X-ray resonant single-crystal diffraction technique, a powerful tool to investigate the kesterite structure of the photovoltaic Cu2ZnSnS4 compound.

Cu/Zn disorder in the kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 derivatives used for thin film based solar cells is an important issue for photovoltaic performances. Unfortunately, Cu and Zn cannot be distinguished by conventional laboratory X-ray diffraction. This paper reports on a resonant diffraction investigation of a Cu2ZnSnS4 single crystal from a quenched powdered sample. The full disorder of Cu and Zn in the z = 1/4 atomic plane is shown. The structure, namely disordered kesterite, is then described in the I42m space group.

Sulfonium polyoxometalates: a new class of solid-state photochromic hybrid organic-inorganic materials.

For the very first time, sulfonium polyoxometalate (POM) assemblies are shown to develop efficient solid-state photochromism in ambient conditions. The optical properties of the already known Rb(0.75)(NH(4))(5.25)[(Mo(3)O(8))(2)O(O(3)PC(CH(2)S(CH(3))(2))OPO(3))(2)]·8H(2)O (1) and a new material (Me(3)S)(4)[Mo(8)O(26)] (2) under UV excitation are investigated by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, revealing that the color change effect is highly tunable playing with the nature of the POM. A mechanism involving the photoreduction of Mo(6+) cations associated with electron transfers from the sulfonium cations toward the POMs is proposed.

Comparative modular analysis of two complex sulfosalt structures: sterryite, Cu(Ag,Cu)3Pb19(Sb,As)22(As-As)S56, and parasterryite, Ag4Pb20(Sb,As)24S58.

The crystal structures of two very close, but distinct complex minerals of the lead sulfosalt group have been solved: sterryite, Cu(Ag,Cu)(3)Pb(19)(Sb,As)(22)(As-As)S(56), and parasterryite, Ag(4)Pb(20)(Sb,As)(24)S(58). They are analyzed and compared according to modular analysis. The fundamental building block is a complex column centred on a Pb(6)S(12) triangular prismatic core, with two additional long and short arms. The main chemical and topological differences relate to the short arm, which induces a relative a/4 shift (~2 Å along the elongation parameter) of the constitutive rod layers, as illustrated by distinct cell settings within the same space group (P2(1)/n and P2(1)/c, respectively). Selection of the shortest (i.e. strongest) (Sb,As)-S bonds permitted to enhance the polymeric organization of (Sb,As) atoms with triangular pyramidal coordination. These two quasi-homeotypic structures are expanded derivatives of owyheeite, Ag(3)Pb(10)Sb(11)S(28). The hierarchy of organization levels from zero- to three-dimensional entities is subordinated to building operators, which appear as the driving force for the construction of such complex structures. Minor cations (Ag, Cu) or the As-As pair in sterryite secure the final locking, which favours the formation of one or the other compound.

3-fluoro- and 3,3-difluoro-3,4-dideoxy-KRN7000 analogues as new potent immunostimulator agents: total synthesis and biological evaluation in human invariant natural killer T cells and mice.

We propose here the synthesis and biological evaluation of 3,4-dideoxy-GalCer derivatives. The absence of the 3- and 4-hydroxyls on the sphingoid base is combined with the introduction of mono or difluoro substituent at C3 (analogues 8 and 9, respectively) to evaluate their effect on the stability of the ternary CD1d/GalCer/TCR complex which strongly modulate the immune responses. Biological evaluations were performed in vitro on human cells and in vivo in mice and results discussed with support of modeling studies. The fluoro 3,4-dideoxy-GalCer analogues appears as partial agonists compared to KRN7000 for iNKT cell activation, inducing T(H)1 or T(H)2 biases that strongly depend of the mode of antigen presentation, including human vs mouse differences. We evidenced that if a sole fluorine atom is not able to balance the loss of the 3-OH, the presence of a difluorine group at C3 of the sphingosine can significantly restore human iNKT activation.

New heteroleptic bis-phenanthroline copper(I) complexes with dipyridophenazine or imidazole fused phenanthroline ligands: spectral, electrochemical, and quantum chemical studies.

Two new sterically challenged diimine ligands L(1) (2,9-dimesityl-2-(4'-bromophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) and L(2) (3,6-di-n-butyl-11-bromodipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) have been synthesized with the aim to build original heteroleptic copper(I) complexes, following the HETPHEN concept developed by Schmittel and co-workers. The structure of L(1) is based on a phen-imidazole molecular core, derivatized by two highly bulky mesityl groups in positions 2 and 9 of the phenanthroline cavity, preventing the formation of a homoleptic species, while L(2) is a dppz derivative, bearing n-butyl chains in α positions of the chelating nitrogen atoms. The unambiguous formation of six novel heteroleptic copper(I) complexes based on L(1), L(2), and complementary matching ligands (2,9-R(2)-1,10-phenanthroline, with R = H, methyl, n-butyl or mesityl) has been evidenced, and the resulting compounds were fully characterized. The electronic absorption spectra of all complexes fits well with DFT calculations allowing the assignment of the main transitions. The characteristics of the emissive excited state were investigated in different solvents using time-resolved single photon counting and transient absorption spectroscopy. The complexes with ligand L(2), bearing a characteristic dppz moiety, exhibit a very low energy excited-state which mainly leads to fast nonradiative relaxation, whereas the emission lifetime is higher for those containing the bulky ligand L(1). For example, a luminescence quantum yield of about 3 × 10(-4) is obtained with a decay time of about 50 ns for C2 ([Cu(I)(nBu-phen)(L(1))](+)) with a weak influence of strong coordinating solvent on the luminescence properties. Overall, the spectral features are those expected for a highly constrained coordination cage. Yet, the complexes are stable in solution, partly due to the beneficial π stacking between mesityl groups and vicinal phenanthroline aromatic rings, as evidenced by the X-ray structure of complex C3 ([Cu(I)(Mes-phen)(L(2))](+)). Electrochemistry of the copper(I) complexes revealed reversible anodic behavior, corresponding to a copper(I) to copper(II) transition. The half wave potentials increase with the steric bulk at the level of the copper(I) ion, reaching a value as high as 1 V vs SCE, with the assistance of ligand induced electronic effects. L(1) and L(2) are further end-capped by a bromo functionality. A Suzuki cross-coupling reaction was directly performed on the complexes, in spite of the handicapping lability of copper(I)-phenanthroline complexes.

How does the synthesis temperature impact hybrid organic-inorganic molybdate material design?

We investigate the reactivity of MoO(4)(2-) toward six organoammonium cations (+)(Me(3-x)H(x)N)(CH(2))(2)(NH(y)Me(3-y))(+) (x, y = 1-3) at different synthesis temperatures ranging from 70 to 180 °C. A total of 16 hybrid organic-inorganic materials have been synthesized at an initial pH of 2, via ambient pressure and hydrothermal routes, namely, (H(2)en)[Mo(3)O(10)]·H(2)O (1), (H(2)en)[Mo(3)O(10)] (2), (H(2)en)[Mo(5)O(16)] (3), (H(2)MED)(2)[Mo(8)O(26)]·2H(2)O (4), (H(2)MED)[Mo(5)O(16)] (5), (N,N-H(2)DMED)(2)[Mo(8)O(26)]·2H(2)O (6), (N,N-H(2)DMED)(2)[Mo(8)O(26)]·2H(2)O (7), (N,N'-H(2)DMED)(2)[Mo(8)O(26)] (8), (N,N'-H(2)DMED)[Mo(5)O(16)] (9), (H(2)TriMED)(2)[Mo(8)O(26)]·4H(2)O (10), (H(2)TriMED)(2)[Mo(8)O(26)]·2H(2)O (11), (H(2)TriMED)[Mo(7)O(22)] (12), (H(2)TMED)(2)[Mo(8)O(26)]·2H(2)O (13), (H(2)TMED)(2)[Mo(8)O(26)] (14), (H(2)TMED)(2)[Mo(8)O(26)] (15), and (H(2)TMED)[Mo(7)O(22)] (16). All of these compounds contain different polyoxomolybdate (Mo-POM) blocks, i.e., discrete ß-[Mo(8)O(26)](4-) blocks in 6, 10, 13, 14, (1)/(∞)[Mo(3)O(10)](2-), and (1)/(∞)[Mo(8)O(26)](4-) polymeric chains in 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, and 15, respectively, and (2)/(∞)[Mo(5)O(16)](2-) and (2)/(∞)[Mo(7)O(22)](2-) layers in 3, 5, 9, 12, and 16, respectively. The structures of 5, 9, and 14 have been resolved by single-crystal X-ray analyses. The characterization of the different Mo-POM blocks in 1-16 by Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy is reported. The impact of the synthesis temperature on both the composition and topology of the Mo-POM blocks is highlighted.

Electrochemical synthesis and characterisation of alternating tripyridyl-dipyrrole molecular strands with multiple nitrogen-based donor-acceptor binding sites.

Synthesis of alternating pyridine-pyrrole molecular strands composed of two electron-rich pyrrole units (donors) sandwiched between three pyridinic cores (acceptors) is described. The envisioned strategy was a smooth electrosynthesis process involving ring contraction of corresponding tripyridyl-dipyridazine precursors. 2,6-Bis[6-(pyridazin-3-yl)]pyridine ligands 2a-c bearing pyridine residues at the terminal positions were prepared in suitable quantities by a Negishi metal cross-coupling procedure. The yields of heterocyclic coupling between 2-pyridyl zinc bromide reagents 12a-c and 2,6-bis(6-trifluoromethanesulfonylpyridazin-3-yl)pyridine increased from 68 to 95% following introduction of electron-donating methyl groups on the metallated halogenopyridine units. Favorable conditions for preparative electrochemical reduction of tripyridyl-dipyridazines 2b,c were established in THF/acetate buffer (pH 4.6)/acetonitrile to give the targeted 2,6-bis[5-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrrol-2-yl]pyridines 1b and 1c in good yields. The absorption behavior of the donor-acceptor tripyridyl-dipyrrole ligands was evaluated and compared to theoretical calculations. Highly fluorescent properties of these chromophores were found (ν(em)≈2 × 10(4) cm(-1) in MeOH and CH(2)Cl(2)), and both pyrrolic ligands exhibit a remarkable quantum yield in CH(2)Cl(2) (φ(f)=0.10). Structural studies in the solid state established the preferred cis conformation of the dipyrrolic ligands, which adopting a planar arrangement with an embedded molecule of water having a complexation energy exceeding 10 kcal mol(-1). The ability of the tripyridyl-dipyrrole to complex two copper(II) ions in a pentacoordinate square was investigated.

Synthesis of highly enantioenriched chiral alpha-aminoorganotins via diastereoselective ring opening of chiral N-(arenesulfonyl) 2-tributylstannyloxazolidines.

trans-N-(Arenesulfonyl)-2-tributylstannyloxazolidines derived from (R)-phenylglycinol were diastereoselectively ring-opened by soft organometallic reagents in the presence of BF(3).OEt(2). Both higher order organocuprates and allyltributyltin afforded the desired products in good-to-excellent yields and high diastereoselectivities (dr up to 99/1). The stereochemical assignments of tributylstannyl-beta-aminoalcohols were firmly established from NMR data and after determination of several radiocrystallographic structures. Mechanisms were proposed in order to rationalize the observed selectivities.

The exceptional hydrogen-bond properties of neutral and protonated lobeline.

The X-ray diffraction structure of (-)-lobeline, a high affinity nicotinic ligand, has been determined. A comparison with its hydrobromide and hydrochloride salts shows the great flexibility of the two lateral chains of the N-methylpiperidine ring. Infrared studies carried out on the same species, in the solid state and in solution, reveal the propensity of this molecular framework to accommodate very specific hydrogen bonds (HBs) depending on the state-neutral or protonated-of the molecule. In solution, a strong internal HB between the hydroxyl group and the piperidine nitrogen gives an exceptionally high HB affinity to the hydroxyl oxygen of the lobeline base. In the ionic form, both NH+ and OH groups of the molecule cooperate as HB donors to chelate the counterion. These interactions provide very stable structures and indicate that protonated lobeline can also act as a strong HB donor.

Synthesis, characterization, and photochromic properties of hybrid organic-inorganic materials based on molybdate, DABCO, and piperazine.

Prompted by our interest in new photochromic organic-inorganic hybrid materials, the reactivity of [Mo7O24]6- toward a structure-directing reagent diamine such as 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) and piperazine (pipz) has been investigated, and three new molybdenum(VI)-containing compounds, namely, (H2DABCO)3[Mo7O24].4H2O (1), (H2DABCO)[Mo3O10].H2O (2), and (H2DABCO)2(NH4)2[Mo8O27].4H2O (3), have been synthesized and characterized. New synthetic routes to achieve the known compounds (H2DABCO)2(H2pipz)[Mo8O27] (4), (H2pipz)3[Mo8O27] (5), and (H2DABCO)2[Mo8O26].4H2O (6) are also reported. All of these compounds contain different poly(oxomolybdate) clusters, i.e., discrete [Mo7O24]6- blocks in 1, infinite polymeric chains 1/infinity[Mo3O10]2- in 2, 1/infinity[Mo8O27]6- in 3-5, and 1/infinity[Mo8O26]4- in 6, associated in a tridimensional assembly by hydrogen bonds with H2DABCO2+ and/or H2pipz2+ cations. Interconversion pathways and chemical factors affecting the stabilization of the different species are highlighted and discussed. At the opposite of 6, compounds 1-5 show photochromic behavior under UV excitation. Namely, compounds 1-5 shift from white or pale yellow to pale pink, reddish brown, or purple under UV illumination depending on the chemical nature of the mineral framework, with the kinetics of the color change being dictated by the nature of the organic component and by the organic-inorganic interface.

Hydrogen-bond interactions of nicotine and acetylcholine salts: a combined crystallographic, spectroscopic, thermodynamic and theoretical study.

The hydrogen-bond (HB) interactions of the monocharged active forms of nicotine and acetylcholine (ACh) have been compared theoretically by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimentally on the basis of crystallographic observations and the measurement of equilibrium constants in solution. The 2,4,6-trinitrophenolate (picrate) counterion was used to determine the experimental HB basicity of the cations despite its potential multisite HB acceptor properties. The preferred HB interaction site of the ammonium picrate salts was determined from a survey of crystallographic data found in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) and is supported by theoretical calculations. Two distinct classes of ammonium groups were characterised depending on the absence (quaternary ammonium) or presence (tertiary, secondary and primary ammoniums) of an N(+)HO hydrogen bond linking the two ions. The crystal structure of nicotinium picrate was determined and compared with that of ACh. This analysis revealed the peculiar behaviour of the ammonium moiety of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) ligands towards the picrate anion. Dedicated methods have been developed to separate the individual contributions of the anion and cation accepting sites to the overall HB basicity of the ion pairs measured in solution. The HB basicities of the picrate anions associated with the two different ammonium classes were determined in dichloromethane solution by using several model ion pairs with non-basic ammonium cations. The experimental and theoretical studies performed on the nicotine and ACh cations consistently show the significant HB ability of the acceptor site of nAChR agonists in their charged form. Both the greater HB basicity of the pyridinic nitrogen over the carbonyl oxygen and the greater HB acidity of the N(+)H unit relative to N(+)CH could contribute to the higher affinity for nAChRs of nicotine-like ligands relative to ACh-like ligands.

Structure and phase transition of the Se-rich variety of antimonpearceite, [(Ag,Cu)6(Sb,As)2(S,Se)7][Ag9Cu(S,Se)2Se2].

The crystal structure of a Se-rich antimonpearceite has been solved and refined by means of X-ray diffraction data collected at temperatures above (room temperature) and below (120 K) an ionic conductivity-induced phase transition. Both structure arrangements consist of the stacking of [(Ag,Cu)(6)(Sb,As)(2)(S,Se)(7)](2-) A (A') and [Ag(9)Cu(S,Se)(2)Se(2)](2+) B (B') module layers in which Sb forms isolated SbS(3) pyramids typically occurring in sulfosalts; copper links two S atoms in a linear coordination, and silver occupies sites with coordination ranging from quasi-linear to almost tetrahedral. In the ionic-conducting form, at room temperature, the silver d(10) ions are found in the B (B') module layer along two-dimensional diffusion paths and their electron densities described by means of a combination of a Gram-Charlier development of the atomic displacement factors and a split-atom model. The structure resembles that of pearceite, except for the presence of both specific (Se) and mixed (S, Se) sites. In the low-temperature ;ordered' phase at 120 K the silver d(10) ions of the B (B') module layer are located in well defined sites with mixed S-Se coordination ranging from quasi-linear to almost tetrahedral. The structure is then similar to that of 222-pearceite but with major differences, specifically its cell metric, symmetry and local arrangement in the B (B') module layer.

First (3 + 2)-dimensional superspace approach to the structure of levyclaudite-(Sb), a member of the cylindrite-type minerals.

The structure of synthetic levyclaudite-(Sb), approximately (Pb(1 - y)Sb(y)S)(1.357)[Sn(1 - x)(Cu(2))(x)S(2)], has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction on the basis of the (3 + 2)-dimensional superspace approach. This misfit-layer compound, of the cylindrite type, results from the combination of two heavily modulated triclinic Q and H subsystems with a common q wavevector and only one shared reciprocal axis (stacking direction). The Q pseudo-tetragonal layer, approximately (Pb(0.70)Sb(0.30)S), derived from the NaCl archetype, is positively charged; the H pseudo-hexagonal layer, approximately (Sn(0.85)Cu(0.30)S(2)), derived from the CdI(2) archetype, is negatively charged, owing to the replacement of Sn(4+) in an octahedral coordination by Cu(+) pairs in an opposite triangular coordination. The analysis shows a strong transverse displacive modulation of the two layers, referred to as a 'mondulation', correlated to a maximal Sb site occupation factor in the concavity of the Q layer undulation. The wavelength control of the ;mondulation' obeys the vernier principle (14c(Q) congruent with 13c(H)), which would correspond to an energy minimization through a charge transfer density modulation wave, common to all two-dimensional misfit-layer inorganic compounds.

Commensurate (C6H14N2)2[Mo8O26] * 4H2O and incommensurate (C6H14N2)2[Mo8O26] * 4.66H2O: a structural versatility linked to solvent content.

The syntheses and structure determinations by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction of commensurate (C(6)H(14)N(2))(2)[Mo(8)O(26)] * 4H(2)O and incommensurate (C(6)H(14)N(2))(2)[Mo(8)O(26)] * 4.66H(2)O, two new organic-inorganic hybrid compounds based on polyoxomolybdates and differing in their solvent content, are reported. Given the important disorder observed in the latter compound, only a combination of non-harmonic waves, crenel functions and TLS tensors offered a good modelling of the structure. (C(6)H(14)N(2))(2)[Mo(8)O(26)] * nH(2)O results from the self-assembly of [Mo(8)O(26)](4-) anionic chains, C(6)H(14)N(2)(2+) (H(2)DABCO(2+)) cations and water molecules. The [Mo(8)O(26)](4-) chain is built from gamma-[Mo(8)O(28)](8-) octamolybdate clusters, connected to each other through corner sharing. In both compounds, the [Mo(8)O(26)](4-) chains are separated, in a similar way, by the H(2)DABCO(2+) subunits, acting as charge-compensating cations, and by the water molecules. The orientation of the H(2)DABCO(2+) cations is shown to be different from what has been observed previously in monoclinic (H(2)DABCO)(2)[Mo(8)O(26)] * 4H(2)O, and therefore to give a different network of hydrogen bonds.

Structural complexity in minerals: twinning, polytypism and disorder in the crystal structure of polybasite, (Ag,Cu)16(Sb,As)2S11.

The crystal structures of 222- and 221-polybasite [(Ag,Cu)(16)(Sb,As)(2)S(11)] crystals have been solved and refined by means of X-ray diffraction data (collected at 100 and 120 K, respectively) from twinned crystals. Both structures consist of the stacking of [(Ag,Cu)(6)Sb(2)S(7)](2-) and [Ag(9)CuS(4)](2+) module layers in which Sb forms isolated SbS(3) pyramids typically occurring in sulfosalts; copper links two S atoms in a linear coordination and silver occupies sites with coordination ranging from quasi-linear to almost tetrahedral. An Ag --> Cu substitution in the [(Ag,Cu)(6)Sb(2)S(7)](2-) module layer is observed in both structures, the substitution amount being larger in the 221- than in the 222-polybasite. A pattern of the possible mechanism regulating the type of unit cell that is stabilized is proposed: starting from the hypothetical stoichiometric and fully ordered Ag(15)CuSb(2)S(11) 222-polybasite structure, with a low C2/c monoclinic symmetry and a large 222 supercell, the disorder introduced by the substitution of Cu for Ag increases the symmetry with a cell reduction along the c axis yielding the 221 supercell and a trigonal crystal system. A further increase of the substitution gives rise to a folding of the cell along the a and b axes and the 111-pearceite structure, space group P(bar)3m1.

Temperature dependence of the silver distribution in the crystal structure of natural pearceite, (Ag,Cu)16(As,Sb)2S11.

The crystal structure of the mineral pearceite, (Ag,Cu)16(As,Sb)2S11, has been solved and refined at 300, 120 and 15 K. At room temperature pearceite crystallizes with trigonal symmetry, space group P3m1; the refinement of the structure leads to a residual factor of R = 0.0464 for 1109 independent observed reflections and 92 variables. The crystal structure consists of sheets stacked along the c axis. The As atoms form isolated (As,Sb)S3 pyramids, which typically occur in sulfosalts, copper cations link two S atoms in a linear coordination, and the silver cations are found in a fully occupied position and in various sites corresponding to the most pronounced probability density function locations (modes) of diffusion-like paths. These positions correspond to low-coordination (2, 3 and 4) sites, in agreement with the preference of silver for such environments. d10 silver-ion distribution has been determined by means of a combination of a Gram-Charlier description of the atomic displacement factors and a split-atom model. To analyse the crystal chemical behaviour of the silver cations as a function of temperature, a structural study was carried out at 120 K (R = 0.0450). The refinement indicates that the mineral exhibits the same structural arrangement as the room-temperature structure (space group P3m1) and shows that the silver cations are still highly disordered. In order to investigate a possible ordering scheme for the silver cations, a data collection at ultra-low temperature (15 K) was performed. The structural skeleton was found to be similar to that of the room-temperature and 120 K atomic structures, but the best solution was achieved with a fully split-atom model of five silver positions, giving an R value of 0.0449 for 651 observed reflections and 78 parameters. Although the silver cation densities condense into better defined modes, the joint probability density function still exhibits a strong overlapping of neighbouring sites.

Reactivity of titanium oxo ethoxo cluster [Ti16O16(OEt)32]. Versatile precursor of nanobuilding block-based hybrid materials.

Oxo alcoxo metallic clusters can be employed as inorganic nanobuilding blocks to obtain well-defined organic-inorganic hybrid materials. A better understanding of the surface reactivity of the clusters should allow optimization of the elaboration of hybrid materials through a better control of the hybrid interface. The oxo alcoxo cluster Ti(16)O(16)(OEt)32 presents a shell of labile ethoxy groups that can be selectively transalcoholyzed with preservation of the titanium oxo core, leading to new oxo alcoxo clusters Ti(16)O(16)(OEt)32-x(OR)x (R: alkyl, phenyl, styrenic, etc. groups). The reactivity of the Ti(16)O(16)(OEt)32 cluster toward aliphatic and aromatic alcohols is investigated to determine both the kinetics and the number of substituted titanium atoms, which are strongly dependent on the nature of the alcohol. Characterization of the organic modification of the cluster is performed in situ by liquid (13)C NMR measurements, using the molecular structures of two new clusters, Ti(16)O(16)(OEt)28(OnPr)4 and Ti(16)O(16)(OEt)(24)(OnPr)(8) (OnPr = propoxy groups), as references. The structures of these clusters have been established using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Moreover, a complete spectroscopic assignment of each ethoxy group is proposed after combining crystallographic data, (13)C NMR T(1) relaxation measurements, and (1)H-(1)H, (1)H-(13)C 2D NMR experiments. Finally, the cluster is functionalized with polymerizable ligands via transalcoholysis and transesterification reactions using hydroxystyrene and acetoxystyrene.

Preparation of gamma-siloxyallyltributylstannanes and their use in the synthesis of (+/-)-1-deoxy-6,8a-di-epi-castanospermine.

gamma-siloxyallyltributylstannanes were selectively obtained as E or Z isomers from beta-tributylstannylacrolein upon reaction with lithium or magnesium alkylcyanocuprates. The ability of the reagents to give a high syn selectivity when added to iminium salts has been used for the efficient synthesis of (+/-)-1-deoxy-6,8a-di-epi-castanospermine from succinimide. The key step of the synthesis was the allylstannation of the N-allyliminium intermediate followed by ring closing metathesis.

Single crystalline commensurate metallic assemblages of pi-slabs and CdI2-type layers: synthesis and properties of beta-(EDT-TTF-I2)2[Pb5/6 square 1/6I2](3) and beta-(EDT-TTF-I2)2[Pb2/3+xAg1/3-2x square xI2]3, x = 0.05.

The ability of I...I van der Waals interactions to direct the self-assembly of slabs of the radical cation of ethylenedithio-1,2-diiodo-tetrathiafulvalene, EDT-TTF-I(2), and polymeric lead iodide covalent anionic layers is demonstrated by the synthesis of single crystals of beta-(EDT-TTF-I(2))(2)(.+)[(Pb(5/6) square (1/6)I(2))(1/3-)](3), triclinic, P-1, a = 7.7818(8), b = 7.9760(8), c = 19.9668(2) A, alpha = 82.409(12), beta = 85.964(12), gamma = 61.621(11) degrees, V = 1080.76(19) A(3), R1, wR2 = 0.0459, 0.0947; and beta-(EDT-TTF-I(2))(2)(.+)[(Pb(2/3+x)Ag(1/3-2x)square(x)I(2))(1/3-)](3), x approximately 0.05, triclinic, P-1, a = 7.7744(8), b = 7.9193(8), c = 19.834(2) A, alpha = 87.189(12), beta = 83.534(12), gamma = 61.602(11) degrees, V = 1067.4(2) A(3), R1, wR2 = 0.0508, 0.0997. The state-of-the-art, combined microprobe and structural analysis of the metal site vacancies and occupancies patterns reveal a commensurate organic-inorganic interface and point out the importance of halogen.halogen van der Waals interactions to future studies aiming at directing interface topologies. The electronic structure, room-temperature metallic character and metal-insulator transition at ca. 70 K of the two-dimensional organic slabs are retained upon alloying of the inorganic sublattice with monocations. The room-temperature conductivity of the metallic lead-silver alloy is 2 orders of magnitude larger than that of beta-(EDT-TTF-I(2))(2)(.+)[(Pb(5/6) square (1/6)I(2))(1/3-)](3). This calls for the study of materials with diverse alloying patterns with metal cations of different nature and charge.