Gas-phase synthesis and reactivity of binuclear gold hydride cations, (R3PAu)2H+ (R = Me and Ph)

Electrospray ionization of a mixture of the two gold phosphine chlorides, R3PAuCl (R = Ph and Me), silver nitrate and the amino acid N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG) yields a range of gold containing cluster ions including: (R3P)Au(PR'3)+; (R3PAu)(R'3PAu)Cl+ and (R3PAu)(R'3PAu)(DMG-H)+ (where R = R' = Ph; R = R' = Me; R = Me and R' = Ph). Collision induced dissociation (CID) of the (R3PAu)(R'3PAu)(DMG-H)+ precursor ions yielded the hitherto unknown gold hydride dimers (R3PAu)(R'3PAu)H+. The gas-phase chemistry of these dimers was studied using ion-molecule reactions, collision induced dissociation, electronic excitation dissociation (EED) and DFT calculations on the (H3PAu)2H+ model system. A novel phosphine ligand migration was found to occur prior to fragmentation under CID conditions and this was supported by DFT calculations, which revealed a transition state with a bridging phosphine ligand.     

The open-chain triphosphanes RMe2SiCH2P(PR'2)2 (R = Me, Ph; R' = SiMe3, Cy, Ph)

The triphosphanes RMe(2)SiCH(2)P(PR'(2))(2) (R = Me, Ph; R' = SiMe(3), Cy) are synthesised in good yield via metathesis of organodichlorophosphanes and LiPR'(2), while for R' = Ph a propensity to form (Ph(2)P)(2) precludes isolation of the in situ characterised triphosphanes. Where R = Me and R' = SiMe(3) the triphosphane has also been characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction and exhibits a single geometric conformer in the solid state, though solution-phase NMR spectra are indicative of facile conformational exchange across a wide temperature range. All of the described triphosphanes exhibit comparable behaviour, with their respective (31)P{(1)H} NMR spectra manifesting anomalous 'second-order' characteristics, which are considered using full spin-Hamiltonian simulation. Preliminary studies of coordination chemistry and ancillary reactivity of the triphosphanes are described.     

Zur Bildung cyclischer Silylphosphane Umsetzung von Li-Phosphiden mit R2SiCl2 (R = Me,Et, t-Bu)

Formation of Cyclic Silylphosphanes. Reaction of Li-Phosphides with R₂SiCl₂ (R? Me, Et, t-Bu) The reaction of Me₂SiCl₂ with Li-phosphides (mixture of LiPH₂, Li₂PH) leads to the formation of Me₂Si(PH₂)Cl 1 , Me₂Si(PH₂)₂ 2 , H₂P? SiMe₂? PH? SiMe₂Cl 3 , (H₂P? SiMe₂)₂PH 4 , (HP? SiMe₂)₃ 6 , 5 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 40 . Excess of phosphides in Et₂O – as well as excess of LiPH₂ – favourably forms 10 . Li₂PH (virtually free of Li₃P and LiPH₂) is obtained by reaction of LiPH₂ · DME with LiBu; Li₃P by reaction of PH₃ with LiBu in toluene. Isomerization by Li/H migration determines the course of reaction of the PH-bearing compounds with Li-phosphides. With Me₂SiCl₂ Li₃P mainly generates compound 10 . The reaction of the Li-phosphides with Et₂SiCl₂ mainly leads to (HP? SiEt₂)₃ 18 and (HP? SiEt₂)₂ 17 as well as to Et₂Si(PH₂)Cl 11 , Et₂Si(PH₂)₂ 12 , (ClEt₂Si)₂PH 13 , H₂P? SiEt₂? PH? SiEt₂Cl 14 , (H₂P? SiEt₂)₂PH 15 and 16 . In the reaction with LiPH₂ · DME the same compounds are obtained and isomerization by Li/H migration (formation of PH₃) already begins at ?70°C. In toluene ClEt₂Si? P(SiEt₂)₂P? SiEt₂Cl is additionally formed. Derivatives of 9, 10, 40 are not observed. The reaction of (t-Bu)₂SiCl₂ with LiPH₂ leads to HP[Si(t-Bu)₂]₂PH 20 (yield 76%) and formation of PH₃, the reaction with Li₂PH to 20 (54%) besides HP[Si(t-Bu)₂]₂PLi 21 .     

Quantum dynamics study of H+NH3-->H2+NH2 reaction

We report in this paper a quantum dynamics study for the reaction H+NH3-->NH2+H2 on the potential energy surface of Corchado and Espinosa-Garcia [J. Chem. Phys. 106, 4013 (1997)]. The quantum dynamics calculation employs the semirigid vibrating rotor target model [J. Z. H. Zhang, J. Chem. Phys. 111, 3929 (1999)] and time-dependent wave packet method to propagate the wave function. Initial state-specific reaction probabilities are obtained, and an energy correction scheme is employed to account for zero point energy changes for the neglected degrees of freedom in the dynamics treatment. Tunneling effect is observed in the energy dependency of reaction probability, similar to those found in H+CH4 reaction. The influence of rovibrational excitation on reaction probability and stereodynamical effect are investigated. Reaction rate constants from the initial ground state are calculated and are compared to those from the transition state theory and experimental measurement.     

Renner-Teller quantum dynamics of the N(2D) + H2-->NH + H reaction

We present the Born-Oppenheimer (BO) and Renner-Teller (RT) quantum dynamics of the reaction (14)N((2)D)+(1)H(2)(X (1)Sigma(g) (+))-->NH(X (3)Sigma(-))+H((2)S), considering the NH(2) electronic states X (2)B(1) and A (2)A(1). These states correlate to the same (2)Pi(u) linear species, are coupled by RT nonadiabatic effects, and give NH(X (3)Sigma(-))+H and NH(a (1)Delta)+H, respectively. We develop the Hamiltonian matrix elements in the R embedding of the Jacobi coordinates and in the adiabatic electronic representation, using the permutation-inversion symmetry, and taking into account the nuclear-spin statistics. Collision observables are calculated via the real wave-packet (WP) and flux methods, using the potential-energy surfaces of Santoro et al. [J. Phys. Chem. A 106, 8276 (2002)]. WP snapshots show that the reaction proceeds via an insertion mechanism, and that the RT-WP avoids the A (2)A(1) potential barrier, jumping from the excited to the ground surface and giving mainly the NH(X (3)Sigma(-)) products. X (2)B(1) BO probabilities and cross sections show large tunnel effects and are approximately four to ten times larger than the A (2)A(1) ones. This implies a BO rate-constant ratio k(X (2)B(1))k(A (2)A(1)) approximately 10(5) at 300 K, i.e., a negligible BO formation of NH(a (1)Delta). When H(2) is rotationally excited, RT couplings reduce slightly the X (2)B(1) reaction observables, but enhance strongly the A (2)A(1) reactivity. These couplings are important at all collision energies, reduce the collision threshold, and increase remarkably reaction probabilities and cross sections. The RT k(A (2)A(1)) is thus approximately 3.3 order of magnitude larger than the BO value, and degeneracy-averaged, initial-state-resolved rate constants increase by approximately 13% and by approximately 47% at 300 and 500 K, respectively. Owing to an overestimation of the X (2)B(1) potential barrier, the calculated thermal rate is too low with respect to that observed, but we obtain a good agreement by shifting down the calculated cross section.     

Über den Phosphandiyl‐Transfer von invers‐polarisierten Phosphaalkenen R1P=C(NMe2)2 (R1 = tBu,Cy, Ph,H) auf Phospheniumkomplexe [(η5‐C5H5)(CO)2M=P(R2)R3] (R2 = R3 = Ph; R2 = tBu,R3 = H; R2 = Ph,R3 = N(SiMe3)2)

Phosphanediyl Transfer from Inversely Polarized Phosphaalkenes R¹P=C(NMe₂)₂ (R¹ = tBu, Cy, Ph, H) onto Phosphenium Complexes [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)(CO)₂M=P(R²)R³] (R² = R³ = Ph; R² = tBu, R³ = H; R² = Ph, R³ = N(SiMe₃)₂) Reaction of the freshly prepared phosphenium tungsten complex [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)(CO)₂W=PPh₂] ( 3 ) with the inversely polarized phosphaalkenes RP=C(NMe₂)₂ ( 1 ) ( a : R = tBu; b : Cy; c : Ph) led to the η²‐diphosphanyl complexes ( 9a‐c ) which were isolated by column chromatography as yellow crystals in 24‐30 % yield. Similarly, phosphenium complexes [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)(CO)₂M=P(H)tBu] (M = W ( 6 ); Mo ( 8 )) were converted into (M = W ( 11 ); Mo ( 12 )) by the formal abstraction of the phosphanediyl [PtBu] from 1a . Treatment of [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)(CO)₂W=P(Ph)N(SiMe₃)₂] ( 4 ) with HP=C(NMe₂)₂ ( 1d ) gave rise to the formation of yellow crystalline ( 10 ). The products were characterized by elemental analyses and spectra (IR, ¹H, ¹³C‐, ³¹P‐NMR, MS). The molecular structure of compound 10 was elucidated by an X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Seven-dimensional quantum dynamics study of the H+NH3-->H2+NH2 reaction

Initial state-selected time-dependent wave packet dynamics calculations have been performed for the H+NH3-->H2+NH2 reaction using a seven-dimensional model and an analytical potential energy surface based on the one developed by Corchado and Espinosa-Garcia [J. Chem. Phys. 106, 4013 (1997)]. The model assumes that the two spectator NH bonds are fixed at their equilibrium values. The total reaction probabilities are calculated for the initial ground and seven excited states of NH3 with total angular momentum J=0. The converged cross sections for the reaction are also reported for these initial states. Thermal rate constants are calculated for the temperature range 200-2000 K and compared with transition state theory results and the available experimental data. The study shows that (a) the total reaction probabilities are overall very small, (b) the symmetric and asymmetric NH stretch excitations enhance the reaction significantly and almost all of the excited energy deposited was used to reduce the reaction threshold, (c) the excitation of the umbrella and bending motion have a smaller contribution to the enhancement of reactivity, (d) the main contribution to the thermal rate constants is thought to come from the ground state at low temperatures and from the stretch excited states at high temperatures, and (e) the calculated thermal rate constants are three to ten times smaller than the experimental data and transition state theory results.     

Solvent-free mechanochemical synthesis of two Pt complexes: cis-(Ph3P)2PtCl2 and cis-(Ph3P)2PtCO3

Cis-(Ph3P)2PtCl2 and cis-(Ph3P)2PtCO3 were prepared mechanochemically from solid reactants in the absence of a solvent; cis-(Ph3P)2PtCl2 was obtained in 98% yield after ball-milling of polycrystalline PtCl2 and Ph3P; the mechanically induced solid-state reaction of cis-(Ph3P)2PtCl2 with an excess of anhydrous K2CO3 produced cis-(Ph3P)2PtCO3 in 70% yield; the formation of transition metal complexes as a result of mechanochemical solvent-free reactions has been confirmed by means of solid-state 31P MAS NMR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and differential thermal analysis.     

Cluster chemistry: XXXVIII. Reactions between M(C2R)(PR′3 (M = Cu,Ag, Au; R = Ph,C6F5; R′ = Me Ph) and H2Os3(CO)10: X-ray structures of Os3Au(μ-CHCHR)(CO)10(PPh3) (R = Ph and C6F5)

The reactions of Os₃(μ-H)₂(CO)₁₀ with a series of Group IB metal acetylide-tertiary phosphine complexes are described. Whereas the compounds M(C₂C₆F₅)(PPh₃) (M = Cu, Ag, Au) afforded the complexes MOs₃(μ-CHCHC₆F₅)(CO)₁₀(PPh₃) cleanly and in high yield, complex mixtures of products were obtained from reactions of the analogous phenylacetylides. The complexes MOs₃(μ-CHCHPh)(CO)₁₀(PPh₃), MOs₃(μ-CHCHPh)(CO)₉(PPh₃)₂ and MOs₃(μ-H)(CO)₁₀(PPh₃) (of known structure), and MOs₃(μ-CHCHPh)(CO)₉(PPh₃)₂ and HMOs₃(CHCPh)(CO)₈ (of unknown structure) were characterised; Au(C₂Ph)(PMe₃) afforded similar derivatives. The reactions proceed by oxidative-addition and hydrogen migration steps; MP bond cleavage reactions also occur to a small extent. The molecular structures of AuOs₃(μ-CHCHC₆R₅)(CO)₁₀(PPh₃) (R = F or H) were determined by X-ray analyses. For R = F, crystals are triclinic, space group P$\text{1}$ with a 9.081(2), b 13.291(2), c 17.419(2) Å, α 84.49(1), β 76.20(2), γ 75.81(2)° and Z = 2; 4622 observed data [I > 2.5σ(I)] were refined to R = 0.027, R_W = 0.031. For R = H, crystals are triclinic, space group P$\text{1}$, with a 9.403(4), b 13.448(3), c 13.774(4) Å, α 83.34(2), β 88.66(3), γ 70.21(3)°, and Z = 2; 4405 observed data [I > 2.5σ(I)] were refined to R = 0.030, R_W = 0.033. The two molecules differ in the orientation of the Ph rings of the PPh₃ groups, but are otherwise similar to Os₃(μ-H)(μ-CHCHBu^t)(CO)₁₀ with the μ-H ligand replaced by the isolobal μ-Au(PPh₃) group.     

Platinum,iridium and rhodium complexes with substituted bis-(diphenylphosphino)methane ligands Ph2PCH(R)PPh2 (R = Me,Ph or SiMe3)

Substituted phosphines of the type Ph₂PCH(R)PPh₂ and their Pt^II complexes [PtX₂{Ph₂PCH(R)PPh₂}] (R = Me, Ph or SiMe₃; X = halide) were prepared. Treatment of [PtCl₂(NCBu^t)₂] with Ph₂PCH(SiMe₃)-PPh₂ gave [PtCl₂(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)], while treatment with Ph₂PCH(Ph)PPh₂ gave [Pt{Ph₂PCH(Ph)PPh₂}₂]Cl₂. Reaction of p-MeC₆H₄C≡CLi or PhC≡CLi with [PtX₂{Ph₂PCH(Me)PPh₂}] gave [Pt(C≡CC₆H₄Me-p)₂-{Ph₂PCH(Me)PPh₂}] (X = I) and [Pt{Ph₂PC(Me)PPh₂}₂](X = Cl),while reaction of p-MeC₆H₄C≡CLi with [Pt{Ph₂PCH(Ph)PPh₂}₂]Cl₂ gave [Pt{Ph₂PC(Ph)PPh₂}₂]. The platinum complexes [PtMe₂(dpmMe)] or [Pt(CH₂)₄(dpmMe)] fail to undergo ring-opening on treatment with one equivalent of dpmMe [dpmMe = Ph₂PCH(Me)PPh₂]. Treatment of [Ir(CO)Cl(PPh₃)₂] with two equivalents of dpmMe gave [Ir(CO)(dpmMe)₂]Cl. The PF₆ salt was also prepared. Treatment of [Ir(CO)(dpmMe)₂]Cl with [Cu(C≡CPh)₂], [AgCl(PPh₃)] or [AuCl(PPh₃)] failed to give heterobimetallic complexes. Attempts to prepare the dinuclear rhodium complex [Rh₂(CO)₃(μ-Cl)(dpmMe)₂]BPh₄ using a procedure similar to that employed for an analogous dpm (dpm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) complex were unsuccessful. Instead, the mononuclear complex [Rh(CO)(dpmMe)₂]BPh₄ was obtained. The corresponding chloride and PF₆ salts were also prepared. Attempts to prepare [Rh(CO)(dpmMe)₂]Cl in CHCl₃ gave [RhHCl(dpmMe)₂]Cl. Recrystallization of [Rh(CO)(dpmMe)₂]BPh₄ from CHCl₃/EtOH gave [RhO₂(dpmMe)₂]BPh₄. Treatment of [Rh(CO)₂Cl₂]₂ with one equivalent of dpmMe per Rh atom gave two compounds, [Rh(CO)(dpmMe)₂]Cl and a dinuclear complex that undergoes exchange at room temperature between two formulae: [Rh₂(CO)₂(μ-Cl)(μ-CO)(dpmMe)₂]Cl and [Rh₂(CO)₂-(μ-Cl)(dpmMe)₂]Cl. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The course of (R2R'SiO)3TaCl2 (R = tBu, R' = H, Me, Ph, tBu (silox); R = iPr, R' = tBu, iPr) reduction is dependent on siloxide size

Various sized siloxides (Cy(3)SiO > (t)Bu(3)SiO > (t)Bu(2)PhSiO > (t)Bu(2)MeSiO approximately (i)Pr(2)(t)BuSiO > (i)Pr(3)SiO > (t)Bu(2)HSiO) were used to make (R(2)R'SiO)(3)TaCl(2) (R = (t)Bu, R' = H (1-H), Me (1-Me), Ph (1-Ph), (t)Bu (1); R = (i)Pr, R' = (t)Bu (1-(i)Pr(2)); R = R' = (i)Pr (1-(i)Pr(3)); R = R' = (c)Hex (Cy)). Product analyses of sodium amalgam reductions of several dichlorides suggest that [(R(2)R'SiO)(3)Ta](2)(mu-Cl)(2) may be a common intermediate. When the siloxide is large (1-(t)Bu), formation of the Ta(III) species ((t)Bu(3)SiO)(3)Ta (6) occurs via disproportionation. When the siloxide is small, the Ta(IV) intermediate is stable (e.g., [((i)Pr(3)SiO)(3)Ta](2)(mu-Cl)(2) (2)), and when intermediate sized siloxides are used, solvent bond activation via unstable Ta(III) tris-siloxides is proposed to occur. Under hydrogen, reductions of 1-Me and 1-Ph provide Ta(IV) and Ta(V) hydrides [((t)Bu(2)MeSiO)(3)Ta](2)(micro-H)(2) (4-Me) and ((t)Bu(2)PhSiO)(3)TaH(2) (7-Ph), respectively.     

Reactivity Studies of Iridium Pyridylidenes [TpMe2Ir(C6H5)2(C(CH)3C(R)NH] (R=H,Me, Ph)

The reactivity of a series of iridium? pyridylidene complexes with the formula [Tp^Me2Ir(C₆H₅)₂(C(CH)₃C(R)N H] ( 1 a – 1 c ) towards a variety of substrates, from small molecules, such as H₂, O₂, carbon oxides, and formaldehyde, to alkenes and alkynes, is described. Most of the observed reactivity is best explained by invoking 16 e^? unsaturated [Tp^Me2Ir(phenyl)(pyridyl)] intermediates, which behave as internal frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs). H₂ is heterolytically split to give hydride? pyridylidene complexes, whilst CO, CO₂, and H₂C?O provide carbonyl, carbonate, and alkoxide species, respectively. Ethylene and propene form five‐membered metallacycles with an IrCH₂CH(R)N (R=H, Me) motif, whereas, in contrast, acetylene affords four‐membered iridacycles with the IrC(?CH₂)N moiety. C₆H₅(C?O)H and C₆H₅C?CH react with formation of Ir? C₆H₅ and Ir? C?CPh bonds and the concomitant elimination of a molecule of pyridine and benzene, respectively. Finally the reactivity of compounds 1 a – 1 c against O₂ is described. Density functional theory calculations that provide theoretical support for these experimental observations are also reported.     

Seven dimensional quantum dynamics study of the H2+NH2-->H+NH3 reaction

Initial state-selected time-dependent wave packet dynamics calculations have been performed for the H2+NH2-->H+NH3 reaction using a seven dimensional model on an analytical potential energy surface based on the one developed by Corchado and Espinosa-Garcia [J. Chem. Phys. 106, 4013 (1997)]. The model assumes that the two spectator NH bonds are fixed at their equilibrium values and nonreactive NH2 group keeps C2v symmetry and the rotation-vibration coupling in NH2 is neglected. The total reaction probabilities are calculated when the two reactants are initially at their ground states, when the NH2 bending mode is excited, and when H2 is on its first vibrational excited state, with total angular momentum J=0. The converged cross sections for the reaction are also reported for these initial states. Thermal rate constants and equilibrium constants are calculated for the temperature range of 200-2000 K and compared with transition state theory results and the available experimental data. The study shows that (a) the reaction is dominated by ground-state reactivity and the main contribution to the thermal rate constants is thought to come from this state, (b) the excitation energy of H2 was used to enhance reactivity while the excitation of the NH2 bending mode hampers the reaction, (c) the calculated thermal rate constants are very close to the experimental data and transition state theory results at high and middle temperature, while they are ten times higher than that of transition state theory at low temperature (T=200 K), and (d) the equilibrium constants results indicate that the approximations applied may have different roles in the forward and reverse reactions.     

Theoretical study of Pt(PR3)(2)(AlCl3) (R = H, Me, Ph, or Cy) including an unsupported bond between transition metal and non-transition metal elements: geometry, bond strength, and prediction

The molecular structure and the binding energy of Pt(PR(3))(2)(AlCl(3)) (R = H, Me, Ph, or Cy) were investigated by DFT, MP2 to MP4(SDTQ), and CCSD(T) methods. The optimized structure of Pt(PCy(3))(2)(AlCl(3)) (Cy = cyclohexyl) by the DFT method with M06-2X and LC-BLYP functionals agrees well with the experimental one. The MP4(SDTQ) and CCSD(T) methods present similar binding energies (BE) of Pt(PH(3))(2)(AlCl(3)), indicating that these methods provide reliable BE value. The DFT(M06-2X)-calculated BE value is close to the MP4(SDTQ) and CCSD(T)-calculated values, while the other functionals present BE values considerably different from the MP4(SDTQ) and CCSD(T)-calculated values. All computational methods employed here indicate that the BE values of Pt(PMe(3))(2)(AlCl(3)) and Pt(PPh(3))(2)(AlCl(3)) are considerably larger than those of the ethylene analogues. The coordinate bond of AlCl(3) with Pt(PR(3))(2) is characterized to be the σ charge transfer (CT) from Pt to AlCl(3). This complex has a T-shaped structure unlike the well-known Y-shaped structure of Pt(PMe(3))(2)(C(2)H(4)), although both are three-coordinate Pt(0) complex. This T-shaped structure results from important participation of the Pt d(σ) orbital in the σ-CT; because the Pt d(σ) orbital energy becomes lower as the P-Pt-P angle decreases, the T-shaped structure is more favorable for the σ-CT than is the Y-shaped structure. [Co(alcn)(2)(AlCl(3))](-) (alcn = acetylacetoneiminate) is theoretically predicted here as a good candidate for the metal complex, which has an unsupported M-Al bond because its binding energy is calculated to be much larger than that of Pt(PCy(3))(2)(AlCl(3)).     

Corroboration of theory for H + D2 --> D + HD (v' = 3, j' = 0) reactive scattering dynamics

The differential cross section (DCS) for the reaction H + D2 --> D + HD (v' = 3, j' = 0) exhibits particularly rich dynamics; in addition to the expected direct recoil backscattering feature, a surprising time-delayed forward scattering feature appears that has been attributed to glory scattering arising from nearside and farside interference. This fact leads to a complex DCS that depends strongly on the collision energy. Its accurate calculation requires a fully quantum mechanical (QM) treatment. We report improved measurements of this DCS over the collision energy range 1.55 < or = E(coll) < or = 1.82 eV. Previous measurements using the core extraction method, while generally in agreement with theory, lacked sufficient resolution to capture all of the noteworthy behavior of the system; in the present work, we use ion imaging to observe many previously unresolved features of the DCS, particularly in the forward-scattered region. Agreement with QM calculations is found at all collision energies, reconciling an earlier discrepancy between experiment and theory near E(coll) = 1.54 eV.     

The W2Cl4(NHCMe3)2(PR 3)2 molecules (R 3=Me3, Et3, Pr n 3, Me2Ph) I. Their isomeric forms,interconversion proeesses,crystalline forms,and detailed molecular structures

A thorough study of compounds with the formula W₂Cl₄(NHCMe₃)2(PR₃)₂, withR ₃=Me₃, Et₃, Prg ⁿ ₃ Me₂,Ph, is reported. In addition to the previously reported crystalline compounds, namely Ia,trans-W₂Cl₄(NHCMe₃)₂(PMe₃)₂ in space group Pmmn;3a,trans-W₂Cl₄(NHCM₃)₂(PEt₃)₂ in space group P2₁/^a (or P2₁/^c); and4,cis-W₂Cl₄(NHCMe₃)₂(PMe₂Ph)₂ in Pna2₁, we have obtained and structurally characterized the following new substances,1b,trans-W₂Cl₄,(NHCMe₃)₂(PMe₂)₂, space group P2₁/^c,a= 12.233 (4) Å,b= 12.872 (4) Å,c=17.095 (5) Å,=93.52 (2)°,Z=4,V=2687 (1) ų 2,cis-W₂Cl₄(NHCMe₃)₂(PMe₃)₂, P2₁/^c,a=9.673 (4) Å,b=17.249 (4) Å,c=16.244 (5) Å,=99.63 (3),Z = 4 ,V=2669 (1) Å.3b,trans-W₂Cl₄(NHCMe₃)₂(PEt₃)₂, Pl,a=16.850 (3) Å,b=17.797 (3) Å,c= 11.459 (2)Å,= 101.02 (1),= 103.13°, y=84.23 (1)°,Z=4,V= 3279 (1) Å5,trans-W₂Cl₄(NHCM₃)₂(PMe₂Ph)₂, Fdd2,a=39.563 (8) Å at 20°C; 39.325 (10) Å at -6O°C,b = 57.543 (17) Å at 20°C; 57.186 (16) Å at -60°C,c= 8.810 (1) Å at 20°C; 8.770 (1) Å at - 60°C ,Z=24,V=20057 (7) ų (20°C), 19723 (8) ų ( - 60°C) .6,trans-W₂Cl₄(NHCMe_{3 2}(PPrⁿ ₃)₂, Pl,a= 17.287 (2) Å (20°C); 17.077 (5) Å (-60°C),b= 19.119 (2) Å (20°C); 18.952 (6) Å (-60°C),c= 12.713 (1) Å (20°C); 12.668 (4) Å (-60°C),Z=4,V= 3980 (1) ų (20°C), 3898 (2) ,ų ( - 60°C). In addition, the structure of3a was re-determined and refined so that the disorder ratio was a refined parameter, leading to a value of 0.520:0.480 instead of being arbitrarily fixed at 0.50:0.50. In all of the structures the molecules are held in eclipsed (but very distorted) rotational conformations and the W-W distances are all within the range of 2.305-2.330 Å. As will be shown in a later paper, for all phosphines, thecis andtrans isomers are of similar stability and an equilibrium mixture exists in solution. It is also shown that1a and3a do not contain unexpectedly short W-N bonds as previously reported.     

Synthesis and base hydrolysis kinetics of the nitrile complexes [Co(tetren)NCR]3+ (R=Me,Ph and p-MeOC6 H4) and the synthesis and kinetics of formation of the tetrazolato complexes [Co(tetren)N4R]2+ (R=Me and Ph; tetren=1,11-diamino-3,6,9-triazaundecane) by reaction with azide ion

The N-bonded nitrile complexes -[Co(tetren)NCR]³⁺ (R=Me, Ph, p-MeOC₆ H₄) have been prepared by the reaction of -[Co(tetren)OH₂]³⁺ with the corresponding nitrile. The kinetics of base hydrolysis have been studied by pH-stat methods. The reactions involve an SN₁CB displacement of the nitrile to give the hydroxopentamine; nucleophilic attack at the nitrile carbon to give the corresponding carboxamido complex does not occur. NaN₃ reacts with the nitrile complexes in slightly acidic solution (pH ca. 5.7) to give the tetrazolato complexes [Co(tetren)N₄ R]²⁺ (R=Me, Ph) which have been characterised. The reaction of azide ion with -[Co(tetren)NCMe]³⁺ has been studied kinetically. The reaction is biphasic involving the initial rapid formation of the N₁-bonded (5-methyltetrazolato) pentaminecobalt(III) complex with k=2×10^–2dm³ mol^–1s^–1 at 25°C followed by the slow isomerisation to the N₂-bonded complex with k=3.5×10^–5s^–1 at pH 5.7.