Halogen bonds, chalcogen bonds, pnictogen bonds, tetrel bonds and other σ-hole interactions: a snapshot of current progress.

We report here on the status of research on halogen bonds and other σ-hole interactions involving p-block elements in Lewis acidic roles, such as chalcogen bonds, pnictogen bonds and tetrel bonds. A brief overview of the available literature in this area is provided via a survey of the many review articles that address this field. Our focus has been to collect together most review articles published since 2013 to provide an easy entry into the extensive literature in this area. A snapshot of current research in the area is provided by an introduction to the virtual special issue compiled in this journal, comprising 11 articles and entitled `Halogen, chalcogen, pnictogen and tetrel bonds: structural chemistry and beyond.'

Charge-Assisted Halogen Bonding in an Ionic Cavity of a Coordination Cage Based on a Copper(I) Iodide Cluster.

The design of molecular containers capable of selectively binding specific guest molecules presents an interesting synthetic challenge in supramolecular chemistry. Here, we report the synthesis and structure of a coordination cage assembled from Cu3 I4 - clusters and tripodal cationic N-donor ligands. Owing to the localized permanent charges in the ligand core the cage binds iodide anions in specific regions within the cage through ionic interactions. This allows the selective binding of bromomethanes as secondary guest species within the cage promoted by halogen bonding, which was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Reactions of a Dioxidomolybdenum(VI) Complex with Thionation Reagents-Formation of Mo(IV) Species with Sulfur Donors.

Molecular molybdenum complexes with sulfur donor ligands are generally studied as soluble model compounds for molybdenum enzymes essential for life. The dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complex with tetradentate aminobisphenolate ligand undergoes a reaction with thionation reagent P2S5 or its organic derivative, Lawesson's reagent, to yield stable Mo(IV) aminobisphenolate complexes, where pristine oxido ligands have been replaced by bidentate sulfur donors tetrasulfide, S42- or (4-methoxyphenyl)phosphonotrithioate residue derived from Lawesson's reagent. This is in contrast to the behaviour of analogous dioxidotungsten(VI) complex, which, under similar conditions, yields W(VI) S2 systems. The overall cis,trans,cis geometry of the parent dioxidomolybdenum(VI) aminobisphenolate is retained, namely, the neutral nitrogen donors are in cis positions, phenolate oxygens are trans to each other and sulfur donors are cis. Although formally Mo(IV), thus d2 system, the studied complexes have diamagnetic singlet electron configurations as a result of the axially compressed octahedral structures.

Single crystal X-ray structural dataset of 1,2,4-dithiazolium tetrafluoroborate.

Herein, we present the crystallographic dataset of 1,2,4-dithiazolium tetrafluoroborate. Single crystal X-ray structural analysis evidences that the 1,2,4-dithiazolium ring is almost planar. The 1,2,4-dithiazolium and tetrafluoroborate ions contribute in hydrogen bonding wherein the N-H·N hydrogen bonding in 1,2,4-dithiazolium dimer forms an eight-membered pseudo ring with the R 2 2 ( 8 ) Etter's graph set. The information provided in this data contributes to the understanding of structural chemistry and hydrogen bonding interactions in dithiazole derivatives.

A diamagnetic iron complex and its twisted sister - structural evidence on partial spin state change in a crystalline iron complex.

We report here the syntheses of a diamagnetic Fe complex [Fe(HL)2] (1), prepared by reacting a redox non-innocent ligand precursor N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-phenyl)-1,2-phenylenediamine (H4L) with FeCl3, and its phenoxazine derivative [Fe(L')2] (2), which was obtained via intra-ligand cyclisation of the parent complex. Magnetic measurements, accompanied by spectroscopic, structural and computational analyses show that 1 can be viewed as a rather unusual Fe(III) complex with a diamagnetic ground state in the studied temperature range due to a strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the low-spin Fe(III) ion and a radical ligand. For a paramagnetic high-spin Fe(II) complex 2 it was found that, when crystalline, it undergoes a thermally induced process where 25% of the molecules in the material change to a diamagnetic low-spin ground state below 100 K. Single crystal X-ray studies conducted at 95 K afforded detailed structural evidence for this partial change of spin state of 2 showing the existence of crystallographically distinct molecules in a 3 : 1 ratio which exist in high- and low-spin states, respectively. Also, the magnetic behaviour of 2 was found to be related with the crystallinity of the material as demonstrated by near-IR radiation to unpaired electrons conversion ability of amorphous sample of 2.

Vanadium aminophenolates in catechol oxidation: conformity with Finke's common catalyst hypothesis.

Six known aminophenolate vanadium complexes V1-V6 were examined in 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (1, 3,5-DTBC) oxidation. From the complexes V1-V5 have been previously shown to demonstrate catechol oxidase (catecholase) like behavior, catalytically oxidizing 1 to 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone (2, 3,5-DTBQ). A critical re-evaluation of V1-V5, including V6 not assessed earlier, in the aerobic oxidation of 1 has revealed that several catechol dioxygenase products are obtained in addition to 2, which is produced partly by autoxidation. Mechanistic investigations into the V1-V6 catalyzed oxidation of 1 by EPR, negative mode ESI-MS and 51V NMR, in addition to semi-quantitative product distribution analyses with GC and column chromatography afford compelling evidence in support of the "common catalyst hypothesis" earlier proposed by Finke and co-workers. During the reaction, V1-V6 are partially converted in situ by H2O2 assisted leaching to vanadium catecholate complexes [V(3,5-DTBC)2(3,5-DTBSQ˙)] and [VO(3,5-DTBC)(3,5-DTBSQ˙)], where 3,5-DTBSQ˙ = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-semiquinone, the latter of which has been implicated as the common true active catalyst in catechol dioxygenation as per the common catalyst hypothesis. The results herein suggest that vanadium aminophenolate complexes are sensitive to H2O2 mediated leaching in the presence of strong σ and π donating ligands such as 1 and 2. Furthermore, based on these results, the use of vanadium aminophenolate complexes as catechol oxidase mimics is not as warranted as previously understood.

Series of Near-IR-Absorbing Transition Metal Complexes with Redox Active Ligands.

New soluble and intensely near-IR-absorbing transition metal (Ti, Zr, V, Ni) complexes were synthesized using a redox non-innocent N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tertbutyl-2-hydroxy-phenyl) -1,2-phenylenediamine (H4L) as a ligand precursor. In all the complexes, ([Ti(Lox)2, [Zr(Lox)2], [V(Lsq1)(HLox)] and [Ni(HLox)2], two organic molecules coordinate to the metal center as tri- or tetradentate ligands. The solid-state structures of the complexes were determined using single crystal XRD, and the compounds were further characterized with Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS). Thermoanalytical measurements indicated the thermal stabilities of the complexes. All compounds absorb strongly in the near-IR region and show very interesting magnetic and electrochemical properties. Moreover, it was shown that the V and Ni complexes can also convert absorbed near-IR photons to (un)paired electrons, which indicates great promise in photovoltaic applications.

Positive Allosteric Control of Guests Encapsulation by Metal Binding to Covalent Porphyrin Cages.

The allosteric control of the receptor properties of two flexible covalent cages is reported. These receptors consist of two zinc(II) porphyrins connected by four linkers of two different sizes, each incorporating two 1,2,3-triazolyl ligands. Silver(I) ions act as effectors, responsible for an on/off encapsulation mechanism of neutral guest molecules. Binding silver(I) ions to the triazoles opens the cages and triggers the coordination of pyrazine or the encapsulation of N,N'-dibutyl-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide. The X-ray structure of the silver(I)-complexed receptor with short connectors is reported, revealing the hollow structure with a cavity well-defined by two eclipsed porphyrins. Rather unexpectedly, the crystallographic structure of this receptor with pyrazine as a guest molecule showed that the cavity is occupied by two pyrazines, each binding to the zinc(II) porphyrin in a monotopic fashion.

Thermal, Spectroscopic, and Crystallographic Analysis of Mannose-Derived Linear Polyols.

The major diastereomer formed in the Barbier-type metal-mediated allylation of d-mannose has previously been shown to adopt a perfectly linear conformation, both in solid state and in solution, resulting in the formation of hydrogen-bonded networks and subsequent aggregation from aqueous solution upon stirring. Here, a comprehensive study of the solid state structure of both the allylated d-mannose and its racemic form has been conducted. The binary melting point diagram of the system was determined by differential scanning calorimetry analysis, and the obtained results, along with structure determination by single crystal X-ray diffraction, confirmed that allylated mannose forms a true racemate. Further examination by powder X-ray diffraction and CP MAS 13C NMR spectroscopy revealed polymorphism both in the pure enantiomer and in the racemate. In addition, the propargylated and hydrogenated analogues of allylated d-mannose were prepared and subjected to thermal and spectroscopic analyses. The crystal structure of the propargylated compound was successfully determined, showing a linear molecular conformation similar to that found for allylated d-mannose. Both new compounds likewise display aggregation behavior in water, further verifying that the low-energy linear conformation plays a significant role in this unusual behavior of these rodlike mannose derivatives.

Highly Enantioselective Kinetic Resolution of Michael Adducts through N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis: An Efficient Asymmetric Route to Cyclohexenes.

A highly efficient strategy for the kinetic resolution of Michael adducts was realized using a chiral N-heterocyclic carbene catalyst. The kinetic resolution provides a new convenient route to single diastereomers of cyclohexenes and Michael adducts in good yields with high enantiomeric excesses (up to 99 % ee with a selectivity factor of up to 458). This "two flies with one swat" concept allows the synthesis of these two synthetically valuable compound classes at the same time by a single transformation.

Enantioselective Total Syntheses of (+)-Hippolachnin A, (+)-Gracilioether A, (-)-Gracilioether E, and (-)-Gracilioether F.

The Plakortin polyketides represent a structurally and biologically fascinating class of marine natural products. Herein, we report a unified strategy that enables the divergent syntheses of various Plakortin polyketides with high step-economy and overall efficiency. As proof-of-concept cases, the enantioselective total syntheses of (+)-hippolachnin A, (+)-gracilioether A, (-)-gracilioether E, and (-)-gracilioether F have been accomplished based on a series of bio-inspired, rationally designed, or serendipitously discovered transformations, which include (1) an organocatalytic asymmetric 1,4-conjugate addition to assemble the common chiral γ-butenolide intermediate enroute to all of the aforementioned targets, (2) a challenging biomimetic [2+2] photocycloaddition to forge the oxacyclobutapentalene core of (+)-hippolachnin A, (3) a [2+2] photocycloaddition followed by one-pot oxidative cleavage of methyl ether/Baeyer-Villiger rearrangement to access (-)-gracilioether F, and (4) an unprecedented hydrogen-atom-transfer-triggered oxygenation of vinylcyclobutane to afford (+)-gracilioether A and (-)-gracilioether E in one pot.

Synthesis of self-assembled mesoporous 3D In2O3 hierarchical micro flowers composed of nanosheets and their electrochemical properties.

This report describes the methodology for the fabrication of mesoporous In2O3 microflowers by hydrothermal and calcination procedures in which In(OH)3/In2S3 acts as an intermediate. Both In2O3 and its precursor were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. BET surface area, pore size and pore volume analyses were also carried out. Electron microscopy images clearly evidence the self-assembly of 2D nanosheets into the micro flower structure. The mechanism of self-assembly and calcination is reported. Electrochemical properties of the synthesized In2O3 micro flowers were studied.

Synthesis of new hybrid 1,4-thiazinyl-1,2,3-dithiazolyl radicals via Smiles rearrangement.

The condensation reaction of 2-aminobenzenethiols and 3-aminopyrazinethiols with 2-amino-6-fluoro-N-methylpyridinium triflate afforded thioether derivatives that were found to undergo Smiles rearrangement and cyclocondensation with sulphur monochloride to yield new hybrid 1,4-thiazine-1,2,3-dithiazolylium cations. The synthesized cations were readily reduced to the corresponding stable neutral radicals with spin densities delocalized over both 1,4-thiazinyl and 1,2,3-dithiazolyl moieties.

Switchable Access to Different Spirocyclopentane Oxindoles by N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Reactions of Isatin-Derived Enals and N-Sulfonyl Ketimines.

A novel NHC-catalyzed annulation protocol for the asymmetric synthesis of biologically important ß-lactam fused spirocyclopentane oxindoles with four contiguous stereocenters, including two quaternary carbon centers, was developed. Alternatively, spirocyclopentane oxindoles containing an enaminone moiety can be achieved using the same starting materials, isatin-derived enals, and N-sulfonyl ketimines, in the presence of a slightly different NHC catalytic system. This switchable annulation strategy enables the selective assembly of both heterocyclic scaffolds with good yields and excellent enantioselectivities for a broad range of substrates.

Tetrameric and Dimeric [N⋠⋠⋠I+ ⋠⋠⋠N] Halogen-Bonded Supramolecular Cages.

Tripodal N-donor ligands are used to form halogen-bonded assemblies via structurally analogous Ag+ -complexes. Selective formation of discrete tetrameric I6 L4 and dimeric I3 L2 halonium cages, wherein multiple [N⋅⋅⋅I+ ⋅⋅⋅N] halogen bonds are used in concert, can be achieved by using sterically rigidified cationic tris(1-methyl-1-azonia-4-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane)-mesitylene ligand, L1(PF6 )3 , and flexible ligand 1,3,5-tris(imidazole-1-ylmethyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, L2, respectively. The iodonium cages, I6 L14 (PF6 )18 and I3 L22 (PF6 )3 , were obtained through the [N⋅⋅⋅Ag+ ⋅⋅⋅N]→ [N⋅⋅⋅I+ ⋅⋅⋅N] cation exchange reaction between the corresponding Ag6 L14 (PF6 )18 and Ag3 L22 (PF6 )3 coordination cages, prepared as intermediates, and I2 . The synthesized metallo- and halonium cages were studied in solution by NMR, in gas phase by ESI-MS and in the solid-state by single crystal X-ray diffraction.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Amino-Bis-Pyrazolone Derivatives via an Organocatalytic Mannich Reaction.

A new series of N-Boc ketimines derived from pyrazolin-5-ones have been used as electrophiles in asymmetric Mannich reactions with pyrazolones. The amino-bis-pyrazolone products are obtained in excellent yields and stereoselectivities by employing a very low loading of 1 mol % of a bifunctional squaramide organocatalyst. Depending on the substitution at position 4 of the pyrazolones, the new protocol allows for the generation of one or two tetrasubstituted stereocenters, including a one-pot version combing the Mannich reaction with a base-mediated halogenation.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed [4+2] Annulation of Enals via a Double Vinylogous Michael Addition: Asymmetric Synthesis of 3,5-Diaryl Cyclohexenones.

A strategy for the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of 3,5-diaryl substituted cyclohexenones has been developed via oxidative [4+2] annulation of enals and alkenylisoxazoles. It is the first example of using NHC organocatalysis in a double vinylogous Michael type reaction, a challenging but highly desirable topic. This unprecedented protocol affords good yields as well as high to excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities.

Synthesis and characterisation of p-block complexes of biquinoline at different ligand charge states.

The first examples of p-block coordination complexes of biquinoline, namely [(biq)BCl2]Cl and [(biq)BCl2]˙, were synthesized and structurally characterized. The acquired data allowed the estimation of the ligand charge state based on its metrical parameters. The subsequent use of this protocol, augmented with theoretical calculations, revealed ambiguities in the published data for transition metal complexes of biquinoline.

Sterically controlled self-assembly of tetrahedral M(6)L(4) cages via cationic N-donor ligands.

Tripodal cationic N-donor ligands exhibit sterically controlled self-assembly of tetrahedral M6L4 coordination cages that promote selective anion encapsulation (PF6(-) > OTf(-)) in the solid state. The described method is a potential template for stepwise assembly of hetero-ligand coordination cages and polymers.

1-Phenyl-3-(pyrid-2-yl)benzo[e][1,2,4]triazinyl: the first "Blatter radical" for coordination chemistry.

A neutral air- and moisture-stable N,N'-chelating radical ligand, 1-phenyl-3-(pyrid-2-yl)benzo[e][1,2,4]triazinyl (1) was synthesized and characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and magnetic measurements. Subsequent reaction of 1 with Cu(hfac)2·2H2O (hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate) under ambient conditions afforded the coordination complex Cu(1)(hfac)2 in which the radical binds to the metal in a bidentate fashion. Magnetic susceptibility data collected from 1.8 to 300 K indicate a strong ferromagnetic metal-radical interaction in the complex and weak antiferromagnetic radical···radical interactions between the Cu(1)(hfac)2 units. Detailed computational investigations support this assignment. Radical 1 is a new addition to the growing library of 1,2,4-triazinyl radicals and the first member of this family of paramagnetic species synthesized specifically for coordination purposes.