Synthesis and Structures of RhI and IrI Complexes Supported by N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Phosphinidene Adducts

N‐Heterocyclic carbene‐phosphinidene adducts of the type (IDipp)PR [R = Ph ( 5 ), SiMe₃ ( 6 ); IDipp = 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene] were used as ligands for the preparation of rhodium(I) and iridium(I) complexes. Treatment of (IDipp)PPh ( 5 ) with the dimeric complexes [M(μ‐Cl)(COD)]₂ (M = Rh, Ir; COD = 1,5‐cyclcooctadiene) afforded the corresponding metal(I) complexes [M(COD)Cl{(IDipp)PPh}] [M = Rh ( 7 ) or Ir ( 8 )] in moderate to good yields. The reaction of (IDipp)PSiMe₃ ( 6 ) with [Ir(μ‐Cl)(COD)]₂ did not yield trimethylsilyl chloride elimination product, but furnished the 1:1 complex, [Ir(COD)Cl{(IDipp)PSiMe₃}] ( 9 ). Additionally, the rhodium‐COD complex 7 was converted into the corresponding rhodium‐carbonyl complex [Rh(CO)₂Cl{(IDipp)PPh}] ( 10 ) by reaction with an excess of carbon monoxide gas. All complexes were fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, microanalyses, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.     

Dicationic Tellurium Analogues of the Classic N‐Heterocyclic Carbene

The synthesis and comprehensive characterization of the first dicationic tellurium analogues of N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) has been reported, in both the +2 and +4 oxidation states. For the +2 oxidation state, a base‐stabilized form of TeCl₂ is used as the starting material. The dications are isolated by means of halide metathesis and the solid‐state structures confirm the previously calculated diimine bonding arrangement. For Te^IV, a diamine is used in a high‐yielding dehydrohalogen coupling reaction from TeCl₄. The dicationic NHC analogue is isolated in a base‐stabilized form through halide abstraction and subsequent coordination by pyridine.     

Color‐Tunable Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence of Ruthenium N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes

Ru(II) complexes 1 – 3 bearing various N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands were synthesized, and their photophysical, electrochemical, and electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) properties were discussed to evaluate a potential of their use as multicolor ECL labels. Interestingly, they exhibited ECL emission ranging from greenish‐yellow to red both in nonaqueous and mixed aqueous solutions, which might show the potential of the Ru(II) complexes as multicolor ECL labels.     

A Study of 5‐(1,2,4‐Triazol‐C‐yl)tetrazol‐1‐ols: Combining the Benefits of Different Heterocycles for the Design of Energetic Materials

The synthesis and full structural and spectroscopic characterization of three 5‐(1,2,4‐triazol‐C‐yl)tetrazol‐1‐ol compounds with selected energetic moieties including nitrimino ( 5 ), nitro ( 6 ) and azido ( 7 ) groups are reported. The influence of those energetic moieties as well as the C? C connection of a tetrazol‐1‐ol and a 1,2,4‐triazole on structural and energetic properties has been investigated. All compounds were well characterized by various means, including IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and DSC. The molecular structures of 5 – 8 were determined in the solid state by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The standard heats of formation were calculated on the CBS‐4M level of theory utilizing the atomization energy method, revealing highly positive values for all compounds. The detonation parameters were calculated with the EXPLO5 program and compared to the common secondary explosive RDX. Additionally, sensitivities towards impact, friction and electrostatic discharge were determined.     

Stable N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Adducts of Arylchlorosilylenes and Their Germanium Homologues

The first N‐heterocyclic carbene adducts of arylchlorosilylenes are reported and compared with the homologous germanium compounds. The arylsilicon(II) chlorides SiArCl(Im‐Me₄) [Ar=C₆H₃‐2,6‐Mes₂ (Mes=C₆H₂‐2,4,6‐Me₃), C₆H₃‐2,6‐Trip₂ (Trip=C₆H₂‐2,4,6‐iPr₃)] were obtained selectively on dehydrochlorination of the arylchlorosilanes SiArHCl₂ with 1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene (Im‐Me₄). The analogous arylgermanium(II) chlorides GeArCl(Im‐Me₄) were prepared by metathetical exchange of GeCl₂(Im‐Me₄) with LiC₆H₃‐2,6‐Mes₂ or addition of Im‐Me₄ to GeCl(C₆H₃‐2,6‐Trip₂). All compounds were fully characterized. Density functional calculations on ECl(C₆H₃‐2,6‐Trip₂)(Im‐Me₄), where E=Si, Ge, at different levels of theory show very good agreement between calculated and experimental bonding parameters, and NBO analyses reveal similar electronic structures of the two aryltetrel(II) chlorides. The low gas‐phase Gibbs free energy of bond dissociation of SiCl(C₆H₃‐2,6‐Trip₂)(Im‐Me₄) (Δ${G{{{\circ}\hfill \atop {\rm calcd}\hfill}}}$ =28.1 kJ mol^?1) suggests that the carbene adducts SiArCl(Im‐Me₄) may be valuable transfer reagents of the arylsilicon(II) chlorides SiArCl.     

Synthesis and Characterization of 5‐(1,2,4‐Triazol‐3‐yl)tetrazoles with Various Energetic Functionalities

In this contribution the synthesis and full structural as well as spectroscopic characterization of three 5‐(1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)tetrazoles along with selected energetic moieties like nitro, nitrimino, and azido groups are presented. The main goal is a comparative study on the influence of those variable energetic moieties on structural and energetic properties. A complete characterization including IR and Raman as well as multinuclear NMR spectroscopy of all compounds is presented. Additionally, X‐ray crystallographic measurements were performed and reveal insights into structural characteristics as well as inter‐ and intramolecular interactions. The standard enthalpies of formation were calculated for all compounds at the CBS‐4M level of theory and reveal high positive heats of formation for all compounds. The calculated detonation parameters (using the EXPLO5.05 program) are in the range of 8000 m s^?1 (8097 m s^?1 ( 5 ), 8020 m s^?1 ( 6 ), 7874 m s^?1 ( 7 )). As expected, the measured impact and friction sensitivities as well as decomposition temperatures strongly depend on the energetic moiety at the triazole ring. The C? C connection of a triazole ring with its opportunity to introduce a large variety of energetic moieties and a tetrazole ring, implying a large energy content, leads to the selective synthesis of primary and secondary explosives.     

Silver–N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Synthesis,Characterization, and Antimicrobial Properties

Six new silver complexes containing symmetrical N ‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC ) ligands were synthesized by the reaction of azolium salts with Ag₂O in CH₂Cl₂ . These complexes were tested against Gram‐negative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ), Gram‐positive bacterial strains (Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus ), and fungal strains (Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis ), and all tested complexes showed good activity against the different microorganisms.     

N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Organocatalysis: Activation Modes and Typical Reactive Intermediates

N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysis has been developed as an important approach in modern organic synthesis. Versatile activation modes within NHC organocatalysis have been established with countless transformations being realized in both efficient and selective fashion. We would like to provide an overview on the key progresses achieved within this field in the past two decades. Since numerous excellent reviews have been documented within this area, we will mainly focus on the scientific development of this research field based on the basic reaction modes and typical reaction intermediates.      

Nitrogen‐Rich Bis‐1,2,4‐triazoles—A Comparative Study of Structural and Energetic Properties

In this contribution, the synthesis and full structural and spectroscopic characterization of five bis‐1,2,4‐triazoles in combination with different energetic moieties like amino, nitro, nitrimino, azido, and dinitromethylene groups is presented. The main goal is a comparative study on the influence of those energetic moieties on the structural and energetic properties. A complete characterization including IR, Raman, and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy of all compounds is presented. Additionally, X‐ray crystallographic measurements were performed and deliver insight into structural characteristics as well as inter‐ and intramolecular interactions. The standard enthalpies of formation were calculated for all compounds at the CBS‐4M level of theory, the detonation parameters were calculated by using the EXPLO5.05 program. Additionally, the impact as well as the friction sensitivities and the sensitivity against electrostatic discharge were determined. The potential application of the synthesized compounds as energetic material will be studied and evaluated by using the experimentally obtained values for the thermal decomposition, the sensitivity data, and the calculated performance characteristics.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a Dinuclear Silver(I) Metallocyclophane with N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Linkage

Reaction of the carbene precursor 9,10‐bis(N‐ethylimidazoliummethyl)anthracene hexafluorophosphate ( 1 ) and Ag₂O yielded the dinuclear metallocyclophane ( 2 ) in high yield. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by X‐ray crystallography.     

Synthesis of Ethylene‐bridged Heterocyclic Bidentate P(III)N‐Ligands — Oxidation and Complexation Studies

A series of phosphor(III)inanone ligands 4‐7 , linked by ethylene bridges between the nitrogen atoms of the heterocyclic rings, were synthesized by the reaction of the bis‐PCl derivative 3 with the appropriate trimethylsilylamines. The bis‐phosphor(V)inanone compounds 8‐11 were obtained by the oxidation of 4‐7 with hexafluoroacetone (HFA). Oxidation of 4 and 6 with tetrachloro‐orthobenzoquinone (TOB) gave the bis‐phosphor(V)inanones 12 and 13 . The reaction of 4‐6 with [Pt(COD)Cl₂] led to the platinum complexes 14‐16 . All the σ³‐phosphorinanone compounds 4‐7 and the σ⁵‐phosphorinanone compounds 8‐10 , 12 and 13 exist as a mixture of two conformers, as indicated by two signals in the ³¹P‐NMR spectra. However, compounds 9 and 11 exist as single conformers, both display only one sharp singlet in the ³¹P‐NMR spectra. The Pt‐complexes 15 and 16 contain two conformers; one conformer of 16 could be isolated by crystallization. X‐ray crystal structure determinations for compounds 8 , 14 and 16 were conducted, revealing inversion symmetry for 8 and cis arrangement for 14 and 16 .     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Mercury(II) Metal Crown Ether with N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Linkage

The mercury(II) metal crown ether ( 2a ) was obtained in high yield by reaction of the carbene precursor 1,2‐bis[N‐(1‐naphthylmethylene)imidazoliumethoxy]benzene dihexafluorophosphate ( 1 ) and Hg(OAc)₂. Addition of NaI to the acetone solution of 2a resulted in precipitation of pale yellow solid 2b . The structures of 2a and 2b were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometry. Both molecules display a helical conformation with a torsional cycle. The mercury atom in complex 2a is tricoordinated by two intramolecular carbene carbon atoms and an acetate oxygen atom. The mercury atom in complex 2b is tetracoordinated by two intramolecular carbene carbon atoms and two cis‐iodine atoms.     

Copper(II) Halide Complexes with 1‐tert‐Butyl‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole and 1‐tert‐Butyl‐1H‐tetrazole

1‐tert‐Butyl‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole (tbtr) was found to react with copper(II) chloride or bromide to give the complexes [Cu(tbtr)₂X₂]_n and [Cu(tbtr)₄X₂] (X = Cl, Br). 1‐tert‐Butyl‐1H‐tetrazole (tbtt) reacts with copper(II) bromide resulting in the formation of the complex [Cu₃(tbtt)₆Br₆]. The obtained crystalline complexes as well as free ligand tbtr were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermal and X‐ray analyses. For free ligand tbtr, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra were also recorded. In all the complexes, tbtr and tbtt act as monodentate ligands coordinated by Cu^II cations via the heteroring N⁴ atoms. The triazole complexes [Cu(tbtr)₂Cl₂]_n and [Cu(tbtr)₂Br₂]_n are isotypic, being 1D coordination polymers, formed at the expense of single halide bridges between neighboring copper(II) cations. The isotypic complexes [Cu(tbtr)₄Cl₂] and [Cu(tbtr)₄Br₂] reveal mononuclear centrosymmetric structure, with octahedral coordination of Cu^II cations. The tetrazole compound [Cu₃(tbtt)₆Br₆] is a linear trinuclear complex, in which neighboring copper(II) cations are linked by single bromide bridges.     

Tricarbonylrhenium(I) Complexes with N‐Heterocyclic Thiones and Selenols

Reactions of (NEt₄)₂[Re(CO)₃Br₃] with N‐heterocyclic thiols such as 2‐mercaptobenzimidazole (H₂Sbenzim), 2‐mercaptothiazoline (HSthiaz), or 5‐mercapto‐1‐methyltetrazole (HSmetetraz) give rhenium(I) complexes of various compositions: (NEt₄)[Re(CO)₃Br₂(H₂Sbenzim)], [Re(CO)₃(HSthiaz)₃]Br, and (NEt₄)[Re₂(CO)₆(μ‐S‐Smetetraz‐κS)(μ‐N,S‐Smetetraz‐κS,N)₂]. Corresponding reactions with 2‐mercaptopyridine (HSpy) and bis(2‐pyridine)diselenide [(Sepy)₂] did not give defined products in reasonable yields, whereas [Re(CO)₅Br] reacts with HSpy and (Sepy)₂ with formation of [Re(CO)₃(HSpy)₃]Br and [Re₂(CO)₆(Sepy)₂], respectively. All reactions were performed without the addition of a supporting base and the sulfur‐containing organic ligands are coordinated in their thione forms with the exception of Smetetraz^– in its μS‐bridging coordination mode in (NEt₄)[Re₂(CO)₆(μ‐S‐Smetetraz‐κS)(μ‐N,S‐Smetetraz‐κS,N)₂], which can be regarded as thiolate. The bonding mode of the selenium containing ligands in the dimeric compound [Re₂(CO)₆(Sepy)₂] (C–Se distance: 1.93 Å) can also best be described as selenolate. The products are stable on air at an ambient temperature. They were studied spectroscopically and by X‐ray diffraction.     

Expedient Synthesis of Ketones via N‐Heterocyclic Carbene/Nickel‐Catalyzed Redox‐Economical Coupling of Alcohols and Alkynes†

An N‐heterocyclic carbene/nickel‐catalyzed direct coupling of alcohols and internal alkynes to form α‐branched ketones has been developed. This methodology provides a new approach to afford branched ketones, which are difficult to access through the hydroacylation of simple internal alkenes with aldehydes. This redox‐neutral and redox‐economical coupling is free from any oxidative or reductive additives as well as stoichiometric byproducts. These reactions convert both benzylic and aliphatic alcohols and alkynes, two basic feedstock chemicals, into various α‐branched ketones in a single chemical step.     

NMR Spectroscopy and X‐Ray Characterisation of Cationic N‐Heteroaryl‐Pyridylamido ZrIV Complexes: A Further Level of Complexity for the Elusive Active Species of Pyridylamido Olefin Polymerisation Catalysts

New [(N^?,N,N^?)ZrR₂] dialkyl complexes (N^?,N,N^?=pyrrolyl‐pyridyl‐amido or indolyl‐pyridyl‐amido; R=Me or CH₂Ph) have been synthesised and tested as pre‐catalysts for ethene and propene polymerisation in combination with different activators, such as B(C₆F₅)₃, [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄], [HNMe₂Ph][B(C₆F₅)₄] or solid AlMe₃‐depleted methylaluminoxane (DMAO). Polyethylene (M_w>2 MDa and M_w/M_n = 1.3–1.6) has been produced if pre‐catalysts were activated with 1000 equivalents of DMAO (based on Al) [activity >1000 kg_PE (mol_[Zr] h mol atm)^?1] or by using a higher pre‐catalyst concentration and a mixture of [HNPhMe₂][B(C₆F₅)₄] (1 equiv) and AliBu₂H (60 equiv). In the case of propene polymerisation, activity has been observed only if pre‐catalysts were treated with an excess of AliBu₂H prior to addition of DMAO, which led to highly isotactic polypropylene ([mmmm]>95 %). Neutral pre‐catalysts and ion pairs derived from their activation have been characterised in solution by using advanced 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy experiments. The detection and rationalisation of intercationic NOEs clearly showed the formation of dimeric species in which some pyrrolyl or indolyl π‐electron density of one unit is engaged in stabilising the metal centre of the other unit, which relegates the counterions in the second coordination sphere. The solid‐state structure of the dimeric indolyl‐pyridyl‐amidomethylzirconium derivative, determined by X‐ray diffraction studies, points toward a weak Zr???η³‐indolyl interaction. It can be hypothesised that the formation of dimeric cationic species hampers monomer coordination (especially of less reactive α‐olefins) and that addition of AliBu₂H is crucial to split the homodimers.     

The Structure of Bis[N‐6‐aminopyridyl‐N‐(1S)‐(+)‐10‐camphorsulfonylamino]palladium in the Solid State and in Solution

The complex, bis[N‐6‐aminopyridyl‐N‐(1S)‐(+)‐10‐camphorsulfonylamino]palladium, Pd[(S)‐APCS]₂, 1 , was prepared by reaction of 2‐[(1S)‐(+)‐10‐camphorsulfonamino]‐6‐aminopyridine with PdCl₂ in THF. Complex 1 has been characterized by spectroscopic methods and its structure has been determined by X‐ray crystallography. Crystal data: space group C2, a= 16.082 (2), b = 17.104 (2), c = 13.051 (2)Å, β = 99.95 (1)°, V = 3535.9 (8) ų, Z = 2 with final residuals R1 = 0.0491 and wR2 = 0.0944. Two independent molecules, (S,S)‐Pd[(S)‐APCS]2, 1a , and (R,R)‐Pd[(S)‐APCS]2, 1b , were found in each asymmetric unit, which exchange to each other via a series of nitrogen inversion and C‐C bond rotation. The inversion energy (ΔGc₁^≠) and the energy barrier (δGc₂^≠) were 11.5 ± 0.1 Kcal mol^?1 at 246 K and 9.8 ± 0.1 Kcal mol^?1 at 199 K, respectively, calculated by dynamic NMR data.     

Large yet Flexible N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands for Palladium Catalysis

A straightforward and scalable eight‐step synthesis of new N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) has been developed from inexpensive and readily available 2‐nitro‐m‐xylene. This process allows for the preparation of a novel class of NHCs coined ITent (“Tent” for “tentacular”) of which the well‐known IMes (N,N′‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene), IPr (N,N′‐bis(2,6‐di(2‐propyl)phenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene) and IPent (N,N′‐bis(2,6‐di(3‐pentyl)phenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene) NHCs are the simplest and already known congeners. The synthetic route was successfully used for the preparation of three members of the ITent family: IPent (N,N′‐bis(2,6‐di(3‐pentyl)phenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene), IHept (N,N′‐bis(2,6‐di(4‐heptyl)phenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene) and INon (N,N′‐bis(2,6‐di(5‐nonyl)phenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene). The electronic and steric properties of each NHC were studied through the preparation of both nickel and palladium complexes. Finally the effect of these new ITent ligands in Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura and Buchwald–Hartwig cross‐couplings was investigated.     

Palladium(II)‐N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Efficient Catalysts for the Direct C‐H Bond Arylation of Furans with Aryl Halides

This paper contains the synthesis and characterization of the seven new benzimidazolium salts and their corresponding new palladium(II)‐NHC complexes with the general formula [PdX₂(NHC)₂], (NHC = N‐heterocyclic carbene, X = Cl or Br), and also their catalytic activity in direct C‐H bond arylation of 2‐substituted furan derivatives with aryl bromides and aryl chlorides. Under the optimal conditions, these palladium(II)‐NHC complexes showed the good catalytic performance for the direct C‐H bond arylation of 2‐substituted furans with (hetero)aryl bromides, and with readily available and inexpensive aryl chlorides. The C‐H bond arylation regioselectively produced C5‐arylated furans by using 1 mol% of the palladium(II)‐NHC catalysts in moderate to high yields.