Complexes Trans Research Articles

Dihalomethanes as Bent Bifunctional XB/XB-Donating Building Blocks for Construction of Metal-involving Halogen Bonded Hexagons.

The dihalomethanes CH2 X2 (X=Cl, Br, I) were co-crystallized with the isocyanide complexes trans-[MXM 2 (CNC6 H4 -4-XC )2 ] (M=Pd, Pt; XM =Br, I; XC =F, Cl, Br) to give an extended series comprising 15 X-ray structures of isostructural adducts featuring 1D metal-involving hexagon-like arrays. In these structures, CH2 X2 behave as bent bifunctional XB/XB-donating building blocks, whereas trans-[MXM 2 (CNC6 H4 -4-XC )2 ] act as a linear XB/XB acceptors. Results of DFT calculations indicate that all XCH2 -X⋅⋅⋅XM -M contacts are typical noncovalent interactions with estimated strengths in the range of 1.3-3.2 kcal mol-1 . A CCDC search reveals that hexagon-like arrays are rather common but previously overlooked structural motives for adducts of trans-bis(halide) complexes and halomethanes.

Cooperative Effects of Aniline with DMSO in RuII Complexes: Tuning the Reactivity for Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization

The complex cis,fac‐[RuCl2(DMSO–O)(DMSO–S)3] [1] reacted with aniline (NH2Ph) under reflux to produce the complex trans,cis,cis‐[RuCl2(DMSO–S)2(NH2Ph)2] [2], whereas at room temperature the resulting complex was cis,fac‐[RuCl2(DMSO–S)3(NH2Ph)] [3]. The complexes were characterized by FTIR, EPR, 1H and 13C NMR, electronic spectra, and the crystal structure of 2 was determined by single X‐ray crystallography. The influence of NH2Ph and DMSO as ancillary ligands in the new complexes was then evaluated for ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornene (NBE), norbornadiene (NBD), and dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) in presence of ethyl diazoacetate (EDA) with different [monomer]/[Ru] molar ratios. Homopolymers of NBE with molecular weights in the order of magnitude of 105 g.mol–1 and insoluble polymers in CHCl3 from NBD and DCPD were obtained in different yields depending of the starting complex, reaction time (5 and 30 min), and temperature (25 and 50 °C). Valorous results were obtained for polyNBD, polyDCPD, and copolymerizations from NBE with NBD or DCPD using the new complexes, affording higher yields than with 1. In conclusion, beneficial effects are observed when DMSO and the weak σ‐donor NH2Ph ligands are arranged in the same coordination sphere of Ru(II) pre‐catalysts for ROMP.

Controlled Reactivity of Terminal Cyaphide Complexes: Isolation of the 5-Coordinate [Ru(dppe)2(C≡P)

The novel cyaphide complex trans-[Ru(dppe)2Me(C≡P)] is obtained in excellent yields and exhibits the first instance of controlled reactivity of any terminal cyaphide complex. Its treatment with ZnX2/PPh3 effects selective metathesis of the methyl moiety to afford the unprecedented halocyaphide complexes trans-[Ru(dppe)2(X)(C≡P)] (X = Cl, Br, I), which are structurally characterized (X = Cl, Br). Exemplified with the trans-bromide, these compounds are susceptible to substitution of the halides by nucleophilic reagents-illustrated with Me2Mg-and also readily undergo halide abstraction by TlOTf to afford the first hypocoordinate cyaphide complex, viz., [Ru(dppe)2(C≡P)]·OTf, which is isolable in bulk and exhibits good stability. NMR spectroscopic and crystallographic data reveal the latter to adopt a square-pyramidal geometry with an accessible coordinate vacancy, which is susceptible to the addition of nucleophiles. This is illustrated analytically by reactions with Me2Mg and LiC≡CPh and with its facile bulk carbonylation to afford trans-[Ru(dppe)2(CO)(C≡P)]+.

Stereochemical Effects on Platinum Acetylide Two-Photon Chromophores.

A series of cis-platinum(II) acetylide complexes containing two-photon-absorbing chromophores have been synthesized and characterized to explore the effects of stereochemistry on the nonlinear absorption properties. The molecules feature 4-(phenylethynyl)phenylethynylene (PE2), diphenylaminofluorene (DPAF), and benzothiazolylfluorene (BTF) ligands. The photophysical properties were investigated under one- and two-photon conditions and compared to the known trans analogues via UV-visible absorption, photoluminescence, femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption (TA), nanosecond z-scan, and femtosecond two-photon absorption (2PA). The bent cis complexes exhibit blue shifts in the absorption, emission, femtosecond, and nanosecond TA spectra along with lower molar extinction coefficients and lower phosphorescence yields relative to the trans complexes suggesting less efficient Pt-induced spin-orbit coupling and intersystem crossing in the cis configuration. The cis chromophores are noncentrosymmetric and therefore show dipolar behavior with a pronounced 2PA in the 0-0 transition of the S0 → S1 band, while the trans complexes show quadrupolar behavior with a forbidden 0-0 transition. In the S0 → Sn region, both cis and trans complexes show intense two-photon-absorption bands (up to 3700 GM by the peak cross section for cis-BTF) which contain a significant contribution from the excited state absorption (S1 → Sn). All six complexes exhibit comparable nonlinear absorption response with a significant contribution from triplet-triplet absorption that slightly favors trans complexes but is more strongly dependent upon the structure of the π-conjugated chromophore.

Blue Phosphorescent trans-N-Heterocyclic Carbene Platinum Acetylides: Dependence on Energy Gap and Conformation.

A series of 11 complexes of the type trans-(NHC)2Pt(CC-Ar)2 (where NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) have been synthesized and their photophysics characterized. The complexes display moderately efficient deep blue to green phosphorescence from a triplet excited state that is localized mainly in the aryl acetylide ligand (CC-Ar). The emission energy varies with the substituent on CC-Ar, with the highest energy emission for Ar = 4-pyridyl. The emission quantum efficiency and lifetime for the series decreases with increasing emission energy (Eem), and the effect is identified as arising from an increase in the nonradiative decay rate (knr) with Eem. Temperature-dependent emission lifetime studies for three complexes give activation energies for the nonradiative decay process ∼1000 cm-1, and the thermally activated decay process is attributed to crossing to a nonemissive metal-centered (d-d) excited state. At a low temperature, two different emission progressions are observed. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the triplet energy varies with the torsion of the aryl acetylide rings relative to the plane defined by the PtC4 unit (where C = the carbon atoms bonded to Pt). The multiple emission is ascribed to emission from complexes differing with respect to the aryl acetylide ring torsion. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy reveals a fast relaxation (∼5 ps) that may also be due to aryl acetylide ring torsional relaxation in the triplet excited state.

Trans-Platinum(II) Thionate Complexes: Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and in vitro Biological Assessment as Potent Anticancer Agents.

A series of Pt(II) complexes trans-[Pt(PPh2 allyl)2 (κ1 -S-SR)2 ], 1, PPh2 allyl=allyldiphenylphosphine, SR=pyridine-2-thiol (Spy, 1 a), 5-(trifluoromethyl)-pyridine-2-thiol (SpyCF3 -5, 1 b), pyrimidine-2-thiol (SpyN, 1 c), benzothiazole-2-thiol (Sbt, 1 d), benzimidazole-2-thiol (Sbi, 1 e), were synthesized. They were characterized by NMR, HR ESI-MS, and X-ray crystallography. Treatment of human cancer cell lines (A549, SKOV3, MCF-7) with these complexes resulted in promising antitumor effects in comparison with cisplatin. These compounds showed suitable selectivity between tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic (MCF-10 A) cell lines. Analyses of cell cycle progression and apoptosis were conducted for 1 a, the most cytotoxic compound, to screen dose/time response and to study the antiproliferative mechanism. An electrophoresis mobility shift assay was performed to assess the direct interaction of 1 a with DNA and the strong genotoxic ability was indicated through the comet assay method.

A ruthenium nitrosyl cyclam complex with appended anthracenyl fluorophore

The complex trans-[Ru(NO)(H2O)(L)](ClO4)3 (L = (1-anthracen-9-ylmethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) (RuNOL) was synthesized and characterized, and its photophysics and reactivity were investigated. The FTIR spectrum displays a νNO band at 1840 cm−1, indicating a nitrosonium character. 1H and 13C signals in 1D and 2D NMR spectra were assigned and are consistent with the trans configuration. The UV–Vis spectrum displays maximal absorption bands at 341 nm (log ε 3.74), 363 nm (log ε 3.91), 378 nm (log ε 3.97) and 397 nm (log ε 3.91). Coordination of the [RuNO] moiety to the L ligand strongly quenches the anthracenyl fluorescence, and thus RuNOL exhibits only very weak emission at 390, 418, 440 and 472 nm. Electrochemical studies indicate that cathodic peak potentials at +1.10 V(Ic), −0.1 V(IIc) and −0.4 V(IIIc) (vs Ag/AgCl) are related to An+/An, {RuNO}6/7 and {RuNO}7/8 reduction processes, respectively. The pKa of coordinated water was estimated as 2.8 ± 0.2 by DPV. The emission of the pendant fluorophore increases upon electrochemical or chemical reduction of RuNOL, and the resulting switch-ON fluorescence is possibly due to NO release from the target complex. Spectroscopic titrations with DNA resulted in hypochromism and red shifts and allowed estimation of binding constants of 1.9 × 103 (L) and 1.8 × 103 (RuNOL). Molecular docking showed that RuNOL complex has a great affinity with DNA. The RuNOL complex showed low cytotoxicity toward MCF-7 and NIH-3T3 and was ineffective in healthy HUVEC and A7r5 cell lines in the range of concentration of 1 × 10−7–1 × 10−4 mol L−1.

Cis-Trans Interconversion in Ruthenium(II) Bipyridine Complexes.

Most studies of ruthenium polypyridine complexes are devoted to their cis isomers. The fact that cis isomers are thermally more stable and thus easier to synthesize has prevented researchers from investigating the properties and applications of trans complexes. We present a study of thermal and photochemical cis-trans interconversion of the key complex [Ru(bpy)2(PMe3)(H2O)]2+ (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, PMe3 = trimethylphosphine), which results in specific synthetic applications of the trans species, potentially useful as a platform for designing highly efficient visible light activated caged compounds. We show, as a proof of concept, some examples of trans complexes bearing N-donor and P-donor ligands and their comparison with the cis isomers.

Photochemical Properties of trans-[Ru(NH3 )4 (bpa)(L)]2+ (L=py, isn, 4-acpy or 4-pic).

Photochemical reactions of ruthenium (II) complexes of type trans-[Ru(NH3 )4 LL']2+ , where L is a nitrogenous heterocyclic ligand, pyridine (py), isonicotinamide (isn), 4-acetylpyridine (4-acpy) or 4-picoline (4-pic), and L´ is a 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpa) ligand, were studied with the purpose of evaluating the ligand exchange when, in solution, the complexes are irradiated at the wavelengths of 365, 436, 480 and 519nm. The study revealed that at lower wavelengths, a labilization process is observed for py and 4-pic ligands, even at low quantum yields, indicating the dependence of the photolabeling process on the wavelength. The study also reveals that for the filters of greater wavelength, the processes of photolabilization do not occur for any of the studied complexes. The study also shows that there are no photolization processes for the complexes obtained with the isn and 4-acpy ligands, and it is therefore possible to classify them as nonreactive.

An Asymmetrically Substituted Aliphatic Bis-Dithiolene Mono-Oxido Molybdenum(IV) Complex With Ester and Alcohol Functions as Structural and Functional Active Site Model of Molybdoenzymes.

A MoIV mono-oxido bis-dithiolene complex, [MoO(mohdt)2]2− (mohdt = 1-methoxy-1-oxo-4-hydroxy-but-2-ene-2,3-bis-thiolate) was synthesized as a structural and functional model for molybdenum oxidoreductase enzymes of the DMSO reductase family. It was comprehensively characterized by inter alia various spectroscopic methods and employed as an oxygen atom transfer (OAT) catalyst. The ligand precursor of mohdt was readily prepared by a three-step synthesis starting from dimethyl-but-2-ynedioate. Crystallographic and 13C-NMR data support the rationale that by asymmetric substitution the electronic structure of the ene-dithio moiety can be fine-tuned. The MoIVO bis-dithiolene complex was obtained by in situ reaction of the de-protected ligand with the metal precursor complex trans-[MoO2(CN)4]4−. The catalytic oxygen atom transfer mediated by the complex was investigated by the model OAT reaction from DMSO to triphenylphosphine with the substrate transformation being monitored by 31P NMR spectroscopy. [MoO(mohdt)2]2− was found to be catalytically active reaching 93% conversion, albeit with a rather low reaction rate (reaction time 56 h). The observed overall catalytic activity is comparable to those of related complexes with aromatic dithiolene ligands despite the novel ligand being aliphatic in nature and originally perceived to perform more swiftly. The respective results are rationalized with respect to a potential intermolecular interaction between the hydroxyl and ester functions together with the electron-withdrawing functional groups of the dithiolene ligands of the molybdenum mono-oxido complex and equilibrium between the active monomeric MoIVO and MoVIO2 and the unreactive dimeric MO3 species.

Spectroscopic, kinetic, and theoretical analyses of oxidation of dl-ethionine by Pt(IV) anticancer model compounds.

Ethionine is an S-ethyl analog of methionine (Met) having a small change in structure. But it is a chemical carcinogen and an antagonist of Met, thus displaying a disparate biological profile. The oxidations of ethionine by biologically important oxidants have not been exploited. Oxidations of dl-ethionine by Pt(IV) anticancer model complexes trans-[PtX2(CN4)]2- (X = Cl or Br) were thus analyzed by time-resolved and stopped-flow spectral techniques. Overall second-order kinetics was established, being first-order in [Pt(IV)] and [Ethionine]tot (the total concentration of ethionine); the observed second-order rate constant k' versus pH profiles were obtained. A stoichiometry of Δ[Pt(IV)]:Δ[Ethionine]tot = 1:1 was unraveled, indicating that ethionine was oxidized to ethionine-sulfoxide which was confirmed by NMR spectroscopic and high-resolution mass spectral analyses. In the proposed reaction mechanism which is similar to that for the oxidation of Met by the same Pt(IV) compounds, the rate-determining steps are rationalized in terms of a bridge formation between one of the coordinated halides in [PtX2(CN4)]2- and the sulfur atom in ethionine, followed by an X+ transfer. Moreover, a large rate enhancement for the reaction of ethionine with [PtBr2(CN4)]2- compared with [PtCl2(CN4)]2- strongly supports an X+ transfer mechanism. Furthermore, a combined quantum-mechanical/molecular-mechanical (QM/MM) method was utilized to simulate a Cl+ transfer mechanism from trans-[PtCl2(CN)4]2- to ethionine. The simulations unraveled the energetically stable structures of reactants and products, which favor the Cl+ transfer process. Rate constants of the rate-determining steps have been derived. Ratios of k (ethionine)/k (Met) are between 2.2 and 2.6 obtained for the three protolytic species of ethionine and Met; the enhanced reactivity might be partially responsible for the disparate biological profiles.

Co(cyclam) alkynyl complexes of gem-DEE-aryl: Synthesis, molecular and electronic structures

Reported in this contribution are the syntheses of mono-alkynyl complexes [Co(cyclam)(gem-DEE-Ar)Cl]Cl (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacycloctetradecane; gem-DEE = geminal-diethynylethene) with Ar as either –C6H4-4-NO2 (1) or –C6H4-4-NMe2 (2) from the reactions between [Co(cyclam)Cl2]Cl and H-gem-DEE-Ar under weak base conditions. Further reaction between compound 1 and Li-gem-DEE–C6H4–4-NMe2 at −78 °C afforded the unsymmetric complex trans-[Co(cyclam)(gem-DEE–C6H4–4-NO2)(gem-DEE–C6H4–4-NMe2)]Cl (3). Providing structural features observed for other Co(cyclam) alkynyls, X-ray diffraction study also reveals the influence of the aryl substituent on the first coordination sphere of the Co(III) center. The presence of an aryl substituent also shifts the Co-based redox couples, and enables intense LMCT transitions that are absent in complexes of unsubstituted gem-DEE. These contrasts can be rationalized based on DFT calculations.

Synthesis and characterization of xylene-based group-six metal PCP pincer complexes

In the present study, the Cr(III) complex trans-[Cr(PCPCH2-iPr)(CH3CN)(Br)2] as well as seven-coordinate cationic bromo carbonyl Mo(II) and W(II) complexes of the type [M(PCPCH2-iPr)(CO)3Br] (M=Mo, W) featuring PCP pincer ligands based on a xylene scaffold were prepared and characterized. The seven-coordinate bromo tricarbonyl complexes exhibit fluxional behavior in solution due to rapid CO ligand interconversions. The mechanism of this process was studied by means of DFT calculations. Structures of representative complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses.Graphical abstract

Nitric Oxide Uncaging from a Hydrophobic Chromium(III) PhotoNORM: Visible and Near-Infrared Photochemistry in Biocompatible Polymer Disks.

Devices consisting of polymer disks (PDs) of optically clear or translucent, medical-grade silicone loaded with a new hydrophobic, oxygen-stable, photoactivated nitric oxide-releasing moiety (photoNORM) are described. The photoNORM is the new O-nitrito chromium(III) complex trans-[Cr(PetA)(ONO)2](BF4) (PetA = 5,14-dimethyl-7,12-diphenyl-1,4,8,11-tetraaza-cyclotetradecane), of which the synthesis, X-ray crystal structure, and solution-phase photochemistry are described. Several different commercially available silicone polymers were tested with this photoNORM, and nitric oxide photouncaging with 451 nm light from these systems is compared. In addition, PDs were loaded with the photoNORM and neodymium-sensitized upconverting nanoparticles (Nd-UCNPs). The Nd-UCNPs absorb NIR light at ∼800 nm and activate NO release from the trans-[Cr(PetA)(ONO)2]+ cation. The use of such ensembles as implants provides a potential strategy for the in vivo uncaging of NO at physiological targets triggered by tissue-transmitting NIR excitation. Also reported are the X-ray crystal structures of cis- and trans-{Cr(PetA)Cl2]Cl.

Tripodal O‐N‐O Bis‐Phenolato Amine Titanium(IV) Complexes Show High in vitro Anti‐Cancer Activity

The octahedral titanium(IV) complexes trans,mer‐[Ti{R3N(CH2C6H2‐2‐O‐4‐R2‐6‐R1)2}2] (R1 = Me, OMe, Cl; R2 = Me, OMe, F, Cl; R3 = Me, Et; not all combinations) are synthesised in two steps from simple phenols in 36–53 % overall yield. The highly crystalline (4 X‐ray structures) complexes are active against MCF‐7 (breast) and HCT‐116 (colon) cancer cell lines showing widely varying GI50 values in the range 1–100 µM depending on R1–R3. Highest activities are realised when R1 = OMe and R2, R3 = Me (GI50 ca. 1 µM for MCF‐7 and 2–3 µM for HCT‐116). These are respectively 8× and 3× times greater than the activities of cisplatin in the same cell lines. These titanium complexes show some significant selectivity for cancer cell lines; up to 7× higher in MCF‐7 compared to non‐cancer (MRC‐5) fibroblast cells. Details of cellular mode of action indicators (cell cycle perturbation, Annexin V, γ‐H2AX, and caspase studies) that point to an apoptosis mode for the most active compound (R1 = OMe and R2, R3 = Me) are also reported.||||||

Pt(II) complexes of the type trans-[PtCl2(DMSO) (hydrazide)] and cis-[PtCl2(hydrazide)2]: Solvolysis and cytotoxic activity

The present work describes the synthesis, solvolysis and cytotoxic activity of Pt (II) complexes of the type trans-[PtCl2 (DMSO) (L)] and cis-[PtCl2(L)2], where L = benzhydrazide (BH), 4-nitrobenzhydrazide (4NH) and 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzhydrazide (4 TF). The structures of these complexes were proposed using spectroscopic methods. All complexes undergo fast solvolysis generating four identical species in DMSO, being that the species cis- and trans-[PtCl2 (DMSO) (L)] are the most important. As to the stability in DMF, Pt (II) complexes of the type cis-[PtCl2(L)2] are very stable, while Pt (II) complexes of the type trans-[PtCl2 (DMSO) (L)] react at a slower rate than those verified in DMSO. The cytotoxic activity of the compounds was evaluated in a chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line. A relationship between solvolysis and cytotoxic activity was verified. Moreover, our results showed that some Pt (II) complexes were more cytotoxic than the free ligands, carboplatin and cisplatin.

Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of dioxidouranium(VI) complexes of ONNO tetradentate Mannich bases

The reaction of dibasic tetradentate ONNO donor Mannich bases, derived from ethylenediamine and 2,4–di–tert–butylphenol (H2L1) (I), 2,4–di–methylphenol (H2L2) (II), 2–tert–butyl–4–methylphenol (H2L3) (III) and 2,4–di–chlorophenol (H2L4) (IV), with UVIO2(MeCOO)2·2H2O in a 1:1 M ratio in refluxing MeOH gave the corresponding mononuclear trans-dioxidouranium(VI) complexes of the type trans-[UVIO2L(MeOH)] (H2L = H2L1 to H2L4) (1–4). The synthesized complexes are stable in air, reddish-brown in color and soluble in most solvents. These complexes are characterized by elemental analysis, various spectroscopic (FT-IR, UV/Vis, 1H and 13C NMR) techniques and single-crystal X-ray analysis of 3 and 4. The complexes adopt distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry around the metal centre. The ligand acts as tetradentate, coordinating through two phenolato oxygen and two imino nitrogen atoms; two oxido groups are trans to each other. These complexes are used as catalysts to study the oxidative bromination of thymol and styrene. The catalytic oxidative bromination of thymol resulted in the formation of three products namely, 2-bromothymol, 4-bromothymol and 2,4-dibromothymol while oxidative bromination of styrene gave two products, 2-bromo-1-phenylethane-1-ol and 1-phenylethane-1,2-diol. In order to find out the optimized reaction conditions for the fixed concentration (10 mmol) of substrate, effects of different amounts of catalyst, KBr, HClO4, and oxidant (H2O2) have been investigated. Under the optimized reaction conditions, all the complexes have shown good catalytic potentials for the oxidative bromination of substrates, establishing the functional similarity to vanadium dependent haloperoxidases. Changes in the UV–visible absorption spectra of dioxidouranium(VI) complexes upon addition of H2O2 suggest the formation of the corresponding oxidoperoxidouranium(VI) complexes.

Binding motifs of cisplatin interaction with simple biomolecules and aminoacid targets probed by IR ion spectroscopy

Abstract The primary intermediates resulting from the interaction of cisplatin, cis-(PtCl2(NH3)2], most widespread antitumor drug, with biomolecular targets are characterized. Electrospray ionization is used to deliver ions formed in solution into the gas phase where they are structurally interrogated by vibrational “action” spectroscopy in conjunction with quantum chemical calculations. The aquation products, cis-[PtX(NH3)2(H2O)]+ (X = Cl, OH), lying along the path responsible for biological activity, are shown to display distinctive features responding to ligation pattern and optimized geometry. The IR spectra of trans-[PtX(NH3)2(H2O)]+ are different, testifying that cis and trans complexes are stable, non interconverting species both in solution and in the gas phase. Ligand substitution by simple nucleophiles (L = pyridine, 4(5)-methylimidazole, thioanisole, trimethylphosphate, acetamide, dimethylacetamide, urea and thiourea) yields cis-[PtCl(NH3)2(L)]+ complexes displaying remarkable regioselectivity whenever L presents multiple candidate platination sites. The incipient formation of cisplatin-derived complexes with the recognized biological amino acid targets L-histidine (His) and L-methionine (Met) has been investigated revealing the primary platination event to be mainly directed at the Nπ atom of the imidazole side chain of His and to the thiomethyl sulfur of Met. The isomer and conformer population of the ensuing cis-[PtCl(NH3)2(Met/His)]+ complexes, sampled in the gas phase, can be ascertained by photofragmentation kinetics on isomer/conformer specific resonances.

Hexacoordinated Tetrel-Bonded Complexes between TF4 (T=Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) and NCH: Competition between σ- and π-Holes.

In order to accommodate the approach of two NCH bases, a tetrahedral TF4 molecule (T=Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) distorts into an octahedral structure in which the two bases can be situated either cis or trans to one another. The square planar geometry of TF4 , associated with the trans arrangement of the bases, is higher in energy than its see-saw structure that corresponds to the cis trimer. On the other hand, the square geometry offers an unobstructed path of the bases to the π-holes above and below the tetrel atom and hence enjoys a higher interaction energy than is the case for the σ-holes approached by the bases in the cis arrangement. When these two effects are combined, the total binding energies are more exothermic for the cis than for the trans complexes. This preference amounts to some 3 kcal mol-1 for Sn and Pb, but is amplified for the smaller tetrel atoms.

NHC Nickel Catalyzed Hiyama‐ and Negishi‐Type Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Fluorides and Investigations on the Stability of Nickel(II) Fluoroaryl Alkyl Complexes

The reactivity of [Ni(iPr2Im)4(µ‐COD)] 1 (iPr2Im = 1,3‐diisopropyl‐imidazolin‐2‐ylidene, COD = 1,4‐cyclooctadiene) in Hiyama‐ and Negishi‐type cross‐coupling reactions as well as the synthesis of several novel nickel fluoroaryl alkyl complexes is reported. Hiyama coupling of 1.1 equiv. perfluoroaromatics and 1 equiv. PhSi(OR)3 (R = Me, Et) with 5 mol‐% of 1 as catalyst leads to the C–C coupling product ArF–Ph in good to fair yields. In presence of the additive NMe4F alkoxy transfer from PhSi(OR)3 to the perfluoroarene occurs to yield ArF–OR and PhSiF(OR)2. Negishi cross‐coupling between C6F6 or C7F8 (1 equiv.), diorganozinc reagents [ZnR2] (R = Me, Et) (2.1 equiv.) and 5 mol‐% 1 as the catalyst in toluene at 115 °C leads to ArF–R only in traces. However, NMR experiments revealed that nickel alkyl complexes are readily formed from the reaction of trans‐[Ni(iPr2Im)2(F)(ArF)] with [ZnR2] (R = Me, Et). In course of these investigations, a series of novel nickel alkyl complexes trans‐[Ni(iPr2Im)2(R)(ArF)] (R = Me, ArF = C6F5 2, C7F7 3, C12F9 4; R = Et, ArF = C6F5 5, C7F7 6, C12F9 7) have been synthesized in stoichiometric reactions starting from trans‐[Ni(iPr2Im)2(F)(ArF)] (ArF = C6F5, C7F7, C12F9) and [ZnR2] (R = Me, Et) in thf at –78 °C. As these nickel alkyl complexes 2–7 are stable at room temperature in solution for several days with respect to reductive elimination, their thermal stability was investigated. Heating trans‐[Ni(iPr2Im)2(Me)(C6F5)] 2 for 24 hours at 100 °C leads to 91 % unreacted complex 2 and only traces of reductive elimination product, i.e. C6F5Me, are formed. Furthermore, the nickel ethyl complex trans‐[Ni(iPr2Im)2(Et)(C6F5)] 5 is also very stable, even with respect to β‐hydride elimination. After heating this complex to 100 °C for 24 hours there is still 26 % unreacted 5 left.