Coordination-Driven Self-Assemblies with a Carborane Backbone

Synthesis and characterisation of heterometallic molecular triangles using ambidentate linker: self-selection of a single linkage isomer

The coordination driven self-assembly of discrete molecular triangles from a non-symmetric ambidentate linker 5-pyrimidinecarboxylate (5-pmc) and Pd(II)/Pt(II) based 90 degrees acceptors is presented. Despite the possibility of formation of a mixture of isomeric macrocycles (linkage isomers) due to different connectivity of the ambidentate linker, formation of a single and symmetrical linkage isomer in both the cases is an interesting observation. Moreover, the reported macrocycles represent the first example of discrete metallamacrocycles of bridging 5-pmc. While solution composition in both the cases was characterised by multinuclear NMR study and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), the identity of the assemblies in the solid state was established by X-ray single crystals structure analysis. Variable temperature NMR study clearly ruled out the formation of any other macrocycles by [4 + 4] or [2 + 2] self-assembly of the reacting components.

From solvolysis to self-assembly

My sojourn from classical physical-organic chemistry and solvolysis to self-assembly and supramolecular chemistry, over the last forty years, is described. My contributions to unsaturated reactive intermediates, namely vinyl cations and unsaturated carbenes, along with my decade-long involvement with polyvalent iodine chemistry, especially alkynyliodonium salts, as well as my more recent research with metal-ligand, coordination driven, and directed self-assembly of finite supramolecular ensembles are discussed.

Tungsten coordination chemistry of 1,4-bisdiphenylphosphinobutadiyne — Synthesis of coordination macrocycles and factors controlling diyne cycloaddition

The 1:1 reaction of [W(CO)4(2-picoline)2] (1) with Ph2PCtriple bondC-Ctriple bondCPPh2 (2) led to {[cis-W(CO)4]2(µ-Ph2PC4PPh2)2} (3), in which two bis(diphenylphosphino)butadiyne ligands bridge two tetracarbonyltungsten centres. Reaction of 1 with excess 2 led to [cis-W(CO)4(Ph2PC4PPh2-κ1-P)2] (4), in which two dangling bis-phosphines are coordinated to one metal centre, and reaction of 2 with two equivalents of 1 led to {[W(2-picoline)(CO)4]2(µ-Ph2PC4PPh2)} (5), in which one ligand bridges two tungsten centres. Combination of 4 and 5 led to the trimeric complex {[cis-W(CO)4]3(µ-Ph2PC4PPh2)3} (6), in which three tetracarbonyltungsten centres are bridged by three bisdiphenylphosphinobutadiyne ligands. The dimeric complex 3 showed no reactivity towards alkyne cycloaddition; however, the trimeric complex 6 undergoes cycloaddition at moderate temperatures to form {[W(CO)4]3[µ3-C12(Ph2P)6]} (8), which contains a cyclododecatrienetriyene ring. Comparison of structural data for the template complexes 3 and 6, as well that of previously described platinum template complexes, suggests that alkyne cycloaddition reactions are favoured by proximity of the alkynyl carbons α to phosphorus in adjacent ligands.Key words: coordination chemistry, diyne, cycloaddition, templated reaction, tungsten.

Coordination-driven self-assembly of functionalized supramolecular metallacycles

Coordination-driven self-assembly that combines rigid ditopic Pt(II) metal acceptors and bis-pyridyl organic donors provides a facile means of synthesizing well-defined metallacycles of predetermined size and geometry. Functionalization of the component acceptor or donor building blocks allows for the preparation of multifunctional supramolecular materials wherein the stoichiometry and position of individual functional moieties can be precisely controlled. The design, self-assembly, and applications of polyfunctional supramolecules incorporating functional moieties with host-guest, photonic, materials, and self-organizational properties is discussed.

Metallo-supramolecular self-assembly: the case of triangle-square equilibria

For the efficient self-assembly of metallo-supramolecular complexes, not only reversibility is required but also two other properties have to be controlled as well: (i) The right binding sites need to be programmed into the building blocks at the appropriate positions. (ii) The building blocks must be rigid enough to support the geometrical arrangement and to avoid the unfavorable entropy effects connected with the conformational fixation of flexible molecules. A series of different bis-pyridyl ligands is reported which self-assemble with (dppp)M(OTf) 2 complexes (dppp = 1,3-bis-(diphenylphosphino)propane; M = Pd (II), Pt (II)) to yield squares and/or triangles as the products. Enthalpic contributions (higher strain in the triangle) and entropic contributions (higher number of triangles from the same building blocks) determine the equilibrium. The effects of concentration, temperature, and solvent properties on the equilibrium have been studied. To characterize the complexes under study, a combination of (1)H, (31)P, and diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy, electrospray-ionization Fourier-transform ion-cyclotron-resonance mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography is needed. Variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy provides evidence for fast ligand-exchange processes occurring for the Pd complexes, while the Pt complexes exchange ligands much more slowly.

Functionalized hydrophobic and hydrophilic self-assembled supramolecular rectangles

The synthesis of six new, functionalized 180 degrees pyridyl donor ligands and their coordination-driven self-assembly into supramolecular rectangles is reported. Three of the new donors have been functionalized with hydrophobic straight chain alkane units (C6, C12, and C18) while the remaining three have been functionalized with derivatized di-, tetra-, and hexaethylene glycol hydrophilic units (DEG, TEG, and HEG, respectively). The resulting self-assembled hydrophobic and hydrophilic supramolecular rectangles have been fully characterized by multinuclear NMR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Molecular force field modeling suggests that the functionalized rectangles range in size from roughly 3.0 x 2.9 to 3.0 x 6.0 nm2 in size.

Allosterically Regulated Supramolecular Catalysis of Acyl Transfer Reactions for Signal Amplification and Detection of Small Molecules

The advent of methods for the construction of supramolecular assemblies provides a route to exploring the benefits of artificial allosteric catalysts. To expand our ability to control reactions using supramolecular catalysts capable of changing shape in response to chemical input signals, we report the development and high yield syntheses of multidomain modular supramolecular catalysts. These structures can be chemically interconverted between relatively inactive and catalytically active states depending on their shape. Furthermore, this class of supramolecular catalysts can be made to respond to a range of analytes via the introduction of specific structure control elements responsible for binding analyte molecules. Herein, we describe several of these catalysts and their ability to regulate acyl transfer reactions allosterically. In addition, the generality of this approach to signal amplification and detection is examined by incorporating the acyl transfer reaction into a small molecule detection scheme consisting of (i) analyte binding to structure control sites of the catalytic supramolecular assemblies, (ii) enhanced catalytic activity turned on by the resulting shape change, thereby allowing for signal amplification of the binding event, and (iii) signal detection by analysis of the products of the catalytic reaction.

Electrochromic Polymer Films Containing Re(I) and Pt(II) Metal Centers

Three Re(I) complexes (3, 5, and 7) (Re(CO)3Cl(L)2) and three new Pt(II) complexes (4, 6, and 8) ([Pt(P(Et)3)2(L)2](OTf)2), where L = pyridine, 1 (4-Py-EDOT) or 2 (4-Py-bithiophene), were prepared and characterized. The solid-state structures of 4 and 5 were determined by X-ray crystallography. Electrochromic polymeric films of 2, 5, and 6 were prepared and characterized.

Self-assembly of supramolecular platinum complexes with bis-4-pyridyl cavitands

The design and self-assembly of six new supramolecular complexes (four triangles and two 2+2 assemblies) are described. These assemblies incorporate two new bispyridyl cavitand building blocks and were prepared in excellent yields (85-95%). The assemblies and building blocks were characterized with multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Isotopically resolved mass spectrometry along with NMR data confirms the existence of the six assemblies.

Self-Assembly Reactions between the Cis-Protected Metal Corners (N−N)MII (N−N = Ethylenediamine, 4,4‘-Substituted 2,2‘-Bipyridine; M = Pd, Pt) and the Fluorinated Edge 1,4-Bis(4-pyridyl)tetrafluorobenzene

The self-assembly reactions between the fluorinated ditopic ligand 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)tetrafluorobenzene (A) and different nitrogen-protected palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes have been investigated. While dynamic equilibria between molecular triangles and squares were observed when the diimine compounds 4,4'-R2bipy (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine; R = H, Me, t-Bu) were employed as ancillary ligands, only square species were obtained from ethylenediamine (en) derivatives. Characterization of the obtained metallomacrocycles was accomplished by 1H and 19F NMR spectroscopy in combination with electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR). Molecular dynamics simulations (UFF) have been performed to interpret the influence of the fluorinated ring on the square/triangle relative stability. Density functional calculations using the GIAO method have been employed for the interpretation of the chemical shift assignments. The study of the ability of these compounds to act as hosts of electron-rich aromatic guests has shown that the palladium ethylenediamine square is capable of establishing this type of intermolecular interaction exclusively in aqueous media. The host-guest stoichiometry and association constants have been determinated by 1H NMR spectroscopy.

Redox Behavior of Phenyl-Terpyridine-Substituted Artificial Oligopeptides Cross-Linked by Co and Fe

This work presents the synthesis and characterization of metalated oligopeptide duplex assemblies composed of artificial oligopeptides bearing tethered phenyl terpyridine ligands that are coordinated to Co(II) and Fe(II) ions. The metals cross-link the oligopeptide strands, forming duplex structures. UV-vis spectrophotometric titrations that monitor the absorbance of the metal complexes' characteristic MLCT bands demonstrate stoichiometric metal chelation. Anodic peaks in the cyclic voltammograms of these molecules are consistent with one-electron oxidative reactions without strong coupling between the metal complexes. In separate chronocoulometry measurements, the diffusion coefficients of the metal complexes decrease with increasing oligopeptide length, suggesting the primary products are metal-linked oligopeptide duplex assemblies. Larger metalated oligopeptides adsorb to electrode surfaces during cyclic voltammetry and yield irreversibly adsorbed electroactive films with thicknesses that depend on the number of voltage cycles. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical investigations of the films on Pt and ITO electrodes show that the electron transfers in the adsorbed films are chemically reversible but are kinetically quasi-reversible.

Mono- and Di-nuclear Gold(I) Complexes Containing 1,12-Dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12)

The first examples of gold(i) complexes containing monodentate diphenylphosphine-1,12-carborane and bidentate 1,12-bis(diphenylphosphine)-1,12-carborane ligands are reported.

Facile construction of novel organolanthanide square-planar macrocycles through addition of carbodiimide to an amino group

The reactivity of lanthanocene derivatives containing the p-aminothiophenolate ligand towards carbodiimide was examined. Reaction of Cp2Ln(p-SC6H4NH2)(THF) with RN=C=NR in THF at room temperature gave four novel organolanthanide guanidinate complexes [Cp2Ln(p-SC6H4N(H)C(NHR)=NR)]4 (R = iPr, Ln = Yb (1a), Er (2a); R = Cy, Ln = Yb (2a), Er (2b)), formed by the addition of the C[double bond, length as m-dash]N double bonds of the carbodiimide molecule to the para-position amino group. Their unique square-planar macrocycle structures have been determined through X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. This result provides a potential method for the construction of organolanthanide macrocycles.

Synthesis and investigation of the boron cluster anion [7-(2′-pyridyl)-7,8-nido-dicarbaundecaborate] and its protonated form

The structurally chiral [7-(2'-pyridyl)-7,8-nido-C(2)B(9)H(11)](-), [](-), anion was prepared by a partial degradation reaction of 1-(2'-pyridyl)-1,2-closo-C(2)B(10)H(11). From this anion a protonated specie, H[7-(2'-pyridyl)-7,8-nido-C(2)B(9)H(11)] , and a tetramethylammonium salt, [NMe(4)][7-(2'-pyridyl)-7,8-nido-C(2)B(9)H(11)], [NMe(4)][] can be obtained. The (1)H{(11)B} DNMR study on in the temperature range from 298 to 203 K identified the weakly basic nitrogen atom in the pyridine ring as the proton accepting site in solid state and low temperature and revealed pronounced weakening of the nitrogen-proton interaction while the temperature increases. Capillary electrophoresis and X-ray diffraction confirmed the pyridine nitrogen atom as the proton binding site. Separation of the electrophoretically pure racemic [7-(2'-pyridyl)-7,8-nido-C(2)B(9)H(11)](-) ion into two peaks by the chiral selector beta-cyclodextrine has been achieved.

Facile Construction of Lanthanide Metallomacrocycles with the Bridging Imidazolate and Triazolate Ligands and Their Ring Expansions

Four novel tri- or tetranuclear organolanthanide metallomacrocycles [Cp2Ln(mu-Im)(THF)3 (Cp = C5H5, Ln = Yb (1), Er (2)], [Cp2Dy(mu-Im)]4(THF)]3 x 2THF (3), and [Cp'2Yb(mu-eta1:eta2-Tz)]4 x 2THF (Cp' = CH3C5H4) (4) have been synthesized through protolysis of Cp3Ln or Cp'3Yb with imidazole or triazole, indicating that both the bridge-ligand size and the lanthanide-ion radii can be applied in the modulation of the metallomacrocycles. Further investigations on the reactivity of complexes 1, 3, and 4 toward phenyl isocyanate reveal that PhNCO inserts readily into the simple bridge Ln-N bonds of 1 and 3 to yield the corresponding insertion products [Cp2Ln(mu-eta1:eta2-OC(Im)NPh)]3 (Ln = Yb (5), Dy (6)) but cannot insert into the Ln-N bond with a mu-eta1:eta2-bonding mode in 4. The novel bridge ligand [OC(Im)NPh] can expand the numbers of the ring members from 12 to 18 in 5 or 16 to 18 in 6. The number of metal atoms in the metallacycles with the ligand [OC(Im)NPh] is independent of the lanthanide-ion size; both trinuclear lanthanide macrocycles are observed in 5 and 6. All of these new complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic properties, and their structures have also been determined through X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis.

Self-Assembly of Molecular Nanoball: Design, Synthesis, and Characterization

The design and self-assembly of two new flexible supramolecular nanoballs are described. These assemblies incorporate two flexible tritopic amide and ester building blocks and were prepared in excellent yields (96-97%) via coordination driven self-assembly. The first resulted from the reaction of 4 equiv of a new tritopic ester ligand N,N',N' '-tris(4-pyridylmethyl) trimesic ester and 3 equiv of C4 symmetric Pd(NO3)2. The second analogous structure was obtained by the self-assembly of a flexible N,N',N' '-tris(3-pyridylmethyl) trimesic amide and Pd(NO3)2. The assemblies were characterized with multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and TGA. Mass spectrometry along with NMR data and TEM view confirms the existence of the two assemblies. MM2 force field simulations of the cages showed a ball shape with the diameter of the inner cavity of about 2.1 and 1.8 nm for 2a and 2b, respectively, which were also corroborated by TEM analysis.

Neutral Molecular Pd6 Hexagons Using κ3-P2O-Terdentate Ligands

The one-step synthesis of three new P2O-terdentate carboxylic acid ditertiary phosphines 2-{(Ph2PCH2)2N}-3-(X)C6H3CO2H (X = OCH3, L1; X = OH, L2) and 2-{(Ph2PCH2)2N}-5-(OH)C6H3CO2H (L3) by a phosphorus-based Mannich condensation reaction using Ph2PCH2OH and the appropriate amine in CH3OH is reported. Compounds L1-L3 function as typical kappa2-P2-didentate ligands upon complexation to Pd(CH3)Cl(cod) (cod = cycloocta-1,5-diene), affording the neutral, mononuclear complexes Pd(CH3)Cl(L1-L3) (1-3). Metathesis of 1 with NaX (X = Br, I) gave the corresponding (methyl)bromopalladium(II) (4) and (methyl)iodopalladium(II) (5) complexes, respectively. When chloroform or chloroform/methanol solutions of 1-3 (or 5) were allowed to stand, at ambient temperatures, yellow crystalline solids were isolated in very high yields (71-88%) and were analyzed for the novel hexameric palladium(II) compounds 6-9. All new compounds reported have been fully characterized by a combination of spectroscopic (multinuclear NMR, Fourier transform IR, electrospray mass spectrometry, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) and analytical methods. The self-assembly reactions are remarkably clean as monitored by 31P{1H} and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Single-crystal X-ray structures have been determined for L1, 4, 7.17CDCl3.2Et2O, 8.6CHCl3.8CH3OH, and 9.17CDCl3. In hexamers 7-9, all six square-planar palladium(II) metal centers comprise a kappa2-P2-chelating diphosphine, a kappa1-O-monodentate carboxylate, and either a chloride or iodide ligand, leading to 48-membered metallomacrocycles (with outside diameters of ca. 2.5 nm). Whereas only intramolecular O-H...N hydrogen bonding between the hydroxy group and tertiary amine has been observed in 7, strong intermolecular O-H...O hydrogen bonding of the type CO...HO(CH3)...HO, involving a methanol solvate, has been found in 8, leading to an unprecedented three-dimensional network motif.

Incorporating a Flexible Crown Ether into Neutral Discrete Self-Assemblies Driven by Metal Coordination

Driven by metal coordination, a flexible crown ether was self-assembled into neutral discrete complexes with two organoplatinum acceptors. Specifically, a [1 + 1]-assembled structure was separated from self-assemblies with different stoichiometries by vapor diffusion of acetone into their dichloromethane solution. The formation of these crown ether-incorporated self-assemblies was confirmed by NMR, elemental analysis, and X-ray single-crystal analysis.

p-Carborane: A New Cage Spacer for Photoactive Metal Polypyridine Dyads

The first example of a binuclear ruthenium complex involving the p-carborane framework in the bridging ligand is reported. The bridging ligand is a symmetric linear array comprising a central p-carborane unit, two p-phenylene spacers, and two 5-yl-2,2'-bipyridine coordinating units. A homobinuclear Ru(II) complex, with 2,2'-bipyridine as peripheral ligands, was synthesized and characterized. The Ru(II)-Ru(III) mixed-valence species, obtained by partial oxidation, has been investigated with steady-state and time-resolved techniques in CH3CN. The rate of photoinduced electron transfer is 2.3 x 10(8) s(-1).

Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of 13-Vertex Carboranes and 14-Vertex Metallacarboranes

Syntheses, properties, and synthetic applications of 13-vertex closo- and nido-carboranes are reported. Reactions of the nido-carborane salt [(CH2)3C2B10H10]Na2 with dihaloborane reagents afforded 13-vertex closo-carboranes 1,2-(CH2)3-3-R-1,2-C2B11H10 (R = H (2), Ph (3), Z-EtCH=C(Et) (4), E-(t)BuCH=CH (5)). Treatment of the arachno-carborane salt [(CH2)3C2B10H10]Li4 with HBBr2.SMe2 gave both the 13-vertex carborane 2 and a 14-vertex closo-carborane (CH2)3C2B12H12 (8). On the other hand, the reaction of [C6H4(CH2)2C2B10H10]Li4 with HBBr2.SMe2 generated only a 13-vertex closo-carborane 1,2-C6H4(CH2)2-1,2-C2B11H11 (9). Electrophilic substitution reactions of 2 with excess MeI, Br2, or I2 in the presence of a catalytic amount of AlCl3 produced the hexa-substituted 13-vertex carboranes 8,9,10,11,12,13-X6-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H5 (X = Me (10), Br (11), I (12)). The halogenated products 11 and 12 displayed unexpected instability toward moisture. The 13-vertex closo-carboranes were readily reduced by groups 1 and 2 metals. Accordingly, several 13-vertex nido-carborane dianionic salts [nido-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H11][Li2(DME)2(THF)2] (13), [[nido-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H11][Na2(THF)4]]n (13a), [[nido-1,2-(CH2)3-3-Ph-1,2-C2B11H10][Na2(THF)4]]n (14), [[nido-1,2-C6H4(CH2)2-1,2-C2B11H11][Na2(THF)4]]n (15), and [nido-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H11][M(THF)5] (M = Mg (16), Ca (17)) were prepared in good yields. These carbon-atom-adjacent nido-carboranes were not further reduced to the corresponding arachno species by lithium metal. On the other hand, like other nido-carborane dianions, they were useful synthons for the production of super-carboranes and supra-icosahedral metallacarboranes. Interactions of 13a with HBBr2.SMe2, (dppe)NiCl2, and (dppen)NiCl2 gave the 14-vertex carborane 8 and nickelacarboranes [eta5-(CH2)3C2B11H11]Ni(dppe) (18) and [eta5-(CH2)3C2B11H11]Ni(dppen) (19), respectively. All complexes were fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. Some were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.

Synthesis and characterization of binuclear half-sandwich metal (Co, Ir and Ru) complexes containing ancillary ortho-carborane-1,2-dithiolato ligands

The assembly of soluble, air-stable, binuclear structures, namely {(p-cymene)Ru[S(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10))]}(2)(micro-pyz), {Cp*Co[S(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10))]}(2)(micro-pyz), {Cp*Co[S(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10))]}(2)(micro-bpy), {Cp*Co[S(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10))]}(2)(micro-bpe) and {Cp*Ir[E(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10))]}(2)(micro-bpo) (E = S (), Se), in which organometallic units are bridged by pyridyl-based organic linkers, are synthesized. The complexes have been fully characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis. The molecular structures are established through X-ray crystallography.

Synthetic and structural studies on C-ethynyl- and C-bromo-carboranes

A high-yield preparation of the C-monoethynyl para-carborane, 1-Me(3)SiC[triple bond]C-1,12-C2B10H11, from C-monocopper para-carborane and 1-bromo-2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyne, BrC[triple bond]CSiMe(3) is reported. The low-yield preparation of 1,12-(Me3SiC[triple bond]C)2-1,12-C2B10H10 from the C,C'-dicopper para-carborane derivative with 1-bromo-2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyne, BrC[triple bond]CSiMe3, has been re-investigated and other products were identified including the C-monoethynyl-carborane 1-Me3SiC[triple bond]C-1,12-C2B10H11 and two-cage assemblies generated from cage-cage couplings. The contrast in the yields of the monoethynyl and diethynyl products is due to the highly unfavourable coupling process between 1-RC[triple bond]C-12-Cu-1,12-C2B10H10 and the bromoalkyne. The ethynyl group at the cage carbon C(1) strongly influences the chemical reactivity of the cage carbon at C(12)-the first example of the "antipodal effect" affecting the syntheses of para-carborane derivatives. New two-step preparations of 1-ethynyl- and 1,12-bis(ethynyl)-para-carboranes have been developed using a more readily prepared bromoethyne, 1-bromo-3-methyl-1-butyn-3-ol, BrC[triple bond]CCMe2OH. The molecular structures of the two C-monoethynyl-carboranes, 1-RC[triple bond]C-1,12-C2B10H11 (R = H and Me3Si), were experimentally determined using gas-phase electron diffraction (GED). For R = H (R(G) = 0.053) a model with C(5v) symmetry refined to give a C[triple bond]C bond distance of 1.233(5) A. For R = Me3Si (R(G) = 0.048) a model with C(s) symmetry refined to give a C[triple bond]C bond distance of 1.227(5) A. Molecular structures of 1,12-Br2-1,12-C2B10H10, 1-HC[triple bond]C-12-Br-1,12-C2B10H10 and 1,12-(Me(3)SiC[triple bond]C)2-1,12-C2B10H10 were determined by X-ray crystallography. Substituents at the cage carbon atoms on the C2B10 cage skeleton in 1-X-12-Y-1,12-C2B10H10 derivatives invariably lengthen the cage C-B bonds. However, the subtle substituent effects on the tropical B-B bond lengths in these compounds are more complex. The molecular structures of the ethynyl-ortho-carborane, 1-HC[triple bond]C-1,2-C2B10H11 and the ethene, trans-Me3SiBrC=CSiMe3Br are also reported.

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Carborane-Containing Neutral, Self-Assembled Pt-Metallacycles

[structure: see text] We have combined carborane chemistry with the newly developed directional bonding strategy to synthesize neutral macrocycles. The m- and p-carborane dicarboxylates were utilized as the donor linkers in conjunction with 1,8-bis[trans-Pt(PEt3)2NO3]anthracene 3, 2,9-bis[trans-Pt(PEt3)2NO3]phenanthrene 5, and cis-Pt(PEt3)2(NO3)2 unit 6. Three new platinum-based macrocycles, 4, 7, and 8, were thus synthesized. 31P{1H} NMR as well as the X-ray characterization of Pt-metallacycles reveal the formation of single highly symmetrical neutral species.