Tris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)methane‐Based Heterobimetallic Complexes that Contain Zn and CdTransition‐Metal Bonds: Synthesis,Structures, and Quantum Chemical Calculations

Reactions of the tris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)methanide amido complexes [M′{C(3,5‐Me₂pz)₃}{N(SiMe₃)₂}] (M′=Mg ( 1 a ), Zn ( 1 b ), Cd ( 1 c ); 3,5‐Me₂pz=3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl) with two equivalents of the acidic Group 6 cyclopentadienyl (Cp) tricarbonyl hydrides [MCp(CO)₃H] (M=Cr ( 2 a ), Mo ( 2 b )) gave different types of heterobimetallic complex. In each case, two reactions took place, namely the conversion of the tris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)methanide ligand (Tpmd*) into the ‐methane derivative (Tpm*) and the reaction of the acidic hydride M?H bond with the M′?N(SiMe₃)₂ moiety. The latter produces HN(SiMe₃)₂ as a byproduct. The Group 2 representatives [Mg(Tpm*){MCp(CO)₃}₂(thf)] ( 3 a / b ) form isocarbonyl bridges between the magnesium and chromium/molybdenum centres, whereas direct metal–metal bonds are formed in the case of the ions [Zn(Tpm*){MCp(CO)₃}]⁺ ( 4 a / b ; [MCp(CO)₃]^? as the counteranion) and [Cd(Tpm*){MCp(CO)₃}(thf)]⁺ ( 5 a / b ; [Cd{MCp(CO)₃}₃]^? as the counteranion). Complexes 4 a and 5 a / b are the first complexes that contain Zn?Cr, Cd?Cr, and Cd?Mo bonds (bond lengths 251.6, 269.8, and 278.9 pm, respectively). Quantum chemical calculations on 4 a / b* (and also on 5 a / b* ) provide evidence for an interaction between the metal atoms.     

Beryllium Halide Complexes Incorporating Neutral or Anionic Ligands: Potential Precursors for Beryllium Chemistry

Reactions of the beryllium dihalide complexes [BeX₂(OEt₂)₂] (X=Br or I) with N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), a series of diazabutadienes, or bis(diphenylphosphino)methylene (DPPM) have yielded the chelated complexes, [BeX₂(TMEDA)], [BeX₂{(RN=CH)₂}] (R=tBu, mesityl (Mes), 2,6‐diethylphenyl (Dep) or 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl (Dip)), and the non‐chelated system, [BeI₂(κ¹‐P‐DPPM)₂]. Reactions of lithium or potassium salts of a variety of β‐diketiminates have given both three‐coordinate complexes, [{HC(RCNAr)₂}BeX] (R=H or Me; Ar=Mes, Dep or Dip; X=Br or I); and four‐coordinate systems, [{HC(MeCNPh)₂}BeBr(OEt₂)] and [{HC(MeCNDip)(MeCNC₂H₄NMe₂}BeI]. Alkali metal salts of ketiminate, guanidinate, boryl/phosphinosilyl amide, or terphenyl ligands, lead to dimeric [{BeI{μ‐[(OCMe)(DipNCMe)]CH}}₂], and monomeric [{iPr₂NC(NMes)₂}BeI(OEt₂)], [κ²‐N,P‐{(HCNDip)₂B}(PPh₂SiMe₂)NBeI(OEt₂)] and [{C₆H₃Ph₂‐2,6}BeBr(OEt₂)], respectively. Compound [{HC(MeCNPh)₂}BeBr(OEt₂)] undergoes a Schlenk redistribution reaction in solution, affording the homoleptic complex, [{HC(MeCNPh)₂}₂Be]. The majority of the prepared complexes have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography and multi‐nuclear NMR spectroscopy. The structures and stability of the complexes are discussed, as is their potential for use as precursors in poorly developed low oxidation state beryllium chemistry.     

Bis‐ and Tris(pyrazolyl)borate/Methane‐Stabilized PIII‐Centered Cations

We report the synthesis of [H₂B(pz)₂PR]⁺, [H₂C(pz)₂PR]⁺², [HB(pz)₃P]⁺², and [HC(pz)₃P]⁺³ (H₂B(pz)₂=bis(pyrazolyl)borate; H₂C(pz)₂=bis(pyrazolyl)methane; HB(pz)₃=tris(pyrazolyl)borate; HC(pz)₃=tris(pyrazolyl) methane; R=Ph, Cy or Et₂N) by reaction of the corresponding neutral or anionic ligands with chlorophosphines in the presence of TMSOTf. The structures of these compounds were determined by X‐ray crystallographic analysis and the nature of their bonding was examined using density functional theory.     

Highly Strained Heterometallacycles of Group 4 Metallocenes with Bis(diphenylphosphino)methanide Ligands

A study of the coordination chemistry of different bis(diphenylphosphino)methanide ligands [Ph₂PC(X)PPh₂] (X=H, SiMe₃) with Group 4 metallocenes is presented. The paramagnetic complexes [Cp₂Ti{κ²‐P,P‐Ph₂PC(X)PPh₂}] (X=H ( 3 a ), X=SiMe₃ ( 3 b )) have been prepared by the reactions of [(Cp₂TiCl)₂] with [Li{C(X)PPh₂}₂(thf)₃]. Complex 3 b could also be synthesized by reaction of the known titanocene alkyne complex [Cp₂Ti(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] with Ph₂PC(H)(SiMe₃)PPh₂ ( 2 b ). The heterometallacyclic complex [Cp₂Zr(H){κ²‐P,P‐Ph₂PC(H)PPh₂}] ( 4 aH ) has been prepared by reaction of the Schwartz reagent with [Li{C(H)PPh₂}₂(thf)₃]. Reactions of [Cp₂HfCl₂] with [Li{C(X)PPh₂}₂(thf)₃] gave the highly strained corresponding metallacycles [Cp₂M(Cl){κ²‐P,P‐Ph₂PC(X)PPh₂}] ( 5 aCl and 5 bCl ) in very good yields. Complexes 3 a , 4 aH , and 5 aCl have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Complex 3 a has also been characterized by EPR spectroscopy. The structure and bonding of the complexes has been investigated by DFT analysis. Reactions of complexes 4 aH , 5 aCl , and 5 bCl did not give the corresponding more unsaturated heterometallacyclobuta‐2,3‐dienes.     

Syntheses of Cationic, Six-Coordinate Cadmium(II) Complexes Containing Tris(pyrazolyl)methane Ligands. Influence of Charge on Cadmium-113 NMR Chemical Shifts

Treating a thf (thf = tetrahydrofuran) suspension of Cd(acac)(2) (acac = acetylacetonate) with 2 equiv of HBF(4).Et(2)O results in the immediate formation of [Cd(2)(thf)(5)](BF(4))(4) (1). Crystallization of this complex from thf/CH(2)Cl(2) yields [Cd(thf)(4)](BF(4))(2) (2), a complex characterized in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. Crystal data: monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 7.784(2) ?, b = 10.408(2) ?, c = 14.632(7) ?, beta = 94.64(3) degrees, V = 1181.5(6) ?(3), Z = 2, R = 0.0484. The geometry about the cadmium is octahedral with a square planar arrangement of the thf ligands and a fluorine from each (BF(4))(-) occupying the remaining two octahedral sites. Reactions of [Cd(2)(thf)(5)](BF(4))(4) with either HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3) or HC(3-Phpz)(3) yield the dicationic, homoleptic compounds {[HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)](2)Cd}(BF(4))(2) (3) and {[HC(3-Phpz)(3)](2)Cd}(BF(4))(2) (4) (pz = 1-pyrazolyl). The solid state structure of 3 has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Crystal data: rhombohedral, R&thremacr;, a = 12.236(8) ?, c = 22.69(3) ?, V = 2924(4) ?(3), Z = 3, R = 0.0548. The cadmium is bonded to the six nitrogen donor atoms in a trigonally distorted octahedral arrangement. Four monocationic, mixed ligand tris(pyrazolyl)methane-tris(pyrazolyl)borate complexes {[HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)][HB(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)]Cd}(BF(4)) (5), {[HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)][HB(3-Phpz)(3)]Cd}(BF(4)) (6), {[HC(3-Phpz)(3)][HB(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)]Cd}(BF(4)) (7), and {[HC(3-Phpz)(3)][HB(3-Phpz)(3)]Cd}(BF(4)) (8) are prepared by appropriate conproportionation reactions of 3or 4 with equimolar amounts of the appropriate homoleptic neutral tris(pyrazolyl)borate complexes [HB(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)](2)Cd or [HB(3-Phpz)(3)](2)Cd. Solution (113)Cd NMR studies on complexes 3-8 demonstrate that the chemical shifts of the new cationic, tris(pyrazolyl)methane complexes are very similar to the neutral tris(pyrazolyl)borate complexes that contain similar substitution of the pyrazolyl rings.     

Heteroleptic Alkyl and Amide Iminoanilide Alkaline Earth and Divalent Rare Earth Complexes for the Catalysis of Hydrophosphination and (Cyclo)Hydroamination Reactions

[{N^N}M(X)(thf)_n] alkyl (X=CH(SiMe₃)₂) and amide (X=N(SiMe₃)₂) complexes of alkaline earths (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) and divalent rare earths (Yb^II and Eu^II) bearing an iminoanilide ligand ({N^N}^?) are presented. Remarkably, these complexes proved to be kinetically stable in solution. X‐ray diffraction studies allowed us to establish size–structure trends. Except for one case of oxidation with [{N^N}Yb^II{N(SiMe₃)₂}(thf)], all these complexes are stable under the catalytic conditions and constitute effective precatalysts for the cyclohydroamination of terminal aminoalkenes and the intermolecular hydroamination and intermolecular hydrophosphination of activated alkenes. Metals with equal sizes across alkaline earth and rare earth families display almost identical apparent catalytic activity and selectivity. Hydrocarbyl complexes are much better catalyst precursors than their amido analogues. In the case of cyclohydroamination, the apparent activity decreases with metal size: Ca>Sr>Ba, and the kinetic rate law agrees with R_CHA=k[precatalyst]¹[aminoalkene]¹. The intermolecular hydroamination and hydrophosphination of styrene are anti‐Markovnikov regiospecific. In both cases, the apparent activity increases with the ionic radius (Ca<Sr<Ba) but the rate laws are different, and obey R_HA=k[styrene]¹[amine]¹[precatalyst]¹ and R_HP=k[styrene]¹[HPPh₂]⁰[precatalyst]¹, respectively. Mechanisms compatible with the rate laws and kinetic isotopic effects are proposed. [{N^N}Ba{N(SiMe₃)₂}(thf)₂] ( 3 ) and [{N^N}Ba{CH(SiMe₃)₂}(thf)₂] ( 10 ) are the first efficient Ba‐based precatalysts for intermolecular hydroamination and hydrophosphination, and display activity values that are above those reported so far. The potential of the precatalysts for C? N and C? P bond formation is detailed and a rare cyclohydroamination–intermolecular hydroamination “domino” sequence is presented.     

Heteroleptic Silylamido Phenolate Complexes of Calcium and the Larger Alkaline Earth Metals: β‐Agostic Ae⋅⋅⋅Si?H Stabilization and Activity in the Ring‐Opening Polymerization of L‐Lactide

The factors governing the stability and the reactivity towards cyclic esters of heteroleptic complexes of the large alkaline earth metals (Ae) have been probed. The synthesis and stability of a family of heteroleptic silylamido and alkoxide complexes of calcium [{LOⁱ}Ca? Nu(thf)_n] supported by mono‐anionic amino ether phenolate ligands (i=1, {LO¹}^?=4‐(tert‐butyl)‐2,6‐bis(morpholinomethyl)phenolate, Nu^?=N(SiMe₂H)₂^?, n=0, 4 ; i=2, {LO²}^?=2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐{[2‐(methoxymethyl)pyrrolidin‐1‐yl]methyl}phenolate, Nu^?=N(SiMe₂H)₂^?, n=0, 5 ; i=4, {LO⁴}^?=2‐{[bis(2‐methoxyethyl)amino]methyl}‐4,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenolate, Nu^?=N(SiMe₂H)₂^?, n=1, 6 ; Nu^?=HC?CCH₂O^?, n=0, 7 ) and those of the related [{LO³}Ae? N(SiMe₂H)₂] ({LO³}^?=2‐[(1,4,7,10‐tetraoxa‐13‐azacyclopentadecan‐13‐yl)methyl]‐4,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenolate Ae=Ca, 1 ; Sr, 2 ; Ba, 3 ) have been investigated. The molecular structures of 1 , 2 , [( 4 )₂], 6 , and [( 7 )₂] have been determined by X‐ray diffraction. These highlight Ae???H? Si internal β‐agostic interactions, which play a key role in the stabilization of [{LOⁱ}Ae? N(SiMe₂H)₂] complexes against ligand redistribution reactions, in contrast to regular [{LOⁱ}Ae? N(SiMe₃)₂]. Pulse‐gradient spin‐echo (PGSE) NMR measurements showed that 1 , 4 , 6 , and 7 are monomeric in solution. Complexes 1 – 7 mediate the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of L ‐lactide highly efficiently, converting up to 5000 equivalents of monomer at 25 °C in a controlled fashion. In the immortal ROP performed with up to 100 equivalents of exogenous 9‐anthracenylmethanol or benzyl or propargyl alcohols as a transfer agent, the activity of the catalyst increased with the size of the metal ( 1 < 2 < 3 ). For Ca‐based complexes, the enhanced electron‐donating ability of the ancillary ligand favored catalyst activity ( 1 > 6 > 4 ≈ 5 ). The nature of the alcohol had little effect over the activity of the binary catalyst system 1 /ROH; in all cases, both the control and end‐group fidelity were excellent. In the living ROP of L ‐LA, the HC?CCH₂O^? initiating group (as in 7 ) proved superior to N(SiMe₂H)₂^? or N(SiMe₃)₂^? (as in 6 or [{LO⁴}Ca? N(SiMe₃)₂] ( B ), respectively).     

Synthesis of Heteroleptic Cerium(IV) Complexes Using a Heptadentate (N4O3) Tripodale Schiff‐base Ligand

The Cerium(IV) complexes [{N[CH₂CH₂N=CH(2‐O‐3,5‐^tBu₂C₆H₂)]₃}CeCl] ( 1 ) and [{N[CH₂CH₂N=CH(2‐O‐3,5‐^tBu₂C₆H₂)]₃}Ce(NO₃)] ( 2 ) were derived from the condensation of tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine and 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylaldehyde and the appropriate Ce starting material CeCl₃(H₂O)₆ and (NH₄)₂[Ce(NO₃)₆], respectively. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies reveal monomeric complexes.     

Experimental and Computational Studies on the Reactivity of a Terminal Thorium Imidometallocene towards Organic Azides and Diazoalkanes

The reaction of the base‐free terminal thorium imido complex [{η⁵‐1,2,4‐(Me₃C)₃C₅H₂}₂Th?N(p‐tolyl)] ( 1 ) with p‐azidotoluene yielded irreversibly the tetraazametallacyclopentene [{η⁵‐1,2,4‐(Me₃C)₃C₅H₂}₂Th{N(p‐tolyl)N?N? N(p‐tolyl)}] ( 2 ), whereas the bridging imido complex [{[η⁵‐1,2,4‐(Me₃C)₃C₅H₂]Th(N₃)₂}₂{μ‐N(p‐tolyl)}₂][(n‐C₄H₉)₄N]₂ ( 3 ) was isolated from the reaction of 1 with [(n‐C₄H₉)₄N]N₃. Unexpectedly, upon the treatment of 1 with 9‐diazofluorene, the NN bond was cleaved, an N atom was transferred, and the η²‐diazenido iminato complex [{η⁵‐1,2,4‐(Me₃C)₃C₅H₂}₂Th{η²‐[N?N(p‐tolyl)]}{N?(9‐C₁₃H₈)}] ( 4 ) was formed. In contrast, the reaction of 1 with Me₃SiCHN₂ gave the nitrilimido complex [{η⁵‐1,2,4‐(Me₃C)₃C₅H₂}₂Th{NH(p‐tolyl)}{N₂CSiMe₃}] ( 5 ), which slowly converted into [{η⁵‐1,2,4‐(Me₃C)₃C₅H₂}{η⁵:κ‐N‐1,2‐(Me₃C)₂‐4‐CMe₂(CH₂NN?CHSiMe₃)C₅H₂}Th{NH(p‐tolyl)}] ( 6 ) by intramolecular C? H bond activation. The experimental results are complemented by density functional theory (DFT) studies.     

Functionalised Tris(pyrazolyl)methane Ligands and Re(CO)3 Complexes Thereof

The synthesis of new tripodal nitrogen ligands derived from tris(pyrazolyl)methane (Tpm^R, R = H, tBu, Ph in 3‐position) is described. After deprotonation of the parent tris(pyrazolyl)methane Tpm^R, the carbanion reacts readily with ethylene oxide to yield the 3,3,3‐tris(3′‐substituted pyrazolyl)propanol ligands[(3‐Rpz)₃CCH₂CH₂OH, R = H, tBu, Ph, 1a – c ]. These ligands can be easily derivatised at the alcohol function. Microwave‐assisted reactions of these ligands and [Re(CO)₅Br] yields the complex [( 1a )Re(CO)₃]Br ( 4 ) in the case of ligand 1a , whereas in the case of the substituted ligands 1b and 1c degradation was observed. The degradation products are identified as [(Hpz^R)₂Re(CO)₃Br] [R = tBu ( 7b ), Ph ( 7c )]. These complexes were also prepared directly from [Re(CO)₅Br] and the corresponding pyrazoles by microwave‐assisted synthesis. The Re(CO)₃ complexes 4 and [( 1a )Re(CO)₃]OTf ( 5 ) are water‐soluble. The structures of 5· H₂O and [{(pz)₃CCH₂CH₃}Re(CO)₃]OTf · 1.5H₂O · ¹/₂CH₃CN ( 6· 1.5H₂O · ¹/₂CH₃CN) as well as the structure of 7b have been elucidated by X‐ray crystallography.     

Unusual Coordination Modes of Tris(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borates: Synthesis and Solid State Structures of Sodium[(dimethylamino)tris(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borate], Potassium[(dimethylamino)tris(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borate], and Potassium[phenyltris(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borate]

We report the optimized syntheses and the solid state structures of the alkali metal tris(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borates M[Me₂NBpz₃] (M = Na⁺ ( 1 ), K⁺ ( 2 ); pz = pyrazol‐1‐yl) and K[PhBpz₃] ( 3 ). Even though 1 and 2 consist of polymeric chains in the solid state, it is possible to identify subunits where the [Me₂NBpz₃]^? ion acts as tridentate ligand towards Na⁺ and K⁺ and binds via two of its pyrazolyl rings and its dimethylamino nitrogen atom (κ³N_pz,N_pz,N_NMe). In 3 , the ligand [PhBpz₃]^? employs two pyrazolyl donors and the π‐face of its phenyl substituent for potassium coordination (κ³N,N,C).     

Bis(phosphinimino)methanides as ligands in divalent lanthanide and alkaline earth chemistry - synthesis, structure, and catalysis

Divalent bis(phosphinimino)methanide lanthanide complexes of composition [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}EuI(THF)]₂ and [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}YbI(THF)₂] have been prepared by a salt metathesis reactions of K{CH(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂} and LnI₂. Further reactions of these complexes with [K(THF)_nN(PPh₂)₂] led selectively to the heteroleptic amido complexes [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}Ln{(Ph₂P)₂N}(THF)] (Ln = Eu, Yb). The ytterbium complex can also be obtained by reduction of [{CH(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂}Yb{(Ph₂P)₂N}Cl] with elemental potassium. The single crystals of [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}Ln{(Ph₂P)₂N}(THF)] contain enantiomerically pure complexes. As a result of the similar ionic radii of the divalent lanthanides and the heavier alkaline earth metals some similarities in coordination chemistry of the bis(phosphinimino)methanide ligand were anticipated. Therefore, MI₂ (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) was reacted with K{CH(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂} to give [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}CaI(THF)₂], [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}SrI(THF)]₂, and [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}BaI(THF)₂]₂, respectively. As expected the Sr and Eu complexes and the Ca and Yb complexes are very similar, whereas for the Ba compound, as a result of the large ion radius, a different coordination sphere is observed. For all new complexes the solid-state structures were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the solid-state the {CH(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂}⁻ ligand acts as tridentate donor forming a long methanide carbon metal bond. Thus, all complexes presented can be considered as organometallic compounds. [{(Me₃SiNPPh₂)₂CH}YbI(THF)₂] was also used as precatalyst for the intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization reaction of different aminoalkynes and aminoolefines. Good yields but moderate activities were observed.     

Metallatriazadiphosphorines of zinc(II), cadmium(II) and mercury(II)

Metallatriazadiphosphorine complexes corresponding to [{N(PPh₂NR)₂}M(OAc)] and [{N(PPh₂NR)₂}₂M], (R = Ph or SiMe₃; M = Zn, Cd or Hg) have been synthesized under strictly anhydrous and inert conditions by the reaction of the acyclic bis-silylated phosphazene ligand, [HN(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂], or the bis-phenylated phosphazene ligand, [HN(PPh₂NPh)₂], with Zn, Cd and Hg acetate in 1:1 and 2:1 molar ratios. These complexes are highly soluble in common organic solvents, but unstable hydrolytically as well as thermally, even under reduced pressure. Molecular weight determinations in benzene indicated the monomeric nature of these complexes. Further, they have been characterized on the basis of elemental analysis and spectral studies: i.r. and n.m.r. (¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P) that plausibly reveal a trigonal planar and tetrahedral geometry around the metal atom in the complexes.     

On the Stability of a POCsp3OP‐Type Pincer Ligand in Nickel(II) Complexes

We describe the results of a study on the stabilities of pincer‐type nickel complexes relevant to catalytic hydroalkoxylation and hydroamination of olefins, C? C and C? X couplings, and fluorination of alkyl halides. Complexes [(POC_sp3OP)NiX] are stable for X=OSiMe₃, OMes (Mes=1,3,5‐Me₃C₆H₂), NPh₂, and CC? H, whereas the O(tBu) and N(SiMe₃)₂ derivatives decompose readily. The phenylacetylide derivative transforms gradually into the zero‐valent species cis‐[{κ^P,κ^C,κ^C′‐(iPr₂POCH₂CHCH₂)}Ni{η²,κ^C,κ^C′‐(iPr₂P(O)CCPh)}]. Likewise, attempts to prepare [(POC_sp3OP)NiF] gave instead the zwitterionic trinuclear species [{(η³‐allyl)Ni}₂‐{μ,κ^P,κ^O‐(iPr₂PO)₄Ni}]. Characterization of these two complexes provides concrete examples of decomposition processes that can dismantle POC_sp3OP‐type pincer ligands by facile C? O bond rupture. These results serve as a cautionary tale for the inherent structural fragility of pincer systems bearing phosphinite donor moieties, and provide guidelines on how to design more robust analogues.     

Alkali Metal and Alkaline Earth Metal Complexes with the Bis(borane‐diphenylphosphanyl)amido Ligand – Synthesis,Structures, and Catalysis for Ring‐Opening Polymerization of ϵ‐Caprolactone

The syntheses of lithium and alkaline earth metal complexes with the bis(borane‐diphenylphosphanyl)amido ligand ( 1 ‐ H ) of molecular formulas [{κ²‐N(PPh₂(BH₃))₂}Li(THF)₂] ( 2 ) and [{κ³‐N(PPh₂(BH₃))₂}₂M(THF)₂] [(M = Ca ( 3 ), Sr ( 4 ), Ba ( 5 )] are reported. The lithium complex 2 was obtained by treatment of bis(borane‐diphenylphosphanyl)amine ( 1 ‐ H ) with lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in a 1:1 molar ratio via the silylamine elimination method. The corresponding homoleptic alkaline earth metal complexes 3 – 5 were prepared by two synthetic routes – first, the treatment of metal bis(trimethylsilyl)amide and protio ligand 1 ‐ H via the elimination of silylamine, and second, through salt metathesis reaction involving respective metal diiodides and lithium salt 2 . The molecular structures of lithium complex 2 and barium complex 5 were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. In the solid‐state structure of 2 , the lithium ion is ligated by amido nitrogen atoms and hydrogen atoms of the BH₃ group in κ²‐coordination of the ligand 1 resulting in a distorted tetrahedral geometry around the lithium ion. However, in complex 5 , κ³‐coordination of the ligand 1 was observed, and the barium ion adopted a distorted octahedral arrangement. The metal complex 5 was tested as catalyst for the ring opening polymerization of ?‐caprolactone. High activity for the barium complex 5 towards ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ?‐caprolactone with a narrow polydispersity index was observed. Additionally, first‐principle calculations to investigate the structure and coordination properties of alkaline earth metal complexes 3 – 5 as a comparative study between the experimental and theoretical findings were described.     

Molecular Gallium Arsenide Phosphide Clusters Prepared from AsP3, P4, and [{GaC(SiMe3)3}4]

Treatment of AsP₃ with 0.75 equivalents of [{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₄] resulted in selective insertion of three equivalents of {GaC(SiMe₃)₃} into the three As? P bonds to give [As{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₃P₃] ( 1 ‐As) with an intact cyclo‐P₃ ring. This yellow compound has been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, combustion analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, UV/Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (THF, 0.2 M [TBA][B(C₆F₅)₄]; TBA=tetrabutyl ammonium). Computational models of 1 ‐As and the isomeric [P{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₃AsP₂] ( 1 ‐P) have been investigated as well, revealing several interesting electronic features of these cage molecules. Following from the cyclic voltammetry studies of 1 ‐As that highlight an irreversible two‐electron reduction at ?2.2 V versus Fc/Fc⁺, treatment with one equivalent of [Mg(C₁₄H₁₀)(thf)₃] resulted in two‐electron reduction to provide [As{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₃P₃Mg(thf)₃] ( 2 ), in which the Mg²⁺ ion has inserted into one of the P? P bonds of the cyclo‐P₃ ring. It was also found that treatment of AsP₃ or P₄ with one equivalent of [{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₄] resulted in formation of the quadruple insertion products [As{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₄P₃] ( 3 ) and [P{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₄P₃] ( 4 ), respectively.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic and structural characterization of the first mixed fluoro-bromo group 4 organometallic complex [{Cp*ZrF2Br}4] (Cp* = C5Me5)

[{Cp*ZrF₂Br}₄] is conveniently prepared in high yield from the reaction of [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄] with four equivalents of Me₃SiBr. In contrast the reaction of [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄] with Me₃SiI under identical reaction conditions leads to a mixture of [Cp*ZrI₃] and unreacted [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄]. The crystal structure of [{Cp*ZrF₂Br}₄] has been determined by X-ray diffraction studies. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system [a = 9.325(1), b = 23.483(3), c = 27.016(5) Å, α = β = γ = 90°, space group Ibam, Z = 4]. The tetrameric core structure of [{Cp*ZrF₂Br}₄] contains four zirconium atoms linked by alternating single and triple fluorine bridges. One terminal bromine atom is bonded to each zirconium. ¹H and ¹⁹FNMR spectroscopic data and structural features of the title compound are compared with those for the mixed fluoro-chloro complexes [{Cp*ZrF₂Cl}₄], [{Cp*ZrF₂Cl}₂{Cp*ZrFCl₂}₂] and the trifluoro complex [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄].     

Synthesis,Structure, Bonding,and Reactivity of Metal Complexes Comprising Diborane(4) and Diborene(2): [{Cp*Mo(CO)2}2{μ‐η2:η2‐B2H4}] and [{Cp*M(CO)2}2B2H2M(CO)4], M=Mo,W

The reaction of [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ‐Cl)₂B₂H₆] ( 1 ) with CO at room temperature led to the formation of the highly fluxional species [{Cp*Mo(CO)₂}₂{μ‐η²:η²‐B₂H₄}] ( 2 ). Compound 2, to the best of our knowledge, is the first example of a bimetallic diborane(4) conforming to a singly bridged C_s structure. Theoretical studies show that 2 mimics the Cotton dimolybdenum–alkyne complex [{CpMo(CO)₂}₂C₂H₂]. In an attempt to replace two hydrogen atoms of diborane(4) in 2 with a 2e [W(CO)₄] fragment, [{Cp*Mo(CO)₂}₂ B₂H₂W(CO)₄] ( 3 ) was isolated upon treatment with [W(CO)₅⋅thf]. Compound 3 shows the intriguing presence of [B₂H₂] with a short B−B length of 1.624(4) Å. We isolated the tungsten analogues of 3 , [{Cp*W(CO)₂}₂B₂H₂W(CO)₄] ( 4 ) and [{Cp*W(CO)₂}₂B₂H₂Mo(CO)₄] ( 5 ), which provided direct proof of the existence of the tungsten analogue of 2 .     

A novel dinuclear MoVI complex with tris(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methane

Recrystallization of [MoO₂Cl{HC(3,5‐Me₂pz)₃}]Cl [where HC(3,5‐Me₂pz)₃ is tris(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methane] led to the isolation of large quantities of the dinuclear complex dichlorido‐2κ²Cl‐μ‐oxido‐κ²O:O‐tetraoxido‐1κ²O,2κ²O‐[tris(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl‐1κN²)methane]dimolybdenum(IV) acetonitrile monosolvate, [Mo₂Cl₂O₄(C₁₆H₂₂N₆)]·CH₃CN or [{MoO₂Cl₂}(μ₂‐O){MoO₂[HC(3,5‐Me₂pz)₃]}]·CH₃CN. At 150 K, this complex cocrystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbcm with an acetonitrile molecule. The complex has mirror symmetry: only half of the complex constitutes the asymmetric unit and all the heavy elements (namely Mo and Cl) are located on the mirror plane. The acetonitrile molecule also lies on a mirror plane. The two crystallographically independent Mo⁶⁺ centres have drastically different coordination environments: while one Mo atom is hexacoordinated and chelated to HC(3,5‐Me₂pz)₃ (which occupies one face of the octahedron), the other Mo atom is instead pentacoordinated, having two chloride anions in the apical positions of the distorted trigonal bipyramid. This latter coordination mode of Mo^VI was found to be unprecedented. Individual complexes and solvent molecules are close‐packed in the solid state, mediated by various supramolecular contacts.     

Discrete Cationic Zinc and Magnesium Complexes for Dual Organic/Organometallic‐Catalyzed Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Trimethylene Carbonate

We describe herein an original approach for the efficient immortal ring‐opening polymerization (iROP) of trimethylene carbonate (TMC) under mild conditions using dual‐catalyst systems combining a discrete cationic metal complex with a tertiary amine. A series of new zinc and magnesium cationic complexes of the type [{NNO}M]⁺[anion]^? ({NNO}^?=2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐{[(2′‐dimethylaminoethyl)methylamino]methyl}phenolate; M=Zn, [anion]^?=[B(C₆F₅)₄]^? ( 2 ), [H₂N‐ {B(C₆F₅)₃}₂]^? ( 3 ), and [EtB(C₆F₅)₃]^? ( 4 ); M=Mg, [anion]^?=[H₂N{B(C₆F₅)₃}₂]^? ( 7 )) have been prepared from the corresponding neutral compounds [{NNO}ZnEt] ( 1 ) and [{NNO}‐ Mg(nBu)] ( 6 ). Compounds 2 – 4 and 7 exist as free ion pairs, as revealed by ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹F, and ¹¹B NMR spectroscopy in THF solution, and an X‐ray crystallographic analysis of the bis(THF) adduct of compound 7 , 7? (THF)₂. The neutral complexes 1 and 6 , in combination with one equivalent or an excess of benzyl alcohol (BnOH), initiate the rapid iROP of TMC, in bulk or in toluene solution, at 45–60 °C (turnover frequency, TOF, up to 25–30 000 mol(TMC)?mol(Zn)?h^?1 for 1 and 220–240 000 mol(TMC)?mol(Mg)?h^?1 for 6 ), to afford H‐PTMC‐OBn with controlled macromolecular features. ROP reactions mediated by the cationic systems 2 /BnOH and 7 /BnOH proceeded much more slowly (TOF up to 500 and 3 000 mol(TMC)?mol(Zn or Mg)?h^?1 at 110 °C) than those based on the parent neutral compounds 1 /BnOH and 6 /BnOH, respectively. Use of original dual organic/organometallic catalyst systems, obtained by adding 0.2–5 equiv of a tertiary amine such as NEt₃ to zinc cationic complexes [{NNO}Zn]⁺[anion]^? ( 2 – 4 ), promoted high activities (TOF up to 18 300 mol(TMC)?mol(Zn)?h^?1 at 45 °C) giving H‐PTMC‐OBn with good control over the M_n and M_w/M_n values. Variation of the nature of the anion in 2 – 4 did not significantly affect the performance of these catalyst systems. On the other hand, the dual magnesium‐based catalyst system 7 /NEt₃ proved to be poorly effective.