Nitrogen fixation in solution

Cleavage of dinitrogen to yield a (t-BuPOCOP)molybdenum(IV) nitride

(t-BuPOCOP)MoI(2) (1; t-BuPOCOP = C(6)H(3)-1,3-[OP(t-Bu)(2)](2)) has been synthesized from MoI(3)(THF)(3). Upon reduction of 1 with Na/Hg under dinitrogen molecular nitrogen is cleaved to form [(t-BuPOCOP)Mo(I)(N)](-). The origin of the N atom was confirmed using (15)N(2). Protonation of [(t-BuPOCOP)Mo(I)(N)](-) results in the formation of a neutral species in which it is proposed that the proton has added across the Mo-P bond.

Synthesis of diamidopyrrolyl molybdenum complexes relevant to reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia

A potentially useful trianionic ligand for the reduction of dinitrogen catalytically by molybdenum complexes is one in which one of the arms in a [(RNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N](3-) ligand is replaced by a 2-mesitylpyrrolyl-alpha-methyl arm, that is, [(RNCH(2)CH(2))(2)NCH(2)(2-MesitylPyrrolyl)](3-) (R = C(6)F(5), 3,5-Me(2)C(6)H(3), or 3,5-t-Bu(2)C(6)H(3)). Compounds have been prepared that contain the ligand in which R = C(6)F(5) ([C(6)F(5)N)(2)Pyr](3-)); they include [(C(6)F(5)N)(2)Pyr]Mo(NMe(2)), [(C(6)F(5)N)(2)Pyr]MoCl, [(C(6)F(5)N)(2)Pyr]MoOTf, and [(C(6)F(5)N)(2)Pyr]MoN. Compounds that contain the ligand in which R = 3,5-t-Bu(2)C(6)H(3) ([Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr](3-)) include {[(Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr]Mo(N(2))}Na(15-crown-5), {[(Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr]Mo(N(2))}[NBu(4)], [(Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr]Mo(N(2)) (nu(NN) = 2012 cm(-1) in C(6)D(6)), {[(Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr]Mo(NH(3))}BPh(4), and [(Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr]Mo(CO). X-ray studies are reported for [(C(6)F(5)N)(2)Pyr]Mo(NMe(2)), [(C(6)F(5)N)(2)Pyr]MoCl, and [(Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr]MoN. The [(Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr]Mo(N(2))(0/-) reversible couple is found at -1.96 V (in PhF versus Cp(2)Fe(+/0)), but the [(Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr]Mo(N(2))(+/0) couple is irreversible. Reduction of {[(Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr]Mo(NH(3))}BPh(4) under Ar at approximately -1.68 V at a scan rate of 900 mV/s is not reversible. Ammonia in [(Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr]Mo(NH(3)) can be substituted for dinitrogen in about 2 h if 10 equiv of BPh(3) are present to trap the ammonia that is released. [(Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr]Mo-N=NH is a key intermediate in the proposed catalytic reduction of dinitrogen that could not be prepared. Dinitrogen exchange studies in [(Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr]Mo(N(2)) suggest that steric hindrance by the ligand may be insufficient to protect decomposition of [(Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr]Mo-N=NH through a variety of pathways. Three attempts to reduce dinitrogen catalytically with [(Ar(t-Bu)N)(2)Pyr]Mo(N) as a "catalyst" yielded an average of 1.02 +/- 0.12 equiv of NH(3).

Metal-dioxygen and metal-dinitrogen complexes: where are the electrons?

Transition-metal complexes of O(2) and N(2) play an important role in the environment, chemical industry, and metalloenzymes. This Perspective compares and contrasts the binding modes, reduction levels, and electronic influences on the nature of the bound O(2) or N(2) group in these complexes. The charge distribution between the metal and the diatomic ligand is variable, and different models for describing the adducts have evolved. In some cases, single resonance structures (e.g. M-superoxide = M-O(2)(-)) are accurate descriptions of the adducts. Recent studies have shown that the magnetic coupling in certain N(2)(2-) complexes differs between resonance forms, and can be used to distinguish experimentally between resonance structures. On the other hand, many O(2) and N(2) complexes cannot be described well with a simple valence-bond model. Defining the situations where ambiguities occur is a fertile area for continued study.

Catalytic reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia by molybdenum: theory versus experiment

Molybdenum complexes that contain the triamidoamine ligand [(RNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N](3-) (R = 3,5-(2,4,6-iPr(3)C(6)H(2))(2)C(6)H(3)) catalyze the reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia at 22 degrees C and 1 atm with protons from 2,6-dimethylpyridinium and electrons from decamethylchromocene. Several theoretical studies have been published that bear on the proposed intermediates in the catalytic dinitrogen reduction reaction and their reaction characteristics, including DFT calculations on [(HIPTNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N]Mo species (HIPT =hexaisopropylterphenyl = 3,5-(2,4,6-iPr(3)C(6)H(2))(2)C(6)H(3)), which contain the actual triamidoamine ligand that is present in catalytic intermediates. Recent theoretical findings are compared with experimental findings for each proposed step in the catalytic reaction.

Reduction of N2 by Fe2+ via homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions Part 2: the role of metal binding in activating N2 for reduction; a requirement for both pre-biotic and biological mechanisms

Nitrogen reduction by ferrous iron has been suggested as an important mechanism in the formation of ammonia on pre-biotic Earth. This paper examines the effects of adsorption of ferrous iron onto a goethite (alpha-FeOOH) substrate on the thermodynamic driving force and rate of a ferrous iron-mediated reduction of N2 as compared with the homogeneous aqueous reaction. Utilizing density functional theory and Marcus Theory of proton coupled electron transfer reactions, the following two reactions were studied: Fe2+aq + N2aq + H2Oaq --> N2H* + FeOH2+aq and triple bond Fe2+ads + N2aq + 2H2Oaq --> N2H* + alpha-FeOOHs + 2H+aq. Although the rates of both reactions were calculated to be approximately zero at 298 K, the model results suggest that adsorption alters the thermodynamic driving force for the reaction but has no other effect on the direct electron transfer kinetics. Given that simply altering the thermodynamic driving force will not reduce dinitrogen, we can make mechanistic connections between possible prebiotic pathways and biological N2 reduction. The key to reduction in both cases is N2 adsorption to multiple transition metal centers with competitive H2 production.

Dinitrogen Dissociation on an Isolated Surface Tantalum Atom

Both industrial and biochemical ammonia syntheses are thought to rely on the cooperation of multiple metals in breaking the strong triple bond of dinitrogen. Such multimetallic cooperation for dinitrogen cleavage is also the general rule for dinitrogen reductive cleavage with molecular systems and surfaces. We have observed cleavage of dinitrogen at 250 degrees C and atmospheric pressure by dihydrogen on isolated silica surface-supported tantalum(III) and tantalum(V) hydride centers [(identical with Si-O)2Ta(III)-H] and [(identical with Si-O)2Ta(V)H3], leading to the Ta(V) amido imido product [(identical with SiO)2Ta(=NH)(NH2)]: We assigned the product structure based on extensive characterization by infrared and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, isotopic labeling studies, and supporting data from x-ray absorption and theoretical simulations. Reaction intermediates revealed by in situ monitoring of the reaction with infrared spectroscopy support a mechanism highly distinct from those previously observed in enzymatic, organometallic, and heterogeneous N2 activating systems.

Volatile Imido−Hydrazido Compounds of the Refractory Metals Niobium, Tantalum, Molybdenum, and Tungsten

Volatile 1,1-dimethyl-2-(trimethylsilyl)hydrazido(1-) complexes of niobium, tantalum, molybdenum, and tungsten have been synthesized and fully characterized for use as precursors in their chemical vapor deposition to metal nitrides. Different reaction patterns were observed in the hydrazinolysis of imido complexes of those four metals with (trimethylsilyl)dimethylhydrazine HN(SiMe3)NMe2 (H-TDMH). [Ta(NtBu)Cl3Py2] gave [Ta(TDMH)2Cl3] (1) with loss of the imido functionality, and [M(NtBu)2Cl2Py2] gave [M(NtBu)2(TDMH)Cl] (M = W, 8a; Mo, 8b). Reactions of both types of metal imido complexes with magnesium hydrazides produced [M(NtBu)(TDMH)2X] (M = Ta, X = Cl, 2a; X = Br, 3a; M = Nb, X = Cl, 2b; X = Br, 3b) and [M(NtBu)2(TDMH)X] (M = W, X = Cl, 8a; X = Br, 9a; M = Mo, X = Cl, 8b; X = Br, 9b). Halogen substitution reactions at 2 and 3 by -NMe2, -NHtBu, and CH2Ph groups as well as imido ligand replacement reactions have been investigated. The results of crystal structure determinations of 1, 4a, 5a, 6a, 7b, and 9b are presented.

Kinetic effects in heterometallic dinitrogen cleavage

The rhenium(I) dinitrogen complex (PhMe2P)4ClRe(N2) reacts with [Mo2(S2CNEt2)6](OTf)2 (6) to give the N(2)-bridged complex [(PhMe2P)4ClRe(mu-N2)Mo(S2CNEt2)3]OTf ([7]OTf). Spectroscopic (nu(NN) = 1818 cm(-1)) and structural data [d(NN) = 1.167(6) A] indicate that the bridging N(2) moiety in 7+ is slightly activated relative to free N2 or to the mononuclear Re complex. However, the complex is stable with respect to N2 cleavage. The putative products of such a cleavage, the known (Et2NCS2)3Mo(N) (5) and the newly prepared [(PhMe2P)(4)ClRe(N)]OTf ([9]OTf), are stable compounds that do not react with each other to give products of nitride coupling. Thus, the failure of 7+ to interconvert with 5 and 9+ is due not to the thermodynamic stability of the NN bond but rather to kinetic factors that disfavor N2 cleavage and nitride coupling. Implications of this result for using polar effects to facilitate N2 cleavage to nitrides as a strategy for nitrogen fixation are discussed.

Electroactive mesoporous tantalum oxide catalysts for nitrogen activation and ammonia synthesis

A new mesoporous Ta oxide catalyst for conversion of dinitrogen to ammonia shows strong evidence for a novel mechanism involving low valent Ta on the surface, supporting recent work in organometallic chemistry using low valent early transition metals for dinitrogen cleavage.

Structural Origin of Chirality and Properties of a Remarkable Helically Pillared Solid

A new helically pillared and chiral solid, Cu(pzc)2AgReO4 (I, pzc = pyrazinecarboxylate), was synthesized from hydrothermal reactions at 95-125 degrees C. The structural origin of its chirality, relative to the achiral M(pzc)2(H2O)2AgReO4 (II, M = Co; III, M = Ni) analogues, arises from significantly tilted pillars and hydrogen bonds to the AgReO4 layers. The new pillared structure exhibits second harmonic generation activity, CO2 absorption, thermal stability to approximately 250 degrees C, and Curie-Weiss magnetism expected for isolated Cu2+.

Ni(N2)4 revisited: an analysis of the Ni-N2 bonding properties of this benchmark system on the basis of UV/Vis, IR and Raman spectroscopy

Matrix isolation of Ni atoms in an N2 matrix leads to the formation of Ni(N2)4. This compound, being isoelectronic with the well known Ni(CO)4, represents an important bench-mark system. It has been characterised experimentally by UV/Vis, IR and Raman spectra. The vibrational spectra give evidence for both a1 modes, three of the four t2 modes, and one of the two e modes of the Td symmetric molecule. The experimental data obtained for Ni(14N2)4 and Ni(15N2)4 were used to determine the valence force constants f(Ni-N) and f(N-N), which are compared with those derived for Ni(N2) and for the corresponding carbonyl complexes Ni(CO) and Ni(CO)4. In addition, several overtones and combination modes of Ni(N2)4 were observed for the first time, providing further valuable information about the bond properties. The data allow for the first time a direct estimate of the Ni-N2 bond energy in Ni(N2)4 (120 kJ mol(-1)), that compares with a value of 148 kJ mol(-1) determined by the same method for Ni(CO)4.

Zirconium and Hafnium Complexes Containing Bidentate Diarylamido−Phosphine Ligands

The first examples of mononuclear, structurally characterized triarylphosphine complexes of zirconium and hafnium are reported. The metathetical reactions of MCl4(THF)2 (M = Zr, Hf) with [iPrNP]Li(THF)2 ([iPrNP]- = N-(2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl)-2,6-diisopropylanilide) or [MeNP]Li(THF)2 ([MeNP]- = N-(2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl)-2,6-dimethylanilide) in toluene at -35 degrees C produced the corresponding [iPrNP]MCl3(THF) and [MeNP]2MCl2, respectively, in high yield. In contrast, attempts to prepare [MeNP]MCl3(THF) and [iPrNP]2MCl2 led to the concomitant formation of mono- and bis-ligated complexes, from which purification proved rather ineffective. The solution and solid-state structures of [iPrNP]MCl3(THF) and [MeNP]2MCl2 were studied by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The geometry of these six-coordinate complexes is best described as a distorted octahedron in which the chloride ligands in [iPrNP]MCl3(THF) adopt a virtually meridional coordination mode whereas those in [MeNP]2MCl2 are trans to each other.

Catalytic reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia at well-defined single metal sites

Dinitrogen (N2) is reduced to ammonia at room temperature and 1atm with molybdenum catalysts that contain tetradentate [HIPTN3N]3- triamidoamine ligands {[HIPTN3N]3-=[{3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3NCH2CH2}3N]3-, an example being [HIPTN3N]Mo(N2)} in heptane. Slow addition of the proton source ({2,6-lutidinium}{BAr'4}; Ar'=3,5-(CF3)2C6H3) and reductant (decamethyl chromocene) assure a high yield of ammonia (63-65% in four turnovers) versus dihydrogen formation. Numerous X-ray studies, along with isolation and characterization of seven intermediates in the proposed catalytic reaction (under noncatalytic conditions), suggest that N2 is being reduced at a sterically protected, single Mo centre that cycles between states Mo(III), Mo(IV), Mo(V) and Mo(VI).

Ligand-assisted reduction of Co(II) to Co(I) and subsequent coordination of dinitrogen

Reaction of the bis-aminopyridine dianion {[2,6-[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN-C=(CH2)]2(C5H3N)]Li(THF)}{Li(THF)4} with CoCl2(THF)1.5 under Ar afforded the dinuclear complex {[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN-C=(CH2)](C5H3N)[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN=C(CH2)]}2[Co(µ-Cl)Li(THF)3]2·4(THF) (1) in which the ligand is coupled to a second identical unit at a terminal methylene carbon. In turn, the C—C bond formation caused reduction of the Co(II) center to the monovalent state. The same reaction performed under a nitrogen atmosphere afforded the double dinitrogen complex {[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN-C=(CH2)](C5H3N)[2,6-(i-Pr)2PhN=C(CH2)]}2[Co(N2)]2·2(toluene) (2). Key words: low-valent Co, diiminopyridinato, dinitrogen fixation.

Synthesis of tungsten complexes that contain hexaisopropylterphenyl-substituted triamidoamine ligands, and reactions relevant to the reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia

[HIPTN3N]WCl (WCl) can be synthesized readily by adding H3[HIPTN3N] to WCl4(DME) followed by LiN(SiMe3)2 ([HIPTN3N]3– = [(HIPTNCH2CH2)3N]3– where HIPT = 3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3 = HexaIsoPropylTerphenyl). Reduction of WCl with KC8 in benzene under N2 yields WN=NK. WN=NK is readily oxidized in THF by ZnCl2 to yield zinc metal and WN2. Reduction of WN2 to [WN2]– is reversible at –2.27 V vs. FeCp2+/0 in 0.1 mol/L [Bu4N][BAr′4]/PhF electrolyte (Ar′ = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3), while oxidation of WN2 to [WN2]+ is also reversible at –0.66 V. Protonation of WN=NK by [Et3NH][OTf] in benzene yields WN=NH essentially quantitatively. Protonation of WN=NH at Nβ with [H(OEt)2][BAr′4] in ether affords [W=NNH2][BAr′4] quantitatively. Electrochemical reduction of [W=NNH2][BAr′4] in 0.1 mol/L [Bu4N][BAr′4]/PhF is irreversible at scan rates of up to 1 V/s. Addition of NaBAr′4 and NH3 to WCl in PhF yields [W(NH3)][BAr′4]. Electrochemical reduction of [W(NH3)][BAr′4] in 0.1 mol/L [Bu4N][BAr′4]/PhF is irreversible at –2.06 V vs. FeCp2+/0 at a scan rate of 0.5 V/s. Treatment of [W(NH3)][BAr′4] with triethylamine and [FeCp2][PF6] in C6D6, followed by LiN(SiMe3)2, yielded W≡N. Treatment of [W(NH3)][BAr′4] with LiBHEt3 (1 mol/L in THF) results in formation of WH, which is converted to WH3 upon exposure to an atmosphere of H2. Attempts to prepare WN=NH by treating WN2 with [2,6-LutH][BAr′4] and CoCp2 yielded only [W=NNH2][BAr′4]. [W=NNH2][BAr′4] is reduced to W=NNH2 by CoCp*2, but this species disproportionates to yield WN=NH, W≡N, and ammonia. Reduction of [W(NH3)][BAr′4] with CoCp*2 does not yield any observable W(NH3). Attempted catalytic reduction of dinitrogen using WN2 as the catalyst under conditions identical or similar to those employed for catalytic reduction of dinitrogen by MoN2 and related Mo complexes failed. Single crystal X-ray studies were carried out on W-N=NK, WN2, W-N=NH, [W=NNH2][BAr′4], and [W(NH3)][BAr′4].Key words: dinitrogen, reduction, tungsten, ammonia.

Mesoporous tantalum oxide photocatalysts for Schrauzer-type conversion of dinitrogen to ammonia

Mesoporous tantalum oxide, Fe3+-doped mesoporous tantalum oxide, and bis(toluene) titanium reduced mesoporous tantalum oxide were used for the first time as Schrauzer-type photocatalysts for the conversion of dinitrogen to ammonia. The materials were characterized by XRD, TEM, XPS, and nitrogen absorption before and after catalytic runs. The results showed low to moderate activities depending on the composition. In contrast to previously studied Ti catalysts, Fe doping and heat pretreatment were not prerequisites for photocatalytic activity, but did improve the turnover rates by up to a factor of two. The optimal Fe loading for the tantalum oxides was found to be 1 wt% and the optimal heating condition at 300 °C for 3 h. Increased surface area and heat treatment were also found to improve activities. Contrary to our expectations, reduction of the mesostructure with bis(toluene) titanium had little effect on the catalytic activity. In spite of the dramatically higher surface areas of the mesoporous tantalum oxides as compared with bulk titanias used previously in this process, the overall catalytic activities were still less than those obtained in the Schrauzer system. This suggests that the increase in diffusion and surface area offered by the mesoporous structure is offset by the smaller crystalline domain sizes in the walls of the structure, leading to poor electron-hole separation and a reduction in catalytic efficiency. Key words: mesoporous, Schrauzer, ammonia, photocatalysis, tantalum oxide.

Studies Relevant to Catalytic Reduction of Dinitrogen to Ammonia by Molybdenum Triamidoamine Complexes

In this paper we explore several issues surrounding the catalytic reduction of dinitrogen by molybdenum compounds that contain the [(HIPTNCH2CH2)3N]3- ligand (where HIPT = 3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3). Four additional plausible intermediates in the catalytic dinitrogen reduction have now been crystallographically characterized; they are MoN= NH (Mo = [(HIPTNCH2CH2)3N]Mo), [Mo=NNH2][BAr'4] (Ar' = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3), [Mo=NH][BAr'4], and Mo(NH3). We also have crystallographically characterized a 2,6-lutidine complex, Mo(2,6-Lut)+, which is formed upon treatment of MoH with [2,6-LutH][B(C6F5)4]. We focus on the synthesis of compounds that have not yet been isolated, which include Mo=NNH2, Mo=NH, and Mo(NH2). Mo=NNH2, formed by reduction of [Mo=NNH2]+, has not been observed. It decomposes to give mixtures that contain two or more of the following: MoN=NH, Mo triple bond N, Mo(NH3)+, Mo(NH3), and ammonia. Mo=NH, which can be prepared by reduction of [Mo=NH]+, is stable for long periods in the presence of a small amount of CrCp*2, but in the absence of CrCp*2, and in the presence of Mo=NH+ as a catalyst, Mo=NH is slowly converted into a mixture of Mo triple bond N and Mo(NH2). Mo(NH2) can be produced independently by deprotonation of Mo(NH3)+ with LiN(SiMe3)2 in THF, but it decomposes to Mo triple bond N upon attempted isolation. Although catalytic reduction of dinitrogen could involve up to 14 intermediates in a "linear" sequence that involves addition of "external" protons and/or electrons, it seems likely now that several of these intermediates, along with ammonia and/or dihydrogen, can be produced in several reactions between intermediates that themselves behave as proton and/or electron sources.

An Electronic Perspective on the Reduction of an N?N Double Bond at a Conserved Dimolybdenum Core

Density functional theory has been used to assess the role of the bimetallic core in supporting reductive cleavage of the N=N double bond in [Cp2Mo2(mu-SMe)3(mu-eta1:eta1-HN=NPh)]+. The HOMO of the complex, the Mo-Mo delta orbital, plays a key role as a source of high-energy electrons, available for transfer into the vacant orbitals of the N=N unit. As a result, the metal centres cycle between the Mo(III) and Mo(IV) oxidation states. The symmetry of the Mo-Mo delta "buffer" orbital has a profound influence on the reaction pathway, because significant overlap with the redox-active orbital on the N=N unit (pi* or sigma*) is required for efficient electron transfer. The orthogonality of the Mo-Mo delta and N-N sigma* orbitals in the eta1:eta1 coordination mode ensures that electron transfer into the N-N sigma bond is effectively blocked, and a rate-limiting eta1:eta1-->eta1 rearrangement is a necessary precursor to cleavage of the bond.

Molybdenum triamidoamine complexes that contain hexa-tert-butylterphenyl, hexamethylterphenyl, or p-bromohexaisopropylterphenyl substituents. An examination of some catalyst variations for the catalytic reduction of dinitrogen

Three new tetramines, (ArNHCH(2)CH(2))(3)N, have been synthesized in which Ar = 3,5-(2,4,6-t-Bu(3)C(6)H(2))(2)C(6)H(3) (H(3)[HTBTN(3)N]), 3,5-(2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2))(2)C(6)H(3) (H(3)[HMTN(3)N]), or 4-Br-3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr(3)C(6)H(2))(2)C(6)H(2) (H(3)[pBrHIPTN(3)N]). The diarylated tetramine, [3,5-(2,4,6-t-Bu(3)C(6)H(2))(2)C(6)H(3)NHCH(2)CH(2)](2)NCH(2)CH(2)NH(2), has also been isolated, and the "hybrid" tetramine [3,5-(2,4,6-t-Bu(3)C(6)H(2))(2)C(6)H(3)NHCH(2)CH(2)](2)NCH(2)CH(2)NH(4-t-BuC(6)H(4)) has been prepared from it. Monochloride complexes, [(TerNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N]MoCl, have been prepared, as well as a selection of intermediates that would be expected in a catalytic dinitrogen reduction such as [(TerNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N]Mo[triple bond]N and [[(TerNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N]Mo(NH(3))][BAr'(4)] (Ter = HTBT, HMT, or pBrHIPT and Ar' = 3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3))). Intermediates that contain the new terphenyl-substituted ligands are then evaluated for their efficiency for the catalytic reduction of dinitrogen under conditions where analogous [HIPTN(3)N]Mo species give four turnovers to ammonia under "standard" conditions with an efficiency of approximately 65%. Only [pBrHIPTN(3)N]Mo compounds are efficient catalysts for dinitrogen reduction. The reasons are explored and discussed.

Catalytic reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia at a single molybdenum center

Dinitrogen (N2) was reduced to ammonia at room temperature and 1 atmosphere with molybdenum catalysts that contain tetradentate [HIPTN3N]3- triamidoamine ligands (such as [HIPTN3N]Mo(N2), where [HIPTN3N]3- is [(3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3NCH2CH2)3N]3-) in heptane. Slow addition of the proton source [(2,6-lutidinium)(BAr'4), where Ar' is 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3]and reductant (decamethyl chromocene) was critical for achieving high efficiency ( approximately 66% in four turnovers). Numerous x-ray studies, along with isolation and characterization of six proposed intermediates in the catalytic reaction under noncatalytic conditions, suggest that N2 was reduced at a sterically protected, single molybdenum center that cycled from Mo(III) through Mo(VI) states.

Hydrosilylation of a dinuclear tantalum dinitrogen complex: cleavage of N2 and functionalization of both nitrogen atoms

Hydrosilylation of the ditantalum dinitrogen complex ([NPN]Ta)2(mu-H)2(mu-eta1:eta2-N2) proceeds via an addition reaction to produce ([NPN]TaH)(mu-H)2(mu-eta1:eta2-N-NSiH2Bu)(Ta[NPN]), which contains a new N-Si bond and a terminal tantalum hydride; this species has been characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. This complex undergoes reductive elimination of H2 followed by N-N bond cleavage to generate a new intermediate with the formula ([NPN]TaH)(mu-N)(mu-NSiH2Bu)(Ta[NPN]); confirmation of N-N bond cleavage is evident from the 15N-labeled isotopomer that displays an absence of 15N-15N scalar coupling in the 15N NMR spectrum. In the presence of additional silane, a second hydrosilylation and reductive elimination results to give ([NPN]Ta)2(mu-NSiH2Bu)2, a species in which each dinitrogen-derived N atom has been converted to a bridging silylimide ligand. This latter complex displays C2h symmetry both in solution and in the solid state.

Synthesis and reactions of molybdenum triamidoamine complexes containing hexaisopropylterphenyl substituents

We have synthesized a triamidoamine ligand ([(RNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N](3)(-)) in which R is 3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr(3)C(6)H(2))(2)C(6)H(3) (hexaisopropylterphenyl or HIPT). The reaction between MoCl(4)(THF)(2) and H(3)[HIPTN(3)N] in THF followed by 3.1 equiv of LiN(SiMe(3))(2) led to formation of orange [HIPTN(3)N]MoCl. Reduction of MoCl (Mo = [HIPTN(3)N]Mo) with magnesium in THF under dinitrogen led to formation of salts that contain the ((Mo(N(2)))(-) ion. The (Mo(N(2)))(-) ion can be oxidized by zinc chloride to give Mo(N(2)) or protonated to give MoN=NH. The latter was found to decompose to yield MoH. Other relevant compounds that have been prepared include (Mo=N-NH(2))(+) (by protonation of MoN=NH), M=1;N, (Mo=NH)(+) (by protonation of M=N), and (Mo(NH(3)))(+) (by treating MoCl with ammonia). (The anion is usually (B(3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3))(4))(-) = (BAr'(4))(-).) X-ray studies were carried out on (Mg(DME)(3))(0.5)[Mo(N(2))], MoN=NMgBr(THF)(3), Mo(N(2)), M=N, and (Mo(NH(3)))(BAr'(4)). These studies suggest that the HIPT substituent on the triamidoamine ligand creates a cavity that stabilizes a variety of complexes that might be encountered in a hypothetical Chatt-like dinitrogen reduction scheme, perhaps largely by protecting against bimolecular decomposition reactions.