Structural and theoretical insights into metal-scorpionate ligand complexes

Matthias Schwalbe, Prokopis C. Andrikopoulos, David R. Armstrong, John Reglinski*, Mark D. Spicer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The syntheses of the complexes [M(TmMe)(CO)2(NO)] (M = Mo, W) by reaction of NOBF4 with [M(TmMe)(CO) 3]- are reported and their spectroscopic characterisation and crystal structures are described. The analogous Cr complex could not be prepared by this methodology. The complexes adopt the expected pseudo-octahedral geometry. Complexes [M(L)-(CO)2(NO)] (M = Cr, Mo, W; L = Cp, Tp and TmMe) together with the hypothetical [Mo(CO)2(NO)] + cation were subjected to DFT calculations. Geometry-optimised structures closely parallel the crystallographic determinations and indicate that the complex [Cr(TmMe)(CO)2(NO)] is not inherently unstable. The DFT calculations allow the assignment of the C-O and N-O stretches in the IR spectrum and give insight into both the M-NO bonding and the metal to tripodal ligand bonding. The electron-donor strengths are confirmed to lie in the order TmMe > Tp > Cp. A side reaction of the B-H moiety of the TmMe anion with NO+ results in the isolation of the dimethylformamide adduct of (trismethimazolyl)borane, providing further evidence that the reaction pathways of the TmR ligands are more varied and less passive than in the chemistry of the nitrogen-based scorpionates.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1351-1360
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean Journal of Inorganic Chemistry
Volume2007
Issue number10
Early online date27 Feb 2007
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Mar 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Molecular orbital calculations
  • Molybdenum
  • Nitric oxide
  • Soft scorpionates
  • Tungsten

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Inorganic Chemistry

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