9, in turn obtained from the [nido-6-CB(9)H(11)-6-(C(6)H(4)-para-CH(2)OH)](-) anion 10, which is obtained from the reaction of B(10)H(14) with terephthaldicarboxaldehyde, C(6)H(4)-para-(CHO)(2), in aqueous KOH solution. Oxidation of the hydroxy anions 7 and 8 with pyridinium dichromate gives the aldehydic [closo-1-CB(9)H(9)-1-(C(6)H(4)-para-CHO)](-) anion 11 and the aldehydic [closo-1-CB(9)H(9)-1-(CHO)](-) anion 12 respectively, characterised as their 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivatives, the [closo-1-CB(9)H(9)-1-C(6)H(4)-para-CH=N-NHC(6)H(3)(NO(2))(2)](-) anion 13 and the [closo-1-CB(9)H(9)-1-CH=N-NHC(6)H(3)(NO(2))(2)](-) anion respectively.     

Ln4(CH2)4 cubane-type rare-earth methylidene complexes consisting of "(C5Me4SiMe3)LnCH2" units (Ln = Tm, Lu)

Tetranuclear cubane-type rare-earth methylidene complexes consisting of four "Cp'LnCH(2)" units, [Cp'Ln(μ(3)-CH(2))](4) (4-Ln; Ln = Tm, Lu; Cp' = C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3)), have been obtained for the first time through CH(4) elimination from the well-defined polymethyl complexes [Cp'Ln(μ(2)-CH(3))(2)](3) (2-Ln) or mixed methyl/methylidene precursors such as [Cp'(3)Ln(3)(μ(2)-Me)(3)(μ(3)-Me)(μ(3)-CH(2))] (3-Ln). The reaction of the methylidene complex 4-Lu with benzophenone leads to C═O bond cleavage and C═C bond formation to give the cubane-type oxo complex [Cp'Lu(μ(3)-O)](4) and CH(2)═CPh(2), while the methyl/methylidene complex 3-Tm undergoes sequential methylidene addition to the C═O group and ortho C-H activation of the two phenyl groups of benzophenone to afford the bis(benzo-1,2-diyl)ethoxy-chelated trinuclear complex [Cp'(3)Tm(3)(μ(2)-Me)(3){(C(6)H(4))(2)C(O)Me}] (6-Tm).     

Polyhedral monocarbaborane chemistry. Some C-phenylated seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven and twelve-vertex species

Some synthetic and structural systematics for monocarbaboranes, using the C-phenylated motif as the example, are investigated. The 10-vertex [6-Ph-nido-6-CB(9)H(11)](-) anion 1, from reaction of PhCHO with B(10)H(14) in KOH/H(2)O, is a useful entry synthon into C-phenyl monocarbaborane chemistry. Treatment of anion 1 with Na/thf yields the 10-vertex [1-Ph-closo-1-CB(9)H(9)](-) anion 2a, whereas treatment of anion 1 with iodine in alkaline solution yields the isomeric 10-vertex [2-Ph-closo-2-CB(9)H(9)](-) anion 2b, which isomerises quantitatively to 2a on heating under reflux in DME. Thermolysis of anion 1 yields the 9-vertex [4-Ph-closo-4-CB(8)H(8)](-) anion 5, whereas treatment of anion 1 with FeCl(3)/HCl gives neutral 9-vertex [4-Ph-arachno-4-CB(8)H(13)] 3. Compound 3 gives neutral 9-vertex [1-Ph-nido-1-CB(8)H(11)] 4 in refluxing toluene, and gives the 7-vertex [2-Ph-closo-2-CB(6)H(6)](-) anion 7 and the 8-vertex [1-Ph-closo-1-CB(7)H(7)](-) anion 6 in refluxing toluene with NEt(3). Reaction of 1 with [BH(3)(thf)] yields the 11-vertex [7-Ph-nido-7-CB(10)H(12)](-) anion 8 which can be converted to the 12-vertex [1-Ph-closo-1-CB(11)H(11)](-) anion 10 using [BH(3)(SMe(2))]; alternatively, anion 1 yields anion 10 directly on treatment with [BH(3)(NEt(3))]. Treatment of anion 8 with I(2)/KOH yields the 11-vertex [2-Ph-closo-2-CB(10)H(10)](-) anion 9. The structures of anions 1, 2a, 2b, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 have been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of their [NEt(4)](+) salts, and those of neutral 3 and 4 estimated by DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G* level; similar calculations have also been applied to the new anionic closo species 2a, 2b, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10. Crystals of the [NEt(4)](+) salt of the [2-Ph-closo-2-CB(6)H(6)](-) anion 7 required synchrotron X-radiation for sufficient diffraction intensity for molecular-structure elucidation. The syntheses are in principle generally applicable to give extensive derivative C-aryl and C-alkyl chemistries.     

Additive character of electron donation by methyl substituents within a complete series of polymethylated [1-(η6-Me9n)C6H(6-n))-closo-1,2,3-FeC2B9H11] complexes. Linear correlations of the NMR parameters and Fe(II/III) redox potentials with the number of arene methyls

A systematic method for the incorporation of the {(η(6)-Me(n)C(6)H(6-n))Fe} fragment into the dicarbollide cage was developed based on reactions between [(η(6)-Me(n)C(6)H(6-n))(2)Fe][PF(6)](2) salts (1) and Tl(2)[nido-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(11)]. These reactions proceed with elimination of one arene ligand to generate a complete series of the neutral [1-(η(6)-Me(n)C(6)H(6-n))-closo-1,2,3-FeC(2)B(9)H(11)] (2) complexes with n = 1-6 in yields ranging 15-70% depending on the arene. The structures of mesitylene and pentamethylbenzene complexes were established by X-ray diffraction analyses. All compounds were characterized by (11)B and (1)H NMR measurements, mass spectra, melting points and elemental analyses. Correlations between selected (1)H and (11)B NMR parameters and the Fe(II/III) redox potentials and the number of arene methyls for complexes 2 are linear. These facts establish direct evidence for a strictly additive character of electron donation by the methyl substituents to the arene ring and further to the Fe center and the second (dicarbollide) ligand.Correlations between the number of arene methyls (n) and selected (1)H and (11)B NMR parameters or the Fe(II/III) redox potentials for complexes [1-(η(6)-MenC(6)H(6-n))-closo-1,2,3-FeC(2)B(9)H(11)] are of strictly linear character.