This report discusses research which was conducted in two areas: the synthesis of potential agrochemicals and the study of vinamidinium and azavinamidinium salt chemistry. Four classes of compounds were synthesized and characterized in the study of new potential agrochemicals. These compounds include diacylhydrazines, semicarbazides, 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles and bis-2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles. The reaction of [3-(dimethylamino)-2-azaprop-2-en-1-ylidene] dimethylammonium chloride (Gold's reagent) with organometallic/borane reagents was examined in efforts to find convenient syntheses for N,N-dimethylamino substituted alkyl and aryl compounds. Additionally, the reaction of 1,5-diazapentadienium chloride (Nair's reagent) with nitrile activated alkanes was examined to find a convenient synthesis of 3-substituted pyridines. Subsequent intramolecular ring closure of the dienaminonitriles was unsuccessful. Finally, this report reveals the experimental procedures and conditions used for the synthesis of these products and offers explanations of the data as well as recommendations for future research.

The coordination- and organometallic chemistry of uranium complexes bearing the non-carbocyclic ancillary ligand XA2 (4,5-bis(2,6-diisopropylanilido)-2,7-di-tert-butyl-9,9-dimethylxanthene) has been developed as a major focus of this thesis. A number of air-sensitive actinide chloro complexes and alkyl derivatives featuring reactive An–C bonds were prepared, and investigated using a variety of structural and spectroscopic analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and electrochemical methods. The research described in this thesis serves to expand the currently underdeveloped, fundamental chemistry of actinide complexes supported by non-carbocyclic (i.e. non-cyclopentadienyl) ligands. For example, the use of the prototypical xanthene-based ligand XA2 has led to neutral dialkyl uranium(IV) complexes which a) react with alkyl anions to yield anionic trialkyl ‘ate’ complexes, b) C–H activate neutral pyridines to yield organouranium(IV) species featuring cyclometalated pyridine-based ligands, and c) react with Lewis acids to yield rare examples of cationic monoalkyl uranium(IV) complexes featuring coordinated arene ligands. By altering the nature of the arene solvent/ligand, latent catalytic ethylene polymerization behaviour has also been unlocked in cationic XA2 uranium and thorium complexes, and this development may offer industrial relevance. Additionally, new NON-donor ligand designs featuring bulky terphenyl-based substituents (the "XAT" ligand) as well as 1-adamantyl groups (the "XAd" ligand) have been developed; a family of crystallographically-characterized dipotassium XAT complexes have been prepared which feature unprecedented potassium–alkane interactions, and the XAd ligand has been employed for the development of new organometallic thorium chemistry. The developments described in this thesis contribute to an emerging field and delineate new reactivities and structural motifs, providing important steps forward in organoactinide chemistry. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Reactions of fluorinated anilines with stoichiometric Ti(NMe2)4 in mesitylene (typically for 23 h at 120 °C) afforded moderate to high yields of the corresponding N,N-dimethyl-o-phenylenediamine derivatives resulting from defluoroamination of a fluorine atom ortho to the NH2 of the starting aniline. Reactivity increased with additional ring fluorination in general accordance with established regiochemical (activating and deactivating) trends. Based on results, we propose a metal-mediated, SNAr-based mechanism. We report the scope and limitations of this reaction and discuss trends in reactivity according to a putative mechanistic scheme. / Master of Science / This thesis describes reactions of fluorinated anilines with titanium amides to make fluorinated 1,2-phenylenediamines. The reaction gives high to moderate yields, and is highly selective for ortho substitution. The scope of the reaction, trends in reactivity among substrates, product characterization, and reaction mechanism are discussed. This reaction is of interest because fluorinated aniline derivatives are a privileged structural motif in pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals. The first chapter presents an overview of C-F bond activation and key background information. Chapter 2 is a description of the experiments and an in-depth analysis of their results. Chapter 3 presents detailed characterization data for substances generated in this research. Chapter 4 comprises some concluding remarks and plans for possible future extensions of the research.

Today, few water-soluble organometallic compounds are known, and little research has been done in this area. Water-soluble organometallic complexes are of interest for two reactions. First, a water-soluble compound that could be developed as a catalyst eliminates the need for organic solvents and allows the catalyst to be easily recycled. Secondly, water-soluble compounds can be introduced into biological systems, and like the water-soluble complex cisplatin may show anticancer activity. The compound, [lr(COD)(PMe3)3]CI (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene, Me = methyl), was synthesized and found to be water-soluble and fairly air-stable. Other water-soluble compounds, [lr(COD)(tripod)]CI, [lr(COD)(dmpe)]CI and [lrH(COD)(PMe3)3]CI2 [tripod = 1 ,1, 1-tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane, dmpe = (dimethylphosphino)ethane] were also synthesized by similar methods. All of the water-soluble compounds prepared were characterized by nmr and/or x-ray crystallography. [lr(COD)(PMe3)3]CI was found to undergo intramolecular rearrangement in solution and have a square pyramidal structure, which is unique for five-coordinate organometallic compounds. lr(COD) (tripod)]CI was also fluxional in solution, but it had the trigonal bipyramidal structure, usually observed in five-coordinate compounds. Several of the compounds synthesized were submitted to the National Cancer Institute for anticancer screening. Test results showed that the compounds exhibited some anticancer activity, but were non-selective towards a specific type of cancer. Nucleophilic addition reactions between [lr(COD)(PMe3)31CI and several nucleophiles were also studied. / Master of Science

1. The reactions of monochlormethyl ether with the magnesium cadmium and zinc derivatives of normal propyl and isopropyl halides were investigated. 2. In both the normal propyl and iso-propyl aeries, the yields of the expected condensation products RCH₂OCH₃ appeared in the order RMgX>R₂Zn>R₂Cd. 3. The primary organometallic compounds reacted with monochlormethyl ether in higher yields than did the corresponding secondary compounds. 4. A new method was developed for preparing a zinc-copper couple by heating a mixture of zinc dust and powdered cupric citrate under an atmosphere of nitrogen. 5. This method gave a couple superior in laboratory use to the zinc-copper couples how generally employed. / Master of Science

Yes / This report presents a new library of organometallic iridium(III) compounds of the type [Cp*IrCl(L)] (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl and L=a functionalized β‐ketoiminato ligand) showing moderate to high cytotoxicity against a range of cancer cell lines. All compounds show increased activity towards colorectal cancer, with preferential activity observed against the immortalized p53‐null colorectal cell line, HCT116 p53‐/‐, with sensitivity factors (SF) up to 26.7. Additionally, the compounds have excellent selectivity for cancerous cells when tested against normal cell types, with selectivity ratios (SR) up to 35.6, contrary to that of cisplatin, which is neither selective nor specific for cancerous cells (SF=0.43 and SR=0.7–2.3). This work provides a preliminary understanding of the cytotoxicity of iridium compounds in the absence of p53 and has potential applications in treatment of cancers for which the p53 gene is absent or mutant.

The group 14 Zintl clusters [E₉]⁴⁻ (E = Ge, Sn, Pb) have been reacted with organometallic reagents in solution in the presence of alkali metal cation sequestering agents. The synthesis, characterisation and reactivity studies of the resultant complexes are reported herein. These negatively charged clusters reductively cleave one of the M–C bonds in the group 12 homoleptic organometallic reagents MR₂ (M = Zn, Cd; R = Ph, mes, ⁱPr) to yield η⁴-coordinated functionalised clusters closo-[E₉MR]³⁻. They can also activate both of the M–C bonds in Cd(mes)₂ to form metal-bridged dimers [Ge₉CdGe₉]⁶⁻ and [Pb₉CdCdPb₉]⁶⁻. Investigating the reactivity of the functionalised cluster [E₉CdPh]³⁻ (E = Sn, Pb) towards HSn(ⁿBu)₃ results in the synthesis of the novel closo-clusters [E₉CdSn(ⁿBu)₃]³⁻. The reaction of K₄Ge₉ with the heteroleptic organometallic reagent Fe(COT)(CO)₃ yields the metalated cluster anion [Ge₈Fe(CO)₃]³⁻, in which the nuclearity of the Zintl anion is altered upon coordination of the [Fe(CO)₃] moiety. Two side products have also been isolated as [K(2,2,2-crypt)]⁺ salts of [Fe(η³-C₈H₈)(CO)₃]⁻ and [Fe₂(η³, η′³-C<sub<16</sub<H₁₆)(CO)₆]²⁻. In the presence of highly reduced Zintl anions, all the M–C bonds in homoleptic mid-row transition metal organometallic reagents can also be cleaved. These ‘naked’ metal atoms have templated the formation of the endohedral clusters [Fe@Ge₁₀]³⁻, [Fe@Sn₁₀]³⁻ and [Mn@Pb₁₂]³⁻. These clusters adopt very different geometries and the electronic origin of their structures has been investigated in-depth by DFT calculations. Structural characterisation of some side products is also reported for: [E₉(mes)]³⁻ (E = Ge, Sn) and [Ge₉Mn(mes)]³⁻.

This thesis explores the area of the intermolecular hydroacylation reaction, catalysed by rhodium diphosphine complexes. A range of latent low-coordinate rhodium diphosphine complexes have been synthesised, and their catalytic activity for the hydroacylation reaction has been investigated. In particular, emphasis has been placed on understanding how subtle changes in diphosphine steric properties affect, and can be used to control, selectivity of this catalysis. Chapter 2 presents investigations into rhodium complexes incorporating the potentially hemilabile P-O-P ligands: POP’, XANTphos and Xphos. The resulting complexes have been fully characterised and their activity for the catalytic intermolecular hydroacylation of aldehyde I (HCOC₂H₄SMe) and alkene II (H₂C=CHCO₂Me) established and compared to the DPEphos system. Further reactivity of Xphos for aromatic aldehyde V (HCOC₆H₄SMe) and alkene II, and aldehyde V and alkyne XI [HC≡CC₆H₃(CF₃)₂] has also been explored, and compared with the catalytic activity of {Rh(PPh₃)₂}⁺. Focus moved from potentially hemilabile ligands to chelating diphosphine ligands of the type PPh₂(CH₂)nPPh₂ (where n = 2-5), and then on to ortho-substituted bulky analogues of the type P(₀-C₆H₅R)₂(CH₂)₂P(₀-C₆H₅R)₂ (where R = Me and ⁱPr) complexed to rhodium. Chapter 3 outlines the complexes synthesised, and their activity for the catalytic intermolecular hydroacylation of aldehyde I and alkene II, aromatic aldehyde V and alkene II or aldehyde V and alkyne XI. Possible explanations for the observed switch in selectivity from alkene to aldehyde hydroacylation, and linear alkyne to branched alkyne hydroacylation, have been explored and are detailed. The final chapter concerns the structure of an interesting catalytic intermediate: the branched alkenyl species for the {Rh(DPEphos)}+ catalysed hydroacylation of aldehyde V and alkyne XI. Investigations into the kinetic and catalytic behaviour of this system were carried out, and a reaction scheme has been proposed which correlates well with kinetic modelling undertaken by Prof. Guy Lloyd-Jones of the University of Bristol.

<p>A series of uranium benzyl compounds supported by two hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl) borate (Tp*) ligands has been synthesized and characterized. In addition to the previously reported Tp*₂U(CH₂Ph) (<b>2-Bn</b>), examinations of both steric (<i>tert</i>-butyl, <i>iso</i>-propyl) and electronic (methoxy, picolyl) changes on the aromatic ring led to the formula Tp*₂U(CH₂Ar) (Ar = 4-<i>tert</i>-butylphenyl (<b>2-<i>^t</i>Bu</b>), 4-isopropyl (<b>2-ⁱPr</b>), 2-picolyl (<b>2-pyr</b>), 3-methoxyphenyl (<b>2-OMe</b>). Treatment of the entire series of benzyl compounds with azidotrimethylsilane results in the formation of a neutral, monomeric U(III) compound, Tp*₂U(N₃) (<b>3-N₃</b>), and substituted benzyltrimethylsilane. While there was no observed change in reactivity among the benzyl compounds and Me₃SiN₃, treatment of these compounds with triphenylphosphine oxide saw unique carbon-carbon coupling occur for three of the substituted benzyl compounds. With a single equivalent of OPPh₃, the following products were isolated: Tp*₂U[OP(C₆H₅)(C₆H₅CH₂C₆H₅)] (<b>4-Ph</b>), Tp*₂U[OP(C₆H₅)(C₆H₅-<i>p</i>-<i>i</i>PrC₆H₄)] (<b>4-ⁱPr</b>), Tp*₂U[OP(C₆H₅)(C₆H₅-<i>p</i>-<i>t</i>BuC₆H₄)] (<b>4-<i>^t</i>Bu</b>), Tp*₂U[OP(C₆H₅)(C₆H₅-<i>m</i>-OCH₃C₆H₄)] (<b>4-OMe</b>). </p> <p> A family of uranium(IV) imido complexes of the form Tp*₂U(NR) (R = benzyl (<b>7-Bn</b>), <i>para</i>-tolyl (<b>7-Tol</b>), <i>para</i>-methoxyphenyl (<b>7-OMe</b>), 2,6-diethylphenyl (<b>7-detp</b>), 2,6-diisopropylphenyl (<b>7-dipp</b>)) have been generated by bibenzyl extrusion from <b>2-Bn</b>. When <b>7-Bn</b> and <b>7-Tol</b>, along with previously reported Tp*₂U(N-Ph) (<b>7-Ph</b>) and Tp*₂U(N-Ad) (<b>7-Ad</b>), are treated with isocyanates or isothiocyanates, they readily undergo [2π+2π]-cycloaddition to generate κ²-ureato and κ²-thioureato derivatives, respectively. Use of phenylisoselenocyanate with <b>7-Tol</b> and <b>7-Ph</b> generates a rare κ²-selenoureato complex. Treating <b>7-Tol</b> and <b>7-OMe</b> with benzonitrile or 4-cyanopryidine results in unusual products of multiple bond metathesis, namely κ¹-amidinate U(IV) complexes. </p> <p>A family of dinuclear bis(Tp*) (Tp* = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) uranium compounds with conjugated organic linkers was synthesized to explore possible electronic communication between uranium ions. Trivalent diuranium phenyl alkynyl compounds, Tp*₂UCC(1,3-C₆H₄)CCUTp*₂ (<b>14-<i>meta</i></b>) or Tp*₂UCC(1,4-C₆H₄)CCUTp*₂ (<b>14-<i>para</i></b>), and tetravalent diuranium phenylimido compounds, Tp*₂U(N-1,3-C₆H₄-N)UTp*₂ (<b>15-<i>meta</i></b>) and Tp*₂U(N-1,4-C₆H₄-N)UTp*₂ (<b>15-<i>para</i></b>), were generated from trivalent Tp*₂UCH₂Ph. All compounds were fully characterized both spectroscopically and structurally. The electronic structures of all derivatives were interrogated using magnetic measurements, electrochemistry, and were the subject of computational analyses. All of this data combined established that little electronic communication exists between the uranium centers in these trivalent and tetravalent diuranium molecules.</p> <p>Uranium mono(imido) species have been prepared via oxidation of Cp*U(^MesPDI^Me)(THF) (<b>16-Cp</b>*) and [Cp^PU(^MesPDI^Me)]₂ (<b>16-Cp^P</b>) (Cp* = <i>η</i>⁵-1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienide; Cp^P = 1-(7,7-dimethylbenzyl)cyclopentadienide; ^MesPDI^Me = 2,6-((Mes)N=CMe)₂C₅H₃N, Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) with organoazides. Treating either with N₃DIPP formed uranium(IV) mono(imido) complexes, Cp^PU(NDIPP)(^MesPDI^Me) (<b>17-Cp^P</b>) and Cp*U(NDIPP)(^MesPDI^Me) (<b>17-Cp*</b>), featuring reduced [^MesPDI^Me]^1-. Addition of electron-donating 1-azidoadamantane (N₃Ad) to <b>16-Cp*</b> generated a dimeric product, [Cp*U(NAd)(^MesHPDI^Me)]₂ (<b>18</b>), from radical coupling at the <i>para</i>-pyridine position of the pyridine(diimine) ligand and H-atom abstraction, formed through a monomeric intermediate that was observed in solution but could not be isolated. To support this, Cp*U(<i>^t</i>Bu-^MesPDI^Me)(THF) (<b>16-<i>^t</i>Bu</b>), which has a <i>tert</i>-butyl group protecting the <i>para</i>-position, was also treated with N₃Ad, and the monomeric product, Cp*U(NAd)(<i>^t</i>Bu-^MesPDI^Me) (<b>17-<i>^t</i>Bu</b>), was isolated. All isolated complexes were analyzed spectroscopically and structurally, and dynamic solution behavior was examined using electronic absorption spectroscopy. </p>

Organometallic chemistry is a powerful tool for the coupling of simple unsaturated molecules to form complex organic structures. Isonitriles (RNCs) are an attractive alternative to isoelectronic CO as C₁ sources in the pursuit of C,C coupling reactions. The electronic properties of the substituent on nitrogen in RNCs can bring about insertion chemistry that is different from the insertion reactions of CO. The insertion chemistry of RNCs with Group 4 (Ti, Zr, and Hf) butadiene complexes will be described. Cp*(Cl)Ti(2,3-dimethylbutadiene) (2.1) reacts with two equivalents of RNC to give η¹,η²-diimine complexes 2.2 (R = ^tBu) and 2.3 (R = 1-adamantyl). Cp*(Cl)Ti (N,N-di-^tBu-η¹,η²-diimine) (2.2), in the presence of pyridine, fragments to Cp*(Cl)Ti(NtBu)(NC₅H₅) (2.10) and an α-methylene cyclopent-3-enimine 2.11. The hafnium analog of 2.1, Cp*(Cl)Hf(2,3-dimethylbutadiene) (2.14), has been reported to give a cyclic amidine complex when treated with two equivalents of 2,6-dimethylphenyl isonitrile. By X-ray crystallography, however, this work finds that 2.14 and 2,6-dimethylphenyl isonitrile give instead a 2,5-diazahafnacyclopentane that features a σ-interaction between the C¬–C bond of a cyclopropane ring and the Hf. Cp*₂Zr(2,3-dimethylbutadiene) (3.1) reacts with tert-alkyl isonitriles to give η²-iminoacyl complexes Cp*₂⏞(⏟(Zr[CH₂ C(CH₃)C(CH₃)CH₂C)(NR)] 3.2 (R = tBu) and 3.3 (R = 1-adamantyl). Treatment of 3.2 with excess isopropyl isonitrile gives the η¹,η²-bis(iminoacyl) complex Cp*₂⏞(⏟(Zr[C(N^i Pr)CH₂ C(CH₃)C(CH₃)CH₂C)(N)iPr)] (3.4) and free tert-butyl isonitrile. The reaction of 3.1 with 2 equivalents of isopropyl isonitrile also affords 3.4, through the intermediate Cp*₂⏞(⏟(Zr[CH₂ C(CH₃)C(CH₃)CH₂C)(N^iPr)] (3.5). Carbonylation of 3.2 affords the Zr formimidoyl cyclopentadienolate 3.6. Treatment of a Zr hydride cyclopentadienolate (3.7), obtained from the carbonylation of 3.1, with tert-butyl isonitrile also affords 3.6. Isotopic labeling shows that the insertion of tert-butyl isonitrile into 3.1 and 3.7 is reversible.