Efficient organic photovoltaic cells based on thiazolothiazole and benzodithiophene copolymers with π‐conjugated bridges

New donor–π–acceptor (D–π–A) type conjugated copolymers, poly[(4,8‐bis((2‐hexyldecyl)oxy)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene)‐alt‐(2,5‐bis(4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole)] (PBDT‐tTz), and poly[(4,8‐bis((2‐hexyldecyl)oxy)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene)‐alt‐(2,5‐bis(6‐octylthieno[3,2‐b]thiophen‐2‐yl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole)] (PBDT‐ttTz) were synthesized and characterized with the aim of investigating their potential applicability to organic photovoltaic active materials. While copolymer PBDT‐tTz showed a zigzagged non‐linear structure by thiophene π‐bridges, PBDT‐ttTz had a linear molecular structure with thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene π‐bridges. The optical, electrochemical, morphological, and photovoltaic properties of PBDT‐tTz and PBDT‐ttTz were systematically investigated. Furthermore, bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices were fabricated by using the synthesized polymers as p‐type donors and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C₇₁‐butyric acid methyl ester as an n‐type acceptor. PBDT‐ttTz showed a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.21% as a result of the extended conjugation arising from the thienothiophene π‐bridges and enhanced molecular ordering in the film state, while PBDT‐tTz showed a relatively lower PCE of 2.92% under AM 1.5 G illumination (100 mW/cm²). © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018 , 56, 1978–1988     

Selective Synthesis of Discrete Mono‐, Interlocked‐, and Borromean Ring Ensembles Based on a π‐Electron‐Deficient Ligand

Herein, we present a new synthetic approach to achieve selective supramolecular transformations and construct different interlocked metallacycles featuring a π‐electron‐deficient thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole‐derived ligand. We demonstrate that the formation of mono‐rings, interlocked rings ([2]catenanes) and Borromean rings can be controlled by adjusting the length of the binuclear half‐sandwich Rh^III and Ir^III building blocks. Furthermore, a concentration effect or D‐A stacking interaction between the pyrene guest and the thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole‐based ligand promotes a unique and reversible conversion between catenane structures and metalla‐rectangles. The synthetic results are supported by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Diimido‐, Imido(oxo)‐, Dioxo‐ und Imido(alkyliden)‐Halbsandwich‐Verbindungen über selektive Hydrolyse und α—H‐Abstraktion an Organylkomplexen des sechswertigen Molybdäns und Wolframs

Diimido, Imido Oxo, Dioxo, and Imido Alkylidene Halfsandwich Compounds via Selective Hydrolysis and α—H Abstraction in Molybdenum(VI) and Tungsten(VI) Organyl Complexes Organometal imides [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)₂Ph] (M = Mo, W, R = H, Me, R′ = Mes, tBu) 4 — 8 can be prepared by reaction of halfsandwich complexes [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)₂Cl] with phenyl lithium in good yields. Starting from phenyl complexes 4 — 8 as well as from previously described methyl compounds [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)₂Me] (M = Mo, W), reactions with aqueous HCl lead to imido(oxo) methyl and phenyl complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)(O)(R)] M = Mo, R = Me ( 9 ), Ph ( 10 ); M = W, R = Ph ( 11 ) and dioxo complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(O)₂(CH₃)] M = Mo ( 12 ), M = W ( 13 ). Hydrolysis of organometal imides with conservation of M‐C σ and π bonds is in fact an attractive synthetic alternative for the synthesis of organometal oxides with respect to known strategies based on the oxidative decarbonylation of low valent alkyl CO and NO complexes. In a similar manner, protolysis of [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)W(NtBu)₂(CH₃)] and [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Mo(NtBu)₂(CH₃)] by HCl gas leads to [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)W(NtBu)Cl₂(CH₃)] 14 und [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Mo(NtBu)Cl₂(CH₃)] 15 with conservation of the M‐C bonds. The inert character of the relatively non‐polar M‐C σ bonds with respect to protolysis offers a strategy for the synthesis of methyl chloro complexes not accessible by partial methylation of [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)Cl₃] with MeLi. As pure substances only trimethyl compounds [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NtBu)(CH₃)₃] 16 ‐ 18 , M = Mo, W, R = H, Me, are isolated. Imido(benzylidene) complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)(CHPh)(CH₂Ph)] M = Mo ( 19 ), W ( 20 ) are generated by alkylation of [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)Cl₃] with PhCH₂MgCl via α‐H abstraction. Based on nmr data a trend of decreasing donor capability of the ligands [NtBu]^2— > [O]^2— > [CHR]^2— ? 2 [CH₃]^— > 2 [Cl]^— emerges.     

Cobalt(II) chloride complexes with 1,1′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bipyrazole featuring first‐ and second‐sphere coordination of the ligand

In catena‐poly[[dichloridocobalt(II)]‐μ‐(1,1′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bipyrazole‐κ²N²:N^2′)], [CoCl₂(C₈H₁₀N₄)]_n, (1), two independent bipyrazole ligands (Me₂bpz) are situated across centres of inversion and in tetraaquabis(1,1′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bipyrazole‐κN²)cobalt(II) dichloride–1,1′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bipyrazole–water (1/2/2), [Co(C₈H₁₀N₄)₂(H₂O)₄]Cl₂·2C₈H₁₀N₄·2H₂O, (2), the Co²⁺ cation lies on an inversion centre and two noncoordinated Me₂bpz molecules are also situated across centres of inversion. The compounds are the first complexes involving N,N′‐disubstituted 4,4′‐bipyrazole tectons. They reveal a relatively poor coordination ability of the ligand, resulting in a Co–pyrazole coordination ratio of only 1:2. Compound (1) adopts a zigzag chain structure with bitopic Me₂bpz links between tetrahedral Co^II ions. Interchain interactions occur by means of very weak C—H...Cl hydrogen bonding. Complex (2) comprises discrete octahedral trans‐[Co(Me₂bpz)₂(H₂O)₄]²⁺ cations formed by monodentate Me₂bpz ligands. Two equivalents of additional noncoordinated Me₂bpz tectons are important as `second‐sphere ligands' connecting the cations by means of relatively strong O—H...N hydrogen bonding with generation of doubly interpenetrated pcu (α‐Po) frameworks. Noncoordinated chloride anions and solvent water molecules afford hydrogen‐bonded [(Cl⁻)₂(H₂O)₂] rhombs, which establish topological links between the above frameworks, producing a rare eight‐coordinated uninodal net of {4²⁴.5.6³} ( ilc ) topology.     

Experimental and Computational Studies of a Multi‐Electron Donor–Acceptor Ligand Containing the Thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole Core and its Incorporation into a Metal–Organic Framework

A ligand containing the thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole (TzTz) core (acceptor) with terminal triarylamine moieties (donors), N,N′‐(thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole‐2,5‐diylbis(4,1‐phenylene))bis(N‐(pyridine‐4‐yl)pyridin‐4‐amine ( 1 ), was designed as a donor–acceptor system for incorporation into electronically active metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The capacity for the ligand to undergo multiple sequential oxidation and reduction processes was examined using UV/Vis‐near‐infrared spectroelectrochemistry (UV/Vis‐NIR SEC) in combination with DFT calculations. The delocalized nature of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) was found to inhibit charge‐transfer interactions between the terminal triarylamine moieties upon oxidation, whereas radical species localized on the TzTz core were formed upon reduction. Conversion of 1 to diamagnetic 2+ and 4+ species resulted in marked changes in the emission spectra. Incorporation of this highly delocalized multi‐electron donor–acceptor ligand into a new two‐dimensional MOF, [Zn(NO₃)₂( 1 )] ( 2 ), resulted in an inhibition of the oxidation processes, but retention of the reduction capability of 1 . Changes in the electrochemistry of 1 upon integration into 2 are broadly consistent with the geometric and electronic constraints enforced by ligation.     

Spray‐processable thiazolothiazole‐based copolymers with altered donor groups and their electrochromic properties

Two novel thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole containing donor–acceptor type alternating copolymers, poly[2‐(5‐(2‐decyl‐2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol‐4‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐5‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole] (BTzTh) and poly[2‐(5‐(2‐decyl‐2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol‐4‐yl)furan‐2‐yl)‐5‐(furan‐2‐yl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole] (BTzFr) were synthesized by Stille coupling polymerization and their electrochemical and electrochromic properties were explored. Electrochemical activities of the spray‐casted polymer films were determined by cyclic voltammetry. To evaluate the effect of thiophene and furan moieties on the optical properties of the copolymers, spectroelectrochemistry studies were performed. To examine the switching abilities, copolymer films were subjected to a double potential step chronoamperometry in their local maximum absorptions. Both thiazolothiazole‐containing copolymers showed multichromic properties with low band‐gap values 1.7 and 1.9 eV for BTzTh and BTzFr, respectively. The decent electrochromical properties together with solution processability make them important candidates for electrochromic applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013 , 51, 3901–3906     

A Stable Luminescent MOF Constructed by Bis-(4-pyridyl)thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole Containing Multi-electron Donor-acceptor Core

Constructed from 2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole(Py2TTz),sulfate anions and metal ions Cd(Ⅱ),a new 3D luminescent metal-organic framework(LMOF)with go...     

Two novel organic–inorganic hybrid materials from tetrachloridometallate(II) salts and 4‐[(E)‐2‐(pyridin‐1‐ium‐2‐yl)ethenyl]pyridinium

Two organic–inorganic hybrid compounds have been prepared by the combination of the 4‐[(E)‐2‐(pyridin‐1‐ium‐2‐yl)ethenyl]pyridinium cation with perhalometallate anions to give 4‐[(E)‐2‐(pyridin‐1‐ium‐2‐yl)ethenyl]pyridinium tetrachloridocobaltate(II), (C₁₂H₁₂N₂)[CoCl₄], (I), and 4‐[(E)‐2‐(pyridin‐1‐ium‐2‐yl)ethenyl]pyridinium tetrachloridozincate(II), (C₁₂H₁₂N₂)[ZnCl₄], (II). The compounds have been structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, showing the formation of a three‐dimensional network through X—H...Cl_nM⁻ (X = C, N⁺; n = 1, 2; M = Co^II, Zn^II) hydrogen‐bonding interactions and π–π stacking interactions. The title compounds were also characterized by FT–IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).     

Structural studies of (prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine hetero‐scorpionate copper complexes

The structures of five compounds consisting of (prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine complexed with copper in both the Cu^I and Cu^II oxidation states are presented, namely chlorido{(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ³N,N′,N′′}copper(I) 0.18‐hydrate, [CuCl(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)]·0.18H₂O, (1), catena‐poly[[copper(I)‐μ₂‐(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ⁵N,N′,N′′:C²,C³] perchlorate acetonitrile monosolvate], {[Cu(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)]ClO₄·CH₃CN}_n, (2), dichlorido{(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ³N,N′,N′′}copper(II) dichloromethane monosolvate, [CuCl₂(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)]·CH₂Cl₂, (3), chlorido{(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ³N,N′,N′′}copper(II) perchlorate, [CuCl(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)]ClO₄, (4), and di‐μ‐chlorido‐bis({(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ³N,N′,N′′}copper(II)) bis(tetraphenylborate), [Cu₂Cl₂(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)₂][(C₆H₅)₄B]₂, (5). Systematic variation of the anion from a coordinating chloride to a noncoordinating perchlorate for two Cu^I complexes results in either a discrete molecular species, as in (1), or a one‐dimensional chain structure, as in (2). In complex (1), there are two crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. Complex (2) consists of the Cu^I atom coordinated by the amine and pyridyl N atoms of one ligand and by the vinyl moiety of another unit related by the crystallographic screw axis, yielding a one‐dimensional chain parallel to the crystallographic b axis. Three complexes with Cu^II show that varying the anion composition from two chlorides, to a chloride and a perchlorate to a chloride and a tetraphenylborate results in discrete molecular species, as in (3) and (4), or a bridged bis‐μ‐chlorido complex, as in (5). Complex (3) shows two strongly bound Cl atoms, while complex (4) has one strongly bound Cl atom and a weaker coordination by one perchlorate O atom. The large noncoordinating tetraphenylborate anion in complex (5) results in the core‐bridged Cu₂Cl₂ moiety.     

Synthesis of 2‐amino‐4h‐thiazolo[5,4‐b]indole and characterization of its colored conversion products with protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitory activity

In DMSO‐solution 2‐amino‐4H‐thiazolo[5,4‐b]indole is converted into a complex mixture of colored products. The three major conversion end‐products, of which two are inhibitors of protein tyrosine phos‐phatases (PTPs), were isolated by chromatographic methods and their structures characterized by spectro‐scopic analysis, including NMR and MS combined with computer assisted structure elucidation, and, finally, confirmed by independent chemical synthesis. Synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐thiazolo[5,4‐b]indole as well as its N‐acetyl derivatives prepared from either oxindole or 2‐bromo‐1‐(2‐nitro‐phenyl)ethanone is described.     

Heteroarene‐fused π‐conjugated main‐chain polymers containing 4,7‐bis(4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole or 2,5‐bis(4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole and their application to photovoltaic devices

Two conjugated main‐chain polymers consisting of heteroarene‐fused π‐conjuagted donor moiety alternating with 4,7‐bis(5‐bromo‐4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (P1) or 2,5‐bis(5‐bromo‐4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl) thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole (P2) units have been synthesized. They are intrinsically amorphous in nature and do not exhibit crystalline melting temperatures during thermal analysis. The effect of the fused rings on the thermal, optical, electrochemical, charge transport, and photovoltaic properties of these polymers has been investigated. The polymer (P1) containing 4,7‐bis(5‐bromo‐4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[c][1,2,5] thiadiazole has a broad absorption extending from 300 to 600 nm with optical bandgaps as low as 2.02 eV. The HOMO levels (5.42 to 5.29 eV) are more sensitive to the choice of acceptor. The polymers were employed to fabricate organic photovoltaic cells with methanofullerene [6,6]‐phenyl C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC₇₁BM). As a result, the polymer solar cell device containing P1 had the best preliminary results with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.61 V, a short‐circuit current density of 6.19 mA/cm², and a fill factor of 0.32, offering an overall power conversion efficiency of 1.21%. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010     

Tetra‐μ‐chloro‐1:2κ4Cl;1:3κ4Cl‐bis(4,4′‐di­methyl‐2,2′‐bi­pyridine)‐2κ2N,3κ2N‐lithium(I)­dipalladium(II) tetrakis­(penta­fluoro­phenyl)­borate di­chloro­methane 1.196‐solvate

In the crystal structure of the title compound, [LiPd₂Cl₄(C₁₂H₁₂N₂)₂](C₂₄F₂₀B)·1.196CD₂Cl₂ or [{(Me₂bipy)PdCl₂}₂(μ‐Li)]⁺·B(C₆F₅)₄⁻·1.196CD₂Cl₂ (Me₂bipy is 4,4′‐di­methyl‐2,2′‐bi­pyridine), an Li⁺ cation is stabilized by complexation with two (Me₂bipy)PdCl₂ units through weak Li—Cl interactions. This compound is thus a rare example of a complex that exhibits an arrested Cl⁻ abstraction.     

Synthesis and characterization of thiazolothiazole‐based polymers and their applications in polymer solar cells

A novel series of thiazolothiazole (Tz)‐based copolymers, poly[9,9‐didecylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl‐alt‐2,5‐bis‐(3‐hexylthiophene‐2‐yl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole] (P1), poly[9,9‐dioctyldibenzosilole‐2,7‐diyl‐alt‐2,5‐bis‐(3‐hexylthiophene‐2‐yl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole] (P2), and poly[4,4′‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]silole‐alt‐2,5‐bis‐(3‐hexylthiophene‐2‐yl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole] (P3), were synthesized for the use as donor materials in polymer solar cells (PSCs). The field‐effect carrier mobilities and the optical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic properties of the copolymers were investigated. The results suggest that the donor units in the copolymers significantly influenced the band gap, electronic energy levels, carrier mobilities, and photovoltaic properties of the copolymers. The band gaps of the copolymers were in the range of 1.80–2.14 eV. Under optimized conditions, the Tz‐based polymers showed power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) for the PSCs in the range of 2.23–2.75% under AM 1.5 illumination (100 mW/cm²). Among the three copolymers, P1, which contained a fluorene donor unit, showed a PCE of 2.75% with a short‐circuit current of 8.12 mA/cm², open circuit voltage of 0.86 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 0.39, under AM 1.5 illumination (100 mW/cm²). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Synthesis and Photovoltaic Properties of Cyclopentadithiophene‐Based Low‐Bandgap Copolymers That Contain Electron‐Withdrawing Thiazole Derivatives

We have synthesized four types of cyclopentadithiophene (CDT)‐based low‐bandgap copolymers, poly[{4,4‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl}‐alt‐(2,2′‐bithiazole‐5,5′‐diyl)] ( PehCDT‐BT ), poly[(4,4‐dioctyl‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl)‐alt‐(2,2′‐bithiazole‐5,5′‐diyl)] ( PocCDT‐BT ), poly[{4,4‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl}‐alt‐{2,5‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole‐5,5′‐diyl}] ( PehCDT‐TZ ), and poly[(4,4‐dioctyl‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl)‐alt‐{2,5‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole‐5,5′‐diyl}] ( PocCDT‐TZ ), for use in photovoltaic applications. The intramolecular charge‐transfer interaction between the electron‐sufficient CDT unit and electron‐deficient bithiazole (BT) or thiazolothiazole (TZ) units in the polymeric backbone induced a low bandgap and broad absorption that covered 300 nm to 700–800 nm. The optical bandgap was measured to be around 1.9 eV for PehCDT‐BT and PocCDT‐BT , and around 1.8 eV for PehCDT‐TZ and PocCDT‐TZ . Gel permeation chromatography showed that number‐average molecular weights ranged from 8000 to 14 000 g mol^?1. Field‐effect mobility measurements showed hole mobility of 10^?6–10^?4 cm² V^?1 s^?1 for the copolymers. The film morphology of the bulk heterojunction mixtures with [6,6]phenyl‐C₆₁‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) was also examined by atomic force microscopy before and after heat treatment. When the polymers were blended with PCBM, PehCDT‐TZ exhibited the best performance with an open circuit voltage of 0.69 V, short‐circuit current of 7.14 mA cm^?2, and power conversion efficiency of 2.23 % under air mass (AM) 1.5 global (1.5 G) illumination conditions (100 mW cm^?2).     

Solvatomorphism in (E)‐2‐(2,6‐dichloro‐4‐hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazinecarboximidamide

The structures of orthorhombic (E)‐4‐(2‐{[amino(iminio)methyl]amino}vinyl)‐3,5‐dichlorophenolate dihydrate, C₈H₈Cl₂N₄O·2H₂O, (I), triclinic (E)‐4‐(2‐{[amino(iminio)methyl]amino}vinyl)‐3,5‐dichlorophenolate methanol disolvate, C₈H₈Cl₂N₄O·2CH₄O, (II), and orthorhombic (E)‐amino[(2,6‐dichloro‐4‐hydroxystyryl)amino]methaniminium acetate, C₈H₉Cl₂N₄O⁺·C₂H₃O₂⁻, (III), all crystallize with one formula unit in the asymmetric unit, with the molecule in an E configuration and the phenol H atom transferred to the guanidine N atom. Although the molecules of the title compounds form extended chains via hydrogen bonding in all three forms, owing to the presence of different solvent molecules, those chains are connected differently in the individual forms. In (II), the molecules are all coplanar, while in (I) and (III), adjacent molecules are tilted relative to one another to varying degrees. Also, because of the variation in hydrogen‐bond‐formation ability of the solvents, the hydrogen‐bonding arrangements vary in the three forms.     

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.     

Expanded‐Ring N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes Efficiently Stabilize Gold(I) Cations,Leading to High Activity in π‐Acid‐Catalyzed Cyclizations

A series of six‐ and seven‐membered expanded‐ring N‐heterocyclic carbene (er‐NHC) gold(I) complexes has been synthesized using different synthetic approaches. Complexes with weakly coordinating anions [(er‐NHC)AuX] (X^?=BF₄^?, NTf₂^?, OTf^?) were generated in solution. According to their ¹³C NMR spectra, the ionic character of the complexes increases in the order X^?=Cl^?<NTf₂^?<OTf^?<BF₄^?. Additional factors for stabilization of the cationic complexes are expansion of the NHC ring and the attachment of bulky substituents at the nitrogen atoms. These er‐NHCs are bulkier ligands and stronger electron donors than conventional NHCs as well as phosphines and sulfides and provide more stabilization of [(L)Au⁺] cations. A comparative study has been carried out of the catalytic activities of five‐, six‐, and seven‐membered carbene complexes [(NHC)AuX], [(Ph₃P)AuX], [(Me₂S)AuX], and inorganic compounds of gold in model reactions of indole and benzofuran synthesis. It was found that increased ionic character of the complexes was correlated with increased catalytic activity in the cyclization reactions. As a result, we developed an unprecedentedly active monoligand cationic [(THD‐Dipp)Au]BF₄ (1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3,4,5,6‐tetrahydrodiazepin‐2‐ylidene gold(I) tetrafluoroborate) catalyst bearing seven‐membered‐ring carbene and bulky Dipp substituents. Quantitative yields of cyclized products were attained in several minutes at room temperature at 1 mol % catalyst loadings. The experimental observations were rationalized and fully supported by DFT calculations.     

Rare examples of base pairing via a protonated pyridine N atom in two salts of N2,N6‐bis(1,3‐dimethylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene)pyridine‐2,6‐diamine

The title compounds, namely 2,6‐bis[(1,3‐dimethylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene)amino]pyridinium perchlorate, C₁₅H₂₄N₇⁺·ClO₄⁻, (I), and bis{2,6‐bis[(1,3‐dimethylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene)amino]pyridinium} μ‐oxido‐bis[trichloridoiron(III)], (C₁₅H₂₄N₇)₂[Fe₂Cl₆O], (II), are structurally unusual examples of the organization of molecular units via base pairing. The cations in salts (I) and (II) are derived from the bisguanidine N²,N⁶‐bis(1,3‐dimethylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene)pyridine‐2,6‐diamine, which associates in centrosymmetric pairs via two N—H...N hydrogen‐bond interactions. N—H...N bridges are formed between the protonated pyridine N atom and one of the nonprotonated guanidine N atoms, with N...H distances of 2.01 (1)–2.10 (1) Å. Compound (I) contains two crystallographically independent cations and anions per asymmetric unit. One of the perchlorate anions is disordered, while the [Fe₂Cl₆O]²⁻ anion lies on an inversion centre.     

Quinine‐Derived Imidazolidin‐2‐imine Ligands: Synthesis,Coordination Chemistry,and Application in Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation

Two new optically active bidentate N,N‐ligands, DMIQCI ( 3a ) and DMIQCD ( 3b ), containing a quinuclidine core and an imidazolidin‐2‐imine unit, were synthesized. The reaction of these ligands with [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)RuCl]₄ afforded the brick‐red ruthenium(II) complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Ru(DMIQCI)Cl] ( 4 ) and [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Ru(DMIQCD)Cl] ( 5 ), which were used as catalysts in the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone in boiling 2‐propanol. The reactions of 3a and 3b with [(COD)PdCl₂] (COD = 1,5‐cycloocta‐diene) and with [(DME)NiBr₂] (DME = 1,2‐dimethoxyethane) afforded the square‐planar palladium(II) complexes [(DMIQCI)PdCl₂] ( 7 ) and [(DMIQCD)PdCl₂] ( 8 ) or the tetrahedral nickel(II) complexes [(DMIQCI)NiBr₂] ( 9 ) and [(DMIQCD)NiBr₂] ( 10 ), respectively. The X‐ray crystal structures of 4 , 7 , 9· THF, and 10 are reported.     

Rare‐Earth‐Metal Methyl,Amide, and Imide Complexes Supported by a Superbulky Scorpionate Ligand

The reaction of monomeric [(Tp^tBu,Me)LuMe₂] (Tp^tBu,Me=tris(3‐Me‐5‐tBu‐pyrazolyl)borate) with primary aliphatic amines H₂NR (R=tBu, Ad=adamantyl) led to lutetium methyl primary amide complexes [(Tp^tBu,Me)LuMe(NHR)], the solid‐state structures of which were determined by XRD analyses. The mixed methyl/tetramethylaluminate compounds [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe({μ₂‐Me}AlMe₃)] (Ln=Y, Ho) reacted selectively and in high yield with H₂NR, according to methane elimination, to afford heterobimetallic complexes: [(Tp^tBu,Me)Ln({μ₂‐Me}AlMe₂)(μ₂‐NR)] (Ln=Y, Ho). X‐ray structure analyses revealed that the monomeric alkylaluminum‐supported imide complexes were isostructural, featuring bridging methyl and imido ligands. Deeper insight into the fluxional behavior in solution was gained by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic studies at variable temperatures and ¹H–⁸⁹Y HSQC NMR spectroscopy. Treatment of [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe(AlMe₄)] with H₂NtBu gave dimethyl compounds [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe₂] as minor side products for the mid‐sized metals yttrium and holmium and in high yield for the smaller lutetium. Preparative‐scale amounts of complexes [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe₂] (Ln=Y, Ho, Lu) were made accessible through aluminate cleavage of [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe(AlMe₄)] with N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda). The solid‐state structures of [(Tp^tBu,Me)HoMe(AlMe₄)] and [(Tp^tBu,Me)HoMe₂] were analyzed by XRD.