Inorganic-organic hybrid Cu-dipyridyl semiconducting polymers based on the redox-active cluster [SFe3(CO)9]2-: filling the gap in iron carbonyl chalcogenide polymers.

The construction of sulfur-incorporated cluster-based coordination polymers was limited and underexplored due to the lack of efficient synthetic routes. Herein, we report facile mechanochemical ways toward a new series of SFe3(CO)9-based dipyridyl-Cu polymers by three-component reactions of [Et4N]2[SFe3(CO)9] ([Et4N]2[1]) and [Cu(MeCN)4][BF4] with conjugated or conjugation-interrupted dipyridyl ligands, 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpee), 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpea), 4,4'-dipyridyl (dpy), or 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (bpp), respectively. X-ray analysis showed that bpee-containing 2D polymers demonstrated unique SFe3(CO)9 cluster-armed and cluster-one-armed coordination modes via the hypervalent µ5-S atom. These S-Fe-Cu polymers could undergo flexible structural transformations with the change of cluster bonding modes by grinding with stoichiometric amounts of dipyridyls or 1/[Cu(MeCN)4]+. They exhibited semiconducting behaviors with low energy gaps of 1.55-1.79 eV and good electrical conductivities of 3.26 × 10-8-1.48 × 10-6 S cm-1, tuned by the SFe3(CO)9 cluster bonding modes accompanied by secondary interactions in the solid state. The electron transport efficiency of these polymers was further elucidated by solid-state packing, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES), density of states (DOS), and crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) analysis. Finally, the solid-state electrochemistry of these polymers demonstrated redox-active behaviors with cathodically-shifted patterns compared to that of [Et4N]2[1], showing that their efficient electron communication was effectively enhanced by introducing 1 and dipyridyls as hybrid ligands into Cu+-containing networks.

Paramagnetic Semiconducting Se-Mn Clusters: A Mn3Se4-Stabilized Selenide Radical Intermediate and Its Aggregated Derivatives.

The transition metal-stabilized heavy main group radicals are extremely scarce due to their highly reactive natures, making them difficult to be isolated and identified. We report here a rare class of the Se radical-containing manganese carbonyl anionic cluster, [(µ-Se)(µ3-Se2)2Mn3(CO)9]•2- (1), which was successfully obtained from the one-pot reaction of Se powder and Mn2(CO)10 in concentrated KOH/MeOH/MeCN solutions at 90 °C. Dianion 1 and its dimeric cluster, [(µ4-Se2){(µ3-Se2)2Mn3(CO)9}2]4- [(1)2], could undergo the reversible Se-Se bond breakage or reformation by the thermal cracking of (1)2 or self-dimerization of 1, showing the µ-Se•- radical character of 1. Complex 1 could react with (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO) to form the Se radical-captured complex [(µ-Se(TEMPO)) (µ3-Se2)2Mn3(CO)9]2- (1-TEMPO) or could react with alkylene bromides (CH2)nBr2 (n = 1, 2) to give the Mn4-based oxidative coupling products, [(µ4-Se2)(µ-Se2LSe)2Mn4(CO)12]2- (L = CH2, 2-CH2; Se, 2-Se). In addition, dianion 1 and its aggregated derivatives (1)2, 1-TEMPO, 2-CH2, and 2-Se exhibited unusual paramagnetic properties with the spin-state switching from S = 1 (Mn) + 1/2 (Se) to S = 1 (Mn), in which their magnetic centers were proved to be mixed-valent Mn atoms and the µ-Se•- radical, as evidenced by Evans method, superconducting quantum interference device, X-ray photoelectron spectra, electron paramagnetic resonance, and density functional theory calculations. Importantly, these clusters showed semiconducting behaviors with low and tunable energy gaps (1.50-2.01 eV) and varied electrical conductivities (2.52 × 10-8-4.58 × 10-9 S/cm), where efficient electron transports mainly arose from C-H(phenyl)···O(carbonyl) interactions within the solid-state frameworks.

Structure-Property Relationships of Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Semiconducting Se-Fe-Cu-CO Polymers.

A novel family of inorganic-organic-hybrid SeFe3(CO)9-dipyridyl two- and one-dimensional Cu polymers was synthesized via the three-component liquid-assisted grinding (LAG) of [Cu(MeCN)4]+, inorganic cluster [SeFe3(CO)9]2- (1), and rigid conjugated dipyridyls 4,4'-dipyridyl (dpy) and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpee) or flexible conjugation-interrupted dipyridyls 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpea) and 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (bpp). They included a cluster-linked 2D polymer, [(µ4-Se)Fe3(CO)9Cu2(MeCN)(dpy)1.5]n (1-dpy-2D), a cluster-pendant 1D chain, [(µ3-Se)Fe3(CO)9Cu2(dpy)3]n (1-dpy-1D), cluster-blocked 1D polymers, [(µ3-Se)Fe3(CO)9Cu2(L)]n (1-L-1D, L = bpee, bpea), and a cluster-linked 2D polymer, [(µ4-Se)Fe3(CO)9Cu2(bpp)2]n (1-bpp-2D). The reversible dimensionality transformations of these three types of polymers accompanied by the change in coordination modes of 1 were achieved by the LAG addition of 1/[Cu(MeCN)4]+ or dipyridyl ligands. These polymers were found to possess tunable low-energy gaps (1.49-1.72 eV) that increased in the order regarding their structural features: cluster-linked 1-dpy-2D and 1-bpp-2D, cluster-blocked 1-bpea-1D and 1-bpee-1D, and cluster-pendant 1-dpy-1D and [(µ3-Se)Fe3(CO)9Cu2(L)2.5]n (L = bpee, 1-bpee-2D; bpea, 1-bpea-2D), indicative of the importance of the participation of cluster 1. The measured electrical conductivities of 1-bpp-2D, 1-bpea-1D, and 1-dpy-1D were 3.13 × 10-7, 2.92 × 10-7, and 2.30 × 10-7 S·cm-1, respectively, which were parallel for the trend in their energy gaps, revealing semiconducting behaviors, supported by XPS, XANES, and DFT calculations. The surprising semiconductivity of the conjugation-interrupted bpp-linked 1-bpp-2D was mainly ascribed to electron transport via C-H···O(carbonyl) hydrogen bonds and aromatic C-H···π contacts within its closely packed 2D layers. Water-/light-stable polymers 1-bpp-2D, 1-bpea-2D, and 1-dpy-1D were also demonstrated to exhibit excellent pseudo-first-order photodegradation toward nitroaromatics and organic dyes, where cluster-linked polymer 1-bpp-2D performed the best, as predicted by its structural features and narrow energy gap.

Low-Valent, Multiply Bonded, Trigonal-Planar Sb Complex: Rational Syntheses, Dual Acidic/Basic Properties, and Unexpected Semiconducting Characteristics.

A 4-center, 6π-conjugated, multiply bonded trigonal-planar complex, [Sb{Cr(CO)5}3]- (1), was synthesized via the hydride abstraction of [HSb{Cr(CO)5}3]2- (1-H) with HBF4·H2O, with the release of high yields of H2. The oxidation state of the Sb atom in [Et4N][1] was well-defined as 0, which was evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption near-edge structure. The distinct color-structure relationship of this low-valent Sb complex 1 toward a wide range of organic solvents was demonstrated, as interpreted by time-dependent density functional theory calculations, allowing the trigonal-planar 1 and the tetrahedral solvent adducts to be probed, revealing the dual acid/base properties of the Sb center. In addition, 1 showed pronounced electrophilicity toward anionic and neutral nucleophiles, even with solvent molecules, to produce tetrahedral complexes [(Nu)Sb{Cr(CO)5}3]n- [1-Nu; n = 2, Nu = H, F, Cl, Br, I, OH; n = 1, Nu = PEt3, PPh3, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), acetonitrile (MeCN)]. On the contrary, the Fe/Cr hydride complex [HSb{Fe(CO)4}{Cr(CO)5}2]2- (2-H) was obtained by treating 1 with [HFe(CO)4]-. Upon hydride abstraction of 2-H with HBF4·H2O or [CPh3][BF4], a multiply bonded Fe/Cr trigonal-planar complex, [Sb{Fe(CO)4}{Cr(CO)5}2]- (2), was produced in which the oxidation coupling Sb2-containing complexes [Sb2Cr4Fe2(CO)28]2- (3-Cr) and [HSb2Cr3Fe2(CO)23]- (3-H) were yielded as final products. Complex 3-Cr exhibited dual Lewis acid/base properties via hydridation and protonation reactions, to form 2-H or 3-H, respectively. Surprisingly, [Et4N][1] possessed a low energy gap of 1.13 eV with an electrical conductivity in the range of (1.10-2.77) × 10-6 S·cm-1, showing that [Et4N][1] was a low-energy-gap semiconductor. The crystal packing, crystal indexing, and density of states results of [Et4N][1] further confirmed the efficient through-space conduction pathway via the intermolecular Sb···O(carbonyl) and O(carbonyl)···O(carbonyl) interactions of the 1D anionic zigzag chain of 1.

Manganese Telluride Carbonyl Complexes: Facile Syntheses and Exotic Properties-Reversible Transformations, Hydrogen Generation, Paramagnetic, and Semiconducting Properties.

A novel family of five Mn-Te-CO complexes was prepared via facile syntheses: mono spirocyclic [Mn4Te(CO)16]2- (1), four-membered Mn2Te2 ring-type [Mn2Te2(CO)8]2- (2), hydride-containing square pyramidal [HMn3Te2(CO)9]2- (3), and dumbbell-shaped [Mn6Te6(CO)18]4- (4) and [Mn6Te10(CO)18]4- (5). Electron-precise complexes 4 and 5 exhibit unusual paramagnetism arising from two types of Mn atoms in different oxidation states, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The structural transformations from small-sized Mn4Te 1 and Mn2Te2 2 to the largest Mn6Te10 5 were controllable, the off/on magnetic-switched transformation between HMn3Te2 3 and 5 was reversible, and the magnetic transformation between Mn6Te6 4 and 5 was observed. Interestingly, the reversible dehydridation and hydridation between the HMn3Te2-based cluster 3 and [Mn3Te2(CO)9]- were successfully accomplished, in which the release of a high yield of H2 was detected by gas chromatography. In addition, upon the addition of CO, cluster 3 first forms a carbonyl-inserted intermediate [HMn3Te2(CO)10]2- (3'), detected by the high resolution ESI-MS, which is readily transformed to a dimeric dihydrido cluster [{HMn3Te2(CO)10}2]2- (6) with the introduction of O2. These low- to high-nuclearity complexes exhibit rich redox properties with semiconducting behavior in solids, possessing low but tunable energy gaps (1.06-1.62 eV) due to efficient electron transport via nonclassical C-H···O(carbonyl) interactions. The structural nature, reversible structural transformations, controllable on/off magnetic switches, electron communication networks, and associated chemical properties for hydrogen generation are discussed in detail and supported by DFT calculations, density of states, band structures, and noncovalent interaction analyses.

The First Naked Bismuth-Chalcogen Metal Carbonyl Clusters: Extraordinary Nucleophilicity of the Bi Atom and Semiconducting Characteristics.

Mixed bismuth-chalcogen-iron clusters [{EFe3(CO)9}Bi]- [E = Te (1a) or Se (1b)] were produced via the reduction of BiCl3 with [EFe3(CO)9]2- under mild conditions. X-ray analysis showed that both clusters 1a and 1b had a square-pyramidal geometry, where the naked Bi and chalcogen both adopted a distorted trigonal-pyramidal configuration with a stereoactive lone pair. Complexes 1a and 1b can be further functionalized by methylation and metalation, which permits the nucleophilicity of the 6s/5s and 6s/4s lone pairs to be compared. In the metalation, the 6s pair of the Bi atom in 1a and 1b had an extraordinary nucleophilicity toward the unsaturated Cr(CO)5 fragment, even in the presence of the more chemically active 5s or 4s pair, whereas in the case of methylation, only the 4s pair of Se could be selectively alkylated. Upon oxidation of 1a and 1b with suitable oxidizing agents, NaBiO3 or K2SeO3, Bi-E bonded tetrahedral complexes [{EFe2(CO)6}Bi]- [E = Te (4a) or Se (4b)] were formed by the elimination of one Fe(CO)3 vertex. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near-edge structure, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that all of the Bi atoms in these complexes had oxidation states close to +1. Due to the electropositive character of the Bi atom, pronounced induced Bi···E inter- and intramolecular interactions were evident in 1a (1b), 4a (4b), and the metalated 3a (3b), where their linear-like ···Bi···E··· or zigzag-like ···Bi-E··· (E = Te or Se) chain or the Bi···E···E···Bi (E = Te or Se) dimeric chain can further expand into the two-dimensional network via nonclassical C-H···O(carbonyl) interactions, supported by noncovalent interaction index and DFT calculations. These positively charged Bi-induced Bi···E (E = Te or Se) and carbonyl-aided weak interactions can facilitate efficient electron transport within these ternary Bi-E-Fe or quaternary Bi-E-Fe-Cr cluster-based frameworks, resulting in semiconducting behavior with surprising ultranarrow energy gaps of 1.01-1.21 eV.

A Multiply Bonded Trigonal-Planar Bismuth(III) Complex: Prodigious Lewis Acidity, Solvatochromism, Etherification, and Semiconducting Characteristics.

The formation of a hitherto unknown 4-center, 6π-conjugated trigonal-planar complex, [Bi{Cr(CO)5 }3 ]- (1), is reported, in which the oxidation state of the Bi atom is +3, as evidenced by XAS, XPS, and DFT calculations. The BiIII atom in 1 has dual donor and acceptor properties in its bonding mode. In contrast to the mild Lewis acidity of BiIII , the central Bi in 1 functions as a prodigious Lewis acid site to exhibit strong affinity toward F- ions, unique solvatochromic properties, intriguing etherification through the C-O bond cleavage of alcohols, and surprising semiconducting characteristics with an ultra-narrow optical band gap of 1.02 eV, which can be attributed to the intermolecular Bi⋅⋅⋅O and O⋅⋅⋅O interactions in the solid state. The tetrahedral Fe(CO)4 -adduct [{Fe(CO)4 }Bi{Cr(CO)5 }3 ]3- (1-Fe) allowed the selective demetallation to afford the isoelectronic multiply bonded BiCr3 -complex 1 and the BiCr2 Fe-complex, [Bi{Cr(CO)5 }2 {Fe(CO)4 }]- (2), which may open a novel pathway for the design of the heterometal-incorporated trigonal-planar Bi-Cr complexes.

Semiconducting Coordination Polymers Based on the Predesigned Ternary Te-Fe-Cu Carbonyl Cluster and Conjugation-Interrupted Dipyridyl Linkers.

A series of semiconducting cluster-incorporated Cu-based coordination polymers, namely, 1D zigzag polymers [{TeFe3 (CO)9 Cu2 }(L)]n (L=1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpea), 1; L=1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpee), 5), 2D honeycomb-like polymers [{TeFe3 (CO)9 Cu}Cu(L)2.5 ]n (L=bpea, 2; L=bpee, 6), and 2D wave-like cation-anion polymer [{Cu2 (L)4 }({TeFe3 (CO)9 Cu}2 (L))]n (L=1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (bpp), 4), as well as the macrocycle [{TeFe3 (CO)9 Cu2 }2 (bpp)2 ] (3) have been quantitatively synthesized via the liquid-assisted grinding from the pre-designed cluster [TeFe3 (CO)9 Cu2 (MeCN)2 ] with conjugated or conjugation-interrupted dipyridyl linkers. Notably, the most conjugation-interrupted bpp-bridged polymer 4 exhibited extraordinary semiconducting characteristics with an ultra-narrow bandgap of 1.43 eV and a DC conductivity of 1.5×10-2 Ω-1  cm-1 , which violates our knowledge, mainly attributed to the through-space electron transport via non-classical C-H⋅⋅⋅O(carbonyl) hydrogen bonds and aromatic C-H⋅⋅⋅π interactions. The incorporated Te-Fe-CO anions can not only provide numerous possibilities for secondary interactions within these Cu-based polymers but also serve as a redox-active coordination ligand to promote their conductivities. The intriguing structure-property relationships were studied by X-ray and DFT analyses and further demonstrated by significant change in the oxidation state of Cu atoms by XPS and Cu K-edge XANES.

Iron carbonyl cluster-incorporated Cu(I) NHC complexes in homocoupling of arylboronic acids: an effective [TeFe3(CO)9](2-) ligand.

A new type of TeFe3(CO)9-incorporated dicopper NHC complex was obtained directly from one-pot reactions. By the introduction of the cluster anion [TeFe3(CO)9](2-) and NHCs as the ligands, these di-Cu(i)-based complexes exhibited pronounced catalytic activities toward the homocoupling of arylboronic acids with low Cu loadings and high yields (up to 98%).

Copper-incorporated mono- and di-TeRu5 metal carbonyl complexes: syntheses, structures, and an unusual skeletal arrangement.

Two sandwich-type Cu3Cl- or Cu2{Te2Ru4(CO)10}-bridging di-TeRu5 clusters, [{TeRu5(CO)14}2Cu3Cl](2-) () and [{TeRu5(CO)14}2Cu2{Te2Ru4(CO)10}](4-) (), were obtained from the reaction of [TeRu5(CO)14](2-) with 1 equiv. of [Cu(MeCN)4][BF4] in CH2Cl2 or THF at 0 °C, respectively, depending on the solvents. The chloride-abstracted was structurally characterized to have two TeRu5 cores that were linked by a Cu3Cl moiety with two Cu-Cu bonds. If the reaction was carried out in a molar ratio of 1 : 2 at 0 or 30 °C in CH2Cl2, the structural isomers [TeRu5(µ-CO)2(CO)12(CuMeCN)2] () and [TeRu5(µ-CO)3(CO)11Cu2(MeCN)2] () were produced, respectively, as the major product. Cluster displayed a TeRu5 core with two adjacent Ru3 triangles each capped by a µ3-Cu(MeCN) fragment, while contained a TeRu5 core with one triangle Ru3 plane capped by a Cu2(MeCN)2 fragment with two Cu atoms covalently bonded. Upon heating, the isomerization of into proceeded to undergo an unusual skeletal arrangement of Cu(MeCN) and migration of CO, with the TeRu5 core remaining intact. An electrochemical study revealed that and each exhibited only one oxidation while cluster had two consecutive oxidations, suggesting significant electronic communication between the two TeRu5 metal cores in via the Cu3 moiety. This work describes the facile synthesis of a series of semiconducting Cux-bridging Te-Ru carbonyl clusters, in which the incorporation of the Cux fragments has significantly influenced their resulting structures, rearrangements, and electronic properties, which was further elucidated by DFT calculations.

CO and CO2 fixation by Se-Ru-CO hydride clusters.

The selective insertion of CO and CO2 into the C-O and O-H bonds of alcohols by the Se-Ru-CO hydride clusters [(µ-H)Ru4(CO)10Se2](-) (1) and [(µ3-H)Ru5(CO)14Se](-) (2) was demonstrated by a cooperative effect of the protonic hydride, the electron-rich Ru atom, and the electronegative Se atom as well as the symmetry of the clusters. These reactions generated the first examples of Se-containing ruthenium carboxylate and alkylcarbonate clusters [{(µ-H)Ru4(CO)10Se2}2{Ru2(CO)4(µ-η(1):η(1)-OOCR)}](3-) (R = Me, 3; Et, 4) and [{(µ-H)Ru4(CO)10Se2}2{Ru2(CO)4(µ-η(1):η(1)-OOCOR)}](3-) (R = Me, 5; Et, 6), respectively. These results disclosed herein provide a new avenue for the capture and storage of CO and CO2 and useful synthetic routes to novel RCOO(-)- and ROCOO(-)-bridged ruthenium selenide clusters.

Vapochemically and mechanochemically reversible polymerization/depolymerization of S-Fe-Cu carbonyl clusters.

A reversible vapochemical and mechanochemical solid-state transformation between a dppe-linked SFe3Cu2-based cluster [{(µ3-S)Fe3(CO)9}Cu2(dppe)] (2) and its 1D polymer [{(µ4-S)Fe3(CO)9}Cu2(dppe)(MeCN)2]n (3) was demonstrated, in which polymer 3 exhibited semi-conducting properties with an energy gap of 1.69 eV.

Trigonal-bipyramidal and square-pyramidal chromium-manganese chalcogenide clusters, [E2CrMn2(CO)n](2-) (E=S, Se, Te; n=9, 10): synthesis, electrochemistry, UV/Vis absorption, and computational studies.

The reactions of E powder (E=S, Se) with a mixture of Cr(CO)6 and Mn2(CO)10 in concentrated solutions of KOH/MeOH produced two new mixed Cr-Mn-carbonyl clusters, [E2CrMn2(CO)9](2-) (E=S, 1; Se, 2). Clusters 1 and 2 were isostructural with one another and each displayed a trigonal-bipyramidal structure, with the CrMn2 triangle axially capped by two µ3-E atoms. The analogous telluride cluster, [Te2CrMn2(CO)9](2-) (3), was obtained from the ring-closure of Te2Mn2 ring complex [Te2Mn2Cr2(CO)18](2-) (4). Upon bubbling with CO, clusters 2 and 3 were readily converted into square-pyramidal clusters, [E2CrMn2(CO)10](2-) (E=Se, 5; Te, 6), accompanied with the cleavage of one Cr-Mn bond. According to SQUID analysis, cluster 6 was paramagnetic, with S=1 at room temperature; however, the Se analogue (5) was spectroscopically proposed to be diamagnetic, as verified by TD-DFT calculations. Cluster 6 could be further carbonylated, with cleavage of the Mn-Mn bond to produce a new arachno-cluster, [Te2CrMn2(CO)11](2-) (7). The formation and structural isomers, as well as electrochemistry and UV/Vis absorption, of these clusters were also elucidated by DFT calculations.

Stepwise construction of manganese-chromium carbonyl chalcogenide complexes: synthesis, electrochemical properties, and computational studies.

When trigonal-bipyramidal clusters, [PPN][E(2)Mn(3)(CO)(9)] (E = S, Se), were treated with Cr(CO)(6) and PPNCl in a molar ratio of 1:1:2 or 1:2:2 in 4 M KOH/MeCN/MeOH solutions, mono-Cr(CO)(5)-incorporated HE(2)Mn(3)-complexes [PPN](2)[HE(2)Mn(3)Cr(CO)(14)] (E = S, [PPN](2)[1a]; Se, [PPN](2)[1b]), respectively, were formed. X-ray crystallographic analysis showed that 1a and 1b were isostructural and each displayed an E(2)Mn(3) square-pyramidal core with one of the two basal E atoms externally coordinated with one Cr(CO)(5) group and one Mn-Mn bond bridged by one hydrogen atom. However, when the TMBA(+) salts for [E(2)Mn(3)(CO)(9)](-) were mixed with Cr(CO)(6) in a molar ratio of 1:1 in 4 M KOH/MeOH solutions and refluxed at 60 °C, mono-Cr(CO)(3)-incorporated E(2)Mn(3)Cr octahedral clusters [TMBA](3)[E(2)Mn(3)Cr(CO)(12)] (E = S, [TMBA](3)[2a]; Se, [TMBA](3)[2b]), respectively, were obtained. Clusters 2a and 2b were isostructural, and each consisted of an octahedral E(2)Mn(3)Cr core, in which each Mn-Mn or Mn-Cr bond of the Mn(3)Cr plane was semibridged by one carbonyl ligand. Clusters 1a and 1b (with [TMBA] salts) underwent metal core closure to form octahedral clusters 2a and 2b upon treatment with KOH/MeOH at 60 °C. In addition, 1a and 1b were found to undergo cluster expansion to form di-Cr(CO)(5)-incorporated HE(2)Mn(3)-clusters [HE(2)Mn(3)Cr(2)(CO)(19)](2-) (E = S, 3a; Se, 3b), respectively, upon the addition of 1 or 2 equiv of Cr(CO)(6) heated in refluxing CH(2)Cl(2). Clusters 3a and 3b were structurally related to clusters 1a and 1b, but with the other bare E atom (E = S, 3a; Se, 3b) further externally coordinated with one Cr(CO)(5) group. The nature, cluster transformation, and electrochemical properties of the mixed manganese-chromium carbonyl sulfides and selenides were systematically discussed in terms of the chalcogen elements, the introduced chromium carbonyl group, and the metal skeleton with the aid of molecular calculations at the BP86 level of the density functional theory.

Lead-chromium carbonyl complexes incorporated with group 8 metals: synthesis, reactivity, and theoretical calculations.

The trichromium-lead complex [Pb{Cr(CO)5}3](2-) (1) was isolated from the reaction of PbCl2 and Cr(CO)6 in a KOH/MeOH solution, and the new mixed chromium-iron-lead complex [Pb{Cr(CO)5}{Fe(CO)4}2](2-) (3) was synthesized from the reaction of PbCl2 and Cr(CO)6 in a KOH/MeOH solution followed by the addition of Fe(CO)5. X-ray crystallography showed that 3 consisted of a central Pb atom bound in a trigonal-planar environment to two Fe(CO)4 and one Cr(CO)5 fragments. When complex 1 reacted with 1.5 equiv of Mn(CO)5Br, the Cr(CO)4-bridged dimeric lead-chromium carbonyl complex [Pb2Br2Cr4(CO)18](2-) (4) was produced. However, a similar reaction of 3 or the isostructural triiron-lead complex [Pb{Fe(CO)4}3](2-) (2) with Mn(CO)5Br in MeCN led to the formation of the Fe3Pb2-based trigonal-bipyramidal complexes [Fe3(CO)9{PbCr(CO)5}2](2-) (6) and [Fe3(CO)9{PbFe(CO)4}2](2-) (5), respectively. On the other hand, the Ru3Pb2-based trigonal-bipyramidal complex [Ru3(CO)9{PbCr(CO)5}2](2-) (7) was obtained directly from the reaction of PbCl2, Cr(CO)6, and Ru3(CO)12 in a KOH/MeOH solution. X-ray crystallography showed that 5 and 6 each had an Fe3Pb2 trigonal-bipyramidal core geometry, with three Fe(CO)3 groups occupying the equatorial positions and two PbFe(CO)4 or PbCr(CO)5 units in the axial positions, while 7 displayed a Ru3Pb2 trigonal-bipyramidal geometry with three equatorial Ru(CO)3 groups and two axial PbCr(CO)5 units. The complexes 3-7 were characterized spectroscopically, and their nature, formation, and electrochemistry were further examined by molecular orbital calculations at the B3LYP level of density functional theory.

Chromium-manganese selenide carbonyl complexes: paramagnetic clusters and relevance to C=O activation of acetone.

The paramagnetic even-electron cluster, [Et(4)N](2)[Se(2)Cr(3)(CO)(10)], was found to react readily with Mn(CO)(5)Br in acetone to produce two unprecedented mixed chromium-manganese selenide carbonyl complexes, [Et(4)N][Me(2)CSe(2){Mn(CO)(4)}{Cr(CO)(5)}(2)] ([Et(4)N][1]) and [Et(4)N](2)[Se(2)Mn(3)(CO)(10){Cr(CO)(5)}(2)] ([Et(4)N](2)[2]). X-ray crystallographic analysis showed that anion 1 consisted of two Se-Cr(CO)(5) moieties, which were further bridged by one isopropylene group and one Mn(CO)(4) moiety. The dianionic cluster 2 was shown to display a Se(2)Mn(3) square-pyramidal core with each Se atom externally coordinated by one Cr(CO)(5) group. The formation of complex 1, presumably via C=O activation of acetone, was further facilitated by acidification of the reaction of [Et(4)N](2)[Se(2)Cr(3)(CO)(10)] with Mn(CO)(5)Br in acetone. Complex 1 readily transformed into 2 upon treatment with Mn(2)(CO)(10) in a KOH/MeOH/MeCN solution. Cluster 2 was a 51-electron species, which readily converted to the known 49-electron cluster [Se(2)Mn(3)(CO)(9)](2-) upon heating and bubbling with CO. Magnetic studies of the even-electron cluster, [Et(4)N](2)[Se(2)Cr(3)(CO)(10)], and the odd-electron species, [Et(4)N](2)[2] and [PPN](2)[Se(2)Mn(3)(CO)(9)], were determined by the SQUID measurement to have 2, 3, and 1 unpaired electrons, respectively. In addition, the nature and formation of complexes 1 and 2 are discussed, and the magnetic properties and electrochemistry of [Se(2)Cr(3)(CO)(10)](2-), 2, and [Se(2)Mn(3)(CO)(9)](2-) were further studied and elucidated by molecular orbital calculations at the PW91 level of density functional theory.

A novel synthesis of calix[4]thiophenes and calix[4]furans.

The addition of heteroaryllithium to various ketones followed by dehydration gave 1-(2-heteroaryl)cycloalkenes and (2-hetero- aryl)alkenes. When alkenes were treated with 10 mol% NIS, calix[4]thiophenes and calix[4]furans were obtained in good yields.

Selective insertion of oxygen and selenium into an electron-precise paramagnetic selenium-manganese carbonyl cluster [Se(6)Mn(6)(CO)(18)](4-).

The facile synthesis of a novel electron-precise paramagnetic hexamanganese carbonyl selenide cluster [Se(6)Mn(6)(CO)(18)](4-) (1) was discovered, which demonstrates contrasting reactivity toward O(2) and Se(8) under markedly mild conditions to afford the O- and Se-inserted clusters [Se(6)Mn(6)(CO)(18)(O)](4-) (2) and [Se(10)Mn(6)(CO)(18)](4-) (3), respectively. Clusters 1-3 represent the first examples of electron-precise paramagnetic main-group transition metal carbonyl clusters, and their formation and bonding properties are further elucidated by theoretical calculations.

Bimetallic Ru-Cu tellurido complexes: controlled synthesis and electrochemical studies of copper halide-TeRu(5) and Te(2)Ru(4) clusters.

When [TeRu(5)(CO)(14)](2-) () was treated with 1 equiv. of CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) in THF, mono-CuX-TeRu(5) clusters [TeRu(5)(CO)(14)CuX](2-) (X = Cl, ; Br, ; I, ) were obtained. Clusters consist of an octahedral TeRu(5) core, in which one triangular Ru(3) plane is capped by a mu(3)-CuX fragment. For CuX (X = Cl, Br), the reaction of complex with 2 equiv. of CuX in THF at room temperature formed Cu(4)X(2)-linked di-TeRu(5) clusters [{TeRu(5)(CO)(14)}(2)Cu(4)X(2)](2-) (X = Cl, ; Br, ), while the same reaction in MeCN at -35 degrees C produced bis-CuX-TeRu(5) complexes [TeRu(5)(CO)(14)(CuX)(2)](2-) (X = Cl, ; Br, ). X-Ray analysis showed that displays a TeRu(5) core with two adjacent Ru(3) triangles each capped by a mu(3)-CuBr ligand while has two TeRu(5) cores that are linked by a mu(6)-Cu(4)Br(2) moiety. Clusters and underwent coupling reactions in THF to yield clusters and , and easily transformed to bis-CuX-Te(2)Ru(4) clusters [Te(2)Ru(4)(CO)(10)(CuX)(2)](2-) (X = Cl, ; X = Br, ) in MeCN. On the other hand, the reaction of with 2 equiv. of CuI in THF directly produced the bis-CuI-Te(2)Ru(4) cluster [Te(2)Ru(4)(CO)(10)(CuI)(2)](2-) (). The nature, stability, stepwise cluster transformation, and electrochemistry of these CuX-incorporated TeRu(5)- and Te(2)Ru(4)-based complexes are discussed systematically. In particular, the effects of CuX and the metal cores (TeRu(5)vs. Te(2)Ru(4)) on the resultant Te-Ru-Cu clusters are further elucidated by molecular orbital calculations at the B3LYP level of the density functional theory.

Copper halide-incorporated tellurium-iron carbonyl complexes: transformation, electrochemical properties, and theoretical calculations.

When the tellurium-capped tri-iron carbonyl cluster [Et(4)N](2)[TeFe(3)(CO)(9)] was treated with 1 equiv of CuX in THF at 0 degrees C, CuX-incorporated clusters [Et(4)N](2)[TeFe(3)(CO)(9)CuX] (X = Cl, [Et(4)N](2)[1a]; Br, [Et(4)N](2)[1b]; I, [Et(4)N](2)[1c]) were formed, respectively. X-ray analysis showed that 1a-1c each exhibited a TeFe(3) core with one Fe-Fe bond bridged by one CuX fragment. When the reactions were carried out at a molar ratio of 1:2 (X = Cl, Br) or 1:3 (X = I) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) or MeCN at 0 degrees C, Cu(2)X(2)-incorporated clusters [Et(4)N](2)[TeFe(3)(CO)(9)Cu(2)X(2)] (X = Cl, [Et(4)N](2)[2a]; Br, [Et(4)N](2)[2b]; I, [Et(4)N](2)[2c]) were obtained, respectively. Cluster 2a was structurally characterized by X-ray analysis to display a TeFe(3) core, in which one TeFe(2) plane was asymmetrically bridged and capped by one mu(3)-CuCl and another mu(4)-CuCl with two Cu atoms bonded. Complexes 1a-1c underwent skeleton expansion to form Cu(3)X-incorporated di-TeFe(3) clusters [{TeFe(3)(CO)(9)}(2)Cu(3)X](2-) (X = Cl, 3a; Br, 3b; I, 3c), respectively, upon treatment with 1 equiv of [Cu(MeCN)(4)][BF(4)] at 0 degrees C. X-ray analysis showed that 3b and 3c each consisted of two TeFe(3) clusters that were linked by a Cu(3)X moiety. However, a similar reaction for 1a and 1b with 1 equiv of [Cu(MeCN)(4)][BF(4)] at room temperature produced Cu(4)X(2)-linked di-TeFe(3) clusters [{TeFe(3)(CO)(9)}(2)Cu(4)X(2)](2-) (X = Cl, 4a; Br, 4b). Cluster 4a was shown by X-ray analysis to have two TeFe(3) cores linked by a Cu(4)Cl(2) moiety. Clusters 4a and 4b were also produced directly from the reaction of [Et(4)N](2)[TeFe(3)(CO)(9)] with 4 equiv of CuX (X = Cl, Br) in THF. Furthermore, the nature, the formation, the cluster transformation, and the electrochemistry of the CuX-incorporated mono- or di-TeFe(3) clusters are explained in terms of the effects of tellurium, copper halide, and the size of the metal skeleton, all of which are elucidated by molecular calculations at the B3LYP level of density functional theory.