Isomerization Reactions in Anionic Mesoionic Carbene-Borates and Control of Properties and Reactivities in the Resulting CoII †Complexes through Agostic Interactions.

We present herein anionic borate-based bi-mesoionic carbene compounds of the 1,2,3-triazol-4-ylidene type that undergo C-N isomerization reactions. The isomerized compounds are excellent ligands for CoII  centers. Strong agostic interactions with the "C-H"-groups of the cyclohexyl substituents result in an unusual low-spin square planar CoII  complex, which is unreactive towards external substrates. Such agostic interactions are absent in the complex with phenyl substituents on the borate backbone. This complex displays a high-spin tetrahedral CoII  center, which is reactive towards external substrates including dioxygen. To the best of our knowledge, this is also the first investigation of agostic interactions through single-crystal EPR spectroscopy. We conclusively show here that the structure and properties of these CoII complexes can be strongly influenced through interactions in the secondary coordination sphere. Additionally, we unravel a unique ligand rearrangement for these classes of anionic mesoionic carbene-based ligands.

Backbone Reactivity of Lithium ß-Diketiminate (NacNac) Complexes with CO2 , tBuNCO and iPrNCO.

Though alkali metal NacNac (ß-diketiminate) complexes have been utilised in synthesis as NacNac-transfer agents, studies of them in their own right with small molecules are exceptionally rare. Here, the lithium compound of the common 2,6-diisopropylphenyl-ß-methyldiketiminate [NacNac(Dipp, Me)] ligand is investigated with carbon dioxide and isocyanates. In all four cases reaction occurs at the backbone γ-C atom of the NacNac ligand, which redistributes electronically into a diimine. Insertion of CO2 gives an eight-atom carboxylate (Li2 O4 C2 ) ring at the γ-C site in a dimer. Insertion of tBuNCO gives a secondary amide at the γ-C site in a monomer with TMEDA chelating lithium. Double insertion of tBuNCO and (adventitious) oxygen gives a dimer with a (LiO)2 central core involving the latter source. Insertion of less bulky (iPrNCO) gives a dimer with dimerisation through the C=O bonds of the emergent secondary amide function.

Lithium-Aluminate-Catalyzed Hydrophosphination Applications.

Synthesized, isolated, and characterized by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopic studies, lithium phosphidoaluminate iBu3 AlPPh2 Li(THF)3 has been tested as a catalyst for hydrophosphination of alkynes, alkenes, and carbodiimides. Based on the collective evidence of stoichiometric reactions, NMR monitoring studies, kinetic analysis, and DFT calculations, a mechanism involving deprotonation, alkyne insertion, and protonolysis is proposed for the [iBu3 AlHLi]2 aluminate catalyzed hydrophosphination of alkynes with diphenylphosphine. This study enhances further the development of transition-metal-free, atom-economical homogeneous catalysis using common sustainable main-group metals.

Structural and Synthetic Insights into Pyridine Homocouplings Mediated by a ß-Diketiminato Magnesium Amide Complex.

The reaction of [(Dipp Nacnac)Mg(TMP)] (1) with 4-subtituted pyridines proceeds via sequential regioselective metallation and 1,2-addition to furnish a range of symmetric 4,4'-R2 -2,2'-bipyridines in good yield, representing a new entry into bipyridine synthesis. Interestingly, the reaction of 1 with 2-OMe-pyridine led to formation of asymmetric bipyridine 6, resulting from the C6-magnesiation of the heterocycle followed by a C-C coupling step by addition to the C2 position of a second, non-metallated molecule, and subsequent elimination of [Dipp NacnacMgOMe]2 (7). Synthesis combined with spectroscopic and structural analysis help rationalise the underlying processes resulting in the observed reactivity, and elucidate the key role that the sterically encumbered ß-diketiminate ligand plays in determining regioselectivity.

Donor-influenced Structure-Activity Correlations in Stoichiometric and Catalytic Reactions of Lithium Monoamido-Monohydrido-Dialkylaluminates.

A series of heteroleptic monoamido-monohydrido-dialkylaluminate complexes of general formula [iBu2 AlTMPHLi⋅donor] were synthesized and characterised in solution and in the solid state. Applying these complexes in catalytic hydroboration reactions with representative aldehydes and ketones reveals that all are competent, however a definite donor substituent effect is discernible. The bifunctional nature of the complexes is also probed by assessing their performance in metallation of a triazole and phenylacetylene and addition across pyrazine. These results lead to an example of phenylacetylene hydroboration, which likely proceeds via deprotonation, rather than insertion as observed with the aldehydes and ketones. Collectively, the results emphasise that reactivity is strongly influenced by both the mixed-metal constitution and mixed-ligand constitution of the new aluminates.

Comparing Neutral (Monometallic) and Anionic (Bimetallic) Aluminum Complexes in Hydroboration Catalysis: Influences of Lithium Cooperation and Ligand Set.

Bimetallic lithium aluminates and neutral aluminum counterparts are compared as catalysts in hydroboration reactions with aldehydes, ketones, imines and alkynes. Possessing Li-Al cooperativity, ate catalysts are found to be generally superior. Catalytic activity is also influenced by the ligand set, alkyl and/or amido. Devoid of an Al-H bond, iBu2 Al(TMP) operates as a masked hydride reducing benzophenone through a ß-Η transfer process. This catalyst library therefore provides an entry point into the future design of Al catalysts targeting substrate specific transformations.

1-Alkali-metal-2-alkyl-1,2-dihydropyridines: Soluble Hydride Surrogates for Catalytic Dehydrogenative Coupling and Hydroboration Applications.

Equipped with excellent hydrocarbon solubility, the lithium hydride surrogate 1-lithium-2-tert-butyl-1,2-dihydropyridine (1tLi) functions as a precatalyst to convert Me2 NH⋅BH3 to [NMe2 BH2 ]2 (89 % conversion) under competitive conditions (2.5 mol %, 60 h, 80 °C, toluene solvent) to that of previously reported LiN(SiMe3 )2 . Sodium and potassium dihydropyridine congeners produce similar high yields of [NMe2 BH2 ]2 but require longer times. Switching the solvent to pyridine induces a remarkable change in the dehydrocoupling product ratio, with (NMe2 )2 BH favoured over [NMe2 BH2 ]2 (e.g., 94 %:2 % for 1tLi). Demonstrating its versatility, precatalyst 1tLi was also successful in promoting hydroboration reactions between pinacolborane and a selection of aldehydes and ketones. Most reactions gave near quantitative conversion to the hydroborated products in 15 minutes, though sterically demanding carbonyl substrates require longer times. The mechanisms of these rare examples of Group 1 metal-catalysed processes are discussed.

A New Family of 3d-4f Bis-Calix[4]arene-Supported Clusters.

Calix[4]arenes are versatile ligands that, whilst also serving other purposes, can act as platforms for the synthesis of a wide range of 3d, 4f, and 3d-4f polymetallic clusters. The empirical metal ion binding rules established for calix[4]arene are closely mirrored by bis-calix[4]arene, a relatively new ligand in which two equivalents of the former are directly tethered at a methylene bridge position. The direct tethering within bis-calix[4]arene gives rise to some structural features that are related to calix[4]arene coordination chemistry, but the prevailing clusters have fascinating new topologies and coordination behaviors. Here, we present the synthesis of a family of new bis-calix[4]arene-supported 3d-4f clusters, as well as their structural characterization and magnetic properties. Comparison is drawn with calix[4]arene coordination chemistry, showing logical extension of common structural fragments and cluster capping behaviors upon moving to bis-calix[4]arene. This approach therefore holds great potential for tuning cluster formation and composition at a high level through subsequent ligand alteration.

Importance of Steric Influences in the Construction of Multicomponent Hybrid Polymetallic Clusters.

The straightforward room temperature synthesis of hybrid polymetallic manganese clusters is investigated, exploiting complementary ligand combinations of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene and salicylaldoximes. Eight new [MnIII7MnII] clusters have been prepared wherein the simple substitution of alkyl or aryl groups at well-defined positions of the salicylaldoxime scaffold leads to two distinct structure types that, while exhibiting the same general topology, contain the unique MnII ion in different positions. Incorporation of a methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl group at the 3-position of the aromatic skeleton or a phenyl group at the oximic carbon gives structure type A that displays competing weak ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions. Substitution of a methyl or ethyl group at the oximic carbon atom invokes structure type B, incorporating an additional bulky chloride or nitrate into the metallic core due to the smaller steric imposition and position of the methyl or ethyl group. The distortion of the cluster core is consequently enhanced, switching the magnetic properties and resulting in single-molecule magnet behavior. The presence of tert-butyl groups at the 3- and 5-positions of the salicylaldoxime skeleton leads to a new [MnIV2MnIII2] cluster that is found to be a single-molecule magnet. The bulky tert-butyl group in the 3-position is too large to facilitate Mn8 cluster formation, and thus assembly occurs by an alternative pathway. Characteristic bonding modes of the constituent ligands are retained in every case, and the results presented here give insight into the potential of ligand combinations in future studies, highlighting the importance of steric factors in evaluating their relevant compatibilities.

LiTMP Trans-Metal-Trapping of Fluorinated Aromatic Molecules: A Comparative Study of Aluminum and Gallium Carbanion Traps.

Fluoroaromatic scaffolds pose a challenge to lithiation due to low stability of lithiated intermediates. Here we apply trans-metal-trapping (TMT) to a series of key fluorinated aromatics. In TMT, LiTMP performs the metalation, while an organometallic trap intercepts the emergent carbanion. This study contrasts the trapping abilities of iBu2 AlTMP and Ga(CH2 SiMe3 )3 , structurally mapping their TMT reactions and probing relative stabilities of metalated fluoroaromatic intermediates by NMR studies. Results show the installed Al-C(aryl) bonds are more prone to decomposition by benzyne formation and Li-F liberation, than the Ga-C(aryl) species. The latter are thus better for onward reactivity as demonstrated in cross-coupling reactions with benzoyl chloride that produce ketones.

Lithium Dihydropyridine Dehydrogenation Catalysis: A Group†1 Approach to the Cyclization of Diamine Boranes.

In reactions restricted previously to a ruthenium catalyst, a 1-lithium-2-alkyl-1,2-dihydropyridine complex is shown to be a competitive alternative dehydrogenation catalyst for the transformation of diamine boranes into cyclic 1,3,2-diazaborolidines, which can in turn be smoothly arylated in good yields. This study established the conditions and solvent dependence of the catalysis through NMR monitoring, with mechanistic insight provided by NMR (including DOSY) experiments and X-ray crystallographic studies of several model lithio intermediates.

Bis-Calix[4]arenes: From Ligand Design to the Directed Assembly of a Metal-Organic Trigonal Antiprism.

Calix[4]arenes (C[4]s) are versatile platforms for the construction of polymetallic clusters containing paramagnetic metal ions. Synthetic modification at the C[4] methylene bridge allows for the design of bis-C[4]s that, depending on the linker employed, can be used to either dictate which clusters can be formed or direct the assembly of a new metal-organic polyhedron (MOP). The assembly resulting from the latter approach displays thermal stability and uptake of N2 or H2 gas, confirming that this is a viable route to the synthesis of new, functional supramolecular architectures.

Linked supramolecular building blocks for enhanced cluster formation.

Methylene-bridged calix[4]arenes have emerged as extremely versatile ligand supports in the formation of new polymetallic clusters possessing fascinating magnetic properties. Metal ion binding rules established for this building block allow one to partially rationalise the complex assembly process. The ability to covalently link calix[4]arenes at the methylene bridge provides significantly improved control over the introduction of different metal centres to resulting cluster motifs. Clusters assembled from bis-calix[4]arenes and transition metal ions or 3d-4f combinations display characteristic features of the analogous calix[4]arene supported clusters, thereby demonstrating an enhanced and rational approach towards the targeted synthesis of complex and challenging structures.

Facile interchange of 3d and 4f ions in single-molecule magnets: stepwise assembly of [Mn4 ], [Mn3Ln] and [Mn2Ln2 ] cages within calix[4]arene scaffolds.

The central Mn(II) ions in a series of calix[4]arene-stabilised butterflies can be sequentially replaced with Ln(III) ions, maintaining the structural integrity of the molecule but transforming its magnetic properties. The replacement of Mn(II) for Gd(III) allows for the examination of the transferability of spin-Hamiltonian parameters within the family as well as permitting their reliable determination. The introduction of the 4f ions results in weaker intramolecular magnetic exchange, an increase in the number of low-lying excited states, and an increase in magnetisation relaxation, highlighting the importance of exchange over single-ion anisotropy for the observation of SMM behaviour in this family of complexes. The presence of the [TM(II/III) (TBC[4])(OH)(solvent)] metalloligand (TM=transition metal, TBC=p-tBu-calix[4]arene) suggests that magnetic calix[n]arene building blocks can be employed to encapsulate a range of different "guests" within structurally robust "hosts".

Developing lithium chemistry of 1,2-dihydropyridines: from kinetic intermediates to isolable characterized compounds.

Generally considered kinetic intermediates in addition reactions of alkyllithiums to pyridine, 1-lithio-2-alkyl-1,2-dihydropyridines have been rarely isolated or characterized. This study develops their "isolated" chemistry. By a unique stoichiometric (that is, 1:1, alkyllithium/pyridine ratios) synthetic approach using tridentate donors we show it is possible to stabilize and hence crystallize monomeric complexes where alkyl is tert-butyl. Theoretical calculations probing the donor-free parent tert-butyl species reveal 12 energetically similar stereoisomers in two distinct cyclotrimeric (LiN)3 conformations. NMR spectroscopy studies (including DOSY spectra) and thermal volatility analysis compare new sec-butyl and iso-butyl isomers showing the former is a hexane soluble efficient hydrolithiation agent converting benzophenone to lithium diphenylmethoxide. Emphasizing the criticalness of stoichiometry, reaction of nBuLi/Me6 TREN with two equivalents of pyridine results in non-alkylated 1-lithio-1,4-dihydropyridine⋅Me6 TREN and 2-n-butylpyridine, implying mechanistically the kinetic 1,2-n-butyl intermediate hydrolithiates the second pyridine.

Talent identification in soccer: The influence of technical, physical and maturity-related characteristics on a national selection process.

The present study examines the influence of technical, physical, and relative age characteristics on players selection success within the Scottish Performance School trials. Ninety adolescent players (81 males, 9 females; mean ± standard deviation: age = 11.3 ± 0.4 years, height = 149.6 ± 6.9 cm, mass 38.1 ± 4.7 kg) performed a battery of physical fitness (20m Sprint, CMJ, 5-0-5 agility test), anthropometric, and 8 small-sided games (SSG; 9v9) as part of a talent identification (TID) programme. Players technical (ball touches, time on the ball, high-speed releases) and locomotor activities (high-speed running distance, sprint distance, accelerations, and decelerations) were monitored using foot-mounted inertial measurements units during SSG's. The data was analysed using independent sample T-tests. Mann-Whitney U analyses were conducted to examine the differences between groups whose data was determined as being (non)parametric, with Cohen effect sizes applied. Successful players performed significantly better during physical tests (Effect size ± confidence limits: Left 5-0-5 = -0.89±0.13, Right 5-0-5 = -0.51±0.11), had significantly higher locomotor activities during SSG (high-intensity distance = 0.4±26.6, horizontal accelerations = 0.59±1.19) and significantly higher technical outputs during SSG (touches = 0.71±6.1, releases = 0.49±2.5, high-speed releases = 0.59±2.7, time on the ball = 0.52±3.4) compared to unsuccessful players. Successful players had significantly higher locomotor activities and technical outputs during SSG than their unsuccessful counterparts. Monitoring technical and locomotor activities during SSG may compliment or replace physical testing batteries for assessing TID processes in soccer.

A regioselectively 1,1',3,3'-tetrazincated ferrocene complex displaying core and peripheral reactivity.

Regioselective 1,1',3,3'-tetrazincation [C-H to C-Zn(tBu)] of ferrocene has been achieved by reaction of a fourfold excess of di-t-butylzinc (tBu2Zn) with sodium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide (NaTMP) in hexane solution manifested in the trimetallic iron-sodium-zinc complex [Na4(TMP)4Zn4(tBu)4{(C5H3)2Fe}], 1. X-ray crystallographic studies supported by DFT modelling reveal the structure to be an open inverse crown in which two [Na(TMP)Zn(tBu)Na(TMP)Zn(tBu)]2+ cationic units surround a {(C5H3)2Fe}4- tetraanion. Detailed C6D6 NMR studies have assigned the plethora of 1H and 13C chemical shifts of this complex. It exists in a major form in which capping and bridging TMP groups interchange, as well as a minor form that appears to be an intermediate in this complicated exchange phenomenon. Investigation of 1 has uncovered two distinct reactivities. Two of its peripheral t-butyl carbanions formally deprotonate toluene at the lateral methyl group to generate benzyl ligands that replace these carbanions in [Na4(TMP)4Zn4(tBu)2(CH2Ph)2{(C5H3)2Fe}], 2, which retains its tetrazincated ferrocenyl core. Benzyl-Na π-arene interactions are a notable feature of 2. In contrast, reaction with pyridine affords the crystalline product {[Na·4py][Zn(py*)2(tBu)·py]}∞, 3, where py is neutral pyridine (C5H5N) and py* is the anion (4-C5H4N), a rare example of pyridine deprotonated/metallated at the 4-position. This ferrocene-free complex appears to be a product of core reactivity in that the core-positioned ferrocenyl anions of 1, in company with TMP anions, have formally deprotonated the heterocycle.

Structural and metal-halogen exchange reactivity studies of sodium magnesiate biphenolate complexes.

Bimetallic sodium magnesiates have been employed in metal-halogen exchange for the first time. Utilising the racemic phenoxide ligand 5,5',6,6'-tetramethyl-3,3'-di-tert-butyl-1,1'-biphenyl-2,2'-diol [(rac)-BIPHEN-H2], the dialkyl sodium magnesiates [(rac)-BIPHEN]Na2MgBu2(TMEDA)23 and [(rac)-BIPHEN]Na2MgBu2(PMDETA)24 have been synthesised. Both 3 and 4 can be easily prepared through co-complexation of di-n-butylmagnesium with the sodiated (rac)-BIPHEN precursor which can be prepared in situ in hydrocarbon solvent. Prior to the main investigation, synthesis of the sodiated precursor [BIPHEN]2Na4(THF)41 was explored in order to better understand the formation of sodium magnesiates utilising the dianionic (rac)-BIPHEN ligand as the parent ligand. In addition, a BIPHEN-rich sodium magnesiate [BIPHEN]2Na2Mg(THF)42 was prepared and characterised, and its formation was rationalised. Complex 1 and 4 have also been fully characterised in both solid and solution state. In terms of onward reactivity, 3 and 4 have been tested as potential exchange reagents with aryl and heteroaryl iodides to produce aryl and heteroaryl magnesium phenoxides utilising toluene as a non-polar hydrocarbon solvent. Complex 3 reacted smoothly to give a range of aryl and heteroaryl magnesium phenoxides, whilst 4's reactivity is more sluggish.

Magnesium-mediated arylation of amines via C-F bond activation of fluoroarenes.

A series of new Mg(ii) amides featuring a bulky ß-diketiminate backstop ligand, has been synthesised. These complexes are demonstrated to be excellent sources of nucleophilic amides that can participate in rapid C-F activation of several fluoroarenes at room temperature or using microwave assistance, leading to the installment of synthetically important C-N bonds via nucleophilic substitution.

Alkali metal and stoichiometric effects in intermolecular hydroamination catalysed by lithium, sodium and potassium magnesiates.

Main group bimetallic complexes, while being increasingly used in stoichiometric deprotonation and metal-halogen exchange reactions, have not yet made a significant impact in catalytic applications. This paper explores the ability of alkali metal magnesiates to catalyse the intermolecular hydroamination of alkynes and alkenes using sytrene and diphenylacetylene as principle setting model substrates. By systematically studying the role of the alkali-metal and the formulation of the heterobimetallic precatalyst, this study establishes higher order potassium magnesiate [(PMDETA)2K2Mg(CH2SiMe3)4] (7) as a highly effective system capable of catalysing hydroamination of styrene and diphenylacetylene with several amines while operating at room temperature. This high reactivity contrasts with the complete lack of catalytic ability of neutral Mg(CH2SiMe3)2, even when harsher reaction conditions are employed (24 h, 80 °C). A pronounced alkali metal effect is also uncovered proving that the alkali metal (Li, Na, or K) is not a mere spectating counterion. Through stoichiometric reactions, and structural and spectroscopic (DOSY NMR) investigations we shed some light on the potential reaction pathway as well as the constitution of key intermediates. This work suggests that the enhanced catalytic activity of 7 can be rationalised in terms of the superior nucleophilic power of the formally dianionic magnesiate {Mg(NR2)4}2- generated in situ during the hydroamination process, along with the ability of potassium to engage in π-interactions with the unsaturated organic substrate, enhancing its susceptibility towards a nucleophilic attack by the amide anion.