Synthesis and Reactivity of a Cyclooctatetraene-Like Polyphosphorus Ligand Complex [Cyclo-P8 ].

The thermolysis of Cp'''Ta(CO)4 with white phosphorus (P4 ) gives access to [{Cp'''Ta}2 (µ,η2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 -P8 )] (A), representing the first complex containing a cyclooctatetraene-like (COT) cyclo-P8 ligand. While ring sizes of n >6 have remained elusive for cyclo-Pn structural motifs, the choice of the transition metal, co-ligand and reaction conditions allowed the isolation of A. Reactivity investigations reveal its versatile coordination behaviour as well as its redox properties. Oxidation leads to dimerization to afford [{Cp'''Ta}4 (µ4 ,η2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 -P16 )][TEF]2 (4, TEF=[Al(OC{CF3 }3 )4 ]- ). Reduction, however, leads to the fission of one P-P bond in A followed by rapid dimerization to form [K@[2.2.2]cryptand]2 [{Cp'''Ta}4 (µ4 ,η2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 -P16 )] (5), which features an unprecedented chain-type P16 ligand. Lastly, A serves as a P2 synthon, via ring contraction to the triple-decker complex [{Cp'''Ta}2 (µ,η6 : 6 -P6 )] (B).

Across the Dimensions: A Three-Component Self-Assembly of Pentaphosphaferrocene-based Coordination Polymers.

Pentaphosphaferrocenes [CpR Fe(η5 -P5 )] (Cp*=η5 -C5 Me5 ) (A), Cp''=η5 -C5 H3 tBu2 -1,3 (B)) are excellent building blocks for polymeric assemblies in supramolecular chemistry in combination with coinage metal salts of weakly coordinating anions such as AgSbF6 . Adding rigid aromatic dinitriles ortho/meta/para-(NC)2 C6 H4 in a one-pot reaction between [CpR Fe(η5 -P5 )] and AgSbF6 leads to various coordination polymers (CPs) by a three-component self-assembly. The sterical demand of the differently substituted cyclopentadiene ligands as well as the rigid constitution of the isomeric dinitriles (NC)2 C6 H4 play a key role in the formation of the isolated CPs. All CPs were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Three- and Five-Membered Anionic Chains of Pnictogenylboranes.

An unprecedented family of three- and five-membered substituted anionic derivatives of parent pnictogenylboranes is herein reported. Reacting various combinations of the pnictogenylboranes H2 E'-BH2 -NMe3 (E'=P, As) with pnictogen-based nucleophiles MER1R2 (E=P, As; R1=H, R2=t Bu; R1=R2=Ph; M=Na, K) allows for the isolation of the unsymmetrical products [Na(18-crown-6)][H2 E'-BH2 -EHt Bu] (3: E=E'=P; 4: E=E'=As; 5: E=As, E'=P) and [M(C)][H2 E'-BH2 -EPh2 ] (7: E=E'=P, M=Na, C=18-crown-6; 8: E=E'=As; M=K, C=[2.2.2]cryptand; 9: E=P, E'=As, M=Na, C=[2.2.2]cryptand; 10: E=As, E'=P, M=K, C=[2.2.2]cryptand). [Na(18-crown-6)][H2 As-BH2 -t BuPH-BH3 ] (6) is only accessible by a different pathway, using t BuPH2 , BH3 ⋅ SMe2 and NaNH2 as starting materials. Additionally, the synthesis of symmetrical diphenyl-substituted compounds [M(18-crown-6)][Ph2 E-BH2 -EPh2 ] (11: E=P, M=Na; 12: E=As, M=K) is reported which can be regarded as isostructural inorganic, negatively charged analogs of dppm (1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) and dpam (1,1-bis(diphenylarsino)methane). Furthermore, an elongation of the pnictogen boron backbone in compounds 3, 7 and 9' (similar compound to 9, stabilized however by 18-crown-6), is attainable by reacting them with the pnictogenylboranes H2 E'-BH2 -NMe3 leading to corresponding five-membered chain-like compounds [Na(18-crown-6)][H2 E-BH2 -R1R2P-BH2 -E'H2 ] (E=E'=P, R1=H, R2=t Bu (13); E=E'=P, R1=R2=Ph (14); E=E'=As, R1=R2=Ph (15); E=P, E'=As, R1=R2=Ph (16)). Finally, the thermodynamics of the reaction pathways were evaluated by quantum chemical computations.

Structural Chemistry of Giant Metal Based Supramolecules.

The review presents a bird-eye view on the state of research in the field of giant nonbiological discrete metal complexes and ions of nanometer size, which are structurally characterized by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction, using the crystal structure as a common key feature. The discussion is focused on the main structural features of the metal clusters, the clusters containing compact metal oxide/hydroxide/chalcogenide core, ligand-based metal-organic cages, and supramolecules as well as on the aspects related to the packing of the molecules or ions in the crystal and the methodological aspects of the single-crystal neutron and X-ray diffraction of these compounds.

Insertion of Phosphenium Ions into a Bicyclo[1.1.0]Tetraphosphabutane Iron Complex.

By reacting [{Cp‴Fe(CO)2}2(µ,η1:1-P4)] (1) with in situ generated phosphenium ions [Ph2P][A] ([A]- = [OTf]- = [O3SCF3]-, [PF6]-), a mixture of two main products of the composition [{Cp‴Fe(CO)2}2(µ,η1:1-P5(C6H5)2)][PF6] (2a and 3a) could be identified by extensive 31P NMR spectroscopic studies at 193 K. Compound 3a was also characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, showing the rarely observed bicyclo[2.1.0]pentaphosphapentane unit. At room temperature, the novel compound [{Cp‴Fe}(µ,η4:1-P5Ph2){Cp‴(CO)2Fe}][PF6] (4) is formed by decarbonylation. Reacting 1 with in situ generated diphenyl arsenium ions gives short-lived intermediates at 193 K which disproportionate at room temperature into tetraphenyldiarsine and [{Cp‴Fe(CO)2}4(µ4,η1:1:1:1-P8)][OTf]2 (5) containing a tetracyclo[3.3.0.02,7.03,6]octaphosphaoctane ligand.

Versatile Coordination of AgI and CuI Ions towards cyclo-As5 Ligands.

The reactions of the cyclo-As5 complex [Cp*Fe(η5 -As5 )] (B) with the AgI and CuI salts of the weakly coordinating anion (WCA) [FAl{OC6 F10 (C6 F5 )}3 ]- ([FAl]- ) are studied. These reactions allow the synthesis of the mononuclear complexes [M(η5 : η2 -B)2 ][FAl] (M=Ag (1), Cu (2)) when a ratio of B/M(FAl) 2 : 1 is used. Compound 1 shows an unusual disorder of the central AgI cation between two π-coordinating cyclo-As5 ligands, which is absent in 2 pointing to a weak interaction of the Ag center towards the cyclo-As5 ligands in B. When the ratio of B/Ag(FAl) is changed to 3 : 1 or 1 : 1, the respective coordination compounds [Ag(η2 -B)3 ][FAl] (3) and [Ag2 (η2 : η2 -B)2 ][FAl]2 (4) are accessible. The coordination modes of the cyclo-As5 units in 1, 3 and 4 are all different, reflecting the adaptive coordination behavior of B towards AgI ions. The optimized geometries in the gas phase of 1-4 are determined by DFT calculations to support the bonding situation observed in their solid-state structures.

Au-Containing Coordination Polymers Based on Polyphosphorus Ligand Complexes.

Whereas the self-assembly of pentaphosphaferrocenes [CpRFe(η5-P5)] (CpR = Cp*, Cp×, and CpBn) with Cu and Ag salts has been well-studied in the past, the coordination chemistry toward Au complexes has been left untouched so far. Herein, the results of the self-assembly processes of [CpRFe(η5-P5)] with Au salts of different anions (GaCl4-, SbF6-, and Al(OC(CF3)3)4 (TEF-)) are reported. Next to a variety of molecular coordination products, the first coordination polymers based on polyphosphorus ligand complexes and Au salts are also obtained. Thereby, a 2D coordination polymer comprising metal vacancies is isolated. In all products, the Au centers are coordinated in a linear or a trigonal planar environment. In solution, highly dynamic processes are observed. Variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction were applied to gain further insight into selected coordination compounds.

Three-Component Self-Assembly Changes its Course: A Leap from Simple Polymers to 3D†Networks of Spherical Host-Guest Assemblies.

One-pot self-assembly reactions of the polyphosphorus complex [Cp*Fe(η5 -P5 )] (A), a coinage metal salt AgSbF6 , and flexible aliphatic dinitriles NC(CH2 )x CN (x=1-10) yield 1D, 2D, and 3D coordination polymers. The seven-membered backbone of the dinitrile was experimentally found as the borderline for the self-assembly system furnishing products of different kinds. At x<7, various rather simple polymers are exclusively formed possessing either 0D or 1D Ag/A structural motifs connected by dinitrile spacers, while at x≥7, the self-assembly switches to unprecedented extraordinary 3D networks of nano-sized host-guest assemblies (SbF6 )@[(A)9 Ag11 ]11+ (x=7) or (A)@[(A)12 Ag12 ]12+ (x=8-10) linked by dinitriles. The polycationic nodes represent the first superspheres based on A and silver and are host-guest able. All products are characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The assemblies [(A)12 Ag12 ]12+ were visualized by transmission electron microscopy.

The Missing Parent Compound [(C5 H5 )Fe(η5 -P5 )]: Synthesis, Characterization, Coordination Behavior and Encapsulation.

The so far missing parent compound of the large family of pentaphosphaferrocenes [CpFe(η5 -P5 )] (1 b) was synthesized by the thermolysis of [CpFe(CO)2 ]2 with P4 using the very high-boiling solvent diisopropylbenzene. It was comprehensively characterized by, inter alia, NMR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray structure analysis, cyclic voltammetry and DFT computations. Moreover, its coordination behavior towards CuI halides was explored, revealing the unprecedented 2D polymeric networks [{CpFe(η5:1:1:1:1 -P5 )}Cu2 (µ-X)2 ]n (2 a: X=Cl, 2 b: X=Br) and [{CpFe(η5:1:1 -P5 )}Cu(µ-I)]n (3) and even the first cyclo-P5 -containing 3D coordination polymer [{CpFe(η5:1:1 -P5 )}Cu(µ-I)]n (4). The sandwich complex 1 b can also be incorporated in nano-sized supramolecules based on [Cp*Fe(η5 -P5 )] (1 a) and CuX (X=Cl, Br, I): [CpFe(η5 -P5 )]@[{Cp*Fe(η5 -P5 )}12 (CuX)20-n ] (5 a: X=Cl, n=2.4; 5 b: X=Br, n=2.4; 5 c: X=I, n=0.95). Thereby, the formation of the CuI-containing fullerene-like sphere 5 c is found for the first time.

Iodination of cyclo-E5 -Complexes (E=P, As).

In a high-yield one-pot synthesis, the reactions of [Cp*M(η5 -P5 )] (M=Fe (1), Ru (2)) with I2 resulted in the selective formation of [Cp*MP6 I6 ]+ salts (3, 4). The products comprise unprecedented all-cis tripodal triphosphino-cyclotriphosphine ligands. The iodination of [Cp*Fe(η5 -As5 )] (6) gave, in addition to [Fe(CH3 CN)6 ]2+ salts of the rare [As6 I8 ]2- (in 7) and [As4 I14 ]2- (in 8) anions, the first di-cationic Fe-As triple decker complex [(Cp*Fe)2 (µ,η5:5 -As5 )][As6 I8 ] (9). In contrast, the iodination of [Cp*Ru(η5 -As5 )] (10) did not result in the full cleavage of the M-As bonds. Instead, a number of dinuclear complexes were obtained: [(Cp*Ru)2 (µ,η5:5 -As5 )][As6 I8 ]0.5 (11) represents the first Ru-As5 triple decker complex, thus completing the series of monocationic complexes [(CpR M)2 (µ,η5:5 -E5 )]+ (M=Fe, Ru; E=P, As). [(Cp*Ru)2 As8 I6 ] (12) crystallizes as a racemic mixture of both enantiomers, while [(Cp*Ru)2 As4 I4 ] (13) crystallizes as a symmetric and an asymmetric isomer and features a unique tetramer of {AsI} arsinidene units as a middle deck.

Metal-Deficient Supramolecule Based on a Fivefold-Symmetric Building Block.

An unprecedented cationic supramolecule [(Cp''Fe(η5 -P5 ))12 {CuNCMe}8 ]8+ 2.66 nm in diameter was selectively isolated as a salt of the weakly coordinating anion [Al{OC(CF3 )3 }4 ]- for the first time and characterized by X-ray structure analysis, PXRD, NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Its metal-deficient core contains the lowest possible number of Cu atoms to connect 12 pentaphosphaferrocene units, providing a supramolecule with fullerene topology which, topologically, also represents the simplest homologue in the family of metal-deficient pentaphosphaferrocene-based supramolecules [{CpR Fe(η5 -P5 )}12 (CuX)20-n ]. The 12 vacant metal sites between the cyclo-P5 rings, the largest number attained to date, make this compound a facile precursor for potential inner and outer modifications of the core as well as for functionalization via the substitution of labile acetonitrile ligands.

From nano-balls to nano-bowls.

Pentaphosphaferrocene [Cp*Fe(η5-P5)] in combination with Cu(i) halides is capable of a template-directed synthesis of fullerene-like spheres. Herein, we present the use of a triple decker complex as template that leads to the formation of unprecedented 'nano-bowls'. These spherical domes resemble the truncated fullerenes I h-C80 and represent a novel spherical arrangement in the chemistry of spherical molecules.

The Lewis-Base-Stabilized Diphenyl-Substituted Arsanylborane: A Versatile Building Block for Arsanylborane Oligomers.

The synthesis and properties of the diphenyl-substituted arsanylborane Ph2 AsBH2 SMe2 (1) and Ph2 AsBH2 NMe3 (2) stabilized by a Lewis base (LB) were reported. These compounds were obtained by reaction of KAsPh2 with IBH2 -LB (LB=SMe2 , NMe3 ). Compounds 1 and 2 were used as starting materials for oligomeric/ polymeric arsinoboranes. The neutral species, H3 B-Ph2 AsBH2 NMe3 (3) and Br3 B-Ph2 AsBH2 NMe3 (4), were synthesized by reaction with H3 B and Br3 B, respectively. Upon reaction with IBH2 -LB (LB=SMe2 , NMe3 ), the cationic oligomeric group-13/15-based compounds [(Me3 NBH2 AsPh2 BH2 NMe3 )]I (5) and [H2 B(Ph2 AsBH2 NMe3 )2 ]I (6) were obtained. All compounds were completely characterized. In addition, the oxidation of Ph2 AsBH2 NMe3 with chalcogens was studied. The sulfur Ph2 As(S)BH2 NMe3 (7 b) and selenium Ph2 As(Se)BH2 NMe3 (7 c) oxidation products were both isolated and fully characterized, whereas the bis(trimethylsilyl)peroxide oxidated arsinoborane Ph2 As(O)BH2 NMe3 (7 a) was not stable enough and could only be characterized in solution. DFT computations supported the decomposition pathway of this compound.

Organometallic-Organic Hybrid Polymers Assembled from Pentaphosphaferrocene, Bipyridyl Linkers, and CuI Ions.

A multicomponent approach of the P n ligand complex [Cp*Fe(η5-P5)] (1: Cp* = η5-C5Me5) with the ditopic organic linkers 4,4'-bipyridine (2) or trans-1,2-di(pyridine-4-yl)ethene (3) in the presence of CuI salts of the anions [BF4]- and [PF6]- or the coordinating anion Br-, leads to the formation of four novel organometallic-organic hybrid polymers: the cationic 1D polymeric compounds [Cu4{Cp*Fe(µ3,η5:1:1-P5)}2(µ,η1:1-C10H8N2)4(CH3CN)4] n [BF4]4n (4) and [Cu4{Cp*Fe(µ3,η5:1:1-P5)}2(µ,η1:1-C10H8N2)4(CH3CN)4] n [PF6]4n (5) as well as the unique neutral threefold 2D → 2D interpenetrated networks [Cu2Cl2{Cp*Fe(µ3,η5:1:1-P5)}(µ,η1:1-C12H10N2)] n (6) and [Cu2Br2{Cp*Fe(µ3,η5:1:1-P5)}(µ,η1:1-C10H8N2)] n (7).

Transfer Reagent for Bonding Isomers of Iron Complexes.

The cothermolysis of As4 and [Cp″2Zr(CO)2] (Cp″ = η5-C5H3tBu2) results in the formation of [Cp″2Zr(η1:1-As4)] (1) in high yields and the arsenic-rich complex [(Cp″2Zr)(Cp″Zr)(µ,η2:2:1-As5)] (2) as a minor product. In contrast to yellow arsenic, 1 is a light-stable, weighable and storable arsenic source for subsequent reactions. The transfer reaction of 1 with [Cp‴Fe(µ-Br)]2 (Cp‴ = η5-C5H2tBu3) yields the unprecedented bond isomeric complexes [(Cp‴Fe)2(µ,η4:4-As4)] (3a) and [(Cp‴Fe)2(µ,η4:4-cyclo-As4)] (3b). In contrast, the analogous reaction with the CpBn derivative [CpBnFe(µ-Br)]2 (CpBn = η5-C5(CH2(C6H5)5) leads exclusively to the triple decker complex [(CpBnFe)2(µ,η4:4-As4)] (4) possessing the tetraarsabutadiene-type ligand analogous to 3a. To elucidate the stability of the bonding isomers 3a and 3b, DFT calculations were performed. The oxidation of 4 with AgBF4 affords [(CpBnFe)2(µ,η5:5-As5)][BF4] (5), which is a product expanded by one arsenic atom, instead of the expected complex [(CpBnFe)2(µ,η4:4-cyclo-As4)]+.

Preorganized AgI Bimetallic Precursor with Labile Diphosphorus Ligands for a Programmed Synthesis of Organometallic-Organic Hybrid Polymers.

An AgI dimer capped with labile organometallic diphosphorus ligands [Cp2 Mo2 (CO)4 (η2 -P2 )] (Cp=C5 H5 ) acts as a highly pre-organized molecular precursor to direct the construction of 1D or 2D, and 3D organometallic-organic hybrid coordination polymers upon reaction with ditopic pyridine-based linkers. The formation of the supramolecular aggregates can be controlled by the stoichiometry of the organic molecules, and the mechanism is supported by DFT calculations.

An Icosidodecahedral Supramolecule Based on Pentaphosphaferrocene: From a Disordered Average Structure to Individual Isomers.

Pentaphosphaferrocenes [CpR Fe(η5 -P5 )] (1) and CuI halides are excellent building blocks for the formation of discrete supramolecules. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of Cu(CF3 SO3 ) for the construction of the novel 2D polymer [{Cp*Fe(µ4 ,η5:1:1:1 -P5 )}{Cu(CF3 SO3 )}]n (2) and the unprecedented nanosphere (CH2 Cl2 )1.4 @[{CpBn Fe(η5 -P5 )}12 {Cu(CF3 SO3 )}19.6 ] (3). The supramolecule 3 has a unique scaffold beyond the fullerene topology, with 20 copper atoms statistically distributed over the 30 vertices of an icosidodecahedron. Combinatorics was used to interpret the average disordered structure of the supramolecules. In this case, only two pairs of enantiomers with D5 and D2 symmetry are possible for bidentate bridging coordination of the triflate ligands. DFT calculations showed that differences in the energies of the isomers are negligible. The benzyl ligands enhance the solubility of 3, enabling NMR-spectroscopic and mass-spectrometric investigations.

Cationic Chains of Parent Arsanylboranes and Substituted Phosphanylboranes.

The substituted monomeric phosphanylboranes Ph2 P-BH2 ⋅NMe3 (1) and tBuHP-BH2 ⋅NMe3 (2) have been used for the synthesis of cationic chain compounds built up by R2 P-BH2 units. With a simple synthesis route, the highly stable cations [Me3 N⋅H2 B-PR1 R2 -BH2 ⋅NMe3 ]+ (1 a, 2 a) and [Me3 N⋅H2 B-PR1 R2 -BH2 -PR1 R2 -BH2 ⋅NMe3 ]+ (1 b, 2 b) (R1 =R2 =Ph; R1 =H, R2 =tBu) are obtained as iodide (I- ) salts. The reaction of H2 As-BH2 ⋅NMe3 (3) with IBH2 ⋅SMe2 leads to [Me3 N⋅H2 B-AsH2 -BH2 -AsH2 -BH2 ⋅NMe3 ][I] (3 a), the longest so far known arsanylborane chain. Compound 3 a reacts with acetonitrile through a formal hydroarsination reaction to form [cyclo-{As(BH2 ⋅NMe3 )(CMe=NH)2 (BH2 )}][I] (4). The reported synthetic strategy has proved to be a powerful tool for the formation of small, cationic oligomeric units. All products were comprehensively characterized by X-ray structure analysis, NMR, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry in cooperation with DFT calculations.

Arsenic-Rich Polyarsenides Stabilized by Cp*Fe Fragments.

The redox chemistry of [Cp*Fe(η5 -As5 )] (1, Cp*=η5 -C5 Me5 ) has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, revealing a redox behavior similar to that of its lighter congener [Cp*Fe(η5 -P5 )]. However, the subsequent chemical reduction of 1 by KH led to the formation of a mixture of novel Asn scaffolds with n up to 18 that are stabilized only by [Cp*Fe] fragments. These include the arsenic-poor triple-decker complex [K(dme)2 ][{Cp*Fe(µ,η2:2 -As2 )}2 ] (2) and the arsenic-rich complexes [K(dme)3 ]2 [(Cp*Fe)2 (µ,η4:4 -As10 )] (3), [K(dme)2 ]2 [(Cp*Fe)2 (µ,η2:2:2:2 -As14 )] (4), and [K(dme)3 ]2 [(Cp*Fe)4 (µ4 ,η4:3:3:2:2:1:1 -As18 )] (5). Compound 4 and the polyarsenide complex 5 are the largest anionic Asn ligand complexes reported thus far. Complexes 2-5 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, 1 H NMR spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy (2), and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, DFT calculations showed that the intermediate [Cp*Fe(η5 -As5 )]- , which is presumably formed first, undergoes fast dimerization to the dianion [(Cp*Fe)2 (µ,η4:4 -As10 )]2- .

Homoleptic Phosphaalkyne Complexes of Silver(I).

By employing silver salts with a weakly coordinating anion Ag[A] ([A]=[FAl{OC12 F15 }3 ], [Al{OC(CF3 )3 }4 ]), two phosphaalkynes could be coordinated side-on to a bare silver(I) center to form the unprecedented homoleptic complexes [Ag(η2 -P≡CtBu)2 ][FAl{OC12 F15 }3 ] (1) and [Ag(η2 -P≡CtBu)2 ][Al{OC(CF3 )3 }4 ] (2). DFT calculations show that the perpendicular arrangement in 1 is the minimum energy structure of the coordination of the two phosphaalkynes to a silver atom, whereas for 2 a unique square-planar coordination mode of the phosphaalkynes at Ag+ was found. Reactions with donor molecules yield the trigonally planar coordinated silver salts [((CH3 )2 CO)Ag(η2 -P≡CtBu)2 ][FAl{OC12 F15 }3 ] (3) and [(C7 H8 )2 Ag(η2 -P≡CtBu)][FAl{OC12 F15 }3 ] (4). All of the compounds were comprehensively characterized in solution and in the solid state.