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Copper-mediated aromatic and aliphatic C-H hydroxylations using benign oxidants (O 2 and H 2 O 2 ) have been studied intensively in recent years to meet the growing demand for efficient and green C-H functionalizations. Herein, we report an enantioselective variant of the so-called clip-and-cleave concept for intramolecular ligand hydroxylations by the application of chiral diamines as directing groups. We tested the hydroxylation of cyclohexanone and 1-acetyladamantane under different oxidative conditions (Cu I /O 2 ; Cu I /H 2 O 2 ; Cu II /H 2 O 2 ) in various solvents. As an outstanding example, we obtained ( R )-1-acetyl-2-adamantol with a yield of 37% and >99:1 enantiomeric excess from hydroxylation in acetone using Cu I and O 2 . Low-temperature stopped-flow UV-vis measurements in combination with density functional theory (DFT) computations revealed that the hydroxylation proceeds via a bis(μ-oxido) dicopper intermediate. The reaction product represents a rare example of an enantiopure 1,2-difunctionalized adamantane derivative, which paves the way for potential pharmacological studies. Furthermore, we found that 1-acetyladamantane can be hydroxylated in a one-pot reaction under air with isolated yields up to 36% and enantiomeric ratios of 96:4 using Cu II /H 2 O 2 in MeOH.

We report the preparation of a new organic σ-donor with a C 6 H 4 -linker between an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and an exocyclic methylidene group, which we term N-heterocyclic quinodimethane (NHQ). The aromatization of the C 6 H 4 -linker provides a decisive driving force for the reaction of the NHQ with an electrophile and renders the NHQ significantly more basic than analogous NHCs or N-heterocyclic olefins (NHOs), as shown by DFT computations and competition experiments. In solution, the NHQ undergoes an unprecedented dehydrogenative head-to-head dimerization by C-C coupling of the methylidene groups. DFT computations indicate that this reaction proceeds via an open-shell singlet pathway revealing the diradical character of the NHQ. The product of this dimerization can be described as conjugated N-heterocyclic bis-quinodimethane, which according to cyclic voltammetry is a strong organic reducing agent (E 1/2 =-1.71 V vs. Fc/Fc + ) and exhibits a remarkable small singlet-triplet gap of ΔE S→T =4.4 kcal mol -1 ., (© 2023 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Nitride complexes are key species in homogeneous nitrogen fixation to NH 3 via stepwise proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET). In contrast, direct generation of nitrogenous organic products from N 2 -derived nitrides requires new strategies to enable efficient reductive nitride transfer in the presence of organic electrophiles. We here present a 2-step protocol for the conversion of dinitrogen to benzonitrile. Photoelectrochemical, reductive N 2 splitting produces a rhenium(V) nitride with unfavorable PCET thermochemistry towards ammonia generation. However, N-benzoylation stabilizes subsequent reduction as a basis for selective nitrogen transfer in the presence of the organic electrophile and Brønsted acid at mild reduction potentials. This work offers a new strategy for photoelectrosynthetic nitrogen fixation beyond ammonia-to yield nitrogenous organic products., (© 2022 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Transition metal halide complexes are used as precursors for reductive N 2 activation up to full splitting into nitride complexes. Distinct halide effects on the redox properties and yields are frequently observed yet not well understood. Here, an electrochemical and computational examination of reductive N 2 splitting with the rhenium(III) complexes [ReX 2 (PNP)] (PNP = N(CH 2 CH 2 P t Bu 2 ) 2 and X = Cl, Br, I) is presented. As previously reported for the chloride precursor ( J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2018, 140, 7922), the heavier halides give rhenium(V) nitrides upon (electro-)chemical reduction in good yields yet with significantly anodically shifted electrolysis potentials along the halide series. Dinuclear, end-on N 2 -bridged complexes, [{ReX(PNP)} 2 (μ-N 2 )], were identified as key intermediates in all cases. However, while the chloride complex is exclusively formed via 2-electron reduction and Re III /Re I comproportionation, the iodide system also reacts via an alternative Re II /Re II -dimerization mechanism at less negative potentials. This alternative pathway relies on the absence of the potential inversion after reduction and N 2 activation that was observed for the chloride precursor. Computational analysis of the relevant Re III/II and Re II/I redox couples by energy decomposition analysis attributes the halide-induced trends of the potentials to the dominating electrostatic Re-X bonding interactions over contributions from charge transfer.

Outer-sphere radical hydrogenation of olefins proceeds via stepwise hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from transition metal hydride species to the substrate. Typical catalysts exhibit M-H bonds that are either too weak to efficiently activate H 2 or too strong to reduce unactivated olefins. This contribution evaluates an alternative approach, that starts from a square-planar cobalt(II) hydride complex. Photoactivation results in Co-H bond homolysis. The three-coordinate cobalt(I) photoproduct binds H 2 to give a dihydrogen complex, which is a strong hydrogen atom donor, enabling the stepwise hydrogenation of both styrenes and unactivated aliphatic olefins with H 2 via HAT., (© 2021 The Authors. Chemistry - A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

A series of copper(I) complexes with ligands derived from the tripodal ligand (2-aminoethyl)bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (uns-penp) have been structurally characterized and their redox chemistry analyzed by cyclic voltammetry. While the redox potentials of most of the complexes were similar their reactivity towards dioxygen was quite different. While the complex with a ferrocene derived ligand of uns-penp reacted in solution at low temperatures in a two-step reaction from the preliminary formed mononuclear end-on superoxido complex to a quite stable dinuclear peroxido complex it did not react with dioxygen in the solid state. Other complexes also did not react with dioxygen in the solid state while some showed a reversible formation to a green compound, indicating formation of an end-on superoxido complex that unfortunately so far could not be characterized. In contrast, copper complexes with the Me 2 uns-penp and Et-iProp-uns-penp formed dinuclear peroxido complexes in a solid-state reaction. While the reaction of dioxygen with the [Cu(Me 2 uns-penp]BPh 4 was quite slow an instant reaction took place for [Cu(Et-iProp-uns-penp]BPh. Very unusual, it turned out that crystals of the copper(I) complex that could be structurally characterized still were crystalline when reacted with dioxygen. Therefore, it was possible to solve the structure of the corresponding dinuclear peroxido complex directly from the same batch of crystals. The crystalline structures of the copper(I) and copper(II) complex revealed that the reason for this is the fact, that the copper(I) complex is kind of preorganized for the uptake of dioxygen and does not really change in its overall structure when being oxidized., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Light-driven N 2 cleavage into molecular nitrides is an attractive strategy for synthetic nitrogen fixation. However, suitable platforms are rare. Furthermore, the development of catalytic protocols via this elementary step suffers from poor understanding of N-N photosplitting within dinitrogen complexes, as well as of the thermochemical and kinetic framework for coupled follow-up chemistry. We here present a tungsten pincer platform, which undergoes fully reversible, thermal N 2 splitting and reverse nitride coupling, allowing for experimental derivation of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the N-N cleavage step. Selective N-N splitting was also obtained photolytically. DFT computations allocate the productive excitations within the {WNNW} core. Transient absorption spectroscopy shows ultrafast repopulation of the electronic ground state. Comparison with ground-state kinetics and resonance Raman data support a pathway for N-N photosplitting via a nonstatistically vibrationally excited ground state that benefits from vibronically coupled structural distortion of the core. Nitride carbonylation and release are demonstrated within a full synthetic cycle for trimethylsilylcyanate formation directly from N 2 and CO., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2021 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Metallonitrenes (M-N) are complexes with a subvalent atomic nitrogen ligand that have been proposed as key reactive intermediates in nitrogen atom transfer reactions. However, in contrast to the common classes of nitride complexes (M≡N) and organic nitrenes (R-N), structurally and spectroscopically well defined 'authentic' metallonitrenes with a monovalent atomic nitrogen ligand remain elusive. Here we report that the photolysis of a platinum(II) pincer azide complex enabled the crystallographic, spectroscopic, magnetic and computational characterization of a metallonitrene that is best described as a singly bonded atomic nitrogen diradical ligand bound to platinum(II). The photoproduct exhibits selective C-H, B-H and B-C nitrogen atom insertion reactivity. Despite the subvalent metallonitrene character, mechanistic analysis for aldehyde C-H amidation shows nucleophilic reactivity of the N-diradical ligand. Ambiphilic reactivity of the metallonitrene is indicated by reactions with CO and PMe 3 to form isocyanate and phosphoraneiminato platinum(II) complexes, respectively.

The splitting of dinitrogen into nitride complexes emerged as a key reaction for nitrogen fixation strategies at ambient conditions. However, the impact of auxiliary ligands or accessible spin states on the thermodynamics and kinetics of N-N cleavage is yet to be examined in detail. We recently reported N-N bond splitting of a {Mo(μ 2 :η 1 :η 1 -N 2 )Mo}-complex upon protonation of the diphosphinoamide auxiliary ligands. The reactivity was associated with a low-spin to high-spin transition that was induced by the protonation reaction in the coordination periphery, mainly based on computational results. Here, this proposal is evaluated by an XAS study of a series of linearly N 2 bridged Mo pincer complexes. Structural characterization of the transient protonation product by EXAFS spectroscopy confirms the proposed spin transition prior to N-N bond cleavage.

The splitting of N 2 into well-defined terminal nitride complexes is a key reaction for nitrogen fixation at ambient conditions. In continuation of our previous work on rhenium pincer mediated N 2 splitting, nitrogen activation and cleavage upon (electro)chemical reduction of [ReCl 2 ( L 2)] { L 2 = N(CHCHP t Bu 2 ) 2 - } is reported. The electrochemical characterization of [ReCl 2 ( L 2)] and comparison with our previously reported platform [ReCl 2 ( L 1)] { L 1 = N(CH 2 CH 2 P t Bu 2 ) 2 - } provides mechanistic insight to rationalize the dependence of nitride yield on the reductant. Furthermore, the reactivity of N 2 derived nitride complex [Re(N)Cl( L 2)] with electrophiles is presented., (© 2020 The Authors. Published by Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.)

Mo complexes are currently the most active catalysts for nitrogen fixation under ambient conditions. In comparison, tungsten platforms are scarcely examined. For active catalysts, the control of N 2 vs. proton reduction selectivities remains a difficult task. We here present N 2 splitting using a tungsten pincer platform, which has been proposed as the key reaction for catalytic nitrogen fixation. Starting from [WCl 3 (PNP)] (PNP = N(CH 2 CH 2 P t Bu 2 ) 2 ), the activation of N 2 enabled the isolation of the dinitrogen bridged redox series [(N 2 ){WCl(PNP)} 2 ] 0/+/2+ . Protonation of the neutral complex results either in the formation of a nitride [W(N)Cl( H PNP)] + or H 2 evolution and oxidation of the W 2 N 2 core, respectively, depending on the acid and reaction conditions. Examination of the nitrogen splitting vs. proton reduction selectivity emphasizes the role of hydrogen bonding of the conjugate base with the protonated intermediates and provides guidelines for nitrogen fixation., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2019.)

Herein, we describe the redox chemistry of bi- and mononuclear α-diimine-Mn(CO) 3 complexes with an internal proton source in close proximity to the metal centers and their catalytic activity in the electrochemically driven CO 2 reduction reactions. In order to address the impact of the two metal sites and of the proton source, we investigate a binuclear complex with phenol moiety, 1 , a binuclear Mn complex with methoxyphenol unit instead, 2 , and the mononuclear analogue with a phenol unit, 3 . Spectroelectrochemical investigation of the complexes in dmf under a nitrogen atmosphere indicates that 1 and 3 undergo a reductive H 2 formation forming [Mn 2 (H -1 L 1 )(CO) 6 Br] and [Mn(H -1 L 3 )(CO) 3 ], respectively, which is redox neutral for the complex and equivalent to a deprotonation of the phenol unit. The reaction likely proceeds via internal proton transfer from the phenol moiety to the reduced metal center forming a Mn-H species. 2 dimerizes during reduction, forming [Mn 2 (L 2 )(CO) 6 ] 2 , but 1 and 3 do not. Reduction of 1 , 2 , and 3 is accompanied by bromide loss, and the final species represent [Mn 2 (H -1 L 1 )(CO) 6 ] 3- , [Mn 2 (L 2 )(CO) 6 ] 2- , and [Mn(H -1 L 3 )(CO) 3 ] 2- , respectively. 1 and 2 are active catalysts in the electrochemical CO 2 reduction reaction, whereas 3 decomposes quickly under an applied potential. Thus, the second redox active unit is crucial for enhanced stability. The proton relay in 1 alters the kinetics for the 2H + /2e - reduced products of CO 2 in dmf/water mixtures. For 2 , CO is the only product, whereas formate and CO are formed in similar amounts, 40% and 50%, respectively, in the presence of 1 . Thus, the reaction rate for the internal proton transfer from the phenol moiety to the metal center forming the putative Mn-H species and subsequent CO 2 insertion as well as the reaction rate of the reduced metal center with CO 2 forming CO are similar. The overpotential with regard to the standard redox potential of CO 2 to CO and the observed overall rate constant for catalysis at scan rates of 0.1 V s -1 are higher with 1 than with 2 , that is, the OH group is beneficial for catalysis due to the internal proton transfer.

A terminal iridium oxo complex with an open-shell (S=1) ground state was isolated upon hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from the respective iridium(II) hydroxide. Electronic structure examinations support large spin delocalization to the oxygen atom. Selected oxo transfer reactions indicate the ambiphilic reactivity of the iridium oxo moiety. Calorimetric and computational examinations of the HAT revealed a bond dissociation free energy for the IrO-H bond that is sufficient for hydrogen atom abstraction towards C-H bonds and small contributions from entropy and spin-orbit coupling to the HAT thermochemistry., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The isolation of rhenium(V) complexes with terminal phosphide and arsenide ligands was achieved upon decarbonylation of rhenium(III) pnictaethynolates. One-electron oxidation of the pnictide complexes yielded Pn-Pn (Pn=P, As) coupling products, which were spectroscopically and crystallographically characterized. Computational bond analysis suggests that these complexes are best described as {Pn 2 } 0 complexes that are stabilized by donor-acceptor interactions with the metal and a pyrazole ligand., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The isolable complex [Os(PHMes*)H(PNP)] (Mes*=2,4,6- t Bu 3 C 6 H 3 ; PNP=N{CHCHP t Bu 2 } 2 ) exhibits high phosphinyl radical character. This compound offers access to the phosphinidene complex [Os(PMes*)H(PNP)] by P-H proton coupled electron transfer (PCET). The P-H bond dissociation energy (BDE) was determined by isothermal titration calorimetry and supporting DFT computations. The phosphinidene product exhibits electrophilic reactivity as demonstrated by intramolecular C-H activation., (© 2019 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.)

An imidazole-functionalised cage is synthesised that can coordinate to Cu(i). X-ray analysis reveals a T-shaped coordination of copper by the imidazole ligands reminiscent of the coordination geometry found in enzymatic active sites. This cage complex can catalyse the oxidation of benzylic alcohols to benzaldehydes utilizing oxygen as the terminal oxidant.

Thermal nitrogen fixation relies on strong reductants to overcome the extraordinarily large N-N bond energy. Photochemical strategies that drive N 2 fixation are scarcely developed. Here, the synthesis of a dinuclear N 2 -bridged complex is presented upon reduction of a rhenium(III) pincer platform. Photochemical splitting into terminal nitride complexes is triggered by visible light. Clean nitrogen transfer with benzoyl chloride to free benzamide and benzonitrile is enabled by cooperative 2 H + /2 e - transfer of the pincer ligand. A three-step cycle is demonstrated for N 2 to nitrile fixation that relies on electrochemical reduction, photochemical N 2 -splitting and thermal nitrogen transfer., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Hydrogenolysis of the chlorosilanes and silyl triflates (triflate = trifluoromethanesulfonate, OTf - ) Me 3- n SiX 1+ n (X = Cl, OTf; n = 0, 1) to hydrosilanes at mild conditions (4 bar of H 2 , room temperature) is reported using low loadings (1 mol %) of the bifunctional catalyst [Ru(H) 2 CO( HPNP iPr )] ( HPNP iPr = HN(CH 2 CH 2 P( iPr) 2 ) 2 ). Endergonic chlorosilane hydrogenolysis can be driven by chloride removal, e.g., with NaBAr F 4 = B(C F 4 - = B(C 6 H 3 -3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 ) 4 - ]. Alternatively, conversion to silyl triflates enables facile hydrogenolysis with NEt 3 as the base, giving Me 3 SiH, Me 2 SiH 2 , and Me 2 SiHOTf, respectively, in high yields. An outer-sphere mechanism for silyl triflate hydrogenolysis is supported by density functional theory computations. These protocols provide key steps for synthesis of the valuable hydrochlorosilane Me 2 SiClH, which can also be directly obtained in yields of over 50% by hydrogenolysis of chlorosilane/silyl triflate mixtures.

The endothermic reverse water-gas shift reaction (rWGS) for direct CO 2 hydrogenation to CO is an attractive approach to carbon utilization. However, direct CO 2 hydrogenation with molecular catalysts generally gives formic acid instead of CO as a result of the selectivity of CO 2 insertion into M-H bonds. Based on the photochemical inversion of this selectivity, several synthetic pathways are presented for CO selective CO 2 reduction with a nickel pincer platform including the first example of a photodriven rWGS cycle at ambient conditions., (© 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

A comprehensive mechanistic study of N 2 activation and splitting into terminal nitride ligands upon reduction of the rhenium dichloride complex [ReCl 2 (PNP)] is presented (PNP - = N(CH 2 CH 2 P tBu 2 ) 2 - ). Low-temperature studies using chemical reductants enabled full characterization of the N 2 -bridged intermediate [{(PNP)ClRe} 2 (N 2 )] and kinetic analysis of the N-N bond scission process. Controlled potential electrolysis at room temperature also resulted in formation of the nitride product [Re(N)Cl(PNP)]. This first example of molecular electrochemical N 2 splitting into nitride complexes enabled the use of cyclic voltammetry (CV) methods to establish the mechanism of reductive N 2 activation to form the N 2 -bridged intermediate. CV data was acquired under Ar and N 2 pressure. A series of kinetic models was vetted against the CV data using digital simulations, leading to the assignment of an ECCEC mechanism (where "E" is an electrochemical step and "C" is a chemical step) for N 2 pressure. A series of kinetic models was vetted against the CV data using digital simulations, leading to the assignment of an ECCEC mechanism (where "E" is an electrochemical step and "C" is a chemical step) for N 2 activation that proceeds via initial reduction to Re II , N 2 binding, chloride dissociation, and further reduction to Re I before formation of the N 2 -bridged, dinuclear intermediate by comproportionation with the Re III precursor. Experimental kinetic data for all individual steps could be obtained. The mechanism is supported by density functional theory computations, which provide further insight into the electronic structure requirements for N 2 splitting in the tetragonal frameworks enforced by rigid pincer ligands.

The iridium(iii/iv/v) imido redox series [Ir(N t Bu){N(CHCHP t Bu 2 ) 2 }] 0/+/2+ was synthesized and examined spectroscopically, magnetically, crystallographically and computationally. The monocationic iridium(iv) imide exhibits an electronic doublet ground state with considerable 'imidyl' character as a result of covalent Ir-N t Bu bonding. Reduction gives the neutral imide [Ir(N t Bu){N(CHCHP t Bu 2 ) 2 }] as the first example of an iridium complex with a triplet ground state. Its reactivity with respect to nitrene transfer to selected electrophiles (CO 2 ) and nucleophiles (PMe 3 ), respectively, is reported.

Direct hydrogenation of CO 2 to CO, the reverse water-gas shift reaction, is an attractive route to CO 2 utilization. However, the use of molecular catalysts is impeded by the general reactivity of metal hydrides with CO 2 . Insertion into M-H bonds results in formates (MO(O)CH), whereas the abnormal insertion to the hydroxycarbonyl isomer (MC(O)OH), which is the key intermediate for CO-selective catalysis, has never been directly observed. We here report that the selectivity of CO 2 insertion into a Ni-H bond can be inverted from normal to abnormal insertion upon switching from thermal to photochemical conditions. Mechanistic examination for abnormal insertion indicates photochemical N-H reductive elimination as the pivotal step that leads to an umpolung of the hydride ligand. This study conceptually introduces metal-ligand cooperation for selectivity control in photochemical transformations.

Reduction of the pincer complex [Os III Cl 2 (PNP)] (PNP = N(CHCHPtBu 2 ) 2 ) affords the isolation and full characterization of an osmium(ii) complex with square-planar coordination geometry, i.e. [Os II Cl(PNP)]. Spectroscopic, structural and magnetic data in combination with multireference computations indicate strong temperature independent paramagnetism, which arises from an energetically well separated ground state that mixes with excited states through spin-orbit coupling.

The coupling of electron- and proton-transfer steps provides a general concept to control the driving force of redox reactions. N 2 splitting of a molybdenum dinitrogen complex into nitrides coupled to a reaction with Brønsted acid is reported. Remarkably, our spectroscopic, kinetic, and computational mechanistic analysis attributes N-N bond cleavage to protonation in the periphery of an amide pincer ligands rather than the {Mo-N 2 -Mo} core. The strong effect on electronic structure and ultimately the thermochemistry and kinetic barrier of N-N bond cleavage is an unusual case of a proton-coupled metal-to-ligand charge transfer process, highlighting the use of proton-responsive ligands for nitrogen fixation., (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Low-valent osmium nitrides are discussed as intermediates in nitrogen fixation schemes. However, rational synthetic routes that lead to isolable examples are currently unknown. Here, the synthesis of the square-planar osmium(IV) nitride [OsN(PNP)] (PNP=N(CH2 CH2 P(tBu)2 )2 ) is reported upon reversible deprotonation of osmium(VI) hydride [Os(N)H(PNP)](+) . The Os(IV) complex shows ambiphilic nitride reactivity with SiMe3 Br and PMe3 , respectively. Importantly, the hydrogenolysis with H2 gives ammonia and the polyhydride complex [OsH4 (HPNP)] in 80 % yield. Hence, our results directly demonstrate the role of low-valent osmium nitrides and of heterolytic H2 activation for ammonia synthesis with H2 under basic conditions., (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

A series of [Pd2L4] coordination cages featuring endohedral functionalities in central backbone positions was synthesized. Although attached via C[double bond, length as m-dash]C double bonds, the substituents behave as molecular rotors. This is explained by their pronounced donor-acceptor character which lowers rotational barriers and allows for electronic control over the spinning rates inside the cage. The dynamic behaviour of the free ligands, assembled cages and host-guest complexes is compared with the aid of NMR experiments, X-ray structure analysis and molecular modelling.

A series of square-planar cobalt(II) complexes with pincer ligands {N(CH2CH2PtBu2)2}(-) ({L1(tBu)}(-)), {N(CH2CH2PtBu2)(CHCHPtBu2)}(-) ({L2(tBu)}(-)), and {N(CHCHPtBu2)2}(-) ({L3(tBu)}(-)) was synthesized. Ligand dehydrogenation was accomplished with a new, high-yield protocol that employs the 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenoxy radical as hydrogen acceptor. [CoCl{Ln(tBu)}] (n = 1-3) were examined with respect to reduction, protonation, and oxidation, respectively. One-electron oxidations of [CoCl(L1(tBu))] and [CoCl(L2(tBu))] lead to ligand-centered radical reactivity, like amide disproportionation into cobalt(II) amine and imine complexes. In contrast, oxidation of [CoCl{L3(tBu)}] with Ag(+) enabled the isolation of thermally stable, square-planar cobalt(III) complex [CoCl{L3(tBu)}](+), which adopts an intermediate-spin (S = 1) ground state with large magnetic anisotropy. Hence, pincer dehydrogenation gives access to a new platform for high-valent cobalt in square-planar geometry.

About 20% of the ammonia production is used as the chemical feedstock for nitrogen-containing chemicals. However, while synthetic nitrogen fixation at ambient conditions has had some groundbreaking contributions in recent years, progress for the direct conversion of N2 into organic products remains limited and catalytic reactions are unknown. Herein, the rhenium-mediated synthesis of acetonitrile using dinitrogen and ethyl triflate is presented. A synthetic cycle in three reaction steps with high individual isolated yields and recovery of the rhenium pincer starting complex is shown. The cycle comprises alkylation of a nitride that arises from N2 splitting and subsequent imido ligand centered oxidation to nitrile via a 1-azavinylidene (ketimido) intermediate. Different synthetic strategies for intra- and intermolecular imido ligand oxidation and associated metal reduction were evaluated that rely on simple proton, electron, and hydrogen-atom transfer steps., (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

An experimental and theoretical study of the base-stabilized disilene 1 is reported, which forms at low temperatures in the disproportionation reaction of Si2 Cl6 or neo-Si5 Cl12 with equimolar amounts of NMe2 Et. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction and quantum-chemical bonding analysis disclose an unprecedented structure in silicon chemistry featuring a dative Si→Si single bond between two silylene moieties, Me2 EtN→SiCl2 →Si(SiCl3 )2 . The central ambiphilic SiCl2 group is linked by dative bonds to the amine donor and the bis(trichlorosilyl)silylene acceptor, which leads to push-pull stabilization. Based on experimental and theoretical examinations a formation mechanism is presented that involves an autocatalytic reaction of the intermediately formed anion Si(SiCl3 )3 (-) with neo-Si5 Cl12 to yield 1., (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The iridium dihydride [Ir(H)2 (HPNP)](+) (PNP=N(CH2 CH2 PtBu2 )2 ) reacts with O2 to give the unusual, square-planar iridium(III) hydroxide [Ir(OH)(PNP)](+) and water. Regeneration of the dihydride with H2 closes a quasi-catalytic synthetic oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR) cycle that can be run several times. Experimental and computational examinations are in agreement with an oxygenation mechanism via rate-limiting O2 coordination followed by H-transfer at a single metal site, facilitated by the cooperating pincer ligand. Hence, the four electrons required for the ORR are stored within the two covalent MH bonds of a mononuclear metal complex., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The redox series [Ir(n)(NHx)(PNP)] (n = II-IV, x = 3-0; PNP = N(CHCHPtBu2)2) was examined with respect to electron, proton, and hydrogen atom transfer steps. The experimental and computational results suggest that the Ir(III) imido species [Ir(NH)(PNP)] is not stable but undergoes disproportionation to the respective Ir(II) amido and Ir(IV) nitrido species. N-H bond strengths are estimated upon reaction with hydrogen atom transfer reagents to rationalize this observation and are used to discuss the reactivity of these compounds toward E-H bond activation.

Formic acid (FA) is an attractive compound for H2 storage. Currently, the most active catalysts for FA dehydrogenation use precious metals. Here, we report a homogeneous iron catalyst that, when used with a Lewis acid (LA) co-catalyst, gives approximately 1,000,000 turnovers for FA dehydrogenation. To date, this is the highest turnover number reported for a first-row transition metal catalyst. Preliminary studies suggest that the LA assists in the decarboxylation of a key iron formate intermediate and can also be used to enhance the reverse process of CO2 hydrogenation.

[ReCl3(PPh3)2(NCMe)] reacts with pincer ligand HN(CH2CH2PtBu2)2 (HPNP) to five coordinate rhenium(III) complex [ReCl2(PNP)]. This compound cleaves N2 upon reduction to give rhenium(V) nitride [Re(N)Cl(PNP)], as the first example in the coordination sphere of Re. Functionalization of the nitride ligand derived from N2 is demonstrated by selective C-N bond formation with MeOTf.

The iridium(II) complex [IrCl{N(CHCHPtBu2)2}] is reduced by KC8 to give the anionic iridium(I) pincer complex [IrCl{N(CHCHPtBu2)2}](-) which was isolated and fully characterized upon stabilization of the counter cation with crown ether as [K(15-cr-5)2][IrCl{N(CHCHPtBu2)2}]. This unprecedented anionic iridium(I) pincer complex completes the unusual, structurally characterized Ir(I)/Ir(II)/Ir(III) redox series [IrCl{N(CHCHPtBu2)2}](-/0/+), all in a square-planar coordination geometry, emphasizing the versatility of this PNP pincer ligand in stabilizing a broad range of oxidation states. The anionic chloro complex is a versatile source of the Ir(PNP) platform. Its reactivity was examined towards chloride ligand substitution against CO and N2, and oxidative addition of C-electrophiles, C-H bonds and dioxygen, allowing for the isolation of iridium(I) and iridium(III) (PNP) carbonyl, hydrocarbyl and peroxo complexes which were spectroscopically and crystallographically characterized.

The preparation of a number of iron complexes supported by ligands of the type HN{CH2CH2(PR2)}2 [R = isopropyl (((i)Pr)PNP) or cyclohexyl ((Cy)PNP)] is reported. This is the first time this important bifunctional ligand has been coordinated to iron. The iron(II) complexes (((i)Pr)PNP)FeCl2(CO) (1a) and ((Cy)PNP)FeCl2(CO) (1b) were synthesized through the reaction of the appropriate free ligand and FeCl2 in the presence of CO. The iron(0) complex (((i)Pr)PNP)Fe(CO)2 (2a) was prepared through the reaction of Fe(CO)5 with ((i)Pr)PNP, while irradiating with UV light. Compound 2a is unstable in CH2Cl2 and is oxidized to 1a via the intermediate iron(II) complex [(((i)Pr)PNP)FeCl(CO)2]Cl (3a). The reaction of 2a with HCl generated the related complex [(((i)Pr)PNP)FeH(CO)2]Cl (4a), while the neutral iron hydrides (((i)Pr)PNP)FeHCl(CO) (5a) and ((Cy)PNP)FeHCl(CO) (5b) were synthesized through the reaction of 1a or 1b with 1 equiv of (n)Bu4NBH4. The related reaction between 1a and excess NaBH4 generated the unusual η(1)-HBH3 complex (((i)Pr)PNP)FeH(η(1)-HBH3)(CO) (6a). This complex features a bifurcated intramolecular dihydrogen bond between two of the hydrogen atoms associated with the η(1)-HBH3 ligand and the N-H proton of the pincer ligand, as well as intermolecular dihydrogen bonding. The protonation of 6a with 2,6-lutidinium tetraphenylborate resulted in the formation of the dimeric complex [{(((i)Pr)PNP)FeH(CO)}2(μ2,η(1):η(1)-H2BH2)][BPh4] (7a), which features a rare example of a μ2,η(1):η(1)-H2BH2 ligand. Unlike all previous examples of complexes with a μ2,η(1):η(1)-H2BH2 ligand, there is no metal-metal bond and additional bridging ligand supporting the borohydride ligand in 7a; however, it is proposed that two dihydrogen-bonding interactions stabilize the complex. Complexes 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, and 7a were characterized by X-ray crystallography.

Mixing CuCl2⋅2 H2O with benzylamine in alcoholic solutions led to an extremely colorful chemistry caused by the formation of a large number of different complexes. Many of these different species could be structurally characterized. These include relatively simple compounds such as [Cu(L(1))4Cl2] (L(1) = benzylamine) and (HL(1))2[CuCl4]. Most interestingly is the easy formation of two cluster complexes, one based on two cluster units Cu4OCl6(L(1))4 connected through one [Cu(L(1))2Cl2] complex and one based on a cubane-type cluster ([Cu4O4](C11H14)4Cl4). Both clusters proved to be highly reactive in a series of oxidation reactions of organic substrates by using air or peroxides as oxidants. Furthermore, it was possible to isolate and structurally characterize ([Cu(L(1))Cl]3 and [Cu(benz2mpa)2]CuCl2 (benz2mpa = benzyl-(2-benzylimino-1-methyl-propylidene)-amine), two copper(I) complexes that formed in solution, demonstrating the high redox activity of the cluster systems. In addition, it was possible to solve the molecular structures of the compounds Cu4OCl6(MeOH)4, [Cu(MeOH)2Cl2], [Cu(aniline)2Cl2], and an organic side product (HC13 H19 NOCl). In fact all determined structures are of a known type but the chemical relation between these compounds could be explained for the first time. The paper describes these different compounds and their chemical equilibria. Some of these complexes seem to be relevant in catalytic oxidation reactions and their reactivity is discussed in more detail., (Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

A variety of techniques including absorption, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), variable-temperature, variable-field MCD (VTVH-MCD), and resonance Raman (rR) spectroscopies are combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations to elucidate the electronic structure of the end-on (η(1)) bound superoxo-Cu(II) complex [TMG(3)trenCuO(2)](+) (where TMG(3)tren is 1,1,1-tris[2-[N(2)-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidino)]ethyl]amine). The spectral features of [TMG(3)trenCuO(2)](+) are assigned, including the first definitive assignment of a superoxo intraligand transition in a metal-superoxo complex, and a detailed description of end-on superoxo-Cu(II) bonding is developed. The lack of overlap between the two magnetic orbitals of [TMG(3)trenCuO(2)](+) eliminates antiferromagnetic coupling between the copper(II) and the superoxide, while the significant superoxo π*(σ) character of the copper dz(2) orbital leads to its ferromagnetically coupled, triplet, ground state.

Previous stopped flow kinetic experiments suggested an interchange associative mechanism for the ligand substitution reaction, [Fe(bztpen)(OMe)](2+) + H(2)O(2)--> {[Fe(bztpen)(OMe)(HOOH)](2+)}(++)--> [Fe(bztpen)(OOH)](2+) + MeOH (bztpen = N-benzyl-N, N',N'tris(2-methylpyridyl)-ethylenediamine). Thus a seven-coordinate transition state containing both the leaving methoxide and the incoming hydrogen peroxide ligands was proposed. On the basis of high pressure kinetic data we can now conclude that this is not the case since the rate of the reaction is independent of pressure for the formation of the purple low spin transient hydroperoxido complex, [Fe(bztpen)(OOH)](2+). [Fe(bztpen)(OOH)](2+) has so far proved to be too short-lived for solid state isolation. As part of our ongoing pursuit of this elusive species we have structurally characterised the nitrosyl and acetate iron(II) complexes, [Fe(bztpen)(NO)](OTf)(2) and [Fe(bztpen)(OAc)](BPh(4)), as well as the air stable Co(II) complexes [Co(bztpen)Cl)]BF(4), [Co(metpen)Cl]SbF(6) and [Co(bztpen)(OAc)]BPh(4). We did not realise our aim of accessing stable Co(III) hydroperoxido or peroxido complexes by reaction of the cobalt complexes with H(2)O(2).

We have studied the formation of several N-acetyl-4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) salts (with Cl(-), CH(3)COO(-), and CF(3)COO(-) counterions), which are considered to be the catalytically active species in DMAP-catalyzed acetylation reactions of alcohols. Combined crystal structure analyses, variable temperature matrix IR and NMR spectroscopy as well as computational techniques at the UAHF-PCM-B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) level were utilized to examine the structures and dynamics of salt formation. We found clear evidence for the formation of tight ion pairs that are stabilized by dynamic hydrogen-bonding interactions. In nonpolar solvents, the nucleophilicity of acetate in its N-acetyl-DMAP salt only allows a steady-state concentration smaller 1% at room temperature. Thus, we propose additional hydrogen-bonding interactions with alcohols to be the key stabilization factor in subsequent acetylations.

Dinuclear copper peroxo complexes obtained from mononuclear copper(I) complexes showed extremely high stabilities under ambient conditions in the solid state and could be heated above 100 degrees C without decomposition. The increased stability could be explained with regard to their molecular structures. Furthermore, the four complexes investigated showed a high potential for aliphatic C-H bond oxidations: for example, technical-grade toluene was oxidized to benzaldehyde in yields of up to 20%.

Herein we shed light on the mechanism of the reaction of epoxides with ammonium thiocyanate to give the corresponding thiiranes in water, and we present a computational mechanistic model for this highly useful reaction.

The monoprotection (desymmetrization) of diamondoid, benzylic, and ethynyl diols has been achieved using fluorinated alcohols such as 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) under acidic conditions. This practical acid-catalyzed S(N)1 reaction opens the door for the synthesis of novel bifunctional diamondoids. With diamantane as an example, we show that the resulting monoethers can be used to prepare selectively, for instance, amino or nitro alcohols and unnatural amino acids. These are important compounds in terms of the exploration of electronic, pharmacological, and material properties of functionalized nanodiamonds.

Detailed mechanistic studies on the ligand hydroxylation reaction mediated by a copper bis(imine) complex are presented. Starting from a structural analysis of the CuI complex and the CuII product with a hydroxylated ligand, the optical absorption and vibrational spectra of starting material and product are analyzed. Kinetic analysis of the ligand hydroxylation reaction shows that O2 binding is the rate-limiting step. The reaction proceeds much faster in methanol than in acetonitrile. Moreover, an inverse kinetic isotope effect (KIE) is evidenced for the reaction in acetonitrile, which is attributed to a sterically congested transition state leading to the peroxo adduct. In methanol, however, no KIE is observed. A DFT analysis of the oxygenation reaction mediated by the micro-eta2:eta2 peroxo core demonstrates that the major barrier after O2 binding corresponds to electrophilic attack on the arene ring. The relevant orbital interaction occurs between the sigma* orbital of the Cu2O2 unit and the HOMO of the ligand. On the basis of the activation energy for the rate-limiting step (18.3 kcal mol(-1)) this reaction is thermally allowed, in agreement with the experimental observation. The calculations also predict the presence of a stable dienone intermediate which, however, escaped experimental detection so far. Reasons for these findings are considered. The implications of the results for the mechanism of tyrosinase are discussed.