F. Mark Chadwick

Solid-State Synthesis and Characterization of σ-Alkane Complexes, [Rh(L2)(η2,η2-C7H12)][BArF4] (L2 = Bidentate Chelating Phosphine)

The use of solid/gas and single-crystal to single-crystal synthetic routes is reported for the synthesis and characterization of a number of σ-alkane complexes: [Rh(R2P(CH2)nPR2)(η(2),η(2)-C7H12)][BAr(F)4]; R = Cy, n = 2; R = (i)Pr, n = 2,3; Ar = 3,5-C6H3(CF3)2. These norbornane adducts are formed by simple hydrogenation of the corresponding norbornadiene precursor in the solid state. For R = Cy (n = 2), the resulting complex is remarkably stable (months at 298 K), allowing for full characterization using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The solid-state structure shows no disorder, and the structural metrics can be accurately determined, while the (1)H chemical shifts of the Rh···H-C motif can be determined using solid-state NMR spectroscopy. DFT calculations show that the bonding between the metal fragment and the alkane can be best characterized as a three-center, two-electron interaction, of which σCH → Rh donation is the major component. The other alkane complexes exhibit solid-state (31)P NMR data consistent with their formation, but they are now much less persistent at 298 K and ultimately give the corresponding zwitterions in which [BAr(F)4](-) coordinates and NBA is lost. The solid-state structures, as determined by X-ray crystallography, for all these [BAr(F)4](-) adducts are reported. DFT calculations suggest that the molecular zwitterions within these structures are all significantly more stable than their corresponding σ-alkane cations, suggesting that the solid-state motif has a strong influence on their observed relative stabilities.

Bis(permethylpentalene)uranium

The reaction of Li(2)(C(14)H(18))(TMEDA)(x) with UCl(4) yields U(eta(8)-C(14)H(18))(2), (UPn*(2); Pn* = C(14)H(18)) an analogue of CePn*(2) and U{eta(8)-C(8)H(4)(1,4-Si(i)Pr(3))(2)}(2). The UPn*(2) molecule is structurally characterised via a variety of techniques, its magnetism is probed in the solution and solid phase and the redox properties are investigated using cyclic voltammetry. During this study it was shown to be reducible and the reduced species reacted with N(2)to form a stable complex. An analogous complex was not found under Ar.

A Rhodium–Pentane Sigma‐Alkane Complex: Characterization in the Solid State by Experimental and Computational Techniques

Abstract The pentane σ‐complex [Rh{Cy2P(CH2CH2)PCy2}(η2:η2‐C5H12)][BArF 4] is synthesized by a solid/gas single‐crystal to single‐crystal transformation by addition of H2 to a precursor 1,3‐pentadiene complex. Characterization by low temperature single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (150 K) and SSNMR spectroscopy (158 K) reveals coordination through two Rh⋅⋅⋅H−C interactions in the 2,4‐positions of the linear alkane. Periodic DFT calculations and molecular dynamics on the structure in the solid state provide insight into the experimentally observed Rh⋅⋅⋅H−C interaction, the extended environment in the crystal lattice and a temperature‐dependent pentane rearrangement implicated by the SSNMR data.

Selective C–H Activation at a Molecular Rhodium Sigma-Alkane Complex by Solid/Gas Single-Crystal to Single-Crystal H/D Exchange

The controlled catalytic functionalization of alkanes via the activation of C-H bonds is a significant challenge. Although C-H activation by transition metal catalysts is often suggested to operate via intermediate σ-alkane complexes, such transient species are difficult to observe due to their instability in solution. This instability may be controlled by use of solid/gas synthetic techniques that enable the isolation of single-crystals of well-defined σ-alkane complexes. Here we show that, using this unique platform, selective alkane C-H activation occurs, as probed by H/D exchange using D2, and that five different isotopomers/isotopologues of the σ-alkane complex result, as characterized by single-crystal neutron diffraction studies for three examples. Low-energy fluxional processes associated with the σ-alkane ligand are identified using variable-temperature X-ray diffraction, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and periodic DFT calculations. These observations connect σ-alkane complexes with their C-H activated products, and demonstrate that alkane-ligand mobility, and selective C-H activation, are possible when these processes occur in the constrained environment of the solid-state.