S42− Rings, Disulfides, and Sulfides in Transition-Metal Complexes: The Subtle Interplay of Oxidation and Structure

Halogen-Bonding-Mediated Radical Reactions: The Unexpected Behavior of Piperazine-Based Dithiooxamide Ligands in the Presence of Diiodine

N,N'-Dialkylpiperazine-2,3-dithiones (R2pipdt) were recognized as a class of hexa-atomic cyclic dithiooxamide ligands with peculiar charge-transfer donor properties toward soft electron-acceptors such as noble metal cations and diiodine. The latter interaction is nowadays better described as halogen bonding. In the reaction with diiodine, R2pipdt unexpectedly provides the corresponding triiodide salts, differently from the other dithiooxamides, which instead typically achieve ligand·nI2 halogen-bonded adducts. In this paper, we report a combined experimental and theoretical study that allows elucidation of the nature of the cited products and the reasons behind the unpredictable behavior of these ligands. Specifically, low-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements on a series of synthetically obtained R2pipdt (R = Me, iPr, Bz)/I3 salts, complemented by neutron diffraction experiments, were able to experimentally highlight the formation of [R2pipdtH]+ cations with a -S-H bond on the dithionic moiety. Differently, with R = Ph, a benzothiazolylium cation, resulting from an intramolecular condensation reaction of the ligand, is obtained. Based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, a reasonable reaction mechanism where diiodine plays the fundamental role of promoting a halogen-bonding-mediated radical reaction has been proposed. In addition, the comparison of combined experimental and computational results with the corresponding reactions of N,N'-dialkylperhydrodiazepine-2,3-dithione (R2dazdt, a hepta-atomic cyclic dithiooxamide), which provide neutral halogen-bonded adducts, pointed out that the difference in the torsion angle of the free ligands represents the structural key factor in determining the different reactivities of the two systems.

Sulfur-Containing Analogues of the Reactive [CuOH]2+ Core

With the aim of drawing comparisons to the highly reactive complex LCuOH (L = bis(2,6-diisopropylphenylcarboxamido)pyridine), the complexes [Bu₄N][LCuSR] (R = H or Ph) were prepared, characterized by spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography, and oxidized at low temperature to generate the species assigned as LCuSR on the basis of spectroscopy and theory. Consistent with the smaller electronegativity of S versus O, redox potentials for the LCuSR^-/0 couples were ∼50 mV lower than for LCuOH^-/0, and the rates of the proton-coupled electron transfer reactions of LCuSR with anhydrous 1-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine at -80 °C were significantly slower (by more than 100 times) than the same reaction of LCuOH. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations on LCuZ (Z = OH, SH, SPh) revealed subtle differences in structural and UV-visible parameters. Further comparison to complexes with Z = F, Cl, and Br using complete active space (CAS) self-consistent field and localized orbital CAS configuration interaction calculations along with a valence-bond-like interpretation of the wave functions showed differences with previously reported results ( J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 8514), and argue for a consistent electronic structure across the entire series of complexes, rather than a change in the nature of the ligand field arrangement for Z = F.

[Cu6 (NGuaS)6 ]2+ and its oxidized and reduced derivatives: Confining electrons on a torus

The hexanuclear thioguanidine mixed-valent copper complex cation [Cu₆ (NGuaS)₆ ]⁺² (NGuaS = o-SC₆ H₄ NC(NMe₂ )₂ ) and its oxidized/reduced states are theoretically analyzed by means of density functional theory (DFT) (TPSSh + D3BJ/def2-TZV (p)). A detailed bonding analysis using overlap populations is performed. We find that a delocalized Cu-based ring orbital serves as an acceptor for donated S p electrons. The formed fully delocalized orbitals give rise to a confined electron cloud within the Cu₆ S₆ cage which becomes larger on reduction. The resulting strong electrostatic repulsion might prevent the fully reduced state. Experimental UV/Vis spectra are explained using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and analyzed with a natural transition orbital analysis. The spectra are dominated by MLCTs within the Cu₆ S₆ core over a wide range but LMCTs are also found. The experimental redshift of the reduced low energy absorption band can be explained by the clustering of the frontier orbitals. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Optical response of the Cu2 S2 diamond core in Cu2II(NGuaS)2 Cl2

Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations are presented for the dicopper thiolate complex Cu2 (NGuaS)2 Cl2 [NGuaS=2-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidino) benzenethiolate] with a special focus on the bonding mechanism of the Cu2 S2 Cl2 core and the spectroscopic response. This complex is relevant for the understanding of dicopper redox centers, for example, the CuA center. Its UV/Vis absorption is theoretically studied and found to be similar to other structural CuA models. The spectrum can be roughly divided in the known regions of metal d-d absorptions and metal to ligand charge transfer regions. Nevertheless the chloride ions play an important role as electron donors, with the thiolate groups as electron acceptors. The bonding mechanism is dissected by means of charge decomposition analysis which reveals the large covalency of the Cu2 S2 diamond core mediated between Cu dz2 and S-S π and π* orbitals forming Cu-S σ bonds. Measured resonant Raman spectra are shown for 360- and 720-nm excitation wavelength and interpreted using the calculated vibrational eigenmodes and frequencies. The calculations help to rationalize the varying resonant behavior at different optical excitations. Especially the phenylene rings are only resonant for 720 nm. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Asymmetric catalytic sulfoxidation by a novel VIV8 cluster catalyst in the presence of serum albumin: a simple and green oxidation system

Enantioselective oxidation of a series of alkyl aryl sulfides catalyzed by a novel VIV8 cluster is tested in an aqueous medium in the presence of serum albumin. The procedure is simple, environmentally friendly, selective, and highly reactive.

Interaction of 4-oxoalkane-1,1,2,2-tetracarbonitriles with Lawesson's reagent – a new approach to the synthesis of 2,2′-disulfanediylbis(1H-pyrroles). The synthesis of photochromic diarylethene with a disulfide bridge

Transformation of 4-oxoalkane-1,1,2,2-tetracarbonitriles under the action of Lawesson's reagent leads to 2,2′-disulfanediylbis(1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitriles) in good yields.

The use of localised orbitals for the bonding and mechanistic analysis of organometallic compounds

Through a series of examples we show how, upon orbital localisation, the outcome of an electronic structure calculation reveals features, such as bonding and oxidation states, which are controversial to grasp by alternative methods. The approach can also be applied to the analysis of reaction mechanisms. Because of the insight it provides in a limited execution time, we believe that this approach, known since the early developments of computational quantum chemistry, could find wider applications in the organometallic community than it actually has and facilitate communication between computational and experimental chemists.

C-H activation by a diselenido dinickel(II) complex

Addition of selenium to the nickel(I) complex, [Ni(Me4[12]aneN4)(CO)]PF6, effects a redox reaction leading to the diselenido dinickel(II) complex, {[(Ni(Me4[12]aneN4)]2(Se2)}(PF6)2, in 70% crystalline yield. The product's structure features a μ-η(2):η(2)-Se2 ligand with Se-Se bond length of 2.379(13) Å. Upon mild heating, {[(Ni(Me4[12]aneN4)]2(μ-η(2):η(2)-Se2)}(PF6)2 oxidizes 9,10-dihydroanthracene or 1,4-cyclohexadiene forming the terminal hydroselenide, [Ni(Me4[12]aneN4)(SeH)]PF6, and anthracene or benzene, respectively. [Ni(Me4[12]aneN4)(SeH)]PF6 cleanly converts back to the diselenido dinickel(II) adduct upon addition of a phenoxy radical.

Weak sulfur-sulfur interactions between chemically-identical atoms

Abstract Experimentally-known sulfur-sulfur distances shorter than the sum of van der Waals radii and involving two chemically-identical sulfur atoms are examined at several levels of theory (BP86/6-31G** to CCSD(T)/6-311+G**). None of the theoretical methods predict an attractive interaction from an energetic point of view, even though molecular orbitals stretching between the two sulfur atoms have been identified. Most likely, if there is indeed an attractive interaction force between chemically identical sulfur atoms, its value is comparable to the accuracy of the methods employed here — implying an attractive interaction below 1 kcal/mol. The investigation includes some simple models of 1,6,12,17-tetrathiacyclodocosa-2,4,13,15-tetrayne which was previously shown to have an S—S interaction involving two chemically-identical atoms. Attractive interactions calculated for these latter models are shown to arise from S—HC weak bonding, with the S—S interaction being again repulsive. Graphical abstract

X-ray absorption spectroscopic and computational investigation of a possible S···S interaction in the [Cu3S2]3+ core

The electronic structure of the [Cu(3)S(2)](3+) core of [(LCu)(3)(S)(2)](3+) (L = N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-2R,3R-cyclohexanediamine) is investigated using a combination of Cu and S K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and calculations at the density functional and multireference second-order perturbation levels of theory. The results show that the [Cu(3)S(2)](3+) core is best described as having all copper centers close to but more oxidized than Cu(2+), while the charge on the S(2) fragment is between that of a sulfide (S(2-)) and a subsulfide (S(2)(3-)) species. The [Cu(3)S(2)](3+) core thus is different from a previously described, analogous [Cu(3)O(2)](3+) core, which has a localized [(Cu(3+)Cu(2+)Cu(2+))(O(2-))(2)](3+) electronic structure. The difference in electronic structure between the two analogues is attributed to increased covalent overlap between the Cu 3d and S 3p orbitals and the increased radial distribution function of the S 3p orbital (relative to O 2p). These features result in donation of electron density from the S-S σ* to the Cu and result in some bonding interaction between the two S atoms at ~2.69 Å in [Cu(3)S(2)](3+), stabilizing a delocalized S = 1 ground state.

Reactions of Ph3Sb═S with copper(I) complexes supported by N-donor ligands: formation of stable adducts and S-transfer reactivity

In the exploration of sulfur-delivery reagents useful for synthesizing models of the tetracopper-sulfide cluster of nitrous oxide reductase, reactions of Ph(3)Sb═S with Cu(I) complexes of N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-2R,3R-cyclohexanediamine (TMCHD) and 1,4,7-trialkyltriazacyclononanes (R(3)tacn; R = Me, Et, iPr) were studied. Treatment of [(R(3)tacn)Cu(NCCH(3))]SbF(6) (R = Me, Et, or iPr) with 1 equiv of S═SbPh(3) in CH(2)Cl(2) yielded adducts [(R(3)tacn)Cu(S═SbPh(3))]SbF(6) (1-3), which were fully characterized, including by X-ray crystallography. The adducts slowly decayed to [(R(3)tacn)(2)Cu(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-S(2))](2+) species (4-6) and SbPh(3), or more quickly in the presence of additional [(R(3)tacn)Cu(NCCH(3))]SbF(6) to 4-6 and [(R(3)tacn)Cu(SbPh(3))]SbF(6) (7-9). The results of mechanistic studies of the latter process were consistent with rapid intermolecular exchange of S═SbPh(3) between 1-3 and added [(R(3)tacn)Cu(NCCH(3))]SbF(6), followed by conversion to product via a dicopper intermediate formed in a rapid pre-equilibrium step. Key evidence supporting this step came from the observation of saturation behavior in a plot of the initial rate of loss of 1 versus the initial concentration of [(Me(3)tacn)Cu(NCCH(3))]SbF(6). Also, treatment of [(TMCHD)Cu(CH(3)CN)]PF(6) with S═SbPh(3) led to the known tricopper cluster [(TMCHD)(3)Cu(3)(μ(3)-S)(2)](PF(6))(3) in good yield (79%), a synthetic procedure superior to that previously reported (Brown, E. C.; York, J. T.; Antholine, W. E.; Ruiz, E.; Alvarez, S.; Tolman, W. B. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 13752-13753).

Binding and activation of N2O at transition-metal centers: recent mechanistic insights

No laughing matter, nitrous oxide's role in stratospheric ozone depletion and as a greenhouse gas has stimulated great interest in developing and understanding its decomposition, particularly through the use of transition-metal promoters. Recent advances in our understanding of the reaction pathways for N(2)O reduction by metal ions in the gas phase and in heterogeneous, homogeneous, and biological catalytic systems have provided provocative ideas about the structure and properties of metal N(2)O adducts and derived intermediates. These ideas are likely to inform efforts to design more effective catalysts for N(2)O remediation.

A bonding quandary--or--a demonstration of the fact that scientists are not born with logic

We document here a spirited debate among three colleagues and friends who have strong opinions on a specific bonding problem, the presence or absence of a cross-ring sulfur-sulfur bond in a trinuclear Cu(3)S(2) cluster. The example may seem esoteric, but through their struggles with this specific bond (and with each other) the authors approach the more general problematic of chemistry, the chemical bond. The discussion focuses on bond lengths and the population of bonding and antibonding orbitals, and on oxidation states, electron counting, and associated geometries. It expands to encompass other bonding criteria, and introduces examples ranging far across organic and inorganic chemistry. The authors suggest molecules that might test their ideas. An Appendix to the paper discusses a matter rarely broached in the chemical literature--should one review for publication a paper which criticizes one of your own contributions.

Is 2.07 A a record for the shortest Pt-S distance? Revision of two reported X-ray structures

The comparison of the very similar compounds (Ph(3)P)(2)Pt(mu-S)(2)Pt(PPh(3))(2) (1) and (Ph(2)PyP)(2)Pt(mu-S)(2)Pt(PPh(2)Py)(2) (2) raises intriguing questions about the reliability of the reported Pt(2)S(2) core in 1, where the Pt-S bonds are the shortest ever reported. Also, the trans-annular S...S separation of 2.69 A is surprisingly shorter in 1 than in 2 (3.01 A), but no incipient coupling between two S(2-) bridges seems reasonable in this case. Various considerations lead to reformulate 1 as [(Ph(3)P)(2)Pt(mu-OH)(2)Pt(PPh(3))(2)](BF(4))(2), 3. The sets of cell parameters for 1 and 3 are not equal but two axes match, and the volume of 1 is exactly double. Simple matrices may be constructed to interconvert the direct and reciprocal crystalline cells, thus corroborating their identity of the compounds. It is concluded that, in the structure solution of 1, some atoms were either neglected (BF(4)(-) counterions) or ill identified (sulfido in place of hydroxo bridges), while the structure of 3 was solved by collecting only one-half of the possible reflections (hence, also the different space groups). A new preparation, crystallization and X-ray structure of 3 confirms the above points and dismisses any other theoretical conjecture about two electronically different Pt(2)S(2) cores in 1 and 2.

X-X through-cage bonding in Cu, Ni, and Cr complexes with M3X2 cores (X=S, As)

Density functional calculations on trinuclear complexes bridged by two sulfur atoms, [(tmeda)(3)Cu(3)(mu-S)(2)](3+), [(tmeda)(3)Ni(3)(mu-S)(2)](2+), and [(tmeda)(3)Ni(3)(mu-S(2))](4+), as well as on the formation of [(tmeda)(3)Cu(3)(mu-S)(2)](3+) from a dinuclear [(tmeda)(2)Cu(2)(mu-S(2))](2+) complex and a mononuclear [(tmeda)Cu(eta(2)-S(2))](+) fragment, are reported. A qualitative orbital analysis of the M(3)X(2) framework bonding is presented for the case in which each metal atom M has a square planar coordination sphere completed by one bidentate or two monodentate ligands (that is, [(L(2)M)(3)X(2)] compounds). It is concluded that a framework electron count (FEC) of 12 corresponds to systems with six M-X bonds but no X-X bond through the cage, while an FEC of 10 favors the formation of an X-X bond. Framework electron counting rules are also presented for related M(3)X(2) cores in [(L(5)M)(3)X(2)] complexes, based on a qualitative molecular orbital (MO) analysis supported by DFT calculations on [(OC)(15)Cr(3)(mu-As(2))].