Polymerization catalysis with transition metal amidinate and related complexes

Three new types of transition metal carboranylamidinate complexes

Three new types of transition metal carboranylamidinate complexes are reported.

Ring-Opening Polymerization Reactions of ε-Caprolactone and Lactides Initiated by (Benzimidazolylmethyl)amino Magnesium(II) Alkoxides

Reactions of (benzimidazolylmethyl)amine ligands N-((1H-benzo[s]imidazol-2-yl)methyl)-2,6-dimethylaniline (L1), N-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methyl)-2,6-diisopropylaniline (L2), and N-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methyl)-2,4,6-trimethylaniline (L3) with Mg(nBu)2 in the presence of either benzyl alcohol (BnOH) or tert-butyl alcohol (t-BuOH) afforded the respective MgII alkoxides [Mg(L1)(OBn)]2 (1), [(Mg(L2)(OBn)]2 (2), [Mg(L3)(OBn)]2 (3), [Mg(L2)(t-BuO)]2 (4). Complexes 1–4 formed efficient catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL), d,l-lactide (d,l-LA) and l-lactide (l-LA) at 110°C. The catalytic activities of these complexes in the ROP reactions were influenced by the steric effect of the ligands. Kinetic studies showed pseudo-first-order dependency on monomer. Polycaprolactone and polylactides of moderate weight-average molecular weights of 15285 and 5200 g mol−1 and fairly narrow polydispersity indexes from 1.24 to 1.58 were produced.

Insertion reactions of small unsaturated molecules in the N-B bonds of boron guanidinates

We report here 1,1- and 1,2-insertion reactions of small unsaturated molecules in the N-B bonds of two boron guanidinates, (Me₂N)C(NⁱPr)₂BCy₂ (1) and {ⁱPr(H)N}C(NⁱPr){N(p-^tBu-C₆H₄)}BCy₂ (2), and two bisboron guanidinates(2-), {ⁱPr(BCy₂)N}C(NⁱPr){N(p-^tBu-C₆H₄)}BCy₂ (3) and {ⁱPr(C₈H₁₄B)N}C(NⁱPr){N(p-Me-C₆H₄)}BC₈H₁₄ (4), the latter being prepared for the first time by double deprotonation of the corresponding guanidine with the 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane dimer, (H-BC₈H₁₄)₂. Compounds 1-4 easily insert aromatic isonitriles, XylNC (Xyl = 2,6-Me₂-C₆H₃) and (p-MeO-C₆H₄)NC, to give the expected diazaboroles 5-12, some of them being structurally characterised by X-ray diffraction. Interestingly, the BC₈H₁₄ derivatives 11 and 12 are in a fast temperature-dependent equilibrium with the de-insertion products, whose thermodynamic parameters are reported here. A correlation between these equilibria and the puckered heterocyclic structure found in the solid state for 11, and confirmed by DFT calculations, is also established. Reactions of the aforementioned guanidinates with CO are more sluggish or even precluded, and only one product, {ⁱPr(H)N}C{N(p-^tBu-C₆H₄)}(NⁱPr)(CO)BCy₂ (13), could be isolated in moderate yields. The 1,2-insertions of benzaldehyde in compounds 1, 2 and 4 are reversible reactions in all cases, and only one of the insertion products, {ⁱPr(H)N}C{N(p-^tBu-C₆H₄)}(NⁱPr)(PhHCO)BCy₂ (16a), was isolated and diffractrometrically characterised. Likewise, CO₂ reversibly inserts into a N-B bond of 2 to give {ⁱPr(H)N}C{N(p-^tBu-C₆H₄)}(NⁱPr)(CO₂)BCy₂ (19) with a conversion of ca. 9%. In all these equilibria, de-insertion is always favoured upon increasing the temperature.

Crystal and mol-ecular structures of two silver(I) amidinates, including an unexpected co-crystal with a lithium amidinate

The silver(I) amidinates bis-[μ-N1,N2-bis-(propan-2-yl)benzamidinato-κ2N1:N2]disilver(I), [Ag2(C13H19N2)2] or [Ag{PhC(N i Pr)2}]2 (1), and bis-(μ-N1,N2-di-cyclohexyl-3-cyclo-propyl-propynamidinato-κ2N1:N2)disilver(I), [Ag2(C18H27N2)2] or [Ag{cyclo-C3H5-C≡C-C(NCy)2}]2 (2a), exist as centrosymmetric dimers with a planar Ag2N4C2 ring and a common linear coordination of the metal atoms in the crystalline state. Moiety 2a forms a co-crystal with the related lithium amidinate, namely bis-(μ-N1,N2-di-cyclo-hexyl-3-cyclo-propyl-propynamidinato-κ2N1:N2)disilver(I) bis-(μ-N1,N2-di-cyclo-hexyl-3-cyclo-propyl-propynamidinato-κ3N1,N2:N1)bis-(tetra-hydro-furan-κO)lithium(I) toluene monosolvate, [Ag2(C18H27N2)2][Li2(C18H27N2)2(C4H8O)2]·C7H8 or [Ag{cyclo-C3H5-C≡C-C(NCy)2}]2[Li{cyclo-C3H5-C≡C-C(NCy)2}(THF)]2·C7H8, composed as 2a × 2b × toluene. The lithium moiety 2b features a typical ladder-type dimeric structure with a distorted tetra-hedral coordination of the metal atoms. In the silver(I) derivatives 1 and 2a, the amidinate ligand adopts a μ-κN:κN' coordination, while it is a μ-κN:κN:κN'-coordination in the case of lithium derivative 2b.

Formation and structure of the first metal complexes comprising amidino-guanidinate ligands

The first metal complexes comprising amidino-guanidinate ligands have been prepared and structurally characterized, namely bis-[μ-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraisopropyl-1-(1-butyl-amidinato)guanidinato-κ3N1,N2:N2]bis-[(tetra-hydro-furan)lithium], [Li2(C18H37N4)2(C4H8O)2], (2), and [bis-(tetra-hydro-furan)-lithium]-di-μ-chlorido-{(N,N'-di-cyclo-hexyl-1-butyl-amidinato-κ2N1,N2)[N,N',N'',N'''-tetra-cyclo-hexyl-1-(1-butyl-amidinato)guanidinato-κ2N1,N2]holmate(III)}, [HoLiCl2(C4H8O)2(C17H31N2)(C30H53N4)], (3). The novel lithium amidino-guanidinate precursors Li[ n BuC(=NR)(NR)C(NR)2] [1: R = Cy (cyclo-hex-yl), 2: R = i Pr) were obtained by treatment of N,N'-diorganocarbodi-imides, R-N=C=N-R (R = i Pr, Cy), with 0.5 equivalents of n-butyl-lithium under well-defined reaction conditions. An X-ray diffraction study of 2 revealed a ladder-type dimeric structure in the solid state. Reaction of anhydrous holmium(III) chloride with in situ-prepared 2 afforded the unexpected holmium 'ate' complex [ n BuC(=NCy)(NCy)C(NCy)2]Ho[ n BuC(NCy)2](μ-Cl)2Li(THF)2 (3) in 71% yield. An X-ray crystal structure determination of 3 showed that this complex contains both an amidinate ligand and the new amidino-guanidinate ligand.

Crystal structures of two ytterbium(III) complexes comprising alkynylamidinate ligands

Two ytterbium(III) complexes comprising alkynylamidinate ligands, namely bis-(η5-cyclo-penta-dien-yl)(3-cyclo-propyl-N,N'-diiso-propyl-propynamidinato-κ2N,N')ytterbium(III), [Yb(C5H5)2(C12H19N2)] or Cp2Yb[( i Pr2N)2C-C≡C-c-C3H5] (1) and tris-(3-phenyl-N,N'-di-cyclo-hexyl-propynamidinato-κ2N,N')ytterbium(III), [Yb(C21H27N2)3] or Yb[(CyN)2C-C≡C-Ph]3 (Cy = cyclo-hex-yl) (2) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Both complexes are monomers; for complex 2, the contribution to the scattering from highly disordered toluene solvent molecules in these voids was removed with the SQUEEZE routine [Spek (2015). Acta Cryst. C71, 9-18] in PLATON. The stated crystal data for Mr, μ etc. do not take these into account.

Crystal structure of bis(N-tert-butylbenzamidinium) hexachloridozirconate(IV) dichloromethane disolvate

In the crystal of the title complex salt, the amidinium cations and the centrosymmetric Zr^IV complex anions are linked by N—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, forming a two-dimensional network extending along the b-axis direction.

In the Zr^IV complex anion of the title complex salt, [(C₄H₉)HNC(C₆H₅)NH₂]₂[ZrCl₆]·2CH₂Cl₂, the Zr^IV cation, located on an inversion centre, is coordinated by six Cl⁻ anions in a distorted octa­hedral geometry with Zr—Cl distances in the range 2.433 (2)–2.4687 (19) Å; in the amidinium cation, the dihedral angle between the aromatic ring and [NCN] plane is 43.3 (4)°. In the crystal, the amidinium cations and [ZrCl₆]²⁻ anions are linked by N—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, forming a two-dimensional network extending along the b axis; two di­chloro­methane solvent mol­ecules are linked by a pair of weak C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, forming a centrosymmetric [CHCl]₂ six-membered ring.

Dialkylboron guanidinates: syntheses, structures and carbodiimide de-insertion reactions

Solutions of some of the title compounds reached an equilibrium with the aminoboranes and the corresponding carbodiimides at room temperature.

Transition metal complexes bearing tridentate ligands for precise olefin polymerization

This review covers key developments in the design of post-metallocene transition metal complexes (precatalysts) bearing tridentate chelating ligands and their application in olefin polymerization.

Five different types of η8-cyclooctatetraenyl-lanthanide half-sandwich complexes from one ligand set, including a “giant neodymium wheel”

Using one ligand set, five different types of η⁸-cyclooctatetraenyl-lanthanide half-sandwich complexes, including a “giant neodymium wheel”, have been prepared and structurally characterized.

The half-sandwich 18- and 16-electron arene ruthenium iminophosphonamide complexes

Novel arene ruthenium iminophosphonamides are electron-rich complexes due to a strong σ,π-donor zwitterionic ligand.

Zn(ii) and Cu(ii) formamidine complexes: structural, kinetics and polymer tacticity studies in the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and lactides

The flexibility of ligands and their coordination chemistry with metal centers provided effective catalysts in the ring opening polymerization of cyclic esters.

Copper(I) Complexes of Zwitterionic Imidazolium-2-Amidinates, a Promising Class of Electroneutral, Amidinate-Type Ligands

The first complexes containing imidazolium-2-amidinates as ligands (betaine-type adducts of imidazolium-based carbenes and carbodiimides, NHC-CDI) are reported. Interaction of the sterically hindered betaines ICyCDI(DiPP) and IMeCDI(DiPP) [both bearing 2,6-diisopropylphenyl (DiPP) substituents on the terminal N atoms] with Cu(I) acetate affords mononuclear, electroneutral complexes 1a and 1b, which contain NHC-CDI and acetate ligands terminally bound to linear Cu(I) centers. In contrast, the less encumbered ligand ICyCDI(p-Tol), with p-tolyl substituents on the nitrogen donor atoms, affords a dicationic trigonal paddlewheel complex, [Cu2(μ-ICyCDI(p-Tol))3](2+)[OAc(-)]2 (2-OAc). The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) resonances of this compound are broad and indicate that in solution the acetate anion and the betaine ligands compete for binding the Cu atom. Replacing the external acetate with the less coordinating tetraphenylborate anion provides the corresponding derivative 2-BPh4 that, in contrast with 2-OAc, gives rise to sharp and well-defined NMR spectra. The short Cu-Cu distance in the binuclear dication [Cu2(μ-ICyCDI(p-Tol))3](2+) observed in the X-ray structures of 2-BPh4 and 2-OAc, ca. 2.42 Å, points to a relatively strong "cuprophilic" interaction. Attempts to force the bridging coordination mode of IMeCDI(DiPP) displacing the acetate anion with BPh4(-) led to the isolation of the cationic mononuclear derivative [Cu(IMeCDI(DiPP))2](+)[BPh4](-) (3b) that contains two terminally bound betaine ligands. Compound 3b readily decomposes upon being heated, cleanly affording the bis-carbene complex [Cu(IMe)2](+)[BPh4(-)] (4) and releasing the corresponding carbodiimide (C(═N-DiPP)2).

N,O-Chelating Four-Membered Metallacyclic Titanium(IV) Complexes for Atom-Economic Catalytic Reactions

Titanium, as the second most abundant transition metal in the earth's crust, lends itself as a sustainable and inexpensive resource in catalysis. Its nontoxicity and biocompatibility are also attractive features for handling and disposal. Titanium has excelled as a catalyst for a broad range of transformations, including ethylene and α-olefin polymerizations. However, many reactions relevant to fine chemical synthesis have preferrentially employed late transition metals, and reactive, inexpensive early transition metals have been largely overlooked. In addition to promising reactivity, titanium complexes feature more robust character compared with some other highly Lewis-acidic metals such as those found in the lanthanide series. Since the advent of modulating ligand scaffolds, titanium has found use in a growing variety of reactions as a versatile homogeneous catalyst. These catalytic transformations include hydrofunctionalization reactions (adding an element-hydrogen (E-H) bond across a C-C multiple bond), as well as the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters, all of which are atom-economic transformations. Our investigations have focused on tight bite angle monoanionic N,O-chelating ligands, forming four-membered metallacycles. These ligand sets, including amidates, ureates, pyridonates, and sulfonamidates, have flexible binding modes offering a range of stable and reactive intermediates necessary for catalytic activity. Additionally, the simple form of these ligands leads to easily prepared proligands, along with facile tuning of steric and electronic factors. A sterically bulky titanium amidate complex has proven to be a leading catalyst for the selective formation of anti-Markovnikov addition products via intermolecular hydroamination of terminal alkynes, while sterically less demanding titanium pyridonates have opened the path to the selective formation of amine substituted cycloalkanes via the intramolecular hydroaminoalkylation of aminoalkenes over the competing hydroamination pathway. Sulfonamidates have boosted reactivity for hydrofunctionalization and polymerization reactions compared with amide ligands not bearing a sulfonyl group. N,O-Chelated titanium complexes have been used to synthesize ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and have been utilized in the challenging task of realizing equal incorporation of two different cyclic esters in a random ring-opening copolymerization. These discrete complexes have allowed for careful study of fundamental coordination chemistry and stoichiometric organometallic investigations. With inexpensive starting materials and modular ligands, titanium N,O-chelated complexes are well-suited to address the challenges of achieving greener chemical processes while accessing useful reaction manifolds for sustainable synthesis.

Titanium amidate complexes as active catalysts for the synthesis of high molecular weight polyethylene

A series of titanium and zirconium bis(amidate) complexes of the type L2MX2, where L is an amidate ligand, and X is either –NMe2 or –Cl, were prepared in 60%–83% yield and fully characterized. Multiple binding motifs are observed as the amidate ligand can bind in κ1- and κ2-modes. These complexes were then subjected to screening the catalytic polymerization of ethylene. All catalysts, after reaction with suitable co-catalyst, were functional for ethylene polymerization, though not for the copolymerization of ethylene and longer linear 1-alkenes. Polyethylene was formed in the range of 1000–4000 kDa, and with PDI values as low as 1.3. These long polymeric chains are considered as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

Synthesis and catalytic activity of homoleptic lanthanide-tris(cyclopropylethinyl)amidinates

New unsolvated, homoleptic lanthanide(iii) tris(cyclopropylethinylamidinate) complexes of the type [c-C₃H₅–CC–C(NR)₂]₃Ln (R = ⁱPr, cyclohexyl; Ln = Nd, Sm, Ho) have been prepared and the crystal structure of the holmium derivative [c-C₃H₅–CC–C(NⁱPr)₂]₃Ho has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction.

1,3-Bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)triazenides of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and strontium

1,3-Bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)triazenide anions act as bidentate ligands toward s-block metals; in the calcium derivative π-stacking of the aromatic rings leads to additional stabilization of the complex.

Reactivity of bis(organoamino)phosphanes with magnesium(ii) compounds

The reactivity of bis(organoamino)phosphanes with magnesium(ii) reagents is reported. The outcome of the reactions is influenced by a tautomeric H-shift in ligand backbones.

Amidinate group 4 complexes in the polymerization of olefins

The current perspective will present the use of amidinate group 4 complexes in α-olefin polymerizations.

Synthesis, characterization, thermal properties of silicon(iv) compounds containing guanidinato ligands and their potential as CVD precursors

The title compounds of the type (Me₃Si)₂N–C(N′R)(–N′′RSiMe₃) (with R = iPr or Cy) as potential CVD precursors have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ²⁹Si NMR and elemental analysis where necessary.

Monoamidinate titanium complexes: highly active catalysts for the polymerization and copolymerization of l-lactide and ε-caprolactone

A series of titanium trichloroamidinate complexes with distinct ligand sets showed different abilities in the copolymerization of ε-caprolactone and l-lactide, producing copolymers ranging from gradient to truly random microstructures.

Inserted products of lithium silylquinolylamide dimers [{8-(2-R-C9H5N)N(Me3Si)}Li·OEt2]2 (R = H or Me) with dimethylcyanamide and their reactive derivatives with metal halides

Li, Ti, Fe and Co complexes bearing 8-quinolyl-linked guanidinate ligands have been synthesized and characterized. The structures of all complexes show various coordinative modes with the same multi-dentate ligands.