Facile access to the pnictocenium ions [Cp*ECl]+ (E = P, As) and [(Cp*)2P]+: chloride ion affinity of Al(OR(F))3

The pnictocenium salts [Cp*PCl]⁺[μCl]^? ( 1 a ), [Cp*PCl]⁺[ClAl(OR^F)₃]^? ( 1 b ), [Cp*AsCl]⁺[ClAl(OR^F)₃]^? ( 2 ), and [(Cp*)₂P]⁺[μCl]^? ( 3 ), in which Cp*=Me₅C₅, μCl=(^FRO)₃Al? Cl? Al(OR^F)₃, and OR^F=OC(CF₃)₃, were prepared by halide abstraction from the respective halopnictines with the Lewis superacid PhF→Al(OR^F)₃. 1 The X‐ray crystal structures of 1 a , 2 , and 3 established that in the half as well as in the sandwich cations the Cp* rings are attached in an η²‐fashion. By using one or two equivalents of the Lewis acid, the two new weakly coordinating anions [μCl]^? and [ClAl(OR^F)₃]^? resulted. They also stabilize the highly reactive cations in PhF or 1,2‐F₂C₆H₄ solution at room temperature. The chloride ion affinities (CIAs) of a range of classical strong Lewis acids were also investigated. The calculations are based on a set of isodesmic BP86/SV(P) reactions and a non‐isodesmic reference reaction assessed at the G3MP2 level.     

Univalent Gallium and Indium Phosphane Complexes: From Pyramidal M(PPh3)3+ to Carbene‐Analogous Bent M(PtBu3)2+ (M=Ga,In) Complexes

In a new oxidative route, Ag⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^? (R^F=C(CF₃)₃) and metallic indium were sonicated in aromatic solvents, such as fluorobenzene (PhF), to give a precipitate of silver metal and highly soluble [In(PhF)_n]⁺ salts (n=2, 3) with the weakly coordinating [Al(OR^F)₄]^? anion in quantitative yield. The In⁺ salt and the known analogous Ga⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^? were used to synthesize a series of homoleptic PR₃ phosphane complexes [M(PR₃)_n]⁺, that is, the weakly PPh₃‐bridged [(Ph₃P)₃In–(PPh₃)–In(PPh₃)₃]²⁺ that essentially contains two independent [In(PPh₃)₃]⁺ cations or, with increasing bulk of the phosphane, the carbene‐analogous [M(PtBu₃)₂]⁺ (M=Ga, In) cations. The M^I? P distances are 27 to 29 pm longer for indium, and thus considerably longer than the difference between their tabulated radii (18 pm). The structure, formation, and frontier orbitals of these complexes were investigated by calculations at the BP86/SV(P), B3LYP/def2‐TZVPP, MP2/def2‐TZVPP, and SCS‐MP2/def2‐TZVPP levels.     

Homoleptic Gold Acetonitrile Complexes with Medium to Very Weakly Coordinating Counterions: Effect on Aurophilicity?

A series of gold acetonitrile complexes [Au(NCMe)₂]⁺[WCA]^? with weakly coordinating counterions (WCAs) was synthesized by the reaction of elemental gold and nitrosyl salts [NO]⁺[WCA]^? in acetonitrile ([WCA]^? = [GaCl₄]^?, [B(CF₃)₄]^?, [Al(OR^F)₄]^?; R^F = C(CF₃)₃). In the crystal structures, the [Au(NCMe)₂]⁺ units appeared as monomers, dimers, or chains. A clear correlation between the aurophilicity and the coordinating ability of counterions was observed, with more strongly coordinating WCAs leading to stronger aurophilic contacts (distances, C?N stretching frequencies of [Au(NCMe)₂]⁺ units). An attempt to prepare [Au(L)₂]⁺ units, even with less weakly basic solvents like CH₂Cl₂, led to decomposition of the [Al(OR^F)₄]^? anion and formation of [NO(CH₂Cl₂)₂]⁺[F(Al(OR^F)₃)₂]^?. All nitrosyl reagents [NO]⁺[WCA]^? were generated according to an optimized procedure and were thoroughly characterized by Raman and NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, the to date unknown species [NO]⁺[B(CF₃)₃CN]^? was prepared. Its reaction with gold unexpectedly produced [Au(NCMe)₂]⁺[Au(NCB(CF₃)₃)₂]^?, in which the cyanoborate counterion acts as an anionic ligand itself. Interestingly, the auroborate anion [Au(NCB(CF₃)₃)₂]^? behaves as a weakly coordinating counterion, which becomes evident from the crystallographic data and the vibrational spectral characteristics of the [Au(NCMe)₂]⁺ cation in this complex. Ligand exchange in the only room temperature stable salt of this series, [Au(NCMe)₂]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^?, is facile and, for example, [Au(PPh₃)(NCMe)]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^? can be selectively generated. This reactivity opens the possibility to generate various [AuL¹L²]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^? salts through consecutive ligand‐exchange reactions that offer access to a huge variety of Au^I complexes for gold catalysis.     

[Ni(cod)2][Al(ORF)4], a Source for Naked Nickel(I) Chemistry

The straightforward synthesis of the cationic, purely organometallic Ni^I salt [Ni(cod)₂]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]⁻ was realized through a reaction between [Ni(cod)₂] and Ag[Al(OR^F)₄] (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene). Crystal‐structure analysis and EPR, XANES, and cyclic voltammetry studies confirmed the presence of a homoleptic Ni^I olefin complex. Weak interactions between the metal center, the ligands, and the anion provide a good starting material for further cationic Ni^I complexes.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Physical Property of Sterically Unprotected Thiophene/Phenylene Co‐Oligomer Radical Cations: A Conductive π–π Bonded Supermolecular meso‐Helix

Sterically unprotected thiophene/phenylene co‐oligomer radical cation salts BPnT^.+[Al(OR_F)₄]^? (OR_F=OC(CF₃)₃, n=1–3) have been successfully synthesized. These newly synthesized salts have been characterized by UV/Vis‐NIR absorption and EPR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Their conductivity increases with chain length. The formed meso‐helical stacking by cross‐overlapping radical cations of BP2T^.+ is distinct from previously reported face‐to‐face overlaps of sterically protected (co‐)oligomer radical cations.     

Ethyl‐Zinc(II)‐Cation Equivalents: Synthesis and Hydroamination Catalysis

Ion‐like ethylzinc(II) compounds with weakly coordinating aluminates [Al(OR^F)₄]^? and [(R^FO)₃Al‐F‐Al(OR^F)₃]^? (R^F=C(CF₃)₃) were synthesized in a one‐pot reaction and fully characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, NMR and vibrational spectroscopy, and by quantum chemical calculations. The catalytic activity of ion‐like Et‐Zn[Al(OR^F)₄] in intermolecular hydroamination and in the unusual double hydroamination of anilines and alkynes was investigated. Favorable performance was also found in comparison to the Et₂Zn/ [PhNMe₂H]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]^? system generated in situ at lower catalyst loadings of 2.5 mol %.     

Aluminum(III) Cations [(NHC) ⋅ AlMes2]+: Synthesis,Characterization, and Application in FLP-Chemistry

The three-coordinate aluminum cations ligated by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) [(NHC) ⋅ AlMes₂]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ (NHC=IMe^Me 4 , IiPr^Me 5 , IiPr 6 , Mes=2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) were prepared via hydride abstraction of the alanes (NHC) ⋅ AlHMes₂ (NHC=IMe^Me 1 , IiPr^Me 2 , IiPr 3 ) using [Ph₃C]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ in toluene as hydride acceptor. If this reaction was performed in diethyl ether, the corresponding four-coordinate aluminum etherate cations [(NHC) ⋅ AlMes₂(OEt₂)]⁺ [B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ 7 – 9 (NHC=IMe^Me 7 , IiPr^Me 8 , IiPr 9 ) were isolated. According to a theoretical and experimental assessment of the Lewis-acidity of the [(IMe^Me) ⋅ AlMes₂]⁺ cation is the acidity larger than that of B(C₆F₅)₃ and of similar magnitude as reported for Al(C₆F₅)₃. The reaction of [(IMe^Me) ⋅ AlMes₂]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ 4 with the sterically less demanding, basic phosphine PMe₃ afforded a mixed NHC/phosphine stabilized cation [(IMe^Me) ⋅ AlMes₂(PMe₃)]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ 10 . Equimolar mixtures of 4 and the sterically more demanding PCy₃ gave a frustrated Lewis-pair (FLP), i.e., [(IMe^Me) ⋅ AlMes₂]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻/PCy₃ FLP-11 , which reacts with small molecules such as CO₂, ethene, and 2-butyne.     

Stack by Stack: From the Free Cyclopentadienylgermanium Cation Via Heterobimetallic Main-Group Sandwiches to Main-Group Sandwich Coordination Polymers

Heterobimetallic cationic sandwich complexes [M(μ-Cp)M′Cp]⁺ of group 13 (M=Ga, In) and group 14 (M′=Ge, Sn) elements have been prepared as [WCA]⁻ salts (WCA=Al(OR^F)₄; OR^F=OC(CF₃)₃). Their molecular structures include free apical gallium or indium atoms. The sandwich complexes were formed in the reactions of [M(HMB)]⁺[WCA]⁻ (HMB=C₆Me₆) with the free metallocenes [M′Cp₂]. Their structures are related to known stannocene and stannocenium salts; the unprecedented germanium analogues, namely the free germanocenium cation [GeCp]⁺ and the corresponding triple-decker complex cation [CpGe(μ-Cp)GeCp]⁺, are described herein. By variation of the reaction conditions, these sandwich complexes can be transformed into the group 13/14 mixed cationic coordination polymer [{In(HMB)(μ-SnCp₂)}_n][WCA]_n. This polymeric chain motif was also successfully replicated by the synthesis of complexes [{Ga/In(HMB)(μ-FeCp₂)}_n][WCA]_n containing FeCp₂ as a bridging ligand.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Application of Two Al(ORF)3 Lewis Superacids

We report herein the synthesis and full characterization of the donor‐free Lewis superacids Al(OR^F)₃ with OR^F=OC(CF₃)₃ ( 1 ) and OC(C₅F₁₀)C₆F₅ ( 2 ), the stabilization of 1 as adducts with the very weak Lewis bases PhF, 1,2‐F₂C₆H₄, and SO₂, as well as the internal C? F activation pathway of 1 leading to Al₂(F)(OR^F)₅ ( 4 ) and trimeric [FAl(OR^F)₂]₃ ( 5 , OR^F=OC(CF₃)₃). Insights have been gained from NMR studies, single‐crystal structure determinations, and DFT calculations. The usefulness of these Lewis acids for halide abstractions has been demonstrated by reactions with trityl chloride (NMR; crystal structures). The trityl salts allow the introduction of new, heteroleptic weakly coordinating [Cl‐Al(OR^F)₃]^? anions, for example, by hydride or alkyl abstraction reactions.     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Gallium(I) and Indium(I) Cations Coordinated by Pentamethylethylenediamine

Herein we report on the facile access to a Ga^I and In^I complex salt of pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDTA) with the weakly coordinating counterion [Al(OR^F)₄]^– [R^F = C(CF₃)₃]. Thus, the low temperature reaction of [M(PhF)₂]⁺ (M = Ga, In) solutions in 1,2-F₂C₆H₄ (oDFB) with PMDTA yielded the title compounds M(PMDTA)⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^– (M = Ga 1 , in 2 ) in non-optimized yields. Both compounds are highly sensitive towards air and moisture, have a rather limited lifetime at room temperature, but were structurally characterized.     

Group 6 Hexacarbonyls as Ligands for the Silver Cation: Syntheses,Characterization, and Analysis of the Bonding Compared with the Isoelectronic Group 5 Hexacarbonylates

The syntheses of the two novel complexes [Ag{Mo/W(CO)₆}₂]⁺[F-{Al(OR^F)₃}₂]⁻ (R^F=C(CF₃)₃) are reported along with their structural and spectroscopic characterization. The X-ray structure shows that three carbonyl ligands from each M(CO)₆ fragment bend towards the silver atom within binding Ag−C distance range. DFT calculations of the free cations [Ag{M(CO)₆}₂]⁺ (M=Cr, Mo, W) in the electronic singlet state give equilibrium structures with C₂ symmetry with two bridging carbonyl groups from each hexacarbonyl ligand. Similar structures with C₂ symmetry (M=Nb) and D₂ symmetry (M=V, Ta) are calculated for the isoelectronic group 5 anions [Ag{M(CO)₆}₂]⁻ (M=V, Nb, Ta). The electronic structure of the cations is analyzed with the QTAIM and EDA-NOCV methods, which provide detailed information about the nature of the chemical bonds between Ag⁺ and the {M(CO)₆}₂^q (q = −2, M = V, Nb, Ta; q = 0, M = Cr, Mo, W) ligands.     

The [(NHC)B(H)C6F5]+ Cations and Their [B](H)−CO Borane Carbonyls

Hydride abstraction from the heterocyclic carbene borane adducts (NHC)BH₂C₆F₅ (NHC: IMes or IMe₄) gave the B−H containing [(NHC)B(H)C₆F₅]⁺ borenium cations. They added carbon monoxide to give the respective [(NHC)B(H)(C₆F₅)CO]⁺ boron carbonyl cations. Carbon nucleophiles add to the boron carbonyl to give [B](H) acyls. Hydride reduced the [B]CO cation to hydroxymethylborane derivatives.     

Finally Stable and Homoleptic: Isolation and Characterization of {Cu[Fe(CO)5]2}+ Stabilized with Perfluoroalkoxyaluminate Anion, [Al(OC(CF3)3)4]−

Developments in the chemistry of weakly coordinating anions enabled isolation of numerous unique metal complexes with unusual ligands. An important example is the family of metal-Fe(CO)₅ complexes. In the current paper we present synthesis and thorough characterization of the first truly homoleptic {Cu[Fe(CO)₅]₂}⁺ cation obtained as a salt of weakly coordinating [Al(OR^F)₄]⁻ (R^F=C(CF₃)₃) anion. TGA/DSC/MS study show that its decomposition becomes noticeable only above 110 °C, thus it can be stored as powder in air-free conditions for months. The crystal structure of {Cu[Fe(CO)₅]₂}⁺ shows strong asymmetry of the cation and very short Cu-CO bonds in comparison to analogous {M[Fe(CO)₅]₂}⁺ where M=Ag or Au. Characterization is complemented with analysis of vibrational spectra and extensive DFT calculations which give insight into the energetics of Cu⁺-Fe(CO)₅ systems. Our results show that {Cu[Fe(CO)₅]₂}⁺ is homoleptic only as salt of [Al(OR^F)₄]⁻. Furthermore, in the presence of additional, even weakly basic ligands, the Cu⁺-Fe(CO)₅ bond strength decreases what may contribute to the complex's instability in liquid SO₂ or in the presence of [SbF₆]⁻. These conclusions point at the key role of selection of proper anion and solvent in stabilization of these types of complexes.     

Dynamics and counterion-dependence of the structures of weakly bound Ag+-P4S3 complexes

In an earlier publication (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002 , 124, 7111) we showed that polymeric cationic [Ag(P₄S₃)_n]⁺ complexes (n=1, 2) are accessible if partnered with a suitable weakly coordinating counterion of the type [Al(OR^F)₄]^? (OR^F: poly‐ or perfluorinated alkoxide). The present work addresses the following questions that could not be answered in the initial report: How many P₄S₃ cages can be bound to a Ag⁺ ion? Why are these complexes completely dynamic in solution in the ³¹P NMR experiments? Can these dynamics be frozen out in a low‐temperature ³¹P MAS NMR experiment? What are the principal binding sites of the P₄S₃ cage towards the Ag⁺ ion? What are likely other isomers on the [Ag(P₄S₃)_n]⁺ potential energy surface? Counterion influence: Reactions of P₄S₃ with Ag[Al{OC(CH₃)(CF₃)₂}₄] (Ag[hftb]) and Ag[{(CF₃)₃CO}₃Al‐F‐Al{OC(CF₃)₃)}₃] (Ag[al‐f‐al]) gave [(P₄S₃)Ag[hftb]]_∞ ( 7 ) as a molecular species, whereas [Ag₂(P₄S₃)₆]²⁺[al‐f‐al]^?₂ ( 8 ) is an isolated 2:1 salt. We suggest that a maximum of three P₄S₃ cages may be bound on average to an Ag⁺ ion. Only isolated dimeric dications are formed with the largest cation, but polymeric species are obtained with all other smaller aluminates. Thermodynamic Born–Haber cycles, DFT calculations, as well as solution NMR and ESI mass spectrometry indicate that 8 exhibits an equilibrium between the dication [Ag₂(P₄S₃)₆]²⁺ (in the solid state) and two [Ag(P₄S₃)₃]⁺ monocations (in the gas phase and in solution). Dynamics: ³¹P MAS NMR spectroscopy showed these solid adducts to be highly dynamic, to an extent that the ²J_P,P coupling within the cages could be resolved (J‐res experiment). This is supported by DFT calculations, which show that the extended PES of [Ag(P₄S₃)_n]⁺ (n=1–3) and [Ag₂(P₄S₃)₂]⁺ is very flat. The structures of α‐ and γ‐P₄S₃ were redetermined. Their variable‐temperature ³¹P MAS NMR spectra are discussed jointly with those of all four currently known [Ag(P₄S₃)_n]⁺ adducts with n=1, 2, and 3.     

Heteronukleare Komplexverbindungen mit Metall—Metall-Bindungen. IX [1]. Amin-kupfer(I)-carbonylmetallate mit Cobalt,Eisen oder Mangan

Heteronuclear Coordination Compounds with Metal—Metal Bonds. IX. Amine Copper(I) Carbonyl Metalates with Cobalt, Iron, or Manganese Colourless crystals of the carbonyl copper complex [(NH₃)₃(CO)Cu][Co(CO)₄] ( 1 a ) are formed in the reaction of [Cu(NH₃)₄]Cl and Na[Co(CO)₄] (T < ? 8°C, p_CO = 1 bar); above ?5°C and under N₂-atmosphere 1 a converts to [(NH₃)₂CuCo(CO)₄] ( C ), which serves as a starting material for the synthesis of new copper cobaltates: the amines N-amino piperidine, N,N-dimethyl ethylenediamine (dmed) and N-benzyl N,N′-dimethyl ethylenediamine (bn-dmed) replace NH₃ to form [(C₅H₁₀N? NH₂)₃CuCo(CO)₄] ( 1 b ), [(dmed)CuCo(CO)₄] ( 1 c ), [(bn-dmed)CuCo(CO)₄] ( 1 d ) the Cu? Co-bond remaining intact. [(NH₃)₂CuFe(CO)₃NO] ( 2 a ) is isosteric with C ; it is synthesized from [Cu(NH₃)₄]Cl and Na[Fe(CO)₃NO] in aqueous solution; 2 a reacts with N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl ethylenediamine (tmed) to form [(tmed)(NH₃)CuFe(CO)₃NO] ( 2b ). The [Mn(CO)₅]^? ion reacts with ammine copper ions to form the tetranuclear cluster [{(NH₃)CuMn(CO)₅}₂] ( 3 ). All new compounds have been investigated by X-ray structure analysis.     

Protonation of γ-Butyrolactone and γ-Butyrolactam

Abstract : γ-Butyrolactone and γ-butyrolactam were reacted in the superacidic systems XF/MF₅ (X=H, D; M=As, Sb). Salts of the monoprotonated species of γ-butyrolactone were obtained in terms of [(CH₂)₃OCOH]⁺[AsF₆]⁻, [(CH₂)₃OCOH]⁺[SbF₆]⁻ and [(CH₂)₃OCOD]⁺[AsF₆]⁻ and the analogous lactam salts in terms of [(CH₂)₃NHCOH]⁺[AsF₆]⁻, [(CH₂)₃NHCOH]⁺[SbF₆]⁻ and [(CH₂)₃NDCOD]⁺[AsF₆]⁻. The salts were characterized by low temperature Raman and infrared spectroscopy and for both protonated hexafluoridoarsenates, [(CH₂)₃OCOH]⁺[AsF₆]⁻ and [(CH₂)₃NHCOH]⁺[AsF₆]⁻, single-crystal X-ray structure analyses were conducted. In addition to the experimental results, quantum chemical calculations were performed on the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. As in both crystal structures C⋅⋅⋅F contacts were observed, the nature of these contacts is discussed with Mapped Electrostatic Potential as a rate of strength.     

From Ion‐Like Ethylzinc Aluminates to [EtZn(arene)2]+[Al(ORF)4]− Salts

Attempts to prepare previously unknown simple and very Lewis acidic [RZn]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^? salts from ZnR₂, AlR₃, and HO?R^F delivered the ion‐like RZn(Al(OR^F)₄) (R=Me, Et; R^F=C(CF₃)₃) with a coordinated counterion, but never the ionic compound. Increasing the steric bulk in RZn⁺ to R=CH₂CMe₃, CH₂SiMe₃, or Cp*, thus attempting to induce ionization, failed and led only to reaction mixtures including anion decomposition. However, ionization of the ion‐like EtZn(Al(OR^F)₄) compound with arenes yielded the [EtZn(arene)₂]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^? salts with arene=toluene, mesitylene, or o‐difluorobenzene (o‐DFB)/toluene. In contrast to the ion‐like EtZn(η³‐C₆H₆)(CHB₁₁Cl₁₁), which co‐crystallizes with one benzene molecule, the less coordinating nature of the [Al(OR^F)₄]^? anion allowed the ionization and preparation of the purely organometallic [EtZn(arene)₂]⁺ cation. These stable materials have further applications as, for example, initiators of isobutene polymerization. DFT calculations to compare the Lewis acidities of the zinc cations to those of a large number of organometallic cations were performed on the basis of fluoride ion affinity. The complexation energetics of EtZn⁺ with arenes and THF was assessed and related to the experiments.     

Altering Charges on Heterobimetallic Transition-Metal Carbonyl Clusters

The homoleptic group 5 carbonylates [M(CO)₆]⁻ (M=Nb, Ta) serve as ligands in carbonyl-terminated heterobimetallic Ag_mM_n clusters containing 3 to 11 metal atoms. Based on our serendipitous [Ag₆{Nb(CO)₆}₄]²⁺ ( 4 a ²⁺) precedent, we established access to such Ag_mM_n clusters of the composition [Ag_m{M(CO)₆}_n]^x (M=Nb, Ta; m=1, 2, 6; n=2, 3, 4, 5; x=1−, 1+, 2+). Salts of those molecular cluster ions were synthesized by the reaction of [NEt₄][M(CO)₆] and Ag[Al(OR^F)₄] (R^F=C(CF₃)₃) in the correct stoichiometry in 1,2,3,4-tetrafluorobenzene at −35 °C. The solid-state structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods and, owing to the thermal instability of the clusters, a limited scope of spectroscopic methods. In addition, DFT-based AIM calculations were performed to provide an understanding of the bonding within these clusters. Apparently, the clusters 3 ⁺ (m=6, n=5) and 4 ²⁺ (m=6, n=4) are superatom complexes with trigonal-prismatic or octahedral Ag₆ superatom cores. The [M(CO)₆]⁻ ions then bind through three CO units as tridentate chelate ligands to the superatom core, giving overall structures related to tetrahedral AX₄ ( 4 ²⁺) or trigonal bipyramidal AX₅ molecules ( 3 ⁺).     

A Highly Lewis Acidic Strontium ansa-Arene Complex for Lewis Acid Catalysis and Isobutylene Polymerization

The potential of a dicationic strontium ansa-arene complex for Lewis acid catalysis has been explored. The key to its synthesis was a simple salt metathesis from SrI₂ and 2 Ag[Al(OR^F)₄], giving the base-free strontium-perfluoroalkoxyaluminate Sr[Al(OR^F)₄]₂ (OR^F=OC(CF₃)₃). Addition of an ansa-arene yielded the highly Lewis acidic, dicationic strontium ansa-arene complex. In preliminary experiments, the complex was successfully applied as a catalyst in CO₂-reduction to CH₄ and a surprisingly controlled isobutylene polymerization reaction.     

Coordination Chemistry of P4S3 and P4Se3 towards the Iron Fragments [Fe(Cp)(CO)2]+ and [Fe(Cp)(PPh3)(CO)]+

The complexes Ag(L)_n[WCA] (L=P₄S₃, P₄Se₃, As₄S₃, and As₄S₄; [WCA]=[Al(OR^F)₄]⁻ and [F{Al(OR^F)₃}₂]⁻; R^F=C(CF₃)₃; WCA=weakly coordinating anion) were tested for their performance as ligand-transfer reagents to transfer the poorly soluble nortricyclane cages P₄S₃, P₄Se₃, and As₄S₃ as well as realgar As₄S₄ to different transition-metal fragments. As₄S₄ and As₄S₃ with the poorest solubility did not yield complexes. However, the more soluble silver-coordinated P₄S₃ and P₄Se₃ cages were transferred to the electron-poor Fp⁺ moiety ([CpFe(CO)₂]⁺). Thus, reaction of the silver salt in the presence of the ligand with Fp−Br yielded [Fp−P₄S₃][Al(OR^F)₄] ( 1 a ), [Fp−P₄S₃][F(Al(OR^F)₃)₂] ( 1 b ), and [Fp−P₄Se₃][Al(OR^F)₄] ( 2 ). Reactions with P₄S₃ also yielded [FpPPh₃−P₄S₃][Al(OR^F)₄] ( 3 ), a complex with the more electron-rich monophosphine-substituted Fp⁺ analogue [FpPPh₃]⁺ ([CpFe(PPh₃)(CO)]⁺). All complex salts were characterized by single-crystal XRD, NMR, Raman, and IR spectroscopy. Interestingly, they show characteristic blueshifts of the vibrational modes of the cage, as well as structural contractions of the cages upon coordination to the Fp/FpPPh₃ moieties, which oppose the typically observed cage expansions that lead to redshifts in the spectra. Structure, bonding, and thermodynamics were investigated by DFT calculations, which support the observed cage contractions. Its reason is assigned to σ and π donation from the slightly P−P and P−E antibonding P₄E₃-cage HOMO (e symmetry) to the metal acceptor fragment.