The Coordination Chemistry and Organometallic Chemistry of Tridentate Oxygen Ligands with π-Donor Properties

Metal complexes are capable of accomplishing almost anything, provided they contain the proper metal/ligand combinations. A host of essential biochemical transformations—but also a great many industrially significant reactions—occur within the coordination spheres of metal ions. For instance, the particular arrangement of ligands in the zinc-containing enzyme carboanhydrase is responsible for an acceleration in the hydration of CO₂ by a factor of 10⁹. It is the ligands that determine whether an iron atom will transfer molecular oxygen, as in the case of hemoglobin, or electrons, as with the cytochromes. By varying the ligands it is possible to establish in advance whether a metal ion in the presence of synthesis gas will cause an olefin to be hydrogenated or hydroformylated. Stated more generally, it is the ligands that stabilize the particular oxidation states of a metal and determine how substrate molecules will be coordinated and undergo reaction. The synthesis of new ligands that confer specific reactivity on metal ions is thus an important challenge for the coordination chemist. The following article describes organometallic compounds of the type [CpCo{P(O)R′R″}₃]^?, which have developed from an extremely unreactive laboratory curiosity into versatile oxygen-containing ligands whose steric and electronic properties promise a series of interesting applications.     

μ‐Rhodizonato‐1κO,1:2κO′,2κO′′‐tetra(triphenylphosphine)disilver(I): A Molecular Complex with the [C6O6]2– Ligand Template

The first silver rhodizonate and overall fourth transition metal rhodizonate complex is presented. The title compound shows a so far unobserved coordination mode of the rhodizonate ligand, which is atypically distorted from planarity. The structure discussion is accompanied by a thorough literature review of the hitherto structurally characterized rhodizonate salts and complexes.     

The Coordination Chemistry of Multidentate Isocyanide Ligands

In spite of the excellent ligation properties of isocyanides, until a few years ago there was only a small number of known multidentate ligands of this type. One of the reasons for this lack of interest, when compared to monodentate isocyanides, was the linear arrangement of the M? C?N? R group, which usually inhibits the formation of mononuclear chelate complexes and leads to the formation of multinuclear or polymeric metal complexes. In these, the multidentate ligand acts in a monodentate fashion towards each metal atom. Only recently has a series of polyisocyanides with large ligand backbones been synthesized successfully. Bidentate isocyanides can bridge two metal atoms or react to give chelates with only one metal center. Tripodal ligands form mono- or binuclear complexes, in which the largest organometallic rings observed to date occur (up to 36 atoms). This class of ligands promises to be interesting for the synthesis of stable, diagnostically important technetium complexes of the type [Tc(CNR) ₆ ]⁺. There also appear to be applications for tripodal isocyanides in catalysis. A facial, chiral Cr(CNR^*)₃ unit might be able to catalyze the hydrogenation or isomerization of prochiral double bonds. It is even possible to bind triisocyanides with suitable backbones to carbonyl trimetal clusters, thereby stabilizing them, or making selective cluster formation possible. Coordinated isocyanides can be transformed readily into carbene ligands, which, in the future, could lead to complexes with polycarbene ligation.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a Gold Vinylidene Complex Lacking π‐Conjugated Heteroatoms

Hydride abstraction from the gold (disilyl)ethylacetylide complex [( P )Au{η¹‐C?CSi(Me)₂CH₂CH₂SiMe₂H}] ( P =P(tBu)₂o‐biphenyl) with triphenylcarbenium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate at ?20 °C formed the cationic gold (β,β‐disilyl)vinylidene complex [( P )Au?C?CSi(Me)₂CH₂CH₂Si (Me)₂]⁺B(C₆F₅)₄^? with ≥90 % selectivity. ²⁹Si NMR analysis of this complex pointed to delocalization of positive charge onto both the β‐silyl groups and the ( P )Au fragment. The C1 and C2 carbon atoms of the vinylidene complex underwent facile interconversion (ΔG^≠=9.7 kcal mol^?1), presumably via the gold π‐disilacyclohexyne intermediate [( P )Au{η²‐C?CSi(Me)₂CH₂CH₂Si (Me)₂}]⁺B(C₆F₅)₄^?.     

Metalated 1, 3‐Azaphospholes: η1‐(1H‐1, 3‐Benzazaphosphole‐P)M(CO)5 and μ2‐[(1, 3‐Benzazaphospholide‐P)(cyclopentadienide)nickel] Complexes

1H‐1, 3‐Benzazaphospholes react with M(CO)₅(THF) (M = Cr, Mo, W) to give thermally and relatively air stable η¹‐(1H‐1, 3‐Benzazaphosphole‐P)M(CO)₅ complexes. The ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR‐data are in accordance with the preservation of the phosphaaromatic π‐system of the ligand. The strong upfield ³¹P coordination shift, particularly of the Mo and W complexes, forms a contrast to the downfield‐shifts of phosphine‐M(CO)₅ complexes and classifies benzazaphospholes as weak donor but efficient acceptor ligands. Nickelocene reacts as organometallic species with metalation of the NH‐function. The resulting ambident 1, 3‐benzazaphospholide anions prefer a μ₂‐coordination of the η⁵‐CpNi‐fragment at phosphorus to coordination at nitrogen or a η³‐heteroallyl‐η⁵‐CpNi‐semisandwich structure. This is shown by characteristic NMR data and the crystal structure analysis of a η⁵‐CpNi‐benzazaphospholide. The latter is a P‐bridging dimer with a planar Ni₂P₂ ring and trans‐configuration of the two planar heterocyclic phosphido ligands arranged perpendicular to the four‐membered ring.     

Uncovering Intramolecular π‐Type Hydrogen Bonds in Solution by NMR Spectroscopy and DFT Calculations

Reaction between the phosphinito bridged diplatinum species [(PHCy₂)Pt(μ‐PCy₂){κ²P,O‐μ‐P(O)Cy₂}Pt(PHCy₂)](Pt–Pt) ( 1 ), and (trimethylsilyl)acetylene at 273 K affords the σ‐acetylide complex [(PHCy₂)(η¹‐Me₃SiC≡C)Pt(μ‐PCy₂)Pt(PHCy₂){κP‐P(OH)Cy₂}](Pt–Pt) ( 2 ) featuring an intramolecular π‐type hydrogen bond. Scalar and dipolar couplings involving the POH proton were detected by 2D NMR experiments. Relativistic DFT calculations of the geometry, relative energy, and NMR properties of model systems of 2 confirmed the structural assignment and allowed the energy of the π‐type hydrogen bond to be estimated (ca. 22 kJ mol^?1).     

Structure and Reactivity of a Cobalt(I) Phthalaldehyde Complex with Both σ‐ and π‐Bonded Aldehyde Groups

A bidentate phthalaldehyde ligand with both σ and π coordination of the aldehyde groups is found in [(C₅Me₅)Co{(C(O)H)₂C₆H₄}] (structure depicted). This complex is the “resting state” of the catalyst in the ring closure of the dialdehyde to give the lactone. Interchange of coordination modes occurs with a barrier of 70 kJ mol⁻¹ at 35°C. Investigation of other Co^I chelate complexes with a single aldehyde group shows that the coordination mode of the aldehyde is dictated by the nature of the bonding of the other ligating group.     

Coordination Architectures of Lanthanum Complexes Based on Bifunctional 5‐Substituted Tetrazolecarboxylate Ligands

Three complexes of bifunctional 5‐substituted tetrazolatecarboxylate ligands [2‐(5‐(pyrazin‐2‐yl)‐2H‐tetrazol‐2‐yl)acetic acid (Hpztza), 3‐(5‐amino‐2H‐tetrazol‐1(5H)‐yl)propanoic acid (Hatzp), and N,N′‐bis(tetrazol‐5‐yl)anime‐N2,N2′‐diacetic acid (H₂datza)], namely a mononuclear structure [La(pztza)₂(H₂O)₅] · 4H₂O · pztza ( 1 ), a 1D polymeric chain structure [La₂(atzp)₄(H₂O)₈] · 2NO₃ · 2H₂O ( 2 ), and a 2D layer network [La(datza)(H₂O)₃] · 4H₂O ( 3 ) were prepared and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structures of these complexes are controlled not only by the number and different coordination modes of the tetrazole‐carboxylate ligands but also the different 5‐substituents of the tetrazole ring. The complexes show ligand‐centered luminescence at room temperature in the solid state. The obvious enhancements in luminescence make these complexes to be the potential materials for optical use.     

Increasing the π–π Interactions in Trinuclear NiII3 Triplesalophen Complexes

The new triplesalophen ligand H₆kruse^Br was synthesized as a variation of the triplesalophen ligands H₆baron^R by replacing a phenyl by a methyl group at the terminal ketimine in order to allow closer contacts of trinuclear complexes due to less steric hindrance by the smaller methyl group. The ligand H₆kruse^Br was used to synthesize the trinuclear complex [(kruse^Br)Ni^II₃], which is insoluble in organic solvents despite the coordinating solvent pyridine. Recrystallization from pyridine results in the complex [(kruse^Br){Ni₂(Ni(py)₂)}], which was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Two Ni^II ions are four‐coordinate by the salophen‐like subunits while the third Ni^II ion is six‐coordinate by two additional pyridine donors. The analysis of the molecular and crystal structure in comparison to that of Ni^II₃ complexes of (baron^R)^6– reveals that the methyl group in [(kruse^Br){Ni₂(Ni(py)₂)}] results in less ligand folding and in closer contact distance of two Ni^II₃ complexes by π–π interactions of 3.2 Å. This indicates that trinuclear complexes of H₆kruse^Br are more suitable than complexes of H₆baron^R as molecular building blocks for the anticipated synthesis of nonanuclear single‐molecule magnets.     

Hydrogen Bond and π–π Interactions in a 3D Supramolecular Structure Containing 1D Helical Chains

The reaction of 2, 2′‐bipyridine‐6, 6′‐dicarboxylic acid (H₂bpdc) with zinc nitrate and different rare earth chlorides generates two novel three‐dimensional supramolecules Zn(6‐bpc)₂ · 2H₂O ( 1 ) and Ce(bpdc)₂ · H₂O ( 2 ) (6‐Hbpc = 2, 2′‐bipyridine‐6‐carboxylic acid). The left‐and right‐handed helical chains give rise to a 3D supramolecular framework through hydrogen‐bond and weak π–π interactions in complex 1 . Interestingly, the decarboxylation occurred and the bpdc ligand was transformed into 6‐bpc species under the hydrothermal reaction in the presence of Nd^III ions, while the decarboxylation did not occur when Ce^III ions were used. In the structure of 2 , one central Ce(IV) atom coordinates to two bpdc ligands, resulting in a discrete molecule. These discrete units are further extended into a 3D supramolecular structure through intermolecular hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions.     

Neutron Diffraction Study of [Nd(AlMe4)3]⋅0.5 Al2Me6 at 100 K: The First Detailed Look at a Bridging Methyl Group with a Trigonal-Bipyramidal Carbon Atom

Weak agostic Nd⋅⋅⋅H interactions and Nd−C bonds are involved in the bonding of the bridging methyl groups in the title compound (see sketch on the right): Two of the three H atoms of the methyl group are directed at the Nd center. The C atoms have distorted trigonal-bipyramidal geometry with the Nd atom and one of the H atoms (H_A) as axial ligands, and the Al atom and the other two H atoms (H_B and H_C) in equatorial positions. The Al₂Me₆ “solvate” molecule is disordered.     

A New Coordination Polymer [Pb(1,4‐BDC)]n Containing a Unique μ6‐Bridging Coordination Mode

A new coordination polymer, [Pb(1,4‐BDC)]_n ( 1 ) (1,4‐H₂BDC = 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid), has been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Its structure was determined with single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies and further characterized by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X‐ray powder diffraction studies. The results revealed that complex 1 has a two‐dimensional network with (6, 3) topology observed in the [110] direction. Moreover, the layers are connected into a framework through 1,4‐BDC^2? ligands. The μ₆‐bridging coordination mode adopted by 1,4‐BDC^2? is unprecedented in metal/1,4‐BDC^2? complexes.     

Concurrent Stabilization of π‐Donor and π‐Acceptor Ligands in Aromatized and Dearomatized Pincer [(PNN)Re(CO)(O)2] Complexes

Aromatized cationic [(PNN)Re(π acid)(O)₂]⁺ ( 1 ) and dearomatized neutral [(PNN*)Re(π acid)(O)₂] ( 2 ) complexes (where π acid=CO ( a ), tBuNC ( b ), or (2,6‐Me₂)PhNC ( c )), possessing both π‐donor and π‐acceptor ligands, have been synthesized and fully characterized. Reaction of [(PNN)Re(O)₂]⁺ ( 4 ) with lithiumhexamethyldisilazide (LiHMDS) yield the dearomatized [(PNN*)Re(O)₂] ( 3 ). Complexes 1 and 2 are prepared from the reaction of 4 and 3 , respectively, with CO or isocyanides. Single‐crystal X‐ray structures of 1 a and 1 b show the expected trans‐dioxo structure, in which the oxo ligands occupy the axial positions and the π‐acidic ligand occupies the equatorial plane in an overall octahedral geometry about the rhenium(V) center. DFT studies revealed the stability of complexes 1 and 2 arises from a π‐backbonding interaction between the d_xy orbital of rhenium, the π orbital of the oxo ligands, and the π* orbital of CO/isocyanide.     

The Coordination Number – an “Inorganic Chameleon”

The purpose of the present article is to describe the changing ambiguous character of the term “coordination number” and its present-day definition in structural chemistry, particularly of typical solids (assemblies of particles with short-range and long-range order). An effort is made at the same time to describe the crystal structure of solids as simply as possible while also taking long-range order into account, i.e. by determining “effective” coordination numbers by the geometrical “polyhedron method” or from MAPLE (Madelung Part of Lattice Energy) values.     

A μ-1,1,1,3,3,3 Azide Anion inside a Trigonal Prism of Silver Centers

Layers of face- and edge-sharing trigonal Ag ₆ prisms , of which half are filled with azide units, are contained in the novel compound AgN₃⋅2 AgNO₃ (see structure). Pendant η¹-nitrate groups are attached to both sides of each layer.     

Intramolecular Metal⋅⋅⋅π‐Arene Interactions in Neutral and Cationic Main Group Compounds

The role of intramolecular metal???π‐arene interactions has been investigated in the solid‐state structures of a series of main group compounds supported by the bulky amide ligands, [N(^tBuAr^≠)(SiR₃)]^? (^tBuAr^≠=2,6‐(CHPh₂)₂‐4‐tBuC₆H₂, R=Me, Ph). The lithium and potassium amide salts showed different patterns of solvation and demonstrated that the SiPh₃ substituent is able to be involved in stabilizing the electrophilic metal. These group 1 metal compounds served as ligand transfer reagents to access a series of bismuth(III) halides. Chloride extraction from Bi(N{^tBuAr^≠}{SiPh₃})Cl₂ using AlCl₃ afforded the 1:1 salt [Bi(N{^tBuAr^≠}{SiPh₃})Cl][AlCl₄]. This was accompanied by a significant rearrangement of the stabilizing π‐arene contacts in the solid‐state. Attempted preparation of the corresponding tetraphenylborate salt resulted in phenyl‐transfer and generation of the neutral Bi(N{^tBuAr^≠}{SiPh₃})(Ph)Cl.