Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of heteroleptic rare earth metal bis(phenolate) complexes

The synthesis, characterization and reactivity of heteroleptic rare earth metal complexes supported by the carbon-bridged bis(phenolate) ligand 2,2'-methylene-bis(6-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenoxo) (MBMP(2-)) are described. Reaction of (C(5)H(5))(3)Ln(THF) with MBMPH(2) in a 1 : 1.5 molar ratio in THF at 50 degrees C produced the heteroleptic rare earth metal bis(phenolate) complexes (C(5)H(5))Ln(MBMP)(THF)(n) (Ln = La, n = 3 (); Ln = Yb (), Y (), n = 2) in nearly quantitative yields. The residual C(5)H(5)(-) groups in complexes to can be substituted by the bridged bis(phenolate) ligands at elevated temperature to give the neutral rare earth metal bis(phenolate) complexes, and the ionic radii have a profound effect on the structures of the final products. Complex reacted with MBMPH(2) in a 1 : 0.5 molar ratio in toluene at 80 degrees C to produce a dinuclear complex (MBMP)La(THF)(mu-MBMP)(2)La(THF)(2) () in good isolated yield; whereas complexes and reacted with MBMPH(2) under the same conditions to give (MBMP)Ln(MBMPH)(THF)(2) (Ln = Yb (), Y ()) as the final products, in which one hydroxyl group of the phenol is coordinated to the rare earth metal in a neutral fashion. The reactivity of complexes and with some metal alkyls was explored. Reaction of complex with 1 equiv. of AlEt(3) in toluene at room temperature afforded unexpected ligand redistributed products, and a discrete ion pair ytterbium complex [(MBMP)Yb(THF)(2)(DME)][(MBMP)(2)Yb(THF)(2)] () was isolated in moderate yield. Furthermore, reaction of complex with 1 equiv. of ZnEt(2) in toluene gave a ligand redistributed complex [(mu-MBMP)Zn(THF)](2) () in reasonable isolated yield. Similar reaction of complex with ZnEt(2) also afforded complex ; whereas the reaction of complex with 1 equiv. of n-BuLi in THF afforded the heterodimetallic complex [(THF)Yb(MBMP)(2)Li(THF)(2)] (). All of these complexes were well characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, and single-crystal structure determination, in the cases of complexes , and -.     

Synthesis and structural variations of substituted phenylamide complexes of the heavy alkaline earth metals calcium, strontium and barium

Starting material KN(H)C(6)H(3)-2,6-F(2) was prepared via a transamination reaction from KNH(2) and 2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3)NH(2) in THF and crystallized from 1,4-dioxane (diox) as the three-dimensional polymer [(diox)(1.5)K{N(H)-2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3)}.diox(0.5)](infinity) (1). The metathesis reaction of (THF)(4)CaI(2) with KN(Me)Ph in THF yields monomeric (THF)(4)Ca[N(Me)Ph](2) (2) with a nearly linear N-Ca-N moiety of 179.84(8) degrees . The metathesis reaction of (THF)(4)CaI(2) with KN(H)Mes yields trinuclear (THF)(6)Ca(3)[N(H)Mes](6) (3) with a linear Ca(3) fragment and bridging 2,4,6-trimethylphenylamido groups. The reaction of 1 with (THF)(4)CaI(2) gives dinuclear (THF)(5)Ca(2)[N(H)-2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3)](4).2THF (4) with three bridging and one terminally bound 2,6-difluorophenylamide. A similar reaction of (THF)(5)SrI(2) with KN(H)-2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3) yields dinuclear (THF)(6)Sr(2)[N(H)-2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3)](3)I.THF (5) in which the iodide anion binds terminally. This iodide ligand cannot be substituted as easily by excess KN(H)-2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3). The metathesis reaction of (THF)(5)BaI(2) with KN(H)-2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3) leads to the formation of [(THF)(2)Ba{N(H)-2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3)}(2)](infinity) (6) which crystallizes as a one-dimensional polymer with bridging 2,6-difluorophenylamide anions and additional Ba-F-bonds.     

Bis(imidazolin-2-iminato) rare earth metal complexes: synthesis, structural characterization, and catalytic application

Reaction of anhydrous rare earth metal halides MCl(3) with 2 equiv of 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-imine (Im(Dipp)NH) and 2 equiv of trimethylsilylmethyl lithium (Me(3)SiCH(2)Li) in THF furnished the complexes [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)MCl(THF)(n)] (M = Sc, Y, Lu). The molecular structures of all three compounds were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The coordination spheres around the pentacoordinate metal atoms are best described as trigonal bipyramids. Reaction of YbI(2) with 2 equiv of LiCH(2)SiMe(3) and 2 equiv of the imino ligand Im(Dipp)NH in tetrahydrofuran did not result in a divalent complex, but instead the Yb(III) complex [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)YbI(THF)(2)] was obtained and structurally characterized. Treatment of [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)MCl(THF)(n)] with 1 equiv of LiCH(2)SiMe(3) resulted in the formation of [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)M(CH(2)SiMe(3))(THF)(n)]. The coordination arrangement of these compounds in the solid state at the metal atoms is similar to that found for the starting materials, although the introduction of the neosilyl ligand induces a significantly greater distortion from the ideal trigonal-bipyramidal geometry. [(Im(Dipp)N)(2)Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(THF)(2)] was used as precatalyst in the intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization reaction of various terminal aminoalkenes and of one aminoalkyne. The complex showed high catalytic activity and selectivity. A comparison with the previously reported dialkyl yttrium complex [(Im(Dipp)N)Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(THF)(3)] showed no clear tendency in terms of activity.     

Cyclometallated Pd(II) azido complexes containing 6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridyl or 2-phenylpyridyl derivatives: synthesis and reactivity toward organic isocyanides and isothiocyanates

Cyclometallated palladium(II) azido complexes containing C,N,N- or C,N-donor ligands, [Pd(N(3))L](HL = 6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine or 2-phenylpyridyl derivatives), showed different reactivities toward organic isocyanides and isothiocyanates. In particular, aryl isocyanides (CN-Ar) underwent insertion into the orthometallated Pd-C bond on the phenyl moiety of the supporting ligand (L) in [Pd(N(3))L] or [Pd(N(3))(PR(3))L] to selectively give carbodiimido [[Pd(N=C=N-Ar)L]], imidoyl [[Pd(N(3))(-C=N-Ar)(PR(3))L]], or imidoyl carbodiimido complexes [[Pd(N=C=N-Ar)(-C=N-Ar)L] or [Pd(N=C=N-Ar)(-C=N-Ar)(PR(3))L]], depending on reaction conditions. Interestingly, reactions of [Pd(N(3))(PR(3))L] with organic isothiocyanates gave unusual dinuclear complexes [(micro-SCN(4)-R)PdL](2), exhibiting the concurrent S- and N-coordinating thio-tetrazole bridge.     

Mono- and diprotonation of the superbasic bisguanidine 1,2-Bis(N,N,N',N'-tetramethylguanidino)benzene (btmgb) and Pt II and Pt IV complexes of chelating bisguanidines and guanidinates

New Pt complexes of chelating bisguanidines and guanidinate ligands were synthesized and characterized. 1,2-Bis(N,N,N',N'-tetramethylguanidino)benzene (btmgb) was used as a neutral chelating bisguanidine ligand, and 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidinate (hpp(-)) as a guanidinate ligand. The salts [btmgbH](+)[HOB(C(6)F(5))(3)](-) and [btmgbH(2)]Cl(2) and the complexes [(btmgb)PtCl(2)], [(btmgb)PtCl(dmso)](+)[PtCl(3)(dmso)](-), and [(btmgb)PtCl(dmso)](+)[Cl(-)] were synthesized and characterized. In the [btmgbH](+) cation the proton is bound to only one N atom. In the other complexes, both imine N atoms are coordinated to the Pt(II), thus adopting a eta(2)-coordinational mode. The hpp(-) anion, which usually prefers a bridging binding mode in dinuclear complexes, is eta(2)-coordinated in the Pt(IV) complex [(eta(2)-hpp)(hppH)PtCl(2){N(H)C(O)CH(3)}], which is formed (in low yield) by reaction between cis-[(hppH)(2)PtCl(2)] and H(2)O(2) in CH(3)CN.     

Synthesis, characterization, and electronic structure of diimine complexes of chromium

We have prepared and structurally characterized several complexes of chromium coordinated by diimine (or 1,4-diazadiene) ligands, that is, Ar-N=C(R)-(R)C=N-Ar (RL(Ar)) (where Ar = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl ("iPr") or 2,6-dimethylphenyl ("Me") and R = H or Me). The reaction of CrCl2 with HLiPr gave dinuclear [(HLiPr)Cr]2(mu-Cl)3(Cl)(THF) when isolated from Et2O; in THF solution, however, the product exists as mononuclear (HLiPr)CrCl2(THF)2. Two isostructural derivatives, (MeLMe)CrCl2(THF)2 and (HL(Me))CrCl2(THF)2, have also been prepared. Furthermore, the bis-ligand complex, (HLiPr)2Cr, has been prepared along with its reduction product, Li(THF)4[(HLiPr)2Cr]. We have also synthesized the tetracarbonyl complex, (HLiPr)Cr(CO)4, by addition of HLiPr to Cr(CO)4(NCCH3)2. The structure and variable temperature magnetic susceptibility of the previously reported Cr halide dimer, [(HLiPr)Cr(mu-Cl)]2, is also discussed in detail. All of the diimine complexes have been characterized structurally, spectroscopically, and magnetically, and their electronic structures are discussed with the aid of density-functional theory calculations.     

Aminotroponiminate calcium and strontium complexes

Heteroleptic aminotroponiminate complexes of calcium and strontium have been prepared. The monomeric calcium complex [((iPr)2ATI)CaI(THF)3] 1 ((iPr)2ATI = N-isopropyl-2-(isopropylamino)troponiminate) and the corresponding dimeric strontium compound [( (iPr)2ATI)SrI(THF)2]2 2 were obtained by reaction of [((iPr)2ATI)K] and MI2. Whereas the mixed ligand compound of composition [((iPr)2ATI)Ca(iPrAT)]2 3 (iPrAT = 2-(isopropylamino)troponate) was not obtained via a salt metathesis but by reaction of [Ca(N(SiMe3)2)2(THF)2] with ( (iPr)2ATI)H and (iPrAT)H, the diphosphanylamido complex [( (iPr)2ATI)Ca((Ph2P)2N)(THF)2] was obtained by reaction of CaI2 with the potassium compounds [( (iPr)2ATI)K] and [K(THF)n][N(PPh2)2]. The single crystal X-ray structures of all compounds were established and the latter compound shows a eta2-coordination mode of the ligand via the nitrogen and one phosphorus atom.     

New mode of coordination for the dinitrogen ligand: formation, bonding, and reactivity of a tantalum complex with a bridging N(2) unit that is both side-on and end-on.

The reaction of a mixture of 1 equiv of PhPH(2) and 2 equiv of PhNHSiMe(2)CH(2)Cl with 4 equiv of Bu(n)Li followed by the addition of THF generates the lithiated ligand precursor [NPN]Li(2).(THF)(2) (where [NPN] = PhP(CH(2)SiMe(2)NPh)(2)). The reaction of [NPN]Li(2).(THF)(2) with TaMe(3)Cl(2) produces [NPN]TaMe(3), which reacts under H(2) to yield the diamagnetic dinuclear Ta(IV) tetrahydride ([NPN]Ta)(2)(mu-H)(4). This hydride reacts with N(2) with the loss of H(2) to produce ([NPN]Ta(mu-H))(2)(mu-eta(1):eta(2)-N(2)), which was characterized both in solution and in the solid state, and contains strongly activated N(2) bound in the unprecedented side-on end-on dinuclear bonding mode. A density functional theory calculation on the model complex [(H(3)P)(H(2)N)(2)Ta(mu-H)](2)(mu-eta(1):eta(2)-N(2)) provides insight into the molecular orbital interactions involved in the side-on end-on bonding mode of dinitrogen. The reaction of ([NPN]Ta(mu-H))(2)(mu-eta(1):eta(2)-N(2)) with propene generates the end-on bound dinitrogen complex ([NPN]Ta(CH(2)CH(2)CH(3)))(2)(mu-eta(1):eta(1)-N(2)), and the reaction of [NPN]Li(2).(THF)(2) with NbCl(3)(DME) generates the end-on bound dinitrogen complex ([NPN]NbCl)(2)(mu-eta(1):eta(1)-N(2)). These two end-on bound dinitrogen complexes provide evidence that the bridging hydride ligands are responsible for the unusual bonding mode of dinitrogen in ([NPN]Ta(mu-H))(2)(mu-eta(1):eta(2)-N(2)). The dinitrogen moiety in the side-on end-on mode is amenable to functionalization; the reaction of ([NPN]Ta(mu-H))(2)(mu-eta(1):eta(2)-N(2)) with PhCH(2)Br results in C-N bond formation to yield [NPN]Ta(mu-eta(1):eta(2)-N(2)CH(2)Ph)(mu-H)(2)TaBr[NPN]. Nitrogen-15 NMR spectral data are provided for all the tantalum-dinitrogen complexes and derivatives described.     

Bis(alkylamido)phenylborane complexes of zirconium,hafnium, and vanadium

The coordination chemistry of the bis(tert-butylamido)phenylborane ligand, [(t)BuN-B(Ph)-N(t)Bu](2)(-), is developed. The ligand can be delivered to metals of groups 4 and 5 from its dilithio salt. The reactions of PhB((t)BuNLi)(2), 1, with metal halides of zirconium, hafnium, and vanadium generate complexes of the general formulas ((t)BuN-B(Ph)-N(t)Bu)(2)M(THF) (M = Zr (2), Hf (3)), Li(2)[M((t)BuN-B(Ph)-N(t)Bu)(3)] (M = Zr (4), Hf (5)), and M((t)BuN-B(Ph)-N(t)Bu)(2) (M = V (6)). (1)H and (11)B[(1)H] NMR and single-crystal X-ray analysis show that these amido metal complexes are structurally analogous to amidinates.     

Lithium, titanium, and zirconium complexes with novel amidinate scorpionate ligands

The reaction of bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane (bdmpzm) with BunLi and carbodiimide derivatives, namely, N,N'-diisopropyl, dicyclohexyl, and 1-tert-butyl-3-ethyl carbodiimides, enables the preparation of new heteroscorpionate ligands in the form of the lithium derivatives [Li(NNN)(THF)] (NNN = pbpamd (1) (pbpamd = N,N'-diisopropylbis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetamidinate); cbpamd (2) (cbpamd = N,N'-dicyclohexylbis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetamidinate); and tbpamd (3) (tbpamd = N-ethyl-N'-tert-butylbis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetamidinate)), although a similar process with N,N'-dimethylcarbodiimide gave the dinuclear complex [Li(bpzii)(THF)]2 (4) (bpzii = N-(dimethylamino)-N'-[(dimethylamino)bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methylimino]imino). When this last reaction was carried out in an air atmosphere, the cluster complex [Li8(mu4-O)2(mu4-OH)2(mu4-pz)2(kappa2-bpziLi)2(bpzCN)2(THF)4] (5) (bpziLi = dimethylaminobis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methyliminolithium, bpzCN = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetonitrile) was isolated and characterized by X-ray analysis. Finally, when the same process was carried out in the presence of water the amidine-scorpionate (bpzan) (6) (bpzan = N,N-dimethylbis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetamidine) was obtained. Compounds 1 and 3 reacted with [TiCl4(THF)2] or [ZrCl4] to give complexes of stoichiometry [MCl3((kappa3-NNN))] (M = Ti, Zr) (7-10). The structures of the different compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods and, in addition, the X-ray crystal structures of 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 were also established.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of beta-diketiminate-lanthanide amides and their catalytic activity for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate and epsilon-caprolactone

The synthesis and catalytic activity of lanthanide monoamido complexes supported by a beta-diketiminate ligand are described. Donor solvents, such as DME, can cleave the chloro bridges of the dinuclear beta-diketiminate ytterbium dichloride {[(DIPPh)2nacnac]YbCl(mu-Cl)3Yb[(DIPPh)2nacnac](THF)} (1) [(DIPPh)2nacnac = N,N-diisopropylphenyl-2,4-pentanediimine anion] to produce the monomeric complex [(DIPPh)2nacnac]YbCl2(DME) (2) in high isolated yield. Complex 2 is a useful precursor for the synthesis of beta-diketiminate-ytterbium monoamido derivatives. Reaction of complex 2 with 1 equiv of LiNPri2 in THF at room temperature, after crystallization in THF/toluene mixed solvent, gave the anionic beta-diketiminate-ytterbium amido complex [(DIPPh)2nacnac]Yb(NPri2)(mu-Cl)2Li(THF)2 (3), while similar reaction of complex 2 with LiNPh2 produced the neutral complex [(DIPPh)2nacnac]Yb(NPh2)Cl(THF) (4). Recrystallization of complex 3 from toluene solution at elevated temperature led to the neutral beta-diketiminate-lanthanide amido complex [{(DIPPh)2nacnac}Yb(NPri2)(mu-Cl)]2 (5). The reaction medium has a significant effect on the outcome of the reaction. Complex 2 reacted with 1 equiv of LiNPri2 and LiNC5H10 in toluene to produce directly the neutral beta-diketiminate-lanthanide amido complexes 5 and [{(DIPPh)2nacnac}Yb(NC5H10)(THF)(mu-Cl)]2 (6), respectively. These complexes were well characterized, and their crystal structures were determined. Complexes 4-6 exhibited good catalytic activity for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate and epsilon-caprolactone.     

A combined experimental and computational study of dihydrido(phosphinooxazoline)iridium complexes

The reaction of a [(PHOX)Ir(COD)](+) complex (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) with dihydrogen was studied by NMR spectroscopy (PHOX = chiral phosphinooxazoline ligand). A single [(PHOX)Ir(H)(2)(COD)](+) isomer was formed as the primary product at -40 degrees C in THF. Subsequent reaction with H(2) at -40 to 0 degrees C led to a mixture of two diastereomeric [(PHOX)Ir(H)(2)(solvent)(2)](+) complexes with concomitant loss of cyclooctane. The stereochemistry of the three hydride complexes could be assigned from the NMR data. The structures and energies of the observed hydride complexes and the possible stereoisomers were calculated using density functional theory. The substantial energy differences (up to 39 kcal/mol) between the various stereoisomers demonstrate the strong influence of the chiral ligand. The observed stereoselective formation of dihydride complexes can be explained by steric effects of the PHOX ligand combined with a strong electronic influence of the coordinating N and P atoms, favoring addition of a hydride trans to the Ir-N bond.     

Nickel complexes of carboxylate-containing polydentate ligands as models for the active site of urease

Two new carboxylate-containing polydentate ligands have been synthesized, the symmetric ligand 2,6-bis[N-(N-(carboxylmethyl)-N-((1-methylimidazol)methyl)amine)methyl]-4-methylphenolate (BCIMP) and the corresponding asymmetric ligand 2-(N-isopropyl-N-((1-aminomethyl)-4-methylphenol (ICIMP). The ligands have been used to prepare model complexes for the active site of the dinuclear nickel enzyme urease, viz. [Ni(2)(BCIMP)Ac(2)](-) (6), [Ni(2)(BCIMP)(Ph(2)Ac)(2)](-) (7), [Ni(2)(ICIMP)(Ph(2)Ac)(2)] (14), [Ni(4)(ICIMP)(2)(Ph(2)Ac)(2)][ClO(4)](2) (15), [Ni(4)(ICIMP)(2)(Ph(2)Ac)(2)(DMF)(2)][ClO(4)](2) (16), and [Ni(4)(ICIMP)(2)(Ph(2)Ac)(2)(urea)(H(2)O)][ClO(4)](2) (17), where the latter complex contains urea coordinated in a unidentate fashion through the carbonyl oxygen. The N(2)O-N(2)O(2) donor set of ICIMP provides a good framework for the preparation of urease models, but in some cases tetranuclear nickel complexes are formed due to coordination of the carboxylate moiety of one dinickel-ICIMP unit to one or both of the nickels of a second Ni(2) unit. Reactivity and kinetics studies of 7 and 15 show that these model complexes catalyze hydrolysis of 2-hydroxypropyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate (HPNP) at basic pH. In this assay, complexes based on the asymmetric ligand ICIMP exhibit a significantly faster rate of hydrolysis than the corresponding BCIMP complexes. Magnetic measurements indicate that there are weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the nickel ions in complex 16.     

Subtle differences between Zr and Hf in early/late heterobimetallic complexes with cobalt

The phosphinoamide-linked Co/Hf complexes ICo(Ph(2)PN(i)Pr)(3)HfCl (4), ICo((i)Pr(2)PNMes)(3)HfCl (5), and ICo((i)Pr(2)PN(i)Pr)(3)HfCl (6) have been synthesized from the corresponding tris(phosphinoamide)HfCl complexes (1-3) for comparison with the recently reported tris(phosphinoamide) Co/Zr complexes. Very minor structural and electronic differences between the Zr and Hf complexes were found when the N-(i)Pr-substituted phosphinoamide ligands [Ph(2)PN(i)Pr](-) and [(i)Pr(2)PN(i)Pr](-) were utilized. The reduction products [(THF)(4)Na-{N(2)-Co(Ph(2)PN(i)Pr)(3)HfCl}(2)]Na(THF)(6) (7) and N(2)-Co((i)Pr(2)PN(i)Pr)(3)Hf (9) are also remarkably similar to the corresponding Zr/Co analogues. In the case of Hf/Co and Zr/Co complexes linked by the N-Mes ligand [(i)Pr(2)PNMes](-) (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl), however, more pronounced differences in structure, bonding, and reactivity are observed. While differences associated with 5 are still modest, larger variations are observed when comparing the two-electron reduction product [N(2)-Co((i)Pr(2)PNMes)(3)Hf-X][Na(THF)(5)] (8) with its Zr congener. In addition to structural and spectroscopic differences, vastly different reactivity is observed, with 8 undergoing one-electron oxidation to form ClHf(MesNP(i)Pr(2))(3)CoN(2) (11) in the presence of MeI, while a two-electron oxidative addition process occurs in a similar reaction with the Zr derivative. The activity of 5 toward Kumada coupling was investigated, finding significantly diminished activity in comparison to Co/Zr complexes.     

Highly active titanium-based olefin polymerization catalysts bearing bulky aminopyridinato ligands

A series of titanium complexes have been prepared using either salt metathesis or amine elimination reactions. Reacting the potassium salt of Ap*H {Ap*H = N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-[6-(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl)pyridin-2-yl]amine} (1) with [TiCl(4)(THF)(2)] results in the formation of a nucleophilic ring-opening product of the coordinated tetrahydrofuran (THF) ligand [Ap*TiCl(2)(OC(4)H(8)Cl)] (7). Alkylation with benzylmagnesium chloride gave rise to the corresponding benzyl complex [Ap*TiBn(2)(OC(4)H(8)Cl)] (8). However, THF ring opening was overcome by adopting an amine elimination route instead of salt metathesis. Mono(aminopyridinato)titanium trichloro complexes were prepared in high yields using [(CH(3))(2)NTiCl(3)], together with the corresponding sterically demanding aminopyridine as the starting material. The synthesized complexes could then be alkylated selectively. These complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods, and their behavior in olefin polymerization and copolymerization of ethene and propene was explored. These mono(aminopyridinato)titanium trichloro complexes are less active if activated with methylaluminoxane (MAO). However, the activity increases strongly if MAO is replaced by d-MAO ("dry methylaluminoxane"). The catalysts show moderate activity toward propene polymerization, while ethylene-propylene copolymers in high-productivity with separated propene units were observed. The catalysts are also highly active in the co- and terpolymerization of 2-ethylidenenorbornene (ENB) with ethylene or ethylene-propylene, together with a very good incorporation of ENB. In all cases, the activity increases with an increase in the steric bulk of the protecting ligand.     

Aminoborylene complexes of group 6 elements and iron: a synthetic, structural, and quantum chemical study

Transition-metal-borylene complexes of the type [(OC)(5)M=BR] {M=Cr, Mo, W; R=N(SiMe(3))(2), 1a-3a, Si(SiMe(3))(3), 4a} and [(OC)(4)Fe=B=N(SiMe(3))(2)] (8) were prepared by salt elimination reactions. Synthesis of the latter complex was accompanied by the formation of substantial amounts of an unusual dinuclear iron complex [Fe(2){mu-C(2)O(2)(BN(SiMe(3))(2))}(2)(CO)(6)] (9). The aminoborylene complexes of Group 6 metals were converted to trans-[(Cy(3)P)(CO)(4)M=B=N(SiMe(3))(2)] (5a-7a) by irradiation in the presence of PCy(3). Structural and spectroscopic parameters were discussed with respect to the trans-effect of the borylene ligand and the degree of M-B d(pi)-p(pi)-backbonding. Computational studies were performed on Group 6-borylene complexes. The population and topological analyses as well as the molecular orbital composition are consistent with the presence of both sigma-and pi-type interactions. There are, however, indications that the d(pi)-p(pi)-backbonding in the silylborylene complex is significantly more pronounced than in the aminoborylene complexes.     

Rare-earth metal complexes supported by 1,omega-dithiaalkanediyl-bridged bis(phenolato) ligands: synthesis, structure, and heteroselective ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide

Monomeric yttrium and lutetium bis(phenolato) complexes [Ln(OSSO){N(SiHMe 2) 2}(THF)] (Ln = Y, Lu) were prepared from the reaction of silylamido complexes [Ln{N(SiHMe 2) 2} 3(THF) 2] with 1 equiv of tetradentate 1,omega-dithiaalkanediyl-bridged bis(phenol) (OSSO)H 2 1- 9 in moderate to high yields. In contrast to the rigid configuration of scandium analogues, the yttrium complexes 2b and 3b and the lutetium complex 3c that contain a C 2 bridge between the two sulfur donors of the ligand are symmetric in solution. The monomeric nature of these complexes was indicated by an X-ray diffraction study of the yttrium complex 6b. The yttrium center in 6b is coordinated to the tetradentate [OSSO]-type ligand, one silylamido group and one THF ligand with the two oxygen donors of the [OSSO]-type ligand located trans. Corresponding bis(phenolato) silylamido complexes of larger rare-earth metals could not be obtained from similar reactions: Reaction of [La{N(SiHMe 2) 2} 3(THF) 2] with 1,2-xylylene-linked bis(phenol) gave a dinuclear lanthanum complex 6d of the formula [La 2(OSSO) 3] with two inequivalent eight-coordinate metal centers. The yttrium and lutetium complexes efficiently initiated the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactides in THF. The heteroselectivity during the ROP of rac-lactide was enhanced when the steric demand of the bis(phenolato) ligand was increased, either by extending the bridge length or by introducing bulky ortho-substituents in the phenoxy units. A C 3 bridge within the ligand backbone is essential to allow configurational interconversion of the active site between Lambda and Delta configuration during polymerization, allowing accommodation of both enantiomers of the monomer in an alternating fashion.     

Building blocks for coordination polymers: self-assembled cleft-like and planar discrete metallo-macrocyclic complexes

Discrete dinuclear metallo-macrocyclic complexes have been prepared from the flexible amide ligand N-6-[(3-pyridylmethylamino)carbonyl]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (L1-CH(3)), and its more rigid analogue, N-6-[(3-pyridylamino)carbonyl]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (L3-CH(3)). With ligands L1-CH(3) and L3-CH(3), discrete dinuclear metallo-macrocyclic complexes with the generic formula [Cu(2)(L1-CH(3))(2)(X)(2)(Y)(2)] (7, X = NO(3); 8, X = Cl, Y = H(2)O; 9, X = ClO(4), Y = CH(3)OH) and [Cu(2)(L3-CH(3))(2)(X)(2)(Y)(2)] (10, X = NO(3), Y = H(2)O; 11, X = ClO(4), Y = CH(3)OH) are obtained. For complexes 7-9, containing the more flexible link L1-CH(3), these complexes are cleft-shaped and hinged at the methylene spacer, which allows the cleft to widen and contract to accommodate different packing modes in the solid-state. In contrast, the rigid link L3-CH(3) gives near planar metallo-macrocyclic structures. These metallo-macrocyclic compounds may be useful building blocks for coordination polymers.     

Unsymmetrical tren-based ligands: synthesis and reactivity of rhenium complexes

Reaction of bis(2-aminoethyl)(3-aminopropyl)amine with C(6)F(6) and K(2)CO(3) in DMSO yields unsymmetrical [(C(6)F(5))HNCH(2)CH(2)](2)NCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)NH(C(6)F(5)) ([N(3)N]H(3)). The tetraamine acts as a tridentate ligand in complexes of the type H[N(3)N]Re(O)X (X = Cl 1, Br 2) prepared by reacting Re(O)X(3)(PPh(3))(2) with [N(3)N]H(3) and an excess of NEt(3) in THF. Addition of 1 equiv of TaCH(CMe(2)Ph)Br(3)(THF)(2) to 1 gives the dimeric compound H[N(3)N]ClReOReBrCl[N(3)N]H (3) in quantitative yield that contains a Re(V)[double bond]O[bond]Re(IV) core with uncoordinated aminopropyl groups in each ligand. Addition of 2 equiv of TaCH(CMe(2)Ph)Cl(3)(THF)(2) to 1 leads to the chloro complex [N(3)N]ReCl (4) with all three amido groups coordinated to the metal, whereas by addition of 2 equiv of TaCH(CMe(2)Ph)Br(3)(THF)(2) to 2 the dibromo species H[N(3)N]ReBr(2) (5) with one uncoordinated amino group is isolated. Reduction of 4 under an atmosphere of dinitrogen with sodium amalgam gives the dinitrogen complex [N(3)N]Re(N(2)) (6). Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations have been carried out on complexes 1, 3, 5, and 6.     

Uranium (III) scorpionates: synthesis and structure of [(TpMe2)2U[N(C6H5)2]] and [(TpMe2)2U[N(SiMe3)2]

Reaction of [(Tp(Me)2)(2)UI] with KNR(2) (R = C(6)H(5), SiMe(3)) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) afforded the monomeric trivalent actinide amide complexes [(Tp(Me)2)(2)U[N(C(6)H(5))(2)]], 1, and [(Tp(Me)2)(2)U[N(SiMe(3))(2)]], 2. The complexes have been fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and their structures were confirmed by X-ray crystallographic studies. In the solid state 1 and 2 exhibit distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometries. The U-NR(2) bond lengths in both complexes are the same but in complex 2 the greater steric demands of the N(SiMe(3))(2) ligand led to elongated U-N(pz) bonds, especially those opposite the amido ligand.