Well-Defined Amidate-Functionalized N-Heterocyclic Carbene -Supported Rare-Earth Metal Complexes as Catalysts for Efficient Hydroboration of Unactivated Imines and Nitriles.

Four amidate-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) rare-earth metal amido complexes [(κ2-N,O-κ1-L)2REN(SiMe3)2] (L = 1-(C6H5C═ONCH2CH2)-3-(CH3)3C6H2(N(CH)2NC)) [RE = Er (1), Y (2), Dy (3), Gd (4)] were synthesized by one-pot reactions of 2 equiv of (1-(C6H5C═ONHCH2CH2)-3-(CH3)3C6H2-(N(CH)2NCH))Br (H2LBr) with 5 equiv of KN(SiMe3)3 followed by treatment with 1 equiv of RECl3 in tetrahydrofuran at -40 °C. These complexes were fully characterized, and their catalytic activities toward hydroboration of unactivated imines and nitriles were investigated, and it was found that these complexes displayed excellent activities as well as remarkable functional group compatibility for imine and nitrile substrates such as halo-, alkyl-, hydroxyl-, N, N-dimethylamino-, and nitro- substituents. Among those, the chemoselectivity for this reaction among the common unsaturated functional groups was achieved in the order C═O ≫ C═N > C≡N > CO2Et > C═C in the current catalytic system, which may facilitate their further application in synthetic chemistry.

Syntheses, Structures, and Catalytic Activities of the Anionic Heterobimetallic Rare-Earth Metal Complexes Supported by Pyrrolyl-Substituted 1,2-Diimino Ligands.

A series of the anionic heterobimetallic rare-earth metal complexes supported by trans- or chiral pyrrolyl-substituted 1,2-diimino ligands were synthesized in good yields via reactions of [(Me3Si)2N]3RE(µ-Cl)Li(THF)3 with the corresponding 1,2-diimino proligands. Reactions of [(Me3Si)2N]3RE(µ-Cl)Li(THF)3 with 2 equiv of trans-1,2-bis(pyrrol-2-ylmethylene)-1,2-diphenylethanediamine (H2L1) afforded the discrete ion-pair rare-earth metal complexes [Li(THF)4]+[(L1)2RE]- (RE = Sm(5), Dy(6), Er(7)). Reactions of [(Me3Si)2N]3RE(µ-Cl)Li(THF)3 with 2 equiv of ( R, R)-1,2-bis(pyrrol-2-ylmethylene)-1,2-diphenylethanediamine (H2L2) gave the heterobimetallic rare-earth metal complexes (L2)2RELi(THF)2 (RE = Sm(8), Y(9)). When the rare-earth metal is Er, the chiral linear rare-earth coordination polymer {(L2)2ErLi} n (10) was obtained. Reactions of [(Me3Si)2N]3RE(µ-Cl)Li(THF)3 with 2 equiv of trans-1,2-bis(pyrrol-2-ylmethyleneamino)cyclohexane (H2L3) gave the heterobimetallic rare-earth metal complexes (L3)2RELi(THF)2 (RE = Pr (11), Sm(12), Eu(13)). Reactions of [(Me3Si)2N]3RE(µ-Cl)Li(THF)3 with 2 equiv of ( R, R)-1,2-bis(pyrrol-2-ylmethyleneamino)cyclohexane (H2L4) also gave the heterobimetallic rare-earth metal complexes (L4)2RELi(THF)2 (Ln = Pr(14), Sm(15)). All complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses, and complexes 5-11, 13, and 14 were further determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The catalytic properties of racemic rare-earth metal complexes on cyanosilylation of ketones were examined, and results showed that the above complexes could effectively catalyze the cyanosilylation of ketones. Chiral rare-earth metal complexes as catalysts for the enantioselective epoxidation of α,ß-unsaturated ketones were also examined to afford the chiral epoxides in high yields with moderate enantioselectivities.

Reactivity of 1,3-Disubstituted Indoles with Lithium Compounds: Substituents and Solvents Effects on Coordination and Reactivity of Resulting 1,3-Disubstituted-2-Indolyl Lithium Complexes.

Reactivity of 1,3-disubstituted indolyl compounds with lithium reagents was studied to reveal the substituents and solvent effects on coordination modes and reactivities resulting in different indolyl lithium complexes. Treatment of 1-alkyl-3-imino functionalized compounds 1-R-3-(R'N═CH)C8H5N [R = Bn, R' = Dipp (HL1); R = Bn, R' = tBu (HL2); R = CH3OCH2, R' = Dipp (HL3); Dipp = iPr2C6H3] with Me3SiCH2Li or nBuLi in hydrocarbon solvents (toluene or n-hexane) produced 1,3-disubstituted-2-indolyl lithium complexes [η1:(µ2-η1:η1)-1-Bn-3-(DippN═CH)C8H4NLi]2 (1), {[η1:(µ3-η1:η1:η1)-1-Bn-3-(tBuN═CH)C8H4N][η2:η1:(µ2-η1:η1)-1-Bn-3-(tBuN═CH)C8H4N][η1:(µ2-η1:η1)-1-Bn-3-(tBuN═CH)C8H4N]Li3} (2), and [η1:η1:(µ2-η1:η1)-1-CH3OCH2-3-(DippN═CH)C8H4NLi]2 (3), respectively. The bonding modes of the indolyl ligand were kept in 1 by coordination with donor solvent, affording [η1:(µ2-η1:η1)-1-Bn-3-(DippN═CH)C8H4NLi(THF)]2 (4). The trinuclear complex 2 was converted to dinuclear form with a change of bonding modes of the indolyl ligand by treatment of 2 with donor solvent THF, producing [η1:(µ2-η1:η1)-1-Bn-3-(tBuN═CH)C8H4NLi(THF)]2 (5). X-ray diffraction established that compounds 1, 3, 4, and 5 crystallized as dinuclear structures with the carbanionic sp2 carbon atoms of the indolyl ligands coordinated to lithium ions in a µ2-η1:η1 manner, while compound 2 crystallized as a trinuclear structure and the carbanionic atoms of the indolyl moieties coordinated to lithium ions in µ2-η1:η1 and µ3-η1:η1:η1 manners. When the lithiation reaction of HL1 with 1 equiv of nBuLi was carried out in THF, the monomeric lithium complex {η1:η1-1-Bn-3-(DippN═CH)-2-[1'-Bn-3'-(DippNCH)C8H5N]C8H4NLi(THF)} (6) having coupled indolyl moieties was obtained. The compound 6 can also be prepared by the reaction of 1 with 0.5 equiv of HL1 with a higher isolated yield. Accordingly, the lithium complexes [η1:η4-1-Bn-3-tBuN═CH-2-(1'-Bn-3'-tBuNCHC8H5N)C8H4NLi(L)] (L = THF, 7a; L = Et2O, 7b) with the coupled indolyl moieties in η4 mode were isolated by treatment of HL2 with 2 in THF or Et2O. All complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods, and their structures were determined by X-ray diffraction study.

Regioselective and Stepwise Syntheses of Functionalized BODIPY Dyes through Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions and Direct C-H Arylations.

Regioselective and stepwise syntheses of a series of functionalized BODIPY dyes through palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions and direct C-H arylations have been developed. In particular, this method allows the straightforward synthesis of 2,6-dibromo-3,5-diarylBODIPYs and 2-bromo-3-arylBODIPYs from polybrominated BODIPYs. The X-ray structure of intermediates 5a-c indicated that the palladium was first inserted into the C-Br bonds at 3,5-positions of brominated BODIPYs. The resulting 2,6-dibromo-substituted BODIPYs are potential long wavelength photosensitizers which are not easily accessible using previous methods.

Aromatic Ring Fused BOPHYs as Stable Red Fluorescent Dyes.

Facile synthetic routes to a new class of red α-benzo-fused BOPHYs with 6,5,6,6,5,6-hexacyclic fused rings and ß-thiophene-fused BOPHYs with 5,5,6,6,5,5-hexacyclic fused rings are presented. These dyes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, HRMS, X-ray structure analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and optical measurements. Compared to parent BOPHY, significant red-shifts in the absorption (up to 600 nm in solution) and emission (up to 648 nm in solution and 717 nm in solid state), as well as high chemical stability and photostability, were found for these aromatic-ring-fused BOPHY dyes. As shown in cyclic voltammetry and DFT calculations, the aromatic ring fusions induced significantly increased HOMO energy levels, giving effective expansion of π-conjugation over these BOPHY dyes. These new molecular skeletons would be promising candidates for various applications in light of their unique structure and attractive photophysical properties.

Dinuclear rare-earth metal alkyl complexes supported by indolyl ligands in µ-η(2) :η(1) :η(1) hapticities and their high catalytic activity for isoprene 1,4-cis-polymerization.

Two series of new dinuclear rare-earth metal alkyl complexes supported by indolyl ligands in novel µ-η(2) :η(1) :η(1) hapticities are synthesized and characterized. Treatment of [RE(CH2 SiMe3 )3 (thf)2 ] with 1 equivalent of 3-(tBuN=CH)C8 H5 NH (L1 ) in THF gives the dinuclear rare-earth metal alkyl complexes trans-[(µ-η(2) :η(1) :η(1) -3-{tBuNCH(CH2 SiMe3 )}Ind)RE(thf)(CH2 SiMe3 )]2 (Ind=indolyl, RE=Y, Dy, or Yb) in good yields. In the process, the indole unit of L1 is deprotonated by the metal alkyl species and the imino C=N group is transferred to the amido group by alkyl CH2 SiMe3 insertion, affording a new dianionic ligand that bridges two metal alkyl units in µ-η(2) :η(1) :η(1) bonding modes, forming the dinuclear rare-earth metal alkyl complexes. When L1 is reduced to 3-(tBuNHCH2 )C8 H5 NH (L2 ), the reaction of [Yb(CH2 SiMe3 )3 (thf)2 ] with 1 equivalent of L2 in THF, interestingly, generated the trans-[(µ-η(2) :η(1) :η(1) -3-{tBuNCH2 }Ind)Yb(thf)(CH2 SiMe3 )]2 (major) and cis-[(µ-η(2) :η(1) :η(1) -3-{tBuNCH2 }Ind)Yb(thf)(CH2 SiMe3 )]2 (minor) complexes. The catalytic activities of these dinuclear rare-earth metal alkyl complexes for isoprene polymerization were investigated; the yttrium and dysprosium complexes exhibited high catalytic activities and high regio- and stereoselectivities for isoprene 1,4-cis-polymerization.

Synthesis and Characterization of Organo-Rare-Earth Metal Monoalkyl Complexes Supported by Carbon σ-Bonded Indolyl Ligands: High Specific Isoprene 1,4-Cis Polymerization Catalysts.

A series of N-protected 3-imino-functionalized indolyl ligands 1-R-3-(R'N═CH)C8H5N [R = Bn, R' = 2,6-(i)Pr2C6H3 (HL(1)); R = CH3, R' = 2,6-(i)Pr2C6H3 (HL(2)); R = Bn, R' = (t)Bu (HL(3))] and 1-CH3-2-(2,6-(i)Pr2C6H3N═CH)C8H5N (HL(4)) was prepared via reactions of N-protected indolyl aldehydes with corresponding amines. The C-H σ-bond metathesis followed by alkane elimination reactions between RE(CH2SiMe3)3(thf)2 and HL(1)-HL(3) afforded the carbon σ-bonded indolyl-ligated rare-earth metal monoalkyl complexes. Reactions of RE(CH2SiMe3)3(thf)2 with 2 equiv of HL(1) or HL(2) gave the carbon σ-bonded indolyl-ligated rare-earth metal monoalkyl complexes L(1)2RECH2SiMe3 (RE = Y(1), Er(2), Dy(3)) and L(2)2RECH2SiMe3 (RE = Y(5), Er(6), Dy(7), Yb(8)), while reaction of Yb(CH2SiMe3)3(thf)2 with 2 equiv of HL(1) afforded the ytterbium dialkyl complex L(1)Yb(CH2SiMe3)2(thf)2 (4). Reactions of RE(CH2SiMe3)3(thf)2 with HL(3) gave the tris(heteroaryl) rare-earth metal complexes L(3)3RE (RE = Y(9), Er(10)). In the presence of cocatalysts, the rare-earth metal monoalkyl complexes initiated isoprene polymerization with a high activity (90% conversion of 1000 equiv of isoprene in 25 min) producing polymers with high regio- and stereoselectivity (1,4-cis polymers up to 99%).

Syntheses and photophysical properties of BF2 complexes of curcumin analogues.

Stable tetracoordinated organoboron complexes as classic fluorescent molecules have found various applications in material and medical sciences. A new class of curcumin-BF2 complexes has been prepared from the condensation of 2,2-difluoro-1,3-dioxaborylpentadione with a variety of aldehydes and its photophysical properties were characterized. Systematic variations were observed in the absorption spectra of these curcumin-BF2 dyes in solutions, which are well correlated with their structural features, including characteristics of the aromatic groups and presence of a para electron-donating substituent. Strong fluorescence that is tunable from 500 to 800 nm via variation of the polarity of the solvent and a moderate to good fluorescence quantum yield ranging from 0.24 to 0.58 in dichloromethane were observed in curcumin-BF2 complexes 1. By contrast, their asymmetrical analogue, curcumin-BF2 complexes 3 exhibit much lower fluorescence quantum yields. Besides their excellent photostabilities, these curcumin-BF2 dyes also show singlet oxygen generating capabilities.

Synthesis and characterization of bisoxazolines- and pybox-copper(II) complexes and their application in the coupling of α-carbonyls with functionalized amines.

Binuclear complexes [{(DMOX)CuCl}2(µ-Cl)2] (1), mononuclear complexes [(DMOX)CuBr2] (2) (DMOX = 4,5-dihydro-2-(4,5-dihydro-4,4-dimethyloxazol-2-yl)-4,4-dimethyloxazole) and the pybox Cu(II) complex [(Dm-Pybox)CuBr2] (3) (Dm-Pybox = 2,6-bis[4',4'-dimethyloxazolin-2'-yl]pyridine) were obtained by reactions of CuX2 (X = Cl, Br) with DMOX and Dm-Pybox ligands, respectively. The molecular structures of 1, 2 and 3 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The complexes 2 and 3 are efficient in catalyzing α-amination of ketones and esters through α-bromo carbonyl intermediate. The procedures are environmentally benign methods using molecular oxygen as an oxidant with water as the only byproduct.

Pancreatic Paragonimiasis in Children: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT: A few pediatric cases of abdominal paragonimiasis have been described. Here we describe a case of pulmonary and abdominal paragonimiasis with involvement of the pancreas in a 9-year-old boy. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological features of pancreatic paragonimiasis in children and raise the awareness of this disease.

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of lanthanide complexes incorporating indolyl ligands in novel hapticities.

The chemistry of interactions of 2-(2,6-diisopropylphenylaminomethylene)indole ligand (1) with europium and ytterbium amides is described. Reaction of 2-(2,6-diisopropylphenylaminomethylene)indole 2-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3NHCH2)C8H5NH (1) with europium amide [(Me3Si)2N]3Eu(III)(µ-Cl)Li(THF)3 afforded a novel europium(II) complex formulated as {[µ-η(6):η(1):η(1)-2-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3N═CH)C8H5N]Eu[2-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3N═CH)C8H5N]}2 (2), having a bridged indolyl ligand in the novel µ-η(6):η(1):η(1) hapticities with the reduction of europium(III) to europium(II) and the oxidation of amino to imino group. Reaction of 2-(2,6-diisopropylphenylaminomethylene)indole 2-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3NHCH2)C8H5NH (1) with ytterbium(III) amide [(Me3Si)2N]3Yb(III)(µ-Cl)Li(THF)3 produced the only deprotonated ytterbium(III) complex formulated as [2-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3NCH2)C8H5N]Yb[N(SiMe3)2](THF)2 (3), having an η(1) hapticity indolyl ligand. Reaction of 2 with formamidine [(2,6-Me2C6H3)NCHNH(C6H3Me2-2,6)] produced {[µ-η(3):η(1):η(1)-2-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3N═CH)C8H5N]Eu[(2,6-Me2C6H3)NCHN(C6H3Me2-2,6)](THF)}2 (4), which has a bridged indolyl ligand in the novel µ-η(3):η(1):η(1) hapticities, whereas the reaction of 2 with the more sterically bulky formamidine [(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3)NCHNH(C6H3i-Pr2-2,6)] afforded complex {[µ-η(2):η(1):η(1)-2-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3N═CH)C8H5N]Eu[(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3)N═CHN(C6H3i-Pr2-2,6)](THF)}2 (5), having the indolyl ligand in the novel µ-η(2):η(1):η(1) hapticities. The results represent the first example of organometallic complexes having indolyl ligands in the novel µ-η(6):η(1):η(1), µ-η(3):η(1):η(1), and µ-η(2):η(1):η(1) bonding modes with metal.

AlCl3-promoted [3 + 2] annulation of cis-2,3-disubstituted cyclopropane 1,1-diesters with isothiocyanates: stereoselective synthesis of densely substituted 2-iminodihydrothiophenes.

cis-2,3-Disubstituted cyclopropane 1,1-diesters were found to be much more reactive than their corresponding trans-isomers in the AlCl3-promoted [3 + 2]-annulations with isothiocyanates. The reaction with the cis-cyclopropanes proceeded to completion within minutes, providing a variety of densely substituted diastereomerically pure 2-iminodihydrothiophenes in moderate to excellent yields.

Lanthanide amido complexes incorporating amino-coordinate-lithium bridged bis(indolyl) ligands: synthesis, characterization, and catalysis for hydrophosphonylation of aldehydes and aldimines.

Two series of new lanthanide amido complexes supported by bis(indolyl) ligands with amino-coordinate-lithium as a bridge were synthesized and characterized. The interactions of [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](3)Ln(III)(µ-Cl)Li(THF)(3) with 2 equiv of 3-(CyNHCH(2))C(8)H(5)NH in toluene produced the amino-coordinate-lithium bridged bis(indolyl) lanthanide amides [µ-{[η(1):η(1):η(1):η(1)-3-(CyNHCH(2))Ind](2)Li}Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)] (Cy = cyclohexyl, Ind = Indolyl, Ln = Sm (1), Eu (2), Dy (3), Yb (4)) in good yields. Treatment of [µ-{[η(1):η(1):η(1):η(1)-3-(CyNHCH(2))Ind](2)Li}Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)] with THF gave new lanthanide amido complexes [µ-{[η(1):η(1)-3-(CyNHCH(2))Ind](2)Li(THF)}Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)] (Ln = Eu (5), Dy (6), Yb (7)), which can be transferred to amido complexes 2, 3, and 4 by reflux the corresponding complexes in toluene. Thus, two series of rare-earth-metal amides could be reciprocally transformed easily by merely changing the solvent in the reactions. All new complexes 1-7 are fully characterized including X-ray structural determination. The catalytic activities of these new lanthanide amido complexes for hydrophosphonylation of both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes and various substituted aldimines were explored. The results indicated that these complexes displayed a high catalytic activity for the C-P bond formation with employment of low catalyst loadings (0.1 mol % for aldehydes and 1 mol % for aldimines) under mild conditions. Thus, it provides a convenient way to prepare both α-hydroxy and α-amino phosphonates.

Synthesis and characterization of rare-earth metallate amido complexes bearing the 2-amidate-functionalized indolyl ligand and their application in the hydroboration of esters with pinacolborane.

The reactions of 2-amidate-functionalized indolyl proligand 2-(2,6-iPr2C6H3NHCO)C8H5NH (H2L) with [(Me3Si)2N]3RE(µ-Cl)Li(THF)3 were studied leading to the synthesis and characterization of a series of novel discrete trinuclear rare-earth metallate amido complexes containing the anion [{η1:(µ2-η1:η1):η1-LREN(SiMe3)2}3(µ3-Cl)]- and cation Li+(THF)4 (RE = Y(1a), Nd (1b), Sm (1c), Gd (1d), Dy (1e), Er (1f), and Yb (1g)) in good yields by silylamine elimination. All of the complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods, elemental analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and complexes 1a and 1c were additionally characterized by NMR spectroscopy. As proof of principle of their activity, these complexes were used as precatalysts for the hydroboration of esters using HBpin as the hydride source displaying high activity under neat and room temperature conditions. As a result, the ligand, ionic and multinuclear cooperative effects on catalytic activity were observed.

Regioselective stepwise bromination of boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes.

Halogenated BODIPYs are important synthetic precursors and potential sensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Electrophilic bromination of pyrrolic-unsubstituted BODIPYs using bromine regioselectively generated mono- to heptabromoBODIPYs in a stepwise fashion in good to excellent yields. These resultant bromoBODIPYs were applied for regioselective substitution and Suzuki coupling reaction to generate BODIPYs 4, 5, 6, and 7 in good to excellent yields. According to NMR and X-ray analysis results, the stepwise bromination first takes place at 2,6-, then at 3,5-, and eventually at 1,7-positions, whereas the regioselective substitution occurs first at 3,5- then at 1,7-positions of the chromophore. The spectroscopic properties of these resultant BODIPYs were studied, which shows the potential application of these bromoBODIPYs as sensitizers for PDT.

catena-Poly[[[aqua-chlorido-manganese(II)]-bis-[µ-1,1'-(oxydi-p-phenyl-ene)di-1H-imidazole-κN:N]] chloride dimethyl-formamide mono-solvate monohydrate].

The title coordination polymer, {[MnCl(C(18)H(14)N(4)O)(2)(H(2)O)]Cl·C(3)H(7)NO·H(2)O}(n), obtained by the solvothermal reaction of BIDPE and manganese(II) salt in H(2)O/DMF (DMF is dimethyl-formamide), is composed of a chain of [Mn(2)(BIDPE)(2)] [BIDPE is 1,1'-(oxydi-p-phenyl-ene)di-1H-imidazole] metallocyclic rings that exhibit inversion symmetry. The coordination about the Mn(II) ions is distorted octahedral with a MnClN(4)O coordination set. In the crystal, the polymeric chains are linked by O-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to (100). A number of C-H⋯Cl and C-H⋯O inter-actions are also present.

Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of dinuclear organo-rare-earth-metal alkyl complexes supported by 2-amidate-functionalized indolyl ligands: substituent effects on coordination and reactivity.

Two series of new dinuclear organo-rare-earth-metal alkyl complexes supported by 2-amidate-functionalized indolyl ligands with different haptic modes were synthesized and characterized. The treatment of [RE(CH2SiMe3)3(THF)2] with 1 equiv. of 2-(2,6-iPr2C6H3NHC[double bond, length as m-dash]O)C8H5NH (H2L1) and 2-(2-tBuC6H4NHC[double bond, length as m-dash]O)C8H5NH (H2L2) in toluene yielded the dinuclear organo-rare-earth-metal alkyl complexes {[η1:(µ2-η1:η1)-L1]RE(CH2SiMe3)(THF)2}2 [RE = Gd (1a), Dy (1b), Y (1c), Er (1d), and Yb (1e)] and {[η1:(µ2-η1:η1):η1-L2]RE(CH2SiMe3)(THF)2}2 [RE = Gd (2a), Dy (2b), Y (2c), Er (2d), and Yb (2e)] in good yields. When [RE(CH2SiMe3)3(THF)2] were treated with 2 equiv. of H2L1 or H2L2 in THF, the dinuclear organo-rare-earth-metal complexes {(η1:η1-HL)[η1:(µ2-η1:η1):η1-L]RE(THF)}2 (1ca: RE = Y, L = L1; 2ea: RE = Yb, L = L2) were obtained. The complexes could react with small organic molecules such as N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC), phenyl isocyanate, N-methylallylamine, phenylacetylene, pyridine, N-phenylimidazole, or 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) to yield a series of new complexes with different reactivity patterns along with the reported rare-earth-metal alkyl complexes. In the presence of cocatalysts, these dinuclear organo-rare-earth-metal alkyl complexes could initiate isoprene polymerization with high activity (100% conversion of 2000 equiv. of isoprene in 12 h), yielding polymers with high regioselectivity (1,4 polymers up to 96.1%).

Aluminum complexes with Schiff base bridged bis(indolyl) ligands: synthesis, structure, and catalytic activity for polymerization of rac-lactide.

A series of Schiff base bridged bis(indolyl) ligands were developed for aluminum chemistry. The reactions of AlEt3 or AlMe3 with the Schiff base bridged bis(indolyl) proligands R1(-N[double bond, length as m-dash]CHC8H5NH)2 (R1 = -CH2CH2- (H2L1); -CH2CH2CH2- (H2L2); -CH2CMe2CH2- (H2L3); rac-Cy (H2L4); and R,R-Cy (H2L5)) were studied leading to the synthesis of a series of aluminum alkyl complexes L1AlEt (1)-L5AlEt (5) and L3AlMe (3b) in good yields, while the reaction of H2L3 with Al(OiPr)3 gave the aluminum alkoxide complex L3AlOiPr (3a). These aluminum complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses. The solid state structures of the aluminum complexes 1-5 and 3a were confirmed by the X-ray diffraction study. X-ray analyses revealed that the aluminum centre in these complexes is five-coordinated. The coordination geometry is between square pyramidal and trigonal bipyramidal. In the presence of 1 equiv. of isopropanol, the aluminum alkyl complexes exhibited notable activity towards the ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide at 70 °C in toluene, with good control over molecular weights and dispersities. The substituents and the length of the bridging part between the two Schiff base nitrogen atoms have an influence on either the tacticity of isolated polymers or the rate of polymerization. The kinetics of complex L3AlOiPr (3a) in C6D6 was also investigated, and the experimental results revealed that the rate of polymerization was first-order with respect to rac-lactide.

Metal-Free Direct α-Selective Arylation of Boron Dipyrromethenes via Base-Mediated C-H Functionalization.

A metal-free direct α-selective arylation of BODIPYs has been developed based on base-mediated C-H functionalization with easily accessible diaryliodonium salts, which provides a straightforward facile access to a variety of α-arylBODIPY dyes. The α-regioselectivity was confirmed by X-ray analysis, and was studied by DFT calculation. The resultant dyes show strong absorption and emission over a broad range of spectra tunable via the simple variation of the diaryliodonium salts.

Di and trinuclear rare-earth metal complexes supported by 3-amido appended indolyl ligands: synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity towards isoprene 1,4-cis polymerization.

Different di and trinuclear rare-earth metal complexes supported by 3-amido appended indolyl ligands were synthesized and their catalytic activities towards isoprene polymerization were investigated. Treatment of [RE(CH2SiMe3)3(thf)2] with 1 equiv. of 3-(CyN[double bond, length as m-dash]CH)C8H5NH in toluene or in THF afforded dinuclear rare-earth metal alkyl complexes having indolyl ligands in different hapticities with central metals {[η2:η1-µ-η1-3-(CyNCH(CH2SiMe3))Ind]RE-(thf)(CH2SiMe3)}2 (Cy = cyclohexyl, Ind = Indolyl, RE = Yb (1), Er (2), Y (3)) or {[η1-µ-η1-3-(CyNCH(CH2SiMe3))Ind]RE-(thf)2(CH2SiMe3)}2 (RE = Yb (4), Er (5), Y (6), Gd (7)), respectively. These two series of dinuclear complexes could be transferred to each other easily by only changing the solvents in the process. Reaction of [Er(CH2SiMe3)3(thf)2] with 1 equiv. of 3-t-butylaminomethylindole 3-(tBuNHCH2)C8H5NH in THF afforded the unexpected trinuclear erbium alkyl complex [η2:η1-µ-η1-3-(tBuNCH2)Ind]4Er3(thf)5(CH2SiMe3) (8), which can also be prepared by reaction of 3 equiv. of [Er(CH2SiMe3)3(thf)2] with 4 equiv. of 3-(tBuNHCH2)C8H5NH in THF. Accordingly, complexes [η2:η1-µ-η1-3-(tBuNCH2)Ind]4RE3(thf)5(CH2SiMe3) (RE = Y (9), Dy (10)) were prepared by reactions of 3 equiv. of [RE(CH2SiMe3)3(thf)2] with 4 equiv. of 3-(tBuNHCH2)C8H5NH in THF. Reactions of [RE(CH2SiMe3)3(thf)2] with 1 equiv. of 3-t-butylaminomethylindole 3-(tBuNHCH2)C8H5NH in THF, followed by treatment with 1 equiv. of [(2,6-iPr2C6H3)N[double bond, length as m-dash]CHNH(C6H3iPr2-2,6)] afforded, after workup, the dinuclear rare-earth metal complexes [η1-µ-η1:η1-3-(tBuNCH2)Ind][η1-µ-η1:η3-3-(tBuNCH2)Ind]RE2(thf)[(η3-2,6-iPr2C6H3)NCHN(C6H3iPr2-2,6)]2(RE = Er (11), Y (12)) having the indolyl ligands bonded with the rare-earth metal in different ligations. All new complexes 1-12 were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses, and their structures were determined by X-ray crystallographic analyses. It was found that, except for complexes 1, 4, 11 and 12, all complexes were highly efficient catalysts for selective isoprene polymerization (up to 99% 1,4-cis selectivity) with the cooperation of co-catalysts, and the trinuclear complexes displayed advantages over dinuclear complexes in terms of molecular weight of polymers.