Stretching bonds in main group element compounds—Borderlines between biradicals and closed-shell species

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Analogues of Wittig Hydrocarbon

N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) analogues of Wittig hydrocarbon, [(NHC)(Stil)(NHC)] (3a-c) (NHC = SIPr (1a) = C[N(Dipp)CH2]2, Dipp = 2,6-iPr2C6H3; IPr (1b) = C[N(Dipp)CH]2; Me-IPr (1c) = C[N(Dipp)CMe]2 and Stil = C6H4CHCHC6H4) have been reported as crystalline solids. 3a-c are prepared by two-electron reductions of the corresponding bis-1,3-imidazoli(ni)um bromides [(NHC)(Stil)NHC)](Br)2 (2a-c) with KC8 in >94 % yields. 2a-c are accessible by the nickel catalyzed direct C-C coupling of NHCs (1a-c) with (E)-4,4'-dibromostilbene. One-electron oxidation of 3a,b yields the corresponding radical cations [(NHC)(Stil)NHC)]B(C6F5)4 4a,b. All compounds have been characterized by UV-Vis/NMR/EPR spectroscopy as well as 2a, 3a, and 3b by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The electronic structures of representative systems have been analyzed by quantum chemical calculations.

Thermodynamics of phase transitions in Zintl clusters from density functional theory: making and breaking of bonds in Ba3Ge4

Density functional theory, in conjunction with the quasi-harmonic approximation, has been used to study the equilibrium between the orthorhombic and tetragonal phases of Ba3Ge4. A transition from the high-temperature tetragonal phase containing isolated Ge46- units to the low-temperature orthorhombic phase, where precisely half of the Ge46- units are polymerised along one axis, is predicted at 930 K, somewhat higher than the experimental value of 630 K. An analysis of the phonon density of states shows that the lower entropy of the orthorhombic phase is not associated directly with the polymerisation of the Ge46- units, but rather with the contraction of the unit cell, which raises the frequencies of ion-ion modes involving the relative motions of the Ba2+ and Ge46- units. Calculations also predict that a third, as yet unobserved, p-tetragonal phase, where all of the Ge46- units are polymerised to form two separate chains running in orthogonal directions, might be accessible at pressures close to 1 GPa.

Bis-[cyclic(alkyl)(amino)carbene]-derived diradicals

Crystalline polymeric structures of trans-1,4-cyclohexylene bridged N-tethered bis-CAACs in the form of their LiOTf adducts were synthesized and isolated. These were further used as building blocks for the synthesis of crystalline (amino)(carboxy)-based diradicals. The triplet diradical character of these compounds was unambiguously confirmed by the presence of a half-field signal in their EPR spectra. Theoretical calculations show that the singlet state is marginally more stable than the triplet state.

Imidazolyl-Substituted Benzo- and Naphthodithiophenes as Precursors for the Synthesis of Transient Open-Shell Quinoids

The synthesis of three novel imidazolyl-substituted sulfur-containing heteroacenes is reported. These heteroacenes consisting of annelated benzo- and naphthothiophenes serve as precursors for the generation of open-shell quinoid heteroacenes by oxidation with alkaline ferric cyanide. Spectroscopic and computational experiments support the formation of reactive open-shell quinoids, which, however, quickly produce paramagnetic polymeric material.

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).

Heteroatom-Based Diradical(oid)s

Heteroatom-centered diradical(oid)s have been in the focus of molecular main group chemistry for nearly 30 years. During this time, the diradical concept has evolved and the focus has shifted to the rational design of diradical(oid)s for specific applications. This review article begins with some important theoretical considerations of the diradical and tetraradical concept. Based on these theoretical considerations, the design of diradical(oid)s in terms of ligand choice, steric, symmetry, electronic situation, element choice, and reactivity is highlighted with examples. In particular, heteroatom-centered diradical reactions are discussed and compared with closed-shell reactions such as pericyclic additions. The comparison between closed-shell reactivity, which proceeds in a concerted manner, and open-shell reactivity, which proceeds in a stepwise fashion, along with considerations of diradical(oid) design, provides a rational understanding of this interesting and unusual class of compounds. The application of diradical(oid)s, for example in small molecule activation or as molecular switches, is also highlighted. The final part of this review begins with application-related details of the spectroscopy of diradical(oid)s, followed by an update of the heteroatom-centered diradical(oid)s and tetraradical(oid)s published in the last 10 years since 2013.

FP(μ-N)2 S: A Sulfur-Pnictogen Four-Membered Ring with 6π Electrons

The new 6π-electron four-membered ring compound 3-fluoro-1λ2 ,2,4,3λ3 -thiadiazaphosphetidine, FP(μ-N)2 S, has been generated in the gas phase through high-vacuum flash pyrolysis (HVFP) of thiophosphoryl diazide, FP(S)(N3 )2 , at 1000 K. Subsequent isolation of FP(μ-N)2 S in cryogenic matrices (Ar, Ne, and N2 ) allows its characterization with matrix-isolation IR and UV-vis spectroscopy by combination with 15 N-isotope labeling and computations at the CCSD(T)-F12a/VTZ-F12 level of theory. Upon visible-light irradiation at 550 nm, this cyclic compound undergoes ring-opening to the thiazyl isomer FPNSN, followed by dissociation to FP and SN2 under subsequent UV-irradiation at 365 nm. In sharp contrast to the square planar structure for the isolobal four-membered ring S2 N2 , a puckered structure with significant biradical character has been found for FP(μ-N)2 S.

Rational Design of Persistent Phosphorus-Centered Singlet Tetraradicals and Their Use in Small-Molecule Activation

Biradicals are important intermediates in the process of bond formation and breaking. While main-group-element-centered biradicals have been thoroughly studied, much less is known about tetraradicals, as their very low stability has hampered their isolation and use in small-molecule activation. Herein, we describe the search for persistent phosphorus-centered tetraradicals. Starting from an s-hydrindacenyl skeleton, we investigated the introduction of four phosphorus-based radical sites linked by an N-R unit and bridged by a benzene moiety. By varying the size of the substituent R, we finally succeeded in isolating a persistent P-centered singlet tetraradical, 2,6-diaza-1,3,5,7-tetraphospha-s-hydrindacene-1,3,5,7-tetrayl (1), in good yields. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that tetraradical 1 can be utilized for the activation of small molecules such as molecular hydrogen or alkynes. In addition to the synthesis of P-centered tetraradicals, the comparison with other known tetraradicals as well as biradicals is described on the basis of quantum mechanical calculations with respect to its multireference character, coupling of radical electrons, and aromaticity. The strong coupling of radical electrons enables selective discrimination between the first and the second activations of small molecules, which is shown by the example of H₂ addition. The mechanism of hydrogen addition is investigated with parahydrogen-induced hyperpolarization NMR studies and DFT calculations.

Isolation of an Annulated 1,4-Distibabenzene Diradicaloid

The first 1,4-distibabenzene-1,4-diide compound [(ADC)Sb]₂ (5) based on an anionic dicarbene (ADC) (ADC=PhC{N(Dipp)C}₂ , Dipp=2,6-iPr₂ C₆ H₃ ) is reported as a bordeaux-red solid. Compound 5, featuring a central six-membered C₄ Sb₂ ring with formally Sb^I atoms may be regarded as a base-stabilized cyclic bis-stibinidene in which each of the Sb atoms bears two lone-pairs of electrons. 5 undergoes 2 e-oxidation with Ph₃ C[B(C₆ F₅ )₄ ] to afford [(ADC)Sb]₂ [B(C₆ F₅ )₄ ]₂ (6) as a brick-red solid. Each of the Sb atoms of 6 has an unpaired electron and a lone-pair. The broken-symmetry open-shell singlet diradical solution for (6)²⁺ is calculated to be 2.13 kcal mol^-1 more stable than the closed-shell singlet. The diradical character of (6)²⁺ according to SS-CASSCF (state-specific complete active space self-consistent field) and UHF (unrestricted Hartree-Fock) methods amounts to 36 % and 39 %, respectively. Treatments of 6 with (PhE)₂ yield [(ADC)Sb(EPh)]₂ [B(C₆ F₅ )₄ ]₂ (7-E) (E=S or Se). Reaction of 5 with (cod)Mo(CO)₄ affords [(ADC)Sb]₂ Mo(CO)₄ (8).

Multiple stable redox states and tunable ground states via the marriage of viologens and Chichibabin's hydrocarbon†

Chichibabin's hydrocarbon and viologens are among the most famous diradicaloids and organic redox systems, respectively. However, each has its own disadvantages: the instability of the former and its charged species, and the closed-shell nature of the neutral species derived from the latter, respectively. Herein, we report that terminal borylation and central distortion of 4,4′-bipyridine allow us to readily isolate the first bis-BN-based analogues (1 and 2) of Chichibabin's hydrocarbon with three stable redox states and tunable ground states. Electrochemically, both compounds exhibit two reversible oxidation processes with wide redox ranges. One- and two-electron chemical oxidations of 1 afford the crystalline radical cation 1˙⁺ and dication 1²⁺, respectively. Moreover, the ground states of 1 and 2 are tunable with 1 as a closed-shell singlet and the tetramethyl-substituted 2 as an open-shell singlet, the latter of which could be thermally excited to its triplet state because of the small singlet-triplet gap.

Herein, we report the isolation of bis-BN-based species 1 and 2 with multiple stable redox states. Their ground states are tunable with 1 as a closed-shell singlet and 2 as an open-shell singlet with a small singlet-triplet gap.

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.

Concerted addition of aldehydes to the singlet biradical [P(μ-NTer)]2

The reaction of the singlet biradical [P(μ-NTer)]₂ with various aldehydes selectively yielded the corresponding [2.1.1]-bicyclic addition products in a very fast reaction. All products were fully characterized, including by NMR and vibrational spectroscopy as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The mechanism of the addition was investigated theoretically using high-level ab initio methods (CCSD(T) with triple- and quadruple-zeta basis sets) and corresponds to a concerted cycloaddition reaction with a very low activation barrier. For comparison, the mechanisms of the literature-known cycloadditions of H₂, alkenes, and alkynes were also studied, indicating a similar reaction profile for all unsaturated reactants.

Isolation of an Arsenic Diradicaloid with a Cyclic C2 As2 -Core

Herein, we report on the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity studies of the first cyclic C2 As2 -diradicaloid {(IPr)CAs}2 (6) (IPr = C{N(Dipp)CH}2 ; Dipp = 2,6-iPr2 C6 H3 ). Treatment of (IPr)CH2 (1) with AsCl3 affords the Lewis adduct {(IPr)CH2 }AsCl3 (2). Compound 2 undergoes stepwise dehydrochlorination to yield {(IPr)CH}AsCl2 (3) and {(IPr)CAsCl}2 (5 a) or [{(IPr)CAs}2 Cl]OTf (5 b). Reduction of 5 a (or 5 b) with magnesium turnings gives 6 as a red crystalline solid in 90% yield. Compound 6 featuring a planar C2 As2 ring is diamagnetic and exhibits well resolved NMR signals. DFT calculations reveal a singlet ground state for 6 with a small singlet-triplet energy gap of 8.7 kcal mol-1 . The diradical character of 6 amounts to 20% (CASSCF, complete active space self consistent field) and 28% (DFT). Treatments of 6 with (PhSe)2 and Fe2 (CO)9 give rise to {(IPr)CAs(SePh)}2 (7) and {(IPr)CAs}2 Fe(CO)4 (8), respectively.

Recent advances in stable main group element radicals: preparation and characterization

Radical species are significant in modern chemistry. Their unique chemical bonding and novel physicochemical properties play significant roles not only in fundamental chemistry, but also in materials science. Main group element radicals are usually transient due to their high reactivity. Highly stable radicals are often stabilized by π-delocalization, sterically demanding ligands, carbenes and weakly coordinating anions in recent years. This review presents the recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, reactivity and physical properties of isolable main group element radicals.

Radical Reactivity of the Biradical [⋅P(μ-NTer)2 P⋅] and Isolation of a Persistent Phosphorus-Cantered Monoradical [⋅P(μ-NTer)2 P-Et]

The activation of C-Br bonds in various bromoalkanes by the biradical [⋅P(μ-NTer)₂ P⋅] (1) (Ter=2,6-bis-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-phenyl) is reported, yielding trans-addition products of the type [Br-P(μ-NTer)₂ P-R] (2), so-called 1,3-substituted cyclo-1,3-diphospha-2,4-diazanes. This addition reaction, which represents a new easy approach to asymmetrically substituted cyclo-1,3-diphospha-2,4-diazanes, was investigated mechanistically by different spectroscopic methods (NMR, EPR, IR, Raman); the results suggested a stepwise radical reaction mechanism, as evidenced by the in-situ detection of the phosphorus-centered monoradical [⋅P(μ-NTer)₂ P-R].< To provide further evidence for the radical mechanism, [⋅P(μ-NTer)₂ P-Et] (3Et⋅) was synthesized directly by reduction of the bromoethane addition product [Br-P(μ-NTer)₂ P-Et] (2 a) with magnesium, resulting in the formation of the persistent phosphorus-centered monoradical [⋅P(μ-NTer)₂ P-Et], which could be isolated and fully characterized, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Comparison of the EPR spectrum of the radical intermediate in the addition reaction with that of the synthesized new [⋅P(μ-NTer)₂ P-Et] radical clearly proves the existence of radicals over the course of the reaction of biradical [⋅P(μ-NTer)₂ P⋅] (1) with bromoethane. Extensive DFT and coupled cluster calculations corroborate the experimental data for a radical mechanism in the reaction of biradical [⋅P(μ-NTer)₂ P⋅] with EtBr. In the field of hetero-cyclobutane-1,3-diyls, the demonstration of a stepwise radical reaction represents a new aspect and closes the gap between P-centered biradicals and P-centered monoradicals in terms of radical reactivity.

The oxidation state in low-valent beryllium and magnesium compounds

Low-valent group 2 (E = Be and Mg) stabilized compounds have been long synthetically pursued. Here we discuss the electronic structure of a series of Lewis base-stabilized Be and Mg compounds. Despite the accepted zero(0) oxidation state nature of the group 2 elements of some recent experimentally accomplished species, the analysis of multireference wavefunctions provides compelling evidence for a strong diradical character with an oxidation state of +2. Thus, we elaborate on the distinction between a description as a donor-acceptor interaction L(0) ⇆ E(0) ⇄ L(0) and the internally oxidized situation, better interpreted as a diradical L(-1) → E(+2) ← L(-1) species. The experimentally accomplished examples rely on the strengthened bonds by increasing the π-acidity of the ligand; avoiding this interaction could lead to an unprecedented low-oxidation state.

The Lewis Acid Induced Formation of a Stable Diradical with an Intramolecular Ion Pairing State

A stable cross-conjugated diradical was prepared by the reaction of a donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) molecule with B(C₆F₅)₃. Its geometry and electronic structure were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, EPR spectroscopy, SQUID measurement, UV/vis spectroscopy, and DFT calculation. It has an open-shell singlet ground state with a thermally excited triplet state. It can be viewed as an intramolecular radical ion pair, and the formation mechanism is proposed as an intramolecular single electron transfer that occurs from the bis(triarylamine) donor fragment to the central dioxophenyl acceptor moiety, induced by the acidic boron atom. This work provides a Lewis acid induced approach to the formation of neutral and cross-conjugated diradicals.

Generation and Characterization of the Charge-Transferred Diradical Complex CaCO2 with an Open-Shell Singlet Ground State

The CaCO₂ complex is generated via the reaction of excited-state calcium atom with carbon dioxide in a solid neon matrix. Infrared absorption spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations reveal that the complex has a planar four-membered ring structure with a strongly bent CO₂ ligand side-on coordinated to the calcium center in an η^2-O, O manner. The complex has an open-shell singlet ground state, which can be described as the bonding interactions between a Ca⁺ (4s¹) cation in the doublet ground state and a doublet ground state CO₂^- anion. The analysis of the bonding situation suggests that the Ca-O₂C bonds have a large (75%) electrostatic character. The covalent (orbital) interactions come from the coupling of the unpaired electrons of Ca⁺ and CO₂^- giving rise to electron-sharing bonding and a stronger contribution from dative bonding (Ca⁺)←(CO₂^-). The atomic orbitals (AOs) of Ca⁺ that are engaged in the covalent bonds are the 4s AO for the electron-sharing bonds and the 3d AOs for the dative bonds. This is further evidence for the assignment of the heavier alkaline-earth atoms as transition metals rather than main-group elements.

Impact of Heterocycle Annulation on NIR Absorbance in Quinoid Thioacene Derivatives

The synthesis and characterisation of a homologous series of quinoid sulfur‐containing imidazolyl‐substituted heteroacenes is described. The optoelectronic and magnetic properties were investigated by UV/vis, fluorescence and EPR spectroscopy as well as quantum‐chemical calculations, and were compared to those of the corresponding benzo congener. The room‐temperature and atmospherically stable quinoids display strong absorption in the NIR region between 678 and 819 nm. The dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophene and the thieno[2′,3′:4,5]thieno[3,2‐b]thieno[2,3‐d]thiophene derivatives were EPR active at room temperature. For the latter, variable‐temperature EPR spectroscopy revealed the presence of a thermally accessible triplet state, with a singlet‐triplet separation of 14.1 kJ mol⁻¹.

A cationic sulfur-hydrocarbon triradical with an excited quartet state

The triptycene-bridged tris(thianthrene) compound 1 was designed and synthesized. Three-electron oxidation of 1 by NO[Al(OC(CF₃)₃)₄], followed by crystallization at two different temperatures resulted in the triradical trication salts 2a and 2b respectively, which feature different crystal packing patterns. The triradical trications in 2a and 2b both feature a doublet ground state which can be thermally populated to a quartet state, representing the first examples of cationic main-group triradicals.

The cis/trans conformation approach for tuning the magnetic coupling in a diradical: isolation of pure pyridine-based diradical dianions

Two-electron reductions of 3,3'-bis(2,6-dimesitylpyridin-4-yl)-1,1'-biphenyl 1 with elemental potassium in the absence and presence of 18-c-6 afforded the diradical dianion salts [K⁺]₂˙[trans-1]˙˙^2- and [K(18-c-6)]⁺₂˙[cis-1]˙˙^2-, which exhibit trans and cis configurations, respectively. The transoid conformer could be converted to the cisoid one through reacting with 18-c-6.

Recent advances in the domain of Cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbenes

Isolation of cyclic (alkyl) amino carbenes (cAACs) in 2005 has been a major achievement in the field of stable carbenes due to their better electronic properties. cAACs and bicyclic(alkyl)(amino)carbene (BicAAC) in essence are the most electrophilic as well as nucleophilic carbenes are known till date. Due to their excellent electronic properties in terms of nucleophilic and electrophilic character, cAACs have been utilized in different areas of chemistry, including stabilization of low valent main group and transition metal species, activation of small molecules, and catalysis. The applications of cAACs in catalysis have opened up new avenues of research in the field of cAAC chemistry. This review summarizes the major results of cAAC chemistry published until August 2021.

The catenation of a singlet diradical dication and modulation of diradical character by metal coordination

A singlet bis(triarylamine) diradical dication and its zigzag 1D magnetic chain catenated by silver cations were isolated and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, EPR spectroscopy, SQUID measurements, cyclic voltammetry and...

Unsaturated Amido-Substituted Six-Vertex Mixed Silicon Germanium Clusters

The synthesis of mixed silicon and germanium clusters SixGe6-x{N(SiMe3)Dipp}4 1-3 (x = 3.7, 3.1, 2.1) with amido-substituents and two unsubstituted germanium atoms was achieved in co-reductions using the tribromosilane {N(SiMe3)Dipp}SiBr3...

A stable triplet diradical emitter

Molecules with luminescence have been extensively investigated, but the luminescence of a stable molecule with a triplet ground state has not been observed. Synthesis of boron-containing radicals has attracted lots of interest because of their unique electronic structures and potential applications in organic semiconductors. Though some boron-based diradicals have been reported, neutral boron-containing diradicals with triplet ground states are rare. Herein two borocyclic diradicals with different substituents (3 and 4) have been isolated. Their electronic structures were investigated by EPR and UV spectroscopy, and SQUID magnetometry, in conjunction with DFT calculations. Both experiment and calculation suggest that 3 is an open shell singlet diradical while 4 is a triplet ground state diradical with a large singlet–triplet gap (0.25 kcal mol⁻¹). Both diradicals show multi fluorescence peaks (3: 414, 431, and 470 nm; 4: 420, 433, and 495 nm). 3 displays multiple redox steps and is a potential material towards the design of high-density memory devices. 4 represents the first example of a neutral triplet boron-containing diradical with a strong ferromagnetic interaction, and also is the first stable triplet diradical emitter.

Stable borocyclic diradical emitters with a tunable ground state.

Reaction of potassium phosphide KP(iPr)Ter with chalcogens, heteroallenes and an acyl chloride

The reactivity of the secondary phosphide KP(iPr)Ter (1) (Ter = 2,6-bis-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)phenyl) toward small molecules is reported. Phosphide 1 displays distinct nucleophilic character and reacts selectively with chalcogens (S₈, Se_x), heteroallenes (CO₂, nPrNCS), and an acyl chloride (AdCOCl) to give the corresponding dichalcogenophosphinates (2a, 3), phosphanyl formate (5), thiocarbamoylphosphane (6a), or acylphosphane (7a), respectively. Furthermore the follow-up chemistry of these products was investigated. 2a was converted to a PSPS ligand (2b) which forms a Au(I) complex (2c) with (Me₂S)AuCl. Likewise, a gold complex of 7a was prepared. All species were isolated and fully characterized.

Molecular Silicon Clusters

The continuously decreasing size of device features in microelectronics draws growing attention to the structuring of silicon at the molecular level with powerful tools provided by synthetic chemistry. Silicon clusters are of particular importance in this regard not only as potential precursors for silicon deposition but also as well-defined model systems for bulk and surfaces of silicon at the nanoscale as well as possible starting points for future construction of molecularly precise device structures. This review aims to give a comprehensive overview about the state of the art in the synthesis of molecular silicon clusters, which are grouped into (1) electron-precise saturated clusters, (2) soluble polyhedral Zintl anions, and (3) unsaturated silicon clusters, the so-called siliconoids. Particular attention is paid to functionalization as it is generally considered a necessary prerequisite for the design and construction of more extended systems. The interrelations between the three different classes of molecular silicon clusters, e.g., arising from the introduction of negatively charged functional groups, are highlighted on grounds of NMR properties and computed electronic structures.

Recent advances in the carbon-phosphorus (C-P) bond formation from unsaturated compounds by s- and p-block metals

Researchers around the globe have witnessed several breakthroughs in s- and p-block metal chemistry. Over the past few years, several applications in catalysis associated with these main group metals have been established, and owing to their abundance and low cost and they have proved to be essential alternatives to transition metal catalysts. In this review, we present a detailed discussion on the catalytic addition of P-H bonds from various phosphine reagents to multiple bonds of unsaturated substrates for the synthesis of organophosphorus compounds with C-P bonds promoted by various s- and p-block metal catalysts, as published in the last decade.

A high-spin diradical dianion and its bridged chemically switchable single-molecule magnet

Triplet diradicals have attracted tremendous attention due to their promising application in organic spintronics, organic magnets and spin filters. However, very few examples of triplet diradicals with singlet–triplet energy gaps (ΔE_ST) over 0.59 kcal mol⁻¹ (298 K) have been reported to date. In this work, we first proved that the dianion of 2,7-di-tert-butyl-pyrene-4,5,9,10-tetraone (2,7-tBu₂-PTO) was a triplet ground state diradical in the magnesium complex 1 with a singlet–triplet energy gap ΔE_ST = 0.94 kcal mol⁻¹ (473 K). This is a rare example of stable diradicals with singlet–triplet energy gaps exceeding the thermal energy at room temperature (298 K). Moreover, the iron analog 2 containing the 2,7-tBu₂-PTO diradical dianion was isolated, which was the first single-molecule magnet bridged by a diradical dianion. When 2 was doubly reduced to the dianion salt 2K2, single-molecule magnetism was switched off, highlighting the importance of diradicals in single-molecule magnetism.

We report a triplet diradical dianion in magnesium complex with ΔE_ST = 0.94 kcal mol⁻¹ (473 K). Its iron analog is the first single-molecule magnet bridged by a diradical dianion, and the SMM property is switched off through two-electron reduction.

Stabilization of group 14 elements E = C, Si, Ge by hetero-bileptic ligands cAAC, MCOn with push-pull mechanism

The stability and bonding of a series of hetero-diatomic molecules with general formula (cAAC)EM(CO)_n , where cAAC = cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene; E = group 14 elements (C, Si, and Ge); M = transition metal (Ni, Fe, and Cr) have been studied by quantum chemical calculations using density functional theory (DFT) and energy decomposition analysis-natural orbital chemical valence (EDA-NOCV). The equilibrium geometries were calculated at the BP86/def2-TZVPP level of theory. The tri-coordinated group 14 complex (1a, 4a, and 7a) in which one of the CO groups is migrated to the central group 14 element from adjacent metal is theoretically found to be more stable when the central atom (E) is carbon. On the other hand, the two-coordinate group 14 element containing metal-complexes (2, 5, 8, 3, 6, and 9) are found to be more stable with their corresponding heavier analogues. The electronic structures of all the molecules have been analyzed by molecular orbital, topological analysis of electron density and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis at the M06/def2-TZVPP//BP86/def2-TZVPP level of theory. The nature of the cAACE and EM bonds has been studied by EDA-NOCV calculations at BP86-D3(BJ)/TZ2P level of theory. The EDA analysis suggests that the bonding of cAACC(CO) can be best represented by electron sharing σ and π interactions, whereas, C(CO)M(CO)_n-1 by dative σ and π interactions. On the other hand, EDA-NOCV calculations suggests both dative σ and π interactions for cAACE and EM(CO)_n bonds of the corresponding Si and Ge analogues having stronger σ- and relatively weaker π-bonds. The topological analysis of electron density supports the closed-shell interaction for the Si and Ge complexes and open-shell interaction for the carbon complexes. The calculated proton affinity and hydride affinity values corroborated well with the present bonding description. This class of complexes might act as efficient future catalysts for different organic transformations due to the presence of electron rich group 14 element and metal carbonyl.

Photoisomerization of a phosphorus-based biradicaloid: ultrafast dynamics through a conical intersection

As previously reported, photoisomerization of the open-shell singlet biradicaloid [TerNP]₂CNDmp (2) yields its closed-shell housane-type isomer (3). In the present study, pump-probe spectroscopy was applied to investigate the excited-state dynamics of the photoisomerization, indicating ultrafast de-excitation of the S₁ state through a conical intersection, in agreement with computational predictions. The structural and electronic changes during the isomerization process are discussed to gain an understanding of the reaction pathway and the transformation of the biradicaloid to a closed-shell species.

An Open-Shell Singlet SnI Diradical and H2 Splitting

The first Sn^I diradical [(ADC^Ph)Sn]₂ (4) based on an anionic dicarbene (ADC^Ph={CN(Dipp)}₂CPh; Dipp=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃) scaffold has been isolated as a green crystalline solid by KC₈ reduction of the corresponding bis‐chlorostannylene [(ADC^Ph)SnCl]₂ (3). The six‐membered C₄Sn₂‐ring of 4 containing six π‐electrons shows a diatropic ring current, thus 4 may also be regarded as the first 1,4‐distannabenzene derivative. DFT calculations suggest an open‐shell singlet (OS) ground state of 4 with a remarkably small singlet–triplet energy gap (ΔE_OS–T=4.4 kcal mol⁻¹), which is consistent with CASSCF (ΔE_S–T=6.6 kcal mol⁻¹ and diradical character y=37 %) calculations. The diradical 4 splits H₂ at room temperature to yield the bis‐hydridostannylene [(ADC^Ph)SnH]₂ (5). Further reactivity of 4 has been studied with PhSeSePh and MeOTf.

Azadiphosphaindane-1,3-diyls: A Class of Resonance-Stabilized Biradicals

Conversion of 1,2-bis(dichlorophosphino)benzene with sterically demanding primary amines led to the formation of 1,3-dichloro-2-aza-1,3-diphosphaindanes of the type C6 H4 (μ-PCl)2 N-R. Reduction yielded the corresponding 2-aza-1,3-diphosphaindane-1,3-diyls (1), which can be described as phosphorus-centered singlet biradical(oid)s. Their stability depends on the size of the substituent R: While derivatives with R=Dmp (2,6-dimethylphenyl) or Ter (2,6-dimesitylphenyl) underwent oligomerization, the derivative with very bulky R=tBu Bhp (2,6-bis(benzhydryl)-4-tert-butylphenyl) was stable with respect to oligomerization in its monomeric form. Oligomerization involved activation of the fused benzene ring by a second equivalent of the monomeric biradical and can be regarded as formal [2+2] (poly)addition reaction. Calculations indicate that the biradical character in 1 is comparable with literature-known P-centered biradicals. Ring-current calculations show aromaticity within the entire ring system of 1.

Rational design and syntheses of aniline-based diradical dications: isolable congeners of quinodimethane diradicals

Two-electron oxidation of five aniline-based compounds 4,4′′-p/m-terphenyldiamines afforded the first isolable aniline-based diradical dications 1²⁺–5²⁺.

Chalcogen-Expanded Unsaturated Silicon Clusters: Thia-, Selena-, and Tellurasiliconoids

Reactions of silylenes with heavier chalcogens (E) typically result in Si=E double bonds or their π-addition products. In contrast, the oxidation of a silylene-functionalized unsaturated silicon cluster (siliconoid) with Group 16 elements selectively yields cluster expanded siliconoids Si7 E (E=S, Se, Te) fully preserving the unsaturated nature of the cluster scaffold as evident from the NMR signatures of the products. Mechanistic considerations by DFT calculations suggest the intermediacy of a Si6 siliconoid with exohedral Si=E functionality. The reaction thus may serve as model system for the oxidation of surface-bonded silylenes at Si(100) by chalcogens and their diffusion into the silicon bulk.

Heterocyclopentanediyls vs Heterocyclopentadienes: A Question of Silyl Group Migration

The reaction of the singlet biradical [P(μ-NHyp)]₂ (Hyp = hypersilyl, (Me₃Si)₃Si) with different isonitriles afforded a series of five-membered N₂P₂C heterocycles. Depending on the steric bulk of the substituent at the isonitrile, migration of a Hyp group was observed, resulting in two structurally similar but electronically very different isomers. As evidenced by comprehensive spectroscopic and theoretical studies, the heterocyclopentadiene isomer may be regarded as a rather unreactive closed-shell singlet species with one localized N═P and one C═P double bond, whereas the heterocyclopentanediyl isomer represents an open-shell singlet biradical with interesting photochemical properties, such as photoisomerization under irradiation with red light to a [2.1.0]-housane-type species.

Reversible switching between housane and cyclopentanediyl isomers: an isonitrile-catalysed thermal reverse reaction

The photo-isomerization of an isolable five-membered singlet biradical based on C, N, and P ([TerNP]2CNDmp, 2a) selectively afforded a closed-shell housane-type isomer (3a) by forming a transannular P-P bond. In the dark, the housane-type species re-isomerized to the biradical, resulting in a fully reversible overall process. In the present study, the influence of tBuNC on the thermal reverse reaction was investigated: the isonitrile acted as a catalyst, thus allowing control over the thermal reaction rate. Moreover, tBuNC also reacted with the biradical to form an adduct species ([TerNP]2CNDmp·CNtBu, 4a), which can be regarded as the resting state of the system. The reactive species 2a and 3a could be re-generated in situ by irradiation with red light. The results of this study extend our understanding of this new class of molecular switches.

Isomerism and Biradical Character of Tetrapnictide Dianions: A Computational Study

We present a computational study on tetrapnictide dianions Pn₄^2– (Pn = P, As, Sb, Bi), using density functional theory (DFT), coupled‐cluster [DLPNO‐CCSD(T)] and complete active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) methods. Environmental effects such as solvation and coordination of counterions are included. The calculations reveal that out of three isomers (square‐planar, butterfly and capped‐triangle), the square planar isomers are generally the most stable. The counterion (Li⁺ and Mg²⁺) used in the calculations have a substantial effect on the relative stabilities. The square planar isomers show considerable biradical character. Calculated reactions toward alkenes indicate that this unusual electronic structure has significant implications on the reactivity of the Pn₄^2– dianions.

Silicon-silicon π single bond

A carbon–carbon double bond consists of a σ bond and a π bond. Recently, the concept of a π single bond, where a π bond is not accompanied by a σ bond, has been proposed in diradicals containing carbon and heteroatom radical centers. Here we report a closed-shell compound having a silicon–silicon π single bond. 1,2,2,3,4,4-Hexa-tert-butylbicyclo[1.1.0]tetrasilane has a silicon−silicon π single bond between the bridgehead silicon atoms. The X-ray crystallographic analysis shows that the silicon−silicon π single bond (2.853(1) Å) is far longer than the longest silicon−silicon bond so far reported. In spite of this unusually long bond length, the electrons of the 3p orbitals are paired, which is confirmed by measurement of electron paramagnetic resonance, and magnetic susceptibility and natural bond orbital analysis. The properties of the silicon−silicon π single bond are studied by UV/Vis and ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations.

Examples of π single bonds in diradicals are rare, as they are typically unstable. Here, the authors describe a room temperature-stable closed-shell bicyclic tetrasilane that features a Si-Si π single bond between two of the non-adjacent Si centers.