Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of an iron(V) nitride

Despite being implicated as important intermediates, iron(V) compounds have proven very challenging to isolate and characterize. Here, we report the preparation of the iron(V) nitrido complex, [PhB((t)BuIm)(3)Fe(V)≡N]BAr(F24) (PhB((t)BuIm)(3)(-) = phenyltris(3-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidene)borato, BAr(F24) = B(3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3))(4)(-)), by one electron oxidation of the iron(IV) nitrido precursor. Single-crystal x-ray diffraction of the iron(V) complex reveals a four-coordinate metal ion with a terminal nitrido ligand. M??bauer and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic characterization, supported by electronic structure calculations, provide evidence for a d(3) iron(V) metal center in a low spin (S = 1/2) electron configuration. Low-temperature reaction of the iron(V) nitrido complex with water under reducing conditions leads to high yields of ammonia with concomitant formation of an iron(II) species.     

Synthesis and structure of a terminal uranium nitride complex

The terminal uranium nitride linkage is a fundamental target in the study of f-orbital participation in metal-ligand multiple bonding but has previously eluded characterization in an isolable molecule. Here, we report the preparation of the terminal uranium(V) nitride complex [UN(Tren(TIPS))][Na(12-crown-4)(2)] {in which Tren(TIPS) = [N(CH(2)CH(2)NSiPr(i)(3))(3)](3-) and Pr(i) = CH(CH(3))(2)} by reaction of the uranium(III) complex [U(Tren(TIPS))] with sodium azide followed by abstraction and encapsulation of the sodium cation by the polydentate crown ether 12-crown-4. Single-crystal x-ray diffraction reveals a uranium-terminal nitride bond length of 1.825(15) angstroms (where 15 is the standard uncertainty). The structural assignment is supported by means of (15)N-isotopic labeling, electronic absorption spectroscopy, magnetometry, electronic structure calculations, elemental analyses, and liberation of ammonia after treatment with water.     

Structural aspects of reversible molecular oxygen uptake

The system IrX(CO)[P(C(6)H(5))(3)](2) in benzene solution adds mo lecular oxygen reversibly if X is chlorine and irreversibly if X is iodine. The crystal structure of the complex IrIO(2)(CO)[P(C(6)H(5))(3)](2) * CH(2)Cl(2) is reported here and compared with a previous study of the structure of IrClO(2)(CO)[P(C(6)H(5))(3)](2). The O-O bond length is 1.47 +/- 0.02 angstroms in the irreversibly oxygenated iodo-compound and 1.30 +/- 0.03 angstroms in the reversibly oxygenated chloro compound.     

Binuclear ion containing nitrogen as a bridging group

A binuclear ion ([NH(3))5RuN(2)Ru(NH(3))(5)](5)+ is formed by the direct reaction of N(2) with an aqueous solution of (NH(3))(5)RuOH(2)(2+) at room temperature. The binuclear ion is also formed by the reversible reaction of (NH(3))5RuOH(2)(2+) with (NH(3))(5)RuN(2)(2+). Solid [(NH(3))(5)RuN(2)Ru(NH(3))(5)] (BF(4))(4) has been prepared, and its ultraviolet and infrared spectra are reported.     

Quantification of primary versus secondary C-h bond cleavage in alkane activation: propane on pt

The trapping-mediated dissociative chemisorption of three isotopes of propane (C(3)H(8), CH(3),CD(2)CH(3), and C(3)D(8)) has been investigated on the Pt(110)-(1 x 2) surface, and both the apparent activation energies and the preexponential factors of the surface reaction rate coefficients have been measured. In addition, the probabilities of primary and secondary C-H bond cleavage for alkane activation on a surface were evaluated. The activation energy for primary C-H bond cleavage was 425 calories per mole greater than that of secondary C-H bond cleavage, and the two true activation energies that embody the single measured activation energy were determined for each of the three isotopes. Secondary C-H bond cleavage is also preferred on entropic grounds, and the magnitude of the effect was quantified.     

Free energy and temperature dependence of electron transfer at the metal-electrolyte interface

The rate constant of the electron-transfer reaction between a gold electrode and an electroactive ferrocene group has been measured at a structurally well-defined metal-electrolyte interface at temperatures from 1 degrees to 47 degrees C and reaction free energies from -1.0 to +0.8 electron volts (eV). The ferrocene group was positioned a fixed distance from the gold surface by the self-assembly of a mixed thiol monolayer of (eta(5)C(5)H(5))Fe(eta(5)C(5)H(4))CO(2)(CH(2))(16)SH and CH(3)(CH(2))(15)SH. Rate constants from 1 per second (s(-1)) to 2 x 10(4) s(-1) in 1 molar HClO(4) are reasonably fit with a reorganization energy of 0.85 eV and a prefactor for electron tunneling of 7 x 10(4) s(-1) eV(-1). Such self-assembled monolayers can be used to systematically probe the dependence of electron-transfer rates on distance, medium, and spacer structure, and to provide an empirical basis for the construction of interfacial devices such as sensors and transducers that utilize macroscopically directional electron-transfer reactions.     

Catalytic reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia at a single molybdenum center

Dinitrogen (N2) was reduced to ammonia at room temperature and 1 atmosphere with molybdenum catalysts that contain tetradentate [HIPTN3N]3- triamidoamine ligands (such as [HIPTN3N]Mo(N2), where [HIPTN3N]3- is [(3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3NCH2CH2)3N]3-) in heptane. Slow addition of the proton source [(2,6-lutidinium)(BAr'4), where Ar' is 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3]and reductant (decamethyl chromocene) was critical for achieving high efficiency ( approximately 66% in four turnovers). Numerous x-ray studies, along with isolation and characterization of six proposed intermediates in the catalytic reaction under noncatalytic conditions, suggest that N2 was reduced at a sterically protected, single molybdenum center that cycled from Mo(III) through Mo(VI) states.     

Dianion Stabilization by (M(C5(CH3)5)2)+: Theoretical Evidence for a Localized Ring in (DDQ)2-

Organic dianions have been stabilized by (M(C(5)(CH(3))(5))(2))(+), where M is iron or cobalt. This has allowed the structural and spectroscopic characterization of these dianions. The structure of (M(C(5)(CH(3))(5))(2))(2)(+) (DDQ)(2-), where DDQ is 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone, has been determined by x-ray crystallography. The structure of (DDQ)(2-)is consistent with ab initio molecular orbital calculations that suggest a localizd as opposed to a delocalized (aromatic) ring structure.     

Lanthanide complexes as nuclear magnetic resonance structural probes: paramagnetic anisotropy of shift reagent adducts

Magnetic anisotropy measurements on single crystals of a series of paramagnetic 8-coordinate lanthanide shift reagent adducts of the type Ln[(CH(3))(3)CCOCHCOC(CH(3))(3)(4-CH(3)C(5)H(1)N)(2) have been made for the following lanthanides: praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, europium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, and ytterbium. The susceptibility tensors are highly anisotropic and nonaxial. Dipolar nuclear magnetic resonance shifts evaluated from the solid-state date are in satisfactory agreement with the solution results.     

Activation of alkanes with organotransition metal complexes

Alkanes, although plentiful enough to be considered for use as feedstocks in large-scale chemical processes, are so unreactive that relatively few chemical reagents have been developed to convert them to molecules having useful functional groups. However, a recently synthesized iridium (lr) complex successfully converts alkanes into hydridoalkylmetal complexes (M + R-H --> R-M-H). This is a dihydride having the formula Cp(*)(L)lrH(2), where Cp(*) and L are abbreviations for the ligands (CH(3))(5)C(5) and (CH(3))(3)P, respectively. Irradiation with ultraviolet light causes the dihydride to lose H(2), generating the reactive intermediate Cp(*)lrL. This intermediate reacts rapidly with C-H bonds in every molecule so far tested (including alkanes) and leads to hydridoalkyliridium complexes Cp(*)(L)lr(R)(H). Evidence has been obtained that this C-H insertion, or oxidative addition, reaction proceeds through a simple three-center transition state and does not involve organic free radicals as intermediates. Thus the intermediate Cp(*)lrL reacts most rapidly with C-H bonds having relatively high bond energies, such as those at primary carbon centers, in small organic rings, and in aromatic rings. This contrasts directly with the type of hydrogen-abstraction selectivity that is characteristic of organic radicals. The hydridoalkyliridium products of the insertion reactions can be converted into functionalized organic molecules-alkyl halides-by treatment with mercuric chloride followed by halogens. Expulsion (reductive elimination) of the hydrocarbon from the hydridoalkyliridium complexes can be induced by Lewis acids or heat, regenerating the reactive intermediate Cp(*)lrL. Oxidative addition of the corresponding rhodium complexes Cp(*)RhL to alkane C-H bonds has also been observed, although the products formed in this case are much less stable and undergo reductive elimination at -20 degrees C. These and other recent observations provide an incentive for reexamining the factors that have been assumed to control the rate of reaction of transition metal complexes with C-H bonds-notably the need for electron-rich metals and the proximity of reacting centers.     

Conducting Layered Organic-inorganic Halides Containing <110>-Oriented Perovskite Sheets

Single crystals of the layered organic-inorganic perovskites, [NH(2)C(I=NH(2)](2)(CH(3)NH(3))m SnmI3m+2, were prepared by an aqueous solution growth technique. In contrast to the recently discovered family, (C(4)H(9)NH(3))(2)(CH(3)NH(3))n-1SnnI3n+1, which consists of (100)-terminated perovskite layers, structure determination reveals an unusual structural class with sets of m <110>-oriented CH(3)NH(3)SnI(3) perovskite sheets separated by iodoformamidinium cations. Whereas the m = 2 compound is semiconducting with a band gap of 0.33 +/- 0.05 electron volt, increasing m leads to more metallic character. The ability to control perovskite sheet orientation through the choice of organic cation demonstrates the flexibility provided by organic-inorganic perovskites and adds an important handle for tailoring and understanding lower dimensional transport in layered perovskites.     

Dinitrogen dissociation on an isolated surface tantalum atom

Both industrial and biochemical ammonia syntheses are thought to rely on the cooperation of multiple metals in breaking the strong triple bond of dinitrogen. Such multimetallic cooperation for dinitrogen cleavage is also the general rule for dinitrogen reductive cleavage with molecular systems and surfaces. We have observed cleavage of dinitrogen at 250 degrees C and atmospheric pressure by dihydrogen on isolated silica surface-supported tantalum(III) and tantalum(V) hydride centers [(identical with Si-O)2Ta(III)-H] and [(identical with Si-O)2Ta(V)H3], leading to the Ta(V) amido imido product [(identical with SiO)2Ta(=NH)(NH2)]: We assigned the product structure based on extensive characterization by infrared and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, isotopic labeling studies, and supporting data from x-ray absorption and theoretical simulations. Reaction intermediates revealed by in situ monitoring of the reaction with infrared spectroscopy support a mechanism highly distinct from those previously observed in enzymatic, organometallic, and heterogeneous N2 activating systems.     

N₂reduction and hydrogenation to ammonia by a molecular iron-potassium complex

The most common catalyst in the Haber-Bosch process for the hydrogenation of dinitrogen (N(2)) to ammonia (NH(3)) is an iron surface promoted with potassium cations (K(+)), but soluble iron complexes have neither reduced the N-N bond of N(2) to nitride (N(3-)) nor produced large amounts of NH(3) from N(2). We report a molecular iron complex that reacts with N(2) and a potassium reductant to give a complex with two nitrides, which are bound to iron and potassium cations. The product has a Fe(3)N(2) core, implying that three iron atoms cooperate to break the N-N triple bond through a six-electron reduction. The nitride complex reacts with acid and with H(2) to give substantial yields of N(2)-derived ammonia. These reactions, although not yet catalytic, give structural and spectroscopic insight into N(2) cleavage and N-H bond-forming reactions of iron.     

Penetration of an organphosphorus compound into squid axon and its effects on metabolism and function

The tertiary analogute of phospholine, namely, (C(2)H(5)O)(2)P(O)SCH(2)CH(2)N(CH(3))(2), is a potent, irreversible inhibitor of cholinesterase which, when externally applied to the sqluid giant axon, readily penetrates in its inhibitory form into the axoplasm. However, even a 10(-2) molar solution of this compound does not block axonal conduction unless the axon is first treated with a low concentration of venom from the cottonmouth moccasin. The question of the activity of acetylcholinesterase in these axons is considered, and the possibility of subcellular permeability barriers for indivisual components of the excitable membrane is discussed.     

A synthetic nickel electrocatalyst with a turnover frequency above 100,000 s⁻¹ for H₂ production

Reduction of acids to molecular hydrogen as a means of storing energy is catalyzed by platinum, but its low abundance and high cost are problematic. Precisely controlled delivery of protons is critical in hydrogenase enzymes in nature that catalyze hydrogen (H(2)) production using earth-abundant metals (iron and nickel). Here, we report that a synthetic nickel complex, [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(Ph))(2)](BF(4))(2), (P(Ph)(2)N(Ph) = 1,3,6-triphenyl-1-aza-3,6-diphosphacycloheptane), catalyzes the production of H(2) using protonated dimethylformamide as the proton source, with turnover frequencies of 33,000 per second (s(-1)) in dry acetonitrile and 106,000 s(-1) in the presence of 1.2 M of water, at a potential of -1.13 volt (versus the ferrocenium/ferrocene couple). The mechanistic implications of these remarkably fast catalysts point to a key role of pendant amines that function as proton relays.     

A Molecular Ferromagnet with a Curie Temperature of 6.2 Kelvin: [Mn(C5(CH3)5)2]+[TCNQ]-

The study of magnetic phase transitions in insulating molecular solids provides new insights into mechanisms of magnetic coupling in the solid state and into critical phenomena associated with these transitions. Only a few such materials are known to display cooperative magnetic properties. The use of high-spin molecular components would enhance intermolecular spin-spin interactions and thus a series of chargetransfer (CT) salts have been synthesized that utilize the spin S = 1 molecular cation, [Mn(C(5)(CH(3))(5))(2)](+) (decamethylmanganocenium). The structure and cooperative magnetic behavior of [Mn(C(5)(CH(3))(5))(2)](+)[TCNQ(-) (decamethylmanganocenium 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethanide) are reported. This salt is a bulk molecular ferromagnet with the highest critical (Curie) temperature (T(c) = 6.2 K) and coercive field (3.6 x 10(3) gauss), yet reported for such a material.     

Selective catalytic C-H alkylation of alkenes with alcohols

Alkenes and alcohols are among the most abundant and commonly used organic feedstock in industrial processes. We report a selective catalytic alkylation reaction of alkenes with alcohols that forms a carbon-carbon bond between vinyl carbon-hydrogen (C-H) and carbon-hydroxy centers with the concomitant loss of water. The cationic ruthenium complex [(C(6)H(6))(PCy(3))(CO)RuH](+)BF(4)(-) (Cy, cyclohexyl) catalyzes the alkylation in solution within 2 to 8 hours at temperatures ranging from 75° to 110°C and tolerates a broad range of substrate functionality, including amines and carbonyls. Preliminary mechanistic studies are inconsistent with Friedel-Crafts-type electrophilic activation of the alcohols, suggesting instead a vinyl C-H activation pathway with opposite electronic polarization.     

Simplex optimization of reaction yields

The sequential simplex algorithm, an efficient optimization strategy, rapidly improved reaction yield as a function of time and temperature in the synthesis of pi-C(5)H(5)Mo(CO)(2)CSN(CH(3))(2). The work demonstrates the feasibility and efficiency of the simplex design and suggests its application and usefulness in other syntheses.     

Large first hyperpolarizabilities in push-pull polyenes by tuning of the bond length alternation and aromaticity

Conjugated organic compounds with 3-phenyl-5-isoxazolone or N,N'-diethylthiobarbituric acid acceptors have large first molecular hyperpolarizabilities (beta) in comparison with compounds with 4-nitrophenyl acceptors. For example, julolidinyl-(CH=CH)(3)-CH=N,N'- diethylthiobarbituric acid, which has 12 atoms between the donor and acceptor, has a beta(0) of 911 x 10(-30) electrostatic units, whereas (CH(3))(2)NC(6)H(4),-(CH=CH)(4)-C(6)H(4)NO(2), with 16 atoms between its donor and acceptor, has a beta(0) of 133 x 10(-30) electrostatic units. The design strategies demonstrated here have resulted in chromophores that when incorporated into poled-polymer electrooptic modulators exhibited significant enhancements in electrooptic coefficients relative to polymers containing the commonly used dye Disperse Red-1. Poled polymer devices based on these or related chromophores may ultimately lead to high-speed electrooptic switching elements with low drive-power requirements, suitable for telecommunications applications.     

Diphosphonates inhibit formation of calcium phosphate crystals in vitro and pathological calcification in vivo

Two diphosphonates containing the P-C-P bond, CH(3)C(OH)(PO(3)HNa)(2) and H(2)C(PO(3)HNa)(2), inhibit the crystallization of calcium phosphate in vitro and prevent aortic calcification of rats given large amounts of vitamin D(3). The diphosphonates therefore have effects similar to those described for compounds containing the P-O-P bond but are active when administered orally.