Synthesis of Sterically Encumbered Alkaline-Earth Metal Amides Applying the In Situ Grignard Reagent Formation.

Magnesium and calcium are too inert to deprotonate amines directly. For the synthesis of bulky amides alternative strategies are required and in the past, N-bound trialkylsilyl groups have been used to ease metalation reactions. The in situ Grignard reagent formation in stirred suspensions of magnesium or calcium with hydryl halide and imine in THF allows the synthesis of a plethora of amides with bulky silyl-free substituents. Ball milling protocols partially favor competitive side reactions such as aza-pinacol coupling reactions. Calcium is the advantageous choice for the in situ Grignard reagent formation and subsequent addition onto the imines yielding bulky calcium bis(amides) whereas the stronger reducing heavier alkaline-earth metals strontium and barium are less selective and hence, the aza-pinacol coupling reaction becomes competitive. Exemplary, the solid-state molecular structures of [(Et2 O)Mg(N(Ph)(CHPh2 )2 ] and [(Et2 O)2 Ca(N(Ph)(CHPh2 )2 ] have been determined.

In Situ Generation of Magnesium- and Calcium-Based Grignard Reagents for Amide Synthesis.

The alkaline-earth metals Mg and Ca are too inert for the direct metalation of primary and secondary amines. Consequently, activation prior to use is required. Alternatively, the Grignard reagents RMgX (R=alkyl, aryl, X=halide) can be applied in metalation of amines. However, such a straightforward procedure for the synthesis of alkylcalcium reagents is disadvantageous due to diverse side reactions, including Wurtz-type C-C coupling and ether degradation reactions. Therefore, suspensions of magnesium or calcium with amine can be treated in a smooth reaction with ethyl bromide in an ethereal solvent at room temperature. Intermediately formed RAeX (Ae=alkaline-earth metal, i. e., Mg, Ca) either metalates amines yielding the corresponding amides in an in situ Grignard metalation method (iGMM) or adds across C=N bonds of imines in an in situ Grignard addition method (iGAM). The amides R'2 N-AeX (Ae=Mg: Hauser bases) undergo Schlenk-type ligand exchange reactions yielding homoleptic Ae(NR'2 )2 and potentially sparingly soluble AeX2 .

In Situ Grignard Metalation Method for the Synthesis of Hauser Bases.

The in situ Grignard Metalation Method (iGMM) is a straightforward one-pot procedure to quickly produce multigram amounts of Hauser bases R2 N-MgBr which are valuable and vastly used metalation reagents and novel electrolytes for magnesium batteries. During addition of bromoethane to a suspension of Mg metal and secondary amine at room temperature in an ethereal solvent, a smooth reaction yields R2 N-MgBr under evolution of ethane within a few hours. A Schlenk equilibrium is operative, interconverting the Hauser bases into their solvated homoleptic congeners Mg(NR2 )2 and MgBr2 depending on the solvent. Scope and preconditions are studied, and side reactions limiting the yield have been investigated. DOSY NMR experiments and X-ray crystal structures of characteristic examples clarify aggregation in solution and the solid state.

In situ Grignard Metalation Method, Part II: Scope of the One-Pot Synthesis of Organocalcium Compounds.

The in situ Grignard Metalation Method (iGMM) is a straightforward one-pot strategy to synthesize alkaline-earth metal amides in multi-gram scale with high yields via addition of bromoethane to an ethereal suspension of a primary or secondary amine and magnesium (Part I) or calcium (Part II). This method is highly advantageous because no activation of calcium is required prior to the reaction. Contrary to the magnesium-based iGMM, there are some limitations, the most conspicuous one is the large influence of steric factors. The preparation of Ca(hmds)2 succeeds smoothly within a few hours with excellent yields opening the opportunity to prepare large amounts of this reagent. Side reactions and transfer of the iGMM to substituted anilines and N-heterocycles as well as other H-acidic substrates such as cyclopentadienes are studied. Bulky amidines cannot be converted directly to calcium amidinates via the iGMM but stoichiometric calciation with Ca(hmds)2 enables their preparation.

One-Step Synthesis and Schlenk-Type Equilibrium of Cyclopentadienylmagnesium Bromides.

In the in situ Grignard metalation method (iGMM), the addition of bromoethane to a suspension of magnesium turnings and cyclopentadienes [C5 H6 (HCp), C5 H5 -Si(iPr)3 (HCpTIPS )] in diethyl ether smoothly yields heteroleptic [(Et2 O)Mg(CpR )(µ-Br)]2 (CpR =Cp (1), CpTIPS (2)). The Schlenk equilibrium of 2 in toluene leads to ligand exchange and formation of homoleptic [Mg(CpR )2 ] (3) and [(Et2 O)MgBr(µ-Br)]2 (4). Interfering solvation and aggregation as well as ligand redistribution equilibria hamper a quantitative elucidation of thermodynamic data for the Schlenk equilibrium of 2 in toluene. In ethereal solvents, mononuclear species [(Et2 O)2 Mg(CpTIPS )Br] (2'), [(Et2 O)n Mg(CpTIPS )2 ] (3'), and [(Et2 O)2 MgBr2 ] (4') coexist. Larger coordination numbers can be realized with cyclic ethers like tetrahydropyran allowing crystallization of [(thp)4 MgBr2 ] (5). The interpretation of the temperature-dependency of the Schlenk equilibrium constant in diethyl ether gives a reaction enthalpy ΔH and reaction entropy ΔS of -11.5 kJ mol-1 and 60 J mol-1 , respectively.

Propentdyopents as Heme Degradation Intermediates Constrict Mouse Cerebral Arterioles and Are Present in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

RATIONALE: Delayed ischemic neurological deficit is the most common cause of neurological impairment and unfavorable prognosis in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Despite the existence of neuroimaging modalities that depict the onset of the accompanying cerebral vasospasm, preventive and therapeutic options are limited and fail to improve outcome owing to an insufficient pathomechanistic understanding of the delayed perfusion deficit. Previous studies have suggested that BOXes (bilirubin oxidation end products), originating from released heme surrounding ruptured blood vessels, are involved in arterial vasoconstriction. Recently, isolated intermediates of oxidative bilirubin degradation, known as PDPs (propentdyopents), have been considered as potential additional effectors in the development of arterial vasoconstriction. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether PDPs and BOXes are present in hemorrhagic cerebrospinal fluid and involved in the vasoconstriction of cerebral arterioles. METHODS AND RESULTS: Via liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, we measured increased PDP and BOX concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid of SAH patients compared with control subjects. Using differential interference contrast microscopy, we analyzed the vasoactivity of PDP isomers in vitro by monitoring the arteriolar diameter in mouse acute brain slices. We found an arteriolar constriction on application of PDPs in the concentration range that occurs in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with SAH. By imaging arteriolar diameter changes using 2-photon microscopy in vivo, we demonstrated a short-onset vasoconstriction after intrathecal injection of either PDPs or BOXes. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we observed a long-term PDP-induced delay in cerebral perfusion. For all conditions, the arteriolar narrowing was dependent on functional big conductance potassium channels and was absent in big conductance potassium channels knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we have quantified significantly higher concentrations of PDP and BOX isomers in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with SAH compared to controls. The vasoconstrictive effect caused by PDPs in vitro and in vivo suggests a hitherto unrecognized pathway contributing to the pathogenesis of delayed ischemic deficit in patients with SAH.

Scope and Limitations of the s-Block Metal-Mediated Pudovik Reaction.

The hydrophosphorylation of phenylacetylene with di(aryl)phosphane oxides Ar2 P(O)H (Pudovik reaction) yields E/Z-isomer mixtures of phenylethenyl-di(aryl)phosphane oxides (1). Alkali and alkaline-earth metal di(aryl)phosphinites have been studied as catalysts for this reaction with increasing activity for the heavier s-block metals. The Pudovik reaction can only be mediated for di(aryl)phosphane oxides whereas P-bound alkyl and alcoholate substituents impede the P-H addition across alkynes. The demanding mesityl group favors the single-hydrophosphorylated products 1-Ar whereas smaller aryl substituents lead to the double-hydrophosphorylated products 2-Ar. Polar solvents are beneficial for an effective addition. Increasing concentration of the reactants and the catalyst accelerates the Pudovik reaction. Whereas Mes2 P(O)H does not form the bis-phosphorylated product 2-Mes, activation of an ortho-methyl group and cyclization occurs yielding 2-benzyl-1-mesityl-5,7-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrophosphindole 1-oxide (3).

Pyrrolic and Dipyrrolic Chlorophyll Degradation Products in Plants and Herbivores.

The degradation of chlorophyll, the omnipresent green pigment, has been investigated intensively over the last 30 years resulting in many elucidated tetrapyrrolic degradation products. With a comparison to the degradation of the structurally similar heme, we hereby propose a novel additional chlorophyll degradation mechanism to mono- and dipyrrolic products. This is the first proof of the occurrence of a family of mono- and dipyrrols in leaves that are previously only known as heme degradation products. This product family is also found in spit and feces of herbivores with specific metabolomic patterns reflecting the origin of the samples. Based on chromatographic and mass spectrometric evidence as well as on mechanistic considerations we also suggest several tentative new degradation products. One of them, dihydro BOX A, was fully confirmed as a novel natural product by synthesis and comparison of its spectroscopic data.

Structure-Solubility Relationship of 1,4-Dioxane Complexes of Di(hydrocarbyl)magnesium.

Systematic variation of the 1,4-dioxane (dx) concentration during the precipitation of sparingly soluble [MgBr2 (dx)2 ] from ethereal Grignard solutions of RMgBr has allowed the structural investigation of crystallized [R2 Mg(dx)n ] (n=1, 1.5, 2, and 3), which form during this dioxane method, depending on the bulkiness of R. The numbering of the complexes explored in this study is based on the number n of dioxane molecules per magnesium atom, followed by the substituent R; an apostrophe denotes coordination polymers. The following derivatives were studied by X-ray crystal-structure determination and NMR spectroscopy: n=1: [Me2 Mg(µ-dx)]∞ (1'-Me) and [nPr2 Mg(µ-dx)]∞ (1'-nPr); n=1.5: [{iPr2 Mg(dx)}2 (µ-dx)] (1.5-iPr), [{oTol2 Mg(dx)}2 (µ-dx)] (1.5-oTol), and [(Me3 Si-C≡C)2 Mg(dx)1.5 ]∞ (1.5'-C2 SiMe3 ); n=2: [tBu2 Mg(dx)2 ] (2-tBu) and [oTol2 Mg(dx)2 ] (2-oTol); n=3: [Ph2 Mg(dx)3 ] (3-Ph). In the structure types 1', 1.5, and 2, the magnesium atom exhibits the coordination number 4, whereas pentacoordinate metal atoms are observed in types 3 and 1.5'. The structure type 2' is realized for [(Ph-C≡C)2 Mg(dx)2 ]∞ (2'-C2 Ph), [MgCl2 (dx)2 ]∞ (2'-Cl), and [MgBr2 (dx)2 ]∞ (2'-Br) with hexacoordinate metal atoms. The solubility of the dioxane adducts in common organic solvents strongly depends on the degree of aggregation with the solubility decreasing from molecular to strand to layer structures.

Total syntheses of the bilirubin oxidation end product Z-BOX C and its isomeric form Z-BOX D.

Oxidative degradation products of bilirubin (BOXes) are biologically highly active and certain BOXes cause long-lasting narrowing of cerebral blood vessels presumably with a significant role in subarachnoid hemorrhage. Due to the fact that mode of action as well as fate of these BOXes is widely unknown, larger amounts of these bilirubin degradation end products are required. The total synthesis of colorless (Z)-3-(5-(2-amino-2-oxoethylidene)-4-methyl-2-oxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-3-yl)propanoic acid (BOX C) succeeds via a seven-step procedure with a total yield of 20%. Its isomeric form (Z)-3-(2-(2-amino-2-oxoethylidene)-4-methyl-5-oxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-3-yl)propanoic acid (BOX D) can be prepared via a five-step protocol with a yield of 30%. NMR and crystallographic studies reveal that charge delocalization within the conjugated π-systems of BOXes C and D is negligible. Exposure of solutions of Z-BOX C and Z-BOX D to bright sunlight leads to Z/E-isomerization and mixtures of the respective E/Z-BOXes C and D.

Direct Synthesis of Heavy Grignard Reagents: Challenges, Limitations, and Derivatization.

The direct synthesis of organocalcium compounds (heavy Grignard reagents) by the reduction of organyl halides with activated calcium powder succeeded in a straightforward manner for organic bromides and iodides that are bound at sp2 -hybridized carbon atoms. Extension of this strategy to alkyl halides was very limited, and only the reduction of trialkylsilylmethyl bromides and iodides with activated calcium allowed the isolation of the corresponding heavy Grignard reagents. Substitution of only one hydrogen atom of the methylene moiety by a phenyl or methyl group directed this reduction toward the Wurtz-type coupling and the formation of calcium halide and the corresponding C-C coupling product. The stability of the methylcalcium and benzylcalcium derivatives in ethereal solvents suggests an unexpected reaction behavior of the intermediate organyl halide radical anions. Quantum chemical calculations verify a dependency between the ease of preparative access to organocalcium complexes and the C-I bond lengths of the organyl iodides. The bulkiness of the trialkylsilyl group is of minor importance. Chloromethyltrimethylsilane did not react with activated calcium; however, halogen-exchange reactions allowed the isolation of [Ca(CH2 SiMe3 )(thf)3 (µ-Cl)]2 . Furthermore, the metathetical approach of reacting [Ca(CH2 SiMe3 )I(thf)4 ] with KN(SiMe3 )2 and the addition of N,N,N',N'',N''-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (pmdeta) allowed the isolation of heteroleptic [CaCH2 SiMe3 {N(SiMe3 )2 }(pmdeta)]. In the reaction of this derivative with phenylsilane, the trimethylsilylmethyl group proved to be more reactive than the bis(trimethylsilyl)amido substituent.

Acetoxymethyl Concept for Intracellular Administration of Carbon Monoxide with Mn(CO)3 -Based PhotoCORMs.

Targeted administration of carbon monoxide with CO releasing molecules (CORMs) inside of cells proved to be very challenging. Consequently, there are only very few reports on intracellular uptake of CORMs requiring high extracellular CORM loading because an equilibrium between extra- and intracellular concentrations can be assumed. Here we present a strategy for a targeted intracellular administration of manganese(I)-based CORMs that are altered inside of cells to trap these complexes. Thereafter, carbon monoxide can be liberated by irradiation (photoCORMs). To achieve this innovative task, acetoxymethyl (AM) groups are attached at the periphery of the hydrophobic manganese(I) carbonyl complexes to not influence the CO release behavior. Inside of cells these AM substituents are cleaved by esterases yielding hydrophilic manganese(I) carbonyl compounds which are captured inside of cells. This objective is realized by using the bidentate bases 4-(acetoxymethoxycarbonyl)phenyl-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane (1) and 4-(acetoxymethoxy)phenyl-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane (4) at facial (OC)3 MnBr fragments yielding CORM-AM1 (2) and CORM-AM2 (5), respectively. Besides synthesis, crystal structures and spectroscopic properties we present targeted administration and intracellular accumulation of these AM-containing CORMs.

Alkaline-Earth Metal Bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] Complexes with Weakly Coordinating 2,2,5,5-Tetramethyltetrahydrofuran Ligands.

The reaction of [(Me3Si)2N-Ae{µ-N(SiMe3)2}]2 with 2,2,5,5-tetramethyltetrahydrofuran in pentane yields the mononuclear complexes [(Me4thf)Ae{N(SiMe3)2}2] (Ae = Mg (1), Ca (2), Sr (3), and Ba (4)) with three-coordinate alkaline-earth metal centers. With increasing radius of the alkaline-earth metal atoms, the N-Ae-N bond angles decrease. These ether adducts significantly enhance the solubility of the bis(trimethylsilyl)amides of the alkaline-earth metals in hydrocarbon solvents. Contrary to the magnesium derivative 1, the heavier congeners dissociate into mononuclear [Ae{N(SiMe3)2}2] and free Me4THF without formation of sparingly soluble dinuclear [(Me3Si)2N-Ae{µ-N(SiMe3)2}]2.

Synthesis of Biopolymer-Based Precursors for the Formation of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Materials.

Cellulose acetates can be homogeneously transferred with (3-isocyanatopropyl) triethoxysilane, yielding the corresponding carbamates containing reactive ethoxysilane moieties. The products obtained under different conditions are characterized by liquid and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. A slight hydrolysis in products of high Si-content occurs, which strongly affects the solubility of the polymers. The soluble products can be shaped and crosslinked, forming siloxane and silanol polymer network. By incorporating tetraethoxysilane as inorganic precursor, novel silanized film can be prepared and are studied by scanning electron microscopy.

Impact of higher-order heme degradation products on hepatic function and hemodynamics.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Biliverdin and bilirubin were previously considered end products of heme catabolism; now, however, there is evidence for further degradation to diverse bioactive products. Z-BOX A and Z-BOX B arise upon oxidation with unknown implications for hepatocellular function and integrity. We studied the impact of Z-BOX A and B on hepatic functions and explored their alterations in health and cholestatic conditions. METHODS: Functional implications and mechanisms were investigated in rats, hepatocytic HepG2 and HepaRG cells, human immortalized hepatocytes, and isolated perfused livers. Z-BOX A and B were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure and hereditary unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. RESULTS: Z-BOX A and B are found in similar amounts in humans and rodents under physiological conditions. Serum concentrations increased ∼20-fold during cholestatic liver failure in humans (p<0.001) and in hereditary deficiency of bilirubin glucuronidation in rats (p<0.001). Pharmacokinetic studies revealed shorter serum half-life of Z-BOX A compared to its regio-isomer Z-BOX B (p=0.035). While both compounds were taken up by hepatocytes, Z-BOX A was enriched ∼100-fold and excreted in bile. Despite their reported vasoconstrictive properties in the brain vasculature, BOXes did not affect portal hemodynamics. Both Z-BOX A and B showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity, affected the glutathione redox state, and differentially modulated activity of Rev-erbα and Rev-erbß. Moreover, BOXes-triggered remodeling of the hepatocellular cytoskeleton. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide evidence that higher-order heme degradation products, namely Z-BOX A and B, impair hepatocellular integrity and might mediate intra- and extrahepatic cytotoxic effects previously attributed to hyperbilirubinemia. LAY SUMMARY: Degradation of the blood pigment heme yields the bile pigment bilirubin and the oxidation products Z-BOX A and Z-BOX B. Serum concentrations of these bioactive molecules increase in jaundice and can impair liver function and integrity. Amounts of Z-BOX A and Z-BOX B that are observed during liver failure in humans have profound effects on hepatic function when added to cultured liver cells or infused into healthy rats.

Heavy Grignard Reagents: Synthesis, Physical and Structural Properties, Chemical Behavior, and Reactivity.

The Grignard reaction offers a straight forward atom-economic synthesis of organomagnesium halides, which undergo redistribution reactions (Schlenk equilibrium) yielding diorganylmagnesium and magnesium dihalides. The homologous organocalcium complexes (heavy Grignard reagents) gained interest only quite recently owing to several reasons. The discrepancy between the inertness of this heavy alkaline earth metal and the enormous reactivity of its organometallics hampered a vast and timely development after the first investigation more than 100 years ago. In this overview the synthesis of organocalcium reagents is described as is the durability in ethereal solvents. Aryl-, alkenyl-, and alkylcalcium halides are prepared by direct synthesis. Characteristic structural features and NMR parameters are discussed. Ligand redistribution reactions can be performed by addition of potassium tert-butanolate to ethereal solutions of arylcalcium iodides yielding soluble diarylcalcium, whereas sparingly soluble potassium iodide and calcium bis(tert-butanolate) precipitate. Furthermore, reactivity studies with respect to metalation and addition to unsaturated organic compounds and metal-based Lewis acids, leading to the formation of heterobimetallic complexes, are presented.

From Highly Fluorescent Donors to Strongly Absorbing Acceptors: The Tunable Properties of Fluorubines.

The synthesis and characterization of three novel fluorubine derivatives is reported via three to four simple reaction steps with isolatable intermediates. The functional dyes are characterized by their strong absorption peaks in the visible region and their high fluorescence quantum yields. A significant and useful feature is that the properties can be tuned over a wide range by changing the pH. Transformation of the dyes into protonated amidinium salts leads to narrower band gaps and to drastically lower LUMO energies. Further reduction of the pH results in the doubly protonated species with a high electron-deficiency and LUMO energies of -4.8 eV, bathochromic shifts, and a strong intensity increase of up to ε = 120 000 M-1 cm-1.

Influence of 18-Crown-6 Ether Coordination on the Catalytic Activity of Potassium and Calcium Diarylphosphinites in Hydrophosphorylation Reactions.

The addition of 18-crown-6 ether (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane) to tetranuclear [(thf)K(OPAryl2)]4 and [(thf)4Ca(OPAryl2)2] yields the corresponding mononuclear complexes [(18C6)K(OPAryl2)] [Aryl = Ph (1a), Mes (1b)] and [(18C6)Ca(OPAryl2)2] [Aryl = Ph (2a), Mes (2b)]. The metathesis reaction of [(thf)K(OPAryl2)]4 with CaI2 yields the calciate [K2Ca(thf)x{OPMes2}4]. The addition of dimesitylphosphane oxide and crystallization from a hexane solution gives [K2Ca{OPMes2}4{Mes2P(O)H}] (3). The complexes [(thf)K(OPMes2)]4, [(thf)4Ca(OPMes2)2], 1b, 2b, and the calciate 3 are tested as catalysts in the hydrophosphorylation of isopropylisocyanate with dimesitylphosphane oxide, quantitatively yielding N-isopropyl(dimesitylphosphoryl)formamide. The potassium complexes are more efficient catalysts than the calcium congeners, and coordination of 18-crown-6 decelerates the catalytic conversion.

Surprisingly Different Reaction Behavior of Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal Bis(trimethylsilyl)amides toward Bulky N-(2-Pyridylethyl)-N'-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)pivalamidine.

N-(2,6-Diisopropylphenyl)-N'-(2-pyridylethyl)pivalamidine (Dipp-N=C(tBu)-N(H)-C2 H4 -Py) (1), reacts with metalation reagents of lithium, magnesium, calcium, and strontium to give the corresponding pivalamidinates [(tmeda)Li{Dipp-N=C(tBu)-N-C2 H4 -Py}] (6), [Mg{Dipp-N=C(tBu)-N-C2 H4 -Py}2 ] (3), and heteroleptic [{(Me3 Si)2 N}Ae{Dipp-N=C(tBu)-N-C2 H4 -Py}], with Ae being Ca (2 a) and Sr (2 b). In contrast to this straightforward deprotonation of the amidine units, the reaction of 1 with the bis(trimethylsilyl)amides of sodium or potassium unexpectedly leads to a ß-metalation and an immediate deamidation reaction yielding [(thf)2 Na{Dipp-N=C(tBu)-N(H)}] (4 a) or [(thf)2 K{Dipp-N=C(tBu)-N(H)}] (4 b), respectively, as well as 2-vinylpyridine in both cases. The lithium derivative shows a similar reaction behavior to the alkaline earth metal congeners, underlining the diagonal relationship in the periodic table. Protonation of 4 a or the metathesis reaction of 4 b with CaI2 in tetrahydrofuran yields N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)pivalamidine (Dipp-N=C(tBu)-NH2 ) (5), or [(thf)4 Ca{Dipp-N=C(tBu)-N(H)}2 ] (7), respectively. The reaction of AN(SiMe3 )2 (A=Na, K) with less bulky formamidine Dipp-N=C(H)-N(H)-C2 H4 -Py (8) leads to deprotonation of the amidine functionality, and [(thf)Na{Dipp-N=C(H)-N-C2 H4 -Py}]2 (9 a) or [(thf)K{Dipp-N=C(H)-N-C2 H4 -Py}]2 (9 b), respectively, are isolated as dinuclear complexes. From these experiments it is obvious, that ß-metalation/deamidation of N-(2-pyridylethyl)amidines requires bases with soft metal ions and also steric pressure. The isomeric forms of all compounds are verified by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis and are maintained in solution.

Potassium-Mediated Hydrophosphorylation of Heterocumulenes with Diarylphosphane Oxide and Sulfide.

The preparation of the hydrophosphorylation catalysts succeeds via the metalation of dimesitylphosphane oxide and diphenylphosphane sulfide with potassium hydride in ethereal solvents such as tetrahydropyran (THP) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) yielding the tetramers [(thp)K(OPMes2)]4 (1a) and [(thf)3{K(OPMes2)}4] (1b) as well as [(thp)KSPPh2]∞ (2) with a strand-like structure in the crystalline state. In ethereal solution these complexes very slowly degrade into KPAr2 and KE2PAr2 (E = O, S). The catalytic conversion of iPr-N═C═E' (E' = O, S) and of R-N═C═N-R (R = iPr, cHex) to the addition products Ar2P(E)-C(=E')-NHR (Ar = Ph, Mes; E = O, S; E' = O, S, NR) was studied in the presence of catalytic amounts of Ar2PEK (Ar = Ph, Mes; E = O, S). Steric hindrance prevents the addition of dimesitylphosphane oxide to N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide, whereas diphenylphosphane oxide and sulfide smoothly add to iPr-N═C═N-iPr yielding Ph2P(E)-C(═N-iPr)-NHiPr (E = O, S).