Synthetic and Structural Investigations on the Reactivity of the Cd–I Bond in [ICd{Zr2(OPri)9}] to Construct New Mixed-Metal Alkoxides

Single-Source Deposition of Mixed-Metal Oxide Films Containing Zirconium and 3d Transition Metals for (Photo)electrocatalytic Water Oxidation

The fabrication of mixed-metal oxide films holds promise for the development of practical photoelectrochemical catalyst coatings but currently presents challenges in terms of homogeneity, cost, and scalability. We report a straightforward and versatile approach to produce catalytically active zirconium-based films for electrochemical and photoelectrochemical water oxidation. The mixed-metal oxide catalyst films are derived from novel single-source precursor oxide cage compounds containing Zr with first-row transition metals such as Co, Fe, and Cu. The Zr-based film doped with Co on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)-coated glass exhibits the highest electrocatalytic O₂ evolution performance in an alkaline medium and an operational stability above 18 h. The deposition of this film onto a BiVO₄ photoanode significantly enhances its photoelectrochemical activity toward solar water oxidation, lowering the onset potential by 0.12-0.21 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and improving the maximum photocurrent density by ∼50% to 2.41 mA cm^-2 for the CoZr-coated BiVO₄ photoanodes compared to that for bare BiVO₄.

Cadmium Compounds with an [N3C] Atrane Motif: Evidence for the Generation of a Cadmium Hydride Species

Tris(2-pyridylthio)methane ([Tptm]H) has been employed to synthesize a series of cadmium carbatrane compounds that feature an [N3C] coordination environment. Specifically, [Tptm]H reacts with Cd[N(SiMe3)2]2 to afford [Tptm]CdN(SiMe3)2, which thereby provides access to other derivatives. For example, [Tptm]CdN(SiMe3)2 reacts with (i) CO2 to form {[Tptm]Cd(μ-NCO)}2 and (ii) Me3SiOH and Ph3SiOH to form {[κ3-Tptm]Cd(μ-OSiMe3)}2 and [Tptm]CdOSiPh3, respectively. The siloxide compound {[κ3-Tptm]Cd(μ-OSiMe3)}2 reacts with Me3SiX (X = Cl, Br, O2CMe) to give [Tptm]CdX, while the reaction with PhSiH3 in the presence of CO2 generates the formate complex, [Tptm]CdO2CH, thereby providing evidence for the generation of a proposed cadmium hydride intermediate, {[Tptm]CdH}.

Investigation of N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Supported Group 12 Triflates as Pre-catalysts for Hydrosilylation/Borylation

N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of Cd and Hg triflates (OTf) were prepared and their attempted conversion into rare cadmium and mercury hydrides was explored. In contrast to zinc, which forms stable [ZnH]⁺ complexes with NHCs, the heavier Cd and Hg congeners could not be formed; the increased instability of Cd-H and Hg-H units was rationalized with the aid of computations. It was also discovered that the dimeric adduct [IPr⋅Cd(μ-OTf)₂ ]₂ (IPr=[(HCNDipp)₂ C:]; Dipp=2,6-iPr₂ C₆ H₃ ) is an active precatalyst for the hydrosilylation and hydroborylation of hindered aldehydes and ketones. The related zinc congener was inactive as a catalyst highlighting a distinct advantage of using heavy Group 12 metals to promote catalytic hydrosilylation/borylation.

Gold trifluoromethyl complexes

This Perspective reviews the synthesis, structure, reactivity and applications of gold trifluoromethyl complexes. The recently reported reactions of gold(iii) trifluoromethyl complexes with potential application in synthesis are discussed.