Gas‐phase reactions of XH3+ (X = C,Si, Ge) with NF3: a comparative investigation on the detailed mechanistic aspects

The gas‐phase reaction of CH₃⁺ with NF₃ was investigated by ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS). The observed products include NF₂⁺ and CH₂F⁺. Under the same experimental conditions, SiH₃⁺ reacts with NF₃ and forms up to six ionic products, namely (in order of decreasing efficiency) NF₂⁺, SiH₂F⁺, SiHF₂⁺, SiF⁺, SiHF⁺, and NHF⁺. The GeH₃⁺ cation is instead totally unreactive toward NF₃. The different reactivity of XH₃⁺ (X = C, Si, Ge) toward NF₃ has been rationalized by ab initio calculations performed at the MP2 and coupled cluster level of theory. In the reaction of both CH₃⁺ and SiH₃⁺, the kinetically relevant intermediate is the fluorine‐coordinated isomer H₃X‐F‐NF₂⁺ (X = C, Si). This species forms from the exoergic attack of XH₃⁺ to one of the F atoms of NF₃ and undergoes dissociation and isomerization processes which eventually result in the experimentally observed products. The nitrogen‐coordinated isomers H₃X‐NF₃⁺ (X = C, Si) were located as minimum‐energy structures but do not play an active role in the reaction mechanism. The inertness of GeH₃⁺ toward NF₃ is also explained by the endoergic character of the dissociation processes involving the H₃Ge‐F‐NF₂⁺ isomer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Substituent effects on the Bergman cyclization of (Z)‐1,5‐hexadiyne‐3‐enes: a systematic computational study

The effects of several substituents (? BH₂, ? BF₂, ? AlH₂, ? CH₃, ? C₆H₅, ? CN, ? COCH₃, ? CF₃, ? SiH₃, ? NH₂, ? NH₃⁺, ? NO₂, ? PH₂, ? OH, ? OH₂⁺, ? SH, ? F, ? Cl, ? Br) on the Bergman cyclization of (Z)‐1,5‐hexadiyne‐3‐ene (enediyne, 3 ) were investigated at the Becke–Lee–Yang–Parr (BLYP) density functional (DFT) level employing a 6‐31G* basis set. Some of the substituents (? NH₃⁺, ? NO₂, ? OH, ? OH₂⁺, ? F, ? Cl, ? Br) are able to lower the barrier (up to a minimum of 16.9 kcal mol^?1 for difluoro‐enediyne 7rr ) and the reaction enthalpy (the cyclization is predicted to be exergonic for ? OH₂⁺ and ? F) compared to the parent system giving rise to substituted 1,4‐dehydrobenzenes at physiological temperatures. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1605–1614, 2001     

Coordination Chemistry of Gold Catalysts in Solution: A Detailed NMR Study

Coordination chemistry of gold catalysts bearing eight different ligands [L=PPh₃, JohnPhos (L2), Xphos (L3), DTBP, IMes, IPr, dppf, S‐tolBINAP (L8)] has been studied by NMR spectroscopy in solution at room temperature. Cationic or neutral mononuclear complexes LAuX (L=L2, L3, IMes, IPr; X=charged or neutral ligand) underwent simple ligand exchange without giving any higher coordinate complexes. For L2AuX the following ligand strength series was determined: MeOH?hex‐3‐yne <MeCN≈OTf^??Me₂S<2,6‐lutidine<4‐picoline<CF₃CO₂^?≈DMAP<TMTU<PPh₃<OH^?≈Cl^?. Some heteroligand complexes DTBPAuX exist in solution in equilibrium with the corresponding symmetrical species. Binuclear complexes dppf(AuOTf)₂ and S‐tolBINAP(AuOTf)₂ showed different behavior in exchange reactions with ligands depending on the ligand strength. Thus, PPh₃ causes abstraction of one gold atom to give mononuclear complexes LLAuPPh₃⁺ and (Ph₃P)_nAu⁺, but other N and S ligands give ordinary dicationic species LL(AuNu)₂²⁺. In reactions with different bases, LAu⁺ provided new oxonium ions whose chemistry was also studied: (DTBPAu)₃O⁺, (L2Au)₂OH⁺, (L2Au)₃O⁺, (L3Au)₂OH⁺, and (IMesAu)₂OH⁺. Ultimately, formation of gold hydroxide LAuOH (L=L2, L3, IMes) was studied. Ligand‐ or base‐assisted interconversions between (L2Au)₂OH⁺, (L2Au)₃O⁺, and L2AuOH are described. Reactions of dppf(AuOTf)₂ and S‐tolBINAP(AuOTf)₂ with bases provided more interesting oxonium ions, whose molecular composition was found to be [dppf(Au)₂]₃O₂²⁺, L8(Au)₂OH⁺, and [L8(Au)₂]₃O₂²⁺, but their exact structure was not established. Several reactions between different oxonium species were conducted to observe mixed heteroligand oxonium species. Reaction of L2AuNCMe⁺ with S^2? was studied; several new complexes with sulfide are described. For many reversible reactions the corresponding equilibrium constants were determined.     

A Colorimetric and Fluorimetric Chemodosimeter for Copper Ion Based on the Conversion of Dihydropyrazine to Pyrazine

In this research, we successfully synthesized and fully characterized the new compound 5,8,13,16,21,24‐hex‐(triisopropylsilyl)ethynyl)‐6,23‐dihydro‐6,7,14,15,22,23‐hexaza‐trianthrylene ( HHATA , brown color in a mixed solvent of CH₂Cl₂/CH₃CN 1:1, v/v, weakly blue fluorescent), which can be easily oxidized to 5,8,13,16,21,24‐hex‐(triisopropylsilyl)ethynyl)‐6,7,14,15,22,23‐hexazatrianthrylene ( HATA ) (yellow color in CH₂Cl₂/CH₃CN 1:1, v/v), red fluorescent) by Cu²⁺ ions. This reaction only proceeds efficiently in the presence of Cu²⁺ ions when compared with other common metal ions such as Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ag⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, and Li⁺. Our result suggests that this reaction can be developed as an effective method for the detection of Cu²⁺ ions.     

ChemInform Abstract: Protonated Nitric Acid. Structure and Relative Stability of Isomeric H2NO+ 3 Ions in the Gas Phase.

Gaseous H₂NO₃⁺ ions are generated by direct protonation of HNO₃ by H3⁺, H₃O⁺ and CH₅⁺ and by protonation of C₂H₅ONO₂ followed by C₂H₄ loss.     

Gas‐phase reactions of SiHn+ (n = 1,2) with NF3: A computational investigation on the detailed mechanistic aspects

The mechanism of the gas‐phase reactions of SiH_n⁺ (n = 1,2) with NF₃ were investigated by ab initio calculations at the MP2 and CAS‐MCSCF level of theory. In the reaction of SiH⁺, the kinetically relevant intermediates are the two isomeric forms of fluorine‐coordinated intermediate HSi‐F‐NF₂⁺. These species arise from the exoergic attack of SiH⁺ to one of the F atoms of NF₃ and undergo two competitive processes, namely an isomerization and subsequent dissociation into SiF⁺ + HNF₂, and a singlet‐triplet crossing so to form the spin‐forbidden products HSiF⁺ + NF₂. The reaction of SiH₂⁺ with NF₃ involves instead the concomitant formation of the nitrogen‐coordinated complex H₂Si‐NF₃⁺ and of the fluorine‐coordinated complex H₂Si‐F‐NF₂⁺. The latter isomer directly dissociates into NF₂⁺ + H₂SiF, whereas the former species preferably undergoes the passage through a conical intersection point so to form a H₂SiF‐NF₂⁺ isomer, which eventually dissociates into H₂SiF⁺ and NF₂. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Ion‐Pair SN2 Substitution: Activation Strain Analyses of Counter‐Ion and Solvent Effects

The ion‐pair S_N2 reactions of model systems M_nF^n?1+CH₃Cl (M⁺=Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, and MgCl⁺; n=0, 1) have been quantum chemically explored by using DFT at the OLYP/6‐31++G(d,p) level. The purpose of this study is threefold: 1) to elucidate how the counterion M⁺ modifies ion‐pair S_N2 reactivity relative to the parent reaction F^?+CH₃Cl; 2) to determine how this influences stereochemical competition between the backside and frontside attacks; and 3) to examine the effect of solvation on these ion‐pair S_N2 pathways. Trends in reactivity are analyzed and explained by using the activation strain model (ASM) of chemical reactivity. The ASM has been extended to treat reactivity in solution. These findings contribute to a more rational design of tailor‐made substitution reactions.     

Die Oxidation von Triisopropylphosphan mit Iod: Zur Rolle von trockenem und feuchtem Lösungsmittel

Oxidation of Triisopropylphosphane with Iodine: The Role of Dry or Moist Solvent i‐Pr₃P ( 1 ) and iodine give i‐Pr₃PI₂ ( 2 ). In crystals obtained from CH₂Cl₂ solution, ion pairs [i‐Pr₃PI⁺I^–] of 2 exhibiting I…I interactions are linked by CH₂Cl₂ molecules. With a second equivalent of iodine, i‐Pr₃PI⁺ I₃^– ( 3 ) is formed; the reaction of 2 with AgSbF₆ provides i‐Pr₃PI⁺SbF₆^– ( 6 ). The presence of moisture and air leads to the formation of i‐Pr₃POH⁺ salts. Solid i‐Pr₃POH⁺I^– ( 4 ) exhibits P–O–H…I cation‐anion contacts, solid (i‐Pr₃PO)₂H⁺I₃^– ( 5 ) contains a centrosymmetric P=O…H…O=P‐bridged cation. Distinguishing i‐Pr₃PI⁺ salts 2 , 3 from hydrolysis products 4 , 5 by ³¹P‐NMR in reaction mixtures is not trivial, because both kinds of cations exihibit similar ³¹P‐NMR shifts and both participate in interactions with their anions, and in equilibria with uncharged donors: rapid I⁺ transfer reactions and I…I soft‐soft interactions involving 1 , and rapid H⁺ transfer reactions and hydrogen bonds involving i‐Pr₃P=O ( 7 ).     

Synthesis and Reactivity of Cationic Triruthenium Clusters Derived from 2‐Methyl‐ and 4‐Methylpyrimidines: From Conventional Cyclometalated Ligands to Novel Types of N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes

The methylation of the uncoordinated nitrogen atom of the cyclometalated triruthenium cluster complexes [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N¹,C⁶‐2‐Mepyr)(CO)₁₀] ( 1 ; 2‐MepyrH=2‐methylpyrimidine) and [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N¹,C⁶‐4‐Mepyr)(CO)₁₀] ( 9 ; 4‐MepyrH=4‐methylpyrimidine) gives two similar cationic complexes, [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N¹,C⁶‐2,3‐Me₂pyr)(CO)₁₀]⁺( 2 ⁺) and [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N¹,C⁶‐3,4‐Me₂pyr)(CO)₁₀]⁺ ( 9 ⁺), respectively, whose heterocyclic ligands belong to a novel type of N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) that have the C_carbene atom in 6‐position of a pyrimidine framework. The position of the C‐methyl group in the ligands of complexes 2 ⁺ (on C²) and 9 ⁺ (on C⁴) is of key importance for the outcome of their reactions with K[N(SiMe₃)₂], K‐selectride, and cobaltocene. Although these reagents react with 2 ⁺ to give [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N¹,C⁶‐2‐CH₂‐3‐Mepyr)(CO)₁₀] ( 3 ; deprotonation of the C²‐Me group), [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ³N¹,C⁵,C⁶‐4‐H‐2,3‐Me₂pyr)(CO)₉] ( 4 ; hydride addition at C⁴), and [Ru₆(μ‐H)₂{μ₆‐κ⁶N¹,N^1′,C⁵,C^5′,C⁶,C^6′‐4,4′‐bis(2,3‐Me₂pyr)}(CO)₁₈] ( 5 ; reductive dimerization at C⁴), respectively, similar reactions with 9 ⁺ have only allowed the isolation of [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ²N¹,C⁶‐2‐H‐3,4‐Me₂pyr)(CO)₉] ( 11 ; hydride addition at C²). Compounds 3 and 11 also contain novel six‐membered ring NHC ligands. Theoretical studies have established that the deprotonation of 2 ⁺ and 9 ⁺ (that have ligand‐based LUMOs) are charge‐controlled processes and that both the composition of the LUMOs of these cationic complexes and the steric protection of their ligand ring atoms govern the regioselectivity of their nucleophilic addition and reduction reactions.     

Elongated Thrombin Binding Aptamer: A G‐Quadruplex Cation‐Sensitive Conformational Switch

Aptamer‐based biosensors offer promising perspectives for high performance, specific detection of proteins. The thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) is a G‐quadruplex‐forming DNA sequence, which is frequently elongated at one end to increase its analytical performances in a biosensor configuration. Herein, we investigate how the elongation of TBA at its 5′ end affects its structure and stability. Circular dichroism spectroscopy shows that TBA folds in an antiparallel G‐quadruplex conformation with all studied cations (Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, Sr²⁺ and the [Ru(NH₃)₆]^2+/3+ redox marker) whereas other structures are adopted by the elongated aptamers in the presence of some of these cations. The stability of each structure is evaluated on the basis of UV spectroscopy melting curves. Thermal difference spectra confirm the quadruplex character of all conformations. The elongated sequences can adopt a parallel or an antiparallel structure, depending on the nature of the cation; this can potentially confer an ion‐sensitive switch behavior. This switch property is demonstrated with the frequently employed redox complex [Ru(NH₃)₆]³⁺, which induces the parallel conformation at very low concentrations (10 equiv per strand). The addition of large amounts of K⁺ reverts the conformation to the antiparallel form, and opens interesting perspectives for electrochemical biosensing or redox‐active responsive devices.     

5,5′‐Hydrazinebistetrazole: An Oxidation‐stable Nitrogen‐rich Compound and Starting Material for the Synthesis of 5,5′‐Azobistetrazolates

All 5,5′‐hydrazinebistetrazoles reported in the literature are sensitive to oxidation and react with atmospheric oxygen to yield the corresponding 5,5′‐azobistetrazolates on time. Herewith, we report on the synthesis of the free acid 5,5′‐hydrazinebistetrazole (HBT) which showed to be stable on air for extended periods of time. The compound was fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods and its X‐ray structure was determined by diffraction techniques. Besides, we determined its explosive properties by BAM methods and calculated its heat of formation (+414 kJ mol^?1), detonation velocity (8523 m s^?1) and detonation pressure (27.7 GPa). HBT proved to be very safe to handle (impact sensitivity: >30 J, friction sensitivity: ～108 N) and was used as a starting material for the synthesis of some already reported 5,5′‐azobistetrazolates: NH₄⁺, NH₂NH₃⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺ and Ba²⁺.     

ChemInform Abstract: Protonated Nitric Acid. Experimental Evidence for the Existence of Two Isomers.

The protonization of HNO₃ by H3⁺, CH₅⁺, and H₃O⁺ is studied by Fourier-transform (FT-ICR) and chemical ionization (CI) mass spectrometry.     

The synthesis of novel crown ethers,part ix, 3‐phenyl chromenone‐crown ethers

3‐Phenyl‐ and 3‐(p‐methoxyphenyl)‐7,8‐dihydroxy and ‐6,7‐dihydroxychromenones were prepared from ethyl 3‐oxo‐2‐phenylpropanoate, ethyl 3‐oxo‐2‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐propanoate and the trihydroxy benzenes in H₂SO₄. 3‐Aryl‐7,8‐ and 3‐aryl‐6,7‐dihydroxy‐2H‐chromenones reacted with the bis‐dihalides of poly‐glycols in DMF/MeCO₃ to afford 12‐Crown‐4, 15‐Crown‐4 and 18‐Crown‐6‐chromenones. The products were identified with IR, 1H NMR, low and high resolution mass spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Some 1:1 cation association constants, K_b, of the 3‐phenyl chromenone crown ethers with Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and Rb⁺ cations were studied by steady state emission fluorescence spectroscopy; K_b chromenone‐crown complexes displayed crown ether‐cation binding selectivity rules properly in acetonitrile.     

Enhanced Separation of Potassium Ions by Spontaneous K+‐Induced Self‐Assembly of a Novel Metal–Organic Framework and Excess Specific Cation–π Interactions

A novel metal–organic framework (MOF) was fabricated by spontaneous K⁺‐induced supramolecular self‐assembly with the embedded tripodal ligand units. When the 3D ligand was loaded onto Fe₃O₄@mSiO₂ core‐shell nanoparticles, it could effectively separate K⁺ ions from a mixture of Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ ions through nanoparticle‐assisted MOF crystallization into a Fe₃O₄@mSiO₂@MOF hybrid material. Excess potassium ions could be extracted because of the specific cation–π interaction between K⁺ and the aromatic cavity of the MOF, leading to enhanced separation efficiency and suggesting a new application for MOFs.     

Ruthenium(II)−Bipyridine/NanoC3N4 Hybrids: Tunable Photochemical Properties by Using Exchangeable Alkali Metal Cations

A series of nanoporous carbon nitrides that contained a range of alkali metal cations (M@nanoC₃N₄: M=Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺) have been successfully synthesized from as‐synthesized g‐C₃N₄ by delamination with concentrated sulfuric acid, followed by neutralization with aqueous solutions of the corresponding alkali metal hydroxides. Tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺, were grafted onto the carbon nitrides in an effort to explore the physicochemical properties of the deposited [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺, as well as its photocatalytic activity in the aerobic photooxidation of phenylboronic acid and H₂ production from aqueous media in the presence of a Pt co‐catalyst under visible‐light irradiation. Highly porous nanoC₃N₄ could significantly enhance photocatalytic activity, because of its high surface area, owing to its unique porous structure. More interestingly, the photoluminescence intensities of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ complexes that were associated with M@nanoC₃N₄ increased in the presence of lighter alkali metal cations, which correlated with increased photocatalytic activities for both reactions. This study demonstrates that M@nanoC₃N₄ are fascinating supports, in which the local environment of an immobilized metal complex can be precisely controlled by varying the alkali metal cation from Li⁺ to Cs⁺.     

Electrochemical Capacitive K+ EMIS Chemical Sensor Based on the Dibromoaza[7]helicene as an Ionophore for Potassium Ions Detection

A K⁺‐sensitive capacitive electrolyte‐membrane‐insulator‐semiconductor (EMIS) based on a novel dibromoaza[7]helicene ionophore has been developed. An ion‐sensitive membrane based on polyvinylchloride (PVC) doped with the ionophore was deposited on the Si₃N₄/SiO₂/Si‐p/Cu‐Al transducer. The properties of the K⁺‐EMIS chemical sensor were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). All the developed devices upon being tested have shown good sensitivity and linearity responses within the range 10^?6 M to 10^?1 M of potassium activity, with good selectivity over a wide variety of other cations (Na⁺, Li⁺, Cu²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺). To our knowledge, this is the first time that a capacitive field‐effect sensor has been fabricated using helicene as a carrier for K⁺‐detection, combined with the structure: Si₃N₄/SiO₂/Si‐p/Cu‐Al as a transducer.     

Cation Effect on Formation of Preyssler‐type 30‐Tungsto‐5‐phosphate: Enhanced Yield of Na‐encapsulated Derivative and Direct Synthesis of Ca‐ and Bi‐Encapsulated Derivatives

The effect of cations in a reaction mixture for the preparation of the Preyssler‐Jeannin‐Pope type 30‐tungsto‐5‐phosphate [P₅W₃₀O₁₁₀Na]^14– is investigated. Reaction of phosphate and tungstate with a P/W ratio of ca. 3.9 in an acidic aqueous solution without cations selectively leads to the Dawson‐type 18‐tungsto‐2‐phosphate, [P₂W₁₈O₆₂]^6–. Amongst all the alkali cations, only Na⁺ allows formation of the Preyssler‐type polyanion [P₅W₃₀O₁₁₀Na]^14–, with an encapsulated Na⁺ ion, and the product yield can be improved by increasing Na⁺ amount. The presence of Li⁺ ions instead results in the Dawson‐type polyanion [P₂W₁₈O₆₂]^6–, whereas K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺ selectively result in the Keggin‐type polyanion [PW₁₂O₄₀]^3–. An improved synthetic procedure for the Na⁺‐encapsulated Preyssler‐ion leading to a higher isolated yield is presented. Furthermore, addition of Ca²⁺ and Bi³⁺ compounds allows formation of the Ca²⁺‐ and Bi³⁺‐encapsulated Preyssler‐type polyanions, [P₅W₃₀O₁₁₀Ca]^13– and [P₅W₃₀O₁₁₀Bi]^12–, respectively. Furthermore, single‐crystal XRD structure of the Bi³⁺‐encapsulated Preyssler‐type polyanions, [P₅W₃₀O₁₁₀Bi]^12–, is presented for the first time.     

Cationic Heterocycles as Ligands: Synthesis and Reactivity with Anionic Nucleophiles of Cationic Triruthenium Clusters Containing C‐Metalated N‐Methylquinoxalinium or N‐Methylpyrazinium Ligands

The cationic cluster complexes [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N,C‐L¹Me)]⁺ ( 3 ⁺; HL¹=quinoxaline) and [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N,C‐L²Me)]⁺ ( 5 ⁺; HL²=pyrazine) have been prepared as triflate salts by treatment of their neutral precursors [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N,C‐Lⁿ)] with methyl triflate. The cationic character of their heterocyclic ligands is responsible for their enhanced tendency to react with anionic nucleophiles relative to that of hydrido triruthenium carbonyl clusters that have neutral N‐heterocyclic ligands. These clusters react instantaneously with methyl lithium and potassium tris‐sec‐butylborohydride (K‐selectride) to give neutral products that contain novel nonaromatic N‐heterocyclic ligands. The following are the products that have been isolated: [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ²N,C‐L¹Me₂)] ( 6 ; from 3 ⁺ and methyl lithium), [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ²N,C‐L¹HMe)] ( 7 ; from 3 ⁺ and K‐selectride), [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ²N,C‐L²Me₂)] ( 8 ; from 5 ⁺ and methyl lithium), and [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ²N,C‐L²HMe)] ( 11 ; from 5 ⁺ and K‐selectride). Whereas the reactions of 3 ⁺ lead to products that arise from the attack of the corresponding nucleophile at the C atom of the only CH group adjacent to the N‐methyl group, the reactions of 5 ⁺ give mixtures of two products that arise from the attack of the nucleophile at one of the C atoms located on either side of the N‐methyl group. The LUMOs and the atomic charges of 3 ⁺ and 5 ⁺ confirm that the reactions of these clusters with anionic nucleophiles are orbital‐controlled rather than charge‐controlled processes. The N‐heterocyclic ligands of all of these neutral products are attached to the metal atoms in nonconventional face‐capping modes. Those of compounds 6 – 8 have the atoms of a ligand C?N fragment σ‐bonded to two Ru atoms and π‐bonded to the other Ru atom, whereas the ligand of compound 11 has a C? N fragment attached to a Ru atom through the N atom and to the remaining two Ru atoms through the C atom. A variable‐temperature ¹H NMR spectroscopic study showed that the ligand of compound 7 is involved in a fluxional process at temperatures above ?93 °C, the mechanism of which has been satisfactorily modeled with the help of DFT calculations and involves the interconversion of the two enantiomers of this cluster through a conformational change of the ligand CH₂ group, which moves from one side of the plane of the heterocyclic ligand to the other, and a 180° rotation of the entire organic ligand over a face of the metal triangle.     

Gutmann's Donor Numbers Correctly Assess the Effect of the Solvent on the Kinetics of SNAr Reactions in Ionic Liquids

We report an experimental study on the effect of solvents on the model S_NAr reaction between 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene and morpholine in a series of pure ionic liquids (IL). A significant catalytic effect is observed with reference to the same reaction run in water, acetonitrile, and other conventional solvents. The series of IL considered include the anions, NTf₂^?, DCN^?, SCN^?, CF₃SO₃^?, PF₆^?, and FAP^? with the series of cations 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium ([BMIM]⁺), 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium ([EMIM]⁺), 1‐butyl‐2,3‐dimethyl‐imidazolium ([BM₂IM]⁺), and 1‐butyl‐1‐methyl‐pyrrolidinium ([BMPyr]⁺). The observed solvent effects can be attributed to an “anion effect”. The anion effect appears related to the anion size (polarizability) and their hydrogen‐bonding (HB) abilities to the substrate. These results have been confirmed by performing a comparison of the rate constants with Gutmann's donicity numbers (DNs). The good correlation between rate constants and DN emphasizes the major role of charge transfer from the anion to the substrate.     

Sodium‐Naphthalenide‐Driven Synthesis of Base‐Metal Nanoparticles and Follow‐up Reactions

Mo⁰, W⁰, Fe⁰, Ru⁰, Re⁰, and Zn⁰ nanoparticles—essentially base metals—are prepared as a general strategy by a sodium naphthalenide ([NaNaph])‐driven reduction of simple metal chlorides in ethers (1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME), tetrahydrofuran (THF)). All the nanoparticles have diameters ≤10 nm, and they can be obtained either as powder samples or long‐term stable suspensions. Direct follow‐up reactions (e.g., Mo⁰+S₈, FeCl₃+AsCl₃, ReCl₅+MoCl₅), moreover, allow the preparation of MoS₂, FeAs₂, or Re₄Mo nanoparticles of similar size as the pristine metals (≤10 nm).