Potential of Mixed Dipnictogen Molybdenum Complexes in the Self-Assembly of Thallium Coordination Compounds

The coordination chemistry of the homo- and heterodipnictogen tetrahedrane complexes [{CpMo(CO)2}2(μ,η2:2-EE')] (E, E' = P, As, Sb) (A-F) toward Tl[BArF24] ([BArF24]- = [B(3,5-C6H3(CF3)2)4]-) was studied. Controlled by the used tetrahedranes A-F, and thus depending on the respective pnictogen atoms, the monomers [Tl(η2-A)][BArF24] ([A]Tl) and [Tl(η2-B)][BArF24] ([B]Tl), the double substituted [Tl(η1-C)2][BArF24] ([C]2Tl) or the even higher aggregated compounds [Tl2(η2-D)3(μ,η2:1-D)(μ,η1:1-D)][BArF24]2 ([D]5Tl2), [Tl2(η2-E)2(μ,η2:1-E)3] [BArF24]2 ([E]5Tl2) and [Tl2(η2-F)3(μ,η2:1-F)3][BArF24]2 ([F]6Tl2) were obtained. Utilization of [BArF24]- promises additional stabilization of TlI via η6-coordination of two of its aryl rings as found in compounds [A]Tl, [B]Tl and [C]2Tl. Within the series of reactivity of A-F, the heavier congeners D, E and F tend to form larger aggregates in which σ(E-E') bond contributions to the coordination behavior were observed. Interatomic distances suggest the presence of Tl···Tl interactions in [E]5Tl2 and [F]6Tl2. The features of the respective coordination compounds were studied in the solid-state as well as in solution. For the latter at least a partial dissociation of the assemblies in solution was indicated. The isolated solid-state aggregates are the first examples of heterodipnictogen units as ligands in self-assembled TlI-based coordination compounds.

Cu(I) Complexes Comprising tetrahedral Mo2 E2 or Mo2 PE units (E=P, As, Sb) as Chelating Ligands

Novel isomorphous tetranuclear complexes, [(dppf)Cu(μ3 ,η2 : 2 : 2 -E2 {CpMo(CO)2 }2 ]BF4 [E=P (1), As (4), Sb (5), (dppf=1,1'-bis-(diphenylphosphino)-ferrocene)] and [(dppf)Cu(μ3 ,η2 : 2 : 2 -PE{CpMo(CO)2 }2 ]BF4 [E=As (2), Sb(3)] were synthesized from the reactions between [(dppf)Cu(MeCN)2 ][BF4 ] and tetrahedral molybdenum complexes containing unsubstituted homo- and hetero-diatomic group-15 elements [(μ,η2 : 2 -E2 {CpMo(CO)2 }2 ] [E=P (A), As (D), Sb (E)] and [(μ,η2 : 2 -PE{CpMo(CO)2 }2 ] [E=As (B), Sb (C)], respectively. In all these products, the {Mo2 E2 } or {Mo2 PE} moieties coordinate the Cu(I) center via a rare side-on η2 -coordination mode. The X-ray structure analyses of [(dppf)Cu(μ3 ,η2 : 2 : 1 -PSb{CpMo(CO)2 }2 ][BF4 ] demonstrate, for the first time, the utilization of an η1 -coordination mode for the ligand complex C to coordinate to the Cu(I) center. All the products were characterized by X-ray crystallography, NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Electrochemical studies also revealed the formation of 1-5, and, further, to understand the structure and bonding of the products, theoretical calculations using density functional theory (DFT) were conducted.

Molybdenum-Mediated Insertion of Ketones into the P-P bond of cyclo-(P5 Ph5 ) and Formation of Trinuclear Molybdenum Complexes

The reaction of cyclopentaphosphine cyclo-(P5 Ph5 ) (1) with ketones (acetone and cyclooctanone) in the presence of [Mo(CO)4 (cod)] (cod=cycloocta-1,5-diene) led to air-stable trinuclear complexes in which the bis-phosphanido ligands (PPh-PPh-PPh-PPh-CMe2 O-PPh)2- (complex 2) and (PPh-PPh-PPh-PPh-C(CH2 )7 O-PPh)2- (complex 3) bridge a Mo(CO)3 -Mo(CO)3 unit. This extends the reaction of 1 with transition metal carbonyl complexes to further substrates and represents the first examples of insertion of carbonyl compounds into the P-P bond of cyclic oligophosphorus compounds. Complexes 2 and 3 have been characterized by 31 P NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, the thermal properties of the obtained complexes have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fast scanning calorimetry (FSC).

Diantimony Complexes [CpR 2 Mo2 (CO)4 (μ,η2 -Sb2 )] (CpR =C5 H5 , C5 H4 t Bu) as Unexpected Ligands Stabilizing Silver(I)n (n=1-4) Monomers, Dimers and Chains

Synthesis and reactivity of transition metal compounds bearing "naked" pnictogen atoms is an active research area with remarkable bonding patterns observed in the formed compounds. Within this field, intense investigations on the coordination behavior of complexes possessing Pn and Asn (2≤n≤5) moieties have been conducted. However, studies on heavier analogues have been ignored so far due to arduous challenges related to low yields and moderate air stability. Herein, we present the first in-depth study addressing the reactivity of organometallic complexes containing Sb-donor atoms with several AgI salts. These reactions afforded twelve unprecedented aggregates as monomers, dimers as well as three- and four-membered chains of AgI ions claimed in the literature to be inaccessible. Interatomic distances as well as computational evidence obtained with help of several different methods suggest the presence of Ag⋅⋅⋅Ag interactions in all complexes containing more than one AgI ion.

Synthesis and Reactivity of a Cyclooctatetraene-Like Polyphosphorus Ligand Complex [Cyclo-P8 ]

The thermolysis of Cp'''Ta(CO)₄ with white phosphorus (P₄ ) gives access to [{Cp'''Ta}₂ (μ,η^{2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1} -P₈ )] (A), representing the first complex containing a cyclooctatetraene-like (COT) cyclo-P₈ ligand. While ring sizes of n >6 have remained elusive for cyclo-P_n structural motifs, the choice of the transition metal, co-ligand and reaction conditions allowed the isolation of A. Reactivity investigations reveal its versatile coordination behaviour as well as its redox properties. Oxidation leads to dimerization to afford [{Cp'''Ta}₄ (μ₄ ,η^{2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1} -P₁₆ )][TEF]₂ (4, TEF=[Al(OC{CF₃ }₃ )₄ ]^- ). Reduction, however, leads to the fission of one P-P bond in A followed by rapid dimerization to form [K@[2.2.2]cryptand]₂ [{Cp'''Ta}₄ (μ₄ ,η^{2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1} -P₁₆ )] (5), which features an unprecedented chain-type P₁₆ ligand. Lastly, A serves as a P₂ synthon, via ring contraction to the triple-decker complex [{Cp'''Ta}₂ (μ,η^6 : 6 -P₆ )] (B).

Taming PH3: State of the Art and Future Directions in Synthesis

Appetite for reactions involving PH₃ has grown in the past few years. This in part is due to the ability to generate PH₃ cleanly and safely via digestion of cheap metal phosphides with acids, thus avoiding pressurized cylinders and specialized equipment. In this perspective we highlight current trends in forming new P–C/P–OC bonds with PH₃ and discuss the challenges involved with selectivity and product separation encumbering these reactions. We highlight the reactivity of PH₃ with main group reagents, building on the early pioneering work with transition metal complexes and PH₃. Additionally, we highlight the recent renewal of interest in alkali metal sources of H₂P^– which are proving to be useful synthons for chemistry across the periodic table. Such MPH₂ sources are being used to generate the desired products in a more controlled fashion and are allowing access to unexplored phosphorus-containing species.

Halogenation of the Hexaphosphabenzene Complex [(Cp*Mo)2 (μ,η6 :η6 -P6 )]: Snapshots on the Reaction Progress

The oxidation of [(Cp*Mo)2 (μ,η6 :η6 -P6 )] (1) with halogens or halogen sources was investigated. The iodination afforded the ionic complexes [(Cp*Mo)2 (μ,η3 :η3 -P3 )(μ,η1 :η1 :η1 :η1 -P3 I3 )][X] (X=I3 - , I- ) (2) and [(Cp*Mo)2 (μ,η4 :η4 -P4 )(μ-PI2 )][I3 ] (3), while the reaction with PBr5 led to the complexes [(Cp*Mo)2 (μ,η3 :η3 -P3 )(μ-Br)2 ][Cp*MoBr4 ] (4) [(Cp*MoBr)2 (μ,η3 :η3 -P3 )(μ,η1 -P2 Br3 )] (5) and [(Cp*Mo)2 (μ-PBr2 )(μ-PHBr)(μ-Br)2 ] (6). The reaction of 1 with the far stronger oxidizing agent PCl5 was followed via time- and temperature-dependent 31 P{1 H} NMR spectroscopy. One of the first intermediates detected at 193 K was [(Cp*Mo)2 (μ,η3 :η3 -P3 )(μ-PCl2 )2 ][PCl6 ] (8) which rearranges upon warming to [(Cp*Mo)2 (μ-PCl2 )2 (μ-Cl)2 ] (9), [(Cp*MoCl)2 (μ,η3 :η3 -P3 )(μ-PCl2 )] (10) and [(Cp*Mo)2 (μ,η4 :η4 -P4 )(μ-PCl2 )][Cp*MoCl4 ] (11), which could be isolated at room temperature. All complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy and their electronic structures were elucidated by DFT calculations.

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.

Redox Chemistry of Heterobimetallic Polypnictogen Triple-Decker Complexes - Rearrangement, Fragmentation and Transfer

The redox chemistry of the heterobimetallic triple‐decker complexes [(Cp*Fe)(Cp′′′Co)(μ,η⁵:η⁴‐E₅)] (E=P (1), As (2), Cp*=1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethyl‐cyclopentadienyl, Cp′′′=1,2,4‐tri‐tertbutyl‐cyclopentadienyl) and [(Cp′′′Co)(Cp′′′Ni)(μ,η³:η³‐E₃)] (E=P (10), As (11)) was investigated. Compound 1 and 2 could be oxidized to the monocations 3 and 4 and further to the dications 5 and 6, while the initially folded cyclo‐E₅ ligand planarizes upon oxidation. The reduction leads to an opposite change in the geometry of the middle deck, which is now folded stronger into the direction of the other metal fragment (formation of monoanions 7 and 8). For the arsenic compound 8, a different behavior is found since a fragmentation into an As₆ (9) and As₃ ligand complex occurs. The Co and Ni triple‐decker complexes 10 and 11 can be oxidized initially to the heterometallic monocations 12 and 13, which are not stable in solution and convert selectively into the homometallic nickel complexes 14 and 15 and the cobalt complexes 16 and 17. This behavior was further proven by the oxidation of [(Cp′′′Co)(Cp′′Ni)(μ,η³:η²‐P₃)] (19, Cp′′=1,3‐di‐tertbutyl‐cyclopentadienyl) comprising two different Cp ligands. The transfer of {Cp^RM} fragments can be suppressed when a {W(CO)₅} unit is coordinated to the P₃ ligand (20) prior to the oxidation and the mixed cobalt and nickel cation 21 can be isolated. The reduction of 10 and 11 yields the heterometallic monoanions 22 and 23, where no transfer of the {Cp^RM} fragments is observed.

Synthesis of Tetrahedranes Containing the Unique Bridging Hetero-Dipnictogen Ligand EE' (E ≠ E'=P, As, Sb, Bi)

In order to improve and extend the rare class of tetrahedral mixed main group transition metal compounds, a new synthetic route for the complexes [{CpMo(CO)₂}₂(μ,η²:η²‐PE)] (E=As (1), Sb (2)) is described leading to higher yields and a decrease in reaction steps. Via this route, also the so far unknown heavier analogues containing AsSb (3 a), AsBi (4) and SbBi (5) ligands, respectively, are accessible. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments and DFT calculations reveal that they represent very rare examples of compounds comprising covalent bonds between two different heavy pnictogen atoms, which show multiple bond character and are stabilised without any organic substituents. A simple one‐pot reaction of [CpMo(CO)₂]₂ with ME(SiMe₃)₂ (M=Li, K; E=P, As, Sb, Bi) and the subsequent addition of PCl₃, AsCl₃, SbCl₃ or BiCl₃, respectively, give the complexes 1–5. This synthesis is also transferable to the already known homo‐dipnictogen complexes [{CpMo(CO)₂}₂(μ,η²:η²‐E₂)] (E=P, As, Sb, Bi) resulting in higher yields comparable to those in the literature reported procedures and allows the introduction of the bulkier and better soluble Cp′ (Cp′=tert butylcyclopentadienyl) ligand.

Halogenation of Diphosphorus Complexes

A systematic study of diverse halogenation reactions of the tetrahedral Mo₂P₂ ligand complex [{CpMo(CO)₂}₂(μ,η²:η²-P₂)] (1) is reported. By reacting 1 with different halogenating agents, a series of complexes such as [(CpMo)₄(μ₄-P)(μ₃-PI)₂(μ-I)(I)₃(I₃)] (2), [{CpMo(CO)₂}₂(μ-PBr₂)₂] (3a), [{CpMo(CO)₂}(CpMoBr₂)(μ-PBr₂)₂] (4a), [{CpMo(CO)₂}₂(μ-PCl₂)₂] (3b), and [{CpMo(CO)₂}(CpMoCl₂)(μ-PCl₂)₂] (4b) were obtained. Whereas the reaction of 1 toward various bromine and chlorine sources leads to similar results, a different behavior is observed in the reaction with iodine in which 2 is formed. The products were comprehensively characterized by spectroscopic methods and single crystal X-ray diffraction, and the electronic structures of 2, 3a, and 4a were elucidated by DFT calculations.

Easy Access to Enantiomerically Pure Heterocyclic Silicon-Chiral Phosphonium Cations and the Matched/Mismatched Case of Dihydrogen Release

Phosphonium ions are widely used in preparative organic synthesis and catalysis. The provision of new types of cations that contain both functional and chiral information is a major synthetic challenge and can open up new horizons in asymmetric cation-directed and Lewis acid catalysis. We discovered an efficient methodology towards new Si-chiral four-membered CPSSi* heterocyclic cations. Three synthetic approaches are presented. The stereochemical sequence of anchimerically assisted cation formation with B(C6 F5 )3 and subsequent hydride addition was fully elucidated and proceeds with excellent preservation of the chiral information at the stereogenic silicon atom. Also the mechanism of dihydrogen release from a protonated hydrosilane was studied in detail by the help of Si-centered chirality as stereochemical probe. Chemoselectivity switch (dihydrogen release vs. protodesilylation) can easily be achieved through slight modifications of the solvent. A matched/mismatched case was identified and the intermolecularity of this reaction supported by spectroscopic, kinetic, deuterium-labeling experiments, and quantum chemical calculations.

Cationic Functionalisation by Phosphenium Ion Insertion

The reaction of [Cp'''Ni(η3 -P3 )] (1) with in situ generated phosphenium ions [RR'P]+ yields the unprecedented polyphosphorus cations of the type [Cp'''Ni(η3 -P4 R2 )][X] (R=Ph (2 a), Mes (2 b), Cy (2 c), 2,2'-biphen (2 d), Me (2 e); [X]- =[OTf]- , [SbF6 ]- , [GaCl4 ]- , [BArF ]- , [TEF]- ) and [Cp'''Ni(η3 -P4 RCl)][TEF] (R=Ph (2 f), tBu (2 g)). In the reaction of 1 with [Br2 P]+ , an analogous compound is observed only as an intermediate and the final product is an unexpected dinuclear complex [{Cp'''Ni}2 (μ,η3 :η1 :η1 -P4 Br3 )][TEF] (3 a). A similar product [{Cp'''Ni}2 (μ,η3 :η1 :η1 -P4 (2,2'-biphen)Cl)][GaCl4 ] (3 b) is obtained, when 2 d[GaCl4 ] is kept in solution for prolonged times. Although the central structural motif of 2 a-g consists of a "butterfly-like" folded P4 ring attached to a {Cp'''Ni} fragment, the structures of 3 a and 3 b exhibit a unique asymmetrically substituted and distorted P4 chain stabilised by two {Cp'''Ni} fragments. Additional DFT calculations shed light on the reaction pathway for the formation of 2 a-2 g and the bonding situation in 3 a.

Heavy Metals Make a Chain: A Catenated Bismuth Compound

Catenation is common for the light main-group elements whereas it is rare for the heavy elements. Herein, we report the first example of a neutral molecule containing a Bi₄ chain. It is prepared in a one-step reaction between bismuth trichloride and bis(diisopropylphosphino)amine in methanol suspension. The same reaction carried out in dichloromethane gives quite different products. All products have been characterized spectroscopically and using single-crystal X-ray analysis.

Element-Element Bond Formation upon Oxidation and Reduction

The redox chemistry of [(Cp′′′Co)₂(μ,η²:η²‐E₂)₂] (E=P (1), As (2); Cp′′′=1,2,4‐tri(tert‐butyl)cyclopentadienyl) was investigated. Both compounds can be oxidized and reduced twice. That way, the monocations [(Cp′′′Co)₂(μ,η⁴:η⁴‐E₄)][X] (E=P, X=BF₄ (3 a), [FAl] (3 b); E=As, X=BF₄ (4 a), [FAl] (4 b)), the dications [(Cp′′′Co)₂(μ,η⁴:η⁴‐E₄)][TEF]₂ (E=P (5), As (6)), and the monoanions [K(18‐c‐6)(dme)₂][(Cp′′′Co)₂(μ,η⁴:η⁴‐E₄)] (E=P (7), As (8)) were isolated. Further reduction of 7 leads to the dianionic complex [K(18‐c‐6)(dme)₂][K(18‐c‐6)][(Cp′′′Co)₂(μ,η³:η³‐P₄)] (9), in which the cyclo‐P₄ ligand has rearranged to a chain‐like P₄ ligand. Further reduction of 8 can be achieved with an excess of potassium under the formation of [K(dme)₄][(Cp′′′Co)₂(μ,η³:η³‐As₃)] (10) and the elimination of an As₁ unit. Compound 10 represents the first example of an allylic As₃ ligand incorporated into a triple‐decker complex.

The reaction behavior of [Cp2Mo2(CO)4(μ,η2:2-P2)] and [Cp′′Ta(CO)2(η4-P4)] towards hydroxide and tert-butyl nucleophiles

The reaction behavior of [Cp₂Mo₂(CO)₄(μ,η^2:2-P₂)] (1) and [Cp′′Ta(CO)₂(η⁴-P₄)] (2), respectively, towards the anions OH⁻ and ^tBu⁻ are reported, which leads to a selective functionalisation of one P atom.