Zn···Zn interactions at nickel and palladium centers.

The analogy between ZnR fragments and the hydrogen radical represents a fruitful concept in organometallic synthesis. The organozinc(ii) and -zinc(i) sources ZnMe2 (Me = methyl) and [Zn2Cp*2] (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) provide one-electron fragments ·ZnR (R = Me, Cp*), which can be trapped by transition metal complexes [L a M], yielding [L b (ZnR) n ]. The addition of the dizinc compound [Zn2Cp*2] to coordinatively unsaturated [L a M] by the homolytic cleavage of the Zn-Zn bond can be compared to the classic oxidative addition reaction of H2, forming dihydride complexes [L a M(H)2]. It has also been widely shown that dihydrogen coordinates under preservation of the H-H bond in the case of certain electronic properties of the transition metal fragment. The σ-aromatic triangular clusters [Zn3Cp*3]+ and [Zn2CuCp*3] may be regarded as the first indication of this so far unknown, side-on coordination mode of [Zn2Cp*2]. With this background in mind the question arises if a series of complexes featuring the Zn2M structural motif can be prepared exhibiting a (more or less) intact Zn-Zn interaction, i.e. di-zinc complexes which are analogous to non-classical dihydrogen complexes of the Kubas type. In order to probe this idea, a series of interrelated organozinc nickel and palladium complexes and clusters were synthesized and characterized as model compounds: [Ni(ZnCp*)(ZnMe)(PMe3)3] (1), [Ni(ZnCp*)2(ZnMe)2(PMe3)2] (2), [{Ni(CN t Bu)2(µ2-ZnCp*)(µ2-ZnMe)}2] (3), [Pd(ZnCp*)4(CN t Bu)2] (4) and [Pd3Zn6(PCy3)2(Cp*)4] (5). The dependence of Zn···Zn interactions as a function of the ligand environments and the metal centers was studied. Experimental X-ray crystallographic structural data and DFT calculations support the analogy between dihydrogen and dizinc transition metal complexes.

Hume-Rothery phase-inspired metal-rich molecules: cluster expansion of [Ni(ZnMe)6(ZnCp*)2] by face capping with Ni°(η6-toluene) and Ni(I)(η5-Cp*).

The novel all-hydrocarbon ligand-stabilized binuclear clusters of metal-core composition Ni2Zn7E, [(η(5)-Cp*)Ni2(ZnMe)6(ZnCp*)(ECp*)] (1-Zn, E = Zn; 1-Ga, E = Ga) and [(η(6)-toluene)Ni2(ZnCp*)2(ZnMe)6] (2; Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl), were obtained via Ga/Zn and Al/Zn exchange reactions using the starting compounds [Ni2(ECp*)3(η(2)-C2H4)2] (E = Al/Ga) and an excess of ZnMe2 (Me = CH3). Compounds 1-Zn and 1-Ga are very closely related and differ only by one Zn or Ga atom in the group 12/13 metal shell (Zn/Ga) around the two Ni centers. Accordingly, 1-Zn is EPR-active and 1-Ga is EPR-silent. The compounds were derived as a crystalline product mixture. All new compounds were characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometric analysis using liquid-injection field desorption ionization, and elemental analysis, and their molecular structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. In addition, the electronic structure has been investigated by DFT and QTAIM calculations, which suggest that there is a Ni1-Ni2 binding interaction. Similar to Zn-rich intermetallic phases of the Hume-Rothery type, the transition metals (here Ni) are distributed in a matrix of Zn atoms to yield highly Zn-coordinated environments. The organic residues, ancillary ligands (Me, Cp*, and toluene), can be viewed as the "protecting" shell of the 10-metal-atom core structures. The soft and flexible binding properties of Cp* and transferability of Me substituents between groups 12 and 13 are essential for the success of this precedence-less type of cluster formation reaction.

A novel concept for the synthesis of multiply doped gold clusters [(M@Au(n)M'(m))L(k)](q+).

Heterometal-doped gold clusters are poorly accessible through wet-chemical approaches and main-group-metal- or early-transition-metal-doped gold clusters are rare. Compounds [M(AuPMe3 )11 (AuCl)](3+) (M=Pt, Pd, Ni) (1-3), [Ni(AuPPh3 )(8-2n) (AuCl)3 (AlCp*)n ] (n=1, 2) (4, 5), and [Mo(AuPMe3 )8 (GaCl2 )3 (GaCl)](+) (6) were selectively obtained by the transmetalation of [M(M'Cp*)n ] (M=Mo, E=Ga, n=6; M=Pt, Pd, Ni, M'=Ga, Al, n=4) with [ClAuPR3 ] (R=Me, Ph) and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and ESI mass spectrometry. DFT calculations were used to analyze the bonding situation. The transmetalation proved to be a powerful tool for the synthesis of heterometal-doped gold clusters with a design rule based on the 18 valence electron count for the central metal atom M and in agreement with the unified superatom concept based on the jellium model.

Organogallium- and organozinc-rich palladium and platinum clusters.

The heteroleptic, binuclear compounds [M2(GaCp*)3(PMe3)2] (M = Pd: 1a, Pt: 1b, Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) can be obtained if [Pd2(dvds)3] (dvds = 1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane) or [Pt(COD)2] (COD = cyclooctadiene) were treated with a 3 : 2 ratio of GaCp* and PMe3. A trinuclear complex [Pd3(GaCp*)3(PMe3)3] (2) was isolated from in situ prepared [Pd(PMe3)2Me2] and treatment with GaCp*. The new complexes were used as starting compounds for selective Ga/Zn exchange reactions to afford the dinuclear palladium compound [Pd2(ZnCp*)(ZnMe)3(PMe3)5] (3a) and the mononuclear platinum compound [Pt(ZnCp*)2(ZnMe)2(PMe3)2] (3b). The effects of a final transition metal count in organozinc ligated compounds and stabilization of Lewis acidic fragments like [Pd(PPh3)3], [Ni(C2H4)3] or [Mo(CO)5] were presented and discussed. All compounds have been fully characterized by (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry using a liquid injection field desorption ionization (LIFDI) method, elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies and the coordination polyhedra were analysed by the method of continuous shape measure (CShM).

Clusters [Ma(GaCp*)b(CNR)c] (M = Ni, Pd, Pt): synthesis, structure, and Ga/Zn exchange reactions.

Reactions of homoleptic isonitrile ligated complexes or clusters of d(10)-metals with the potent carbenoid donor ligand GaCp* are presented (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl). Treatment of [Ni4(CNt-Bu)7], [{M(CNR)2}3] (M = Pd, Pt) and [Pd(CNR)2Me2] (R = t-Bu, Ph) with suitable amounts of GaCp* lead to the formation of the heteroleptic, tri- and tetranuclear clusters [Ni4(CNt-Bu)7(GaCp*)3] (1), [{M(CNt-Bu)}3(GaCp*)4] (M = Pd: 2a, Pt: 2b), and [{Pd(CNR)}4(GaCp*)4] (R = t-Bu: 3a, Ph: 3b). The reactions involve isonitrile substitution reactions, GaCp* addition reactions, and cluster formation reactions. The new compounds were investigated for their ability to undergo Ga/Zn exchange reactions when treated with ZnMe2. The novel tetranuclear Zn-rich clusters [Ni4GaZn7(Cp*)2Me7(CNt-Bu)6] (4) and [{Pd(CNR)}4(ZnCp*)4(ZnMe)4] (R = t-Bu: 5a, Ph: 5b) were obtained and isolated. The electronic situation and geometrical arrangement of atoms of all compounds will be presented and discussed. All new compounds are characterized by solution (1)H, (13)C NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis (EA), liquid injection field desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LIFDI-MS) as well as single crystal X-ray crystallography.

The organozinc rich compounds [Cp*M(ZnR)5] (M = Fe, Ru; R = Cp*, Me, Cl, Br).

Organozinc (ZnR with R = Cp*, Me, Cl, Br) ligated transition metal (M) half-sandwich compounds of general formula [Cp*M(ZnR)5] (M = Fe, Ru) are presented in this work. The new compounds were obtained by treatment of various GaCp* ligated precursors with suitable amounts of ZnMe2 to exchange Ga against Zn. This exchange follows a strict Ga:Zn ratio of 1:2. Accordingly, a Ga/Zn mixed compound [{Cp*Ru(GaCp*)(ZnCp*)(ZnCl)2}2] can be obtained if the amount of ZnMe2 is reduced so that one GaCp* remains coordinated to the transition metal. All new compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy as well as by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques, if applicable. The coordination polyhedra of [Cp*M(ZnR)5] can be derived from the pseudo homoleptic parent compound [Ru(ZnCp*)4(ZnMe)6], as emphasized by continuous shape measures analysis (CShM). Computational investigations at the density functional theory (DFT) level of theory were performed, revealing no significant attractive interaction of the zinc atoms and therefore these compounds are best described as classical complexes, rather than cluster compounds. The Ru-L bond strength follow the order Cp* > ZnCl > ZnMe > ZnCp*.

Rigid, perdeuterated lanthanoid cryptates: extraordinarily bright near-IR luminophores.

Near-IR emissive lanthanoid cryptates have been developed with the lanthanoids Yb, Nd, Er, and Pr by designing a fully deuterated ligand environment that greatly suppresses multiphonon nonradiative deactivation pathways through avoidance of high-energy oscillators and rigidification of the ligand backbone. Strong luminescence is observed in CD(3)CN for all four lanthanoids. Luminescence lifetimes in CD(3)CN are among the highest values for molecular complexes in solution reported so far (Yb, τ(obs) = 79 µs; Nd, τ(obs) = 3.3 µs). For the ytterbium cryptate, the highest luminescence lifetime can be obtained using CD(3)OD (τ(obs) = 91 µs) and even in nondeuterated CH(3)CN the lifetime is still unusually high (τ(obs) = 53 µs). X-ray crystallography and (1)H NMR analysis of the corresponding nondeuterated lutetium cryptate suggest that the inner coordination sphere in solution is completely saturated by the octadentate cryptand and one chloride counterion. All lanthanoid cryptates remarkably show complete stability during reversed-phase HPLC measurements under strongly acidic conditions.

Oligonuclear molecular models of intermetallic phases: a case study on [Pd2Zn6Ga2(Cp*)5(CH3)3].

The synthesis, characterization, and theoretical investigation by means of quantum-chemical calculations of an oligonuclear metal-rich compound are presented. The reaction of homoleptic dinuclear palladium compound [Pd(2)(µ-GaCp*)(3)(GaCp*)(2)] with ZnMe(2) resulted in the formation of unprecedented ternary Pd/Ga/Zn compound [Pd(2)Zn(6)Ga(2)(Cp*)(5)(CH(3))(3)] (1), which was analyzed by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, MS, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 consisted of two C(s)-symmetric molecular isomers, as revealed by NMR spectroscopy, at which distinct site-preferences related to the Ga and Zn positions were observed by quantum-chemical calculations. Structural characterization of compound 1 showed significantly different coordination environments for both palladium centers. Whilst one Pd atom sat in the central of a bi-capped trigonal prism, thereby resulting in a formal 18-valence electron fragment, {Pd(ZnMe)(2)(ZnCp*)(4)(GaMe)}, the other Pd atom occupied one capping unit, thereby resulting in a highly unsaturated 12-valence electron fragment, {Pd(GaCp*)}. The bonding situation, as determined by atoms-in-molecules analysis (AIM), NBO partial charges, and molecular orbital (MO) analysis, pointed out that significant Pd-Pd interactions had a large stake in the stabilization of this unusual molecule. The characterization and quantum-chemical calculations of compound 1 revealed distinct similarities to related M/Zn/Ga Hume-Rothery intermetallic solid-state compounds, such as Ga/Zn-exchange reactions, the site-preferences of the Zn/Ga positions, and direct M-M bonding, which contributes to the overall stability of the metal-rich compound.

Zinc-rich compounds of iron and cobalt: formation of [Fe2Zn(n)] (n = 2-4) and [Co2Zn3] cores.

The reactions of heteroleptic GaCp*/CO containing transition metal complexes of iron and cobalt, namely [(CO)(3)M(µ(2)-GaCp*)(m)M(CO)(3)] (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; M = Fe, m = 3; M = Co, m = 2) and [Fe(CO)(4)(GaCp*)], with ZnMe(2) in toluene and the presence of a coordinating co-solvent were investigated. The reaction of the iron complex [Fe(CO)(4)(GaCp*)] with ZnMe(2) in presence of tetrahydrofurane (thf) leads to the dimeric compound [(CO)(4)Fe{µ(2)-Zn(thf)(2)}(2)Fe(CO)(4)] (1). Reaction of [(CO)(3)Fe(µ(2)-GaCp*(3))Fe(CO)(3)] with ZnMe(2) and stoichiometric amounts of thf leads to the formation of [(CO)(3)Fe{µ(2)-Zn(thf)(2)}(2)(µ(2)-ZnMe)(2)Fe(CO)(3)] (2) containing {Zn(thf)(2)} as well as ZnMe ligands. Using pyridine (py) instead of thf leads to [(CO)(3)Fe{µ(2)-Zn(py)(2)}(3)Fe(CO)(3)] (3) via replacement of all GaCp* ligands by three{Zn(py)(2)} groups. In contrast, reaction of [(CO)(3)Co(µ(2)-GaCp*)(2)Co(CO)(3)] with ZnMe(2) in the presence of py or thf leads in both cases to the formation of [(CO)(3)Co{µ(2)-ZnL(2)}(µ(2)-ZnCp*)(2)Co(CO)(3)] (L = py (4), thf (5)) via replacement of GaCp* with {Zn(L)(2)} units as well as Cp* transfer from the gallium to the zinc centre. All compounds were characterised by NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis.

The rich chemistry of [Zn2Cp*2]: trapping three different types of zinc ligands in the PdZn7 complex [Pd(ZnCp*)4(ZnMe)2{Zn(tmeda)}].

The synthesis, structural characterization, and bonding situation analysis of a novel, all-zinc, hepta-coordinated palladium complex [Pd(ZnCp*)(4)(ZnMe)(2){Zn(tmeda)}] (1) is reported. The reaction of the substitution labile d(10) metal starting complex [Pd(CH(3))(2)(tmeda)] (tmeda = N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-ethane-1,2-diamine) with stoichiometric amounts of [Zn(2)Cp*(2)] (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) results in the formation of [Pd(ZnCp*)(4)(ZnMe)(2){Zn(tmeda)}] (1) in 35% yield. Compound 1 has been fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and liquid injection field desorption ionization mass spectrometry. It consists of an unusual [PdZn(7)] metal core and exhibits a terminal {Zn(tmeda)} unit. The bonding situation of 1 with respect to the properties of the three different types of Zn ligands Zn(R,L) (R = CH(3), Cp*; L = tmeda) bonded to the Pd center was studied by density functional theory quantum chemical calculations. The results of energy decomposition and atoms in molecules analysis clearly point out significant differences according to R vs L. While Zn(CH(3)) and ZnCp* can be viewed as 1e donor Zn(I) ligands, {Zn(tmeda)} is best described as a strong 2e Zn(0) donor ligand. Thus, the 18 valence electron complex 1 nicely fits to the family of metal-rich molecules of the general formula [M(ZnR)(a)(GaR)(b)] (a + 2b = n ≥ 8; M = Mo, Ru, Rh; Ni, Pd, Pt; R = Me, Et, Cp*).

Mixed phosphine and group-13 metal ligator complexes [(PR3)(a)M(ECp*)b] (M = Mo, Ni; E = Ga, Al; R = C6H5, cyclo-C6H11, CH3).

Treatment of [Mo(N(2))(PMe(3))(5)] with two equivalents GaCp* (Cp* = η(5)-C(5)(CH(3))(5)) leads to the formation of cis-[Mo(GaCp*)(2)(PMe(3))(4)] (1), while AlCp* did not react with this precursor. In addition, [Ni(GaCp*)(2)(PPh(3))(2)] (2a), [Ni(AlCp*)(2)(PPh(3))(2)] (2b), [Ni(GaCp*)(2)(PCy(3))(2)] (3a), [Ni(GaCp*)(2)(PMe(3))(2)] (3b), [Ni(GaCp*)(3)(PCy(3))] (4) and [Ni(GaCp*)(PMe(3))(3)] (5) have been prepared in high yields by a direct synthesis from [Ni(COD)(2)] and stoichiometric amounts of the ligands PR(3) and ECp* (E = Al, Ga), respectively. All compounds have been fully characterized by (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.

Molecular Hume-Rothery compounds [M(ZnR)n] and [M(ZnR)a(GaR)b] (a + 2b = n ≥ 8): relations of coordination polyhedra and electronic structure.

The icosahedral complex [Mo(ZnMe)(9)(ZnCp*)(3)] is discussed as the prototype for a whole family of high-coordinate, metal-rich compounds [M(ZnR)(n)] and [M(ZnR)(a)(GaR)(b)] (a + 2b = n ≥ 8; for the same metal M). In contrast to other highly coordinate complexes of classic, monodentate (nonchelating) nonmetal atom ligator ligands, for the (weakly) bonding metal atom ligators ZnR and GaR, attractive ligand-ligand interactions play an important role. The structures of the compounds were evaluated by the method of continuous-shape measures, and the bonding situation of models (R = H) was analyzed on the density functional level of theory. The structures and coordination polyhedra of [M(M'R)(n)] (M' = Zn, Ga) turned out to be independent of the central metal or the nature of the metals M' in the ligand shell, and the resulting molecular orbital schemes vary only slightly as a result of the different symmetries, however resulting in the same coordination polyhedra (structures) for all complexes. This result may be viewed as a molecular representation for the situation in extended solid-state intermetallic phases of the Hume-Rothery type.

Homoleptic hexa and penta gallylene coordinated complexes of molybdenum and rhodium.

The reactions of molybdenum(0) and rhodium(I) olefin containing starting materials with the carbenoid group 13 metal ligator ligand GaR (R = Cp*, DDP; Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, DDP = HC(CMeNC(6)H(3)-2,6-(i)Pr(2))(2)) were investigated and compared. Treatment of [Mo(η(4)-butadiene)(3)] with GaCp* under hydrogen atmosphere at 100 °C yields the homoleptic, hexa coordinated, and sterically crowded complex [Mo(GaCp*)(6)] (1) in good yields ≥50%. Compound 1 exhibits an unusual and high coordinated octahedral [MoGa(6)] core. Similarly, [Rh(GaCp*)(5)][CF(3)SO(3)] (2) and [Rh(GaCp*)(5)][BAr(F)] (3) (BAr(F) = B{C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)}(4)) are prepared by the reaction of GaCp* with the rhodium(I) compound [Rh(coe)(2)(CF(3)SO(3))](2) (coe = cyclooctene) and subsequent anion exchange in case of 3. Compound 2 features a trigonal bipyramidal [RhGa(5)] unit. In contrast, reaction of excess Ga(DDP) with [Rh(coe)(2)(CF(3)SO(3))](2) does not result in a high coordinated homoleptic complex but instead yields [(coe)(toluene)Rh{Ga(DDP)}(CF(3)SO(3))] (4). The common feature of 2 and 4 in the solid state structure is the presence of short CF(3)SO(2)O···Ga contacts involving the GaCp* or rather the Ga(DDP) ligand. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 have been fully characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, variable temperature (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, as well as elemental analysis.

Liquid-phase epitaxy of multicomponent layer-based porous coordination polymer thin films of [M(L)(P)0.5] type: importance of deposition sequence on the oriented growth.

The progressive liquid-phase layer-by-layer (LbL) growth of anisotropic multicomponent layer-based porous coordination polymers (PCPs) of the general formula [M(L)(P)(0.5)] (M: Cu(2+), Zn(2+); L: dicarboxylate linker; P: dinitrogen pillar ligand) was investigated by using either pyridyl- or carboxyl-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold substrates as templates. It was found that the deposition of smooth, highly crystalline, and oriented multilayer films of these PCPs depends on the conditions at the early growth cycles. In the case of a two-step process with an equimolar mixture of L and P, growth along the [001] direction is strongly preferred. However, employing a three-step scheme with full separation of all components allows deposition along the [100] direction on carboxyl-terminated SAMs. Interestingly, the growth of additional layers on top of previously grown oriented seeding layers proved to be insensitive to the particular growth scheme and full retention of the initial orientation, either along the [001] or [100] direction, was observed. This homo- and heteroepitaxial LbL growth allows full control over the orientation and the layer sequence, including introduction of functionalized linkers and pillars.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of the Tp sandwich compound TpRu(p-Br-C6H4Tp) and application of its benzoic acid derivative TpRu(p-(CO2H)-C6H4Tp) in the covalent labelling of biomolecules.

An improved synthesis for the mixed-ligand tris(pyrazolyl)borate sandwich compound TpRu(p-BrC(6)H(4)Tp) 1 by microwave-assisted synthesis starting from RuTp(COD)Cl (COD: 1,4-cyclooctadiene, Tp: hydrido-tris(pyrazolyl)borate) was developed. Air-stable 1 was characterized by an X-ray single crystal structure and has been converted to the acid-functionalized TpRu(p-(CO(2)H)-C(6)H(4)Tp) 2, which may be readily coupled to biomolecules as exemplified by the covalent attachment to valine-tert-butylester to give TpRu(p-(CO-Val-OtBu)-C(6)H(4)Tp) 3. In solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), 2 has been coupled to the pentapeptide Enkephalin, providing TpRu(p-(CO-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-OH)-C(6)H(4)Tp) 4 as the first example of a ruthenium Tp sandwich bioconjugate.

One electron organozinc ligands in metal rich molecules by Ga/Zn exchange: from Cp*Rh(GaCp*)2 to Cp*Rh(ZnR)4 units.

Two unusual compounds, [{Cp*Rh(ZnCp*)(2)(ZnMe)(ZnCl)}(2)] (1) and [Cp*(2)Rh][(Cp*Rh)(6)Zn(18)Cl(12)(mu(6)-Cl)] (2), both bearing closed shell 18-electron square pyramidal Cp*RhZn(4) building units were obtained by combined Ga/Zn, Me/Cp* and Me/Cl exchange upon treatment of [Cp*Rh(GaCp*)(2)(GaCl(2)Cp*)] with ZnMe(2) (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl).