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Experimental and theoretical studies are reported of the first two-coordinated Si0-isocyanide compound (SIDipp)Si═C═N-ArMes (1: SIDipp (NHC) = C[N(Dipp)CH2]2, ArMes = 2,6-dimesitylphenyl), supported by an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC). A Si atom economic two-step synthesis of 1 involves a 2e reduction of the isocyanide-stabilized silyliumylidene salt [SiBr(CNArMes)(SIDipp)][B(ArF)4] (2[B(ArF)4], ArF = B(C6H3-3,5-(CF3)2)4) with KC8. 2[B(ArF)4] was obtained from SiBr2(SIDipp) after bromide abstraction with an equimolar mixture of Na[B(ArF)4] and ArMesNC. Exact adherence to the stoichiometry is crucial in the latter reaction, since 2[B(ArF)4] reacts with SiBr2(SIDipp) via isocyanide exchange to afford the disilicon(II) salt [Si2Br3(SIDipp)2)][B(ArF)4] (3[B(ArF)4]), the reaction leading to an equilibrium that favors 3[B(ArF)4] (Keq(298 K) = 10.6, ΔH° = -10.6 kJ mol-1; ΔS° = -16.0 J mol-1 K-1). 3[B(ArF)4] was obtained selectively from the 2:1 reaction of SiBr2(SIDipp) with Na[B(ArF)4] and fully characterized. Detailed studies of 1 reveal an intriguing structure featuring a planar CNHC-Si-C-N skeleton with a V-shaped geometry at the dicoordinated Si0 center, a slightly bent Si═C═N core, a CNHC-Si-CCNR 3c-2e out of plane π-bond (HOMO), and an anticlinal conformation of the SIDipp and ArMes substituents leading to axial chirality and the presence of two enantiomers, (Ra)-1 and (Sa)-1. Compound 1 displays structural dynamics in solution, rapidly interconverting the enantiomers. The silacumulene 1 is a potent Si(SIDipp) transfer agent as demonstrated by the synthesis and full characterization of the NHC-supported germasilyne (Z)-(SIDipp)(Cl)Si═GeArMes (4) from 1 and Ge(ArMes)Cl.

Five ligands with either nitrile or isonitrile metal binding motifs have been synthesized based on the 2,8- or 3,9-disubstituted Troger's base scaffold, respectively. These ligands self-assemble into dinuclear cyclic metallosupramolecular aggregates upon coordination to [(dppp)Pd(OTf)2 ] in a highly diastereoselective manner, by heterochiral self-sorting in a chiral self-discriminating manner as shown by ESI mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, and single crystal XRD analysis. This observation is in contrast to earlier studies with ligands derived from Troger's base that have larger metal binding motifs and bis(nitrile) and bis(isonitrile) ligands based on other rigid dissymmetric cores such as [2.2]paracyclophanes. Thus, the combination of these slim metal binding motifs with the rigid v-shaped 2,8- or 3,9-disubstituted Troger's base scaffolds seems to be especially well preorganized to ensure high-fidelity social self-sorting behavior.

Two isostructural ligands with either nitrile (Lnit) or isonitrile (Liso) moieties directly connected to a [2.2]paracyclophane backbone with pseudo‐meta substitution pattern have been synthesized. The ligand itself (Lnit) or its precursors (Liso) were resolved by HPLC on a chiral stationary phase and the absolute configuration of the isolated enantiomers was assigned by XRD analysis and/or by comparison of quantum‐chemical simulated and experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Surprisingly, the resulting metallosupramolecular aggregates formed in solution upon coordination of [(dppp)Pd(OTf)2] differ in their composition: whereas Lnit forms dinuclear complexes, Liso exclusively forms trinuclear ones. Furthermore, they also differ in their chiral self‐sorting behavior as (rac)‐Liso undergoes exclusive social self‐sorting leading to a heterochiral assembly, whereas (rac)‐Liso shows a twofold preference for the formation of homochiral complexes in a narcissistic self‐sorting manner as proven by ESI mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Interestingly, upon crystallization, these discrete aggregates undergo structural transformation to coordination polymers, as evidenced by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction., Two isostructural ligands with either nitrile (Lnit) or isonitrile (Liso) moieties attached to a [2.2]paracyclophane backbone have been synthesized. Surprisingly, the resulting discrete metallosupramolecular aggregates formed in solution upon coordination of [(dppp)Pd(OTf)2] differ in their composition and in their chiral self‐sorting behavior. Upon crystallization these discrete aggregates undergo structural transformation to coordination polymers.

A protocol for the synthesis of mono- and bis-phosphanylated 1,3-dithiole-2-thiones 2 and 3 is presented. The reaction of 2 or 3 with hydrogen peroxide–urea or elemental sulfur led to the corresponding P(V) chalcogenide 1,3-dithiole-2-thiones 4–7. All compounds were characterized by 31P, 1H and 13C NMR and IR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. Additionally, compounds 3 and 4 were analysed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The reaction of 3 with P(OEt)3 led selectively to the tetrakis-phosphanylated tetrathiafulvalene derivative IIvia a reductive C2,C2 coupling reaction. A thorough computational analysis for the mechanism of phosphite-mediated reductive dimerization of 1,3-dithiole-2-thiones was performed.

A titanocene‐catalyzed regiodivergent radical arylation is described that allows access to either enantiomerically pure tetrahydroquinolines or indolines from a common starting material. The regioselectivity of epoxide opening that results in the high selectivity of heterocycle formation is controlled by two factors, the absolute configuration of the enantiopure ligands of the (C5H4R)2TiX2 catalyst and the inorganic ligand X (X=Cl, OTs). The overall reaction is atom‐economical and constitutes a radical Friedel–Crafts alkylation., Indolines and tetrahydroquinolines are formed from the same substrates by titanocene catalysis. The absolute configuration of the cyclopentadienyl ligand and the inorganic ligand determine the regioselectivity of the ring opening and diastereoselectivity of tje radical arylation in the regiodivergent radical arylation of epoxides.

While P(v) 1,2-oxaphosphetanes were investigated in great detail over the past decades, the knowledge about P(v) 1,2-thiaphosphetanes is rather scarce, and P(iii) derivatives are unknown. Herein, we present the synthesis of the first P(iii) complex derivatives formed in the coordination sphere of group 6 metals and, additionally, the first unligated P(iii) 1,2-thiaphosphetanes. The latter display an unusually low HOMO-LUMO gap thus constituting excellent candidates for redox-cycling organocatalysts.

While a variety of compounds containing planar tetracoordinated carbon (ptC), the so-called anti-van't Hoff/Le Bel carbon, are known experimentally, stable systems containing planar tetracoordinated silicon (ptSi) are barely known. As part of our studies on the application of stereoelectronically well-defined transition-metal fragments to stabilize silicon in unprecedented bonding modes, we report herein the synthesis and full characterization of a series of thermally stable complexes of the general formula [Tp'(CO)2MSiC(R1)C(R2)M(CO)2Tp'] (M = Mo, W; R1 = R2 = Me or R1 = H, R2 = SiMe3, Ph; Tp' = κ3-N,N',N″-hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate), which incorporate a ptSi atom in addition to two ptC atoms. The complexes were obtained by reacting the metallasilylidyne complexes [Tp'(CO)2M≡Si-M(CO)2(PMe3)Tp'] with alkynes R1C≡CR2 and were comprehensively analyzed by experimental studies and quantum chemical calculations. The analyses revealed that the ptSi atom is embedded in a tricyclic trapezoidal core featuring one internal SiC2 and two outer M-Si-C three-membered rings, which are fused via two Si-C bonds. The structural peculiarities evoked by the presence of an anti-van't Hoff/Le Bel ptSi center, such as the short M-Si bonds, a nearly linear M-Si-M spine, long M-C bonds, and the presence of two planar tetracoordinated carbon atoms were elucidated by a detailed analysis of the electronic structure, suggesting that one factor for the stabilization of the ptSi geometry is the aromaticity of the central SiC2 ring having two delocalized π electrons. Remarkably, the results further indicate the existence of both anti-van't Hoff/Le Bel carbon and silicon centers next to each other in the isolated complexes.

Although the chemistry of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) has seen tremendous developments, investigations on anionic, mono-molecular FLPs are still scarce and 1,3-zwitterions are unknown. Herein, synthesis of a K/OR phosphinidenoid complex bearing a Si–Cl function is reported and, hence, can serve as a synthetic equivalent for a 1,3-zwitterion to allow access to rare and novel heterocyclic P-ligands.

Synthesis of the first tricyclic bis(carbenes) with facially opposed imidazole-2-ylidenes and two linking phosphorus centres in different oxidation states is presented using a modular, high-yield synthetic route. The formation of homo bimetallic coinage metal(i) complexes provides a first glimpse on their potential use.

A detailed experimental and theoretical analysis is presented of unprecedented molybdenum complexes featuring a linearly coordinated, multiply bonded silicon atom. Reaction of SiBr2(SIdipp) (SIdipp = C[N(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)CH2]2) with Na[Tp′Mo(CO)2(PMe3)] (Na-1) in the ratio 1:2 afforded the reddish-brown metallasilylidyne complex [Tp′(CO)2Mo≡Si—Mo(CO)2(PMe3)Tp′] (Tp′ = κ3-N,N′,N″-hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) (2), in which an almost linearly coordinated silicon atom (∠(Mo1–Si–Mo2) = 162.93(7)°) is bridging the 15VE metal fragment Tp′Mo(CO)2 with the 17VE metal fragment Tp′Mo(CO)2(PMe3) via a short Mo1–Si bond (2.287(2) A) and a considerably longer Mo2–Si bond (2.438(2) A), respectively. The reddish-orange silylidyne complex [Tp′(CO)2Mo≡Si—Tbb] (3) was also prepared from Na-1 and the 1,2-dibromodisilene (E)-Tbb(Br)Si═Si(Br)Tbb (Tbb = C6H2-2,6-[CH(SiMe3)2]2-4-tBu) and contains as 2 a short Mo–Si bond (2.2614(9) A) to an almost linearly coordinated Si atom (∠(Mo–Si–CTbb) = 160.8(1)°). Cyclic voltamme...

A combined theoretical and experimental study on the formation and reactivity of a P-OTEMP (P-bound TEMPO (TEMPO=2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-1-oxyl)) substituted 1,3,2-diazaphospholane W(CO)5 complex is presented, including DFT-based mechanistic details. The complex possesses a thermally labile O-N bond that cleaves homolytically yielding the transient 1,3,2-diazaphospholane-2-oxyl complex [(CO)5 W(R2 PO. )], which acts as a radical initiator for styrene polymerization under ambient conditions.

The syntheses of a formazan and a verdazyl radical are reported along with their crystal structures, UV–Vis spectra, and the EPR spectrum of the radical. In addition, the isolation of a possible by-product was achieved., The title compounds, C19H15BrN4, C20H16BrN4 and C20H15BrN4, are nitro­gen-rich organic compounds that are related by their synthesis. The verdazyl radical, in which stacking leads to anti­ferromagnetic inter­actions, was reported previously [Iwase et al. (2013 ▸). Phys. Rev. B, 88, 184431]. For this compound, improved structural data and spectroscopic data are presented. The other two compounds have been crystallized for the first time and form stacks of dimers, roughly along the a-axis direction of the crystal. The formazan mol­ecule shows signs of rapid intra­molecular H-atom exchange typical for this class of compounds and spectroscopic data are provided in addition to the crystal structure. The triazole compound appears to be a side-product of the verdazyl synthesis.

Structural diffraction analysis of an anilino squaraine with branched isobutyl side chains shows crystallization into two polymorphic structures in the bulk and in spin-casted thin films. We observe multipeaked and pleochroic absorption spectra being blue-(red)-shifted for the monoclinic (orthorhombic) polymorph. We understand the packing as Coulombic molecular H- (J)-aggregates supporting Davydov splitting. Pictures of projected Davydov components in oriented thin films fit well to polarization resolved spectro-microscopy and crossed-polarized light microscopy investigations. By comparison with literature on anilino squaraines with linear alkyl side chains, we point out a general trend for steering the thin film excitonic properties by simple side chain and/or processing condition variation. Combined with the ability to locally probe the direction of transition dipole moments, this adds value to the rational design of functional thin films for optoelectronic applications, especially envisioning ultrastrong light-matter interactions.

A new bis(salicylimine) ligand based on the Tröger's base scaffold was synthesized in racemic and enantiomerically pure form. Upon coordination to zinc(II) ions this ligand undergoes highly diastereoselective self-assembly into neutral dinuclear double-stranded helicates as proven by XRD analysis and via comparison of experimental ECD spectra with those simulated with quantum-chemical methods. When the racemic ligand was used, self-assembly occurs under narcissistic self-sorting resulting in the formation of a racemic pair of helicates as revealed by NMR spectroscopy and XRD analysis.

Two different classes of aza analogues of 9,9'-spirobifluorenes have been synthesized. These were obtained by either furnishing the spirobifluorene with additional pyridyl moieties or by installing the aza function directly into the spirobifluorene core. These structurally rigid compounds were then evaluated as affinity materials for quartz crystal microbalances and proved to be highly potent for the detection of volatile organic compounds.

A systematic, efficient approach to first complexes containing a triple bond between niobium and the elements silicon, germanium or tin is reported. The approach involves a metathetical exchange of the niobium-centered nucleophile (NMe4)[Nb(CO)4(κ2-tmps)] (1) (tmps = MeSi(CH2PMe2)3) with a suitable organotetrel(II)halide. Compound 1 was obtained from (NMe4)[Nb(CO)6] and the triphosphane tmps by photodecarbonylation. Reaction of 1 with the disilene E-Tbb(Br)SiSi(Br)Tbb in the presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine afforded selectively the red-brown silylidyne complex [(κ3-tmps)(CO)2NbSi–Tbb] (2-Si, Tbb = 4-tert-butyl-2,6-bis(bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl)phenyl). Similarly, treatment of 1 with E(ArMes)Cl (E = Ge, Sn; ArMes = 2,6-mesitylphenyl) afforded after elimination of (NMe4)Cl and two CO ligands the deep magenta colored germylidyne complex [(κ3-tmps)(CO)2NbGe–ArMes] (3-Ge), and the deep violet, light-sensitive stannylidyne complex [(κ3-tmps)(CO)2NbSn–ArMes] (3-Sn), respectively. Formation of 3-Sn proceeds via the niobiastannylene [(κ3-tmps)(CO)3Nb–SnArMes] (4-Sn), which was detected by IR and NMR spectroscopy. The niobium tetrylidyne complexes 2-Si, 3-Ge and 3-Sn were fully characterized and their solid-state structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. All complexes feature an almost linear tetrel coordination and the shortest Nb–E bond lengths (d(Nb–Si) = 232.7(2) pm; d(Nb–Ge) = 235.79(4) pm; d(Nb–Sn) = 253.3(1) pm) reported to date. Reaction of 3-Ge with a large excess of H2O afforded upon cleavage of the Nb–Ge triple bond the hydridogermanediol Ge(ArMes)H(OH)2. Photodecarbonylation of [CpNb(CO)4] (Cp = η5-C5H5) in the presence of Ge(ArMes)Cl afforded the red-orange chlorogermylidene complex [Cp(CO)3NbGe(ArMes)Cl] (5-Ge). The molecular structure of 5-Ge features an upright conformation of the germylidene ligand, a trigonal–planar coordinated Ge atom, and a Nb–Ge double bond length of 251.78(6) pm, which lies in-between the Nb–Ge triple bond length of 3-Ge (235.79(4) pm) and a Nb–Ge single bond length (267.3 pm). Cyclic voltammetric studies of 2-Si, 3-Ge, and 3-Sn reveal several electron-transfer steps. One-electron oxidation and reduction of the germylidyne complex of 3-Ge in THF are electrochemically reversible suggesting that both the radical cation and radical anion of 3-Ge are accessible species in solution.

A novel ambiguous reactivity of Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complexes under redox conditions is described. The outcome of the reaction with hexafluoroacetone is highly dependent on the P-substituent as fluoride substitution occurred in the case of R = CPh3 and C5Me5via a radical pathway, whereas for R = CH(SiMe3)2 a complex having a novel 1,2-diol-type P-ligand was obtained via a closed-shell pathway. DFT calculations reveal a new SET pathway starting with a noncovalent π-hole complex between the phosphinidenoid anion and hexafluoroacetone followed by an elimination of LiF. The second, closed-shell reaction course is strongly influenced by a noncovalent O⋯Si interaction established after the initial nucleophilic attack.

The transiently generated electrophilic terminal phosphinidene complex [(CO)5WPCH(SiMe3)2] reacted with allyl halides (X = F, Cl, Br) in toluene resulting in the formation of stable C–X insertion products 3a–c and diastereomeric phosphirane complexes 4a,a′,b,b′ as well as methylenephosphirane complex 5 as observed by 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy. DFT calculations revealed that a novel rearrangement of transient phosphirane complexes is responsible involving C → P X atom transfer.

Substituted xanthine derivatives are important bioactive molecules. Herein we report on a new, practical synthesis of 6-amino-5-carboxamidouracils, the main building blocks for the preparation of 8-substituted xanthines, by condensation of 5,6-diaminouracil derivatives and various carboxylic acids using the recently developed non-hazardous coupling reagent COMU (1-[(1-(cyano-2-ethoxy-2-oxoethylideneaminooxy)dimethylaminomorpholinomethylene)]methanaminium hexafluorophosphate). Optimized reaction conditions led to the precipitation of pure products after only 5 to 10 min of reaction time. The method tolerates a variety of substituted 5,6-diaminouracil and carboxylic acid derivatives as starting compounds resulting in most cases in more than 80% isolated yield. Regioselectivity of the reaction yielding only the 5-carboxamido-, but not the 6-carboxamidouracil derivatives, was unambiguously confirmed by single X-ray crystallography and multidimensional NMR experiments. The described method represents a convenient, fast access to direct precursors of 8-substituted xanthines under mild conditions without the necessity of hazardous coupling or chlorinating reagents.

While phosphaalkenes and phosphanes are known to participate in [4+n] cycloaddition reactions, P-C single bonds are inert in this respect. Herein, reactions of oxaphosphirane complexes with tetrachloro-ortho-benzoquinone are presented that reveal a stereoselective reaction of the endocyclic P-C bond to afford benzo-1,3,6,2-trioxaphosphepine complexes. High-level DFT calculations provide evidence that the final product is derived from a sequence of three consecutive steps involving a ditopic van der Waals complex.

Synthesis of 1,1′-bifunctional aminophosphane complexes 3 a–e was achieved by the reaction of Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complex 2 with various primary amines (R=Me, iPr, tBu, Cy, Ph). Deprotonation of complex 3 a (R=Me) with potassium hexamethyldisilazide yielded a mixture of K/NHMe phosphinidenoid complex 4 a and potassium phosphanylamido complex 4 a′. Treatment of complex 3 c (R=tBu) and e (R=Ph) with KHMDS afforded the first examples of K/NHR phosphinidenoid complexes 4 c and e. The reaction of complex 3 c with 2 molar equivalents of KHMDS followed by PhPCl2 afforded complexes 5 c,c′, which possess a P2N-ring ligand. All complexes were characterized by NMR, IR, MS, and microanalysis, and additionally, complexes 3 b–e and 5 c′ were scrutinized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography.

Cyclic voltammetric studies of the hydridodisilicon(0,II) borate [(Idipp)(H)SiIISi0(Idipp)][B(ArF)4] (1H[B(ArF)4], Idipp = C[N(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)CH]2, ArF = C6H3-3,5-(CF3)2) reveal a reversible one-electron reduction at a low redox potential (E1/2 = −2.15 V vs. Fc+/Fc). Chemical reduction of 1H[B(ArF)4] with KC8 affords selectively the green, room-temperature stable mixed-valent disilicon(0,I) hydride Si2(H)(Idipp)2 (1H), in which the highly reactive Si2H molecule is trapped between two N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). The molecular and electronic structure of 1H was investigated by a combination of experimental and theoretical methods and reveals the presence of a π-type radical featuring a terminal bonded H atom at a flattened trigonal pyramidal coordinated Si center, that is connected via a Si–Si bond to a bent two-coordinated Si center carrying a lone pair of electrons. The unpaired electron occupies the SiSi π* orbital leading to a formal Si–Si bond order of 1.5. Extensive delocalization of the spin density occurs via conjugation with the coplanar arranged NHC rings with the higher spin density lying on the site of the two-coordinated silicon atom.

The proton-catalyzed transformation of 2-thioureidobenzonitriles to 4-acylimino-4H-3,1-benzothiazines was accomplished by treatment with carboxylic anhydrides, acid chlorides or alkyl chloroformates. The reaction involves a cyclization to 4-imino-3,1-benzothiazinium salts, whose thioimidate structure is trapped by a subsequent reaction with the acyl donor. 2-Ureidobenzonitriles do not undergo such an intermolecular tandem reaction. The different reaction behavior of both types of substrates was verified by NMR monitoring and employing 18O-enriched water.

The reaction of MesP=CPh2 with the least sterically demanding N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC = IMe) results in formation of the 'abnormal' (C(4)-substituted) 4-phosphino-NHC (1). In contrast, reaction with Me2IMe gives the unprecedented 'normal' C(2) adduct, Me2IMe → P(Mes)=CPh2 (2). Particularly striking is the asymmetric and weak bonding of the NHC to the P=C moiety in 2. DFT calculations indicate that the P=C natural bond order in 2 (1.54) still reflects significant π-character to the bond (cf. MesP=CPh2: NBO = 1.98). Further computational analysis suggests that π-delocalization into the remote C-phenyl substituents is key to stabilizing the NHC adduct.

Two different ionic deconstruction reactions of the oxaphosphirane ring in I are reported. One is induced by base and involves displacement of the aldehyde unit forming II whilst acid-initiated extrusion of the ring-carbon with its substituents yielded III. Further insights into the latter ring-deconstruction were obtained by quantum chemical calculations.

A new sulfur-enriched tricyclic 1,4-diphosphinine (2) was synthesized and novel reactivity studies on the phosphorus heterocycle were performed: a weak anionic nucleophile (KHMDS) adds selectively thus forming a stable anionic 1,4-diphosphinine derivative (3b) which was fully characterized. The substitution potential of 3b was demonstrated using Ph2PCl to give 4b, while oxidation of 3b using elemental iodine furnished cleanly the P–P coupling product 5.

We describe an approach to N-tosyl 1,3-amino alcohols that consists of a diastereoselective aziridination reaction of acyclic allylic alcohols and an unprecedented regioselective hydrosilylation of α-hydroxy aziridines. The products contain up to three contiguous stereocenters. Computational studies outline key aspects of the aziridination mechanism, which is different and more intricate than anticipated.

The title compound, consisting of a terpyridine group linked to a N-oxylpyrroline-3-formate group by a phenyl­ethynylbiphenyl spacer, crystallized as a benzene two and a half solvate. Its structure is compared to that of the same mol­ecule that crystallized as a di­chloro­methane solvate and to a similar mol­ecule with a shorter spacer unit viz. ethynylphenyl., The title compound, C44H35N4O3·2.5C6H6 (1), consists of a terpyridine and a N-oxylpyrroline-3-formate group separated by an aromatic spacer, viz. 4-(phenyl­ethyn­yl)-1,1′-biphenyl. It crystallized in the triclinic space group P-1 with two and a half benzene solvate mol­ecules (one benzene mol­ecule is located about an inversion center), while the di­chloro­methane solvate (2) of the same mol­ecule [Ackermann et al. (2015 ▸). Chem. Commun. 51, 5257–5260] crystallized in the tetra­gonal space group P42/n, with considerable disorder in the mol­ecule. In (1), the terpyridine (terpy) group assumes an all-trans conformation typical for terpyridines. It is essentially planar with the two outer pyridine rings (B and C) inclined to the central pyridine ring (A) by 8.70 (15) and 14.55 (14)°, respectively. The planes of the aromatic spacer (D, E and F) are nearly coplanar with dihedral angles D/E, D/F and E/F being 3.42 (15), 5.80 (15) and 4.00 (16)°, respectively. It is twisted with respect to the terpy group with, for example, dihedral angle A/D being 24.48 (14)°. The mean plane of the N-oxylpyrroline is almost normal to the biphenyl ring F, making a dihedral angle of 86.57 (16)°, and it is inclined to pyridine ring A by 72.61 (15)°. The intra­molecular separation between the O atom of the nitroxyl group and the N atom of the central pyridine ring of the terpyridine group is 25.044 (3) Å. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by pairs of C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. The dimers stack along the c axis forming columns. Within and between the columns, the spaces are occupied by benzene mol­ecules. The shortest oxygen–oxygen separation between nitroxyl groups is 4.004 (4) Å. The details of the title compound are compared with those of the di­chloro­methane solvate (2) and with the structure of a related mol­ecule, 4′-{4-[(2,2,5,5-tetra­methyl-N-oxyl-3-pyrrolin-3-yl)ethyn­yl]phen­yl}-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (3), which has an ethynylphenyl spacer [Meyer et al. (2015). Acta Cryst. E71, 870–874].

One-electron oxidation of the disilicon(0) compound Si2(Idipp)2 (1, Idipp = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene) with [Fe(C5Me5)2][B(Ar(F))4] (Ar(F) = C6H3-3,5-(CF3)2) affords selectively the green radical salt [Si2(Idipp)2][B(Ar(F))4] (1-[B(Ar(F))4). Oxidation of the centrosymmetric 1 occurs reversibly at a low redox potential (E1/2 = -1.250 V vs. Fc(+)/Fc), and is accompanied by considerable structural changes as shown by single-crystal X-ray structural analysis of 1-B(Ar(F))4. These include a shortening of the Si-Si bond, a widening of the Si-Si-CNHC angles, and a lowering of the symmetry, leading to a quite different conformation of the NHC substituents at the two inequivalent Si sites in 1(+). Comparative quantum chemical calculations of 1 and 1(+) indicate that electron ejection occurs from the symmetric (n+) combination of the Si lone pairs (HOMO). EPR studies of 1-B(Ar(F))4 in frozen solution verified the inequivalency of the two Si sites observed in the solid-state, and point in agreement with the theoretical results to an almost equal distribution of the spin density over the two Si atoms, leading to quite similar (29)Si hyperfine coupling tensors in 1(+). EPR studies of 1-B(Ar(F))4 in liquid solution unraveled a topomerization with a low activation barrier that interconverts the two Si sites in 1(+).

An efficient two-step synthesis of the first NHC-stabilized disilavinylidene (Z)-(SIdipp)Si=Si(Br)Tbb (2; SIdipp=C[N(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)CH2]2, Tbb=C6H2-2,6-[CH(SiMe3)2]2-4-tBu, NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) is reported. The first step of the procedure involved a 2:1 reaction of SiBr2(SIdipp) with the 1,2-dibromodisilene (E)-Tbb(Br)Si=Si(Br)Tbb at 100 °C, which afforded selectively an unprecedented NHC-stabilized bromo(silyl)silylene, namely SiBr(SiBr2Tbb)(SIdipp) (1). Alternatively, compound 1 could be obtained from the 2:1 reaction of SiBr2(SIdipp) with LiTbb at low temperature. 1 was then selectively reduced with C8K to give the NHC-stabilized disilavinylidene 2. Both low-valent silicon compounds were comprehensively characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. Additionally, the electronic structure of 2 was studied by various quantum-chemical methods.

The crystal structure of a nitroxide-substituted terpyridine mol­ecule is presented and discussed., The terpyridine group of the title compound, C31H27N4O, assumes an all-transoid conformation and is essentially planar with the dihedral angles between the mean planes of the central pyridine and the two outer rings amounting to 3.87 (5) and 1.98 (5)°. The pyrroline-N-oxyl group commonly seen in such nitroxyls is found in the title structure and the mean plane of the pyrroline ring subtends a dihedral angle of 88.44 (7)° to the mean plane of the central pyridine ring. The intra­molecular separation between the nitrogen atom of the central pyridine unit of the terpyridine group and the nitroxyl group is 14.120 (2) Å. In the crystal, the mol­ecules are arranged in layers stacked along [001]. Slipped face-to-face π–π inter­actions between the pyridine rings are observed along this direction with the shortest centroid–centroid distances amounting to 3.700 (1) and 3.781 (1) Å. Furthermore, edge-on C—H⋯π inter­actions between the phenyl­ene rings of neighbouring mol­ecules are observed along this direction. A two-dimensional C—H⋯O hydrogen-bonded network is formed within the (010) plane. The shortest O⋯O separation between neighbouring mol­ecules is 5.412 (3) Å.

Reactions of 3-imino-azaphosphiridine complexes 1 a,b with carbodiimides 2 a,b, isocyanates 3 a,b, and carbon dioxide are described. Whereas exchange of the carbodiimide unit occurs in the first case, an overall ring expansion takes place with phenyl isocyanate (3 a) and carbon dioxide to yield complexes 4 and 5 bearing novel 1,3,5-oxazaphospholane ligands; the isopropyl derivative 3 b did not react under these conditions. DFT calculations provide insight into the pathway of the reaction with carbon dioxide with model complex 1 c, revealing effects of initial non-covalent interactions with the substrate onto the ring bonding, thus triggering an initially masked frustrated Lewis-pair-type behavior.

An efficient method for the synthesis of the NHC-stabilised Si(I) halides Si2X2(Idipp)2 (2-X, X = Cl, Br, I; Idipp = C[N(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)CH]2) was developed, which involves the oxidation of Si2(Idipp)2 (1) with 1,2-dihaloethanes. Halogenation of 1 is a diastereoselective reaction leading exclusively to a racemic mixture of the RR and SS enantiomers of 2-X. Compounds 2-Br and 2-I were characterised by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and their electronic structures were analysed by quantum chemical methods. Dynamic NMR spectroscopy unraveled a fluxional process of 2-Br and 2-I in solution, which involved a hindered rotation of the NHC groups about the Si–CNHC bonds. Iodide abstraction from 2-I by [Li(Et2O)2.5][B(C6F5)4] selectively afforded the disilicon(I) salt [Si2(I)(Idipp)2][B(C6F5)4] (3). X-ray crystallography and variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy of 3 in combination with quantum chemical calculations shed light on the ground-state geometric and electronic structure of the [Si2(I)(Idipp)2]+ ion, which features a SiSi bond between a trigonal planar coordinated SiII atom with a Si–I bond and a two-coordinate Si0 center carrying a lone pair of electrons. The dynamics of the [Si2(I)(Idipp)2]+ ion were studied in solution by variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy and they involve a topomerisation, which proceeds according to quantum theory via a disilaiodonium intermediate (“π-bonded” isomer) and exchanges the two heterotopic Si sites.

Reaction of a Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complex with N,N'-dialkyl carbodiimides yielded the novel 3-imino-azaphosphiridine complexes; reaction with water led selectively to the first stable valence isomer of an oxaphosphirane complex.

We report the synthesis and X-ray characterization of several oxaphosphirane tungsten(0) complexes especially designed to analyse the intramolecular W–CO(lone pair)⋯π(arene) interaction. The unexpected behaviour of this interaction in the solid state of oxaphosphirane complexes with different degrees of fluorination is rationalized by means of DFT calculations using orbital analysis and Bader's theory of “atoms-in-molecules”.

1,4-Diphosphinines that are fused to two thiourea units were synthesized from the corresponding tricyclic 1,4-dichloro-1,4-dihydro-1,4-diphosphinines, and their structures and spectroscopic features are described. Electrochemical studies revealed very low oxidation potentials, which are due to the effective π-interaction between the 1,4-diphosphinine ring and the orbitals of the two ylidic C=S bonds. In accordance with the low-lying LUMO, which is largely localized at the two phosphorus centers, dianion formation is strongly preferred. Despite the small HOMO-LUMO gap, which is in accordance with the red color of the title compounds, theoretical calculations suggest considerable aromaticity for the 1,4-diphosphinine ring.

While P(V) 1,2-oxaphosphetanes are well known from the Wittig reaction, their P(III) analogues are still unexplored. Herein, the synthesis and reactions of the first 1,2-oxaphosphetane complexes are presented, which were achieved by reaction of the phosphinidenoid complex [Li(12-crown-4)(solv)][(OC)5W{(Me3Si)2HCPCl}] with different epoxides. The title compounds appeared to be stable in toluene up to 100 °C, before unselective decomposition started. Acid-induced ring expansion with benzonitrile resulted in selective formation of the first complex bearing a 1,3,4-oxazaphosphacyclohex-2-ene ligand.

Matter of opinion: The novel zwitterion 1 has been synthesized and studied theoretically and also converted into anionic NHCs 2. The former can also be described as a phosphinidene adduct of an abnormal N-heterocyclic carbene (1') and, in the same vein, the latter represents a phosphinidene adduct of an anionic N-heterocyclic dicarbene (2').

A general approach to the first compounds that contain rhenium-germanium triple and double bonds is reported. Heating [ReCl(PMe3)5] (1) with the arylgermanium(II) chloride GeCl(C6H3-2,6-Trip2) (2; Trip=2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl) results in the germylidyne complex mer-[Cl2 (PMe3)3Re≡Ge-C6H3-2,6-Trip2] (4) upon PMe3 elimination. An equilibrium that is dependent on the PMe3 concentration exists between complexes 1 and 4. Removal of the volatile PMe3 shifts the equilibrium towards complex 4, whereas treatment of 4 with an excess of PMe3 gives a 1:1 mixture of 1 and the PMe3 adduct of 2, GeCl(C6H3-2,6-Trip2)(PMe3) (2-PMe3). Adduct 2-PMe3 can be selectively obtained by addition of PMe3 to chlorogermylidene 2. The NMR spectroscopic data for 2-PMe3 indicate an equilibrium between 2-PMe3 and its dissociation products, 2 and PMe3 , which is shifted far towards the adduct site at ambient temperature. NMR spectroscopic monitoring of the reaction of complex 1 with 2 and the reaction of complex 4 with PMe3 revealed the formation of two key intermediates, which were identified to be the chlorogermylidene complexes cis/trans-[Cl(PMe3)4 Re=Ge(Cl)C6H3-2,6-Trip2] (cis/trans-3) by using NMR spectroscopy. Labile chlorogermylidene complexes cis/trans-3 can be also generated from trans-[Cl(PMe3)4 Re≡Ge-C6H3-2,6-Trip2]BPh4 (9) and (nBu4N)Cl at low temperature, and decompose at ambient temperature to give a mixture of complexes 1 and 4. Complex 4 reacts with LiI to give the diiodido derivative mer-[I2(PMe3)3Re≡Ge-C6H3-2,6-Trip2] (5), which undergoes a metathetical iodide/hydride exchange with Na(BEt3H) to give the dihydrido germylidyne complex mer-[H2(PMe3)3Re≡Ge-C6H3-2,6-Trip2] (6). Carbonylation of 4 induces a chloride migration from rhenium to the germanium atom to afford the chlorogermylidene complex mer-[Cl(CO)(PMe3)3Re=Ge(Cl)C6H3-2,6-Trip2] (7). Similarly, MeNC converts complex 4 into the methylisocyanide analogue mer-[Cl(MeNC)(PMe3)3Re=Ge(Cl)C6H3-2,6-Trip2] (8). Chloride abstraction from 4 by NaBPh4 in the presence of PMe3 gives the cationic germylidyne complex trans-[Cl(PMe3)4 Re≡Ge-C6H3-2,6-Trip2]BPh4 (9). Heating complex 4 with cis-[Mo(PMe3)4(N2)2] induces a germylidyne ligand transfer from rhenium to molybdenum to afford the germylidyne complex trans-[Cl(PMe3)4Mo≡Ge-C6H3-2,6-Trip2] (10). All new compounds were fully characterized and their molecular structures studied by X-ray crystallography, which led to the first experimentally determined Re-Ge triple- and double-bond lengths.

Despite intense research in FLP chemistry, nothing is known about monomolecular anionic FLPs and/or complexes thereof. Herein, synthesis and reaction of the first anionic FLP complex is described using [(OC)5W{(Me3Si)2HCP(H)OLi(12-crown-4)}], Cy2BCl and subsequent deprotonation by KHMDS. The obtained anionic FLP complex reacts readily with CO2 in a concerted manner.

Facile access to [W(CO)5 (Ph2 P-OTEMP)] is used to initiate a study on the generation, properties, and reactions of transient phosphanoxyl complexes [MLn (R2 PO)], the first example of which could be trapped via heterocoupling with the trityl radical. It is also demonstrated that the phosphorus nitroxyl complex acts as radical initiator in the polymerization of styrene. The quest for P-O versus O-N bond homolysis, as well as the initial steps of the polymerization were studied by DFT methods.

Protonation and alkylation of (Idipp)Si═Si(Idipp) (1) afforded the mixed-valent disilicon(I)-borates [(Idipp)(R)Si(II)═Si(0)(Idipp)][B(Ar(F))4] (1R[B(Ar(F))4]; R = H, Me, Et; Ar(F) = C6H3-3,5-(CF3)2; Idipp = C[N(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)CH]2) as red to orange colored, highly air-sensitive solids, which were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. Dynamic NMR studies in solution revealed a degenerate isomerization (topomerization) of the "σ-bonded" tautomers of 1H[B(Ar(F))4], which proceeds according to quantum chemical calculations via a NHC-stabilized (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) disilahydronium ion ("π-bonded" isomer) and is reminiscent of the degenerate rearrangement of carbenium ions formed upon protonation of olefins. The topomerization of 1H[B(Ar(F))4] provides the first example of a reversible 1,2-H migration along a Si═Si bond observed in a molecular system. In contrast, 1Me[B(Ar(F))4] adopts a "rigid" structure in solution due to the higher energy required for the interconversion of the "σ-bonded" isomer into a putative NHC-stabilized disilamethonium ion. Addition of alkali metal borates to 1 afforded the alkali metal disilicon(0) borates 1M[BAr4] (M = Li, Ar = C6F5; M = Na, Ar = Ar(F)) as brown, air-sensitive solids. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and NMR spectroscopic studies of 1M[BAr4] suggest in concert with quantum chemical calculations that encapsulation of the alkali metal cations in the cavity of 1 predominantly occurs via electrostatic cation-π interactions with the Si═Si π-bond and the peripheral NHC aryl rings. Displacement of the [Si(NHC)] fragments by the isolobal fragments [PR] and [SiR](-) interrelates the cations [(NHC)(R)Si═Si(NHC)](+) to a series of familiar, multiply bonded Si and P compounds as verified by analyses of their electronic structures.

Novel types of spin-labeled N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimides (DCC) are reported that bear a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl (TEMPO) residue on one side and different aromatic and aliphatic cyclohexyl analogues on the other side of the diimide core. These readily available novel reagents add efficiently to aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids, forming two possible spin-labeled amide derivatives with different radical distances of the resulting amide. The addition of aromatic DCC analogues proceeds with excellent selectivity, giving amides where the carboxylic acid is exclusively connected to the aromatic residue, while little or no selectivity was observed for the aliphatic congeners. The usefulness of these adducts in structural studies was demonstrated by EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) measurements of biradical adducts of biphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acids. These analyses also reveal high degrees of conformational bias for aromatic DCC derivatives, which further underlines the powerfulness of these novel reagents. This observation was further corroborated by quantum chemical calculations, giving a detailed understanding of the structural dynamics, while detailed information on the solid state structure of all novel reagents was obtained by X-ray structure analyses.

A series of ten palladium-bis(pyridine) complexes, as well as their corresponding platinum complexes, have been synthesized. The pyridine ligands in each series carried different σ-donor and/or π-acceptor/donor substituents at the para-position of their pyridine rings. These complexes were analysed by NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, (tandem) MS, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to validate whether these methods allowed us to obtain a concise and systematic picture of the relative and absolute thermodynamic stabilities of the complexes, as determined by the electronic effects of the substituents. Interestingly, the NMR spectroscopic data hardly correlated with the expected substituent effects but the heteronuclear platinum-phosphorus coupling constants did. Crystallographic data were found to be blurred by packing effects. Instead, tandem MS and ITC data were in line with each other and followed the expected trends.