Vapochromism and Magnetochemical Switching of a Nickel(II) Paddlewheel Complex by Reversible NH3 Uptake and Release.

Reaction of [NiCl2 (PnH)4 ] (1) (PnH=6-tert-butyl-pyridazine-3-thione) with NiCl2 affords the binuclear paddlewheel (PW) complex [Ni2 (Pn)4 ] (2). Diamagnetic complex 2 is the first example of a PW complex capable of reversibly binding and releasing NH3 . The NH3 ligand in [Ni2 (Pn)4 (NH3 )] (2⋅NH3 ) enforces major spectroscopic and magnetic susceptibility changes, thus displaying vapochromic properties (λmax (2)=532 nm, λmax (2⋅NH3 )=518 nm) and magnetochemical switching (2: S=0; 2⋅NH3 : S=1). Upon repeated adsorption/desorption cycles of NH3 the PW core remains intact. Compound 2 can be embedded into thin polyurethane films (2P ) under retention of its sensing abilities. Therefore, 2 qualifies as reversible optical probe for ammonia. The magnetochemical switching of 2 and 2⋅NH3 was studied in detail by SQUID measurements showing that in 2⋅NH3 , solely the Ni atom coordinated the NH3 molecule is responsible for the paramagnetic behavior.

Isomers in chlorido and alkoxido-substituted oxidorhenium(v) complexes: effects on catalytic epoxidation activity.

The syntheses and characterizations of oxidorhenium(v) complexes trans-dichlorido [ReOCl2(PPh3)(L1a)] (trans-2a), cis-dichlorido [ReOCl2(PPh3)(L1b)] (cis-2b) and ethoxido-complex [ReO(OEt)(L1b)2] (4b), ligated with the dimethyloxazoline-phenol ligands HL1a and HL1b are described. The bidentate ligand HL1a (2-(4,4-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-phenol) is unsubstituted on the phenol ring; ligand HL1b (2-(4,4-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-4-nitrophenol) contains a nitro group in para-position to the hydroxy group. In the reaction of precursor complex [ReOCl3(PPh3)2] and HL1a the two stereoisomers cis/trans-2a, with respect to chlorido ligands, are formed. The solid state structures of both isomers cis- and trans-2a were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In contrast, with ligand HL1b, only the cis-isomer cis-2b was obtained. Ethoxido-complex 4b is exclusively obtained when precursor [ReOCl3(OPPh3)(SMe2)] is reacted with 2 equiv. of HL1b in ethanol in the presence of the base 2,6-dimethylpyridine (lutidine). If no lutidine is added, chlorido-complex [ReOCl(L1b)2] (3b) is obtained. Complexes [ReOCl2(PPh3)(L1a)] (cis/trans-2a), [ReOCl2(PPh3)(L1b)] (cis-2b), [ReO(OMe)(L1a)2] (4a) and [ReO(OEt)(L1b)2] (4b) were tested as homogeneous catalysts in the benchmark reaction of cyclooctene epoxidation. The influence of isomerism and effects of ligand substitutions on catalytic activity was investigated. Based on the time-conversion plots it can be concluded that cis/trans-isomerism does not influence catalytic activity, but electron-withdrawing substituents, as in cis-2b, 3b and 4b, show a beneficial effect.

Dioxygen Activation with Molybdenum Complexes Bearing Amide-Functionalized Iminophenolate Ligands.

Two novel iminophenolate ligands with amidopropyl side chains (HL2 and HL3) on the imine functionality have been synthesized in order to prepare dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complexes of the general structure [MoO2L2] featuring pendant internal hydrogen bond donors. For reasons of comparison, a previously published complex featuring n-butyl side chains (L1) was included in the investigation. Three complexes (1-3) obtained using these ligands (HL1-HL3) were able to activate dioxygen in an in situ approach: The intermediate molybdenum(IV) species [MoO(PMe3)L2] is first generated by treatment with an excess of PMe3. Subsequent reaction with dioxygen leads to oxido peroxido complexes of the structure [MoO(O2)L2]. For the complex employing the ligand with the n-butyl side chain, the isolation of the oxidomolybdenum(IV) phosphino complex [MoO(PMe3)(L1)2] (4) was successful, whereas the respective Mo(IV) species employing the ligands with the amidopropyl side chains were found to be not stable enough to be isolated. The three oxido peroxido complexes of the structure [MoO(O2)L2] (9-11) were systematically compared to assess the influence of internal hydrogen bonds on the geometry as well as the catalytic activity in aerobic oxidation. All complexes were characterized by spectroscopic means. Furthermore, molecular structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of HL3, 1-3, 9-11 together with three polynuclear products {[MoO(L2)2]2(µ-O)} (7), {[MoO(L2)]4(µ-O)6} (8) and [C9H13N2O]4[Mo8O26]·6OPMe3 (12) which were obtained during the synthesis of reduced complexes of the type [MoO(PMe3)L2] (4-6).

Unusual C-N Coupling Reactivity of Thiopyridazines: Efficient Synthesis of Iron Diorganotrisulfide Complexes.

The reaction of iron(II) triflate with 6-tert-butyl-3-thiopyridazine (PnH) and 4-methyl-6-tert-butyl-3-thiopyridazine (MePnH) respectively led to iron bis(diorganotrisulfide) complexes [Fe(RPnS3PnR)2](OTf)2 [R = H (1a) and Me (2a)]. The corresponding perchlorate complexes were prepared by using the iron(II) chloride precursor and the subsequent addition of 2 equiv of NaClO4, giving [Fe(RPnS3PnR)2](ClO4)2 [R = H (1b) and Me (2b)]. The compounds were fully characterized including single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All four compounds exhibit nearly perfect octahedral geometries with an iron center coordinated by four nitrogen atoms from two RPnS3PnR ligands and by two sulfur atoms of the central atom in the S3 unit. The diamagnetic complexes exhibit unusually high redox potentials for the Fe2+/3+ couple at E1/2 = 1.15 V (for 1a and 1b) and 1.08 V (for 2a and 2b) versus Fc/Fc+, respectively, as determined by cyclic voltammetry. Furthermore, the source of the extra sulfur atom within the S3 unit was elucidated by isolation of C-N-coupled pyridazinylthiopyridazine products.

Oxidorhenium(V) Complexes with Tetradentate Iminophenolate Ligands: Influence of Ligand Flexibility on the Coordination Motif and Oxygen-Atom-Transfer Activity.

The synthesis of oxidorhenium(V) complexes 1-3 coordinated by tetradentate iminophenolate ligands H2L1-H2L3 bearing backbones of different rigidity (alkyl, cycloalkyl, and phenyl bridges) allows for the formation of distinct geometric isomers, including a symmetric trans-oxidochlorido coordination motif in complex 3. The complex employing a cycloalkyl-bridged ligand (2) of intermediate rigidity exhibits an interesting solvent- and temperature-dependent equilibrium between a symmetric (trans) isomer and an asymmetric (cis) isomer in solution. The occurrence of a symmetric isomer for 2 and 3 is confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Chlorido abstraction from 2 with AgOTf yields the corresponding cationic complex 2a, which does not exhibit an isomeric equilibrium in solution but adopts the isomeric form predominant for 2 in a given solvent. All complexes were, furthermore, employed in three benchmark oxygen-atom-transfer (OAT) reactions, namely, the reduction of perchlorate, the epoxidation of cyclooctene, and OAT from dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to triphenylphosphane (PPh3), to assess the influence of the isomeric structure on the reactivity in these reactions. In perchlorate reduction, a clear structural influence was observed, where the trans arrangement in 3 led to the complete absence of activity. In the epoxidation reaction, all complexes led to comparable epoxide yields, albeit higher catalytic activity but lower overall stability of the catalysts with a trans arrangement was observed. In OAT from DMSO to PPh3, also a clear structural dependence was observed, where the trans complex 3 led to full phosphane conversion with an excess of oxidant, while the cis compound 1 was completely inactive.

Templated C-C and C-N Bond Formation Facilitated by a Molybdenum(VI) Metal Center.

Preparation of molybdenum dioxido complexes with novel iminophenolate ligands bearing pendant secondary amide functionalities led to unprecedented C-C and C-N coupling reactions of two α-iminoamides upon coordination. The diastereoselective cyclization to asymmetric imidazolidines occurs at the metal center in two consecutive steps via a monocoupled intermediate. A meaningful mechanism is proposed on the basis of full characterization of intermediate and final molybdenum-containing products by spectroscopic means and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. This process constitutes the first example of a diastereoselective self-cyclization of two α-iminoamides.

Oxorhenium(V) complexes with phenolate-oxazoline ligands: influence of the isomeric form on the O-atom-transfer reactivity.

The bidentate phenolate-oxazoline ligands 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-2-oxazoline (1a, Hoz) and 2-(4',4'-dimethyl-3',4'-dihydrooxazol-2'-yl)phenol (1b, Hdmoz) were used to synthesize two sets of oxorhenium(V) complexes, namely, [ReOCl2(L)(PPh3)] [L = oz (2a) and dmoz (2b)] and [ReOX(L)2] [X = Cl, L = oz (3a or 3a'); X = Cl, L = dmoz (3b); X = OMe, L = dmoz (4)]. Complex 3a' is a coordination isomer (N,N-cis isomer) with respect to the orientation of the phenolate-oxazoline ligands of the previously published complex 3a (N,N-trans isomer). The reaction of 3a' with silver triflate in acetonitrile led to the cationic compound [ReO(oz)2(NCCH3)](OTf) ([3a'](OTf)). Compound 4 is a rarely observed isomer with a trans-O═Re-OMe unit. Complexes 3a, 3a', [3a'](OTf), and 4 were tested as catalysts in the reduction of a perchlorate salt with an organic sulfide as the O acceptor and found to be active, in contrast to 2a and 2b. A comparison of the two isomeric complexes 3a and 3a' showed significant differences in activity: 87% 3a vs 16% 3a' sulfoxide yield. When complex [3a'](OTf) was used, the yield was 57%. Density functional theory calculations circumstantiate all of the proposed intermediates with N,N-trans configurations to be lower in energy compared to the respective compounds with N,N-cis configurations. Also, no interconversions between N,N-trans and N,N-cis configurations are predicted, which is in accordance with experimental data. This is interesting because it contradicts previous mechanistic views. Kinetic analyses determined by UV-vis spectroscopy on the rate-determining oxidation steps of 3a, 3a', and [3a'](OTf) proved the N,N-cis complexes 3a' and [3a'](OTf) to be slower by a factor of ∼4.

Oxorhenium(V) complexes with phenolate-pyrazole ligands for olefin epoxidation using hydrogen peroxide.

Oxorhenium(V) complexes of the general formula [ReOCl2(PPh3)(L)] (2a-c) and [ReOCl(L)2] (3a-c) with L being monoanionic, bidentate phenolate-pyrazole ligands 1a-c that bear substituents with various electronic features on the phenol ring (1a Br, 1b NO2, 1c OMe) were prepared. The compounds are stable toward moisture and air, allowing them to be handled in a normal lab atmosphere. All complexes were fully characterized by spectroscopic means and, in the case of 2b, 2c, 3b, and 3c, also by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Electrochemical investigations by cyclic voltammetry of complexes 3a-c showed a shift to more positive potentials for the Re(V)/Re(VI) redox couple in the order of 3b > 3a > 3c (R = NO2 > Br > OMe), reflecting the higher electrophilic character of the Re atom caused by the ligands 1a-c. Complexes 2a-c and 3a-c display excellent catalytic activity in the epoxidation of cyclooctene, where all six complexes give quantitative conversions to the epoxide within 3 h if tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) is employed as oxidant. Moreover, they represent rare examples of oxorhenium(V) catalysts capable of using the green oxidant hydrogen peroxide, leading to high yields up to 74%. Also, green solvents such as diethylcarbonate can be used successfully in epoxidation reactions, albeit resulting in lower yields (up to 30%).

Oxorhenium(V) complexes of quinoline and isoquinoline carboxylic acids--synthesis, structural characterization and catalytic application in epoxidation reactions.

Six novel oxorhenium(V) complexes incorporating quinoline and isoquinoline carboxylic acid derivatives were prepared in good yields. Relying on the experimental conditions, compounds with two chelate ligands [ReOCl(iqc)2]·MeOH (1), [ReO(OMe)(iqc)2] (2), [ReO(OMe)(mqc)2] (3) and [ReO(OMe)(8-qc)2] (4) and compounds incorporating one bidentate ligand [ReOCl2(iqc)(PPh3)] (5) and [ReOCl2(mqc)(PPh3)] (6) were synthesized (iqcH = isoquinoline-1-carboxylic acid, mqcH = 4-methoxy-2-quinolinecarboxylic acid and 8-qcH = 8-quinolinecarboxylic acid). The reported compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In compounds 1 and 2, one chelate ligand occupies an axial and an equatorial position, while the other one occupies two equatorial positions, forming a cis-(N,N) isomer. In turn, complexes 3 and 4 show a rare ligand arrangement with two trans-N, trans-O chelate ligands in the equatorial plane and a linear axial [O=Re-OMe] unit. The complexes with one chelate ligand 5 and 6 are cis-(Cl,Cl)-isomers. All compounds were tested as potential catalysts in the epoxidation of cyclooctene with 3 equiv. of tert-butylhydroperoxide. The yield of cyclooctane oxide varies between 16 and 68% (50 °C, 24 h), and the catalytic competency of compounds 1-6 was discussed with regard to the structure of each complex.

Dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes with pyrazole based aryloxide ligands: synthesis, characterization and application in epoxidation of olefins.

Synthesis, characterization, and epoxidation chemistry of four new dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes [MoO(2)(L)(2)] (1-4) with aryloxide-pyrazole ligands L = L1-L4 is described. Catalysts 1-4 are air and moisture stable and easy to synthesize in only three steps in good yields. All four complexes are coordinated by the two bidentate ligands in an asymmetric fashion with one phenoxide and one pyrazole being trans to oxo atoms, respectively. This is in contrast to the structure found for the related aryloxide-oxazoline coordinated Mo(VI) dioxo complex 5. This was confirmed by the determination of the molecular structures of complexes 1-3 by X-ray diffraction analyses. Compounds 1-4 show high catalytic activities in the epoxidation of various olefins. Cyclooctene (S1) is converted to its epoxide with high activity, whereas the epoxidation of styrene (S2) is unselective. Internal olefins (S3 and S4) are also acceptable substrates, as well as the very challenging olefin 1-octene (S5). Catalyst loading can be reduced to 0.02 mol % and the catalyst can be recycled up to ten times without significant loss of activity. Supportive DFT calculations have been carried out in order to obtain deeper insights into the electronic situation around the Mo atom.

Unsymmetrical Ru-NHC catalysts: a key for the selective tandem ring opening-ring closing alkene metathesis (RO-RCM) of cyclooctene.

Dissymmetry for selectivity: NHC ligand with two different pendant group allows the selective formation of cyclic oligomers in place of polymers opening new strategy to generate macrocycles.

Oxorhenium(V) complexes with pyrazole based aryloxide ligands and application in olefin epoxidation.

We synthesized and characterized a set of new oxorhenium(V) complexes coordinated by various pyrazole containing phenol (L1-L3) and naphthol ligands (L4-L7). Depending on the starting material, we were able to selectively synthesize monosubstituded or disubstituted complexes of the type [ReOBr(2)L(PPh(3))] (1-7; L = L1-L7) and [ReOClL(2)] (L = L1 8; L2 9; L4 10; L6 11), respectively. All complexes are stable to air and moisture, both in solid state as well as in solution. Furthermore, the cationic oxorhenium(V) complex [ReO(L1)(2)(NCMe)](OTf) (8a) was obtained upon chloride abstraction with silver triflate from 8. All new complexes were able to catalyze the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene in yields up to 64%. The ease of preparation and their tolerance to air and moisture, as well as the simple ligand modifications, make them an interesting class of novel catalysts. An attempted reduction of perchlorate ClO(4)(-) with complex 8 was unsuccessful. Molecular structures of complexes 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 8a, 10, and 11 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.

Synthesis and characterization of aluminum- and gallium-bridged [1.1]chromarenophanes and [1.1]molybdarenophanes.

The synthesis and structural characterization of the first [1.1]chromarenophanes and the first [1.1]molybdarenophanes are described. A salt-metathesis reaction of [2-(Me 2NCH 2)C 6H 4]AlCl 2 with freshly prepared [Cr(LiC 6H 5) 2].TMEDA (TMEDA = N, N, N', N'-tetramethylethylenediamine) resulted in the dialumina[1.1]chromarenophane [{2-(Me 2NCH 2)C 6H 4}Al(eta (6)-C 6H 5) 2Cr] 2 ( 2a). The poor solubility of 2a in organic solvents prompted us to synthesize the new intramolecularly coordinated aluminum- and gallium dichlorides [5- tBu-2-(Me 2NCH 2)C 6H 3]ECl 2 [E = Al ( 3a), Ga ( 3b)] in which the phenyl group was equipped with a tert-butyl group. Salt-metathesis reactions of 3a and 3b, respectively, with freshly prepared [M(LiC 6H 5) 2].TMEDA (M = Cr, Mo) resulted in four new [1.1]metallarenophanes of the general type [{5- tBu-2-(Me 2NCH 2)C 6H 3}E(eta (6)-C 6H 5) 2M] 2 [E = Al, M = Cr ( 4a); E = Ga, M = Cr ( 4b); E = Al, M = Mo ( 5a); E = Ga, M = Mo ( 5b)]. 2a, 4a, b, and 5a, b have been structurally characterized by single-crystal analysis [ 2a.1/2C 6H 12: C 48H 56Al 2Cr 2N 2, monoclinic, P2 1/ c, a = 9.9117(9) A, b = 19.9361(16) A, c = 10.638(2) A, alpha = 90 degrees , beta = 112.322(5) degrees , gamma = 90 degrees , Z = 2; 4a.2C 6H 6: C 62H 72Al 2Cr 2N 2, monoclinic, P2 1/ c, a = 10.9626(9) A, b = 19.3350(18) A, c = 12.4626(9) A, alpha = 90 degrees , beta = 100.756(5) degrees , gamma = 90 degrees , Z = 2; 4b.2C 6H 6: C 62H 72Cr 2Ga 2N 2, monoclinic, P2 1/ c, a = 10.8428(2) A, b = 19.4844(4) A, c = 12.4958(2) A, alpha = 90 degrees , beta = 100.6187 degrees , gamma = 90 degrees , Z = 2; 5a.2C 6H 6: C 62H 72Al 2Mo 2N 2, triclinic, P1, a = 10.4377(4) A, b = 11.6510(4) A, c = 11.6514(4) A, alpha = 73.545(3) degrees , beta = 89.318(2) degrees , gamma = 76.120(2) degrees , Z = 1; 5b.2C 6H 6: C 62H 72Ga 2Mo 2N 2, triclinic, P1, a = 10.3451(5) A, b = 11.6752(6) A, c = 11.6900(5) A, alpha = 73.917(3) degrees , beta = 89.550(3) degrees , gamma = 76.774(2) degrees , Z = 1]. All five [1.1]metallarenophanes 2a, 4a, b, and 5a, b crystallize as anti isomers with both Me 2N donor groups in exo positions ( C i point group symmetry). The new [1.1]metallarenophanes show NMR spectra that can be interpreted as being caused by time-averaged C 2 h symmetrical species, which is consistent with the findings of their molecular structures in the solid state. Variable-temperature (1)H NMR measurements for 4a, b and 5a, b (500 MHz; -90 to 90 degrees C) revealed only peak broadening in the lower temperature range of -70 to -90 degrees C. (1)H NMR saturation transfer difference experiments did not show an expected anti-to-anti isomerization, rendering the new [1.1]metallacyclophanes rigid on the NMR time scale. Electrochemical measurements were performed for 4a, b and 5a, b. However, reproducible cyclic voltammograms could only be obtained for the two gallium species 4b and 5b, revealing the expected weak communication between the two transition-metal atoms in both compounds (class II).

The galla[1]ferrocenophane {[dimeth-yl(2-pyrid-yl)sil-yl]bis-(trimethyl-silyl)methyl-κC,N}(ferrocene-1,1'-di-yl)gallium(III).

The title compound, [GaFe(C(5)H(4))(2)(C(14)H(28)NSi(3))] or [{(2-H(4)C(5)N)Me(2)Si}(Me(3)Si)(2)C]Ga(C(5)H(4))(2)Fe, a galla[1]ferrocenophane, crystallizes with two independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit. In these strained sandwich compounds, the angles between the planes of the two π-ligands are 15.4 (2) and 16.4 (2)°, with gallium in a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment.

[1]molybdarenophanes: strained metallarenophanes with aluminum, gallium, and silicon in bridging positions.

The first [1]molybdarenophanes were synthesized and structurally characterized. The aluminum and gallium compounds [(Me2Ntsi)Al(eta6-C6H5)2Mo] (2a) and [(Me2Ntsi)Ga(eta6-C6H5)2Mo] (2b) [Me2Ntsi = C(SiMe3)2(SiMe2NMe2)] were obtained from [Mo(LiC6H5)2].TMEDA and (Me2Ntsi)ECl2 [E = Al, Ga] in analytical pure form with isolated yields of 74% (2a) and 52% (2b). The silicon-bridged species [Ph2Si(eta6-C6H5)2Mo] (2c) was synthesized from [Mo(LiC6H5)2].TMEDA and Ph2SiCl2. Compound 2c was isolated as a crystalline material in an approximately 90% overall purity, from which a single crystal was used for X-ray analysis. The molecular structures of all three [1]molybdarenophanes 2a-c were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The ring-tilt angle alpha was found to be 18.28(17), 21.24(10), and 20.23(29) degrees for 2a, 2b, and 2c, respectively. Variable temperature NMR measurements of 2a and 2b (-80 to 80 degrees C; 500 MHz) showed a dynamic behavior of the gallium species 2b but not of compound 2a. The dynamic behavior of 2b was rationalized by assuming that the Ga-N donor bond breaks, inversion at the nitrogen atom occurs, and a rotation of the Me2Ntsi ligand takes place followed by a re-formation of the Ga-N bond on the other side of the gallium atom. The analysis of the signals of meta and ortho protons of 2b gave approximate values of DeltaG not equal of 59.6 and 59.1 kJ mol-1, respectively. Compound 2b reacted with [Pt(PEt3)3] to give the ring-open product [(eta6-C6H6)Mo{eta6-C6H5[GaPh(Me2Ntsi)]}] (3b). The molecular structure of 3b was deduced from a single-crystal X-ray determination. The formation of the unexpected platinum-free product 3b can be rationalized by assuming that benzene reacted with 2b in a 1:1 ratio. Through a series of 1H NMR experiments with 2b it was shown that small amounts of donor molecules (e.g., THF) in benzene are needed to form 3b; in the absence of a donor molecule, 2b is thermally stable.

Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical studies on [1.1]ferrocenophanes containing aluminum, gallium, and indium.

The synthesis, characterization, structure, and electrochemistry of [1.1]ferrocenophanes, bridged by the heavier group 13 elements aluminum (1a), gallium (1b), and indium (1c), are described and discussed. Compounds 1a-c have been synthesized from dilithioferrocene and intramolecularly coordinated group 13 element dihalides Ar'EX(2) (Ar' = 2-(Me(2)NCH(2))C(6)H(4); EX(2) = AlCl(2), GaCl(2), InI(2)). Although the synthesis and characterization of 1a by single-crystal X-ray analysis has been described recently (Braunschweig, H.; Burschka, C.; Clentsmith, G. K. B.; Kupfer, T.; Radacki, K. Inorg. Chem. 2005, 44, 4906), compounds 1b and 1c are described for the first time. The galla (1b) and the inda (1c) [1.1]ferrocenophane have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray determination [1b: C(38)H(40)Fe(2)Ga(2)N(2), monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.3467(5) Angstroms, b = 11.6311(4) Angstroms, c = 14.0747(7) Angstroms, beta = 105.931(2) degrees, Z = 2; 1c: C(38)H(40)Fe(2)In(2)N(2), monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.5522(7) Angstroms, b = 11.8476(8) Angstroms, c = 13.9855(9) Angstroms, beta = 104.990(3) degrees, Z = 2]. All three compounds 1a-c are anti conformers with trans orientations of the two donating NMe(2) groups. For the [1.1]ferrocenophane 1a, an unprecedented fully reversible two-electron redox process was observed by cyclic voltammetry, whereas the corresponding Ga and In species exhibit a more conventional stepwise redox chemistry. According to the Robin-Day classification, 1a is a class I and 1b and 1c are class II species. In addition to the reversible processes, compound 1a shows an irreversible oxidation at higher voltages accompanied by adsorption processes. The irreversible adsorption process was investigated with an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM).