Imidazolyl-Substituted Benzo- and Naphthodithiophenes as Precursors for the Synthesis of Transient Open-Shell Quinoids

The synthesis of three novel imidazolyl-substituted sulfur-containing heteroacenes is reported. These heteroacenes consisting of annelated benzo- and naphthothiophenes serve as precursors for the generation of open-shell quinoid heteroacenes by oxidation with alkaline ferric cyanide. Spectroscopic and computational experiments support the formation of reactive open-shell quinoids, which, however, quickly produce paramagnetic polymeric material.

Electronic Structure and Excited-State Dynamics of the NIR-II Emissive Molybdenum(III) Analogue to the Molecular Ruby

Photoactive chromium(III) complexes saw a conceptual breakthrough with the discovery of the prototypical molecular ruby mer-[Cr(ddpd)2]3+ (ddpd = N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-dipyridin-2-ylpyridine-2,6-diamine), which shows intense long-lived near-infrared (NIR) phosphorescence from metal-centered spin-flip states. In contrast to the numerous studies on chromium(III) photophysics, only 10 luminescent molybdenum(III) complexes have been reported so far. Here, we present the synthesis and characterization of mer-MoX3(ddpd) (1, X = Cl; 2, X = Br) and cisfac-[Mo(ddpd)2]3+ (cisfac-[3]3+), an isomeric heavy homologue of the prototypical molecular ruby. For cisfac-[3]3+, we found strong zero-field splitting using magnetic susceptibility measurements and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Electronic spectra covering the spin-forbidden transitions show that the spin-flip states in mer-1, mer-2, and cisfac-[3]3+ are much lower in energy than those in comparable chromium(III) compounds. While all three complexes show weak spin-flip phosphorescence in NIR-II, the emission of cisfac-[3]3+ peaking at 1550 nm is particularly low in energy. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy reveals a short excited-state lifetime of 1.4 ns, 6 orders of magnitude shorter than that of mer-[Cr(ddpd)2]3+. Using density functional theory and ab initio multireference calculations, we break down the reasons for this disparity and derive principles for the design of future stable photoactive molybdenum(III) complexes.

High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Detailed Analysis of New CO2 Methanation Catalysts

A new approach for the characterization of CO2 methanation catalysts prepared by thermal decomposition of a nickel MOF by hard X-ray photon-in/photon-out spectroscopy in form of high energy resolution fluorescence detected X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (HERFD-XANES) and valence-to-core X-ray emission (VtC-XES) is presented. In contrast to conventional X-ray absorption spectroscopy, the increased resolution of both methods allows a more precise phase determination of the final catalyst, which is influenced by the conditions during MOF decomposition.

Dispersion Energy-Stabilized Boron and Phosphorus Lewis Pairs

An isostructural series of boron/phosphorus Lewis pairs was systematically investigated. The association constants of the Lewis pairs were determined at variable temperatures, enabling the extraction of thermodynamic parameters. The stabilization of the Lewis adduct increased with increasing size of the dispersion energy donor groups, although the donor and acceptor properties of the Lewis pairs remained largely unchanged. This data was utilized to challenge state-of-the-art quantum chemical methods, which finally led to an enhanced workflow for the determination of thermochemical properties of weakly bound Lewis pairs within an accuracy of 0.6 to 1.0 kcal mol-1 for computed association free energies.

Janus-type emission from a cyclometalated iron(III) complex

Although iron is a dream candidate to substitute noble metals in photoactive complexes, realization of emissive and photoactive iron compounds is demanding due to the fast deactivation of their charge-transfer states. Emissive iron compounds are scarce and dual emission has not been observed before. Here we report the FeIII complex [Fe(ImP)2][PF6] (HImP = 1,1'-(1,3-phenylene)bis(3-methyl-1-imidazol-2-ylidene)), showing a Janus-type dual emission from ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT)- and metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT)-dominated states. This behaviour is achieved by a ligand design that combines four N-heterocyclic carbenes with two cyclometalating aryl units. The low-lying π* levels of the cyclometalating units lead to energetically accessible MLCT states that cannot evolve into LMCT states. With a lifetime of 4.6 ns, the strongly reducing and oxidizing MLCT-dominated state can initiate electron transfer reactions, which could constitute a basis for future applications of iron in photoredox catalysis.

Boron-Centered Lewis Superacid through Redox-Active Ligands: Application in C-F and S-F Bond Activation

A series of redox-responsive ferrocenyl-substituted boranes and boronic esters were synthesized. Oxidation of the ferrocenyl ligand to the ferrocenium resulted in a drastic increase in the Lewis acidity beyond the strength of SbF₅ , which was investigated experimentally and computationally. The resulting highly Lewis acidic boron compounds were used for catalytic C-F and S-F bond activation.

Correction: Distinct photodynamics of κ-N and κ-C pseudoisomeric iron(II) complexes

Correction for 'Distinct photodynamics of κ-N and κ-C pseudoisomeric iron(II) complexes' by Philipp Dierks et al., Chem. Commun., 2021, 57, 6640-6643, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CC01716K.

Sigmatropic [1,5] Carbon Shift of Transient C3 Ammonium Enolates

The stereospecific sigmatropic [1,5] carbon shift of C3 ammonium enolates is discovered. According to mechanistic, kinetic and computational experiments, this new rearrangement proceeds via the catalytic generation of a transient C3 ammonium enolate by intramolecular aza‐Michael addition. This intermediate rapidly undergoes [1,5] sigmatropic carbon migration to furnish the respective tetrahydroquinoline‐4‐ones with excellent diastereoselectivities of d.r. >99 : 1 and in 61–98 % yield.

Impact of Heterocycle Annulation on NIR Absorbance in Quinoid Thioacene Derivatives

The synthesis and characterisation of a homologous series of quinoid sulfur‐containing imidazolyl‐substituted heteroacenes is described. The optoelectronic and magnetic properties were investigated by UV/vis, fluorescence and EPR spectroscopy as well as quantum‐chemical calculations, and were compared to those of the corresponding benzo congener. The room‐temperature and atmospherically stable quinoids display strong absorption in the NIR region between 678 and 819 nm. The dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophene and the thieno[2′,3′:4,5]thieno[3,2‐b]thieno[2,3‐d]thiophene derivatives were EPR active at room temperature. For the latter, variable‐temperature EPR spectroscopy revealed the presence of a thermally accessible triplet state, with a singlet‐triplet separation of 14.1 kJ mol⁻¹.

Selective Benzylic CH-Borylations by Tandem Cobalt Catalysis

Metal‐catalyzed C−H activations are environmentally and economically attractive synthetic strategies for the construction of functional molecules as they obviate the need for pre‐functionalized substrates and minimize waste generation. Great challenges reside in the control of selectivities, the utilization of unbiased hydrocarbons, and the operation of atom‐economical dehydrocoupling mechanisms. An especially mild borylation of benzylic CH bonds was developed with the ligand‐free pre‐catalyst Co[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ and the bench‐stable and inexpensive borylation reagent B₂pin₂ that produces H₂ as the only by‐product. A full set of kinetic, spectroscopic, and preparative mechanistic studies are indicative of a tandem catalysis mechanism of CH‐borylation and dehydrocoupling via molecular Co^I catalysts.

Olefin Metathesis in Confinement: Towards Covalent Organic Framework Scaffolds for Increased Macrocyclization Selectivity

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) offer vast structural and chemical diversity enabling a wide and growing range of applications. While COFs are well‐established as heterogeneous catalysts, so far, their high and ordered porosity has scarcely been utilized to its full potential when it comes to spatially confined reactions in COF pores to alter the outcome of reactions. Here, we present a highly porous and crystalline, large‐pore COF as catalytic support in α,ω‐diene ring‐closing metathesis reactions, leading to increased macrocyclization selectivity. COF pore‐wall modification by immobilization of a Grubbs‐Hoveyda‐type catalyst via a mild silylation reaction provides a molecularly precise heterogeneous olefin metathesis catalyst. An increased macro(mono)cyclization (MMC) selectivity over oligomerization (O) for the heterogeneous COF‐catalyst (MMC:O=1.35) of up to 51 % compared to the homogeneous catalyst (MMC:O=0.90) was observed along with a substrate‐size dependency in selectivity, pointing to diffusion limitations induced by the pore confinement.

Coupling of CO2 and epoxides catalysed by novel N-fused mesoionic carbene complexes of nickel(II)

We report the syntheses of two rigid mesoionic carbene (MIC) ligands with a carbazole backbone via an intramolecular Finkelstein-cyclisation cascade and investigate their coordination behavior towards nickel(II) acetate. Despite the nickel(II) carbene complexes 4a,b showing only minor differences in their chemical composition, they display curious differences in their chemical properties, e.g. solubility. Furthermore, the potential of these novel MIC complexes in the coupling of carbon dioxide and epoxides as well as the differences in reactivity compared to classical NHC-derived complexes are evaluated.

Higher MLCT lifetime of carbene iron(II) complexes by chelate ring expansion

Combining strong σ-donating N-heterocyclic carbene ligands and π-accepting pyridine ligands with a high octahedricity in rigid iron(ii) complexes increases the 3MLCT lifetime from 0.15 ps in the prototypical [Fe(tpy)2]2+ complex to 9.2 ps in [Fe(dpmi)2]2+12+. The tripodal CNN ligand dpmi (di(pyridine-2-yl)(3-methylimidazol-2-yl)methane) forms six-membered chelate rings with the iron(ii) centre leading to close to 90° bite angles and enhanced iron-ligand orbital overlap.

Fundamental Characterization, Photophysics and Photocatalysis of a Base Metal Iron(II)-Cobalt(III) Dyad

A new base metal iron-cobalt dyad has been obtained by connection between a heteroleptic tetra-NHC iron(II) photosensitizer combining a 2,6-bis[3-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]pyridine with 2,6-bis(3-methyl-imidazol-2-ylidene)-4,4'-bipyridine ligand, and a cobaloxime catalyst. This novel iron(II)-cobalt(III) assembly has been extensively characterized by ground- and excited-state methods like X-ray crystallography, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, (spectro-)electrochemistry, and steady-state and time-resolved optical absorption spectroscopy, with a particular focus on the stability of the molecular assembly in solution and determination of the excited-state landscape. NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy reveal dissociation of the dyad in acetonitrile at concentrations below 1 mM and high photostability. Transient absorption spectroscopy after excitation into the metal-to-ligand charge transfer absorption band suggests a relaxation cascade originating from hot singlet and triplet MLCT states, leading to the population of the 3 MLCT state that exhibits the longest lifetime. Finally, decay into the ground state involves a 3 MC state. Attachment of cobaloxime to the iron photosensitizer increases the 3 MLCT lifetime at the iron centre. Together with the directing effect of the linker, this potentially makes the dyad more active in photocatalytic proton reduction experiments than the analogous two-component system, consisting of the iron photosensitizer and Co(dmgH)2 (py)Cl. This work thus sheds new light on the functionality of base metal dyads, which are important for more efficient and sustainable future proton reduction systems.

Distinct photodynamics of κ-N and κ-C pseudoisomeric iron(II) complexes

Two closely related FeII complexes with 2,6-bis(1-ethyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4yl)pyridine and 2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidene)pyridine ligands are presented to gain new insights into the photophysics of bis(tridentate) iron(ii) complexes. The [Fe(N^N^N)2]2+ pseudoisomer sensitizes singlet oxygen through a MC state with nanosecond lifetime after MLCT excitation, while the bis(tridentate) [Fe(C^N^C)2]2+ pseudoisomer possesses a similar 3MLCT lifetime as the tris(bidentate) [Fe(C^C)2(N^N)]2+ complexes with four mesoionic carbenes.

Diastereoselective Synthesis of Dihydro-quinolin-4-ones by a Borane-Catalyzed Redox-Neutral endo-1,7-Hydride Shift

The borane-catalyzed synthesis of dihydroquinoline-4-ones is developed. The amino-substituted chalcones undergo a 1,7-hydride shift upon Lewis acid activation to form a zwitterionic iminium enolate, which collapses to the dihydroquinoline-4-one scaffold. The reaction proceeds in high yields (75-99%) with an excellent diastereoselectivity of up to >99:1 (cis:trans). The reaction mechanism is investigated by kinetic, isotope labeling, and computational experiments.

η3 -Coordination and Functionalization of the 2-Phosphaethynthiolate Anion at Lanthanum(III)*

We present the η3 -coordination of the 2-phosphaethynthiolate anion in the complex (PN)2 La(SCP) (2) [PN=N-(2-(diisopropylphosphanyl)-4-methylphenyl)-2,4,6-trimethylanilide)]. Structural comparison with dinuclear thiocyanate-bridged (PN)2 La(μ-1,3-SCN)2 La(PN)2 (3) and azide-bridged (PN)2 La(μ-1,3-N3 )2 La(PN)2 (4) complexes indicates that the [SCP]- coordination mode is mainly governed by electronic, rather than steric factors. Quantum mechanical investigations reveal large contributions of the antibonding π*-orbital of the [SCP]- ligand to the LUMO of complex 2, rendering it the ideal precursor for the first functionalization of the [SCP]- anion. Complex 2 was therefore reacted with CAACs which induced a selective rearrangement of the [SCP]- ligand to form the first CAAC stabilized group 15-group 16 fulminate-type complexes (PN)2 La{SPC(R CAAC)} (5 a,b, R=Ad, Me). A detailed reaction mechanism for the SCP-to-SPC isomerization is proposed based on DFT calculations.

Isocyanate Insertion into a La-P Phosphide Bond: A Versatile Route to Phosphaureate-Bridged Heterobimetallic Lanthanide-Coinage-Metal Complexes

A new route to heterobimetallic lanthanide-coinage-metal complexes is disclosed. The selective insertion of organic substrates such as phenyl iso(thio)cyanate into the La-P bond of the primary phosphido complex (PN)2La(PHMes) (1) (with PN- = (N-(2-(diisopropylphosphanyl)-4-methylphenyl)-2,4,6-trimethylanilide) yields the phospha(thio)ureate complexes (PN)2La(OC(NPh)(PHMes)) (2) and (PN)2La(SC(NPh)(PHMes)) (3) with retention of the PH protons. Subsequent deprotonation of the phosphaureate complex 2 with potassium hexamethyldisilazide (KHMDS, K[N(SiMe3)2]) leads to the polymeric complex [K{(PN)2La(OC(NPh)(PMes))}]n (4). Complex 4 was found to be an excellent precursor for salt metathesis reactions with copper(I) and gold(I) chlorides supported by an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC, 5 and 6) or a cyclic alkyl amino carbene (CAAC, 7 and 8). This resulted in the unprecedented formation of heterobimetallic lanthanum-coinage-metal complexes, containing the first example of a μ,κ2(O,N):κ1(P)-phosphaureate bridging ligand. For an alternative route to complex 8 a direct protonolysis protocol between a new basic gold(I) precursor, namely (MeCAAC)Au(HMDS), and 2 was also investigated. The complexes have been characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography (except for 8).

Molybdenum(VI) bis-imido Complexes of Dipyrromethene Ligands

We report the synthesis of high-valent molybdenum(VI) bis-imido complexes 1-4 with dipyrromethene (DPM) supporting ligands of the general formula (DPM^R)Mo(NR')₂Cl (R, R' = mesityl (Mes) or tert-butyl (^tBu)). The electrochemical and chemical properties of 1-4 reveal unexpected ligand noninnocence and reactivity. ¹⁵N NMR spectroscopy is used to assess the electronic properties of the imido ligands in the tert-butyl complexes 1 and 3. Complex 1 is inert toward ligand (halide) exchange with bulky phenolates such as KOMes or amides (e.g., KN(SiMe₃)₂), whereas the use of the lithium alkyl LiCH₂SiMe₃ results in a rare nucleophilic β-alkylation of the DPM ligand. While the reductions of the complexes occur at molybdenum, the oxidation is centered at the DPM ligand. Quantum-chemical calculations (complete active space self-consistent field, density functional theory) suggest facile (near-infrared) interligand charge transfer to the imido ligand, which might preclude the isolation of the oxidized complex [1]⁺ in the experiment.

Hard X-ray spectroscopy: an exhaustive toolbox for mechanistic studies (?)

Established and recent hard X-ray spectroscopic methods in the form of conventional X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS), and the photon-in/photon-out techniques high energy resolution fluorescence detection XANES and valence-to-core X-ray emission spectroscopy (VtC-XES) provide unique opportunities to study mechanisms in metal-organic reactions. The combination of these techniques allows the determination of the local geometric and electronic structures in the form of the numbers of nearest neighbours, their types and distances around an X-ray absorbing atom and the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular levels. Different sample cells for this purpose, which allow high pressure, electrochemical or multi-spectroscopic measurements under inert conditions, are presented and discussed. The potential of HERFD-XANES and VtC-XES to eliminate limitations of conventional EXAFS spectroscopy is established with case studies on the Hieber anion [Fe(CO)3(NO)]- and the iron hydride complex [Fe(CO)H(NO)(PPh3)2]. With VtC-XES the formation of an allyl complex by reaction of [Fe(CO)3(NO)]- in a catalytic nucleophilic substitution reaction can be followed. Combination of HERFD-XANES and VtC-XES allows the identification and investigation of hydride species, as well as their fate in chemical reactions. On the other hand, in order to investigate the active species formation in iron-catalysed cross coupling reactions, conventional XANES and EXAFS are the method of choice for the moment. For all examples, the advantages and limitations of the hard X-ray toolbox are commented on and the value of the individual methods are compared.

Monoanionic Anilidophosphine Ligand in Lanthanide Chemistry: Scope, Reactivity, and Electrochemistry

We present the synthesis of a series of new lanthanide(III) complexes supported by a monoanionic bidentate anilidophosphine ligand (N-(2-(diisopropylphosphanyl)-4-methylphenyl)-2,4,6-trimethylanilide, short PN^-). The work comprises the characterization of a variety of heteroleptic complexes containing either one or two PN ligands as well as a study on further functionalization possibilities. The new heteroleptic complexes cover selected examples over the whole lanthanide(III) series including lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, and lutetium. In case of the two diamagnetic metal cations lanthanum(III) and lutetium(III), we have furthermore studied the influence of the lanthanide ion (early vs. late) on the reactivity of these complexes. Thereby we found that the radius of the lanthanide ion has a major influence on the reactivity. Using sterically demanding, multidentate ligand systems, e.g., cyclopentadienide (Cp^-), we found that the lanthanum complex La(PN)₂Cl (1-La) reacts well to the corresponding cyclopentadienide complex, while for Lu(PN)₂Cl (1-Lu) no reaction was observed under any conditions tested. On the contrary, employing monodentate ligands such as mesitolate, thiomesitolate, 2,4,6-trimethylanilide or 2,4,6-trimethylphenylphosphide, results in the clean formation of the desired complexes for both lanthanum and lutetium. All complexes have been studied by various techniques, including multi nuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. ³¹P NMR spectroscopy was furthermore used to evaluate the presence of open coordination sites on the complexes using coordinating and noncoordinating solvents, and as a probe for estimating the Ce-P distance in the corresponding complexes. Additionally, we present cyclic voltammetry (CV) data for Ce(PN)₂Cl (1-Ce), La(PN)₂Cl (1-La), Ce(PN)(HMDS)₂ (8-Ce) and La(PN)(HMDS)₂ (8-La) (with HMDS = hexamethyldisilazide, (Me₃Si)₂N^-) exploring the potential of the anilidophosphane ligand framework to stabilize a potential Ce(IV) ion.

A von Hamos-type hard X-ray spectrometer at the PETRA III beamline P64

The design and performance of the high-resolution wavelength-dispersive multi-crystal von Hamos-type spectrometer at PETRA III beamline P64 are described. Extended analyzer crystal collection available at the beamline allows coverage of a broad energy range from 5 keV to 20 keV with an energy resolution of 0.35-1 eV. Particular attention was paid to enabling two-color measurements by a combination of two types of analyzer crystals and two two-dimensional detectors. The performance of the spectrometer is demonstrated by elastic-line and emission-line measurements on various compounds.

A transient lanthanum phosphinidene complex

Deprotonation of the terminal phosphido complex (PN)₂La(PHMes) results in the C–H-activation of one of the PN ligands via a transient phosphinidene complex.

Stereoselective Alkyne Hydrogenation by using a Simple Iron Catalyst

The stereoselective hydrogenation of alkynes constitutes one of the key approaches for the construction of stereodefined alkenes. The majority of conventional methods utilize noble and toxic metal catalysts. This study concerns a simple catalyst comprised of the commercial chemicals iron(II) acetylacetonate and diisobutylaluminum hydride, which enables the Z-selective semihydrogenation of alkynes under near ambient conditions (1-3 bar H₂ , 30 °C, 5 mol % [Fe]). Neither an elaborate catalyst preparation nor addition of ligands is required. Mechanistic studies (kinetic poisoning, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, TEM) strongly indicate the operation of small iron clusters and particle catalysts.

A new bis-phenolate mesoionic carbene ligand for early transition metal chemistry

A new chelating mesoionic carbene ligand, derived from 1,2,3-triazoles, with two redox-active tert-butyl-phenolate linkers has been synthesized and explored towards its reactivity and electrochemical properties in early transition metal chemistry.

Structural dynamics upon photoexcitation-induced charge transfer in a dicopper(i)–disulfide complex

A study of structural evolution upon photoinduced charge transfer in a dicopper complex with biologically relevant sulfur coordination.