Dipyrromethane-diphosphine: the effect of meso substituents on the formation of nickel complexes and on their performance in the transfer hydrogenation of ketones.

Three dipyrromethane-diphosphine ligands containing phenyl (L1H2), ethyl (L2H2) and cyclohexyl (L3H2) groups at their meso positions and their nickel complexes were synthesized and structurally characterized. Treatment of Ph2C(C4H3N)2-1,9-(CH2PPh2)2 (L1H2) with [NiCl2(DME)] gave complex [NiCl2(κ2-P,P-L1H2)] 2a. Conversely, the analogous reactions of L2H2 and L3H2 with [NiCl2(DME)] showed a mixture of products containing both a pyrrolide nitrogen coordinated complex of type [Ni(κ4-P,N,N,P-L)] 3 without an exogenous base and a chelated complex of type 2a. In addition, all three ligands react with [NiCl2(DME)] in the presence of a strong base to give a complex of type 3. Furthermore, a novel binuclear Ni(0) complex bearing L1H2 was characterized by X-ray crystallography. Both complexes 2a and 3 (0.5 mol% of loading) catalyze the transfer hydrogenation of a series of aromatic and aliphatic ketones (20 substrates) to their corresponding secondary alcohols using iPrOH as a hydrogen source in the presence of KOH at 100 °C in 6 h. The kinetic trace of the catalytic reaction shows that the meso-phenyl substituted diphosphine coordinated nickel complexes perform better than the other two ligand coordinated nickel complexes.

Four- and five-coordinate nickel(ii) complexes bearing new diphosphine-phosphonite and triphosphine-phosphite ligands: catalysts for N-alkylation of amines.

The reaction of Ph2PCH2OH with PhPCl2 and PCl3 in the presence of Et3N afforded new phosphonite compounds PhP(OCH2PPh2)21 and P(OCH2PPh2)32, respectively. The reaction between 1 and [NiCl2(DME)] in dichloromethane gave the five-coordinate complex [NiCl2(1-κ3 P,P,P)] 3. Conversely, 1 reacts with [NiCl2(DME)] in the presence of NH4PF6 in dichloromethane to yield the four coordinate ionic complex [NiCl(1-κ3 P,P,P)][PF6] 4. The reactions between 1, [NiCl2(DME)] and KPF6 in the presence of RNC (R = Xylyl, t Bu and iPr) in dichloromethane yielded the five coordinate monocationic [NiCl(1-κ3 P,P,P)(RNC)][PF6] (R = Xylyl) and dicationic [Ni(1-κ3 P,P,P)(RNC)2][PF6]2 (R = t Bu and iPr) complexes, respectively. The analogous reaction of 2 with [NiCl2(DME)] in the presence of KPF6 gave complex [NiCl(2-κ4 P,P,P,P)][PF6], 8. The structures of all complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies and supported by spectroscopic methods. To demonstrate their catalytic application, N-alkylation reactions between primary aryl amines, benzyl and 4-methoxy benzyl alcohols were found to proceed smoothly in the presence of 2.5 mol% of complexes bearing ligand 1 and <0.5 mmol of KOBu t in toluene at 140 °C. The C-N coupled products were formed in very good yields. Its substrate scope includes sterically encumbered, heterocyclic amines and aliphatic alcohol.

Synthesis, structural characterization, and bonding analysis of two-coordinate copper(I) and silver(I) complexes of pyrrole-based bis(phosphinimine): new metal-pyrrole ring π-interactions.

The reaction between 2,5-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyrrole and Me3SiN3 gave the new pyrrole-based bis(phosphinimine) L1H in an excellent yield. L1H reacts with [CuCl(COD)]2, AgBF4, or AgOTf to give the corresponding two-coordinate mononuclear ionic complex formulated as [M{(L1H)-κ2N,N}]+[X]- where M = Cu and Ag; X = [CuCl2], BF4 or OTf. Their single crystal X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the two-coordinate geometry formed by the chelate bonding mode of L1H. These 10-membered metalacycles exhibit planar chirality and were also characterized by spectroscopic methods. In addition, in all three structures, there exists a hitherto unknown π-interaction between the pyrrole ring atoms and metal, represented as η2-(Cα-N) in the copper(i) complex, and η3-(Cα-N-Cα') in the silver(i) complexes. These weak interactions were supported by DFT calculations in terms of their electron densities, non-covalent interaction plots and the decrease in the aromaticity of the pyrrole ring.

Versatility of the bis(iminopyrrolylmethyl)amine ligand: tautomerism, protonation, helical chirality, and the secondary coordination sphere with halogen bonds in the formation of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes.

The reaction of N,N-di(2,6-bis(isopropyl)phenylimino-pyrrolyl-α-methyl)-N-methylamine H2L1 with copper(i) sources such as CuX (X = Cl (1), Br (2), and I (3)) afforded bis(chelated) ionic copper(ii) complexes of the type [CuL1H]X. A similar type of mononuclear structure was obtained with Cu(NO3)2·(H2O)3. Conversely, binuclear copper(ii) complexes [Cu2(µ-L1)(µ-OOCCH3)(µ-OH)](4) and [Cu2(µ-L1H)(µ-OOCPh)(µ-O)] (5) were obtained from the reaction of Cu(O2CR)2·H2O with H2L1. Notably, these reactions in the presence of a base yielded the neutral copper(ii) complex [CuL1] (6). This product was also obtained from the reaction of complex 2 or 4 with NaOH in methanol. All structures feature a dianionic imino-pyrrole motif and a protonated central amine function except 4. The reaction of H2L1 with NiCl2·DME gave the mononuclear complex [NiCl2(L1H2)], 7. In contrast to this, the reaction of the newly synthesized sterically less encumbered ligand N,N-di(phenylimino-pyrrolyl-α-methyl)-N-methylamine H2L2 with NiCl2·DME gave the binuclear complex [NiCl(L2H2)(HOMe)]2[Cl]2 (8). Both 7 and 8 show the amine-azafulvene ligand form and coordination of the central amine. The reaction of complex 7 with NaHBEt3 yielded a neutral complex [NiL1] (8) containing the imino-pyrrole form. In the molecular structures, interesting secondary coordination spheres incorporating guest molecules such as CHCl3 and MeOH in the crystal lattices and the presence of helical enantiomers were observed and analysed. In one case, CHCl3 was found inside an unusual cage-like structure supported by halogen bonds. Preliminary DFT calculations on the geometry of the nickel complex with H2L1 showed that the pentacoordinated tbp geometry is more stable than the square planar geometry.

Crystal structure and DFT analyses of a pentacoordinated PCP pincer nickel(II) complex.

The reaction of NiCl2 with 1,3-bis[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]hexahydropyrimidine in the presence of 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide and KPF6 afforded a new pentacoordinated PCP pincer NiII complex, namely {1,3-bis[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]hexahydropyrimidin-2-yl-κN2}(2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide-κC)nickel(II) hexafluoridophosphate 0.70-hydrate, [Ni(C9H9N)(C30H30ClN2P2)]PF6·0.7H2O or [NiCl{C(NCH2PPh2)2(CH2)3-κ3P,C,P'}(Xylyl-NC)]PF6·0.7H2O, in very good yield. Its X-ray structure showed a distorted square-pyramidal geometry and the compound does not undergo dissociation in solution, as shown by variable-temperature NMR and UV-Vis studies. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided an insight into the bonding; the nickel dsp2-hybridized orbitals form the basal plane and the nearly pure p orbital forms the axial bond. This is consistent with the NBO (natural bond orbital) analysis of analogous nickel(II) complexes.

Nickel(II) and Palladium(II) Complexes Bearing an Unsymmetrical Pyrrole-Based PNN Pincer and Their Norbornene Polymerization Behaviors versus the Symmetrical NNN and PNP Pincers.

Unsymmetrical pincers have been shown to be better than the corresponding symmetrical pincers in several catalysis reactions. A new unsymmetrical PNN propincer, 2-(3,5-dimethylpyrazolylmethyl)-5-(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyrrole (1), was synthesized from pyrrole through Mannich bases in a good yield. In addition, the new byproduct 2-(3,5-dimethylpyrazolylmethyl)-5-(dimethylaminomethyl)- N-(hydroxymethyl)pyrrole was also isolated. The reaction of 1 with [PdCl2(PhCN)2] and Et3N in toluene yielded [PdCl{C4H2N-2-(CH2Me2pz)-5-(CH2PPh2)-κ3 P,N,N}] (2). The analogous reaction between 1 and [NiCl2(DME)] or NiX2 (X = Br, I) in the presence of NEt3 in acetonitrile afforded [NiX{C4H2N-2-(CH2Me2pz)-5-(CH2PPh2)-κ3 P,N,N}] (3; X = Cl, Br, I). All complexes were structurally characterized. The norbornene polymerization behaviors of the unsymmetrical pincer complexes 2 and 3 in the presence of MMAO or EtAlCl2 were compared with those of the symmetrical pincer complexes chloro[2,5-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolylmethyl)pyrrolido]palladium(II) (NNN), chloro[2,5-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyrrolido]palladium(II), and chloro[2,5-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyrrolido]nickel(II) (PNP) at different temperatures. The PNN and NNN complexes exhibited far greater activity on the order of 107 g of PNB/mol/h, with quantitative yields in some cases, in comparison to the PNP pincer palladium and nickel complexes. This trend was also supported by the iPr group substituted PNP nickel and palladium pincer complexes. These polymerization behaviors are explained using steric crowding around the metal atom with the support of NMR studies and suggested that the activity increases as the Npyrazole donor increases. Polymers were characterized by 1H NMR, IR, TGA, and powder XRD methods.

Facile synthesis of Pd(ii) and Ni(ii) pincer carbene complexes by the double C-H bond activation of a new hexahydropyrimidine-based bis(phosphine): catalysis of C-N couplings.

Hexahydropyrimidine-based bis(phosphine), a pro-NHC ligand, was synthesized in one step and excellent yield. It underwent spontaneous double C-H bond activation to give cationic pincer NHC complexes of the type [(PCP)MCl]X (M = Pd, Ni and X = Cl, BF4) in the absence of any external reagents. Their structures were determined by X-ray diffraction methods and the mechanism of formation of palladium carbene complexes as analyzed by DFT calculations showed two transition states. The Pd(ii) carbene complex effectively catalyzes a few C-N cross coupling reactions.

Enantiomers and Structural Isomers of Sodium and Palladium Complexes Bearing ortho-Bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolylmethyl)phenolate: Fluxional Property and Highly Active Catalysts for Norbornene Polymerization.

2,6-Bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazoylmethyl)-4-methylphenol LH was readily synthesized by the reaction between 2,6-bis[(dimethylamino)methyl]-4-methylphenol and 3,5-dimethylpyrazole. The X-ray structure of the trisodium complex of LH showed the benzene-like planar Na3O3 ring with alternative shorter (2.181-2.185 Å) and longer (2.244-2.263 Å) bonds. The reaction of anionic ligand L with [PdCl2(COD)] yielded three Pd(II) complexes: [Pd{OC6H2(CH2PzMe2)2-2,6-Me-4-κ N, O}2] (1), [PdCl{µ-OC6H2(CH2PzMe2)2-2,6-Me-4-κ N, O, N}]2 (2), and [PdCl2{µ-OC6H2(CH2PzMe2)2-2,6-Me-4-κ N, O, N}2Pd] (3) (PzMe2 = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole). Conversely, the neutral ligand LH reacts with [PdCl2(PhCN)2] to give the 20-membered palladacycle, [Pd2Cl4{µ-HOC6H2(CH2PzMe2)2-2,6-Me-4-κ N, N}2] (4). 2 and 3 are structural isomers and rigid molecules, whereas 1 and 4 are fluxional, as shown by their 1H NMR spectra. Hence, the dynamic behaviors of 1 and 4 were studied by variable-temperature 1H NMR methods and are proposed to be interconversion processes: cis-trans for 1 and two chiral enantiomers for 4. The structures of all complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods, which showed the presence of two different conformations of LH (trans and semitrans) bound to metal atoms. In addition, complexes 2-4 were found to be excellent precatalysts for the vinyl polymerization of norbornene in the presence of varying amount of MMAO and EtAlCl2 in toluene or CH2Cl2.Within a short period of time (1 min), almost all monomers are changed to polymers with one micromole of precatalyst. The optimized conditions of 1000 molar excess of MMAO gave 1.20 × 108 g PNB mol-1 h-1 at room temperature. These addition polymers are completely insoluble in several organic solvents and hence were only characterized by 1H, IR, powder XRD, and TGA methods.

The pyrrole ring η2-hapticity bridged binuclear tricarbonyl Mo(0) and W(0) complexes: catalysis of regioselective hydroamination reactions and DFT calculations.

Following the report of the ferrocene structure, metal complexes containing the heteroatom-substituted cyclopentadienyl (Cp) analogue, that is the η5 pyrrolyl ligand, have been reported. While the Cp ligand continues to be a favorite ligand in organometallics, the transition metal chemistry of the pyrrolyl ligand is still in the developing stage. In view of this, we carried out the reaction between the multidentate ligand 2,3,4,5-tetrakis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolylmethyl)pyrrole (LH) and Mo(CO)6 or [W(CO)3(CH3CN)3] and isolated two new binuclear tricarbonyl Mo(0) and W(0) complexes, [Mo2(CO)6(µ-η2:η2-LH-κ4N)] (1) and [W2(CO)6(µ-η2:η2-LH-κ4N)] (2). Their X-ray structural analyses showed that the metal centers are bridged by the double bonds of the central pyrrole ring (µ-η2:η2), a rarely observed coordination mode. Interestingly, complex 1 is a catalyst precursor for the hydroamination reactions of phenylacetylene with a series of secondary amines at room temperature offering the regioselectively formed anti-Markovnikov product in excellent yields. In addition, DFT calculations were performed to understand the bonding nature of the pyrrole ring in 1 and 2 and to estimate the energy of six different conformations of LH.

Synthesis and structural characterization of anion complexes with azacalix[2]dipyrrolylmethane: effect of anion charge on the conformation of the macrocycle.

Tetrahomodiazacalix[2]dipyrrolylmethane 1, [-CH2(C4H3N)CR2(C4H3N)CH2N(Me)-]2 an expanded version of the calix[4]pyrrole system, has the tendency to change its ring conformation (1,3-alternate) upon anion binding analogous to calix[4]pyrrole. However, owing to its tertiary amine nitrogen atoms in the ring, it can be protonated and becomes a powerful cationic receptor for anions, besides its inherent hydrogen bonding features. Macrocycle 1 binds with a series of monoanions BF4(-), Cl(-), PhCOO(-) and ClO4(-), and their X-ray structures showed that the ring conformation constitutes the 1,2-alternate form. Upon binding with dianions SO4(2-), CrO4(2-), SiF6(2-) and S2O3(2-), the ring conformation changes to the cone conformation. The intermediate partial cone conformation results for complexes with NO3(-) and Cr2O7(2-) ions. The change in the orientation of the pyrrole NH groups depending on the charge of the anion demonstrates the flexibility of the macrocycle and the dicationic macrocycle stabilizes the anions via both hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions.

Synthesis and structural characterization of silver(I), copper(I) coordination polymers and a helicate palladium(II) complex of dipyrrolylmethane-based dipyrazole ligands: the effect of meso substituents on structural formation.

A new class of multidentate dipyrrolylmethane based ditopic tecton, 1,9-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolylmethyl)dipyrrolylmethane, containing diethyl (L1) or cyclohexylidene (L2) substituents at the meso carbon atom were readily synthesized in 28-45% yields in two different ways starting from dipyrrolylmethanes. A one dimensional coordination polymer structure ([(L2)Ag][BF4])n was obtained when L2 was treated with AgBF4, whereas the analogous reaction between L1 and AgBF4 afforded the dicationic binuclear metallacycle complex [(L1)2Ag2][BF4]2. In addition, yet another coordination polymeric structure [(L1)CuI]n was obtained from the reaction between L1 and CuI. The analogous reaction of L1 with [Pd(PhCN)2Cl2] afforded the binuclear palladium complex [(L1)2Pd2Cl4] having a double-stranded helicate structure. The observed structural differences are attributed to the effects of the substituents present at the meso carbon atom of the ligand, in addition to the nature of the metal centre, coordination number and the preferred geometry.

Exhibition of the Brønsted acid-base character of a Schiff base in palladium(II) complex formation: lithium complexation, fluxional properties and catalysis of Suzuki reactions in water.

The reaction of the dialdehyde N,N-di(α-formylpyrrolyl-α-methyl)-N-methylamine with two equiv. of 2,6-diisopropylaniline yielded two Schiff bases: bis(iminopyrrolylmethyl)amine () and its hydrolyzed monoimino compound () after column separation. The dimeric lithium complex [(HL)Li]2 () containing the monoanionic form of was obtained by treating with (n)BuLi. The presence of both proton donors and acceptors causes the diimino compound to undergo tautomerization to exhibit an amine-azafulvene structure, though the central amine nitrogen competes for a proton. As a result, in the presence of Pd(2+) ions, the cationic complex [Pd(Cl)(H2L)][Cl] () containing one pendant amine-azafulvene arm and the protonated central amine nitrogen was obtained. Its X-ray structure showed that the bond distances are reversed for the imino-pyrrole moiety relative to those in the structure of . However, the reaction of with [Pd(OAc)2] afforded the neutral complex [PdL] () containing the dianionic form of the ligand. The reaction of with [PdCl2(PhCN)2] yielded a zwitterionic complex [PdCl2(H2L')] () owing to the presence of the central amine nitrogen. The formation of these palladium complexes with the features mentioned above can be explained by invoking the Brønsted acid-base character of the Schiff base. Complex is fluxional owing to the up and down movements of the palladium square plane formed by two 5-membered palladacycles, which causes the interconversion of its enantiomers and is studied by the variable temperature (1)H NMR method. Furthermore, both complexes and are precatalysts for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction in water. Sterically encumbered and electronically different substrates including activated aryl chlorides and benzyl halides gave the coupled products in very good yields. The reaction proceeds even at room temperature and in the presence of a large excess amount of mercury.

Single-step substitution of all the α, ß-positions in pyrrole: choice of binuclear versus multinuclear complex of the novel polydentate ligand.

The α and ß-positions of pyrrole were substituted with 3,5-dimethylpyrazolylmethyl groups in a single step that involved the reaction between 2,5-dimethylaminomethylpyrrole and 3,5-dimethylpyrazole-1-carbinol, affording 2,3,4,5-tetrakis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyrrole LH in 40% yield. The coordination chemistry of this new polydentate ligand LH was explored by synthesizing several Pd(II), Cu(I), and Ag(I) complexes. When LH was used as a neutral ligand with [Pd(COD)Cl2], AgBF4, and CuX (X = Cl and I), compartmental type binuclear Pd(II) and Ag(I) complexes such as [Pd2Cl4(µ-C4HN-2,3,4,5-(CH2Me2pz)4-N,N,N,N)] and [Ag2(µ-C4HN-2,3,4,5-(CH2Me2pz)4-N,N,N,N)(CH3CN)2](2+)[BF4(-)]2 and cage-like copper(I) complexes [Cu2(µ-X)(µ-C4HN-2,3,4,5-(CH2Me2pz)4-N,N,N,N)](+)[CuX2](-) (X = Cl and I) containing a halide ion bridging in a bent fashion were obtained, respectively. Conversely, when the same metal precursors were treated with LH in the presence of n-BuLi, the multinuclear complexes [Pd2Cl3(µ-C4N-2,3,4,5-(CH2Me2pz)4-N,N,N,N,N)], [(Cu2(µ-I){µ-C4N-2,3,4,5-(CH2Me2pz)4-N,N,N,N,N})2Cu](+)I(-), and [Ag4(µ-C4N-2,3,4,5-(CH2Me2pz)4-N,N,N,N)2](2+)[BF4(-)]2 were obtained. In addition, the treatment of LH with [Pd(OAc)2] gave the mononuclear complex, [Pd(OAc)(C4N-2,3,4,5-(CH2Me2pz)4-N,N,N)]. The chloride analogue of this complex was obtained by the reaction of LH with [Pd(COD)Cl2] in the presence of triethylamine. The structures of all complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, which revealed interesting structural features, including pyrazole arms adopting different conformations with respect to the pyrrole ring plane and linear two- and three-coordinated copper(I) and silver(I) atoms exhibiting weak interactions between the metal and the pyrrolic carbon atoms and Ag(I)···Ag(I) interactions. The observed shorter metal pyrrolide nitrogen (M-N) bond distances and the elongation of the C-C double and single bond distances of the pyrrole ring in these complexes probably indicates the presence of π-donation/π-back bonding between the metal and the pyrrole ring. These multinuclear complexes are novel, and their formations are favored by the multidentating nature of the ligand LH.

Structural diversity of copper(I) complexes formed by pyrrole- and dipyrrolylmethane-based diphosphine ligands with cu-X···HN hydrogen bonds.

Metal complexes containing hydrogen bond donor/acceptor groups are interesting because of their applications in several areas. In the course of our investigation on the synthesis of metal complexes using newly developed pyrrole-based diphosphine ligands, a few structurally interesting copper(I) complexes containing the pyrrolic NH hydrogen bond donors were synthesized. The reaction of 2,5-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyrrole (PNP) with an equimolar quantity of CuX (X = Cl, Br, and I) afforded the binuclear copper(I) complexes [Cu(µ-X)(µ-PNP-P,P)]2 (1-3) in very good yields (87-90%). Conversely, the analogous reaction between 1,9-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)diphenyldipyrrolylmethane (PNNP) and CuX (X = Cl, Br, and I) yielded the mononuclear Cu(I) complexes [CuX(PNNP-P,P)] (4-6) in very good yields (∼88%), in which the diphosphine ligand is chelated to the copper metal atom. Interestingly, when this reaction was carried out with a 1:2 mol ratio of ligand/metal, the cubane-like tetranuclear Cu(I) complex, [Cu4I4{µ-Ph2C(C4H3N)2-1,9-(CH2PPh2)2-P,P}2] 7, was isolated in 68% yield. In addition, the reaction between the dipyrrolyldiphosphine ligand (PNNP) and CuCl in the presence of 1 equiv of 1,10-phenanthroline monohydrate and NaBF4 afforded a novel ionic binuclear mixed-ligand Cu(I) complex, [Cu2(µ-X)(µ-PNNP-P,P)(NN)2]BF4 8, where NN = 1,10-phenanthroline in 57% yield. The structures of all these complexes were confirmed by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method and are supported by spectroscopic data. In contrast to the PNP pincer ligand, the dipyrrolyl-diphosphine ligand (PNNP) adopts chelation as well as bridging coordination modes with Cu(I) atoms, indicating its flexibility of bonding. In all the structures, the Cu-X···HN type of hydrogen bonds involving the metal halide ion as acceptor and the pyrrolic NH as donor are present with the Cu-X···H angles, which deviate from the favored 90°, as observed in their solid state structures. Further, the presence of this type of hydrogen bond was confirmed by NBO, AIM, and Hirshfeld analyses.

Synthesis of novel polyazacryptands for recognition of tetrahedral oxoanions and their X-ray structures.

The Mannich reaction of tris(pyrrolyl-α-methyl)amine (H3tpa) with a mixture of formaldehyde and primary amine hydrochloride (methyl or ethyl) gave two novel macrobicyclic molecules: a hexapyrrolic pentaazacryptand and an unusual pentapyrrolic tetraazacryptand, which were separated by column chromatography and their structures were determined by X-ray diffraction method. The analogous reaction using benzylamine hydrochloride yielded the encapsulated chloride anion complex in 16% yield even after neutralization with aqueous K2CO3, which was also characterized by X-ray diffraction. In addition, the anion binding properties of these macrobicycles were investigated by NMR titration methods, and the binding constants for halides and oxoanions were determined with the EQNMR program. The cavity of the hexapyrrolic pentaazacryptand is flexible and large enough enabling it to form inclusion complexes with the smaller size fluoride ion as well as with the bulkier oxoanions. This was demonstrated by (19)F NMR spectroscopy and by the X-ray structures of the encapsulated sulfate, phosphate, and arsenate ion complexes. Upon complexation the distance between the bridgehead nitrogen atoms changes. Further, anion induced conformational changes were observed in the structures of the oxoanion complexes, particularly in the arsenate structure which represents the first azacryptand encapsulated structure of an arsenate ion. Furthermore, the competition crystallization experiment showed that the phosphate ion complex of the hexapyrrolic pentaazacryptand is the sole crystallization product from an aqueous-organic medium, as confirmed by IR and powder X-ray diffraction studies.

The syn and anti isomers of the porphyrinogen-like precursor of calix[4]phyrin: isolation, X-ray structure, anion binding and fluoride-ion-mediated proton-deuterium exchange studies.

Porphyrinogen-like precursors of calix[4]phyrins are presumed to be unstable owing to their auto-oxidation. In contrast to this, the syn and the anti isomers of a calix[4]pyrrole molecule containing pyridine moieties at the meso positions were isolated and their structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Both the isomers gave the same calix[4]phyrin molecule upon oxidation. The anion binding properties of both the isomers were studied in DMSO-d6 by the EQNMR method, which showed that they have a preference of binding with the F(-) ion over the other large sized halide and oxo anions. In addition, the F(-) ion mediated H/D exchange process was monitored by the (19)F NMR method. The solution state structures of the 1 : 1 F(-) ion complexes containing deuterium atoms formed by a random but sequential substitution of NH protons by deuterium atoms were identified from their multiplicity patterns observed in the proton coupled (19)F NMR spectrum, which are supported by the proton decoupled (19)F NMR spectrum showing one singlet for each type of F(-) ion complex in solution for both the syn and anti isomers, correlating with their solid state structures.

Pyrrole-based new diphosphines: Pd and Ni complexes bearing the PNP pincer ligand.

A new class of diphosphine PNP pincer ligand, 2,5-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyrrole 2, was synthesized by the reaction between Ph2PH and 2,5-bis(dimethylaminomethyl)pyrrole in 90% yield. The analogous reaction of Ph2PH with 1,9-bis(dimethylaminomethyl)diphenyldipyrrolylmethane readily afforded a PNNP type diphosphine ligand, 1,9-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)diphenyldipyrrolylmethane 5 in 92% yield. These phosphine compounds were oxidized with H2O2 and S8 to give the corresponding phosphoryl and thiophosphoryl compounds 6-9 in very good yields. The reaction of the PNP pincer ligand 2 with [PdCl2(PhCN)2] in the presence of Et3N afforded the mononuclear Pd(II) complex, [PdCl{C4H2N-2,5-(CH2PPh2)2-κ(3)PNP}] 10 in 87% yield. Conversely, treatment of 2 with [PdCl2(PhCN)2] in the absence of Et3N gave the dinuclear Pd(II) complex [Pd2Cl4{µ-C4H3N-2,5-(CH2PPh2)2-κ(2)PP}2], the structure which is proposed based on the spectroscopic data. When 2 was treated with Pd(0) precursor [Pd2(dba)3]·CHCl3 the dinuclear Pd(I) complex [Pd2{µ-C4H2N-2,5-(CH2PPh2)2-κ(2)PN,κ(1)P}2], 12, was obtained in 23% yield. The formation of complex 12 is solvent dependent, which transforms into complex 10 in CDCl3 as studied by variable temperature (1)H and (31)P NMR methods. Treatment of 2 with [Ni(OAc)2]·4H2O gave the mononuclear Ni(II) pincer complex [Ni(OAc){C4H2N-2,5-(CH2PPh2)2-κ(3)PNP}], 13, which upon treatment with an excess of LiCl or LiBr or KI afforded the respective halide ion substituted Ni(II) complexes, [NiX{C4H2N-2,5-(CH2PPh2)2-κ(3)PNP}] (X = Cl, Br, and I), 14-16, in very good yields. The structures of 5, 2,5-bis(diphenylphosphorylmethyl)pyrrole 6, 10, 12, and 14-16 were determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction method. In the structure of 12, two short contacts between the diagonally positioned Pd and P atoms are observed. To understand these weak interactions, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were done and an interaction MO diagram is presented.

A tripyrrolylmethane-based macrobicyclic triazacryptand: X-ray structure, size-selective anion binding, and fluoride-ion-mediated proton-deuterium exchange studies.

A new class of tripyrrolylmethane-based triazacryptand with bridgehead carbons and acyclic molecules were synthesized by the Mannich reaction of tripyrrolylmethane with primary or secondary amine hydrochloride and formaldehyde, respectively. The structure of the triazacryptand was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. The anion binding properties of both the bicyclic and acyclic receptors were studied by (1)H NMR titration method. The binding studies showed that both receptors exhibit very high affinity and bind strongly with the F(-) ion in DMSO-d(6). However, the binding constant of azacryptand with F(-) is much higher than that of the acyclic receptor. This is attributed to the preorganization of the azacryptand having a specific cavity size, and the strength and the number of hydrogen bonds formed by the F(-) ion. This is supported by the crystal structures of F(-), Cl(-), and Br(-) ion complexes of the bicyclic receptor and by DFT calculations. The X-ray structures showed that the azacryptand receptor forms an inclusion complex with only the F(-) ion; other anions bind in the clefts of the macrobicycle, thus supporting a size-selective anion binding behavior. The high affinity and the selectivity of the macrobicycle as a neutral receptor of the F(-) ion in the presence of other competitive anions in DMSO-d(6) were confirmed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the F(-)-ion-mediated hydrogen-deuterium exchanges were monitored by (19)F NMR spectroscopy, showing multiplets based on the formation of all possible deuterium-exchanged fluoride complexes in solution.

Synthesis and X-ray structures of novel macrocycles and macrobicycles containing N,N-di(pyrrolylmethyl)-N-methylamine moiety: preliminary anion binding study.

The [2 + 2] Schiff base condensation reactions between the newly synthesized dialdehyde, N,N-di(α-formylpyrrolyl-α-methyl)-N-methylamine), and ethylenediamine or p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride readily afforded the 30- and 34-membered large size macrocycles in very high yields. Subsequent reduction reactions of these macrocycles with NaBH(4) gave the corresponding saturated macrocyclic hexaamines in good yields. The analogous reaction of the new dialdehyde with a triamine molecule afforded the [3 + 2] Schiff base macrobicycle in high yield, which was then reduced by reaction with NaBH(4) to give the saturated macrobicycle. All these compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. The anion binding properties of the saturated macrocycles having the ethylene and the phenylene linkers in CDCl(3) were studied by NMR titration methods. Although they have similar pyrrolic and amine NH groups their binding properties are different and interesting, owing to the conformational flexibility or rigidness rendered by the ethylene or phenylene groups, respectively. The macrocycle having the ethylene linkers binds anions in a 1:1 fashion, while the other receptor having the phenylene linkers prefers to bind anions in a sequential 1:2 fashion and has a multiple equilibria between a 1:1 and a 1:2 complexes, as shown by their binding constants, curve fittings by EQNMR, and Job plots. The X-ray structures of the 1:2 methanol, the aqua and the benzoate anion complexes of the macrocycles show two cavities in which the guests are bound, correlating with the high affinity found for the formation of stable 1:2 complexes in solution. The X-ray structure showed that the macrobicycle Schiff base adopts an eclipsed paddle-wheel shaped conformation and exhibits an out-out configuration at the bridgehead nitrogen atoms.

Mononuclear, helical binuclear palladium and lithium complexes bearing a new pyrrole-based NNN-pincer ligand: fluxional property.

A new pyrrole based NNN-pincer ligand, 2,5-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolylmethyl)pyrrole 2, was readily synthesized in two steps from pyrrole in 56% yield. The lithiation of the pincer ligand 2 using n-BuLi led to isolation of the dimeric lithium complex, [Li{µ-C(4)H(2)N-2,5-(CH(2)Me(2)pz)(2)-N,N,N}](2) 4, in 23% crystalline yield. The transmetalation reaction of 4 with [Pd(PhCN)(2)Cl(2)] afforded the mononuclear Pd(II) complex, [PdCl{C(4)H(2)N-2,5-(CH(2)Me(2)pz)(2)-N,N,N}] 5, containing one chloride ion in 45% yield. Alternatively 5 was obtained in an excellent yield of 87% by the reaction 2 of with [Pd(COD)Cl(2)] in the presence of triethylamine. On the contrary, a 20-membered macrometalacyclic molecule, [Pd(2)Cl(4){µ-C(4)H(3)N-2,5-(CH(2)Me(2)pz)(2)-N,N}(2)] 6, in which two PdCl(2) units are bridged by two molecules of 2 to give a helical structure, was synthesized by the reaction of 2 with [Pd(COD)Cl(2)] in the absence of base. The acetate analogue of complex 5, [Pd(OAc){C(4)H(2)N-2,5-(CH(2)Me(2)pz)(2)-N,N,N}] 3, was obtained by the treatment of 2 with [Pd(OAc)(2)]. The pyrrole twist angle of 5 is higher than that of 3. Complexes 3 and 5 show an AB pattern for their methylene protons at room temperature in CDCl(3) as well as in DMSO-d(6). The variable temperature NMR studies showed that the acetate and chloride complexes exhibit slightly different coalescence temperatures, which is a solvent dependent phenomenon, and twist angles.