Synthesis and structural studies on thioimides, R2C=NSR and sulfur diimides, R2C=NSN=CR2.

Reaction of Ph(2)C=O and py(2)C=O with Li[N(SiMe(3))(2)] and ArSCl (Ar = 2-O(2)NC(6)H(4), 2,4-(O(2)N)(2)C(6)H(3)) yielded Ph(2)C=NSAr (1a and 1b respectively) and py(2)C=NSAr (2a and 2b respectively). Reaction of fluorenone, C(12)H(8)C=O with Li[N(SiMe(3))(2)] and ArSCl under similar conditions afforded C(12)H(8)CNSAr (3a and 3b respectively). Whilst reaction of fluorenone with Li[N(SiMe(3))(2)] and SCl(2) in a 2 : 2 : 1 ratio afforded the sulfur-diimide, C(12)H(8)CNSNCC(12)H(8) (4), reaction of py(2)C=O with Li[N(SiMe(3))(2)] and SCl(2) under similar conditions afforded the thiazyl heterocycle [py(2)CNS]Cl (5) via intramolecular coordination. The structures of 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b and 4 are determined by X-ray diffraction. In the case of 4, bond lengths and DFT studies reveal greater π-delocalisation than in 1-3.

Crystal structures, EPR and magnetic properties of 2-ClC6H4CNSSN˙ and 2,5-Cl2C6H3CNSSN˙.

The ß-sheet structure associated with chlorinated aromatics (d(Cl···Cl)≈ 4.0 Å) has been implemented to drive formation of π-stacked structures of dithiadiazolyl radicals. Both title compounds exhibit an increase in paramagnetism above 150 K but solid-state EPR studies indicate that the origin of the paramagnetism in these two systems is different.

Synthesis and characterisation of 3,4-dialkoxy-substituted benzo-1,3,2-dithiazolyl radicals.

The conversion of 3,4-dialkoxy-benzenes into dialkoxy-benzo-1,3,2-dithiazolyls is described and representative examples (1 and 2) derived from benzodioxole and veratrol, respectively, are reported. Whilst 1 is a dimeric pi*-pi* dimer, the dimethoxy derivative 2 is monomeric in the solid state and exhibits antiferromagnetic interactions.

A chiral diphosphine as trans-chelate ligand and its relevance to catalysis.

The chiral diphosphine ligand R,R-trans-1,2-C(6)H(10)(NHCOC(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2), 1, gives the fluxional trans-chelate complexes [M(1)]X, 2a-2c, M = Au or Ag. It is suggested that a similar trans-chelate conformation may be present in the catalytic intermediate [Pd(1)].

Joining the crown family; the tetrameric, O-bridged macrocycle [{P(micro-N(t)Bu)}2(micro-O)]4.

The in situ reaction of the dianion [O_P(micro-N(t)Bu)]2(2-) with the dimer [ClP(micro-N(t)Bu)]2 gives the O_bridged macrocycle [{P(micro-N(t)Bu)}2(micro-O)]4 (1), being the largest crown-like phosph(III)azane of its type to be reported and having a structure that is directly related to the ubiquitous 12-crown-4.

Metal and ligand substitution of the aluminium tris-pyridyl ligands [RAl(2-py')(3)](-) (R = Et, (n)Bu, (s)Bu, (t)Bu; 2-py' = 2-pyridyl, 3-methyl-2-pyridyl, 5-methyl-2-pyridyl, 6-methyl-2-pyridyl).

A series of tris-pyridyl complexes [RAl(2-py)(3)]Li.thf [2-py = 2-pyridyl; R = Et (1); (n)Bu (2); (s)Bu (3), (t)Bu (4)] were prepared by the sequential reaction of AlCl(3) with RLi then 2-Li-py in thf. The related complexes [MeAl{2-(3-Me)py}(3)]Li(mu-Br)Li(thf)(3) (5), [MeAl{2-(5-Me)py}(3)]Li.thf (6) and [MeAl{2-(6-Me)py}(3)]Li.thf (7) are obtained similarly from MeAlCl(2) and the appropriate lithio-pyridine (2-Li-py'). The synthetic approaches used provide the means for extensive elaboration of the [RAl(2-py')(3)](-) ligand frameworks, and potentially broad access to a large range of new anionic tris-pyridyl ligands of this type. Fundamental insights into how the ligand bites and coordination environments offered are modified by substituents at the Al bridgehead and pyridyl rings are given by the solid-state structures of 1-7 .

Mixed alkylamido aluminate as a kinetically controlled base.

The mechanisms by which directed ortho metalation (DoM) and postmetalation processes occur when aromatic compounds are treated with mixed alkylamido aluminate i-Bu3Al(TMP)Li (TMP-aluminate 1; TMP = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide) have been investigated by computation and X-ray diffraction. Sequential reaction of ArC(=O)N(i-Pr)2 (Ar = phenyl, 1-naphthyl) with t-BuLi and i-Bu3Al in tetrahydrofuran affords [2-(i-Bu3Al)C(m)H(n)C(=O)N(i-Pr)2]Li x 3 THF (m = 6, n = 4, 7; m = 10, n = 6, 8). These data advance the structural evidence for ortho-aluminated functionalized aromatics and represent model intermediates in DoM chemistry. Both 7 and 8 are found to resist reaction with HTMP, suggesting that ortho-aluminated aromatics are incapable of exhibiting stepwise deprotonative reactivity of the type recently shown to pertain to the related field of ortho zincation chemistry. Density functional theory calculations corroborate this view and reveal the existence of substantial kinetic barriers both to one-step alkyl exchange and to amido-alkyl exchange after an initial amido deprotonation reaction by aluminate bases. Rationalization of this dichotomy comes from an evaluation of the inherent Lewis acidities of the Al and Zn centers. As a representative synthetic application of this high kinetic reactivity of the TMP-aluminate, the highly regioselective deprotonative functionalization of unsymmetrical ketones both under mild conditions and at elevated temperatures is also presented.

Formation of N-bridgehead 1,2,5-thiadiazolium and selenadiazolium rings through an intramolecular cyclisation reaction.

Treatment of N-lithiopyridylketimide derivatives Li[R(C=N)py] (R=Ph, py) with ECl(2) (E=S, Se) affords the fused thiadiazolium and selenadiazolium salts [RC(6)H(4)N(2)E]Cl [1]Cl and [2]Cl containing a bridgehead N atom through intramolecular coordination.

The 6pi, phosphide-stabilised stannylene dianion [C6H4P2Sn]2-; the first member of a new class of Arduengo-type carbene analogues.

Dilithiation of 1,2-(PH2)2C6H4 with nBuLi followed by reaction with Sn(NMe2)2 in the presence of the Lewis base donor tmeda [Me2NCH2CH2NMe2] gives [(C6H4P2Sn)(Li.tmeda)2] , containing the phosphide-stabilised, 6pi stannylene dianion [C6H4P2Sn]2-.

Synthesis and structure of the Li13 cage [[[O-P(mu-NtBu)]2Li2]3(LiCl)6Li(Cl/OnBu)0.5(thf)7], containing a [O-P(mu-NtBu)]2(2-) dianion.

The hydrolysis of [ClP(mu-NtBu)]2 with H2O-Et3N in thf, followed by in situ lithiation with nBuLi gives the Li13 cage [[[O-P(mu-NtBu)]2Li2]3(LiCl)6Li(Cl/OnBu)0.5(thf)7], containing a [O-P(mu-NtBu)]2(2-) dianion that is isoelectronic with ligands of the type [(RN)P(mu-NR)]2(2-).

Experimental and theoretical investigations of structural isomers of dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinate dimers: dichalcogenides or spirocyclic contact ion pairs?

A synthetic protocol for the tert-butyl-substituted dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinates [Na(tmeda){(EPtBu(2))(2)N}] (3 a, E=S; 3 b, E=Se; 3 c, E=Te) has been developed. The one-electron oxidation of the sodium complexes [Na(tmeda){(EPR(2))(2)N}] with iodine produces a series of neutral dimers (EPR(2)NPR(2)E--)(2) (4 b, E=Se, R=iPr; 4 c, E=Te, R=iPr; 5 a, E=S, R=tBu; 5 b, E=Se, R=tBu; 5 c, E=Te, R=tBu). Attempts to prepare 4 a (E=S, R=iPr) in a similar manner produced a mixture including HN(SPiPr(2)). Compounds 4 b, 4 c and 5 a-c were characterised by multinuclear NMR spectra and by X-ray crystallography, which revealed two alternative structures for these dimeric molecules. The derivatives 4 b, 4 c, 5 a and 5 b exhibit acyclic structures with a central chalcogen-chalcogen linkage that is elongated by approximately 2 % (E=S), 6 % (E=Se) and 8 % (E=Te) compared to typical single-bond values. By contrast, 5 c adopts an unique spirocyclic contact ion-pair structure in which a [(TePtBu(2))(2)N](-) ion is Te,Te' chelated to an incipient [(TePtBu(2))(2)N](+) cyclic ion. DFT calculations of the relative energies of the two structural isomers indicate a trend towards increasing stability for the contact ion pair relative to the corresponding dichalcogenide on going from S to Se to Te for both the isopropyl and tert-butyl series. The two-electron oxidation of [Na(tmeda){(EPtBu(2))(2)N}] (E=S, Se, Te) with iodine produced the salts [(EPtBu(2))(2)N](+)X(-) (7 a, E=S, X=I(3); 7 b, E=Se, X=I; 7 c, E=Te, X=I), which were characterised by X-ray crystallography. Compound 7 a exists as a monomeric, ion-separated complex with [d(S--S)=2.084(2) A]; 7 b and 7 c are dimeric [d(Se--Se)=2.502(1) A; d(Te--Te)=2.884(1) A].

Chemistry of pnictogen(III)-nitrogen ring systems.

This critical review covers significant recent advances in the chemistry of pnictogen(III)-nitrogen ring systems, also known as cyclopnict(III)azanes. The synthetic methodologies and reactions of the heavier pnictogen systems are compared with the well-developed chemistry of cyclophosph(III)azanes. Particular attention is focused on ring-oligomerization processes and the use of four-membered E(2)N(2) rings as building blocks for the synthesis of macrocyclic molecules. Main-group element and transition-metal complexes are also discussed (95 references).

Bis(1 degree-amino)cyclodistib(III)azanes: the first structural characterization of cis and trans isomers of a single cyclodipnict(III)azane.

The dichlorocyclodistib(III)azane [ClSb(mu-NtBu)]2 (1) has been shown to exist as the cis isomer in the solid state. A series of bis(1 degree-amino)cyclodistib(III)azanes [R'NHSb(mu-NtBu)]2 (2, R' = tBu; 3, R' = Dipp; 4, R' = Dmp) has been prepared by the reaction of 1 with 2 equiv. of LiNHR'. On the basis of NMR solution spectra, all three derivatives are formed as a mixture of cis and trans isomers. In the case of 3, the structures of both the cis and trans isomers have been determined by X-ray crystallography; cis-3 adopts an endo, endo arrangement for the amido protons of the DippNH groups. Isomerization of trans-3 into cis-3 occurs slowly in solution. Deprotonation of 2 with 2 equiv. of nBuNa or trans-3 with nBuLi produces [Na2Sb2(mu-NtBu)4] (5) and [Li2Sb2(mu-NtBu)2(mu-NDipp)2] (6), whose solvated cubane structures were established by X-ray crystallography. In contrast, the reaction of cis-3 with 2 equiv. of nBuLi produces the tricyclic compound [Li2Sb(mu-NtBu)2(mu-NDipp)(mu-NHDipp)] (7).

Self-assembly of coordination polymers: evidence for dynamic exchange between oligomers in solution and the isolation of a homochiral decagold(I) oligomer.

Reactions of the precursor molecules [Au2(mu-BINAP)(O2CCF3)2], 1a, racemic BINAP, 1b, S-BINAP (BINAP = 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl) with the easily exchanged linear bis(pyridine) ligand 1,2-trans-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bipyen) gave the polymeric complex [{Au2(mu-R-BINAP)0.5(mu-S-BINAP)0.5(mu-bipyen)}n](CF3CO2)2n, 2a, but either the polymer [{Au2(mu-S-BINAP)(mu-bipyen)}n](CF3CO2)2n, 2b, or the remarkable oligomeric [Au10(mu-S-BINAP)5(mu-bipyen)4(kappa1-bipyen)2](CF3CO2)10, 3, respectively. The type of oligomer 3 is a missing link in the ring-opening polymerization of macrocyclic coordination compounds.

Structure and dynamics of tetrakis(thiophosphinato)resorcinarene complexes of silver(I), gold(I), and palladium(II).

The coordination chemistry of the tetrakis(thiophosphinato)resorcinarene sulfur-donor ligands [(C6H2CH{CH2CH2Ph})4{OC(O)R}4{OP(=S)Ph2}4] (L), where R = OCH2Ph, 4-C6H4CH3, C6H11, C4H3S, or OCH2CCH, is reported. Both silver(I) and gold(I) form cationic complexes of the type [LM2]2+, in which the ligand acts as a bis(chelate) in forming complexes with linear S-M-S (M = Ag or Au) stereochemistry. Gold(I) also forms the unusual complex [L(AuCl)2][LAu2]2+, which forms a supramolecular polymer through intermolecular aurophilic attractions. Palladium(II) forms the complex [LPd2Cl2(mu-Cl)2], in which the dipalladium(II) unit extends the natural bowl structure of the resorcinarene. The solid-state and solution conformations of the complexes, as determined by X-ray structure determination and NMR spectroscopy, respectively, are similar, but several complexes were found to exhibit dynamic behavior in solution, involving either conformational mobility of the resorcinarene unit or intermolecular ligand exchange.

A new route to antimony telluride nanoplates from a single-source precursor.

Aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) of Sb[(TePiPr2)2N]3 results in pure hexagonal Sb2Te3 nanoplates between 375 and 475 degrees C on glass substrates, with a potential for enhanced thermoelectric properties for novel nanodevices.

Syntheses and structures of magnesium and zinc boraamidinates: EPR and DFT investigations of Li, Mg, Zn, B, and In complexes of the [PhB(NtBu)2].- anion radical.

The first magnesium and zinc boraamidinate (bam) complexes have been synthesized via metathetical reactions between dilithio bams and Grignard reagents or MCl2 (M = Mg, Zn). The following new classes of bam complexes have been structurally characterized: heterobimetallic spirocycles {(L)mu-Li[PhB(mu-NtBu)2]}2M (6a,b, M = Mg, L = Et2O, THF; 6c, M = Zn, L = Et(2)O); bis(organomagnesium) complexes {[PhB(mu3-NtBu)2](MgtBu)2(mu3-Cl)Li(OEt2)3} (8) and {[PhB(mu3-NtBu)2](MgR)2(THF)2} (9a, R = iPr; 9b, R = Ph); mononuclear complex {[PhB(mu-NDipp)2]Mg(OEt2)2} (10). Oxidation of 6a or 6c with iodine produces persistent pink (16a, M = Mg) or purple (16b, M = Zn) neutral radicals {Lx-mu-Li[PhB(mu-NtBu)2]2M}. (L = solvent molecule), which are shown by EPR spectra supported by DFT calculations to be Cs-symmetric species with spin density localized on one of the bam ligands. In contrast, characterization of the intensely colored neutral radicals {[PhB(mu-NtBu)2]2M}. (5c, M = In, dark green; 5d, M = B, dark purple) reveals that the spin density is equally delocalized over all four nitrogen atoms in these D2d-symmetric spirocyclic systems. Oxidation of the dimeric dilithio complex {Li2[PhB(mu4-NtBu)2]}2 with iodine produces the monomeric neutral radical {[PhB(mu-NtBu)2]Li(OEt2)x}. (17), characterized by EPR spectra and DFT calculations. These findings establish that the bam anionic radical [PhB(NtBu)2].- can be stabilized by coordination to a variety of early main-group metal centers to give neutral radicals whose relative stabilities are compared and discussed.

Chalcogenide derivatives of imidotin cage complexes.

Reaction of the secocubane [Sn3(mu2-NHtBu)2(mu2-NtBu)(mu3-NtBu)] (1) with dibutylmagnesium produces the heterobimetallic cubane [Sn3Mg(mu3-NtBu)4] (4) which forms the monochalcogenide complexes of general formula [ESn3Mg(mu3-NtBu)4] (5a, E = Se; 5b, E = Te) upon reaction with elemental chalcogens in THF. By contrast, the reaction of the anionic lithiated cubane [Sn3Li(mu3-NtBu)4]- with the appropriate quantity of selenium or tellurium leads to the sequential chalcogenation of each of the three Sn(II) centres. Pure samples of the mono- or dichalcogenides are, however, best obtained by stoichiometric redistribution reactions of [Sn3Li(mu3-NtBu)4]- and the trichalcogenides [E3Sn3Li(mu3-NtBu)4]- (E = Se, Te). These reactions are conveniently monitored by using 119Sn NMR spectroscopy. The anion [Sn3Li(mu3-NtBu)4]- also acts as an effective chalcogen-transfer reagent in reactions of selenium with the neutral cubane [{Snmu3-N(dipp)}4] (8) (dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) to give the dimer [(thf)Sn{mu-N(dipp)}2Sn(mu-Se)2Sn{mu-N(dipp)}2Sn(thf)] (9), a transformation that results in cleavage of the Sn4N4 cubane into four-membered Sn2N2 rings. The X-ray structures of 4, 5a, 5b, [Sn3Li(thf)(mu3-NtBu)4(mu3-Se)(mu2-Li)(thf)]2 (6a), [TeSn3Li(mu3-NtBu)4][Li(thf)4] (6b), [Te2Sn3Li(mu3-NtBu)4][Li([12]crown-4)2] (7b'') and 9 are presented. The fluxional behaviour of cubic imidotin chalcogenides and the correlation between NMR coupling constants and tin-chalcogen bond lengths are also discussed.

Stable spirocyclic neutral radicals: aluminium and gallium boraamidinates.

Stable dark red (M = Al) or dark green (M = Ga) neutral radicals {[PhB(mu-NtBu)2]2M} are obtained by the oxidation of their corresponding anions with iodine, and EPR spectra supported by DFT calculations show that the spin density is equally delocalized over all four nitrogen atoms in these spiroconjugated systems.