Group 11 m-Terphenyl Complexes Featuring Metallophilic Interactions.

A series of group 11 m-terphenyl complexes have been synthesized via a metathesis reaction from the iron(II) complexes (2,6-Mes2C6H3)2Fe and (2,6-Xyl2C6H3)2Fe (Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2; Xyl = 2,6-Me2C6H3). [2,6-Mes2C6H3M]2 (1, M = Cu; 2, M = Ag; 6, M = Au) and [2,6-Xyl2C6H3M]2 (3, M = Cu; 4, M = Ag) are dimeric in the solid state, although different geometries are observed depending on the ligand. These complexes feature short metal-metal distances in the expected range for metallophilic interactions. While 1-4 are readily isolated using this metathetical route, the gold complex 6 is unstable in solution at ambient temperatures and has only been obtained in low yield from the decomposition of (2,6-Mes2C6H3)Au·SMe2 (5). NMR spectroscopic measurements, including diffusion-ordered spectroscopy, suggest that 1-4 remain dimeric in a benzene-d6 solution. The metal-metal interactions have been examined computationally using the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules and by an energy decomposition analysis employing natural orbitals for chemical valence.

Influence of molecular design on radical spin multiplicity: characterisation of BODIPY dyad and triad radical anions.

A strategy to create organic molecules with high degrees of radical spin multiplicity is reported in which molecular design is correlated with the behaviour of radical anions in a series of BODIPY dyads. Upon reduction of each BODIPY moiety radical anions are formed which are shown to have different spin multiplicities by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and distinct profiles in their cyclic voltammograms and UV-visible spectra. The relationship between structure and multiplicity is demonstrated showing that the balance between singlet, biradical or triplet states in the dyads depends on relative orientation and connectivity of the BODIPY groups. The strategy is applied to the synthesis of a BODIPY triad which adopts an unusual quartet state upon reduction to its radical trianion.

A Highly Active Bidentate Magnesium Catalyst for Amine-Borane Dehydrocoupling: Kinetic and Mechanistic Studies.

A magnesium complex (1) featuring a bidentate aminopyridinato ligand is a remarkably selective catalyst for the dehydrocoupling of amine-boranes. This reaction proceeds to completion with low catalyst loadings (1 mol %) under mild conditions (60 °C), exceeding previously reported s-block systems in terms of selectivity, rate, and turnover number (TON). Mechanistic studies by in situ NMR analysis reveals the reaction to be first order in both catalyst and substrate. A reaction mechanism is proposed to account for these findings, with the high TON of the catalyst attributed to the bidentate nature of the ligand, which allows for reversible deprotonation of the substrate and regeneration of 1 as a stable resting state.

Extremely bulky amide ligands in main group chemistry.

The search for extremely sterically demanding monodentate amide ligands to access main group complexes in low-coordination numbers and highly reactive bonding modes is an area of intense research interest. The recent development of three classes of sterically demanding, monodentate amide ligands - the m-terphenyl anilides [N(R){C6H3Ar2-2,6}](-) (Ar = aryl, R = H, methyl, silyl), substituted carbazol-9-yl and the extremely bulky amides [N(R)(Ar')](-) (Ar' = 2,6-{C(H)Ph2}-4-R'-C6H2, R = silyl, aryl, silyloxy, R' = alkyl) is facilitating the isolation of stable species with new coordination modes for the main group elements. These compounds are of fundamental importance not only from the investigation of their structure and bonding, but also the investigation of their reactivity highlights the potential for small molecule activation chemistry under mild conditions and applications in catalysis. This review reports on the recent developments for these compounds with emphasis on their synthesis, structure and reactivity.

Iron(II)-Catalyzed Hydrophosphination of Isocyanates.

The first transition metal catalyzed hydrophosphination of isocyanates is presented. The use of low-coordinate iron(II) precatalysts leads to an unprecedented catalytic double insertion of isocyanates into the P-H bond of diphenylphosphine to yield phosphinodicarboxamides [Ph2 PC(=O)N(R)C(=O)N(H)R], a new family of derivatized organophosphorus compounds. This remarkable result can be attributed to the low-coordinate nature of the iron(II) centers whose inherent electron deficiency enables a Lewis-acid mechanism in which a combination of the steric pocket of the metal center and substrate size determines the reaction products and regioselectivity.

Tuning coordination in s-block carbazol-9-yl complexes.

1,3,6,8-Tetra-tert-butylcarbazol-9-yl and 1,8-diaryl-3,6-di(tert-butyl)carbazol-9-yl ligands have been utilized in the synthesis of potassium and magnesium complexes. The potassium complexes (1,3,6,8-tBu4carb)K(THF)4 (1; carb = C12H4N), [(1,8-Xyl2-3,6-tBu2carb)K(THF)]2 (2; Xyl = 3,5-Me2C6H3) and (1,8-Mes2-3,6-tBu2carb)K(THF)2 (3; Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2) were reacted with MgI2 to give the Hauser bases 1,3,6,8-tBu4carbMgI(THF)2 (4) and 1,8-Ar2-3,6-tBu2carbMgI(THF) (Ar = Xyl 5, Ar = Mes 6). Structural investigations of the potassium and magnesium derivatives highlight significant differences in the coordination motifs, which depend on the nature of the 1- and 8-substituents: 1,8-di(tert-butyl)-substituted ligands gave π-type compounds (1 and 4), in which the carbazolyl ligand acts as a multi-hapto donor, with the metal cations positioned below the coordination plane in a half-sandwich conformation, whereas the use of 1,8-diaryl substituted ligands gave σ-type complexes (2 and 6). Space-filling diagrams and percent buried volume calculations indicated that aryl-substituted carbazolyl ligands offer a steric cleft better suited to stabilization of low-coordinate magnesium complexes.

Mechanistic investigations of the Fe(ii) mediated synthesis of squaraines.

The scission and homologation of CO is a fundamental process in the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. However, given the heterogeneous nature of the catalyst and forcing reaction conditions, it is difficult to determine the intermediates of this reaction. Here we report detailed mechanistic insight into the scission/homologation of CO by two-coordinate iron terphenyl complexes. Mechanistic investigations, conducted using in situ monitoring and reaction sampling techniques (IR, NMR, EPR and Mössbauer spectroscopy) and structural characterisation of isolable species, identify a number of proposed intermediates. Crystallographic and IR spectroscopic data reveal a series of migratory insertion reactions from 1Mes to 4Mes. Further studies past the formation of 4Mes suggest that ketene complexes are formed en route to squaraine 2Mes and iron carboxylate 3Mes, with a number of ketene containing structures being isolated, in addition to the formation of unbound, protonated ketene (8). The synthetic and mechanistic studies are supported by DFT calculations.

Conformational isomerism in monomeric, low-coordinate group†12 complexes stabilized by a naphthyl-substituted m-terphenyl ligand.

The synthesis and characterization of the first series of low-coordinate bis(terphenyl) complexes of the Group 12 metals, [Zn(2,6-Naph2 C6 H3 )2 ] (1), [Cd(OEt2 )(2,6-Naph2 C6 H3 )2 ] (2) and [Hg(OEt2 )(2,6-Naph2 C6 H3 )2 ] (3) (Naph=1-C10 H7 ) are described. The naphthyl substituents of the terphenyl ligands confer considerable steric bulk, and as a result of limited flexibility introduce multiple conformations to these unusual systems. In the solid state, complex 1 features a two-coordinate Zn centre with the ligands oriented in a syn/anti conformation, whereas the three-coordinate distorted T-shaped complexes 2 and 3 feature the ligands in the syn/syn configurations. The results of DFT calculations are in good agreement with the solid-state configurations for these complexes and support the spectroscopic measurements, which indicate several conformers in solution.

Alkaline earth complexes of silylated aminopyridinato ligands: homoleptic compounds and heterobimetallic coordination polymers.

The synthesis and characterization of magnesium and calcium complexes of sterically demanding aminopyridinato ligands is reported. The reaction of the 2-Me3SiNH-6-MeC5H3N (L(1)H), 2-MePh2SiNH-6-MeC5H3N (L(2)H), and 2-Me3SiNH-6-PhC5H3N (L(3)H) with KH in tetrahydrofuran (THF) yielded potassium salts L(1)K(thf)0.5 (1), L(2)K (2), and L(3)K(thf)0.5 (3), which, through subsequent reaction with MgI2 and CaI2, afforded the homoleptic complexes (L)2Ae(thf)n [L = L(1), Ae = Mg, n = 1 (4); L = L(2), Ae = Mg, n = 0 (5); L = L(3), Ae = Mg, n = 0 (6); L = L(2), Ae = Ca, n = 2 (7)] and heterobimetallic calciates {[(L)3Ca]K}∞ [L = L(1) (8); L = L(2) (9)]. The solid state structure of 8 reveals a polymeric arrangement in which the calciate units are interlocked by bridging potassium ions. Metalation reactions between L(1)H or L(2)H and ((n)Bu)2Mg lead to the solvent-free compounds (L)2Mg [L = L(1) (10); L = L(2) (5)]. The bridged butyl mixed-metal complex [(L(1))Li(µ2-(n)Bu)Mg(L(1))]∞ (11) was also obtained via a cocomplexation reaction with (n)BuLi and ((n)Bu)2Mg. 11, which adopts a monodimensional polymeric array in the solid state, is a rare example of an alkyl-bridged Li/Mg complex and the first complex to feature an unsupported bridging butyl interaction between two metals. Changing the cocomplexation reaction conditions, the order of reagents added to the reactions mixture, and with the use of a coordinating solvent (tetrahydrofuran) formed the magnesiate complex (L(1))3MgLi(thf) (12).

Structural diversity in alkali metal complexes of sterically demanding carbazol-9-yl ligands.

The solid state structures of alkali metal complexes of the 1,3,6,8-tetra-tert-butylcarbazol-9-yl ((t)Bu4carb(-)) ligand are compared. Lithium complex [(t)Bu4carbLi]2 ([1]2) is a dimer in the solid state featuring a planar LiNLiN rhomboid ring, with the differing Li-N distances within the ring due to the effects of σ- and π-interactions. Recrystallization of lithium, sodium, and potassium complexes of the 1,3,6,8-tetra-tert-butylcarbazol-9-yl ligand from THF leads to the formation of (t)Bu4carbLi(THF)2 (1·2THF), (t)Bu4carbNa(THF)3 (2·3THF), and (t)Bu4carbK(THF)4 (3·4THF), respectively, in the solid state. For these THF adducts, on proceeding from lithium to sodium to potassium there is an increase in hapticity of the binding of the carbazol-9-yl ligands to the metal cations, mirroring the increasing ionic bonding character in these compounds.

Homotropic Cooperativity in Iron-Catalyzed Alkyne Cyclotrimerizations.

Enhancing catalytic activity through synergic effects is a current challenge in homogeneous catalysis. In addition to the well-established metal-metal and metal-ligand cooperation, we showcase here an example of self-activation by the substrate in controlling the catalytic activity of the two-coordinate iron complex [Fe(2,6-Xyl2C6H3)2] (1, Xyl = 2,6-Me2C6H3). This behavior was observed for aryl acetylenes in their regioselective cyclotrimerization to 1,2,4-(aryl)-benzenes. Two kinetically distinct regimes are observed dependent upon the substrate-to-catalyst ratio ([RC≡CH]0/[1]0), referred to as the low ([RC≡CH]0/[1]0 < 40) and high ([RC≡CH]0/[1]0 > 40) regimes. Both showed sigmoidal kinetic response, with positive Hill indices of 1.85 and 3.62, respectively, and nonlinear Lineweaver-Burk replots with an upward curvature, which supports positive substrate cooperativity. Moreover, two alkyne molecules participate in the low regime, whereas up to four are involved in the high regime. The second-order rate dependence on 1 indicates that binuclear complexes are the catalytically competent species in both regimes, with that in the high one being 6 times faster than that involved in the low one. Moreover, Eyring plot analyses revealed two different catalytic cycles, with a rate-determining step more endergonic in the low regime than in the high one, but with a more ordered transition state in the high regime than in the low one.

The anticancer and EGFR-TK/CDK-9 dual inhibitory potentials of new synthetic pyranopyrazole and pyrazolone derivatives: X-ray crystallography, in vitro, and in silico mechanistic investigations.

Treatment options for the management of breast cancer are still inadequate. This inadequacy is attributed to the lack of effective targeted medications, often resulting in the recurrence of metastatic disorders. Cumulative evidence suggests that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR-TK) and cyclin-dependent kinases-9 (CDK-9) overexpression correlates with worse overall survival in breast cancer patients. Pyranopyrazole and pyrazolone are privileged options for the development of anticancer agents. Inspired by this proven scientific fact, we report here the synthesis of two new series of suggested anticancer molecules incorporating both heterocycles together with their characterization by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 13C NMR-DEPT, and X-ray diffraction methods. An attempt to get the pyranopyrazole-gold complexes was conducted but unexpectedly yielded benzylidene-2,4-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one instead. This unexpected result was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. All newly synthesized compounds were assessed for their anti-proliferative activity against two different human breast cancer cells, and the obtained results were compared with the reference drug Staurosporine. The target compounds revealed variable cytotoxicity with IC50 at a low micromolar range with superior selectivity indices. Target enzyme EGFR-TK and CDK-9 assays showed that compounds 22 and 23 effectively inhibited both biological targets with IC50 values of 0.143 and 0.121 µM, respectively. Molecular docking experiments and molecular dynamics simulation were also conducted to further rationalize the in vitro obtained results.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Slow magnetic relaxation in Fe(II) m-terphenyl complexes.

Two-coordinate transition metal complexes are exciting candidates for single-molecule magnets (SMMs) because their highly axial coordination environments lead to sizeable magnetic anisotropy. We report a series of five structurally related two-coordinate Fe(II) m-terphenyl complexes (4-R-2,6-Xyl2C6H2)2Fe [R = tBu (1), SiMe3 (2), H (3), Cl (4), CF3 (5)] where, by changing the functionalisation of the para-substituent (R), we alter their magnetic function. All five complexes are field-induced single-molecule magnets, with relaxation rates that are well-described by a combination of direct and Raman mechanisms. By using more electron donating R groups we were able to slow the rate of magnetic relaxation. Our ab initio calculations predict a large crystal field splitting (>850 cm-1) and sizeable zero-field splitting parameters (ca. -60 cm-1, |E| < 0.2 cm-1) for 1-5. These favourable magnetic properties suggest that m-terphenyl ligands have untapped potential as chemically versatile ligands able to impose highly axial crystal fields.

Structural and Electronic Studies of Substituted m-Terphenyl Group 12 Complexes.

The effects of para-substitution on the structural and electronic properties of four series of two-coordinate m-terphenyl Group 12 complexes (R-Ar#)2M (M = Zn, Cd, Hg; R = t-Bu 1-3, SiMe3 4-6, Cl 7-9, CF3 10-12, where R-Ar# = 2,6-{2,6-Xyl}2-4-R-C6H2 and 2,6-Xyl = 2,6-Me2C6H3) have been investigated. X-ray crystallography shows little structural variation across the series, with no significant change in the C-M-C bond distances and angles. However, considerable electronic differences are revealed by heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy; a linear correlation is observed between the 113Cd, 199Hg, and 1H (2,6-Xyl methyl protons) NMR chemical shifts of the para-substituted complexes and the Hammett constants for the R-substituents. Specifically, an upfield shift in the NMR signal is observed with increasingly electron-withdrawing R-substituents. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are employed to attempt to rationalize these trends.

Structural and electronic studies of substituted m-terphenyl lithium complexes.

The effect of para-substitution upon the structural and electronic properties of a series of m-terphenyl lithium complexes [R-Ar#-Li]2 (R = t-Bu 1, SiMe32, H 3, Cl 4, CF35; where R-Ar# = 2,6-{2,6-Xyl}2-4-R-C6H2 and 2,6-Xyl = 2,6-Me2C6H3) has been investigated. X-ray crystallography reveals the complexes to be structurally similar, with little variation in C-M-C bond lengths and angles across the series. However, in-depth NMR spectroscopic studies reveal notable electronic differences, showing a linear correlation between the 7Li{1H} NMR chemical shifts of the para-substituted complexes and their Hammett constants. The flanking methyl protons exhibit a similar electronic shift in the 1H NMR spectra, which has been rationalised by the presence of through-space LiH interactions, as evidenced by two-dimensional 7Li-1H heteronuclear Overhauser spectroscopy (HOESY). In both cases, electron-withdrawing substituents are found to cause an upfield peak shift. A computational analysis is employed to account for these trends.

Bis[mu3-1,8-bis(triisopropylsilylamido)naphthalene]bis(tetrahydrofuran)di-mu3-oxido-dimanganese(III)disodium.

The solid-state structure of the title compound, [Na(2)Mn(2)(C(32)H(56)N(2)OSi(2))(2)O(2)] or [1,8-C(10)H(6)(NSi(i)Pr(3))(2)Mn(mu(3)-O)Na(THF)](2), which lies across a crystallographic twofold axis, exhibits a central [Mn(2)O(2)Na(2)](4+) core, with two oxide groups, each triply bridging between the two Mn(III) ions and an Na(+) ion. Additional coordination is provided to each Mn(III) centre by a 1,8-C(10)H(6)(NSi(i)Pr(3))(2) [1,8-bis(triisopropylsilylamido)naphthalene] ligand and to the Na(+) centres by a tetrahydrofuran molecule. The presence of an additional Na...H-C agostic interaction potentially contributes to the distortion around the bridging oxide group.

A transition metal-gallium cluster formed via insertion of "GaI".

The reaction between a two-coordinate Co(ii) diaryl complex and "GaI" affords 2,6-Pmp2C6H3CoGa3I5, in a new geometry for a heavier group 13-transition metal cluster. Experimental and computational investigations show that this compound is best described as a nido metalla-group 13 cluster.

Synthesis and isolation of [Fe@Ge(10)](3-): a pentagonal prismatic Zintl ion cage encapsulating an interstitial iron atom.

Reaction of an ethylenediamine (en) solution of the Zintl phase precursor K(4)Ge(9) with FeAr(2) (Ar = 2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)) in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt (4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane) yielded the endohedral Zintl ion [Fe@Ge(10)](3-) (1) which was crystallographically characterized as a [K(2,2,2-crypt)](+) salt in [K(2,2,2-crypt)](3)[Fe@Ge(10)]*2en. This unprecedented Zintl ion exhibits a pentagonal prismatic 10-atom germanium cage with an interstitial iron atom in the central cavity. Confirmation of the existence of the cluster anion in solution was corroborated by positive and negative ion mode electrospray mass spectrometry.

Differing coordination environments in transition metal derivatives of 1,8-bis(silylamido)naphthalene ligands.

Four low-coordinate transition metal amido complexes featuring sterically demanding 1,8-bis(silylamido)naphthalene ligands are reported. Reaction of one molar equivalent of 1,8-C(10)H(6)(NLiSiMe(3))(2) with ZnCl(2) yields the structurally authenticated dimer [1,8-C(10)H(6)(NSiMe(3))(2)Zn](2) (1), where the 1,8-bis(silylamido)naphthalene moiety is acting as both a chelating and bridging ligand. The effect on the resulting transition metal complexes of increasing the steric demands of the ligand was investigated, using the triisopropylsilyl-substituted ligand 1,8-C(10)H(6)(NSi(i)Pr(3))(2). Reaction of one molar equivalent of 1,8-C(10)H(6)(NLiSi(i)Pr(3))(2) with ZnCl(2) or FeCl(2)(THF)(1.5) yields 1,8-C(10)H(6)(NSi(i)Pr(3))(2)M(mu-Cl)Li(THF)(3) (M = Zn, 2; M = Fe, 3), respectively; the coordination of the ClLi(THF)(3) moiety to the metal center in these compounds is a rare structural motif in the coordination chemistry of the d-block elements. Analogous reaction of 1,8-C(10)H(6)(NLiSi(i)Pr(3))(2) with MnCl(2) affords the mixed-metal Li-Mn-amido complex 1,8-C(10)H(6)(NSi(i)Pr(3))(2)Li(THF)MnCl(THF) (4) which features an unusual LiMnN(2) core.