Lithiated γ-O-functionalized propyl phenyl sulfides and sulfones of the type Li[CH(SOxPh)CH2CH2OR] (x = 0, 2). [Li{CH(SPh)CH2CH2Ot-Bu}(tmeda)] – A structurally characterized organolithium inner complex

Lithiation of O-functionalized alkyl phenyl sulfides PhSCH₂CH₂CH₂OR (R = Me, 1a; i-Pr, 1b; t-Bu, 1c; CPh₃, 1d) with n-BuLi/tmeda in n-pentane resulted in the formation of α- and ortho-lithiated compounds [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR}(tmeda)] (α-2a–d) and [Li{o-C₆H₄SCH₂CH₂CH₂OR)(tmeda)] (o-2a–d), respectively, which has been proved by subsequent reaction with n-Bu₃SnCl yielding the requisite stannylated γ-OR-functionalized propyl phenyl sulfides n-Bu₃SnCH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR (α-3a–d) and n-Bu₃Sn(o-C₆H₄SCH₂CH₂CH₂OR) (o-3a–d). The α/ortho ratios were found to be dependent on the sterical demand of the substituent R. Stannylated alkyl phenyl sulfides α-3a–c were found to react with n-BuLi/tmeda and n-BuLi yielding the pure α-lithiated compounds α-2a–c and [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR}] (α-4a–b), respectively, as white to yellowish powders. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂Ot-Bu}(tmeda)] (α-2c) exhibited a distorted tetrahedral coordination of lithium having a chelating tmeda ligand and a C,O coordinated organyl ligand. Thus, α-2c is a typical organolithium inner complex.Lithiation of O-functionalized alkyl phenyl sulfones PhSO₂CH₂CH₂CH₂OR (R = Me, 5a; i-Pr, 5b; CPh₃, 5c) with n-BuLi resulted in the exclusive formation of the α-lithiated products Li[CH(SO₂Ph)CH₂CH₂OR] (6a–c) that were found to react with n-Bu₃SnCl yielding the requisite α-stannylated compounds n-Bu₃SnCH(SO₂Ph)CH₂CH₂OR (7a–c). The identities of all lithium and tin compounds have been unambiguously proved by NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn).     

Conformation dependence of pKa’s of the chromophores from the purple asFP595 and yellow zFP538 fluorescent proteins

Two members of the green fluorescent protein family, the purple asFP595 and yellow zFP538 proteins, are perspective fluorescent markers for use in multicolor imaging and resonance energy-transfer applications. We report the results of quantum based calculations of the solution pK_a values for selected protonation sites of the denatured asFP595 and zFP538 chromophores in the trans- and cis-conformations in order to add in the interpretation of photo-physical properties of these proteins. The pK_a values were determined from the theromodynamic cycle based on B3LYP/6-311++G(2df, 2p) calculations of the gas phase free energies of the molecules and the B3LYP/6-311++G(d, p) calculations of solvation energies. The results show that the pK_a’s of the protonation sites of the chromophore from asFP595 noticeably depend on the isomer conformation (cis- or trans-), while those of zFP538 are much less sensitive to isomerization.     

Voltammetry of immobilized cytochrome c on novel binary self-assembled monolayers of thioctic acid and thioctic amide modified gold electrodes

Horse heart cytochrome c (cyt c) was adsorbed on the binary self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) composed of thioctic acid (T-COOH) and thioctic amide (T-NH₂) at gold electrodes via electrostatic interaction. The cyt c adsorbed on the modified gold electrode exhibited well-defined reversible electrochemical behavior in 10 mM phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.0). The surface concentration (Γ) of electroactive species, cyt c, on the binary SAMs was higher than that in single-component SAMs of T-COOH, and reached a maximum value of 9.2 × 10⁻¹² mol cm⁻² when the ratio of T-COOH to T-NH₂ in adsorption solution was of 3:2, and the formal potential (E^0′=(E_pa+E_pc)/2) of cyt c was −0.032 V (vs. Ag|AgCl (3 M NaCl)) in a 10 mM PBS. The interaction between cyt c and the binary SAMs made the E^0′ shift negatively when compared with that of cyt c in solution (+0.258 V vs. NHE, i.e., +0.058 V vs. Ag|AgCl (3 M NaCl)). The fractional coverage of bound cyt c was a 0.64 theoretical monolayer. The standard electron transfer rate constant of cyt c immobilized on the binary SAMs was also higher than that on single-component SAMs of T-COOH, and the maximum value of 15.8 ± 0.6 s⁻¹ was obtained when the ratio of T-COOH to T-NH₂ in adsorption solution was at 3:2. The results suggest that the electrode modified with the binary SAMs functions better than the electrode modified with single-component SAMs of T-COOH.     

Synthesis and catalytic properties in olefin epoxidation of dioxomolybdenum(vi) complexes bearing a bidentate or tetradentate salen-type ligand

The monomeric cis-dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes [MoO₂(oep-saldpen)] and [MoO₂Cl₂(oep-H₂saldpen)], with a tetradentate [N₂(imine)O₂] and bidentate [N₂(imine)] salen-type ligand functionalised with two pyrrole derivative pendant arms [oep-H₂saldpen = 1,2-diphenylethylenebis(3-oxyethylpyrrole)salicylideneimine], were synthesised and characterised by ¹H NMR, IR and Raman spectroscopy. The solid-state structure of the free ligand oep-H₂saldpen was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Assignment of the vibrational spectra of the molybdenum complexes was supported by carrying out ab initio calculations for the possible isomers using [MoO₂(salen)] and [MoO₂Cl₂(H₂salen)] as model compounds [H₂salen = N,N′-ethylenebis(salicylideneimine)]. The oep-saldpen complexes were examined as catalysts for the epoxidation of cyclooctene, (R)-(+)-limonene, styrene, α-pinene, and cis and trans-β-methylstyrene, with tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant. Both complexes exhibited high selectivity for the epoxidation reaction, with the bis(chloro) complex being always the more active of the two.     

Preparation of new dinuclear half-titanocene complexes with ortho- and meta-xylene linkages and investigation of styrene polymerization

Half-titanocene is well-known as an excellent catalyst for the preparation of SPS (syndiotactic polystyrene) when activated with methylaluminoxane (MAO). Dinuclear half-sandwich complexes of titanium bearing a xylene bridge, (TiCl₂L)₂{(μ-η⁵, η⁵-C₅H₄-ortho-(CH₂–C₆H₄–CH₂)C₅H₄}, (4 (L = Cl), 7 (L = O-2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)) and (TiCl₂L)₂{(μ-η⁵, η⁵-C₅H₄-meta-(CH₂–C₆H₄–CH₂)C₅H₄} (5 (L = Cl), 8(L = O-2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)), have been successfully synthesized and introduced for styrene polymerization. The catalysts were characterized by ¹H- and ¹³C NMR, and elemental analysis. These catalysts were found to be effective in forming SPS in combination with MAO. The activities of the catalysts with rigid ortho- and meta-xylene bridges were higher than those of catalysts with flexible pentamethylene bridges. The catalytic activity of four dinuclear half-titanocenes increased in the order of 4 < 5 < 7 < 8. This result displays that the meta-xylene bridged catalyst is more active than the ortho-xylene bridged and that the aryloxo group at the titanium center is more effective at promoting catalyst activity compared to the chloride group at the titanium center. Temperature and ratio of [Al]:[Ti] had significant effects on catalytic activity. Polymerizations were conducted at three different temperatures (25, 40, and 70 °C) with variation in the [Al]:[Ti] ratio from 2000 to 4000. It was observed that activity of the catalysts increased with increasing temperature, as well as higher [Al]:[Ti]. Different xylene linkage patterns (ortho and meta) were recognized to be a principal factor leading to the characteristics of the dinuclear catalyst due to its different spatial arrangement, causing dissimilar intramolecular interactions between the two active sites.     

Neutron diffraction study of the β′ and γ phases of LiFeO2

The β, β′, γ and α phases of LiFeO₂, synthesized as powders, were annealed at different temperatures and characterized by X-ray measurements. The β′ and γ modifications were also studied by time-of-flight neutron diffraction (ISIS Facility, UK). The structure of the β′ phase was refined in the monoclinic C2/c space group (a=8.566(1), b=11.574(2), c=5.1970(5) Å, β=146.064(5)°) to wR_p=0.071–0.080 (data from four counter banks). Fe and Li atoms are ordered over two of the four independent sites, and partially disordered over the other two. The ordered Li has a distorted tetrahedral coordination. The γ structure was refined at RT (a=4.047(1), c=8.746(2) Å) and at 570 °C (a=4.082(3), c=8.822(6) Å) in the I4₁/amd symmetry, showing full order with Li in octahedral coordination at RT, and in a split-atom configuration at high temperature. On annealing, the β′ polymorph was found to transform to γ at 550 °C, thus suggesting that it is a metastable phase. Electrostatics is discussed as the driving force for the α→β′→γ ordering process of LiFeO₂.     

Enhancement of immune response and protection in BALB/c mice immunized with liposomal recombinant major surface glycoprotein of Leishmania (rgp63): The role of bilayer composition

Development of new generation vaccines requires adjuvants to elicit the type and intensity of immune response needed for protection. Liposomes have been shown to be an effective adjuvant formulation. In this study, the role of liposome bilayer composition with different phase transition temperature (T_c) to induce a T helper 1 (Th1) type of immune response and protection against leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice was assessed. Liposome formulations with different bilayer compositions consisting of egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC, T_c < 0 °C), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC, T_c 41 °C), or distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC, T_c 54 °C) were prepared. All liposomes were contained rgp63 as a recombinant antigen and used to immunize mice subcutaneously 3 times in 3-week intervals. Evaluation of lesion development and splenic parasite burden after challenge with L. major, evaluation of Th1 cytokine (IFN-γ) and Th2 cytokine (IL-4), and titration of IgG isotypes were carried out to assess the type of generated immune response and extent of protection. The results indicated the generated immune response in mice was influenced by the bilayer composition of liposomes, so that mice immunized with liposomes consisting of EPC induced a Th2 type of immune response while liposome consisting of DPPC or DSPC induced Th1 type of immune response. It seems that liposomes prepared with higher Tm phospholipids are suitable formulation to induce Th1 type of immune response and protection, and so might be used for further investigations to develop an effective vaccine against leishmaniasis.     

Photoinduced switching in self-assembled multilayers of azobenzene-containing ionene polycations and anionic polyelectrolytes

Ultrathin molecular assemblies of new ionene polysoaps bearing azobenzene units in the main chain and anionic polyelectrolytes have been prepared upon electrostatic layer-by-layer adsorption on charged substrates. Ionenes could be adsorbed in the trans- and cis-rich state of their azobenzene units. Use of cis-rich polymer was found to be advantageous because up to three times more material could be adsorbed per dipping cycle as from the solution of the trans polymer. Alternate irradiation with UV (<370 nm) and visible (>450 nm) light allowed to switch between the trans isomer and the cis-rich photostationary state. Photoconversion of ionenes in multilayers is lower than in solution, but higher than for multilayers of azobenzene bolaamphiphiles reported recently.     

Fabrication and properties of xBiFeO3-(1 − x)Bi4Ti3O12 system by sol–gel process

The thin films of mixture of xBiFeO₃-(1 − x)Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ (x = 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6) system were prepared by a sol–gel process. The thicknesses of the thin films were 540, 500, and 570 nm, respectively. The crystal structure of all thin films annealed at 650 °C was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. It was found that the thin films at x = 0.4 and 0.5 mainly consisted of a Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ phase while Bi₅Ti₃FeO₁₅ was the major phase of the thin film at x = 0.6. The thin film (x = 0.6) showed better ferroelectric properties in remnant polarization and polarization fatigue than those observed in the thin films (x = 0.4 and 0.5). The values of remnant polarization 2P _r and coercive field 2E c of the thin film at x = 0.6 were 36 μC/cm² and 192 kV/cm at an applied electric field of 260 kV/cm, respectively. There was almost no polarization fatigue up to 10¹⁰ switching cycles. Also weak ferromagnetism was observed in the thin film at x = 0.6.     

Olefin epoxidation catalyzed by [Ru(TDL)(tmeda)H2O] complexes (TDL = tridentate Schiff-base ligand; tmeda = tetramethylethylenediamine)

Mixed-chelate complexes of ruthenium have been synthesized using tridentate Schiff-base ligands (TDLs) derived from condensation of 2-aminophenol or 2-aminobenzoic acid with aldehydes (salicyldehyde, 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde), and tmeda (tetramethylethylenediamine). [Ru^III(hpsd)(tmeda)(H₂O)]⁺ (1), [Ru^III(hppc)(tmeda)(H₂O)]²⁺ (2), [Ru^III(cpsd)(tmeda)(H₂O)]⁺ (3) and [Ru^III(cppc)(tmeda)(H₂O)]²⁺ (4) complexes (where hpsd²⁻ = N-(hydroxyphenyl)salicylaldiminato); hppc⁻ = N-(2-hydroxyphenylpyridine-2-carboxaldiminato); cpsd²⁻ = (N-(2-carboxyphenyl)salicylaldiminato); cppc⁻ = N-2-carboxyphenylpyridine-2-carboxaldiminato) were characterized by microanalysis, spectral (IR and UV–vis), conductance, magnetic moment and electrochemical studies. Complexes 1–4 catalyzed the epoxidation of cyclohexene, styrene, 4-chlorostyrene, 4-methylstyrene, 4-methoxystyrene, 4-nitrostyrene, cis- and trans-stilbenes effectively at ambient temperature using tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) as terminal oxidant. On the basis of Hammett correlation (log k_rel vs. σ⁺) and product analysis, a mechanism involving intermediacy of a [Ru–O–OBu^t] radicaloid species is proposed for the catalytic epoxidation process.     

Driving forces in substitution reactions of octahedral complexes: The influence of the competitive effect

The reaction of cis-[RuCl₂(P–P)(N–N)] type complexes (P–P = 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane or (1,1′-diphenylphosphino)ferrocene; N–N = 2,2′-bipyridine or 1,10-phenantroline) with monodentate ligands (L), such as 4-methylpyridine, 4-phenylpyridine and benzonitrile forms [RuCl(L)(P–P)(N–N)]⁺ species. Upon characterization of the isolated compounds by elemental analysis, ³¹P{¹H} NMR and X-ray crystallography it was found out that the type of the L ligand determines its position in relation to the phosphorus atom. While pyridine derivatives like 4-methylpyridine and 4-phenylpyridine coordinate trans to the phosphorus atom, the benzonitrile ligand (bzCN), a good π acceptor, coordinates trans to the nitrogen atom. A ³¹P{¹H} NMR experiment following the reaction of the precursor cis-[RuCl₂(dppb)(phen)] with the benzonitrile ligand shows that the final position of the entering ligand in the complex is better defined as a consequence of the competitive effect between the phosphorus atom and the cyano-group from the benzonitrile moiety and not by the trans effect. In this case, the benzonitrile group is stabilized trans to one of the nitrogen atoms of the N–N ligand. A differential pulse voltammetry experiment confirms this statement. In both experiments the [RuCl(bzCN)(dppb)(phen)]PF₆ species with the bzCN ligand positioned trans to a phosphorus atom of the dppb ligand was detected as an intermediate complex.     

一种新型低带隙共轭聚合物的合成及其光学性质

在钯催化剂作用下, 通过4,7-二(5-溴-2-噻吩基)[2,1,3]苯并噻二唑与2,5-二乙炔基-3-辛基噻吩的偶联反应, 合成了一种新的共轭高分子聚4,7-二(2-噻吩基)苯并噻二唑-3-辛基噻吩二炔(PTE-DTBT). 通过紫外可见吸收光谱及荧光光谱对其光学性质进行了研究. 紫外-可见吸收谱结果表明, PTE-DTBT的固体膜光学带隙为1.71 eV; 电化学测试其带隙为1.88 eV. TiO₂/PTE-DTBT共混固体膜的荧光发射谱结果表明电子供体PTE-DTBT分子与电子受体TiO₂分子间存在有效的电子转移.     

Conductivity studies of dense yttrium-doped BaZrO3 sintered at 1325 °C

High-temperature proton conductors have wide applications in the areas of fuel cells, electrolysis and hydrogen separation. Barium zirconate-based materials are of interest due to their good stability and high protonic conductivity. The reported conductivity of these ceramic materials is generally less than 10⁻² S/cm, even at high temperatures. This is not high enough for an electrolyte-supported device to achieve an ASR of less than 0.2 Ω cm² therefore thin film electrolytes are required for successful application. As BaZrO₃-based materials have to be sintered at temperatures as high as 1700 °C, this makes it difficult to find a suitable supporting electrode which will not undergo significant chemical reaction with the BaZrO₃-based electrolyte during fabrication of the required electrode supported electrolyte. In this paper, proton-conducting BaZr_0.8Y_0.2O_2.9 was successfully sintered at 1325 °C with a relative density of 96% via addition of 1 wt% ZnO. Fabrication of electrochemical cells using proton-conducting BaZr_0.8Y_0.2O_2.9 as the electrolyte thus becomes possible. The formula of the 1 wt% ZnO added sample is Ba_0.97Zr_0.77Y_0.19Zn_0.04O_3−δ which exhibits a tetragonal structure with space group P4/mbm (127); a=5.9787(1) Å, c=4.2345(1) Å, V=151.36(1) Å³. It was found that a solid solution was formed for a limited range of Zn doping. Conductivity has been studied as a function of atmosphere (air, dry and wet 5% H₂/Ar) with the changes in bulk and grain boundary on changing atmosphere being monitored as a function of time. The total conductivity of Ba_0.97Zr_0.77Y_0.19Zn_0.04O_3–δ is 1.0×10⁻³ S/cm above 600 °C therefore it may be used as a proton-conducting thin film electrolyte for efficient electrochemical devices at such temperatures. The grain boundary resistance is insignificant at high temperature for the well-sintered sample.     

Preparation and trans–cis isomerization of azobenzene-containing TiO2/ormosils hybrid films derived at a low temperature sol–gel process for photonic applications

Azobenzene-containing TiO₂/γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and methyltrimethoxysilane hybrid films are prepared by combining a low temperature sol–gel process and a spin-coating technique. The trans–cis isomerization of azobenzene small molecules inside organic–inorganic hybrid films is induced by a photoirradiation under UV light. It is noted that below a baking temperature of 150 °C is necessary for the hybrid films in optical storage or optical switching applications. The change of the refractive index and thickness of the hybrid films with real-time heating temperature are observed by using a prism coupling technique. The structural properties of the hybrid films are also characterized and investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicate that the as-prepared hybrid films might allow directly integrating the optical storage or optical switching devices with the waveguide devices on the same chip.     

Refractive index modulation in polymeric photochromic films

Photochromic properties of methylacrylate monomers and polymers containing azobenzene groups with heterocyclic sulfonamide functionalities viz sulfisomidyne (4-amino-N-[2,6-dimethylpyrimidyn-4-yl]benzenesulfonamide) and sulfamethoxazole (4-amino-N-[5-methylisoxazol-3-yl]benzenesulfonamide) substituents were investigated. On illumination with light the azobenzene group underwent trans-cis isomerisation, which was manifested by a drop in the absorbance of the maximum absorption peak at ca. 450 nm and by decrease in refractive index. Quantum chemical calculations showed significant differences in UV-VIS spectra, dipole moments, polarizability and refractive index between both cis and trans form of the chromophoric monomers. The illumination of spin-coated polymer films during ellipsometry measurements resulted in a change in refractive index within the range of 0.014 to 0.025. The dynamics of growth and decay of refractive index changes, was described by biexponential functions approach.     

Volumetric and transport properties of binary liquid mixtures of N-methylacetamide with lactones at temperatures (303.15 to 318.15) K

The values of density (ρ), viscosity (η) and speed of sound (u) have been measured for binary liquid mixtures of γ-butyrolactone (GBL), δ-valerolactone (DVL), and ε-caprolactone (ECL) with N-methylacetamide (NMA) over the whole composition range at T = (303.15 to 318.15) K and atmospheric pressure. From these data, excess molar volume (V^E), deviation in viscosity (Δη), and deviation in isentropic compressibility (Δκ_s), are calculated. The results are fitted to a Redlich–Kister type polynomial equation to derive binary coefficients and standard deviations.     

Theoretical study of the reaction of CF3O radicals with CO

The potential energy surface for the reaction of the CF₃O radicals with CO was investigated. The geometries and vibrational frequencies of the reactants, transition states, intermediates, and products were calculated at the UB3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p), UB3LYP/6-311+G(3df,2p) and UMP2/6-311+G(2d,p) levels of theory. The energies were improved by using the G2M(CC2) and G3B3 methods. The calculation suggests the reaction proceeds via either the fluorine abstraction of CF₃O by CO to produce FCO + CF₂O with a high energy barrier or the barrierless association of the reactants to form the trans-CF₃OCO intermediate. The trans-CF₃OCO is predicted to undergo subsequent isomerization to cis-CF₃OCO or dissociate directly to the products FCO + CF₂O and CF₃ + CO₂. The collisional stabilization of trans-CF₃OCO is dominant at room temperature, while trans-CF₃OCO isomerizing to cis-CF₃OCO followed by dissociating to CF₃ + CO₂ is accessible when temperature rises. The reason for only trans-CF₃OCO without cis-CF₃OCO observable in Ashen’s experiment [S.V. Ahsen, J. Hufen, H. Willner, J.S. Francisco, Chem. Eur. J. 8 (2002) 1189] is cis-CF₃OCO can be produced only via the isomerization of trans-CF₃OCO, and its yield is inappreciable at a low experimental temperature. The enthalpies of formation for the two conformations of CF₃OCO have been deduced: (trans-CF₃OCO) = −196.25 kcal mol⁻¹, (trans-CF₃OCO) = −197.46 kcal mol⁻¹, (cis-CF₃OCO) = −193.64 kcal mol⁻¹, and (cis-CF₃OCO) = −194.90 kcal mol⁻¹.     

Allylic lithiation of methylenecyclobutanes

Methylenecyclobutanes undergo a lithiation reaction in the presence of n-BuLi or n-BuLi/KO^tBu from −78 °C to room temperature or to 40 °C in THF within 3 h and then quenching with a variety of electrophiles to give the corresponding addition products (alcohols) in moderate to good yields within 2 h. The alcohols can be easily oxidized to the ketones, which can be transformed to the substituted cyclopentenes in the presence of AlCl₃ within short reaction time.     

Self-assembly of 1D Coordination Polymers Containing Copper(I) <Emphasis Type="Italic">tert</Emphasis>-butylthiolato Clusters: Structural Characterization and Properties

Abstract  The solvothermal reactions of copper(I) tert-butylthiolate (CuS ^t Bu) with 1/3 equiv. of dppe [dppe = bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane] or bix [bix = 1,4-bis(imidalzole-1-ylmethyl)benzene] in CH₃CN led to the formation of two cluster-based coordination polymers [(CuS ^t Bu)₄(dppe)] _n (1) and [(CuS ^t Bu)₆(bix)] _n (2). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that 1 and 2 feature 1D zigzag polymeric chains which contain rare (CuS ^t Bu)₄ or (CuS ^t Bu)₆ clusters as connecting junctions and dppe or bix as linkers. The title compounds show optical transitions with band gaps of ∼3.18 eV for 1 and ∼2.81 eV for 2. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit strong photoluminescence with the peaks maximum at 603 and 629 nm respectively. Graphical Abstract  Two 1D zigzag polymers [(CuS ^t Bu)₄(dppe)] _n (1) and [(CuS ^t Bu)₆(bix)] _n (2) [dppe = bis(diphenylphosphino) ethane] or bix [bix = 1,4-bis(imidalzole-1-ylmethyl)benzene] have been synthesized by solvothermal reactions using copper(I) tert-butylthiolate CuS ^t Bu as the starting material. Compounds 1 and 2 contain rare (CuS ^t Bu)₄ and (CuS ^t Bu)₆ clusters as connecting nodes and dppe or bix as bridging ligands. The title compounds show optical transitions with band gaps of ∼3.18 eV for 1 and ∼2.81 eV for 2. Both 1 and 2 exhibit strong photoluminescence with the peak maximums at 603 and 629 nm, respectively. The 1D zigzag polymer of [(CuS ^t Bu)₆(bix)] _n (2).     

The synthesis, structure and reactivity of aldehyde substituted η-allylic complexes of molybdenum

Reaction of cis-[Mo(NCMe)₂(CO)₂(η⁵-L)][BF₄] (L=C₅H₅ or C₅Me₅) with 1-acetoxybuta-1,3-diene gives the cationic complexes [Mo{η⁴-syn-s-cis-CH₂CHCHCH(OAc)}(CO)₂(η⁵-L)][BF₄], which, on reaction with aqueous NaHCO₃/CH₂Cl₂, afford good yields of the anti-aldehyde substituted complexes [Mo{η³-exo-anti-CH₂CHCH(CHO)}(CO)₂(η⁵-L)] 2 (L=C₅Me₅), 4 (L=C₅H₅)]. The corresponding η⁵-indenyl substituted complex 5 was prepared by protonation (HBF₄·OEt₂) of [Mo(η³-C₃H₅)(CO)₂(η⁵-C₉H₇)] followed by addition of CH₂=CHCH=CH(OAc) and hydrolysis (aq. NaHCO₃/CH₂Cl₂). An X-ray crystallographic study of complex 2 confirmed the structure and showed that there is a contribution from a zwitterionic form involving donation of electron density from the molybdenum to the aldehyde carbonyl group. Treatment of 2 and 4, in methanol solution, with NaBH₄ afforded the alcohols [Mo{η³-exo-anti-CH₂CHCHCH₂(OH)}(CO)₂(η⁵-L)] [6 (L=C₅H₅), 8 (L=C₅Me₅)]; however, prolonged (30 h) reaction with NaBH₄/MeOH surprisingly gave good yields of the methoxy-substituted complexes [Mo{η³-exo-anti-CH₂CHCHCH₂(OMe)}(CO)₂(η⁵-L)] [7 (L=C₅H₅), 9 (L=C₅Me₅)], the structure of 7 being confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography. This methoxylation reaction can be explained by coordination of the hydroxyl group present in 6 and 8 onto B₂H₆ to form the potential leaving group HOBH₃⁻, which on ionisation affords [Mo(η⁴-exo-buta-1-3-diene)(CO)₂(η⁵-L)]⁺ which is captured by reaction with OMe⁻. Complex 8 is also formed in good yield on reaction of 2 with HBF₄·OEt₂ followed by treatment of the resulting cation [Mo{η⁴-exo-s-cis-syn-CH₂CHCHCH(OH)}(CO)₂(η⁵-C₅Me₅)][BF₄] with Na[BH₃CN]. Reaction of 4 with the Grignard reagents MeMgI, EtMgBr or PhMgCl afforded moderate yields of the alcohols [Mo{η³-exo-anti-CH₂CHCHCH(OH)R}(CO)₂(η⁵-C₅H₅)] [11 (R=Me), 12 (R=Et), 13 (R=Ph)]. Similarly, treatment of 2 with MeLi gave the corresponding alcohol 14. An attempt to carry out the Oppenauer oxidation [Al(OPr′)₃/Me₂CO] of 11 resulted in an elimination reaction and the formation of the η³-s-pentadienyl complex [Mo{η³-exo-anti-CH₂CHCH(CHCH₂)}(CO)₂(η⁵-C₅H₅)], which was structurally identified by X-ray crystallography. Interestingly, oxidation of 6 with [Bu₄ⁿN][RuO₄]/morpholine-N-oxide affords the aldehyde complex, 4 in good yield. Finally, reaction of 11 with [NO][BF₄] followed by addition of Na₂CO₃ affords the fur-3-ene complex [Mo{η²-

(H)Me}(CO)(NO)(η⁵-C₅H₅)].