Trialkyl imido niobium and tantalum compounds: synthesis, structural study and migratory insertion reactions

Trialkyl imido niobium and tantalum complexes [MR(3)(NtBu)] (M = Nb, R = Me 2, CH(2)CMe(3)3, CH(2)CMe(2)Ph 4, CH(2)SiMe(3)5; M = Ta, R = Me 6, CH(2)CMe(2)Ph 7, CH(2)SiMe(3)8) have been prepared by treatment of solutions containing [MCl(3)(NtBu)py(2)] (M = Nb 1a, Ta 1b) with three equivalents of magnesium reagent. By an unexpected hydrolysis reaction of the tris-trimethylsilylmethyl imido tantalum compound 8a, a μ-oxo derivative [(Me(3)SiCH(2)O)(Me(3)SiCH(2))(3)Ta(μ-O)Ta(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(NtBu)] (8a) was formed and its structure was studied by X-ray diffraction methods. Reactions of trialkyl imido compounds with two equivalents of isocyanide 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3)NC result in the migration of two alkyl groups, leading to the formation of a series of alkyl imido bisiminoacyl derivatives [MR(NtBu){C(R)NAr}(2)] (Ar = 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3); M = Nb, R = Me 9, CH(2)CMe(3)10, CH(2)CMe(2)Ph 11, CH(2)SiMe(3)12, CH(2)Ph 13; M = Ta, R = CH(2)CMe(3)14, CH(2)CMe(2)Ph 15, CH(2)SiMe(3)16). All compounds were studied by IR and NMR ((1)H, (13)C and (15)N) spectroscopy.     

Solution structures and dynamic properties of chelated d(0) metal olefin complexes [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(+) (R = H, Me): Models for the [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(R')(olefin)(+) intermediates in "constrained geometry" catalysts.

To model the Ti-olefin interaction in the putative [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(R')(olefin)(+) intermediates in "constrained geometry" Ti-catalyzed olefin polymerization, chelated alkoxide olefin complexes [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(+) have been investigated. The reaction of [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]TiMe(2) (1a,b; R = H, Me) with HOCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2) yields mixtures of [eta(5)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)NH(t)Bu]TiMe(2)(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2)) (2a,b) and [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]TiMe(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2)) (3a,b). The reaction of 2a/3a and 2b/3b mixtures with B(C(6)F(5))(3) yields the chelated olefin complexes [[eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))][MeB(C(6)F(5))(3)] (4a,b; 71 and 89% NMR yield). The reaction of 2b/3b with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] yields [[eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (5b, 88% NMR yield). NMR studies establish that 4a,b and 5b exist as mixtures of diastereomers (isomer ratios: 4a/4a', 62/38; 4b/4b', 75/25; 5b/5b', 75/25), which differ in the enantioface of the olefin that is coordinated. NMR data for these d(0) metal olefin complexes show that the olefin coordinates to Ti in an unsymmetrical fashion primarily through C(term) such that the C=C pi bond is polarized with positive charge buildup on C(int). Dynamic NMR studies show that 4b/4b' undergoes olefin face exchange by a dissociative mechanism which is accompanied by fast inversion of configuration at Ti ("O-shift") in the olefin-dissociated intermediate. The activation parameters for the conversion of 4b to 4b' (i.e., 4b/4b' face exchange) are: DeltaH = 17.2(8) kcal/mol; DeltaS = 8(1) eu. 4a/4a' also undergoes olefin face exchange but with a lower barrier (DeltaH = 12.2(9) kcal/mol; DeltaS = -2(3) eu), for the conversion of 4a to 4a'.     

Cationic rare-earth metal trimethylsilylmethyl complexes supported by THF and 12-crown-4 ligands: synthesis and structural characterization

To expand the limited range of rare-earth metal cationic alkyl complexes known, a series of mono- and dicationic trimethylsilylmethyl complexes supported by THF and 12-crown-4 ligands with [BPh4]-, [BPh3(CH2SiMe3)]-, [B(C6F5)4]-, [B(C6F5)3(CH2SiMe3)]-, and [Al(CH2SiMe3)4]- anions were prepared from corresponding neutral precursors [Ln(CH2SiMe3)3Ln] (Ln = Sc, Y, Lu; L = THF, n = 2 or 3; L = 12-crown-4, n = 1) as solvent-separated ion pairs. The syntheses of the monocationic derivatives [Ln(CH2SiMe3)2(12-crown-4)n(THF)m]+[A]- are all high yielding and proceed rapidly in THF solution at room temperature. A "one pot" procedure using the neutral species directly for the syntheses of a number of lutetium and yttrium dicationic derivatives [Ln(CH2SiMe3)(12-crown-4)n(THF)m]2+[A]-2 with a variety of different anions, a class of compounds previously limited to just a few examples, is presented. When BPh3 is used to generate the ion triple, the presence of 12-crown-4 is required for complete conversion. Addition of a second equiv of 12-crown-4 and a third equiv of [NMe2PhH]+[B(C6F5)4]- abstracts a third alkyl group from [Ln(CH2SiMe3)(12-crown-4)2(THF)x]2+[B(C6F5)4]-2 (Ln = Y, Lu). X-ray crystallography and variable-temperature (VT) NMR spectroscopy reveal a structural diversity within the known series of neutral 12-crown-4 supported tris(trimethylsilylmethyl) complexes [Ln(CH2SiMe3)3(12-crown-4)] (Ln = Sc, Y, Sm, Gd-Lu) in the solid and solution states. The X-ray structure of [Sc(CH2SiMe3)3(12-crown-4)] exhibits incomplete 12-crown-4 coordination. VT NMR spectroscopy indicates fluxional 12-crown-4 coordination on the NMR time scale. X-ray crystallography of only the second structurally characterized dicationic rare-earth metal alkyl complex [Y(CH2SiMe3)(12-crown-4)(THF)3]2+[BPh4]-2 shows exocyclic 12-crown-4 coordination at the 8-coordinate metal center with well separated counteranions. 11B and 19F NMR spectroscopy of all mono- and dicationic rare-earth metal complexes reported demonstrate that the anions are symmetrical and noncoordinating on the NMR time scale. A series of trends within the 1H and 13C{1H} NMR resonances arising from the Ln-CH2 groups and, in the case of yttrium, the 1JYC coupling constants at the Y-CH2 group and the 89Y chemical shift values are discussed.     

Dichloro organosilicon bismuthanes as precursors for rare compounds with a bismuth-pnictogen or bismuth-tellurium bond

The chloro-bridged interpnictogen compounds [tBu?PhSiE{BiClCH(SiMe?)?}?] (E = P (4), As (5)) can be synthesized by the reaction of [tBu?PhSiELi?] (E = P (2), As (3)) with (Me?Si)?CHBiCl? in a molar ratio of 1?:?2. The reaction of iPr?SiAs(SiMe?)? with (Me?Si)?CHBiCl? yields the analogous compound [iPr?SiAs{BiClCH(SiMe?)?}?] (6) as well as the diarsine species [As{BiClCH(SiMe?)?}?]? (7). Preparation of 7 is also possible in the reaction of As(SiMe?)? with (Me?Si)?CHBiCl?. Starting from (Me?Si)?SiTeSiMe?, the Bi/Te compounds [{(Me?Si)?SiTe}?BiR] (R = CH(SiMe?)? (8), C(SiMe?)? (9)) are obtained by the reaction with RBiCl? (R = CH(SiMe?)?, C(SiMe?)? (1)). The intermediate and final products are characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy. Furthermore, crystal structures determined by X-ray diffraction are described for compounds 1 and 3-9.     

Synthesis, structures and reactions of lithium complexes of [(o-RCHC6H4)PPh2=NSiMe3]-(R = H, SiMe3) ligands

N-Trimethylsilyl o-methylphenyldiphenylphosphinimine, (o-MeC6H4)PPh2=NSiMe3 (1), was prepared by reaction of Ph2P(Br)=NSiMe3 with o-methylphenyllithium. Treatment of 1 with LiBun and then Me3SiCl afforded (o-Me3SiCH2C6H4)PPh2=NSiMe3 (2). Lithiations of both 1 and 2 with LiBu(n) in the presence of tmen gave crystalline lithium complexes [Li{CH(R)C6H4(PPh(2=NSiMe3)-.tmen](3, R = H; 4, R = SiMe3). From the mother liquor of 4, traces of the tmen-bridged complex [Li{CH(SiMe3)C6H4(PPh2=NSiMe3)-2}]2(mu-tmen) (5) were obtained. Reaction of 2 with LiBun in Et2O yielded complex [Li{CH(SiMe3)C6H4(PPh2=NSiMe3)-2}.OEt2] (6). Reaction of lithiated with Me2SiCl2 in a 2:1 molar ratio afforded dimethylsilyl-bridged compound Me2Si[CH2C6H4(PPh2=NSiMe3)-2]2 (7). Lithiation of 7 with two equivalents of LiBun in Et2O yielded [Li2{(CHC6H4(PPh2=NSiMe3)-2)2SiMe2}.0.5OEt2](8.0.5OEt2). Treatment of 4 with PhCN formed a lithium enamide complex [Li{N(SiMe3)C(Ph)CHC6H4(PPh2=NSiMe3)-2}.tmen] (9). Reaction of two equivalents of 5 with 1,4-dicyanobenzene gave a dilithium complex [{Li(OEt2)2}2(1,4-{C(N(SiMe3)CHC6H4(PPh2=NSiMe3)-2}2C6H4)] (10). All compounds were characterised by NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. The structures of compounds 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9 have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques.     

Synthetic and structural experiments on yttrium, cerium and magnesium trimethylsilylmethyls and their reaction products with nitriles; with a note on two cerium beta-diketiminates

The yttrium, cerium and magnesium bis(trimethylsilyl)methyls [Ln[CH(SiMe3)2]3][Ln = Y (1), Ce (2)], and the known compound Mg[[CH(SiMe3)2]2 (C) and [Mg(mu-Br)[CH(SiMe3)2](OEt2)]2 (D) formed the crystalline nitrile adducts [1(NCBut)2] (5), [2(NCPh)] (6), [C(NCR)2][R = But (8), Ph (9), C6H3Me2-2,6 (10)] and [Mg(mu-Br)[CH(SiMe3)2](NCR)]2 [R = But (11), Ph (12), C6H3Me2-2,6 (13)], rather than beta-diketiminato-metal insertion products. The beta-diketiminato-cerium complex [Ce[(N(SiMe3)C(C6H4But-4))2CH][N(SiMe3)2]2] (16) was obtained from [Ce[N(SiMe3)2]3] and the beta-diketimine H[[N(SiMe3)C(C6H4But-4)]2CH]]. The cerium alkyl 2 and [Ln[CH(SiMe3)(SiMe2OMe)]3][Ln = Y (3), Ce (4)] were obtained from the appropriate lithium alkyl precursor and [Ce(OC6H2But2-2,6-Me-4)3] or LnCl3, respectively. Heating complex 3 with benzonitrile in toluene afforded 2,2-dimethyl-4,6-diphenyl-5-trimethylsilyl-1,3-diaza-2-silahexa-1,3-diene (7), a member of a new class of heterocycles. The X-ray structures of the crystalline compounds, D, [Mg[CH(SiMe3)2]2(OEt2)2], the known [Ce(Cl)[(N(SiMe3)C(Ph))2CH]2] (E) and 16 are reported. The cerium alkyl (like 1) has one close Ce...C contact for each ligand, attributed to a gamma-C-Ce agostic interaction. The Ln alkyls and have a trigonal prismatic arrangement of the chelating ligands (each of the same chirality at Calpha) around the metal. In an arene solution at 313 K exists as two isomers, as evident from detailed NMR spectroscopic experiments.     

C3-chiral tripodal amido complexes

A comprehensive study into the coordination chemistry of two C3-chiral tripodal amido ligands has been carried out. The amido ligands contain a trisilylmethane backbone and chiral peripheral substituents. The amine precursors. HC(SiMe2NH[(S)-1-phenylethyl]]3 (1) and HC[SiMe2NH[(R)-1-indanyl]]3 (2) were found to be in equilibrium in solution with the cyclic diamines HC[SiMe2N[(S)-1-phenylethyl]2](SiMe2NH-[(S)-1-phenylethyl]] (3) and HC[SiMe2NH[(R)-1-indanyl]][SiMe2NH[(R)-1-indanyl]) (4), which are generated upon ejection of one molecule of the chiral primary amine. Reaction of these equilibrium mixtures with three molar equivalents of butyllithium instantaneously gave the trilithium triamides HC[SiMe2N(Li)[(S)-1-phenylethyl]]3 (5) and HC[SiMe2N(Li)[(R)-1-indanyl]]3 (6), both of which were characterised by an X-ray diffraction study. Both lithium compounds possess a central heteroadamantane core, in which the two-coordinate Li atoms are additionally weakly solvated by the three aryl groups of the chiral peripheral substituents, the Li-C contacts being in the range of 2.65-2.73 A. Reaction of 5 and 6 with [TiCl4(thf)2] and ZrCl4 gave the corresponding amido complexes [TiCl-[HC[SiMe2N[(S)-1-phenylethyl]]3]] (7), [TiCl(HC[SiMe2N[(R)-1-indanyl]]3]] (8), [ZrCl[HC[SiMe2N[(S)-1-phenylethyl]]3]] (9) and [ZrCl[HC[SiMe2N[(R)-1-indanyl]]3]] (10), respectively. Of these, compound 7 was structurally characterised by X-ray structure analysis and was shown to possess a C3-symmetrical arrangement of the tripod ligand. The chiral anionic dinuclear complex [Li-(OEt2)4][Zr2Cl3[HC[SiMe2N[(S)-1-phenylethyl]]3]2] (11) was isolated from reaction mixtures leading to 9. An X-ray diffraction study established its dimeric structure, in which the chiral amido ligands cap the two metal centres, which are linked through three symmetrically arranged, bridging chloro ligands. Reaction of 9 and 10 with a series of alkyl Grignard and alkyllithium reagents yielded the corresponding alkylzirconium complexes. X-ray structure analyses of [Zr(CH3)[HC[SiMe2N[(S)-1-phenylethyl]]3]] (12) and [Zr(CH3)-[HC[SiMe2N)[(R)-1-indanyl]]3]] (20) established their detailed molecular arrangements. While the reaction of 12 with the aryl ketones PhC(O)R (R = CH = CHPh, iPr, Et) gave the corresponding C-O insertion products, which contain an additional chiral centre in the alkoxy group, with low stereoselectivity (0-40% de). The corresponding conversions with several aryl aldehydes yielded the alkoxo complexes with high stereoselectivity. Upon hydrolysis, the chiral alcohols were isolated and shown to have enantiomeric excesses between 68 and 82%. High stereodiscrimination was also observed in the insertion reactions of several chiral ketones and aldehydes. However, this was shown to originate primarily from the chirality of the substrate. In analogous experiments with carbonyl compounds, the ethyl- and butyl-zirconium analogues of 12 did not undergo CO insertion into the metal-alkyl bond. Instead, beta-elimination and formal insertion into the metal-hydride bond occurred. It was found that the elimination of the alkene was induced by     

新型硅基桥连双(环戊二烯基)四羰基二铁类配合物的合成

以六甲基二硅烷为原料,经氯代、格式反应和锂化反应制得双(环戊二烯基)配体(C5H5)2MeSiSiMe2R(3a^3c),将该配体分别与五羰基铁在对二甲苯中回流反应,合成了3种新型的硅基桥连双(环戊二烯基)四羰基二铁类配合物[η^5,η^5-C5H4MeSi(SiMe2R)C5H4]Fe2(CO)2(μ-CO)2[R=p-C6H4CH3(4a),R=p-C6H4OCH3(4b),R=CH2C6H5(4c)],其结构经1H NMR,13C NMR,IR和元素分析表征。并用X-射线单晶衍射法确定了配合物4b的分子结构。结果表明:4b(CCDC:1942618)属单斜晶系,Cc空间群,晶胞参数a=18.591(3)A,b=10.3080(10)A,c=14.136(2)A,α=90°,β=117.262(6)°,γ=90°,V=2408.1(6)A^3,Z=4,F(000)=1152,Dc=1.546 g·cm^-3,μ=1.338 mm^-1,R1=0.0351,wR2=0.0754。     

Structural basis for unusually long wavelength charge transfer transitions in complexes [MCl(ECH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))(PR(3))] (E = Te,Se; M = Pt,Pd): experimental results and TD-DFT calculations

A series of new complexes, the blue compounds [PdCl(TeCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))(PR(3))] (PR(3) = PEt(3), PPr(n)(3), PBu(n)(3), PMe(2)Ph, PMePh(2), PPh(3), PTol(3)) and the red [PtCl(TeCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))(PR(3))] (PR(3) = PMe(2)Ph, PMePh(2)), were synthesized and studied spectroscopically ((1)H and (31)P NMR, UV/vis) and by cyclic voltammetry. The structures of [PdCl(TeCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))(PPr(n)(3))] (2b) [PdCl(TeCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))(PMePh(2))] (2e), [PtCl(TeCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))(PMePh(2))] (2i), and the related [PtCl(SeCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))(PEt(3))] (3) were determined crystallographically, revealing a typical pattern of trans-positioned neutral N and P donor atoms in an approximately square planar setting. The molecules 2b, 2e, and 2i were calculated by TD-DFT methodology to understand the origin of the weak (epsilon approximately 200 M(-1) cm(-1)) long-wavelength bands at about 600 nm for Pd/Te complexes such as 2b or 2e, at ca. 460 nm for Pt/Te systems such as 2i, and at about 405 nm for Pt/Se analogues such as 3. These transitions are identified as charge transfer transitions from the selenolato or tellurolato centers to unoccupied orbitals involving mainly the phosphine coligands for the Pt(II) compounds and more delocalized MOs for the Pd(II) analogues. Calculations and electrochemical data were used to rationalize the effects of metal and chalcogen variation.     

A novel group of alkaline earth metal amides: syntheses and characterization of M[N(2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3))(SiMe(3))](2)(THF)(2) (M = Mg,Ca, Sr,Ba) and the linear,two-coordinate Mg[N(2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3))(SiMe(3))](2)

Novel alkaline earth metal aryl-substituted silylamides were prepared using alkane (Mg) and salt elimination reactions (Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba). The salt elimination regime involved the treatment of the alkaline earth metal iodides with 2 equiv of the respective potassium amide KNDiip(SiMe(3)), (Diip = 2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3)). The organomagnesium source for the alkane elimination was ((n)()Bu/(s)()Bu)(2)Mg. All compounds were characterized using (1)H, (13)C NMR, and IR spectroscopy, in addition to X-ray crystallography (except Mg[NDiip(SiMe(3))](2)THF(2)). Crystal data with Mo Kalpha (lambda = 0.710 73 A) are as follows: Mg[NDiip(SiMe(3))](2), 1, a = 9.4687(6) A, b = 9.6818(6) A, c = 17.9296(1) A, alpha = 96.487(1) degrees, beta = 94.537(1) degrees, gamma = 89.222(1) degrees, V = 1608.8(2) A(3), Z = 2 (two independent molecules), triclinic, space group P(-)1, R1 (all data) = 0.0508; (n)()BuMg[NDiip(SiMe(3))]THF(2), 2, a = 9.5413(1) A, b = 16.493(2) A, c = 9.8218(1) A, beta = 108.149(2) degrees, V = 1468.7(4) A(3), Z = 2, monoclinic, space group P2(1), R1(all data) = 0.1232; Ca[NDiip(SiMe(3))](2)THF(2), 4, a = 9.7074(1) A, b = 20.9466(4) A, c = 21.6242(3) A, alpha = 73.573(1) degrees, beta = 78.632(1) degrees, gamma = 89.621(1) degrees, V = 4129.1(1) A(3), Z = 4 (two independent molecules), triclinic, space group P(-)1, R1 (all data) = 0.0902; Sr[NDiip(SiMe(3))](2)THF(2), 5, a = 20.5874(5) A, b = 9.8785(2) A, c = 20.8522(5) A, beta = 102.035(2) degrees, V = 4147.6(2) A(3), Z = 4 (two independent molecules), monoclinic, space group P2/n, R1 (all data) = 0.0756; Ba[NDiip(SiMe(3))](2)THF(2), 6, a = 20.5476(2) A, b = 10.0353(2) A, c = 20.9020(4) A, beta = 101.657(1) degrees, V = 4221.0(1) A(3), Z = 4 (two independent molecules), monoclinic, space group P2/n, R1 (all data) = 0.0573.     

High tacticity control in organolanthanide polymerization catalysis: formation of isotactic poly(alpha-alkenes) with a chiral C3-symmetric thulium complex

The thulium complexes [Tm((i)Pr-trisox)(CH(2)SiMe(2)R)(3)] (R = Me , Ph ) were synthesized from the thulium trialkyl precursors [Tm(CH(2)SiMe(2)R)(3)(thf)(2)]; reaction of with two equivalents of [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] gave a cationic complex 1c, which was found to polymerize 1-hexene, 1-heptene and 1-octene to give the corresponding polyolefins with moderate to good activities and with minimum isotacticity of 90%, 83% and 95%, respectively.     

Structure and reactivity of bis(silyl) dihydride complexes (PMe(3))(3)Ru(SiR(3))(2)(H)(2): model compounds and real intermediates in a dehydrogenative C-Si bond forming reaction

A series of stable complexes, (PMe(3))(3)Ru(SiR(3))(2)(H)(2) ((SiR(3))(2) = (SiH(2)Ph)(2), 3a; (SiHPh(2))(2), 3b; (SiMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)SiMe(2)), 3c), has been synthesized by the reaction of hydridosilanes with (PMe(3))(3)Ru(SiMe(3))H(3) or (PMe(3))(4)Ru(SiMe(3))H. Compounds 3a and 3c adopt overall pentagonal bipyramidal geometries in solution and the solid state, with phosphine and silyl ligands defining trigonal bipyramids and ruthenium hydrides arranged in the equatorial plane. Compound 3a exhibits meridional phosphines, with both silyl ligands equatorial, whereas the constraints of the chelate in 3c result in both axial and equatorial silyl environments and facial phosphines. Although there is no evidence for agostic Si-H interactions in 3a and 3b, the equatorial silyl group in 3c is in close contact with one hydride (1.81(4) A) and is moderately close to the other hydride (2.15(3) A) in the solid state and solution (nu(Ru.H.Si) = 1740 cm(-)(1) and nu(RuH) = 1940 cm(-)(1)). The analogous bis(silyl) dihydride, (PMe(3))(3)Ru(SiMe(3))(2)(H)(2) (3d), is not stable at room temperature, but can be generated in situ at low temperature from the 16e(-) complex (PMe(3))(3)Ru(SiMe(3))H (1) and HSiMe(3). Complexes 3b and 3d have been characterized by multinuclear, variable temperature NMR and appear to be isostructural with 3a. All four complexes exhibit dynamic NMR spectra, but the slow exchange limit could not be observed for 3c. Treatment of 1 with HSiMe(3) at room temperature leads to formation of (PMe(3))(3)Ru(SiMe(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))H(3) (4b) via a CH functionalization process critical to catalytic dehydrocoupling of HSiMe(3) at higher temperatures. Closer inspection of this reaction between -110 and -10 degrees C by NMR reveals a plethora of silyl hydride phosphine complexes formed by ligand redistribution prior to CH activation. Above ca. 0 degrees C this mixture converts cleanly via silane dehydrogenation to the very stable tris(phosphine) trihydride carbosilyl complex 4b. The structure of 4b was determined crystallographically and exhibits a tetrahedral P(3)Si environment around the metal with the three hydrides adjacent to silicon and capping the P(2)Si faces. Although strong Si.HRu interactions are not indicated in the structure or by IR, the HSi distances (2.00(4) - 2.09(4) A) and average coupling constant (J(SiH) = 25 Hz) suggest some degree of nonclassical SiH bonding in the RuH(3)Si moiety. The least hindered complex, 3a, reacts with carbon monoxide principally via an H(2) elimination pathway to yield mer-(PMe(3))(3)(CO)Ru(SiH(2)Ph)(2), with SiH elimination as a minor process. However, only SiH elimination and formation of (PMe(3))(3)(CO)Ru(SiR(3))H is observed for 3b-d. The most hindered bis(silyl) complex, 3d, is extremely labile and even in the absence of CO undergoes SiH reductive elimination to generate the 16e(-) species 1 (DeltaH(SiH)(-)(elim) = 11.0 +/- 0.6 kcal x mol(-)(1) and DeltaS(SiH)(-)(elim) = 40 +/- 2 cal x mol(-)(1) x K(-)(1); Delta = 9.2 +/- 0.8 kcal x mol(-)(1) and Delta = 9 +/- 3 cal x mol(-)(1).K(-)(1)). The minimum barrier for the H(2) reductive elimination can be estimated, and is higher than that for silane elimination at temperatures above ca. -50 degrees C. The thermodynamic preferences for oxidative additions to 1 are dominated by entropy contributions and steric effects. Addition of H(2) is by far most favorable, whereas the relative aptitudes for intramolecular silyl CH activation and intermolecular SiH addition are strongly dependent on temperature (DeltaH(SiH)(-)(add) = -11.0 +/- 0.6 kcal x mol(-)(1) and DeltaS(SiH)(-)(add) = -40 +/- 2 cal.mol(-)(1) x K(-)(1); DeltaH(beta)(-CH)(-)(add) = -2.7 +/- 0.3 kcal x mol(-)(1) and DeltaS(beta)(-CH)(-)(add) = -6 +/- 1 cal x mol(-)(1) x K(-)(1)). Kinetic preferences for oxidative additions to 1 - intermolecular SiH and intramolecular CH - have been also quantified: Delta = -1.8 +/- 0.8 kcal x mol(-)(1) and Delta = -31 +/- 3 cal x mol(-)(1).K(-)(1); Delta = 16.4 +/- 0.6 kcal x mol(-)(1) and Delta = -13 +/- 6 cal x mol(-)(1).K(-)(1). The relative enthalpies of activation (-)(1) x K(-)(1)). Kinetic preferences for oxidative additions to 1 - intermolecular SiH and intramolecular CH - have been also quantified: Delta (H)SiH(add) = 1.8 +/- 0.8 kcal x mol(-)(1) and Delta S((SiH-add) =31+/- 3 cal x mol(-)(1) x K(-)(1); Delta S (SiH -add) = 16.4 +/- 0.6 kcal x mol(-)(1) and =Delta S (SiH -CH -add) =13+/- 6 cal x mol(-)(1) x K(-)(1). The relative enthalpies of activation are interpreted in terms of strong SiH sigma-complex formation - and much weaker CH coordination - in the transition state for oxidative addition.     

Alkali metal complexes of sterically hindered mono- and di-carbanions containing Si-O bonds

The oxygen-bridged, silicon-substituted alkane {(Me3Si)2CH(SiMe2)}2O (1) may be prepared by the reaction of {(Me3Si)2CH}Li with ClSiMe2OSiMe2Cl in refluxing THF. Similarly, the alkane {(Me3Si)(Me2MeOSi)CH(SiMe2CH2)}2 (2) is readily accessible from the reaction between {(Me3Si)(Me2MeOSi)CH}Li and ClSiMe2CH2CH2SiMe2Cl under the same conditions. Compound 1 reacts with two equivalents of MeK to give the polymeric complex [[{(Me3Si)2C(SiMe2)}2O]K2(OEt2)]infinity [5(OEt2)] after recrystallisation. Treatment of 2 with two equivalents of either MeLi or MeK gives the corresponding complexes [{(Me3Si)(Me2MeOSi)C(SiMe2CH2)}2Li][Li(DME)3] [7(DME)3] and [{(Me3Si)(Me2MeOSi)C(SiMe2CH2)}2K2]n (8), respectively, after recrystallisation. Treatment of the alkane (Me3Si)2(Me2MeOSi)CH with one equivalent of MeK gives the polymeric complex [{(Me3Si)2(Me2MeOSi)C}K]infinity (3). These compounds have been identified by 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses and compounds 5(OEt2), 7(DME)3 and 3 have been further characterised by X-ray crystallography. Compound 7(DME)3 crystallises as a solvent-separated ion pair, whereas 5(OEt2) and 3 adopt polymeric structures in the solid state.     

Divalent samarium compounds with heavier chalcogenolate (EPh; E = Se,Te) ligands

Crystalline coordination complexes of Sm(EPh)2 (E = Se, Te) are described. The selenolate compound Sm(SePh)2 is unstable in solution, but a divalent selenolate can be prepared and isolated when precisely 1 equiv of Zn(SePh)2 is present to form heterometallic [(THF)3Sm(mu 2-SePh)3Zn(mu 2-SePh)]n (1). This compound is a 1D coordination polymer with alternating Sm(II) and Zn(II) ions connected by an alternating (1,3) number of bridging selenolate ligands and three THF ligands bound to each Sm(II) ion. The tellurolate Sm(TePh)2 forms a stable pyridine coordination compound (py)5Sm(TePh)2 (2) that is isostructural with known Eu and Yb benzenetellurolates. Both compounds were characterized by conventional spectroscopic methods. Polymer 1 was characterized by low-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and the unit cell of the tellurolate was determined. Crystal data (Mo K alpha, 153(5) (K) are as follows. 1: monoclinic space group P21, a = 10.666(2) A, b = 16.270(3) A, c = 12.002(3) A, beta = 114.81(2) degrees, Z = 2.2: orthorhombic space group Pbca, with a = 13.865(3) A, b = 16.453(5) A, c = 31.952(7) A, Z = 8.     

A new disilene with π-accepting groups from the reaction of disilyne RSi≡SiR (R = Si(i)Pr[CH(SiMe3)2]) with isocyanides

The reaction of 1,1,4,4-tetrakis[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]-1,4-diisopropyltetrasila-2-yne (1) with tert-butylisocyanide or tert-octylisocyanide produced the corresponding disilyne-isocyanide adducts [RSiSiR(CNR')(2)] (R = Si(i)Pr[CH(SiMe(3))(2)](2), R' = (t)Bu (2a) or CMe(2)CH(2)(t)Bu (2b)), which are stable below -30 °C and were characterized by spectroscopic data and, in the case of 2a, X-ray crystallography. Upon warming to room temperature, 2 underwent thermal decomposition to produce 1,2-dicyanodisilene R(NC)Si═Si(CN)R (3) and 1,2-dicyanodisilane R(NC)HSiSiH(CN)R (4) via C-N bond cleavage and elimination of an alkane and an alkene. The 1,2-dicyanodisilene derivative 3 was characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthetic and structural studies of donor-functionalized alkoxy derivatives of gallium

The synthesis of a range of alkyl/chloro-gallium alkoxide and amido/alkoxide compounds was achieved via a series of protonolysis and alcoholysis steps. The initial reaction involved the synthesis of [Me(Cl)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2) (1) via methyl group transfer from the reaction of GaCl(3) with two equivalents of LiN(SiMe(3))(2). Reaction of 1 with varying amounts of ROH resulted in the formation of [Me(Cl)Ga(OR)](2) (2, R = CH(2)CH(2)OMe; 3, CH(CH(3))CH(2)NMe(2)), [Me(Cl)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(μ(2)-OR)Ga(Cl)Me] (4, R = CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2)), or [MeGa(OR)(2)] (5, R = CH(CH(3))CH(2)NMe(2)). Compound 4 represents an intermediate in the formation of dimeric complexes, of the type [Me(Cl)Ga(OR)](2), when formed from compound [Me(Cl)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2). A methylgallium amido/alkoxide complex [MeGa{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(OCH(2)CH(2)OMe)](2) (6) was isolated when 2 was further reacted with LiN(SiMe(3))(2). In addition, reaction of 2 with HO(t)Bu resulted in a simple alcohol/alkoxide exchange and formation of [Me(Cl)Ga(O(t)Bu)](2) (7). In contrast to the formation of 1, the in situ reaction of GaCl(3) with one equivalent of LiN(SiMe(3))(2) yielded [Cl(2)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2) in low yield, where no methyl group transfer has occurred. Reaction of alcohol with [Cl(2)Ga{N(SiMe(3))(2)}](2) was then found to yield [Cl(2)Ga(OR)](2) (8, R = CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2)), and further reaction of 8 with LiN(SiMe(3))(2) yielded the gallium amido alkoxide complex, [ClGa{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(OR)](2) (9, R = CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2)), similar to 6. The structures of compounds 4, 5, 7, and 8 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis and characterization of the first azastibatranes and azabismatranes

Syntheses of title compounds, viz. N(CH2CH2NR)3E (1, E = Sb, R = Me; 4, E = Bi, R = Me; 6, E = Sb, R = SiMe3; 8, E = Bi, R = SiMe3), by the reaction of E(NAlk2)3 (3, E = Sb, Alk = Et; 5, E = Bi, Alk = Me) with N(CH2CH2NMeH)3 (2) or N(CH2CH2NSiMe3H)3 (7) are reported. The reactions of SbCl3 with N[CH2CH2N(Me)Li]3 or N[CH2CH2N(SiMe3)Li]3 and BiCl3 with N[CH2CH2N(SiMe3)Li]3 resulted in compounds 1, 6, and 8, respectively. Composition and structures of all novel compounds were established by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The X-ray structural study of 8 clearly indicated the presence of transannular interaction BiNdat in this compound, while 6 possesses a long Sb...Ndat distance. The structural data obtained from geometry optimizations on 6 and 8 reproduce experimental trends, i.e., a decrease in the E-Ndat distance from Sb to Bi. The values of electron density in E-Ndat critical point and the Laplacian of charge density for 8 indicate that a closed-shell interaction exists between the metal atom and Ndat atom.     

Synthesis and characterization of organo-scandium and yttrium complexes stabilized by phosphinoamide ligands

Addition of three equivalents of phosphinoamine, (ArNHP(i)Pr(2)) [Ar = 3,5-dimethylphenyl] to M(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(THF)(2) [M = Sc, Y] precursors gives complexes of the form (ArNP(i)Pr(2))(3)M(THF) [M = Sc, Y]. In the case of scandium, addition of Sc(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(THF)(2) to (ArNP(i)Pr(2))(3)Sc(THF) affords (ArNP(i)Pr(2))(2)Sc(CH(2)SiMe(3))(THF), which has been isolated and structurally characterized. In contrast, addition of Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(THF)(2) to (ArNP(i)Pr(2))(3)Y(THF) generates a distribution of phosphinoamide-containing products consistent with the formulations (ArNP(i)Pr(2))(2)Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(THF) and (ArNP(i)Pr(2))Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(THF), as ascertained using NMR spectroscopy. Attempts to react the alkyl-containing phosphinoamide complexes with small molecules such as H(2) led to disproportionation type processes.     

Synthesis, characterisation and structures of thio-, seleno- and telluro-ether complexes of gallium(III)

The reactions of GaX3 (X = Cl, Br or I) with SMe2, SeMe2 and TeMe2 (L) in non-coordinating solvents produces only the pseudo-tetrahedral [GaX3L], which have been characterised by IR, Raman and multinuclear NMR (1H, 71Ga, 77Se or 125Te) spectroscopy, and by the crystal structure of [GaCl3(SeMe2)]. The 71Ga NMR resonances show small low frequency shifts for fixed halides as the neutral donors change from S --> Se --> Te. Bidentate ligands including MeS(CH2)2SMe, PhS(CH2)2SPh, MeSe(CH2)2SeMe, nBuSe(CH2)2Se(n)Bu and MeTe(CH2)3TeMe (L-L) also produce complexes with 4-coordinate gallium centres, [(GaX3)2(mu-L-L)], confirmed by the crystal structures of [(GaI3)2(mu-MeS(CH2)2SMe)], [(GaCl3)2(mu-PhS(CH2)2SPh)] and [(GaCl3)2(mu-nBuSe(CH2)2Se(n)Bu)]. The structural data are consistent with the weaker Lewis acidity of the gallium as the halide co-ligands become heavier. Multinuclear NMR studies suggest that in chlorocarbon solutions partial dissociation of the ligands occur, which increases with the halide co-ligand Cl < Br < I. The o-xylyl dithioether, o-C6H4(CH2SMe)2, despite being pre-organised for chelation, also forms [(GaCl3)2(mu-L-L)]. The corresponding diselenoether complex decomposes in solution with C-Se bond cleavage to form the selenonium salt [o-C6H4CH2Se(Me)CH2][GaCl4], which was structurally characterised. The ditelluroether o-C6H4(CH2TeMe)2 undergoes rapid C-Te bond fission and rearrangement upon reaction with GaCl3, and the telluronium species [o-C6H4CH2Te(Me)CH2]+ and [MeTe(CH2(o-C6H4)CH2TeMe)2]+ have been identified by ES+ mass spectrometry from their characteristic isotope patterns.     

Monoalkyl and monoanilide yttrium complexes containing tridentate pyridyl-1-azaallyl dianionic ligands

A series of pyridyl-1-azaallyl ligand precursors (HL1-HL5) were synthesized via condensation of pyridine ketones with anilines. The alkane elimination reactions between Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(THF)(2) and HL4 or HL5 gave the monoalkyl complexes (L4-H)YCH(2)SiMe(3)(THF) (1) and (L5-H)YCH(2)SiMe(3)(THF) (2) supported by new tridentate pyridyl-1-azaallyl dianionic ligands. The reactions of monoalkyl complexes, 1 and 2, with one equivalent of 2,6-diisopropylaniline produced the corresponding monoanilide complexes, (L4-H)YNHAr(THF) (3) and (L5-H)YNHAr(THF) (4) (Ar = 2,6-((i)Pr)(2)C(6)H(3)), via highly selective protonolysis of the terminal alkyl Y-CH(2)SiMe(3) bond. Complexes 1-4 are active for intramolecular hydroamination of aminoalkenes.