Multiple pathways for dinitrogen activation during the reduction of an Fe Bis(iminepyridine) complex

Reduction of the bis(iminopyridine) FeCl(2) complex {2,6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))](2)(C(5)H(3)N)}FeCl(2) using NaH has led to the formation of a surprising variety of structures depending on the amount of reductant. Some of the species reported in this work were isolated from the same reaction mixture, and their structures suggest the presence of multiple pathways for dinitrogen activation. The reaction with 3 equiv of NaH afforded {2-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))]-6-[2,6-(iPr)(20PhN-C=CH(2)](C(5)H(3)N)}Fe(micro,eta(2)-N(2))Na (THF) (1) containing one N(2) unit terminally bound to Fe and side-on attached to the Na atom. In the process, one of the two imine methyl groups has been deprotonated, transforming the neutral ligand into the corresponding monoanionic version. When 4 equiv were employed, two other dinitrogen complexes {2-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))]-6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN-C=CH(2)](C(5)H(3)N)}Fe(micro-N2)Na(Et(2)O)(3) (2) and {2,6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))](2)(C(5)H(3)N)}Fe(micro-N(2))Na[Na(THF)(2)] (3) were obtained from the same reaction mixture. Complex 2 is chemically equivalent to 1, the different degree of solvation of the alkali cation being the factor apparently responsible for the sigma-bonding mode of ligation of the N(2) unit to Na, versus the pi-bonding mode featured in 1. In complex 3, the ligand remains neutral but a larger extent of reduction has been obtained, as indicated by the presence of two Na atoms in the structure. A further increase in the amount of reductant (12 equiv) afforded a mixture of {2-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))]-6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN-C=CH(2)](C(5)H(3)N)}Fe-N(2) (4) and [{2,6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))](2)(C(5)H(3)N)}Fe-N(2)](2)(micro-Na) [Na(THF)(2)](2) (5) which were isolated by fractional crystallization. Complex 4, also containing a terminally bonded N(2) unit and a deprotonated anionic ligand bearing no Na cations, appears to be the precursor of 1. The apparent contradiction that excess NaH is required for its successful isolation (4 is the least reduced complex of this series) is most likely explained by the formation of the partner product 5, which may tentatively be regarded as the result of aggregation between 1 and 3 (with the ligand system in its neutral form). Finally, reduction carried out in the presence of additional free ligand afforded {2,6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))](2)(C(5)H(3)N)}Fe(eta(1)-N(2)){2,6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))](20(NC(5)H(2))}[Na(THF)(2)] (6) and {2,6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))](2)(C(5)H(3)N)}Fe{2,6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))](2)(NC(5)H(2))}Na(THF)(2)) (7). In both species, the Fe metal is bonded to the pyridine ring para position of an additional (L)Na unit. Complex 6 chemically differs from 7 (the major component) only for the presence of an end-on coordinated N(2).     

Metal versus ligand alkylation in the reactivity of the (bis-iminopyridinato)Fe catalyst

The alkylation of the Brookhart-Gibson {2,6-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN=C(CH3)]2(C5H3N)} FeCl2 precatalyst with 2 equiv of LiCH2Si(CH3)3 led to the isolation of several catalytically very active products depending on the reaction conditions. The expected dialkylated species {2,6-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN=C(CH3)]2}(C5H3N)Fe(CH2SiMe3)2 (2) was indeed the major component of the reaction mixture. However, other species in which alkylation occurred at the pyridine ring ortho position, {2,6-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN=C(CH3)]2-2-CH2SiMe3}(C5H3N)Fe(CH2SiMe3) (1), and at the imine C atom, {2-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN=C(CH3)]-6-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhNC(CH3)(CH2 SiMe3)](C5H3N)}Fe(CH2SiMe3) (3), have also been isolated and fully characterized. In addition, deprotonation of the methyl-imino functions and formation of a new divalent Fe catalyst {[2,6-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN-C=(CH2)]2(C5H3N)}Fe(mu-Cl)Li(THF)3 (4) also occurred depending on the reaction conditions. In turn, the formation of 4 might trigger the reductive coupling of two units through the methyl-carbon wings. This process resulted in the one-electron reduction of the metal center, affording a dinuclear Fe(I) alkyl catalyst {[{[2,6-(i-Pr)2C6H5]N=C(CH3)}(C5H3N){[2,6-(i-Pr)26H5]N=CCH2}Fe(CH2SiMe3)]}2 (5). Different from other metal derivatives, complex 5 could not be prepared from the monodeprotonated version of the ligand. Its reaction with a mixture of FeCl2 and RLi afforded instead [{2,6-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN-C=(CH2)]2(C5H3N)}FeCH2Si(CH3)3][Li(THF)4] (6) which is also catalytically active. All of these high-spin species have been shown to have high catalytic activity for olefin polymerization, producing polymers of two distinct natures, depending on the formal oxidation state of the metal center.     

Dinitrogen activation, partial reduction, and formation of coordinated imide promoted by a chromium diiminepyridine complex

Reduction of {2,6-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN=C(CH3)]2(C5H3N)}CrCl (3) with NaH afforded the dinuclear dinitrogen complex {[{2,6-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN=C(CH3)]2(C5H3N)}Cr(THF)]2(mu-N2)}.THF (5). Reaction carried in exclusion of dinitrogen afforded instead deprotonation of the ligand with the formation of {2-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN=C(CH3)]-6-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhNC=CH2](C5H3N)}Cr(THF) (4). Further reduction of 5 with NaH yielded a curious dinuclear compound formulated as [{2,6-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN=C(CH3)]2(C5H3N)}Cr(THF)][{2-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN=C(CH3)]-6-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhNC=CH2](C5H3N)}Cr(THF)](mu-N2 H)(mu-Na)2 (6) containing two sodium atoms only bound to the dinitrogen unit and the pi systems of the two diiminepyridine ligands. Subsequent reduction with NaH triggered a complex series of events, leading to the formation of a species formulated as {2-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN=C(CH3)]-6-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhNC=CH2](C5H3N)}Cr(mu-NH)][Na(THF)] (7) on the basis of crystallographic, spectroscopic, isotopic labeling, and chemical degradation experiments.     

Synthesis and structures of a 3-sila-beta-diketiminatomagnesium bromide, ketenimide and triflate

The crystalline compounds [Mg(Br)(L)(thf)].0.5Et2O [L = {N(R)C(C6H3Me2-2,6)}2SiR, R = SiMe3] (1), [Mg(L){N=C=C(C(Me)=CH)2CH2}(D)2] [D = NCC6H3Me2-2,6 (2), thf (3)] and [{Mg(L)}2{mu-OSO(CF3)O-[mu}2] (4) were prepared from (a) Si(Br)(R){C(C6H3Me2-2,6)=NR}2 and Mg for (1), (b) [Mg(SiR3)2(thf)2] and 2,6-Me2C6H3CN (5 mol for (2), 3 mol for (3)), and (c) (2) + Me3SiOS(O)2CF3 for (4); a coproduct from (c) is believed to have been the trimethylsilyl ketenimide Me3SiN=C=C{C(Me)=CH}2CH2 (5).     

Reduction of carbodiimides by samarium(II) bis(trimethylsilyl)amides-formation of oxalamidinates and amidinates through C-C coupling or C-H activation

The reaction of [Sm{N(SiMe3)2}2(THF)2] (THF=tetrahydrofuran) with carbodiimides RN=C=NR (R=Cy, C6H3-2,6-iPr2) led to the formation of dinuclear SmIII complexes via differing C-C coupling processes. For R=Cy, the product [{(Me3Si)2N}2Sm(micro-C2N4Cy4)Sm{N(SiMe3)2}2] (1) has an oxalamidinate [C2N4Cy4]2- ligand resulting from coupling at the central C atoms of two CyNCNCy moieties. In contrast, for R=C6H3-2,6-iPr2, H transfer and an unusual coupling of two iPr methine C atoms resulted in a linked formamidinate complex, [{(Me3Si)2N}2Sm{micro-(RNC(H)N(Ar-Ar)NC(H)NR)}Sm{N(SiMe3)2}2] (2) (Ar-Ar=C6H3-2-iPr-6-C(CH3)2C(CH3)2-6'-C6H3-2'-iPr). Analogous reactions of RN=C=NR (R=Cy, C6H3-2,6-iPr2) with the SmII "ate" complex [Sm{N(SiMe2)3Na] gave 1 for R=Cy, but a novel C-substituted amidinate complex, [(THF)Na{N(R)C(NR)CH2Si(Me2)N(SiMe3)}Sm{N(SiMe3)2}2] (3), for R=C6H3-2,6-iPr2, via gamma C-H activation of a N(SiMe3)2 ligand.     

Preparation and characterization of diarylphosphazene and diarylphosphinohydrazide complexes of titanium, tungsten and ruthenium and phosphorylketimido complexes of rhenium

Reaction of the proligand Ph2PN(SiMe3)2 (L1) with WCl6 gives the oligomeric phosphazene complex [WCl4(NPPh2)]n, 1 and subsequent reaction with PMe2Ph or NBu4Cl gives [WCl4(NPPh2)(PMe2Ph)] (2) or [WCl5(NPPh2)][NBu4] (3), respectively. DF calculations on [WCl5(NPPh2)][NBu4] show a W=N double bond (1.756 A) and a P-N bond distance of 1.701 A, which combined with the geometry about the P atom suggests, there is no P-N multiple bonding. Reaction of L1 with [ReOX3(PPh3)2] in MeCN (X = Cl or Br) gives [ReX2(NC(CH3)P(O)Ph2)(MeCN)(PPh3)](X = Cl, 4, X = Br, 5) which contains the new phosphorylketimido ligand. It is bound to the rhenium centre with a virtually linear Re-N-C arrangement (Re-N-C angle = 176.6 degrees, when X = Cl) and there is multiple bonding between Re and N (Re-N = 1.809(7) A when X = Cl). The proligand Ph2PNHNMe2(L2H) reacts with [(C5H5)TiCl3] to give [(C5H5)TiCl2(Me2NNPPh2)] (6). An X-ray crystal structure of the complex shows the ligand (L2) is bound by both nitrogen atoms. Reaction of the proligands Ph2PNHNR2[R2 = Me2 (L2H), -(CH2CH2)2NCH3 (L3H), (CH2CH2)2CH2 (L4H)] with [{RuCl(mu-Cl)(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)}2] gave [RuCl2(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)L] {L = L2H (7), L3H (8), L4H (9)}. The X-ray crystal structures of 7-9 confirmed that the phosphinohydrazine ligand is neutral and bound via the phosphorus only. Reaction of complexes 7-9 with AgBF4 resulted in chloride ion abstraction and the formation of the cationic species [RuCl(6-p-MeC6H4iPr)(L)]+ BF4- {(L = L2H (10), L3H (11), L4H (12)}. Finally, reaction of complex 6 with [{RuCl(mu-Cl)(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)}2] gave the binuclear species [(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)Cl2Ru(mu2,eta3-Ph2PNNMe2)TiCl2(C5H5)], 13.     

2-[1-(2,6-Dibenzhydryl-4-methylphenylimino)ethyl]-6-[1-(arylimino)ethyl]pyridylcobalt(II) dichlorides: synthesis, characterization and ethylene polymerization behavior

A series of unsymmetrical 2,6-bis(imino)pyridylcobalt(II) complexes, {2-[2,6-(CH(C(6)H(5))(2))(2)-4-Me-C(6)H(2)N==C(CH(3))]-6-(2,6-R(1)(2)-4-R(2)-C(6)H(2)N==CCH(3))-C(5)H(3)NCoCl(2)} where R(1) = Me, Et or (i)Pr, R(2) = H or Me, together with the new symmetrical complex 2,6-[2,6-(CH(C(6)H(5))(2))(2)-4-Me-C(6)H(2)N==C(CH(3))](2)-C(5)H(3)NCoCl(2), were synthesized. All of the compounds were fully characterized by (1)H NMR and IR spectroscopy, as well as by elemental analysis. The molecular structures of Co1 (R(1) = Me, R(2) = H) and Co5 (R(1) = Et, R(2) = Me) were further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction, which indicated that the cobalt centres were penta-coordinate with a pseudo square-pyramidal geometry. Upon treatment with MAO or MMAO, these cobalt pre-catalysts exhibited higher activities than any previously reported cobalt pre-catalysts, with values as high as 4.64 × 10(6) g PE mol(-1)(Co) h(-1) for ethylene polymerization at atmospheric pressure. The polyethylenes obtained were of high molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution.     

Synthesis and reactivity of rare earth metal alkyl complexes stabilized by anilido phosphinimine and amino phosphine ligands

Anilido phosphinimino ancillary ligand H(2)L(1) reacted with one equivalent of rare earth metal trialkyl [Ln{CH(2)Si(CH(3))(3)}(3)(thf)(2)] (Ln=Y, Lu) to afford rare earth metal monoalkyl complexes [L(1)LnCH(2)Si(CH(3))(3)(THF)] (1 a: Ln=Y; 1 b: Ln=Lu). In this process, deprotonation of H(2)L(1) by one metal alkyl species was followed by intramolecular C--H activation of the phenyl group of the phosphine moiety to generate dianionic species L(1) with release of two equivalnts of tetramethylsilane. Ligand L(1) coordinates to Ln(3+) ions in a rare C,N,N tridentate mode. Complex l a reacted readily with two equivalents of 2,6-diisopropylaniline to give the corresponding bis-amido complex [(HL(1))LnY(NHC(6)H(3)iPr(2)-2,6)(2)] (2) selectively, that is, the C--H activation of the phenyl group is reversible. When 1 a was exposed to moisture, the hydrolyzed dimeric complex [{(HL(1))Y(OH)}(2)](OH)(2) (3) was isolated. Treatment of [Ln{CH(2)Si(CH(3))(3)}(3)(thf)(2)] with amino phosphine ligands HL(2-R) gave stable rare earth metal bis-alkyl complexes [(L(2-R))Ln{CH(2)Si(CH(3))(3)}(2)(thf)] (4 a: Ln=Y, R=Me; 4 b: Ln=Lu, R=Me; 4 c: Ln=Y, R=iPr; 4 d: Ln=Y, R=iPr) in high yields. No proton abstraction from the ligand was observed. Amination of 4 a and 4 c with 2,6-diisopropylaniline afforded the bis-amido counterparts [(L(2-R))Y(NHC(6)H(3)iPr(2)-2,6)(2)(thf)] (5 a: R=Me; 5 b: R=iPr). Complexes 1 a,b and 4 a-d initiated the ring-opening polymerization of d,l-lactide with high activity to give atactic polylactides.     

Synthesis, structural characterization, reactivity, and thermal stability of [eta(5):sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(R)(NMe2)

Reaction of [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]TiCl(NMe2) (1) with 1 equiv of PhCH2K, MeMgBr, or Me3SiCH2Li gave corresponding organotitanium alkyl complexes [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(R)(NMe2) (R = CH2Ph (2), CH2SiMe3 (4), or Me (5)) in good yields. Treatment of 1 with 1 equiv of n-BuLi afforded the decomposition product {[eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti}2(mu-NMe)(mu:sigma-CH2NMe) (3). Complex 5 slowly decomposed to generate a mixed-valence dinuclear species {[eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti}2(mu-NMe2)(mu:sigma-CH2NMe) (6). Complex 1 reacted with 1 equiv of PhNCO or 2,6-Me2C6H3NC to afford the corresponding monoinsertion product [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(Cl)[eta(2)-OC(NMe2)NPh] (7) or [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(Cl)[eta(2)-C(NMe2)=N(2,6-Me2C6H3)] (8). Reaction of 4 or 5 with 1 equiv of R'NC gave the titanium eta(2)-iminoacyl complexes [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(NMe2)[eta(2)-C(R)=N(R')] (R = CH2SiMe3, R' = 2,6-Me2C6H3 (9) or tBu (10); R = Me, R' = 2,6-Me2C6H3 (11) or tBu (12)). The results indicated that the unsaturated molecules inserted into the Ti-N bond only in the absence of the Ti-C(alkyl) bond and that the Ti-C(cage) bond remained intact. All complexes were fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. Molecular structures of 2, 3, 6-8, and 10-12 were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

The synthesis, structure and ethene polymerisation catalysis of mono(salicylaldiminato) titanium and zirconium complexes

The silyl ethers 3-But-2-(OSiMe3)C6H3CH=NR (2a-e) have been prepared by deprotonation of the known iminophenols (1a-e) and treatment with SiClMe3 (a, R = C6H5; b, R = 2,6-Pri2C6H3; c, R = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2; d, R = 2-C6H5C6H4; e, R = C6F5). 2a-c react with TiCl4 in hydrocarbon solvents to give the binuclear complexes [Ti{3-But-2-(O)C6H3CH=N(R)}Cl(mu-Cl3)TiCl3] (3a-c). The pentafluorophenyl species 2e reacts with TiCl4 to give the known complex Ti{3-But-2-(O)C6H3CH=N(R)}2Cl2. The mononuclear five-coordinate complex, Ti{3-But-2-(O)C6H3CH=N(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)}Cl3 (4c), was isolated after repeated recrystallisation of 3c. Performing the dehalosilylation reaction in the presence of tetrahydrofuran yields the octahedral, mononuclear complexes Ti{3-But-2-(O)C6H3CH=N(R)}Cl3(THF) (5a-e). The reaction with ZrCl4(THF)2 proceeds similarly to give complexes Zr{3-But-2-(O)C6H3CH=N(R)}Cl3(THF) (6b-e). The crystal structures of 3b, 4c, 5a, 5c, 5e, 6b, 6d, 6e and the salicylaldehyde titanium complex Ti{3-But-2-(O)C6H3CH=O}Cl3(THF) (7) have been determined. Activation of complexes 5a-e and 6b-e with MAO in an ethene saturated toluene solution gives polyethylene with at best high activity depending on the imine substituent.     

Reactions of [Et(4)N](3)[Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(4)] with Alkyl Halides and Dihalides: Formation of the Alkyl- and the Dialkylantimony-Iron Carbonyl Complexes

The reactions of [Et(4)N](3)[Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(4)] (1) with RX (R = Me, Et, n-Pr; X = I) in MeCN form the monoalkylated antimony complexes [Et(4)N](2)[RSb{Fe(CO)(4)}(3)] (R = Me, 2; R = Et, 4; R = n-Pr, 6) and the dialkylated antimony clusters [Et(4)N][R(2)Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(2)] (R = Me, 3; R = Et, 5; R = n-Pr, 7), respectively. When [Et(4)N](3)[Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(4)] reacts with i-PrI, only the monoalkylated antimony complex [Et(4)N](2)[i-PrSb{Fe(CO)(4)}(3)] (8) is obtained. The mixed dialkylantimony complex [Et(4)N][MeEtSb{Fe(CO)(4)}(2)] (9) also can be synthesized from the reaction of 2 with EtI. While the reaction with Br(CH(2))(2)Br produces [Et(4)N](2)[BrSb{Fe(CO)(4)}(3)] (10), treatment with Cl(CH(2))(3)Br forms the monoalkylated product [Et(4)N](2)[Cl(CH(2))(3)Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(3)] (11) and a dialkylated novel antimony-iron complex [Et(4)N][{&mgr;-(CH(2))(3)}Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(3)] (12). On the other hand, the reaction with Br(CH(2))(4)Br forms the monoalkylated antimony product and the dialkylated antimony complex [Et(4)N][{&mgr;-(CH(2))(4)}Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(2)] (13). Complexes 2-13 are characterized by spectroscopic methods or/and X-ray analyses. On the basis of these analyses, the core of the monoalkyl clusters consists of a central antimony atom tetrahedrally bonded to one alkyl group and three Fe(CO)(4) fragments and the dialkyl products are structurally similar to the monoalkyl clusters, with the central antimony bonded to two alkyl groups and two Fe(CO)(4) moieties in each case. The dialkyl complex 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 13.014(8) ?, b = 11.527(8) ?, c = 17.085(5) ?, beta = 105.04(3) degrees, V = 2475(2) ?(3), and Z = 4. Crystals of 12 are orthorhombic, of space group Pbca, with a = 14.791(4) ?, b = 15.555(4) ?, c = 27.118(8) ?, V = 6239(3) ?(3), and Z = 8. The anion of cluster 12 exhibits a central antimony atom bonded to three Fe(CO)(4) fragments with a -(CH(2))(3)- group bridging between the Sb atom and one Fe(CO)(4) fragment. This paper discusses the details of the reactions of [Et(4)N](3)[Sb{Fe(CO)(4)}(4)] with a series of alkyl halides and dihalides. These reactions basically proceed via a novel double-alkylation pathway, and this facile methodology can as well provide a convenient route to a series of alkylated antimony-iron carbonyl clusters.     

Probing stepwise reaction of NNP-ligand copper(I) complex with elemental sulfur by using N-heterocyclic carbene as a trapper

The dinuclear NNP-ligand copper(I) complex [o-N═CH(C(4)H(3)N)-PPh(2)C(6)H(4)](2)Cu(2) (1) has been synthesized by the reaction of (CuMes)(4) (Mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)) with N-((1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-methylene)-2-(diphenylphosphino)benzenamine under an elimination of MesH. Further reaction of 1 with an excess of S(8) produced a mononuclear Cu(II) complex [o-N═CH(C(4)H(3)N)-P(S)Ph(2)C(6)H(4)](2)Cu (5) and CuS. CuS was identified by Raman spectroscopy and 1 and 5 were clearly confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The N-heterocyclic carbene was employed to react with 1 to give a mononuclear [o-N═CH(C(4)H(3)N)-PPh(2)C(6)H(4)]Cu{C[N(iPr)CMe](2)} (2). The reactions of 2 were carried out with (1)/(8), (2)/(8), and (5)/(8) equiv of S(8), leading to compounds [o-N═CH(C(4)H(3)N)-P(S)Ph(2)C(6)H(4)]Cu{C[N(iPr)CMe](2)} (3), [o-N═CH(C(4)H(3)N)-P(S)Ph(2)C(6)H(4)]Cu (4), and 5 respectively, in which CuS was generated in the third reaction and S═C[N(iPr)CMe](2) in the latter two reactions. The clean confirmation of 2-4 demonstrates a stepwise reaction process of 1 with S(8) to 5 and CuS and the N-heterocyclic carbene acts well as a trapping agent.     

Synthesis and Reactivity of a Cationic Platinum(II) Alkylidene Complex

Often proposed, hard to catch: The bis(platinacycle) trans-[Pt{P[2,6-(CH(2) )(Me)C(6) H(3) ]iPr(2) }(2) ] experiences α-hydride abstraction by action of Ph(3) C(+) PF(6) (-) to yield a trans-alkyl-alkylidene species. The electrophilicity of its {Pt?CH}(+) unit is demonstrated by ylide formation by reaction with Lewis bases, stepwise hydrogenation, and carbene cross-coupling with N(2) C(H)CO(2) Et.     

Lithium aluminates on a molecular titanium oxide

Lithium aluminates Li[Al(O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))R'(3)] (R' = Et, Ph) react with the μ(3)-alkylidyne oxoderivative ligands [{Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(μ-O)}(3)(μ(3)-CR)] [R = H (1), Me (2)] to afford the aluminum-lithium-titanium cubane complexes [{R'(3)Al(μ-O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))Li}(μ(3)-O)(3){Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))}(3)(μ(3)-CR)] [R = H, R' = Et (5), Ph (7); R = Me, R' = Et (6), Ph (8)]. Complex 7 evolves with the formation of a lithium dicubane species and a Li{Al(μ-O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))Ph(3)}(2)] unit.     

Two-coordinate d9 complexes. synthesis and oxidation of NHC nickel(I) amides

Reaction of the d9-d9 Ni(I) monochloride dimer, [(IPr)Ni(mu-Cl)]2 (1), with NaN(SiMe3)2 and LiNHAr (Ar = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) gives the novel monomeric, 2-coordinate Ni(I) complexes (IPr)Ni{N(SiMe3)2} (2) and (IPr)Ni(NHAr) (3). Reaction of 2 with Cp2Fe+ results in its 1-e- oxidation followed by beta-Me elimination to give a base-stabilized iminosilane complex [(IPr)Ni(CH3){kappa1-N(SiMe3)=SiMe2.Et2O}][BArF4] (6). Oxidation of 3 gives [(IPr)Ni(eta3-NHAr)(THF)][BArF4] (4), which upon loss of THF affords dimeric [(IPr)Ni(N,eta3:NHC6iPr2H3)]2[BArF4]2 (5).     

Neutral and cationic alkylmanganese(II) complexes containing 2,6-bisiminopyridine ligands

Manganese alkyl complexes stabilised by 2,6-bis(N,N'-2,6-diisopropyl-phenyl)acetaldiminopyridine ((iPr)BIP) have been selectively prepared by reacting suitable alkylmanganese(II) precursors, such as homoleptic dialkyls [(MnR(2))(n)] or the corresponding THF adducts [{MnR(2)(thf)}(2)] with the mentioned ligand. For R=CH(2)CMe(2)Ph or CH(2)Ph, formally Mn(I) derivatives are produced, in which one of the two R groups migrates to the 4-position of the central pyridine ring in the (iPr)BIP ligand. In contrast, a true dialkyl complex [MnR(2)((iPr)BIP)] can be isolated for R=CH(2)SiMe(3). In solution, this compound slowly evolves to the corresponding Mn(I) monoalkyl derivative. A detailed study of this reaction provides insights on its mechanism, showing that it proceeds through successive alkyl migrations, followed by spontaneous dehydrogenation. Protonation of [Mn(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)((iPr)BIP)] with the pyridinium salt [H(Py)(2)][BAr'(4)] (Ar'=3,5-C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)) leads to the cationic species [Mn(CH(2)SiMe(3))(Py)((iPr)BIP)](+). Alternatively, the same complex can be produced by reaction of the pyridine complex [{Mn(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(Py)}(2)] with the protonated ligand salt [H(iPr)BIP](+)[BAr'(4)](-). This last reaction allows the synthesis of analogous cationic alkylmanganese(II) derivatives, when precursors of type [MnR(2)((iPr)BIP)] are not available. Treatment of these neutral and cationic (iPr)BIP alkylmanganese derivatives with a range of typical co-catalysts (modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), B(C(6)F(5))(3), trimethyl or triisobutylaluminum) does not lead to active ethylene polymerisation catalysts.     

Dinitrogen partial reduction by formally zero- and divalent vanadium complexes supported by the bis-iminopyridine system

Reduction of the two trivalent 2,6-{[2,6-(i-Pr)2C6H5]N=C(CH3)}2(C5H3N)VCl3 and {[2,6-{[2,6-(i-Pr)2C6H3]N-C=(CH2)}2(C5H3N)]VCl(THF) complexes with excess NaH afforded two corresponding end-on dinitrogen-bridged complexes [2,6-{[2,6-(i-Pr)2C6H5]N=C(CH3)}2(C5H3N)V]2(m-N2).(hexane) (1) and [{[2,6-{[2,6-(i-Pr)2C6H3]N-C=(CH2)}2(C5H3N)]V]2(m-N2).(hexane) (3). Despite their very close structural similarity, the two species have completely different natures. The first is paramagnetic and may be regarded as generated by the two-electron attack of two formally zerovalent vanadium moieties on the same N2 unit. In the nearly diamagnetic 3 instead, the N2 unit has been reduced by two vanadium atoms, formally divalent. Structural analysis and DFT calculations have indicated that partial reduction of the bridging nitrogen occurred for both complexes while, in the case of 1, substantial metal-to-ligand electron transfer also occurs.     

Oxidative addition reactions of alkyl halides with the group 13 carbene analogue [In{N(Dipp)C(Me)}2CH] (Dipp=2,6-iPr2C6H3)

Reactions of the well-defined two-coordinate indium "carbene analogue" [In{N(Dipp)-C(Me)}2CH] (Dipp=2,6-iPr2C6H3) have been studied. Reactions of MeI, iPrI, and tBuI with [In{N(Dipp)C(Me)}2CH] formed by the in situ reaction of InI, [K{N(SiMe3)2}], and the iminoenamine ligand precursor successfully yielded the oxidative addition products [InRI{N(Dipp)C(Me)}2CH] (R=Me, iPr, tBu). The results of NMR investigations, which indicated the formation of a series of four-coordinate indium(III) complexes in C6D6 solution, were confirmed in the solid-state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Similar reactions employing alkyl bromides were unsuccessful and resulted in the isolation of the corresponding iodides, apparently by metathesis of the bromide oxidative addition product with KI formed during the initial InI metathesis. Reactions of isolated samples of [In{N(Dipp)C(Me)}2CH] with iPrBr and tBuBr, however, were straightforward and resulted in the successful isolation of the analogous iso-propyl and tert-butyl indium(III) bromide complexes. These were also fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. In contrast, no reaction was observed between [In{N(Dipp)-C(Me)}2CH] and aryl halides or alkyl chlorides.     

New and versatile routes to zirconium imido dichloride compounds

Reactions of zirconium dialkyl- or bis(amido)-dichloride complexes "[Zr(CH2SiMe3)2Cl2(Et2O)2]" or [Zr(NMe2)2Cl2(THF)2] with primary alkyl and aryl amines are described. Reaction of "[Zr(CH2SiMe3)2Cl2(Et2O)2]" with RNH2 in THF afforded dimeric [Zr2(mu-NR)2Cl4(THF)4](R=2,6-C6H3iPr2 (1), 2,6-C6H3Me2 (2) or Ph (3)), [Zr2(mu-NR)2Cl4(THF)3](R=tBu (5), iPr (6), CH2Ph (7)), or the "ate" complex [Zr2(mu-NC6F5)2Cl6(THF)2{Li(THF)3}2](4, the LiCl coming from the in situ prepared "[Zr(CH2SiMe3)2Cl2(Et2O)2]"). With [Zr(NMe2)2Cl2(THF)2] the compounds [Zr2(mu-NR)2Cl4(L)x(L')y](R=2,6-C6H3iPr2 (8), 2,6-C6H3Me2 (9), Ph (10) or C6F5 (11); (L)x(L')y=(NHMe2)3(THF), (NHMe2)2(THF)2 or undefined), [Zr2(mu-NtBu)2Cl4(NHMe2)3] (12) and insoluble [Zr(NR)Cl2(NHMe2)]x(R=iPr (13) or CH2Ph (14)) were obtained. Attempts to form monomeric terminal imido compounds by reaction of or with an excess of pyridine led, respectively, to the corresponding dimeric adducts [Zr2(mu-2,6-C6H3Me2)2Cl4(py)4] (15) and [Zr2(mu-NtBu)2Cl4(py)3] (16). The X-ray structures of 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 15 have been determined.     

The beta-dialdiminato ligand [{N(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)C(H)}2CPh]-: the conjugate acid and Li, Al, Ga and In derivatives

The synthesis of the following crystalline complexes is described: [Li(L)(thf)2] (), [Li(L)(tmeda)] (), [MCl2(L)] [M=Al (), Ga ()], [In(Cl)(L)(micro-Cl)2Li(OEt2)2] (), [In(Cl)(L){N(H)C6H3Pri(2)-2,6}] (), [In(L){N(H)C6H3Pri(2)-2,6}2] (), [{In(Cl)(L)(micro-OH)}2] (), [L(Cl)In-In(Cl)(L)] () (the thf-solvate, the solvate-free and the hexane-solvate), [{In(Cl)L}2(micro-S)] () and [InCl2(L)(tmeda)] () ([L]-=[{N(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)C(H)}2CPh]-). From H(L) (), via Li(L) in Et2O, and thf, tmeda, AlCl3, GaCl3 or InCl3 there was obtained , , , or , respectively in excellent yield. Compound was the precursor for each of , and [{InCl3(tmeda)2{micro-(OSnMe2)2}}] () by treatment with one () or two () equivalents of K[N(H)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)], successively Li[N(SiMe3)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)] and moist air (), Na in thf (), tmeda (), or successively tmeda and Me3SnSnMe3 (). Crystals of (with an equivalent of In) and were obtained from InCl or thermolysis of [In(Cl)(L){N(SiMe3)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)}] () {prepared in situ from and Li[N(SiMe3)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)] in Et2O}, respectively. Compound was obtained from a thf solution of and sulfur. X-Ray data for crystalline , , , , , and are presented. The M(L) moiety in each (not the L-free ) has the monoanionic L ligated to the metal in the N,N'-chelating mode. The MN1C1C2C3N2 six-membered M(L) ring is pi-delocalised and has the half-chair (, and ) or boat (, and ) conformation.