A Gallium-Substituted Distibene and an Antimony-Analogue Bicyclo[1.1.0]butane: Synthesis and Solid-State Structures

From Neutral Diarsenes to Diarsene Radical Ions and Diarsene Dications

Diarsene [L(MeO)GaAs]2 (L=HC[C(Me)N(Ar)]2, Ar=2,6-iPr2C6H3, 4) reacts with MeOTf and MeNHC (MeNHC=1,3,4,5-tetra-methylimidazol-2-ylidene) to the diarsene [L(TfO)GaAs]2 (5) and the carbene-coordinated diarsene [L(MeO)GaAsAs(MeNHC)Ga(OMe)L] (6). The NHC-coordination results in an inversion of the redox properties of the diarsene 4, which shows only a reversible reduction event at E1/2=-2.06 V vs Fc0/+1, whereas the carbene-coordinated diarsene 6 shows a reversible oxidation event at E1/2=-1.31 V vs Fc0/+1. Single electron transfer reactions of 4 and 6 yielded [K[2.2.2.]cryp][L(MeO)GaAs]2 (8) and [L(MeO)GaAsAs(MeNHC)-Ga(OMe)L][B(C6F5)4] (9) containing the radical anion [L(MeO)GaAs]2⋅- (8⋅-) and the NHC-coordinated radical cation [L(MeO)GaAsAs(MeNHC)Ga(OMe)L]⋅+ (9⋅+), respectively, while the salt-elimination reaction of the triflate-coordinated diarsene 5 with Na[B(C6F5)4] gave [LGaAs]2[B(C6F5)4]2 (11) containing the dication [LGaAs]2 2+ (112+). Compounds 1-11 were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, EPR (8, 9), IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy and by single crystal X-ray diffraction (sc-XRD). DFT calculations provided a detailed understanding of the electronic nature of the diarsenes (4, 6) and the radical ions (8⋅-, 9⋅+), respectively.

Syntheses and Structures of 5-Membered Heterocycles Featuring 1,2-Diphospha-1,3-Butadiene and Its Radical Anion

LGa(P2 OC)cAAC 2 features a 1,2-diphospha-1,3-butadiene unit with a delocalized π-type HOMO and a π*-type LUMO according to DFT calculations. [LGa(P2 OC)cAAC][K(DB-18-c-6)] 3[K(DB-18-c-6] containing the 1,2-diphospha-1,3-butadiene radical anion 3⋅- was isolated from the reaction of 2 with KC8 and dibenzo-18-crown-6. 3 reacted with [Fc][B(C6 F5 )4 ] (Fc=ferrocenium) to 2 and with TEMPO to [L-H Ga(P2 OC)cAAC][K(DB-18-c-6)] 4[K(DB-18-c-6] containing the 1,2-diphospha-1,3-butadiene anion 4- . The solid state structures of 2, 3K(DB-18-c-6], and 4[K(DB-18-c-6] were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (sc-XRD).

Triplet bismuthinidenes featuring unprecedented giant and positive zero field splittings

Isolation of triplet pnictinidenes, which bear two unpaired electrons at the pnictogen centers, has long been a great challenge due to their intrinsic high reactivity. Herein, we report the syntheses and characterizations of two bismuthinidenes MsFluindtBu-Bi (3) and MsFluind*-Bi (4) stabilized by sterically encumbered hydrindacene ligands. They were facilely prepared through reductions of the corresponding dichloride precursors with 2 molar equivalents of potassium graphite. The structural analyses revealed that 3 and 4 contain a one-coordinate bismuth atom supported by a Bi-C single σ bond. As a consequence, the remaining two Bi 6p orbitals are nearly degenerate, and 3 and 4 possess triplet ground states. Experimental characterizations with multinuclear magnetic resonance, magnetometry and near infrared spectroscopy coupled to wavefunction based ab initio calculations concurred to evidence that there exist giant and positive zero field splittings (>4300 cm-1) in their S = 1 ground states. Hence even at room temperature the systems almost exclusively populate the lowest-energy nonmagnetic Ms = 0 level, which renders them seemingly diamagnetic.

Expanding the Utility of β-Diketiminate Ligands in Heavy Group VI Chemistry of Molybdenum and Tungsten

We report the synthesis of 17 molybdenum and tungsten complexes supported by the ubiquitous BDI ligand framework (BDI = β-diketiminate). The focal entry point is the synthesis of four molybdenum and tungsten(V) BDI complexes of the general formula [MO(BDI^R)Cl₂] [M = Mo, R = Dipp (1); M = W, R = Dipp (2); M = Mo, R = Mes (3); M = W, R = Mes (4)] synthesized by the reaction between MoOCl₃(THF)₂ or WOCl₃(THF)₂ and LiBDI^R. Reactivity studies show that the BDI^Dipp complexes are excellent precursors toward adduct formation, reacting smoothly with dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and triethylphosphine oxide (OPEt₃). No reaction with small phosphines has been observed, strongly contrasting the chemistry of previously reported rhenium(V) complexes. Additionally, the complexes 1 and 2 are good precursors for salt metathesis reactions. While 1 can be chemically reduced to the first stable example of a Mo(IV) BDI complex 15, reduction of 2 resulted in degradation of the BDI ligand via a nitrene transfer reaction, leading to MAD (4-((2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino)pent-2-enide) supported tungsten(V) and tungsten(VI) complexes 16 and 17. All reported complexes have been thoroughly studied by VT-NMR and (heteronuclear) NMR spectroscopy, as well as UV-vis and EPR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis.

A convenient route to mixed cationic group 13/14/15 compounds

The formation of novel cationic mixed main group compounds is reported revealing a chain composed of different elements of group 13, 14, and 15. Reactions of different pnictogenylboranes R₂EBH₂·NMe₃ (E = P, R = Ph, H; E = As, R = Ph, H) with the NHC-stabilized compound IDipp·GeH₂BH₂OTf (1) (IDipp = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazole-2-ylidene) were carried out, yielding the novel cationic, mixed group 13/14/15 compounds [IDipp·GeH₂BH₂ER₂BH₂·NMe₃]⁺ (2a E = P; R = Ph; 2b E = As; R = Ph; 3a E = P; R = H; 3b E = As; R = H) by the nucleophilic substitution of the triflate (OTf) group. The products were analysed by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry and for 2a and 2b also by X-ray structure analysis. Further reactions of 1 with H₂EBH₂·IDipp (E = P, As) resulted in the unprecedented parent complexes [IDipp·GeH₂BH₂EH₂BH₂·IDipp][OTf] (5a E = P; 5b E = As), which were studied by X-ray structure analysis, NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Accompanying DFT computations give insight into the stability of the formed products with respect to their decomposition.

Modulating the frontier orbitals of L(X)Ga-substituted diphosphenes [L(X)GaP]2 (X = Cl, Br) and their facile oxidation to radical cations

Modulating the electronic structures of main group element compounds is crucial to control their chemical reactivity. Herein we report on the synthesis, frontier orbital modulation, and one-electron oxidation of two L(X)Ga-substituted diphosphenes [L(X)GaP]2 (X = Cl 2a, Br 2b; L = HC[C(Me)N(Ar)]2, Ar = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3). Photolysis of L(Cl)GaPCO 1 gave [L(Cl)GaP]22a, which reacted with Me3SiBr with halide exchange to [L(Br)GaP]22b. Reactions with MeNHC (MeNHC = 1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene) gave the corresponding carbene-coordinated complexes L(X)GaPP(MeNHC)Ga(X)L (X = Cl 3a, Br 3b). DFT calculations revealed that the carbene coordination modulates the frontier orbitals (i.e. HOMO/LUMO) of diphosphenes 2a and 2b, thereby affecting the reactivity of 3a and 3b. In marked contrast to diphosphenes 2a and 2b, the cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of the carbene-coordinated complexes each show one reversible redox event at E 1/2 = -0.65 V (3a) and -0.36 V (3b), indicating their one-electron oxidation to the corresponding radical cations as was confirmed by reactions of 3a and 3b with the [FeCp2][B(C6F5)4], yielding the radical cations [L(X)GaPP(MeNHC)Ga(X)L]B(C6F5)4 (X = Cl 4a, Br 4b). The unpaired spin in 4a (79%) and 4b (80%) is mainly located at the carbene-uncoordinated phosphorus atoms as was revealed by DFT calculations and furthermore experimentally proven in reactions with n Bu3SnH, yielding the diphosphane cations [L(X)GaPHP(MeNHC)Ga(X)L]B(C6F5)4 (X = Cl 5a, Br 5b). Compounds 2-5 were fully characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as by single crystal X-ray diffraction (sc-XRD), and compounds 4a and 4b were further studied by EPR spectroscopy, while their bonding nature was investigated by DFT calculations.

Structurally characterised intermediate of the oxidative addition of a heteroleptic germylene to gallanediyle

Bond activation reactions using main group metal complexes are gaining increasing interest. We report on reactions of LGa (L = HC[C(Me)N(Ar)]₂, Ar = Dipp = 2,6-i-Pr₂C₆H₃,) with heteroleptic tetrylenes L'ECl (E = Ge, Sn; L' = N(SiMe₃)Ar), yielding the donor-acceptor complex LGa-Sn(Cl)L' (1) or the oxidative addition product L(Cl)GaGeL' (3). The reaction with DMPGeCl (DMP = 2,6-Mes₂C₆H₃, Mes = 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂) yielded LGa(μ-Cl)GeDMP (2), which represents an intermediate of the oxidative addition reaction. 1-3 were characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as by single crystal X-ray diffraction (sc-XRD), while their electronic nature was analyzed by quantum chemical calculations.

Bis‐Phosphaketenes LM(PCO) 2 (M=Ga, In): A New Class of Reactive Group 13 Metal‐Phosphorus Compounds

Phosphaketenes are versatile reagents in organophosphorus chemistry. We herein report on the synthesis of novel bis‐phosphaketenes, LM(PCO)₂ (M=Ga 2 a, In 2 b; L=HC[C(Me)N(Ar)]₂; Ar=2,6‐i‐Pr₂C₆H₃) by salt metathesis reactions and their reactions with LGa to metallaphosphenes LGa(OCP)PML (M=Ga 3 a, In 3 b). 3 b represents the first compound with significant In−P π‐bonding contribution as was confirmed by DFT calculations. Compounds 3 a and 3 b selectively activate the N−H and O−H bonds of aniline and phenol at the Ga−P bond and both reactions proceed with a rearrangement of the phosphaethynolate group from Ga−OCP to M−PCO bonding. Compounds 2–5 are fully characterized by heteronuclear (¹H, ¹³C{¹H}, ³¹P{¹H}) NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction (sc‐XRD).

Geminal C-Cl and Si-Cl bond activation of chloromethanes and chlorosilanes by gallanediyl LGa

The activation of relatively inert E-X σ-bonds by low-valent main group metal complexes is receiving increasing interest. We here confirm the promising potential of gallanediyl LGa (L = HC[C(Me)N(Dip)]₂, Dip = 2,6-i-Pr₂C₆H₃) to activate E-Cl (E = C, Si) σ-bonds of group 14 element compounds. Equimolar reactions of LGa with chloromethanes and chlorosilanes EH_xCl_4-x (E = C, x = 0-2; E = Si, x = 0, 1) occurred with E-Cl bond insertion and formation of gallylmethanes and -silanes L(Cl)GaEH_xCl_3-x (E = C, x = 2 (1), 1 (2), 0 (3); E = Si, x = 1 (4)). In contrast, consecutive insertion into a geminal E-Cl bond was observed with two equivalents of LGa, yielding digallyl complexes [L(Cl)Ga]₂EH_xCl_2-x (E = C, x = 2 (5); E = Si, x = 1 (6), 0 (7)). Compounds 1-7 were characterized by heteronuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ²⁹Si (4, 6)), IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, and their solid-state structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (sc-XRD).

Selective 1,2 addition of polar X-H bonds to the Ga-P double bond of gallaphosphene L(Cl)GaPGaL

Gallaphosphene L(Cl)GaPGaL 1 (L = HC[C(Me)N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂) reacts at ambient temperature with a series of polar X-H bonds, i.e. ammonia, primary amines, water, phenol, thiophenol, and selenophenol, selectively with 1,2 addition at the polar Ga-P double bond. The gallium atom serves as electrophile and the phosphorous atom is protonated in all reactions. The resulting complexes L(Cl)GaP(H)Ga(X)L (X = NH₂2, NHi-Pr 3, NHPh 4, OH 5, OXyl 6, SPh 7, SePh 8) were characterized by IR and heteronuclear (¹H, ¹³C{¹H}, ³¹P{¹H}) NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Synthesis of Distibiranes and Azadistibiranes by Cycloaddition Reactions of Distibenes with Diazomethanes and Azides

Cycloaddition reactions of distibene [L(Me2N)GaSb]2 (L = HC[C(Me)NDipp]2; Dipp= 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3)=) with a series of organoazides RN3 (R = Ph, p-CF3-Ph, 1-adamantyl (ada)) yielded azadistibiranes [L(Me2N)GaSb]2NR (R = Ph 1, p-CF3-Ph...

Structural diversity of mixed polypnictogen complexes: dicationic E2E'2 (E ≠ E' = P, As, Sb, Bi) chains, cycles and cages stabilized by transition metals

The reactivity of the tetrahedral dipnictogen complexes [{CpMo(CO)₂}₂(μ,η²:η²-EE′)] (E, E′ = P, As, Sb, Bi; “Mo₂EE′”) towards different one-electron oxidation agents is reported. Oxidation with [Thia][TEF] (Thia⁺ = C₁₂H₈S₂⁺; TEF⁻ = Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄⁻) leads to the selective formation of the radical monocations [Mo₂EE′]˙⁺, which immediately dimerize to the unprecedented dicationic E₂E′₂ ligand complexes [{CpMo(CO)₂}₄(μ₄,η²:η²:η²:η²-E′EEE′)]²⁺via E–E bond formation. Single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that, in the case of Mo₂PAs and Mo₂PSb, P–P bond formation occurs yielding zigzag E₂P₂ (E = As (1), Sb (2)) chains, whereas Mo₂SbBi forms a Sb₂Bi₂ (5) cage, Mo₂AsSb an unprecedented As₂Sb₂ unit representing an intermediate stage between a chain- and a cage-type structure, and Mo₂AsBi a novel planar As₂Bi₂ (4a) cycle. Therefore, 1–5 bear the first substituent-free, dicationic hetero-E₄ ligands, stabilized by transition metal fragments. Furthermore, in the case of Mo₂AsSb, the exchange of the counterion causes changes in the molecular structure yielding an unusual, cyclic As₂Sb₂ ligand. The experimental results are corroborated by DFT calculations.

Unique dicationic hetero-tetrapnictogen E₂E′₂ (E ≠ E′ = P, As, Sb, Bi) chains and cages are obtained via oxidation of the tetrahedranes [{CpMo(CO)₂}₂(μ,η²:η²-EE′)]. Exchange of the counterion causes an unusual cyclization of the As₂Sb₂ ligand.

Synthesis, structure and bonding nature of heavy dipnictene radical anions

Cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies of two L(X)Ga-substituted dipnictenes [L(R2N)GaE]2 (E = Sb, R = Me 1; E = Bi; R = Et 2; L = HC[C(Me)NDipp]2; Dipp = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3) showed reversible reduction events. Single electron reduction of 1 and 2 with KC8 in DME in the presence of benzo-18-crown-6 (B-18-C-6) gave the corresponding dipnictenyl radical anions (DME)[K(B-18-C-6)][L(R2N)GaE]2 (E = Sb, R = Me 3; E = Bi, R = Et 4). Radical anions 3 and 4 were characterized by EPR, UV-vis and single crystal X-ray diffraction, while quantum chemical calculations gave deeper insight into the nature of the chemical bonding.

Reversible and Irreversible [2+2] Cycloaddition Reactions of Heteroallenes to a Gallaphosphene

[2+2] Cycloaddition reactions of gallaphosphene L(Cl)GaPGaL 1 (L=HC[C(Me)N(2,6-i-Pr2 C6 H3 )]2 ) with carbodiimides [C(NR)2 ; R=i-Pr, Cy] and isocyanates [RNCO; R=Et, i-Pr, Cy] yielded four-membered metallaheterocycles LGa(Cl)P[μ-C(X)NR]GaL (X=NR, R=i-Pr 2, Cy 3; X=O, R=Et 4, i-Pr 5, Cy 6). Compounds 4-6 reversibly react with CO2 via [2+2] cycloaddition at ambient temperature to the six-membered metallaheterocycles LGa(Cl)P[μ-C(O)O]-μ-C(O)N(R)GaL (R=Et 7, i-Pr 8, Cy 9). Compounds 2-9 were characterized by IR and heteronuclear (1 H, 13 C{1 H}, 31 P{1 H}) NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, while quantum chemical calculations provided a deeper understanding on the energetics of the reactions.

Transfer of polyantimony units

Transfer reagents are useful tools in chemistry to access metastable compounds. The reaction of [Cp′′₂ZrCl₂] with KSb(SiMe₃)₂ leads to the formation of the novel polyantimony triple decker complex [(Cp′′Zr)₂(μ,η^1:1:1:1:1:1-Sb₆)] (1, Cp′′ = 1,3-di-tertbutyl-cyclopentadienyl), containing a chair-like Sb₆⁶⁻ ligand. Compound 1 represents a valuable transfer reagent to form novel antimony ligand complexes. Thus, the reaction of 1 with Cp^R-substituted transition metal halides of nickel, cobalt and iron leads to the formation of a variety of novel Sb_n ligand complexes, such as the cubane-like compounds [(Cp′′′Ni)₄(μ₃-Sb)₄] (2) and [(Cp′′′Co)₄(μ₃-Sb₄)] (3a) or the complexes [(Cp^BnCo)₃(μ₃-Sb)₂] (4) and [(Cp′′′Fe)₃(μ₃-Sb)₂] (5), representing a trigonal bipyramidal structure. Moreover, beside the transfer of Sb₁ units, also the complete entity can be transferred as seen in the iron complex [(Cp′′′Fe)₃(μ_3,η^4:4:4-Sb₆)] (6). DFT calculations shed light on the bonding situation of the products.

The synthesis and characterization of the unique polyantimony complex [(Cp′′Zr)₂(μ,η^1:1:1:1:1:1-Sb₆)] (1) is described. Compound 1 was used as antimony source to transfer Sb_n units to late transition metal fragments [Cp^RM] (M = Fe, Co, Ni).

Multi-Talented Gallaphosphene for Ga-P-Ga Heteroallyl Cation Generation, CO2 Storage, and C(sp3 )-H Bond Activation

Gallaphosphene L(Cl)GaPGaL (2; L=HC[C(Me)N(2,6-i-Pr2 C6 H3 )]2 ), which is synthesized by reaction of LGa(Cl)PCO (1) with LGa, reacts with [Na(OCP)(dioxane)2.5 ] to LGa(OCP)PGaL (3), whereas chloride abstraction with LiBArF 4 yields [LGaPGaL][BArF 4 ] (4; BArF 4 =B(C6 F5 )4 ). 4 represents a heteronuclear analog of the allyl cation according to quantum chemical calculations. Remarkably, 2 reversibly reacts with CO2 to yield L(Cl)Ga-P[μ-C(O)O]2 GaL (5), while reactions with acetophenone and acetone selectively give compounds 6 and 7 by C(sp3 )-H bond activation.

Synthesis of Unprecedented 4d/4f-Polypnictogens

A series of 4d/4f-polyarsenides, -polyarsines and -polystibines was obtained by reduction of the Mo-pnictide precursor complexes [{Cpt Mo(CO)2 }2 (μ,η2:2 -E2 )] (E=As, Sb; Cpt =tBu substituted cyclopentadienyl) with two different divalent samarocenes [Cp*2 Sm] and [(CpMe4nPr )2 Sm]. For the reductive conversion of the Mo-stibide only one product was isolated, featuring a planar tetrastibacyclobutadiene moiety as an unprecedented ligand for organometallic compounds. For the corresponding Mo-arsenide a tetraarsacyclobutadiene and a second species with a side-on coordinated As2 2- anion was isolated. The latter can be considered as reaction intermediate for the formation of the tetraarsacyclobutadiene.

Unusual Structures of the Parent Molecules Diarsene, Distibene, and Dibismuthene: Toward Their Observation

There is considerable interest, from both experimental and theoretical perspectives, in molecules incorporating multiple bonds between main group elements. Herein, we not only consider the parent molecules HE=EH (E=As, Sb, Bi), but also a number of their isomers. For each E₂ H₂ molecule, a number of different structures were optimized with four different DFT methods. Final structures were determined with the coupled cluster method CCSD(T) using large basis sets, namely cc-pVQZ-PP, incorporating relativistic psuedopotentials. All feasible dissociation pathways are examined. For all three E₂ H₂ molecules the trans isomer lies lowest in energy, with the cis isomer higher by 2.7 (As), 2.1 (Sb), and 1.8 (Bi) kcal mol^-1 , respectively. However, both cis and trans structures should be observable, as large barriers (27.7, 20.5, and 17.7 kcal mol^-1 ) separate them. For both the cis and trans structures, in the infrared the strong E-H stretching frequencies should also be observable. Only the cis structures have dipole moments (0.62, 0.01, and 0.83 debye, respectively), and their observation by microwave spectroscopy would be stunning. Also considered were the higher energy vinylidene-like, pyramidal, monobridged, and linear structures. We conclude that molecules such as HSb=SbH-Fe(CO)₄ , HBi=BiH-Fe(CO)₄ , and related systems, should be feasible synthetic targets.

A Mechanistic Study on Reactions of Group 13 Diyls LM with Cp*SbX2 : From Stibanyl Radicals to Antimony Hydrides

Oxidative addition of Cp*SbX2 (X=Cl, Br, I; Cp*=C5 Me5 ) to group 13 diyls LM (M=Al, Ga, In; L=HC[C(Me)N (Dip)]2 , Dip=2,6-iPr2 C6 H3 ) yields elemental antimony (M=Al) or the corresponding stibanylgallanes [L(X)Ga]Sb(X)Cp* (X=Br 1, I 2) and -indanes [L(X)In]Sb(X)Cp* (X=Cl 5, Br 6, I 7). 1 and 2 react with a second equivalent of LGa to eliminate decamethyl-1,1'-dihydrofulvalene (Cp*2 ) and form stibanyl radicals [L(X)Ga]2 Sb. (X=Br 3, I 4), whereas analogous reactions of 5 and 6 with LIn selectively yield stibanes [L(X)In]2 SbH (X=Cl 8, Br 9) by elimination of 1,2,3,4-tetramethylfulvene. The reactions are proposed to proceed via formation of [L(X)M]2 SbCp* as reaction intermediate, which is supported by the isolation of [L(Cl)Ga]2 SbCp (11, Cp=C5 H5 ). The reaction mechanism was further studied by computational calculations using two different models. The energy values for the Ga- and the In-substituted model systems showing methyl groups instead of the very bulky Dip units are very similar, and in both cases the same products are expected. Homolytic Sb-C bond cleavage yields van der Waals complexes from the as-formed radicals ([L(Cl)M]2 Sb. and Cp*. ), which can be stabilized by hydrogen atom abstraction to give the corresponding hydrides, whereas the direct formation of Sb hydrides starting from [L(Cl)M]2 SbCp* via concerted β-H elimination is unlikely. The consideration of the bulky Dip units reveals that the amount of the steric overload in the intermediate I determines the product formation (radical vs. hydride).

Synthesis of heteroleptic gallium-substituted antimony hydrides by stepwise β-H elimination

Heteroleptic stibanes Cp*(R)SbCl (R = Dip 1, N(SiMe₃)₂2, OB(NDipCH)₂3; Cp* = C₅Me₅; Dip = 2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃) react with monovalent gallanediyl LGa (L = HC[C(Me)N(Dip)]₂) with elimination of 1,2,3,4-tetramethylfulvene, yielding heteroleptic metal-stabilized Sb hydrides [L(Cl)Ga](R)SbH (R = Dip 4, N(SiMe₃)₂5, OB(NDipCH)₂6). Compounds 1-6 were characterized by heteronuclear NMR (¹H, ¹¹B, ¹³C) and IR spectroscopy, and the solid-state structures of 4-6 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. A close correlation between the ¹H NMR chemical shift of the hydride ligand and the electronegativity of the Sb-coordinating atoms was revealed.

Ligand Effects on the Electronic Structure of Heteroleptic Antimony-Centered Radicals

We report on the structures of three unprecedented heteroleptic Sb-centered radicals [L(Cl)Ga](R)Sb^. (2-R, R=B[N(Dip)CH]₂ 2-B, 2,6-Mes₂ C₆ H₃ 2-C, N(SiMe₃ )Dip 2-N) stabilized by one electropositive metal fragment [L(Cl)Ga] (L=HC[C(Me)N(Dip)]₂ , Dip=2,6-i-Pr₂ C₆ H₃ ) and one bulky B- (2-B), C- (2-C), or N-based (2-N) substituent. Compounds 2-R are predominantly metal-centered radicals. Their electronic properties are largely influenced by the electronic nature of the ligands R, and significant delocalization of unpaired-spin density onto the ligands was observed in 2-B and 2-N. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies showed that 2-B undergoes a quasi-reversible one-electron reduction, which was confirmed by the synthesis of [K([2.2.2]crypt)][L(Cl)GaSbB[N(Dip)CH]₂ ] ([K([2.2.2]crypt)][2-B]) containing the stibanyl anion [2-B]^- , which was shown to possess significant Sb-B multiple-bonding character.

The unique β-diketiminate ligand in aluminum(i) and gallium(i) chemistry

Herein we present an overview of the last 10 years for aluminum(i) and gallium(i) stabilized by β-diketiminate ligands that undergo a series of oxidative addition reactions with molecules containing single and multiple bonds.

Synthesis and structures of gallaarsenes LGaAsGa(X)L featuring a Ga-As double bond

Three equivalents of LGa {L = HC[C(Me)N(2,6-i-Pr₂C₆H₃)]₂} react with AsX₃ (X = Cl, Br) by insertion into two As-X bonds, followed by the elimination of LGaX₂ and formation of LGaAsGa(Cl)L (1) and LGaAsGa(Br)L (2). According to single crystal X-ray analysis, 1 and 2 each exhibit one Ga-As single bond and one Ga-As double bond. The π-bonding contribution (9.71 kcal mol^-11 and 9.44 kcal mol^-12) was proved by variable temperature (VT) ¹H NMR spectroscopy, while the electronic structure of 1' was studied by quantum chemical calculations.

Facile oxidative addition of O2 and S8 by an indium bis(carbene) analogue

The oxidative addition of oxygen towards an indium bis(carbenoid) yields an almost planar In₄O₂ ring, an isovalence-electronic analogue of dioxane, in which the indium is in the formal oxidation state +ii. The weaker oxidant sulfur, however, yields an eight-membered ring in a deck-chair conformation containing four indium(iii) centres and four sulfides in an alternating fashion. According to DFT calculations, this reactivity difference originates from kinetic rather than thermodynamic reasons. When the reaction with S₈ is performed with the in situ generated bis(carbenoid), a β-diketimine (NacNac) incorporating an S₄-chain bridging the two γ-carbon atoms of each NacNac unit is derived.

Distibanes and Distibenes from Reduction of Sb(NONR )Cl by using MgI Reagents

The bis(amidodimethyl)disiloxane antimony chlorides Sb(NON^R )Cl (NON^R =[O(SiMe₂ NR)₂ ]^2- ; R=tBu, Ph, 2,6-Me₂ C₆ H₃ =Dmp, 2,6-iPr₂ C₆ H₃ =Dipp, 2,6-(CHPh₂ )₂ -4-tBuC₆ H₂ =tBu-Bhp) are reduced to Sb^II and Sb^I species by using Mg^I reagents, [Mg(BDI^R' )]₂ (BDI=[HC{C(Me)NR'}₂ ]^- ; R'=2,4,6-Me₃ C₆ H₂ =Mes, Dipp). Stoichiometric reactions with Sb(NON^R )Cl (R=tBu, Ph) form dimeric Sb^II stibanes [Sb(NON^R )]₂ , shown crystallographically to contain Sb-Sb single bonds. The analogous distibane with R=Dmp substituents has an exceptionally long Sb-Sb interaction and exhibits spectroscopic and reactivity properties consistent with radical character in solution. When R=Dipp, reductions with Mg^I reagents directly give distibenes [Sb(μ-NON^Dipp )Mg(BDI^R' )(THF)_n ]₂ (R'=Mes, n=1; R'=Dipp, n=0). Crystallographic analysis shows a trans-substitution of the Sb=Sb double bond, with bridging NON^Dipp -ligands between the Sb^I and Mg^II centres. An attempt to access the NON^Ph -analogue using the same protocol afforded the polystibide cluster Sb₈ [μ₄ ,η^2:2:2:2 -Mg(BDI^Mes )]₄ , which co-crystallized with the ligand transfer product, [Mg(BDI^Mes )]₂ (μ-NON^Ph ).

Heterotetrametallic Re-Zn-Zn-Re Complex Generated by an Anionic Rhenium(I) β-Diketiminate

We report the synthesis of an anionic rhenium(I) compound, Na[Re(η⁵-Cp)(BDI)] (1; Cp = cyclopentadienide, BDI = N, N'-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,5-dimethyl-β-diketiminate) and initial investigations of its use as a strong chemical reductant and metalloligand. Chemical oxidation of 1 gives a rare example of a rhenium(II) compound Re(η⁵-Cp)(BDI) (2), while protonation of 1 yields the rhenium(III) hydride complex Re(H)(η⁵-Cp)(BDI) (3). The reaction of 1 with ZnCl₂ generated both 2 and the zinc(I) compound [ZnRe(η⁵-Cp)(BDI)]₂ (4), which features a linear, tetrametallic Re(I)-Zn(I)-Zn(I)-Re(I) core. Computational studies of 4 were performed to characterize the metal-metal bonding interactions; the results indicate a dative interaction from rhenium to zinc and covalent bonding between the two zinc centers. One-electron oxidation of 4 yielded both 2 and the triflate-bridged zinc(II) complex [(μ-OTf)ZnRe(η⁵-Cp)(BDI)]₂ (5, OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate).

Cycloaddition versus Cleavage of the C=S Bond of Isothiocyanates Promoted by Digallane Compounds with Noninnocent α-Diimine Ligands

Whereas the chemistry of single-bond activation by compounds of the main group elements has undergone some development in recent years, the cleavage of multiple bonds remains underexplored. Herein, the reactions of two digallanes bearing α-diimine ligands, namely, [L¹ Ga-GaL¹ ] (1, L¹ =dpp-dad=[(2,6-iPr₂ C₆ H₃ )NC(CH₃ )]₂ ) and [L² Ga-GaL² ] (2, L² =dpp-bian=1,2-[(2,6-iPr₂ C₆ H₃ )NC]₂ C₁₀ H₆ ), with isothiocyanates are reported. Reactions of 1 or 2 with isothiocyanates in 1:2 molar ratio proceeded with [2+4] cycloaddition of the C=S bond across the C₂ N₂ Ga metallacycle with formation of C-C and S-Ga single bonds to afford [L¹ (RN=C-S)Ga-Ga(S-C=NR)L¹ ] (3, R=Me; 4, R=Ph) and [L² (RN=C-S)Ga-Ga(S-C=NR)L² ] (8, R=allyl; 9, R=Ph). In the cases of 8 and 9, this cycloaddition is reversible. The digallanes reacted with 2 equiv of PhNCS in the presence of Na metal or at high temperatures through a unique reductive cleavage of the C=S bond to yield the disulfide-bridged digallium species [Na(THF)₃ ]₂ [L¹ Ga(μ-S)₂ GaL¹ ] (5), [L² Ga(μ-S)₂ GaL² ] (10), and [Na(DME)₃ ][L² Ga(μ-S)₂ GaL² ] (11). Moreover, products 4 and 5 can further react with an excess of isothiocyanate, through cleavage of the C=S bond or cycloaddition, to give the bis- or mono-S-bridged complexes [Na(THF)₂ ]₂ [L¹ (PhN=C-S)Ga(μ-S)₂ Ga(S-C=NPh)L¹ ] (6) and [L¹ (PhN=C-S)Ga(μ-S)Ga(S-C=NPh)L¹ ] (7). All the newly prepared compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, NMR (3-9) or ESR spectroscopy (11), and DFT calculations.

En Route to Bis-Carbene Analogues of the Heavier Group 13 Elements: Consideration of Bridging Group and Metal(I) Source

With the aim of exploring the effect of steric constraints imposed on the metal-metal interaction of bis-carbene analogues of thallium by the linking scaffold, seven dinuclear thallium diyls with a series of rigid, semirigid, and flexible bridging scaffolds were synthesized. The solid-state molecular structures were determined for four of these compounds by single-crystal XRD and compared with the results of DFT calculations, which were performed for all substances. These compounds serve as models to investigate the metal-metal distance in the absence of co-coordinated molecules (additional ligands, solvent molecules). In addition, the effect of the metal(I) precursor, and more specifically the counterion, on the synthetic access to bis-carbene analogues of indium and thallium was investigated. For indium, only InI yields the desired dinuclear indium diyl. With InBr no reaction was observed, and using InCl gave rise to a mononuclear indium(III) compound. For thallium, both TlI and TlBr allow access to the related bis-carbene analogue, although the yield with the latter is significantly lower. In contrast, no reactions were observed with TlCl and TlBF₄ .

A General Route to Metal-Substituted Dipnictenes of the Type [L(X)M]2 E2

Two equivalents of LGa (L=HC[C(Me)N(2,6-iPr₂ C₆ H₃ )]₂ ) reacted with PX₃ (X=Cl, Br) with insertion into two P-X bonds and formation of [L(X)Ga]₂ PX (X=Cl 1, Br 2), whereas the analogous reaction with AsCl₃ occurred with twofold insertion and subsequent elimination of LGaCl₂ and formation of the Ga-substituted diarsene [L(Cl)Ga]₂ As₂ (3). Analogous findings were observed in the reactions with Me₂ NAsCl₂ , yielding the unsymmetrically-substituted diarsene [L(Cl)Ga]As=As[Ga(NMe₂ )L] (4). The reaction of As(NMe₂ )₃ with LGa gave [L(Me₂ N)Ga]₂ As₂ (5) after heating at 165 °C for five days, whereas the reaction with LAl gave [L(Me₂ N)Al]₂ As₂ (6) after heating at only 80 °C for one day. Finally, two equivalents of LGa reacted with Bi(NEt₂ )₃ to give [L(Et₂ N)Ga]₂ Bi₂ (7). Complexes 1-7 were characterized by NMR spectroscopy (¹ H, ¹³ C, ³¹ P), elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (except for 1 and 5). The bonding situations in 4, 6, and 7 were analyzed by quantum chemical calculations.