Heteroallene Insertions into Tin(II) Alkoxide Bonds

A series of iso-carbamate complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of [SnII(OiPr)2] or [SnII(OtBu)2] with either aryl or alkyl isocyanates, ONC-R (R = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl (Mes), 2,6-diisopropylphenyl (Dipp), isopropyl (iPr), cyclohexyl (Cy) and tert-butyl (tBu)). In the case of aryl isocyanates, mono-insertion occurs to form structurally characterized complexes [Sn{κ2-N,O-R-NC(OiPr)O}(μ-OiPr)]2 (1: R = Mes, 2: R = Dipp) and [Sn{κ2-N,O-R-NC(OtBu)O}(μ-OtBu)]2 (3: R = Mes, 4: R = Dipp). The complicated solution-state chemistry of these species has been explored using 1H DOSY experiments. In contrast, reactions of tin(II) alkoxides with alkyl isocyanates result in the formation of bis-insertion products [Sn{κ2-N,O-R-NC(OiPr)O}2] (5: R = iPr, and 6: R = Cy) and [Sn{κ2-N,O-R-NC(OtBu)O}2] (7: R = iPr, 8: R = Cy), of which complexes 6-8 have also been structurally characterized. 1H NMR studies show that the reaction of tBu-NCO with either [Sn(OiPr)2] or [Sn(OtBu)2] results in a reversible mono-insertion. Variable-temperature 2D 1H-1H exchange spectroscopy (VT-2D-EXSY) was used to determine the rate of exchange between free tBu-NCO and the coordinated tBu-iso-carbamate ligand for the {OiPr} alkoxide complex, as well as the activation energy (Ea = 92.2 ± 0.8 kJ mol-1), enthalpy (ΔH‡ = 89.4 ± 0.8 kJ mol-1), and entropy (ΔS‡ = 12.6 ± 2.9 J mol-1 K-1) for the process [Sn(OiPr)2] + tBu-NCO ↔ [Sn{κ2-N,O-tBu-NC(OiPr)O}(OiPr)]. Attempts to form Sn(II) alkyl carbonates by the insertion of CO2 into either [Sn(OiPr)2] or [Sn(OtBu)2] proved unsuccessful. However, 119Sn{1H} NMR spectroscopy of the reaction of excess CO2 with [Sn(OiPr)2] reveals the presence of a new Sn(II) species, i.e., [(iPrO)Sn(O2COiPr)], VT-2D-EXSY (1H) of which confirms the reversible alkyl carbonate formation (Ea = 70.3 ± 13.0 kJ mol-1; ΔH‡ = 68.0 ± 1.3 kJ mol-1 and ΔS‡ = -8.07 ± 2.8 J mol-1 K-1).

Bismuth in Radical Chemistry and Catalysis

Whereas indications of radical reactivity in bismuth compounds can be traced back to the 19th century, the preparation and characterization of both transient and persistent bismuth-radical species has only been established in recent decades. These advancements led to the emergence of the field of bismuth radical chemistry, mirroring the progress seen for other main-group elements. The seminal and fundamental studies in this area have ultimately paved the way for the development of catalytic methodologies involving bismuth-radical intermediates, a promising approach that remains largely untapped in the broad landscape of synthetic organic chemistry. In this review, we delve into the milestones that eventually led to the present state-of-the-art in the field of radical bismuth chemistry. Our focus aims at outlining the intrinsic discoveries in fundamental inorganic/organometallic chemistry and contextualizing their practical applications in organic synthesis and catalysis.

Hypervalent organobismuth complexes: pathways toward improved reactivity, catalysis, and applications

Hypervalent (three-center, four-electron) bonding in organobismuth complexes has been extensively studied due to its ability to affect molecular geometry, dynamic behavior, or to stabilize the ligand scaffold. This work addresses the effects of this bonding on reactivity, catalytic activity, redox processes, and its potential applications in biosciences, materials science, and small molecule activation.

Insertion of CO2 and CS2 into Bi-N bonds enables catalyzed CH-activation and light-induced bismuthinidene transfer

The uptake and release of small molecules continue to be challenging tasks of utmost importance in synthetic chemistry. The combination of such small molecule activation with subsequent transformations to generate unusual reactivity patterns opens up new prospects for this field of research. Here, we report the reaction of CO₂ and CS₂ with cationic bismuth(iii) amides. CO₂-uptake gives isolable, but metastable compounds, which upon release of CO₂ undergo CH activation. These transformations could be transferred to the catalytic regime, which formally corresponds to a CO₂-catalyzed CH activation. The CS₂-insertion products are thermally stable, but undergo a highly selective reductive elimination under photochemical conditions to give benzothiazolethiones. The low-valent inorganic product of this reaction, Bi(i)OTf, could be trapped, showcasing the first example of light-induced bismuthinidene transfer.

Effects of Hypervalent Bismuth on Electronic Properties of the Azobenzene Tridentate Ligand and Roles of Lewis Acidity in Controlling Optical Properties

Organobismuth compounds have been studied in various fields, including electronic states, pnictogen bonds, and catalysis. Among them, one of the unique electronic states of the element is the hypervalent state. So far, many issues regarding the electronic structures of bismuth in hypervalent states have been revealed; meanwhile, the influence of hypervalent bismuth on the electronic properties of π-conjugated scaffolds is still vailed. Here, we synthesized the hypervalent bismuth compound, BiAz, by introducing hypervalent bismuth into the azobenzene tridentate ligand as a π-conjugated scaffold. The influence of hypervalent bismuth on the electronic properties of the ligand was evaluated from optical measurements and quantum chemical calculations. The introduction of hypervalent bismuth revealed three significant electronic effects: first, hypervalent bismuth shows position-dependent electron-donating and electron-accepting effects. Second, BiAz can have a larger effective Lewis acidity than the hypervalent tin compound derivatives reported in our previous research. Finally, the coordination of dimethyl sulfoxide transformed the electronic properties of BiAz, similar to the hypervalent tin compounds. The data from quantum chemical calculations showed that the optical properties of the π-conjugated scaffold were able to be changed by introducing hypervalent bismuth. To the best of our knowledge, we first demonstrate that the introduction of hypervalent bismuth should be a new methodology for controlling the electronic properties of π-conjugated molecules and developing sensing materials.

Four-membered C^N chelation in main-group organometallic chemistry

Main-group organometallic compounds containing four-membered C^N chelating rings are being studied because of the interest in harnessing the enhanced reactivity of such compounds which arises as a result of the release of steric strain. In this article, we have reviewed the literature on these systems. This review is organised in terms of the types of ligand systems that allow the assembly of such compounds, viz., compounds containing aliphatic amine motifs, pyridine motifs and aniline motifs. In addition to a discussion on the synthesis and structure, we also examine the reactivity and applications of the main-group element compounds involved. In particular, applications involving H₂ activation, carbonyl activation, olefin reduction, C-H activation, hydroalumination, cyanamide oligomerisation, borylation of olefins and heteroarenes, isocyanate activation and C-C bond activation are discussed.

Synthesis, structure and properties of trivalent and pentavalent tricarbabismatranes

The first trivalent and pentavalent tricarbabismatranes were synthesized by the reaction of N(CH₂{2-LiC₆H₄})₃ with BiCl₃ and subsequent reaction with XeF₂, respectively. The trivalent bismatrane was easily oxidized by air, while the pentavalent bismatrane difluoride was relatively stable to air. A similar pentavalent bismatrance dichloride was prone to C-Cl bond reductive elimination even at room temperature.

Bismuth Redox Catalysis: An Emerging Main-Group Platform for Organic Synthesis

Bismuth has recently been shown to be able to maneuver between different oxidation states, enabling access to unique redox cycles that can be harnessed in the context of organic synthesis. Indeed, various catalytic Bi redox platforms have been discovered and revealed emerging opportunities in the field of main group redox catalysis. The goal of this perspective is to provide an overview of the synthetic methodologies that have been developed to date, which capitalize on the Bi redox cycling. Recent catalytic methods via low-valent Bi(II)/Bi(III), Bi(I)/Bi(III), and high-valent Bi(III)/Bi(V) redox couples are covered as well as their underlying mechanisms and key intermediates. In addition, we illustrate different design strategies stabilizing low-valent and high-valent bismuth species, and highlight the characteristic reactivity of bismuth complexes, compared to the lighter p-block and d-block elements. Although it is not redox catalysis in nature, we also discuss a recent example of non-Lewis acid, redox-neutral Bi(III) catalysis proceeding through catalytic organometallic steps. We close by discussing opportunities and future directions in this emerging field of catalysis. We hope that this Perspective will provide synthetic chemists with guiding principles for the future development of catalytic transformations employing bismuth.

Redox-Neutral Organometallic Elementary Steps at Bismuth: Catalytic Synthesis of Aryl Sulfonyl Fluorides

A Bi-catalyzed synthesis of sulfonyl fluorides from the corresponding (hetero)aryl boronic acids is presented. We demonstrate that the organobismuth(III) catalysts bearing a bis-aryl sulfone ligand backbone revolve through different canonical organometallic steps within the catalytic cycle without modifying the oxidation state. All steps have been validated, including the catalytic insertion of SO₂ into Bi-C bonds, leading to a structurally unique O-bound bismuth sulfinate complex. The catalytic protocol affords excellent yields for a wide range of aryl and heteroaryl boronic acids, displaying a wide functional group tolerance.

Two Faces of the Bi−O Bond: Photochemically and Thermally Induced Dehydrocoupling for Si−O Bond Formation

The diorgano(bismuth)alcoholate [Bi((C₆H₄CH₂)₂S)OPh] (1‐OPh) has been synthesized and fully characterized. Stoichiometric reactions, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and (TD‐)DFT calculations suggest its susceptibility to homolytic and heterolytic Bi−O bond cleavage under given reaction conditions. Using the dehydrocoupling of silanes with either TEMPO or phenol as model reactions, the catalytic competency of 1‐OPh has been investigated (TEMPO=(tetramethyl‐piperidin‐1‐yl)‐oxyl). Different reaction pathways can deliberately be addressed by applying photochemical or thermal reaction conditions and by choosing radical or closed‐shell substrates (TEMPO vs. phenol). Applied analytical techniques include NMR, UV/Vis, and EPR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, and (TD)‐DFT calculations.

Unveiling the Electronic Structure of the Bi(+1)/Bi(+3) Redox Couple on NCN and NNN Pincer Complexes

Low-valent group 15 compounds stabilized by pincer ligands have gained particular interest, given their direct access to fine-tune their reactivity by the coordination pattern. Recently, bismuth has been employed in a variety of catalytic transformations by taking advantage of the (+1/+3) redox couple. In this work, we present a detailed quantum–chemical study on the electronic structure of bismuth pincer complexes from two different families, namely, bis(ketimine)phenyl (NCN) and triamide bismuthinidene (NNN). The use of the so-called effective oxidation state analysis allows the unambiguous assignation of the bismuth oxidation state. In contrast to previous studies, our calculations suggest a Bi(+1) assignation for NCN pincer ligands, while Bi(+3) character is found for NNN pincer complexes. Notably, regardless of its oxidation state, the central bismuth atom disposes of up to two lone pairs for coordinating Lewis acids, as indicated by very high first and second proton affinity values. Besides, the Bi–NNN systems can also accommodate two Lewis base ligands, indicating also ambiphilic behavior. The effective fragment orbital analysis of Bi and the ligand allows monitoring of the intricate electron flow of these processes, revealing the noninnocent nature of the NNN ligand, in contrast with the NCN one. By the dissection of the electron density into effective fragment orbitals, we are able to quantify and rationalize the Lewis base/acid character.

Effective oxidation state analysis sheds light on the electronic structure of chemical systems. The oxidation state of bismuthinidene pincer complexes can be assigned as Bi(+1) or Bi(+3) depending on the nature of the ligands. Despite this assignation, the reactivity pattern as Lewis base or acid is similar. The occupation of the effective fragment orbitals gives a straightforward method to quantify the reactivity.

N-Aryl and N-Alkyl Carbamates from 1 Atmosphere of CO2

We have successfully isolated and characterized the zinc carbamate complex (phen)Zn(OAc)(OC(=O)NHPh) (1; phen=1,10-phenanthroline), formed as an intermediate during the Zn(OAc)₂ /phen-catalyzed synthesis of organic carbamates from CO₂ , amines, and the reusable reactant Si(OMe)₄ . Density functional theory calculations revealed that the direct reaction of 1 with Si(OMe)₄ proceeds via a five-coordinate silicon intermediate, forming organic carbamates. Based on these results, the catalytic system was improved by using Si(OMe)₄ as the reaction solvent and additives like KOMe and KF, which promote the formation of the five-coordinated silicon species. This sustainable and effective method can be used to synthesize various N-aryl and N-alkyl carbamates, including industrially important polyurethane raw materials, starting from CO₂ under atmospheric pressure.

Catalytic Activation of N2O at a Low-Valent Bismuth Redox Platform

Herein we present the catalytic activation of N₂O at a Bi^I⇄Bi^III redox platform. The activation of such a kinetically inert molecule was achieved by the use of bismuthinidene catalysts, aided by HBpin as reducing agent. The protocol features remarkably mild conditions (25 °C, 1 bar N₂O), together with high turnover numbers (TON, up to 6700) and turnover frequencies (TOF). Analysis of the elementary steps enabled structural characterization of catalytically relevant intermediates after O-insertion, namely a rare arylbismuth oxo dimer and a unique monomeric arylbismuth hydroxide. This protocol represents a distinctive example of a main-group redox cycling for the catalytic activation of N₂O.

Water-Soluble Bismuth(III) Polynuclear Tyrosinehydroximate Metallamacrocyclic Complex: Structural Parallels to Lanthanide Metallacrowns

Recently there has been a great deal of interest and associated research into aspects of the coordination chemistry of lanthanides and bismuth-elements that show intriguing common features. This work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a novel bismuth(III) polynuclear metallamacrocyclic complex derived from aminohydroxamic acid, in order to compare the coordination ability of Bi3+ with the similarly sized La3+ ions. A polynuclear tyrosinehydroximate Bi(OH)[15-MCCu(II)Tyrha-5](NO3)2 (1) was obtained according to the synthetic routes previously described for water-soluble Ln(III)-Cu(II) 15-MC-5 metallacrowns. Correlations between structural parameters of Bi(III) and Ln(III) complexes were analyzed. DFT calculations confirmed the similarity between molecular structures of the model bismuth(III) and lanthanum(III) tyrosinehydroximate 15-metallacrowns-5. Analysis of the electronic structures revealed, however, stronger donor-acceptor interactions between the central ion and the metallamacrocycle in the case of the lanthanum analogue. Thermochromic properties of 1 were studied.

Recent Advances in the Chemistry of Metal Carbamates

Following a related review dating back to 2003, the present review discusses in detail the various synthetic, structural and reactivity aspects of metal species containing one or more carbamato ligands, representing a large family of compounds across all the periodic table. A preliminary overview is provided on the reactivity of carbon dioxide with amines, and emphasis is given to recent findings concerning applications in various fields.

Bismuth-Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling of Arylboronic Acids with Triflate and Nonaflate Salts

Herein we present a Bi-catalyzed cross-coupling of arylboronic acids with perfluoroalkyl sulfonate salts based on a Bi(III)/Bi(V) redox cycle. An electron-deficient sulfone ligand proved to be key for the successful implementation of this protocol, which allows the unusual construction of C(sp²)–O bonds using commercially available NaOTf and KONf as coupling partners. Preliminary mechanistic studies as well as theoretical investigations reveal the intermediacy of a highly electrophilic Bi(V) species, which rapidly eliminates phenyl triflate.

Modular bismacycles for the selective C-H arylation of phenols and naphthols

Given the important role played by 2-hydroxybiaryls in organic, medicinal and materials chemistry, concise methods for the synthesis of this common motif are extremely valuable. In seeking to extend the lexicon of synthetic chemists in this regard, we have developed an expedient and general strategy for the ortho-arylation of phenols and naphthols using readily available boronic acids. Our methodology relies on in situ generation of a uniquely reactive Bi(V) arylating agent from a bench-stable Bi(III) precursor via telescoped B-to-Bi transmetallation and oxidation. By exploiting reactivity that is orthogonal to conventional metal-catalysed manifolds, diverse aryl and heteroaryl partners can be rapidly coupled to phenols and naphthols under mild conditions. Following arylation, high-yielding recovery of the Bi(III) precursor allows for its efficient re-use in subsequent reactions. Mechanistic interrogation of each key step of the methodology informs its practical application and provides fundamental insight into the underexploited reactivity of organobismuth compounds.

Carbon monoxide insertion at a heavy p-block element: unprecedented formation of a cationic bismuth carbamoyl

The first insertion reaction of CO with a molecular complex of the heavy p-block elements is reported (principal quantum number > 4).

Major advances in the chemistry of 5th and 6th row heavy p-block element compounds have recently uncovered intriguing reactivity patterns towards small molecules such as H₂, CO₂, and ethylene. However, well-defined, homogeneous insertion reactions with carbon monoxide, one of the benchmark substrates in this field, have not been reported to date. We demonstrate here, that a cationic bismuth amide undergoes facile insertion of CO into the Bi–N bond under mild conditions. This approach grants direct access to the first cationic bismuth carbamoyl species. Its characterization by NMR, IR, and UV/vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and DFT calculations revealed intriguing properties, such as a reversible electron transfer at the bismuth center and an absorption feature at 353 nm ascribed to a transition involving σ- and π-type orbitals of the bismuth-carbamoyl functionality. A combined experimental and theoretical approach provided insight into the mechanism of CO insertion. The substrate scope could be extended to isonitriles.

Monomeric alkoxide and alkylcarbonate complexes of nickel and palladium stabilized with the iPrPCP pincer ligand: a model for the catalytic carboxylation of alcohols to alkyl carbonates

Monomeric alkoxo complexes of the type [(iPrPCP)M-OR] (M = Ni or Pd; R = Me, Et, CH2CH2OH; iPrPCP = 2,6-bis(diisopropylphosphino)phenyl) react rapidly with CO2 to afford the corresponding alkylcarbonates [(iPrPCP)M-OCOOR]. We have investigated the reactions of these compounds as models for key steps of catalytic synthesis of organic carbonates from alcohols and CO2. The MOCO-OR linkage is kinetically labile, and readily exchanges the OR group with water or other alcohols (R'OH), to afford equilibrium mixtures containing ROH and [(iPrPCP)M-OCOOH] (bicarbonate) or [(iPrPCP)M-OCOOR'], respectively. However, [(iPrPCP)M-OCOOR] complexes are thermally stable and remain indefinitely stable in solution when these are kept in sealed vessels. The constants for the exchange equilibria have been interpreted, showing that CO2 insertion into M-O bonds is thermodynamically more favorable for M-OR than for M-OH. Alkylcarbonate complexes [(iPrPCP)M-OCOOR] fail to undergo nucleophilic attack by ROH to yield organic carbonates ROCOOR, either intermolecularly (using neat ROH solvent) or in intramolecular fashion (e.g., [(iPrPCP)M-OCOOCH2CH2OH]). In contrast, [(iPrPCP)M-OCOOMe] complexes react with a variety of electrophilic methylating reagents (MeX) to afford dimethylcarbonate and [(iPrPCP)M-X]. The reaction rates increase in the order X = OTs < IMe ≪ OTf and Ni < Pd. These findings suggest that a suitable catalyst design should combine basic and electrophilic alcohol activation sites in order to perform alkyl carbonate syntheses via direct alcohol carboxylation.

Carbonate encapsulation from dissolved atmospheric CO2 into a polyoxovanadate capsule

A fully reduced polyoxovanadate compound [Na₆(H₂O)₂₄][H₈VIV15O₃₆(CO₃)]·3N₂H₄·10H₂O (1) with CO₃²⁻ encapsulation in its internal cavity (from dissolved aerial CO₂ in the synthesis reaction mixture) is reported. Compound 1 crystals, on exposure of HCl vapor, excludes carbonate as a CO₂ gas that can be reacted with a Grignard reagent to produce triphenylcarbinol as a major product.

Crystal structure of bis{5H-dibenzo[c,f][1,5]oxabismocin-12(7H)-yl} carbonate, C29H24O5Bi2

C29H24O5Bi2, orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 14.8835(6) Å, b = 14.5551(6) Å, c = 23.6000(9) Å, V = 5112.5(4) Å3, Z = 8, R gt(F) = 0.0293, wR(F 2) = 0.0579, T = 296(2) K.

Bismuth⋯π arene versus bismuth⋯halide coordination in heterocyclic diorganobismuth(iii) compounds with transannular N→Bi interaction

The hypervalent diorganobismuth(iii) halides of type [RCH₂N(CH₂C₆H₄)₂]BiX, (R = Ph, Bz, and MeO) show a strong tendency to associate either by Bi⋯X or by Bi⋯π arene secondary interactions.

[NiIII(OMe)]-mediated reductive activation of CO2 affording a Ni(κ1-OCO) complex

We report a novel pathway for the reductive activation of CO₂ by the [Ni^III(OMe)(P(C₆H₃-3-SiMe₃-2-S)₃)]^– complex, yielding the [Ni^III(κ¹-OCO˙^–)(P(C₆H₃-3-SiMe₃-2-S)₃)]^– complex.

Carbon dioxide is expected to be employed as an inexpensive and potential feedstock of C₁ sources for the mass production of valuable chemicals and fuel. Versatile chemical transformations of CO₂, i.e. insertion of CO₂ producing bicarbonate/acetate/formate, cleavage of CO₂ yielding μ-CO/μ-oxo transition-metal complexes, and electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ affording CO/HCOOH/CH₃OH/CH₄/C₂H₄/oxalate were well documented. Herein, we report a novel pathway for the reductive activation of CO₂ by the [Ni^III(OMe)(P(C₆H₃-3-SiMe₃-2-S)₃)]^– complex, yielding the [Ni^III(κ¹-OCO˙^–)(P(C₆H₃-3-SiMe₃-2-S)₃)]^– complex. The formation of this unusual Ni^III(κ¹-OCO˙^–) complex was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, EPR, IR, SQUID, Ni/S K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and Ni valence-to-core X-ray emission spectroscopy. The inertness of the analogous complexes [Ni^III(SPh)], [Ni^II(CO)], and [Ni^II(N₂H₄)] toward CO₂, in contrast, demonstrates that the ionic [Ni^III(OMe)] core attracts the binding of weak σ-donor CO₂ and triggers the subsequent reduction of CO₂ by the nucleophilic [OMe]^– in the immediate vicinity. This metal–ligand cooperative activation of CO₂ may open a novel pathway promoting the subsequent incorporation of CO₂ in the buildup of functionalized products.

Hydrophosphination of CO2 and subsequent formate transfer in the 1,3,2-diazaphospholene-catalyzed N-formylation of amines

Hydrophosphination of CO2 with 1,3,2-Diazaphospholene (NHP-H; 1) afforded phosphorus formate (NHP-OCOH; 2) through the formation of a bond between the electrophilic phosphorus atom in 1 and the oxygen atom from CO2 , along with hydride transfer to the carbon atom of CO2 . Transfer of the formate from 2 to Ph2 SiH2 produced Ph2 Si(OCHO)2 (3) in a reaction that could be carried out in a catalytic manner by using 5 mol % of 1. These elementary reactions were applied to the metal-free catalytic N-formylation of amine derivatives with CO2 in one pot under ambient conditions.

A general route to monoorganopnicogen(III) (M = Sb, Bi) compounds with a pincer (N,C,N) group and oxo ligands

The reaction of RMCl2 [R = 2,6-[MeN(CH2CH2)2NCH2]2C6H3; M = Sb (1), Bi (2)] with KOH affords the isolation of the oxides cyclo-R2M2O2 [M = Sb (3), Bi (4)]. Treatment of 3 with trifluoroacetic acid produced an ionic species (5) with a dinuclear cation that contains organic ligands protonated partially at one of the pendant arms. The cyclic oxides 3 and 4 are able to trap gaseous CO2 to give “RMCO3” [M = Sb (6), Bi (7)], the degree of these organometallic carbonates’ oligomerization being under investigation. The reactivity of the dinuclear oxide 3 was also investigated towards oxalic acid or dopamine hydrochloride and pure mononuclear compounds could be isolated, i.e. RSb[O(O)CC(O)O] (8) and RSb[O2-1,2-C6H3-3-(CH2)2NH3]Cl (9). The reaction of the dichlorides 1 and 2 with ethylene glycol, pinacol or catechol, in the presence of KOH, led to 2-organo-1,3,2-dioxastibolanes or -bismolanes RM(OCH2)2 [M = Sb (10), Bi (11)], RM(OCMe2)2 [M = Sb (12), Bi (13)] and 2-organo-1,3,2-dioxastibole or -bismole RM(O2-1,2-C6H4) [M = Sb (14), Bi (15)], respectively. The compounds were investigated by NMR spectroscopy, including variable temperature experiments, providing evidence for the presence of the intramolecular N→M interactions in solution. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were performed for most compounds and revealed an organic group R acting as a pincer ligand resulting in a distorted square pyramidal (N,C,N)MO2 core with cis intramolecular N→M interactions placed trans to M–O bonds. This is in contrast to the N→M interactions trans to each other as found in the RMCl2 used as starting materials. The crystals of the oxides 3 and 4·4H2O contain different geometric isomers with anti and syn orientation of the M–C bonds, respectively, with respect to the planar M2O2 ring. In the supramolecular polymeric architecture established in the crystal of 4·4H2O an important finding is the experimental observation of water hexamer units with a [tetramer + 2] structure (water molecules connected to opposite corners of a square water tetramer) fixed between 1D-chains of the type (syn-R2Bi2O2·H2O)n through additional hydrogen bonds to oxygen atoms of the dinuclear organobismuth(III) moieties. Theoretical calculations were carried out on 2–6 and 8–15 in order to gain insight into the stabilization energy produced by intramolecular coordination of the pendant arms, association degrees and formation energies of the organopnicogen compounds with chelating ligands.

Synthesis and structure of N,C-chelated organoantimony(v) and organobismuth(v) compounds

The reaction of N,C-intramolecularly coordinated organoantimony(iii) and organobismuth(iii) compounds LMCl2 (M = Sb () or Bi () and L = [o-(CH[double bond, length as m-dash]N-2,6-iPr2C6H3)C6H4]) with phenyllithium in a 1 : 1 or 1 : 2 molar ratio gave compounds LM(Ph)Cl (M = Sb () or Bi ()) and LMPh2 (M = Sb () or Bi ()) in moderate to good yields. Compound could also be prepared by the treatment of the lithium compound LLi with in situ prepared PhSbCl2. Oxidation of the antimony(iii) compounds , and with one equivalent of SO2Cl2 proceeded smoothly with formation of organoantimony(v) compounds LSbCl4 (), LSb(Ph)Cl3 () and LSbPh2Cl2 () in nearly quantitative yields. Compounds are yellowish solids that are stable for a long time even in the presence of air. In contrast, only organobismuth(iii) compounds and could be successfully oxidized using SO2Cl2 to give compounds LBi(Ph)Cl3 () and LBiPh2Cl2 (). Compound is stable, but compound readily decomposed in solution and could not be isolated and stored for a longer period. All attempts to prepare compound LBiCl4 by the oxidation of with SO2Cl2 failed and resulted only in a mixture of products. All studied compounds were characterized by electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry, and (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of , and were unambiguously established using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

Organoantimony and organobismuth complexes for CO2fixation

The utilization of organoantimony and organobismuth complexes in CO₂fixation is reviewed in this article.