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.     

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.     

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 ).     

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.     

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.     

Heterometall-Komplexe mit E6-Liganden (E = P,As)

Heterometallic Complexes with E₆ Ligands (E = P, As) The reaction of [Cp*Co(μ-CO)]₂ 1 with the sandwich complexes [Cp*Fe(η⁵-E₅)] 2 a: E = P, 2 b: E = As in decalin at 190°C affords besides [CpCo₂E₄] 4: E = P, 7: E = As and [CpFe₂P₄] 5 the trinuclear complexes [(Cp*Fe)₂(Cp*Co)(μ-η²-P₂)(μ₃-η^1:2:1-P₂)₂] 3 as well as [(Cp*Fe)₂(Cp*Co)(μ₃-η^2:2:2-As₃)₂] 6 . With [Mo(CO)₅(thf)] 3 and 6 form in a build-up reaction the tetranuclear clusters [(Cp*Fe)₂(Cp*Co)E₆{Mo(CO)₃}] 10: E = P, 11: E = As. 3, 6 and 11 have been further characterized by an X-ray crystal structure determination.     

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.     

New Trinuclear Complexes of Group 6, 8, and 9 Metals with a Triply Bridging Borylene Ligand

Trinuclear complexes of group 6, 8, and 9 transition metals with a (μ₃‐BH) ligand [(μ₃‐BH)(Cp*Rh)₂(μ‐CO)M′(CO)₅], 3 and 4 ( 3 : M′=Mo; 4 : M′=W) and 5 – 8 , [(Cp*Ru)₃(μ₃‐CO)₂(μ₃‐BH)(μ₃‐E)(μ‐H){M′(CO)₃}] ( 5 : M′=Cr, E=CO; 6 : M′=Mo, E=CO; 7 : M′=Mo, E=BH; 8 : M′=W, E=CO), have been synthesized from the reaction between nido‐[(Cp*M)₂B₃H₇] (nido‐ 1 : M=Rh; nido‐ 2 : M=RuH, Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅) and [M′(CO)₅ ? thf] (M′=Mo and W). Compounds 3 and 4 are isoelectronic and isostructural with [(μ₃‐BH)(Cp*Co)₂(μ‐CO)M′(CO)₅], (M′=Cr, Mo and W) and [(μ₃‐BH)(Cp*Co)₂(μ‐CO)(μ‐H)₂M′′H(CO)₃], (M′′=Mn and Re). All compounds are composed of a bridging borylene ligand (B?H) that is effectively stabilized by a trinuclear framework. In contrast, the reaction of nido‐ 1 with [Cr(CO)₅ ? thf] gave [(Cp*Rh)₂Cr(CO)₃(μ‐CO)(μ₃‐BH)(B₂H₄)] ( 9 ). The geometry of 9 can be viewed as a condensed polyhedron composed of [Rh₂Cr(μ₃‐BH)] and [Rh₂CrB₂], a tetrahedral and a square pyramidal geometry, respectively. The bonding of 9 can be considered by using the polyhedral fusion formalism of Mingos. All compounds have been characterized by using different spectroscopic studies and the molecular structures were determined by using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

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.     

Untersuchungen zur P–P‐Bindungsknüpfung in der Koordinationssphäre von Übergangsmetallen

Investigations of P–P Bond Formation Reactions in the Coordination Sphere of Transition Metals The reaction of [CpW(CO)₃]^– with PCl₃ leads to the transition metal substituted dichlorphosphines [{CpW(CO)₃}PCl₂] ( 1 ) and [{Cp(CO)₃W}PCl₂{WCl(CO)₂Cp}] ( 2 ). The X‐ray structure of 2 reveals the Lewis acid/base character of this compound. Reactions of 1 and [Cr(CO)₅Cp*PCl₂], respectively, with metalates of the type [M(CO)₃Cp′]^– (M′ = Mo, W; Cp′ = η⁵‐C₅H₄tBu) afford the cyclo‐P₃ complexes [(η³‐P₃)MCp′(CO)₃] ( 3 ) (M = W) and ( 4 ) (M = Mo) and the compounds [(μ,η²‐P₂{Cr(CO)₅}₂){Mo(CO)₂Cp}₂] ( 5 ) and [{μ₃‐PW(CO)₃Cp′}{W(CO)₂Cp′}₂] ( 6 ), respectively. Complex 6 possesses a planar homoleptic W₃P moiety revealing delocalised multiple bonds within the W₂P‐subunit. Reducing [(CO)₅WPCl₃] with magnesium leads to the formation of the phosphinidene complex [{(CO)₅W}₂PCl], whereas the reduction of [CpW(CO)₃PCl₂] ( 1 ) with magnesium yields the cyclo‐P₃ complex 3 together with P₄ phosphorus.     

The Missing Parent Compound [(C5H5)Fe(η5-P5)]: Synthesis,Characterization, Coordination Behavior and Encapsulation

The so far missing parent compound of the large family of pentaphosphaferrocenes [CpFe(η⁵-P₅)] ( 1 b ) was synthesized by the thermolysis of [CpFe(CO)₂]₂ with P₄ using the very high-boiling solvent diisopropylbenzene. It was comprehensively characterized by, inter alia, NMR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray structure analysis, cyclic voltammetry and DFT computations. Moreover, its coordination behavior towards Cu^I halides was explored, revealing the unprecedented 2D polymeric networks [{CpFe(η^5:1:1:1:1-P₅)}Cu₂(μ-X)₂]_n ( 2 a : X=Cl, 2 b : X=Br) and [{CpFe(η^5:1:1-P₅)}Cu(μ-I)]_n ( 3 ) and even the first cyclo-P₅-containing 3D coordination polymer [{CpFe(η^5:1:1-P₅)}Cu(μ-I)]_n ( 4 ). The sandwich complex 1 b can also be incorporated in nano-sized supramolecules based on [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)] ( 1 a ) and CuX (X=Cl, Br, I): [CpFe(η⁵-P₅)]@[{Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)}₁₂(CuX)_20-n] ( 5 a : X=Cl, n=2.4; 5 b : X=Br, n=2.4; 5 c : X=I, n=0.95). Thereby, the formation of the CuI-containing fullerene-like sphere 5 c is found for the first time.     

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.     

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⁻.     

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 .     

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.     

Flexidentate Coordination Behavior and Chemical Non-Innocence of a Bis(1,3-Diphosphacyclobutadiene) Sandwich Anion

The homoleptic 1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene sandwich complex [Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂]⁻ behaved as a versatile and highly flexible metalloligand toward Ni²⁺, Ru²⁺, Rh⁺, and Pd²⁺ cations, forming a range of unusual oligonuclear compounds. The reaction of [K(thf)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}] with [Ni₂Cp₃]BF₄ initially afforded the σ-complex [CpNi{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}(thf)] ( 2 ), which converted into [Co(η⁴-CpNi{1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂-κP,κC})(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)] ( 3 ) below room temperature. The structure of 3 contains an unprecedented 1,4-diphospha-2-nickelacyclopentadiene moiety formed by an oxidative addition of a ligand P−C bond onto nickel. At elevated temperatures, 3 isomerized to [Co(η⁴-CpNi{1,4-P₂C₂tBu₂-κ²P,P})(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)] ( 4 ), which features a 1,3-diphospha-2-nickelacyclopentadiene unit. Transmetalation of [K(thf)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}] with [Cp*RuCl]₄ (Cp*=C₅Me₅) afforded tetranuclear [(Cp*Ru)₃(μ-Cl)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}] ( 5 ), in which the [Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂]⁻ anion acts as a chelate ligand toward Ru²⁺. The diphosphido complex [(Cp*Ru)₂(μ,η²-P₂)(μ,η²-C₂tBu₂)] ( 6 ) was formed as a byproduct. Pure compound 6 was isolated after prolonged heating of the reaction mixture. The reaction of [K(thf)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂R₂)₂}] (R=tBu; adamantyl, Ad) with [RhCl(cod)]₂ (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene) afforded unprecedented π-complexes [Rh(cod){Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂R₂)₂}] ( 7 : R=tBu; 8 : R=Ad), in which one μ:η⁴:η⁴-P₂C₂R₂ ligand bridges two metal atoms. The pentanuclear complex [Pd₃(PPh₃)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}₂] ( 10 ), featuring a Pd₃ chain and a rare 1,4-diphospha-2-butene ligand, was synthesized by reacting [K(thf)₂{Co(η⁴-1,3-P₂C₂tBu₂)₂}] with cis-PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂. The redox properties of selected compounds were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry, whereas DFT calculations gave additional insight into the electronic structures. The results of this study revealed several remarkable and previously unrecognized properties of the [Co(P₂C₂tBu₂)₂]⁻ anion.     

Molecular Polyarsenides of the Rare‐Earth Elements

Reduction of [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐As₅)] with [Cp′′₂Sm(thf)] (Cp′′=η⁵‐1,3‐(tBu)₂C₅H₃) under various conditions led to [(Cp′′₂Sm)(μ,η⁴:η⁴‐As₄)(Cp*Fe)] and [(Cp′′₂Sm)₂As₇(Cp*Fe)]. Both compounds are the first polyarsenides of the rare‐earth metals. [(Cp′′₂Sm)(μ,η⁴:η⁴‐As₄)(Cp*Fe)] is also the first d/f‐triple decker sandwich complex with a purely inorganic planar middle deck. The central As₄^2? unit is isolobal with the 6π‐aromatic cyclobutadiene dianion (CH)₄^2?. [(Cp′′₂Sm)₂As₇(Cp*Fe)] contains an As₇^3? cage, which has a norbornadiene‐like structure with two short As?As bonds in the scaffold. DFT calculations confirm all the structural observations. The As?As bond order inside the cyclo As₄ ligand in [(Cp′′₂Sm)(μ,η⁴:η⁴‐As₄)(Cp*Fe)] was estimated to be in between an As?As single bond and a formally aromatic As₄^2? system.     

New Heteronuclear Bridged Borylene Complexes That Were Derived from [{Cp*CoCl}2] and Mono‐Metal?Carbonyl Fragments

The synthesis, structural characterization, and reactivity of new bridged borylene complexes are reported. The reaction of [{Cp*CoCl}₂] with LiBH₄ ? THF at ?70 °C, followed by treatment with [M(CO)₃(MeCN)₃] (M=W, Mo, and Cr) under mild conditions, yielded heteronuclear triply bridged borylene complexes, [(μ₃‐BH)(Cp*Co)₂(μ‐CO)M(CO)₅] ( 1 – 3 ; 1 : M=W, 2 : M=Mo, 3 : M=Cr). During the syntheses of complexes 1 – 3 , capped‐octahedral cluster [(Cp*Co)₂(μ‐H)(BH)₄{Co(CO)₂}] ( 4 ) was also isolated in good yield. Complexes 1 – 3 are isoelectronic and isostructural to [(μ₃‐BH)(Cp*RuCO)₂(μ‐CO){Fe(CO)₃}] ( 5 ) and [(μ₃‐BH)(Cp*RuCO)₂(μ‐H)(μ‐CO){Mn(CO)₃}] ( 6 ), with a trigonal‐pyramidal geometry in which the μ₃‐BH ligand occupies the apical vertex. To test the reactivity of these borylene complexes towards bis‐phosphine ligands, the room‐temperature photolysis of complexes 1 – 3 , 5 , 6 , and [{(μ₃‐BH)(Cp*Ru)Fe(CO)₃}₂(μ‐CO)] ( 7 ) was carried out. Most of these complexes led to decomposition, although photolysis of complex 7 with [Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂] (n=1–3) yielded complexes 9 – 11 , [3,4‐(Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂)‐closo‐1,2,3,4‐Ru₂Fe₂(BH)₂] ( 9 : n=1, 10 : n=2, 11 : n=3). Quantum‐chemical calculations by using DFT methods were carried out on compounds 1 – 3 and 9 – 11 and showed reasonable agreement with the experimentally obtained structural parameters, that is, large HOMO–LUMO gaps, in accordance with the high stabilities of these complexes, and NMR chemical shifts that accurately reflected the experimentally observed resonances. All of the new compounds were characterized in solution by using mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, and ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹¹B NMR spectroscopy and their structural types were unequivocally established by crystallographic analysis of complexes 1 , 2 , 4 , 9 , and 10 .     

Ringkontraktion durch NHC‐induzierte Pnictogen‐Abstraktion

Die Reaktion von [Cp′′′Co(η⁴‐P₄)] ( 1 ) (Cp′′′=1,2,4‐tBu₃C₅H₂) mit ^MeNHC (^MeNHC=1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) führt über eine NHC‐induzierte Phosphorkationen‐Abstraktion zum Ringkontraktionsprodukt [(^MeNHC)₂P][Cp′′′Co(η³‐P₃)] ( 2 ), welches das erste Beispiel eines anionischen CoP₃‐Komplexes repräsentiert. Solche von NHCs induzierten Ringkontraktionsreaktionen lassen sich ebenfalls auf Tripeldecker‐Sandwich‐Komplexe anwenden. So werden die Komplexe [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ,η^6:6‐E₆)] ( 3 a , 3 b ) (Cp*=C₅Me₅; E=P, As) zu den Komplexen [(^MeNHC)₂E][(Cp*M)₂(μ,η^3:3‐E₃)(μ,η^2:2‐E₂)] ( 4 a , 4 b ) transformiert, wobei 4 b das erste strukturell charakterisierte Beispiel eines NHC‐substituierten As^I‐Kations darstellt. Darüber hinaus führt die Reaktion des Vanadium‐Komplexes [(Cp*V)₂(μ,η^6:6‐P₆)] ( 5 ) mit ^MeNHC zur Bildung der neuartigen Komplexe [(^MeNHC)₂P][(Cp*V)₂(μ,η^6:6‐P₆)] ( 6 ), [(^MeNHC)₂P][(Cp*V)₂(μ,η^5:5‐P₅)] ( 7 ) bzw. [(Cp*V)₂(μ,η^3:3‐P₃)(μ,η^1:1‐P{^MeNHC})] ( 8 ).