Ab initio study of the influence of trimer formation on one- and two-bond spin-spin coupling constants across an X-H-Y hydrogen bond: AH:XH:YH3 complexes for A, X = 19F, 35Cl and Y = 15N, 31P

Ab initio equation-of-motion coupled-cluster singles and doubles (EOM-CCSD) calculations have been carried out to investigate the effect of a third polar near-neighbor on one-bond ((1)J(X)(-)(H) and (1h)J(H)(-)(Y)) and two-bond ((2h)J(X)(-)(Y)) spin-spin coupling constants in AH:XH:YH(3) complexes, where A and X are (19)F and (35)Cl and Y is either (15)N or (31)P. The changes in both one- and two-bond spin-spin coupling constants upon trimer formation indicate that the presence of a third molecule promotes proton transfer across the X-H-Y hydrogen bond. The proton-shared character of the X-H-Y hydrogen bond increases in the order XH:YH(3) < ClH:XH:YH(3) < FH:XH:YH(3). This order is also the order of decreasing shielding of the hydrogen-bonded proton and decreasing X-Y distance, and is consistent with the greater hydrogen-bonding ability of HF compared to HCl as the third molecule. For all complexes, the reduced X-H and X-Y spin-spin coupling constants ((1)K(X)(-)(H) and (2h)K(X)(-)(Y)) are positive, consistent with previous studies of complexes in which X and Y are second-period elements in hydrogen-bonded dimers. (1h)K(H)(-)(Y) is, as expected, negative in these complexes which have traditional hydrogen bonds, except for ClH:FH:NH(3) and FH:FH:NH(3). In these two complexes, the F-H-N hydrogen bond has sufficient proton-shared character to induce a change of sign in (1h)K(H)(-)(Y). The effects of trimer formation on spin-spin coupling constants are markedly greater in complexes in which NH(3) rather than PH(3) is the proton acceptor.     

Scalar Coupling between the 15N Centres in Methylated 1,8‐Diaminonaphthalenes and 1,6‐Diazacyclodecane: To What Extent is 2HJNN a Reliable Indicator of N?N Distance?

The scalar couplings between hydrogen bonded nitrogen centres ((2H)J(NN)) in the free-base and protonated forms of the complete series of [(15)N(2)]-N-methylated 1,8-diamino naphthalenes in [D(7)]DMF solution have been determined, either directly (15N[1H] NMR), or, indirectly (13C[1H] NMR and simulation of the X part of the ABX spectrum (X=13C, A,B=15N)). Additionally, the (2H)J(NN) value in the HBF(4) salt of [(15)N(2)]-1,6-dimethyl-1,6-diazacyclodecane was determined, indirectly by 13C[(1H] NMR spectroscopy. As confirmed by DFT calculations and by reference to CSD, the rigid nature of the naphthalene scaffold results in rather low deviations in N,N distance or H-N,N angle within each series, apart from the free base of the permethylated compound (proton sponge) where the naphthalene ring is severely distorted to relieve strain. Despite such restrictions, the (2H)J(NN) values increase smoothly from 1.5 to 8.5 Hz in the protonated series as the degree of methylation increases. The effect in the free-base forms is much less pronounced (2.9 to 3.7 Hz) with no scalar N,N coupling detected in the permethylated compound (proton sponge) due to the lack of hydrogen bond between the N,N centres. Neither the pK(a) nor the N-N distance in the protonated forms correlates with (2H)J(NN). However, the sum of the (13)C NMR shifts of the naphthalene ring C(1,8) carbons which are attached directly to the nitrogen centres correlates linearly with (2H)J(NN) and with the degree of methylation. The gas-phase computed (2H)J(NN) is almost constant throughout the homologous series, and close to the experimental value for the tetramethylated ion. However, the computed coupling constant is attenuated in structures involving microsolvation of each N-H unit, and the trend then matches experiment. These experimental and computational observations suggest that Fermi contact between the two N centres is decreased upon formation of strong charge-dispersing intermolecular hydrogen bonds of the free N-H groups with the solvent.     

Effects of Pt...Pt bonding, anions, solvate molecules, and hydrogen bonding on the self-association of Chugaev's cation, a platinum complex with a chelating carbene ligand

Five salts, [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)](BPh(4)).CH(3)OH, [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)](PF(6)).CH(2)Cl(2), [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)]Cl.4H(2)O, [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)]Br.3.5H(2)O, and [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)]Cl.0.1H(2)O, have been crystallized and examined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. While the internal structure of the cation is similar in all salts, the interactions between cations vary in the different salts. Yellow [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)](BPh(4)).CH(3)OH and red [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)](PF(6)) form face-to-face dimers with Pt...Pt separations of 3.6617(6) and 3.340(2) A, respectively. In the latter, hydrogen bonding of the chelating ligand to adjacent anions facilitates the close approach of pairs of cations. The salts [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)]Cl.4H(2)O, [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)]Br.3.5H(2)O, and [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)]Cl.0.1H(2)O form columnar structures with Pt...Pt separations that range from 3.2514(5) to 3.5643(6) A. The water molecules and anions surround these columns and form bridges between neighboring columns. The electronic spectra of aqueous solutions of [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)]Cl.4H(2)O show spectral changes upon increasing concentrations of the platinum complex that are indicative of the formation of a dimer in solution with an equilibrium constant for dimerization of 23(1).     

Different types of hydrogen bonds in 2-substituted pyrroles and 1-vinyl pyrroles as monitored by (1)H, (13)C and (15)N NMR spectroscopy and ab initio calculations

According to the (1)H, (13)C and (15)N NMR spectroscopic data and ab initio calculations, the strong N--H...O intramolecular hydrogen bond in the Z-isomers of 2-(2-acylethenyl)pyrroles causes the decrease in the absolute size of the (1)J(N,H) coupling constant by 2 Hz in CDCl(3) and by 4.5 Hz in DMSO-d(6), the deshielding of the proton and nitrogen by 5-6 and 15 ppm, respectively, and the lengthening of the N--H link by 0.025 A. The N--H...N intramolecular hydrogen bond in the 2(2'-pyridyl)pyrrole leads to the increase of the (1)J(N,H) coupling constant by 3 Hz, the deshielding of the proton by 1.5 ppm and the lengthening of the N--H link by 0.004 A. The C--H...N intramolecular hydrogen bond in the 1-vinyl-2-(2'-pyridyl)-pyrrole results in the increase of the (1)J(C,H) coupling constant by 5 Hz, the deshielding of the proton by 1 ppm and the shortening of the C--H link by 0.003 A. Different behavior of the coupling constants and length of the covalent links under the hydrogen bond influence originate from the different nature of the hydrogen bonding (predominantly covalent or electrostatic), which depends in turn on the geometry of the hydrogen bridge. The Fermi-contact mechanism only is responsible for the increase of the coupling constant in the case of the predominantly electrostatic hydrogen bonding, whereas both Fermi-contact and paramagnetic spin-orbital mechanisms bring about the decrease of coupling constant in the case of the predominantly covalent hydrogen bonding.     

Catalytic P--H activation by Ti and Zr catalysts

Catalytic dehydrocoupling of phosphines was investigated using the anionic zirconocene trihydride salts [Cp*2Zr(mu-H)3Li]3 (1 a) or [Cp*2Zr(mu-H)3K(thf)4] (1 b), and the metallocycles [CpTi(NPtBu3)(CH2)4] (6) and [Cp*M(NPtBu3)(CH2)4] (M=Ti 20, Zr 21) as catalyst precursors. Dehydrocoupling of primary phosphines RPH2 (R=Ph, C6H2Me3, Cy, C10H7) gave both dehydrocoupled dimers RP(H)P(H)R or cyclic oligophosphines (RP)n (n=4, 5) while reaction of tBu3C6H2PH2 gave the phosphaindoline tBu2(Me2CCH2)C6H2PH 9. Stoichiometric reactions of these catalyst precursors with primary phosphines afforded [Cp*2Zr((PR)2)H][K(thf)4] (R=Ph 2, Cy 3, C6H2Me3 4), [Cp*2Zr((PPh)3)H][K(thf)4] (5), [CpTi(NPtBu3)(PPh)3] (7) and [CpTi(NPtBu3)(mu-PHPh)]2 (8), while reaction of 6 with (C6H2tBu3)PH2 in the presence of PMe3 afforded [CpTi(NPtBu3)(PMe3)(P(C6H2tBu3)] (10). The secondary phosphines Ph2PH and (PhHPCH2)2CH2 also undergo dehydrocoupling affording (Ph2P)2 and (PhPCH2)2CH2. The bisphosphines (CH2PH2)2 and C6H4(PH2)2 are dehydrocoupled to give (PCH2CH2PH)2)(12) and (C6H4P(PH))2 (13) while prolonged reaction of 13 gave (C6H4P2)(8) (14). The analogous bisphosphine Me2C6H4(PH)2 (17) was prepared and dehydrocoupling catalysis afforded (Me2C6H2P(PH))2 (18) and subsequently [(Me2C6H2P2)2(mu-Me2C6H2P2)]2 (19). Stoichiometric reactions with these bisphosphines gave [Cp*2Zr(H)(PH)2C6-H4][Li(thf)4] (22), [CpTi(NPtBu3)(PH)2C6H4]2 (23) and [Cp*Ti(NPtBu3)(PH)2C6H4] (24). Mechanistic implications are discussed.     

Reactions of 2-indolylphosphines with Ru3(CO)12: cluster capping with mu 3,eta 2-indolylphosphine as an anionic six-electron P,N-donor ligand

Stepwise bidentate coordination of the novel indolylphosphine ligands HL (1, HL = P(C(6)H(5))(2)(C(9)H(8)N)(diphenyl-2-(3-methylindolyl)phosphine); 2, HL = P(C(6)H(5))(C(9)H(8)N)(2)(phenyldi-2-(3-methylindolyl)phosphine); and 3, HL = P(C(6)H(5))(C(17)H(12)N(2))(di(1H-3-indolyl)methane-(2,12)-phenylphosphine)) to the ruthenium cluster Ru(3)(CO)(12) is demonstrated. Reactions of 1-3 with Ru(3)(CO)(12) led to the formation of Ru(3)(CO)(11)(HL) (4-6), in which HL is mono-coordinated through the phosphorus atom. The X-ray structures of 4-6 show that the phosphorus atom is equatorially coordinated to the triruthenium core. In all cases, gentle heating of Ru(3)(CO)(11)(HL) resulted in the formation of Ru(3)(CO)(9)(mu-H)(mu(3),eta(2)-L)(7-9) in which the NH proton of the indolyl substituent had migrated to the ruthenium core to form a bridging hydride ligand. The X-ray structure of Ru(3)(CO)(9)(mu-H)[mu(3),eta(2)-P(C(6)H(5))(2)(C(9)H(7)N)] (7) shows the deprotonated nitrogen atom of the indolyl moiety bridging over the face of the triruthenium core, bonding to the two ruthenium metal centers to which the phosphorus atom is not bound. The phosphorus atom is forced to adopt an axial bonding mode due to the geometry of the indolylphosphine ligand. Cluster electron counting and X-ray data suggest that the indolylphosphine behaves as a six-electron ligand in this mode of coordination. Compounds 4-9 have been characterized by IR, (1)H, (13)C and (31)P NMR spectroscopy.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis, Structure, and Solid State (19)F NMR Study of ULM-17: (H(3)O)(2)[V(4)(HPO(4))(PO(4))(3)O(6)F](2)[NC(7)H(14)](6)

(H(3)O)(2)[V(4)(HPO(4))(PO(4))(3)O(6)F](2)[NC(7)H(14)](6) (labeled ULM-17) has been hydrothermally synthesized (150 degrees, 24 h, autogeneous pressure). It is monoclinic (space group P2(1)/c (No. 14)) with a = 21.4747(6) ?, b = 17.7223(5) ?, c = 20.1616(6) ?, beta = 94.329(1) degrees, and Z = 4. The structure consists in the hexagonal close packing of discrete hydronium cations, protonated quinuclidine and molecular anions [V(4)(HPO(4))(PO(4))(3)O(6)F](4)(-) (1) The structure presents two kinds of octameric anions built up from the tetrahedral arrangement of V(V)O(5)F octahedra sharing edges and vertices, capped by phosphorus tetrahedra. The stability of the solid is ensured via strong hydrogen bonds between the oxygens of the polyanions and the hydrogens of both hydronium and quinuclidinium cations. The particuliar location of fluorine at the center of the molecular anion 4-fold coordinated by V(V) was studied by solid state NMR.     

Design, synthesis, and chemistry of sterically nondemanding primary bisphosphines

Design and synthesis of chelating bisphosphines functionalized with the smallest chemical unit "H" on the P(III) centers ((PH(2)CH(2))(2)CHCH(2)NHPh (4) and (PH(2)CH(2))(2)CHCONHPh (5)) are described. Studies demonstrating that no bulky chemical substituents are necessary to offer thermal/oxidative stability to the -PH(2) groups in 4 and 5 are described. The H atoms around the P(III) centers in 5 (or 4) concur limited/no steric influence, but yet the phosphines manifest high nucleophilicity to coordinate strongly with W(0) and Re(I). The studies include synthesis and X-ray structural characterization of an air-stable primary bisphosphine (5) and its transition-metal chemistry with W(CO)(6) and Re(CO)(5)Br to produce the complexes (eta(2)-(PH(2)CH(2))(2)CHCONHPh)W(CO)(4) (6) and (eta(2)-(PH(2)CH(2))(2)CHCONHPh)Re(CO)(3)Br (7), respectively.     

Unique {H(SiR(3))(2)}, (H(2)SiR(3)), H(HSiR(3)), and (H(2))SiR(3) ligand sets supported by the {Fe(Cp)(L)} platform (L=CO, PR(3))

This work deals with the type and incidence of nonclassical Si--H and H--H interactions in a family of silylhydride complexes [Fe(Cp)(OC)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))H(X)] (X=SiMe(n)Cl(3-n), H, Me, n=0-3) and [Fe(Cp)(Me(3)P)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))(2)H] (n=0-3). DFT calculations complemented by atom-in-molecule analysis and calculations of NMR hydrogen-silicon coupling constants revealed a surprising diversity of nonclassical Si--H and H--H interligand interactions. The compounds [Fe(Cp)(L)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))(2)H] (L=CO, PMe(3); n=0-3) exhibit an unusual distortion from the ideal piano-stool geometry in that the silyl ligands are strongly shifted toward the hydride and there is a strong trend towards flattening of the {FeSi(2)H} fragment. Such a distortion leads to short Si--H contacts (range 2.030-2.075 A) and large Mayer bond orders. A novel feature of these extended Si--H interactions is that they are rather insensitive towards the substitution at the silicon atom and the orientation of the silyl ligand relatively the Fe--H bond. NMR spectroscopy and bonding features of the related complexes [Fe(Cp)(OC)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))H(Me)] (n=0-3) allow for their rationalization as usual eta(2)-Si--H silane sigma-complexes. The series of "dihydride" complexes [Fe(Cp)(OC)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))H(2)] (n=0-3) is different from the previous two families in that the type of interligand interactions strongly depends on the substitution on silicon. They can be classified either as usual dihydrogen complexes, for example, [Fe(Cp)(OC)(SiMe(2)Cl)(eta(2)-H(2))], or as compounds with nonclassical H--Si interactions, for example, [Fe(Cp)(OC)(H)(2)(SiMe(3))] (16). These nonclassical interligand interactions are characterized by increased negative J(H,Si) (e.g. -27.5 Hz) and increased J(H,H) (e.g. 67.7 Hz).     

Bimetallic carbonyl thiolates as functional models for Fe-only hydrogenases

The anion [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PMe(3))](-) (2(-)) is protonated by sulfuric or toluenesulfonic acid to give HFe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PMe(3)) (2H), the structure of which has the hydride bridging the Fe atoms with the PMe(3) and CN(-) trans to the same sulfur atom. (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR spectroscopy revealed that HFe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PMe(3)) is stereochemically rigid on the NMR time scale with four inequivalent carbonyl ligands. Treatment of 2(-) with (Me(3)O)BF(4) gave Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CNMe)(CO)(4)(PMe(3)) (2Me). The Et(4)NCN-induced reaction of Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CO)(6) with P(OMe)(3) gave [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)[P(OMe)(3)]](-) (4). Spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements indicate that 2H can be further protonated at nitrogen to give [HFe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CNH)(CO)(4)(PMe(3))](+) (2H(2)(+)). Electrochemical and analytical data show that reduction of 2H(2)(+) gives H(2) and 2(-). Parallel electrochemical studies on [HFe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CO)(4)(PMe(3))(2)](+) (3H(+)) in acidic solutions led also to catalytic proton reduction. The 3H(+)/3H couple is reversible, whereas the 2H(2)(+)/2H(2) couple is not, because of the efficiency of the latter as a proton reduction catalyst. Proton reduction is proposed to involve protonation of reduced diiron hydrides. DFT calculations establish that the regiochemistry of protonation is subtly dependent on the coligands but is more favorable to occur at the Fe-Fe bond for [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PMe(3))](-) than for [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PH(3))](-) or [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)[P(OMe)(3)]](-). The Fe(2)H unit stabilizes the conformer with eclipsed CN and PMe(3) because of an attractive electrostatic interaction between these ligands.     

Probing P-H+-P hydrogen bonds: structures, binding energies, and spin-spin coupling constants

Ab initio MP2/aug'-cc-pVTZ calculations have been performed to determine the structures and binding energies of 22 open and 3 cyclic complexes formed from the sp2 [H(2)C=PH and HP=PH (cis and trans)] and sp3 [PH2(CH3) and PH3] hybridized phosphorus bases and their corresponding protonated ions. EOM-CCSD calculations have been carried out to obtain (31)P-(31)P and (31)P-(1)H coupling constants across P-H+-P hydrogen bonds. Two equilibrium structures with essentially linear hydrogen bonds have been found along the proton-transfer coordinate, except for complexes with P(CH3)H3+ as the proton donor to the sp2 bases. Although the isomer having the conjugate acid of the stronger base as the proton donor lies lower on the potential energy surface, it has a smaller binding energy relative to the corresponding isolated monomers than the isomer with the conjugate acid of the weaker base as the donor. The hydrogen bond of the latter has increased proton-shared character. All of the complexes are stabilized by traditional hydrogen bonds, as indicated by positive values of the reduced coupling constants (2h)K(P-P) and (1)K(P-H), and negative values of (1h)K(H-P). (2h)J(P-P) correlates with the P-P distance, a correlation determined primarily by the nature of the proton donor. For open complexes, (1)J(P-H) always increases relative to the isolated monomer, while (1h)J(H-P) is relatively small and negative. (2h)J(P-P) values are quite large in open complexes, but are much smaller in cyclic complexes in which the P-H+-P hydrogen bonds are nonlinear. Thus, experimental measurements of (2h)J(P-P) should be able to differentiate between open and cyclic complexes.     

Synthesis of carbaalane halogen derivatives

The carbaalane halogen derivatives [(AlX)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(6)] (X = F (9), Cl (7), Br (10), I (11)) were prepared in toluene from [(AlH)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(6)] (6) and BF(3).OEt(2), BX(3) (X = Br, I), Me(3)SnF, and Me(3)SiX (X = Cl, Br, I), respectively. A partially halogenated product [(AlH)(2)(AlX)(4)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(6)] (12) (X = Cl (approximately 40%), Br (approximately 60%)) was obtained from 5 and impure BBr(3). [(AlH)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)Ph)(6)] (5) was converted to [(AlX)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)Ph)(6)] (X = F (13), Cl (14), Br (15), I (16)) using BF(3).OEt(2) and Me(3)SiX (X = Cl, Br, I), respectively. The X-ray single-crystal structures of 11.C(6)H(6), 12.3C(7)H(8), 13.6C(7)H(8), and 15.4C(7)H(8) were determined. Compounds 7 and 9-11 are soluble in benzene/toluene and could be well characterized by NMR spectroscopy and MS (EI) spectrometry. The results demonstrate the facile substitution of the hydridic hydrogen atoms in 5 and 6 by the halides with different reagents.     

Surfactant behavior of "ellipsoidal" dicarbollide anions: a molecular dynamics study

We report a molecular dynamics study of cobalt bis(dicarbollide) anions [(B(9)C(2)H(8)X(3))(2)Co](-) (XCD(-)) commonly used in liquid-liquid extraction (X = H, Me, Cl, or Br), showing that these anions, although lacking the amphiphilic topology, behave as anionic surfactants. In pure water, they display "hydrophobic attractions", leading to the formation of aggregates of different sizes and shapes depending on the counterions. When simulated at a water/"oil" interface, the different anions (HCD(-), MeCD(-), CCD(-), and BrCD(-)) are found to be surface active. As a result, the simulated M(n+) counterions (M(n+) = Na(+), K(+), Cs(+), H(3)O(+), UO(2)(2+), Eu(3+)) concentrate on the aqueous side of the interface, forming a "double layer" whose characteristics are modulated by the hydrophobic character of the anion and by M(n+). The highly hydrophilic Eu(3+) or UO(2)(2+) cations that are generally "repelled" by aqueous interfaces are attracted by dicarbollides near the interface, which is crucial as far as the mechanism of assisted cation extraction to the oil phase is concerned. These cations interact with interfacial XCD(-) in their fully hydrated Eu(H(2)O)(9)(3+) and UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)(2+) forms, whereas the less hydrophilic monocharged cations display intimate contacts via their X substituents. The results obtained with the TIP3P and OPLS models for the solvents are confirmed with other water models (TIP5P or a polarizable 4P-Pol water) and with more polar "oil" models. The importance of interfacial phenomena is further demonstrated by simulations with a high oil-water ratio, leading to the formation of a micelle covered with CCD's. We suggest that the interfacial activity of dicarbollides and related hydrophobic anions is an important feature of synergism in liquid-liquid extraction of hard cations (e.g., for nuclear waste partitioning).     

Selective recognition of cyanide anion via formation of multipoint NH and phenyl CH hydrogen bonding with acyclic ruthenium bipyridine imidazole receptors in water

Five imidazole-based anion receptors A-E are designed for cyanide anion recognition via hydrogen bonding interaction in water. Only receptors A [Ru(bpy)(2)(mpipH)](ClO(4))(2) (bpy is bipyridine and mpipH is 2-(4-methylphenyl)-imidazo[4,5-f]-1,10-phenanthroline) and E [Ru(2)(bpy)(4)(mbpibH(2))](ClO(4))(4) (mbpibH(2) is 1,3-bis([1,10]-phenanthroline-[5,6-d]imidazol-2-yl)benzene) selectively recognize CN(-) from OAc(-), F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), NO(3)(-), HSO(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), HCO(3)(-), N(3)(-), and SCN(-) anions in water (without organic solvent) at physiological conditions via formation of multiple hydrogen bonding interaction with binding constants of K(A(H2O)) = 345 ± 21 and K(E(H2O)) = 878 ± 41, respectively. The detection limits of A and E toward CN(-) in water are 100 and 5 μM, respectively. Receptor E has an appropriate pK(a2)* value (8.75) of N-H proton and a C-shape cavity structure with three-point hydrogen bonding, consisting of two NH and one cooperative phenyl CH hydrogen bonds. Appropriate acidity of N-H proton and multipoint hydrogen bonding are both important in enhancing the selectivity and sensitivity toward CN(-) in water. The phenyl CH···CN(-) hydrogen bonding interaction is observed by the HMBC NMR technique for the first time, which provides an efficient approach to directly probe the binding site of the receptor toward CN(-). Moreover, CN(-) induced emission lifetime change of the receptor has been exploited in water for the first time. The energy-optimized structure of E-CN adduct is also proposed on the basis of theoretical calculations.     

Synthesis, structures and stabilities of thioanisole-functionalised phosphido-borane complexes of the alkali metals

Treatment of the secondary phosphine {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) with BH(3)·SMe(2) gives the corresponding phosphine-borane {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(BH(3))(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) (9) as a colourless solid. Deprotonation of 9 with n-BuLi, PhCH(2)Na or PhCH(2)K proceeds cleanly to give the corresponding alkali metal complexes [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}P(BH(3))(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe)]ML](n) [ML = Li(THF), n = 2 (10); ML = Na(tmeda), n = ∞ (11); ML = K(pmdeta), n = 2 (12)] as yellow/orange crystalline solids. X-ray crystallography reveals that the phosphido-borane ligands bind the metal centres through their sulfur and phosphorus atoms and through the hydrogen atoms of the BH(3) group in each case, leading to dimeric or polymeric structures. Compounds 10-12 are stable towards both heat and ambient light; however, on heating in toluene solution in the presence of 10, traces of free phosphine-borane 9 are slowly converted to the free phosphine {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) (5) with concomitant formation of the corresponding phosphido-bis(borane) complex [{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}P(BH(3))(2)(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe)]Li (14).     

Dimerization mechanism of bis(triphenylphosphine)copper(I) tetrahydroborate: proton transfer via a dihydrogen bond

The mechanism of transition-metal tetrahydroborate dimerization was established for the first time on the example of (Ph(3)P)(2)Cu(η(2)-BH(4)) interaction with different proton donors [MeOH, CH(2)FCH(2)OH, CF(3)CH(2)OH, (CF(3))(2)CHOH, (CF(3))(3)CHOH, p-NO(2)C(6)H(4)OH, p-NO(2)C(6)H(4)N═NC(6)H(4)OH, p-NO(2)C(6)H(4)NH(2)] using the combination of experimental (IR, 190-300 K) and quantum-chemical (DFT/M06) methods. The formation of dihydrogen-bonded complexes as the first reaction step was established experimentally. Their structural, electronic, energetic, and spectroscopic features were thoroughly analyzed by means of quantum-chemical calculations. Bifurcate complexes involving both bridging and terminal hydride hydrogen atoms become thermodynamically preferred for strong proton donors. Their formation was found to be a prerequisite for the subsequent proton transfer and dimerization to occur. Reaction kinetics was studied at variable temperature, showing that proton transfer is the rate-determining step. This result is in agreement with the computed potential energy profile of (Ph(3)P)(2)Cu(η(2)-BH(4)) dimerization, yielding [{(Ph(3)P)(2)Cu}(2)(μ,η(4)-BH(4))](+).     

Synthesis and properties of compressed dihydride complexes of iridium: theoretical and spectroscopic investigations

Reaction of [Cp*Ir(P-P)Cl][B(C6F5)4] (P-P = bisdimethydiphosphinomethane (dmpm), bisdiphenyldiphosphinomethane (dppm)) with [Et3Si][B(C6F5)4] in methylene chloride under 1 atm of hydrogen gas affords the dicationic compressed dihydride complexes [Cp*Ir(P-P)H2][B(C6F5)4]2. These dicationic complexes are highly acidic and are very readily deprotonated to the corresponding monohydride cations. When the preparative reaction is carried out under HD gas, the hydride resonance exhibits JHD = 7-9 Hz, depending upon the temperature of observation, with higher values of JHD observed at higher temperatures. A thermally labile rhodium analogue, [CpRh(dmpm)(H2)][B(C6F5)4]2, was prepared similarly. A sample prepared with HD gas gave JHD = 31 Hz and J(HRh) = 31 Hz, allowing the Rh complex to be identified as a dihydrogen complex. Quantum dynamics calculations on a density functional theory (DFT) potential energy surface have been used to explore the structure of the Ir complexes, with particular emphasis on the nature of the potential energy surface governing the interaction between the two hydride ligands and the Ir center.     

Alkali metal complexes of sterically demanding amino-functionalized secondary phosphanide ligands

The reaction between {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PCl(2) (4) and one equivalent of either [C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2)]Li or [2-C(5)H(4)N]ZnCl, followed by in situ reduction with LiAlH(4) gives the secondary phosphanes {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2))PH (5) and {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(2-C(5)H(4)N)PH (6) in good yields as colourless oils. Metalation of 5 with Bu(n)Li in THF gives the lithium phosphanide [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2))P]Li(THF)(2)] (7), which undergoes metathesis with either NaOBu(t) or KOBu(t) to give the heavier alkali metal derivatives [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2))P]Na(tmeda)] (8) and [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(C(6)H(4)-2-NMe(2))P]K(pmdeta)] (9) after recrystallization in the presence of the corresponding amine co-ligand [tmeda = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine, pmdeta = N,N,N',N',N'-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine]. The pyridyl-functionalized phosphane 6 undergoes deprotonation on treatment with Bu(n)Li to give a red oil corresponding to the lithium compound [{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(2-C(5)H(4)N)P]Li (10) which could not be crystallized. Treatment of this oil with NaOBu(t) gives the sodium derivative [{[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(2-C(5)H(4)N)P]Na}(2) x (Et(2)O)](2) (11), whilst treatment of with KOBu(t), followed by recrystallization in the presence of pmdeta gives the complex [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(2-C(5)H(4)N)P]K(pmdeta)](2) (12). Compounds 5-12 have been characterised by (1)H, (13)C{(1)H} and (31)P{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses; compounds 7-9, and 12 have additionally been characterised by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 7-9 crystallize as discrete monomers, whereas 11 crystallizes as an unusual dimer of dimers and 12 crystallizes as a dimer with bridging pyridyl-phosphanide ligands.     

Structure, bonding, electronic and energy aspects of a new family of early lanthanide (La, Ce and Nd) complexes with phosphoric triamides: insights from experimental and DFT studies

A new family of isostructural early lanthanide(III) complexes (LnXPA) of the general formula Ln(XPA)(2)Cl(3)(solv)(2), where Ln = La, Ce and Nd, XPA = (4-X-C(6)H(4)NH)P(O)(NC(4)H(8)O)(2), X = H, F, Cl and Br, and solv = H(2)O and CH(3)OH, is introduced. X-ray crystallography shows that the replacement of the coordinated water by a methanol molecule may reduce the symmetry level of the unit cell from the orthorhombic crystal system and the space group Fdd2 to monoclinic and C2/c. DFT calculations, at B3LYP, PBE and B3PW91 levels, have been carried out to get a better insight into the structural, electronic and energy aspects of the compounds. The large cation attraction energy (-ΔE) values in the range 269-273 kcal mol(-1), at the B3PW91/ECP/6-311+G** level for the model complexes XPA-La(3+) with stoichiometry 1 : 1, represent new ligands XPA as efficient complexant agents for lanthanides. The electronic nature of para substituent X has no significant effect on the Ln-ligand bonding and cation affinity of the ligands XPA. The results of atoms in molecules (AIM) analysis reveal a partial covalent contribution of the Ln-ligand interaction for the models XPA-La(3+) in the absence of counterions and coordinated solvents. In the real complexes LnXPA, a closed-shell Ln-ligand interaction is established. Increasing the charge difference between nitrogen and phosphorus atoms (by ~0.06 e) associated with a weakening of the Lp(O(P))→σ*(P-N) electronic delocalization (Lp(O(P)) being the lone pair of the phosphoryl oxygen atom) may lead to an increase in partial multiple bond character of the P-N bonds in coordinated ligands, agreeing with the increase in ν(P-N) and (2)J(PH) coupling constant values. The changes in electron density (ρ) and electronic energy density (H(r)) values confirm these structural reorganizations upon complexation.     

Molecular structure of the solvated proton in isolated salts. Short,strong, low barrier (SSLB) H-bonds

Large, inert, weakly basic carborane anions of the icosahedral type CHB(11)R(5)X(6)(-) (R = H, Me; X = Cl, Br) allow ready isolation and structural characterization of discrete salts of the solvated proton, [H(solvent)(x)][CHB(11)R(5)X(6)], (solvent = common O-atom donor). These oxonium ion Br?nsted acids are convenient reagents for the tuned delivery of protons to organic solvents with a specified number of donor solvent molecules and with acidities leveled to those of the chosen donor solvent. They have greater thermal stability than the popular [H(OEt(2))(2)][BAr(F)] acids based on fluorinated tetraphenylborate counterions because carborane anions can sustain much higher levels of acidity. When organic O-atom donors such as diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, benzophenone, and nitrobenzene are involved, the coordination number of the proton (x) in [H(solvent)(x)()](+) is two. A mixed species involving the [H(H(2)O)(diethyl ether)](+) ion has also been isolated. These solid-state structures provide expectations for the predominant molecular structures of solvated protons in solution and take into account that water is an inevitable impurity in organic solvents. The O.O distances are all short, lying within the range from 2.35 to 2.48 A. They are consistent with strong, linear O.H.O hydrogen bonding. Density functional theory calculations indicate that all H(solvent)(2)(+) cations have low barriers to movement of the proton within an interval along the O.H.O trajectory, i.e., they are examples of so-called SSLB H-bonds (short, strong, low-barrier). Unusually broadened IR bands, diagnostic of SSLB H-bonds, are observed in these H(solvent)(2)(+) cations.