A Highly Asymmetric Gold(III) η3‐Allyl Complex

A highly asymmetric Au^III η³‐allyl complex has been generated by treating Au(η¹‐allyl)Br(tpy) (tpy=2‐(p‐tolyl)pyridine) with AgNTf₂. The resulting η³‐allyl complex has been characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. DFT calculations and variable temperature ¹H NMR suggest that the allyl ligand is highly fluxional.     

σ–π Continuum in Indole–Palladium(II) Complexes

The intrinsic features of (hetero‐arene)–metal interactions have been elusive mainly because the systematic structure analysis of non‐anchored hetero‐arene–metal complexes has been hampered by their labile nature. We report successful isolation and systematic structure analysis of a series of non‐anchored indole–palladium(II) complexes. It was revealed that there is a σ–π continuum for the indole–metal interaction, while it has been thought that the dominant coordination mode of indole to a metal center is the Wheland‐intermediate‐type σ‐mode in light of the seemingly strong electron‐donating ability of indole. Several factors which affect the σ‐ or π‐character of indole–metal interactions are discussed.     

Enhanced π‐Backdonation from Gold(I): Isolation of Original Carbonyl and Carbene Complexes

The specific electronic properties of bent o‐carborane diphosphine gold(I) fragments were exploited to obtain the first classical carbonyl complex of gold [(DPCb)AuCO]⁺ (ν(CO)=2143 cm^?1) and the diphenylcarbene complex [(DPCb)Au(CPh₂)]⁺, which is stabilized by the gold fragment rather than the carbene substituents. These two complexes were characterized by spectroscopic and crystallographic means. The [(DPCb)Au]⁺ fragment plays a major role in their stability, as substantiated by DFT calculations. The bending induced by the diphosphine ligand substantially enhances π‐backdonation and thereby allows the isolation of carbonyl and carbene complexes featuring significant π‐bond character.     

Synthesis and Study of Cationic,Two‐Coordinate Triphenylphosphine– Gold–π Complexes

Cationic, two‐coordinate triphenylphosphine–gold(I)–π complexes of the form [(PPh₃)Au(π ligand)]⁺ SbF₆^? (π ligand=4‐methylstyrene, 1? SbF₆), 2‐methyl‐2‐butene ( 3? SbF₆), 3‐hexyne ( 6? SbF₆), 1,3‐cyclohexadiene ( 7? SbF₆), 3‐methyl‐1,2‐butadiene ( 8? SbF₆), and 1,7‐diphenyl‐3,4‐heptadiene ( 10? SbF₆) were generated in situ from reaction of [(PPh₃)AuCl], AgSbF₆, and π ligand at ?78 °C and were characterized by low‐temperature, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy without isolation. The π ligands of these complexes were both weakly bound and kinetically labile and underwent facile intermolecular exchange with free ligand (ΔG^≠≈9 kcal mol^?1 in the case of 6? SbF₆) and competitive displacement by weak σ donors, such as trifluoromethane sulfonate. Triphenylphosphine–gold(I)–π complexes were thermally unstable and decomposed above ?20 °C to form the bis(triphenylphosphine) gold cation [(PPh₃)₂Au]⁺SbF₆^? ( 2? SbF₆).     

Gold(I)/Gold(III) Catalysis that Merges Oxidative Addition and π‐Alkene Activation

Heteroarylation of alkenes with aryl iodides was efficiently achieved with a (MeDalphos)AuCl complex through Au^I/Au^III catalysis. The possibility to combine oxidative addition of aryl iodides and π‐activation of alkenes at gold is demonstrated for the first time. The reaction is robust and general (>30 examples including internal alkenes, 5‐, 6‐, and 7‐membered rings). It is regioselective and leads exclusively to trans addition products. The (P,N) gold complex is most efficient with electron‐rich aryl substrates, which are troublesome with alternative photoredox/oxidative approaches. In addition, it provides a very unusual switch in regioselectivity from 5‐exo to 6‐endo cyclization between the Z and E isomers of internal alkenols.     

Cationic,Two‐Coordinate Gold π Complexes

Cationic, two‐coordinate gold π complexes that contain a phosphine or N‐heterocyclic supporting ligand have attracted considerable attention recently owing to the potential relevance of these species as intermediates in the gold‐catalyzed functionalization of C? C multiple bonds. Although neutral two‐coordinate gold π complexes have been known for over 40 years, examples of the cationic two‐coordinate gold(I) π complexes germane to catalysis remained undocumented prior to 2006. This situation has changed dramatically in recent years and well‐defined examples of two‐coordinate, cationic gold π complexes containing alkene, alkyne, diene, allene, and enol ether ligands have been documented. This Minireview highlights this recent work with a focus on the structure, bonding, and ligand exchange behavior of these complexes.     

Comparative studies on group III σ‐hole and π‐hole interactions

The σ‐hole of M₂H₆ (M = Al, Ga, In) and π‐hole of MH₃ (M = Al, Ga, In) were discovered and analyzed, the bimolecular complexes M₂H₆···NH₃ and MH₃···N₂P₂F₄ (M = Al, Ga, In) were constructed to carry out comparative studies on the group III σ‐hole interactions and π‐hole interactions. The two types of interactions are all partial‐covalent interactions; the π‐hole interactions are stronger than σ‐hole interactions. The electrostatic energy is the largest contribution for forming the σ‐hole and π‐hole interaction, the polarization energy is also an important factor to form the M···N interaction. The electrostatic energy contributions to the interaction energy of the σ‐hole interactions are somewhat greater than those of the π‐hole interactions. However, the polarization contributions for the π‐hole interactions are somewhat greater than those for the σ‐hole interactions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Complexes of nickel(II) and copper(II) with 1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐carboxylic acid and of cobalt(III) with 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5‐carboxylic acid

Because of their versatile coordination modes and strong coordination ability for metals, triazole ligands can provide a wide range of possibilities for the construction of metal–organic frameworks. Three transition‐metal complexes, namely bis(μ‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐ide‐3‐carboxylato)‐κ³N ²,O :N ¹;κ³N ¹:N ²,O‐bis[triamminenickel(II)] tetrahydrate, [Ni₂(C₃HN₃O₂)₂(NH₃)₆]·4H₂O, (I), catena‐poly[[[diamminediaquacopper(II)]‐μ‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐ide‐3‐carboxylato‐κ³N ¹:N ⁴,O‐[diamminecopper(II)]‐μ‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐ide‐3‐carboxylato‐κ³N ⁴,O :N ¹] dihydrate], {[Cu₂(C₃HN₃O₂)₂(NH₃)₄(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O}_n , (II), (μ‐5‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐ide‐3‐carboxylato‐κ²N ¹:N ²)di‐μ‐hydroxido‐κ⁴O :O‐bis[triamminecobalt(III)] nitrate hydroxide trihydrate, [Co₂(C₃H₂N₄O₂)(OH)₂(NH₃)₆](NO₃)(OH)·3H₂O, (III), with different structural forms have been prepared by the reaction of transition metal salts, i.e. NiCl₂, CuCl₂ and Co(NO₃)₂, with 1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐carboxylic acid or 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5‐carboxylic acid hemihydrate in aqueous ammonia at room temperature. Compound (I) is a dinuclear complex. Extensive O—H…O, O—H…N and N—H…O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions between the centroids of the triazole rings contribute to the formation of the three‐dimensional supramolecular structure. Compound (II) exhibits a one‐dimensional chain structure, with O—H…O hydrogen bonds and weak O—H…N, N—H…O and C—H…O hydrogen bonds linking anions and lattice water molecules into the three‐dimensional supramolecular structure. Compared with compound (I), compound (III) is a structurally different dinuclear complex. Extensive N—H…O, N—H…N, O—H…N and O—H…O hydrogen bonding occurs in the structure, leading to the formation of the three‐dimensional supramolecular structure.     

Stable Actinide π Complexes of a Neutral 1,4‐Diborabenzene

The π coordination of arene and anionic heteroarene ligands is a ubiquitous bonding motif in the organometallic chemistry of d‐block and f‐block elements. By contrast, related π interactions of neutral heteroarenes including neutral bora‐π‐aromatics are less prevalent particularly for the f‐block, due to less effective metal‐to‐ligand backbonding. In fact, π complexes with neutral heteroarene ligands are essentially unknown for the actinides. We have now overcome these limitations by exploiting the exceptionally strong π donor capabilities of a neutral 1,4‐diborabenzene. A series of remarkably robust, π‐coordinated thorium(IV) and uranium(IV) half‐sandwich complexes were synthesized by simply combining the bora‐π‐aromatic with ThCl₄(dme)₂ or UCl₄, representing the first examples of actinide complexes with a neutral boracycle as sandwich‐type ligand. Experimental and computational studies showed that the strong actinide–heteroarene interactions are predominately electrostatic in nature with distinct ligand‐to‐metal π donation and without significant π/δ backbonding contributions.     

First X‐Ray Structure Analyses of Rhodium(III) η1‐Allyl Complexes and a Mechanism for Allylic Isomerization Reactions

Metal‐to‐metal allyl transfer : Using the first structurally characterized rhodium η¹‐allyl complexes it is shown that the σ‐bound allyl substituent can be transferred from the Rh^III complex to a Rh^I complex in a fast equilibrium. This process may account for the decrease in regioselectivity observed in allylic alkylation reactions in which complex 1 is used as a catalyst.

     

Bridging vs. Chelating Coordination Modes of Vinylsilanes in CuI π‐Complexes: Structure and Stability

Two new copper(I) olefin complexes, [Cu₆Cl₆(MTrVS)₂] ( 1 ) and [Cu₂Cl₂(DMVSP)₂] ( 2 ), of tridentate bridging methyltrivinylsilane (MTrVS) and bidentate chelating 2‐[dimethyl(vinyl)silyl]pyridine (DMVSP) have been synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. It has been shown that using the alkenylsilanes with required electronic properties, molecular symmetry and conformational flexibility, it is possible to control the formation of optimal copper(I) halide oligomers. The obtained results, together with relevant literature data, also illustrate how the coordination mode of vinylsilanes is related to Cu–(C=C) bond strengthening and, consequently, to stability of the organometallic compounds. In particular, we suggest that, together with Cu–C_α distance shortening accompanied by a segmentation of π‐conjugated chelate ring, complex shows an increased lability to form probably an alkenylcopper intermediate in the homocoupling reaction of alkenyl(2‐pyridyl)silanes. At the same time, no appreciable reduction of thermal stability of π‐conjugated chelate complex 2 with respect to bridged compound 1 emerges.     

Supramolecular Assemblies of Mononuclear and Polymeric Nickel(II) Glutarato Complexes via π‐π Stacking Interactions and Hydrogen Bonds: [Ni(H2O)3(phen)(C5H6O4)] · H2O and [Ni(H2O)2(phen)(C5H6O4)]

Syntheses of the sky blue complex compounds [Ni(H₂O)₃(phen)(C₅H₆O₄)] · H₂O ( 1 ) and [Ni(H₂O)₂(phen)(C₅H₆O₄)] ( 2 ) were carried out by the reactions of 1,10‐phenanthroline monohydrate, glutaric acid, NiSO₄ · 6 H₂O and Na₂CO₃ in CH₃OH/H₂O at pH = 6.9 and 7.5, respectively. The crystal structure of 1 (P 1 (no. 2), a = 14.289 Å, b = 15.182 Å, c = 15.913 Å, α = 67.108°, β = 87.27°, γ = 68.216°, V = 2934.2 ų, Z = 2) consists of hydrogen bonded [Ni(H₂O)₃‐ (phen)(C₅H₆O₄)]₂ dimers and H₂O molecules. The Ni atoms are octahedrally coordinated by two N atoms of one phen ligand, three water O atoms and one carboxyl O atom from one monodentate glutarato ligand (d(Ni–N) = 2.086, 2.090 Å; d(Ni–O) = 2.064–2.079 Å). Through the π‐π stacking interactions and intermolecular hydrogen bonds, the dimers are assembled to form 2 D layers parallel to (0 1 1). The crystal structure of 2 (P2₁/n (no. 14), a = 7.574 Å, b = 11.938 Å, c = 18.817 Å, β = 98.48°, V = 1682.8 ų, Z = 4) contains [Ni(H₂O)₂(phen)(C₅H₆O₄)_2/2] supramolecular chains extending along [010]. The Ni atoms are octahedrally coordinated by two N atoms of one phen ligand, two water O atoms and two carboxyl O atoms from different bis‐monodentate glutarato ligands with d(Ni–N) = 2.082, 2.105 Å and d(Ni–O) = 2.059–2.087 Å. The supramolecular chains are assembled into a 3 D network by π‐π stacking interactions and interchain hydrogen bonds. A TG/DTA of 2 shows two endothermic effects at 132 °C and 390 °C corresponding to the complete dehydration and the lost of phen.     

π–π stacking motifs in dialkylbis{5‐[(E)‐2‐aryldiazen‐1‐yl]‐2‐hydroxybenzoato}tin(IV) complexes

The diorganotin(IV) complexes of 5‐[(E)‐2‐aryldiazen‐1‐yl]‐2‐hydroxybenzoic acid are of interest because of their structural diversity in the crystalline state and their interesting biological activity. The structures of dimethylbis{2‐hydroxy‐5‐[(E)‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl)diazen‐1‐yl]benzoato}tin(IV), [Sn(CH₃)₂(C₁₄H₁₁N₂O₃)₂], and di‐n‐butylbis{2‐hydroxy‐5‐[(E)‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl)diazen‐1‐yl]benzoato}tin(IV) benzene hemisolvate, [Sn(C₄H₉)₂(C₁₄H₁₁N₂O₃)₂]·0.5C₆H₆, exhibit the usual skew‐trapezoidal bipyramidal coordination geometry observed for related complexes of this class. Each structure has two independent molecules of the Sn^IV complex in the asymmetric unit. In the dimethyltin structure, intermolecular O—H…O hydrogen bonds and a very weak Sn…O interaction link the independent molecules into dimers. The planar carboxylate ligands lend themselves to π–π stacking interactions and the diversity of supramolecular structural motifs formed by these interactions has been examined in detail for these two structures and four closely related analogues. While there are some recurring basic motifs amongst the observed stacking arrangements, such as dimers and step‐like chains, variations through longitudinal slipping and inversion of the direction of the overlay add complexity. The π–π stacking motifs in the two title complexes are combinations of some of those observed in the other structures and are the most complex of the structures examined.     

Construction of Hetero‐Four‐Layered Tripalladium(II) Cyclophanes by Transannular π⋅⋅⋅π Interactions

A synthetic strategy for the generation of new molecular species utilizing a provision of nature is presented. Nano‐dimensional (23(2)×21(1)×16(1) ų) hetero‐four‐layered trimetallacyclophanes were constructed by proof‐of‐concept experiments that utilize a suitable combination of π???π interactions between the central aromatic rings, tailor‐made short/long spacer tridentate donors, and the combined helicity. The behavior of the unprecedented four‐layered metallacyclophane system offers a landmark in the development of new molecular systems.     

[1‐Allylpyridinium][Cu2Cl3]: Synthesis,X‐ray Structure and the Regularity of Crystal Architecture of 1‐Allyl/(amino)‐pyridinium Copper(I) Chloride π‐Complexes

By alternating‐current electrochemical technique crystals of copper(I) π‐complex with 1‐allylpyridinium chloride of [C₅H₅N(C₃H₅)][Cu₂Cl₃] ( 1 ) composition have been obtained and structurally investigated. Compound 1 crystallizes in monoclinic system, space group C2/c a = 24.035(1) Å, b = 11.4870(9) Å, c = 7.8170(5) Å, β = 95.010(5)°, V = 2150.0(2) ų (at 100 K), Z = 8, R = 0.028, for 4836 independent reflections. In the structure 1 trigonal‐pyramidal environment of π‐coordinated copper(I) atom is formed by a lengthened to 1.376(2) Å C=C bond of allyl group and by three chlorine atoms. Other two copper atoms are tetrahedrally surrounded by chlorine atoms only. The coordination polyhedra are combined into an original infinite (Cu₄Cl₆^2—)_n fragment. Structural comparison of 1 and the recently studied copper(I) chloride π‐complexes with 3‐amino‐, 2‐amino‐, 4‐amino‐1‐allylpyridinium chlorides of respective [LCu₂Cl₃] ( 2 ), [L₂Cu₂Cl₄] ( 3 ), and [LCuCl₂] ( 4 ) compositions allowed us to reveal the trend of the inorganic fragment complication which depends on pKa (base) value of the corresponding initial heterocycle.     

Well‐Defined Dinuclear Gold Complexes for Preorganization‐Induced Selective Dual Gold Catalysis

The synthesis, reactivity, and potential of well‐defined dinuclear gold complexes as precursors for dual gold catalysis are explored. Using the preorganizing abilities of the ditopic PN^HP^iPr ( L^H ) ligand, dinuclear Au^I–Au^I complex 1 and mixed‐valent Au^I–Au^III complex 2 provide access to structurally characterized chlorido‐bridged cationic species 3 and 4 upon halide abstraction. For 2 , this transformation involves unprecedented two‐electron oxidation of the redox‐active ligand, generating a highly rigidified environment for the Au₂ core. Facile reaction with phenylacetylene affords the σ,π‐activated phenylacetylide complex 5 . When applied in the dual gold heterocycloaddition of a urea‐functionalized alkyne, well‐defined precatalyst 3 provides high regioselectivities for the anti‐Markovnikov product, even at low catalyst loadings, and outperforms common mononuclear Au^I systems. This proof‐of‐concept demonstrates the benefit of preorganization of two gold centers to enforce selective non‐classical σ,π‐activation with bifunctional substrates.     

A Zipper‐like Supramolecular Double‐Chain based on 1 D π‐π Stacking Interactions: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [Cu(phen)(C4H4O4)(H2O)]2 · C4H6O4 (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline)

[Cu(C₁₂H₈N₂)(C₄H₄O₄)(H₂O)]₂ · C₄H₆O₄ was prepared by the reaction of succinic acid, CuCl₂ · 2 H₂O, 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen = C₁₂H₈N₂), and Na₂CO₃ in a CH₃OH–H₂O solution. The crystal structure (triclinic, P 1 (no. 2), a = 7.493(1), b = 9.758(1), c = 13.517(1) Å; α = 68.89(1)°, β = 88.89(1)°, γ = 73.32(1)°, Z = 1, R = 0.0308, wR² = 0.0799 for 3530 observed reflections (F ≥ 2σ(F ) out of 3946 unique reflections) consists of hydrogen bonded succinic acid molecules and succinato bridged 1 D zipperlike supramolecular [Cu(phen)(C₄H₄O₄)_2/2(H₂O)]₂ double chains based on 1 D π‐π stacking interactions between the chelating phen systems at distances of 3.71 Å and 3.79 Å. The Cu atoms are fivefold trigonal bipyramidally coordinated by two N atoms of the bidentate chelating phen ligand and three O atoms of one water molecule and two bidentate bridging succinate ligands. The water O atom and one phen N atom are at the apical positions (equatorial: d(Cu–O) = 1.945, 2.254(2) Å, d(Cu–N) = 2.034(2) Å; axial: d(Cu–O) = 1.971(2) Å, d(Cu–N) = 1.995 Å).     

π‐Complexes of Copper(I) Ionic Salts: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of (4‐Allylthiosemicarbazide)(sulfamato)copper(I) and Bis(4‐allylthiosemicarbazide)(sulfato‐O)dicopper(I)

Single crystals of [Cu(ATSC)]NH₂SO₃ ( 1 ) (ATSC –4‐allylthiosemicarbazide) were obtained by electrochemical synthesis using alternating current. Compound ( 1 ) crystallizes in P2₁2₁2₁ sp. gr., a = 6.8284(2), b = 9.3054(3), c = 16.1576(11) Å, Z = 4. ATSC moiety acts as tetradentate ligand, chelating two symmetrically related copper atoms. The Cu atom possesses trigonal pyramidal coordination, formed by two sulphur atoms (one of them at the apical position), nitrogen atom and C=C bond. Sulfamate anion is associated via hydrogen bonds. By slow hydrolysis of 1 crystals of [Cu₂(ATSC)₂]SO₄ ( 2 ) were obtained: P 1 sp. gr., a = 9.526(2), b = 12.687(2), c = 14.7340(10) Å, α = 95.119(10), β = 89.903(12), γ = 109.113(14)°, Z = 4. The asymmetric unit of 2 contains two formula units, which are related by pseudosymmetry via a glide plane a. One half of four ATSC molecules act as in 1 , the rest as tridentate ligands, which coordinate the two copper atoms in apical positions with sulfate anions. This Cu–S coordination was to date unknown. The structure of the ATSC ligands contributes to the unexpected competitiveness of C=bond in the coordination sphere of Cu^I inspite of strong donor atoms.