Synthesis and characterization of octa- and hexanuclear polyoxomolybdate wheels: role of the inorganic template and of the counterion

Eight new compounds based on [O3PCH2PO3]4- ligands and {MoV2O4} dimeric units have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Octanuclear wheels encapsulating various guests have been isolated with different counterions. With NH4+, a single wheel was obtained, as expected, with the planar CO32- guest, (NH4)12[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(CO3)2].24H2O (1a), while with the pyramidal SO32- guest, only the syn isomer (NH4)12[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(SO3)2].26H2O (2a) was characterized. The corresponding anti isomer was obtained with Na+ as counterions, Na12[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(SO3)2]39H2O (2b), and with mixed Na+ and NH4(+) counterions, Na+(NH4)11[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(SO3)2].13H2O (2d). With [O3PCH2PO3]4- extra ligands, the octanuclear wheel Li12(NH4)2[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(HO3PCH2PO3)2].31H2O (4a) was isolated with Li+ and NH4+ counterions and Li14[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(HO3PCH2PO3)2].34H2O (4c) as a pure Li+ salt. A new rectangular anion, formed by connecting two MoV dimers and two MoVI octahedra via methylenediphosphonato ligands with NH4+ as counterions, (NH4)10[(MoV2O4)2(MoVIO3)2(O3PCH2PO3)2(HO3PCH2PO3)2].15H2)O (3a), and Li9(NH4)2Cl[(MoV2O4)2(MoVIO3)2(O3PCH2PO3)2]. 22H2O (3d) as a mixed NH4+ and Li+ salt have also been synthesized. The structural characterization of the compounds, combined with a study of their behavior in solution, investigated by 31P NMR, has allowed a discussion on the influence of the counterions on the structure of the anions and their stability. Density functional theory calculations carried out on both isomers of the [(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(SO3)2]12- anion (2), either assumed isolated or embedded in a continuum solvent model, suggest that the anti form is favored by approximately 2 kcal mol(-1). Explicit insertion of two solvated counterions in the molecular cavity reverses this energy difference and reduces it to less than 1 kcal mol(-1), therefore accounting for the observed structural versatility.     

Structural and kinetic study of reversible CO2 fixation by dicopper macrocyclic complexes. From intramolecular binding to self-assembly of molecular boxes

A study of the reversible CO2 fixation by a series of macrocyclic dicopper complexes is described. The dicopper macrocyclic complexes [Cu2(OH)2(Me2p)](CF3SO3)2, 1(CF3SO3)2, and [Cu2(mu-OH)2(Me2m)](CF3SO3)2, 2(CF3SO3)2, (Scheme 1) containing terminally bound and bridging hydroxide ligands, respectively, promote reversible inter- and intramolecular CO2 fixation that results in the formation of the carbonate complexes [{Cu2(Me2p)}2(mu-CO3)2](CF3SO3)4, 4(CF3SO3)4, and [Cu2(mu-CO3)(Me2m)](CF3SO3)2, 5(CF3SO3)2. Under a N2 atmosphere the complexes evolve CO2 and revert to the starting hydroxo complexes 1(CF3SO3)2 and 2(CF3SO3)2, a reaction the rate of which linearly depends on [H2O]. In the presence of water, attempts to crystallize 5(CF3SO3)2 afford [{Cu2(Me2m)(H2O)}2(mu-CO3)2](CF3SO3)4, 6(CF3SO3)4, which appears to rapidly convert to 5(CF3SO3)2 in acetonitrile solution. [Cu2(OH)2(H3m)]2+, 7, which contains a larger macrocyclic ligand, irreversibly reacts with atmospheric CO2 to generate cagelike [{Cu2(H3m)}2(mu-CO3)2](ClO4)4, 8(ClO4)4. However, addition of 1 equiv of HClO4 per Cu generates [Cu2(H3m)(CH3CN)4]4+ (3), and subsequent addition of Et3N under air reassembles 8. The carbonate complexes 4(CF3SO3)4, 5(CF3SO3)2, 6(CF3SO3)4, and 8(ClO4)4 have been characterized in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. This analysis reveals that 4(CF3SO3)4, 6(CF3SO3)4, and 8(ClO4)4 consist of self-assembled molecular boxes containing two macrocyclic dicopper complexes, bridged by CO32- ligands. The bridging mode of the carbonate ligand is anti-anti-mu-eta1:eta1 in 4(CF3SO3)4, anti-anti-mu-eta2:eta1 in 6(CF3SO3)4 and anti-anti-mu-eta2:eta2 in 5(CF3SO3)2 and 8(ClO4)4. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on 4(CF3SO3)4, 6(CF3SO3)4, and 8(ClO4)4 indicate that the carbonate ligands mediate antiferromagnetic coupling between each pair of bridged CuII ions (J = -23.1, -108.3, and -163.4 cm-1, respectively, H = -JS1S2). Detailed kinetic analyses of the reaction between carbon dioxide and the macrocyclic complexes 1(CF3SO3)2 and 2(CF3SO3)2 suggest that it is actually hydrogen carbonate formed in aqueous solution on dissolving CO2 that is responsible for the observed formation of the different carbonate complexes controlled by the binding mode of the hydroxy ligands. This study shows that CO2 fixation can be used as an on/off switch for the reversible self-assembly of supramolecular structures based on macrocyclic dicopper complexes.     

Interpolymetallic assembly of d8-d10 sulfide aggregates from [Pt2(PPh3)4(mu-S)2] and group 12 metals

A series of heterometallic Pt-M (M=Zn and Cd) sulfide aggregates with growing nuclearities (Pt2M), (Pt4M), and (Pt4M2), viz., [ZnPt2Cl2(PPh3)4(mu3-S)2] (2), [CdPt2Cl2(PPh3)4(mu3-S)2] (3), [Pt2(PPh3)4(mu3-S)2]2[ZnSO4]2 (4), [Pt2(PPh3)4(mu3-S)2]2[CdSO4]2.H2O (5), [CdPt4(PPh3)8(mu3-S)4][ClO4]2 (7), and [ZnPt4(PPh3)8(mu3-S)4][ClO4]2 (8), have been prepared from Pt2(PPh3)4(mu-S)2 (1) with appropriate zinc and cadmium substrates. The structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The supporting anions play an active role in the structural assembly process. An unexpected disintegration complex [Pt2(S2CH2)Cl(PPh3)4][PF6] (6) has also been isolated and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The mechanism of the formation of 6 is proposed.     

Mononuclear gold(I) acetylide complexes with urea group: synthesis, characterization, photophysics, and anion sensing properties

A series of mononuclear gold(I) acetylide complexes with urea moiety, R'(3)PAuC≡CC(6)H(4)-4-NHC(O)NHC(6)H(4)-4-R (R' = cyclohexyl, R = NO(2) (2a), CF(3) (2b), Cl (2c), H (2d), CH(3) (2e), (t)Bu (2f), OCH(3) (2g); R' = phenyl, R = NO(2) (3a), OCH(3) (3b); R' = 4-methoxyphenyl, R = H (4a), OCH(3) (4b)), have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of Ph(3)PAuC≡CC(6)H(4)-4-NHC(O)NHC(6)H(4)-4-NO(2) (3a) and (4-CH(3)OC(6)H(4))(3)PAuC≡CC(6)H(4)-4-NHC(O)NHC(6)H(5) (4a) have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Complexes 2a-2g, 3b, and 4a-4b show intense luminescence both in the solid state and in degassed THF solution at 298 K. Anion binding properties of complexes 2a-2g, 3a-3b, and 4a-4b have been studied by UV-vis and (1)H NMR titration experiments. In general, the log K values of 2a-2g with the same anion in THF depend on the substituent R on the acetylide ligand of 2a-2g: R = NO(2) (2a) > CF(3) (2b) ≥ Cl (2c) > H (2d) > CH(3) (2e) ≈ (t)Bu (2f) ≥ OCH(3) (2g). Complex 2a with NO(2) group shows the dramatic color change toward F(-) in DMSO, which provides an access of naked eye detection of F(-).     

Heterobimetallic Clusters of Copper(I) with Trithiotungstate and Trithiomolybdate. Synthesis and Characterization of the Octanuclear Clusters [Et(4)N](4)[M(4)Cu(4)S(12)O(4)] (M = Mo, W) and the Dodecanuclear Clusters [M(4)Cu(4)S(12)O(4)(CuTMEN)(4)] (M = Mo, W; TMEN = N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylethylenediamine)

Synthetic methods for [Et(4)N](4)[W(4)Cu(4)S(12)O(4)] (1), [Et(4)N](4)[Mo(4)Cu(4)S(12)O(4)] (2), [W(4)Cu(4)S(12)O(4)(CuTMEN)(4)] (3), and [Mo(4)Cu(4)S(12)O(4)(CuTMEN)(4)] (4) are described. [Et(4)N](2)[MS(4)], [Et(4)N](2)[MS(2)O(2)], Cu(NO(3))(2).3H(2)O, and KBH(4) (or Et(4)NBH(4)) were used as starting materials for the synthesis of 1 and 2. Compounds 3 and 4 were produced by reaction of [Et(4)N](2)[WOS(3)], Cu(NO(3))(2).3H(2)O, and TMEN and by reaction of [Me(4)N](2)[MO(2)O(2)S(8)], Cu(NO(3))(2).3H(2)O, and TMEN, respectively. Crystal structures of compounds 1-4 were determined. Compounds 1 and 2 crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 14.264(5) ?, b = 32.833(8) ?, c = 14.480(3) ?, beta = 118.66(2) degrees, V = 5950.8(5) ?(3), and Z = 4 for 1 and a = 14.288(5) ?, b = 32.937(10) ?, c = 14.490(3) ?, beta = 118.75(2) degrees, V = 5978.4(7) ?(3), and Z = 4 for 2. Compounds 3 and 4 crystallized in the trigonal space group P3(2)21 with a = 13.836(6) ?, c = 29.81(1) ?, V = 4942(4) ?(3), and Z = 3 for 3 and a = 13.756(9) ?, c = 29.80(2) ?, V = 4885(6) ?(3), and Z = 3 for 4. The cluster cores have approximate C(2v) symmetry. The anions of 1 and 2 may be viewed as consisting of two butterfly-type [CuMOS(3)Cu] fragments bridged by two [MOS(3)](2-) groups. Eight metal atoms in the anions are arranged in an approximate square configuration, with a Cu(4)M(4)S(12) ring structure. Compounds 3 and 4 can be considered to consist of one [M(4)Cu(4)S(12)O(4)](4-) (the anions of 1 and 2) unit capped by Cu(TMEN)(+) groups on each M atom; the Cu(TMEN)(+) groups extend alternately up and down around the Cu(4)M(4) square. The electronic spectra of the compounds are dominated by the internal transitions of the [MOS(3)](2-) moiety. (95)Mo NMR spectral data are investigated and compared with those of other compounds.     

Aggregation of PMe3-stabilized molybdenum sulfides and the catalytic dehydrogenation of H2S

The reactivity of [MoS(4)](2-) (1) toward PMe(3) was explored in the presence and absence of proton donors. Whereas MeCN solutions of (Et(4)N)(2)[MoS(4)] and PMe(3) are stable, in the presence of H(2)S such solutions catalyze formation of H(2) and SPMe(3). Addition of NH(4+) to such solutions afforded MoS(2)(PMe(3))(4) (2), which can be prepared directly from (NH(4))(2)[1]. Compound 2 is reactive toward thiols via a process proposed to involve the initial dissociation of one PMe(3) ligand, a hypothesis supported by the relative inertness of trans-MoS(2)(dmpe)(2). Benzene solutions of 2 react with EtSH to give Mo(2)(mu-S)(mu-SH)(PMe(3))(4)(SEt)(3) (3Et). Analogous reactions with thiocresol (MeC(6)H(4)SH) and H(2)S gave Mo(2)(mu-S)(mu-SH)(PMe(3))(4)(SR)(3) (R = tol, H). Crystallographic analyses of 3Et, 3H, and 3tol indicate dinuclear species with seven terminal ligands and a Mo(2)(mu-SR)(mu-S) core (r(Mo)(-)(Mo) = 2.748(1) A). From reaction mixtures leading to 3Et from 2, we obtained the intermediate Mo(IV)(2)(mu-S)(2)(SEt)(4)(PMe(3))(2) (4), an edge-shared bis(trigonal pyramidal) structure. Compounds 3H and 3Et react further with H(2)S to give Mo(4)(mu(2)-S)(4)(mu(3)-S)(2)(PMe(3))(6)(SH)(2) (5H) and Mo(4)(mu(2)-S)(4)(mu(3)-S)(2)(PMe(3))(6)(SEt)(2) (5Et), respectively. Analogously, W(4)(mu(2)-S)(4)(mu(3)-S)(2)(PMe(3))(6)(SH)(2) was synthesized from a methanol solution of (NH(4))(2)WS(4) with H(2)S and PMe(3). A highly accurate crystallographic analysis of (NH(4))(2)MoS(4) (R(1) = 0.0193) indicates several weak NH.S interactions.     

Mononuclear and dinuclear molybdenum and tungsten complexes of p-tert-butyltetrathiacalix[4]arene and p-tert-butyltetrasulfonylcalix[4]arene: facile cleavage of the calixarene ligand framework by nickel

The reactivity of p-tert-butyltetrathiacalix[4]arene, [S4CalixBut(OH)4], and p-tert-butyltetrasulfonylcalix[4]arene, [(SO2)4CalixBut(OH)4], toward Mo(PMe3)5H2, Mo(PMe3)6, and W(PMe3)4(eta2-CH2PMe2)H has been used to synthesize a series of mononuclear molybdenum and tungsten calixarene compounds that feature both coordinatively saturated and unsaturated metal centers, such as [S4CalixBut(OH)2(O)2]M(PMe3)3H2 (M = Mo, W), [(SO2)4CalixBut(OH)2(O)2]M(PMe3)3H2, [S4CalixBut(OH)2(O)2]Mo(PMe3)3, [(SO2)4CalixBut(OH)2(O)2]Mo(PMe3)3, and [(SO2)4CalixBut(OH)(O)3]M(PMe3)3H. Comparison with the related {[CalixBut(OH)2(O)2]M} complexes indicates that the chemistry of the system is strongly influenced by the nature of the calixarene linker, that is, CH2, S, and SO2. For example, in contrast to the methylene-bridged calixarene system, the thiacalixarene and sulfonylcalixarene systems readily coordinate a second metal center to form homo- and heterodinuclear complexes, namely {[S4CalixBut(O)4]}[M(PMe3)3H2]2, {[(SO2)4CalixBut(O)4]}[Mo(PMe3)3H2]2 and {[S4CalixBut(O)4]}[Mo(PMe3)3H2][W(PMe3)3H2]. Of most interest, incorporation of nickel into [S4CalixBut(OH)2(O)2]M(PMe3)3H2 using Ni(PMe3)4 results in cleavage of a C- bond to give [(SArButOH)(SArButO)3][M(PMe3)3H2][Ni(PMe3)2], an observation that is of relevance to the role that nickel plays in hydrodesulfurization catalysis.     

Solid state coordination chemistry: structural consequences of variations in tether length in the oxovanadium-copper-bisterpy-[O3P(CH2)nPO3]4- system, n= 1-6 (bisterpy = 2,2':4',4'':2'',2'''-quarterpyridyl-6',6''-di-2-pyridine)

Hydrothermal reactions of Na3VO4, an appropriate Cu(II) source, bisterpy and an organodiphosphonate, H2O3P(CH2)nPO3H2 (n = 1-6) yielded a family of materials of the type [Cu2(bisterpy)]4+/VxOy(n-)/[O3P(CH2)nPO3]4-. This family of bimetallic oxides is characterized by an unusual structural diversity. The oxides [[Cu2(bisterpy)]V2O4[O3PCH2PO3H]2] (1), [[Cu2(bisterpy)(H2O)]VO2[O3P(CH2)3PO3][HO3P(CH2)3PO3H2]] (4) and [[Cu2(bisterpy)]V2O4[O3P(CH2)6PO3H]2].2H2O (7.2H2O) are one-dimensional, while [[Cu2(bisterpy)(H2O)2]V2O4[O3P(CH2)2PO3][HO3P(CH2)2PO3H]2] (2), [[Cu2(bisterpy)]V4O8[O3P(CH23PO3]2].4H2O (3.4H2O) and [[Cu2(bisterpy)]V2O4(OH)2[O3P(CH2)4PO3]].4H2O (5.4H2O) are two-dimensional. The V(IV) oxide [[Cu2(bisterpy)]V4O4[O3P(CH2)5PO3H]4].7.3H2O (6.7.3H2O) provides a relatively unusual example of a three-dimensional bimetallic oxide phosphonate. The structures reveal a variety of V/P/O substructures as building blocks.     

Borohydride, azide, and chloride anions as terminal ligands on Fe/Mo/S clusters. Synthesis, structure and characterization of [(Cl4-cat)(PPr3) MoFe3S4(X)2]2(Bu4N)4 and [(Cl4-cat)(PPr3)MoFe3S4 (PPr3)(X)]2(Bu4N)2 (X = N3-, BH4-, Cl-) double-fused cubanes. NMR reactivity studies of [(Cl4-cat)(PPr3) MoFe3S4(BH4)2]2(Bu4N)4

Our explorations of the reactivity of Fe/Mo/S clusters of some relevance to the FeMoco nitrogenase have led to new double-fused cubane clusters with the Mo2Fe6S8 core as derivatives of the known (Cl4-cat)2Mo2Fe6S8(PPr3)6 (I) fused double cubane. The new clusters have been obtained by substitution reactions of the PPr3 ligands with Cl-, BH4-, and N3-. By careful control of the conditions of these reactions, the clusters [(Cl4-cat)(PPr3)MoFe3S4(BH4)2]2(Bu4N)4 (II), [(Cl4-cat)(PPr3)MoFe3S4(PPr3)(BH4)]2(Bu4N)2 (III), [(Cl4-cat)(PPr3)MoFe3S4(N3)2]2(Bu4N)4 (IV), [(Cl4-cat)(PPr3)MoFe3S4(PPr3)(N3)]2(Bu4N)2 (V), and [(Cl4-cat)(PPr3)MoFe3S4Cl2]2(Et4N)4 (VI) have been obtained and structurally characterized. A study of their electrochemistry shows that the reduction potentials for the derivatives of I are shifted to more positive values than those of I, suggesting a stabilization of the reduced clusters by the anionic ligands BH4- and N3-. Using 1H NMR spectroscopy, we have explored the lability of the BH4- ligand in II in coordinating solvents and its hydridic character, which is apparent in its reactivity toward proton sources such as MeOH or PhOH.     

Coupling of an aldehyde or ketone to pyridine mediated by a tungsten imido complex

The reactivity of W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(py)2 and W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(pic)2 (py=pyridine; pic=4-picoline) with unsaturated substrates has been investigated. Treatment of W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(py)2 with diphenylacetylene or 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene generates W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(eta2-PhCCPh) and W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(eta4-CH2=C(Me)C(Me)=CH2), respectively, while the addition of ethylene to W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(py)2 generates the known metallacycle W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(CH2CH2CH2CH2). The addition of 2 equiv of acetone to W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(pic)2 provides the azaoxymetallacycle W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(OCH(Me)2)(OC(Me)2-o-C5H3N-p-Me), the result of acetone insertion into the ortho C-H bond of picoline. Similarily, the addition of 2 equiv of RC(O)H [R=Ph, tBu] to W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(py)2 generates W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(OCH2R)(OCHR-o-C5H4N) [R=Ph, tBu,]. In contrast, reaction between W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(py)2 and 2-pyridine carboxaldehyde yields the diolate W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(OCH(C5H4N)CH(C5H4N)O). The synthesis of W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(PMe3)(py)(eta2-OC(H)C6H4-p-Me), formed by the addition of p-tolualdehyde to a mixture of W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(py)2 and PMe3, suggests that an eta2-aldehyde intermediate is involved in the formation of the azaoxymetallacycle, while the isolation of W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(Cl)(OC(Me)(CMe3)-o-C5H4N), formed by the reaction of pinacolone with W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(py)2, in the presence of adventitious CH2Cl2, suggests that the reaction proceeds via the hydride W(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(H)(OC(Me)(CMe3)-o-C5H4N).     

Synthesis,optical, and spectroscopic characterisation of substituted 3-phenyl-2-arylacrylonitriles

The Knoevenagel condensation between aldehydes and substrates with active methylene groups was applied to synthesise a series of 3-(4-substituted phenyl)-2-arylacrylonitriles (aryl = phenyl or pyridyl). Chloro-, fluoro-, or dimethylamino-substituted aryls and a cyano group attached to the double bond of acrylonitrile were studied. Previous studies showed that the condensation products were E isomers. The compounds synthesised were: 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-phenylacrylonitrile, 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile, 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(pyridin-3-yl)acrylonitrile, 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(pyridin-4-yl)acrylonitrile, 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-phenylacrylonitrile, 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile, 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(pyridin-3-yl)acrylonitrile, 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(pyridin-4-yl)acrylonitrile, 3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-2-phenylacrylonitrile, 3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile, 3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-2-(pyridin-3-yl)acrylonitrile, and 3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-2-(pyridin-4-yl)acrylonitrile. Structures were confirmed by IR, MS, and NMR spectral data. Molar absorption coefficient, absorbance, and fluorescence emission spectra were compared in order to evaluate the effects of substituents on phenyl and the position of nitrogen in pyridine moiety on the electronic properties of acrylonitrile derivatives prepared.     

Syntheses and reactivity studies of solvated dirhenium acetonitrile complexes

Fully and partially solvated triply-bonded [Re2]4+ complexes have been synthesized and their X-ray structures are described. A fully solvated dirhenium salt with BArf [tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate] as the counter anion [Re2(CH3CN)10][BArf]4 () has been characterized. The solubility of the complex in CH2Cl2 and THF in addition to CH3CN offers the possibility of improved reactivity. The structure of [Re2(micro-O)(CH3CN)10][BF4]4 () that possesses a linear [Re(III)-O-Re(III)]4+ unit is reported. Protonation reactions of cis-Re2Cl2(dppm)2(O2CCH3)2 and trans-Re2Cl4(dppm)2 with HBF4.Et2O in acetonitrile afforded cis and trans [Re2(dppm)2(CH3CN)6][BF4]4 ( and ), respectively. Prolonging the reaction time, however, does not lead to fully solvated complex [Re2(CH3CN)10][BF4]4. The neutral nitrogen donor ligands pynp (2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) and tznp (2-(2-thiazolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) react readily with [Re2(CH3CN)10][BF4]4 to provide trans-[Re2(pynp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4 and trans-[Re2(tznp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4. The X-ray structures trans-[Re2(pynp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4 () and trans-[Re2(tznp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]3[PF6] () have been determined.     

Reactivity of a palladium fluoro complex towards silanes and Bu3SnCH=CH2: Catalytic derivatisation of pentafluoropyridine based on carbon-fluorine bond activation reactions

The chloro and azido complexes trans-[PdCl(4-C5NF4)(PiPr3)2] (3) and trans-[Pd(N3)(4-C5NF4)(PiPr3)2] (4) can be prepared by reaction of [PdF(4-C5NF4)(PiPr3)2] (2) with Et3SiCl or MeSiN3, respectively. In contrast, reactions of 2 with Ph3SiH or Me2FSiSiFMe2 give the products of reductive elimination 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoropyridine (5) or 4-(fluorodimethylsilyl)tetrafluoropyridine (6) as well as [Pd(PiPr3)2] (1). In a catalytic experiment, pentafluoropyridine can be converted with Ph3SiH into 5 in 62% yield, when 10% of 2 is employed as catalyst. Treatment of trans-[PdF(4-C5NF4)(PiPr3)2] (2) with Bu3SnCH=CH2 in THF at 50 degrees C results in the formation of [Pd(PiPr3)2] (1) and 4-vinyltetrafluoropyridine (7). Complex 2 is also active as a catalyst towards a Stille cross-coupling reaction of pentafluoropyridine with Bu3SnCH=CH2 to give 4-vinyltetrafluoropyridine (7) with a TON of 6. The molecular structure of the complex 3 has been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Oxo-, hydroxo-, and peroxo-bridged Fe(III) phosphonate cages

A series of five Fe(III) phosphonate clusters with four different topologies is reported. The choice of coligand carboxylate plays an important role in directing the structure of the molecule. [Fe9(O)4(O2CCMe3)13(C10P)3] (1) and [Fe9(O)2(OH)(CO2Ph)10(C10P)6(H2O)2](CH3CN)7 (2; camphyl phosphonic acid, C10H17PO3H2 = C10PH2) represent two unprecedented nonanuclear Fe(III) cages having Fe9O4 and Fe9(O)2(OH) core structures, respectively. Whereas [Fe6O2(O)2(O2CCMe3)8(C10P)2 (H2O)2](CH3CN)4 (3) is a peroxo-bridged hexameric compound with an Fe6(O)2(O2) core. [Fe4(O)(O2CCMe3)4(C10P)3(Py)4](CH3CN)3 (4) and [Fe4(O)(O2CPh)4(C10P)3(Py)4](Py)3(CH3CN)2 (5; Py = pyridine) represents two tetranuclear clusters with the same Fe4O core structure.     

Silver cages with encapsulated acetylenediide as building blocks for hydrothermal synthesis of supramolecular complexes with n-cyanopyridine and pyridine-n-carboxamide (n=3, 4)

New silver(i) double salts (Ag(2)C(2))(AgCF(3)CO(2))(8)(3-pyCONH(2))(2)(H(2)O)(4) (1), [(Ag(2)C(2))(AgCF(3)CO(2))(4)(4-pyCONH(2))(H(2)O)].H(2)O (2), (Ag(2)C(2))(AgCF(3)CO(2))(6)(3-pyCONH(2))(4) (3), (Ag(2)C(2))(AgCF(3)CO(2))(6)(3-pyCN)(2) (4) and (Ag(2)C(2))(AgCF(3)CO(2))(4)(4-pyCN)(2) (5) (n-pyCONH(2) is pyridine-n-carboxamide, n-pyCN is n-cyanopyridine; n=3, 4) have been synthesized by the hydrothermal method. All five compounds contain polyhedral silver(i) cages each encapsulating a C(2)(2-) dianion. Compounds 1, 3 ,4 and 5 exhibit three-dimensional structures, whereas compound 2 is a two-dimensional network. The structure of 1 is constructed from the linkage of a branched-tree architecture via hydrogen bonds. Unlike 4 and 5, which involve the connection of n-cyanopyridine (n=3, 4) with silver columns, 3 results from the linkage of discrete silver cages via pyridine-3-carboxamide.     

Tetranuclear clusters containing a CrIII-doped MnIII4O2 core: syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties

The oxidation of MnII carboxylates by (NBu4)Cr2O7 in the presence of different phosphonic acids and chelating ligands results in six CrIII-doped tetranuclear manganese clusters formulated [Mn3CrO2(O2CCH3)4(O3PC5H4N)2(bpy)2] (1), [Mn3CrO2(O2CCH3)4(O3PC5H4N)2(phen)2] (2), [Mn3CrO2(O2CPh)4(O3PC5H4NO)2(phen)2] (3), [Mn3CrO2(O2CPh)4(O3PC6H11)2(bpy)2] (4), [Mn 3CrO2(O2CPh)4(O3PC6H11)2(phen) 2] (5), and [Mn3CrO2(O2CCH3)4(O3PC6H11)2(bpy)2] (6). Single-crystal X-ray analyses reveal that all the compounds contain similar [M4O2]8+ cores with the four metal sites arranged in planar topologies. The metal ions within the core are bridged by both carboxylate and phosphonate ligands. Temperature-dependent magnetic measurements show that in all cases dominant antiferromagnetic interactions are propagated between the metal centers. The ac magnetic measurements on compounds 5 and 6 reveal that both the in-phase and the out-of-phase signals are frequency dependent, characteristic of single-molecule magnet behaviors.     

Investigation of concentration quenching and 1.3 microm emission in Nd(3+)-doped bismuth glasses

Nd(2)O(3)-doped 70Bi(2)O(3)-20B(2)O(3)-10SiO(2)-xNd(2)O(3) (x=0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, 1.5 mol%) bismuth glasses were prepared by the conventional melt-quenching method, and the Nd(3+):(4)F(3/2)-->(4)I(13/2) fluorescence properties had been studied for different Nd(3+) concentrations. The Judd-Ofelt analysis for Nd(3+) ions in bismuth boron silicate glasses was also performed on the base of absorption spectrum. The transition probabilities, excited state lifetimes, the fluorescence branching ratios, quantum efficiency and the stimulated emission cross-sections of (4)F(3/2)-->(4)I(13/2) transition were calculated and discussed. Based on the electric dipole-dipole interaction theory, the interaction parameters: C(DD), for the energy migration rate (4)F(3/2), (4)I(9/2)-->(4)F(3/2), (4)I(9/2) and C(DA), for cross-relaxation rate (4)F(3/2), (4)I(9/2)-->(4)I(15/2), (4)I(15/2), and/or (4)F(3/2), (4)I(9/2)-->(4)I(13/2), (4)I(15/2) in bismuth boron silicate glasses were about 18.4 x 10(-40)cm(6)/s and 3.4 x 10(-40)cm(6)/s, respectively.     

Tin-oxo clusters based on aryl arsonate anions

Reactions of Ph(3)SnOH or Ph3SnCl with aryl arsonic acids RAsO3H2, where R=C6H5 (1), 2-NH2C6H4 (2), 4-NH2C6H4 (3), 2-NO2C6H4 (4), 3-NO2C6H4 (5), 4-NO2C6H4 (6), 3-NO2-4-OHC6H3 (7), 2-ClC6H4 (8) and 2,4-Cl2C6H3 (9), gave 18 Sn-O cluster compounds. These compounds can be classified into four types: type A: [{(PhSn)3(RAsO3)3(mu3-O)(OH)(R'O)2}2Sn] (R=C6H5, 2-NH2C6H4, 4-NH2C6H4, 2-NO2C6H4, 3-NO2C6H4, 2-ClC6H4, 2,4-Cl2C6H3, and 3-NO2-4-OHC6H3; R'=Me or Et); type B: [{(PhSn)3(RAsO3)(2)(RAsO3H)(mu3-O)(R'O)2}2] (R=4-NO2C6H4, R'=Me); type C: [{(PhSn)3(RAsO3)3(mu3-O)(R'O)3}2Sn] (R=2,4-Cl2C6H3, R'=Me); type D: [{Sn3Cl3(mu3-O)(R'O)3}(2)(RAsO3)4] (R=2-NO2C6H4 and 4-NO2-C6H4; R'=Me or Et). Structures of types A and B contain [Sn3(mu3-O)(mu2-OR')2] building blocks, while in types C and D the stannoxane cores are built from two [Sn3(mu3-O)(mu2-OR')3] building blocks. The reactions proceeded with partial or complete dearylation of the triphenyltin precursor. These various structural forms are realized by subtle changes in the nature of the organotin precursors and aryl arsonic acids. The syntheses, structures, and structural interrelationship of these organostannoxanes are discussed.     

Biotransformation of pinoresinol diglucoside to mammalian lignans by human intestinal microflora,and isolation of Enterococcus faecalis strain PDG-1 responsible for the transformation of (+)-pinoresinol to (+)-lariciresinol

By anaerobic incubation of pinoresinol diglucoside (1) from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides with a fecal suspension of humans, eleven metabolites were formed, and their structures were identified as (+)-pinoresinol (2), (+)-lariciresinol (3), 3'-demethyl-(+)-lariciresinol (4), (-)-secoisolariciresinol (5), (-)-3-(3", 4"-dihydroxybenzyl)-2-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxybenzyl)butane-1, 4-diol (6), 2-(3', 4'-dihydroxybenzyl)-3-(3", 4"-dihydroxybenzyl)butane-1, 4-diol (7), 3-(3"-hydroxybenzyl)-2-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxybenzyl)butane-1, 4-diol (8), 2-(3', 4'-dihydroxybenzyl)-3-(3"-hydroxybenzyl)butane-1, 4-diol (9), (-)-enterodiol (10), (-)-(2R, 3R)-3-(3", 4"-dihydroxybenzyl)-2-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxybenzyl)butyrolactone (11), (-)-(2R, 3R)-2-(3', 4'-dihydroxybenzyl)-3-(3", 4"-dihydroxybenzyl)butyrolactone (12), (-)-(2R, 3R)-3-(3"-hydroxybenzyl)-2-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxybenzyl)butyrolactone (13), 2-(3', 4'-dihydroxybenzyl)-3-(3"-hydroxybenzyl)butyrolactone (14), 2-(3'-hydroxybenzyl)-3-(3", 4"-dihydroxybenzyl)butyrolactone (15) and (-)-(2R, 3R)-enterolactone (16) by various spectroscopic means, including two dimensional (2D)-NMR, mass spectrometry and circular dichroism. A possible metabolic pathway was proposed on the basis of their structures and time course experiments monitored by thin-layer chromatography. Furthermore, a bacterial strain responsible for the transformation of (+)-pinoresinol to (+)-lariciresinol was isolated from a human fecal suspension and identified as Enterococcus faecalis strain PDG-1.     

Facile oxidative addition of water at iridium: reactivity of trans-[Ir(4-C5NF4)(H)(OH)(PiPr3)2] towards CO2 and NH3

A reaction of trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(η(2)-C(2)H(4))(PiPr(3))(2)] (1) with an excess of water in THF at room temperature affords the hydrido hydroxo complex trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(OH)(PiPr(3))(2)] (2). Treatment of 2 with CO furnishes trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(OH)(CO)(PiPr(3))(2)] (3). Reductive elimination of water from 3 leads to the formation of the iridium(I) carbonyl complex trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(CO)(PiPr(3))(2)] (4). The insertion of CO(2) into the Ir-O bond of 2 forms the hydrido hydrogencarbonato complex trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(κ(2)-(O,O)-O(2)COH)(PiPr(3))(2)] (5). Treatment of 2 with NH(3) in C(6)D(6) yields trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(OH)(NH(3))(PiPr(3))(2)] (6). Storage of the reaction mixture at room temperature reveals the formation of the N-H activation product [Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(μ-NH(2))(NH(3))(PiPr(3))](2) (7).