Divalent germanium compound with a radical-anionic ligand: molecular structures of (dpp-BIAN)*- GeCl and its hydrochloration products [(dpp-BIAN)(H)2]*+ [GeCl3]- and [[(dpp-BIAN)(H)2*+]2(Cl-)]+ [GeCl3]- (dpp-BIAN=1,2-Bis[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene)

The germanium(II) compound (dpp-BIAN)GeCl (1), which contains the radical anion of dpp-BIAN can be prepared either by reacting free dpp-BIAN ligand with 2 equiv of GeCl2(1,4-dioxane) in Et2O or by metathetical reaction of the sodium salt of dpp-BIAN with germanium dichloride in Et2O or benzene. The reaction of benzene solutions of 1 with 2 or 3 equiv of HCl led to protonation of the dpp-BIAN ligand affording [(dpp-BIAN)(H)2]*+[GeCl3]- (2) and [[(dpp-BIAN)(H)2*+]2(Cl-)]+ [GeCl3]- (3), which incorporate the radical cation of the protonated ligand. Compounds 1-3 have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis, and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Molecular structures of 1-3 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In molecule 1, the Ge atom is positioned at the apex of the slightly distorted trigonal pyramid. The Ge-N bond lengths in 1 are 2.0058(19) and 2.004(2) A. The molecular structure of 2 consists of contact ions [(dpp-BIAN)(H)2]+ and [GeCl3]-. In the molecular structure of 3, two radical cations of [(dpp-BIAN)(H)2]+ are "coordinated" by the chlorine anion. The ESR signal of 1 indicates the presence of a dpp-BIAN radical anion and shows a hyperfine structure due to the coupling of an unpaired electron to 14N, 73Ge, 35Cl, 37Cl, and 1H nuclei (AN=0.48 (2 N), AGe=0.96, ACl=0.78 (35Cl), ACl=0.65 (37Cl), AH=0.11 (4 H) mT, g=2.0014). Both 2 and 3 reveal ESR signals of radical cation [(dpp-BIAN)(H)2]*+ (septet, AN=0.53, AH=0.48 mT, g=2.0031).     

Dicarbollylamine ligand as a tunable template for sigma,sigma- and pi,sigma-bonding modes: syntheses, structures, and theoretical studies of eta5:eta1-coordinated constrained-geometry group 13 metal complexes

A series of group 13 main group complexes with pi,sigma-type bonding interaction of the formula [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2)(eta (1)-NMe 2)}MMe] (M = Al, R = H 5, Me 6; Ga, R = H 7, Me 8; In, R = H 9, Me 10) was produced by the reaction of group 13 metal alkyls (MMe 3; M = Al, Ga, In) with the dicarbollylamine ligands, nido-8-R-7,8-C 2B 9H 10-7-(CH 2)NHMe 2 (R = H 1, Me 2). The reactions of 1 and 2 with AlMe 3 in toluene initially afforded tetra-coordinated aluminum complexes with sigma,sigma-type bonding interaction, [{(eta (1)-RC 2B 9H 10)(CH 2)(eta (1)-NMe 2)}AlMe 2] (R = H 3, Me 4), which readily underwent further methane elimination to yield the corresponding constrained geometry complexes (CGCs, 5 and 6) of aluminum with pi,sigma-bonding interaction. However, the reactions between 1 and 2 and MMe 3 (M = Ga, In) in toluene produced gallium and indium pi,sigma-CGCs of 7 and 10 directly, not proceeding through sigma,sigma-intermediates. The structures of group 13 metal CGCs were established by X-ray diffraction studies of 5, 6, and 8, which authenticated a characteristic eta (5):eta (1)-coordination mode of the dicarbollylamino ligand to the group 13 metals. A similar pi,sigma-bonding interaction was also established in ethylene-bridged dicarbollylethylamine series. Thus, aluminum pi,sigma-CGCs of dicarbollylethylamine, [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NBz 2)}AlMe] (R = H 17, Me 18), were prepared by the trans-metalation of the [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NBz 2)}Ti(NMe 2) 2] (R = H 15, Me 16) with AlMe 3. However, only sigma,sigma-bonded complexes of the formula [{(eta (1)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NBz 2)}AlMe 2] (R = H 13, Me 14) were isolated by the reaction between [ nido-7-8-R-7,8-C 2B 9H 10-(CH 2) 2HNBz 2] (R = H 11, Me 12) and AlMe 3. When methane-elimination reactions between metal alkyls and dicarbollylamines were carried out with either the gallium atom or monobenzyl aminoethyl tethered ligands, [ nido-7-H 2NBz(CH 2) 2-8-R-7,8-C 2B 9H 10] (R = H 21, Me 22), desired pi,sigma-CGCs, [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NBz 2)}GaMe] (R = H 19, Me 20) or [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NHBz)}AlMe] (R = H 23, Me 24), were generated, respectively. DFT calculation on 5 provides evidence of existence of pi,sigma-bonding of dicarbollylamine ligand to the aluminum atom: pi-bonding interaction of a dicarbollyl unit becomes intensified in the presence of a weak sigma-bonding amine-tethered group. Furthermore, preference for the formation of pi,sigma-bonding was predicted by optimizing a reaction profile including sigma,sigma- and pi,sigma-structures as well as transition state structures for each methylene- and ethylene-spaced ligand system, 3-5 and 14- 18, to reveal that pi,sigma-bonding interaction is more favorable in the case of a methylene-tethered ligand system.     

Reactions of M[CH(SiMe3)2] (M = Na or K) with PhCN, and related chemistry

A number of metal complexes containing one of the following ligands: the 1-azaallyl [N(R)C(Ph)C(H)R]- ([triple bond]L-), the 1,3-diazaallyl([triple bond]LL'-) and the isomeric beta-diketiminate [{N(R)C(Ph)]}2CH]- ( identical with LL-) have been prepared (R = SiMe(3)). These are the crystalline compounds H(LL) (2), Na(LL) (3), [Na(LL)(thf)2] (4), Na(L) (6), [Na(mu-LL')]8 (7), [K(mu-L)(eta6-C6H6)]2 (8), [K(mu-LL')(thf)]2 (9), [K(thf)2(mu-LL)](infinity) (10) and [Ni(LL')2] (11). A new synthesis of Na[C(H)R2] (1) involved Hg[C(H)R2]2 and Na/Hg as reagents. The beta-diketimine 2 was obtained from Li(LL) and cyclopentadiene. Under different conditions compounds 3, 6 and 7 were isolated from 1 and benzonitrile, and compounds 8, 9 and 10 from K[C(H)R2] and PhCN. Complex 11 was derived from [Li(LL')]2 and [NiBr(2)(dme)]. The solution obtained from 1 + 2 PhCN in Et2O at ambient temperature was a mixture (5) of 3 (predominantly) and 7. The 1-azaallyl complex 8 has the ligand bound to the metal as the enamide, and this is also probably (NMR) the case for 6. The molecular structures of the crystalline complexes 7, 8 and 11 are presented; that of 10 was published earlier. Compound 7, a cyclooctamer, is particularly interesting, in that each LL'- ligand is bridging via one of its N atoms to two neighbouring sodium ions and is not only N,N'- but also (eta2-C[=]C)-chelating to one of them.     

Diastereospecific and diastereoselective syntheses of Ruthenium(II) complexes using N,N' bidentate ligands aryl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amine ArNH-CH2-2-C5H4N and their oxidation to imine ligands

Coordination of N,N' bidentate ligands aryl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amine ArNH-CH2-2-C5H4N 1 (Ar = 4-CH3-C6H4, 1a; 4-CH3O-C6H4, 1b; 2,6-(CH3)2-C6H3, 1c; 4-CF3-C6H4, 1d) to the moieties [Ru(bipy)2]2+, [Ru(eta5-C5H5)L]+ (L = CH3CN, CO), or [Ru(eta6-arene)Cl]2+ (arene = benzene, p-cymene) occurs under diastereoselective or diastereospecific conditions. Detailed stereochemical analysis of the new complexes is included. The coordination of these secondary amine ligands activates their oxidation to imines by molecular oxygen in a base-catalyzed reaction and hydrogen peroxide was detected as byproduct. The amine-to-imine oxidation was also observed under the experimental conditions of cyclic voltammetry measurements. Deprotonation of the coordinated amine ligands afforded isolatable amido complexes only for the ligand (1-methyl-1-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl)-p-tolyl-amine, 1e, which doesn't contain hydrogen atoms in a beta position relative to the N-H bond. The structures of [Ru(2,2'-bipyridine)2(1b)](PF6)2, 2b; [Ru(2,2'-bipyridine)(2)(1c)](PF6)2, 2c; trans-[RuCl2(COD)(1a)], 3; and [RuCl2(eta6-C6H6)(1a)]PF6, 4a, have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies.     

2 + 2] cross coupling of benzene and tropylium ligands in reductively activated piano stool complexes of Mn,Cr, and W

We have established cation/anion coupling reactions between the tropylium ligand in [M(eta7-C7H7)(CO)3]+ (M = Cr, W) and the reductively activated eta4-benzene ligand in [Mn(eta4-C6H6)(CO)3]- (3-) to form [M(CO)3(mu2-eta6:eta5-C7H7-C6H6)Mn(CO)3]; [Cr(CO)3(mu2-eta6:eta5-C7H7-C6H6)Mn(CO)3] can be further reduced to [Cr(CO)3(mu2-eta5:eta4-C7H7-C6H6)Mn(CO)3]2-, in which the tropylium and benzene ligands have undergone a [2 + 2] cross coupling reaction.     

Half-sandwich bis(tetramethylaluminate) complexes of the rare-earth metals: synthesis, structural chemistry, and performance in isoprene polymerization

The protonolysis reaction of [Ln(AlMe(4))(3)] with various substituted cyclopentadienyl derivatives HCp(R) gives access to a series of half-sandwich complexes [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))]. Whereas bis(tetramethylaluminate) complexes with [1,3-(Me(3)Si)(2)C(5)H(3)] and [C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3)] ancillary ligands form easily at ambient temperature for the entire Ln(III) cation size range (Ln=Lu, Y, Sm, Nd, La), exchange with the less reactive [1,2,4-(Me(3)C)(3)C(5)H(3)] was only obtained at elevated temperatures and for the larger metal centers Sm, Nd, and La. X-ray structure analyses of seven representative complexes of the type [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))] reveal a similar distinct [AlMe(4)] coordination (one eta(2), one bent eta(2)). Treatment with Me(2)AlCl leads to [AlMe(4)] --> [Cl] exchange and, depending on the Al/Ln ratio and the Cp(R) ligand, varying amounts of partially and fully exchanged products [{Ln(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl)(Cp(R))}(2)] and [{Ln(mu-Cl)(2)(Cp(R))}(n)], respectively, have been identified. Complexes [{Y(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl)(C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3))}(2)] and [{Nd(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl){1,2,4-(Me(3)C)(3)C(5)H(2)}}(2)] have been characterized by X-ray structure analysis. All of the chlorinated half-sandwich complexes are inactive in isoprene polymerization. However, activation of the complexes [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))] with boron-containing cocatalysts, such as [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], [PhNMe(2)H][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], or B(C(6)F(5))(3), produces initiators for the fabrication of trans-1,4-polyisoprene. The choice of rare-earth metal cation size, Cp(R) ancillary ligand, and type of boron cocatalyst crucially affects the polymerization performance, including activity, catalyst efficiency, living character, and polymer stereoregularity. The highest stereoselectivities were observed for the precatalyst/cocatalyst systems [La(AlMe(4))(2)(C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3))]/B(C(6)F(5))(3) (trans-1,4 content: 95.6 %, M(w)/M(n)=1.26) and [La(AlMe(4))(2)(C(5)Me(5))]/B(C(6)F(5))(3) (trans-1,4 content: 99.5 %, M(w)/M(n)=1.18).     

Stoichiometric and homogeneous-catalytic diboration of the n=n double bond of azobenzene

The diboration of the N=N double bond of azobenzene was achieved by reaction of the [3]diboraplatinametalloarenophanes derived from ferrocene, [Fe(eta5-C5H4)B(NMe2)Pt(PEt3)2B(NMe2)(eta5-C5H4)], and bis(benzene)chromium, [Cr(eta6-C6H5)B(NMe2)Pt(PEt3)2B(NMe2)(eta6-C6H5)], with an excess of azobenzene in toluene at elevated temperature. The formation of the anticipated ansa-bis(boryl)hydrazines was substantiated by the determination of the molecular structure of the chromium derivative by X-ray diffraction. The synthesis of the ansa-bis(boryl)hydrazine derivative of ferrocene could also be accomplished under homogeneous catalysis conditions. Hence, reaction of the well-known [2]boraferrocenophane, [Fe(eta5-C5H4)2B2(NMe2)2], and azobenzene in the presence of 5 mol % [Pt(PEt3)3] afforded the bis-borylated hydrazine derivative in good yields.     

Ruthenium(II) and ruthenium(IV) complexes containing kappa1-P-, kappa2-P,O-, and kappa3-P,N,O-iminophosphorane-phosphine ligands Ph2PCH2P[=NP(=O)(OR)2]Ph2 (R = Et,Ph): synthesis,reactivity, theoretical studies,and catalytic activity in transfer hydrogenation of cyclohexanone

[(Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(mu-Cl)Cl)(2)] and [(Ru(eta(3):eta(3)-C(10)H(16))(mu-Cl)Cl)(2)] react with Ph(2)PCH(2)P[=NP(=O)(OR)(2)]Ph(2) (R = Et (1a), Ph (1b)) affording complexes [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)Cl(2)(kappa(1)-P-Ph(2)PCH(2)P[=NP(=O)(OR)(2)]Ph(2))] (R = Et (2a), Ph (2b)) and [Ru(eta(3):eta(3)-C(10)H(16))Cl(2)(kappa(1)-P-Ph(2)PCH(2)P[=NP(=O)(OR)(2)]Ph(2))] (R = Et (6a), Ph (6b)). While treatment of 2a with 1 equiv of AgSbF(6) yields a mixture of [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)Cl(kappa(2)-P,O-Ph(2)PCH(2)P[=NP(=O)(OEt)(2)]Ph(2))][SbF(6)] (3a) and [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)Cl(kappa(2)-P,N-Ph(2)PCH(2)P[=NP(=O)(OEt)(2)]Ph(2))][SbF(6)] (4a), [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)Cl(kappa(2)-P,O-Ph(2)PCH(2)P[=NP(=O)(OPh)(2)]Ph(2))][SbF(6)] (3b) and [Ru(eta(3):eta(3)-C(10)H(16))Cl(kappa(2)-P,O-Ph(2)PCH(2)P[=NP(=O)(OR)(2)]Ph(2))][SbF(6)] (R = Et (7a), Ph (7b)) are selectively formed from 2b and 6a,b. Complexes [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(kappa(3)-P,N,O-Ph(2)PCH(2)P[=NP(=O)(OR)(2)]Ph(2))][SbF(6)](2) (R = Et (5a), Ph (5b)) and [Ru(eta(3):eta(3)-C(10)H(16))(kappa(3)-P,N,O-Ph(2)PCH(2)P[=NP(=O)(OR)(2)]Ph(2))][SbF(6)](2) (R = Et (8a), Ph (8b)) have been prepared using 2 equiv of AgSbF(6). The reactivity of 3-5a,b has been explored allowing the synthesis of [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)X(2)(kappa(1)-P-Ph(2)PCH(2)P[=NP(=O)(OR)(2)]Ph(2))] (R = Et, Ph; X = Br, I, N(3), NCO (9-12a,b)). The catalytic activity of 2-8a,b in transfer hydrogenation of cyclohexanone, as well as theoretical calculations on the models [Ru(eta(6)-C(6)H(6))Cl(kappa(2)-P,N-H(2)PCH(2)P[=NP(=O)(OH)(2)]H(2))]+ and [Ru(eta(6)-C(6)H(6))Cl(kappa(2)-P,O-H(2)PCH(2)P[=NP(=O)(OH)(2)]H(2))]+, has been also studied.     

Coordinatively unsaturated semisandwich complexes of ruthenium with phosphinoamine ligands and related species: a complex containing (R,R)-1,2-bis((diisopropylphosphino)amino)cyclohexane in a new coordination form kappa(3)P,P',N-eta(2)-P,N

The syntheses of the chloro complexes [Ru(eta5-C5R5)Cl(L)] (R = H, Me; L = phosphinoamine ligand) (1a-d) have been carried out by reaction of [(eta5-C5H5)RuCl(PPh3)2] or {(eta5-C5Me5)RuCl}4 with the corresponding phosphinoamine (R,R)-1,2-bis((diisopropylphosphino)amino)cyclohexane), R,R-dippach, or 1,2-bis(((diisopropylphosphino)amino)ethane), dippae. The chloride abstraction reactions from these compounds lead to different products depending on the starting chlorocomplex and the reaction conditions. Under argon atmosphere, chloride abstraction from [(eta5-C5Me5)RuCl(R,R-dippach)] with NaBAr'4 yields the compound [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(kappa3P,P'-(R,R)-dippach)][BAr'4] (2b) which exhibits a three-membered ring Ru-N-P by a new coordination form of this phosphinoamine. However, under the same conditions the reaction starting from [(eta5-C5Me5)RuCl(dippae)] yields the unsaturated 16 electron complex [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(dippae)][BAr'4] (2d). The bonding modes of R,R-dippach and dippae ligands have been analyzed by DFT calculations. The possibility of tridentate P,N,P-coordination of the phosphinoamide ligand to a fragment [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru]+ is always present, but only the presence of a cyclohexane unit in the ligand framework converts this bonding mode in a more favorable option than the usual P,P-coordination. Dinitrogen [(eta5-C5R5)Ru(N2)(L)][BAr'4] (3a-d) and dioxygen complexes [(eta5-C5H5)Ru(O2)(R,R-dippach)][BPh4] (4a) and [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(O2)(L)][BPh4] (4b,d) have been prepared by chloride abstraction under dinitrogen or dioxygen atmosphere, respectively. The presence of 16 electron [(eta5-C5H5)Ru(R,R-dippach)]+ species in fluorobenzene solutions of the corresponding dinitrogen or dioxygen complexes in conjunction with the presence of [BAr'4]- gave in some cases a small fraction of [Ru(eta5-C5H5)(eta6-C6H5F)][BAr'4] (5a), which has been isolated and characterized by X-ray diffraction.     

Rhodium/iridium-titanium azaheterometallocubanes

Treatment of [[Ti(eta5-C5Me5)(mu-NH)]3(mu3-N)] (1) with the diolefin complexes [[MCl(cod)]2] (M = Rh, Ir; cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) in toluene afforded the ionic complexes [M-(cod)(mu3-NH)3Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)]Cl [M = Rh (2), Ir (3)]. Reaction of complexes 2 and 3 with [Ag(BPh4)] in dichloromethane leads to anion metathesis and formation of the analogous ionic derivatives [M(cod)(mu3-NH)3Ti3-(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)][BPh4] [M = Rh (4), Ir (5)]. An X-ray crystal structure determination for 5 reveals a cube-type core [IrTi3N4] for the cationic fragment, in which 1 coordinates in a tripodal fashion to the iridium atom. Reaction of the diolefin complexes [[MCl(cod))2] (M = Rh, Ir) and [[RhCl(C2H4)2]2] with the lithium derivative [[Li(mu3-NH)2(mu3-N)-Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)]2] x C7H8 (6 C7H8) in toluene gave the neutral cube-type complexes [M(cod)(mu-NH)2(mu3-N)Ti3-(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)] [M = Rh (7), Ir (8)] and [Rh(C2H4)2(mu3-NH)2(mu3-N)Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)] (9), respectively. Density functional theory calculations have been carried out on the ionic and neutral azaheterometallocubane complexes to understand their electronic structures.     

Silver(I) complexes of N-thiophosphorylated bis(iminophosphorane) ligands: from monomers to polymers

Treatment of diphosphines Ph(2)P(CH2)nPPh2 (n = 1, 2, 4, 6) and [Fe(eta5-C(5)H(4)PR'2)2] (R' = Ph, (i)Pr) with a two-fold excess of (RO)2P(=S)N3 (R = Et, Ph) results in the high-yield formation of the N-thiophosphorylated bis(iminophosphorane) derivatives (CH2)n[P{=NP(=S)(OR)2}Ph2]2 and Fe(eta5-C(5)H(4)[P{=NP(=S)(OR)2}R'2])2, respectively. The reactions of these ligands with AgSbF(6) in a 1 : 1 molar ratio have been investigated. The resulting silver(I) complexes, derived from the selective coordination of the P=S units, have been characterized by IR, NMR and MS (FAB) spectroscopy and, in selected cases, by X-ray crystallography. Monomeric, dimeric and polymeric solid-state structures, depending on the nature of the ligand backbone, have been found.     

Coordination of benzene to a sodium cation

The complexes Na(Et₂O)(dpp-BIAN)AlEt₂ (5) and Na(η⁶-C₆H₆)(dpp-BIAN)AlEt₂ (6) were synthesized by reactions of the disodium salts of dpp-BIAN (dpp-BIAN is 1,2-bis[(2,6-di-isopropylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene) with 1 equiv. of Et₂AlCl in diethyl ether and benzene, respectively. The structures of both complexes were established by X-ray diffraction. In molecules 5 and 6, diethylaluminum is chelated by the dianionic dpp-BIAN ligand. The sodium cations in molecules 5 and 6 are located above the plane of the diimine fragments and coordinate the Et₂O or benzene molecule, respectively. Dedicated to Academician G. A. Abakumov on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 1702–1707, September, 2007.     

Novel hetero-bimetallic metalla-macrocycles based on the bis-1-pyridyl ferrocene [Fe(eta 5-C5H(4)-1-C5H4N)2] ligand. Design,synthesis and structural characterization of the complexes [Fe(eta 5-C5H(4)-1-C5H4N)2](AgI)2(2+)/(CuII)2(4+)/(ZnII)2(4+)

The bidentate sandwich ligand [Fe(eta 5-C5H(4)-1-C5H4N)2] has been prepared, structurally characterized and employed in the preparation of the novel supramolecular heterobimetallic metalla-macrocycles [Fe(eta 5-C5H(4)-1-C5H4N)2]Ag2(NO3)(2).1.5H2O, [Fe(eta 5-C5H(4)-1-C5H4N)2]Cu2(CH3COO)(4).3H2O and [Fe(eta 5-C5H(4)-1-C5H4N)2]Zn2Cl4.     

Homoleptic rare-earth metal(III) tetramethylaluminates: structural chemistry, reactivity, and performance in isoprene polymerization

The complexes [Ln(AlMe4)3] (Ln=Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Ho, Lu) have been synthesized by an amide elimination route and the structures of [Lu{(micro-Me)2AlMe2}3], [Sm{(micro-Me)2AlMe2}3], [Pr{(micro-Me)2AlMe2}3], and [La{(micro-Me)2AlMe2}2{(micro-Me)3AlMe}] determined by X-ray crystallography. These structures reveal a distinct Ln3+ cation size-dependency. A comprehensive insight into the intrinsic properties and solution coordination phenomena of [Ln(AlMe4)3] complexes has been gained from extended dynamic 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic studies, as well as 1D 89Y, 2D 1H/89Y, and 27Al NMR spectroscopic investigations. [Ce(AlMe4)3] and [Pr(AlMe4)3] have been used as alkyl precursors for the synthesis of heterobimetallic alkylated rare-earth metal complexes. Both carboxylate and siloxide ligands can be introduced by methane elimination reactions that give the heterobimetallic complexes [Ln{(O2CAriPr)2(micro-AlMe2)}2(AlMe4)(C6H14)n] and [Ln{OSi(OtBu)3}(AlMe3)(AlMe4)2], respectively. [Pr{OSi(OtBu)3}(AlMe3)(AlMe4)2] has been characterized by X-ray structure analysis. All of the cerium and praseodymium complexes are used as precatalysts in the stereospecific polymerization of isoprene (1-3 equivalents of Et2AlCl as co-catalyst) and compared to the corresponding neodymium-based initiators reported previously. The superior catalytic performance of the homoleptic complexes leads to quantitative yields of high-cis-1,4-polyisoprene (>98%) in almost all of the polymerization experiments. In the case of the binary catalyst mixtures derived from carboxylate or siloxide precatalysts quantitative formation of polyisoprene is only observed for nLn:nCl=1:2. The influence of the metal size is illustrated for the heterobimetallic lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, and gadolinium carboxylate complexes, and the highest activities are observed for praseodymium as a metal center in the presence of one equivalent of Et2AlCl.     

Bi- and poly-metallic cyanide-bridged complexes of the redox-active cyanomanganese nitrosyl unit [Mn(CN)(PR3)(NO)(eta-C5H4Me)

Cationic nitrile complexes and neutral halide and cyanide complexes, with the general formula [MnL1L2(NO)(eta-C5H4Me)]z, undergo one-electron oxidation at a Pt electrode in CH2Cl2. Linear plots of oxidation potential, Eo', vs. nu(NO) or the Lever parameters, EL, for L1 and L2, allow Eo' to be estimated for unknown analogues. In the presence of TlPF6, [MnIL'(NO)(eta-C5H4Me)] reacts with [Mn(CN)L(NO)(eta-C5H4Me)] to give [(eta5-C5H4Me)(ON)LMn(mu-CN)MnL'(NO)(eta5-C5H4Me)][PF6] which undergoes two reversible one-electron oxidations; DeltaE, the difference between the potentials for the two processes, differs significantly for stable cyanide-bridged linkage isomers. Novel pentametallic complexes such as [Mn[(mu-NC)Mn(CNBut)(NO)(eta5-C5H4Me)]4(OEt2)][PF6]2 and [Mn[(mu-NC)Mn(CNXyl)(NO)(eta5-C5H4Me)]4(NO3-O,O')][PF6], containing a trigonal bipyramidal and a distorted octahedral Mn(II) centre, respectively, result either from slow decomposition of the binuclear cyanide-bridged species or from the reaction of anhydrous MnI2 with four equivalents of [Mn(CN)L(NO)(eta5-C5H4Me)] in the presence of TlPF6.     

Structural studies of N,N'-di(ortho-fluorophenyl)formamidine group 1 metallation

The treatment of N,N'-di(ortho-fluorophenyl)formamidine (HFPhF) in tetrahydrofuran with equimolar amounts of n-butyllithium, sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide or potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide affords the colourless crystalline formamidinate complexes [Li(FPhF)(thf)] (1), [Na(FPhF)(thf)] (2) and [K(FPhF)] (5). Low-temperature preparation of 2 in diethyl ether yields the Et(2)O adduct [Na(FPhF)(Et(2)O)] (3). At ambient temperature the sodium fluoride inclusion complex [Na(3)(FPhF)(3)(Et(2)O)(NaF)] (4) is also formed. Spectroscopic ((1)H, (13)C and (19)F((1)H) NMR) data for 1-5, microanalytical analyses for compounds 1, 2 and 5 and X-ray structure determinations for 1, 3-5 confirm the formulae of these species. In the solid-state, 1 and 3 possess a dimeric nature in which the formamidinate ligands coordinate through mu(2):eta(2):eta(1) (1) and mu(2):eta(2):eta(2) (3) binding modes. These are enabled by partial ortho-fluoro donation. Compound 4, which is also dimeric, contains two trisodium tris(formamidinate) units that comprise mu(2):eta(2):eta(2)-FPhF ligands, a bridging diethyl ether moiety and an unprecedented mu(3):eta(2):eta(2):eta(2)-formamidinate donor. Together, these trinuclear units encapsulate two sodium fluoride units by eta(2)-N,N-formamidinate chelation of the sodium cations (thereby creating further mu(3):eta(2):eta(2):eta(2)-bound formamidinates) and fluoride-sodium interactions. Compound 5 extends the coordinative versatility of FPhF to mu(2):eta(4):eta(3) coordination by the generation of K(2)(mu(2):eta(4):eta(3)-FPhF)(2) units that exhibit eta(2)-arene interactions. Macromolecularly, the overlaying of these units affords a polymeric solvent-free structure that incites coordination of the FPhF ligands to metal atoms above and below the K(2)(FPhF)(2) plane. Overall, this generates a remarkable mu(4):eta(4):eta(3):eta(2):eta(1)-amidinate binding mode that incorporates both bridging and terminal fluorine donors. Compounds 1-5 are the first non-chromium complexes of N,N'-di(ortho-fluorophenyl)formamidinate.     

Preparation and characterization of novel Os-diolefin dimers: new entry to Os-cyclooctadiene complexes

The complex [H(EtOH)2][{OsCl(eta4-COD)}2(mu-H)(mu-Cl)2] (1) has been prepared in high yield by treatment of OsCl3.3H2O (54% Os) with 1,5-cyclooctadiene in ethanol under reflux. Under air, it is unstable and undergoes oxidation by action of O2 to afford the neutral derivative {OsCl(eta4-COD)}2(mu-H)(mu-Cl)2 (2). The terminal chlorine ligands of the anion of 1 are activated toward nucleophilic substitution. Thus, reaction of the salt [NBu4][{OsCl(eta4-COD)}2(mu-H)(mu-Cl)2] (1a) with NaCp in toluene gives [NBu4][{Os(mu1-C5H5)(eta4-COD)}(mu-H)(mu-Cl)2{OsCl(eta4-COD)}] (3) as a result of the replacement of one of the terminal chlorine atoms by the cyclopentadienyl ligand. The CH2 group of the latter can be deprotonated by the bridging methoxy ligand of the iridium dimer [Ir(mu-OMe)(eta4-COD)]2. The reaction leads to the trinuclear derivative [NBu4][{(eta4-COD)Ir(mu5-C5H4-mu1)Os(eta4-COD)}(mu-H)(mu-Cl)2{OsCl(eta4-COD)}] (4) containing a bridging C5H4 ligand that is eta1-coordinated to an osmium atom of the dimeric unit and mu5-coordinated to the Ir(eta4-COD) moiety. Salt 1a also reacts with LiC[triple bond]CPh. In this case, the reaction produces the substitution of both terminal chlorine ligands to afford the bis(alkynyl) derivative [NBu4][{Os(C[triple bond]CPh)(eta4-COD)}2(mu-H)(mu-Cl)2] (5). Complexes 1, 2, 3, and 4 have been characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. Although the separations between the osmium atoms are short, between 2.6696(4) and 2.8633(5) A, theoretical calculations indicate that only in 2 is there direct metal-metal interaction, as the bond order is 0.5.     

Formation of a paramagnetic Al complex and extrusion of Fe during the reaction of (diiminepyridine)Fe with AlR3 (R = Me, Et)

The reaction of the {2,6-[2,6-(iPr)2PhN=C(CH3)]2(C5H3N)}FeCl2 catalyst precursor with R3Al [R = Me, Et] afforded {2,6-[2,6-(iPr)2PhN=C(CH3)]2(C5H3N)}AlMe2 (1) and [eta4-LAl2Et3(mu-Cl)]Fe-(eta6-C7H8) (2), respectively. These paramagnetic species arises from both transmetalation, during which the strong terdentate ligand loses the Fe center, and reduction. The extent of reduction depends on the nature of the Al alkylating agent. The electrons necessary for the reduction are likely to be provided by cleavage of Fe-C bond of transient low-valent organo-Fe species.     

Preparation of benzyl azide complexes of iridium(III)

Hydride complexes IrHCl(2)(PiPr(3))P(2) (1) and IrHCl(2)P(3) (2) [P = P(OEt)(3) and PPh(OEt)(2)] were prepared by allowing IrHCl(2)(PiPr(3))(2) to react with phosphite in refluxing benzene or toluene. Treatment of IrHCl(2)P(3), first with HBF(4).Et(2)O and then with an excess of ArCH(2)N(3), afforded benzyl azide complexes [IrCl(2)(eta(1)-N(3)CH(2)Ar)P(3)]BPh(4) (3, 4) [Ar = C(6)H(5), 4-CH(3)C(6)H(4); P = P(OEt)(3), PPh(OEt)(2)]. Azide complexes reacted in CH(2)Cl(2) solution, leading to the imine derivative [IrCl(2){eta(1)-NH=C(H)C(6)H(5)}P(3)]BPh(4) (5). The complexes were characterized by spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structure determination of [IrCl(2)(eta(1)-N(3)CH(2)C(6)H(5)){P(OEt)(3)}(3)]BPh(4) (3a) and [IrCl(2){eta(1)-NH=C(H)C(6)H(5)}{P(OEt)(3)}(3)]BPh(4) (5a). Both solid-state structure and (15)N NMR data indicate that the azide is coordinated through the substituted Ngamma [Ir]-Ngamma(CH(2)Ar)NNalpha nitrogen atom.     

Titanium alkali metal nitrido complexes

Treatment of [(Ti(eta5-C5Me5)(mu-NH))3(mu3-N)] with alkali metal bis(trimethylsilyl)amido reagents in toluene afforded the complexes [M(mu3-N)(mu3-NH)2[Ti3(mu5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)]]2 (M = Li (2), Na, (3), K (4)). The molecular structures of 2 and 3 have been determined by X-ray crystallographic studies and show two azaheterometallocubane cores [MTi3N4] linked by metal-nitrogen bonds. Reaction of the lithium derivative 2 with chlorotrimethylsilane or trimethyltin chloride in toluene gave the incomplete cube nitrido complexes [Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu-NH)2(mu-NMMe3)(mu3-N)] (M = Si (5), Sn (6)). A similar reaction with indium(I) or thallium(I) chlorides yielded cube-type derivatives [M(mu3-N)(mu3-NH)2[Ti(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)] (M=In (7), Tl (8)).