Structural and Synthetic Insights into Sodium-Mediated-Ferration of Fluoroarenes

Exploiting chemical cooperation between Na and Fe(II) within the bimetallic base [dioxane ⋅ NaFe(HMDS)₃] ( I ), (dioxane=1,4-dioxane, HMDS=N(SiMe₃)₂) the selective ferration of fluorobenzene, 1-fluoronaphthalene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, 1,2,4-trifluorobenzene, 1,3,5-trifluorobenzene, 1-bromo-3,5-difluorobenzene, 3-fluoroanisole and 3,5-difluoroanisole has been realized, affording sodium ferrates [dioxane ⋅ Na(HMDS)(2-F-C₆H₄)Fe(HMDS)]_∞ ( 1 ), [dioxane ⋅ Na(HMDS)(2-F-C₁₀H₆)Fe(HMDS)]_∞ ( 2 ), [dioxane ⋅ {Na(HMDS)(2,5-F₂-C₆H₃)Fe(HMDS)}₂]_∞ ( 3 ), [dioxane ⋅ {Na(HMDS)(2,3,6-F₃-C₆H₂)Fe(HMDS)}₂]_∞ ( 4 ), [(dioxane)_1.5 ⋅ Na(HMDS)(2,4,6-F₃-C₆H₂)Fe(HMDS)]₂ ( 5 ), [(dioxane)_1.5 ⋅ {Na(HMDS)(4-Br-2,6-F₂-C₆H₂)Fe(HMDS)₂] ( 6 ), [{(dioxane)₂ ⋅ Na₂Fe(HMDS)₂(2-methoxy-6-F-C₆H₃)}⁺{Fe(HMDS)₃}⁻]_∞ ( 7 ) and [dioxane ⋅ {Na(HMDS)(4-methoxy-2,6-F₂-C₆H₂)Fe(HMDS)}₂]_∞ ( 8 ), respectively. Reactions take place under mild reaction conditions, with excellent control of the selectivity and no competing C−F bond activation is observed. Showcasing complex polymeric arrangements in some cases, the structures of compounds 1 – 8 have been determined by X-ray crystallographic studies. In all cases, the Fe(II) centers occupy the position in the relevant fluoroarene that was previously filled by a proton, confirming that these metallations are actually ferration processes whereas the Na atoms prefer to form Na⋅⋅⋅F dative interactions. Compounds 1 – 8 are thermally stable and do not undergo benzyne formation (through NaF elimination) and their formation contrasts with the inertness of Fe(HMDS)₂ which fails to act as a base to metallate fluoroarenes.     

Four‐Membered Heterometallacyclic d0 and d1 Complexes of Group 4 Metallocenes with Amidato Ligands

A study of the coordination chemistry of different amidato ligands [(R)N?C(Ph)O] (R=Ph, 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl (Dipp)) at Group 4 metallocenes is presented. The heterometallacyclic complexes [Cp₂M(Cl){κ²‐N,O‐(R)N?C(Ph)O}] M=Zr, R=Dipp ( 1 a ), Ph ( 1 b ); M=Hf, R=Ph ( 2 )) were synthesized by reaction of [Cp₂MCl₂] with the corresponding deprotonated amides. Complex 1 a was also prepared by direct deprotonation of the amide with Schwartz reagent [Cp₂Zr(H)Cl]. Salt metathesis reaction of [Cp₂Zr(H)Cl] with deprotonated amide [(Dipp)N?C(Ph)O] gave the zirconocene hydrido complex [Cp₂M(H){κ²‐N,O‐(Dipp)N?C(Ph)O}] ( 3 ). Reaction of 1 a with Mg did not result in the desired Zr(III) complex but in formation of Mg complex [(py)₃Mg(Cl) {κ²‐N,O‐(Dipp)N?C(Ph)O}] ( 4 ; py=pyridine). The paramagnetic complexes [Cp′₂Ti{κ²‐N,O‐(R)N?C(Ph)O}] (Cp′=Cp, R=Ph ( 7 a ); Cp′=Cp, R=Dipp ( 7 b ); Cp′=Cp*, R=Ph ( 8 )) were prepared by the reaction of the known titanocene alkyne complexes [Cp₂′Ti(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] (Cp′=Cp ( 5 ), Cp′=Cp* ( 6 )) with the corresponding amides. Complexes 1 a , 2 , 3 , 4 , 7 a , 7 b , and 8 were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. The structure and bonding of complexes 7 a and 8 were also characterized by EPR spectroscopy.     

Surprisingly Different Reaction Behavior of Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal Bis(trimethylsilyl)amides toward Bulky N‐(2‐Pyridylethyl)‐N′‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)pivalamidine

N‐(2,6‐Diisopropylphenyl)‐N′‐(2‐pyridylethyl)pivalamidine (Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐N(H)‐C₂H₄‐Py) ( 1 ), reacts with metalation reagents of lithium, magnesium, calcium, and strontium to give the corresponding pivalamidinates [(tmeda)Li{Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐N‐C₂H₄‐Py}] ( 6 ), [Mg{Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐N‐C₂H₄‐Py}₂] ( 3 ), and heteroleptic [{(Me₃Si)₂N}Ae{Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐N‐C₂H₄‐Py}], with Ae being Ca ( 2 a ) and Sr ( 2 b ). In contrast to this straightforward deprotonation of the amidine units, the reaction of 1 with the bis(trimethylsilyl)amides of sodium or potassium unexpectedly leads to a β‐metalation and an immediate deamidation reaction yielding [(thf)₂Na{Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐N(H)}] ( 4 a ) or [(thf)₂K{Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐N(H)}] ( 4 b ), respectively, as well as 2‐vinylpyridine in both cases. The lithium derivative shows a similar reaction behavior to the alkaline earth metal congeners, underlining the diagonal relationship in the periodic table. Protonation of 4 a or the metathesis reaction of 4 b with CaI₂ in tetrahydrofuran yields N‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)pivalamidine (Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐NH₂) ( 5 ), or [(thf)₄Ca{Dipp‐N=C(tBu)‐N(H)}₂] ( 7 ), respectively. The reaction of AN(SiMe₃)₂ (A=Na, K) with less bulky formamidine Dipp‐N=C(H)‐N(H)‐C₂H₄‐Py ( 8 ) leads to deprotonation of the amidine functionality, and [(thf)Na{Dipp‐N=C(H)‐N‐C₂H₄‐Py}]₂ ( 9 a ) or [(thf)K{Dipp‐N=C(H)‐N‐C₂H₄‐Py}]₂ ( 9 b ), respectively, are isolated as dinuclear complexes. From these experiments it is obvious, that β‐metalation/deamidation of N‐(2‐pyridylethyl)amidines requires bases with soft metal ions and also steric pressure. The isomeric forms of all compounds are verified by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis and are maintained in solution.     

Dispersion‐Force‐Assisted Disproportionation: A Stable Two‐Coordinate Copper(II) Complex

The synthesis of the first linear coordinated Cu^II complex Cu{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₂ ( 1 Dipp=C₆H₅‐2,6Prⁱ₂) and its Cu^I counterpart [Cu{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₂]^? ( 2 ) is described. The formation of 1 proceeds through a dispersion force‐driven disproportionation, and is the reaction product of a Cu^I halide and LiN(SiMe₃)Dipp in a non‐donor solvent. The synthesis of 2 is accomplished by preventing the disproportionation into 1 by using the complexing agent 15‐crown‐5. EPR spectroscopy of 1 provides the first detailed study of a two‐coordinate transition‐metal complex indicating strong covalency in the Cu?N bonds.     

A Series of Low-Coordinate Iron Selenido Complexes: Reactivity of a Linear Iron(I) Silylamide towards Selenium

A variety of different low-coordinate iron selenide complexes is reported. These are obtained by reaction of the linear iron(I) silylamide K{18c6}[Fe(N(Dipp)SiMe₃)₂] (Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl) with red selenium. Careful adjustment of the reaction conditions results in the formation of unique low-coordinate selenido iron complexes, namely a monoselenide bridged [2Fe−1Se]²⁺ complex, as well as mononuclear iron per- and triselenides. Further, C−H bond activation of one of the silylamide ligands by a putative terminal iron monoselenide is observed.     

Highly Fluorinated Tris(indazolyl)borate Silylamido Complexes of the Heavier Alkaline Earth Metals: Synthesis,Characterization, and Efficient Catalytic Intramolecular Hydroamination

Heteroleptic silylamido complexes of the heavier alkaline earth elements calcium and strontium containing the highly fluorinated 3‐phenyl hydrotris(indazolyl)borate {F₁₂‐Tp^{4Bo, 3Ph}}^? ligand have been synthesized by using salt metathesis reactions. The homoleptic precursors [Ae{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] (Ae=Ca, Sr) were treated with [Tl(F₁₂‐Tp^{4Bo, 3Ph})] in pentane to form the corresponding heteroleptic complexes [(F₁₂‐Tp^{4Bo, 3Ph})Ae{N(SiMe₃)₂}] (Ae=Ca ( 1 ); Sr ( 3 )). Compounds 1 and 3 are inert towards intermolecular redistribution. The molecular structures of 1 and 3 have been determined by using X‐ray diffraction. Compound 3 exhibits a Sr ??? MeSi agostic distortion. The synthesis of the homoleptic THF‐free compound [Ca{N(SiMe₂H)₂}₂] ( 4 ) by transamination reaction between [Ca{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] and HN(SiMe₂H)₂ is also reported. This precursor constitutes a convenient starting material for the subsequent preparation of the THF‐free complex [(F₁₂‐Tp^{4Bo, 3Ph})Ca{N(SiMe₂H)₂}] ( 5 ). Compound 5 is stabilized in the solid state by a Ca???β‐Si?H agostic interaction. Complexes 1 and 3 have been used as precatalysts for the intramolecular hydroamination of 2,2‐dimethylpent‐4‐en‐1‐amine. Compound 1 is highly active, converting completely 200 equivalents of aminoalkene in 16 min with 0.50 mol % catalyst loading at 25 °C.     

Diradicaloid or Zwitterionic Character: The Non‐Tetrahedral Unsaturated Compound [Si4{N(SiMe3)Dipp}4] with a Butterfly‐type Si4 Substructure

The reduction of the tribromoamidosilane {N(SiMe₃)Dipp}SiBr₃ (Dipp=2,6‐i Pr₂C₆H₃) with potassium graphite or magnesium resulted in the formation of [Si₄{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₄] ( 1 ), a bicyclo[1.1.0]tetrasilatetraamide. The Si₄ motif in 1 does not adopt a tetrahedral substructure and exhibits two three‐coordinate and two four‐coordinate silicon atoms. The electronic situation on the three‐coordinate silicon atoms is rationalized with positive and negative polarization based on EPR analysis, magnetization measurements, and DFT calculations as well as ²⁹Si CP MAS NMR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy in solution. Reactivity studies with 1 and radical scavengers confirmed the partial charge separation. Compound 1 reacts with sulfur to give a novel type of silicon sulfur cage compound substituted with an amido ligand, [Si₄S₃{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₄] ( 2 ).     

Reactivity of [HC{(C(Me)N(Dipp))}2Ca{N(SiMe3)2}(THF)] (Dipp = C6H3Pr2-2,6) with C-H acids: Synthesis of heteroleptic calcium η-organometallics

A series of heteroleptic calcium η⁵-C₅R₅ cyclopentadienides supported by an N-Dipp (Dipp = 2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)-substituted β-diketiminate ligand have been synthesised by selective protonolysis of the readily available reagent [HC{(C(Me)N(Dipp))}₂Ca{N(SiMe₃)₂}(THF)] with tetramethylcyclopentadiene, fluorene, indene or cyclopentadiene. No reaction was observed with pentamethylcyclopentadiene, presumably for steric reasons. The tetramethylcyclopentadienyl, fluorenyl and indenyl compounds were characterised by variable temperature ¹H NMR and X-ray crystallography. Each complex was found to exist as a mononuclear species both in solution and in the solid state and to be highly sterically crowded, as evidenced by the variable temperature NMR studies. DFT (B3LYP/LANL2DZ) calculations on the model complexes [CaH(C₅Me₄H)], [CaH(C₁₃H₉)] and [CaH(C₉H₇)] indicate that the precise structures of such heteroleptic compounds are a result of both stereoelectronic and steric influences. Attempts to isolate the unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl were unsuccessful, but resulted in the crystallographic analysis of the dimeric calcium siloxide [HC{(C(Me)N(Dipp))}₂Ca(μ-OSiMe₃)]₂.     

Utilising Sodium‐Mediated Ferration for Regioselective Functionalisation of Fluoroarenes via C−H and C−F Bond Activations

Pairing iron bis(amide) Fe(HMDS)₂ with Na(HMDS) to form new sodium ferrate base [(dioxane)_0.5?NaFe(HMDS)₃] ( 1 ) enables regioselective mono and di‐ferration (via direct Fe?H exchange) of a wide range of fluoroaromatic substrates under mild reaction conditions. Trapping of several ferrated intermediates has provided key insight into how synchronised Na/Fe cooperation operates in these transformations. Furthermore, using excess 1 at 80 °C switches on a remarkable cascade process inducing the collective twofold C?H/threefold C?F bond activations, where each C?H bond is transformed to a C?Fe bond whereas each C?F bond is transformed into a C?N bond.     

Structural Diversity in Alkali Metal and Alkali Metal Magnesiate Chemistry of the Bulky 2,6‐Diisopropyl‐N‐(trimethylsilyl)anilino Ligand

Bulky amido ligands are precious in s‐block chemistry, since they can implant complementary strong basic and weak nucleophilic properties within compounds. Recent work has shown the pivotal importance of the base structure with enhancement of basicity and extraordinary regioselectivities possible for cyclic alkali metal magnesiates containing mixed n‐butyl/amido ligand sets. This work advances alkali metal and alkali metal magnesiate chemistry of the bulky arylsilyl amido ligand [N(SiMe₃)(Dipp)]^? (Dipp=2,6‐iPr₂‐C₆H₃). Infinite chain structures of the parent sodium and potassium amides are disclosed, adding to the few known crystallographically characterised unsolvated s‐block metal amides. Solvation by N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) or N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) gives molecular variants of the lithium and sodium amides; whereas for potassium, PMDETA gives a molecular structure, TMEDA affords a novel, hemi‐solvated infinite chain. Crystal structures of the first magnesiate examples of this amide in [MMg{N(SiMe₃)(Dipp)}₂(μ‐nBu)]_∞ (M=Na or K) are also revealed, though these breakdown to their homometallic components in donor solvents as revealed through NMR and DOSY studies.     

Two‐Coordinate Iron(I) Complex [Fe{N(SiMe3)2}2]−: Synthesis,Properties, and Redox Activity

First‐row two‐coordinate complexes are attracting much interest. Herein, we report the high‐yield isolation of the linear two‐coordinate iron(I) complex salt [K(L)][Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] (L=18‐crown‐6 or crypt‐222) through the reduction of either [Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] or its three‐coordinate phosphine adduct [Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(PCy₃)]. Detailed characterization is gained through X‐ray diffraction, variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility studies. One‐ and two‐electron oxidation through reaction with I₂ is further found to afford the corresponding iodo iron(II) and diiodo iron(III) complexes.     

Two‐Coordinate Iron(I) Complex [Fe{N(SiMe3)2}2]−: Synthesis,Properties, and Redox Activity

First‐row two‐coordinate complexes are attracting much interest. Herein, we report the high‐yield isolation of the linear two‐coordinate iron(I) complex salt [K(L)][Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] (L=18‐crown‐6 or crypt‐222) through the reduction of either [Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] or its three‐coordinate phosphine adduct [Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(PCy₃)]. Detailed characterization is gained through X‐ray diffraction, variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility studies. One‐ and two‐electron oxidation through reaction with I₂ is further found to afford the corresponding iodo iron(II) and diiodo iron(III) complexes.     

An Anionic Amido-Substituted Seven-Vertex Siliconoid Cluster

The silanide [Si₄{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₃]⁻ ( 1 ) transforms into the anionic siliconoid cluster [Si₇{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₃]⁻ ( 2 ) with four unsubstituted silicon atoms as a contact ion pair with [K([18]crown-6)] in C₆D₆ at room temperature within five weeks. Anion 2 was investigated by natural population analysis and visualization of intrinsic atomic orbitals. Magnetically induced current-density calculations of 2 revealed two distinct strong diatropic vortices that sum up in one direction and create a strongly shielded apical silicon atom in 2 .     

Reaction of aryl azides with tris(trimethylsilyl)silyllithium: Synthesis of tmeda or thf adducts of [Li{N(Ar)Si(SiMe3)3}] and 1,4-trimethylsilyl migration from oxygen to nitrogen

Reaction of ArN₃ (Ar = Ph, p-MeC₆H₄, 1-naphthyl) with [Li{Si(SiMe₃)₃}(thf)₃] yielded lithium amides [Li{N(Ar)Si(SiMe₃)₃}L] (L = tmeda or (thf)₂). Similar treatment of o-phenylene diazide with 2 equiv. of [Li{Si(SiMe₃)₃}(thf)₃] formed dilithium diamide complex 4. Reaction between o-Me₃SiOC₆H₄N₃ and [Li{Si(SiMe₃)₃}(thf)₃] afforded, via 1,4-trimethylsilyl migration from oxygen to nitrogen, [Li{OC₆H₄{N(SiMe₃)Si(SiMe₃)₃}-2}]₂ (5). The structures of complexes 3 and 5 have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques.     

Synthese und Charakterisierung heterobimetallischer Bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphanide von Barium und Zinn

Synthesis and Characterization of Hetero-bimetallic Bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphanides of Barium and Tin The reaction of barium bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] with one equivalent of bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphane in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (dme) yields the heteroleptic dimeric (dme)barium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphanide. This colorless compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a = 1 259.1(3), b = 1 822.7(4), c = 1 516.1(3) pm, β = 110.54(3)° and Z = 4. The central moiety of the centrosymmetric molecule is the planar Ba₂P₂-cycle with Ba? P-bond lengths of 329 and 334 pm. In the presence of bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amino]stannylene hetero-bimetallic bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphanides of tin(II) and barium are isolated. If the reaction of Ba[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ and Sn[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ in the molar ratio of 1:2 with six equivalents of HP(SiMe₃)₂ is performed in toluene, barium bis{tin(II)-tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphanide]} can be isolated. This compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁ with a = 1 265.1(1), b = 2 290.1(3), c = 2 731.9(3) pm and Z = 4. The anions {Sn[P(SiMe₃)₂]₃}^? bind as two-dentate ligands to the barium atom which shows the extraordinary low coordination number of four. The addition of tetrahydrofuran (thf) to the above mentioned reaction solution leads to the elimination of tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphane and the formation of thf complexes of barium bis{tin(II)-bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphanide-trimethylsilylphosphandiide}. The derivative crystallizes from toluene in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 1 301.9(2), b = 2 316.3(3), c = 3 968.7(5) pm, β = 99.29(1)° and Z = 8.     

Facile Access to an NHC‐Coordinated Silicon Ring Compound with a Si=N Group and a Two‐Coordinate Silicon Atom

Reaction of the bicyclo[1.1.0]tetrasilatetraamide Si₄{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₄ 1 (Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) with 5 equiv of the N‐heterocyclic carbene NHC^Me4 (1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) affords a bifunctional carbene‐coordinated four‐membered‐ring compound with a Si=N group and a two‐coordinate silicon atom Si₄{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₂(NHC^Me4)₂(NDipp) 2 . When 2 reacts with 0.25 equiv sulfur (S₈), two sulfur atoms add to the divalent silicon atom in plane and perpendicular to the plane of the Si₄ ring, which confirms the silylone character of the two‐coordinate silicon atom in 2 .     

Monomeric Homoleptic (2‐Pyridylmethyl)(tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)amido Complexes of the Divalent Metals Mg,Mn, Fe,Co, and Zn

The transamination reaction of M[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ with (2‐pyridylmethyl)(tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)amine yields the corresponding homoleptic metal bis[(2‐pyridylmethyl)(tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)amides] of Mg ( 1 ), Mn ( 2 ), Fe ( 3 ), Co ( 4 ) and Zn ( 5 ). All these compounds crystallize from hexane isotypic in the space group C2/c. From toluene the zinc derivative precipitates as toluene solvate 5 ·toluene. The molecular structures of these compounds are very similar with large NMN angles to the amide nitrogen atoms with NMN values of 148° ( 1 ) and 150° ( 5 ) for the diamagnetic compounds and 156° for the paramagnetic derivatives 2 and 3 . The Co derivative 4 displays a rather small NCoN angle of 142°. Different synthetic routes have been explored for compound 3 which is also available via the metallation reaction of bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)iron with (2‐pyridylmethyl)(tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)amine and via the metathesis reaction of lithium (2‐pyridylmethyl)(tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)amide with [(thf)₂FeCl₂]. In course of the metathesis reaction, an equimolar amount of lithium (2‐pyridylmethyl)(tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)amide and [(thf)₂FeCl₂] yields heteroleptic (2‐pyridylmethyl)(tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)amido iron(II) chloride ( 6 ) which crystallizes as a centrosymmetric dimeric molecule. The oxidative C‐C coupling reaction of 5 with Sn[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ leads to the formation of tin(II) 1,2‐bis(2‐pyridyl)‐1,2‐bis(tert‐butyldimethylsilylamido)ethane, tin metal and Zn[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂.     

Heavy Alkali Metal Manganate Complexes: Synthesis,Structures and Solvent-Induced Dissociation Effects

Rare examples of heavier alkali metal manganates [{(AM)Mn(CH₂SiMe₃)(N^‘Ar)₂}_∞] (AM=K, Rb, or Cs) [N^‘Ar=N(SiMe₃)(Dipp), where Dipp=2,6-iPr₂-C₆H₃] have been synthesised with the Rb and Cs examples crystallographically characterised. These heaviest manganates crystallise as polymeric zig-zag chains propagated by AM⋅⋅⋅π-arene interactions. Key to their preparation is to avoid Lewis base donor solvents. In contrast, using multidentate nitrogen donors encourages ligand scrambling leading to redistribution of these bimetallic manganate compounds into their corresponding homometallic species as witnessed for the complete Li - Cs series. Adding to the few known crystallographically characterised unsolvated and solvated rubidium and caesium s-block metal amides, six new derivatives ([{AM(N^‘Ar)}_∞], [{AM(N^‘Ar)⋅TMEDA}_∞], and [{AM(N^‘Ar)⋅PMDETA}_∞] where AM=Rb or Cs) have been structurally authenticated. Utilising monodentate diethyl ether as a donor, it was also possible to isolate and crystallographically characterise sodium manganate [(Et₂O)₂Na(ⁿBu)Mn[(N^‘Ar)₂], a monomeric, dinuclear structure prevented from aggregating by two blocking ether ligands bound to sodium.     

The [Zr(N{SiMe3}2)3]+ cation as a novel initiator for carbocationic isobutene homo- and isobutene/isoprene co-polymerisations

Methyl abstraction of ZrMe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃ with B(C₆F₅)₃ gives the cationic zirconium amide complex [Zr{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃]⁺ which acts as an initiator for the carbocationic polymerisation of isobutene and for isobutene-isoprene copolymerisations. High molecular weight homo- and co-polymers are obtained at temperatures up to −30°C. Molecular weights are less temperature dependent than in metal halide initiated systems.     

Barium-Catalysed Dehydrocoupling of Hydrosilanes and Borinic Acids: A Mechanistic Insight

Two very rare cases of barium boryloxides, the homoleptic [Ba(OB{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₂)₂⋅C₇H₈] and the heteroleptic [{LO^NO4}BaOB{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₂] stabilised by the multidentate aminoetherphenolate {LO^NO4}⁻, are presented, and their structural properties are discussed. The electron-deficient [Ba(OB{CH(SiMe₃)₂}₂)₂⋅C₇H₈] shows, in particular, resilient η⁶-coordination of the toluene molecule. Together with its amido parents [Ba{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂⋅thf₂] and [Ba{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂]₂, this complex catalyses the fast and chemoselective dehydrocoupling of borinic acids R₂BOH and hydrosilanes HSiR′₃, yielding borasiloxanes R₂BOSiR′₃ in a controlled fashion. The assessment of substrate scope indicates that, for now, the reaction is limited to bulky borinic acids. Kinetic analysis shows that the rate-limiting step of the catalytic manifold traverses a dinuclear transition state. A detailed mechanistic scenario is proposed on the basis of DFT computations, the results of which are fully consistent with experimental data. It consists of a stepwise process with rate-determining nucleophilic attack of a metal-bound O-atom onto the incoming hydrosilane, involving throughout dinuclear catalytically active species.