Heteroscorpionate ligands based on bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane: design and coordination chemistry

Design of New Bis(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methane-Based Nitrogen Ligands: Synthesis and Coordination Chemistry

The reaction between bis(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methane derivatives and nBuLi and various aldehydes, yielded novel neutral ligand precursors incorporating alcohol functional groups. The resulting compounds exhibited distinct characteristics depending on the steric hindrance of the aldehyde employed. In instances where aromatic aldehydes were utilized, functionalization occurred at the methine group bridging both triazole rings. Conversely, the use of pivalic aldehyde prompted functionalization at the C5 position of the triazole ring. These compounds were subsequently employed as ligand precursors in the synthesis of organometallic aluminum and zinc complexes, yielding dinuclear complexes with high efficiency. The structural elucidation of all compounds was accomplished through spectroscopic methods and validated by X-ray crystallography. Preliminary catalytic investigations into the coupling reaction of cyclohexene oxide and CO2 revealed that aluminum and zinc complexes catalyzed the selective formation of polyether and polycarbonate materials, respectively.

Four-Coordinate Fe N2 and Imido Complexes Supported by a Hemilabile NNC Heteroscorpionate Ligand

Inspired by mechanistic proposals for N₂ reduction at the nitrogenase FeMo cofactor, we report herein a new, strongly σ-donating heteroscorpionate ligand featuring two weak-field pyrazoles and an alkyl donor. This ligand supports four-coordinate Fe(I)-N₂, Fe(II)-Cl, and Fe(III)-imido complexes, which we have characterized using a variety of spectroscopic and computational methods. Structural and quantum mechanical analysis reveal the nature of the Fe–C bonds to be essentially invariant between the complexes, with conversion between the (formally) low-valent Fe-N₂ and high-valent Fe-imido complexes mediated by pyrazole hemilability. This presents a useful strategy for substrate reduction at such low-coordinate centers and suggests a mechanism by which FeMoco might accommodate the binding of both π-acidic and π-basic nitrogenous substrates.

We report a new, strongly σ-donating NNC heteroscorpionate ligand and its Fe(I)-N₂, Fe(II)-Cl and Fe(III)-imido complexes. Conversion between the low-valent Fe-N₂ and high-valent Fe-imido complexes is mediated by pyrazole hemilability, presenting a useful strategy for substrate reduction at such low-coordinate centers.

Bis(4-carboxylpyrazol-1-yl)acetic acid: a scorpionate ligand for complexes with improved water solubility

Bis(4-carboxylpyrazol-1-yl)acetic acid (H₃bcpza) (2), obtained in a one-pot synthesis, contains carboxyl groups that differ in their pK_a values. The ligand exhibits heteroscorpionate κ³-N,N,O-coordination whereupon the peripheral carboxyl groups are not involved in metal binding. The corresponding carbonyl complexes [Mn(H₂bcpza)(CO)₃] (4), [Re(H₂bcpza)(CO)₃] (5) and [Ru(H₂bcpza)Cl(CO)₂] (6a/6b) are partially soluble in water but readily soluble in PBS buffer.

NHC-CDI Betaine Adducts and Their Cationic Derivatives as Catalyst Precursors for Dichloromethane Valorization

Zwitterionic adducts of N-heterocyclic carbene and carbodiimide (NHC-CDI) are an emerging class of organic compounds with promising properties for applications in various fields. Herein, we report the use of the ICyCDI(p-Tol) betaine adduct (1a) and its cationic derivatives 2a and 3a as catalyst precursors for the dichloromethane valorization via transformation into high added value products CH₂Z₂ (Z = OR, SR or NR₂). This process implies selective chloride substitution of dichloromethane by a range of nucleophiles Na⁺Z^– (preformed or generated in situ from HZ and an inorganic base) to yield formaldehyde-derived acetals, dithioacetals, or aminals with full selectivity. The reactions are conducted in a multigram-scale under very mild conditions, using dichloromethane both as a reagent and solvent, and very low catalyst loading (0.01 mol %). The CH₂Z₂ derivatives were isolated in quantitative yields after filtration and evaporation, which facilitates recycling the dichloromethane excess. Mechanistic studies for the synthesis of methylal CH₂(OMe)₂ rule out organocatalysis as being responsible for the CH₂ transfer, and a phase-transfer catalysis mechanism is proposed instead. Furthermore, we observed that 1a and 2a react with NaOMe to form unusual isoureate ethers, which are the actual phase-transfer catalysts, with a strong preference for sodium over other alkali metal nucleophiles.

1,3,4-Azadiphospholides as building blocks for scorpionate and bidentate ligands in multinuclear complexes

Annulated oxy-substituted 1,3,4-azadiphospholides such as the anion in Na[1] are readily accessible phosphorus heterocycles made from the phosphaethynolate anion (OCP)- and 2-chloropyridines. The sodium salt Na[1] reacts with oxophilic element halides such as OPCl3, PhSiCl3, PhBCl2 and CpTiCl3 at room temperature to form exclusively the oxygen bound tris-substituted compounds E(1)3 (with E = OP, PhSi, PhB- or CpTi). Six equivalents of Na[1] with group four metal chlorides MCl4 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) form cleanly the hexa-substituted dianions (Na2[M(1)6]) which are isolated in excellent yields. The titanium complexes are deeply coloured species due to ligand to metal charge transfer (LMCT) excitations. In all complexes, the phosphorus atoms of the azadiphosphole moieties are able to coordinate to a soft metal center as shown in their reactions with [Mo(CO)3Mes], yielding complexes in which the Mo(CO)3 binds in a fac manner. Functionalization of the oxy group with amino phosphanes allows isolation of tridentate ligands, which have been used as synthons for macrocyclic molybdenum carbonyl complexes.

Phosphine-functionalised tris(pyrazolyl)methane ligands and their mono- and heterobimetallic complexes

The synthesis, characterisation and reactivity of new phosphine-functionalised tris(pyrazolyl)methane ligands (TpmPR₂, 2a-c, with R = Ph, nBu, iPr) are presented. The reaction of 2a-c with [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ furnished N,P-heterochelate carbonyl complexes (3a-c), which were used to quantify the donor abilities of the ligands via IR spectroscopy. The coordination flexibility was demonstrated by treating representative members of this new ligand class with [CpRu(acn)₃][PF₆] (acn = acetonitrile), [(tht)AuCl] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) and [Pd(allyl)Cl]₂ providing either a N,N,P-heteroscorpionate complex (4) or the P-coordinated complexes (5,6) without any involvement of the pyrazolyl entities. With 2a and [Pd(cod)Cl₂], another P,N-heterochelate complex (7) was obtained, which served as a precursor for a heterobimetallic complex containing palladium and copper (8). Detailed NMR spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic investigations have been performed on all new complexes.

The heteroscorpionate ligand 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,1-diphenylethanol and an easy preparation of its tungsten complex

The heteroscorpionate ligand 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,1-diphenylethanol, C24H26N4O, features in the solid state an intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond. A heteroscorpionate tungsten complex, cis-[2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)-1,1-diphenylethanolato]chloridodioxidotungsten(VI) tetrahydrofuran monosolvate, [W(C24H25N4O)ClO2]·C4H8O, was prepared by the simple mixing of solutions of the ligand and WOCl4 in tetrahydrofuran. The tungsten complex was isolated after standing for several weeks. The complex exhibits a κ3 N,N′,O-coordination of the ligand. This simple synthetic procedure allows access to the cis isomer in high yield without additional purification steps. The Hirshfeld surface analysis shows a change of the intermolecular contacts due to the coordination of the WO2Cl unit with the ligand molecule.

Syntheses and Biological Studies of Cu(II) Complexes Bearing Bis(pyrazol-1-yl)- and Bis(triazol-1-yl)-acetato Heteroscorpionate Ligands

Copper(II) complexes of bis(pyrazol-1-yl)- and bis(triazol-1-yl)-acetate heteroscorpionate ligands have been synthesized. The copper(II) complexes [HC(COOH)(pz^Me2)₂]Cu[HC(COO)(pz^Me2)₂]·ClO₄, [HC(COOH)(pz)₂]₂Cu(ClO₄)₂ (pz^Me2 = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole; pz = pyrazole) were prepared by the reaction of Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O with bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetic acid (HC(COOH)(pz^Me2)₂) and bis(pyrazol-1-yl)acetic acid (HC(COOH)(pz)₂) ligands in ethanol solution. The copper(II) complex [HC(COOH)(tz)₂]₂Cu(ClO₄)₂·CH₃OH (tz = 1,2,4-triazole) was prepared by the reaction of Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O with bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)acetic acid (HC(COOH)(tz)₂) ligand in methanol solution. The synthesized Cu(II) complexes, as well as the corresponding uncoordinated ligands, were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity in monolayer and 3D spheroid cancer cell cultures with different Pt(II)-sensitivity. The results showed that [HC(COOH)(pz^Me2)₂]Cu[HC(COO)(pz^Me2)₂]·ClO₄ was active against cancer cell lines derived from solid tumors at low IC₅₀ and this effect was retained in the spheroid model. Structure and ultra-structure changes of treated cancer cells analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) highlighted the induction of a cytoplasmic vacuolization, thus suggesting paraptotic-like cancer cell death triggering.

Magnesium, calcium and zinc [N2N'] heteroscorpionate complexes

A new family of sterically demanding N2N' heteroscorpionate pro-ligands (HC(tBu2pz)2SiMe2N(H)R (R = iPr, tBu, Ph, Xyl)) has been prepared via a straightforward modular synthetic route. An extensive study into the synthesis and characterisation of lithium, magnesium, calcium and zinc complexes supported by both 3,5-tBu and 3,5-Me substituted N2N' ligand families has been conducted. Attempted deprotonation of the pro-ligands with nBuLi afforded the corresponding lithium salts Li{HC(tBu2pz)2SiMe2NR} (R = iPr (1), tBu (2), Ph (3) and Xyl (4)) but air- and thermal-sensitivity limited the yields of these potentially useful precursors; only the sterically encumbered ligand system allowed clean reactivity. Magnesium methyl complexes Mg{HC(tBu2pz)2SiMe2NR}Me (R = iPr (5) and R = Ph (6)) were prepared using an excess of the Grignard reagent MeMgCl. Magnesium butyl complexes were synthesised in good yields using the dialkyl precursor MgnBu2 to afford Mg{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}nBu (R' = Me; R = iPr (7), tBu (8), Ad (9), Ph (10). R' = tBu; R = iPr (11), Ph (12)). Protonolylsis reactions were used to synthesise magnesium and calcium amide complexes Mg{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}{N(SiHMe2)2} (R' = Me; R = iPr (13), tBu (14), Ph (15). R' = tBu; R = Ph (16)) or Mg{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}{N(SiMe3)2} (R' = Me; R = iPr (17), tBu (18), Ph (19). R' = tBu; R = Ph (20)), and Ca{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}{N(SiMe2)2} (L) (R' = Me; L = thf; R = iPr (21), tBu (22), Ph (23). R' = tBu; L = none; R = Ph (24). Zinc methyl complexes Zn{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}Me (R' = Me; R = iPr (25), tBu (26), Ph (27). R' = tBu; R = Ph (28)) were prepared by reaction of the N2N' heteroscorpionate pro-ligands with ZnMe2. In preliminary studies, magnesium amide complexes 16 and 20 were evaluated as initiators for the ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and rac-lactide (rac-LA). Although the overall polymerisation control was poor, 16 and 20 were found to be active initiators.

Synthesis of an enantiopure scorpionate ligand by a nucleophilic addition to a ketenimine and a zinc initiator for the isoselective ROP of rac-lactide

The first example of nucleophilic addition of an organolithium to a ketenimine to prepare an enantiopure NNN-heteroscorpionate ligand is reported. Its utility to induce chirality is verified via preparation of two new zinc complexes, producing highly isotactic poly(lactide)s.

Synthesis of helical aluminium catalysts for cyclic carbonate formation

Helical aluminium complexes have been prepared and used as catalysts for cyclic carbonate synthesis.

Multiple coordination modes of a new ditopic bis(pyrazolyl)methane-based ligand

A new ditopic ligand, N-(2,2-bis(pyrazolyl)ethyl)-2,2-bis(pyrazolyl)acetamide ((pz)₂CH-C(O)-NH-CH₂-CH(pz)₂, L4Pz, pz = pyrazolyl ring), comprising two bis(pyrazolyl)methane donor groups linked via an amide bridge, has been prepared from the reaction of HOOCCH(pz)₂ and H₂NCH₂CH(pz)₂. The ligand coordinates to various metallic salts (i.e. AgO₃SCF₃, PdCl₂, Re(CO)₅Br, and Fe(BF₄)₂), in either a κ²-μ-κ² or a κ³-μ-κ² fashion, depending on the coordination preferences of the metallic center. These compounds were characterized by NMR, UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy, and in solid state by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the case of silver(i), a mono-dimensional coordination polymer was obtained, while the others were found to be discrete complexes. The synthesis and characterization of a heterobimetallic complex is also described. In solid state, all compounds are associated into supramolecular architectures via hydrogen bonding and pyrazolyl embrace interactions.

Magnesium Stung by Nonclassical Scorpionate Ligands: Synthesis and Cone-Angle Calculations

A series of tris(pyrazolyl)alkane (RCTp) scorpionate ligands of the type RCTp^3-R' (R=Me, nBu, SiMe₃ ; R'=H, Me, Ph, iPr, tBu) were synthesized and their ability to coordinate methylmagnesium moieties was examined. The reaction of Mg(AlMe₄ )₂ with neutral proligands HCTp^3-Ph or Me₃ SiCTp^3-Me , containing a non-innocent backbone methine moiety, led to deprotonation/rearrangement and SiMe₃ /AlMe₃ exchange to afford [(Me₃ AlCTp^3-Ph )₂ Mg] and [(Me₃ AlCTp^3-Me )Mg(AlMe₄ )], respectively, with monoanionic tripodal ligands. Treatment of sterically less demanding RCTp^3-R' with Mg(AlMe₄ )₂ produced isostructural dicationic "metal-in-a-box" complexes of the type [(RCTp^3-R' )₂ Mg][AlMe₄ ]₂ (R=Me, nBu; R'=H, Me). Utilization of the superbulky ligands MeCTp^3-Ph and MeCTp^3-tBu gave monocationic complexes [(MeCTp^3-Ph )MgMe][AlMe₄ ] and [(MeCTp^3-tBu )MgMe][Al₂ Me₇ ] as separated ion pairs. The reaction of Mg(AlMe₄ )₂ with nBuCTp^3-Ph led to the formation of the dimagnesium complex [{(nBuCTp^3-Ph )Mg(AlMe₄ )}₂ (μ-CH₃ )], which features a bridging methyl moiety and terminal η¹ -coordinated tetramethylaluminato ligands. Isopropyl-substituted ligand MeCTp^3-iPr emerged from further fine-tuning of the steric and electronic parameters and, upon reaction with Mg(AlMe₄ )₂ , gave (MeCTp^3-iPr )Mg(AlMe₄ )₂ ; this represents the first example of a magnesium bis(alkyl) complex with an intact RCTp^3-R' ligand. The exact ligand cone angles Θ^° of all magnesium complexes were determined according to the mathematical analysis developed by Allen et al. [J. Comput. Chem. 2013, 34, 1189-1197].

A Computational Study of the Reactivity of 3,5-(Oxo/Thioxo) Derivatives of 2,7-Dimethyl-1,2,4-Triazepines. Keto-Enol Tautomerization and Potential for Hydrogen Storage

The G4 level of theory was used to evaluate the acidity of a series of triazepines, that is, 3-thioxo-5-oxo-, 5-thioxo-3-oxo-, 3,5-dioxo-, and 3,5-dithioxo- derivatives of 2,7-dimethyl-[1,2,4]-triazepine. The ability of their available nitrogen lone pair to form a dative bond with BH₃ was also studied to highlight the resulting changes in acidity and to understand the behavior of the complexes formed. The effect of the substitution of sulfur by oxygen on the stability of the complex and the activation barrier of dehydrogenation was also evaluated. The formation of these triazepine:BH₃ complexes, accompanied by the loss of H₂ molecular hydrogen, is a strongly exothermic process. With one triazepine the pathway for H₂ elimination from [triazepine]-BH₃ is characterized by a small energy barrier ranging from 11 to 23 kJ/mol. The second H₂ elimination is relatively more energetic than the first one (∼27 kJ/mol). Because of the steric hindrance associated with the addition of two molecules of triazepine (triazepine)₂-BH₂, the third dehydrogenation step is relatively less favorable than the two preceding steps, particularly in the case of the 3,5-dithio- derivative. The potential energy surface associated with the dehydrogenation reaction of all triazepine derivatives was explored. The thermodynamic favorability reported in this study could allow triazepine-borane to be used as a material for H₂ storage applications.

Iron(iii) bis(pyrazol-1-yl)acetate based decanuclear metallacycles: synthesis, structure, magnetic properties and DFT calculations

The synthesis, structural aspects, magnetic interpretation and theoretical rationalizations for a new member of the ferric wheel family, a decanuclear iron(iii) complex with the formula [Fe₁₀(bdtbpza)₁₀(μ₂-OCH₃)₂₀] (1), featuring the N,N,O tridentate bis(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate ligand, are reported. The influence of the steric effect on both the core geometry and coordination mode is observed. Temperature dependent (2.0-300 K range) magnetic susceptibility studies carried out on complexes 1 established unequivocally antiferromagnetic (AF) interactions between high-spin iron(iii) centers (S = 5/2), leading to a ground state S = 0. The mechanism of AF intramolecular coupling was proved using a broken-symmetry approach within the density functional method at the B3LYP/def2-TZVP(-f)/def2-SVP level of theory.

Solventless Synthesis of Poly(pyrazolyl)phenyl-methane Ligands and Thermal Transformation of Tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)phenylmethane

The solventless synthesis of tris(pyrazolyl)phenylmethane ligands of formula C₆H₅C(Pz^R2)₃ (R = H, Me), starting from PhCCl₃ and 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (Pz^Me2) or pyrazole (Pz) was performed. The sterically crowded C₆H₅C(Pz^Me2)₃ is thermally transformed into the bis(pyrazolyl)(p-pyrazolyl)phenylmethane ligand Pz^Me2-C₆H₄CH(Pz^Me2)₂. In this compound both Pz^Me2 rings are linked through the N-atom to the methine C-atom. At higher temperatures, the binding mode of Pz^Me2 changes from N1 to C4. All transformations occurred via quinonoid carbocation intermediates that undergo an aromatic electrophilic substitution on the 4-position of Pz^Me2. Reaction conditions were established to obtain five tris(pyrazolyl)phenylmethane ligands in moderate to good yields. ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction of single crystals support the proposed structures.

Ring-opening copolymerisation of cyclohexene oxide and carbon dioxide catalysed by scorpionate zinc complexes

New bimetallic heteroscorpionate zinc complexes have been developed and used as efficient catalysts for the synthesis of poly(cyclohexene carbonate).

Synthesis of New Multi-Functionalised 1,1′-Carbonylbispyrazole Derivatives

A new series of multi-functionalised 1,1′-carbonylbispyrazole derivatives were synthesised through cyclisation of pyrazole carbohydrazides with some substituted methylene malononitriles in very good yields. The structures of all synthesised compounds were established on the basis of NMR, IR, MS and elemental analysis.