Synthesis and structures of zinc complexes with new binucleating ligands containing alkoxide bridges, and their activities in the hydrolysis of tris(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate

Four new binucleating ligands featuring a hydroxytrimethylene linker between two coordination sites (1,3-bis{N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-N-methylamino}propan-2-ol, HL¹; 1,3-bis{N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methylamino}propan-2-ol, HL²; 1,3-bis[bis(2-methoxyethyl)amino]propan-2-ol, HL³; and 1-bis[(2-methoxyethyl)amino]-3-{N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methylamino}propan-2-ol, HL⁴) were synthesized, along with the corresponding zinc complexes. The structures of three dinuclear zinc complexes ([Zn₂L¹(μ-CH₃COO)₂]BPh₄ (1), [Zn₂L³(μ-CH₃COO)₂]BPh₄ (3), and [Zn₂L⁴(μ-CH₃COO)(CH₃COO)(EtOH)]BPh₄ (4)) and a tetranuclear zinc complex ({[Zn₂L²(μ-CH₃COO)]₂(μ-OH)₂}(BPh₄)₂ (2)) were revealed by X-ray crystallography. Hydrolysis of tris(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate (TNP) by these zinc complexes in an acetonitrile solution containing 5% Tris buffer (pH 8.0) at 30 °C was investigated spectrophotometrically and by ³¹P NMR. Although zinc complexes 1, 3, and 4 did not show hydrolysis activity, the tetranuclear zinc complex 2, containing μ-hydroxo bridges, was capable of hydrolyzing TNP. This suggests that the hydroxide moiety in the complex may have an important role in the hydrolysis reaction.     

β-Diiminatolanthanoid(III) halides revisited

The crystalline compounds [LnCl₂(L)(thf)₂] [Ln = Ce (1), Tb (2), Yb (3)], [NdI₂(L)(thf)₂] (4), [LnCl(L′)₂] [Ln = Tb (5), Yb (6) (a known compound)] and [YbCl(L′′)(μ-Cl)₂Li(OEt₂)₂] (7) have been prepared [L = {N(C₆H₃Prⁱ₂-2,6)C(H)}₂CPh, L′ = {N(SiMe₃)C(Ph)}₂CH, L′′ = {N(SiMe₃)C(C₆H₄Ph-4)}₂CH]. The X-ray molecular structures of 2-7 have been established; in each, the monoanionic ligand L, L′ or L′′ is N,N′-chelating and essentially π-delocalised. Each of 1-7 was prepared from the appropriate LnCl₃, or for 4 [NdI₃(thf)₂], and an equivalent portion of the appropriate alkali metal [Li for 7, Na for 2, 3 and 5, or K for 1, 4 and 6] β-diiminate in thf; the isolation of exclusively 5 and 6 (rather than the L′ analogues of 2 or 3) is noteworthy, as is the structure of 7 which has no precedent in Group 3 or 4f metal β-diiminato chemistry.     

6-Halogenopyridin-2-olato complexes with the diruthenium(2+) core: Equilibria between head-to-head and head-to-tail structures

The dinuclear bis(6-X-pyridin-2-olato) ruthenium complexes [Ru₂(μ-XpyO)₂(CO)₄(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl (4B) and Br (5B)), [Ru₂(μ-XpyO)₂(CO)₄(CH₃CN)₂] (X = Cl (6B), Br (7B) and F (8B)) and [Ru₂(μ-ClpyO)₂(CO)₄(PhCN)₂] (9B) were prepared from the corresponding tetranuclear coordination dimers [Ru₂(μ-XpyO)₂(CO)₄]₂ (1: X = Cl; 2: X = Br) and [Ru₂(μ-FpyO)₂(CO)₆]₂ (3) by treatment with an excess of triphenylphosphane, acetonitrile and benzonitrile, respectively. In the solid state, complexes 4B-9B all have a head-to-tail arrangement of the two pyridonate ligands, as evidenced by X-ray crystal structure analyses of 4B, 6B and 9B, in contrast to the head-to-head arrangement in the precursors 1-3. A temperature- and solvent-dependent equilibrium between the yellow head-to-tail complexes and the red head-to-head complexes 4A-7A and 9A, bearing an axial ligand only at the O,O-substituted ruthenium atom, exists in solution and was studied by NMR spectroscopy. Full ¹H and ¹³C NMR assignments were made in each case. Treatment of 1 and 2 with the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolin-2-ylidene provided the complexes [Ru₂(μ-XpyO)₂(CO)₄(NHC)], X = Cl (11A) or Br (12A). An XRD analysis revealed the head-to-head arrangement of the pyridonate ligands and axial coordination of the carbene ligand at the O,O-substituted ruthenium atom. The conversion of 11A and 12A into the corresponding head-to-tail complexes was not possible.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of mixed-ligand silver(I) complexes containing diphosphazanes and bidentate N-donor ligands

The reactions of a self-assembled silver(I) coordination polymer, [Ag₂{μ-PrⁱN(PPh₂)₂}(μ-NO₃)₂]_n (1) with various bidentate N-donor ligands such as DABCO, 2,2′-bipyridyl and 1,10-phenanthroline yield 1-D helices or π-π stacked polymers, depending on the chelate vector of the N-donor ligand. The molecular structures of the resultant complexes, [Ag₂{μ-PrⁱN(PPh₂)₂}(DABCO)(NO₃)₂]_n (2), [Ag₂{μ-PrⁱN(PPh₂)₂}(2,2′-bipy)₂(NO₃)₂] (3) and [Ag₂{μ-PrⁱN(PPh₂)₂}(1,10-phen)₂](NO₃)₂ (4) have been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 2 exists as an infinite helical polymer because of the exo-bidentate nature of DABCO. Complex 3 assumes a 2D grid motif as a result of intermolecular π-π stacking among adjacent bipyridine moieties. The phenanthroline complex 4 exhibits strong inter- and intramolecular π-π stacking interactions.     

Diverse reactivity of stereoisomers containing quadruply bonded dimolybdenum with oxygen: formation of [{Mo(η-N,N′-diisopropylbenzamidinato)oxo}2(μ-acetato)2(μ-oxo)]

The reaction of quadruply bonded dimolybdenum complex, [Mo₂(μ-OAc)₄] (1), with lithiated amidinato, Li[(NⁱPr)₂CR] (R = ^tBu; 2a, Me; 2b, Ph; 2c), was investigated. The reaction of 1 with 2a afforded the dark-red solid, whereas the product was so highly unstable that the product was not able to be characterized. In the case of acetamidinato 2b, lantern-type mixed-ligand quadruply bonded dimolybdenum complex, [Mo₂(μ-OAc){μ-(NⁱPr)₂CMe}₃] (3), was obtained as a yellow solid. In the reaction with benzamidinato 2c, symmetrical lantern-type dimolybdenum complex, [Mo₂(μ-OAc)₂ {μ-(NⁱPr)₂CPh}₂] (4), was isolated as a yellow solid. In the latter reaction, intermediary red compound (5), which is considered to be stereoisomer of 4 possessing non-lantern-type skeleton, was formed. However, isolation of 5 as a single component was not successful due to isomerization to 4. Complex 5 readily reacted with dry oxygen to give dimolybdenum(V) complex, [{Mo(η-(NⁱPr)₂CPh)oxo}₂ (μ-OAc)₂(μ-oxo)] (6), as a red solid. These complexes were characterized spectroscopically as well as, in some cases, by X-ray analyses.     

Synthesis of regioisomeric 17β-N-phenylpyrazolyl steroid derivatives and their inhibitory effect on 17α-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase

The reaction of 3β-hydroxy-21-hydroxymethylidenepregn-5-en-3β-ol-20-one (1) with phenylhydrazine (2a) affords two regioisomers, 17β-(1-phenyl-3-pyrazolyl)androst-3-en-3β-ol (5a) and 17β-(1-phenyl-5-pyrazolyl)androst-5-en-3β-ol (6a). The direction of the ring-closure reactions of 1 with p-substituted phenylhydrazines (2b-e) depends strongly on the electronic features of the substituents. Oppenauer oxidation of 3β-hydroxy-17β-exo-heterocyclic steroids 5a-e and 6a-e yielded the corresponding Δ⁴-3-ketosteroids 9a-e and 10a-e. The inhibitory effects (IC₅₀) of these compounds on rat testicular C_17,20-lyase were investigated by means of an in vitro radioligand incubation technique.     

Electrochemical oxidation of ethanol using Nafion electrodes modified with heterobimetallic catalysts

Chemically modified electrodes were prepared by adsorption of Nafion/catalyst films of the type Nafion/Cp(PPh₃)Ru(μ-I)(μ-dppm)PdCl₂ (N1), Nafion/[η⁵-C₅H₄CH₂CH₂(NHMe₂)⁺]Ru(PPh₃)(μ-I)(μ-dppm)PtCl₂ (N2), Nafion/[η⁵-C₅H₄CH₂CH₂(NHMe₂)⁺]Ru(PPh₃)(μ-Cl)(μ-dppm)PdCl₂ (N3), Nafion/Cp(CO)Fe(μ-I)(μ-dppm)PdI₂ (N4) and Nafion/Cp(CO)Ru(μ-I)(μ-dppm)PtI₂ (N5) on glassy and vitreous carbon electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and bulk electrolysis experiments were performed to assess the ability of these modified electrodes to electrocatalytically oxidize ethanol. Cyclic voltammograms using the N1-N5 modified glassy carbon electrodes displayed significant catalytic activity compared to oxidation of ethanol catalyzed by 1 in homogeneous solution. Bulk electrolysis of ethanol using electrodes coated with Nafion supported complexes 1-3 resulted in formation of the two- and four-electron oxidation products acetaldehyde and acetic acid, respectively, whilst bulk electrolysis using the complexes 4 and 5 produced only acetaldehyde.     

Neighbouring metal induced oxidative addition at the iron centre amongst the iron-arylpyridylphosphine complexes

Complexes of the type (η⁴-BuC₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂(P) (P = PPh₂Py 3, PPhPy₂4, PPy₃5; Py = 2-pyridyl) were satisfactorily prepared. Upon treatment of 3 with M(CO)₃(EtCN)₃ (M = Mo, 6a; W, 6b), the pyridyl N-atom could be coordinated to the metal M, which then eliminates a CO ligand from the Fe-centre and induced an oxidative addition of the endo-C-H of (η⁴-BuC₅H₅). This results in a bridged hydrido heterodimetallic complex [(η⁵-BuC₅H₄)Fe(CO)(μ-P,N-PPh₂Py)(μ-H)M(CO)₄] (M = Mo, 7a, 81%; W, 7b, 76%). The reaction of 4 or 5 with 6a,b did not give the induced oxidative addition, although these complexes contain more than one pyridyl N-atom. The reaction of 4 with M(CO)₄(EtCN)₂ (M = Mo, 9a; W, 9b) produced heterodimetallic complexes [(η⁴-BuC₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂(μ-P:N,N′-PPhPy₂)M(CO)₄] (M = Mo, 10a, 81%; W, 10b, 83%). Treatment of 5 with 6a,b gave [(η⁴-BuC₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂(μ-P:N,N′,N″-PPy₃)M(CO)₃] (M = Mo, 12a, 96%; W, 12b, 78%).     

Group 3 complexes incorporating (furyl)-substituted disilazide ligands

A series of mono- and bis-amide scandium and yttrium compounds incorporating the furyl-substituted disilazide ligand, [N{SiMe₂R}₂]⁻ {i} (where R = 2-methylfuryl) have been synthesized. The compounds Sc{i}Cl₂ (1), Sc{i}(CH₂SiMe₃)₂ (2) and Sc{i}(OAr)₂ (3) were made from suitable scandium starting materials employing either a salt metathesis protocol with Li{i} or via protonolysis of Sc-C bonds by the neutral amine H{i}. The thermally unstable bis-alkyl yttrium compound, ‘Y{i}(CH₂SiMe₃)₂^’ was isolated as the bis-THF adduct (4) and the bis-aryloxide Y{i}(OAr)₂ (5) was synthesized by elimination of LiOAr from Y(OAr)₃. The bis-amide complex Y{i}₂Cl (6) and conversion to a rare example of an yttrium benzyl compound Y{i}₂(CH₂Ph) (7) are described. The yttrium cation, [Y{i}₂]⁺, was synthesized by benzyl abstraction from 7 using B(C₆F₅)₃. Structural characterization of representative examples show variation in the coordination modes for amide ligand {i}, differing primarily in the number of furyl groups that coordinate to the metal, with examples in which zero, one or two M-O_furyl bonds are present. Preliminary investigation in two areas of catalysis are presented.     

Synthesis and characterization of four cubical molybdenum(V) tetramers and their catalytic properties for the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene using H2O2

Molybdenum tetramers: Mo₄(μ³-O)₄[μ-O₂P(CH₂Cl)₂]₄O₄ (1), Mo₄(μ³-O)₄(μ-O₂P(CH₂OH)₂)₄O₄ (2), Mo₄(μ³-O)₄[μ-O₂P(PhOMe)₂]₄O₄ (3), and Mo₄(μ³-O)₄[μ-O₂P(o-C₆H₄(CH₂)₂)]₄O₄ (4) have been synthesized and characterized by IR, UV-Vis, and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. Molybdenum tetramers 1 and 4 along with the ligands L2A and L4 were structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. An infinite 2D polymeric sheet was formed via inter and intra hydrogen bonds in the crystals of L2A. The crystals of L4 consist of infinite polymeric chains formed through hydrogen bonding. All molybdenum tetramers were tested as catalysts for the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene in the presence of H₂O₂. Compounds 1 and 2 resulted in more than 80% epoxide after 24 hours at 70 °C, and displayed superior catalytic activities over compounds 3 and 4 under identical conditions. The superior catalytic activities of compounds 1 and 2 may be attributed to their better solubility in the ethanol/H₂O₂ system.     

Highly trans-1,4 selective polymerization of 1,3-butadiene initiated by iron(III) bis(imino)pyridyl complexes

A series of 2,6-bis(imino)pyridyl iron(III) complexes of the general formula [2,6-(ArNCMe)₂C₅H₃N]FeCl₃ (Ar = -C₆H₅, 3a; 2-MeC₆H₄, 3b; 2-EtC₆H₄, 3c; 2-ⁱPrC₆H₄, 3d; cyclohexyl, 3e; 4-MeC₆H₄, 3f; 4-ⁱPrC₆H₄, 3g; 4-FC₆H₄, 3h and 4-CF₃C₆H₄, 3i), activated by alkylaluminum, MAO or MMAO, have been investigated in 1,3-butadiene polymerization. Iron(III) complex (3a), with the least steric hindrance around the metal center, gives polymer up to 99% in yield in 4 h (butadiene to iron ratio = 1000), and trans-1,4 selectivity about 94.7% at room temperature in toluene, while those (3b-3d) bearing alkyl substituents at the 2-position of each N-aryl ring exhibit much lower catalytic activity and tunable trans-1,4 selectivity. Introduction of an alkyl group at the 4-position (para-position, 3f and 3g) exerts a slightly beneficial effect on the trans-1,4 selectivity, while electronegative groups at the same position (3h and 3i) affect negatively on the activity. The effects of temperature, types of cocatalyst and Al/Fe molar ratio on the polymerization behavior are investigated. More importantly, a mechanism for forming trans-1,4 structure is also proposed.     

Heteroligand copper(I) complexes of N-thiophosphorylated thioureas and phosphanes: Versatile structures and luminescence

Reaction of the potassium salts of (EtO)₂P(O)CH₂C₆H₄-4-(NHC(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂) (HL^I), (CH₂NHC(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂)₂ (H₂L^II) or cyclam(C(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂)₄ (H₄L^III) with [Cu(PPh₃)₃I] or a mixture of CuI and Ph₂P(CH₂)_1-3PPh₂ or Ph₂P(C₅H₄FeC₅H₄)PPh₂ in aqueous EtOH/CH₂Cl₂ leads to [Cu(PPh₃)L^I] (1), [Cu₂(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)₂L^II] (2), [Cu{Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂}L^I] (3), [Cu{Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂}L^I] (4), [Cu{Ph₂P(C₅H₄FeC₅H₄)PPh₂}L^I] (5), [Cu₂(PPh₃)₂L^II] (6), [Cu₂(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)L^II] (7), [Cu₂{Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂}₂L^II] (8), [Cu₂{Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂}₂L^II] (9), [Cu₂{Ph₂P(C₅H₄FeC₅H₄)PPh₂}₂L^II] (10), [Cu₈(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)₈L^IIII₄] (11), [Cu₄{Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂}₄L^III] (12), [Cu₄{Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂}₄L^III] (13) or [Cu₄{Ph₂P(C₅H₄FeC₅H₄)PPh₂}₄L^III] (14) complexes. The structures of these compounds were investigated by IR, ¹H, ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy; their compositions were examined by microanalysis. The luminescent properties of the complexes 1-14 in the solid state are reported.     

Methyl- and propylacetamidinates of lanthanides: Structures, catalytic and some physical properties

The acetamidinates {[MeNC(Me)NMe]₂Ln}₂[μ-η²-η²-MeNC(Me)NMe]₂ (Ln = Y (1), Dy (2)) and {[PrⁿNC(Me)NPrⁿ]₂Y}₂[μ-η²-η²-PrⁿNC(Me)NPrⁿ]₂ (3) have been prepared by the reactions of amides Ln[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ with respective N,N′-disubstituted amidines MeNC(Me)NHMe or PrⁿNC(Me)NHPrⁿ. The reaction of Er[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ with excess of monosubstituted amidine HNC(Me)NHPrⁱ or in a ratio of 1:2 resulted in the formation of compound {Er[NC(Me)NHPrⁱ]₃}_x (4). The same reaction with 1:1 ratio yielded heteroleptic complex {Er[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂[NC(Me)NHPrⁱ]}_x (5). The complexes 1, 2 and 3 have similar structures and contain four terminal and two μ-η²:η²-N,N-bridging amidinate groups binding the metal atoms. Volatility of 1, 2 and 3 is comparable to that of known monomeric La[PrⁱNC(R)NPrⁱ]₃. Compound 1 efficiently catalyzes the ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide to give polylactide with M_n 53 085 and polydispersity 1.84.     

Complexes of N-thiophosphorylthioureas RNHC(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)2 (HL) (R = pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-3-yl, 6-amino-pyridin-2-yl) with copper(I): Crystal structures of Cu(PPh3)nL (n = 1, 2)

Reaction of the potassium salts of N-thiophosphorylated thioureas of common formula RNHC(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂ [R = pyridin-2-yl (HL^a), pyridin-3-yl (HL^b), 6-amino-pyridin-2-yl (HL^c)] with Cu(PPh₃)₃I in aqueous EtOH/CH₂Cl₂ leads to mononuclear [Cu(PPh₃)₂L^a,b-S,S′] (1, 2) and [Cu(PPh₃)L^c-S,S′] (3) complexes. Using copper(I) iodide instead of Cu(PPh₃)₃I, polynuclear complexes [Cu_n(L-S,S′)_n] (4-6) were obtained. The structures of these compounds were investigated by IR, ¹H, ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, ES-MS and elemental analyses. The crystal structures of Cu(PPh₃)₂L^b (2) and Cu(PPh₃)L^c (3) were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis and characterization of platinum-sterol hydrazone complexes with biological activity against Leishmania (L.) mexicana

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania transmitted by insects known as phlebotomines, which are found in wild or urban environments. The disease occurs in tropical and sub-tropical areas, mainly in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. At present, there is no effective treatment for this disease. In the search for new rational chemotherapeutic alternatives, two novel trans [Pt(Hpy1)₂(Cl)₂] (1) and trans [Pt(Hpy2)₂ (Cl)₂] (2) complexes were synthesized by the reaction of K₂PtCl₄ with sterol hydrazone ligands 20-hydrazone-pyridin-2-yl-5α-pregnan-3β-ol (Hpy1) and 22-hydrazone-pyridin-2-yl-chol-5-ene-3β-ol (Hpy2). These organic compounds are specific inhibitors of sterol methyl transferase (SMT). The new platinum complexes were characterized by a combination of ESI-MS (electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy), UV-vis, infrared and NMR spectroscopies; elemental analysis and molar conductivity. Promastigotes of Leishmania (L.) mexicana were treated for 48 h with 10 μM of the sterol hydrazones Hpy1 or Hpy2 alone or coordinated to Pt. Hpy1 produced higher leishmanistatic activity than Hpy2 (39% growth inhibition vs. 16%), which significatively increased (71%, p < 0.001) when the complex trans-[Pt(Hpy1)₂(Cl)₂] was used. This complex represents a new chemotherapeutic alternative to be evaluated in depth in experimental models of leishmaniasis.     

Titanium and vanadium complexes with tetraphenylimidodiphosphinate

Treatment of [Ti(OPrⁱ)₂Cl₂] with K(tpip) (tpip⁻ = [N(PPh₂O)₂]⁻) followed by chlorination with HCl afforded cis-[Ti(tpip)₂Cl]₂ (1). Reduction of 1 with Na/Hg in THF gave [Ti(tpip)₃] (2), which could also be prepared from [TiCl₃(THF)₃] and K(tpip). Recrystallization of [V(O)(tpip)₂] (3) from CH₂Cl₂-Et₂O in air afforded trinuclear [{V(O)}₃(μ-tpip)₃(μ-O)₃] (4). Treatment of [Cr(NBu^t)₂Cl₂] and [Cr(NBu^t)Cl₃(dme)] (dme = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) with [Ag(tpip)]₄ led to isolation of [Cr(tpip)₃] (6) and [Cr(NBu^t)(tpip)₂Cl] (7), respectively. The Ti- and V-tpip complexes are capable of catalyzing oxidation of sulfides with tert-butyl hydroperoxide and H₂O₂. The crystal structures of 1, 2, and 4 have been determined.     

Studies of mononuclear and dinuclear complexes of dibromodimethylplatinum(IV): Preparation, characterization and crystal structures

A number of complexes of the types [PtBr₂Me₂(N^?N)] (N^?N = 4,4′-di-Me-2,2′-bpy (1); 4,4′-di-t-Bu-2,2′-bpy (2); 2,2′-bpz (3); bpym (4)) and [PtBr₂Me₂(L)₂] (L = H-pz (5); 4-Me-H-pz (6); H-idz (7); H-im (8); H-bim (9); quaz (10)) are reported. Characterization by NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹⁵Pt), IR and EI-MS is given. In addition, crystal structures of several of these complexes are described. Furthermore, interactions within these structures including intramolecular hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions are reported. The reactivity of selected mononuclear complexes was investigated and yielded two dinuclear complexes [PPh₄][(PtBrMe₂)₂(μ-Br)(μ-pz)₂] (11) and [(PtBr₂Me₂)₂(μ-bpym)] (12), respectively. The latter complex is accompanied by a solid-state structure. Finally, the thermal stability of all complexes is reported.     

β-Diketiminato 3d-metal compounds: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic behavior towards ethylene

The lithium β-diketiminate (1c, [Li{N(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)C(Ph)CHC(^tBu)NH}]₂ represented as (LiL)₂) reacted with 3d-metal (II) chlorides to afford the corresponding compounds (2-7). All metal compounds were fully characterized by elemental, spectroscopic analyses and the single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The coordination geometries around the metals are shown to be tetrahedral within the trinuclear Co₂Li compound (2), planar in ML₂ (M = Co, 3), pseudo-tetrahedral conformation in the ML₂ with M as Mn (4), Fe (5) or Zn (6), and square planar in the dinickel compound (7). Indicated by the trimetallic Co₂Li compound 2, a six-membered ring is constructed of three metal atoms and three bridged chlorides as a twisted conformation. An inversion center is present in the centroid of the Ni₂Cl₂ four-membered ring within compound 7. The plausible mechanism of forming ML₂ was proposed through the chloro-bridged multinuclear compounds on the basis of isolated intermediates of trinuclear (2) and dinuclearic (7) compounds. Upon treatment with methylaluminoxane (MAO), the nickel compound 7 possessed good activity towards ethylene oligomerization, whereas the other metal compounds showed moderate activities towards ethylene polymerization.     

Synthesis and structures of lithium salts of two cluster iodoarsenate(III)s and a periodohexaantimonate(III)

Treatment of the lithium β-diketiminate Li[{N(C₆H₃-2,6)C(Me)}₂CH] with an equivalent portion of arsenic(III) iodide unexpectedly afforded [Li(thf)₄]₂[As₈I₂₆] (1) in modest yield. Another new cluster anion featured in [Li(thf)₄]₂[Li(thf)₆][As₇I₂₄]·1.5(thf) (2) was obtained in excellent yield from lithium iodide and four equivalents of AsI₃ in thf. Using the same stoichiometry and solvent, but with SbI₃ in place of AsI₃, furnished in good yield [Li(thf)₄]₄[Sb₆I₂₂]·2(thf) (3). The structures of the new crystalline orange (1, 3) or orange/red (2) salts was established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Each anion of 1-3 may be factorised into respectively [(AsI₂)₆(AsI)₂(μ₂-I)₁₀(μ₅-I)₂]²⁻ (1), [{(AsI₂)(μ₂-I)(μ₃-I)}₆As]³⁻ (2) and [(SbI₃)₂(SbI₂)₂(SbI)₂(μ₂-I)₆(μ₃-I)₄]⁴⁻ (3). Each As atom in 2 and each Sb atom in 3 is the centre of a six-coordinate distorted octahedron, while the arsenic atoms in 1 have either four- or six-coordinate environments.     

Syntheses, structures and bioactivities of silver(I) complexes with dithioether ligands that contain a di- or triethylene glycol chain and different terminal groups

A series of flexible dithioethyl ligands that contain ethyleneoxy segments were designed and synthesized, including bis(2-(pyridin-2-ylthio)ethyl)ether (L¹), 1,2-bis(2-(pyridin-2-ylthio)ethoxy)ethane (L²), bis(2-(benzothiazol-2-ylthio)ethyl)ether (L³) and 1,2-bis(2-(benzothiazol-2-ylthio)ethoxy)ethane (L⁴). Reactions of these ligands with AgNO₃ led to the formation of four new supramolecular coordination complexes, [Ag₂L¹(NO₃)₂]₂ (1), [Ag₂L²(NO₃)₂] (2), [AgL³(NO₃)]_∞ (3) and [AgL⁴(NO₃)] (4) in which the length of the (CH₂CH₂O)_n spacers and the terminal groups of ligands cause subtle geometrical differences. Studies of the inhibitory effect to the growth of Phaeodactylum tricornutum show that all four complexes are active and the compound 4 has the highest inhibitory activity.