Synthesis of a “Masked” Terminal Zinc Sulfide and Its Reactivity with Brønsted and Lewis Acids

The “masked” terminal Zn sulfide, [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][^MeLZn(S)] ( 2 ) (^MeL={(2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)NC(Me)}₂CH), was isolated via reaction of [^MeLZnSCPh₃] ( 1 ) with 2.3 equivalents of KC₈ in THF, in the presence of 2.2.2‐cryptand, at ?78 °C. Complex 2 reacts readily with PhCCH and N₂O to form [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][^MeLZn(SH)(CCPh)] ( 4 ) and [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][^MeLZn(SNNO)] ( 5 ), respectively, displaying both Brønsted and Lewis basicity. In addition, the electronic structure of 2 was examined computationally and compared with the previously reported Ni congener, [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][^tBuLNi(S)] (^tBuL={(2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)NC(^tBu)}₂CH).     

Self‐Assembly of Dialkyltin Moieties and Mercaptobenzoic Acid into Macrocyclic Complexes with Hydrophobic “Pseudo‐Cage” or Double‐Cavity Structures: Supramolecular Infrastructures Involving Intermolecular C?H⋅⋅⋅S Weak Hydrogen Bonds and π–π Interactions

Four novel organotin complexes of two types—[R₂Sn(o‐SC₆H₄CO₂)]₆ (R=Me, 1 ?H₂O; nBu, 2 ) and {[R₂Sn(m‐CO₂C₆H₄S)R₂Sn(m‐SC₆H₄CO₂)SnR₂]O}₂ (R=Me, 3 ; nBu, 4 )—have been prepared by treatment of o‐ or m‐mercaptobenzoic acid and the corresponding R₂SnCl₂ (R=Me, nBu) with sodium ethoxide in ethanol (95 %). All the complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR and NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn) spectroscopy, TGA, and X‐ray crystallography diffraction analysis. The molecular structure analyses reveal that both 1 and 2 are hexanuclear macrocycles with hydrophobic “pseudo‐cage” structures, while 3 and 4 are hexanuclear macrocycles with double‐cavity structures. Furthermore, the supramolecular structure analyses show that looser and more intriguing supramolecular infrastructures were also found in complexes 1 – 4 , which exist either as one‐dimensional chains of rings or as two‐dimensional networks assembled from the organometallic subunits through intermolecular C? H???S weak hydrogen bonds (WHBs) and π–π interactions.     

Ring Opening and Bidentate Coordination of Amidinate Germylenes and Silylenes on Carbonyl Dicobalt Complexes: The Importance of a Slight Difference in Ligand Volume

The reactions of [Co₂(CO)₈] with one equiv of the benzamidinate (R₂bzam) group‐14 tetrylenes [M(R₂bzam)(HMDS)] (HMDS=N(SiMe₃)₂; 1 : M=Ge, R=iPr; 2 : M=Si, R=tBu; 3 : M=Ge, R=tBu) at 20 °C led to the monosubstituted complexes [Co₂{κ¹M?M(R₂bzam)(HMDS)}(CO)₇] ( 4 : M=Ge, R=iPr; 5 : M=Si, R=tBu; 6 : M=Ge, R=tBu), which contain a terminal κ¹M–tetrylene ligand. Whereas the Co₂Si and Co₂Ge tert‐butyl derivatives 5 and 6 are stable at 20 °C, the Co₂Ge isopropyl derivative 4 evolved to the ligand‐bridged derivative [Co₂{μ‐κ²Ge,N‐Ge(iPr₂bzam)(HMDS)}(μ‐CO)(CO)₅] ( 7 ), in which the Ge atom spans the Co?Co bond and one arm of the amidinate fragment is attached to a Co atom. The mechanism of this reaction has been modeled with the help of DFT calculations, which have also demonstrated that the transformation of amidinate‐tetrylene ligands on the dicobalt framework is negligibly influenced by the nature of the group‐14 metal atom (Si or Ge) but is strongly dependent upon the volume of the amidinate N?R groups. The disubstituted derivatives [Co₂{κ¹M?M(R₂bzam)(HMDS)}₂(CO)₆] ( 8 : M=Ge, R=iPr; 9 : M=Si, R=tBu; 10 : M=Ge, R=tBu), which contain two terminal κ¹M–tetrylene ligands, have been prepared by treating [Co₂(CO)₈] with two equiv of 1 – 3 at 20 °C. The IR spectra of 8 – 10 have shown that the basicity of germylenes 1 and 3 is very high (comparable to that of trialkylphosphanes and 1,3‐diarylimidazol‐2‐ylidenes), whereas that of silylene 2 is even higher.     

Acyl‐Phosphide Anions via an Intermediate with Carbene Character: Reactions of K[PtBu2] and CO

The analogy of the reactivity of group 1 phosphides to that of FLPs is further demonstrated by reactions with CO, affording a new synthetic route to acyl‐phosphide anions. The reaction of [K(18‐crown‐6)][PtBu₂] ( 1 ) with CO affords [(18‐crown‐6)K?THF₂][Z‐tBuP=C(tBu)O] ( 2?THF₂ ) as the major product, and the minor product [K₆(18‐crown‐6)][(tBu₂PCO)₂]₃ ( 3 ). Species 2 reacts with either BPh₃ or additional CO to give [K(18‐crown‐6)][(Ph₃B)tBuPC(tBu)O] ( 4 ) and [K(18‐crown‐6)][(OCtBu)₂P] ( 5 ), respectively. The acyl‐phosphide anion 2 is thought to be formed by a photochemically induced radical process involving a transient species with triplet carbene character, prompting 1,2‐tert‐butyl group migration. A similar process is proposed for the subsequent reaction of 2 with CO to give 5 .     

Diimido‐, Imido(oxo)‐, Dioxo‐ und Imido(alkyliden)‐Halbsandwich‐Verbindungen über selektive Hydrolyse und α—H‐Abstraktion an Organylkomplexen des sechswertigen Molybdäns und Wolframs

Diimido, Imido Oxo, Dioxo, and Imido Alkylidene Halfsandwich Compounds via Selective Hydrolysis and α—H Abstraction in Molybdenum(VI) and Tungsten(VI) Organyl Complexes Organometal imides [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)₂Ph] (M = Mo, W, R = H, Me, R′ = Mes, tBu) 4 — 8 can be prepared by reaction of halfsandwich complexes [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)₂Cl] with phenyl lithium in good yields. Starting from phenyl complexes 4 — 8 as well as from previously described methyl compounds [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)₂Me] (M = Mo, W), reactions with aqueous HCl lead to imido(oxo) methyl and phenyl complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)(O)(R)] M = Mo, R = Me ( 9 ), Ph ( 10 ); M = W, R = Ph ( 11 ) and dioxo complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(O)₂(CH₃)] M = Mo ( 12 ), M = W ( 13 ). Hydrolysis of organometal imides with conservation of M‐C σ and π bonds is in fact an attractive synthetic alternative for the synthesis of organometal oxides with respect to known strategies based on the oxidative decarbonylation of low valent alkyl CO and NO complexes. In a similar manner, protolysis of [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)W(NtBu)₂(CH₃)] and [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Mo(NtBu)₂(CH₃)] by HCl gas leads to [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)W(NtBu)Cl₂(CH₃)] 14 und [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Mo(NtBu)Cl₂(CH₃)] 15 with conservation of the M‐C bonds. The inert character of the relatively non‐polar M‐C σ bonds with respect to protolysis offers a strategy for the synthesis of methyl chloro complexes not accessible by partial methylation of [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)Cl₃] with MeLi. As pure substances only trimethyl compounds [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NtBu)(CH₃)₃] 16 ‐ 18 , M = Mo, W, R = H, Me, are isolated. Imido(benzylidene) complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)(CHPh)(CH₂Ph)] M = Mo ( 19 ), W ( 20 ) are generated by alkylation of [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)Cl₃] with PhCH₂MgCl via α‐H abstraction. Based on nmr data a trend of decreasing donor capability of the ligands [NtBu]^2— > [O]^2— > [CHR]^2— ? 2 [CH₃]^— > 2 [Cl]^— emerges.     

Neutral and Anionic Monomeric Zirconium Imides Prepared via Selective C=N Bond Cleavage of a Multidentate and Sterically Demanding β‐Diketiminato Ligand

A sterically encumbering multidentate β‐diketiminato ligand, ^tBuL2 (^tBuL2=[ArNC(tBu)CHC(tBu)NCH₂CH₂N(Me)CH₂CH₂NMe₂]^?, Ar=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃), is reported in this study along with its coordination chemistry to zirconium(IV). Using the lithio salt of this ligand, Li(^tBuL2) ( 4 ), the zirconium(IV) precursor (^tBuL2)ZrCl₃ ( 6 ) could be readily prepared in 85 % yield and structurally characterized. Reduction of 6 with 2 equiv of KC₈ resulted in formation of the terminal and mononuclear zirconium imide‐chloride [C(tBu)CHC(tBu)NCH₂CH₂N(Me)CH₂CH₂NMe₂]Zr(=NAr)(Cl) ( 7 ) as the result of reductive C=N cleavage of the imino fragment in the multidentate ligand ^tBuL2 by an elusive Zr^II species (^tBuL2)ZrCl ( A ). The azabutadienyl ligand in 7 can be further reduced by 2 e^? with KC₈ to afford the anionic imide [K(THF)₂]{[CH(tBu)CHC(tBu)NCH₂CH₂N(Me)CH₂CH₂N(Me)CH₂]Zr=NAr} ( 8‐2THF ) in 42 % isolated yield. Complex 8‐2THF results from the oxidative addition of an amine C?H bond followed by migration to the vinylic group of the formal [C(tBu)CHC(tBu)NCH₂CH₂N(Me)CH₂CH₂NMe₂]^? ligand in 7 . All halides in 6 can be replaced with azides to afford (^tBuL2)Zr(N₃)₃ ( 9 ) which was structurally characterized, and reduction with two equiv of KC₈ also results in C=N bond cleavage of ^tBuL2 to form [C(tBu)CHC(tBu)NCH₂CH₂N(Me)CH₂CH₂NMe₂]Zr(=NAr)(N₃) ( 10 ), instead of the expected azide disproportionation to N^3? and N₂. Solid‐state single crystal structural studies confirm the formation of mononuclear and terminal zirconium imido groups in 7 , 8‐Et₂O , and 10 with Zr=NAr distances being 1.8776(10), 1.9505(15), and 1.881(3) Å, respectively.     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Some Novel Trialkylsilyl‐substituted Lithium Benzyl Complexes [Li(tmeda)][CHRSiMe2R′] (R = Ph, 3,5‐Me2C6H3; R′ = Me,tBu, Ph)

The reactions of PhCH₂SiMe₃ ( 1 ), PhCH₂SiMe₂^tBu ( 2 ), PhCH₂SiMe₂Ph ( 3 ), 3,5‐Me₂C₆H₃CH₂SiMe₃ ( 4 ), and 3,5‐Me₂C₆H₃CH₂SiMe₂^tBu ( 5 ) with ⁿBuLi in tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda) afford the corresponding lithium complexes [Li(tmeda)][CHRSiMe₂R′] (R, R′ = Ph, Me ( 6 ), Ph, ^tBu ( 7 ), Ph, Ph ( 8 ), 3,5‐Me₂C₆H₃, Me ( 9 ), and 3,5‐Me₂C₆H₃, ^tBu ( 10 )), respectively. The new compounds 5 , 7 , 8 , 9 and 10 have been characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, compounds 7 , 8 and 9 also by X‐ray structure analysis.     

Trinuclear Phosphaferroles from Alkylidyne‐Phosphaalkyne Coupling Reactions

Reaction of bisalkylidyne cluster compounds [Fe₃(CO)₉(μ₃‐CR)₂] ( 1a—d ) ( a , R = H; b , R = F; c , R = Cl; d , R = Br) with the phosphaalkyne t‐C₄H₉‐C≡P ( 2 ) yield a single isomer of the phosphaferrole cluster [Fe₃(CO)₈][CR‐C(t‐Bu)‐P‐CR] ( 3a—d ). However, the three isomeric compounds [Fe₃(CO)₈][C(OEt)‐C(t‐Bu)‐P‐C(Me)] ( 5a ), [Fe₃(CO)₈][C(Me)‐C(t‐Bu)‐P‐C(OEt)] ( 5b ), and [Fe₃(CO)₈][C(OEt)‐C(Me)‐C(t‐Bu)‐P] ( 5c ) are obtained in the reaction of [Fe₃(CO)₉(μ₃‐CMe)(μ₃‐C‐OEt)] ( 4 ) with 2 . As the phosphaferroles 3 possess a lone pair of electrons at the phosphorus atom they can act as ligands. [Fe₃(CO)₈][CF‐C(t‐Bu)‐P‐CF]ML_n ( 7a—c ) ( a , ML_n = Cr(CO)₅; b , ML_n = CpMn(CO)₂; c , ML_n = Cp^*Mn(CO)₂) were formed from 3b and L_nM(η²‐C₈H₁₄) ( 6a—c ). The dinuclear cluster [Fe₂(CO)₆][CF‐CF‐C(t‐Bu)‐PH(OMe)] ( 8 ) was obtained from 3b and NiCl₂·6H₂O in methanol. The structures of 3a—d , 5a—c , 7b , and 8 have been elucidated by X‐ray crystal structure determinations.     

Molybdenum(VI) Bis(imido) Complexes: From Frustrated Lewis Pairs to Weakly Coordinating Cations

Molybdenum(VI) bis(imido) complexes [Mo(NtBu)₂(L^R)₂] (R=H 1 a ; R=CF₃ 1 b ) combined with B(C₆F₅)₃ ( 1 a /B(C₆F₅)₃, 1 b /B(C₆F₅)₃) exhibit a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) character that can heterolytically split H−H, Si−H and O−H bonds. Cleavage of H₂ and Et₃SiH affords ion pairs [Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂][HB(C₆F₅)₃] (R=H 2 a ; R=CF₃ 2 b ) composed of a Mo(VI) amido imido cation and a hydridoborate anion, while reaction with H₂O leads to [Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂][(HO)B(C₆F₅)₃] (R=H 3 a ; R=CF₃ 3 b ). Ion pairs 2 a and 2 b are catalysts for the hydrosilylation of aldehydes with triethylsilane, with 2 b being more active than 2 a . Mechanistic elucidation revealed insertion of the aldehyde into the B−H bond of [HB(C₆F₅)₃]⁻. We were able to isolate and fully characterize, including by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, the inserted products Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂][{PhCH₂O}B(C₆F₅)₃] (R=H 4 a ; R=CF₃ 4 b ). Catalysis occurs at [HB(C₆F₅)₃]⁻ while [Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂]⁺ (R=H or CF₃) act as the cationic counterions. However, the striking difference in reactivity gives ample evidence that molybdenum cations behave as weakly coordinating cations (WCC).     

Vanadium(V) Oxo and Imido Calix[8]arene Complexes: Synthesis,Structural Studies,and Ethylene Homo/Copolymerisation Capability

Interaction of p‐tert‐butylcalix[8]areneH₈ (L⁸H₈) with [NaVO(OtBu)₄] (formed in situ from VOCl₃) afforded the complex [Na(NCMe)₅][(VO)₂L⁸H]?4 MeCN ( 1 ?4 MeCN). Increasing [NaVO(OtBu)₄] to 4 equiv led to [Na(NCMe)₆]₂[(Na(VO)₄L⁸)(Na(NCMe))₃]₂?10 MeCN ( 2 ?10 MeCN). With adventitious oxygen, reaction of 4 equiv of [VO(OtBu)₃] with L⁸H₈ afforded the alkali‐metal‐free complex [(VO)₄L⁸(μ³‐O)₂] ( 3 ); solvates 3 ?3 MeCN and 3 ?3 CH₂Cl₂ were isolated. For the lithium analogue, the order of addition had to be reversed such that lithium tert‐butoxide was added to L⁸H₈ and then treated with 2 equiv of VOCl₃; crystallisation afforded [(VO₂)₂Li₆[L⁸](thf)₂(OtBu)₂(Et₂O)₂]?Et₂O ( 4 ?Et₂O). Upon extraction into acetonitrile, [Li(NCMe)₄][(VO)₂L⁸H]?8 MeCN ( 5 ?8 MeCN) was formed. Use of the imido precursors [V(NtBu)(OtBu)₃] and [V(Np‐tolyl)(OtBu)₃] and L⁸H₈, afforded [tBuNH₃][{V(p‐tolylN)}₂L⁸H]?3 1/2 MeCN ( 6 ?3 1/2 MeCN). The molecular structures of 1 to 6 are reported. Complexes 1 , 3 , and 4 were screened as precatalysts for the polymerisation of ethylene in the presence of cocatalysts at various temperatures and for the copolymerisation of ethylene with propylene. Activities as high as 136 000 g (mmol(V) h)^?1 were sometimes achieved; higher molecular weight polymers could be obtained versus the benchmark [VO(OEt)Cl₂]. For copolymerisation, incorporation of propylene was 7.1–10.9 mol % (compare 10 mol % for [VO(OEt)Cl₂]), although catalytic activities were lower than [VO(OEt)Cl₂].     

The Simplest Amino‐borane H2B=NH2 Trapped on a Rhodium Dimer: Pre‐Catalysts for Amine–Borane Dehydropolymerization

The μ‐amino–borane complexes [Rh₂(L^R)₂(μ‐H)(μ‐H₂B=NHR′)][BAr^F₄] (L^R=R₂P(CH₂)₃PR₂; R=Ph, ⁱPr; R′=H, Me) form by addition of H₃B?NMeR′H₂ to [Rh(L^R)(η⁶‐C₆H₅F)][BAr^F₄]. DFT calculations demonstrate that the amino–borane interacts with the Rh centers through strong Rh‐H and Rh‐B interactions. Mechanistic investigations show that these dimers can form by a boronium‐mediated route, and are pre‐catalysts for amine‐borane dehydropolymerization, suggesting a possible role for bimetallic motifs in catalysis.     

Synthesis and Reactivity towards DIBAL‐H of Cyclo‐Siloxanes cyclo‐[R2SiOSi(Ot‐Bu)2O]2, cyclo‐(t‐BuO)2Si(OSiR2)2O,and cyclo‐R2Si[OSi(Ot‐Bu)2]2O (R = Me,Ph)

The six‐, eight‐ and twelve‐membered cyclo‐siloxanes, cyclo‐[R₂SiOSi(Ot‐Bu)₂O]₂ (R = Me ( 1 ), Ph ( 2 )), cyclo‐(t‐BuO)₂Si(OSiR₂)₂O (R = Me ( 3 ), Ph ( 4 )), cyclo‐R₂Si[OSi(Ot‐Bu)₂]₂O (R = Me ( 5 ), Ph ( 6 )) and cyclo‐[(t‐BuO)₂Si(OSiMe₂)₂O]₂ ( 3a ) were synthesized in high yields by the reaction of (t‐BuO)₂Si(OH)₂ and [(t‐BuO)₂SiOH]₂O with R₂SiCl₂ and (R₂SiCl)₂O (R = Me, Ph). Compounds 1 — 6 were characterized by solution and solid‐state ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy, electrospray mass spectrometry and osmometric molecular weight determination. The molecular structure of 4 has been determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction and features a six‐membered cyclo‐siloxane ring that is essentially planar. The reduction of 1 — 6 with i‐Bu₂AlH (DIBAL‐H) led to the formation of the metastable aluminosiloxane (t‐BuO)₂Si(OAli‐Bu₂)₂ ( 7 ) along with Me₂SiH₂ and Ph₂SiH₂.     

Chiral Fluorinated α‐Sulfonyl Carbanions: Enantioselective Synthesis and Electrophilic Capture,Racemization Dynamics,and Structure

Enantiomerically pure triflones R¹CH(R²)SO₂CF₃ have been synthesized starting from the corresponding chiral alcohols via thiols and trifluoromethylsulfanes. Key steps of the syntheses of the sulfanes are the photochemical trifluoromethylation of the thiols with CF₃Hal (Hal=halide) or substitution of alkoxyphosphinediamines with CF₃SSCF₃. The deprotonation of RCH(Me)SO₂CF₃ (R=CH₂Ph, iHex) with nBuLi with the formation of salts [RC(Me)? SO₂CF₃]Li and their electrophilic capture both occurred with high enantioselectivities. Displacement of the SO₂CF₃ group of (S)‐MeOCH₂C(Me)(CH₂Ph)SO₂CF₃ (95 % ee) by an ethyl group through the reaction with AlEt₃ gave alkane MeOCH₂C(Me)(CH₂Ph)Et of 96 % ee. Racemization of salts [R¹C(R²)SO₂CF₃]Li follows first‐order kinetics and is mainly an enthalpic process with small negative activation entropy as revealed by polarimetry and dynamic NMR (DNMR) spectroscopy. This is in accordance with a C_α? S bond rotation as the rate‐determining step. Lithium α‐(S)‐trifluoromethyl‐ and α‐(S)‐nonafluorobutylsulfonyl carbanion salts have a much higher racemization barrier than the corresponding α‐(S)‐tert‐butylsulfonyl carbanion salts. Whereas [PhCH₂C(Me)SO₂tBu]Li/DMPU (DMPU = dimethylpropylurea) has a half‐life of racemization at ?105 °C of 2.4 h, that of [PhCH₂C(Me)SO₂CF₃]Li at ?78 °C is 30 d. DNMR spectroscopy of amides (PhCH₂)₂NSO₂CF₃ and (PhCH₂)N(Ph)SO₂CF₃ gave N? S rotational barriers that seem to be distinctly higher than those of nonfluorinated sulfonamides. NMR spectroscopy of [PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂R]M (M=Li, K, NBu₄; R=CF₃, tBu) shows for both salts a confinement of the negative charge mainly to the C_α atom and a significant benzylic stabilization that is weaker in the trifluoromethylsulfonyl carbanion. According to crystal structure analyses, the carbanions of salts {[PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂CF₃]Li? L }₂ ( L =2 THF, tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA)) and [PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂CF₃]NBu₄ have the typical chiral C_α? S conformation of α‐sulfonyl carbanions, planar C_α atoms, and short C_α? S bonds. Ab initio calculations of [MeC(Ph)SO₂tBu]^? and [MeC(Ph)SO₂CF₃]^? showed for the fluorinated carbanion stronger n_C→σ* and n_O→σ* interactions and a weaker benzylic stabilization. According to natural bond orbital (NBO) calculations of [R¹C(R²)SO₂R]^? (R=tBu, CF₃) the n_C→σ*_{S? R} interaction is much stronger for R=CF₃. Ab initio calculations gave for [MeC(Ph)SO₂tBu]Li ? 2 Me₂O an O,Li,C_α contact ion pair (CIP) and for [MeC(Ph)SO₂CF₃]Li ? 2 Me₂O an O,Li,O CIP. According to cryoscopy, [PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂CF₃]Li, [iHexC(Me)SO₂CF₃]Li, and [PhCH₂C(Ph)SO₂CF₃]NBu₄ predominantly form monomers in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at ?108 °C. The NMR spectroscopic data of salts [R¹(R²)SO₂R³]Li (R³=tBu, CF₃) indicate that the dominating monomeric CIPs are devoid of C_α? Li bonds.     

DFT/TDDFT studies of the ancillary ligand effects on structures and photophysical properties of rhenium (I) tricarbonyl complexes with the imidazo[4,5‐f]‐1,10‐phenanthroline ligand

The seven rhenium (I) tricarbonyl complexes having a general formula fac‐[ReBr(CO)₃(R₁,R₂,R₃‐N^{^}N)] (N^{^}N = imidazo[4,5‐f]‐1,10‐phenanthroline; R₁ = ? ^tBu, R₂ = R₃ = ? H, 1 ; R₁ = ? C?CH, R₂ = R₃ = ? H, 2 ; R₁ = ? ^tBu, R₂ = ? C?CH, R₃ = ? H, 3 ; R₁ = ? ^tBu, R₂ = R₃ = ? C?CH, 4 ; R₁ = ? ^tBu, R₂ = ? CH₃, R₃ = ? H, 5 ; R₁ = ? ^tBu, R₂ = R₃ = ? CH₃, 6 ; R₁ = ? ^tBu, R₂ = ? OCH₃, R₃ = ? H, 7 ) have been investigated theoretically by density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. The different substituted groups on N^{^}N ligand induce changes on the electronic structures and photophysical properties for these complexes. It is found that the introduction of ? C?C decreases the energy level of lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) while the introduction of ? CH₃ or ? OCH₃ lead to increase the energy level of LUMO. The order of LUMO energy level rising is in line with the increasing of donating abilities of substituted groups; and the influence of R₂ position is greater than that of R₁ position on LUMO energy level. The lowest energy absorption bands have changes in the order of 7 < 6 < 5 < 1 < 2 < 3 < 4 . These results of electronic affinity (EA), ionization potential (IP), and reorganization energy (λ) indicate that all of these complexes can be used as electron transporting materials. Moreover, the smallest difference between λ_electron and λ_hole of 4 indicates that it is better to be used as an emitter in the organic light‐emitting diodes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Vinyl/Vinylene functionalized highly branched polyethylene waxes obtained using electronically controlled cyclohexyl‐fused pyridinylimine‐nickel precatalysts

A series of 8‐(2,6‐dibenzhydryl‐4‐R‐phenylimino)‐5,6,7‐trihydroquinoline ligands have been prepared in which the nature of 4‐R substitutions vary from electron withdrawing to electron donating. The treatment with NiCl₂.6H₂O or (DME)NiBr₂ afforded the corresponding complexes of nickel chloride (4‐R = Me Ni1 , Et Ni2 , ^tBu Ni3 , CHPh₂ Ni4 , Cl Ni5 , and F Ni6 ) and nickel bromide (4‐R = Me Ni7 , Et Ni8 , ^tBu Ni9 , CHPh₂ Ni10 , Cl Ni11 , and F Ni12 ). X‐ray diffraction study of complexes Ni3 , Ni6 , and Ni10 , revealed that Ni3.1/2H₂O and Ni6.H₂O adopted unsymmetrical and symmetrical chloride‐bridged dinuclear structures respectively, while Ni10.H₂O is found as mononuclear specie forming distorted‐square planer geometry. In the presence of either diethylaluminum chloride (Et₂AlCl) or modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), all the nickel complexes ( Ni1–Ni12 ) displayed high activities (up to 1.91 × 10⁶ g(PE) mol (Ni)⁻¹h⁻¹. Highly branched polyethylene waxes with low molecular weights (M_w ≤ 2.6 kg/mol) and narrow molecular weights distributions (M_w/M_n ≤ 1.96) incorporated with vinylene and vinyl groups were obtained. The effects of 4‐R substitutions to the nickel chloride and bromide pre‐catalysts and reaction conditions on the catalytic performance and the properties of the resulting polyethylene were the subject of a detail investigation. The positive influences of using electron‐withdrawing 4‐R substitutions and bromides were observed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018 , 56, 1269–1281     

From a Phosphaketenyl‐Functionalized Germylene to 1,3‐Digerma‐2,4‐diphosphacyclobutadiene

The first 4π‐electron resonance‐stabilized 1,3‐digerma‐2,4‐diphosphacyclobutadiene [L^H₂Ge₂P₂] 4 (L^H=CH[CHNDipp]₂ Dipp=2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃) with four‐coordinate germanium supported by a β‐diketiminate ligand and two‐coordinate phosphorus atoms has been synthesized from the unprecedented phosphaketenyl‐functionalized N‐heterocyclic germylene [L^HGe‐P=C=O] 2 a prepared by salt‐metathesis reaction of sodium phosphaethynolate (P≡C?ONa) with the corresponding chlorogermylene [L^HGeCl] 1 a . Under UV/Vis light irradiation at ambient temperature, release of CO from the P=C=O group of 2 a leads to the elusive germanium–phosphorus triply bonded species [L^HGe≡P] 3 a , which dimerizes spontaneously to yield black crystals of 4 as isolable product in 67 % yield. Notably, release of CO from the bulkier substituted [L^tBuGe‐P=C=O] 2 b (L^tBu=CH[C(^tBu)N‐Dipp]₂) furnishes, under concomitant extrusion of the diimine [Dipp‐NC(^tBu)]₂, the bis‐N,P‐heterocyclic germylene [DippNC(^tBu)C(H)PGe]₂ 5 .     

Origin of the π‐Facial Stereoselectivity in the Addition of Nucleophilic Reagents to Chiral Aliphatic Ketones as Evidenced by High‐Level Ab Initio Molecular‐Orbital Calculations

Ab initio molecular‐orbital (MO) calculations were carried out, at the MP2/6‐311++G(d,p)//MP2/6‐31G(d) level, to investigate the conformational Gibbs energy of alkyl 1‐cyclohexylethyl ketones, cyclo‐C₆H₁₁CHCH₃? CO? R (R=Me, Et, iPr, and tBu). In each case, one of the equatorial conformations was shown to be the most stable. Conformers with the axial CHCH₃COR group were also shown to be present in an appreciable concentration. Short C? H???C?O and C? H???O?C distances were found in each stable conformation. The result was interpreted on the grounds of C? H???π(C?O) and C? H???O hydrogen bonds, which stabilize the geometry of the molecule. The ratio of the diastereomeric secondary alcohols produced in the nucleophilic addition to cyclo‐C₆H₁₁CHCH₃? CO? R was estimated on the basis of the conformer distribution. The calculated result was consistent with the experimental data previously reported: the gradual increase in the product ratio (major/minor) along the series was followed by a drop at R=tBu. The energy of the diastereomeric transition states in the addition of LiH to cyclo‐C₆H₁₁CHCH₃? CO? R was also calculated for R=Me and tBu. The product ratio did not differ significantly in going from R=Me to tBu in the case of the aliphatic ketones. This is compatible with the above result calculated on the basis of the conformer distribution. Thus, the mechanism of the π‐facial selection can be explained in terms of the simple premise that the geometry of the transition state resembles the ground‐state conformation of the substrates and that the nucleophilic reagent approaches from the less‐hindered side of the carbonyl π face.     

Stabilization of a Silaaldehyde by its η2 Coordination to Tungsten

Treatment of pyridine‐stabilized silylene complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₄R)(CO)₂(H)W?SiH(py)(Tsi)] (R=Me, Et; py=pyridine; Tsi=C(SiMe₃)₃) with an N‐heterocyclic carbene ^MeIⁱPr (1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) caused deprotonation to afford anionic silylene complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₄R)(CO)₂W?SiH(Tsi)][H^MeIⁱPr] (R=Me ( 1‐Me ); R=Et ( 1‐Et )). Subsequent oxidation of 1‐Me and 1‐Et with pyridine‐N‐oxide (1 equiv) gave anionic η²‐silaaldehydetungsten complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₄R)(CO)₂W{η²‐O?SiH(Tsi)}][H^MeIⁱPr] (R=Me ( 2‐Me ); R=Et ( 2‐Et )). The formation of an unprecedented W‐Si‐O three‐membered ring was confirmed by X‐ray crystal structure analysis.     

Bisaminophosphane – Synthese,Struktur und Reaktivität

Bisaminophosphanes – Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity Different pathways for the synthesis of bis(alkylamino)phosphanes RP(N(H)R′)₂ are described. t‐BuP(N(H)‐ Dipp)₂ (Dipp = 2,6‐i‐Pr₂–C₆H₃) was structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The reactivity of the compounds was examplarily investigated using t‐BuP(N(H)t‐Bu)₂. Its reaction with Me₃Al and R₂AlH (R = Me, Et, i‐Bu) in 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 stoichiometrie yield monosubstituted compounds of the type t‐BuP(N(H)t‐Bu)(N(AlR₂)t‐Bu).     

Highly Active,Thermally Stable,Ethylene‐Polymerisation Pre‐Catalysts Based on Niobium/Tantalum?Imine Systems

The reactions of MCl₅ or MOCl₃ with imidazole‐based pro‐ligand L¹H, 3,5‐tBu₂‐2‐OH‐C₆H₂‐(4,5‐Ph₂‐1H‐)imidazole, or oxazole‐based ligand L²H, 3,5‐tBu₂‐2‐OH‐C₆H₂(1H‐phenanthro[9,10‐d])oxazole, following work‐up, afforded octahedral complexes [MX(L^{1, 2})], where MX=NbCl₄ (L¹, 1 a ; L², 2 a ), [NbOCl₂(NCMe)] (L¹, 1 b ; L², 2 b ), TaCl₄ (L¹, 1 c ; L², 2 c ), or [TaOCl₂(NCMe)] (L¹, 1 d ). The treatment of α‐diimine ligand L³, (2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃N?CH)₂, with [MCl₄(thf)₂] (M=Nb, Ta) afforded [MCl₄(L³)] (M=Nb, 3 a ; Ta, 3 b ). The reaction of [MCl₃(dme)] (dme=1,2‐dimethoxyethane; M=Nb, Ta) with bis(imino)pyridine ligand L⁴, 2,6‐[2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃N?(Me)C]₂C₅H₃N, afforded known complexes of the type [MCl₃(L⁴)] (M=Nb, 4 a ; Ta, 4 b ), whereas the reaction of 2‐acetyl‐6‐iminopyridine ligand L⁵, 2‐[2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃N?(Me)C]‐6‐Ac‐C₅H₃N, with the niobium precursor afforded the coupled product [({2‐Ac‐6‐(2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃N?(Me)C)C₅H₃N}NbOCl₂)₂] ( 5 ). The reaction of MCl₅ with Schiff‐base pro‐ligands L⁶H–L¹⁰H, 3,5‐(R¹)₂‐2‐OH‐C₆H₂CH?N(2‐OR²‐C₆H₄), (L⁶H: R¹=tBu, R²=Ph; L⁷H: R¹=tBu, R²=Me; L⁸H: R¹=Cl, R²=Ph; L⁹H: R¹=Cl, R²=Me; L¹⁰H: R¹=Cl, R²=CF₃) afforded [MCl₄(L^6–10)] complexes (M=Nb, 6 a – 10 a ; M=Ta, 6 b – 9 b ). In the case of compound 8 b , the corresponding zwitterion was also synthesised, namely [Ta^?Cl₅(L⁸H)⁺] ? MeCN ( 8 c ). Unexpectedly, the reaction of L⁷H with TaCl₅ at reflux in toluene led to the removal of the methyl group and the formation of trichloride 7 c [TaCl₃(L^7‐Me)]; conducting the reaction at room temperature led to the formation of the expected methoxy compound ( 7 b ). Upon activation with methylaluminoxane (MAO), these complexes displayed poor activities for the homogeneous polymerisation of ethylene. However, the use of chloroalkylaluminium reagents, such as dimethylaluminium chloride (DMAC) and methylaluminium dichloride (MADC), as co‐catalysts in the presence of the reactivator ethyl trichloroacetate (ETA) generated thermally stable catalysts with, in the case of niobium, catalytic activities that were two orders of magnitude higher than those previously observed. The effects of steric hindrance and electronic configuration on the polymerisation activity of these tantalum and niobium pre‐catalysts were investigated. Spectroscopic studies (¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and ¹H? ¹H and ¹H? ¹³C correlations) on the reactions of compounds 4 a / 4 b with either MAO(50) or AlMe₃/[CPh₃]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]^? were consistent with the formation of a diamagnetic cation of the form [L⁴AlMe₂]⁺ (MAO(50) is the product of the vacuum distillation of commercial MAO at +50 °C and contains only 1 mol % of Al in the form of free AlMe₃). In the presence of MAO, this cationic aluminium complex was not capable of initiating the ROMP (ring opening metathesis polymerisation) of norbornene, whereas the 4 a / 4 b systems with MAO(50) were active. A parallel pressure reactor (PPR)‐based homogeneous polymerisation screening by using pre‐catalysts 1 b , 1 c , 2 a , 3 a and 6 a , in combination with MAO, revealed only moderate‐to‐good activities for the homo‐polymerisation of ethylene and the co‐polymerisation of ethylene/1‐hexene. The molecular structures are reported for complexes 1 a – 1 c , 2 b , 5 , 6 a , 6 b, 7 a, 8 a and 8 c .