M2E2 four-member ring structure, M2(μ-EH2)2(P2)2 (M=Pd or Pt; E=Si or Ge; P2=(PH3)2 or H2PCH2CH2PH2) versus μ-disilene and μ-digermene-bridged structures, M2(μ-E2H4)(P2)2. A theoretical study

Tuning the Inorganic Core of a reduced Ni2Ge2 Cluster

Tetranuclear cores (M-E)2 of transition metals (M) and tetrylenes (EII=Si, Ge, Sn) are key motifs in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. They exhibit a continuum of M-M and E-E bonding within the inorganic core that leads to a variety of structures for which there are no specific synthetic methods. Herein, we report a series of highly reduced [Ni0GeII]2 squares solely stabilized by bulky terphenyl (C6H3-2,6-Ar2) ligands, for which we provide complementary and high-yielding syntheses. Reactivity studies with common Lewis bases (carbene and CO) evince that the structure of the (M-E)2 core can be transformed. We have investigated this core modification by computational means, offering a rationale to better understand the continuum of bonding across these clusters.

Reductive Retrocyclization of a Mangana(II)cyclopentasilane to Form Manganese(0) Bis(η2-disilene) Complexes

Ligand-exchange reactions on a mangana(II)cyclopentasilane complex that contains two THF ligands with aryl isocyanides led to the formation of manganese(0) bis(η2-disilene) complexes via a retrocyclization. In stark contrast, ligand-exchange reactions with CNtBu, an N-heterocyclic carbene, or pyridine-based ligands furnished manganese(II) complexes wherein the manganacyclopentasilane framework remained intact. The thermolysis of the obtained bis(η2-disilene) complex in the presence of mesityl isocyanide led to the formation of a cyclotetrasilane via the formal dimerization of the two η2-disilene moieties. The insertion of a mesityl isocyanide into the Mn-Siβ bond results in the formation of a manganese(II) complex supported by a [SiCSi]-type tridentate ligand scaffold.

14-Electron Disilene Palladium Complex Having Strong π-Complex Character

The first 14-electron disilene palladium complex eta2-[tetrakis(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)disilene](tricyclohexylphosphine)palladium (4) was synthesized. In the solid state, complex 4 has one tricyclohexylphosphine ligand bound unsymmetrically to the palladium center in regard to the eta2-disilene moiety. The elongation of the Si-Si bond length from that of the corresponding free disilene (3.2%) and the bent back angles of the disilene moiety (4.41 degrees and 9.65 degrees ) for 4 were much smaller than those for the corresponding 16-electron eta2-disilene complex (Me3P)2Pd[tetrakis(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)disilene] (4.6% and 27.2 degrees , respectively). Complex 4 is regarded as the complex having the strongest pi-complex character among the known disilene complexes. Highly symmetric NMR spectra were observed for 4; central Si1 and Si2 nuclei were equivalent and appeared as a doublet with 2J(29Si-31P) of 19 Hz, indicating facile flipping of the phosphine ligand in the Pd-Si-Si plane.

Comparison of structures between platinum and palladium complexes of a tetrasilyldisilene

The first η2-disilene–palladium complexes were synthesized using two different reactions; the reactions of bis(phosphine)dichloropalladiums with a 1,2-dilithiotetrakis(trialkylsilyl)disilane, which was prepared by the reaction of a stable tetrakis(trialkylsilyl)disilene with lithium (Method A) and the direct reactions of the bis(phosphine)dichloropalladiums with the stable disilene (Method B). Comparison of X-ray structural parameters of the disilene–palladium complexes with those of the corresponding platinum complex has indicated that the palladium complex is a metallacycle but its π-complex character is stronger than that of the platinum complex.Key words: disilene complex, palladium, platinum, X-ray structure, metallacycle, π-complex.