The reactivity of white phosphorus and yellow arsenic towards two different nickel nacnac complexes is investigated. The nickel complexes [(L1 Ni)2 tol] (1, L1 =[{N(C6 H3 i Pr2 -2,6)C(Me)}2 CH]- ) and [K2 ][(L1 Ni)2 (μ,η1 : 1 -N2 )] (6) were reacted with P4 , As4 and the interpnictogen compound AsP3 , respectively, yielding the homobimetallic complexes [(L1 Ni)2 (μ-η2 ,κ1 :η2 ,κ1 -E4 )] (E=P (2 a), As (2 b), AsP3 (2 c)), [(L1 Ni)2 (μ,η3 : 3 -E3 )] (E=P (3 a), As (3 b)) and [K@18-c-6(thf)2 ][L1 Ni(η1 : 1 -E4 )] (E=P (7 a), As (7 b)), respectively. Heating of 2 a, 2 b or 2 c also leads to the formation of 3 a or 3 b. Furthermore, the reactivity of these compounds towards reduction agents was investigated, leading to [K2 ][(L1 Ni)2 (μ,η2 : 2 -P4 )] (4) and [K@18-c-6(thf)3 ][(L1 Ni)2 (μ,η3 : 3 -E3 )] (E=P (5 a), As (5 b)), respectively. Compound 4 shows an unusual planarization of the initial Ni2 P4 -prism. All products were comprehensively characterized by crystallographic and spectroscopic methods.
The reactivity of white phosphorus and yellow arsenic towards two different nickel nacnac complexes is investigated. The nickel complexes [(L1 Ni)2 tol] (1, L1 =[{N(C6 H3 i Pr2 -2,6)C(Me)}2 CH]- ) and [K2 ][(L1 Ni)2 (μ,η1 : 1 -N2 )] (6) were reacted with P4 , As4 and the interpnictogen compound AsP3 , respectively, yielding the homobimetallic complexes [(L1 Ni)2 (μ-η2 ,κ1 :η2 ,κ1 -E4 )] (E=P (2 a), As (2 b), AsP3 (2 c)), [(L1 Ni)2 (μ,η3 : 3 -E3 )] (E=P (3 a), As (3 b)) and [K@18-c-6(thf)2 ][L1 Ni(η1 : 1 -E4 )] (E=P (7 a), As (7 b)), respectively. Heating of 2 a, 2 b or 2 c also leads to the formation of 3 a or 3 b. Furthermore, the reactivity of these compounds towards reduction agents was investigated, leading to [K2 ][(L1 Ni)2 (μ,η2 : 2 -P4 )] (4) and [K@18-c-6(thf)3 ][(L1 Ni)2 (μ,η3 : 3 -E3 )] (E=P (5 a), As (5 b)), respectively. Compound 4 shows an unusual planarization of the initial Ni2 P4 -prism. All products were comprehensively characterized by crystallographic and spectroscopic methods.
The activation of small molecules under mild conditions is an important topic in current research, because it can contribute to future energy conversions.
Besides CpR coordinating transition metal complexes, also low valent metal complexes stabilized by β‐diiminato ligands
are adequate precursors for the reductive activation of small molecules such as N2, O2 or S8,
but also for P4 and As4.
For the latter, by different reaction conditions such as photolysis or thermolysis, a broad variety of metal complexes with different polypnictogen moieties could be synthesized. With main group metal complexes of group 13, Roesky et al. reported the dinuclear aluminum complex [(L1Al)2(μ,η1 : 1 : 1 : 1‐P4)] (A, L1=[{N(C6H3
iPr2‐2,6)C(Me)}2CH]−, Scheme 1) which contains a P4
4− unit.
The reaction of the corresponding Ga(I) complex [L1Ga] with P4 leads to [L1Ga(η1 : 1‐P4)] and other polyphosphine‐containing complexes.[
,
] In the area of transition metal complexes, only few examples of the early transition metals of Group 5 are known, for example the neutral vanadium complex [{L1V(Ntolyl2)}2(μ,η3 : 2‐P3)] (B, Scheme 1)
containing a cyclo‐[P3]3− ligand or the dinuclear complexes [{L1(NtBu)M}2(μ,η3 : 3‐P4)] (M=Nb, Ta)
with a bridging cyclo‐P4 unit in an η3 : 3 coordination mode. In contrast, during the last decade, for late Group 8–11 transition metals, numerous examples were reported. For cobalt and iron complexes, systematic studies with different nacnac ligands were performed leading to various E
units (n=3, 4 and 8) depending on the steric and electronic influence of the nacnac ligand.[
,
,
,
] Driess et al. first synthesized the dinuclear iron complex [(L2Fe)2(μ,η2 : 2‐P2)2] (C; L2=[{N(C6H3
iPr2‐2,6)C(H)}2CH]−)), which contains two anionic P2 ligands. An analogues arsenic derivative has also been reported.
By using nacnac systems with less steric flanking groups, the tetranuclear complexes [(L3/4Fe)4(μ,η2 : 2 : 2 : 2‐E8)] (D1‐D4; E=P, As; L3=[{N(C6H3Me‐2,6)C(Me)}2CH]− or L4=[{N(C6H3Me‐2,6)C(H)}2CH]−)[
,
] could be synthesized. These E8 units display a realgar‐type geometry.
Interestingly, the activation of white phosphorus by [LCo(tol)] (L=L1, L2, L3, L4) leads to the sole formation of [(LCo)2(μ,η4 : 4‐P4)],[
,
] however, the reaction with yellow arsenic yields complexes containing different {Co2As4} cores.
Recently, we were able to synthesize and characterize the first neutral and molecular complex containing an intact E4 tetrahedron, for example, [(L1Cu)2(μ,η2 : 2‐E4)]
(E=P (E1), As (E2)) (Scheme 1), which is easy to handle (neither flammable nor light‐sensitive) and can release E4 in a controlled manner.
Scheme 1
Examples of known motifs of E
ligand complexes stabilized by β‐diketiminato ligands (L1=[{N(C6H3
iPr2‐2,6)C(Me)}2CH]−, L2=[{N(C6H3
iPr2‐2,6)C(H)}2CH]−, L3=[{N(C6H3Me‐2,6)C(Me)}2CH]− or L4=[{N(C6H3Me‐2,6)C(H)}2CH]−; D1=L3, P; D2=L3, As; D3=L4, P; D4=L4, As)
Examples of known motifs of E
ligand complexes stabilized by β‐diketiminato ligands (L1=[{N(C6H3
iPr2‐2,6)C(Me)}2CH]−, L2=[{N(C6H3
iPr2‐2,6)C(H)}2CH]−, L3=[{N(C6H3Me‐2,6)C(Me)}2CH]− or L4=[{N(C6H3Me‐2,6)C(H)}2CH]−; D1=L3, P; D2=L3, As; D3=L4, P; D4=L4, As)For β‐diiminato complexes of Ni, the Driess group used the Ni(I) synthon [(L1Ni)2tol] (1) to activate small molecules such as H2, N2
and chalcogens (O2, S8, Se and Te).[
,
] The reaction of 1 with white phosphorus leads only to [(L1Ni)2(μ‐η2
,κ1
:η2
,κ1‐P4)] containing a Ni2P4 prism, from which an {L1Ni} fragment can be released in solution.
Inspired by the different reaction outcome, in the case of Fe(I) and Co(I) nacnac complexes and the coordination of the intact E4 moiety in the case of Cu(I) nacnac complexes, the question arose as to what would happen in the case of nickel nacnac compounds. Would a different reaction behavior occur between phosphorus and arsenic? Moreover, the reactivity of an already reduced nickel species as a formal Ni(0) synthon towards white phosphorus and yellow arsenic was of interest to explore if there are similarities or differences towards the reaction of the respective Ni(I) nacnac species with E4. Furthermore, since only a few reactions of the interpnictogen compound AsP3 are reported, we targeted to include this species in this research.Herein we report on the reactivity of [(L1Ni)2tol] (L1=[{N(C6H3
iPr2‐2,6)C(Me)}2CH]−) towards white phosphorus, yellow arsenic and AsP3. The reaction of 1 with E4 leads to two different species depending on the used temperature, [(L1Ni)2(μ‐η2,κ1
:η2,κ1‐E4)] and [(L1Ni)2(μ,η3 : 3‐E3)]. Further reduction of these products leads to novel anionic dinuclear species with an η2 : 2
cyclo‐P4 unit or η3 : 3
cyclo‐E3 units. Moreover, reactions of the formally Ni(0) species [K2][(L1Ni)2(μ,η1 : 1‐N2)] with white phosphorus and yellow arsenic give unique anionic mononuclear compounds bearing an E4 butterfly ligand.
Results and Discussion
The reaction of [(L1Ni)2tol)] (1) with P4 at −78 °C leads to the sole formation of the already reported [(L1Ni)2(μ‐η2,κ1:η2,κ1‐P4)] (2 a).
Performing the reaction of 1 with E4 in toluene at room temperature (to allow a high content of As4) leads to the formation of [(L1Ni)2(μ‐η2,κ1:η2,κ1‐E4)] (E4=As4 (2 b), AsP3 (2 c); Scheme 2). In contrast, the reaction of 1 with E4 at +60 °C yields [(L1Ni)2(μ,η3 : 3‐E3)] (E=P (3 a), As (3 b)) (Scheme 2).
Scheme 2
Reaction of 1 with E4 (E=P, As) and further reduction (R=dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl). i) KC8, toluene; ii) KC8+18‐crown‐6, thf.
Reaction of 1 with E4 (E=P, As) and further reduction (R=dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl). i) KC8, toluene; ii) KC8+18‐crown‐6, thf.2 b, 2 c, 3 a and 3 b are obtained as greenish‐brown (2 b, 3 b) or green (2 c, 3 a) air‐sensitive solids in isolated yields of 38 % (2 b), 23 % (2 c), 44 % (3 a) and 81 % (3 b). Obviously, the slightly higher temperature triggers a release of an E atom of the otherwise formed prismane‐like structure. This can also be observed by refluxing a toluene solution of 2 a, 2 b or 2 c for 2 h leading to the complete conversion to 3 a (for 2 a and 2 c) and 3 b, which was monitored by 31P{1H} and 1H NMR spectroscopy. By further reduction of 2 a, 2 b,
3 a and 3 b with KC8, the compounds [K2][(L1Ni)2(μ,η2 : 2‐P4)] (4) and [(K@18‐c‐6)thf)3][(L1Ni)2(μ,η3 : 3‐E3)] (E=P (5 a), As (5 b)), respectively, were obtained in crystalline yields of 17 % (4), 27 % (5 a) and 53 % (5 b) (Scheme 2). 4 shows an interesting planarization to a cyclo‐P4
2− moiety, whereas the pseudo‐triple decker compounds 3 a and 3 b retain their structures.The 1H NMR spectrum of 2 a shows a paramagnetic behavior in solution but is diamagnetic in the solid state and, accordingly, the 31P{1H} NMR spectrum is silent.
In contrast, the 1H NMR spectra of 2 b and 2 c at room temperature display one set of signals for the equivalent nacnac ligands. The 31P{1H} NMR spectrum of the reaction solution of 2 c in toluene‐d
8 exhibits two broad signals at δ=226.2 and 125.0 ppm, with an integral ratio of 1 : 2. Compounds 3 a and 3 b are paramagnetic. Their 1H NMR spectra show broad and very shifted signals between 12.67 and −25.13 ppm for 3 a and between 12.01 and −23.31 ppm for 3 b. The 31P{1H} NMR spectrum of 3 a is silent because of an excessive line broadening. The effective magnetic moment (μ
eff) was determined by the Evans method to be 2.12 μ
B (3 a) and 2.13 μ
B (3 b), respectively, roughly corresponding to one unpaired electron. The X‐band EPR spectra confirm the paramagnetic nature of 3 a and 3 b (frozen toluene solution, 77 K: 3 a: g
1=2.254, g
2=2.108 and g
3=2.063; 3 b: g
1=2.2705, g
2=2.135, g
3=2.055). At 77 K, the EPR spectrum of 3 a displays a hyperfine coupling to two phosphorus nuclei (Figure 1). DFT calculations (B3LYP/def2‐SVP level) show that the spin density is delocalized over both nickel atoms and two phosphorus atoms (Figure 1) agreeing with the observed hyperfine coupling. The 31P{1H} NMR spectrum of 4 in C6D6 shows one singlet at δ=80.3 ppm. Due to a dynamic behavior, 5 a reveals no signal at room temperature but a singlet at δ=−268.9 ppm in thf‐d
8 at 193 K. In the LIFDI‐MS spectra of 2 b, 2 c, 3 a and 3 b and in the ESI‐MS spectrum of 5 a, corresponding molecular ion peaks are detected.
Figure 1
a) X‐band EPR spectrum of 3 a (B in [mT], frozen toluene solution; 77 K (black), simulation (blue)); b) spin density distribution in 3 a, calculated at the B3LYP/def2‐SVP level.
a) X‐band EPR spectrum of 3 a (B in [mT], frozen toluene solution; 77 K (black), simulation (blue)); b) spin density distribution in 3 a, calculated at the B3LYP/def2‐SVP level.The molecular structures of 2 b and 2 c
(Figure 2) reveal dinuclear complexes bearing an E4 unit, coordinating in an η2, κ1 fashion to both {L1Ni} fragments, which are twisted by 37.46(12)° (2 b) and 37.9882(6)° (2 c) to each other. In the case of 2 c (use of AsP3), the arsenic atom is disordered over all four positions, the major isomer, with the arsenic atom at the end of the E4 chain and the minor isomer with the arsenic atom in the middle of the E4 chain, is in a ratio of 68 : 12 (20 % are 2 a)
in the solid state. The minor isomer is energetically less favored by 13 kJ mol−1 to the major isomer (calculated at the BP86/def2‐SVP level of theory, see Supporting Information). For 2 b, the As1‐As2 and As3‐As4 bond distances are 2.4115(5) and 2.4141(5) Å. The As1‐As4 distance is slightly shortened (2.3917(5) Å) compared to As1‐As2 and As3‐As4, while the As2⋅⋅⋅As3 distance amounts to 2.7192(5) Å and is therefore in a non‐bonding area. Compound 2 c shows E−E bond distances between 2.153(8) and 2.422(2) Å. Interestingly, compound [(Cp4Ni)2(μ‐η2,κ1:η2,κ1‐As4)] (F, Cp4=C5HiPr4)
contains a similar As4 core and shows longer As−As bond distances between 2.374(3) and 2.435(3) Å. The Ni−E bonds are in the range between 2.3111(7) and 2.4606(6) Å for 2 b and 2.21(3) and 2.378(3) Å for 2 c, which is comparable to F (Ni−Asav 2.34 Å).
Figure 2
Molecular structures of 2 b (left) and one of the major products of 2 c (right) in the solid state. Thermal ellipsoids are shown at 50 % probability level. Hydrogen atoms are omitted for clarity.
Molecular structures of 2 b (left) and one of the major products of 2 c (right) in the solid state. Thermal ellipsoids are shown at 50 % probability level. Hydrogen atoms are omitted for clarity.The crystal structure analysis of 3 a and 3 b (Figure 3) reveals dinuclear complexes bearing a cyclo‐E3 (E=P, As) ligand as ‘middle deck’, which is disordered over two positions for 3 a (59 : 41) and three positions for 3 b (50 : 25 : 25) (cf. Supporting Information). The E−E bond distances (Table 1) are in the range between 2.158(10) and 2.206(14) Å (3 a) or 2.373(7) and 2.599(14) Å (3 b), respectively. The E−E−E bond angles are in the range of 60°. Both {L1Ni} fragments are twisted to each other by 39.8° (3 a) and 39.4° (3 b), respectively. The Ni−E bond lengths are between 2.220(8) and 2.347(8) Å for 3 a and 2.277(8) and 2.521(9) Å for 3 b. The bond distances are comparable to the 33 valence electron complexes [{(triphos)Ni}2(μ,η3 : 3‐E3)][BPh4]2
(P−P 2.151(8) to 2.171(7) Å) or [(L1Co)2(μ,η3 : 3‐E3)][
,
] (As−As 2.349(3) to 2.563(3) Å). Also, a few other metal complexes are known containing a cyclo‐E3 unit which is η3 coordinated.[
,
]
Figure 3
Molecular structures of 3 a (left) and 3 b (right) in the solid state. Thermal ellipsoids are shown at 50 % probability level. Hydrogen atoms are omitted for clarity.
Table 1
Comparison of selected atomic distances and angles in 3 a, 3 b, 5 a and 5 b (E=P, As).
Compound
3 a
3 b
5 a
5 b
d(E−E) [Å]
2.158(10) 2.202(11) 2.206(14)
2.365(6) 2.373(7) 2.385(6)
2.1760(10) 2.1848(10) 2.2065(10)
2.397(5) 2.417(4) 2.423(3)
∢ (E−E−E) [°]
58.7(4) 60.6(4) 60.8(4)
59.6(2) 59.9(2) 60.4(2)
59.14(4) 59.80(3) 60.79(4)
59.37(12) 60.19(11) 60.44(13)
d(Ni⋅⋅⋅Ni) [Å]
3.8456(6)
3.9398(6)
3.8169(4)
3.93112(4)
Θ [°]
39.8
39.4
80.11(5)
73.6132(11)
Molecular structures of 3 a (left) and 3 b (right) in the solid state. Thermal ellipsoids are shown at 50 % probability level. Hydrogen atoms are omitted for clarity.Comparison of selected atomic distances and angles in 3 a, 3 b, 5 a and 5 b (E=P, As).Compound3 a3 b5 a5 bd(E−E) [Å]2.158(10) 2.202(11) 2.206(14)2.365(6) 2.373(7) 2.385(6)2.1760(10) 2.1848(10) 2.2065(10)2.397(5) 2.417(4) 2.423(3)∢ (E−E−E) [°]58.7(4) 60.6(4) 60.8(4)59.6(2) 59.9(2) 60.4(2)59.14(4) 59.80(3) 60.79(4)59.37(12) 60.19(11) 60.44(13)d(Ni⋅⋅⋅Ni) [Å]3.8456(6)3.9398(6)3.8169(4)3.93112(4)Θ [°]39.839.480.11(5)73.6132(11)In order to evaluate the redox reactivity of 3 a and 3 b, we performed cyclic voltammetry measurements of 3 a (Figure 4) and 3 b (cf. Supporting Information). In THF, a reversible reduction at −1.77 V (3 a) and −1.91 V (3 b) and also an irreversible oxidation at 0.61 V (3 a) and −0.42 V (3 b), respectively, take place (against [Cp2Fe]/[Cp2Fe]+). The chemical reduction of 3 a and 3 b was performed with potassium graphite, which was chosen as a suitable reduction agent (redox potential: −2.93 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode), which leads to the formation of [(K@18‐c‐6)(thf)3][(L1Ni)2(μ,η3 : 3‐E3)] (E=P (5 a), As (5 b)).
Figure 4
Cyclic voltammogram of 3 a in THF vs. [Cp2Fe]/[Cp2Fe]+ (electrolyte: [nBu4N][PF6], scan rate: 100 mV s−1, room temperature).
Cyclic voltammogram of 3 a in THF vs. [Cp2Fe]/[Cp2Fe]+ (electrolyte: [nBu4N][PF6], scan rate: 100 mV s−1, room temperature).The solid‐state structures of 5 a and 5 b (Figure 5) are very similar to that of 3 a and 3 b possessing a cyclo‐E3 ring which is η3‐coordinated by two {L1Ni} fragments. The cyclo‐E3 units are disordered over two positions (ratio 90 : 10 (5 a), 61 : 39 (5 b)). The E−E bond distances are between 2.130(9) and 2.2065(10) Å (5 a) and 2.397(5) to 2.423(3) Å (5 b), respectively, and still intact (Table 1). The Wiberg bond indices (WBIs) underlie this description (WBIs for E−E: 5 a between 0.87 to 1.03; 5 b between 0.93 and 0.98). The E−E−E bond angles are around 60° as also found in compound 3 a and 3 b. However, the structural differences lie in the orientation of the ligands in 3 a, 3 b, 5 a and 5 b. In 3 a and 3 b, the two {L1Ni} fragments are twisted by 39.8° (3 a) and 39.4° (3 b) to each other, respectively, in a kind of eclipsed orientation, whereas in 5 a and 5 b, the twist is, with 80.11(5)° (5 a) and 73.6132(11)° (5 b), much larger and a more staggered arrangement is present.
Figure 5
Molecular structures of the anions of 5 a (left) and 5 b (right) in the solid state. Thermal ellipsoids are shown at 50 % probability level. Hydrogen atoms, counter ions and solvent molecules are omitted for clarity.
Molecular structures of the anions of 5 a (left) and 5 b (right) in the solid state. Thermal ellipsoids are shown at 50 % probability level. Hydrogen atoms, counter ions and solvent molecules are omitted for clarity.The chemical reduction of 2 a was also performed with potassium graphite. By using two equivalents of KC8, the dinuclear complex [(L1Ni)2(μ,η2 : 2‐P4)][K2] (4) could be obtained as brown blocks (Scheme 2). Thus, a conversion and rearrangement to a novel planar cyclo‐P4 unit occurred. The molecular structure of 4 reveals an anionic dinuclear complex bearing a cyclo‐P4 unit, coordinating in an η2 : 2 fashion to two {L1Ni} fragments (Figure 6). The two {L1Ni} fragments are coplanar to each other, and two potassium atoms are stabilized by two opposite dipp groups by Caryl⋅⋅⋅K interactions. The Ni−P−P angle (cf. Figure 6, angle α) is 101.78(4)°. In the cyclo‐P4 unit, there are two different P−P bond lengths. The η2 coordinated P−P bond length amounts to 2.1360(10) Å (WBI: 1.21), the other P−P bond length is 2.2611(10) Å (WBI: 0.90). In the literature, a few complexes containing a planar cyclo‐P4 unit are known which are η2 : 2 coordinated.
The bonding situation can be considered as being similar to the valence isomer derivative of a tetraphosphabenzene [{(iPr)2NCP2}2] (G)
with two single and two P−P double bonds, which was synthesized by Bertrand and coworker. Driess et al. reported the reaction of 1 with sulfur, which leads to a complex containing a related core of sulfur, [(L1Ni)2(μ,η2 : 2‐S4)].
Figure 6
Molecular structure of 4 (left) in the solid state and side view (right) Isopropyl groups (for right), solvent molecules and hydrogen atoms are omitted for clarity. Thermal ellipsoids are shown at 50 % probability level.
Molecular structure of 4 (left) in the solid state and side view (right) Isopropyl groups (for right), solvent molecules and hydrogen atoms are omitted for clarity. Thermal ellipsoids are shown at 50 % probability level.Furthermore, the question arose whether the same reactivity could also be observed starting from a reduced Ni2N2 nacnac compound. In order to investigate the reactivity of a Ni(0) synthon towards E4, the formally Ni(0) precursor [K2][(L1Ni)2(μ,η1 : 1‐N2)] (6) was synthesized and crystallized as purple needles in crystalline yields of 47 %.In the 1H NMR spectrum of 6, the typical signals for the β‐diiminato ligand can be observed. The X‐ray structure of 6 (Figure 7) consists of two {L1Ni} fragments bridged by a N2 unit, which additionally coordinates to two potassium ions. The potassium ions are coordinated by the aromatic π system of the dipp substituent. The N−N bond distance with 1.195(5) Å corresponds to an N−N double bond (N2H2: 1.230 Å
) and the N−N stretching band in the Raman spectrum is detected at 1572 cm−1. Complexes similar to 6 are known in the literature and the N−N bond distances and stretching bands show that the N2 unit in 6 can be regarded as a N2
2− unit.[
,
,
]
Figure 7
Molecular structure of 6 in the solid state. Thermal ellipsoids are shown at 50 % probability level. Hydrogen atoms are omitted for clarity.
Molecular structure of 6 in the solid state. Thermal ellipsoids are shown at 50 % probability level. Hydrogen atoms are omitted for clarity.In order to investigate if this formally Ni(0) synthon leads in reactions with E4 (E=P, As) to similar products or not as its Ni(I) derivative, 6 was reacted with white phosphorus and yellow arsenic at room temperature in the presence of 18‐crown‐6 (18‐c‐6) or cryptant (crypt). Adding 18‐c‐6 or crypt to 6 before E4 leads to the formation of [(K@X)(thf)2][L1Ni(η1 : 1‐E4)] (E=P, X=18‐c‐6 (7 a), E=As, X=18‐c‐6 or crypt (7 b)), which are isolated as air‐sensitive orange (7 a) or reddish‐brown (7 b) needles in crystalline yields of 42 % (7 a) and 39 % (7 b, X=crypt), respectively (Scheme 3). If 6 is reacted with yellow arsenic and 18‐c‐6 is added afterwards, the formation of [(K@18‐crown‐6)(thf)3][(L1Ni)2(μ,η3 : 3‐As3)] (5 b) in crystalline yields of 30 % occurs (Scheme 3), which, for phosphorus, could not be observed (formation of 7 a). Thus, the formation of 7 a and 7 b shows the difference between the use of a Ni(0) or Ni(I) synthon.
Scheme 3
Reaction of 6 with E4 (E=P, As). R=dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl, X=18‐c‐6, crypt.
Reaction of 6 with E4 (E=P, As). R=dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl, X=18‐c‐6, crypt.The 31P{1H} NMR spectrum of 7 a in thf‐d
8 shows two triplets at −378.3 and −212.9 ppm (1
J
PP=133 Hz). The 1H NMR spectrum of 7 b in thf‐d
8 is very similar to the one of 7 a.The molecular structures of 7 a and 7 b (Figure 8) reveal anionic mononuclear complexes bearing an E4 butterfly ligand, coordinating in an η1 : 1 fashion to the {L1Ni} fragment. The six‐membered NiN2C3 ring is twisted by 14.8847(1)° for 7 a and 0.78(4)° for 7 b to the E1−Ni−E2 plane. With 2.6759(15) (7 a) and 2.8963(3) Å (7 b), the E1⋅⋅⋅E2 distances lie in a non‐bonding area. The E−E bond lengths are between 2.2115(16) and 2.2282(17) Å for 7 a and 2.4506(4) and 2.4687(3) Å for 7 b, except for the E3−E4 bond length which is shortened to 2.1567(18) (7 a) and 2.3908(4) Å (7 b). This is in accordance with other butterfly complexes. Interestingly, the Driess group proposed the occurrence of a neutral compound [L1Ni(η2‐P4)] with an η2 side on coordinated P4 tetrahedra by high‐resolution ESI MS data.
With compounds 7 a and 7 b, anionic species are formed and completely characterized.
Figure 8
Molecular structure of the anions of 7 a and 7 b in the solid state. Thermal ellipsoids are shown at 50 % probability level. Hydrogen atoms and counter ions are omitted for clarity.
Molecular structure of the anions of 7 a and 7 b in the solid state. Thermal ellipsoids are shown at 50 % probability level. Hydrogen atoms and counter ions are omitted for clarity.
Conclusion
In summary, we have shown the different reactivities of β‐diiminato Ni(I) and Ni(0) complexes towards white phosphorus, yellow arsenic and the interpnictogen compound AsP3. The reactions of [(L1Ni)2tol] (1) with white phosphorus and yellow arsenic as well as AsP3 are temperature‐dependent. Thus, the homobimetallic complexes [(L1Ni)2(μ‐η2,κ1:η2,κ1‐E4)] (E=As (2 b), AsP3 (2 c)) and [(L1Ni)2(μ,η3 : 3‐E3)] (E=P (3 a), As (3 b)) are formed, of which 3 a and 3 b are paramagnetic. DFT calculations exhibit that the spin density is delocalized over both nickel atoms and two pnictogen atoms. To investigate the redox reactivity of 3 a and 3 b, cyclic voltammetry measurements were performed and [(K@18‐crown‐6)(thf)3][(L1Ni)2(μ,η3 : 3‐E3)] (E=P (5 a), As (5 b)) was isolated after experimental reduction. In contrast, the chemical reduction of 2 a leads to an unusual planarization of the initial Ni2P4‐prism. Furthermore, the reaction of E4 (E=P, As) with a formally Ni(0) synthon leads to the formation of the novel monoanionic compounds [(K@X)thf)2][L1Ni(η1 : 1‐E4)] (E=P, X=18‐c‐6 (7 a), As, X=crypt (7 b)), which shows the differences between the use of a Ni(I) and a Ni(0) synthon. Additionally, an alternative synthetic approach for 5 b was found, using 6 as starting material, but by adding 18‐c‐6 after the reaction with As4. The results show the broad variety of different E
‐structural motifs formed with nickel nacnac complexes in the conversion of E4 and underline the great potential of the use of Ni(0) synthons in synthesis.
X‐ray crystallography
Deposition Number(s) 2109927 ( contain(s) the supplementary crystallographic data for this paper. These data are provided free of charge by the joint Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre and Fachinformationszentrum Karlsruhe Access Structures service.
Conflict of interest
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Authors: Michael Ryan Hansen; Tobias Schnitzler; Wojciech Pisula; Robert Graf; Klaus Müllen; Hans Wolfgang Spiess Journal: Angew Chem Int Ed Engl Date: 2009 Impact factor: 15.336