Synthesis, structural characterization, and computational study of the strong oxidant salt [XeOTeF5][Sb(OTeF5)6].SO2ClF

[Xe(OTeF5)(pyF)]+: a strong oxidizing xenonium(II) teflate cation with N-donor bases

Herein we report on the formation of the adduct salts [Xe(OTeF5)(pyF)][Al(OTeF5)4] (pyF = C5F5N, C5H3F2N) by abstraction of an -OTeF5 group from Xe(OTeF5)2 with the Lewis superacid Al(OTeF5)3 and subsequent adduct formation of the generated [XeOTeF5]+ cation with fluorinated pyridines. These salts represent the first xenonium cations with the weakly coordinating [Al(OTeF5)4]- anion. The strong oxidizing property of these compounds is further assessed.

Unravelling the Role of the Pentafluoroorthotellurate Group as a Ligand in Nickel Chemistry

The pentafluoroorthotellurate group (teflate, OTeF₅ ) is able to form species, for which only the fluoride analogues are known. Despite nickel fluorides being widely investigated, nickel teflates have remained elusive for decades. By reaction of [NiCl₄ ]^2- and neat ClOTeF₅ , we have synthesized the homoleptic [Ni(OTeF₅ )₄ ]^2- anion, which presents a distorted tetrahedral structure, unlike the polymeric [NiF₄ ]^2- . This high-spin complex has allowed the study of the electronic properties of the teflate group, which can be classified as a weak/medium-field ligand, and therefore behaves as the fluoride analogue also in ligand-field terms. The teflate ligands in [NEt₄ ]₂ [Ni(OTeF₅ )₄ ] are easily substituted, as shown by the formation of [Ni(NCMe)₆ ][OTeF₅ ]₂ by dissolving it in acetonitrile. Nevertheless, careful reactions with other conventional ligands have enabled the crystallization of nickel teflate complexes with different coordination geometries, i.e. [NEt₄ ]₂ [trans-Ni(OEt₂ )₂ (OTeF₅ )₄ ] or [NEt₄ ][Ni(bpyMe₂ )(OTeF₅ )₃ ].

Insights on the Lewis Superacid Al(OTeF5 )3 : Solvent Adducts, Characterization and Properties

Preparation and characterization of the dimeric Lewis superacid [Al(OTeF₅ )₃ ]₂ and various solvent adducts is presented. The latter range from thermally stable adducts to highly reactive, weakly bound species. DFT calculations on the ligand affinity of these Lewis acids were performed in order to rank their remaining Lewis acidity. An experimental proof of the Lewis acidity is provided by the reaction of solvent-adducts of Al(OTeF₅ )₃ with [PPh₄ ][SbF₆ ] and OPEt₃ , respectively. Furthermore, their reactivity towards chloride and pentafluoroorthotellurate salts as well as (CH₃ )₃ SiCl and (CH₃ )₃ SiF is shown. This includes the formation of the dianion [Al(OTeF₅ )₅ ]^2- .

Air-stable aryl derivatives of pentafluoroorthotellurate

We report on two different sets of air-stable derivatives of pentafluoroorthotellurate containing fluorinated and non-fluorinated aryl groups. The acid cis-PhTeF₄OH was obtained in gram scale and further transformed to Ag[cis-PhTeF₄O], which was used as a cis-PhTeF₄O transfer reagent to obtain [PPh₄][cis-PhTeF₄O]. Furthermore, the synthesis of trans-(C₆F₅)₂TeF₃OH was achieved by a selective hydrolysis of trans-(C₆F₅)₂TeF₄ in the presence of KF and subsequent protonation by aHF. Quantum-chemical calculations show a higher acidity and robustness against fluoride abstraction for trans-(C₆F₅)₂TeF₃OH compared to cis-PhTeF₄OH.

The synthesis of air-stable aryl derivatives of OTeF₅ has been achieved through the use of convenient procedures. Pentafluorophenyl derivatives are stronger acids and more robust against electrophiles in comparison to phenyl analogues.

Syntheses and Characterizations of the Mixed Noble-Gas Compounds, [FKrII FXeII F][AsF6 ]⋅0.5 KrII F2 ⋅2 HF, ([KrII 2 F3 ][AsF6 ])2 ⋅XeIV F4 , and XeIV F4 ⋅KrII F2

Reaction of [XeF][AsF₆ ] with excess KrF₂ at -78 °C in anhydrous HF (aHF) solvent has yielded the first mixed Kr^II /Xe^II noble-gas compound, [FKrFXeF][AsF₆ ] ⋅0.5 KrF₂ ⋅2 HF, a salt of the [FKrFXeF]⁺ cation. The potent oxidative fluorinating properties of Kr^II fluoride species resulted in oxidation of Xe^II to Xe^IV in aHF at -60 °C to form the mixed Kr^II /Xe^IV cocrystals, ([Kr₂ F₃ ][AsF₆ ])₂ ⋅XeF₄ and XeF₄ ⋅KrF₂ . Further decomposition at 22 °C resulted in oxidation of Xe^IV to Xe^VI to give the recently reported Kr^II /Xe^VI complexes, [F₅ Xe(FKrF)_n ][AsF₆ ] (n=1, 2), [F₅ Xe][AsF₆ ], and a new Kr^II /Xe^VI complex, [(F₅ Xe)₂ (μ-FKrF)(AsF₆ )₂ ], which was characterized by low-temperature (LT) Raman spectroscopy. The [FKrFXeF][AsF₆ ]⋅0.5 KrF₂ ⋅2 HF, ([Kr₂ F₃ ][AsF₆ ])₂ ⋅XeF₄  , and XeF₄ ⋅KrF₂ compounds were characterized by LT Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Quantum-chemical calculations were used to assess the bonding in [FKrFXeF]⁺ , [Kr₂ F₃ ]⁺ , and [Xe₂ F₃ ]⁺ and to aid in their vibrational assignments.

Oxygen-Bridged Ga2 (Et)3 (OTeF5 )3 and the Weakly Coordinating Anions [Ga(Et)(OTeF5 )3 ]- and [Ga(OTeF5 )4 ]. Chemistry 2019;25:10441-10449. [PMID: 31090983 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201901651]

Salts of the weakly coordinating anions [Ga(OTeF₅ )₄ ]^- as well as [Ga(Et)(OTeF₅ )₃ ]^- and the neutral Ga₂ (Et)₃ (OTeF₅ )₃ were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Ga₂ (Et)₃ (OTeF₅ )₃ was formed by treating GaEt₃ with pentafluoroorthotelluric acid (HOTeF₅ ) and reacted with PPh₄ Cl and CPh₃ Cl to [PPh₄ ][Ga(Et)(OTeF₅ )₃ ] and [CPh₃ ][Ga(Et)(OTeF₅ )₃ ]. In contrast, Ag[Ga(OTeF₅ )₄ ] was prepared from AgOTeF₅ and GaCl₃ and was used as a versatile starting material for further reactions. Starting with Ag[Ga(OTeF₅ )₄ ] the substrates [PPh₄ ][Ga(OTeF₅ )₄ ] and [CPh₃ ][Ga(OTeF₅ )₄ ] were formed from PPh₄ Cl and CPh₃ Cl.

Synthesis of a Perfluorinated Phenoxyphosphorane and Conversion to Its Hexacoordinate Anions

We report the synthesis and structural characterization of a neutral P^V Lewis acid, P(OC₆ F₅ )₅ , and salts containing the six-coordinate anions [P(OC₆ F₅ )₅ F]^- and [P(OC₆ F₅ )₆ ]^- . The latter anion exhibits a rare example of F-π_arene interactions in both the solid and the solution phase, which has been quantitatively studied by variable-temperature (VT) NMR spectroscopy. The Lewis acid strength of P(OC₆ F₅ )₅ has been assessed through experimental fluoride ion competition experiments and quantum-chemical calculations of its fluoride ion affinity (FIA) and global electrophilicity index (GEI). Our findings highlight the importance of considering solvent effects in electrophilicity calculations, even when neutral Lewis acids are involved, and show a rare divergence between FIA and GEI trends. The coordinating abilities of the [P(OC₆ F₅ )₆ ]^- and [P(OC₆ F₅ )₅ F]^- anions towards the trityl cation, as a prototypical electrophile, have been assessed.

Taming the Cationic Beast: Novel Developments in the Synthesis and Application of Weakly Coordinating Anions

This Review gives a comprehensive overview of the most topical weakly coordinating anions (WCAs) and contains information on WCA design, stability, and applications. As an update to the 2004 review, developments in common classes of WCA are included. Methods for the incorporation of WCAs into a given system are discussed and advice given on how to best choose a method for the introduction of a particular WCA. A series of starting materials for a large number of WCA precursors and references are tabulated as a useful resource when looking for procedures to prepare WCAs. Furthermore, a collection of scales that allow the performance of a WCA, or its underlying Lewis acid, to be judged is collated with some advice on how to use them. The examples chosen to illustrate WCA developments are taken from a broad selection of topics where WCAs play a role. In addition a section focusing on transition metal and catalysis applications as well as supporting electrolytes is also included.

Superacids Based on Pentafluoroorthotellurate Derivatives of Aluminum

The new Lewis acid Al(OTeF₅ )₃ and its acetonitrile adduct CH₃ CN→Al(OTeF₅ )₃ were obtained by a simple one-step synthesis in batches of up to 15 g. Al(OTeF₅ )₃ and the adduct were characterized by vibrational spectroscopy (IR, Raman) and quantum-chemical calculations. Furthermore, five different salts of the new weakly coordinating anion [Al(OTeF₅ )₄ ]^- were prepared in a two-step procedure. [Ph₄ P][Al(OTeF₅ )₄ ], Cs[Al(OTeF₅ )₄ ], [Ph₃ C][Al(OTeF₅ )₄ ], as well as the protonated benzene derivatives [C₉ H₁₃ ][Al(OTeF₅ )₄ ] and [C₆ H₇ ][Al(OTeF₅ )₄ ] were characterized by low-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy. Arenium salts have rarely been characterized in the solid state and were synthesized in this work in a simplified fashion.

Reactive p-block cations stabilized by weakly coordinating anions

The chemistry of the p-block elements is a huge playground for fundamental and applied work. With their bonding from electron deficient to hypercoordinate and formally hypervalent, the p-block elements represent an area to find terra incognita. Often, the formation of cations that contain p-block elements as central ingredient is desired, for example to make a compound more Lewis acidic for an application or simply to prove an idea. This review has collected the reactive p-block cations (rPBC) with a comprehensive focus on those that have been published since the year 2000, but including the milestones and key citations of earlier work. We include an overview on the weakly coordinating anions (WCAs) used to stabilize the rPBC and give an overview to WCA selection, ionization strategies for rPBC-formation and finally list the rPBC ordered in their respective group from 13 to 18. However, typical, often more organic ion classes that constitute for example ionic liquids (imidazolium, ammonium, etc.) were omitted, as were those that do not fulfill the - naturally subjective -"reactive"-criterion of the rPBC. As a rule, we only included rPBC with crystal structure and only rarely refer to important cations published without crystal structure. This collection is intended for those who are simply interested what has been done or what is possible, as well as those who seek advice on preparative issues, up to people having a certain application in mind, where the knowledge on the existence of a rPBC that might play a role as an intermediate or active center may be useful.

Pentafluoro-oxotellurate(VI) anions of mercury(II); syntheses and structures of [Hg(OTeF5)4](2-), [Hg(OTeF5)5](3-), [Hg2(OTeF5)6](2-), [Hg(OTeF5)4](2-)·Hg(OTeF5)2, and [Hg2(OTeF5)7](3-)·Hg(OTeF5)2

Mercury(II) anions derived from the F5TeO- (teflate) group were synthesized and structurally characterized. The salts, [N(CH2CH3)4]2[Hg(OTeF5)4], [N(CH3)4]3[Hg(OTeF5)5], [N(CH2CH3)4]3[Hg(OTeF5)5], [N(CH3)4]2[Hg2(OTeF5)6], Cs2[Hg(OTeF5)4]·Hg(OTeF5)2, and {Cs3[Hg2(OTeF5)7]·Hg(OTeF5)2}·4SO2ClF, were obtained by reaction of Hg(OTeF5)2 with [M][OTeF5] (M = [N(CH3)4](+), [N(CH2CH3)4](+), Cs(+)) and were characterized by low-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction and low-temperature Raman spectroscopy. Unlike in the extensively fluorine-bridged solid-state structures of [HgF3](-) and [HgF4](2-), the less basic and more sterically demanding teflate ligands of the Hg(II) anions show less tendency to bridge. The anions exhibit a variety of structural motifs, ranging from well-isolated tetrahedral [Hg(OTeF5)4](2-) and square-pyramidal [Hg(OTeF5)5](3-) to the chain structures, [Hg2(OTeF5)6](2-) and [Hg2(OTeF5)7](3-)·Hg(OTeF5)2. The geometrical parameters and vibrational frequencies of [Hg(OTeF5)4](2-) (S4), [Hg(OTeF5)5](3-) (C1), and [Hg2(OTeF5)6](2-) (D2) anions, as well as the hypothetical [Hg3(OTeF5)8](2-) (C1) anion, were calculated using density functional theory methods (PBE1PBE/def2-TZVPP), which aided in the assignment of the Raman spectra of [Hg(OTeF5)4](2-), [Hg(OTeF5)5](3-), [Hg2(OTeF5)6](2-), and Cs2[Hg(OTeF5)4]·Hg(OTeF5)2. The calculated geometries were used to assess the effects of solid-state interionic interactions on the anion geometries. For the most part, the gross gas-phase trigonal bipyramidal (tbp) geometry of [Hg(OTeF5)5](3-) adheres to the predicted VSEPR geometry but contrasts with the solid-state anion structures, which have square-pyramidal geometries or geometries that lie between square pyramidal- and tbp-geometries. However, the bond length order calculated for the Hg-O bonds of tbp-[Hg(OTeF5)5](3-), Hg-Oeq > Hg-Oax, is opposite to that predicted by the VSEPR model of molecular geometry. Natural bond orbital analyses provided the associated Mayer bond orders, Mayer valencies, and natural population analysis charges.

Noble-gas difluoride complexes of mercury(II): the syntheses and structures of Hg(OTeF5)2·1.5NgF2 (Ng = Xe, Kr) and Hg(OTeF5)2

The synthesis of high-purity Hg(OTeF5)2 has resulted in its structural characterization in the solid state by Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and in solution by (19)F NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of Hg(OTeF5)2 (-173 °C) consists of discrete Hg(OTeF5)2 units having gauche-conformations that interact through long Hg---O and Hg---F intramolecular contacts to give a chain structure. The Lewis acidity of Hg(OTeF5)2 toward NgF2 (Ng = Xe, Kr) was investigated in SO2ClF solvent and shown to form stable coordination complexes with NgF2 at -78 °C. Both complexes were characterized by low-temperature Raman spectroscopy (-155 °C) and single-crystal XRD. The complexes are isostructural and are formulated as Hg(OTeF5)2·1.5NgF2. The Hg(OTeF5)2 units of Hg(OTeF5)2·1.5NgF2 also have gauche-conformations and are linked through bridging NgF2 molecules, also resulting in chain structures. These complexes represent the only examples of coordination compounds where NgF2 coordinates to mercury in a neutral covalent compound and the only example of mercury coordinated to KrF2. Moreover, the Hg(OTeF5)2·1.5KrF2 complex is the only KrF2 complex known to contain a bridging KrF2 ligand. Energy-minimized gas-phase geometries and vibrational frequencies for the model compounds, [Hg(OTeF5)2]3 and [Hg(OTeF5)2]3·2NgF2, were obtained and provide good approximations of the local environments of Hg(OTeF5)2 and NgF2 in the crystal structures of Hg(OTeF5)2 and Hg(OTeF5)2·1.5NgF2. Assignments of the Raman spectra of Hg(OTeF5)2 and Hg(OTeF5)2·1.5NgF2 are based on the calculated vibrational frequencies of the model compounds. Natural bond orbital analyses provided the associated bond orders, valencies, and natural population analysis charges.

Syntheses; 77Se, 203Tl, and 205Tl NMR; and theoretical studies of the Tl2Se6(6-), Tl3Se6(5-), and Tl3Se7(5-) anions and the X-ray crystal structures of [2,2,2-crypt-Na]4[Tl4Se8].en and [2,2,2-crypt-Na]2[Tl2Se4](infinity)1.en

The 2,2,2-crypt salts of the Tl4Se8(4-) and [Tl2Se4(2-)]infinity1 anions have been obtained by extraction of the ternary alloy NaTl0.5Se in ethylenediamine (en) in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt and 18-crown-6 followed by vapor-phase diffusion of THF into the en extract. The [2,2,2-crypt-Na]4[Tl4Se8].en crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, with Z = 2 and a = 14.768(3) angstroms, b = 16.635(3) angstroms, c = 21.254(4) angstroms, beta = 94.17(3) degrees at -123 degrees C, and the [2,2,2-crypt-Na]2[Tl2Se4]infinity1.en crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, with Z = 4 and a = 14.246(2) angstroms, b = 14.360(3) angstroms, c = 26.673(8) angstroms, beta = 99.87(3) degrees at -123 degrees C. The TlIII anions, Tl2Se6(6-) and Tl3Se7(5-), and the mixed oxidation state TlI/TlIII anion, Tl3Se6(5-), have been obtained by extraction of NaTl0.5Se and NaTlSe in en, in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt and/or in liquid NH3, and have been characterized in solution by low-temperature 77Se, 203Tl, and 205Tl NMR spectroscopy. The 1J(203,205Tl-77Se) and 2J(203,205Tl-203,205Tl) couplings of the three anions have been used to arrive at their solution structures by detailed analyses and simulations of all spin multiplets that comprise the 205,203Tl NMR subspectra arising from natural abundance 205,203Tl and 77Se isotopomer distributions. The structure of Tl2Se6(6-) is based on a Tl2Se2 ring in which each thallium is bonded to two exo-selenium atoms so that these thalliums are four-coordinate and possess a formal oxidation state of +3. The Tl4Se8(4-) anion is formally derived from the Tl2Se6(6-) anion by coordination of each pair of terminal Se atoms to the TlIII atom of a TlSe+ cation. The structure of the [Tl2Se4(2-)]infinity1 anion is comprised of edge-sharing distorted TlSe4 tetrahedra that form infinite, one-dimensional [Tl2Se42-]infinity1 chains. The structures of Tl3Se6(5-) and Tl3Se7(5-) are derived from Tl4Se4-cubes in which one thallium atom has been removed and two and three exo-selenium atoms are bonded to thallium atoms, respectively, so that each is four-coordinate and possesses a formal oxidation state of +3 with the remaining three-coordinate thallium atom in the +1 oxidation state. Quantum mechanical calculations at the MP2 level of theory show that the Tl2Se6(6-), Tl3Se6(5-), Tl3Se7(5-), and Tl4Se8(4-) anions exhibit true minima and display geometries that are in agreement with their experimental structures. Natural bond orbital and electron localization function analyses were utilized in describing the bonding in the present and previously published Tl/Se anions, and showed that the Tl2Se6(6-), Tl3Se6(5-), Tl3Se7(5-), and Tl4Se8(4-) anions are electron-precise rings and cages.