Direct cupration of fluoroform

We have found the first reaction of direct cupration of fluoroform, the most attractive CF(3) source for the introduction of the trifluoromethyl group into organic molecules. Treatment of CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) with 2 equiv of MOR (M = K, Na) in DMF or NMP produces novel alkoxycuprates that readily react with CF(3)H at room temperature and atmospheric pressure to give CuCF(3) derivatives. The CuCl and t-BuOK (1:2) combination provides best results, furnishing the CuCF(3) product within seconds in nearly quantitative yield. As demonstrated, neither CF(3)(-) nor CF(2) mediate the Cu-CF(3) bond formation, which accounts for its remarkably high selectivity. The fluoroform-derived CuCF(3) solutions can be efficiently stabilized with TREAT HF to produce CuCF(3) reagents that readily trifluoromethylate organic and inorganic electrophiles in the absence of additional ligands such as phenanthroline. A series of novel Cu(I) complexes have been structurally characterized, including K(DMF)[Cu(OBu-t)(2)] (1), Na(DMF)(2)[Cu(OBu-t)(2)] (2), [K(8)Cu(6)(OBu-t)(12)(DMF)(8)(I)](+) I(-) (3), and [Cu(4)(CF(3))(2)(C(OBu-t)(2))(2)(μ(3)-OBu-t)(2)] (7).     

Expanding dinitrogen reduction chemistry to trivalent lanthanides via the LnZ3/alkali metal reduction system: evaluation of the generality of forming Ln2(mu-eta2:eta2-N2) complexes via LnZ3/K

The Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/K dinitrogen reduction system, which mimicks the reactions of the highly reducing divalent ions Tm(II), Dy(II), and Nd(II), has been explored with the entire lanthanide series and uranium to examine its generality and to correlate the observed reactivity with accessibility of divalent oxidation states. The Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/K reduction of dinitrogen provides access from readily available starting materials to the formerly rare class of M(2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-N(2)) complexes, [[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Ln](2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-N(2)), 1, that had previously been made only from TmI(2), DyI(2), and NdI(2) in the presence of KN(SiMe(3))(2). This LnZ(3)/alkali metal reduction system provides crystallographically characterizable examples of 1 for Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Y, Tm, and Lu. Sodium can be used as the alkali metal as well as potassium. These compounds have NN distances in the 1.258(3) to 1.318(5) A range consistent with formation of an (N=N)(2)(-) moiety. Isolation of 1 with this selection of metals demonstrates that the Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/alkali metal reaction can mimic divalent lanthanide reduction chemistry with metals that have calculated Ln(III)/Ln(II) reduction potentials ranging from -2.3 to -3.9 V vs NHE. In the case of Ln = Sm, which has an analogous Ln(III)/Ln(II) potential of -1.55 V, reduction to the stable divalent tris(amide) complex, K[Sm[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)], is observed instead of dinitrogen reduction. When the metal is La, Ce, Pr, or U, the first crystallographically characterized examples of the tetrakis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] anions, [M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](4)](-), are isolated as THF-solvated potassium or sodium salts. The implications of the LnZ(3)/alkali metal reduction chemistry on the mechanism of dinitrogen reduction and on reductive lanthanide chemistry in general are discussed.     

Carbon dioxide as a solubility "switch" for the reversible dissolution of highly fluorinated complexes and reagents in organic solvents: application to crystallization

Highly fluorinated organic or organometallic solid compounds can be made to dissolve in liquid hydrocarbons by the application of 20-70 bar of CO(2) gas. Subsequently releasing the gas causes the compounds to precipitate or crystallize, giving quantitative recovery of the solid. The resulting crystals can be of sufficient quality for single-crystal X-ray crystallography; the structures of Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(2)CF(2)CF(3))(4)(DMF)(2), Rh(2)(O(2)C(CF(2))(9)F)(4)(MeOH)(2), Cr(hfacac)(3), and P[C(6)H(3)(3,5-CF(3))(2)](3) have been determined from crystals grown in this manner.     

Synthesis and properties of mercury bis(trifluoromethyl)phosphanides and their phosphane complexes

The thermally unstable compounds Hg(CN)P(CF(3))(2) and Hg[P(CF(3))(2)](2) were obtained by reactions of mercury cyanide and bis(trifluoromethyl)phosphane in solution and characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. An increase in thermal stability is observed when the products form 18 valence electron complexes. The compounds [Hg(P(CF(3))(2))(2)(dppe)] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane) and [Hg(P(CF(3))(2))(2)(Me(3)P)(2)] have been isolated in almost quantitative yield by reacting [Hg(CN)(2)(dppe)] or [Hg(CN)(2)(Me(3)P)(2)] with HP(CF(3))(2). [Hg(P(CF(3))(2))(2)(dppe)] crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1. The mercury atom is coordinated in a distorted tetrahedral fashion. The Hg-P(CF(3))(2) bonds, ca. 250 pm, are significantly longer than those of the mercury bis(phosphanides) Hg(PR(2))(2) with R = t-Bu, 245 pm, or SiMe(3), 241 pm. These easily accessible compounds [Hg(P(CF(3))(2))(2)(dppe)] and [Hg(P(CF(3))(2))(2)(Me(3)P)(2)] act as nucleophilic bis(trifluoromethyl)phosphane group transfer reagents.     

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.     

Highly bulky and electron-rich terminal ruthenium phosphido complexes: new donor ligands for palladium-catalyzed suzuki cross-couplings

Secondary phosphine complexes of the formula [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(L)(2)(PHR(2))](+) BAr(F)(-) are prepared from cationic ruthenium N(2) complexes and PHR(2) (R = Ph (a), t-Bu (b), Cy (c)). Additions of t-BuOK or NaN(SiMe(3))(2) give the phosphido complexes (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(L)(2)(PR(2)) ((L)(2) = (PEt(3))(2) (5a-c), depe (6a,b)) in high NMR yields. These rapidly oxidize in air to give isolable RuP(=O)R(2) species. Complex 5a is more basic than the rhenium analogue (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Re(NO)(PPh(3))(PPh(2)), and 6b is more basic than P-t-Bu(3). Complexes 5a-c and 6b are effective ligands for palladium-catalyzed Suzuki reactions. The catalyst from 6b is nearly as reactive as that from the benchmark ligand P-t-Bu(3).     

Preparation and characterization of [Hg[P(C6F5)2]2], [Hg[(mu-P(C6F5)2)W(CO)5]2], and [Hg[(mu-P(CF3)2)W(CO)5]2] and the X-ray crystal structure of [Hg[(mu-P(C6F5)2)W(CO)5]2].2DMF

The thermally unstable compound [Hg[P(C(6)F(5))(2)](2)] was obtained from the reaction of mercury cyanide and bis(pentafluorophenyl)phosphane in DMF solution and characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The thermally stable trinuclear compounds [Hg[(mu-P(CF(3))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)] and [Hg[(mu-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)] are isolated and completely characterized. The higher order NMR spectra exhibiting multinuclear satellite systems have been sufficiently analyzed. [Hg[(mu-P(CF(3))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)].2DMF crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 2366.2(3) pm, b = 1046.9(1) pm, c = 104.0(1) pm, and beta = 104.01(1) degrees. Structural, NMR spectroscopic, and vibrational data prove a weak coordination of the two DMF molecules. Structural, vibrational, and NMR spectroscopic evidence is given for a successive weakening of the pi back-bonding effect of the W-P bond in the order [W(CO)(5)PH(R(f))(2)], [Hg[(mu-P(R(f))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)], and [W[P(R(f))(2)](CO)(5)](-) with R(f) = C(6)F(5) and CF(3). The pi back-bonding effect of the W-C bonds increases vice versa.     

Molybdenum-catalyzed transformation of molecular dinitrogen into silylamine: experimental and DFT study on the remarkable role of ferrocenyldiphosphine ligands

A molybdenum-dinitrogen complex bearing two ancillary ferrocenyldiphosphine ligands, trans-[Mo(N(2))(2)(depf)(2)] (depf = 1,1'-bis(diethylphosphino)ferrocene), catalyzes the conversion of molecular dinitrogen (N(2)) into silylamine (N(SiMe(3))(3)), which can be readily converted into NH(3) by acid treatment. The conversion has been achieved in the presence of Me(3)SiCl and Na at room temperature with a turnover number (TON) of 226 for the N(SiMe(3))(3) generation for 200 h. This TON is significantly improved relative to those ever reported by Hidai's group for mononuclear molybdenum complexes having monophosphine coligands [J. Am. Chem. Soc.1989, 111, 1939]. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to figure out the mechanism of the catalytic N(2) conversion. On the basis of some pieces of experimental information, SiMe(3) radical is assumed to serve as an active species in the catalytic cycle. Calculated results also support that SiMe(3) radical is capable of working as an active species. The formation of five-coordinate intermediates, in which one of the N(2) ligands or one of the Mo-P bonds is dissociated, is essential in an early stage of the N(2) conversion. The SiMe(3) addition to a "hydrazido(2-)" intermediate having the NN(SiMe(3))(2) group will give a "hydrazido(1-)" intermediate having the (Me(3)Si)NN(SiMe(3))(2) group rather than a pair of a nitrido (≡N) intermediate and N(SiMe(3))(3). The N(SiMe(3))(3) generation would not occur at the Mo center but proceed after the (Me(3)Si)NN(SiMe(3))(2) group is released from the Mo center. The flexibility of the Mo-P bond between Mo and depf would play a vital role in the high catalysis of the Mo-Fe complex.     

Polyfluorinated Tris(pyrazolyl)borates. Syntheses and Spectroscopic and Structural Characterization of Group 1 and Group 11 Metal Complexes of [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)](-) and [HB(3-(CF(3))Pz)(3)](-)

The fluorinated tris(pyrazolyl)borate ligands [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)](-) and [HB(3-(CF(3))Pz)(3)](-) (where Pz = pyrazolyl) have been synthesized as their sodium salts from the corresponding pyrazoles and NaBH(4) in high yield. These sodium complexes and the related [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]K(DMAC) were used as ligand transfer agents in the preparation of the copper and silver complexes [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]Cu(DMAC), [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]CuPPh(3), [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]AgPPh(3), and [HB(3-(CF(3))Pz)(3)]AgPPh(3). Metal complexes of the fluorinated [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)](-) ligand have highly electrophilic metal sites relative to their hydrocarbon analogs. This is evident from the formation of stable adducts with neutral oxygen donors such as H(2)O, dimethylacetamide, or thf. Furthermore, the metal compounds derived from fluorinated ligands show fairly long-range coupling between fluorines of the trifluoromethyl groups and the hydrogen, silver, or phosphorus. The solid state structures show that the fluorines are in close proximity to these nuclei, thus suggesting a possible through-space coupling mechanism. Crystal structures of the sodium adducts exhibit significant metal-fluorine interactions. The treatment of [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]Na(H(2)O) with Et(4)NBr led to [Et(4)N][HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)], which contains a well-separated [Et(4)N](+) cation and the [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)](-) anion in the solid state. Crystal data with Mo Kalpha (lambda = 0.710 73 ?) at 193 K: [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]Na(H(2)O), C(15)H(6)BF(18)N(6)NaO, a = 7.992(2) ?, b = 15.049(2) ?, c = 9.934(2) ?, beta = 101.16(2) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/m, Z = 2; [{HB(3-(CF(3))Pz)(3)}Na(thf)](2), C(32)H(30)B(2)F(18)N(12)Na(2)O(2), a = 9.063(3) ?, b = 10.183(2) ?, c = 12.129(2) ?, alpha = 94.61(1) degrees, beta = 101.16(2) degrees, gamma = 95.66(2) degrees, triclinic, &Pmacr;1, Z = 1; [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]Cu(DMAC), C(19)H(13)BCuF(18)N(7)O, a = 15.124(4) ?, b = 8.833(2) ?, c = 21.637(6) ?, beta = 105.291(14) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, Z = 4; [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]CuPPh(3), C(33)H(19)BCuF(18)N(6)P, a = 9.1671(8) ?, b = 14.908(2) ?, c = 26.764(3) ?, beta = 94.891(1) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z = 4; [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]AgPPh(3).0.5C(6)H(14), C(36)H(26)AgBF(18)N(6)P, a = 13.929(2) ?, b = 16.498(2) ?, c = 18.752(2) ?, beta = 111.439(6) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z = 4; [Et(4)N][HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)], C(23)H(24)BF(18)N(7), a = 10.155(2) ?, b = 18.580(4) ?, c = 16.875(5) ?, beta = 99.01(2) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, Z = 4.     

Tris(trifluoromethyl)borane carbonyl, (CF3)3BCO-synthesis,physical, chemical and spectroscopic properties,gas phase,and solid state structure

Tris(trifluoromethyl)borane carbonyl, (CF(3))(3)BCO, is obtained in high yield by the solvolysis of K[B(CF(3))(4)] in concentrated sulfuric acid. The in situ hydrolysis of a single bonded CF(3) group is found to be a simple, unprecedented route to a new borane carbonyl. The related, thermally unstable borane carbonyl, (C(6)F(5))(3)BCO, is synthesized for comparison purposes by the isolation of (C(6)F(5))(3)B in a matrix of solid CO at 16 K and subsequent evaporation of excess CO at 40 K. The colorless liquid and vapor of (CF(3))(3)BCO decomposes slowly at room temperature. In the gas phase t(1/2) is found to be 45 min. In the presence of a large excess of (13)CO, the carbonyl substituent at boron undergoes exchange, which follows a first-order rate law. Its temperature dependence yields an activation energy (E(A)) of 112 kJ mol(-)(1). Low-pressure flash thermolysis of (CF(3))(3)BCO with subsequent isolation of the products in low-temperature matrixes, indicates a lower thermal stability of the (CF(3))(3)B fragment, than is found for (CF(3))(3)BCO. Toward nucleophiles (CF(3))(3)BCO reacts in two different ways: Depending on the nucleophilicity of the reagent and the stability of the adducts formed, nucleophilic substitution of CO or nucleophilic addition to the C atom of the carbonyl group are observed. A number of examples for both reaction types are presented in an overview. The molecular structure of (CF(3))(3)BCO in the gas phase is obtained by a combined microwave-electron diffraction analysis and in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The molecule possesses C(3) symmetry, since the three CF(3) groups are rotated off the two possible positions required for C(3)(v)() symmetry. All bond parameters, determined in the gas phase or in the solid state, are within their standard deviations in fair agreement, except for internuclear distances most noticeably the B-CO bond lengths, which is 1.69(2) A in the solid state and 1.617(12) A in the gas phase. A corresponding shift of nu(CO) from 2267 cm(-)(1) in the solid state to 2251 cm(-)(1) in the gas phase is noted in the vibrational spectra. The structural and vibrational study is supported by DFT calculations, which provide, in addition to the equilibrium structure, confirmation of experimental vibrational wavenumbers, IR-band intensities, atomic charge distribution, the dipole moment, the B-CO bond energy, and energies for the elimination of CF(2) from (CF(3))(x)()BF(3)(-)(x)(), x = 1-3. In the vibrational analysis 21 of the expected 26 fundamentals are observed experimentally. The (11)B-, (13)C-, and (19)F-NMR data, as well as the structural parameters of (CF(3))(3)BCO, are compared with those of related compounds.     

Zinc trimethylsilylamide as a mild ammonia equivalent and base for the amination of aryl halides and triflates

[reaction: see text] We report that Zn[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2) is a mild ammonia equivalent and base for the palladium-catalyzed amination of aryl halides and triflates. In contrast to LiN(SiMe(3))(2), the combination of Zn[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2) and LiCl coupled with aryl halides and triflates containing base-sensitive functionality in high yields. In addition, aryl bromides coupled with aryl and alkylamines with the combination of Zn[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2) and LiCl as base. These aminations occurred without racemization of the enolizable stereocenter of an optically active ester.     

Three-coordinate NiII: tracing the origin of an unusual, facile Si-C(sp3) bond cleavage in [(tBu2PCH2SiMe2)2N]Ni+

All attempts to synthesize (PNP)Ni(OTf) form instead ((t)Bu(2)PCH(2)SiMe(2)NSiMe(2)OTf)Ni(CH(2)P(t)Bu(2)). Abstraction of F(-) from (PNP)NiF by even a catalytic amount of BF(3) causes rearrangement of the (transient) (PNP)Ni(+) to analogous ring-opened [((t)Bu(2)PCH(2)SiMe(2)NSiMe(2)F)]Ni(CH(2)P(t)Bu(2)). Abstraction of Cl(-) from (PNP)NiCl with NaB(C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2))(4) in CH(2)Cl(2) or C(6)H(5)F gives (PNP)NiB(C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2))(4), the key intermediate in these reactions is (PNP)Ni(+), [(PNP)Ni](+), in which one Si-C bond (together with N and two P) donates to Ni. This makes this Si-C bond subject to nucleophilic attack by F(-), triflate, and alkoxide/ether (from THF). This σ(Si-C) complex binds CO in the time of mixing and also binds chloride, both at nickel. Evidence is offered of a "self-healing" process, where the broken Si-C bond can be reformed in an equilibrium process. (PNP)Ni(+) reacts rapidly with H(2) to give (PN(H)P)NiH(+), which can be deprotonated to form (PNP)NiH. A variety of nucleophilic attacks (and THF polymerization) on the coordinated Si-C bond are envisioned to occur perpendicular to the Si-C bond, based on the character of the LUMO of (PNP)Ni(+).     

(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.     

Polyfluorinated quaternary ammonium salts of polyoxometalate anions: fluorous biphasic oxidation catalysis with and without fluorous solvents

[reaction: see text] Polyfluorinated quaternary ammonium cations, [CF(3)(CF(2))(7)(CH(2))(3)](3)CH(3)N(+) (R(F)N(+)), were synthesized and used as countercations for the [WZnM(2)(H(2)O)(2)(ZnW(9)O(34))(2)](12)(-) (M = Mn(II), Zn(II)) polyoxometalate. The (R(F)N(+))(12)[WZnM(2)(H(2)O)(2)(ZnW(9)O(34))(2)] compounds were fluorous biphasic catalysts for alcohol and alkenol oxidation, and alkene epoxidation with aqueous hydrogen peroxide. Reaction protocols with or without a fluorous solvent were tested. The catalytic activity and selectivity was affected by both the hydrophobicity of the solvent and the substrate.     

Pentavalent uranium trans-dihalides and -pseudohalides

Pentavalent uranium complexes of the formula U(V)X(2)[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3) (X = F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), N(3)(-), NCS(-)) are accessible from the oxidation of U(III)[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3) through two sequential, one-electron oxidation reactions (halides) and substitution through salt metathesis (pseudohalides). Uranium(v) mixed-halides are also synthesized by successive one-electron oxidation reactions.     

Bis(imidazolin-2-iminato) rare earth metal complexes: synthesis, structural characterization, and catalytic application

Reaction of anhydrous rare earth metal halides MCl(3) with 2 equiv of 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-imine (Im(Dipp)NH) and 2 equiv of trimethylsilylmethyl lithium (Me(3)SiCH(2)Li) in THF furnished the complexes [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)MCl(THF)(n)] (M = Sc, Y, Lu). The molecular structures of all three compounds were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The coordination spheres around the pentacoordinate metal atoms are best described as trigonal bipyramids. Reaction of YbI(2) with 2 equiv of LiCH(2)SiMe(3) and 2 equiv of the imino ligand Im(Dipp)NH in tetrahydrofuran did not result in a divalent complex, but instead the Yb(III) complex [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)YbI(THF)(2)] was obtained and structurally characterized. Treatment of [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)MCl(THF)(n)] with 1 equiv of LiCH(2)SiMe(3) resulted in the formation of [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)M(CH(2)SiMe(3))(THF)(n)]. The coordination arrangement of these compounds in the solid state at the metal atoms is similar to that found for the starting materials, although the introduction of the neosilyl ligand induces a significantly greater distortion from the ideal trigonal-bipyramidal geometry. [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(THF)(2)] was used as precatalyst in the intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization reaction of various terminal aminoalkenes and of one aminoalkyne. The complex showed high catalytic activity and selectivity. A comparison with the previously reported dialkyl yttrium complex [(Im(Dipp)N)Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(THF)(3)] showed no clear tendency in terms of activity.     

Synthesis and structures of gold perfluorophthalimido complexes

Compounds of the new tetrafluorophthalimido anion, [C(6)F(4)(CO)(2)N](-), are readily accessible by treatment of tetrafluorophthalimide with either LiNPr(i)(2) or mixtures of NEt(3) and Me(3)ECl (E = Si or Sn), to give C(6)F(4)(CO)(2)N-X (X = Li 3, SiMe(3)4, and SnMe(3)5). The reaction of the trimethylsilyl derivative 4 with AgF leads cleanly to the ion pair complex [Ag(NCMe)(2)][Ag(N(CO)(2)C(6)F(4))(2)] (6·2MeCN), which contains a linear [Ag{N(CO)(2)C(6)F(4)}(2)](-) anion and a tetracoordinate Ag(+) cation. Compound 6 reacts with iodine to give the N-iodo compound C(6)F(4)(CO)(2)NI 7, which crystallises as an acetonitrile adduct. Treatment of 6 with LAuCl affords LAu{N(CO)(2)C(6)F(4)} (L = Ph(3)P 8a, Cy(3)P 8b, or THT 9), whereas the reaction with AuCl in acetonitrile affords the heterobinuclear compound [Ag(MeCN)(2)][Au{N(CO)(2)C(6)F(4)}(2)]·MeCN (10·3MeCN). The tetrafluorophthalimido ligand is not readily displaced by donor ligands; however, the addition of B(C(6)F(5))(3)(Et(2)O) to a diethyl ether solution of 8a leads to the salt [Au(PPh(3))(2)][N{COB(C(6)F(5))(3)}(2)C(6)F(4))] 11. The analogous reaction of (THT)Au{N(CO)(2)C(6)F(4)} with B(C(6)F(5))(3) in toluene in the presence of excess norbornene (nb) gives [Au(nb)(3)][N{COB(C(6)F(5))(3)}(2)C(6)F(4))] 12. Compounds 11 and 12 contain a new non-coordinating phthalimido-bridged diborate anion with O-bonded boron atoms. The crystal structures of compounds 2-11 are reported.     

Chiral fluorous dialkoxy-diamino zirconium complexes: synthesis and use in stereospecific polymerization of 1-hexene

New catalysts for the isospecific polymerization of 1-hexene based on cationic zirconium complexes incorporating the tetradentate fluorous dialkoxy-diamino ligands [OC(CF(3))(2)CH(2)N(Me)(CH(2))(2)N(Me)CH(2)C(CF(3))(2)O](2-) [(ON(2)NO)(2-)] and [OC(CF(3))(2)CH(2)N(Me)(1R,2R-C(6)H(10))N(Me)CH(2)C(CF(3))(2)O](2-) [(ON(Cy)NO)(2-)] have been developed. The chiral fluorous diamino-diol [(ON(Cy)NO)H(2), 2] was prepared by ring-opening of the fluorinated oxirane (CF(3))(2)COCH(2) with (R,R)-N,N'-dimethyl-1,2-cyclohexanediamine. Proligand 2 reacts cleanly with [Zr(CH(2)Ph)(4)] and [Ti(OiPr)(4)] precursors to give the corresponding dialkoxy complexes [Zr(CH(2)Ph)(2)(ON(Cy)NO)] (3) and [Ti(OiPr)(2)(ON(Cy)NO)] (4), respectively. An X-ray diffraction study revealed that 3 crystallizes as a 1:1 mixture of two diastereomers (Lambda-3 and Delta-3), both of which adopt a distorted octahedral structure with trans-O, cis-N, and cis-CH(2)Ph ligands. The two diastereomers Lambda-3 and Delta-3 adopt a C(2)-symmetric structure in toluene solution, as established by NMR spectroscopy. Cationic complexes [Zr(CH(2)Ph)(ON(2)NO)(THF)(n)](+) (n=0, anion=[B(C(6)F(5))(4)](-), 5; n=1, anion=[PhCH(2)B(C(6)F(5))(3)](-), 6) and [Zr(CH(2)Ph)(ON(Cy)NO)(THF)](+)[PhCH(2)B(C(6)F(5))(3)](-) (7) were generated from the neutral parent precursors [Zr(CH(2)Ph)(2)(ON(2)NO)] (H) and [Zr(CH(2)Ph)(2)(ON(Cy)NO)] (3), and their possible structures were determined on the basis of (1)H, (19)F, and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and DFT methods. The neutral zirconium complexes H and 3 (Lambda-3/Delta-3 mixture), when activated with B(C(6)F(5))(3) or [Ph(3)C](+)[B(C(6)F(5))(4)](-), catalyze the polymerization of 1-hexene with overall activities of up to 4500 kg PH mol Zr(-1) h(-1), to yield isotactic-enriched (up to 74 % mmmm) polymers with low-to-moderate molecular weights (M(w)=4800-47 200) and monodisperse molecular-weight distributions (M(w)/M(n)=1.17-1.79).     

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.     

The nature of unsupported uranium-ruthenium bonds: a combined experimental and theoretical study

Four new uranium-ruthenium complexes, [(Tren(TMS))URu(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(CO)(2)] (9), [(Tren(DMSB))URu(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(CO)(2)] (10), [(Ts(Tolyl))(THF)URu(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(CO)(2)] (11), and [(Ts(Xylyl))(THF)URu(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(CO)(2)] (12) [Tren(TMS)=N(CH(2)CH(2)NSiMe(3))(3); Tren(DMSB)=N(CH(2)CH(2)NSiMe(2)tBu)(3)]; Ts(Tolyl)=HC(SiMe(2)NC(6)H(4)-4-Me)(3); Ts(Xylyl)=HC(SiMe(2)NC(6)H(3)-3,5-Me(2))(3)], were prepared by a salt-elimination strategy. Structural, spectroscopic, and computational analyses of 9-12 shows: i) the formation of unsupported uranium-ruthenium bonds with no isocarbonyl linkages in the solid state; ii) ruthenium-carbonyl backbonding in the [Ru(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(CO)(2)](-) ions that is tempered by polarization of charge within the ruthenium fragments towards uranium; iii) closed-shell uranium-ruthenium interactions that can be classified as predominantly ionic with little covalent character. Comparison of the calculated U-Ru bond interaction energies (BIEs) of 9-12 with the BIE of [(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(3)URu(η(5)-C(5)H(5))(CO)(2)], for which an experimentally determined U-Ru bond disruption enthalpy (BDE) has been reported, suggests BDEs of approximately 150 kJ mol(-1) for 9-12.