Tri- and Tetranuclear Metal-String Complexes with Metallophilic d10 -d10 Interactions

Cationic dinuclear complexes [M2(PCP)2μ-Cl][GaCl4] of the group 10 elements. metallophilic interactions and catalytic dehydrogenation of Me2NHBH3

The facile synthesis of the cationic dinuclear group 10 complexes [M2(PCP)2μ-Cl]+ (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) by transmetallation from a simple Ga precursor is reported (PCP = 2,6-(Ph2P)C6H3). Their use for the catalysed dehydrogenation of Me2NHBH3 shows that Ni has a higher reactivity than Pt, whereas Pd is inactive.

Peraurated ruthenium hydride carbonyl clusters: aurophilicity, isolobal analogy, structural isomerism, and fluxionality

The stepwise addition of increasing amounts of Au(PPh3)Cl to [HRu4(CO)12]3- (1) results in the sequential formation of [HRu4(CO)12(AuPPh3)]2- (2), [HRu4(CO)12(AuPPh3)2]- (3), and HRu4(CO)12(AuPPh3)3 (4). Alternatively, 4 can be obtained upon addition of HBF4·Et2O (two mole equivalents) to 3. Further addition of acid to 3 (three mole equivalents) results in the formation of the tetra-aurated cluster Ru4(CO)12(AuPPh3)4 (5). Compounds 2-5 have been characterized by IR, 1H and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopies. Moreover, the molecular structures of 3-5 have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction as [NEt4][3]·2CH2Cl2, 4-b·2CH2Cl2, 4-a, 5·0.5CH2Cl2·solv, and 5·solv crystalline solids. Two different isomers of 4, that is 4-a and 4-b, have been crystallographically characterized and their rapid interconversion in solution was studied by variable temperature 1H and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopies. Weak aurophilic Au⋯Au contacts have been detected in the solid state structures of 3-5. Computational studies have been performed in order to elucidate bonding and isomerism, as well as to predict the possible structure of the elusive species 2.

Mixed-Valence Tetrametallic Iridium Chains

Neutral [X-{Ir2 }-{Ir2 }-X] (X=Cl, Br, SCN, I) and dicationic [L-{Ir2 }-{Ir2 }-L]2+ (L=MeCN, Me2 CO) tetrametallic iridium chains made by connecting two dinuclear {Ir2 } units ({Ir2 }=[Ir2 (μ-OPy)2 (CO)4 ], OPy=2-pyridonate) by an iridium-iridium bond are described. The complexes exhibit fractional averaged oxidation states of +1.5 and electronic delocalization along the metallic chain. While the axial ligands do not significantly affect the metal-metal bond lengths, the metallic chain has a significant impact on the iridium-L/X bond distances. The complexes show free rotation around the unsupported iridium-iridium bond in solution, with a low-energy transition state for the chloride chain. The absorption spectra of these complexes show characteristic bands at 438-504 nm, which can be fine-tuned by varying the terminal capping ligands.

Coinage Metal Bis(amidinate) Complexes as Building Blocks for Self-Assembled One-Dimensional Coordination Polymers

The pyridyl functionalized amidinate [{PyC≡CC(NDipp)₂ }Li(thf)₂ ]_n was used to synthesize a series of bis-amidinate complexes [{PyC≡CC(NDipp)₂ }₂ M₂ ] (M=Cu, Ag, Au) with fully supported metallophilic interactions. These metalloligands were then used as building blocks for the synthesis of one-dimensional heterobimetallic coordination polymers using Zn(hfac)₂ (hfac=hexaflouroacetylacetonate) for self-assembly. Interestingly, the three coordination polymers [{PyC≡CC(NDipp)₂ }₂ M₂ ][Zn(hfac)₂ ] (M=Cu, Ag, Au), exhibit a zig zag shape in the solid state. To achieve linear coordination geometry other connectors such as M'(acac) (M'=Ni, Co) (acac=acetylacetonate) were investigated. The thus obtained compounds [{PyC≡CC(NDipp)₂ }₂ Cu₂ ][M'(acac)₂ ] (M'=Ni, Co) are indeed linear heterobimetallic coordination polymers featuring a metalloligand backbone with fully supported metallophilic interactions.

Luminescent early-late-hetero-tetranuclear group IV - Au(I) bisamidinate complexes

The versatile metalloligand [{HCCC(NDipp)₂}₂Au₂] (dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) was converted into early-late heterotetrametallic complexes [{ClCp₂MCCC(NDipp)₂}₂Au₂] (M = Ti, Zr). These compounds show photoluminescence with either remarkably different (Ti) or similar (Zr) features as compared to related solely coinage metal containing acetylide amidinate complexes.

Aurophilic Interactions Studied by Quantum Crystallography

This is the first use of a wave-function-based crystallographic method to characterize aurophilic interactions from X-ray diffraction data. Theoretical calculations previously suggested the importance of electron correlation and dispersion forces, but no influence of relativistic corrections to the Au...Au interaction energy was found. In this study, we confirm the importance of relativistic corrections in the characterization of aurophilic interactions in addition to electron correlation and dispersion.

Hirshfeld atom refinement was used to characterize aurophilic interactions from X-ray diffraction data. An intermediate closed-shell type of aurophilic interaction with some features of covalency was identified when both electron correlation and relativistic corrections were applied. Relativistic correction changes the electron density distribution more than electron correlation. Relativistic effects strongly dominate the metal core region also in the direction of the noncovalent interactions and all of the valence and bonding regions with regard to the Au···Au interaction.

Synthesis, structural and photophysical properties of dimethylphosphino(perfluoro-)phenylene-based gold(I) dimers

Starting with 1,2-dibromobenzene and 1,2,3,4-tetrafluorobenzene, dimethyl(2-(trimethylstannyl)phenyl)phosphane, Me₂P(o-C₆H₄)SnMe₃, and dimethyl-[2,3,4,5-tetrafluoro-6-(trimethylstannyl)phenyl]phosphane, Me₂P(o-C₆F₄)SnMe₃, were synthesized and used in tin-gold exchange reactions to prepare two gold(I) dimers, bis[(2-dimethylphosphino)phenyl]di-gold(I), [Au₂(μ-2-C₆H₄PMe₂)₂], and bis[(2-dimethylphosphino)-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl]di-gold(I), [Au₂(μ-2-C₆F₄PMe₂)₂], respectively. Both tin precursor molecules, as well as the gold(I) complexes, were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, CHN analysis and X-ray diffraction experiments. Both gold(I) dimers were further investigated by the means of computational as well as photophysical methods.

Gold(i) complexes bearing a PNP-type pincer ligand: photophysical properties and catalytic investigations

The synthesis and characterization of two dinuclear and five tetranuclear gold(i) complexes bearing the 2,6-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyridine diphosphane ligand (DPPMPY) are herein reported.

Transition Metal Chain Complexes Supported by Soft Donor Assembling Ligands

The chemistry of discrete molecular chains constituted by metals in low oxidation states, displaying metal-metal proximity and stabilized by suitable metal-bridging, assembling ligands comprising at least one soft donor atom is comprehensively reviewed; complexes with a single (hard or soft) bridging atom (e.g., μ-halide, μ-sulfide, or μ-PR₂ etc.) as well as "closed" metal arrays (that fall in the realm of cluster chemistry) are excluded. The focus is on transition metal-based systems, with few excursions to cases combining transition and post-transition elements. Most relevant supporting ligands have neutral C, P, O, or S donor (mainly, N-heterocyclic carbene, phosphine, ether, thioether) or anionic donor (mainly phenyl, ylide, silyl, phosphide, thiolate) groups. A supporting-ligand-based classification of the metal chains is introduced, using as the classifying parameter the number of "bites" (i.e., ligand bridges) subtending each intermetallic separation. The ligands are further grouped according to the number of donor atoms interacting with the metal chain (called denticity in the following) and the column of the Periodic Table to which the set of donor atoms belongs (in ascending order). A complementary metal-based compilation of the complexes discussed is also provided in a concise tabular form.

Investigation of Structural Changes of Cu(I) and Ag(I) Complexes Utilizing a Flexible, Yet Sterically Demanding Multidentate Phosphine Oxide Ligand

The syntheses of a sterically demanding, multidentate bis(quinaldinyl)phenylphosphine oxide ligand and some Cu(I) and Ag(I) complexes thereof are described. By introducing a methylene group between the quinoline unit and phosphorus, the phosphine oxide ligand gains additional flexibility. This specific ligand design induces not only a versatile coordination chemistry but also a rarely observed and investigated behavior in solution. The flexibility of the birdlike ligand offers the unexpected opportunity of open-wing and closed-wing coordination to the metal. In fact, the determined crystal structures of these complexes show both orientations. Investigations of the ligand in solution show a strong dependency of the chemical shift of the CH₂ protons on the solvent used. Variable-temperature, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy was carried out, and an interesting dynamic behavior of the complexes is observed. Due to the introduced flexibility, the quinaldinyl substituents change their arrangements from open-wing to closed-wing upon cooling, while still staying coordinated to the metal. This change in conformation is completely reversible when warming up the sample. Based on 2D NMR spectra measured at -80 °C, an assignment of the signals corresponding to the different arrangements was possible. Additionally, the copper(I) complex shows reversible redox activity in solution. The combination of structural flexibility of a multidentate ligand and the positive redox properties of the resulting complexes comprises key factors for a possible application of such compounds in transition-metal catalysis. Via a reorganization of the ligand, occurring transition states could be stabilized, and selectivity might be enhanced.

Keep it tight: a crucial role of bridging phosphine ligands in the design and optical properties of multinuclear coinage metal complexes

Copper subgroup metal ions in the +1 oxidation state are classical candidates for aggregation via non-covalent metal-metal interactions, which are supported by a number of bridging ligands. The bridging phosphines, soft donors with a relatively labile coordination to coinage metals, serve as convenient and essential components of the ligand environment that allow for efficient self-assembly of discrete polynuclear aggregates. Simultaneously, accessible and rich modification of the organic spacer of such P-donors has been used to generate many fascinating structures with attractive photoluminescent behavior. In this work we consider the development of di- and polynuclear complexes of M(i) (M = Cu, Ag, Au) and their photophysical properties, focusing on the effect of phosphine bridging ligands, their flexibility and denticity.

A new series of heteronuclear metal strings, MRhRh(dpa)4Cl2 and MRhRhM(dpa)4X2, from the reactions of Rh2(dpa)4 with metal ions of group 7 to group 12

A new series of trinuclear and tetranuclear HMSCs, MRhRh(dpa)₄Cl₂ and MRhRhM(dpa)₄X₂, from the reactions of Rh₂(dpa)₄ and metal ions were synthesized.

Hetero-Tetranuclear Cu2+ /Ca2+ /Ca2+ /Cu2+ Architectures Based On Malten Ligand: Scaffold for Anion Binding

The hetero-tetranuclear Cu²⁺ /Ca²⁺ /Ca²⁺ /Cu²⁺ complex obtained with the N,N'-bis((3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl)-N,N'-dimethylethylendiamine (Malten) ligand has been studied in solid and solution states as scaffold to bind anions. Three crystal structures showing the same metal ions sequence have been examined; they display a tetracharged complex cation neutralized by four monocharged anions. The anions play two different roles: as coordinated (two ClO₄ ^- , Cl^- or NO₃ ^- ) or ancillary (two ClO₄ ^- ) guests. The tetranuclear scaffold hosts two anions also in aqueous and ethanol solutions. Spectrophotometric studies in ethanol allowed to determine the addition constant values for Cl^- and Br^- (Log K_1-2 =4.43(4), 4.39(3) for Cl^- , 3.80(3), 3.54(2) for Br^- ) while the others, although bound, showed lower affinity for the scaffold. Both the crystals and the solutions change their color depending on the added anion, namely pink, dark green or blue in the presence of ClO₄ ^- , Cl^- or NO₃ ^- , respectively, thus the presence of the different anions is visible to the naked eye. The hetero-tetranuclear Cu²⁺ /Ca²⁺ /Ca²⁺ /Cu²⁺ complex is a versatile architecture to be used as scaffold for anion binding.

Small Gold(I) and Gold(I)-Silver(I) Clusters by C-Si Auration

Auration of o-trimethylsilyl arylphosphines leads to the formation of gold and gold-silver clusters with ortho-metalated phosphines displaying 3c-2e Au-C-M bonds (M=Au/Ag). Hexagold clusters [Au6 L4 ](X)2 are obtained by reaction of (L-TMS)AuCl with AgX, whereas reaction with AgX and Ag2 O leads to gold-silver clusters [Au4 Ag2 L4 ](X)2 . Oxo-trigold(I) species [Au3 O]+ were identified as the intermediates in the formation of the silver-doped clusters. Other [Au5 ], [Au4 Ag], and [Au12 Ag4 ] clusters were also obtained. Clusters containing PAu-Au-AuP structural motif display good catalytic activity in the activation of alkynes under homogeneous conditions.

Tri- and Tetranuclear Metal-String Complexes with Metallophilic d10 -d10 Interactions

The reaction of 2,6-F2 C6 H3 SiMe3 with Ph2 PLi provided 2,6-(Ph2 P)2 C6 H3 SiMe3 (1), which can be regarded as precursor for the novel anionic tridentate ligand [2,6-(Ph2 P)2 C6 H3 ]- (PCP)- . The reaction of 1 with [AuCl(tht)] (tht=tetrahydrothiophene) afforded 2,6-(Ph2 PAuCl)2 C6 H3 SiMe3 (2). The subsequent reaction of 2 with CsF proceeded with elimination of Me3 SiF and yielded the neutral tetranuclear complex linear-[Au4 Cl2 (PCP)2 ] (3) comprising a string-like arrangement of four Au atoms. Upon chloride abstraction from 3 with NaBArF 4 (ArF =3,5-(CF3 )2 C6 H3 ) in the presence of tht, the formation of the dicationic tetranuclear complex linear-[Au4 (PCP)2 (tht)2 ](BArF 4 )2 (4) was observed, in which the string-like structural motif is retained. Irradiation of 4 with UV light triggered a facile rearrangement in solution giving rise to the dicationic tetranuclear complex cyclo-[Au4 (PCP)2 (tht)2 ](BArF 4 ) (5), which comprises a rhomboidal motif of four Au atoms. In 3-5, the Au atoms are associated by a number of significant aurophilic interactions. The atom-economic and selective reaction of 3 with HgCl2 yielded the neutral trinuclear bimetallic complex [HgAu2 Cl3 (PCP)] (6) comprising significant metallophilic interactions between the Au and Hg atoms. Therefore, 6 may be also regarded as a metallopincer complex [ClHg(AuCAu)] between HgII and the anionic tridentate ligand [2,6-(Ph2 PAuCl)2 C6 H3 ]- (AuCAu)- containing a central carbanionic binding site and two "gold-arms" contributing pincer-type chelation trough metallophilic interactions. Compounds 1-6 were characterized experimentally by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography and computationally using a set of real-space bond indicators (RSBIs) derived from electron density (ED) methods including Atoms In Molecules (AIM), the Electron Localizability Indicator (ELI-D) as well as the Non-Covalent Interaction (NCI) Index.

Structures and paramagnetism of five heterometallic pentanuclear metal strings containing as many as four different metals: NiPtCo2Pd(tpda)4Cl2

Five heterometallic pentanuclear metal strings were prepared by stepwise synthesis from two to three and four kinds of metals aligned in one chain. In particular, NiPtCo2Pd(tpda)4Cl2 (5) possesses four different metals, and the SQUID measurement shows that Ni2+ is the only magnetically active center. Besides, the shortest Co(ii)-Co(ii) single bond (2.105(9) Å), so far, is reported.