“Short-bite” ligands in cluster synthesis

The short-bite ligands CH₂(PR ₂)₂ or CH(PR ₂)₃ (R = Me, Ph),RN(PX ₂)₂ (R=H, Me, Et;X = F, OR (R= Me, Et, i-Pr, Ph), Ph),RE(CH₂ ER₂)₂ (E = P, As;R = Me, Ph ), Ph₂ P(2-C₅H₄N) and related species are particularly versatile for the synthesis of di- and polynuclear complexes which frequently possess metal-metal bonds. In addition to homometallic products, these ligands often permit the directed synthesis of heterometallic complexes. Selected aspects of the chemistry of these complexes are also reviewed.     

Oxidative-addition to a four-coordinate tin(II) complex supported by octamethyldibenzotetraaza[14]annulene dianion ligation, [η-Me8taa]Sn: The syntheses and structures of [η-Me8taa]SnI2 and *[η-Me8taa]SnI(THF)**I3*

The four-coordinate tin(II) complex [η⁴-Me₈taa]Sn undergoes oxidative addition of I₂ to give six-coordinate [η⁴-Me₈taa]SnI₂, in which the iodide ligands exhibit a trans arrangment. Abstraction of I⁻ from [η⁴-Me₈taa]SnI₂ is facile, as indicated by the rapid formation of the triiodide derivative *[η⁴-Me₈taa]SnI(THF)**I₃* upon treatment with I₂ in the presence of THF. The molecular structures of [η⁴-Me₈taa]SnI₂ and *[η⁴-Me₈taa]SnI(THF)**I₃* have been determined by X-ray diffraction.     

The remarkable photochemistry of quadruply bonded metal-metal complexes

Quadruply bonded metal-metal (M⁴-M)comptexes in electronic excited stares exhibit a rich oxidation-reduction chemistry. The structural, electronic, and oxidation-reduction properties of M⁴-M complexes may be exploited to rationally design their excited state chemistry from conventional one-electron pathways to the first Iogical development of discrete multielectron pathways. As we commemorate the 30-year anniversary of the discovery of M⁴-M complexes by F. A. Cotton, this review shows that they currently provide chemistry with some of the most diverse and novel reactivity for transition metal complexes in the excited state.