Heteroallene Insertions into Tin(II) Alkoxide Bonds.

A series of iso-carbamate complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of [SnII(OiPr)2] or [SnII(OtBu)2] with either aryl or alkyl isocyanates, ONC-R (R = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl (Mes), 2,6-diisopropylphenyl (Dipp), isopropyl (iPr), cyclohexyl (Cy) and tert-butyl (tBu)). In the case of aryl isocyanates, mono-insertion occurs to form structurally characterized complexes [Sn{κ2-N,O-R-NC(OiPr)O}(µ-OiPr)]2 (1: R = Mes, 2: R = Dipp) and [Sn{κ2-N,O-R-NC(OtBu)O}(µ-OtBu)]2 (3: R = Mes, 4: R = Dipp). The complicated solution-state chemistry of these species has been explored using 1H DOSY experiments. In contrast, reactions of tin(II) alkoxides with alkyl isocyanates result in the formation of bis-insertion products [Sn{κ2-N,O-R-NC(OiPr)O}2] (5: R = iPr, and 6: R = Cy) and [Sn{κ2-N,O-R-NC(OtBu)O}2] (7: R = iPr, 8: R = Cy), of which complexes 6-8 have also been structurally characterized. 1H NMR studies show that the reaction of tBu-NCO with either [Sn(OiPr)2] or [Sn(OtBu)2] results in a reversible mono-insertion. Variable-temperature 2D 1H-1H exchange spectroscopy (VT-2D-EXSY) was used to determine the rate of exchange between free tBu-NCO and the coordinated tBu-iso-carbamate ligand for the {OiPr} alkoxide complex, as well as the activation energy (Ea = 92.2 ± 0.8 kJ mol-1), enthalpy (ΔH‡ = 89.4 ± 0.8 kJ mol-1), and entropy (ΔS‡ = 12.6 ± 2.9 J mol-1 K-1) for the process [Sn(OiPr)2] + tBu-NCO ↔ [Sn{κ2-N,O-tBu-NC(OiPr)O}(OiPr)]. Attempts to form Sn(II) alkyl carbonates by the insertion of CO2 into either [Sn(OiPr)2] or [Sn(OtBu)2] proved unsuccessful. However, 119Sn{1H} NMR spectroscopy of the reaction of excess CO2 with [Sn(OiPr)2] reveals the presence of a new Sn(II) species, i.e., [(iPrO)Sn(O2COiPr)], VT-2D-EXSY (1H) of which confirms the reversible alkyl carbonate formation (Ea = 70.3 ± 13.0 kJ mol-1; ΔH‡ = 68.0 ± 1.3 kJ mol-1 and ΔS‡ = -8.07 ± 2.8 J mol-1 K-1).

Tin(II) Ureide Complexes: Synthesis, Structural Chemistry, and Evaluation as SnO Precursors.

In an attempt to tailor precursors for application in the deposition of phase pure SnO, we have evaluated a series of tin (1-6) ureide complexes. The complexes were successfully synthesized by employing N,N'-trialkyl-functionalized ureide ligands, in which features such as stability, volatility, and decomposition could be modified with variation of the substituents on the ureide ligand in an attempt to find the complex with the ideal electronic, steric, or coordinative properties, which determine the fate of the final products. The tin(II) ureide complexes 1-6 were synthesized by direct reaction [Sn{NMe2}2] with aryl and alkyl isocyanates in a 1:2 molar ratio. All the complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis and, where applicable, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 2, 3, 4, and 6 revealed that the complexes crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n (2 and 4) or in the triclinic space group P-1 (3 and 6) as monomers. Reaction with phenyl isocyanate results in the formation of the bimetallic species 5, which crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1, a consequence of incomplete insertion into the Sn-NMe2 bonds, versus mesityl isocyanate, which produces a monomeric double insertion product, 6, under the same conditions, indicating a difference in reactivity between phenyl isocyanate and mesityl isocyanate with respect to insertion into Sn-NMe2 bonds. The metal centers in these complexes are all four-coordinate, displaying either distorted trigonal bipyramidal or trigonal bipyramidal geometries. The steric influence of the imido-ligand substituent has a clear effect on the coordination mode of the ureide ligands, with complexes 2 and 6, which contain the cyclohexyl and mesityl ligands, displaying κ2-O,N coordination modes, whereas κ2-N,N' coordination modes are observed for the sterically bulkier tert-butyl and adamantyl derivatives, 3 and 4. The thermogravimetric analysis of the complexes 3 and 4 exhibited excellent physicochemical properties with clean single-step curves and low residual masses in their TG analyses suggesting their potential utility of these systems as MOCVD and ALD precursors.

Synthesis and structural characterization of hexa-µ2-chlorido-µ4-oxido-tetra-kis-{[4-(phenyl-ethyn-yl)pyridine-κN]copper(II)} di-chloro-methane monosolvate.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, [Cu4Cl6O(C13H9N)4]·CH2Cl2, the core mol-ecular structure consists of a Cu4 tetra-hedron with a central inter-stitial O atom. Each edge of the Cu4 tetra-hedron is bridged by a chlorido ligand. Each copper(II) cation is coordinated to the central O atom, two chlorido ligands and one N atom of the 4-phenyl-ethynyl-pyridine ligand. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular C-H⋯Cl inter-actions. Furthermore, C-H⋯π and π-π inter-actions also connect the mol-ecules, forming a three-dimensional network. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions for the packing arrangement are from H⋯H and C⋯H/H⋯C inter-actions.

Aerosol-assisted CVD of SnO from stannous alkoxide precursors.

The stannous alkoxides [Sn(OR)2] [R = i-Pr, t-Bu, C(Et)Me2, CHPh2, CPh3] have been synthesised by reaction of Sn(NR'2)2 with two equivalents of HOR [R' = Me, R = i-Pr; R' = SiMe3, R = t-Bu, C(Et)Me2, CHPh2, CPh3]. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the bis(diphenylmethoxide) (4) and bis(triphenylmethoxide) (5) species have shown them to comprise three-coordinate Sn(ii) centres through dimerisation in the solid state with the alkoxide units adopting transoid and cisoid configurations across the {Sn2O2} cores respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates clean decomposition and some evidence of volatility at temperatures >200 °C for all three aliphatic alkoxides, whereas both the diphenyl- and triphenylmethoxide compounds provide higher decomposition temperatures and, for the triphenylmethoxide derivative, a residual mass consistent with the formation of a carbon-containing residue. The previously reported iso-propoxide (1) and tert-butoxide (2) derivatives have been utilised in toluene solution to deposit SnO thin films by aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) on glass at temperatures between 300 and 450 °C. While SnO is deposited under hot wall conditions as the only identifiable phase by p-XRD and Raman spectroscopy for both precursors, morphological analysis by SEM reveals inferior substrate coverage in comparison to previously reported ureide-based precursor systems.

Impact of the Alkyne Substitution Pattern and Metalation on the Photoisomerization of Azobenzene-Based Platinum(II) Diynes and Polyynes.

Trimethylsilyl-protected dialkynes incorporating azobenzene linker groups, Me3SiC≡CRC≡CSiMe3 (R = azobenzene-3,3'-diyl, azobenzene-4,4'-diyl, 2,5-dioctylazobenzene-4,4'-diyl), and the corresponding terminal dialkynes, HC≡CRC≡CH, have been synthesized and characterized. The CuI-catalyzed dehydrohalogenation reaction between trans-[Ph(Et3P)2PtCl] and the deprotected dialkynes in a 2:1 ratio in iPr2NH/CH2Cl2 gives the platinum(II) diynes trans-[Ph(Et3P)2PtC≡CRC≡CPt(PEt3)2Ph], while the dehydrohalogenation polycondensation reaction between trans-[(nBu3P)2PtCl2] and the dialkynes in a 1:1 molar ratio under similar reaction conditions affords the platinum(II) polyynes, [-Pt(PnBu3)2-C≡CRC≡C-]n. The materials have been characterized spectroscopically, with the diynes also studied using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The platinum(II) diynes and polyynes are all soluble in common organic solvents. Optical-absorption measurements show that the compounds incorporating the para-alkynylazobenzene spacers have a higher degree of electronic delocalisation than their meta-alkynylazobenzene counterparts. Reversible photoisomerization in solution was observed spectroscopically for the alkynyl-functionalized azobenzene ligands and, to a lesser extent, for the platinum(II) complexes. Complementary quantum-chemical modeling was also used to analyze the optical properties and isomerization energetics.

Experimental and Theoretical Investigation for the Level of Conjugation in Carbazole-Based Precursors and Their Mono-, Di-, and Polynuclear Pt(II) Complexes.

A series of trimethylsilyl-protected monoalkynes (Me3SiC≡C-R) and bis-alkynes (Me3 SiC≡C-R-C≡CSiMe3) incorporating carbazole spacer groups (R = carbazole-2-yl, carbazole-3-yl, carbazole-2,7-diyl, N-(2-ethylhexyl)carbazole-2,7-diyl, carbazole-3,6-diyl, N-(2-ethylhexyl)carbazole-3,6-diyl), together with the corresponding terminal monoalkynes (H-C≡C-R) and bis-alkynes (H-C≡C-R-C≡C-H), have been synthesized and characterized. The CuI-catalyzed dehydrohalogenation reaction between trans-[(Ph)(Et3P)2PtCl], trans-[(Et3P)2PtCl2], and trans-[(P(n)Bu3)2PtCl2] and the terminal alkynes in (i)Pr2NH/CH2Cl2 affords a series of Pt(II) mono- and diynes, while the dehydrohalogenation polycondensation reactions with trans-[(P(n)Bu3)2PtCl2] under similar reaction conditions yields four Pt(II) poly-ynes of the form trans-[(P(n)Bu3)2Pt-C≡C-R-C≡C-]n. The acetylide-functionalized carbazole ligands and the mono-, di-, and polynuclear Pt(II) σ-acetylide complexes have been characterized spectroscopically, with a subset analyzed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Pt(II) mono-, di-, and poly-ynes incorporating the carbazole spacers are soluble in common organic solvents, and solution absorption spectra show a consistent red-shift between the 2- and 2,7- as well as 3- and 3,6-carbazole complexes. Computational modeling is used to explain the observed spectral shifts, which are related to the enhanced electronic delocalization in the latter systems. These results also indicate that the inclusion of carbazole-2,7-diyl units into rigid-rod organometallic polymers should enhance electronic transport along the chains.

Tuning a single ligand system to stabilize multiple spin states of manganese: a first example of a hydrazone-based manganese(III) spin-crossover complex.

A series of bis-chelate pseudo-octahedral mononuclear coordination complexes of manganese with the chromophore [MnN4 O2 ](n+) (n=0, 1) have been generated in all three principal oxidation states of this transition-metal center under ambient conditions by utilizing a readily tunable, versatile phenolic pyridylhydrazone ligand system (i.e., H2 (3,5-R(1) ,R(2) )-L; L=ligand). Strategic combinations of the nature and position of a variety of substituent groups afforded selective, spontaneous stabilization of multiple spin states of the manganese center, which, upon close crystallographic scrutiny, appears to be in part due to the occurrence or absence of hydrogen-bonding interactions that involve the phenolate/phenolic oxygen atom. The divalent complexes are isolable in two forms, namely, molecular [Mn(II) {H(3,5-R(1) ,R(2) )-L}2 ] and ionic [Mn(II) {H2 (3,5-R(1) ,R(2) )-L}{H(3,5-R(1) ,R(2) )-L}]ClO4 , with the latter complex converting easily into the former complex on deprotonation. Accessibility of the higher-valent states is achievable only when the phenolate oxygen atom is sterically hindered from participation in hydrogen bonding. The [Mn(III) {H(3,5-tBu2 )-L}2 ]ClO4 complex is the first example of a hydrazone-based Mn(III) complex to exhibit spin crossover. Formation of the tetravalent complexes [Mn(IV) {(3,5-R(1) ,R(2) )-L}2 ] (R(1) =tBu, R(2) =H; R(1) =R(2) =tBu) necessitates base-assisted abstraction of the hydrazinic proton.

New di-ferrocenyl-ethynylpyridinyl triphenylphosphine copper halide complexes and related di-ferricenyl electro-crystallized materials.

Three new neutral di-ferrocenyl-ethynylpyridinyl copper complexes, [L2(CuCl)2(PPh3)2] (), [L2(CuBr)2(PPh3)2] (), and [L2(CuI)2(PPh3)2] () were synthesized from the ferrocenyl-ethynylpyridine ligand (L) (), the appropriate copper halide CuX (with X = Cl(-), Br(-), I(-)) and triphenylphosphine. These neutral complexes were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Cyclic voltammetry in dichloroethane revealed chemically reversible ferrocenyl oxidation signals followed by characteristic "stripping reduction peaks" showing evidence for oxidation-product electro-crystallization. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed spontaneous formation of crystalline oxidation products with three distinct morphologies for X = Cl(-), Br(-), I(-). Energy dispersive X-ray elemental analysis data show Fe : P ratios of 1 : 2.0, 1 : 2.1 and 1 : 2.1 for electro-crystallization products of complexes , , and , respectively, indicating the presence of two [PF6](-) anions in the vicinity of the dioxidized complexes, and suggesting product formulae [](2+)[PF6](-)2, [](2+)[PF6](-)2 and [](2+)[PF6](-)2.

Synthesis and structural studies of diorganotin(IV)-based coordination polymers bearing silaalkylphosphonate ligands and their transformation into colloidal domains.

The contribution of silaalkylphosphonic acids Me3SiCH2P(O)(OH)2 (1) and Me3SiC(CH3)2P(O)(OH)2 (2) as ligands was demonstrated for the first time by the isolation of new diorganotin(IV) phosphonates Et2Sn{OP(O)(OH)CH2SiMe3}(OSO2Me) (3), (Et2Sn)6{O3PC(CH3)2SiMe3}4(OSO2Me)4 (4), and Et2Sn(O3PCH2SiMe3) (5). X-ray crystallographic studies of 1-4 are presented. The structures of 1 and 2 adopt extended motifs by virtue of P-OH···O═P-type hydrogen bonding interactions. The molecular structure of 3 is composed of a dimer formed by bridging hydrogen phosphonate groups, while the sulfonate group appended on each tin atom acts in a µ2-bridging mode to afford the formation of one-dimensional coordination polymer featuring alternate eight-membered [-Sn-O-P-O-]2 and [-Sn-O-S-O-]2 rings. The asymmetric unit of 4 is composed of two crystallographically unique trinuclear tin phosphonate clusters with a Sn3(µ3-PO3)2 core linked together by coordinative association of a µ2-sulfonate group, while the remaining sulfonates are involved in the construction of a two-dimensional self-assembly. The identity of 1-5 in solution was established by IR and multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, (31)P, (119)Sn) NMR spectroscopy. The presence of silaalkyl group in 5 imparts unusual solubility in hydrocarbon, aromatic, and ether solvents. As a consequence, the formation of colloidal particles of 5 featuring rodlike morphology was achieved by ultrasonication of a solution in ethanol-chloroform mixture.

Biomimetic polyorganosiloxanes: model compounds for new materials.

The chemistry of N-organosilylalkyl-substituted heterocyclic bases (thymine, adenine and cytosine) is described, covering the structures of model compounds, the synthesis of substituted oligo-siloxanes and a preliminary report of the synthesis of a poly(organosiloxane) with pendant N-alkyl(heterocycle) functionalities. N-Alkenylthymines CH2=CH(CH2)(n)T (T = thymine, n = 1 (1), 2 (2), 3 (3)) have been prepared and 2 hydrosilylated to form PhMe2Si(CH2)4T (5). Alternatively, 5 was prepared by reaction of PhMe2Si(CH2)4Br (6) with (O,O-SiMe3)2T, a method which has also been used to prepare PhMe2Si(CH2)4A (7) and PhMe2Si(CH2)4C (8) (A = adenine, C = cytosine). Model di- and tri-siloxanes [Br(CH2)4(Me)2Si]2O (10), Me3SiOSi(Me)2(CH2)4Br (11), PhMe2SiOSi(Me)2(CH2)4Br (12) and (Me3SiO)2(Me)Si(CH2)4Br (13) have been prepared by hydrosilylation of H2C[double bond, length as m-dash]C(H)(CH2)4Br with an appropriate hydrosiloxane and used to prepare Me3SiO(Me)2Si(CH2)4T (14), Me3SiO(Me)2Si(CH2)4A (15) (both from 11), and (Me3SiO)2(Me)Si(CH2)4T (16), (Me3SiO)2(Me)Si(CH2)4A (17) (both from 13). 10 reacts with thymine to give a mixture of the pyrimidocyclophane cyclo-T-N,N-[(CH2)4(Me)2Si]2O (19) and [T(CH2)4Si(Me)2]2O (20), while cytosine reacts similarly to form cyclo-C-N,N-[(CH2)4(Me)2Si]2O (21; as an imine) and [C(CH2)4Si(Me)2]2O (22); adenine only generates [A(CH2)4Si(Me)2]2O (18) in an analogous synthesis. Using a related protocol, polymeric {[MeSi(O)(CH2)4Br]2[Me2SiO]98}n (23) has been converted to {[MeSi(O)(CH2)4T]2[Me2SiO]98}n (24) and {[MeSi(O)(CH2)4A]2[Me2SiO]98}n (25). The structures of 4, 5, 8, 19 and 21, along with a 2 : 1 adduct of 5 with Ni(dithiobiuret)2 (9) are reported.

Solution-processed mesoscopic Bi2S3:polymer photoactive layers.

The fabrication of solution-processed nontoxic mesoporous Bi2S3 structures is demonstrated and the suitability of these structures for use in hybrid solar cells investigated. Mesoporous Bi2S3 electrodes are prepared via thermal decomposition of a thin film composed of a bismuth xanthate single source precursor. The resultant Bi2S3 films are made up of regular needles with approximate dimensions of 50×500 nm, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystallinity of the Bi2S3 is found to be dependent on the annealing temperature, as determined by X-ray diffraction. The porous Bi2S3 films are infiltrated with the hole conductor P3HT to generate novel hybrid films, and laser-based transient absorption spectroscopy is used to interrogate the charge-separation reaction at the resulting Bi2S3/P3HT heterojunction. Specifically, optical excitation of the hybrid films results in efficient and long-lived charge separation (microsecond to millisecond timescale), thereby rendering such films suitable for the development of novel low-cost solar-energy conversion devices.

Synthesis and materials chemistry of bismuth tris-(di-i-propylcarbamate): deposition of photoactive Bi2O3 thin films.

The bismuth carbamate Bi(O2CNPr(i)2)3, a tetramer in the solid-state, has been synthesized and used to deposit mixtures of bismuth oxides by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD). The nature of the deposited oxide is a function of both temperature and run-time. Initially, δ-Bi2O3 is deposited, over which grows a thick layer of ß-Bi2O3 nanowires, the latter having an increasing degree of preferred orientation at higher deposition temperatures. The photocatalytic activity of a thin film of δ-Bi2O3 for the degradation of methylene blue dye was found to be similar to that of a commercial TiO2 film on glass, while the film overcoated with ß-Bi2O3 nanowires was less active. Exposure of Bi(O2CNPr(i)2)3 to controlled amounts of moist air affords the novel oxo-cluster Bi8(O)6(O2CNPr(i)2)12, whose structure has also been determined.

New organo- and amidozinc derivatives of primary amines.

Five new zinc derivatives of primary amines [R'ZnN(H)R]2 [R = SiPh3, R' = Me (1), N(SiMe3)2 (4); R = Si(NMe2)3, R' = Me (2), Et (3), N(SiMe3)2 (5)] have been synthesised by reaction of R'2Zn and H2NR. All five species are dimers in which the N-H groups are disposed in a trans manner about a central Zn2N2 ring. In 1 and 4 the coordination at zinc is trigonal planar, while in 2, 3, 5 the zinc is in a distorted tetrahedral environment due to additional Me2N: → Zn coordination from one SiNMe2 group. 5 was found to be generally resistant to NH deprotonation by bases such as MN(SiMe3)2 (M = Li, K) or Zn[N(SiMe3)2]2, but reacts with Sn[N(SiMe3)2]2 to give the tin-free, tetrameric mixed zinc-imido/amido species, [{(Me3Si)2N}{(Me2N)3SiN(H)}{(Me2N)3SiN}Zn2]2 (6) which can be viewed as part of a hexameric Zn6N6 drum which has lost a Zn2N2 ring.

Di-chlorido-diphenyl-bis-(thio-urea-κS)tin(IV).

The title compound, [Sn(C6H5)2Cl2(CH4N2S)2], has been obtained from the reaction between Sn(C6H5)2Cl2 and SC(NH2)2. The asymmetric unit consists of one half of the mol-ecular unit, the remainder generated by a twofold rotation axis located along the Cl-Sn-Cl bonds. The Sn(IV) atom is coordinated by two phenyl groups, two Cl atoms and two thio-urea ligands in an all trans octa-hedral C2Cl2S2 environment. Individual mol-ecules are connected through N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, leading to a three-dimensional network structure. Intra-molecular N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds are also present.

New multi-ferrocenyl- and multi-ferricenyl- materials via coordination-driven self-assembly and via charge-driven electro-crystallization.

Three new tetra-ferrocenylethynylpyridinyl copper complexes, L4(CuI)4 (3), L4(CuBr)2 (4), and L4(CuCl)2 (5) have been prepared from the reaction of ferrocenylethynylpyridine (L)(2) with copper halides CuX (with X = I(-), Br(-), Cl(-)).The ligand 2 and the complexes 3-5 have been fully characterized by spectroscopic methods. The structures of 2-4 have been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. 2 forms a dimer in the crystalline-state through C-H··N hydrogen bonds. 4 and 5 are dimers and 3 a tetramer, in all cases linked through Cu-X··Cu bridging interactions. Cyclic voltammetry in dichloroethane showed chemically reversible multiferrocenyl oxidation signals with evidence for product electro-crystallization. The oxidation products were isolated by electrodeposition onto a Pt disc electrode and investigated by scanning electron microscopy which confirmed the spontaneous formation of crystalline oxidation products with distinctive morphologies. Energy dispersive X-ray elemental analysis shows the presence of hexafluorophosphate (counterion) with the P:Fe ratio of 1:1, 0.5:1, and 1:1 for the electrocrystallized products 3, 4, and 5, respectively, suggesting the formulas [3](4+)(PF6(-))4, [4](2+)(PF6(-))2, and [5](4+)(PF6(-))4 for the electro-crystallized products.

Synthesis, characterization and selective de-esterification of diorganotinbis(O-methylphosphite)s.

A one-pot reaction between di-n-butyl/diethyl/dimethyltin dichloride and dimethylphosphite (MeO)2P(O)H in a solvent free medium (120 °C, 18 h) proceeds smoothly to yield the corresponding diorganotinbis(O-methylphosphite)s, [R2Sn(OP(O)(OMe)H)2]n [R = n-Bu (1), Et (2), Me (3)]. The identity of 1-3 has been established by IR, multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, (31)P, (119)Sn) NMR, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and X-ray crystallography. The coordination framework in each case adopts a one-dimensional structural motif comprising an infinite array of eight-membered [Sn-O-P-O]2 cyclic rings, with the phosphite ligands acting in a bridging bidentate mode. The structures are extended to two- (for 1) and three-dimensional (for 2, 3) assemblies by virtue of C-H···O hydrogen bonding interactions. The stability and bulk properties of 1-3 have been investigated upon exposure to humid laboratory conditions using (1)H NMR, PXRD and SEM studies. The results conform to a unique chemical modification of 1-3 involving selective de-esterification of P-OMe bonds and the formation of corresponding diorganotinbis(phosphite)s, [R2Sn(OP(O)(OH)H)2]n (1a-3a), as insoluble solids. The results obtained from impedance studies (σ = 10(-4)-10(-6) S cm(-1); E(a) = 0.33-0.42 eV) reveal potential application of 1a-3a as proton conducting materials.

Di(imino)aryltin(IV) dichlorides as tectons for heterometallic coordination compounds.

Hydrolysis of [2-{(CH2O)2CH}C6H4]2SnCl2 (1) [prepared from 2-[(CH2O)2CH]C6H4MgBr and SnCl4, in 2 : 1 molar ratio] gave [2-(O=CH)C6H4]2SnCl2 (2). Treatment of with the appropriate amine, in the absence of a solvent or catalyst, resulted in the isolation in high yields of [2-(RN[double bond, length as m-dash]CH)C6H4]2SnCl2 [R = 2'-C10H7 (3), 2',4',6'-Me3C6H2 (4), PhCH2 (5), Me2NCH2CH2 (6), 2'-PyCH2 (7)]. The reaction of with [Pd(COD)Cl2] provided the heterometallic species [Cl2Pd{2-(2'-PyCH2N[double bond, length as m-dash]CH)C6H4}2SnCl2] (8). The compounds were characterised by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy in solution, and mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy in the solid state. The molecular structures of 1, 2, 4-7 and 8·CH3CN were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. For all diorganotin(IV) dichlorides intramolecular O→Sn or Nimine→Sn coordination results in hypercoordinated species with a distorted octahedral (C,E)2SnCl2 core (E = O, N). The presence of intramolecular N→Sn interactions in solution, responsible for the restriction of free rotation of mesityl groups around the C-N(=C) single bonds, is suggested by (1)H and (13)C NMR data. In the heterometallic dinuclear complex 8 the octahedral coordination around tin is preserved as in 7 and the nitrogen atoms from the pyridyl groups in the pendant arms are coordinated to palladium, leading to a trans-square planar PdCl2N2 core.

Exclusive formation of SnO by low temperature single-source AACVD.

An easily synthesised Sn(II) bis(ureide) derivative is shown to be a single-source precursor for the aerosol-assisted CVD of SnO, providing unprecedented levels of oxidation state control at temperatures as low as 250 °C.

Long-range intramolecular electronic communication in bis(ferrocenylethynyl) complexes incorporating conjugated heterocyclic spacers: synthesis, crystallography, and electrochemistry.

A new series of bis(ferrocenylethynyl) complexes, 3-7, and a mono(ferrocenylethynyl) complex, 8, have been synthesized incorporating conjugated heterocyclic spacer groups, with the ethynyl group facilitating an effective long-range intramolecular interaction. The complexes were characterized by NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy as well as X-ray crystallography. The redox properties of these complexes were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry. Although there is a large separation of ∼14 Å between the two redox centers, ΔE(1/2) values in this series of complexes ranged from 50 to 110 mV. The appearance of intervalance charge-transfer bands in the UV-vis-near-IR region for the monocationic complexes further confirmed effective intramolecular electronic communication. Computational studies are presented that show the degree of delocalization across the Fc-C≡C-C≡C-Fc (Fc = C5H5FeC5H4) highest occupied molecular orbital.

New cyclotetrasiloxanes bearing sila-alkyl substituted side chains and their applications as templates for gold nanowires.

New sila-alkyl substituted cyclotetrasiloxanes, [RMe2SiCH2CH2(Me)SiO]4 [R = Ph(1), 2-thienyl(2), 2-furyl(3)] have been synthesized by a hydrosilylation reaction between 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane, (D4(Vi)) and dimethylphenylsilane/dimethyl-2-thienylsilane/dimethyl-2-furylsilane in the presence of Karstedt's catalyst. X-ray crystallographic studies of 1 and 2 reveal all-trans conformation of the methyl groups bonded to puckered siloxane core and formation of 3D supramolecular assemblies by virtue of intermolecular C-H···π interactions. These siloxanes act as potential templates for expeditious one pot synthesis of gold nanowires of varying aspect ratios which are obtained by reduction of HAuCl4·3H2O with triethylsilane (CHCl3, RT). On the other hand, the use of linear polysiloxane, [2-ThMe2SiCH2CH2(Me)SiO]n (4) in lieu of the cyclosiloxane 2 affords predominant formation of polydispersed AuNPs along with a few extended structures. These results suggest that conformational confinement of the appended groups on the cyclosiloxanes, 1-3 plays an important role to impart morphological control of the gold nanowire assemblies.