Diboryl and Diboranyl Porphyrin Complexes: Synthesis,Structural Motifs,and Redox Chemistry: Diborenyl Porphyrin or Diboranyl Isophlorin?

The syntheses of diboryl porphyrin complexes [(BX2)2(ttp)] (ttp: dianion of tetra-p-tolylporphyrin) and the B-B single-bond diboranyl complexes [(BX)2(ttp)] (X=F, Cl, Br, I) are given. The former are prepared from the reactions of BX3 (X=F, Cl) with [Li2(ttp)] and the latter from B(2)Cl(4) (X=Cl), the reaction of SbF3 with [(BCl)2(ttp)] (for X=F), and, in the cases of X=Br or I, in a remarkable reductive coupling reaction resulting directly from the reaction of BBr3 or BI3 with [Li2(ttp)]. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the thermochemical parameters for the reductive coupling reactions (and those calculated for related dipyrromethene complexes) indicate that a combination of the reducing ability of bromide and iodide ions combined with the constrained environment of the porphyrin ligand contribute to the driving force. The reductive coupling is also observed in the reaction of [(BCl2)2(ttp)] with nBuLi to give [(BnBu)2(ttp)], which was characterised crystallographically. The reaction of [(BCl)2(ttp)] with catechol gives a boron catecholato porphyrin complex, [B2(O(2)C(6)H(4))(ttp)]. Chloride abstraction from [(BCl)2(ttp)] gives the planar dication [B2(ttp)]2+, whereas chemical reduction of [(BCl)2(ttp)] by using magnesium anthracenide gives a neutral complex, [B(2)(ttp)], in which the TTP ligand has been reduced by two electrons to give an unusual example of an isophlorin complex. The cationic and neutral complexes [B2(ttp)]2+ and [B2(ttp)] were characterised through a combination of spectroscopic data that is supported by DFT calculations on the porphine analogues.     

Enantioselective alkylative double ring-opening of epoxides derived from cyclic allylic ethers: synthesis of enantioenriched unsaturated diols

A screen of external chiral ligands has led to enantioselective organolithium-induced alkylative double ring-opening of 3,4-epoxytetrahydrofuran 1 with n-BuLi to give 3-methyleneheptane-1,2-diol 3 in 75% yield and 55% ee in the presence of bisoxazoline 10, and in up to 60% ee in the presence of (-)-sparteine 2. Extending the alkylative double ring-opening reaction to epoxides derived from oxabicyclo[n.2.1]alkenes (n = 2.3) results in the formation of cycloalkenediols, which, when carried out in the presence of (-)-sparteine 2 affords products in up to 85% ee.     

Photoageing of Baltic amber – Influence of daylight radiation behind window glass on surface colour and chemistry

The aim of this study was to provide evidence about the interaction between Baltic amber and daylight behind window glass, essential to understanding the mechanisms by which the material degrades in museum environments and to propose techniques for preventive conservation based on the control of environmental parameters where amber objects are stored or displayed. To investigate the photodegradation of Baltic amber, the methodology consisted of artificial ageing, in order to initiate degradation of model amber samples, and non-destructive analytical techniques, in order to identify and quantify changes in colour and chemical properties. Prism-shaped samples, obtained from a large amber piece, were exposed to different microclimatic conditions, subjected to accelerated photoageing and analysed by spectrocolorimetry, infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The experiments provided results about surface discolouration, oxidation of the molecular structure and breakdown of unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds in various environmental conditions, confirming the degrading role of daylight behind window glass. The conclusions of this study can be applied to the development of techniques for preventive conservation of museum collections containing amber objects.     

Ligand K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy of [Fe4S4]1+,2+,3+ clusters: changes in bonding and electronic relaxation upon redox

Sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is reported for [Fe(4)S(4)](1+,2+,3+) clusters. The results are quantitatively and qualitatively compared with DFT calculations. The change in covalency upon redox in both the [Fe(4)S(4)](1+/2+) (ferredoxin) and the [Fe(4)S(4)](2+/3+) (HiPIP) couple are much larger than that expected from just the change in number of 3d holes. Moreover, the change in the HiPIP couple is higher than that of the ferredoxin couple. These changes in electronic structure are analyzed using DFT calculations in terms of contributions from the nature of the redox active molecular orbital (RAMO) and electronic relaxation. The results indicate that the RAMO of HiPIP has 50% ligand character, and hence, the HiPIP redox couple involves limited electronic relaxation. Alternatively, the RAMO of the ferredoxin couple is metal-based, and the ferredoxin redox couple involves extensive electronic relaxation. The contributions of these RAMO differences to ET processes in the different proteins are discussed.     

Synthesis and Reactivity of Amidoaluminum Hydride Compounds as Potential Precursors to AlN

A new series of amidoaluminum hydride complexes H _n Al[N(SiHMe₂)₂]_3–n NMe₃ (1, n=2; 2, n=1), Al[N(SiHMe₂)₂]₃ (3), and [H₂AlN(SiHMe₂)₂]₂ (4) were prepared by the metallation of tetramethyldisilazane (Me₂HSi)₂NH with either H₃AlNMe₃ or H₃Al2OEt₂. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were shown by X-ray crystal structure determination to be monomeric Lewis acid-base adducts with four coordinate aluminum centers and terminal amido groups. The molecular structure of 4 was found to be a dimer with bridging disilylamides in the solid state. Attempts to obtain crystals of [H₂AlN(SiMe₃)₂]₂, a bulkier analogue of 4, led to the isolation of the unusual alumoxane ²-(Me₃Si)₂ N-(AlH₂)₂- ³-O-Al(H)N(SiMe₃)₂OEt₂ (6) in moderate yields. Thermolysis of 1 and 2 resulted only in the formation of ligand exchange and decomposition products, whereas thermolysis of 4 at 80°C afforded 1 equivalent of Me₂SiH₂ and a new species formulated as the imide complex [HAlNSiMe₂H] _n (7). Thermolysis of 4 in the presence of AlH₃NMe₃ gave Me₂SiH₂ and 7 at a higher reaction rate even at a lower temperature.     

Evaporation‐Driven Self‐Assembly of Colloidal Silica Dispersion: New Insights on Janus Particles

The evaporation driven self‐assembly of novel colloidal silica Janus particles was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy in comparison to unfunctionalized silica particles. The cyclodextrin‐ and azobenzene‐modified compound was obtained utilizing Pickering emulsion approach, in which the particles were immobilized on solidified wax droplets and subsequently functionalized. Silica particles were modified with 3‐aminopropyl trimethoxysilane and afterward reacted with tosyl‐β‐CD or phenylazo(benzoic acid), respectively. Mesoscopic structures of the colloidal dispersions, as dried films from aqueous solution, have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Interestingly, it has been observed that the Janus particles show a significantly different evaporation‐induced assembly than the unmodified particles.