Sensitivity of the chromium-chromium quadruple bond in dichromium tetracarboxylates to axial coordination and changes in inductive effects

Tetra-kis(μ-acetato-κ2O:O')bis-[(tetra-hydro-furan-κO)chromium(II)]

The title compound, [Cr2(C2H3O2)4(C4H8O)2] or [Cr2(OAc)4(THF)2] (OAc is acetate, THF is tetra-hydro-furan), was obtained by recrystallization of anhydrous chromium(II) acetate [Cr2(OAc)4] from hot tetra-hydro-furan. The centrosymmetric complex forms monoclinic crystals, space group C2/c, and consists of two CrII atoms bridged by four acetate ligands. Additionally, each CrII atom is coordinated by a terminal THF ligand, which leads to a square-pyramidal coordination.

H2 and carbon-heteroatom bond activation mediated by polarized heterobimetallic complexes

The field of heterobimetallic chemistry has rapidly expanded over the last decade. In addition to their interesting structural features, heterobimetallic structures have been found to facilitate a range of stoichiometric bond activations and catalytic processes. The accompanying review summarizes advances in this area since January of 2010. The review encompasses well-characterized heterobimetallic complexes, with a particular focus on mechanistic details surrounding their reactivity applications.

Paramagnetic Metal-Metal Bonded Heterometallic Complexes

Significant progress has been made in the past 10-15 years on the design, synthesis, and properties of multimetallic coordination complexes with heterometallic metal-metal bonds that are paramagnetic. Several general classes have been explored including heterobimetallic compounds, heterotrimetallic compounds of either linear or triangular geometry, discrete molecular compounds containing a linear array of more than three metal atoms, and coordination polymers with a heterometallic metal-metal bonded backbone. We focus in this Review on the synthetic methods employed to access these compounds, their structural features, magnetic properties, and electronic structure. Regarding the metal-metal bond distances, we make use of the formal shortness ratio (FSR) for comparison of bond distances between a broad range of metal atoms of different sizes. The magnetic properties of these compounds can be described using an extension of the Goodenough-Kanamori rules to cases where two magnetic ions interact via a third metal atom. In describing the electronic structure, we focus on the ability (or not) of electrons to be delocalized across heterometallic bonds, allowing for rationalizations and predictions of single-molecule conductance measurements in paramagnetic heterometallic molecular wires.

Facile and rapid synthesis of crystalline quadruply bonded Cr(ii) acetate coordinated with axial ligands

A quadruple bond formed between d-block or f-block atoms is an interesting research topic due to its unique nature including a supershort bonding distance and narrow energy gap between δ and δ*. Among various multiply bonded complexes, quadruply bonded Cr(ii) acetates are considered useful to control the δ–δ* energy gap by the Lewis basicity of additional ligands. However, the synthesis and preparation of the high-quality, large-sized crystals of Cr(ii) acetates coordinated with axial ligands (Cr₂(OAc)₄L₂) have been difficult due to their vulnerability to O₂, a representative oxidizing agent under aerobic conditions. In this study, we report a facile synthesis of sub-millimeter-scale crystals of Cr₂(OAc)₄L₂ by simple dissolution of Cr₂(OAc)₄ in ligand solvents L. To obtain stably ligated Cr₂(OAc)₄L₂, anhydrous Cr(ii) acetates (Cr₂(OAc)₄) were dissolved in the ligand solvents L, which was degassed of dissolved O₂. Also, sub-millimeter-scale single crystals of Cr₂(OAc)₄L₂ were produced rapidly for less than an hour by the drop-drying process. The single-crystalline phase of the synthesized Cr(ii) complexes was measured by X-ray diffraction techniques, confirming the dependency of Lewis basicity of the additional axial ligands on the Cr–Cr quadruple bond distance. Further, the Raman peaks of the quadruple bonds in Cr₂(OAc)₄L₂ were observed to be red-shifted with the increased basicity of the axial ligands.

Facile ligation of quadruply bonded Cr(ii) acetates at the axial position under the anoxic condition and their rapid crystallization into single crystals with sub-millimeter scale.

Novel Structures and Magnetic Properties of Two [Mn2] Complexes with 2,4-di-2-pyridyl-2,4-pentanediol as the Ligand

Two ligands, 2,4-di-2-pyridyl-2,4-pentanediol (rD and mD), were employed to synthesize two Mn2 complexes, [Mn2(rD)2Br2] (1) and [Mn2(mD)2(H2O)2]Br2 (2). Compound 1 crystallized in a tetragonal space group, P41212, with a novel hamburger shaped structure. A detailed study indicated that compound 1 did not contain a metal–metal bond, but antiferromagnetic coupling was observed between the Mn(III) ions. Compound 2 crystallized in a monoclinic space group, C2/c, with one Mn(II) and the other with Mn(IV). The two manganese ions were bridged by two alkoxide ligands, resulting in ferromagnetic coupling. Magnetic property studies confirm the above assignments.

Strong electronic influence of equatorial ligands on frontier orbitals in paddlewheel dichromium(ii,ii) complexes

A series of substituted benzoate-bridged dichromium(ii,ii) complexes [Cr2(RCO2)4(THF)2] ([Cr2]), where RCO2- is substituted benzoate, was synthesized and its structural and magnetic properties were investigated. The orbital energies, as well as magnetic coupling energies, were also investigated using computational approaches. The HOMO/LUMO energy levels of the complexes are strongly dependent on the acidity, i.e., pKa, of the corresponding benzoic acids (RCO2H), revealing a linear trend in the respective groups of non-ortho, mono-ortho, and bi-ortho substituted groups. The CrCr magnetic coupling constant (ES-T) is little affected by pKa; instead, the ES-T is associated with the HOMO/LUMO gap and strongly correlated with the CrCr distance.

Metal-Metal (MM) Bond Distances and Bond Orders in Binuclear Metal Complexes of the First Row Transition Metals Titanium Through Zinc

This survey of metal-metal (MM) bond distances in binuclear complexes of the first row 3d-block elements reviews experimental and computational research on a wide range of such systems. The metals surveyed are titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc, representing the only comprehensive presentation of such results to date. Factors impacting MM bond lengths that are discussed here include (a) the formal MM bond order, (b) size of the metal ion present in the bimetallic core (M₂) ⁿ⁺, (c) the metal oxidation state, (d) effects of ligand basicity, coordination mode and number, and (e) steric effects of bulky ligands. Correlations between experimental and computational findings are examined wherever possible, often yielding good agreement for MM bond lengths. The formal bond order provides a key basis for assessing experimental and computationally derived MM bond lengths. The effects of change in the metal upon MM bond length ranges in binuclear complexes suggest trends for single, double, triple, and quadruple MM bonds which are related to the available information on metal atomic radii. It emerges that while specific factors for a limited range of complexes are found to have their expected impact in many cases, the assessment of the net effect of these factors is challenging. The combination of experimental and computational results leads us to propose for the first time the ranges and "best" estimates for MM bond distances of all types (Ti-Ti through Zn-Zn, single through quintuple).

One-Dimensional Chains of Paddlewheel-Type Dichromium(II,II) Tetraacetate Complexes: Study of Electronic Structure Influenced by σ- and π-Donation of Axial Linkers

Paddlewheel-type carboxylate-bridged dichromium(II,II) complexes possess intriguing properties such as high redox activity and thermally assisted paramagnetism. However, the relationship of their structures with electronic states and physical properties has not been extensively studied. In this work, we investigated a series of one-dimensional chain complexes based on the paddlewheel-type dichromium(II,II) tetraacetate complex ([Cr₂^II,II(OAc)₄] = [Cr₂^II,II]) with pyridine/pyrazine-type organic linkers (μ₂-L_ax) having different σ- and π-donating abilities to clarify the electronic structure of [Cr₂^II,II] assemblies. The chain compounds are stable in air, probably owing to their robust polymerized forms. X-ray crystallographic studies and magnetic measurements revealed that the basicity (p K_b) of L_ax, which quantitatively correlates with the σ-donor strength of L_ax, modulates the Cr-Cr and Cr-L_ax distances and the energy separation ( E_S-T) between the diamagnetic (singlet) and thermally populated paramagnetic (triplet) states. The Cr-Cr and Cr-L_ax distances are strongly influenced by σ- and π-donation from L_ax, while the frontier δ orbital makes only a small contribution to the structural features. Density functional theory calculations were conducted to clarify this issue. The calculations produced the following unanticipated results against the long-known model: (i) the σ bonding orbital is the HOMO and dominates bonding in the [Cr₂^II,II] unit, (ii) the total Cr-Cr bond order is less than 1.0, and (iii) the δ orbital electron density is almost completely localized on the chromium sites. The computational results accurately predict the magnetic behavior and provide evidence for a new configuration of frontier orbitals in [Cr₂^II,II(RCO₂)₄(L_ax)₂].

Photolytic Reactivity of Organometallic Chromium Bipyridine Complexes

Known stable [Cr(bpy)₂(Ph)₂](BPh₄) complexes undergo reductive elimination of biphenyl with visible-light photolysis using household incandescent or compact fluorescent light bulbs. A series of [Cr(R-bpy)₂(Ar)₂](X) complexes (R = H or CMe₃; Ar = Ph, C₆H₄-CMe₃, or C₆H₄-OMe; X = I, BPh₄, or PF₆) were prepared, and the effect of varying the bipyridine and aryl ligands on the UV-visible spectra and electrochemistry of the chromium(III) complexes was investigated. Photolysis of a mixture of two different bis(aryl) complexes gave only the homocoupled biaryl products by ¹H NMR and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. The initial product of photoinduced reductive elimination of [Cr(bpy)₂(Ar)₂](PF₆) was trapped with bipyridine to generate [Cr(bpy)₃](PF₆) and with benzoyl peroxide to form [Cr(bpy)₂(O₂CPh)₂](PF₆). The latter chromium(III) bis(benzoate) complex was also synthesized by the addition of bipyridine and PhCO₂H to Cp₂Cr, followed by air oxidation. The neutral Cr(bpy)(S₂CNMe₂)Ph₂ complex also generated biphenyl upon visible-light photolysis. While the treatment of Cr(^tBu-bpy)(dpm)Cl₂ [dpm = (OC^tBu)₂CH] with AgO₂CPh gave trans-Cr(^tBu-bpy)(dpm)(O₂CPh)₂, reaction of the dichloro precursor with PhMgCl produced anionic [Cr(^tBu-bpy)Ph₃]^- with [Mg(dpm)(THF)₄]⁺ as the countercation, with both complexes characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Protonolysis of Cr(bpy)Ph₃(THF) with 8-hydroxyquinoline produced Cr(bpy)(quin)Ph₂, which generated biphenyl under visible-light photolysis, and the initial product of reductive elimination was trapped by bipyridine or benzoyl peroxide. A related Cr(bpy)(quin)₂ complex was synthesized by protonolysis of Cr(bpy)[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Group 6 complexes with iron and zinc heterometals: understanding the structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties of a complete series of M≡M···M' compounds

Binuclear quadruply bonded complexes Cr(2)(dpa)(4) (1, dpa = 2,2'-dipyridylamide), Mo(2)(dpa)(4) (2), and W(2)(dpa)(4) (3) react with anhydrous FeCl(2), yielding heterometallic compounds CrCrFe(dpa)(4)Cl(2) (4), MoMoFe(dpa)(4)Cl(2) (5), and WWFe(dpa)(4)Cl(2) (6). These molecules are structurally similar, having a linear M≡M···Fe chain that is axially capped by chloride ions and is equatorially supported by the helically twisted dpa ligands. A structurally related zinc analog, CrCrZn(dpa)(4)Cl(2) (7), can be prepared upon metalation of 1 with ZnCl(2). This reaction also persistently produces a 2:1 adduct of ZnCl(2) with 1, [Cr(2)(dpa)(4)](ZnCl(2))(2) (8), which is in equilibrium with 7 and has the two zinc ions bound externally to the Cr(2) core and axial bridging chloro ligands attached to each Cr ion. The sole isolable product of the addition of ZnCl(2) to 3 is a 1:1 adduct, [W(2)(dpa)(4)]ZnCl(2) (9). The structurally related chain complexes 4, 5, 6, and 7 are characterized by X-ray crystallography, UV-vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and (57)Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy for the iron complexes in order to gain insights into the nature of heterometallic interactions, electronic excited states, and redox properties of these compounds, which have implications for all other M≡M···M' molecules. Additionally, NMR spectroscopy has been used to gain insight into the mechanism of the metalation of 1 by Zn(II).

Bond characterization on a Cr-Cr quintuple bond: a combined experimental and theoretical study

A combined experimental and theoretical charge density study on a quintuply bonded dichromium complex, Cr(2)(dipp)(2) (dipp = (Ar)NC(H)N(Ar) and Ar = 2,6-i-Pr(2)-C(6)H(3)), is performed. Two dipp ligands are bridged between two Cr ions; each Cr atom is coordinated to two N atoms of the ligands in a linear fashion. The Cr atom is in a low oxidation state, Cr(I), and in low coordination number condition, which stabilizes a metal-metal multiple bond, in this case, a quintuple bond. Indeed, it gives an ultrashort Cr-Cr bond distance of 1.7492(1) Å in the complex. The bond characterization of such a quintuple bond is undertaken both experimentally by high-resolution single-crystal X-ray diffraction and theoretically by density functional calculation (DFT). Electron densities are depicted via deformation density and Laplacian distributions. Bond characterizations of the complex are presented in terms of topological properties, Fermi hole function, source function (SF), and natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis. The electron density at the Cr-Cr bond critical point (BCP) is 1.70 e/Å(3), quite a high value for metal-metal bonding and mainly contributed from the metal ion itself. The quintuple bond is confirmed with one σ, two π, and two δ interactions by NBO analysis and Fermi hole function. The molecular orbitals (MOs) illustrate that five bonding orbitals are predominantly contributed from the 3d orbitals of the Cr(I) ion. The effective bond order from NBO analysis is 4.60. The detail comparison between experiment and theory will be given. Additionally, three closely related complexes are calculated for systematic comparison.

Synthesis and Reactivity of Haloacetato Derivatives of Iron(II) Including the Crystal and the Molecular Structure of [Fe(CF3COOH)2(μ-CF3COO)2]n

The syntheses of haloacetates of iron(II) and their reactivity are described. The compound Fe(CF3COO)2, 1, crystallizes from CF3COOH/(CF3CO)2O solution as the polynuclear [Fe(CF3COO)2(CF3COOH)2]n, 2, which contains bridging trifluoroacetates and monodentate trifluoroacetic acid groups. Fe(CF3COO)2(DMF)x, as obtained from Fe(CO)5 and CF3COOH/(CF3CO)2O in DMF, reacts with dioxygen at room temperature to give two micro3-oxo compounds, namely, [Fe3(micro3-O)(CF3COO)6(DMF)3], 3, a Fe(II)-Fe(III)-Fe(III) derivative, and [Fe4(micro3-O)2(micro2-CF3COO)6(CF3COO)2(DMF)4], 4, containing Fe(III) atoms only, which have been characterized by X-ray diffraction methods. Iron(II) chloro- and bromoacetates can be isolated by exchange reactions of iron(II) acetate with chloro- and bromo-substituted acetic acids in moderate to good yields. The stability of iron(II) haloacetates decreases on increasing the atomic weight and the number of halogens on the alpha-carbon atom. The species Fe(CX3COO)2 (X = Cl, 7; Br, 8), in THF solution, slowly convert into [Fe3(micro3-O)(CCl3COO)6(THF)3], 11, or [Fe3(micro3-O)(CBr3COO)6(THF)3][FeBr4], 10, respectively. Likewise, when iron(II) acetate (or trifluoroacetate) is left for several hours in the presence of a variety of haloacetic acids in THF, selective formation of different species, depending on the nature of the starting compound and of the acid employed, is observed. The formation of these products is the result of C-X bond activation (X = Cl, Br) and haloacetato decomposition, which occurs with concomitant oxidation at the metal centers. Carboxylic acid degradation species (CH2XCOOH, CX4, CX3H, CX2H2, X = Cl, Br) have been observed by GC-MS.

Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of a Dimeric Chromium(II) Pyrazolato Complex with a Long Chromium−Chromium Distance. Maintenance of a Dimeric Structure in Solution and Interconversion between Dimeric and Monomeric Structures

The synthesis, solid-state structure, and solution structure of Cr2(tBu2pz)4 are described. This complex is obtained by sublimation of the monomeric species Cr(tBu2pz)2(4-tBupy)2 and contains long chromium-chromium distances that are enforced by the divergent nature of the pyrazolato ligands.

Effects of Axial Coordination on the Ru−Ru Single Bond in Diruthenium Paddlewheel Complexes

The 1,8-naphthyridine-based (NP-based) ligands with furyl, thiazolyl, pyridyl, and pyrrolyl attachments at the 2-position have been synthesized. Reactions of 3-MeNP (3-methyl-1,8-naphthyridine), fuNP (2-(2-furyl)-1,8-naphthyridine), tzNP (2-(2-thiazolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine), pyNP (2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine), and prNP(-1) (2-(2-pyrrolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) with [Ru2(CO)4(CH3CN)6]2+ lead to [Ru2(3-MeNP)2(CO)4(OTf)2] (1), [Ru2(fuNP)2(CO)4]2[BF4]2 (2), [Ru2(tzNP)2(CO)4][ClO4]2 (3), [Ru2(pyNP)2(CO)4][OTf]2 (4), and [Ru2(prNP)2(CO)4] (5). The molecular structures of complexes 1-5 have been established by X-ray crystallographic studies. The modulation of the Ru-Ru single-bond distances with axial donors triflates, furyls, thiazolyls, pyridyls, and pyrrolyls has been examined. A small and gradual increase in the Ru-Ru distance is measured with various donors of increasing strengths. The shortest Ru-Ru distance of 2.6071(9) angstroms is observed for the axially coordinated triflates in complex 1, and the longest Ru-Ru distance of 2.6969(10) angstroms is measured for axial pyrrolyls in complex 5. The Ru-Ru distances in complexes 3 (2.6734(7) angstroms) and 4 (2.6792(9) angstroms), having thiazolyls and pyridyls at axial sites respectively, are similar. The Ru-Ru distance for axial furyls in complex 2 (2.6261(9) angstroms) is significantly shorter than the corresponding distances in 3, 4, and 5. DFT calculations provide insight into the interaction of the Ru-Ru sigma orbital with axial donors. The Ru-Ru sigma orbital is elevated to a higher energy because of the interaction with axial lone pairs. The degree of destabilization depends on the nature of axial ligands: the stronger the ligand, higher the elevation of Ru-Ru orbital. The lengthening of Ru-Ru distances with respect to the axial donors in compounds 1-5 follows along the direction pyrrolyl > pyridyl approximately thiazolyl > furyl > triflate, and the trend correlates well with the computed destabilization of the Ru-Ru sigma orbitals.

Synthesis and Structure of Cuboctahedral and Anticuboctahedral Cages Containing 12 Quadruply Bonded Dimolybdenum Units

The syntheses and structures of two clusters containing 12 Mo-Mo quadruple bonds, [Mo(24)(C(12)H(12)O(4))(24)](C(5)H(5)N)(12) and Mo(24)(C(8)H(4)O(4))(24), are reported. The 12 paddlewheel building blocks and 24 ligands self-assemble into cuboctahedral and anticuboctahedral polyhedra, respectively, depending on the manner in which the two halves of the cluster are aligned. These clusters contain twice as many dimolybdenum units as any previously reported cluster. Possible assembly mechanisms are also proposed.

DFT and Metal−Metal Bonding: A Dys-Functional Treatment for Multiply Charged Complexes?

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are reported for 16 binuclear transition-metal complexes. Structural motifs studied include face-shared and edge-shared bioctahedra, carboxylate-bridged "paddlewheel" complexes, and nonbridged dimers possessing direct metal-metal bonds. Most of these structure types are represented both by multiply charged (tri- and tetra-anionic, and tetracationic) and by neutral or singly charged examples. Geometry optimizations for these species, in the vacuum phase, use the "broken-symmetry" approach coupled with nine different DFT methods. We find a clear dichotomy in the performance of different DFT approaches. For the eight neutral or singly charged complexes, orthodox gradient-corrected DFT methods such as BP and PBE perform generally very well in reproducing in vacuo the complex geometries obtained from X-ray crystallographic studies. In contrast, these orthodox approaches fail to reliably mimic the crystalline geometries for more highly charged complexes such as Mo(2)Cl(9)(3-), Cr(2)(CH(3))(8)(4-), and Rh(2)(NCCH(3))(10)(4+). Much closer agreement with experimental condensed-phase structures for the multiply charged dinuclear complexes is seen for two "local-density-approximation" approaches, X alpha and VWN, and for VWN+B-LYP, an unorthodox combination of the VWN local and B-LYP nonlocal density functionals. The very good performance of the latter approaches arises from an essentially fortuitous cancellation of errors: while the generally overbinding nature of these approaches suggests that they will not reliably describe true gas-phase structures, this overbinding compensates very well for the coulombic distortion expected when complexes are removed from the charge-stabilizing environment of the crystalline or solvated state. We recommend that, as an alternative to the (computationally expensive) incorporation of solvent-field corrections, VWN+B-LYP is the preferred method for structural characterization of triply or more highly charged dinuclear complexes, while orthodox approaches such as PBE perform best for neutral or mildly charged complexes.

Perfluoroterephthalate bridged complexes with M-M quadruple bonds: ((t)BuCO(2))(3)M(2)(mu-O(2)CC(6)F(4)CO(2))M(2)(O(2)C(t)Bu)(3), where M = Mo or W. Studies of solid-state, molecular, and electronic structure and correlations with electronic and Raman spectral data

The compounds [((t)BuCO(2))(3)M(2)(mu-O(2)CC(6)F(4)CO(2))M(2)(O(2)C(t)Bu)(3)], M(4)PFT, where M = Mo or W, are shown by model fitting of the powder X-ray diffraction data to have an infinite "twisted" structure involving M.O intermolecular interactions in the solid state. The dihedral angle between the M(2) units of each molecule is 54 degrees. Electronic structure calculations employing density functional theory (Gaussian 98 and ADF2000.01, gradient corrected and time dependent) on the model compounds (HCO(2))(3)M(2)(mu-O(2)CC(6)F(4)CO(2))M(2)(O(2)CH)(3), where M = Mo or W, reveal that in the gas phase the model compounds adopt planar D(2)(h) ground-state structures wherein M(2) delta to bridge pi back-bonding is maximized. The calculations predict relatively small HOMO-LUMO gaps of 1.53 eV for M = Mo and 1.22 eV for M = W for this planar structure and that, when the "conjugation" is removed by rotation of the plane of the C(6)F(4) ring to become orthogonal to the M(4) plane, this energy gap is nearly doubled to 2.57 eV for M = Mo and 2.18 eV for M = W. The Raman and resonance Raman spectra of solid M(4)PFT and of Mo(4)PFT in THF solution are dominated by bands assigned to the bridging perfluoroterephthalate (pft) group. The intensities of certain Raman bands of solid W(4)PFT are strongly enhanced on changing the excitation line from 476.5 nm (off resonance) to 676.5 nm, which is on resonance with the W(2) delta --> CO(2) (pft) pi transition at ca. 650 nm. The resonance enhanced bands are delta(s)(CO(2)) (pft) at 518 cm(-)(1) and its first overtone at 1035 cm(-)(1), consistent with the structural change to W(4)PFT expected on excitation from the ground to this pi excited state. The electronic transitions for solid Mo(4)PFT (lowest at 410 nm) were not accessible with the available excitation lines (457.9-676.5 nm), and no resonance Raman spectra of this compound could be obtained. For Mo(4)PFT in THF solution, it is the band at 399 cm(-)(1) assigned to nu(MoMo) which is the most enhanced on approach to resonance with the electronic band at 470 nm; combination bands involving the C(6)F(4) ring-stretching mode, 8a, are also enhanced.

Oxalate-bridged complexes of dimolybdenum and ditungsten supported by pivalate ligands: ((t)BuCO(2))(3)M(2)(mu-O(2)CCO(2))M(2)(O(2)C(t)Bu)(3). Correlation of the solid-state, molecular, and electronic structures with Raman, resonance Raman, and electronic spectral data

The compounds ((t)BuCO(2))(3)M(2)(mu-O(2)CCO(2))M(2)(O(2)C(t)Bu)(3) (M(4)OXA), where M = Mo or W, are shown by analysis of powder X-ray diffraction data to have extended lattice structures wherein oxygen atoms from the oxalate and pivalate ligands of one M(4)OXA molecule are linked to metal atoms of neighboring molecules. Raman, resonance Raman, electronic absorption (2-325 K in 2-MeTHF), and emission spectra are reported, together with corresponding spectra of the mu-O(2)(13)C(13)CO(2) isotopomers. To aid in the assignment, the Raman spectra of K(2)C(2)O(4).H(2)O and K(2)(13)C(2)O(4).H(2)O have also been recorded. The visible region of the electronic spectra is dominated by intense, fully allowed MLCT transitions, M(2) delta to oxalate pi*, which show pronounced thermochromism and extensive vibronic progressions associated with the oxalate ligand at low temperatures. With excitation into these charge-transfer bands, strong resonance enhancement is seen for Raman bands assigned to the oxalate nu(1)(a(g)) and, to a lesser extent, nu(2)(a(g)) modes. Electronic structure calculations for the model compounds (HCO(2))(3)M(2)(mu-O(2)CCO(2))M(2)(O(2)CH)(3), employing density functional theory (gradient corrected and time-dependent) with the Gaussian 98 and ADF 2000 packages, predict the planar oxalate D(2h) configuration to be favored, which maximizes M(2) delta to oxalate pi* back-bonding, and indicate low barriers (<8 kcal mol(-1)) to rotation about the oxalate C-C bonds.

Syntheses and crystal structures of "unligated" copper(I) and copper(II) trifluoroacetates

Two extremely unstable copper trifluoroacetates with no exogenous ligands, namely, Cu(O2CCF3) (1) and Cu(O2CCF3)2 (2), are prepared for the first time and obtained in crystalline form by deposition from the vapor phase. Their structures are determined by X-ray crystallography. The crystallographic parameters are as follows: for 1, monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, with a = 9.7937(6) A, b = 15.322(1) A, c = 12.002(1) A, beta = 106.493(9) degrees, and Z = 4; for 2, orthorhombic space group Pcca, with a = 16.911(1) A, b = 10.5063(9) A, c = 9.0357(6) A, and Z = 4. Both structures are unique among other CuI and CuII carboxylates, as well as among metal carboxylates in general. Compound 1 consists of a planar rhombus of four copper atoms with sides of 2.719(1)-2.833(1) A and trifluoroacetate ligands bridging the pairs of adjacent metal atoms alternately above and below the plane. The tetrameric units are further aggregated in a polymeric zigzag ribbon [Cu4(O2CCF3)4]infinity by virtue of intermolecular Cu...O contacts. The structure of 2 is built on cis bis-bridged dimers in which every metal atom is also connected with two copper atoms of the neighboring units. The stacking planes in this extended chain are almost perpendicular to one another. The Cu...Cu distance inside the dimer is 3.086(2) A, indicating a nonbonding interaction.

Preparation and characterization of a new series of Cr(II) hydroborates

The synthesis and characterization of a new series of mono-, di-, and trinuclear Cr(II) borohydride compounds is described. The reaction of CrCl2(TMEDA) with two equivalents of NaBH4 afforded the thermally unstable (TMEDA)Cr(BH4)2 (1), which was converted by treatment with pyridine into the octahedral monomeric (Py)4Cr(BH4)2 (2). The reaction proceeds via formation of an intermediate trinuclear complex {[(TMEDA)(Py)Cr(η2-BH4)]2[(Py)2Cr(η2-BH4)2]}(µ,η1-BH4)2 (3), which was isolated and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Reaction of 1 and 2 with both CO2 and RN=C=NR (R = Cy, iPr) afforded hydride insertion and formation of the corresponding diamagnetic lantern-type Cr(II) formate (HCO2)4Cr2Py2 (4) and formamidinate compounds [RNC(H)NR]2Cr2(µ-BH)4 (R = Cy (5a), iPr (5b)), respectively, with supershort Cr—Cr quadruple bonds. The structures of 1, 2, 3, and 5b were elucidated by X-ray analysis. Crystal data are as follows. 1: C6H24N2B2Cr, monoclinic, Cc, a = 8.517(2) Å, b = 15.921(5) Å, c = 9.624(2) Å, β = 115.59(1)°, Z = 4, R = 0.022, Rw = 0.029; 2: C28H44N4B2O2Cr, monoclinic, P21/n, a = 12.021(1) Å, b = 15.555(1) Å, c = 15.723(1) Å, β = 90.13(2)°, Z = 4, R = 0.074, Rw = 0.086; 3: C32H76N8B6Cr3, monoclinic, P21/n, a = 8.515(1) Å, b = 14.525(1) Å, c = 18.286(2) Å, β = 91.38(1)°, Z = 2, R = 0.051, Rw = 0.060; 5b: C21H49N6BCr2, monoclinic, C2/c, a = 17.000(1) Å, b = 9.033(1) Å, c = 19.160(1) Å, β = 105.579(9)°, Z = 4, R = 0.069, Rw = 0.078. Keywords: divalent chromium, borohydride, Cr—Cr quadruple bond.