Lewis Base Supported Terminal Thorium Imido Metallocene [η5-1,3-(Me3C)2C5H3]2Th(═Ndipp)(dmap): Its Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity

Addition of dippNH2 (dipp = 2,6-iPr2Ph) to a toluene solution of thorium dimethyl metallocene (Cp2tBu)2ThMe2 (1; Cp2tBu = η5-1,3-(Me3C)2C5H3) in the presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (dmap) affords the Lewis base supported terminal thorium imido metallocene, (Cp2tBu)2Th(═Ndipp)(dmap) (3), concomitant with methane release. Complex 3 acts as a synthon for the (Cp2tBu)2Th(II) fragment when exposed to Ph2E2 (E = S, Se). Moreover, it activates conjugated alkynes, ketones, thio-ketones, CS2, isothiocyanates, seleno-ketones, esters, diazabutadienes, carbodiimides, organic azides, and chlorosilanes, resulting in pyridyl alkenyl complexes, dimeric oxido, sulfido, and selenido complexes, alkoxido amidate, (hetero)metallacycle, bis-amido, and dichloride complexes, respectively. Furthermore, it engages in deprotonation reactions with thiazole, terminal alkyne, ketones, amidate, imine, nitriles, and isonitriles, forming the amido thiazolyl complex, bis-alkynyl complexes, amido enolyl complexes, bis-amidates, amido-iminato complexes, amido pyridyl complexes, iminato complexes, and bis-amido complexes, respectively. In addition, it undergoes a Cannizarro-type reaction with aromatic aldehydes or Friedel-Crafts alkylation with Ph3CN3, respectively. Lastly, it forms a heterobimetallic complex (Cp2tBu)2Th(Cl)[N(dipp)Cu(dmap)] (34) in the presence of CuCl. Furthermore, substituent effects on the cyclopentadienyl and imido ligands that modulate the reactivity have been further probed.

Enantioselective Hydroaminations Catalyzed by Yttrium(III)-Bis(sulfoximine) Complexes

Bis(sulfoximine) yttrium complexes as catalysts for enantioselective intramolecular hydroaminations were prepared for the first time and characterized by a multinuclear NMR study including the nuclei 1H, 13C, 15N and 89Y. The stoichiometries of the complexes were confirmed by a Job plot. In addition to the experimental results, the 89Y NMR shifts and the complex structures were elucidated by DFT calculations.

f-Element Zintl Chemistry: Actinide-Mediated Dehydrocoupling of H2Sb1- Affords the Trithorium and Triuranium Undeca-Antimontriide Zintl Clusters [{An(TrenTIPS)}3(μ3-Sb11)] (An = Th, U; TrenTIPS = {N(CH2CH2NSiiPr3)3}3-)

Reaction of the cesium antimonide complex [Cs(18C6)2][SbH2] (1, 18C6 = 18-crown-6 ether) with the triamidoamine actinide separated ion pairs [An(TrenTIPS)(L)][BPh4] (TrenTIPS = {N(CH2CH2NSiiPr3)3}3-; An/L = Th/DME (2Th); U/THF (2U)) affords the triactinide undeca-antimontriide Zintl clusters [{An(TrenTIPS)}3(μ3-Sb11)] (An = Th (3Th), U (3U)) by dehydrocoupling. Clusters 3Th and 3U provide two new examples of the Sb113- Zintl trianion and are unprecedented examples of molecular Sb113- being coordinated to anything since all previous reports featured isolated Sb113- Zintl trianions in separated ion quadruple formulations with noncoordinating cations. Quantum chemical calculations describe dominant ionic An-Sb interactions in 3Th and 3U, though the data suggest that the latter exhibits slightly more covalent An-Sb linkages than the former. Complexes 3Th and 3U have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR, IR, and UV/vis/NIR spectroscopies, elemental analysis, and quantum chemical calculations.

Influence of 1,2,4-Tri-tert-butylcyclopentadienyl Ligand on the Reactivity of the Thorium Bipyridyl Metallocene [η5-1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2Th(bipy)]

The thorium bipyridyl metallocene (Cp3tBu)2Th(bipy) (1; Cp3tBu = η5-1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2) shows a rich reactivity toward a series of small molecules. For example, complex 1 may act as a synthon for the (Cp3tBu)2Th(II) fragment as illustrated by its reactivity toward to CuI, hydrazine derivative (PhNH)2, Ph2E2 (E = S, Se), elemental sulfur (S8) and selenium (Se), organic azides, CS2, and isothiocyanates. Moreover, in the presence of polar multiple bonds, such as those in ketones Ph2CO and (CH2)5CO, aldehydes p-MePhCHO and p-ClPhCHO, seleno-ketone (p-MeOPh)2CSe, nitriles PhCN, Ph2CHCN, C6H11CN, and p-(NC)2Ph, and benzoyl cyanide PhCOCN, C-C coupling occurs to furnish (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy)(Ph2CO)] (10), (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy)((CH2)5CO)] (11), (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy)(p-MePhCHO)] (12), (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy)(p-ClPhCHO)] (13), (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy){(p-MeOPh)2CSe}] (14), (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy)(PhCN)] (16), (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy)(Ph2CHCN)] (17), (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy)(C6H11CN)] (18), [(Cp3tBu)2Th]2{μ-(bipy)[p-Ph(CN)2](bipy)} (20), and (Cp3tBu)2Th{(bipy)[PhC(CN)O]} (21), respectively. Nevertheless, ketazine (PhCH═N)2 or benzyl nitrile PhCH2CN forms the dimeric complexes [(Cp3tBu)Th]2[μ-NC(Ph)(bipy)]2 (15) and (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy){C(═CHPh)NH}] (19), respectively. In contrast, C-N bond cleavage and C-C coupling processes occur upon addition of isonitriles Me3CNC and C6H11NC to 1 to yield the thorium isocyanido amido complexes (Cp3tBu)2Th[4-(Me3C)bipy](NC) (22) and (Cp3tBu)2Th[4-(C6H11)bipy](NC) (23), respectively. Furthermore, a single-electron transfer (SET) process ensues when 1 equiv of CuI is added to 1 to yield the Th(VI) bipyridyl iodide complex (Cp3tBu)2Th(I)(bipy) (3).

Cascade C-H Activation and Two C-C Bond Forming in Reaction of Azalutetacyclopentadiene with 2-Methylbenzonitriles

Azametallacyclopentadienes are an important class of metallacycles as the key intermediates in metal-promoted or catalyzed carbon-carbon coupling reaction of nitriles and alkynes. Rare-earth azametallacyclopentadienes have shown various reactivity toward nitriles, depending on the substituents of nitriles. The reaction of azalutetacyclopentadienes toward 2-methylbenzonitriles has been investigated in this work, which selectively affords the fused 7-5-6-membered azalutetacycles as products. Computational studies reveal that the reaction of azalutetacyclopentadienes toward 2-methylbenzonitriles selectively initiates with the remote activation of the benzylic C-H bond by the Lu-N bond, followed by the intramolecular nucleophilic attack from the deprotonated benzylic carbon to form a C-C bond. Subsequently, the high ring strain promoted the generation of the uncoordinated carbanion dissociated from the lutetium center, which then undergoes intramolecular nucleophilic attack toward C=N triple bond to give the final product containing fused 7-5-6-membered azalutetacycle. This work not only achieves highly selective three-step cascade reaction to form a unique class of rare-earth metallacycle, but also provides a new idea for the transformation of unsaturated substrates with C-H bonds that can be activated.

A bridging bis-phosphanido-phosphinidene complex of lanthanum supported by a sterically encumbering PN ligand

Synthesis of a bulky anilidophosphine ligand (short PNTerph) and its lanthanum complexes 1 and 3 is reported. When exposed to KPHMes, both complexes form the first example of a bis-phosphanido-phosphinidene complex 2. This complex undergoes Phospha-Wittig type reactions and its reactivity towards strong bases is further investigated.

Nonplanar Aromaticity of Dinuclear Rare-Earth Metallacycles

While the concept of metalla-aromaticity has well been extended to transition organometallic compounds in diverse geometries, aromatic rare-earth organometallic complexes are rare due to the special (n - 1)d0 configuration and high-lying (n - 1)d orbitals of rare-earth centers. In particular, nonplanar cases of rare-earth complexes have not been reported so far. Here, we disclose the nonplanar aromaticity of dinuclear scandium and samarium metallacycles characterized by various aromaticity indices (nucleus-independent chemical shift, isochemical shielding surface, anisotropy of induced current density, and isomerization stabilization energy). Bonding analyses (Kohn-Sham molecular orbital, adaptive natural density partitioning, multicenter bond indices, and principal interacting orbital) reveal that three delocalized π orbitals, predominantly contributed by the 2-butene tetraanion ligand, result in the formation of six-electron conjugated systems. Guided by these findings, we predicted that the lutetium and gadolinium analogues of dinuclear rare-earth metallacycles should be aromatic, which have been verified by the successful synthesis of real molecules. This work extends the concept of nonplanar aromaticity to the field of rare-earth metallacycles and illuminates the path for designing and synthesizing various rare-earth metalla-aromatics.

Progress in Nonaqueous Molecular Uranium Chemistry: Where to Next?

There is long-standing interest in nonaqueous uranium chemistry because of fundamental questions about uranium's variable chemical bonding and the similarities of this pseudo-Group 6 element to its congener d-block elements molybdenum and tungsten. To provide historical context, with reference to a conference presentation slide presented around 1988 that advanced a defining collection of top targets, and the challenge, for synthetic actinide chemistry to realize in isolable complexes under normal experimental conditions, this Viewpoint surveys progress against those targets, including (i) CO and related π-acid ligand complexes, (ii) alkylidenes, carbynes, and carbidos, (iii) imidos and terminal nitrides, (iv) homoleptic polyalkyls, -alkoxides, and -aryloxides, (v) uranium-uranium bonds, and (vi) examples of topics that can be regarded as branching out in parallel from the leading targets. Having summarized advances from the past four decades, opportunities to build on that progress, and hence possible future directions for the field, are highlighted. The wealth and diversity of uranium chemistry that is described emphasizes the importance of ligand-metal complementarity in developing exciting new chemistry that builds our knowledge and understanding of elements in a relativistic regime.

Arene-, Chlorido-, and Imido-Uranium Bis- and Tris(boryloxide) Complexes

We introduce the boryloxide ligand {(HCNDipp)2BO}- (NBODipp, Dipp = 2,6-di-isopropylphenyl) to actinide chemistry. Protonolysis of [U{N(SiMe3)2}3] with 3 equiv of NBODippH produced the uranium(III) tris(boryloxide) complex [U(NBODipp)3] (1). In contrast, treatment of UCl4 with 3 equiv of NBODippK in THF at room temperature or reflux conditions produced only [U(NBODipp)2(Cl)2(THF)2] (2) with 1 equiv of NBODippK remaining unreacted. However, refluxing the mixture of 2 and unreacted NBODippK in toluene instead of THF afforded the target complex [U(NBODipp)3(Cl)(THF)] (3). Two-electron oxidation of 1 with AdN3 (Ad = 1-adamantyl) afforded the uranium(V)-imido complex [U(NBODipp)3(NAd)] (4). The solid-state structure of 1 reveals a uranium-arene bonding motif, and structural, spectroscopic, and DFT calculations all suggest modest uranium-arene δ-back-bonding with approximately equal donation into the arene π4 and π5 δ-symmetry π* molecular orbitals. Complex 4 exhibits a short uranium(V)-imido distance, and computational modeling enabled its electronic structure to be compared to related uranium-imido and uranium-oxo complexes, revealing a substantial 5f-orbital crystal field splitting and extensive mixing of 5f |ml,ms⟩ states and mj projections. Complexes 1-4 have been variously characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, 1H NMR, IR, UV/vis/NIR, and EPR spectroscopies, SQUID magnetometry, elemental analysis, and CONDON, F-shell, DFT, NLMO, and QTAIM crystal field and quantum chemical calculations.

Synthesis and Reactivity of Bis-tris(pyrazolyl)borate Lanthanide/Aluminum Heterobimetallic Trihydride Complexes

Molecular heterobimetallic hydride complexes of lanthanide (Ln) and main-group (MG) metals exhibit chemical properties unique from their monometallic counterparts and are highly reactive species, making their synthesis and isolation challenging. Herein, molecular Ln/Al heterobimetallic trihydrides [Ln(Tp)2(μ-H)2Al(H)(N″)] [2-Ln; Ln = Y, Sm, Dy, Yb; Tp = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate; N″ = N(SiMe3)2] have been synthesized by facile insertion of aminoalane [Me3N·AlH3] into the Ln-N amide bonds of [Ln(Tp)2(N″)] (1-Ln). Thus, this is a simple synthetic strategy to access a range of Ln/Al hydrides. Reactivity studies demonstrate that 2-Ln is a heterobimetallic hydride, with evidence for the cooperative nature of 2-Ln shown by the catalytic amine-borane dehydrocoupling under ambient conditions in contrast to its monomeric counterparts.

Rare-Earth-Metal Methyl and Methylidene Complexes Stabilized by TpR,R'-Scorpionato Ligands─Size Matters

Homoleptic tetramethylaluminates Ln(AlMe4)3 react with KTptBu,Me (TptBu,Me = tris(3-tBu-5-Me-pyrazolyl)borato) to yield rare-earth-metal methylidene complexes (TptBu,Me)Ln(μ3-CH2)[(μ-Me)AlMe2]2 (Ln = La, Ce, Nd). The lanthanum reaction is prone to additional C-H- and B-N-bond activation, affording coproducts La[HB(pzMe,tBu)(pzCMe2,Me)2][(μ-CH2)(μ-Me)AlMe2]2 and [La(μ-pztBu,Me)(AlMe4)2]2 (pztBu,Me = 3-tBu-5-Me-pyrazolato). The protonolysis reaction of Ln(AlMe4)3 and HpztBu,Me provides more efficient access to [Ln(μ-pztBu,Me)(AlMe4)2]2 (Ln = La, Nd). Treatment of Ln(AlMe4)3 with KTpMe,Me led to methylidene complexes (TpMe,Me)Ln(μ3-CH2)[(μ-Me)AlMe2]2 (Ln = Nd, Sm) or bis(tetramethylaluminate) complexes (TpMe,Me)Ln(AlMe4)2 (Ln = Y, Lu). The neodymium reaction generated methine derivative (TpMe,Me)Nd[(μ4-CH)(AlMe2)2(μ-pz,Me,Me)][(μ-Me)AlMe2] as a minor coproduct. The reaction of Ln(GaMe4)3 (Ln = Y, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Ho) with HTptBu,Me gave methylidene complexes (TptBu,Me)Ln(μ3-CH2)[(μ-Me)GaMe2]2 (Ln = La, Ce, Nd, Sm) and alkyl complexes (TptBu,Me)LnMe[(μ-Me)GaMe3] (Ln = Y, Ho), while competing B-N bond activation reactions produced GaMe2[BH(Me)(μ-pztBu,Me)2] and (TptBu,Me)Ln(η2-pztBu,Me)[(μ-Me)GaMe3] (Ln = Y, Ho). The steric impact of the TpR,Me ligands was examined by cone angle calculations. Rare-earth-metal methylidene complexes (TptBu,Me)Ln(μ3-CH2)[(μ-Me)EMe2]2 (E = Al, Ga) successfully promote carbonyl methylenation reactions upon addition of ketone.

Uranium versus Thorium: A Case Study on a Base-Free Terminal Uranium Imido Metallocene

The structure of and bonding in two base-free terminal actinide imido metallocenes, [η5-1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2An═N(p-tolyl) (An = U (1), Th (1')) are compared and connected to their individual reactivity. While structurally rather similar, the U(IV) derivative 1 is slightly more sterically crowded. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) studies imply that the 5f orbital contribution to the bonding within the individual actinide imido An═N(p-tolyl) moieties is significantly larger for 1 than for 1', which makes the bonds between the [η5-1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2U2+ and [(p-tolyl)N]2- fragments more covalent. Therefore, steric and electronic factors impact the reactivity of these imido complexes. For example, complex 1 is inert toward internal alkynes, but it readily forms Lewis base adducts [η5-1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2U═N(p-tolyl)(L) (L = OPMe3 (6), dmap (9), PhCN (14), and 2,6-Me2PhNC (17)) with Me3PO, 4-dimethylaminopyridine (dmap), nitrile, PhCN, or isonitrile 2,6-Me2PhNC. It may also react as a nucleophile or undergo a [2 + 2] cycloaddition with CS2, isothiocyanates, thio-ketones, ketones, lactides, and acyl nitriles, forming the four- or five-membered metallaheteroacycles, terminal sulfido, or oxido complexes, and cyanide amidate complexes, respectively. In contrast, after the addition of aldehyde p-tolylCHO, the tetranuclear complex [η5-1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]4[OCH(p-tolyl)CH(p-tolyl)O]2U4O4 (10) is isolated. However, while 1 is unreactive toward dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), an equilibrium exists in benzene solution between N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC), 1, and the four-membered metallaheterocycle [η5-1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2U[N(p-tolyl)C(═NiPr)N(iPr)] (12). Furthermore, 1 may also engage in single- and two-electron transfer processes. It is singly oxidized by Ph3CN3, CuI, Ph2S2, and Ph2Se2, yielding the uranium(V) imido complexes [η5-1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2U═N(p-tolyl)(X) (X = N3 (20), I (22), PhS (23), and PhSe (24)), or is doubly oxidized by organic azides (RN3) and 9-diazofluorene, forming the uranium(VI) bis-imido metallocenes [η5-1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2U═N(p-tolyl)(=NR) (R = p-tolyl (18), mesityl (19)) and [η5-1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2U=N(p-tolyl)[=NN=(9-C13H8)] (21), respectively.

Synthesis and Structure of [η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]2Th(bipy) and Its Reactivity toward Small Molecules

Halide exchange of (Cp3tms)2ThCl2 (1; Cp3tms = η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2) with Me3SiI furnishes (Cp3tms)2ThI2 (2), which is then reduced with potassium graphite (KC8) in the presence of 2,2'-bipyridine to give the thorium bipyridyl metallocene (Cp3tms)2Th(bipy) (3) in good yield. Complex 3 was fully characterized and readily reacted with various small molecules. For example, 3 may serve as a synthetic equivalent for the (Cp3tms)2Th(II) fragment when exposed to CuI, Ph2S2, organic azides, and CS2. Moreover, upon the addition of thiobenzophenone Ph2CS, p-methylbenzaldehyde (p-MeC6H4)CHO, benzophenone Ph2CO, amidate PhCONH(p-tolyl), seleno-ketone (p,p'-dimethoxy), selenobenzophenone (p-MeOPh)2CSe, di(p-tolyl)methanimine (p-tolyl)2C═NH, 1,2-di(benzylidene)hydrazine (PhCH═N)2, and nitriles PhCN, PhCH2CN, and Ph2CHCN C-C coupling results to give (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy)(Ph2CS)] (8), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy)(p-MePhCHO)] (9), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy)(Ph2CO)] (10), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy){(p-tolylNH)(Ph)CO}] (11), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy){(p-MeOPh)2CSe}] (12), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy){(p-tolyl)2CNH}] (13), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy)(PhCHNN═CHPh)] (14), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy)(PhCN)] (16), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy)(PhCH2CN)] (17), and (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy)(Ph2CHCN)] (18), respectively. However, when thiazole is added to 3, the dimeric sulfido complex [(Cp3tms)2Th]2[μ-(bipy)CH2NCHCHS]2 (15) can be isolated. Moreover, the addition of isonitriles such as Me3CNC and PhCH2NC to 3 results in C-N bond cleavage and C-C coupling processes to form the thorium isocyanido amido complexes (Cp3tms)2Th[4-(Me3C)bipy](NC) (19) and (Cp3tms)2Th[4-(PhCH2)bipy](NC) (20), respectively. Nevertheless, upon exposure of 3 to (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane Me3SiCHN2, the bis-amido complex (Cp3tms)2Th[5,6-(Me3SiCH)bipy] (21), concomitant with N2 release, is isolated.

N-Aryloxide-Amidinate Thorium Complexes

An N-aryloxide-amidine ligand (1), [ONNO] ligand, integrating phenoxide (PhO-) and amidine ligands through methylene linkers, was employed in actinide chemistry. Upon reaction of the deprotonated ligand with ThCl4(DME)2 in ether, the corresponding dimer complex 2 was obtained. Upon treatment of 2 with KCp* (Cp* = Cp(Me)5) in tetrahydrofuran, the corresponding {[ONNO]ThIVCp*(LiCl)}2 (4) was obtained. In complex 2, the two ArO- arms bonded from the same ligand to different ThIV centers. In contrast, both ArO- arms coordinated to the same metal center in 4. Notably, when a mixture of 2 and bipyridine was treated with one or two equiv of KC8, the [ONNO]ThIV-bipyridyl•̅ radical dimer complex (5) and [ONNO]ThIV-bipyridyl2- dianionic dimer species (6) were obtained, respectively.

Terminal dysprosium and holmium organoimides

Terminal rare-earth-metal imide complexes TptBu,MeLn(NC6H3iPr2-2,6)(dmap) of the mid-late rare-earth elements dysprosium and holmium were synthesized via double methane elimination of Lewis acid stabilized dialkyl precursors TptBu,MeLnMe(GaMe4) with primary aniline derivative H2NC6H3iPr2-2,6 (H2NAriPr). Exploiting the weaker Ln-CH3⋯[GaMe3] interaction compared to the aluminium congener, addition of the aniline derivative leads to the mixed methyl/anilido species TptBu,MeLnMe(HNAriPr) which readily eliminate methane after being exposed to the Lewis base DMAP ([double bond, length as m-dash]N,N-dimethyl-4-aminopyridine). Under the same conditions, [AlMe3]-stabilized dimethyl rare-earth-metal complexes transform immediately to Lewis acid bridged imides TptBu,MeLn(μ2-NC6H3Me2-2,6)(μ2-Me)AlMe2 (Ln = Dy, Ho). DMAP/THF donor exchange is accomplished by treatment of TptBu,MeLn(NC6H3iPr2-2,6)(dmap) with 9-BBN in THF while the terminal imides readily insert carbon dioxide to afford carbamate complexes.

f-Element heavy pnictogen chemistry

The coordination and organometallic chemistry of the f-elements, that is group 3, lanthanide, and actinide ions, supported by nitrogen ligands, e.g. amides, imides, and nitrides, has become well developed over many decades. In contrast, the corresponding f-element chemisty with the heavier pnictogen analogues phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth has remained significantly underdeveloped, due largely to a lack of suitable synthetic methodologies and also the inherent hard(f-element)-soft(heavier pnictogen) acid-base mismatch, but has begun to flourish in recent years. Here, we review complexes containing chemical bonds between the f-elements and heavy pnictogens from phosphorus to bismuth that spans five decades of endeavour. We focus on complexes whose identity has been unambiguously established by structural authentication by single-crystal X-ray diffraction with respect to their synthesis, characterisation, bonding, and reactivity, in order to provide a representative overview of this burgeoning area. By highlighting that much has been achieved but that there is still much to do this review aims to inspire, focus and guide future efforts in this area.

Synthesis and Characterization of U≡C Triple Bonds in Fullerene Compounds

Despite decades of efforts, the actinide-carbon triple bond has remained an elusive target, defying synthesis in any isolable compound. Herein, we report the successful synthesis of uranium-carbon triple bonds in carbide-bridged bimetallic [U≡C-Ce] units encapsulated inside the fullerene cages of C72 and C78. The molecular structures of UCCe@C2n and the nature of the U≡C triple bond were characterized through X-ray crystallography and various spectroscopic analyses, revealing very short uranium-carbon bonds of 1.921(6) and 1.930(6) Å, with the metals existing in their highest oxidation states of +6 and +4 for uranium and cerium, respectively. Quantum-chemical studies further demonstrate that the C2n cages are crucial for stabilizing the [UVI≡C-CeIV] units through covalent and coordinative interactions. This work offers a new fundamental understanding of the elusive uranium-carbon triple bond and informs the design of complexes with similar bonding motifs, opening up new possibilities for creating distinctive molecular compounds and materials.

31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy as a Probe of Thorium-Phosphorus Bond Covalency: Correlating Phosphorus Chemical Shift to Metal-Phosphorus Bond Order

We report the use of solution and solid-state 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with Density Functional Theory calculations to benchmark the covalency of actinide-phosphorus bonds, thus introducing 31P NMR spectroscopy to the investigation of molecular f-element chemical bond covalency. The 31P NMR data for [Th(PH2)(TrenTIPS)] (1, TrenTIPS = {N(CH2CH2NSiPri3)3}3-), [Th(PH)(TrenTIPS)][Na(12C4)2] (2, 12C4 = 12-crown-4 ether), [{Th(TrenTIPS)}2(μ-PH)] (3), and [{Th(TrenTIPS)}2(μ-P)][Na(12C4)2] (4) demonstrate a chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) ordering of (μ-P)3- > (═PH)2- > (μ-PH)2- > (-PH2)1- and for 4 the largest CSA for any bridging phosphido unit. The B3LYP functional with 50% Hartree-Fock mixing produced spin-orbit δiso values that closely match the experimental data, providing experimentally benchmarked quantification of the nature and extent of covalency in the Th-P linkages in 1-4 via Natural Bond Orbital and Natural Localized Molecular Orbital analyses. Shielding analysis revealed that the 31P δiso values are essentially only due to the nature of the Th-P bonds in 1-4, with largely invariant diamagnetic but variable paramagnetic and spin-orbit shieldings that reflect the Th-P bond multiplicities and s-orbital mediated transmission of spin-orbit effects from Th to P. This study has permitted correlation of Th-P δiso values to Mayer bond orders, revealing qualitative correlations generally, but which should be examined with respect to specific ancillary ligand families rather than generally to be quantitative, reflecting that 31P δiso values are a very sensitive reporter due to phosphorus being a soft donor that responds to the rest of the ligand field much more than stronger, harder donors like nitrogen.

Reactivity of a Lewis base-supported uranium terminal imido metallocene towards small molecules

The Lewis base-supported uranium terminal imido metallocene [η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]2UN(p-tolyl)(dmap) (1) readily reacts with various small molecules such as internal alkynes, isothiocyanates, thioketones, amidates, organic nitriles and imines, chlorosilanes, copper iodide, diphenyl disulfide, organic azides and diazoalkane derivatives. For example, treatment of 1 with PhCCCCPh and PhNCS forms metallaheterocycles originating from a [2 + 2] cycloaddition to yield [η5-1-(p-tolyl)NC(Ph)CHCC(Ph)CH2Si(Me)2-2,4-(Me3Si)2C5H2][η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]U (2) and [η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]2U[N(p-tolyl)C(NPh)S](dmap) (3), respectively. The reaction of 1 with the thioketone Ph2CS forms the known uranium sulfido complex [η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]2US(dmap) (4), which reacts with a second molecule of Ph2CS to give the disulfido compound [η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]2U(S2CPh2) (5). The imido moiety also promotes deprotonation reactions as illustrated in the reactions with the amide PhCONH(p-tolyl), the nitrile PhCH2CN and the imine (p-tolyl)2CNH to form the bis-amidate [η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]2U[OC(Ph)N(p-tolyl)]2 (7), and the iminato complexes [η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]2U[N(p-tolyl)C(CH2Ph)NH](NCCHPh) (8) and [η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]2U[NH(p-tolyl)][NC(p-tolyl)2] (9), respectively. Addition of PhSiH2Cl to 1 yields [η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]2U(Cl)[N(p-tolyl)SiH2Ph] (10). In contrast, the uranium(V) imido complexes [η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]2UN(p-tolyl)(I) (11) and [η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]2UN(p-tolyl)(SPh) (12), may be isolated upon addition of CuI or Ph2S2 to 1, respectively. Uranium(VI) bis-imido metallocenes [η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]2UN(p-tolyl)(NR) (R = p-tolyl (13), mesityl (14)) and [η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]2UN(p-tolyl)[NN(9-C13H8)] (15) are accessible from 1 on exposure to RN3 (R = p-tolyl, mesityl) and 9-diazofluorene, respectively. Complexes 2, 3, 5, and 7-15 were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and, in addition, compounds 2, 3, 5, and 7-13 were structurally authenticated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.

A Terminal Yttrium Phosphinidene

Terminal, nondirectional ionic "multiple" bond interactions between group 15 elements and rare-earth metals (Ln) have remained a challenging target until present. Although reports on terminal imide species have accumulated in the meantime, examples of terminal congeners with the higher homologue phosphorus are yet elusive. Herein, we present the synthesis of the first terminal yttrium organophosphinidene complex, TptBu,MeY(═PC6H3iPr2-2,6)(DMAP)2, according to a double-deprotonation sequence previously established for organoimides of the smaller rare-earth metals. Subsequent deprotonation of the primary phosphane H2PC6H3iPr2-2,6 (H2PAriPr) with discrete dimethyl compound TptBu,MeYMe2 in the presence of DMAP under simultaneous methane elimination generated a terminal multiply bonded phosphorus. The primary phosphide intermediates TptBu,MeYMe(HPAriPr) and TptBu,MeYMe(HNPAriPr)(DMAP) are isolable species and were also obtained and fully characterized for holmium and dysprosium. The Lewis acid-stabilized yttrium phosphinidene TptBu,MeY[(μ2-PAriPr)(μ2-Me)AlMe2] was obtained by treatment of H2PAriPr with TptBu,MeYMe(AlMe4) but could not be converted into a terminal phosphinidene via cleavage of trimethylaluminum. The corresponding reaction of H2PAriPr with TptBu,MeYMe(GaMe4) led to adduct [GaMe3(PH2AriPr)] rather than to the formation of a yttrium phosphinidene. The yttrium-phosphorus interaction in the obtained organophosphide and phosphinidene complexes was scrutinized by 31P/89Y NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations, unambiguously supporting the existence of multiple bonding.

A Comprehensive Study Concerning the Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of Terminal Uranium Oxido, Sulfido, and Selenido Metallocenes

Terminal uranium oxido, sulfido, and selenido metallocenes were synthesized, and their reactivity was comprehensively studied. Heating of an equimolar mixture of [η⁵-1,2,4-(Me₃Si)₃C₅H₂]₂UMe₂ (2) and [η⁵-1,2,4-(Me₃Si)₃C₅H₂]₂U(NH-p-tolyl)₂ (3) in the presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (dmap) in refluxing toluene forms [η⁵-1,2,4-(Me₃Si)₃C₅H₂]₂U═N(p-tolyl)(dmap) (4), which is a useful precursor for the preparation of the terminal uranium oxido, sulfido, and selenido metallocenes [η⁵-1,2,4-(Me₃Si)₃C₅H₂]₂U═E(dmap) (E = O (5), S (6), Se (7)) employing a cycloaddition-elimination methodology with Ph₂C═E (E = O, S) or (p-MeOPh)₂CSe, respectively. Metallocenes 5-7 are inert toward alkynes, but they act as nucleophiles in the presence of alkylsilyl halides. The oxido and sulfido metallocenes 5 and 6 undergo [2 + 2] cycloadditions with isothiocyanate PhNCS or CS₂, while the selenido derivative 7 does not. The experimental studies are complemented by density functional theory (DFT) computations.

Selective Cleavage of the Strong or Weak C-C Bonds in Biphenylene Enabled by Rare-Earth Metals

Selective cleavage of C-C bonds within arene rings is of great interest but remains elusive, especially for the molecules possessing the active and inert C-C bonds. Here, we report that the active and inert C-C bonds of biphenylene could be controllably cleaved by the reaction of biphenylene, potassium graphite, and rare-earth complexes with different metal centers. For scandium, the bond activation occurs at the C_aryl-C_aryl single bond, yielding 9-scandafluorene. For Lu, the reaction goes through ring contraction of the aromatic ring in biphenylene to provide benzopentalene dianionic lutetium. The origin of the selectivity and the reaction mechanism were illustrated by the isolation of intermediates and DFT calculations.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Bridging Cerium(IV) Nitride Complex

Complexes featuring lanthanide-ligand multiple bonds are rare and highly reactive. They are important synthetic targets to understand 4f/5d-bonding in comparison to d-block and actinide congeners. Herein, the isolation and characterization of a bridging cerium(IV)-nitride complex: [(TriNOx)Ce(Li₂μ-N)Ce(TriNOx)][BAr^F₄] is reported, the first example of a molecular cerium-nitride. The compound was isolated by deprotonating a monometallic cerium(IV)-ammonia complex: [Ce^IV(NH₃)(TriNOx)][BAr^F₄]. The average Ce═N bond length of [(TriNOx)Ce(Li₂μ-N)Ce(TriNOx)][BAr^F₄] was 2.117(3) Å. Vibrational studies of the ¹⁵N-isotopomer exhibited a shift of the Ce═N═Ce asymmetric stretch from ν = 644 cm^-1 to 640 cm^-1, and X-ray spectroscopic studies confirm the +4 oxidation state of cerium. Computational analyses showed strong involvement of the cerium 4f shell in bonding with overall 16% and 11% cerium weight in the σ- and π-bonds of the Ce═N═Ce fragment, respectively.

Actinide Pnictinidene Chemistry: A Terminal Thorium Parent-Arsinidene Complex Stabilised by a Super-Bulky Triamidoamine Ligand

We report the direct synthesis of the terminal pnictidenes [An(TrenTCHS )(PnH)][M(2,2,2-cryptand)] (TrenTCHS ={N(CH2 CH2 NSiCy3 )3 }3- ; An/Pn/M=Th/P/Na 5, Th/As/K 6, U/P/Na 7, U/As/K 8) and their conversion to the pnictides [An(TrenTCHS )(PnH2 )] (An/Pn=Th/P 9, Th/As 10, U/P 11, U/As 12). Use of the super-bulky TrenTCHS ligand was essential to accessing complete families, and 6 is an unprecedented example of a terminal thorium-arsinidene complex and only the second structurally authenticated parent terminal arsinidene complex of any metal. Comparison of the terminal Th=AsH unit of 6 to the bridging ThAs(H)K linkage in structurally analogous [Th(TrenTIPS ){μ-As(H)K(15-crown-5)}] (TrenTIPS ={N(CH2 CH2 NSiPri 3 )3 }3- ) reveals a stronger Th-As bond in the former compared to the latter, and a large response overall to the nature of the Th=AsH bonding upon removal of the electrostatically-bound K-ion; the σ-bond changes little but the π-bond is significantly perturbed.

Properties of Amine-Containing Ligands That Are Necessary for Visible-Light-Promoted Catalysis with Divalent Europium

We describe a study of the influence of amine-containing ligands on the photoredox-relevant properties of Eu^II toward the rational design of Eu^II-containing catalysts for visible-light-promoted photoredox reactions. We report our observations of the effects of the degree of functionalization of amines, denticity, and macrocylic ligands on the absorbance of Eu^II. Ligands that contain secondary amines bathochromically shift the absorbance of EuCl₂ relative to ligands that contain primary or tertiary amines. Similarly, ligands of larger denticity have a larger bathochromic shift of the absorbance than ligands of smaller denticity. We observed that macrocyclic ligands have a larger effect on the absorbance of EuCl₂ than nonmacrocyclic ligands. Also, we report the photoredox reactivity of four new Eu^II-containing complexes. These observations are potentially influential in understanding the ligand properties that promote the use of Eu^II in visible-light-promoted photoredox catalysis.

Coordination Chemistry-Driven Approaches to Rare Earth Element Separations

Current projections for global mining indicate that unsustainable practices will cause supply problems for many elements, called critical raw materials, in the next 20 years. These include elements necessary for renewable technologies as well as artisanal sources. Energy critical elements (ECEs) comprise a group used for clean, renewable energy applications that are in low abundance in the Earth's crust or require an economic premium to extract from ores. Sustainable practices of acquiring ECEs is an important problem to address through fundamental research to provide alternative energy technologies such as wind turbines and electric vehicles at cheaper costs for our global energy generation and usage. Some of these green technologies incorporate rare-earth (RE) metals (Sc, Y and the lanthanides), which are challenging to separate from mineral sources because of their similar sizes (i.e., ionic radii) and chemical properties. The current process used to provide REs at requisite purities for these applications is counter-current solvent-solvent extraction, which is scalable and works efficiently for any ore composition. However, this method produces large amounts of caustic waste that is environmentally damaging, especially to areas in China that house major separation facilities. Advancement of the selectivity of this process is challenging since exact molecular speciation that affords separations is still relatively unknown. In this context, we developed a program to investigate new RE separations systems that were aimed at minimizing solvent use, controlled by molecular speciation, and could be targeted at problems in recycling these critical metals.The first ligand system that was developed to impart solubility differences between light and heavy rare-earth ions was [{(2-^tBuNO)C₆H₄CH₂}₃N]^3- (TriNOx^3-) (graphic below). A differential solubility allowed for a separation of Nd and Dy of SF_Nd:Dy = ∼300 in a single step. In other words, a 50:50 Nd/Dy sample was enriched to give 95% pure Nd and Dy through a simple filtration, which is potentially impactful to recycling magnetic materials found in wind turbines. This separations system compares favorably to other state-of-the-art molecular extractants that are based on energetic differences of the thermodynamic parameter to affect separations for neighboring elements. This straightforward, thermodynamically driven method to separate REs primed our future research for new coordination chemistry approaches to separations.Another separations system was accomplished through the variable rate of a redox event from one arm of the TriNOx^3- ligand. It was determined that the rate of this one electron oxidation, which operated through an electrochemical-chemical-electrochemical mechanism, was dependent on the identity of the RE ion. This kinetically driven separation afforded a separation factor (SF) of SF_Eu:Y = 75. We have also described other transformations such as ligand exchange, substituent dependent, and redox-driven chelation processes with well-defined speciation to afford purified RE materials. Recently, we determined that magnetic properties can be used to enhance both thermodynamic and kinetic RE separations processes to give an approximately 100% boost for pairs of paramagnetic/diamagnetic REs. These results have shown that both thermodynamic and kinetic RE separations were efficient for different selected RE binary pairs through coordination chemistry. The focus of this Account will detail the differences that are observed for RE separations when promoted by thermodynamic or kinetic factors. Overall, the development of rationally adjusted speciation of REs provides a basis for future industrial separations processes for technologies applied to ECEs derived from wind turbines, batteries for electric vehicles, and LEDs.

Actinide-Oxygen Multiple Bonds from Air: Synthesis and Characterization of a Thorium Oxo Supported by Redox-Active Ligands

The first non-uranyl, f-element oxo complex synthesized from dioxygen in dry air is presented in this work. The synthesis was accomplished by treating the redox-active thorium amidophenolate complex, [Th(^dippap)₃][K(15-c-5)₂]₂ (1-ap crown), with dioxygen in dry air, forming a rare terminal thorium oxo, [O═Th(^dippisq)₂(^dippap)][K(15-c-5)₂]₂ (2-oxo). Compound 1-ap crown was regenerated by treating 2-oxo with potassium graphite. X-ray crystallography of 2-oxo revealed a comparatively longer bond length for the thorium-oxygen double bond when compared to other thorium oxos. As such, several thorium-oxygen single bonds were synthesized for comparison, including Th(^dippisq)₂(OSiMe₃)₂(THF) (4-OSiMe₃), Th(OSiMe₃)₄(bipy)₂ (5-OSiMe₃), and [Th(OH)₂ (^dippHap)₄][K(15-c-5)₂]₂ (6-OH). Full spectroscopic and structural characterization of the complexes was performed via ¹H NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, EPR spectroscopy, and electronic absorption spectroscopy as well as SQUID magnetometry, which all confirmed the electronic structure of these complexes.

Uranyl Analogue Complexes—Current Progress and Synthetic Challenges

Uranyl ions, {UO2}n+ (n = 1, 2), display trans, strongly covalent, and chemically robust U-O multiple bonds, where 6d, 5f, and 6p orbitals play important roles. The synthesis of isoelectronic analogues of uranyl has been of interest for quite some time, mainly with the purpose of unveiling covalence and 5f-orbital participation in bonding. Significant advances have occurred in the last two decades, initially marked by the synthesis of uranium(VI) bis(imido) complexes, the first analogues with a {RNUNR}2+ core, later followed by the synthesis of unique trans-{EUO}2+ (E = S, Se) complexes, and recently highlighted by the synthesis of the first complexes featuring a linear {NUN} moiety. This review covers the synthesis, structure, bonding, and reactivity of uranium complexes containing a linear {EUE}n+ core (n = 0, 1, 2), isoelectronic to uranyl ions, {OUO}n+ (n = 1, 2), incorporating σ- and π-donating ligands that can engage in uranium–ligand multiple bonding, where oxygen may be replaced by heavier chalcogenido, imido, nitride, and carbene ligands, or by a transition metal. It focuses on synthetic methods of well-defined molecular uranium species in the condensed phase but also references gas-phase and low-temperature-matrix experiments, as well as computational studies that may lead to valuable insights.

Intrinsic reactivity of [η5-1,3-(Me3Si)2C5H3]2U(η4-C4Ph2) in small molecule activation

The uranium metallacyclocumulene, [η⁵-1,3-(Me₃Si)₂C₅H₃]₂U(η⁴-C₄Ph₂) (3) was isolated from the reaction mixture containing [η⁵-1,3-(Me₃Si)₂C₅H₃]₂UCl₂ (1), potassium graphite (KC₈) and 1,4-diphenylbutadiyne (PhCC-CCPh) in good yield. The reactivity of 3 towards various small organic molecules was evaluated. For example, while complex 3 shows no reactivity towards alkynes and 2,2'-bipyridine, it may deliver the [η⁵-1,3-(Me₃Si)₂C₅H₃]₂U(II) fragment in the presence of Ph₂E₂ (E = S, Se) and Ph₃CN₃, or react as a nucleophile in the presence of carbodiimides, isothiocyanates, aldehydes, ketones, and pyridine derivatives, forming five-, seven- or nine-membered heterometallacycles. On the contrary, addition of Ph₂CS to 3 induces CS bond cleavage yielding the dithiolate complex [η⁵-1,3-(Me₃Si)₂C₅H₃]₂U[S₂(C₁₂H₅Ph₅)] (14). In contrast, the closely related, but sterically more encumbered uranium metallacyclocumulene [η⁵-1,2,4-(Me₃Si)₃C₅H₂]₂U(η⁴-C₄Ph₂) (4) features a more limited reactivity which is restricted to mono- and double insertions with small unsaturated organic molecules such as isothiocyanates, ketones and nitriles.

Small-Molecule Activation Mediated by [η5-1,3-(Me3Si)2C5H3]2U(bipy)

The uranium bipyridyl metallocene, [η⁵-1,3-(Me₃Si)₂C₅H₃]₂U(bipy) (2), is readily accessible in good yield by adding potassium graphite (KC₈) to a mixture of [η⁵-1,3-(Me₃Si)₂C₅H₃]₂UCl₂ (1) and 2,2'-bipyridine. Compound 2 was fully characterized and employed for small-molecule activation. It has been demonstrated that 2 may serve as a synthon for [η⁵-1,3-(Me₃Si)₂C₅H₃]₂U(II) fragment in the presence of Ph₂E₂ (E = S, Se), alkynes, and a variety of hetero-unsaturated molecules such as diazabutadienes, azine (Ph₂C═N)₂, o-benzoquinone, pyridine N-oxide, CS₂, isothiocyanates, and organic azides. However, upon exposure of 2 to thio-ketone Ph₂CS, aldehyde p-MePhCHO, ketone Ph₂CO, imine PhCH═NPh, azine (PhCH═N)₂, and nitrile PhCN, it may also promote C-C coupling reactions forming [η⁵-1,3-(Me₃Si)₂C₅H₃]₂U[(bipy)(Ph₂CS)] (16), [η⁵-1,3-(Me₃Si)₂C₅H₃]₂U[(bipy)(p-MePhCHO)] (17), [η⁵-1,3-(Me₃Si)₂C₅H₃]₂U[(bipy)(Ph₂CO)] (18), [η⁵-1,3-(Me₃Si)₂C₅H₃]₂U[(bipy)(PhCHNPh)] (19), [η⁵-1,3-(Me₃Si)₂C₅H₃]₂U[(bipy)(PhCHNN═CHPh)] (20), and [η⁵-1,3-(Me₃Si)₂C₅H₃]₂U[(N₂C₁₀H₇C(Ph)NH)] (22), respectively, in quantitative conversion. Furthermore, in the presence of CuI, a single-electron transfer (SET) process is observed to yield the uranium(III) iodide complex [η⁵-1,3-(Me₃Si)₂C₅H₃]₂U(I)(bipy) (15).

Open-Shell Early Lanthanide Terminal Imides

Group 3- and 4f-element organometallic chemistry and reactivity are decisively driven by the rare-earth-metal/lanthanide (Ln) ion size and associated electronegativity/ionicity/Lewis acidity criteria. For these reasons, the synthesis of terminal "unsupported" imides [Ln═NR] of the smaller, closed-shell Sc(III), Lu(III), Y(III), and increasingly covalent Ce(IV) has involved distinct reaction protocols while derivatives of the "early" large Ln(III) have remained elusive. Herein, we report such terminal imides of open-shell lanthanide cations Ce(III), Nd(III), and Sm(III) according to a new reaction protocol. Lewis-acid-stabilized methylidene complexes [Tp^tBu,MeLn(μ₃-CH₂){(μ₂-Me)MMe₂}₂] (Ln = Ce, Nd, Sm; M = Al, Ga) react with 2,6-diisopropylaniline (H₂NAr^iPr) via methane elimination. The formation of arylimide complexes is governed by the Ln(III) size, the Lewis acidity of the group 13 metal alkyl, steric factors, the presence of a donor solvent, and the sterics and acidity (pK_a) of the aromatic amine. Crucially, terminal arylimides [Tp^tBu,MeLn(═NAr^iPr)(THF)₂] (Ln = Ce, Nd, Sm) are formed only for M = Ga, and for M = Al, the Lewis-acid-stabilized imides [Tp^tBu,MeLn(NAr^iPr)(AlMe₃)] (Ln = Ce, Nd, Sm) are persistent. In stark contrast, the [GaMe₃]-stabilized imide [Tp^tBu,MeLn(NAr^iPr)(GaMe₃)] (Ln = Nd, Sm) is reversibly formed in noncoordinating solvents.

Reactivity of Multimetallic Thorium Nitrides Generated by Reduction of Thorium Azides

Thorium nitrides are likely intermediates in the reported cleavage and functionalization of dinitrogen by molecular thorium complexes and are attractive compounds for the study of multiple bond formation in f-element chemistry, but only one example of thorium nitride isolable from solution was reported. Here, we show that stable multimetallic azide/nitride thorium complexes can be generated by reduction of thorium azide precursors─a route that has failed so far to produce Th nitrides. Once isolated, the thorium azide/nitride clusters, M₃Th═N═Th (M = K or Cs), are stable in solutions probably due to the presence of alkali ions capping the nitride, but their synthesis requires a careful control of the reaction conditions (solvent, temperature, nature of precursor, and alkali ion). The nature of the cation plays an important role in generating a nitride product and results in large structural differences with a bent Th═N═Th moiety found in the K-bound nitride as a result of a strong K-nitride interaction and a linear arrangement in the Cs-bound nitride. Reactivity studies demonstrated the ability of Th nitrides to cleave CO in ambient conditions yielding CN^-.

Reactivity of Mixed Methyl-Aminobenzyl Guanidinate Lutetium Complex towards iPrN=C=NiPr, CS2 and Ph2PH

A heteroleptic terminal alkyl lutetium complex stabilized by a bulky guanidinato ligand, LLu(CH2C6H4NMe2-o)(Me)(THF) (1) (L = (PhCH2)2NC(NC6H3iPr2-2,6)2) has been synthesized by treatment of LLu(CH2C6H4NMe2-o)2 with AlMe3 (1 equiv) via an...

The smallest 4f-metalla-aromatic molecule of cyclo-PrB2− with Pr–B multiple bonds

The concept of metalla-aromaticity proposed by Thorn–Hoffmann (Nouv. J. Chim. 1979, 3, 39) has been expanded to organometallic molecules of transition metals that have more than one independent electron-delocalized system. Lanthanides, with highly contracted 4f atomic orbitals, are rarely found in multiply aromatic systems. Here we report the discovery of a doubly aromatic triatomic lanthanide-boron molecule PrB₂⁻ based on a joint photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemical investigation. Global minimum structural searches reveal that PrB₂⁻ has a C_2v triangular structure with a paramagnetic triplet ³B₂ electronic ground state, which can be viewed as featuring a trivalent Pr(III,f²) and B₂⁴⁻. Chemical bonding analyses show that this cyclo-PrB₂⁻ species is the smallest 4f-metalla-aromatic system exhibiting σ and π double aromaticity and multiple Pr–B bonding characters. It also sheds light on the formation of the rare B₂⁴⁻ tetraanion by the high-lying 5d orbitals of the 4f-elements, completing the isoelectronic B₂⁴⁻, C₂²⁻, N₂, and O₂²⁺ series.

We report the smallest 4f-metalla-aromatic molecule of PrB₂⁻ exhibiting σ and π double aromaticity and multiple Pr–B bond characters.

Photo-Induced Cross-Dehydrogenative Alkylation of Heteroarenes with Alkanes under Aerobic Conditions

We report a Minisci-type cross-dehydrogenative alkylation in an aerobic atmosphere using abundant and inexpensive cerium chloride as a photocatalyst and air as an oxidant. This photoreaction exhibits excellent tolerance to functional groups and is suitable for both heteroarene and alkane substrates under mild conditions, generating the corresponding products in moderate-to-good yields. Our method provides an alternative approach for the late-stage functionalization of valuable substrates.

Exceptional uranium(VI)-nitride triple bond covalency from 15N nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and quantum chemical analysis

Determining the nature and extent of covalency of early actinide chemical bonding is a fundamentally important challenge. Recently, X-ray absorption, electron paramagnetic, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies have probed actinide-ligand covalency, largely confirming the paradigm of early actinide bonding varying from ionic to polarised-covalent, with this range sitting on the continuum between ionic lanthanide and more covalent d transition metal analogues. Here, we report measurement of the covalency of a terminal uranium(VI)-nitride by 15N nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and find an exceptional nitride chemical shift and chemical shift anisotropy. This redefines the 15N nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy parameter space, and experimentally confirms a prior computational prediction that the uranium(VI)-nitride triple bond is not only highly covalent, but, more so than d transition metal analogues. These results enable construction of general, predictive metal-ligand 15N chemical shift-bond order correlations, and reframe our understanding of actinide chemical bonding to guide future studies.

A monoanionic pentadentate ligand platform for scandium-pnictogen multiple bonds

A new monoanionic pentadentate ligand is designed to accommodate Sc = E bonds (E = N, P). The imido complex is stable enough to isolate and characterize, and reacts rapidly with CO₂. The phosphinidene, on the other hand, is highly reactive and induces C-C bond cleavage to yield a phosphido-pyridyl complex which also undergoes rapid reacton with CO₂.

Synthesis and reactivity of the uranium phosphinidene metallocene [η5-1,3-(Me3Si)2C5H3]2U([double bond, length as m-dash]P-2,4,6-iPr3C6H2)(OPMe3): influence of the coordinated Lewis base

This paper describes the synthesis and reactivity of [η5-1,3-(Me3Si)2C5H3]2U([double bond, length as m-dash]P-2,4,6-iPr3C6H2)(OPMe3) (6) which is accessible from a ligand exchange reaction between [η5-1,3-(Me3Si)2C5H3]2U([double bond, length as m-dash]P-2,4,6-iPr3C6H2)(OPPh3) (2) and Me3PO at ambient temperature. Phosphinidene 6 exhibits no reactivity towards internal alkynes, but readily reacts with various hetero-unsaturated molecules such as isothiocyanates, aldehydes, nitriles, isonitriles, and organic azides, forming uranium sulfido, oxido, imido, and uranaheterocyclic compounds. Nevertheless, with the bidentate ortho-dicyanobenzene o-C6H4(CN)2 the zwitterionic species [η5-1,3-(Me3Si)2C5H3]2U[NHC(N){C6H4CP(2,4,6-iPr3C6H2)CH2PMe2O}] (13) is isolated in good yield. Moreover, 6 converts with Ph2S2 to the uranium(iii) phenylthiolate compound [η5-1,3-(Me3Si)2C5H3]2USPh(OPMe3) (7) in good isolated yield. Furthermore, the influence of the Lewis base on the reactivity of the uranium phosphinidene metallocenes has also been evaluated.