Iron silylamide-grafted periodic mesoporous silica

The surface chemistry of a series of well-defined metalorganic ferrous and ferric iron complexes on periodic mesoporous silica (PMS) was investigated. In addition to literature known Fe(II)[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)(THF), Fe(II)[N(SiPh(2)Me(2))(2)](2), and Fe(III)[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)Cl(THF), the new complexes [Fe(II){N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(2)](2) and Fe(III)[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](3)(μ-Cl)Li(THF)(3) were employed as grafting precursors. Selection criteria for the molecular precursors were the molecular size (monoiron versus diiron species), the oxidation state of the iron center (II versus III), and the functionality of the silylamido ligand (e.g., built-in spectroscopic probes). Hexagonal channel-like MCM-41 and cubic cage-like SBA-1 were chosen as two distinct PMS materials. The highest iron load (12.8 wt %) was obtained for hybrid material [Fe(II){N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(2)](2)@MCM-41 upon stirring the reaction mixture iron silylamide/PMS/n-hexane for 18 h at ambient temperature. Size-selective grafting and concomitantly extensive surface silylation were found to be prominent for cage-like SBA-1. Here, the surface metalation is governed by the type of iron precursor, the pore size, the reaction time, and the solvent. The formation of surface-attached iron-ligand species is discussed on the basis of diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, nitrogen physisorption, and elemental analysis.     

Surface organobarium and organomagnesium chemistry on periodic mesoporous silica MCM-41: convergent and sequential approaches traced by molecular models

The alkaline earth metal alkyl complexes [Ba(AlEt(4))(2)](n) and Mg(AlMe(4))(2) were directly grafted onto periodic mesoporous silica MCM-41, which had been dehydroxylated at 270 °C (specific surface area a(s): 1023 m(2) g(-1); pore volume V(p): 1.08 cm(3) g(-1); main pore diameter 3.4 nm). Alternatively, barium alkyl surface species were generated by sequential grafting of MCM-41 with Ba[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](2)(thf)(4) and AlEt(3) to yield the hybrid material AlEt(3)@Ba[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](2)(thf)(4)@MCM-41. For a better understanding of the surface chemistry, AlEt(3)@MCM-41 was also accessed. All hybrid materials were analyzed by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, nitrogen physisorption, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy; this clearly revealed distinct surface chemistry for the alkylaluminate-treated materials [Ba(AlEt(4))(2)]@MCM-41 and Mg(AlMe(4))(2)@MCM-41. In an attempt to mimic the surface chemistry, the organometallic precursors were treated with HOSi(OtBu)(3). The reaction of equimolar amounts of {Ba[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](2)}(n) and HOSi(OtBu)(3) produced a mixed silylamido/siloxide cluster of Ba(3)[OSi(OtBu)(3)](3)[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](3) with bridging-only siloxide ligands as well as one bridging and two terminal silylamido ligands. The Schlenk equilibrium was found to govern the [Ba(AlEt(4))(2)](n)-HOSi(OtBu)(3) and Mg(AlMe(4))(2)-HOSi(OtBu)(3) reactions, leading to the isolation of complexes of [Ba(AlEt(4))(2) (toluene)](2) and Mg[OSi(OtBu)(3))](2)(AlMe(3))(2), respectively. Allowing for a donor-induced cleavage of Mg(AlMe(4))(2), the reaction of [MgMe(2)] with one or two equivalents of HOSi(OtBu)(3) was studied. While putative Mg[OSi(OtBu)(3)](Me) and Mg[OSi(OtBu)(3)](2) could not be crystallized from the reaction mixtures, cluster complexes Mg(5)(O)[OSi(OtBu)(3)](5)Me(3) and Mg(4)(OH)(2)[OSi(OtBu)(3)](6) could be unambiguously identified by X-ray crystallography.     

Scandium alkyl and amide complexes containing a cyclen-derived (NNNN) macrocyclic ligand: synthesis, structure and ring-opening polymerization activity toward lactide monomers

Cyclic polyamine 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane, (Me(3)TACD)H (= Me(3)[12]aneN(4)), reacted with [K{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}] in benzene-d(6) to give [K{(Me(3)TACD)SiMe(2)N(SiHMe(2))}] (1) under hydrogen evolution. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction of 1 shows a dinuclear structure in the solid state, featuring a bridging μ-amido and a weak β-agostic Si-H bond. 1,7-Dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (Me(2)TACD)H(2) (= Me(2)[12]aneN(4)) and (Me(3)TACD)H were reacted with [Sc{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(3)(thf)] in benzene-d(6) to give [{(Me(2)TACD)SiMe(2)N(SiHMe(2))}Sc{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}] (2) and [(Me(3)TACD)Sc{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(2)SiMe(2)] (3), respectively. Both compounds are monomeric in solution and X-ray diffraction studies showed the scandium metal centers to be six-coordinate. The scandium alkyl complex [Sc(Me(3)TACD)(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)] (4) was obtained by reacting (Me(3)TACD)H with [Sc(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(thf)] in benzene-d(6). The scandium amide complexes 2 and 3 catalyzed the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of meso-lactide to give syndiotactic polylactides.     

The intramolecular rearrangement of phosphinohydrazides [R'2P-NR-NR-M] → [RN═PR'2-NR-M]: general rules and exceptions. transformations of bulky phosphinohydrazines (R-NH-N(PPh2)2, R = tBu, Ph2P)

Reactions of diphosphinohydrazines R-NH-N(PPh(2))(2) (R = tBu (1), Ph(2)P (3)) with some metalation reagents (Co[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2), LiN(SiMe(3))(2), La[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3), nBuLi, MeLi) were performed. Compound 1 was synthesized by the reaction of Ph(2)PCl with tert-butylhydrazine hydrochloride in 83% yield. This compound reveals temperature-dependent (31)P NMR spectra due to hindered rotation about the P-N bonds. Complicated redox reaction of 1 with Co[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2) proceeds with cleavage of the P-N and N-N bonds to form a binuclear cobalt complex [Co{HN(PPh(2))(2)-κ(2)P,P'}(2)(μ-PPh(2))](2) (2) demonstrating a short Co···Co distance of 2.3857(5) ?, which implies a formal double bond between the Co atoms. Strong nucleophiles (nBuLi, MeLi) cause fragmentation of the molecules 1 and 3, while reactions of 3 with lithium and lanthanum silylamides give products of the NNP → NPN rearrangement [Li{Ph(2)P(NPPh(2))(2)-κ(2)N,N'}(THF)(2)] (4) and [La{Ph(2)P(NPPh(2))(2)-κ(2)N,N'}{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)] (5), respectively. These complexes represent the first examples of a κ(2)N,N' bonding mode for the triphosphazenide ligand [(Ph(2)PN)(2)PPh(2)](-). DFT calculations showed large energy gain (52.1 kcal/mol) of the [NNP](-) to [NPN](-) anion rearrangement.     

Iron-mediated hydrazine reduction and the formation of iron-arylimide heterocubanes

The reaction of Fe(N{SiMe(3)}(2))(2) (1) with 1 equiv of arylthiol (ArSH) results in material of notional composition Fe(SAr)(N{SiMe(3)}(2)) (2), from which crystalline Fe(2)(μ-SAr)(2)(N{SiMe(3)}(2))(2)(THF)(2) (Ar = Mes) can be isolated from tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent. Treatment of 2 with 0.5 equiv of 1,2-diarylhydrazine (Ar'NH-NHAr', Ar' = Ph, p-Tol) yields ferric-imide-thiolate cubanes Fe(4)(μ(3)-NAr')(4)(SAr)(4) (3). The site-differentiated, 1-electron reduced iron-imide cubane derivative [Fe(THF)(6)][Fe(4)(μ(3)-N-p-Tol)(4)(SDMP)(3)(N{SiMe(3)}(2))](2) ([Fe(THF)(6)][4](2); DMP = 2,6-dimethylphenyl) can be isolated by adjusting the reaction stoichiometry of 1/ArSH/Ar'NHNHAr' to 9:6:5. The isolated compounds were characterized by a combination of structural (X-ray diffraction), spectroscopic (NMR, UV-vis, Mo?ssbauer, EPR), and magnetochemical methods. Reactions with a range of hydrazines reveal complex chemical behavior that includes not only N-N bond reduction for 1,2-di- and trisubstituted arylhydrazines, but also catalytic disproportionation for 1,2-diarylhydrazines, N-C bond cleavage for 1,2-diisopropylhydrazine, and no reaction for hindered and tetrasubstituted hydrazines.     

(N2)3- radical chemistry via trivalent lanthanide salt/alkali metal reduction of dinitrogen: new syntheses and examples of (N2)2- and (N2)3- complexes and density functional theory comparisons of closed shell Sc3+, Y3+, and Lu3+ versus 4f(9) Dy3+

New syntheses of complexes containing the recently discovered (N(2))(3-) radical trianion have been developed by examining variations on the LnA(3)/M reductive system that delivers "LnA(2)" reactivity when Ln = scandium, yttrium, or a lanthanide, M = an alkali metal, and A = N(SiMe(3))(2) and C(5)R(5). The first examples of LnA(3)/M reduction of dinitrogen with aryloxide ligands (A = OC(6)R(5)) are reported: the combination of Dy(OAr)(3) (OAr = OC(6)H(3)(t)Bu(2)-2,6) with KC(8) under dinitrogen was found to produce both (N(2))(2-) and (N(2))(3-) products, [(ArO)(2)Dy(THF)(2)](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 1, and [(ArO)(2)Dy(THF)](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(THF)(6)], 2a, respectively. The range of metals that form (N(2))(3-) complexes with [N(SiMe(3))(2)](-) ancillary ligands has been expanded from Y to Lu, Er, and La. Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/M reactions with M = Na as well as KC(8) are reported. Reduction of the isolated (N(2))(2-) complex {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 3, with KC(8) forms the (N(2))(3-) complex, {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(THF)(6)], 4a, in high yield. The reverse transformation, the conversion of 4a to 3 can be accomplished cleanly with elemental Hg. The crown ether derivative {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(18-crown-6)(THF)(2)] was isolated from reduction of 3 with KC(8) in the presence of 18-crown-6 and found to be much less soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF) than the [K(THF)(6)](+) salt, which facilitates its separation from 3. Evidence for ligand metalation in the Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/KC(8) reaction was obtained through the crystal structure of the metallacyclic complex {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y[CH(2)Si(Me(2))NSiMe(3)]}[K(18-crown-6)(THF)(toluene)]. Density functional theory previously used only with reduced dinitrogen complexes of closed shell Sc(3+) and Y(3+) was extended to Lu(3+) as well as to open shell 4f(9) Dy(3+) complexes to allow the first comparison of bonding between these four metals.     

Chromium(III) and chromium(IV) bis(trimethylsilyl)amido complexes as ethylene polymerisation catalysts

Oxidation of Cr[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)(THF)(2) with iodine and dicumyl peroxide results in tetrahedral Cr(iv) Cr[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)I(2) and trigonal planar Cr(iii) Cr[N(SiMe(3))(2)](OCMe(2)Ph)(2), respectively; both complexes have been characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and both are active for ethylene polymerisation with alkylaluminium co-catalysts.     

Organometallic chemistry on periodic mesoporous organosilicas: generation of surface-confined zinc and yttrium centres

Periodic mesoporous ethylenesilicas with hexagonal P6mm and cubic Fm3m/Pm3n symmetry were prepared by using divalent surfactant C(16-3-1) and binary surfactant mixtures C(18-3-1) and C18TABr as structure-directing agents, respectively, under basic conditions. A tetramethyldisilazane-based surface silylation was carried out under mild conditions affording hybrid materials SiHMe2@PMO[MCM-41], SiHMe2@PMO[KIT-5] and SiHMe2@PMO[SBA-1], corresponding to silanol group populations of ca. 1.46, 0.67 and 1.63 mmol g(-1), respectively. New molecular zinc precursor compounds Zn[N(SiHMe2)2]2 and EtZn(OSiHtBu2) were synthesized via salt metathesis and alkane elimination procedures from ZnCl2 and LiN[SiH(CH3)2]2, HOSiHtBu2 and ZnEt2, respectively. Organozinc and organoyttrium complexes were reacted with the surface silanol groups according to a heterogeneously performed silylamide route, aswell as an alkane elimination reaction, yielding Zn[N(SiHMe2)2]@PMO[MCM-41], Zn[N(SiHMe2)2]@PMO[KIT-5], Zn[N(SiHMe2)2]@PMO[SBA-1], Zn[N(SiMe3)2]@PMO[MCM-41], Zn[N(SiMe3)2]@PMO[KIT-5], Zn[N(SiMe3)2]@PMO[SBA-1], Y[N(SiHMe2)2]x(THF)y@PMO[MCM-41], Y[N(SiHMe2)2]x(THF)y@PMO[KIT-5], Y[N(SiHMe2)2]x(THF)y@PMO[SBA-1] and Zn(OSiHtBu2)@PMO[MCM-41]. The metal loading mainly depended on the surface silanol group population, size and shape of metal-coordinated ligand, and reaction time as shown for Zn contents in the range of 4.2 to 10.6 wt%. In addition, a preferred N(SiHMe2)2/OC6H2tBu2-2,6-Me-4 ligand exchangeability was found for the large yttrium surface centres. The parent and functionalized materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, N2 physisorption, FTIR, 13C CP and 1H MAS NMR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of alkaline-earth-metal bis(amido)silane and lithium oxobis(aminolato)silane complexes

Several of alkaline-earth-metal complexes [(η(2):η(2):μ(N):μ(N)-Li)(+)](2)[{η(2)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)}(2)Mg](2-) (4), [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Ca·3THF] (5), [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Sr·THF] (6), and [η(2)(N,N)-Me(2)Si(DippN)(2)Ba·4THF] (7) of a bulky bis(amido)silane ligand were readily prepared by the metathesis reaction of alkali-metal bis(amido)silane [Me(2)Si(DippNLi)(2)] (Dipp = 2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3)) and alkaline-earth-metal halides MX(2) (M = Mg, X = Br; M = Ca, Sr, Ba, X = I). Alternatively, compounds 5-7 were synthesized either by transamination of M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)·2THF (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) and [Me(2)Si(DippNH)(2)] or by transmetalation of Sn[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2), [Me(2)Si(DippNH)(2)], and metallic calcium, strontium, and barium in situ. The metathesis reaction of dilithium bis(amido)silane [Me(2)Si(DippNLi)(2)] and magnesium bromide in the presence of oxygen afforded, however, an unusual lithium oxo polyhedral complex {[(DippN(Me(2)Si)(2))(μ-O)(Me(2)Si)](2)(μ-Br)(2)[(μ(3)-Li)·THF](4)(μ(4)-O)(4)(μ(3)-Li)(2)} (8) with a square-basket-shaped core Li(6)Br(2)O(4) bearing a bis(aminolato)silane ligand. All complexes were characterized using (1)H, (13)C, and (7)Li NMR and IR spectroscopy, in addition to X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis of the (N2)3- radical from Y2+ and its protonolysis reactivity to form (N2H2)2- via the Y[N(SiMe3)2]3/KC8 reduction system

Examination of the Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/KC(8) reduction system that allowed isolation of the (N(2))(3-) radical has led to the first evidence of Y(2+) in solution. The deep-blue solutions obtained from Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3) and KC(8) in THF at -35 °C under argon have EPR spectra containing a doublet at g(iso) = 1.976 with a 110 G hyperfine coupling constant. The solutions react with N(2) to generate (N(2))(2-) and (N(2))(3-) complexes {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Y}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)) (1) and {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Y}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(THF)(6)] (2), respectively, and demonstrate that the Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/KC(8) reaction can proceed through an Y(2+) intermediate. The reactivity of (N(2))(3-) radical with proton sources was probed for the first time for comparison with the (N(2))(2-) and (N(2))(4-) chemistry. Complex 2 reacts with [Et(3)NH][BPh(4)] to form {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Y}(2)(μ-N(2)H(2)), the first lanthanide (N(2)H(2))(2-) complex derived from dinitrogen, as well as 1 as a byproduct, consistent with radical disproportionation reactivity.     

Donor-functionalized lanthanide terphenyl complexes: Synthesis and structural characterization of 2,6-di(o-anisol)phenyl compounds of ytterbium,yttrium, and samarium

The syntheses and molecular structures of a number of 2,6-di(o-anisol)phenyl ([double bond]Danip-) -based bis(amide) and bis(alkoxide) compounds of ytterbium, yttrium, and samarium are reported. Additionally, NMR spectroscopic data are reported for the analogous diamagnetic yttrium compounds. Salt metathesis reaction of equimolar amounts of DanipLi and YbCl(3) in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature followed by addition of 2 equiv of KN(SiMe(3))(2) or KN(SiHMe(2))(2) produces DanipYb[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2) (1) and DanipYb[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](2) (2), respectively. The analogous reaction using SmCl(3) and KN(SiHMe(2))(2) produces DanipSm[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](2) (3). Reaction of DanipLi and YbCl(3) in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature followed by addition of 2 equiv of KO(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) produces DanipYb[O(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)](2) (4). Our attempts to also prepare the yttrium analogue of complex 4 yielded single-crystalline material of the tetrahydrofuran adduct DanipY(THF)[O(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)](2) (5). The molecular structures of the complexes 1-4 feature five-coordinate metal atoms and coordination polyhedra which can be described as distorted square-pyramidal rather than trigonal-bipyramidal, with the ipso carbon atom occupying the apical position. On the other hand, the molecular structure of the tetrahydrofuran-solvated yttrium Danip arylalkoxide compound 5 features a six-coordinate metal atom in a distorted trigonal-prismatic coordination environment. In all cases the Danip ligand system adopts the chiral (racemic) d,l form.     

Synthesis and reactions of triphenylsilanethiolato complexes of manganese(II), iron(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II)

Reactions of Fe[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2) with 1 and 2 equiv of Ph(3)SiSH in hexane afforded dinuclear silanethiolato complexes, [Fe(N(SiMe(3))(2))(mu-SSiPh(3))](2) (1) and [Fe(SSiPh(3))(mu-SSiPh(3))](2) (2), respectively. Various Lewis bases were readily added to 2, generating mononuclear adducts, Fe(SSiPh(3))(2)(L)(2) [L = CH(3)CN (3a), 4-(t)BuC(5)H(4)N (3b), PEt(3) (3c), (LL) = tmeda (3d)]. From the analogous reactions of M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2) (M = Mn, Co) and [Ni(NPh(2))(2)](2) with Ph(3)SiSH in the presence of TMEDA, the corresponding silanethiolato complexes, M(SSiPh(3))(2)(tmeda) [M = Mn (4), Co (5), Ni (6)], were isolated. Treatment of 3a with (PPh(4))(2)[MoS(4)] or (NEt(4))(2)[FeCl(4)] resulted in formation of a linear trinuclear Fe-Mo-Fe cluster (PPh(4))(2)[MoS(4)(Fe(SSiPh(3))(2))(2)] (7) or a dinuclear complex (NEt(4))(2)[Fe(2)(SSiPh(3))(2)Cl(4)] (8). On the other hand, the reaction of 3a with [Cu(CH(3)CN)(4)](PF(6)) gave a cyclic tetranuclear copper cluster Cu(4)(SSiPh(3))(4) (9), where silanethiolato ligands were transferred from iron to copper. Silicon-sulfur bond cleavage was found to occur when the cobalt complex 5 was treated with (NBu(4))F in THF, and a cobalt-sulfido cluster Co(6)(mu(3)-S)(8)(PPh(3))(6) (10) was isolated upon addition of PPh(3) to the reaction system. The silanethiolato complexes reported here are expected to serve as convenient precursors for sulfido cluster synthesis.     

Group 3 and lanthanide boryl compounds: syntheses, structures, and bonding analyses of Sc-B, Y-B, and Lu-B σ-coordinated NHC analogues

Reaction of [Ln(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(THF)(n)][BPh(4)] (Ln = Sc, Y, Lu ; n = 3, 4) with Li{B(NArCH)(2)}(THF)(2) (Ar = 2,6-C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)) formed the first group 3 and lanthanide boryl compounds, Sc{B(NArCH)(2)}(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(THF) and Ln{B(NArCH)(2)}(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(THF)(2) (Ln = Y, Lu), which contain two-center, two-electron Ln-B σ bonds. All of these systems were crystallographically characterized. Density functional theory analysis of the Ln-B bonding found it to be predominantly ionic, with covalent character in the σ-bonding Ln-B HOMO.     

Intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization of aminoalkenes catalyzed by Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3) grafted onto periodic mesoporous silicas

Homoleptic rare-earth metal silylamide complexes Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3) (Ln = Y, La, Nd) were grafted onto a series of partially dehydroxylated periodic mesoporous silica (PMS) supports, SBA-15(-500) (d(p) = 7.9 nm), SBA-15LP(-500) (d(p) = 16.6 nm), and MCM-41(-500) (d(p) = 4.1 nm). The hybrid materials Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)@PMS efficiently catalyze the intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization reaction of 2,2-dimethyl-4-penten-1-amine. Under the prevailing slurry conditions the metal size (Y > La > Nd), the pore size, and the particle morphology affect the catalytic performance. Material Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)@SBA-15LP(-500) displayed the highest activity (TOF = up to 420 h(-1) at 60 °C), with the extralarge pores minimizing restrictive product inhibition and substrate diffusion effects. The catalytic activity of Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)@SBA-15LP(-500) is found to be much higher than that of the molecular counterpart (TOF = up to 54 h(-1)), and its recyclability is demonstrated.     

Synthetic and structural studies of donor-functionalized alkoxy derivatives of gallium

The synthesis of a range of alkyl/chloro-gallium alkoxide and amido/alkoxide compounds was achieved via a series of protonolysis and alcoholysis steps. The initial reaction involved the synthesis of [Me(Cl)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2) (1) via methyl group transfer from the reaction of GaCl(3) with two equivalents of LiN(SiMe(3))(2). Reaction of 1 with varying amounts of ROH resulted in the formation of [Me(Cl)Ga(OR)](2) (2, R = CH(2)CH(2)OMe; 3, CH(CH(3))CH(2)NMe(2)), [Me(Cl)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(μ(2)-OR)Ga(Cl)Me] (4, R = CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2)), or [MeGa(OR)(2)] (5, R = CH(CH(3))CH(2)NMe(2)). Compound 4 represents an intermediate in the formation of dimeric complexes, of the type [Me(Cl)Ga(OR)](2), when formed from compound [Me(Cl)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2). A methylgallium amido/alkoxide complex [MeGa{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(OCH(2)CH(2)OMe)](2) (6) was isolated when 2 was further reacted with LiN(SiMe(3))(2). In addition, reaction of 2 with HO(t)Bu resulted in a simple alcohol/alkoxide exchange and formation of [Me(Cl)Ga(O(t)Bu)](2) (7). In contrast to the formation of 1, the in situ reaction of GaCl(3) with one equivalent of LiN(SiMe(3))(2) yielded [Cl(2)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2) in low yield, where no methyl group transfer has occurred. Reaction of alcohol with [Cl(2)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2) was then found to yield [Cl(2)Ga(OR)](2) (8, R = CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2)), and further reaction of 8 with LiN(SiMe(3))(2) yielded the gallium amido alkoxide complex, [ClGa{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(OR)](2) (9, R = CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2)), similar to 6. The structures of compounds 4, 5, 7, and 8 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) [L(2)Fe(NO)2]- (L = thiolate): interconversion among {Fe(NO)2}9 DNICs, {Fe(NO)2}10 DNICs, and [2Fe-2S] clusters, and the critical role of the thiolate ligands in regulating NO release of DNICs

Dinitrosyl iron complex [(-SC(7)H(4)SN)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-) (1) was prepared by reaction of [S(5)Fe(NO)(2)](-) and bis(2-benzothiozolyl) disulfide. In synthesis of the analogous dinitrosyl iron compounds (DNICs), the stronger electron-donating thiolates [RS](-) (R = C(6)H(4)-o-NHCOCH(3), C(4)H(3)S, C(6)H(4)NH(2), Ph), compared to [-SC(7)H(4)SN](-) of complex 1, trigger thiolate-ligand substitution to yield [(-SC(6)H(4)-o-NHCOCH(3))(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-) (2), [(-SC(4)H(3)S)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-) (3), and [(SPh)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-) (4), respectively. At 298 K, complexes 2 and 3 exhibit a well-resolved five-line EPR signal at g = 2.038 and 2.027, respectively, the characteristic g value of DNICs. The magnetic susceptibility fit indicates that the resonance hybrid of {Fe(+)((*)NO)(2)}(9) and {Fe(-)((+)NO)(2)}(9) in 2 is dynamic by temperature. The IR nu(NO) stretching frequencies (ranging from (1766, 1716) to (1737, 1693) cm(-)(1) (THF)) of complexes 1-4 signal the entire window of possible electronic configurations for such stable and isolable {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) [(RS)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-). The NO-releasing ability of {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) [(RS)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-) is finely tuned by the coordinated thiolate ligands. The less electron-donating thiolate ligands coordinated to {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) motif act as better NO-donor DNICs in the presence of NO-trapping agent [Fe(S,S-C(6)H(4))(2)](2)(2-). Interconversion between {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) [(RS)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-) and {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) [(Ph(3)P)(2)Fe(NO)(2)] was verified in the reaction of (a) [(RS)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-), 10 equiv of PPh(3) and sodium-biphenyl, and (b) 2 equiv of thiol, [RS](-), and [(Ph(3)P)(2)Fe(NO)(2)], respectively. The biomimetic reaction cycle, transformation between {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) [(RS)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-) and {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) [(R'S)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-), reversible interconversion of {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) and {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) DNICs, and degradation/reassembly of [2Fe-2S] clusters may decipher and predict the biological cycle of interconversion of {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) DNICs, {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) DNICs, and the [Fe-S] clusters in proteins.     

Heavier alkaline earth catalysts for the intermolecular hydroamination of vinylarenes, dienes, and alkynes

The heavier group 2 complexes [M{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)](2)(1, M = Ca; 2, M = Sr) and [M{CH(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)(THF)(2)] (3, M = Ca; 4, M = Sr) are shown to be effective precatalysts for the intermolecular hydroamination of vinyl arenes and dienes under mild conditions. Initial studies revealed that the amide precatalysts, 1 and 2, while compromised in terms of absolute activity by a tendency toward transaminative behavior, offer greater stability toward polymerization/oligomerization side reactions. In every case the strontium species, 2 and 4, were found to outperform their calcium congeners. Reactions of piperidine with para-substituted styrenes are indicative of rate-determining alkene insertion in the catalytic cycle while the ease of addition of secondary cyclic amines was found to be dependent on ring size and reasoned to be a consequence of varying amine nucleophilicity. Hydroamination of conjugated dienes yielded isomeric products via η(3)-allyl intermediates and their relative distributions were explained through stereoelectronic considerations. The ability to carry out the hydroamination of internal alkynes was found to be dramatically dependent upon the identity of the alkyne substituents while reactions employing terminal alkynes resulted in the precipitation of insoluble and unreactive group 2 acetylides. The rate law for styrene hydroamination with piperidine catalyzed by [Sr{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)](2) was deduced to be first order in [amine] and [alkene] and second order in [catalyst], while large kinetic isotope effects and group 2 element-dependent ΔS(++) values implicated the formation of an amine-assisted rate-determining alkene insertion transition state in which there is a considerable entropic advantage associated with use of the larger strontium center.     

Heteroscorpionate rare-earth initiators for the controlled ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters

A series of neutral rare-earth metal amides containing different achiral and chiral heteroscorpionate ligands was synthesized and characterized and these compounds were employed in the polymerization of cyclic esters. Thus, treatment of [Ln{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(3)(thf)(2)] (Ln = Nd, Sm) with acetamide or thioacetamide heteroscorpionate ligands for 2 h at 0 °C afforded the α-agostic silylamido dimeric rare-earth compounds [Ln{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(NNE)](2) (Ln = Nd and Sm; NNE = heteroscorpionate ligands, E = O, S) (1-8), some as enantiopure complexes. Complexes 1-8 contain dianionic heteroscorpionate pseudoallyl ligands resulting from C-H activation of the bridging methine group of the bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane moiety and subsequent coordination to the metal center. However, when the reaction was carried out for 1 h at lower temperature new bis(silylamido) dimeric lanthanide compounds [Ln{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(2)(NNE)](2) (Ln = Nd and Sm; E = O) (9 and 10) were obtained. The structures of the complexes were determined by spectroscopic methods and the X-ray crystal structures of 1, and 4 were also established. Neodymium complexes are active initiators for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide (LA) and lactones, giving rise to medium-high molar mass polymers under mild conditions and with narrow polydispersities. These complexes were well suited for achieving well-controlled polymerization through an insertion-coordination mechanism. Achiral and racemic complexes did not affect stereocontrol in the polymerizarion of rac-LA but the enantiomerically pure complex 1 was found to exhibit a homosteric preference for one of the two enantiomers of rac-LA at low conversions.     

Synthesis with structural and electronic characterization of homoleptic Fe(II)- and Fe(III)-fluorinated phenolate complexes

Four Fe(III) compounds and one Fe(II) compound containing mononuclear, homoleptic, fluorinated phenolate anions of the form [Fe(OAr)(m)](n-) have been prepared in which Ar(F) = C(6)F(5) and Ar' = 3,5-C(6)(CF(3))(2)H(3): (Ph(4)P)(2)[Fe(OAr(F))(5)], 1, (Me(4)N)(2)[Fe(OAr(F))(5)], 2, {K(18-crown-6)}(2)[Fe(OAr(F))(5)], 3a, {K(18-crown-6)}(2)[Fe(OAr')(5)], 3b, and {K(18-crown-6)}(2)[Fe(OAr(F))(4)], 6. Two dinuclear Fe(III) compounds have also been prepared: {K(18-crown-6)}(2)[(OAr(F))(3)Fe(μ(2)-O)Fe(OAr(F))(3)], 4, and {K(18-crown-6)}(2)[(OAr(F))(3)Fe(μ(2)-OAr(F))(2)Fe(OAr(F))(3)], 5. These compounds have been characterized with UV-vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, Evans method susceptibility, and X-ray crystallography. All-electron, geometry-optimized DFT calculations on four [Ti(IV)(OAr)(4)] and four [Fe(III)(OAr)(4)](-) species (Ar = 2,3,5,6-C(6)Me(4)H, C(6)H(5), 2,4,6-C(6)Cl(3)H(2), C(6)F(5)) with GGA-BP and hybrid B3LYP basis sets demonstrated that, under D(2d) symmetry, π donation from the O 2p orbitals is primarily into the d(xy) and d(z(2)) orbitals. The degree of donation is qualitatively consistent with expectations based on ligand Br?nsted basicity and supports the contention that fluorinated phenolate ligands facilitate isolation of nonbridged homoleptic complexes due to their reduced π basicity at oxygen.