Synthesis and Reactivity of a Cyclooctatetraene-Like Polyphosphorus Ligand Complex [Cyclo-P8]

The thermolysis of Cp′′′Ta(CO)₄ with white phosphorus (P₄) gives access to [{Cp′′′Ta}₂(μ,η^{2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1}-P₈)] ( A ), representing the first complex containing a cyclooctatetraene-like (COT) cyclo-P₈ ligand. While ring sizes of n >6 have remained elusive for cyclo-P_n structural motifs, the choice of the transition metal, co-ligand and reaction conditions allowed the isolation of A . Reactivity investigations reveal its versatile coordination behaviour as well as its redox properties. Oxidation leads to dimerization to afford [{Cp′′′Ta}₄(μ₄,η^{2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1}-P₁₆)][TEF]₂ ( 4 , TEF=[Al(OC{CF₃}₃)₄]⁻). Reduction, however, leads to the fission of one P−P bond in A followed by rapid dimerization to form [K@[2.2.2]cryptand]₂[{Cp′′′Ta}₄(μ₄,η^{2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1}-P₁₆)] ( 5 ), which features an unprecedented chain-type P₁₆ ligand. Lastly, A serves as a P₂ synthon, via ring contraction to the triple-decker complex [{Cp′′′Ta}₂(μ,η^{6 : 6}-P₆)] ( B ).     

Rearrangement of a P4 Butterfly Complex—The Formation of a Homoleptic Phosphorus–Iron Sandwich Complex

The versatile coordination behavior of the P₄ butterfly complex [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^1:1-P₄)] ( 1 , Cp′′′=η⁵-C₅H₂^tBu₃) towards different iron(II) compounds is presented. The reaction of 1 with [FeBr₂⋅dme] (dme=dimethoxyethane) leads to the chelate complex [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:2-P₄){FeBr₂}] ( 2 ), whereas, in the reaction with [Fe(CH₃CN)₆][PF₆]₂, an unprecedented rearrangement of the P₄ butterfly structural motif leads to the cyclo-P₄ moiety in {(Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂)₂(μ₃,η^1:1:4-P₄)}₂Fe][PF₆]₂ ( 3 ). Complex 3 represents the first fully characterized “carbon-free” sandwich complex containing cyclo-P₄R₂ ligands in a homoleptic-like iron–phosphorus-containing molecule. Alternatively, 2 can be transformed into 3 by halogen abstraction and subsequent coordination of 1 . The additional isolated side products, [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:2-P₄){Cp′′′Fe(CO)}][PF₆] ( 4 ) and [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:4-P₄){Cp′′′Fe}][PF₆] ( 5 ), give insight into the stepwise activation of the P₄ butterfly moiety in 1 .     

Ring Expansions of Nonpolar Polyphosphorus Rings

The reaction of the phosphinidene complex [Cp*P{W(CO)₅}₂] ( 1 a ) (Cp*=C₅Me₅) with the anionic cyclo-P_n ligand complex [(η³-P₃)Nb(ODipp)₃]⁻ ( 2 , Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl) resulted in the formation of [{W(CO)₅}₂{μ₃,η^3:1:1-P₄Cp*}Nb(ODipp)₃]⁻ ( 3 ), which represents an unprecedented example of a ring expansion of a polyphosphorus-ligand complex initiated by a phosphinidene complex. Furthermore, the reaction of the pnictinidene complexes [Cp*E{W(CO)₅}₂] (E=P: 1 a , As: 1 b ) with the neutral complex [Cp′′′Co(η⁴-P₄)] (Cp′′′=1,2,4-tBu₃C₅H₂) led to a cyclo-P₄E ring (E=P, As) through the insertion of the pentel atom into the cyclo-P₄ ligand. Starting from 1 a , the two isomers [Cp′′′Co(μ₃,η^4:1:1-P₅Cp*){W(CO)₅}₂] ( 5 a , b ), and from 1 b , the three isomers [Cp′′′Co(μ₃,η^4:1:1-AsP₄Cp*){W(CO)₅}₂] ( 6 a – c ) with unprecedented cyclo-P₄E ligands (E=P, As) were isolated. The complexes 6 a – c represent unique examples of ring expansions which lead to new mixed five-membered cyclo-P₄As ligands. The possible reaction pathways for the formation of 5 a , b and 6 a – c were investigated by a combination of temperature-dependent ³¹P{¹H} NMR studies and DFT calculations.     

Halogenation of the Hexaphosphabenzene Complex [(Cp*Mo)2(μ,η6:η6-P6)]: Snapshots on the Reaction Progress

The oxidation of [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ,η⁶:η⁶-P₆)] ( 1 ) with halogens or halogen sources was investigated. The iodination afforded the ionic complexes [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ,η³:η³-P₃)(μ,η¹:η¹:η¹:η¹-P₃I₃)][X] (X=I₃⁻, I⁻) ( 2 ) and [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ,η⁴:η⁴-P₄)(μ-PI₂)][I₃] ( 3 ), while the reaction with PBr₅ led to the complexes [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ,η³:η³-P₃)(μ-Br)₂][Cp*MoBr₄] ( 4 ) [(Cp*MoBr)₂(μ,η³:η³-P₃)(μ,η¹-P₂Br₃)] ( 5 ) and [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ-PBr₂)(μ-PHBr)(μ-Br)₂] ( 6 ). The reaction of 1 with the far stronger oxidizing agent PCl₅ was followed via time- and temperature-dependent ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy. One of the first intermediates detected at 193 K was [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ,η³:η³-P₃)(μ-PCl₂)₂][PCl₆] ( 8 ) which rearranges upon warming to [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ-PCl₂)₂(μ-Cl)₂] ( 9 ), [(Cp*MoCl)₂(μ,η³:η³-P₃)(μ-PCl₂)] ( 10 ) and [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ,η⁴:η⁴-P₄)(μ-PCl₂)][Cp*MoCl₄] ( 11 ), which could be isolated at room temperature. All complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy and their electronic structures were elucidated by DFT calculations.     

Element–Element Bond Formation upon Oxidation and Reduction

The redox chemistry of [(Cp′′′Co)₂(μ,η²:η²‐E₂)₂] (E=P ( 1 ), As ( 2 ); Cp′′′=1,2,4‐tri(tert‐butyl)cyclopentadienyl) was investigated. Both compounds can be oxidized and reduced twice. That way, the monocations [(Cp′′′Co)₂(μ,η⁴:η⁴‐E₄)][X] (E=P, X=BF₄ ( 3 a ), [FAl] ( 3 b ); E=As, X=BF₄ ( 4 a ), [FAl] ( 4 b )), the dications [(Cp′′′Co)₂(μ,η⁴:η⁴‐E₄)][TEF]₂ (E=P ( 5 ), As ( 6 )), and the monoanions [K(18‐c‐6)(dme)₂][(Cp′′′Co)₂(μ,η⁴:η⁴‐E₄)] (E=P ( 7 ), As ( 8 )) were isolated. Further reduction of 7 leads to the dianionic complex [K(18‐c‐6)(dme)₂][K(18‐c‐6)][(Cp′′′Co)₂(μ,η³:η³‐P₄)] ( 9 ), in which the cyclo‐P₄ ligand has rearranged to a chain‐like P₄ ligand. Further reduction of 8 can be achieved with an excess of potassium under the formation of [K(dme)₄][(Cp′′′Co)₂(μ,η³:η³‐As₃)] ( 10 ) and the elimination of an As₁ unit. Compound 10 represents the first example of an allylic As₃ ligand incorporated into a triple‐decker complex.     

Isomerization,Ring Expansion,and Ring Contraction of 1,3‐Diphosphete Complexes

Reactions between the 1,3‐diphosphete complex [Cp′′′Co(η⁴‐P₂C₂tBu₂)] ( 1 ) and Ag[Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄] (Ag[pftb]) were carried out under different conditions. In CH₂Cl₂, the unprecedented 1,2‐diphosphete isomerization product [Ag₂{Cp′′′Co(μ,η⁴:η¹:η¹‐1,2‐P₂C₂tBu₂)}₂{Cp′′′Co(μ,η⁴:η¹‐1,2‐P₂C₂tBu₂)}₂]⋅2[pftb] ( 2 ) could be isolated. In diffusion experiments of 1 in n‐hexane with Ag[pftb] in CH₂Cl₂, the triphosphacobaltocenium complex [Cp′′′Co(η⁵‐P₃C₂tBu₂)][pftb] ( 4 ) and the phosphirenylium complex [Cp′′′Co(η³‐PC₂tBu₂)][pftb] ( 5 ) were obtained, showing a ring expansion and a ring contraction, respectively, under mild conditions. Moreover, addition of pyridine to the Ag complex 2 led to the new 1,2‐diphosphete complex [Cp′′′Co(η⁴‐1,2‐P₂C₂tBu₂)] ( 3 ). Compound 3 is also formed by thermolysis of 1 , making it a promising method for this type of isomerization. 1,2‐Diphosphete complexes like 3 are thermodynamically more stable but also synthetically more elusive than their 1,3‐isomer counterparts.     

Halogenation and Nucleophilic Quenching: Two Routes to E−X Bond Formation in Cobalt Triple-Decker Complexes (E=As,P; X=F,Cl, Br,I)

The oxidation of [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ,η² : η²-E₂)₂] (E=As ( 1 ), P ( 2 ); Cp’’’=1,2,4-tri(tert-butyl)cyclopentadienyl) with halogens or halogen sources (I₂, PBr₅, PCl₅) was investigated. For the arsenic derivative, the ionic compounds [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ,η⁴ : η⁴−As₄X)][Y] (X=I, Y=[As₆I₈]_0.5 ( 3 a ), Y=[Co₂Cl_6-nI_n]_0.5 (n=0, 2, 4; 3 b ); X=Br, Y=[Co₂Br₆]_0.5 ( 4 ); X=Cl, Y=[Co₂Cl₆]_0.5 ( 5 )) were isolated. The oxidation of the phosphorus analogue 2 with bromine and chlorine sources yielded the ionic complexes [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ-PBr₂)₂(μ-Br)][Co₂Br₆]_0.5 ( 6 a ), [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ-PCl₂)₂(μ-Cl)][Co₂Cl₆]_0.5 ( 6 b ) and the neutral species [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ-PCl₂)(μ-PCl)(μ,η¹ : η¹-P₂Cl₃] ( 7 ), respectively. As an alternative approach, quenching of the dications [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ,η⁴ : η⁴-E₄)][TEF]₂ (TEF=[Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄]⁻, E=As ( 8 ), P ( 9 )) with KI yielded [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ,η⁴ : η⁴-As₄I)][I] ( 10 ), representing the homologue of 3 , and the neutral complex [(Cp’’’Co)(Cp’’’CoI₂)(μ,η⁴ : η¹-P₄)] ( 11 ), respectively. The use of [(CH₃)₄N]F instead of KI leads to the formation of [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ-PF₂)(μ,η² : η¹ : η¹-P₃F₂)] ( 12 ) and 2 , thereby revealing synthetic access to polyphosphorus compounds bearing P−F groups and avoiding the use of very strong fluorinating reagents, such as XeF₂, that are difficult to control.     

Coordination Behavior of a P4-Butterfly Complex towards Transition Metal Lewis Acids: Preservation versus Rearrangement

The reactivity of the P₄ butterfly complex [{Cp’’’Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^1:1-P₄)] ( 1 , Cp’’’=η⁵-C₅H₂tBu₃) towards divalent Co, Ni and Zn salts is investigated. The reaction with the bromide salts leads to [{Cp’’’Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^2:1:1-P₄){MBr₂}] (M=Co ( 2Co ), Ni ( 2Ni ), Zn ( 2Zn )) in which the P₄ butterfly scaffold is preserved. The use of the weakly ligated Co complex [Co(NCCH₃)₆][SbF₆]₂, results in the formation of [{(Cp’’’Fe(CO)₂)₂(μ₃,η^4:1:1-P₄)}₂Co][SbF₆]₃ ( 3 ), which represents the second example of a homoleptic-like octaphospha-metalla-sandwich complex. The formation of the threefold positively charged complex 3 occurs via redox processes, which among others also enables the formation of [{Cp’’’Fe(CO)₂}₄(μ₅,η^4:1:1:1:1-P₈){Co(CO)₂}][SbF₆] ( 4 ), bearing a rare octaphosphabicyclo[3.3.0]octane unit as a ligand. On the other hand, the reaction with [Zn(NCCH₃)₄][PF₆]₂ yields the spiro complex [{(Cp’’’Fe(CO)₂)₂(μ₃,η^2:1:1-P₄)}₂Zn][PF₆]₂ ( 5 ) under preservation of the initial structural motif.     

Metal-Assisted Opening of Intact P4 Tetrahedra

The reactivity of ruthenium and manganese complexes bearing intact white phosphorus in the coordination sphere was investigated towards the low-valent transition-metal species [Cp′′′Co] (Cp′′′=η⁵-C₅H₂-1,2,4-tBu₃) and [L⁰M] (L⁰=CH[CHN(2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)]₂; M=Fe, Co). Remarkably, and irrespective of the metal species, the reaction proceeds by the selective cleavage of two P–P edges and the formation of a square-planar cyclo-P₄ ligand. The reaction products [{CpRu(PPh₃)₂}{CoCp′′′}(μ,η^1:4-P₄)][CF₃SO₃] ( 5 ), [{Cp^BIGMn(CO)₂}₂{CoCp′′′}(μ,η^1:1:4-P₄)] ( 6 ) and [{Cp^BIGMn(CO)₂}₂{ML⁰}(μ,η^1:1:4-P₄)] (Cp^BIG=C₅(C₆H₄nBu)₅; L⁰=CH[CHN(2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)]₂; M=Fe ( 7 a ), Co ( 7 b )), respectively, were fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic methods. The electronic structure of the cyclo-P₄ ligand in the complexes 5 – 7 is best described as a π-delocalized P₄²⁻ system, which is further stabilized by two and three metal moieties, respectively. DFT calculations envisaged a potential intermediate in the reaction to form 5 , in which a quasi-butterfly-shaped P₄ moiety bridges the two metals and behaves as an η³-coordinated ligand towards the cobalt center.     

The Butterfly Complex [{Cp*Cr(CO)3}2(μ,η1:1-P4)] as a Versatile Ligand and Its Unexpected P1/P3 Fragmentation

The versatile coordination behavior of the P₄ butterfly complex [{Cp*Cr(CO)₃}₂(μ,η^1:1-P₄)] ( 1 ) towards Lewis acidic pentacarbonyl compounds of Cr, Mo and W is reported. The reaction of 1 with [W(CO)₄(nbd)] (nbd=norbornadiene) yields the complex [{Cp*Cr(CO)₃}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:1:1-P₄){W(CO)₄}] ( 2 ) in which 1 serves as a chelating P₄ butterfly ligand. In contrast, reactions of 1 with [M(CO)₄(nbd)] (M=Cr ( a ), Mo ( b )) result in the step-wise formation of [{Cp*Cr(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^3:1:1-P₄){M(CO)₅}] ( 3 a,b ) and [{Cp*Cr(CO)₂}₂-(μ₄,η^3:1:1:1-P₄){M(CO)₅}₂] ( 4 a,b ) which contain a folded cyclo-P₄ unit. Complex 4 a undergoes an unprecedented P₁/P₃-fragmentation yielding the cyclo-P₃ complex [Cp*Cr(CO)₂(η³-P₃)] ( 5 ) and the as yet unknown phosphinidene complex [Cp*Cr(CO)₂{Cr(CO)₅}₂(μ₃-P)] ( 6 ). The identity of 6 is confirmed by spectroscopic methods and by the in situ formation of [{Cp*Cr(CO)₂(tBuNC)}P{Cr(CO)₅}₂(tBuNC)] ( 7 ). DFT calculations throw light on the bonding situation of the reported products.     

Substituted aromatic pentaphosphole ligands – a journey across the p-block

The functionalization of pentaphosphaferrocene [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)] (1) with cationic group 13–17 electrophiles is shown to be a general synthetic strategy towards P–E bond formation of unprecedented diversity. The products of these reactions are dinuclear [{Cp*Fe}₂{μ,η^5:5-(P₅)₂EX₂}][TEF] (EX₂ = BBr₂ (2), GaI₂ (3), [TEF]⁻ = [Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄]⁻) or mononuclear [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅E)][X] (E = CH₂Ph (4), CHPh₂ (5), SiHPh₂ (6), AsCy₂ (7), SePh (9), TeMes (10), Cl (11), Br (12), I (13)) complexes of hetero-bis-pentaphosphole ((cyclo-P₅)₂R) or hetero-pentaphosphole ligands (cyclo-P₅R), the aromatic all-phosphorus analogs of prototypical cyclopentadienes. Further, modifying the steric and electronic properties of the electrophile has a drastic impact on its reactivity and leads to the formation of [Cp*Fe(μ,η^5:2-P₅)SbICp′′′][TEF] (8) which possesses a triple-decker-like structure. X-ray crystallographic characterization reveals the slightly twisted conformation of the cyclo-P₅R ligands in these compounds and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy confirms their integrity in solution. DFT calculations shed light on the bonding situation of these compounds and confirm the aromatic character of the pentaphosphole ligands on a journey across the p-block.

The reactivity of cationic electrophiles towards pentaphosphaferrocene [Cp*Fe(ƞ⁵-P₅)] is explored. We report P–E bond formation for electrophiles across the p-block, producing coordination complexes with unprecedented hetero-bispentaphosphole and hetero-pentaphosphole ligands.     

Redox Chemistry of Heterobimetallic Polypnictogen Triple-Decker Complexes – Rearrangement,Fragmentation and Transfer

The redox chemistry of the heterobimetallic triple-decker complexes [(Cp*Fe)(Cp′′′Co)(μ,η⁵:η⁴-E₅)] (E=P ( 1 ), As ( 2 ), Cp*=1,2,3,4,5-pentamethyl-cyclopentadienyl, Cp′′′=1,2,4-tri-tertbutyl-cyclopentadienyl) and [(Cp′′′Co)(Cp′′′Ni)(μ,η³:η³-E₃)] (E=P ( 10 ), As ( 11 )) was investigated. Compound 1 and 2 could be oxidized to the monocations 3 and 4 and further to the dications 5 and 6 , while the initially folded cyclo-E₅ ligand planarizes upon oxidation. The reduction leads to an opposite change in the geometry of the middle deck, which is now folded stronger into the direction of the other metal fragment (formation of monoanions 7 and 8 ). For the arsenic compound 8 , a different behavior is found since a fragmentation into an As₆ ( 9 ) and As₃ ligand complex occurs. The Co and Ni triple-decker complexes 10 and 11 can be oxidized initially to the heterometallic monocations 12 and 13 , which are not stable in solution and convert selectively into the homometallic nickel complexes 14 and 15 and the cobalt complexes 16 and 17 . This behavior was further proven by the oxidation of [(Cp′′′Co)(Cp′′Ni)(μ,η³:η²-P₃)] ( 19 , Cp′′=1,3-di-tertbutyl-cyclopentadienyl) comprising two different Cp ligands. The transfer of {Cp^RM} fragments can be suppressed when a {W(CO)₅} unit is coordinated to the P₃ ligand ( 20 ) prior to the oxidation and the mixed cobalt and nickel cation 21 can be isolated. The reduction of 10 and 11 yields the heterometallic monoanions 22 and 23 , where no transfer of the {Cp^RM} fragments is observed.     

The Cobalt cyclo‐P4 Sandwich Complex and Its Role in the Formation of Polyphosphorus Compounds

A synthetic approach to the sandwich complex [Cp′′′Co(η⁴‐P₄)] ( 2 ) containing a cyclo‐P₄ ligand as an end‐deck was developed. Complex 2 is the missing homologue in the series of first‐row cyclo‐P_n sandwich complexes, and shows a unique tendency to dimerize in solution to form two isomeric P₈ complexes [(Cp′′′Co)₂(μ,η⁴:η²:η¹‐P₈)] ( 3 and 4 ). Reactivity studies indicate that 2 and 3 react with further [Cp′′′Co] fragments to give [(Cp′′′Co)₂(μ,η²:η²‐P₂)₂] ( 5 ) and [(Cp′′′Co)₃P₈] ( 6 ), respectively. Furthermore, complexes 2 , 3 , and 4 thermally decompose forming 5 , 6 , and the P₁₂ complex [(Cp′′′Co)₃P₁₂] ( 7 ). DFT calculations on the P₄ activation process suggest a η³‐P₄ Co complex as the key intermediate in the synthesis of 2 as well as in the formation of larger polyphosphorus complexes via a unique oligomerization pathway.     

Functionalization of Pentaphosphorus Cations by Complexation

The chemistry of polyphosphorus cations has rapidly developed in recent years, but their coordination behavior has remained mostly unexplored. Herein, we describe the reactivity of [P₅R₂]⁺ cations with cyclopentadienyl metal complexes. The reaction of [Cp^ArFe(μ‐Br)]₂ (Cp^Ar=C₅(C₆H₄‐4‐Et)₅) with [P₅R₂][GaCl₄] (R=iPr and 2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂ (Mes)) afforded bicyclo[1.1.0]pentaphosphanes ( 1‐R , R=iPr and Mes), showing an unsymmetric “butterfly” structure. The same products 1‐R were formed from K[Cp^Ar] and [P₅R₂][GaCl₄]. The cationic complexes [Cp^ArCo(η⁴‐P₅R₂)][GaCl₄] ( 2‐R [GaCl₄], R=iPr and Cy) and [(Cp^ArNi)₂(η^3:3‐P₅R₂)][GaCl₄] ( 3‐R [GaCl₄]) were obtained from [P₅R₂][GaCl₄] and [Cp^ArM(μ‐Br)]₂ (M=Co and Ni) as well as by using low‐valent “Cp^ArM^I” sources. Anion metathesis of 2‐R [GaCl₄] and 3‐R [GaCl₄] was achieved with Na[BArF₂₄]. The P₅ framework of the resulting salts 2‐R [BArF₂₄] can be further functionalized with nucleophiles. Thus reactions with [Et₄N]X (X=CN and Cl) give unprecedented cyano‐ and chloro‐functionalized complexes, while organo‐functionalization was achieved with CyMgCl.     

A Structural Diversity of Molecular Alkaline-Earth-Metal Polyphosphides: From Supramolecular Wheel to Zintl Ion

A series of molecular group 2 polyphosphides has been synthesized by using air-stable [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)] (Cp*=C₅Me₅) or white phosphorus as polyphosphorus precursors. Different types of group 2 reagents such as organo-magnesium, mono-valent magnesium, and molecular calcium hydride complexes have been investigated to activate these polyphosphorus sources. The organo-magnesium complex [(^DippBDI−Mg(CH₃))₂] (^DippBDI={[2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃NCMe]₂CH}⁻) reacts with [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)] to give an unprecedented Mg/Fe-supramolecular wheel. Kinetically controlled activation of [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)] by different mono-valent magnesium complexes allowed the isolation of Mg-coordinated formally mono- and di-reduced products of [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)]. To obtain the first examples of molecular calcium-polyphosphides, a molecular calcium hydride complex was used to reduce the aromatic cyclo-P₅ ring of [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)]. The Ca-Fe-polyphosphide is also characterized by quantum chemical calculations and compared with the corresponding Mg complex. Moreover, a calcium coordinated Zintl ion (P₇)³⁻ was obtained by molecular calcium hydride mediated P₄ reduction.     

E4 Butterfly Complexes (E=P,As) as Chelating Ligands

The coordination properties of new types of bidentate phosphane and arsane ligands with a narrow bite angle are reported. The reactions of [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^1:1‐P₄)] ( 1 a ) with the copper salt [Cu(CH₃CN)₄][BF₄] leads, depending on the stoichiometry, to the formation of the spiro compound [{{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:1:1‐P₄)}₂Cu]⁺[BF₄]^? ( 2 ) or the monoadduct [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:2‐P₄){Cu(MeCN)}]⁺[BF₄]^? ( 3 ). Similarly, the arsane ligand [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^1:1‐As₄)] ( 1 b ) reacts with [Cu(CH₃CN)₄][BF₄] to give [{{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ₃,η^1:1:1:1‐As₄)}₂Cu]⁺[BF₄]^? ( 5 ). Protonation of 1 a occurs at the “wing tip” phosphorus atoms, which is in line with the results of DFT calculations. The compounds are characterized by spectroscopic methods (heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy and IR spectrometry) and by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic and structural characterization of the first mixed fluoro-bromo group 4 organometallic complex [{Cp*ZrF2Br}4] (Cp* = C5Me5)

[{Cp*ZrF₂Br}₄] is conveniently prepared in high yield from the reaction of [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄] with four equivalents of Me₃SiBr. In contrast the reaction of [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄] with Me₃SiI under identical reaction conditions leads to a mixture of [Cp*ZrI₃] and unreacted [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄]. The crystal structure of [{Cp*ZrF₂Br}₄] has been determined by X-ray diffraction studies. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system [a = 9.325(1), b = 23.483(3), c = 27.016(5) Å, α = β = γ = 90°, space group Ibam, Z = 4]. The tetrameric core structure of [{Cp*ZrF₂Br}₄] contains four zirconium atoms linked by alternating single and triple fluorine bridges. One terminal bromine atom is bonded to each zirconium. ¹H and ¹⁹FNMR spectroscopic data and structural features of the title compound are compared with those for the mixed fluoro-chloro complexes [{Cp*ZrF₂Cl}₄], [{Cp*ZrF₂Cl}₂{Cp*ZrFCl₂}₂] and the trifluoro complex [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄].     

An Approach to Mixed PnAsm Ligand Complexes

The reaction of a P₄ butterfly complex with yellow arsenic yields the largest mixed P_nAs_m ligand complexes synthesized to date. [{Cp′′′Fe(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^1:1‐P₄)] reacts with As₄ to yield [{Cp′′′Fe}₂(μ,η^4:4‐P_nAs_4‐n)] and [Cp′′′Fe(η⁵‐P_nAs_5‐n)]. Mass spectrometry together with NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography give clear evidence about the arrangement of the E positions within the cyclo‐E₅ and E₄ moieties of the products. Moreover, the results of DFT calculations agree well with the experimental determined outcomes. By coordinating the E₄ complex [{Cp′′′Fe}₂(μ,η^4:4‐P_nAs_4‐n)] with CuCl, a rearrangement of the E positions occurs in favor with a preferred phosphorus coordination towards copper atoms in the resulting 1D polymeric chain.     

A General Pathway to Heterobimetallic Triple-Decker Complexes

A systematic study on the reactivity of the triple-decker complex [(Cp’’’Co)₂(μ,η⁴:η⁴-C₇H₈)] ( A ) (Cp’’’=1,2,4-tritertbutyl-cyclopentadienyl) towards sandwich complexes containing cyclo-P₃, cyclo-P₄, and cyclo-P₅ ligands under mild conditions is presented. The heterobimetallic triple-decker sandwich complexes [(Cp*Fe)(Cp’’’Co)(μ,η⁵:η⁴-P₅)] ( 1 ) and [(Cp’’’Co)(Cp’’’Ni)(μ,η³:η³-P₃)] ( 3 ) (Cp*=1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) were synthesized and fully characterized. In solution, these complexes exhibit a unique fluxional behavior, which was investigated by variable temperature NMR spectroscopy. The dynamic processes can be blocked by coordination to {W(CO)₅} fragments, leading to the complexes [(Cp*Fe)(Cp’’’Co)(μ₃,η⁵:η⁴:η¹-P₅){W(CO)₅}] ( 2 a ), [(Cp*Fe)(Cp’’’Co)(μ₄,η⁵:η⁴:η¹:η¹-P₅){(W(CO)₅)₂}] ( 2 b ), and [(Cp’’’Co)(Cp’’’Ni)(μ₃,η³:η²:η¹-P₃){W(CO)₅}] ( 4 ), respectively. The thermolysis of 3 leads to the tetrahedrane complex [(Cp’’’Ni)₂(μ,η²:η²-P₂)] ( 5 ). All compounds were fully characterized using single-crystal X-ray structure analysis, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis.     

Arsenic-Rich Polyarsenides Stabilized by Cp*Fe Fragments

The redox chemistry of [Cp*Fe(η⁵-As₅)] ( 1 , Cp*=η⁵-C₅Me₅) has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, revealing a redox behavior similar to that of its lighter congener [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)]. However, the subsequent chemical reduction of 1 by KH led to the formation of a mixture of novel As_n scaffolds with n up to 18 that are stabilized only by [Cp*Fe] fragments. These include the arsenic-poor triple-decker complex [K(dme)₂][{Cp*Fe(μ,η^2:2-As₂)}₂] ( 2 ) and the arsenic-rich complexes [K(dme)₃]₂[(Cp*Fe)₂(μ,η^4:4-As₁₀)] ( 3 ), [K(dme)₂]₂[(Cp*Fe)₂(μ,η^2:2:2:2-As₁₄)] ( 4 ), and [K(dme)₃]₂[(Cp*Fe)₄(μ₄,η^{4:3:3:2:2:1:1}-As₁₈)] ( 5 ). Compound 4 and the polyarsenide complex 5 are the largest anionic As_n ligand complexes reported thus far. Complexes 2 – 5 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy ( 2 ), and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, DFT calculations showed that the intermediate [Cp*Fe(η⁵-As₅)]⁻, which is presumably formed first, undergoes fast dimerization to the dianion [(Cp*Fe)₂(μ,η^4:4-As₁₀)]²⁻.