A 1,1‐Carboboration Route to Bora‐Nazarov Systems

Hydroboration of the conjugated enynes 1 a and 1 b with Piers’ borane [HB(C₆F₅)₂] gave the respective dienylboranes trans‐ 2 c and trans‐ 2 d . Their photolysis resulted in the formation of the dihydroborole products 3 c and 3 d . Both were converted to their pyridine adducts 5 c and 5 d , respectively. Compounds 3 c and 5 c,d were characterized by X‐ray diffraction. The reaction of the bis(enynyl)boranes 6 a and 6 b with B(C₆F₅)₃ resulted in the formation of the dihydroboroles 7 a and 7 b , respectively. This reaction is thought to proceed by 1,1‐carboboration of one of the enynyl substituents at boron to generate the dienylborane intermediates 8 a / 8 b , followed by thermally induced bora‐Nazarov ring‐closure and subsequent stabilizing 1,2‐pentafluorophenyl group migration from boron to carbon. Compound 7 a was characterized by X‐ray diffraction and solid‐state ¹¹B NMR spectroscopy.     

Exploring the Limits of Frustrated Lewis Pair Chemistry with Alkynes: Detection of a System that Favors 1,1‐Carboboration over Cooperative 1,2‐P/B‐Addition

The zirconocene complex [{(C₆F₅)₂B‐(CH₂)₃‐Cp}(Cp‐PtBu₂)ZrCl₂] ( 6 ; Cp=cyclo‐C₅H₄) was prepared by hydroboration of [(allyl‐Cp)(Cp‐PtBu₂)ZrCl₂] ( 5 ) with HB(C₆F₅)₂ (“Piers’ borane”). It represents a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) in which both the Lewis acid and the Lewis base were attached at the metallocene framework. Its reaction with 1‐pentyne did not result in the 1,2‐addition of or deprotonation reaction by the FLP, but rather in the 1,1‐carboboration of the triple bond, thereby obtaining a Z/E mixture (1.2:1) of the respective organometallic substituted alkenes 7 . The analogous reaction of 1‐pentyne with the phosphorous‐free system [{(C₆F₅)₂B‐(CH₂)₃‐Cp)}CpZrCl₂] ( 9 ) gave the respective 1,1‐carboboration products ( Z‐10 / E‐10 ≈1.3:1).     

Unusual Pathway Taken in the Reaction of Bis(alkynyl)diisopropylaminoboranes with B(C6F5)3

The bis(alkynyl)diisopropyl‐aminoboranes 7 were prepared by treatment of iPr₂NBCl₂ with two molar equivalents of 1‐pentynyl lithium or lithium phenylacetylenide, respectively. Their reaction with one molar equivalent of B(C₆F₅)₃ resulted in the formation of the 1,1‐carboboration products 8 that were subsequently stabilized by adduct formation ( 9 ) with tert‐butyl isocyanide. Thermolysis of 8a (R=nPr) proceeded with hydride transfer from a N‐isopropyl substituent to the distal carbon atom of the remaining pentynyl unit at boron to give the zwitterionic five‐membered heterocyclic product 10a in good yield. The analogous product 10b (R=Ph) was obtained upon photolysis of 8b . The compounds 7b , 9b , 10a , and 10b were characterized by X‐ray crystal structure analysis.     

Preparation of Dithienylphospholes by 1,1‐Carboboration

In this study the scope of the 1,1‐carboboration reaction was extended to the preparation of mixed heterole‐based conjugated π‐systems. Two arylbis(alkynyl)phosphane starting materials 2 were synthesized bearing two thiophene isomers at the alkyne units and the bulky tipp‐substituent (tipp=2,4,6‐triisopropylphenyl) at the phosphorous atom. The bis(thienylethynyl)phosphanes 2 were converted into the corresponding 2,5‐thienyl‐substituted 3‐borylphospholes 4 in a double 1,1‐carboboration reaction sequence employing the strongly electrophilic B(C₆F₅)₃ reagent under mild reaction conditions. Subsequent Suzuki–Miyaura type cross‐coupling yielded the corresponding 3‐phenylphospholes 7 in a one‐pot procedure from phosphanes 2 in high yields. Phospholes 7 were converted into the respective phosphole oxides 8 . A photophysical characterization of derivatives 7 and 8 was carried out. The results presented here demonstrate the suitability of the 1,1‐carboboration reaction for the preparation of phosphole‐/thiophene‐based, light‐emitting systems.     

Cyclisation versus 1,1‐Carboboration: Reactions of B(C6F5)3 with Propargyl Amides

A series of propargyl amides were prepared and their reactions with the Lewis acidic compound B(C₆F₅)₃ were investigated. These reactions were shown to afford novel heterocycles under mild conditions. The reaction of a variety of N‐substituted propargyl amides with B(C₆F₅)₃ led to an intramolecular oxo‐boration cyclisation reaction, which afforded the 5‐alkylidene‐4,5‐dihydrooxazolium borate species. Secondary propargyl amides gave oxazoles in B(C₆F₅)₃ mediated (catalytic) cyclisation reactions. In the special case of disubstitution adjacent to the nitrogen atom, 1,1‐carboboration is favoured as a result of the increased steric hindrance (1,3‐allylic strain) in the 5‐alkylidene‐4,5‐dihydrooxazolium borate species.     

The B(C6F5)3 Boron Lewis Acid Route to Arene‐Annulated Pentalenes

4,5‐Dimethyl‐1,2‐bis(1‐naphthylethynyl)benzene ( 12 ) undergoes a rapid multiple ring‐closure reaction upon treatment with the strong boron Lewis acid B(C₆F₅)₃ to yield the multiply annulated, planar conjugated π‐system 13 (50 % yield). In the course of this reaction, a C₆F₅ group was transferred from boron to carbon. Treatment of 12 with CH₃B(C₆F₅)₂ proceeded similarly, giving a mixture of 13 (C₆F₅‐transfer) and the product 15 , which was formed by CH₃‐group transfer. 1,2‐Bis(phenylethynyl)benzene ( 8 a ) reacts similarly with CH₃B(C₆F₅)₂ to yield a mixture of the respective C₆F₅‐ and CH₃‐substituted dibenzopentalenes 10 a and 16 . The reaction is thought to proceed through zwitterionic intermediates that exhibit vinyl cation reactivities. Some B(C₆F₅)₃‐substituted species ( 26 , 27 ) consequently formed by in situ deprotonation upon treatment of the respective 1,2‐bis(alkynyl)benzene starting materials ( 24 , 8 ) with the frustrated Lewis pair B(C₆F₅)₃/P(o‐tolyl)₃. The overall formation of the C₆F₅‐substituted products formally require HB(C₆F₅)₂ cleavage in an intermediate dehydroboration step. This was confirmed in the reaction of a thienylethynyl‐containing starting material 21 with B(C₆F₅)₃, which gave the respective annulated pentalene product 23 that had the HB(C₆F₅)₂ moiety 1,4‐added to its thiophene ring. Compounds 12 – 14 , 23 , and 26 were characterized by X‐ray diffraction.     

Characterization of the Zwitterionic Intermediate in 1,1‐Carboboration of Alkynes

The reaction of a Lewis acidic borane with an alkyne is a key step in a diverse range of main group transformations. Alkyne 1,1‐carboboration, the Wrackmeyer reaction, is an archetypal transformation of this kind. 1,1‐Carboboration has been proposed to proceed through a zwitterionic intermediate. We report the isolation and spectroscopic, structural and computational characterization of the zwitterionic intermediates generated by reaction of B(C₆F₅)₃ with alkynes. The stepwise reactivity of the zwitterion provides new mechanistic insight for 1,1‐carboboration and wider B(C₆F₅)₃ catalysis. Making use of intramolecular stabilization by a ferrocene substituent, we have characterized the zwitterionic intermediate in the solid state and diverted reactivity towards alkyne cyclotrimerization.     

Ditopic halogen bonding with bipyrimidines and activated pyrimidines

The potential of pyrimidines to serve as ditopic halogen‐bond acceptors is explored. The halogen‐bonded cocrystals formed from solutions of either 5,5′‐bipyrimidine (C₈H₆N₄) or 1,2‐bis(pyrimidin‐5‐yl)ethyne (C₁₀H₆N₄) and 2 molar equivalents of 1,3‐diiodotetrafluorobenzene (C₆F₄I₂) have a 1:1 composition. Each pyrimidine moiety acts as a single halogen‐bond acceptor and the bipyrimidines act as ditopic halogen‐bond acceptors. In contrast, the activated pyrimidines 2‐ and 5‐{[4‐(dimethylamino)phenyl]ethynyl}pyrimidine (C₁₄H₁₃N₃) are ditopic halogen‐bond acceptors, and 1:1 halogen‐bonded cocrystals are formed from 1:1 mixtures of each of the activated pyrimidines and either 1,2‐ or 1,3‐diiodotetrafluorobenzene. A 1:1 cocrystal was also formed between 2‐{[4‐(dimethylamino)phenyl]ethynyl}pyrimidine and 1,4‐diiodotetrafluorobenzene, while a 2:1 cocrystal was formed between 5‐{[4‐(dimethylamino)phenyl]ethynyl}pyrimidine and 1,4‐diiodotetrafluorobenzene.     

Functionalization of Intramolecular Frustrated Lewis Pairs by 1,1‐Carboboration with Conjugated Enynes

The vicinal P/B frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) Mes₂PCH₂CH₂B(C₆F₅)₂ undergoes 1,1‐carboboration reactions with the Me₃Si‐substituted enynes to give ring‐enlarged functionalized C₃‐bridged P/B FLPs. These serve as active FLPs in the activation of dihydrogen to give the respective zwitterionic [P]H⁺/[B]H^? products. One such product shows activity as a metal‐free catalyst for the hydrogenation of enamines or a bulky imine. The ring‐enlarged FLPs contain dienylborane functionalities that undergo “bora‐Nazarov”‐type ring‐closing rearrangements upon photolysis. A DFT study had shown that the dienylborane cyclization of such systems itself is endothermic, but a subsequent C₆F₅ migration is very favorable. Furthermore, substituted 2,5‐dihydroborole products are derived from cyclization and C₆F₅ migration from the photolysis reaction. In the case of the six‐membered annulation product, a subsequent stereoisomerization reaction takes place and the resultant compound undergoes a P/B FLP 1,2‐addition reaction with a terminal alkyne with rearrangement.     

A Manganese(II) Coordination Polymer with Ditopic Bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borate Bridges

The synthesis and characterization of the ditopic bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borate ligand Li₂[p‐C₆H₄(B(C₆F₅)pz₂)₂] is reported (pz = pyrazol‐1‐yl). Compared to the corresponding t‐butyl derivative Li₂[p‐C₆H₄(B(t‐Bu)pz₂)₂], the C₆F₅‐substituted scorpionate is significantly more stable towards hydrolysis. Reaction of Li₂[p‐C₆H₄(B(C₆F₅)pz₂)₂] with two equivalents of MnCl₂ leads to the formation of coordination polymers {(MnCl₂)₂(Li(THF)₃)₂[p‐C₆H₄(B(C₆F₅)pz₂)₂]}_∞ featuring penta‐coordinate Mn^II ions chelated by one bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borate fragment and further bonded to three chloride ions. Two of the three chloride ions are also coordinated to a neighbouring Mn^II ion; the third chloro ligand is shared between the Mn^II centre and a Li(THF)₃ moiety.     

Effects of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane on the activation of a metal alkyl‐free Ni‐based catalyst in the polymerization of 1,3‐butadiene

The activation of a metal alkyl‐free Ni‐based catalyst with B(C₆F₅)₃ was investigated in the polymerization of 1,3‐butadiene. A catalyst of bis(1,5‐cyclooctadiene)nickel (Ni(COD)₂)/B(C₆F₅)₃ was found to have high catalytic activity and 1,4‐cis stereoregularity. The catalyst was also found to provide polybutadiene having a molecular weight (M_w) of up to 117,000, even in the absence of AlR₃ and MAO. Variations in the mol ratio of B(C₆F₅)₃ to Ni affected catalytic activity, 1,4‐cis stereoregularity, and the M_w of polybutadiene, while the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of polybutadiene showed little correlation with the mol ratio of B(C₆F₅)₃ to Ni. The use of other borane compounds such as B(C₆H₅)₃, BEt₃, and BF₃ etherate in place of B(C₆F₅)₃ clearly showed the two main functions of B(C₆F₅)₃ in the present catalyst. The high Lewis acidity of B(C₆F₅)₃ enabled it to activate catalytic complexes, thus inducing the polymerization. The steric bulkiness of B(C₆F₅)₃ suppressed chain transfer reactions, contributing to the production of polybutadiene with a high M_w. Kinetic studies showed that the catalyst had an induction period, possibly due to the time needed for the formation of catalytic complexes starting from Ni(COD)₂. A plot of ?ln (1?X), where X is the fractional conversion, as a function of time resulted in a linear relationship, showing that the present catalyst system followed first‐order kinetics with respect to monomer concentration. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 1164–1173, 2004     

Cyclopentadienyl Ruthenium(II) Complexes with Bridging Alkynylphosphine Ligands: Synthesis and Electrochemical Studies

The reaction of [CpRuCl(PPh₃)₂] (Cp=cyclopentadienyl) and [CpRuCl(dppe)] (dppe=Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂) with bis‐ and tris‐phosphine ligands 1,4‐(Ph₂PC≡C)₂C₆H₄ ( 1 ) and 1,3,5‐(Ph₂PC≡C)₃C₆H₃ ( 2 ), prepared by Ni‐catalysed cross‐coupling reactions between terminal alkynes and diphenylchlorophosphine, has been investigated. Using metal‐directed self‐assembly methodologies, two linear bimetallic complexes, [{CpRuCl(PPh₃)}₂(μ‐dppab)] ( 3 ) and [{CpRu(dppe)}₂(μ‐dppab)](PF₆)₂ ( 4 ), and the mononuclear complex [CpRuCl(PPh₃)(η¹‐dppab)] ( 6 ), which contains a “dangling arm” ligand, were prepared (dppab=1,4‐bis[(diphenylphosphino)ethynyl]benzene). Moreover, by using the triphosphine 1,3,5‐tris[(diphenylphosphino)ethynyl]benzene (tppab), the trimetallic [{CpRuCl(PPh₃)}₃(μ₃‐tppab)] ( 5 ) species was synthesised, which is the first example of a chiral‐at‐ruthenium complex containing three different stereogenic centres. Besides these open‐chain complexes, the neutral cyclic species [{CpRuCl(μ‐dppab)}₂] ( 7 ) was also obtained under different experimental conditions. The coordination chemistry of such systems towards supramolecular assemblies was tested by reaction of the bimetallic precursor 3 with additional equivalents of ligand 2 . Two rigid macrocycles based on cis coordination of dppab to [CpRu(PPh₃)] were obtained, that is, the dinuclear complex [{CpRu(PPh₃)(μ‐dppab)}₂](PF₆)₂ ( 8 ) and the tetranuclear square [{CpRu(PPh₃)(μ‐dppab)}₄](PF₆)₄ ( 9 ). The solid‐state structures of 7 and 8 have been determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis and show a different arrangement of the two parallel dppab ligands. All compounds were characterised by various methods including ESIMS, electrochemistry and by X‐band ESR spectroscopy in the case of the electrogenerated paramagnetic species.     

Latent cationic palladium(II) phosphine carboxylate complexes for norbornene polymerization

The catalytic efficacy of trans‐[(R₃P)₂Pd(O₂CR′)(LB)][B(C₆F₅)₄] ( 1 ) (LB = Lewis base) and [(R₃P)₂Pd(κ²‐O,O‐O₂CR′)][B(C₆F₅)₄] ( 2 ) for mass polymerization of 5‐n‐butyl‐2‐norbornene (Butyl‐NB) was investigated. The nature of PR₃ and LB in 1 and 2 are the most critical components influencing catalytic activity/latency for the mass polymerization of Butyl‐NB. Further, it was shown that 1 is in general more latent than 2 in mass polymerization of Butyl‐NB. 5‐n‐Decyl‐2‐norbornene (Decyl‐NB) was subjected to solution polymerization in toluene at 63(±3) °C in the presence of several of the aforementioned palladium complexes as catalysts and the polymers obtained were characterized by gel permeation chromatography. Cationic trans‐[(R₃P)₂PdMe(MeCN)][B(C₆F₅)₄] [R = Cy ( 3a ), and ⁱPr ( 3b )] and trans‐[(R₃P)₂PdH (MeCN)][B(C₆F₅)₄] [R = Cy ( 4a ), and ⁱPr ( 4b )], possible products from thermolysis of trans‐[(R₃P)₂Pd(O₂CMe)(MeCN)][B(C₆F₅)₄] [R = Cy ( 1a ) and ⁱPr ( 1g )], as well as trans‐[(R₃P)₂Pd(η³‐C₃H₅)][B(C₆F₅)₄] [R = Cy ( 5a ), and ⁱPr ( 5b )], were also examined as catalysts for solution polymerization of Decyl‐NB. A maximum activity of 5360 kg/(molPd h) of 2a was achieved at a Decyl‐NB/Pd: 26,700 ratio which is slightly better than that achieved with 5a [activity: 5030 kg/(molPd h)] but far less compared with 4a [activity: 6110 kg/(molPd h)]. Polydispersity values indicate a single highly homogeneous character of the active catalyst species. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 103–110, 2009     

New Strategies to Phosphino–Phosphonium Cations and Zwitterions

By employing strategies based on frustrated Lewis pair chemistry, new routes to phosphino‐phosphonium cations and zwitterions have been developed. B(C₆F₅)₃ is shown to react with H₂ and P₂tBu₄ to effect heterolytic hydrogen activation yielding the phosphino‐phosphonium borate salt [(tBu₂P)PHtBu₂] [HB(C₆F₅)₃] ( 1 ). Alternatively, alkenylphosphino‐phosphonium borate zwitterions are accessible by reaction of B(C₆F₅)₃ and PhC?CH with P₂Ph₄, P₄Cy₄, or P₅Ph₅ affording the species [(Ph₂P)P(Ph)₂C(Ph)?C(H)B(C₆F₅)₃] ( 2 ), [(P₃Cy₃)P(Cy)C(Ph)?C(H)B(C₆F₅)₃] ( 3 ), and [(P₄Ph₄)P(Ph)C(Ph)?C(H)B(C₆F₅)₃] ( 4 ). A related phosphino‐phosphonium borate species—[(Ph₄P₄)P(Ph)C₆F₄B(F)(C₆F₅)₂] ( 5 ) is also isolated from the thermolysis of B(C₆F₅)₃ and P₅Ph₅.     

Chloro(η6‐p‐cymene)(phosphoramidite)ruthenium(II), a 16‐Electron Fragment Stabilized by an η2‐Aryl–Metal Interaction,and Its Use in Asymmetric Cyclopropanation

Chloride abstraction from the half‐sandwich complexes [RuCl₂(η⁶‐p‐cymene)(P*‐κP)] ( 2a : P* = (S_a,R,R)‐ 1a = (1S_a)‐[1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diyl bis[(1R)‐1‐phenylethyl)]phosphoramidite; 2b : P* = (S_a,R,R)‐ 1b = (1S_a)‐[1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diyl bis[(1R)‐(1‐(1‐naphthalen‐1‐yl)ethyl]phosphoramidite) with (Et₃O)[PF₆] or Tl[PF₆] gives the cationic, 18‐electron complexes dichloro(η⁶‐p‐cymene){(1S_a)‐[1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diyl {(1R)‐1‐[(1,2‐η)‐phenyl]ethyl}[(1R)‐1‐phenylethyl]phosphoramidite‐κP}ruthenium(II) hexafluorophosphate ( 3a ) and [Ru(S)]‐dichloro(η⁶‐p‐cymene){(1S_a)‐[1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diyl {(1R)‐1‐[(1,2‐η)‐naphthalen‐1‐yl]ethyl}[(1R)‐1‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)ethyl]phosphoramidite‐κP)ruthenium(II) hexafluorophosphate ( 3b ), which feature the η²‐coordination of one aryl substituent of the phosphoramidite ligand, as indicated by ¹H‐, ¹³C‐, and ³¹P‐NMR spectroscopy and confirmed by an X‐ray study of 3b . Additionally, the dissociation of p‐cymene from 2a and 3a gives dichloro{(1S_a)‐[1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diyl [(1R)‐(1‐(η⁶‐phenyl)ethyl][(1R)‐1‐phenylethyl]phosphoramidite‐κP)ruthenium(II) ( 4a ) and di‐μ‐chlorobis{(1S_a)‐[1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diyl [(1R)‐1‐(η⁶‐phenyl)ethyl][(1R)‐1‐phenylethyl]phosphoramidite‐κP}diruthenium(II) bis(hexafluorophosphate) ( 5a ), respectively, in which one phenyl group of the N‐substituents is η⁶‐coordinated to the Ru‐center. Complexes 3a and 3b catalyze the asymmetric cyclopropanation of α‐methylstyrene with ethyl diazoacetate with up to 86 and 87% ee for the cis‐ and the trans‐isomers, respectively.     

Replacement of Trimethylamine in Trimethylamine‐trispentafluoroethyl‐borane. Structures of [(C2F5)3BNMe3], [NMe4][(C2F5)3BOH], and K[(C2F5)3BCH2(CO)C6H5]

Trimethylamine‐tris(pentafluoroethyl)borane [(C₂F₅)₃BNMe₃] ( 1 ) reacts at 190 °C with water under displacement of the trimethylamine ligand to yield the hydroxy‐tris(pentafluoroethyl)borate [(C₂F₅)₃BOH]^? ( 2 ). In tributylamine 1 reacts with alkynes HC≡CR to form novel ethynyl‐tris(pentafluoroethyl)borate anions [(C₂F₅)₃BC≡CR]^? – R = C₆H₅ ( 3 ), C₆H₄CH₃ ( 4 ), Si(CH(CH₃)₂)₃ ( 5 ) – in moderate yields. Compound 3 adds water across the triple bond to form the novel anion [(C₂F₅)₃BCH₂(CO)C₆H₅]^? ( 6 ). The structures of [(C₂F₅)₃BNMe₃], [NMe₄][(C₂F₅)₃BOH] and K[(C₂F₅)₃BCH₂(CO)C₆H₅] have been determined by x‐ray crystallography.     

Intermolecular π‐stacking and F...F interactions of fluorine‐substituted meso‐alkynylporphyrin

Two C2‐symmetric meso‐alkynylporphyrins, namely 5,15‐bis[(4‐butyl‐2,3,5,6‐tetrafluorophenyl)ethynyl]‐10,20‐dipropylporphyrin, C₅₀H₄₂F₈N₄, (I), and 5,15‐bis[(4‐butylphenyl)ethynyl]‐10,20‐dipropylporphyrin, C₅₀H₅₀N₄, (II), show remarkable π–π stacking that forms columns of porphyrin centers. The tetrafluorophenylene moieties in (I) show intermolecular interactions with each other through the F atoms, forming one‐dimensional ribbons. No significant π–π interactions are observed in the plane of the phenylene and tetrafluorophenylene moieties in either (I) or (II). The molecules of both compounds lie about inversion centers.     

Four (2,2′‐bipyridyl)(ferrocenyl)boronium derivatives

Crystal structures are reported for four (2,2′‐bipyridyl)(ferrocenyl)boronium derivatives, namely (2,2′‐bipyridyl)(ethenyl)(ferrocenyl)boronium hexafluoridophosphate, [Fe(C₅H₅)(C₁₇H₁₅BN₂)]PF₆, (Ib), (2,2′‐bipyridyl)(tert‐butylamino)(ferrocenyl)boronium bromide, [Fe(C₅H₅)(C₁₉H₂₂BN₃)]Br, (IIa), (2,2′‐bipyridyl)(ferrocenyl)(4‐methoxyphenylamino)boronium hexafluoridophosphate acetonitrile hemisolvate, [Fe(C₅H₅)(C₂₂H₂₀BN₃O)]PF₆·0.5CH₃CN, (IIIb), and 1,1′‐bis[(2,2′‐bipyridyl)(cyanomethyl)boronium]ferrocene bis(hexafluoridophosphate), [Fe(C₁₇H₁₄BN₃)₂](PF₆)₂, (IVb). The asymmetric unit of (IIIb) contains two independent cations with very similar conformations. The B atom has a distorted tetrahedral coordination in all four structures. The cyclopentadienyl rings of (Ib), (IIa) and (IIIb) are approximately eclipsed, while a bisecting conformation is found for (IVb). The N—H groups of (IIa) and (IIIb) are shielded by the ferrocenyl and tert‐butyl or phenyl groups and are therefore not involved in hydrogen bonding. The B—N(amine) bond lengths are shortened by delocalization of π‐electrons. In the cations with an amine substituent at boron, the B—N(bipyridyl) bonds are 0.035 (3) Å longer than in the cations with a methylene C atom bonded to boron. A similar lengthening of the B—N(bipyridyl) bonds is found in a survey of related cations with an oxy group attached to the B atom.     

Polymerization of 1,3‐dienes and styrene catalyzed by cationic allyl Ni(II) complexes

Polymerizations of 1,3‐dienes using in situ generated catalyst [(2‐methallyl)Ni][B(Ar_F)₄], 6 , (Ar_F = 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) as well as [(2‐methallyl)Ni(mes)][B(Ar_F)₄], 14 , (mes = mesitylene) are reported. Highly sensitive complex 6 polymerizes butadiene (BD) at –30 °C to yield polybutadiene with a M_n of ca. 10 K and 94% cis‐1,4‐enchainment while less reactive isoprene (IP) was polymerized at 23 °C to yield polyisoprene with M_n ca. 7 K. Complex 6 was also shown to polymerize a functionalized diene, 2,3‐bis(4‐trifluoroethoxy‐4‐oxobutyl)‐1,3‐BD, to polymer with M_n = 113 K. The stable and readily isolated arene complex 14 initiates BD and IP polymerizations at somewhat higher temperatures relative to 6 and delivers polymers with higher molecular weights. Complex [(allyl)Ni(mes)][B(Ar_F)₄], 13 , catalyzes polymerization of styrene to yield polystyrene with high conversion, M_n's = ca. 6 K and MWD = 2. The π‐benzyl complex [(η³‐1‐methylbenzyl)Ni(mes)] [B(Ar_F)₄], 19 , was detected as an intermediate following chain transfer by in situ NMR studies. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1901–1912, 2010     

Three‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded framework structures in flunarizinium nicotinate and flunarizinediium bis(4‐toluenesulfonate) dihydrate

The structures of two salts of flunarizine, namely 1‐bis[(4‐fluorophenyl)methyl]‐4‐[(2E)‐3‐phenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐yl]piperazine, C₂₆H₂₆F₂N₂, are reported. In flunarizinium nicotinate {systematic name: 4‐bis[(4‐fluorophenyl)methyl]‐1‐[(2E)‐3‐phenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐yl]piperazin‐1‐ium pyridine‐3‐carboxylate}, C₂₆H₂₇F₂N₂⁺·C₆H₄NO₂⁻, (I), the two ionic components are linked by a short charge‐assisted N—H...O hydrogen bond. The ion pairs are linked into a three‐dimensional framework structure by three independent C—H...O hydrogen bonds, augmented by C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds and an aromatic π–π stacking interaction. In flunarizinediium bis(4‐toluenesulfonate) dihydrate {systematic name: 1‐[bis(4‐fluorophenyl)methyl]‐4‐[(2E)‐3‐phenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐yl]piperazine‐1,4‐diium bis(4‐methylbenzenesulfonate) dihydrate}, C₂₆H₂₈F₂N₂²⁺·2C₇H₇O₃S⁻·2H₂O, (II), one of the anions is disordered over two sites with occupancies of 0.832 (6) and 0.168 (6). The five independent components are linked into ribbons by two independent N—H...O hydrogen bonds and four independent O—H...O hydrogen bonds, and these ribbons are linked to form a three‐dimensional framework by two independent C—H...O hydrogen bonds, but C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds and aromatic π–π stacking interactions are absent from the structure of (II). Comparisons are made with some related structures.