Expanding dinitrogen reduction chemistry to trivalent lanthanides via the LnZ3/alkali metal reduction system: evaluation of the generality of forming Ln2(mu-eta2:eta2-N2) complexes via LnZ3/K

The Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/K dinitrogen reduction system, which mimicks the reactions of the highly reducing divalent ions Tm(II), Dy(II), and Nd(II), has been explored with the entire lanthanide series and uranium to examine its generality and to correlate the observed reactivity with accessibility of divalent oxidation states. The Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/K reduction of dinitrogen provides access from readily available starting materials to the formerly rare class of M(2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-N(2)) complexes, [[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Ln](2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-N(2)), 1, that had previously been made only from TmI(2), DyI(2), and NdI(2) in the presence of KN(SiMe(3))(2). This LnZ(3)/alkali metal reduction system provides crystallographically characterizable examples of 1 for Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Y, Tm, and Lu. Sodium can be used as the alkali metal as well as potassium. These compounds have NN distances in the 1.258(3) to 1.318(5) A range consistent with formation of an (N=N)(2)(-) moiety. Isolation of 1 with this selection of metals demonstrates that the Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/alkali metal reaction can mimic divalent lanthanide reduction chemistry with metals that have calculated Ln(III)/Ln(II) reduction potentials ranging from -2.3 to -3.9 V vs NHE. In the case of Ln = Sm, which has an analogous Ln(III)/Ln(II) potential of -1.55 V, reduction to the stable divalent tris(amide) complex, K[Sm[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)], is observed instead of dinitrogen reduction. When the metal is La, Ce, Pr, or U, the first crystallographically characterized examples of the tetrakis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] anions, [M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](4)](-), are isolated as THF-solvated potassium or sodium salts. The implications of the LnZ(3)/alkali metal reduction chemistry on the mechanism of dinitrogen reduction and on reductive lanthanide chemistry in general are discussed.     

Postfunctionalization of periodic mesoporous silica SBA-1 with magnesium(II) and iron(II) silylamides

Magnesium silylamide complexes Mg[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](2)(THF)(2) and Mg[N(SiPhMe(2))(2)](2) were synthesized according to transsilylamination and alkane elimination protocols, respectively, utilizing Mg[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)(THF)(2) and [Mg(n-Bu)](2) as precursors. Cage-like periodic mesoporous silica SBA-1 was treated with donor solvent-free dimeric [Mg{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(2)](2), [Mg{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)](2) and monomeric Mg[N(SiPhMe(2))(2)](2), producing hybrid materials [Mg(NR(2))(2)]@SBA-1 with magnesium located mainly at the external surface. Consecutive grafting of [Mg{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(2)](2) and [Fe(II){N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(2)](2) onto SBA-1 led to heterobimetallic hybrid materials which exhibit complete consumption of the isolated surface silanol groups, evidencing intra-cage surface functionalization. All materials were characterized by DRIFT spectroscopy, nitrogen physisorption and elemental analysis.     

U(SMes*)n, (n = 3, 4) and Ln(SMes*)3 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd): lanthanide(III)/actinide(III) differentiation in agostic interactions and an unprecedented eta3 ligation mode of the arylthiolate ligand, from X-ray diffraction and DFT analysis

Reaction of U(NEt(2))(4) with HS-2,4,6-(t)Bu(3)C(6)H(2) (HSMes) gave U(SMes)(3)(NEt(2))(py) (1), whereas similar treatment of U[N(SiMe(3))SiMe(2)CH(2)][N(SiMe(3))(2)](2) afforded U(SMes)[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3) (2) and U(SMes)(3)[N(SiMe(3))(2)]. The first neutral homoleptic uranium(IV) thiolate to have been crystallographically characterized, U(SMes)(4) (4), was isolated from the reaction of U(BH(4))(4) and KSMes. The first homoleptic thiolate complex of uranium(III), U(SMes)(3) (5), was synthesized by protonolysis of U[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3) with HSMes in cyclohexane. The crystal structure of 5 exhibits the novel eta(3) ligation mode for the arylthiolate ligand. Comparison of the crystal structure of 5 with those of the isomorphous lanthanide congeners Ln(SMes)(3) (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, and Nd) indicates that the U-S, U-C(ipso)(), and U-C(ortho)() bond lengths are shorter than the corresponding ones in the 4f-element analogues, when taking into account the variation in the ionic radii of the metals. The distance between the uranium and the carbon atoms involved in the U...H-C epsilon agostic interaction of each thiolate ligand is shorter, by approximately 0.05 A, than that expected from a purely ionic bonding model. The lanthanide(III)/actinide(III) differentiation was analyzed by density functional theory (DFT). The nature of the M-S bond is shown to be ionic strongly polarized at the sulfur for M = U and iono-covalent (i.e. strongly ionic with low orbital interaction), for M = Ln. The strength of the U...H-C epsilon agostic interaction is proposed to be controlled by the maximization of the interaction between U(+) and S(-) under steric constraints. The eta(3) ligation mode of the arylthiolate ligand is also obtained from DFT.     

(N2)3- radical chemistry via trivalent lanthanide salt/alkali metal reduction of dinitrogen: new syntheses and examples of (N2)2- and (N2)3- complexes and density functional theory comparisons of closed shell Sc3+, Y3+, and Lu3+ versus 4f(9) Dy3+

New syntheses of complexes containing the recently discovered (N(2))(3-) radical trianion have been developed by examining variations on the LnA(3)/M reductive system that delivers "LnA(2)" reactivity when Ln = scandium, yttrium, or a lanthanide, M = an alkali metal, and A = N(SiMe(3))(2) and C(5)R(5). The first examples of LnA(3)/M reduction of dinitrogen with aryloxide ligands (A = OC(6)R(5)) are reported: the combination of Dy(OAr)(3) (OAr = OC(6)H(3)(t)Bu(2)-2,6) with KC(8) under dinitrogen was found to produce both (N(2))(2-) and (N(2))(3-) products, [(ArO)(2)Dy(THF)(2)](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 1, and [(ArO)(2)Dy(THF)](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(THF)(6)], 2a, respectively. The range of metals that form (N(2))(3-) complexes with [N(SiMe(3))(2)](-) ancillary ligands has been expanded from Y to Lu, Er, and La. Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/M reactions with M = Na as well as KC(8) are reported. Reduction of the isolated (N(2))(2-) complex {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 3, with KC(8) forms the (N(2))(3-) complex, {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(THF)(6)], 4a, in high yield. The reverse transformation, the conversion of 4a to 3 can be accomplished cleanly with elemental Hg. The crown ether derivative {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(18-crown-6)(THF)(2)] was isolated from reduction of 3 with KC(8) in the presence of 18-crown-6 and found to be much less soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF) than the [K(THF)(6)](+) salt, which facilitates its separation from 3. Evidence for ligand metalation in the Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/KC(8) reaction was obtained through the crystal structure of the metallacyclic complex {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y[CH(2)Si(Me(2))NSiMe(3)]}[K(18-crown-6)(THF)(toluene)]. Density functional theory previously used only with reduced dinitrogen complexes of closed shell Sc(3+) and Y(3+) was extended to Lu(3+) as well as to open shell 4f(9) Dy(3+) complexes to allow the first comparison of bonding between these four metals.     

Synthesis and catalytic activity of heterogeneous rare-earth metal catalysts coordinated with multitopic Schiff-base ligands

Four multitopic Schiff-base ligand precursors were synthesized via condensation of 4,4'-diol-3,3'-diformyl-1,1'-diphenyl or 1,3,5-tris(4-hydroxy-5-formylphenyl)benzene with 2,6-diisopropylaniline or 2,6-dimethylaniline. Amine elimination reactions of Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3) (Ln = La, Nd, Sm or Y) with these multitopic ligand precursors gave ten heterogeneous rare-earth metal catalysts. These heterogeneous rare-earth metal catalysts are active for intramolecular hydroalkoxylation of alkynols, and the catalytic activities are influenced by the ligand and metal ion. The recycling experiment on the most active heterogeneous catalyst showed the catalyst has a good reusability.     

Synthesis and luminescence studies of mono- and C3-symmetric, tris(ligand) complexes of Sm(III), Y(III) and Eu(III) with sulfur-bridged binaphtholate ligands

A series of trivalent mono- and tris(ligand) lanthanide complexes of a sulfur-bridged binaphthol ligand [1,1'-S(2-HOC(10)H(4)Bu(t)(2)-3,6)(2)] H(2)L(SN), have been prepared and characterised both structurally and photophysically. The H(2)L(SN) ligand provides an increased steric bulk and offers an additional donor atom (sulfur) as compared with 1,1'-binaphthol (BINOL), a ligand commonly used to complex Lewis acidic lanthanide catalysts. Reaction of the diol H(2)L(SN) with [Sm[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)] affords silylamido- and amino- derivatives [Sm(L(SN))[N(SiMe(3))(2)][HN(SiMe(3))(2)]] and the crystallographically characterised [Sm(L(SN))[N(SiMe(3))(2)](thf)(2)] with different degrees of structural rigidity, depending on the presence of coordinating solvents. The binaphthyl groups of the L(SN) ligand act as sensitisers of the metal centred emission, which is observed for the Eu(III) and Sm(III) complexes studied. We have therefore sought to use emission spectroscopy as a non-invasive technique to monitor a monomer-dimer equilibrium in these complexes. A dramatic difference between the emission properties of the unreactive dimeric Sm(III) aryloxide complex, the solvated monomeric analogues and the amido adduct demonstrated the potential use of such a technique. For a few representative lanthanides (Ln = Sm, Eu and Y) the reaction of the dilithium salt Li(2)L(SN) with either [Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2]3)] or [LnCl(3)(thf)(3)] affords only the homoleptic complex [Li(S)(3)][LnL(SN)(3)](S = thf or diethyl ether); we report the structural characterisation of the Sm complex. However, the reactions of this dipotassium salt K(2)L(SN) with [Sm[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)] or [SmCl(3)(thf)(3)] give only [SmL(SN)N(SiMe(3))(2)], or intractable mixtures respectively, in which no (tris)binaphtholate is observed. The only isolable lanthanide-L(SN) halide adduct so far is [YbL(SN)I(thf)].     

Synthesis of the (N2)3- radical from Y2+ and its protonolysis reactivity to form (N2H2)2- via the Y[N(SiMe3)2]3/KC8 reduction system

Examination of the Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/KC(8) reduction system that allowed isolation of the (N(2))(3-) radical has led to the first evidence of Y(2+) in solution. The deep-blue solutions obtained from Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3) and KC(8) in THF at -35 °C under argon have EPR spectra containing a doublet at g(iso) = 1.976 with a 110 G hyperfine coupling constant. The solutions react with N(2) to generate (N(2))(2-) and (N(2))(3-) complexes {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Y}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)) (1) and {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Y}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(THF)(6)] (2), respectively, and demonstrate that the Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/KC(8) reaction can proceed through an Y(2+) intermediate. The reactivity of (N(2))(3-) radical with proton sources was probed for the first time for comparison with the (N(2))(2-) and (N(2))(4-) chemistry. Complex 2 reacts with [Et(3)NH][BPh(4)] to form {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Y}(2)(μ-N(2)H(2)), the first lanthanide (N(2)H(2))(2-) complex derived from dinitrogen, as well as 1 as a byproduct, consistent with radical disproportionation reactivity.     

Half-sandwich bis(tetramethylaluminate) complexes of the rare-earth metals: synthesis, structural chemistry, and performance in isoprene polymerization

The protonolysis reaction of [Ln(AlMe(4))(3)] with various substituted cyclopentadienyl derivatives HCp(R) gives access to a series of half-sandwich complexes [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))]. Whereas bis(tetramethylaluminate) complexes with [1,3-(Me(3)Si)(2)C(5)H(3)] and [C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3)] ancillary ligands form easily at ambient temperature for the entire Ln(III) cation size range (Ln=Lu, Y, Sm, Nd, La), exchange with the less reactive [1,2,4-(Me(3)C)(3)C(5)H(3)] was only obtained at elevated temperatures and for the larger metal centers Sm, Nd, and La. X-ray structure analyses of seven representative complexes of the type [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))] reveal a similar distinct [AlMe(4)] coordination (one eta(2), one bent eta(2)). Treatment with Me(2)AlCl leads to [AlMe(4)] --> [Cl] exchange and, depending on the Al/Ln ratio and the Cp(R) ligand, varying amounts of partially and fully exchanged products [{Ln(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl)(Cp(R))}(2)] and [{Ln(mu-Cl)(2)(Cp(R))}(n)], respectively, have been identified. Complexes [{Y(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl)(C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3))}(2)] and [{Nd(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl){1,2,4-(Me(3)C)(3)C(5)H(2)}}(2)] have been characterized by X-ray structure analysis. All of the chlorinated half-sandwich complexes are inactive in isoprene polymerization. However, activation of the complexes [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))] with boron-containing cocatalysts, such as [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], [PhNMe(2)H][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], or B(C(6)F(5))(3), produces initiators for the fabrication of trans-1,4-polyisoprene. The choice of rare-earth metal cation size, Cp(R) ancillary ligand, and type of boron cocatalyst crucially affects the polymerization performance, including activity, catalyst efficiency, living character, and polymer stereoregularity. The highest stereoselectivities were observed for the precatalyst/cocatalyst systems [La(AlMe(4))(2)(C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3))]/B(C(6)F(5))(3) (trans-1,4 content: 95.6 %, M(w)/M(n)=1.26) and [La(AlMe(4))(2)(C(5)Me(5))]/B(C(6)F(5))(3) (trans-1,4 content: 99.5 %, M(w)/M(n)=1.18).     

Trinuclear to dinuclear: a radii dependence lanthanide(III) self-assembly coordination behavior of an amide-type tripodal ligand

Lanthanide nitrate complexes with the heptadentate ligand L (6-[2-(2-(diethylamino)-2-oxoethoxy)ethyl]-N,N,12-triethyl-11-oxo-3,9-dioxa-6,12-diazatetradecanamide), [Ln(2)L(NO(3))(6)] (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Ho), have been prepared and characterized. The X-ray crystallographic studies show that, in [La(2)L(NO(3))(6)(H(2)O)].H(2)O (1), two complex cations [LaL(H(2)O)](3+) are linked by a hexanitrato anion [La(NO(3))(6)](3)(-) and form a trinuclear cation. In [Nd(2)L(NO(3))(6)(H(2)O)].CHCl(3).1/2CH(3)OH.1/2H(2)O (2), one complex cation [NdL(H(2)O)](3+) and a hexanitrato complex anion [Nd(NO(3))(6)](3)(-) are linked by a bridging NO(3)(-) to form a dinuclear complex. In both complexes, the bridging nitrate is an unusual tetradentate ligand. The metal ions are 12-coordinated in hexanitrato anions and 10-coordinated in complex cations. The chainlike supramolecular structures of La(3+) complex are parallel and have no hydrogen bonds in between, while, in the Nd(3+) complex, a chiral cavity is formed by hydrogen bonds between two adjacent supramolecular chains. These influences are further investigated by assessing the separation efficiency of L and (1)H NMR spectra of its lanthanide nitrate mixtures in solution.     

Synthesis, structure and catalytic activity of alkali metal-free bent-sandwiched lanthanide amido complexes with calix[4]-pyrrolyl ligands

Simple silylamine elimination reactions of calix[4]-pyrrole [R(2)C(C(4)H(2)NH)](4) (R = Me (1), {-(CH(2))(5)-}(0.5) (2)) with 2 equiv. of [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](3)Ln(μ-Cl)Li(THF)(3) (Ln = Nd, Sm, Dy) in reflux toluene, afforded the novel dinuclear alkali metal-free trivalent lanthanide amido complexes (η(5):η(1):η(5):η(1)-R(8)-calix[4]-pyrrolyl){LnN(SiMe(3))(2)}(2) (R = Me, Ln = Nd (3), Sm (4), Dy (5); R = {-(CH(2))(5)-}(0.5), Ln = Nd (6), Sm(7)). The complexes were fully characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray analyses. X-ray diffraction studies showed that each lanthanide metal was supported by bispyrrolyl anions in an η(5) fashion and along with three nitrogen atoms from N(SiMe(3))(2) and two other pyrroyl rings in η(1) modes formed the novel bent-sandwiched lanthanide amido bridged trivalent lanthanide amido complexes, similar to ansa-cyclopentadienyl ligand-supported lanthanide amides with respect to each metal center. The catalytic activities of these organolanthanide complexes as single component l-lactide polymerization catalysts were studied.     

Mono-phosphacyclopentadienyl bis(tetramethylaluminate) lanthanide complexes

Homoleptic complexes Ln(AlMe(4))(3) (Ln = La, Nd) can be straightforwardly utilized in salt metathetic exchange reactions with potassium 2,3,4,5-tetramethylphospholide (KTmp) or 3,4-dimethyl-2,5-bis(trimethylsilyl)phospholide (KDsp) affording monophosphacyclopentadienyl hydrocarbyl complexes (eta(5)-PC(4)Me(4))Ln(AlMe(4))(2) and [eta(5)-PC(4)Me(2)(SiMe(3))(2)]Ln(AlMe(4))(2) (Ln = La, Nd). The solid-state structures reveal distinct metal size effects as evidenced by X-ray diffraction analyses of monomeric neodymium Tmp and Dsp derivatives as well as the dimeric lanthanum Tmp complex. Dimerization is accomplished by intermolecular P --> La donor contacts. Upon activation with [PhMe(2)NH][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] the monophosphacyclopentadienyl complexes initiate the polymerization of isoprene producing 1,4-trans-polyisoprene (tPIP > 87%) with moderate activity (approximately 30 kg(PIP) mol(Ln)(-1) h(-1)).     

Two new groups of homoleptic rare earth pyridylbenzimidazolates: (NC12H8(NH)2)[Ln(N3C12H8)4] with Ln = Y,Tb, Yb,and [Ln(N3C12H8)2(N3C12H9)2][Ln(N3C12H8)4](N3C12H9)2 with Ln = La,Sm, Eu

The compounds (NC(12)H(8)(NH)(2))[Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(4)], Ln = Y, Tb, Yb, and [Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(2)(N(3)C(12)H(9))(2)][Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(4)](N(3)C(12)H(9))(2), with Ln = La, Sm, Eu, were obtained by reactions of the group 3 metals yttrium and lanthanum as well as the lanthanides europium, samarium, terbium, and ytterbium with 2-(2-pyridyl)-benzimidazole. The reactions were carried out in melts of the amine without any solvent and led to two new groups of homoleptic rare earth pyridylbenzimidazolates. The trivalent rare earth atoms have an eightfold nitrogen coordination of four chelating pyridylbenzimidazolates giving an ionic structure with either pyridylbenzimidazolium or [Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(2)(N(3)C(12)H(9))(2)](+) counterions. With Y, Eu, Sm, and Yb, single crystals were obtained whereas the La- and Tb-containing compounds were identified by powder methods. The products were investigated by X-ray single crystal or powder diffraction and MIR and far-IR spectroscopy, and with DTA/TG regarding their thermal behavior. They are another good proof of the value of solid-state reaction methods for the formation of homoleptic pnicogenides of the lanthanides. Despite their difference in the chemical formula, both types (NC(12)H(8)(NH)(2))[Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(4)], Ln = Y (1), Tb (2), Yb (3), and [Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(2)(N(3)C(12)H(9))(2)][Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(4)](N(3)C(12)H(9))(2), Ln = La (4), Sm (5), Eu (6), crystallize isotypic in the tetragonal space group I4(1). Crystal data for (1): T = 170(2) K, a = 1684.9(1) pm, c = 3735.0(3) pm, V = 10603.5(14) x 10(6) pm(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.053, wR2 = 0.113. Crystal data for (3): T = 170(2) K, a = 1683.03(7) pm, c = 3724.3(2) pm, V = 10549.4(14) x 10(6) pm(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.047, wR2 = 0.129. Crystal data for (5): T = 103(2) K, a = 1690.1(2) pm, c = 3759.5(4) pm, V = 10739(2) x 10(6) pm(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.050, wR2 = 0.117. Crystal data for (6): T = 170(2) K, a = 1685.89(9) pm, c = 3760.0(3) pm, V = 10686.9(11) x 10(6) pm(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.060, wR2 = 0.144.     

Complexes of lanthanide nitrates with bis(diphenylphosphino)methane dioxide

The reactions of lanthanide nitrates, Ln(NO(3))(3), with bis(diphenylphosphino)methane dioxide, Ph(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Ph(2) (L), lead to complexes with three distinct classes of structure. At low ratios of Ln:L (<1:1.5) in acetonitrile the ionic complexes [Ln(NO(3))(2)L(2)](+)[Ln(NO(3))(4)L](-) (Ln = Pr, Eu) have been isolated. When carried out with a 1:2 or higher ratio in ethanol the reaction yields Ln(NO(3))(3)L(2) (Ln = La,Ce) and [Ln(NO(3))(2)L(2)H(2)O](+)[NO(3)](-) (Ln = Nd, Gd, Ho). Geometrical isomerism is found for the cations [Ln(NO(3))(2)L(2)H(2)O](+) and is attributed to the extent of hydrogen bonding to the coordinated water. Ligand redistribution occurs on heating in the solid state giving yellow solids in all cases. Crystallization of these materials from ethanol or acetonitrile gives [Ln(NO(3))L(3)](2+).2[NO(3)](-), which have been structurally characterized for Ln = Gd and Yb. Electrospray mass spectra indicate that extensive ligand exchange reactions occur in solution.     

The intramolecular rearrangement of phosphinohydrazides [R'2P-NR-NR-M] → [RN═PR'2-NR-M]: general rules and exceptions. transformations of bulky phosphinohydrazines (R-NH-N(PPh2)2, R = tBu, Ph2P)

Reactions of diphosphinohydrazines R-NH-N(PPh(2))(2) (R = tBu (1), Ph(2)P (3)) with some metalation reagents (Co[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2), LiN(SiMe(3))(2), La[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3), nBuLi, MeLi) were performed. Compound 1 was synthesized by the reaction of Ph(2)PCl with tert-butylhydrazine hydrochloride in 83% yield. This compound reveals temperature-dependent (31)P NMR spectra due to hindered rotation about the P-N bonds. Complicated redox reaction of 1 with Co[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2) proceeds with cleavage of the P-N and N-N bonds to form a binuclear cobalt complex [Co{HN(PPh(2))(2)-κ(2)P,P'}(2)(μ-PPh(2))](2) (2) demonstrating a short Co···Co distance of 2.3857(5) ?, which implies a formal double bond between the Co atoms. Strong nucleophiles (nBuLi, MeLi) cause fragmentation of the molecules 1 and 3, while reactions of 3 with lithium and lanthanum silylamides give products of the NNP → NPN rearrangement [Li{Ph(2)P(NPPh(2))(2)-κ(2)N,N'}(THF)(2)] (4) and [La{Ph(2)P(NPPh(2))(2)-κ(2)N,N'}{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)] (5), respectively. These complexes represent the first examples of a κ(2)N,N' bonding mode for the triphosphazenide ligand [(Ph(2)PN)(2)PPh(2)](-). DFT calculations showed large energy gain (52.1 kcal/mol) of the [NNP](-) to [NPN](-) anion rearrangement.     

Reduction of dinitrogen with an yttrium metallocene hydride precursor, [(C5Me5)2YH]2

Treatment of [(C(5)Me(5))(2)YH](2), 1, with KC(8) under N(2) in methylcyclohexane generates the unsolvated reduced dinitrogen complex, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 2, and extends the range of yttrium and lanthanide LnZ(2)Z'/M (Z = monoanion; M = alkali metal) dinitrogen reduction reactions to (Z')(-) = (H)(-). The hydride complex, 1, is unique in this reactivity compared to other alkane-soluble yttrium metallocenes, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)YX](x) {X = [N(SiMe(3))(2)](-), (Me)(-), (C(3)H(5))(-), and (C(5)Me(5))(-)} which did not generate 2 when treated with KC(8). [(C(5)Me(5))(2)LnH](x)/KC(8)/N(2) reactions with Ln = La and Lu did not give isolable dinitrogen complexes. Complex 2 and the unsolvated lutetium analogue, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Lu](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 3, were obtained using benzene as a solvent and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)] as precursors with excess KC(8). Complex 2 functions as a reducing agent with PhSSPh to form [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(μ-SPh)](2), 4, in high yield.     

Influence of Schiff base and lanthanide metals on the synthesis, stability, and reactivity of monoamido lanthanide complexes bearing two Schiff bases

The monoamido lanthanide complexes stabilized by Schiff base ligand L(2)LnN(TMS)(2) (L = 3,5-Bu(t)(2)-2-(O)-C(6)H(2)CH═N-8-C(9)H(6)N, Ln = Yb (1), Y (2), Eu (3), Nd (4), and La (5)) were synthesized in good yields by the reactions of Ln[N(TMS)(2)](3) with 1.8 equiv of HL in hexane at room temperature. It was found that the stability of 1-5 depends greatly on the size of the lanthanide metals with the increasing trend of Yb ≈ Y < Nd < La. The amine elimination of Ln[N(TMS)(2)](3) with the bulky bidentate Schiff base HL' (L' = 3,5-Bu(t)(2)-2-(O)-C(6)H(2)CH═N-2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3)) afforded the monoamido lanthanide complexes L'(2)LnN(TMS)(2) (Ln = Yb (9), Y (10), Nd (11), and La (12)). While the amine elimination with the less bulky Schiff base HL' (L' = 3,5-Bu(t)(2)-2-(O)-C(6)H(2)CH═N-2,6-Me(2)-C(6)H(3)) yielded the desired monoamido complexes with the small metals of Y and Yb, L'(2)LnN(TMS)(2) (Ln = Yb (13) and Y (14)), and the more stable tris-Schiff base complexes with the large metals of La and Nd, yielded L'(3)Ln as the only product. Complexes 1-14 were fully characterized including X-ray crystal structural analysis. Complexes 1-5, 10, and 14 can serve as the efficient catalysts for addition of amines to carbodiimides, and the catalytic activity is greatly affected by the lanthanide metals with the active sequence of Yb < Y < Eu ≈ Nd ≈ La.     

C2-symmetric bis(oxazolinato)lanthanide catalysts for enantioselective intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization

C(2)-symmetric bis(oxazolinato)lanthanide complexes of the type [(4R,5S)-Ph(2)Box]La[N(TMS)(2)](2), [(4S,5R)-Ar(2)Box]La[N(TMS)(2)](2), and [(4S)-Ph-5,5-Me(2)Box]La[N(TMS)(2)](2) (Box = 2,2'-bis(2-oxazoline)methylenyl; Ar = 4-tert-butylphenyl, 1-naphthyl; TMS = SiMe(3)) serve as precatalysts for the efficient enantioselective intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization of aminoalkenes and aminodienes. These new catalyst systems are conveniently generated in situ from the known metal precursors Ln[N(TMS)(2)](3) or Ln[CH(TMS)(2)](3) (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Y, Lu) and 1.2 equiv of commercially available or readily prepared bis(oxazoline) ligands such as (4R,5S)-Ph(2)BoxH, (4S,5R)-Ar(2)BoxH, and (4S)-Ph-5,5-Me(2)BoxH. The X-ray crystal structure of [(4S)-(t)BuBox]Lu[CH(TMS)(2)](2) provides insight into the structure of the in situ generated precatalyst species. Lanthanides having the largest ionic radii exhibit the highest turnover frequencies as well as enantioselectivities. Reaction rates maximize near 1:1 BoxH:Ln ratio (ligand acceleration); however, increasing the ratio to 2:1 BoxH:Ln decreases the reaction rate, while affording enantiomeric excesses similar to the 1:1 BoxH:Ln case. A screening study of bis(oxazoline) ligands reveals that aryl stereodirecting groups at the oxazoline ring 4 position and additional substitution (geminal dimethyl or aryl) at the 5 position are crucial for high turnover frequencies and good enantioselectivities. The optimized precatalyst, in situ generated [(4R,5S)-Ph(2)Box]La[N(TMS)(2)](2), exhibits good rates and enantioselectivities, comparable to or greater than those achieved with chiral C(1)-symmetric organolanthanocene catalysts, even for poorly responsive substrates (up to 67% ee at 23 degrees C). Kinetic studies reveal that hydroamination rates are zero order in [amine substrate] and first order in [catalyst], implicating the same general mechanism for organolanthanide-catalyzed hydroamination/cyclizations (intramolecular turnover-limiting olefin insertion followed by the rapid protonolysis of an Ln-C bond by amine substrate) and implying that the active catalytic species is monomeric.     

Lanthanide amido complexes incorporating amino-coordinate-lithium bridged bis(indolyl) ligands: synthesis, characterization, and catalysis for hydrophosphonylation of aldehydes and aldimines

Two series of new lanthanide amido complexes supported by bis(indolyl) ligands with amino-coordinate-lithium as a bridge were synthesized and characterized. The interactions of [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](3)Ln(III)(μ-Cl)Li(THF)(3) with 2 equiv of 3-(CyNHCH(2))C(8)H(5)NH in toluene produced the amino-coordinate-lithium bridged bis(indolyl) lanthanide amides [μ-{[η(1):η(1):η(1):η(1)-3-(CyNHCH(2))Ind](2)Li}Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)] (Cy = cyclohexyl, Ind = Indolyl, Ln = Sm (1), Eu (2), Dy (3), Yb (4)) in good yields. Treatment of [μ-{[η(1):η(1):η(1):η(1)-3-(CyNHCH(2))Ind](2)Li}Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)] with THF gave new lanthanide amido complexes [μ-{[η(1):η(1)-3-(CyNHCH(2))Ind](2)Li(THF)}Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)] (Ln = Eu (5), Dy (6), Yb (7)), which can be transferred to amido complexes 2, 3, and 4 by reflux the corresponding complexes in toluene. Thus, two series of rare-earth-metal amides could be reciprocally transformed easily by merely changing the solvent in the reactions. All new complexes 1-7 are fully characterized including X-ray structural determination. The catalytic activities of these new lanthanide amido complexes for hydrophosphonylation of both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes and various substituted aldimines were explored. The results indicated that these complexes displayed a high catalytic activity for the C-P bond formation with employment of low catalyst loadings (0.1 mol?% for aldehydes and 1 mol?% for aldimines) under mild conditions. Thus, it provides a convenient way to prepare both α-hydroxy and α-amino phosphonates.     

Highly atom efficient guanylation of both aromatic and secondary amines catalyzed by simple lanthanide amides

It is demonstrated that the cyclopentadienyl-free simple lanthanide amides [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](3)Ln(mu-Cl)Li(THF)(3)(Ln = La, Sm, Eu, Y, Yb) and Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)]3 (Ln = Y, Yb) are highly efficient catalysts for the guanylation of both aromatic and secondary amines with a high activity under mild conditions. It is found that these catalysts are compatible with a wide range of solvents and substrates.