An Isolable Silicon Analogue of a Ketone that Contains an Unperturbed Si=O Double Bond

Geometry-Dependent Energy-Gap Modulation of π-Conjugated Systems Based on Hypervalent Silicon(IV)-Fused Azomethine Compounds

The colors of substances and emissions are determined by the width of the energy gap between frontier molecular orbitals. In general, significant structural transformation or chemical modification is essential to tune the energy gap. Herein, we reveal a hypervalent silicon compound that can form both square pyramidal (SPY) and trigonal bipyramidal (TBPY) geometries and demonstrate a novel technique to modulate the energy gap of the π-conjugated system. The energy gap in the TBPY geometry is narrower than that in the SPY geometry owing to the stronger contribution of a polarized three-center four-electron (3c-4e) bond and a nitrogen-silicon (N-Si) coordination, and the geometries are changeable by external stimuli such as photoirradiation and temperature variations. Correspondingly, the emission bands in the orange (λPL = 640 nm) and yellow (λPL = 579 nm) regions were observed from the TBPY geometry at room temperature and the SPY geometry at -196 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the geometry can be fixed to the TBPY geometry by introducing bulky substituents at silicon. These mechanisms are experimentally and theoretically clarified in detail. Our findings described here are expected to be a novel molecular design for creating stimuli-responsive materials.

Synthesis of a dilithiobutadiene bearing extremely bulky silyl substituents and its reactivity toward functionalized silanes

The synthesis and full characterization of 1,4-dilithio-1,4-bis(triisopropylsilyl)-2,3-diphenylbuta-1,3-diene (1b) are reported. This molecule featuring extremely bulky silyl groups at the 1- and 4-positions serves as a precursor for the synthesis of 2,5-bis(triisopropylsilyl)-3,4-diphenyl-1-silacyclopenta-1,3-dienes (siloles) bearing various substituents at the silicon atom (SiR2 = SiH2 (4), SiH(OMe) (5), SiF2 (6), SiBr2 (7), SiBr(OMe) (8)). Importantly, compounds 6 and 7 reacted with lithium to afford 2,5-bis(triisopropylsilyl)-3,4-diphenyldilithiosilole (9). The solid-state molecular structure and solution NMR spectra reveal the formation of an aromatic ring system, as opposed to the precursors 6 and 7, with two Li cations coordinated by the silacycle in η5-fashions. The sterically bulky dilithiosilole 9 can be applied as an important starting material in the pursuit of low-valent silicon species without donor stabilization.

One-Step Esterification of Phosphoric, Phosphonic and Phosphinic Acids with Organosilicates: Phosphorus Chemical Recycling of Sewage Waste

Global concerns regarding the depletion and strategic importance of phosphorus resources have increased demand for the recovery and recycling. However, waste-derived phosphorus compounds, primarily as chemically inert phosphoric acid or its salts, present a challenge to their direct conversion into high-value chemicals. We aimed to develop an innovative technology that utilizes the large quantities of sewage waste, bypasses the use of white phosphorus, and enables esterification of phosphoric acid to produce widely applicable phosphate triesters. Tetraalkyl orthosilicates emerged as highly effective reagents for the direct triple esterification of 85 % phosphoric acid, as well as the esterification of organophosphinic and phosphonic acids. Furthermore, we achieved esterification of recovered phosphoric acid with tetraalkyl orthosilicate, thus pioneering a recycling pathway from sewage waste to valuable phosphorus chemicals. Experimental and theoretical investigations revealed a novel mechanism, wherein tetraalkyl orthosilicates facilitate multimolecular aggregation to achieve alkyl transfer from tetraalkylorthosilicate to phosphoric acid via multiple proton shuttling.

Structural Snapshots on Stepwise Anionic Oxoborane Formation: Access to an Acyclic BO Ketone Analogue and Its Metathesis Chemistry with CO2 and CS2

In this work, we disclose the synthesis and characterization of non-acid/base-stabilized anionic oxoboranes [MesTer2BO][K(L)] (MesTer = -C6H3-2,6-(2,4,6-Me3-C6H2)2, L = [2.2.2]-cryptand or 18-crown-6), which are isoelectronic and isostructural with aryl-substituted ketones. The stepwise synthetic formation of these ion-separated oxoboranes is demonstrated on the one hand by the treatment of the parent borinic acid MesTer2BOH with N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) to give [MesTer2BO][HNHC] derivatives, and on the other hand by a deprotonation-sequestration sequence. Bearing polarized boron-oxygen moieties, their inherent reactivity toward both carbon disulfide and carbon dioxide reveals a unique π-bond metathesis reactivity to yield [(MesTer)2B-μ-E2C=E][K(L)] (E = O, S) derivatives.

Sulfur and Oxygen Transfer Reactions with Simultaneous NHC-Coordination from Cyclic Thioureas and Ureas to a Stable Silylene

Reactions of cyclic thioureas (1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-thione and 1,3-dimethylimidazolidin-2-thione) and ureas (1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-one and 1,3-dimethylimidazolidin-2-one) with an isolable dialkylsilylene were examined. In these reactions, cyclic thioureas served as sulfur and NHC (N-heterocyclic carbene) sources, and the corresponding silanethione and NHC-derived products formed via silanethione-NHC complexes. Reactions of cyclic ureas with the silylene afforded a new NHC and an isolable azomethine ylide. These reactions involved oxygen atom transfer and 1,3-silyl migrations, which were supported by computational studies.

Structural Snapshots of Reversible Carbon Dioxide Capture and (De)oxygenation at Group 14 Diradicaloids

Although diradicals should exhibit a rather small reaction barrier as compared to closed-shell species for activating kinetically inert molecules, the activation and functionalization of carbon dioxide with stable main-group diradicals remain virtually unexplored. In this work, we present a thorough study on CO2 activation, reversible capture, and (de)oxygenation mediated by stable Group 14 singlet diradicals (i.e., diradicaloids) [(ADC)E]2 (E = Si, Ge, Sn) based on an anionic dicarbene (ADC) framework (ADC = PhC{N(Dipp)C}2; Dipp = 2,6-iPr2C6H3). [(ADC)E]2 readily undergo [4 + 2]-cycloadditions with CO2 to result in barrelene-type bis-metallylenes [(ADC)E]2(OC═O). The CO2 addition is reversible for E = Ge; thus, CO2 detaches under vacuum or at an elevated temperature and regenerates [(ADC)Ge]2. [(ADC)Sn]2(OC═O) is isolable but deoxygenates additional CO2 to form [(ADC)Sn]2(O2CO) and CO. [(ADC)Si]2(OC═O) is extremely reactive and could not be isolated or detected as it spontaneously reacts further with CO2 to yield elusive monomeric Si(IV) oxides [(ADC)Si(O)]2(COn) or carbonates [(ADC)Si(CO3)]2(COn) (n = 1 or 2) via the (de)oxygenation of CO2. The molecular structures of all isolated compounds have been established by X-ray diffraction, and a mechanistic insight of their formation has been suggested by DFT calculations.

Stable Strained Donor-Free Silanone and Its Derived NHC-Stabilized Disilacyclobutadiene and Cyclic Alkenyl Silylene

The strained silanone 2 was obtained by the reaction of disilacyclobutene 1 with N2O. Silanone 2 exhibited unprecedented thermal stability in both the solid state and solution. DFT calculations on 2 revealed that the highly polarized Si═O double bond is effectively stabilized by its electron delocalization with the unsaturated Si2C2 ring. Treatment of 2 with 1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazolin-2-ylidene yielded the first Lewis base-stabilized disilacyclobutadiene 3 via a 1,3-boryl migration. Reaction of 2 with HCCH and Me3SiN3 resulted in the addition of C-H and Si-N bonds to the Si═O double bond. Interestingly, irradiation of 2 at rt yielded oxosilanes 7A and 7B in C6D6 and n-hexane, respectively, via the 1,2-boryl migration and ring expansion, whereas photolysis at -60 °C led to the formation of cyclic alkenyl silylene 8.

Silylenes with a Small Chalcogenide Substituent: Tuning Frontier Orbital Energies from O to Te

The general synthesis of heteroleptic acyclic silylenes with a bulky carbazolyl substituent (dtbpCbz) is detailed and a series of compounds with a chalcogenide substituent of the type [(dtbpCbz)SiE16R] (E16R=OtBu, SEt, SePh, TePh) is reported. With the bulky carbazolyl substituent present, the chalcogenide moiety can be very small, as is shown by incorporating groups as small as ethyl, phenyl or tert-butyl. For the first time, the electronic properties of the silylene can be tuned along a complete series of chalcogenide substituents. The effects are clearly visible in the NMR and UV/Vis spectra, and were rationalised by DFT computations. The reactivity of the heaviest chalcogenide-substituted silylenes was probed by reactions with trimethylphosphine selenide and the terphenyl azide TerN3 (Ter=2,6-dimesitylphenyl).

Ferrocene-Based N-Heterocyclic Silylenes: Monomeric Silanechalcogenones, Silanimines, Silirenes, and Insertion Products with P4

The stable ferrocene-based N-heterocyclic silylenes fc[(N{B})2Si] (A; fc=1,1'-ferrocenylene, {B}=(HCNDipp)2B, Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl) and fc[(NDipp)2Si] (B) are compared in a study focussing on their reactivity towards a range of small to moderately sized molecular substrates, viz. P4, S8, Se8, MesN3 (Mes=mesityl), RC≡CH, and RC≡CR (R=Ph, SiMe3). The Dipp-substituted congener B exhibits a more pronounced ambiphilicity and is sterically less congested than its 1,3,2-diazaborolyl-substituted relative A, in line with the higher reactivity of the former. The difference in reactivity is obviously due more to electronic than to steric reasons, as is illustrated by the fact that both A and B react with the comparatively bulky substrate MesN3 under mild conditions to afford the corresponding silanimine fc[(N{B})2Si=NMes] and fc[(NDipp)2Si=NMes], respectively. The heavier ketone analogues fc[(N{B})2Si=E] (E=S, Se, Te) are readily available from A and the corresponding chalcogen. In contrast, the reaction of the more reactive silylene B with elemental sulfur or selenium is unspecific, affording product mixtures. However, fc[(NDipp)2Si=Se] is selectively prepared from B and (Et2N)3PSe; the Te analogue is also accessible, but crystallises as head-to-tail dimer.

Boryl Ancillary Ligands: Influencing Stability and Reactivity of Amidinato-Silanone and Germanone Systems in Ammonia Activation

While the nucleophilic addition of ammonia to ketones is an archetypal reaction in classical organic chemistry, the reactivity of heavier group 14 carbonyl analogues (R2E=O; E=Si, Ge, Sn, or Pb) with NH3 remains sparsely investigated, primarily due to the synthetic difficulties in accessing heavier ketone congeners. Herein, we present a room-temperature stable boryl-substituted amidinato-silanone {(HCDippN)2B}{PhC(tBuN)2}Si=O (Dipp=2,6-iPr2C6H3) (together with its germanone analogue), formed from the corresponding silylene under a N2O atmosphere. This system reacts cleanly with ammonia in 1,2-fashion to give an isolable sila-hemiaminal complex {(HCDippN)2B}{PhC(tBuN)2}Si(OH)(NH2). Quantum chemical calculations reveal that the formation of this sila-hemiaminal is crucially dependent on the nature of the ancillary ligand scaffold. It is facilitated thermodynamically by the hemi-lability of the amidinate ligand (which allows for the formation of an energetically critical intramolecular N⋅⋅⋅HO hydrogen bond within the product) and is enabled mech-anistically by a process in which the silanone initially acts in umpolung fashion as a base (rather than an acid), due to the strongly electron-releasing and sterically bulky nature of the ancillary boryl ligand.

An Isolable THF-Coordinated Dialkylgermanone

A stable dialkylgermanone was generated by mixing a solid of the corresponding dialkylgermylene and gaseous N2O. While the dialkylgermanone is marginally persistent in solution and gradually converts to its head-to-tail dimer at room temperature, the addition of THF to the dialkylgermanone provided an isolable THF-coordinated dialkylgermanone. The THF-coordinated dialkylgermanone reacts with H2O, THF, and B(C6F5)3 similar to the corresponding base-free two-coordinate dialkylsilanone. The dialkylgermanone undergoes deoxygenation in the presence of triphenylphosphine to provide the corresponding germylene and olefination upon treatment with phosphaylide Ph3PCHPh to afford the corresponding Ge=C bond compound (germa-Wittig reaction).

Reactions of (mesityl)n(methyl)2-nsilylene complexes with pyridine-N-oxide (n = 1 and 0): formation of silanone complexes and a disiloxanyloxy complex

Silanones (OSiR2), a heavier congener of ketones (R2CO), are highly reactive species that are readily converted to oligomeric siloxane (O-SiR2)n. Coordination of silanones to the transition-metal fragments to afford silanone-coordinated complexes is a reliable silanone stabilization method. Recently, our group reported the synthesis, structures, and reactivity of dimesityl-substituted silanone complexes Cp*(OC)2M{OSiMes2(L)}(SiMe3) (M = W, Mo, L: Lewis base, Cp*: η5-C5Me5, Mes: 2,4,6-Me3C6H2). Herein, to investigate the effect of substituents on the silicon atom during the formation of a silanone complex, we demonstrated the use of Mes and smaller Me groups. As a result, the formation of Mes(Me)-substituted silanone molybdenum complex Cp*(OC)2Mo{OSiMes(Me)(py)}(SiMe3) (5b, py: pyridine) was suggested, the silanone tungsten complex Cp*(OC)2W{OSiMes(Me)(DMAP)}(SiMe3) (4a, DMAP: 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine) was obtained, and a dimethyl-substituted disiloxanyloxy(dioxo) complex Cp*(O)2W(OSiMe2OSiMe3) (9) was formed. The reaction of 4a with PMe3 proceeded via the elimination of DMAP and migration of the SiMe3 group to the oxygen atom of the silanone ligand to afford Cp*(OC)2W(SiMes(Me)OSiMe3)(PMe3) (11a). The Mo complex Cp*(OC)2Mo(SiMes(Me)OSiMe3)(PMe3) (11b) was produced by the reaction of Cp*(OC)2Mo{SiMes(Me)}(SiMe3) (7b) with pyridine-N-oxide in the presence of PMe3.

Recent advances in the chemistry of isolable carbene analogues with group 13-15 elements

Carbenes (R2C:), compounds with a divalent carbon atom containing only six valence shell electrons, have evolved into a broader class with the replacement of the carbene carbon or the RC moiety with main group elements, leading to the creation of main group carbene analogues. These analogues, mirroring the electronic structure of carbenes (a lone pair of electrons and an empty orbital), demonstrate unique reactivity. Over the last three decades, this area has seen substantial advancements, paralleling the innovations in carbene chemistry. Recent studies have revealed a spectrum of unique carbene analogues, such as monocoordinate aluminylenes, nitrenes, and bismuthinidenes, notable for their extraordinary properties and diverse reactivity, offering promising applications in small molecule activation. This review delves into the isolable main group carbene analogues that are in the forefront from 2010 and beyond, spanning elements from group 13 (B, Al, Ga, In, and Tl), group 14 (Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb) and group 15 (N, P, As, Sb, and Bi). Specifically, this review focuses on the potential amphiphilic species that possess both lone pairs of electrons and vacant orbitals. We detail their comprehensive synthesis and stabilization strategies, outlining the reactivity arising from their distinct structural characteristics.

En Route to a Molecular Terminal Tin Oxide

In the pursuit of terminal tin chalcogenides, heteroleptic stannylenes bearing terphenyl- and hexamethyldisilazide ligands were reacted with carbodiimides to yield the respective guanidinato complexes. Further supported by quantum chemical calculations, this revealed that the iso-propyl-substituted derivative provides the maximum steric protection achievable. Oxidation with elemental selenium produced monomeric terminal tin selenides with four-coordinate tin centers. In reactions with N2O as oxygen transfer reagent, silyl migration toward putative terminal tin oxide intermediates gave rise to tin complexes with terminal ─OSiMe3 functionality. To prevent silyl migration, the silyl groups were substituted with cyclohexyl moieties. This analogue exhibited distinctively different reactivities toward selenium and N2O, yielding a 1,2,3,4,5-tetraselenastannolane and chalcogenide-bridged dimeric compounds, respectively.

Approach to the "Missing" Diarylsilylene: Formation, Characterization, and Intramolecular C-H Bond Activation of Blue Diarylsilylenes with Bulky Rind Groups

The treatment of the bulky Rind-based dibromosilanes, (Rind)2SiBr2 (2) [Rind = 1,1,7,7-tetra-R1-3,3,5,5-tetra-R2-s-hydrindacen-4-yl: EMind (a: R1 = Et, R2 = Me) and Eind (b: R1 = R2 = Et)], with two equivalents of tBuLi in Et2O at low temperatures resulted in the formation of blue solutions derived from the diarylsilylenes, (Rind)2Si: (3). Upon warming the solutions above -20 °C, the blue color gradually faded, accompanying the decomposition of 3 and yielding cyclic hydrosilanes (4) via intramolecular C-H bond insertion at the Si(II) center. The molecular structures of the bulky Eind-based 3b and 4b were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Thus, at -20 °C, blue crystals were formed (Crystal-A), which were identified as mixed crystals of 3b and 4b. Additionally, colorless crystals of 4b as a singular component were isolated (Crystal-B), whose structure was also determined by an X-ray diffraction analysis. Although the isolation of 3 was difficult due to their thermally labile nature, their structural characteristics and electronic properties were discussed based on the experimental findings complemented by computational results. We also examined the hydrolysis of 3b to afford the silanol, (Eind)2SiH(OH) (5b).

Stabilization and One Electron Reduction of a Silicon Analogue of a Carboxylic Acid Anhydride

Reaction of the 1,2-disilylenes {(DipAr Am)Si}2 (DipAr Am=[(NDip)2 CAr]- , Dip=2,6-diisopropylphenyl, Ar=4-C6 H4 But (Ar') 1 a or Ph 1 b) and two abnormal N-heterocyclic silylenes, (DipAr Am)SiOCSi{(NDip)2 CAr} (Ar=Ar' 3 a or Ph 3 b) with N2 O led to formation of unprecedented examples of uncoordinated silicon analogues of carboxylic acid anhydrides, (DipAr Am)(O=)SiOSi(=O)(DipAr Am) (Ar=Ar' 2 a or Ph 2 b). Both compounds have been fully characterized, and the mechanism of formation of one explored using DFT calculations. Reduction of sila-acid anhydride 2 a with a dimagnesium(I) compound, [{(Mes Nacnac)Mg}2 ] (Mes Nacnac=[(MesNCMe)2 CH]- , Mes=mesityl), led to the one-electron reduction of the anhydride and formation of a magnesium complex of a sila-acid anhydride radical anion [(Mes Nacnac)Mg{(OSi(DipAr' Am)}2 O] 5. A combination of EPR spectroscopic studies and DFT calculations reveal the unpaired electron to largely reside on one of the amidinate ligands of the complex.

Crystalline Neutral Aluminum Selenide/Telluride: Isoelectronic Aluminum Analogues of Carbonyls

Neutral aluminum chalcogenides (R-Al(L)═Ch; L = ligand, Ch = chalcogen), stabilized by a Lewis base ligand, represent isoelectronic counterparts to carbonyl compounds and have long been pursued for isolation. Herein, we present the synthesis of an aluminum selenide, [N]-Al(ⁱPr₂-bimy)═Se, and an aluminum telluride, [N]-Al(ⁱPr₂-bimy)═Te, under ambient conditions ([N] = 1,8-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-3,6-di-tert-butylcarbazolyl; ⁱPr₂-bimy = 1,3-diisoproplylbenzimidazole-2-ylidene). These compounds arise from the oxidation reaction of [N]-Al(ⁱPr₂-bimy) with Se and (ⁿBu)₃P═Te, respectively. One notable characteristic of the Al and Ch interaction is the presence of an Al-Ch σ bond, strengthened by the electrostatic attraction between the Al⁺ and Ch^- centers as well as the donation of lone pairs from Ch into vacant orbitals at Al. This results in an Al-Ch multiple bond with an ambiphilic nature. Preliminary investigations into their reactivity unveil their remarkable propensity for facile (cyclo)addition reactions with diverse substrates, including PhCCH, PhCN, AdN₃, MeI, PhSiH₃, and C₆F₆, leading to the formation of unprecedented main group heterocycles and alumachalcogenides.

Isolation, bonding and reactivity of a monomeric stibine oxide

In contrast to phosphine oxides and arsine oxides, which are common and exist as stable monomeric species featuring the corresponding pnictoryl functional group (Pn=O/Pn⁺-O^-; Pn = P, As), stibine oxides are generally polymeric, and the properties of the unperturbed stiboryl group (Sb=O/Sb⁺-O^-) remain unexplored. We now report the isolation of the monomeric stibine oxide, Dipp₃SbO (where Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl). Spectroscopic, crystallographic and computational studies provide insight into the nature of the Sb=O/Sb⁺-O^- bond. Moreover, isolation of Dipp₃SbO allows the chemistry of the stiboryl group to be explored. Here we show that Dipp₃SbO can act as a Brønsted base, a hydrogen-bond acceptor and a transition-metal ligand, in addition engaging in 1,2-addition, O-for-F₂ exchange and O-atom transfer. In all cases, the reactivity of Dipp₃SbO differed from that of the lighter congeners Dipp₃AsO and Dipp₃PO.

Base-Stabilized Neutral Oxoborane and Thioxoborane Supported by a Bis(oxazolinyl)(phenyl)methanide Ligand

Base-stabilized neutral oxoborane and thioxoborane supported by a bis(oxazolinyl)(phenyl)methanide ligand have been synthesized and structurally characterized. While previous synthetic attempts of oxoborane ligated by β-diketiminate (NacNac) did not allow for its isolation in acid-free form, oxoborane supported by a bis(oxazolinyl)(phenyl)methanide ligand is isolable, due to the absence of imine ɑ-protons and steric protection of enamine carbon. Crystallographic analysis revealed the presence of a B-O double bond close to the shortest end of the reported lengths. Its reactivity has also been examined, and it was majorly governed by the nucleophilicity and basicity of the oxygen atom. The chemical inertness and synthetic convenience of the bis(oxazolinyl)(phenyl)methanide scaffold presented in this work suggest its utility as an innocent alternative to the NacNac scaffold.

Frustrated Lewis pair-ligated tetrelenes

The reactivity of [PB{SiX₂}] (X = Cl, Br; PB = 1,2-ⁱPr₂(C₆H₄)BCy₂; E = Si, Ge) adducts is described, with an initial focus on reduction attempts to access [PB{E}]_x species; however, in all cases only free PB ligand was formed as the soluble product. Moreover, computations were performed to evaluate the energy penalty associated with EX₂ dissociation from the PB chelates. Moving up the periodic table, the formal methylene adduct [PB{CH₂}] was isolated and its reactivity was compared with its heavier element congeners of [PB{EH₂}]. We also introduce new phosphine-borane frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chelates and explore preliminary coordination chemistry with these ligands.

Recent advances in the chemistry of heavier group 14 analogues of carbonyls

Heavier analogues of carbonyls, in the form of "R2E=O" (E = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb), feature a high polar E=O double bond. In contrast to carbonyl compounds, heavier analogues are extremely unstable and prone to proceed head-to-tail oligomerization. Thus, the isolation of such species under ambient conditions is a challenging synthetic target in main group chemistry. In recent years, much progress has been achieved in the synthesis and isolation of a variety of Lewis base/acid, Lewis base-stabilized and even Lewis acid/base free heavier analogues. These compounds exhibit interesting reactivities, such as small molecule activation and metathesis reactions, indicating the potential of heavier analogues in synthetic chemistry. This review summarizes the recent achievements in the chemistry of Lewis base and/or acid stabilized heavier analogues of carbonyls, including synthetic approaches, structural parameters and reactivity of these isolable compounds.

Synthesis and structure of a pyridine-stabilized silanone molybdenum complex and its reactions with PMe3 and acetone

The synthesis, structure and reactivity of a pyridine-stabilized silanone molybdenum complex are described.

Perfluorinated Trialkoxysilanol with Dramatically Increased Brønsted Acidity

The Brønsted acidity of the perfluorinated trialkoxysilanol {(F₃C)₃CO}₃SiOH is more than 13 orders of magnitude higher than that of orthosilicic acid, Si(OH)₄, and even more for most previously known silanols. It is easily deprotonated by simple amines and pyridines to give the conjugate silanolates [OSi{OC(CF₃)₃}₃]⁻, which possess extremely short Si−O bonds, comparable to those of silanones.

An Isolable Three-Coordinate Germanone and Its Reactivity

A rare three-coordinate germanone [IPrN]2 Ge=O (IPrN=bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-imino) was successfully isolated. The germanone has a rather high thermal stability in arene solvent, and no detectable change was observed at 80 °C for at least one week. However, high thermal stability of [IPrN]2 Ge=O does not prevent its reactivity toward small molecules. Structural analysis and initial reactivity studies revealed the highly polarized nature of the terminal Ge=O bond. Besides, the addition of phenylacetylene, as well as O-atom transfer with 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide make it a mimic of nucleophilic transition-metal oxides. Mechanism for O-atom transfer reaction was investigated via DFT calculations, which revealed that the reaction proceeds via a [2+2] cycloaddition intermediate.

Molecular Main Group Metal Hydrides

This review serves to document advances in the synthesis, versatile bonding, and reactivity of molecular main group metal hydrides within Groups 1, 2, and 12-16. Particular attention will be given to the emerging use of said hydrides in the rapidly expanding field of Main Group element-mediated catalysis. While this review is comprehensive in nature, focus will be given to research appearing in the open literature since 2001.

Thiophosphonium-Alkyne Cycloaddition Reactions: A Heavy Congener of the Carbonyl-Alkyne Metathesis

While the metathesis reaction between alkynes and thiocarbonyl compounds has been thoroughly studied, the reactivity of alkynes with isoelectronic main group R₂E=S compounds is rarely reported and unknown for [R₂P=S]⁺ analogues. We show that thiophosphonium ions, which are the isoelectronic phosphorus congeners to thiocarbonyl compounds, undergo [2 + 2]-cycloaddition reactions with different alkynes to generate 1,2-thiaphosphete ions. The four-membered ring species are in an equilibrium state with the corresponding P=C–C=S heterodiene structure and thus undergo hetero-Diels–Alder reactions with acetonitrile. Heteroatom and substituent effects on the energy profile of the 1,2-thiaphosphete formation were elucidated by means of quantum chemical methods.

We show that thiophosphonium ions, which are the isoelectronic phosphorus congeners to thiocarbonyl compounds, undergo [2 + 2]-cycloaddition reactions with different alkynes to generate 1,2-thiaphosphete ions. The four-membered ring species are in an equilibrium state with the corresponding P=C−C=S heterodiene structure and thus undergo hetero-Diels−Alder reactions with acetonitrile. Heteroatom and substituent effects on the energy profile of the 1,2-thiaphosphete formation were elucidated by means of quantum chemical methods.

Strained and Reactive Donor/Acceptor-Supported Metallasilanone

A novel stable donor/acceptor-supported Mn^I -metallasilanone 3 was synthesized. The intramolecular silanone-Mn^I interaction induces a highly strained three-membered cyclic structure, leading to an exceptionally high reactivity of 3 as a donor/acceptor complex of silanone. Indeed, metallasilanone 3 readily reacts with various small molecules such as H₂ or ethylene gas in mild conditions.

Distinctly different reactivity of bis(silylenyl)-versus phosphanyl-silylenyl-substituted o-dicarborane towards O2, N2O and CO2

In stark contrast to the reactivity of the bis-silylenyl dicarborane CB-Si2 (1) [CB = ortho-C,C'-C2B10H10, Si = PhC(tBuN)2Si] towards O2, N2O, and CO2, yielding the same dioxygenation product CB-Si2O2 (2) with a four-membered 1,3,2,4-disiladioxetane ring, the activation of the latter small molecules with the phosphanyl-silylenyl-functionalised CB-SiP (3) {P[double bond, length as m-dash]P[N(tBu)CH2]2} affords with O2 the CB-Si([double bond, length as m-dash]O)P([double bond, length as m-dash]O) silanone-phosphine oxide (4), with N2O the CB-Si([double bond, length as m-dash]O)P silanone-phosphine (5), and with CO2 the CB-Si(O2C[double bond, length as m-dash]O)P silicon carbonate-phosphine (6) and CB-C([double bond, length as m-dash]O)OSiOP ester (7), respectively.

Charge frustration in ligand design and functional group transfer

Molecules with different resonance structures of similar importance, such as heterocumulenes and mesoionics, are prominent in many applications of chemistry, including 'click chemistry', photochemistry, switching and sensing. In coordination chemistry, similar chameleonic/schizophrenic entities are referred to as ambidentate/ambiphilic or cooperative ligands. Examples of these had remained, for a long time, limited to a handful of archetypal compounds that were mere curiosities. In this Review, we describe ambiphilicity - or, rather, 'charge frustration' - as a general guiding principle for ligand design and functional group transfer. We first give a historical account of organic zwitterions and discuss their electronic structures and applications. Our discussion then focuses on zwitterionic ligands and their metal complexes, such as those of ylidic and redox-active ligands. Finally, we present new approaches to single-atom transfer using cumulated small molecules and outline emerging areas, such as bond activation and stable donor-acceptor ligand systems for reversible 1e^- chemistry or switching.

Lewis base-free thiophosphonium ion: a cationic sulfur atom transfer reagent

Phosphorus(v) sulfide and Lawesson's reagent are commonly used thionating reagents which are considered to operate after dissociation into highly reactive dithiophosphorane fragments. We report the synthesis and properties of a monomeric thiophosphonium ion [R2P[double bond, length as m-dash]S]+. The highly electrophilic species reacts with carbonyls in oxo-for-sulfido exchange reactions at room temperature and undergoes phosphorus-chalcogen bond metathesis reactions with phosphine chalcogenides.

Construction of Inorganic Crown Ethers by s-Block-Metal-Templated Si-O Bond Activation

We herein report the synthesis, structures, coordination ability, and mechanism of formation of silicon analogs of crown ethers. An oligomerization of 2 D2 (I) (2 Dn ,=(Me4 Si2 O)n ) was achieved by the reaction with GaI3 and MIx (M=Li, Na, Mg, Ca, Sr). In these reactions the metal cations serve as template and the anions (I- /[GaI4 ]- ) are required as nucleophiles. In case of MIx =LiI, [Li(2 D3 )GaI4 ] (1) is formed. In case of MIx =NaI, MgI2 , CaI2 , and SrI2 the compounds [M(2 D4 )(GaI4 )x ] (M=Mg2+ (3), Ca2+ (4), Sr2+ (5) are obtained. Furthermore the proton complex [H(2 D3 )][Ga2 I7 ] (6) was isolated and structurally characterized. All complexes were characterized by means of multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, DOSY experiments and, except for compound 3, also by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Quantum chemical calculations were carried out to compare the affinity of M+ to 2 Dn and other ligands and to shed light on the formation of larger rings from smaller ones.

Acid-Base Free Main Group Carbonyl Analogues

Main group carbonyl analogues (R2 E=O) derived from p-block elements (E=groups 13 to 15) have long been considered as elusive species. Previously, employment of chemical tricks such as acid- and base-stabilization protocols granted access to these transient species in their masked forms. However, electronic and steric effects inevitably perturb their chemical reactivity and distinguish them from classical carbonyl compounds. A new era was marked by the recent isolation of acid-base free main group carbonyl analogues, ranging from a lighter boracarbonyl to the heavier silacarbonyls, phosphacarbonyls and a germacarbonyl. Most importantly, their unperturbed nature elicits exciting new chemistry, spanning the vista from classical organic carbonyl-type reactions to transition metal-like oxide ion transfer chemistry. In this Review, we survey the strategies used for the isolation of such systems and document their emerging reactivity profiles, with a view to providing fundamental comparisons both with carbon and transition metal oxo species. This highlights the emerging opportunities for exciting "crossover" reactivity offered by these derivatives of the p-block elements.

A Photoionization Study on the Detection of 1-Sila Glycolaldehyde (HSiOCH2 OH), 2-Sila Acetic Acid (H3 SiCOOH), and 1,2-Disila Acetaldehyde (HSiOSiH3 )

The identification of silicon-substituted, complex organics carrying multiple functional groups by classical infrared spectroscopy is challenging because the group frequencies of functional groups often overlap. Photoionization (PI) reflectron time-of-fight mass spectrometry (ReTOF-MS) in combination with temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) holds certain advantages because molecules are identified after sublimation from the matrix into in the gas phase based on distinct ionization energies and sublimation temperatures. In this study, we reveal the detection of 1-silaglycolaldehyde (HSiOCH₂ OH), 2-sila-acetic acid (H₃ SiCOOH), and 1,2-disila-acetaldehyde (H₃ SiSiHO)-the silicon analogues of the well-known glycolaldehyde (HCOCH₂ OH), acetic acid (H₃ CCOOH), and acetaldehyde (H₃ CCHO), in the gas phase after preparation in silane (SiH₄ )-carbon dioxide ices exposed to energetic electrons and subliming the neutral reaction products formed within the ices into the gas phase.

Superseding β-Diketiminato Ligands: An Amido Imidazoline-2-Imine Ligand Stabilizes the Exhaustive Series of B=X Boranes (X=O, S, Se, Te)

Boron reluctantly forms B=X (X=O, S, Se, Te) moieties, which has stimulated the quest for such species in the past few years. Based on the N,N'-chelating β-diketiminato ligand (HNacNac), a new amido imidazoline-2-imine ligand system (HAmIm) is presented, giving rise to the isolation of an exhaustive series of Lewis acid free, monomeric chalcogen B=X boranes with documented π-bond character between boron and the chalcogen. The chalcogenoboranes are isoelectronic and isolobal to the respective ketones. The chemical behavior of the oxoborane (B=O) strongly resembles the classical carbonyl reactivity in C=O bonds. The improved stability provided by HAmIm arises from the formation of more-stable five-membered boron chelates versus the six-membered NacNac analogues and from the imidazoline-2-imine moiety providing enhanced σ- and π-donation. The HAmIm ligand class may supersede the widely employed NacNac system in certain applications.

A Xanthene-Based Mono-Anionic PON Ligand: Exploiting a Bulky, Electronically Unsymmetrical Donor in Main Group Chemistry

The synthesis of a novel mono-anionic phosphino-amide ligand based on a xanthene backbone is reported, togetherr with the corresponding GaI complex, (PON)Ga (PON = 4-(di(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)phosphino)-5-(2,6-diisopropylanilido)-2,7-di-tert-butyl-9,9-dimethylxanthene). The solid-state structure of (PON)Ga (obtained from X-ray crystallography) reveals very weak O⋅⋅⋅Ga and P⋅⋅⋅Ga interactions, consistent with a R2 NGa fragment which closely resembles those found in one-coordinate amidogallium systems. Strong N-to-Ga π donation from the amido substituent is reflected in a very short N-Ga distance (1.961(2) Å), while the P⋅⋅⋅Ga contact (3.076(1) Å) is well outside the sum of the respective covalent radii. While the donor properties of the PON ligand towards GaI are highly unsymmetrical, oxidation to GaIII leads to much stronger coordination of the pendant phosphine as shown by P-Ga distances which are up to 20 % shorter. From a steric perspective, the PON ligand is shown to be significantly bulkier than related β-diketiminate systems, a finding consistent with reactions of (PON)Ga towards O-atom sources that proceed without oligomerization. Despite this, the enhanced P-donor properties brought about by oxidation at gallium are not sufficient to quench the reactivity of the highly polar Ga-O unit. Instead, intramolecular benzylic C-H activation is observed across the Ga-O bond of a transient gallanone intermediate.

A Stable N-Heterocyclic Silylene with a 1,1'-Ferrocenediyl Backbone

The N-heterocyclic silylene [{Fe(η5 -C5 H4 -NDipp)2 }Si] (1DippSi, Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl) shows an excellent combination of pronounced thermal stability and high reactivity towards small molecules. It reacts readily with CO2 and N2 O, respectively affording (1DippSiO2 )2 C and (1DippSiO)2 as follow-up products of the silanone 1DippSiO. Its reactions with H2 O, NH3 , and FcPH2 (Fc=ferrocenyl) furnish the respective oxidative addition products 1DippSi(H)X (X=OH, NH2 , PHFc). Its reaction with H3 BNH3 unexpectedly results in B-H, instead of N-H, bond activation, affording 1DippSi(H)(BH2 NH3 ). DFT results suggest that dramatically different mechanisms are operative for these H-X insertions.

Frustrated Lewis Pair Chelation as a Vehicle for Low-Temperature Semiconductor Element and Polymer Deposition

The stabilization of silicon(II) and germanium(II) dihydrides by an intramolecular Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP) ligand, PB, ⁱ Pr₂ P(C₆ H₄ )BCy₂ (Cy=cyclohexyl) is reported. The resulting hydride complexes [PB{SiH₂ }] and [PB{GeH₂ }] are indefinitely stable at room temperature, yet can deposit films of silicon and germanium, respectively, upon mild thermolysis in solution. Hallmarks of this work include: 1) the ability to recycle the FLP phosphine-borane ligand (PB) after element deposition, and 2) the single-source precursor [PB{SiH₂ }] deposits Si films at a record low temperature from solution (110 °C). The dialkylsilicon(II) adduct [PB{SiMe₂ }] was also prepared, and shown to release poly(dimethylsilane) [SiMe₂ ]_n upon heating. Overall, this study introduces a "closed loop" deposition strategy for semiconductors that steers materials science away from the use of harsh reagents or high temperatures.