The coordination chemistry of cationic main group clusters: syntheses and structures of [Fe3(Se2)2(CO)10] and [Fe4(Se2)3(CO)12]

The reactions of the polysulfur and selenium cationic clusters S₈²⁺ and Se₈²⁺ with various iron carbonyls were investigated. Several new chalcogen containing iron carbonyl cluster cations were isolated, depending on the nature of the counteranion. In the presence of SbF₆⁻ as a counterion, the cluster [Fe₃(E₂)₂(CO)₁₀] [SbF₆]₂·SO₂ (E = S, Se) could be isolated from the reaction of E₈²⁺ and excess iron carbonyl. The cluster is a picnic-basket shaped molecule of two iron centers linked by two Se₂ groups, with the whole fragment capped by an Fe(CO)₄ group. Crystallographic data for C₁₀O₁₂Fe₃Se₄Sb₂F₁₂S (I): space group monoclinic P2₁/c, A = 11.810(9), b = 24.023(6), c = 10.853(7) Å, β = 107.15(5)°, V = 2942(3) ų, Z = 4, R = 0.0426, R_w = 0.0503. When Sb₂F₁₁⁻ is present as the counterion, or Se₄[Sb₂F₁₁]₂ is used as the cluster cation source, a different cluster can be isolated, which has the formula [Fe₄(Se₂)₃(CO)₁₂] [SbF₆]₂·3SO₂. The dication contains two Fe₂Se₂ fragments bridged by an Se₂ group. Crystallographic data for C₁₂O₁₈Fe₄Se₆Sb₂F₁₂S₃ (III): space group triclinic , b = 18.400(9), C = 10.253(4) Å, = 93.10(4), β = 103.74(3), γ = 93.98(3)°, V = 1995(1) ų, Z = 2, R = 0.0328, R_w = 0.0325. The CO stretches in the IR spectrum all show a large shift to higher wavenumbers, suggesting almost no τ backbonding from the metals. This also correlates with the observed bond distances. All the compounds are extremely sensitive to air and water, and readily lose SO₂ when removed from the solvent. Thus all the crystals were handled at −100°C. The clusters seem to be either insoluble or unstable in all solvents investigated.     

Ontogenetic Development of Histamine H1- Receptor Binding in Rat Brain

Abstract: Histamine H_1- receptors labeled with [³H]mepyramine in rat brain show an age-dependent development. [³H]Mepyramine receptor density and histidine decarboxylase activity in whole rat brain reach adult levels at 25–30 days after birth and they attain 50% of adult level at day 10 and 17, respectively. The apparently later development of histidine decarboxylase activity in whole rat brain is partly accounted for by a biphasic developmental increase of this enzymatic activity in cerebral cortex. For all other brain regions examined, the development of histamine H_1- receptors parallels that of histidine decarboxylase. The increase in [³H]mepyramine binding can be accounted for by an absolute increase in the numbers of the receptor sites, with no change in affinity. Subcellular fractionation studies indicate that histamine H_1- receptors are predominantly associated with synaptosomal fractions derived from both newborn and adult rat.     

Design and properties of mixed metal multinuclear molecules: Part 1. Molecular structures of [Ag(PR3)2]2[Ni(mnt)2] type complexes (R=Me, Et, Cy and MNT=maleonitriledithiolate) and [AgL]2[Ni(mnt)2] type complexes with chelating diphosphines (L=dppf and dppm)

The trinuclear complexes [Ag(PR₃)₂]₂[Ni(mnt)₂] and [AgL]₂[Ni(mnt)₂] have been prepared by reactions of (NEt₄)₂[Ni(mnt)₂] and Ag₂SO₄ with alkyl phosphines (PR₃=P(CH₃)₃ (PMe₃) for 1, P(C₂H₅)₃ (PEt₃) for 2 and P(C₆H₁₁)₃ (PCy₃) for 3), or with chelating diphosphines (L=1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) for 4 and bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) for 5). The structures of all the complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Interactions between the [Ag(PR₃)₂]⁺ and [Ni(mnt)₂]²⁻ groups occur in compounds 1 and 2 with Ni---Ag distances of 3.063(4) and 2.9311(6) Å, respectively. Only one sulfur atom of each mnt ligand bridged [Ag(PR₃)₂]⁺ cations and [Ni(mnt)₂]²⁻ anions in compound 1 through 3 with Ag---S distances of about 2.7 Å. There is no interaction between Ag and Ni in compound 3 due to the flexibility of the cyclohexyl groups. Interactions between [AgL]⁺ and [Ni(mnt)₂]²⁻ groups also occur in compound 4 with a much shorter Ag---Ni distance of 2.7213(7) Å, while silver atoms and the NiS₄ plane in compound 4 make a chair conformation with Ag---S distances of about 2.8 Å. In compound 5, dppm bridges two silver atoms, and interaction between silver atoms occurs at a distance of 2.9859(11) Å, and only one sulfur atom of mnt is used to bridge Ni and Ag atoms with Ag---S distances of 2.582(3) and 2.663(3) Å.     

Mg-activated double-stranded DNA cleavage by [(bpy)2(OH2)Ru---O---Ru(H2O) (bpy)2]

The reaction of the title complex with DNA has been examined. Addition of [(bpy)₂(OH₂)RuORu(OH₂) (bpy)₂]⁴⁺ to DNA leads to the reduction of the complex to Ru(bpy)₂(OH₂)₂²⁺, as indicated by absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The reaction is accelerated by Mg²⁺. The combined evidence points to a mechanism where the oxo-bridged dimer is hydrolyzed to a monomeric Ru(III) complex that is capable of oxidizing DNA to effect strand scission. Gel electrophoresis demonstrates nicking of supercoiled /gfX174 DNA by [(bpy)₂(OH₂)RuORu(OH₂) (bpy)₂]⁴⁺, and double-stranded cleavage is observed in the presence of Mg²⁺. Linearization of the plasmid prior to treatment with the complex does not lead to further fragmentation, suggesting that supercoiling is required to realize double-stranded cleavage.     

Photocatalyzed isomerization of 1-pentene by Ru3(CO)12 adsorbed onto porous Vycor glass

UV photolysis of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ physisorbed onto porous Vycor glass leads to the oxidative addition product (μ-H)Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ-OSi). The latter reacts thermally with 1-pentene to form a stable adduct, HRu₃(CO)₁₀(OSi)(1-C₅H₁₀), and photolysis of the adduct results in isomerization of the alkene. HRu₃(CO)₁₀(OSi)(1-C₅H₁₀) + hv → (μ-H)Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ-OSi) + 2-pentene As with other photoactivated hybrid systems, the cis-/trans-2-pentene product ratio changes during photolysis. Unlike the other systems, where light generates a thermal catalyst, the data gathered here indicate a photoassisted catalytic process in which photoactivation of HRu₃(CO)₁₀(OSi)(1-C₅H₁₀) leads to an excited state similar to a π-allyl complex.     

Comparison in halide binding ability between the unsaturated clusters [Pd3(μ-dppm)3(CO)] and [PdPtCo(μ-dppm)2(CO)3(CNBu)] (dppm = Ph2PCH2PPh2)

The trinuclear clusters [Pd₃(μ-dppm)₃(CO)]²⁺ and [PtPdCo(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₃(CN^tBu)]⁺ exhibit a large and a small cavity, respectively, formed by the phenyl rings of the bridging diphosphine ligands. Their binding constants (K₁₁) with halide ions (X⁻) were obtained by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The binding ability varies as I⁻ > Br⁻ > Cl⁻, and [Pd₃(μ-dppm)₃(CO)]²⁺ > [ptPdCo(μ-dppm)₂-(CO)₃(CN^tBu)]⁺. The MO diagram for the related cluster [Pd₂Co(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₄]⁺ has been addressed theoretically in order to predict the nature of the lowest energy electronic bands. For this class of compounds, the lowest energy bands are assigned to charge transfers from the Co center to the Pd₂ centers.     

Synthesis and structures of the cuboidal iron-sulfur-nitrosyl-phosphine clusters [Fe4S3(NO)4(PR3)3] (R = Et, Pr, C6H11)

A series of cuboidal iron-sulfur clusters [Fe₄S₃(NO)₄(PR₃)₃]^0,1+ (R = Et, Prⁱ, Cy) were synthesized by two routes: reductive desulfurization of [Fe₄S₄(NO)₄] by tertiary phosphines, and substitution of triphenylphosphine in [Fe₄4S₃(NO)₄(PPh₃)₃] by a more basic phosphine. The structures of 3[Fe₄S₃(NO)₄(PEt₃)₃] · 0.5Et₂O, [Fe₄S₃(NO)₄(PEt₃)₃] [Fe₄S₃(NO)₇] and partially substituted [Fe₄S₃(NO)₄(PPh₃)_2⁻ (PPrⁱ₃)] have been determined by X-ray diffraction in order to define the cuboidal Fe₄S₃ core, previously known only in Roussin's black anion and its reduced form, [Fe₄S₃(NO)₇7]^1−,2−, and as a part of the iron-molybdenum cofactor of nitrogenase.     

Heats of reaction of HMo(CO)3(C5R5) (R = H, CH3) with diphenyldisulfide and of formation of the clusters [PhSMo(CO)x(C5H5)]2, X = 1,2. Thermodynamic study of molybdenum-sulfur bond strengths

The enthalpies of reaction of HMo(CO)₃C₅R₅ (R = H, CH₃) with diphenyldisulfide producing PhSMo(CO)₃C₅R₅ and PhSH have been measured in toluene and THF solution (R = H, ΔH= −8.5 ± 0.5 kcal mol⁻¹ (tol), −10.8 ± 0.7 kcal mol⁻¹ (THF); R = CH₃, ΔH = −11.3±0.3 kcal mol⁻¹ (tol), −13.2±0.7 kcal mol⁻¹ (THF)). These data are used to estimate the Mo---SPh bond strength to be on the order of 38–41 kcal mol⁻¹ for these complexes. The increased exothermicity of oxidative addition of disulfide in THF versus toluene is attributed to hydrogen bonding between thiophenol produced in the reaction and THF. This was confirmed by measurement of the heat of solution of thiophenol in toluene and THF. Differential scanning calorimetry as well as high temperature calorimetry have been performed on the dimerization and subsequent decarbonylation reactions of PhSMo(CO)₃Cp yielding [PhSMo(CO)₂Cp]₂ and [PhSMo(CO)Cp]₂. The enthalpies of reaction of PhSMo(CO)₃Cp and [PhSMo(CO)₂Cp]₂ with PPh₃, PPh₂Me and P(OMe)₃ have also been measured. The disproportionation reaction: 2[PhSMo(CO)₂Cp]₂ → 2PhSMo(CO)₃Cp + [PhSMP(CO)Cp]₂ is reported and its enthalpy has also been measured. These data allow determination of the enthalpy of formation of the metal-sulfur clusters [PhSMo(CO)_nC₅H₅]₂, N = 1,2.     

Synthesis and characterization of SrCu2(O2CR)3(bdmap)3 and Bi2(O2CCH3)4(bdmap)2(H2O) (R = CH3, CF3; bdmap = 1,3-bis(dimethylamino)-2-propanolato)

New mixed metal complexes SrCu₂(O₂CR)₃(bdmap)₃ (R = CF₃ (1a), CH₃ (1b)) and a new dinuclear bismuth complex Bi₂(O₂CCH₃)₄(bdmap)₂(H₂O) (2) have been synthesized. Their crystal structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Thermal decomposition behaviors of these complexes have been examined by TGA and X-ray powder diffraction analyses. While compound 1a decomposes to SrF₂ and CuO at about 380°C, compound 1b decomposes to the corresponding oxides above 800°C. Compound 2 decomposes cleanly to Bi₂O₃ at 330°C. The magnetism of 1a was examined by the measurement of susceptibility from 5–300 K. Theoretical fitting for the susceptibility data revealed that 1a is an antiferromagnetically coupled system with g = 2.012(7), −2J = 34.0(8) cm⁻¹. Crystal data for 1a: C₂₇H₅₁N₆O₉F₉Cu₂Sr/THF, monoclinic space group P2₁/m, A = 10.708(6), B = 15.20(1), C = 15.404(7) Å, β = 107.94(4)°, V = 2386(2) ų, Z = 2; for 1b: C₂₇H₆₀N₆O₉Cu₂Sr/THF, orthorhombic space group Pbcn, A = 19.164(9), B = 26.829(8), C = 17.240(9) Å, V = 8864(5) ų, Z = 8; for 2: C₂₂H₄₈O₁₁N₄Bi₂, monoclinic space group P2₁/c, A = 17.614(9), B = 10.741(3), C = 18.910(7) Å, β = 109.99(3)°, V = 3362(2) ų, Z = 4.     

Systematic synthesis, structural characterization, and reactivity studies of vanadium(V)–citrate anions [VO2(C6H6O7)]2, isolated from aqueous solutions in the presence of different cations

The aqueous chemistry of vanadium with physiologically relevant ligands constitutes a subject of burgeoning research, extending from bacterial metalloenzymic functions to human-health physiology. Vanadium, in the form of VCl₃ and V₂O_5, reacted expediently with citric acid, in a 1:2 molar ratio in water at pH4, and, in the presence of various cations, afforded crystalline materials bearing the general formula (Cat)₂[V₂O₄(C₆H₆O₇)₂]·nH₂O (A) (Cat⁺=Na⁺, NH₄ ⁺, n=2; Me₄N⁺, K⁺, n=4). Exploration of the reactivity of A toward H₂O₂ yielded the peroxo-containing complexes (Cat)₂[V₂O₂(O₂)₂(C₆H₆O₇)₂]·2H₂O (B) (Cat⁺=K⁺, NH₄ ⁺). Both classes of compounds were characterized analytically and spectroscopically. The X-ray structures of complexes A and B emphasize the exceptional stability of the dimeric rhombic unit V^V ₂O₂, which is retained upon H₂O₂ reaction, and the preserved mode of coordination of the citrate ligand as a doubly deprotonated moiety. In these complexes, typical six and eight coordination numbers were observed for the Na⁺ and K⁺ counter-ions, respectively. The variety of synthetic approaches leading to A, along with the stepwise and direct assembly and isolation of peroxo-compounds (B), denotes the significance of reaction pathways and intermediates in vanadium(III–V)–citrate synthetic chemistry. Hence, a systematic investigation of reactivity modes in aqueous vanadium–citrate systems emerges as a crucial tool for the establishment of chemical interconnectivity among low MW complex species, potentially participating in the intricate biodistribution of that metal ion in biological fluids.     

Neuropeptide Y inhibits [Ca2+]i changes in rat retinal neurons through NPY Y1, Y4, and Y5 receptors

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and NPY receptors are widely distributed in the CNS, including the retina, but the role of NPY in the retina is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether NPY modulates intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) changes in retinal neurons and identify the NPY receptors involved. As NPY decreased the [Ca²⁺]_i amplitudes evoked by 30 mM KCl in only 50% of neurons analyzed, we divided them in two populations: NPY-non-responsive neurons (Δ2/Δ1 ≥ 0.80) and NPY-responsive neurons (Δ2/Δ1 < 0.80), being the Δ2/Δ1 the ratio between the amplitude of [Ca²⁺]_i increase evoked by the second (Δ2) and the first (Δ1) stimuli of KCl. The NPY Y₁/Y₅, Y₄, and Y₅ receptor agonists (100 nM), but not the Y₂ receptor agonist (300 nM), inhibited the [Ca²⁺]_i increase induced by KCl. In addition, the inhibitory effect of NPY on evoked-[Ca²⁺]_i changes was reduced in the presence of the Y₁ or the Y₅ receptor antagonists. In conclusion, NPY inhibits KCl-evoked [Ca²⁺]_i increase in retinal neurons through the activation of NPY Y₁, Y₄, and Y₅ receptors. This effect may be viewed as a potential neuroprotective mechanism of NPY against retinal neurodegeneration.     

Studies of the oxovanadium(IV)—oxalate system: syntheses and crystal structures of binuclear (Ph4P)2[(VO)2(H2O)2(C2O4)3]·4H2O and of the one-dimensional chain material, (Ph4P)[VOCl(C2O4)]

The hydrothermal reactions of (Ph₄P)[VO₂Cl₂] and H₂C₂O₄ at 150 and 125°C yield (Ph₄P)₂[V₂O₂(H₂O)₂(C₂O₄)₃]·4H₂O (1) and (Ph₄P)[VOCl(C₂O₄)] (2), respectively. The structure of the molecular anion of 1 consists of a binuclear unit of oxovanadium(IV) octahedra bridged by a bisbidentate oxalate group. The VO₆ coordination geometry at each vanadium site is defined by a terminal oxo group, an aquo ligand, and four oxygen donors — two from the bisbidentate bridging oxalate and two from the terminal bidentate oxalate. The structure of 2 consists of discrete Ph₄P⁺ cations occupying regions between [VOCl(C₂O₄)]⁻_∞ spiral chains. The structure of the one-dimensional anionic chain exhibits V(IV) octahedra bridged by bisbidentate oxalate groups. Crystal data: 1·4H₂O, monoclinic P2₁/n, A = 12.694(3), B = 12.531(3), C = 17.17(3) Å, β = 106.32(2)°, V = 2621.3(13) ų, Z = 2, D_calc = 1.501 g cm⁻³, structure solution and refinement converged at a conventional residual of 0.0518; 2, tetragonal P4₃, A = 12.145(2), C = 15.991(3) Å, V = 2358.7(12) ų, Z = 4, R = 0.0452.     

Synthesis, and crystal and molecular structures of the triflato and trifluoroacetato complexes of zinc, Zn(O3SCF3)2(DME)2 and [Zn(O2CCF3)2(DME)]n

Anhydrous Zn(O₃SCF₃)₂ and Zn(O₂CCX₃)₂, X=F, Cl, Br were obtained in substantially quantitative yields from ZnO (or ZnEt₂ in the case of the bromide derivative) and a mixture of the corresponding acid and anhydride in heptane as medium. The reactions are rapid and moderately exothermic. Recrystallization of the triflate and trifluoroacetate complexes from dimethoxyethane (DME) produced single crystals of Zn(O₃SCF₃)₂(DME)₂ (1) and [Zn(O₂CCF₃)₂(DME)]_n (2) suitable for X-ray diffraction studies. In both compounds zinc is hexacoordinated with a pseudo-octahedral geometry. Compound 1 is constituted by mononuclear molecules with terminal monodentate O₃SCF₃ ligands in trans position. A polynuclear chain structure was found for 2 with zinc atoms joined alternatively by triple and single carboxylato bridges, and with bidentate terminal DME.     

Heterobimetallic aggregates of copper(I) with thiotungstates and thiomolybdates. Synthesis and characterization of polymeric (NEt4)3[Cu4(NCS)5WS4], (NEt4)2[(CuNCS)3WS4] and (NEt4)2[(CuNCS)4WS4], M = Mo, W

Reaction of (NEt₄)₂MS₄ (M = Mo, W) with CuCl and KSCN (or NH₄SCN) in acetone or acetonitrile affords a new set of mixed metal–sulfur compounds: infinite anionic chains Cu₄(NCS)₅MS_4³⁻ (1,2), (CuNCS)₃WS_4²⁻ (3) and two dimensional polymeric dianions (CuNCS)₄MS_4²⁻ (4,5). Crystal of 1 (M = W) and 3 are triclinic, space group P1(1:a = 10.356(2),b = 15.039(1),c = 17.356(2)Å, = 78.27(1)°, β = 88.89(2)° and γ = 88.60(1)°,Z = 2,R = 0.04 for 3915 independent data;3:a = 8.449(2),b = 14.622(4),c = 15.809(8)Å, = 61.84(3)°, β = 73.67(3)° and γ = 78.23(2)°,Z = 2,R = 0.029 for 6585 independent data). Crystals of 4 (M = W) and 5 (M = Mo) are monoclinic, space group P2₁/m,Z = 2 (4:a = 12.296(4),b = 14.794(4),c = 10.260(3)Åand β = 101.88(3)°,R = 0.034 for 4450 independent data;5:a = 12.306(2),b = 14.809(3),c = 10.257(2)Åand β = 101.99(3)°,R = 0.043 for 3078 independent data). The crystal structure determinations of 4 and 5 show that four edges of the tetrahedral MS_4²⁻ core are coordinated by copper atoms forming WS₄Cu₄ aggregates linked by eight-membered Cu(NCS)₂Cu rings. A two-dimensional network is thus formed in the diagonal (101) plane. The space between the anionic two-dimensional networks is filled with the NEt_4⁺ cations. Additional NCS groups lead to the [Cu₄(NCS)₅WS₄]³⁻ (1) trianion connected by NCS bridges forming pseudo-dimers. These latter are held together by weak CuS(NCS) interactions giving rise to infinite chains along a direction parallel to [100]. In contrast complex3 develops infinite chains from WS₄Cu₃ aggregates with the same Cu(NCS)₂Cu bridges as in 4 and 5. These chains are running along a direction parallel to [010]. The structural data of the different types of polymeric compounds containing MS_4²⁻ and CuNCS have been used to interpret vibrational spectroscopic data of the thiocyanate groups.     

Mixed anion lanthanide(III) crown ether complexes: crystal structures of [LaCl2(NO3)(12-crown-4)]2, [La(NO3)(OH2)4-(12-crown-4)]Cl2·CH3CN and [LaCl2(NO3)(18-crown-6)]

Reaction of LaCl₃·7H₂O containing small amounts of La(NO₃)₃·7H₂O as an impurity with 12-crown-4 or 18-crown-6 in 3:1 CH₃CN:CH₃OH resulted in the isolation of the mixed anion complexes [LaCl₂(NO₃)(12-crown-4)]₂, [La(NO₃)(OH₂)₄(12-crown-4)]Cl₂·CH₃CN and [LaCl₂(NO₃)(18-crown-6)]. The nine-coordinate dimer, [LaCl₂(NO₃)(12-crown-4)]₂, has all of the anions in the inner coordination sphere and La³⁺ has a capped square antiprismatic geometry. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with (at −150 °C) a = 12.938(6), B = 15.704(3), C = 13.962(2) Å, and D_calc = 2.08 g cm⁻³ for Z = 4. The second complex isolated from the same reaction, [La(NO₃)(OH₂)₄(12-crown-4)]Cl₂·CH₃CN, has the bidentate nitrate anion in the inner coordination sphere but the two chloride anions are in a hydrogen bonded outer sphere. This complex is ten-coordinate 4A,6B-expanded dodecahedral and crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁ with (at 20 °C) A = 7.651(2), B = 11.704(7), C = 11.608(4) Å, β = 95.11(2)°, and D_calc = 1.80 g cm⁻³ for Z = 2. The 18-crown-6 complex, [LaCl₂(NO₃)(18-crown-6)], has all inner sphere anions and has ten-coordinate 4A,6B-expanded dodecahedral La³⁺ centers. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with (at 20 °C) a = 14.122(7), B = 13.563(5), C = 19.311(9) Å, and D_calc = 1.89 g cm⁻³ for Z = 8.     

Kinetics and mechanisms of ligand substitution reactions of molybdenum SO2 complexes. Synthesis and X-ray structure of trans-Mo(CO)2 (dmpe) (PPh3) (SO2)

Kinetic results are reported for intramolecular PPh₃ substitution reactions of Mo(CO)₂(η¹-L)(PPh₃)₂(SO₂) to form Mo(CO)₂(η²-L)(PPh₃)(SO₂) (L = DMPE = (Me)₂PC₂H₄P(Me)₂ and dppe=Ph₂PC₂H₄PPh₂) in THF solvent, and for intermolecular SO₂ substitutions in Mo(CO)₃(η²-L)(η²-SO₂) (L = 2,2′-bipyridine, dppe) with phosphorus ligands in CH₂Cl₂ solvent. Activation parameters for intramolecular PPh₃ substitution reactions: ΔH^≠ values are 12.3 kcal/mol for dmpe and 16.7 kcal/mol for dppe; ΔS^≠ values are −30.3 cal/mol K for dmpe and −16.4 cal/mol K for dppe. These results are consistent with an intramolecular associative mechanism. Substitutions of SO₂ in MO(CO)₃(η²-L)(η²-SO₂) complexes proceed by both dissociative and associative mechanisms. The facile associative pathways for the reactions are discussed in terms of the ability of SO₂ to accept a pair of electrons from the metal, with its bonding transformations of η²-SO₂ to η¹-pyramidal SO₂, maintaining a stable 18-e count for the complex in its reaction transition state. The structure of Mo(CO)₂(dmpe)(PPh₃)(SO₂) was determined crystallographically: P2₁/c, A=9.311(1), B = 16.344(2), C = 18.830(2) Å, ß=91.04(1)°, V=2865.1(7) ų, Z=4, R(F)=3.49%.     

Catalytic and electrochemical properties of new manganese(III) compounds of 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-oxazoline (Hphox or HClphox). Molecular structures of [Mn(Clphox)2(MeOH)2](ClO4) and [Mn(phox)2(MeOH)2][Mn(phox)2(ClO4)2](H2O)2

New manganese(III) complexes of Hphox (2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-oxazoline) and HClphox (2-(5′-chloro-2′-hydroxyphenyl)-oxazoline) have been synthesised. The X-ray structures of [Mn(phox)₂(MeOH)₂][Mn(phox)₂(ClO₄)₂](H₂O)₂ and [Mn(Clphox)₂(MeOH)₂](ClO₄) show the manganese(III) ions to be octahedrally coordinated with methanol or perchlorate at the axial coordination sites. The cyclic voltammograms of the complexes, with the exception of [Mn(phox)₂(acac)] (Hacac=2,4-pentanedione), show an irreversible reduction wave of manganese(III) to manganese(II). After addition of an excess of 1-methylimidazole (1-Meim), the reduction process shifts towards lower potentials and becomes (quasi-) reversible, indicating that the presence of 1-Meim affects the catalytic efficiency of the complexes. The complexes catalyse the epoxidation of styrene by dihydrogen peroxide. The cumulative turnover numbers towards styrene oxide obtained after 15 min. vary from 16 for [Mn(Clphox)₂(MeOH)₂](ClO₄) to 26 for [Mn(phox)₂(acac)]. Ligand degradation appears to be the limiting factor for obtaining higher turnover numbers.     

Electrospray mass spectrometry of trans-[Ru(NO)Cl(dpaH)2] (dpaH=2,2′-dipyridylamine) and ‘caged NO’, [RuCl3(NO)(H2O)2]: loss of HCl and NO from positive ions versus NO and Cl from negative ions

The positive ion electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) of trans-[Ru(NO)Cl)(dpaH)₂]Cl₂ (dpaH=2,2′-dipyridylamine), obtained from the carrier solvent of H₂O–CH₃OH (50:50), revealed 1+ ions of the formulas [Ru^II(NO⁺)Cl(dpaH)(dpa)]⁺ (m/z=508), [Ru^IIICl(dpaH)(dpa⁻)]⁺ (m/z=478), [Ru^II(NO⁺)(dpa)₂]⁺ (m/z=472), [Ru^III(dpa)₂]⁺ (m/z=442), originating from proton dissociation from the parent [Ru^II(NO⁺)Cl(dpaH)₂]²⁺ ion with subsequent loss of NO (17.4% of dissociative events) or loss of HCl (82.6% of dissociative events). Further loss of NO from the m/z=472 fragment yields the m/z=442 fragment. Thus, ionization of the NH moiety of dpaH is a significant factor in controlling the net ionic charge in the gas phase, and allowing preferential dissociation of HCl in the fragmentation processes. With NaCl added, an ion pair, {Na[Ru^II(NO)Cl(dpa)₂]}⁺ (m/z=530; 532), is detectable. All these positive mass peaks that contain Ru carry a signature ‘handprint’ of adjacent m/z peaks due to the isotopic distribution of ¹⁰⁴Ru, ¹⁰²Ru, ¹⁰¹Ru, ⁹⁹Ru, ⁹⁸Ru and ⁹⁶Ru mass centered around ¹⁰¹Ru for each fragment, and have been matched to the theoretical isotopic distribution for each set of peaks centered on the main isotope peak. When the starting complex is allowed to undergo aquation for two weeks in H₂O, loss of the axial Cl⁻ is shown by the approximately 77% attenuation of the [Ru^II(NO⁺)Cl(dpaH)(dpa)]⁺ ion, being replaced by the [Ru^II(NO⁺)(H₂O)(dpa)₂]⁺ (m/z=490) as the most abundant high-mass species. Loss of H₂O is observed to form [Ru^II(NO⁺)(dpa)₂]⁺ (m/z=472). No positive ion mass spectral peaks were observed for RuCl₃(NO)(H₂O)₂, ‘caged NO’. Negative ions were observed by proton dissociation forming [Ru^II(NO)Cl₃(H₂O)(OH)]⁻ in the ionization chamber, detecting the parent 1− ion at m/z=274, followed by the loss of NO as the main dissociative pathway that produces [Ru^IIICl₃(H₂O)(OH)]⁻ (m/z=244). This species undergoes reductive elimination of a chlorine atom, forming [Ru^IICl₂(H₂O)(OH)]⁻ (m/z=208). The ease of the NO dissociation is increased for the negative ions, which should be more able to stabilize a Ru^III product upon NO loss.     

Metabolism of tritiated and deuterated gibberellins A1, A4 and A9 in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) shoots during the period of cone-bud differentiation

A mixture of tritiated and deuterated gibberellins (GAs) was injected into elongating shoots of Sitka spruce [ Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.] grafts grown under environmental conditions that were either inductive (heat and drought, HD) or non-inductive (cool and wet, CW) for flowering. The metabolites were purified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), detected by liquid scintillation counting of aliquots of collected fractions and identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Deuterated GA₉ was converted to deuterated GA₄, deuterated GA₃₄, and deuterated GA₁ in both treatments. Deuterated GA₄ was metabolized to deuterated GA₃₄ and deuterated GA₁ in the CW material, but only deuterated GA₁ was detected in the HD material. The amount of detected metabolites was higher in the HD material, caused by a higher rate of metabolism and/or smaller losses of the metabolites during sample purification. GA₁ was converted to a polar unidentified metabolite in both treatments, but to a higher degree in the CW treatment.     

The ReH6[P(C6H5)3]2 ion as a ligand: complexes with M(CO)3 fragments (M = Cr, Mo, W)

The reactions of [(H₅C₆)₃P]₂ReH₆⁻ with (CH₃CN)₃Cr(CO)₃, (diglyme)Mo(CO)₃ or (C₃H₇CN)₃W(CO)₃ led to the formation of [(H₅C₆)₃P]₂ReH₆M(CO)₃⁻ (M = Cr, Mo, W) complexes. These have been characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopies, as well as elemental analyses. A single crystal X-ray diffraction study has also been carried out for the M = Cr complex as a K(18-crown-6)⁺ salt. The complex crystallizes as a THF monosolvate in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a = 22.323(6), B = 9.523(2), C = 27.502(5) Å, β = 104.98(2)⁰ and V = 5648 ų for Z = 4. The Re---Cr separation is 2.5745(12) Å, and the two phosphine ligands are oriented unsymmetrically. Although the hydride ligands were not found, the presence of three bridging hydrides and a dodecahedral coordination geometry about rhenium could be inferred. Low temperature ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopic studies did not reveal the low symmetry of the solid state structure.