Protonation studies of a mono-dinitrogen complex of chromium supported by a 12-membered phosphorus macrocycle containing pendant amines.

The reduction of fac-[CrCl3(P(Ph)3N(Bn)3)], (1(Cl3)), (P(Ph)3N(Bn)3 = 1,5,9-tribenzyl-3,7,11-triphenyl-1,5,9-triaza-3,7,11-triphosphacyclododecane) with Mg in the presence of dmpe (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane) affords the first example of a monodinitrogen Cr(0) complex, Cr(N2)(dmpe)(P(Ph)3N(Bn)3), (2(N2)), containing a pentaphosphine coordination environment. 2(N2) is supported by a unique facially coordinating 12-membered phosphorus macrocycle containing pendant amine groups in the second coordination sphere. Treatment of 2(N2) at -78 °C with 1 equiv of [H(OEt2)2][B(C6F5)4] results in protonation of the metal center, generating the seven-coordinate Cr(II)-N2 hydride complex, [Cr(H)(N2)(dmpe)(P(Ph)3N(Bn)3)][B(C6F5)4], [2(H)(N2)](+). Treatment of 2((15)N2) with excess triflic acid at -50 °C afforded a trace amount of (15)NH4(+) from the reduction of the coordinated (15)N2 ligand (electrons originate from Cr). Electronic structure calculations were employed to evaluate the pKa values of three protonated sites of 2(N2) (metal center, pendant amine, and N2 ligand) and were used to predict the thermodynamically preferred Cr-NxHy intermediates in the N2 reduction pathway for 2(N2) and the recently published complex trans-[Cr(N2)2(P(Ph)4N(Bn)4)] upon the addition of protons and electrons.

Bis-tropolonate complexes of tungsten: scaffolds for selective side-on binding of nitriles, imines and ketones.

The chiral bis-tropolonate tungsten(ii) tricarbonyl compound, (trop)2W(CO)3 (1), has been synthesized and structurally characterized. This seven-coordinate compound readily loses two carbonyl ligands to preferentially bind a series of π-bonding substrates to form six-coordinate complexes of the type (trop)2W(CO)(L). Alkynes coordinate strongly to form (trop)2W(CO)(η(2)-RCCR) (2) in which spectroscopic data is consistent with the alkyne serving as a 4-electron donor. Compound 1 will also preferentially coordinate organic nitriles in a side-on fashion through the CN triple bond. A dramatic shift in the nitrile carbon signals to greater than 210 ppm in the (13)C NMR confirms the nitriles are coordinated in an η(2) 4-electron donating capacity. Aldehydes, ketones, and imines also react with 1 to form 4-electron donor η(2) adducts. The imine adduct (trop)2W(CO)(η(2)-MeN=C(H)(tol)) (5) was characterized crystallographically and the short 1.91 A W-N bond distance supports the postulation of 4-electron donation from the imine through C=N π-bonding and N lone pair donation. Side-on coordination of ligands of this type is rare and may provide a means towards asymmetric functionalization of these substrates. All of the tropolonate compounds are prone to oxidation in air and the alkyne compounds will oxidize to stable W(IV) oxo alkyne species, (trop)2W(O)(η(2)-RCCR) (6). This causes a 90° rotation of the alkyne ligand and a reduction in alkyne donation to approximately 3 electrons, to maintain an optimal 18 electron configuration.

Synthesis and characterization of aluminum-α-diimine complexes over multiple redox states.

The aluminum complexes (LMes(2-))AlCl(THF) (3) and (LDipp(-))AlCl2 (4) (LMes = N,N'-bis[2,4,6-trimethylphenyl]-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diazabutadiene, LDipp = N,N'-bis[2,6-diisopropylphenyl]-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diazabutadiene) were prepared by direct reduction of the ligands with sodium metal followed by salt metathesis with AlCl3. The (LMes(-))AlCl2 (5) complex was prepared through one-electron oxidative functionalization of 3 with either AgCl or CuCl. Complex 3 was characterized using (1)H and (13)C NMR spectoscopies. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the complexes revealed that 3-5 are all four-coordinate, with 3 exhibiting a trigonal pyramidal geometry, while 4 and 5 exist between trigonal pyramidal and tetrahedral. Notable in the LMes complexes 3 and 5 is a systematic lengthening of the C-Nimido bonds and shortening of the C-C bond in the N-C-C-N backbone with increased electron density on the ligand. The geometries of the complexes 3 and 5 were optimized using DFT, which showed primarily ligand-based frontier orbitals, supporting the analysis of the solid-state structural data. The complexes 3-5 were also characterized by electrochemistry. The cyclic voltamogram of complex 3 showed an oxidation processes at -0.94 and -0.03 V versus ferrocene, while complexes 4 and 5 exhibit both reduction (-1.37 and -1.34 V, respectively) and oxidation (-0.62 and -0.73 V, respectively) features.

Ruthenium dihydroxybipyridine complexes are tumor activated prodrugs due to low pH and blue light induced ligand release.

Ruthenium drugs are potent anti-cancer agents, but inducing drug selectivity and enhancing their modest activity remain challenging. Slow Ru ligand loss limits the formation of free sites and subsequent binding to DNA base pairs. Herein, we designed a ligand that rapidly dissociates upon irradiation at low pH. Activation at low pH can lead to cancer selectivity, since many cancer cells have higher metabolism (and thus lower pH) than non-cancerous cells. We have used the pH sensitive ligand, 6,6'-dihydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine (66'bpy(OH)2), to generate [Ru(bpy)2(66'(bpy(OH)2)](2+), which contains two acidic hydroxyl groups with pKa1=5.26 and pKa2=7.27. Irradiation when protonated leads to photo-dissociation of the 66'bpy(OH)2 ligand. An in-depth study of the structural and electronic properties of the complex was carried out using X-ray crystallography, electrochemistry, UV/visible spectroscopy, and computational techniques. Notably, RuN bond lengths in the 66'bpy(OH)2 complex are longer (by ~0.3Å) than in polypyridyl complexes that lack 6 and 6' substitution. Thus, the longer bond length predisposes the complex for photo-dissociation and leads to the anti-cancer activity. When the complex is deprotonated, the 66'bpy(O(-))2 ligand molecular orbitals mix heavily with the ruthenium orbitals, making new mixed metal-ligand orbitals that lead to a higher bond order. We investigated the anti-cancer activities of [Ru(bpy)2(66'(bpy(OH)2)](2+), [Ru(bpy)2(44'(bpy(OH)2)](2+), and [Ru(bpy)3](2+) (44'(bpy(OH)2=4,4'-dihydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine) in HeLa cells, which have a relatively low pH. It is found that [Ru(bpy)2(66'(bpy(OH)2)](2+) is more cytotoxic than the other ruthenium complexes studied. Thus, we have identified a pH sensitive ruthenium scaffold that can be exploited for photo-induced anti-cancer activity.

Synthesis and electrochemical studies of cobalt(III) monohydride complexes containing pendant amines.

Two new tetraphosphine ligands, P(nC-PPh2)2N(Ph)2 (1,5-diphenyl-3,7-bis((diphenylphosphino)alkyl)-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane; alkyl = (CH2)2, n = 2 (L2); (CH2)3, n = 3 (L3)), have been synthesized. Coordination of these ligands to cobalt affords the complexes [Co(II)(L2)(CH3CN)](2+) and [Co(II)(L3)(CH3CN)](2+), which are reduced by KC8 to afford [Co(I)(L2)(CH3CN)](+) and [Co(I)(L3)(CH3CN)](+). Protonation of the Co(I) complexes affords [HCo(III)(L2)(CH3CN)](2+) and [HCo(III)(L3)(CH3CN)](2+). The cyclic voltammetry of [HCo(III)(L2)(CH3CN)](2+), analyzed using digital simulation, is consistent with an ErCrEr reduction mechanism involving reversible acetonitrile dissociation from [HCo(II)(L2)(CH3CN)](+) and resulting in formation of HCo(I)(L2). Reduction of HCo(III) also results in cleavage of the H-Co bond from HCo(II) or HCo(I), leading to formation of the Co(I) complex [Co(I)(L2)(CH3CN)](+). Under voltammetric conditions, the reduced cobalt hydride reacts with a protic solvent impurity to generate H2 in a monometallic process involving two electrons per cobalt. In contrast, under bulk electrolysis conditions, H2 formation requires only one reducing equivalent per [HCo(III)(L2)(CH3CN)](2+), indicating a bimetallic route wherein two cobalt hydride complexes react to form 2 equiv of [Co(I)(L2)(CH3CN)](+) and 1 equiv of H2. These results indicate that both HCo(II) and HCo(I) can be formed under electrocatalytic conditions and should be considered as potential catalytic intermediates.

Dinitrogen reduction by a chromium(0) complex supported by a 16-membered phosphorus macrocycle.

We report a rare example of a Cr-N2 complex supported by a 16-membered phosphorus macrocycle containing pendant amine bases. Reactivity with acid afforded hydrazinium and ammonium, representing the first example of N2 reduction by a Cr-N2 complex. Computational analysis examined the thermodynamically favored protonation steps of N2 reduction with Cr leading to the formation of hydrazine.

Two pathways for electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrogen by a nickel bis(diphosphine) complex with pendant amines in the second coordination sphere.

A nickel bis(diphosphine) complex containing pendant amines in the second coordination sphere, [Ni(P(Cy)2N(t-Bu)2)2](BF4)2 (P(Cy)2N(t-Bu)2 = 1,5-di(tert-butyl)-3,7-dicyclohexyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane), is an electrocatalyst for hydrogen oxidation. The addition of hydrogen to the Ni(II) complex gives three isomers of the doubly protonated Ni(0) complex [Ni(P(Cy)2N(t-Bu)2H)2](BF4)2. Using the pKa values and Ni(II/I) and Ni(I/0) redox potentials in a thermochemical cycle, the free energy of hydrogen addition to [Ni(P(Cy)2N(t-Bu)2)2](2+) was determined to be -7.9 kcal mol(-1). The catalytic rate observed in dry acetonitrile for the oxidation of H2 depends on base size, with larger bases (NEt3, t-BuNH2) resulting in much slower catalysis than n-BuNH2. The addition of water accelerates the rate of catalysis by facilitating deprotonation of the hydrogen addition product before oxidation, especially for the larger bases NEt3 and t-BuNH2. This catalytic pathway, where deprotonation occurs prior to oxidation, leads to an overpotential that is 0.38 V lower compared to the pathway where oxidation precedes proton movement. Under the optimal conditions of 1.0 atm H2 using n-BuNH2 as a base and with added water, a turnover frequency of 58 s(-1) is observed at 23 °C.

Protonation of ferrous dinitrogen complexes containing a diphosphine ligand with a pendent amine.

The addition of acids to ferrous dinitrogen complexes [FeX(N2)(P(Et)N(Me)P(Et))(dmpm)](+) (X = H, Cl, or Br; P(Et)N(Me)P(Et) = Et2PCH2N(Me)CH2PEt2; and dmpm = Me2PCH2PMe2) gives protonation at the pendent amine of the diphosphine ligand rather than at the dinitrogen ligand. This protonation increased the νN2 band of the complex by 25 cm(-1) and shifted the Fe(II/I) couple by 0.33 V to a more positive potential. A similar IR shift and a slightly smaller shift of the Fe(II/I) couple (0.23 V) was observed for the related carbonyl complex [FeH(CO)(P(Et)N(Me)P(Et))(dmpm)](+). [FeH(P(Et)N(Me)P(Et))(dmpm)](+) was found to bind N2 about three times more strongly than NH3. Computational analysis showed that coordination of N2 to Fe(II) centers increases the basicity of N2 (vs free N2) by 13 and 20 pKa units for the trans halides and hydrides, respectively. Although the iron center increases the basicity of the bound N2 ligand, the coordinated N2 is not sufficiently basic to be protonated. In the case of ferrous dinitrogen complexes containing a pendent methylamine, the amine site was determined to be the most basic site by 30 pKa units compared to the N2 ligand. The chemical reduction of these ferrous dinitrogen complexes was performed in an attempt to increase the basicity of the N2 ligand enough to promote proton transfer from the pendent amine to the N2 ligand. Instead of isolating a reduced Fe(0)-N2 complex, the reduction resulted in isolation and characterization of HFe(Et2PC(H)N(Me)CH2PEt2)(P(Et)N(Me)P(Et)), the product of oxidative addition of the methylene C-H bond of the P(Et)N(Me)P(Et) ligand to Fe.

Nonexponential solid state 1H and 19F spin-lattice relaxation, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and isolated-molecule and cluster electronic structure calculations in an organic solid: coupled methyl group rotation and methoxy group libration in 4,4'-dimethoxyoctafluorobiphenyl.

We investigate the relationship between intramolecular rotational dynamics and molecular and crystal structure in 4,4'-dimethoxyoctafluorobiphenyl. The techniques are electronic structure calculations, X-ray diffractometry, and (1)H and (19)F solid state nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation. We compute and measure barriers for coupled methyl group rotation and methoxy group libration. We compare the structure and the structure-motion relationship in 4,4'-dimethoxyoctafluorobiphenyl with the structure and the structure-motion relationship in related compounds in order to observe trends concerning the competition between intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. The (1)H spin-lattice relaxation is nonexponential in both the high-temperature short-correlation time limit and in the low-temperature long-correlation time limit, albeit for different reasons. The (19)F spin-lattice relaxation is nonexponential at low temperatures and it is exponential at high temperatures.

Structural, electronic and acid/base properties of [Ru(bpy(OH)2)3]2+ (bpy(OH)2 = 4,4'-dihydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine).

We have synthesized the complex [Ru(bpy(OH)(2))(3)](2+) (bpy(OH)(2) = 4,4'-dihydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine) containing ligands that can be readily deprotonated. Both experimental and computational techniques were utilized to perform a thorough analysis of the structural and electronic properties of the complex in both the protonated and deprotonated state. The complex [Ru(bpy(OMe)(2))(3)](2+) (bpy(OMe)(2) = 4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridine) was also synthesized and studied, because the bpy(OMe)(2) ligand has electron-donating properties like bpy(OH)(2), but does not contain deprotonatable groups. Cyclic voltammetry of [Ru(bpy(OH)(2))(3)](2+) yields a reversible Ru(III/II) wave that shifts 1.43 V to lower energy upon deprotonation of the complex. UV/Visible absorbance spectroscopy reveals several Metal-to-Ligand Charge Transfer (MLCT) transitions that shift to lower energy upon deprotonation of the complex. This observation is in contrast to mixed-ligand systems containing deprotonatable groups, such as [Ru(bpy)(2)(bpy(OH)(2))](2+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) that demonstrate different types of electronic transitions assigned as mixed Metal-Ligand to Ligand Charge Transfer (MLLCT). The more symmetrical nature of the tris-bpy(OH)(2) complex most likely prevents the metal molecular orbitals from significantly mixing with the molecular orbitals of the deprotonated ligand. Luminescence studies were carried out on [Ru(bpy(OH)(2))(3)](2+) and reveal a shift to lower energy and quenching of the excited state upon deprotonation in accordance with the energy gap law.

Synthesis and reactivity of molybdenum and tungsten bis(dinitrogen) complexes supported by diphosphine chelates containing pendant amines.

Molybdenum and tungsten bis(dinitrogen) complexes of the formula M(N(2))(2)(PNP)(2) (M = Mo and W) and W(N(2))(2)(dppe)(PNP), supported by diphosphine ligands containing a pendant amine of the formula (CH(2)PR(2))(2)NR' = P(R)N(R')P(R) (R = Et, Ph; R' = Me, Bn), have been prepared by Mg reduction of metal halides under an N(2) atmosphere. The complexes have been characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and cyclic voltammetry. Reactivity of the target Mo and W bis(dinitrogen) compounds with CO results in the formation of dicarbonyl complexes.

Synthesis and hydride transfer reactions of cobalt and nickel hydride complexes to BX3 compounds.

Hydrides of numerous transition metal complexes can be generated by the heterolytic cleavage of H(2) gas such that they offer alternatives to using main group hydrides in the regeneration of ammonia borane, a compound that has been intensely studied for hydrogen storage applications. Previously, we reported that HRh(dmpe)(2) (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphinoethane)) was capable of reducing a variety of BX(3) compounds having a hydride affinity (HA) greater than or equal to the HA of BEt(3). This study examines the reactivity of less expensive cobalt and nickel hydride complexes, HCo(dmpe)(2) and [HNi(dmpe)(2)](+), to form B-H bonds. The hydride donor abilities (ΔG(H(-))°) of HCo(dmpe)(2) and [HNi(dmpe)(2)](+) were positioned on a previously established scale in acetonitrile that is cross-referenced with calculated HAs of BX(3) compounds. The collective data guided our selection of BX(3) compounds to investigate and aided our analysis of factors that determine favorability of hydride transfer. HCo(dmpe)(2) was observed to transfer H(-) to BX(3) compounds with X = H, OC(6)F(5), and SPh. The reaction with B(SPh)(3) is accompanied by the formation of dmpe-(BH(3))(2) and dmpe-(BH(2)(SPh))(2) products that follow from a reduction of multiple B-SPh bonds and a loss of dmpe ligands from cobalt. Reactions between HCo(dmpe)(2) and B(SPh)(3) in the presence of triethylamine result in the formation of Et(3)N-BH(2)SPh and Et(3)N-BH(3) with no loss of a dmpe ligand. Reactions of the cationic complex [HNi(dmpe)(2)](+) with B(SPh)(3) under analogous conditions give Et(3)N-BH(2)SPh as the final product along with the nickel-thiolate complex [Ni(dmpe)(2)(SPh)](+). The synthesis and characterization of HCo(dedpe)(2) (dedpe = Et(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2)) from H(2) and a base is also discussed, including the formation of an uncommon trans dihydride species, trans-[(H)(2)Co(dedpe)(2)][BF(4)].

Studies of a series of [Ni(P(R)2N(Ph)2)2(CH3CN)]2+ complexes as electrocatalysts for H2 production: substituent variation at the phosphorus atom of the P2N2 ligand.

A series of [Ni(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) complexes containing the cyclic diphosphine ligands [P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2) = 1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane; R = benzyl (Bn), n-butyl (n-Bu), 2-phenylethyl (PE), 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl (TP), and cyclohexyl (Cy)] have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the cations of [Ni(P(Bn)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(P(n-Bu)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) have distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometries. The Ni(0) complex [Ni(P(Bn)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)] was also synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction studies and shown to have a distorted tetrahedral structure. These complexes, with the exception of [Ni(P(Cy)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2), all exhibit reversible electron transfer processes for both the Ni(II/I) and Ni(I/0) couples and are electrocatalysts for the production of H(2) in acidic acetonitrile solutions. The heterolytic cleavage of H(2) by [Ni(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) complexes in the presence of p-anisidine or p-bromoaniline was used to determine the hydride donor abilities of the corresponding [HNi(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)](BF(4)) complexes. However, for the catalysts with the most bulky R groups, the turnover frequencies do not parallel the driving force for elimination of H(2), suggesting that steric interactions between the alkyl substituents on phosphorus and the nitrogen atom of the pendant amines play an important role in determining the overall catalytic rate.

A rare terminal dinitrogen complex of chromium.

Cis and trans-Cr-N(2) complexes supported by the diphosphine ligand P(Ph)(2)N(Bn)(2) have been prepared. Positioned pendant amines in the second coordination sphere influence the thermodynamically preferred geometric isomer. Electronic structure calculations indicate negligible Cr-N(2) back-bonding; rather, electronic polarization of N(2) ligand is thought to stabilize Cr-N(2) binding.

Structural, electronic, and acid/base properties of [Ru(bpy)2(bpy(OH)2)]2+ (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, bpy(OH)2 = 4,4'-dihydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine).

We have synthesized the complex [Ru(bpy)(2)(bpy(OH)(2))](2+) (bpy =2,2'-bipyridine, bpy(OH)(2) = 4,4'-dihydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine). Experimental results coupled with computational studies were utilized to investigate the structural and electronic properties of the complex, with particular attention paid toward the effects of deprotonation on these properties. The most distinguishing feature observed in the X-ray structural data is a shortening of the CO bond lengths in the modified ligand upon deprotonation. Similar results are also observed in the computational studies as the CO bond becomes double bond in character after deprotonating the complex. Electrochemically, the hydroxy-modified bipyridyl ligand plays a significant role in the redox properties of the complex. When protonated, the bpy(OH)(2) ligand undergoes irreversible reduction processes; however, when deprotonated, reduction of the substituted ligand is no longer observed, and several new irreversible oxidation processes associated with the modified ligand arise. pH studies indicate [Ru(bpy)(2)(bpy(OH)(2))](2+) has two distinct deprotonations at pK(a1) = 2.7 and pK(a2) = 5.8. The protonated [Ru(bpy)(2)(bpy(OH)(2))](2+) complex has a characteristic UV/Visible absorption spectrum similar to the well-studied complex [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) with bands arising from Metal-to-Ligand Charge Transfer (MLCT) transitions. When the complex is deprotonated, the absorption spectrum is altered significantly and becomes heavily solvent dependent. Computational methods indicate that the deprotonated bpy(O(-))(2) ligand mixes heavily with the metal d orbitals leading to a new absorption manifold. The transitions in the complex have been assigned as mixed Metal-Ligand to Ligand Charge Transfer (MLLCT).

[Ni(P(Ph)2N(C6H4X)2)2]2+ complexes as electrocatalysts for H2 production: effect of substituents, acids, and water on catalytic rates.

A series of mononuclear nickel(II) bis(diphosphine) complexes [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4X)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) (P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4X)(2) = 1,5-di(para-X-phenyl)-3,7-diphenyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane; X = OMe, Me, CH(2)P(O)(OEt)(2), Br, and CF(3)) have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4Me)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4OMe)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) are tetracoordinate with distorted square planar geometries. The Ni(II/I) and Ni(I/0) redox couples of each complex are electrochemically reversible in acetonitrile with potentials that are increasingly cathodic as the electron-donating character of X is increased. Each of these complexes is an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen production at the potential of the Ni(II/I) couple. The catalytic rates generally increase as the electron-donating character of X is decreased, and this electronic effect results in the favorable but unusual situation of obtaining higher catalytic rates as overpotentials are decreased. Catalytic studies using acids with a range of pK(a) values reveal that turnover frequencies do not correlate with substrate acid pK(a) values but are highly dependent on the acid structure, with this effect being related to substrate size. Addition of water is shown to dramatically increase catalytic rates for all catalysts. With [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4CH2P(O)(OEt)2)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) using [(DMF)H](+)OTf(-) as the acid and with added water, a turnover frequency of 1850 s(-1) was obtained.

Intramolecular pyridone/enyne photocycloaddition: partitioning of the [4 + 4] and [2 + 2] pathways.

Intramolecular photocycloaddition (>290 nm) between a 1,3-enyne and a 2-pyridone is far more selective than the intermolecular version; a three-atom linkage both controls regiochemistry and separates the [2 + 2] and [4 + 4] pathways. All four head-to-head, head-to-tail, tail-to-head, and tail-to-tail tetherings have been investigated. Linkage via the ene of the enyne leads to [2 + 2] products regardless of alkene geometry, whereas linkage through the yne results in [4 + 4] cycloadducts. The bridged 1,2,5-cyclooctatriene products of [4 + 4] cycloaddition are unstable and undergo a subsequent [2 + 2] dimerization reaction.

Hydrogen oxidation catalysis by a nickel diphosphine complex with pendant tert-butyl amines.

A bis-diphosphine nickel complex with tert-butyl functionalized pendant amines [Ni(P(Cy)(2)N(t-Bu)(2))(2)](2+) has been synthesized. It is a highly active electrocatalyst for the oxidation of hydrogen in the presence of base. The turnover rate of 50 s(-1) under 1.0 atm H(2) at a potential of -0.77 V vs. the ferrocene couple is 5 times faster than the rate reported heretofore for any other synthetic molecular H(2) oxidation catalyst.

Electrochemistry of 1,1'-bis(2,4-dialkylphosphetanyl)ferrocene and 1,1'-bis(2,5-dialkylphospholanyl)ferrocene ligands: free phosphines, metal complexes, and chalcogenides.

The oxidative electrochemistries of a series of chiral bisphosphinoferrocene ligands, 1,1'-bis(2,4-dialkylphosphetanyl)ferrocene (FerroTANE) and 1,1'-bis(2,5-dialkylphospholanyl)ferrocene (FerroLANE), were examined. The reversibility of the oxidation is sensitive to the steric bulk of the alkyl groups. New transition metal compounds and phosphine chalcogenides of these ligands were prepared and characterized. X-ray crystal structures of 10 of these compounds are reported. The percent buried volume (%V(bur)) is a recently developed measurement based on crystallographic data that examines the steric bulk of N-heterocyclic carbene and phosphine ligands. The %V(bur) for the FerroTANE and FerroLANE structures with methyl or ethyl substituents suggests these ligands are similar in steric properties to 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf). In addition the %V(bur) has been found to correlate well with the Tolman cone angle for phosphine chalcogenides. The oxidative electrochemistries of the transition metal complexes occur at more positive potentials than the free ligands. While a similar positive shift is seen for the oxidative electrochemistries of the phosphine chalcogenides, the oxidation of the phosphine selenides does not occur at the iron center, but rather oxidation occurs at the selenium atoms.

Enyne [4 + 4] photocycloaddition: bridged 1,2,5-cyclooctatrienes.

Enyne photocycloaddition with a 2-pyridone yields a mixture of products including amide-bridged 1,2,5-cyclooctatrienes, the first examples of enyne [4 + 4] adducts. Four regio- and stereochemical isomers of the [4 + 4] adduct are possible. All appear to be too strained to be isolated, but they have been identified as their [2 + 2] cyclobutane dimers. Cyclobutane and cyclobutene adducts have also been isolated, [2 + 2] addition products possibly related to the unstable [4 + 4] adducts via Cope rearrangement. Calculations suggest that [3,3] rearrangements have high energy barriers, however, making thermal interconversion unlikely.