Chiral “P-N-P” ligands, (C20H12O2)PN(R)PY2 [R = CHMe2, Y = C6H5, OC6H5, OC6H4-4-Me, OC6H4-4-OMe or OC6H4-4-Bu] and their allyl palladium complexes

Chiral “P-N-P” ligands, (C₂₀H₁₂O₂)PN(R)PY₂ [R = CHMe₂, Y = C₆H₅ (1), OC₆H₅ (2), OC₆H₄-4-Me (3), OC₆H₄-4-OMe (4) or OC₆H₄-4-^tBu (5)] bearing the axially chiral 1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-dioxy moiety have been synthesised. Palladium allyl chemistry of two of these chiral ligands (1 and 2) has been investigated. The structures of isomeric η³-allyl palladium complexes, (R′ = Me or Ph; Y = C₆H₅ or OC₆H₅) have been elucidated by high field two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The solid state structure of [Pd(η³-1,3-Ph₂-C₃H₃){κ²-(racemic)-(C₂₀H₁₂O₂)PN(CHMe₂)PPh₂}](PF₆) has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Preliminary investigations show that the diphosphazanes, 1 and 2 function as efficient auxiliary ligands for catalytic allylic alkylation but give rise to only moderate levels of enantiomeric excess.     

Structural and spectroscopic trends in mononuclear arylchalcogenolato-palladium(II) and -platinum(II) complexes: Crystal structures of [M(TeAr)2(dppe)] {M = palladium, platinum; Ar = phenyl, 2-thienyl; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane}

A series of mononuclear [M(EAr)₂(dppe)] [M = Pd, Pt; E = Se, Te; Ar = phenyl, 2-thienyl; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane] complexes has been prepared in good yields by the reactions of [MCl₂(dppe)] and corresponding ArE⁻ with a special emphasis on the aryltellurolato palladium and -platinum complexes for which the existing structural information is virtually non-existent. The complexes have crystallized in five isomorphic groups: (1) [Pd(SePh)₂(dppe)] and [Pt(SePh)₂(dppe)], (2) [Pd(TePh)₂(dppe)] and [Pt(TePh)₂(dppe)], (3) [Pd(SeTh)₂(dppe)], (4) [Pt(SeTh)₂(dppe)] and [Pd(TeTh)₂(dppe)], and (5) [Pt(TePh)₂(dppe)]. In addition, solvated [Pd(TePh)₂(dppe)] · CH₃OH and [Pd(TeTh)₂(dppe)] · 1/2CH₂Cl₂ could be isolated and structurally characterized. The metal atom in each complex exhibits an approximate square-planar coordination. The Pd-Se, Pt-Se, Pd-Te, and Pt-Te bonds span a range of 2.4350(7)-2.4828(7) Å, 2.442(1)-2.511(1) Å, 2.5871(7)-2.6704(8) Å, and 2.6053(6)-2.6594(9) Å, respectively, and the respective Pd-P and Pt-P bond distances are 2.265(2)-2.295(2) Å and 2.247(2)-2.270(2) Å. The orientation of the arylchalcogenolato ligands with respect to the M(E₂)(P₂) plane has been found to depend on the E-M-E bond angle. The NMR spectroscopic information indicates the formation of only cis-[M(EAr)₂(dppe)] complexes in solution. The trends in the ³¹P, ⁷⁷Se, ¹²⁵Te, and ¹⁹⁵Pt chemical shifts expectedly depend on the nature of metal, chalcogen, and aryl group. Each trend can be considered independently of other factors. The ⁷⁷Se or ¹²⁵Te resonances appear as second-order multiplets in case of palladium and platinum complexes, respectively. Spectral simulation has yielded all relevant coupling constants.     

Chalcogen-capped ruthenium carbonyl clusters derived from diphosphazane mono- and dichalcogenides of the type X2P(E)N(R)PX2 and X2P(E)N(R)P(E)X2 (E = S or Se)

Reactions of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ with diphosphazane monoselenides Ph₂PN(R)P(Se)Ph₂ [R = (S)-∗CHMePh (L⁴), R = CHMe₂ (L⁵)] yield mainly the selenium bicapped tetraruthenium clusters [Ru₄(μ₄-Se)₂(μ-CO)(CO)₈{μ-P,P-Ph₂PN(R)PPh₂}] (1, 3). The selenium monocapped triruthenium cluster [Ru₃(μ₃-Se)(μ_sb-CO)(CO)₇{κ²-P,P-Ph₂PN((S)-∗CHMePh)PPh₂}] (2) is obtained only in the case of L⁴. An analogous reaction of the diphosphazane monosulfide (PhO)₂PN(Me)P(S)(OPh)₂ (L⁶) that bears a strong π-acceptor phosphorus shows a different reactivity pattern to yield the triruthenium clusters, [Ru₃(μ₃-S)(μ₃-CO)(CO)₇{μ-P,P-(PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂}] (9) (single sulfur transfer product) and [Ru₃(μ₃-S)₂(CO)₅{κ²-P,P-(PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂}{μ-P,P-(PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂}] (10) (double sulfur transfer product). The reactions of diphosphazane dichalcogenides with Ru₃(CO)₁₂ yield the chalcogen bicapped tetraruthenium clusters [Ru₄(μ₄-E)₂(μ-CO)(CO)₈{μ-P,P-Ph₂PN(R)PPh₂}] [R = (S)-∗CHMePh, E = S (6); R = CHMe₂, E = S (7); R = CHMe₂, E = Se (3)]. Such a tetraruthenium cluster [Ru₄(μ₄-S)₂(μ- CO)(CO)₈{μ-P,P-(PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂}] (11) is also obtained in small quantities during crystallization of cluster 9. The dynamic behavior of cluster 10 in solution is probed by NMR studies. The structural data for clusters 7, 9, 10 and 11 are compared and discussed.     

Formation and structural characterization of mercury complexes from Te(R)CH2SiMe3 (R = Ph, CH2SiMe3) and HgCl2

The reaction of HgCl₂ and Te(R)CH₂SiMe₃ [R = CH₂SiMe₃ (1), Ph (2)] in ethanol yielded a mononuclear complex [HgCl₂{Te(R)CH₂SiMe₃}₂] (R = Ph, 3a; R = CH₂SiMe₃, 3b). The recrystallization of 3a or 3b from CH₂Cl₂ produced a dinuclear complex [Hg₂Cl₂(μ-Cl)₂{Te(R)CH₂SiMe₃}₂] (R = Ph, 4a; R = CH₂SiMe₃, 4b). When 3a was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂, the solvent quickly removed, and the solid recrystallized from EtOH, a stable ionic [HgCl{Te(Ph)CH₂SiMe₃}₃]Cl·2EtOH (5a·2EtOH) was obtained. Crystals of [HgCl₂{Te(CH₂SiMe)₂}]·2HgCl₂·CH₂Cl₂ (6b·2HgCl₂·CH₂Cl₂) were obtained from the CH₂Cl₂ solution of 3b upon prolonged standing. The complex formation was monitored by ¹²⁵Te-, and ¹⁹⁹Hg NMR spectroscopy, and the crystal structures of the complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and spectral characterization of diorganodiaminosilanes [(ArNH)2SiPhMe] (Ar = 2,6-Pr2C6H3; 2,4,6-Me3C6H2) and lithium silylamide [(2,6-Et2C6H3NLi)(2,6-Et2C6H3NH)SiPh2]

Aminosilanes bearing bulky substituents on nitrogen centers, [(ArNH)₂SiPhMe] (Ar = 2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃ (1), 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂ (2)) and half-sandwich lithium silylamide [(2,6-Et₂C₆H₃NLi)(2,6-Et₂C₆H₃NH)SiPh₂] (3) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, EI mass and NMR (¹H and ²⁹Si) spectroscopic studies. The solid state structures of 2 and 3 have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The molecule 2 has a C₁ symmetry due to the steric crowding, and the two N-H protons are approximately trans to each other. The amido nitrogen atoms in 2 show significant deviation from trigonal-planar geometry, and as a result, the observed Si-N bonds are marginally longer than those observed in aminosilanes with planar nitrogen atoms. The molecule 3 exists as discrete dimer with an inversion center. The Li ion in 3 forms intramolecular π-complex with the neighboring aryl (2,6-Et₂C₆H₃) group, to form a half-sandwich lithium silylamide.     

Simple protocol for the synthesis of the asymmetric PCP pincer ligand [C6H4-1-(CH2PPh2)-3-(CH(CH3)PPh2)] and its Pd(II) derivative [PdCl{C6H3-2-(CH2PPh2)-6-(CH(CH3)PPh2)}]

The asymmetric PCP pincer ligand [C₆H₄-1-(CH₂PPh₂)-3-(CH(CH₃)PPh₂)] (4) has been synthesized in a facile manner in three simple steps in high yield. Metallation of PCP pincer ligand (4) with [Pd(COD)Cl₂] affords complex [PdCl{C₆H₃-2-(CH₂PPh₂)-6-(CH(CH₃)PPh₂)}] (7) in good yield.     

Theoretical studies of the oxidative addition of PhBr to Pd(PX3)2 and Pd(X2PCH2CH2PX2) (X = Me, H, Cl)

The density functional theory calculations were used to study the influence of the substituent at P on the oxidative addition of PhBr to Pd(PX₃)₂ and Pd(X₂PCH₂CH₂PX₂) where X = Me, H, Cl. It was shown that the C_ipso-Br activation energy by Pd(PX₃)₂ correlates well with the rigidity of the X₃P-Pd-PX₃ angle and increases via the trend X = Cl < H < Me. The more rigid the X₃P-Pd-PX₃ angle is, the higher the oxidative addition barrier is. The exothermicity of this reaction also increases via the same sequence X = Cl < H < Me. The trend in the exothermicity is a result of the Pd(II)-PX₃ bond strength increasing faster than the Pd(0)-PX₃ bond strength upon going from X = Cl to Me. Contrary to the trend in the barrier to the oxidative addition of PhBr to Pd(PX₃)₂, the C_ipso-Br activation energy by Pd(X₂PCH₂CH₂PX₂) decreases in the following order X = Cl > H > Me. This trend correlates well with the filled d_π orbital energy of the metal center. For a given X, the oxidative addition reaction energy was found to be more exothermic for the case of X₂PCH₂CH₂PX₂ than for the case of PX₃. This effect is especially more important for the strong electron donating phosphine ligands (X = Me) than for the weak electron donating phosphine ligands (X = Cl).     

Synthesis, characterization, protonation studies and X-ray crystal structure of ReH5(PPh3)2(PTA) (PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane)

The novel rhenium pentahydride complex [ReH₅(PPh₃)₂(PTA)] (2) was synthesized by dihydrogen replacement from the reaction of [ReH₇(PPh₃)₂] with PTA in refluxing THF. Variable temperature NMR studies indicate that 2 is a classic polyhydride (T_1(min) = 133 ms). This result agrees with the structure of 2, determined by X-ray crystallography at low temperature. The compound shows high conformational rigidity which allows for the investigation of the various hydride-exchanging processes by NMR methods. Reactions of 2 with equimolecular amounts of either HFIP or HBF₄ · Et₂O at 183 K afford [ReH₅(PPh₃)₂{PTA(H)}]⁺ (3) via protonation of one of the nitrogen atoms on the PTA ligand. When 5 equivalents of HBF₄ · Et₂O are used, additional protonation of one hydride ligand takes place to generate the thermally unstable dication [ReH₄(η²-H₂)(PPh₃)₂{PTA(H)}]²⁺ (4), as confirmed by ¹H NMR and T₁ analysis. IR monitoring of the reaction between 2 and CF₃COOD at low temperature shows the formation of the hydrogen bonded complex [ReH₅(PPh₃)₂{PTA?DOC(O)CF₃}] (5) and of the ionic pair [ReH₅(PPh₃)₂{PTA(D)?OC(O)CF₃}] (6) preceding the proton transfer step leading to 3.     

Molecular complexes of octafluoronaphthalene with catenated chalcogen-nitrogen compounds C6H5-X-NSN-SiMe3 (X = S, Se)

Mismatched molecular 1:1 complexes of C₁₀F₈ with catenated chalcogen-nitrogen compounds C₆H₅-X-NSN-SiMe₃ (X = S, Se) were prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The complexes provide examples of structurally non-rigid polyheteroatom molecules involved in non-covalent arene-polyfluoroarene π-stacking interactions. In going from homocrystals to the co-crystals, the molecular Z, E configuration of the catenated compounds changes from noticeably non-planar to perfectly planar, i.e. C₁₀F₈ acts as “molecular iron”. On the other hand, C₁₀H₈ does not produce complexes with C₆F₅-X-NSN-SiMe₃ (X = S, Se).     

Hexapalladium cluster: Unique cluster construction reaction of cyclic Pd3(CNC6H3Me2-2,6)6 and linear [Pd3(CNC6H3Me2-2,6)8]

Reaction of a triangle Pd(0) complex, Pd₃(CNXyl)₆ (1; Xyl = 2,6-C₆H₃Me₂), with a dicationic linear trinuclear complex [Pd₃(CNXyl)₈][PF₆]₂ (3) afforded a dicationic hexapalladium complex [Pd₆(CNXyl)₁₂][PF₆]₂ (4), while the reaction of 1 with a dicationic dinuclear complex [Pd₂(CNXyl)₆][PF₆]₂ (2) resulted in the formation of 3. The molecular structure of the complex 4 was determined by X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic analysis.     

Dihalogen-halogenomethyl complexes of indium(III) X2InCH2X (X = Br, I): Simultaneous coordination of soft and hard ligands

Halogenomethyl-dihalogen-indium(III) compounds X₂InCH₂X (X = Br, I) obtained from indium monohalides and methylene dihalides were reacted with the soft donor ligands dialkylsulfides, R₂S (R = CH₃, CH₂Ph) to afford the corresponding dialkylsulfonium methylide complexes of InX₃, X₃InCH₂SR₂ (X = Br, R = CH₃, 1; X = I, R = CH₃, 2; X= I, R = CH₂Ph, 3). Compound 1 was reacted with the hard donor ligands dimethylsulfoxide or triphenylphosphine oxide to give the corresponding 1:1 adduct, Br₃(L)InCH₂S(CH₃)₂ (L = (CH₃)₂SO, 4; L = (C₆H₅)₃PO, 5). Compounds 1-5 were fully characterized in solution by NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by X-ray methods.     

Synthesis, characterization and comparison of group 14 pyrrolides and indolides Ph3MX (M = Si, Ge, Sn; X = C4H4N, C8H6N)

The biologically important heterocycles pyrrole, C₄H₄N, and indole, C₈H₆N, ought to be useful as reagents in organic synthesis. Unfortunately, working with them has proved to be difficult because they tend to self-polymerize in solution, especially in the presence of acid catalysts. When the self-polymerization can be controlled, however, the pyrrole and indole units should provide an important route to selective N-metal binding, particularly when these ligands are activated by alkyl-lithium reagents. Using this approach, a general synthesis of the group 14 pyrrolides and indolides, Ph₃MX (M = Si, Ge, Sn; X = C₄H₄N, C₈H₆N), has been developed and the results are reported here. The compounds are formed as high-melting, white crystalline solids and have been characterized by ¹³C-, ²⁹Si- and ¹¹⁹Sn-NMR, Raman and electron-impact mass spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis. A single-crystal X-ray study of Ph₃Si(C₄H₄N) has shown that the compound is disordered in the tetragonal lattice, even at low temperature (100 K).     

Backbone modified small bite-angle diphosphines: Synthesis and molecular structures of [M(CO)4{X2PC(RR)PX2}] (M = Mo, W; X = Ph, Cy; R = H, Me, Et, Pr, allyl, R = Me, allyl)

A range of new small bite-angle diphosphine complexes, [M(CO)₄{X₂PC(R¹R²)PX₂}] (M = Mo, W; X = Ph, Cy; R¹ = H, Me, Et, Pr, allyl, R² = Me, allyl), have been prepared via elaboration of the methylene backbones in [M(CO)₄(X₂PCH₂PX₂)] as a result of successive deprotonation and alkyl halide addition. When X = Ph it proved possible to replace both methylene protons but for X = Cy only one substitution proved possible. This is likely due to the electron-releasing nature of the cyclohexyl groups but may also be due to steric constraints. Attempts to prepare the bis(allyl) substituted complex [Mo(CO)₄{Ph₂PC(allyl)₂PPh₂}] were only moderately successful. The crystal structures of nine of these complexes are presented.     

Metal complexes of 2-aza-2-benzyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21-carbaporphyrin: M(2-NCH2C6H5NCTPP) (M = Ni, Pd) and Mn(2-NCH2C6H5NCTPP)Br (NCTPP = N-confused 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl porphyrinate)

The crystal structures of (2-aza-2-benzyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21-carbaporphyrinato-N,N′,N″) nickel(II) methylene chloride solvate [Ni(2-NCH₂C₆H₅NCTPP); 4], (2-aza-2-benzyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21-carbaporphyrinato-N,N′,N″) palladium(II) [Pd(2-NCH₂C₆H₅NCTPP); 5] and bromo(2-aza-2-benzyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21-carbaporphyrinato-N,N′,N″) manganese(III) toluene solvate [Mn(2-NCH₂C₆H₅NCTPP)Br·C₆H₅CH₃; 3·C₆H₅CH₃] have been established. The coordination sphere around the Ni²⁺ ion in 4 (or Pd²⁺ ion in 5) is distorted square planar (DSP), whereas for Mn³⁺ in 3·C₆H₅CH₃, it is a square-based pyramid with the Br atom lying in the axial site. The g value of 11.34, measured from parallel polarization of the X-band EPR spectra at 4 K, is consistent with a high spin mononuclear manganese(III) centre (S = 2) in 3. The magnitude of the axial (D) zero-field splitting (ZFS) for the mononuclear Mn(III) centre in 3 was determined approximately to be 1.4 cm⁻¹ by paramagnetic susceptibility measurements and conventional EPR spectroscopy.     

Reactivity of benzil bis(4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone) with cadmium nitrate. Crystal structure of [Cd(LMe2H4)(NO3)2][Cd(LMe2H4)(NO3)(H2O)]NO3 · H2O

The reaction between cadmium nitrate dihydrate and benzil bis(4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone), LMe₂H₄, depends on the working conditions. In methanol the reaction gives the novel complex [Cd(LMe₂H₄)(NO₃)₂][Cd(LMe₂H₄)(NO₃)(H₂O)]NO₃ · H₂O (1). Its crystal structure shows the presence of two cadmium atoms with different coordination numbers, seven and eight, and the ligands acting as N₂S₂ neutral molecules. One cadmium has the coordination sphere completed by a bidentate nitrato group and a water molecule, whereas the other one is bonded to two bidentate nitrato groups. Both molecules are joined to one nitrate ion and to an additional water molecule by hydrogen bonds. In the presence of lithium hydroxide, the reaction leads to a binuclear complex with the ligand doubly deprotonated [Cd(LMe₂H₂)]₂ (2). The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, ¹³C and ¹¹³Cd CP/MAS NMR and, in the case of complex 1, by X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis and characterization of metal diselenophosphates: M[Se2P(OR)2]2 (M = Pd,Pt; R = Et,Pr, Pr)

The first Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes incorporating diselenophosphate (dsep) ligands are presented. Treatment of M(II) (M = Pd, Pt) salts with two equivalents of the dsep ligand in CH₂Cl₂ yielded square-planar compounds of the type M[Se₂P(OR)₂]₂ (M = Pd, Pt; R = Et, ⁱPr, ⁿPr) (1a–2c). These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (1b and 2b). The dsep ligands coordinate to the metal in an approximately isobidentate fashion and form four-membered Se–P–Se–M chelate rings. Structural elucidations indicated that minute differences exist in the M–Se bond distances and these were observed from solution ³¹P NMR studies, which exhibited two sets of satellites arising from one-bond coupling to ⁷⁷Se nuclei. A packing diagram showed a chain-like motif which was composed of square-planar M[Se₂P(OR)₂]₂ units and occurred via non-covalent Se?Se secondary interactions.     

Hydrogen-bonded systems between monocarboxylic acids and the trinuclear cluster cation [H3Ru3(C6H6)(C6Me6)2(O)]: cold-spray ionisation mass spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic studies

The hydrogen-bonded systems formed between monocarboxylic acid derivatives and the trinuclear arene-ruthenium cluster cation [H₃Ru₃(C₆H₆)(C₆Me₆)₂(O)]⁺ (1) have been studied in solution by cold-spray ionisation mass spectroscopy (CSI-MS) and in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of the tetrafluoroborate salts. The presence of 1:1 (acid:cluster) adducts in acetone solution has been clearly demonstrated by CSI-MS. Single-crystal X-ray structure analyses of selected acid-cluster complexes show that in every case the hydroxyl of the acid function interacts strongly with the μ₃-oxo ligand of cation 1, the O ? O distance ranging from 2.499(9) to 2.595(11) Å.     

Novel sandwich complexes of zirconium [C9H5(SiMe3)2](C5Me4R)ZrCl2 (R = CH3, CH2CH2NMe2): Synthesis and reduction behavior

Novel half-sandwich [C₉H₅(SiMe₃)₂]ZrCl₃ (3) and sandwich [C₉H₅(SiMe₃)₂](C₅Me₄R)ZrCl₂ (R = CH₃ (1), CH₂CH₂NMe₂ (2)) complexes were prepared and characterized. The reduction of 2 by Mg in THF lead to (η⁵-C₉H₅(SiMe₃)₂)[η⁵:η²(C,N)-C₅Me₄CH₂CH₂N(Me)CH₂]ZrH (7). The structure of 7 was proved by NMR spectroscopy data. Hydrolysis of 2 resulted in the binuclear complex ([C₅Me₄CH₂CH₂NMe₂]ZrCl₂)₂O (6). The crystal structures of 1 and 6 were established by X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic investigation,structural characterization and DFT calculation of the complexes [ReX2(N2COPh)(4-PhPyr)(PPh3)2] (X = Cl, Br)

The reactions of [ReX₂(η²-N₂COPh-N′,O)(PPh₃)₂] with 4-phenylpyrimidine have been performed. As a result, the two complexes [ReX₂(N₂COPh)(4-PhPyr)(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br) (4-PhPyr = 4-phenylpyrimidine), isostructural in the solid state, have been obtained. The crystal and molecular structures of ([ReCl₂(N₂COPh)(4-PhPyr)(PPh₃)₂])₂·CHCl₃ (1) and ([ReBr₂(N₂COPh)(4-PhPyr)(PPh₃)₂])₂·CHCl₃ (2) have been determined. The electronic structure of [ReCl₂(N₂COPh)(4-PhPyr)(PPh₃)₂] has been examined using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The spin-allowed electronic transitions of 1 have been calculated with the time-dependent DFT method, and the UV–Vis spectrum of [ReCl₂(N₂COPh)(4-PhPyr)(PPh₃)₂] has been discussed on this basis.     

Synthesis and coordinating properties of the facultative Sb2O- and As2O-donor ligands O{(CH2)2ER2}2 (E = Sb or As; R = Ph or Me)

The new mixed Sb₂O-donor ligands O{(CH₂)₂SbR₂}₂ (R = Ph, 1; R = Me, 2) with flexible backbones have been prepared in good yields as air-sensitive oils from reaction of NaSbR₂ with 0.5 mol equivalents of O(CH₂CH₂Br)₂ in thf solution. The As₂O-donor analogues, O{(CH₂)₂AsR₂}₂ (R = Ph, 3; R = Me, 4) were obtained similarly from LiAsPh₂ or NaAsMe₂, respectively and O(CH₂CH₂Br)₂, although ligand 4 appears to be considerably less stable with respect to C-O bond fission under some conditions than the other ligands. Using O(CH₂CH₂Cl)₂ leads only to partial substitution by the SbPh₂⁻ or AsPh₂⁻ nucleophile. These ligands behave as bidentate chelating Sb₂- or As₂-donors in the distorted tetrahedral [M(L-L)₂]BF₄ (M = Cu or Ag; L-L = 1-4) on the basis of solution ¹H and ⁶³Cu NMR spectroscopic studies, mass spectrometry and microanalyses. Crystal structures of three representative examples with Cu(I) and Ag(I) confirm the distorted tetrahedral Sb₄ or As₄ coordination at the metal and allow comparisons of geometric parameters. The crystallographic identification of an unexpected Cu(I)-Cu(I) complex, [Cu₂{Me₂As(CH₂)₂OH}₃](BF₄)₂, obtained as a by-product via C-O bond fission within ligand 4 is also reported. The distorted octahedral [RhCl₂(L-L)₂]Cl and the distorted square planar cis-[PtCl₂(L-L)] (L-L = 1 or 2) are also described. The ether O atoms are not involved in coordination to the metal ion in any of the late transition metal complexes isolated.