Preparation and NMR Spectra of the (Trifluoromethyl)argentates(III) [Ag(CF3)nX4-n]-, with X = CN (n = 1-3), CH3, C≡CC6H11, Cl, Br (n = 2, 3), and I (n = 3), and of Related Silver(III) Compounds. Structures of [PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ic9610445

Trifluoromethylation of [Ag(CN)₂]^- with (CF₃)₂Cd·diglyme yields [Ag(CF₃)(CN)]^-. The anion is readily oxidized by bromine to the argentates(III), [Ag(CF₃)_n(CN)_4-n]^-, n = 1-4. The stability of these species decreases with an increasing number of CN groups. Halogenation of these complexes with acetyl chloride or with bromine affords the moderately stable (n = 3) or unstable (n = 2) haloargentates of the type [Ag(CF₃)_nX_4-n]^-, X = Cl or Br. Their dehalogenation with AgNO₃ in a donor solvent D gives the adducts [Ag(CF₃)₃D] and [Ag(CF₃)₂D₂]⁺, respectively. Decomposition of most argentates(III) proceeds by reductive elimination of CF₃X (X = Cl, Br, or CN), but ligand exchange with participation of the CF₃ groups is also observed. The latter is used to prepare Ag(CF₃)₃ derivatives from the readily accessible [trans-Ag(CF₃)₂(CN)₂]^- anion. The syntheses of methyl-(trifluoromethyl)argentates(III) and of (cyclohexylethynyl)(trifluoromethyl)argentates(III) are accomplished by reaction of the cyanoargentates (n = 2, 3) with CH₃MgCl or LiC≡CC₆H₁₁, respectively. Often multinuclear (¹⁰⁹Ag, ¹⁹F, ¹³C, ¹H) NMR data of transient and stable Ag(III) species establish unambiguously not only their constitution but also the square-planar coordination of the metal. Couplings to the spin-1/2 silver nuclei are interpreted on the basis of 5s(Ag) orbital participation in competition with 4d orbital contributions to Ag-CF₃ bonding. Crystals of [PPh₄][Ag(CF₃)₂(CN)₂] belong to the monoclinic space group C2/c, with a = 18.174(2) A? b = 7.8881(8) A?, c = 18.881(2) A?, β = 93.036(8)°, and Z = 4, whereas [PPh₄][Ag(CF₃)₃(CH₃)] crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pca2₁, with a = 24.941(3) A?, b = 7.2629(6) A?, c = 14.9985(14) A?, and Z = 4. The coordination environments of these two argentates are approximately square planar. The Ag-CF₃ bonds in the dicyano complex (2.105(4) A?) are distinctly longer than the Ag-CN linkages (2.013(3) A?). In the [Ag(CF₃)₃(CH₃)]^- anion, the Ag-CH₃ distance (2.097(5) A?) is slightly shorter than the average Ag-CF₃ bond lengths (2.119(10) A?).

Full text of DOI:10.1021/ic9610445

1464
Inorg. Chem. 1997, 36, 1464-1475
Preparation and NMR Spectra of the (Trifluoromethyl)argentates(III) [Ag(CF3)nX4-n]-,
with X ) CN (n ) 1-3), CH3, CtCC6H11, Cl, Br (n ) 2, 3), and I (n ) 3), and of Related
Silver(III) Compounds. Structures of [PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] and
[PPh4][Ag(CF3)3(CH3)]†
Reint Eujen,* Berthold Hoge, and David J. Brauer
Anorganische Chemie, Fachbereich 9, Universita¨t-GH, 42097 Wuppertal, Germany
ReceiVed August 28, 1996X
Trifluoromethylation of [Ag(CN)2]- with (CF3)2Cd‚diglyme yields [Ag(CF3)(CN)]-. The anion is readily oxidized
by bromine to the argentates(III), [Ag(CF3)n(CN)4-n]-, n ) 1-4. The stability of these species decreases with
an increasing number of CN groups. Halogenation of these complexes with acetyl chloride or with bromine
affords the moderately stable (n ) 3) or unstable (n ) 2) haloargentates of the type [Ag(CF3)nX4-n]-, X ) Cl or
Br. Their dehalogenation with AgNO3 in a donor solvent D gives the adducts [Ag(CF3)3D] and [Ag(CF3)2D2]+,
respectively. Decomposition of most argentates(III) proceeds by reductive elimination of CF3X (X ) Cl, Br, or
CN), but ligand exchange with participation of the CF3 groups is also observed. The latter is used to prepare
Ag(CF3)3 derivatives from the readily accessible [trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]- anion. The syntheses of methyl-
(trifluoromethyl)argentates(III) and of (cyclohexylethynyl)(trifluoromethyl)argentates(III) are accomplished by
reaction of the cyanoargentates (n ) 2, 3) with CH3MgCl or LiCtCC6H11, respectively. Often multinuclear
1
(
109Ag, 19F, 13C, H) NMR data of transient and stable Ag(III) species establish unambiguously not only their
constitution but also the square-planar coordination of the metal. Couplings to the spin-1/2 silver nuclei are
interpreted on the basis of 5s(Ag) orbital participation in competition with 4d orbital contributions to Ag-CF3
bonding. Crystals of [PPh4][Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] belong to the monoclinic space group C2/c, with a ) 18.174(2) Å,
b ) 7.8881(8) Å, c ) 18.881(2) Å, â ) 93.036(8)°, and Z ) 4, whereas [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3(CH3)] crystallizes in
the orthorhombic space group Pca21, with a ) 24.941(3) Å, b ) 7.2629(6) Å, c ) 14.9985(14) Å, and Z ) 4.
The coordination environments of these two argentates are approximately square planar. The Ag-CF3 bonds in
the dicyano complex (2.105(4) Å) are distinctly longer than the Ag-CN linkages (2.013(3) Å). In the
[Ag(CF3)3(CH3)]- anion, the Ag-CH3 distance (2.097(5) Å) is slightly shorter than the average Ag-CF3 bond
lengths (2.119(10) Å).
Introduction
been used to produce the cuprates(III) [Cu(CF3)4]- 3 and
[Cu(CF2H)4]-.4 Their unexpectedly low oxidative power as well
Molecular silver(III) coordination compounds are rare1 and
are mainly limited to complexes containing multidentate nitrogen
ligands such as ethylenebis(guanidine), tetraazacycloalkanes, or
porphyrines. An outstanding organometallic Ag(III) complex,
the argentate [Ag(CF3)4]-, has been described 10 years ago by
Dukat and Naumann.2 This surprisingly stable ion forms by
the facile disproportionation of bis(trifluoromethyl)argentate-
(I) according to
as their stability in air and water has led to attempts to describe
these compounds as metal(I) complexes with an oxidized CF3
group.5 Such a description, however, contradicts the usual
chemical formalism and has been criticized.6 From a more
chemical point of view, these systems with a strong and
simultaneously highly electronegative ligand are more closely
related to isoelectronic platinum(II) systems than to “typical”
Ag(III) compounds such as the AgF4- ion.7 But in general, all
properties are in agreement with a formulation as M(III) d8-
systems; e.g. the 109Ag NMR signal of [Ag(CF3)4]- at ca. 2200
ppm is clearly offset from the usual values near 500 ppm for
Ag(I) compounds.2 The square-planar coordination of the silver
atom has been confirmed recently by X-ray structure analysis.8
Furthermore, treatment of [Ag(CF3)4]- with HCl has given
planar [Ag(CF3)3Cl]- as shown by the 2:1 ratio of the CF3
(CF3)2Cd + Ag+ glyme/DMF8 [Ag(CF3)2]- + Cd2+
30 °C
2[AgI(CF3)2]- + Ag+ f [AgIII(CF3)4]- + 2Ag0 (1)
Alternatively, the oxidation of the argentate(I) to silver(III) may
be achieved with bromine or iodine. Similar reactions have
(3) Naumann, D.; Roy, T.; Tebbe, K. F. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl.
1993, 32, 1482.
(4) Eujen, R.; Hoge, B.; Brauer, D. J. J. Organomet. Chem. 1996, 519, 7.
(5) Snyder, J. P. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1995, 34, 80.
(6) Kaupp, M.; von Schnering, H. G. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1995,
34, 986.
(7) (a) Lutar, K.; Jesih, A.; Zemva, B. ReV. Chim. Miner. 1986, 23, 565.
(b) Lutar, K.; Jesih, A.; Leban, I.; Zemva, B.; Bartlett, N. Inorg. Chem.
1989, 28, 3467. (c) Lutar, K.; Milicev, S.; Zemva, B.; Mu¨ller, B. G.;
Bachmann, B.; Hoppe, R. Eur. J. Solid State Inorg. Chem. 1991, 28,
1335.
(8) Geiser, U.; Schlueter, J. A.; Williams, J. M.; Naumann, D.; Roy, T.
Acta Crystallogr., Sect. B: Struct. Sci. 1995, B51, 789.
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
† Dedicated to Professor Alois Haas on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
X Abstract published in AdVance ACS Abstracts, March 1, 1997.
(1) (a) Gmelin Handbook of Inorganic Chemistry; Springer: Heidelberg,
Germany, 1976; System No. 61, B7, p 320. (b) Noltes, J. G.; Van
Koten, G. In ComprehensiVe Organometallic Chemistry; Wilkinson,
G., Stone, F. G. A., Abel, E. W., Eds.; Pergamon Press: Oxford, U.K.,
1982; Vol. 2, p 709. (c) Van Koten, G.; James, S. L.; Jastrzebski, J.
T. B. H. In ComprehensiVe Organometallic Chemistry II; Wilkinson,
G., Stone, F. G. A., Abel, E. W., Eds.; Pergamon Press: Oxford, U.K.,
1995; Vol. 3, p 57.
(2) Dukat, W.; Naumann, D. ReV. Chim. Miner. 1986, 23, 589.
S0020-1669(96)01044-0 CCC: $14.00 © 1997 American Chemical Society

-
(Trifluoromethyl)argentates(III) [Ag(CF3)nX4-n
]
Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 36, No. 7, 1997 1465
groups in its 19F NMR spectrum.2 Though detailed structural
data is not available for CF3 substituted Ag(I) species, donor-
stabilized CF3Ag‚D (D ) solvent, PR3) and the [Ag(CF3)2]-
ion have been identified in solution with chemical properties
which clearly contrast those of [Ag(CF3)4]-.2,9
Recently, the [MIII(CF3)4]- ions have attracted additional
interest as counterions in tetrathiofulvene-based organic super-
conductors with Tc values up to 11 K.8,10 An extended
knowledge of the coinage metals in high oxidation states may
also be helpful for understanding high-temperature supercon-
ductors.
The aim of this contribution is to explore the general stability
limits of Ag(III) compounds by substituting CF3 with other
ligands such as halides or alkyl groups. A promising ligand
for the stabilization of both low and high oxidation states is the
CN group. Its σ-bonding properties resemble those of a CF3
group whereas its π-acceptor capability helps to stabilize low
oxidation states.
Chemicals were obtained from commercial sources and used without
further purification. The diglyme adduct of bis(trifluoromethyl)-
cadmium was prepared following published procedures.12
(b) Synthetic Reactions. (i) Solutions of Cyano(trifluoromethyl)-
argentate(I). (a) To a solution of 309 mg (1.82 mmol) of AgNO3 in
2 mL of DMF was added at -30 °C 350 mg (0.91 mmol) of (CF3)2-
Cd‚diglyme. After 10 min of stirring in the dark was added 850 mg
(5.45 mmol) of solid Et4N+CN-, and the mixture was stirred for another
10 min and warmed to room temperature. (b) To a solution of 600
mg (3.00 mmol) of K[Ag(CN)2] in 5 mL of DMF was added 578 mg
(1.5 mmol) of (CF3)2Cd‚diglyme at ambient temperature in the dark,
and the mixture was stirred for 20 min. The solution was cooled to
-30 °C, and 234 mg (3.0 mmol) of acetyl chloride was added slowly.
Volatile material (CH3COCN) was removed in Vacuo, and precipitated
CdCl2 was separated by centrifugation. The constituents of the solution
were examined by means of 19F and 1H NMR spectroscopy after
addition of fluorobenzene as integration standard.
(ii) Synthesis of the Tricyano(trifluoromethyl)argentate(III)
Anion. A solution containing a 1:1 mixture of the [Ag(CN)2]- and
[Ag(CF3)(CN)]- ions was obtained according to (i) using 7.4 g (37.2
mmol) of K[Ag(CN)2]- and 3.6 g (9.3 mmol) of (CF3)2Cd‚digylme in
50 mL of DMF with 1.46 g (18.6 mmol) of acetyl chloride being added.
After 20 min of stirring, CH3COCN was pumped off, the solution was
cooled to -50 °C, and a solution of Br2 (3.2 g, 20 mmol) in 3 mL of
diglyme was added. With continuous pumping, the reaction mixture
was slowly warmed to 0 °C until the volume was reduced to ca. 20
mL. Precipitated AgBr and CdCl2 were separated at -10 °C by
centrifugation. The resulting colorless solution was examined by NMR
spectroscopy utilizing fluorobenzene as the internal standard.
(iii) Synthesis of [P(C6H5)4][Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]. A solution containing
37 mmol of the [Ag(CF3)(CN)]- ion in 50 mL of DMF was oxidized
at -50 °C with 3.2 g (20 mmol) of Br2 dissolved in 3 mL of diglyme.
After warming to ambient temperature, 3.5 g (9.4 mmol) of tetraphe-
nylphosphonium chloride was added. After 20 min of stirring and
addition of 100 mL of CHCl3, the reaction mixture was repeatedly
extracted with water. The organic phase was dried over MgSO4 and
the solvent removed in Vacuo. The solid residue was re-dissolved in
50 mL of CHCl3 and precipitated again by slow addition of diethyl
ether. This procedure was repeated until 19F NMR spectroscopy proved
that the resulting white powder was free of [PPh4][cis-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]
and [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3(CN)]. Recrystallization from chloroform in an
atmosphere of diethyl ether afforded 6 g (25% yield) of colorless
crystals. Anal. Calcd for C28H20AgF6N2P: H, 3.16; C, 52.77; N, 4.40.
Found: H, 3.00; C, 52.87; N, 4.25. Infrared (cm-1), KBr pellet: 3060
w, 1588 w, 1486 w, 1438 m, 1193 m, 1110/1094 vs (νs CF3), 1048/
1032 vs (νas CF3), 995 w, 752 m, 726 s, 687 s, 528 s, 450 m. Raman
(cm-1): 3067 w, 2181 m (ν CN), 1593 m, 1167 w, 1114 w, 1102 w,
1087 w (νs CF3), 1030 m, 1003 s, 709 m (δs CF3), 682 w, 618 w, 525
w (δas CF3), 402 m (νs AgCN), 293 w, 260 w, 250 m (δ AgCN), 227
m, 211 s (νs AgCF), 136 m (δ AgCn), 83 s, 67 s, 57 vs, 34 s, 25 vs.
DSC/TG analysis of single crystals showed an exothermic decom-
position with melting of the sample at 133 °C connected with a loss of
weight of 6.0%. For analysis of decomposition products, 350 mg of
[PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] were sealed in a 4 mm glass ampule and
heated to 135 °C for a short time. After the ampule was opened under
vacuum, volatile material was examined by gas phase IR spectroscopy
and was afterward condensed onto CDCl3 for NMR investigation. The
solid residue was dissolved in DMF containing fluorobenzene as the
integration standard for quantitative evaluation of the constituents.
The combined CHCl3/Et2O solutions collected after precipitation of
[PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] were evaporated to dryness, re-dissolved
in 10 mL of CHCl3 and treated with 100 mL of diethyl ether in order
to precipitate [PPh4][cis-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]. Successive crystallization
yielded a 200 mg sample of [PPh4][cis-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] in 95% purity.
(iv) Synthesis of [P(C6H5)4][Ag(CF3)3(CH3)]. To a solution of 450
mg (0.64 mmol) of [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3(CN)] in 3 mL of THF was added
a 3-fold excess of a 1 M solution of CH3MgCl in THF. After 10 min
of stirring at ambient temperature, the solution was cooled with ice.
Excess Grignard reagent was destroyed with 10 mL of H2O, and
Experimental Section
(a) General Procedures. Volatile material was handled on a
vacuum line equipped with greaseless stopcocks. Air-sensitive non-
volatile material was handled under argon or nitrogen atmosphere. NMR
spectra were recorded with a BRUKER ARX 400 instrument (1H,
400.13 MHz; 13C, 100.63 MHz; 19F, 376.50 MHz) and a BRUKER
AC 250 (1H, 250.13 MHz; 19F, 235.36 MHz; 13C, 62.90 MHz; 109Ag,
11.64 MHz). The latter spectrometer was equipped with a 19F decoupler
which used the pulse trains generated by the 1H decoupler and allowed
19F broad-band decoupling over a range of more than 20 kHz after
tuning the decoupler coil to the fluorine frequency. If possible,
polarization transfer from 19F by means of the DEPT pulse sequence
was used to record the 1D spectra of less sensitive nuclei such as 13C
and 109Ag. Two-dimensional spectra (13C-19F, 109Ag-19F) taken with
the pulse sequence given by Bax11 were used to determine relative signs
of coupling constants. Spectra have been referenced to external TMS
(1H, 13C), CFCl3 (19F) and 1 m AgNO3 in D2O (109Ag), corrections being
made for different lock substances. Computer simulations of high-
order NMR spectra was carried out with the BRUKER WINNMR/
WINDAISY program package. Raman spectra were obtained with a
Cary 82 model, excitation Kr+ at 647.1 nm. Infrared spectra were taken
with a BRUKER IFS 25 spectrometer as KBr pellets for solids and
with 10 cm gas cells for gases. Calorimetric analyses were made with
a simultaneous DSC/TG instrument NETZSCH STA 409. Elemental
analyses were performed with a Perkin-Elmer 240B microanalysis
device.
(9) Nair, H. K.; Morrison, J. A. J. Organomet. Chem. 1989, 376, 149.
(10) (a) Schlueter, J. A.; Carlson, K. D.; WIlliams, J. M.; Geiser, U.; Wang,
H. H.; Welp, U.; Kwok, W.-K.; Fendrich, J. A.; Dudek, J. D. Physica
C 1994, 230, 378. (b) Geiser, U.; Schlueter, J. A.; Dudek, J. D.;
Williams, J. M.; Naumann, D.; Roy, T. Acta Crystallogr., Sect. C:
Cryst. Struct. Commun. 1995, C51, 1779. (c) Schlueter, J. A.; Geiser,
U.; Williams, J. M.; Wang, H. H.; Kwok, W.-K.; Fendrich, J. A.;
Carlson, K. D.; Achenbach, C. A.; Dudek, J. D.; Naumann, D.; Roy,
T.; Schirber, J. E.; Bayless, W. R. J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun.
1995, 1599. (d) Schlueter, J. A.; Carlson, K. D.; Geiser, U.; Carlson,
K. D.; Wang, H. H.; Williams, J. M.; Kwok, W.-K.; Fendrich, J. A.;
Welp, U.; Keane, P. M.; Dudek, J. D.; Komosa, A. S.; Naumann, D.;
Roy, T.; Schirber, J. E.; Bayless, W. R.; Dodrill, B. Physica C 1994,
233, 379. (e) Schlueter, J. A.; Williams, J. M.; Geiser, U.; Dudek, J.
D.; Sirchio, S. A.; Kelly, M. E.; Gregar, J. S.; Kwok, W.-H.; Fendrich,
J. A. J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1995, 1311. (f) Schlueter, J.
A.; Williams, J. M.; Geiser, U.; Dudek, J. D.; Kelly, M. E.; Sirchio,
S. A.; Carlson, K. D.; Naumann, D.; Roy, T.; Campana, C. F. AdV.
Mater. 1995, 7, 634. (g) Geiser, U.; Schlueter, J. A.; Carlosn, K. D.;
Williams, J. M.; Wang, H. H.; Kwok, W.-K.; Welp, U.; Fendrich, J.
A.; Dudek, J. D.; Achenbach, C. A.; Komosa, A. S.; Keane, P. M.;
Naumann, D.; Roy, T.; Schirber, J. E.; Bayless, W. R.; Ren, J.;
Whangbo, M.-H. Synth. Met. 1995, 70, 1105. (h) Wang, H. H.;
Schlueter, J. A.; Geiser, U.; Williams, J. M.; Naumann, D.; Roy, T.
Inorg. Chem. 1995, 34, 5552.
(11) (a) Bax, A.; Morris, G. A. J. Magn. Reson. 1981, 42, 501. (b) Bax,
A. J. Magn. Reson. 1983, 53, 517. (c) Wilde, J. A.; Bolten, P. H. J.
Magn. Reson. 1984, 59, 343.
(12) (a) Lange, H.; Naumann, D. J. Fluorine Chem. 1984, 26, 1. (b) Eujen,
R.; Hoge, B. J. Organomet. Chem. 1995, 503, C51.

1466 Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 36, No. 7, 1997
Eujen et al.
thereafter 100 mL of CHCl3 was added. The organic layer was washed
repeatedly with water and dried over MgSO4. Evaporation of the
solvent gave a reddish powder which was recrystallized from chloro-
form in an etheral atmosphere, yielding 360 mg (0.53 mmol, 90% yield)
of pale reddish [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3(CH3)]. Anal. Calcd for C28H23-
AgF9P: C, 50.25; H, 3.46. Found: C, 50.24; H, 3.47. Infrared (cm-1),
KBr pellet: 3102 vw, 3072 m, 3023 vw, 2926 s, 1652 m, 1587 m,
1486 m, 1438 s, 1261 m, 1191 w, 1113 vs, 1085 vs, 1017 vs, 984 s/sh,
849 w, 755 m, 725 s, 692 s, 528 vs.
Table 1. Crystallographic Data
compound
[PPh][trans-Ag(CF3)2-
[PPh4][Ag(CF3)3-
(CH3)]
C28H23AgF9P
669.3
orthorhombic
Pca21
24.941(3)
7.2629(6)
14.9985(14)
(CN)2]
C28H20AgF6N2P
637.3
monoclinic
C2/c
18.174(2)
7.8881(8)
18.881(2)
93.036(8)
2702.9(5)
4
1.566
1.54184
23
7.095
0.261-0.617
0.034
formula
fw
cryst syst
space group
a (Å)
b (Å)
c (Å)
â (deg)
V (Å3)
Z
Solutions of cis and trans [PPh4][Ag(CF3)2(CH3)2] were obtained
from the corresponding cyanoargentates following a similar procedure,
however maintaining a temperature of -20 °C. Replacement of the
2716.8(4)
4
1.636
1.54184
18
7.228
0.258-0.477
0.032
0.082
Grignard reagent by
a solution of (cyclohexylethynyl)lithium,
F
calc (g cm-3
λ (Å)
)
LiCtCC6H11, gave [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3(CtCC6H11)], [PPh4][trans-Ag-
(CF3)2(CtCC6H11)2], and [PPh4][cis-Ag(CF3)3(CtCC6H11)], starting
from the respective cyanoargentates.
T (°C)
µ(Cu KR) (mm-1
transm
)
(v) Halogenation of Cyanoargentates(III). Chlorination reactions
of the cyanoargentates were carried out under a nitrogen atmosphere
using a 4-10-fold excess of acetyl chloride, the progress of the reaction
being monitored by 19F NMR spectroscopy. After removal of solvents
in Vacuo, samples were obtained with a purity of ca. 90% as determined
R(F)a (I > 2σ(I))
Rw(F2)b (all data)
0.094
a R(F) ) ∑||Fo| - |Fc||/∑|Fo|. b Rw(F2) ) [∑w(Fo2 - Fc2)2/∑wFo ]1/2
.
4
1
by H and 19F NMR spectroscopy. Bromination of [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3-
2θ e 138°. The intensities were corrected by integration for
absorptionsthe distances between the crystal faces being optimized
so as to reproduce the intensity variations found in ψ profiles. After
locating the atomic positions with direct methods and subsequent
difference Fourier techniques, the structures were refined on F2 using
all unique data. Crystal data are presented in Table 1. Structural
solution, refinement and graphical display were all made with a
SHELXTL13 program package.
[P(C6H5)4][Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]. A plate-shaped crystal, 0.08 × 0.18
× 0.41 mm, was oriented with its long dimension roughly parallel to
the φ axis. The 2794 reflections in the (h,k,l quadrant were measured.
Of these, 2518 are uniques2204 having I > 2σ(I). The CF3 group
exhibits rotational disorder with respect to the Ag-C bondsthe
occupancies found being 0.46(2) and 0.54(2) for rotamers A and B,
respectively. While the hydrogen positions were all evident from a
difference Fourier map, they were entered and refined with a riding
model (C-H ) 0.95 Å). The 205 variables, which included anisotropic
temperature factors for the non-hydrogen atoms and an extinction
parameter, converged rapidly.
[P(C6H5)4][Ag(CF3)3(CH3)]. A block-shaped crystal with the ap-
proximate measurements 0.14 × 0.15 × 0.34 mm was mounted with
its major dimension parallel to the φ axis. Of the 11481 reflections
collected in the (h, k, (l hemisphere, 5066 are unique in the presence
of anomalous dispersions4374 having I > 2σ(I). The structural
solution was complicated by a pseudomirror plane perpendicular to
the c axis which arises from the close match of the z coordinates of
the Ag and P atoms; furthermore, since this plane nearly coincides
with a approximate coordination plane of the anion, only the phenyl
carbon positions severely violate the pseudosymmetry. While phenyl
hydrogen atoms were treated with a riding model, the methyl hydrogen
positions were taken from a difference Fourier map, idealized (C-H
) 0.95 Å), and refined with a riding model which also optimized the
torsional rotation about the Ag-C(1) bond. Using one restraint, the
356 variables, which included anisotropic temperature factors for the
non-hydrogen atoms as well as an extinction and Flack x parameter,14
converged smoothly. The value of the Flack x parameter, 0.347(9),
indicates marked inversion twinning.
(CN)] was carried out at 0 °C within 4 h using a 4-fold excess of Br2,
while that of [PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] was conducted directly under
NMR control at temperatures between -10 and 0 °C utilizing a 10
mm NMR tube. [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3I] was obtained by treating a solution
of [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3Cl] in DMF with a 2-fold excess of NaI.
Chlorination of [PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] and Synthesis of
[PPh4][Ag(CF3)3(CN)]. A solution of 1.50 g (2.3 mmol) of [PPh4]-
[trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] in 5 mL of DMF was treated at -30 °C with a
5-fold excess of acetyl chloride. The reaction mixture was warmed
within 3 h to ambient temperature and stirred for another 9 h. Glyme
(20 mL) was added in order to precipitate [PPh4][AgCl2] quantitatively.
After filtration 10 mL of DMF and 1.5 g of KCN were added, and the
mixture was stirred for 1 h at ambient temperature. Then chloroform
(100 mL) was added, and the solution was extracted several times with
water. The organic phase was separated and dried over MgSO4.
Evaporation of the solvent in Vacuo afforded 660 mg (0.9 mmol) of a
white powder containing 95% [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3(CN)] and 5% [PPh4]-
[Ag(CF3)4] which could not be separated by fractional crystallization.
(vi) Dehalogenation Reactions. A saturated solution of AgNO3 in
DMF was added dropwise to a solution of [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3X] (X )
Cl, Br, I) in DMF until precipitation of AgX ceased. After filtration,
the 19F NMR spectra showed an identical pattern of a Ag(CF3)3 unit
which did not change upon mixing of the three solutions. Addition of
NaI, NEt4Br, or PPh4Cl to the reaction mixture re-formed the respective
halide.
Synthesis of [PPh4][cis-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]. A solution of [PPh4][trans-
Ag(CF3)2Br2] in DMF, which was obtained by bromination of 610 mg
(0.96 mmol) of [PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] in 3 mL of DMF at -10
°C, was cooled to -30 °C and a saturated AgNO3 solution (3 mL) was
added. After stirring for 10 min the precipitated AgBr was removed
by centrifugation at ca. -40 °C. A 5-fold excess of KCN was added
to the cold reaction mixture which was warmed over a time period of
2 h to ambient temperature. Chloroform (100 mL) was added, and
the mixture was extracted several times with small amounts of water.
After separation of the organic phase, drying over MgSO4, and
evaporation of the solvent, a powder mainly consisting of cis- and trans-
[PPh4][Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] was obtained. The powder was redissolved in
CHCl3, and diethyl ether was added until the trans isomer was
precipitated quantitatively. Evaporation of the solution afforded 100
mg of a pale yellow powder which contained some [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3-
(CN)] and [PPh4][Ag(CF3)4] in addition to [PPh4][cis-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2].
(c) Crystal Structure Determinations. Crystals were grown by
isothermal distillation of diethyl ether into a CHCl3 solution of the
corresponding salt and were shaped by cleaving. The chosen fragments
were glued to glass fibers and mounted on a Siemens P3 diffractometer
which employed graphite-monochromatized Cu KR radiation. The Laue
groups found by diffractometry were consistent with those revealed
by preliminary Weissenberg examinations. The lattice constants were
derived by least-squares methods from the setting angles of 40 centered
reflections. Data were collected using the θ-2θ scan mode with 5° e
Results and Discussion
(a) Synthetic Aspects. (i) Preparation and Oxidation of
(Trifluoromethyl)silver(I) Species. The high stability constant
of the dicyanoargentate(I) complex anion along with its dynamic
behaviorsfast exchange of the CN groups and formation of
higher coordinated [Ag(CN)n](n-1)- species15shave prompted
(13) Sheldrick, G. M. SHELXTL PC Version 5.0: An Integrated System
for SolVing, Refining and Displaying Crystal Structures from Diffrac-
tion Data; Siemens Analytical X-ray Instruments Inc.: 1994.
(14) Flack, H. D. Acta Crystallogr. 1983, A39, 876.
(15) Jones, L. H.; Pennemann, R. A. J. Chem. Phys. 1954, 22, 965.

-
(Trifluoromethyl)argentates(III) [Ag(CF3)nX4-n
]
Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 36, No. 7, 1997 1467
Scheme 1
of [Ag(CF3)(CN)]- and [Ag(CF3)2]- with bromine have failed.
Instead, a mixture is formed which contains the ions
[Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]- and [Ag(CF3)4]- along with minor amounts
of [Ag(CF3)3(CN)]- (Scheme 1), the latter being readily detected
by its characteristic coupling patterns in the 19F NMR spectrum.
This anion, however, is best prepared via a dismutation reaction
(see below).
The selectivity of the oxidation reaction seems to be related
to the dynamic behavior of the Ag(I) species: Though the
couplings to the silver nuclei are clearly recognizable, the 19F
NMR signals of bis(trifluoromethyl)argentate(I) dissolved in
polar solvents such as acetonitrile are significantly broadened,
sharp signals being obtained upon cooling to -20 °C. Similarly,
when a solution of K[Ag(CN)2] in DMF is recorded at room
temperature a broad 13C signal without any fine structure is
detected. However, when cooled to -50 °C the exchange of
the cyano groups is so slow that the 1J(109Ag13C) and
1J(107Ag13C) coupling constants can be determined. In case of
the cyano complex [Ag(CF3)(CN)]-, rather sharp 19F and 13C
signals with couplings to the silver nuclei characterize the CF3
group whereas the exchange of the cyano groups remains fast
on the NMR time scale even at -80 °C. Since a dissociative
exchange mechanism is not likely to account for the scrambling
of the CF3 groups in the bis(trifluoromethyl)argentate(I), we
favor a dimeric transition state (A) similar to the structure found
us to investigate its trifluoromethylation to [Ag(CF3)(CN)]-.
The trifluoromethylation of Ag+ with (CF3)2Cd is known to
produce donor-stabilized CF3Ag and [Ag(CF3)2]-.2,8 When a
mixture of (CF3)2Cd and excess AgNO3 in DMF is treated with
tetraethylammonium cyanide, the formation of a new CF3Ag-
(I) compound along with some [Ag(CF3)2]- is evident from the
19F NMR spectra. The same moiety is obtained by reacting
either AgCN or K[Ag(CN)2] with (CF3)2Cd, e.g.
(CF3)2Cd + K[Ag(CN)2] h CF3CdCN + K[Ag(CF3)(CN)]
(2)
With the starting materials in a 1:1 ratio, no more than 40% of
the (CF3)2Cd is consumed. The equilibrium, however, is shifted
almost completely to the right by adding at -30 °C acetyl
chloride in the exact amount to remove the released cyanide
DMF
(CF3)2Cd + 2[Ag(CN)2]- + 2CH3COCl
8
-30 °C
CdCl2 + 2[Ag(CF3)(CN)]- + 2CH3COCN (3)
Attempts to isolate the air- and moisture-sensitive (trifluoro-
methyl)argentates(I) from DMF solutions have failed. Replace-
ment of DMF by other solvents such as THF or acetonitrile
gives much lower conversion rates and considerably more
impurities which we have not been able to separate from the
products.
for the dimeric dichloroargentate unit in [PPh4][AgCl2].16 Since
the cyano group is a much better bridging ligand than the CF3
group, the exchange of the CF3 groups in [Ag(CF3)(CN)]- is
unfavorable and hence slow. Concomitantly, the scrambling
of the more ionic cyano groups will be faster than in the
dicyanoargentate(I). The formation of Ag(III) may well proceed
from such a symmetric transition state (A) via an asymmetric
intermediate (B). The second silver will donate its ligands
irreversibly to the first upon electron transfer. The silver will
either precipitate or, in the presence of a halogen, will be
converted to the corresponding halide, eq 4. In a 1:1 mixture
of [Ag(CF3)(CN)]- and [Ag(CF3)2]-, the better bridging ability
of the cyano group will make dimers formed by two
[Ag(CF3)(CN)]- units much more prevalent than those formed
with at least one [Ag(CF3)2]- entity. Accordingly, oxidation
of such a mixture first forms [Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]-. Only when
[Ag(CF3)(CN)]- becomes depleted does oxidation of [Ag(CF3)2]-
to [Ag(CF3)4]- become competitive. Furthermore, such a
transition state explains the preferential formation of the trans
isomer of [Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]- as the kinetically favored pathway.
The thermal stability of the cyano(trifluoromethyl)argentates-
(III) decreases as the number of cyano groups attached to the
silver atom increases. Thus, a solution of [PPh4][Ag(CF3)(CN)3]
in DMF degrades within 2 h at room temperature with
elimination of CF3CN and re-formation of the dicyanoargentate-
(I), but may be stored for weeks at -78 °C. Solutions of [PPh4]-
[cis-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] in DMF decompose quantitatively within
1 week at ambient temperature whereas the degradation of the
[trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]- and [Ag(CF3)3(CN)]- anions requires
warming to 50 and 80 °C, respectivelysCF3CN being evolved
in both cases. Crystals of [PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] de-
The [Ag(CF3)(CN)]- anion is readily oxidized in DMF
solution at -50 °C by elemental bromine or iodine to square-
planar cyano(trifluoromethyl)argentates(III)
DMF
2[Ag(CF3)(CN)]- + Br2 -50 to -30 °C8
[Ag(CF3)n(CN)4-n]- + AgBr + Br- (n ) 1-4) (4)
The product composition, as monitored by multinuclear NMR
spectroscopy (see below), is greatly influenced by the relative
amounts of [Ag(CN)2]-, [Ag(CF3)(CN)]-, and [Ag(CF3)2]-
present among the starting materials. Thus, oxidation of a 1:1
mixture of [Ag(CN)2]- and [Ag(CF3)(CN)]- gives the thermally
labile argentate [Ag(CF3)(CN)3]- as the main product (Scheme
1).
The bromine oxidation of a solution containing [Ag(CF3)-
(CN)]- as the only Ag(I) moiety yields the [trans-Ag(CF3)2-
(CN)2]- anion quite selectively. Its isolation is accomplished
by cation exchange with PPh4Cl or [PNP]Cl. Cadmium salts
are removed from the etheral solution by washing with water,
and the PPh4 and PNP salts are obtained by repeated fractional
crystallization as colorless crystals in an overall yield of 25%
with respect to (CF3)2Cd. The ions [cis-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]-,
[Ag(CF3)3(CN)]-, and [Ag(CF3)4]- have been identified by 19
F
NMR analysis as byproducts with a total amount of less than
10%. While [cis-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]- is prepared more efficiently
from [trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]- (see below), attempts to obtain
the [Ag(CF3)3(CN)]- ion directly by oxidizing a 1:1 mixture

1468 Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 36, No. 7, 1997
Eujen et al.
compose exothermically upon melting at 135 °C. Combined
DSC/TG studies as well as NMR and IR analyses of the volatile
and involatile products show that no elimination of difluoro-
carbene takes place. Instead, the primary reaction appears to
be a dismutation which yields [Ag(CF3)4]- and the much less
stable [Ag(CF3)(CN)3]- ionsthe latter eliminating either (CN)2
or CF3CN to form the Ag(I) anions [Ag(CF3)(CN)]- or
[Ag(CN)2]-, respectively.
(ii) Alkylation Reactions. The cyanoargentates(III) enter
displacement reactions in which the Ag-CF3 bonds are not
attacked. Alkylations with Grignard type reagents such as CH3-
MgCl or with cyclohexylethynyllithium result in the formation
of the corresponding methyl and cyclohexylethynyl derivatives,
respectively, e.g.
so farsdecomposition to the [Ag(CF3)2]- ion being detected
instead. The stability of the halides with respect to reductive
elimination of CF3X and formation of [Ag(CF3)2]- increases
in the order I < Br < Cl.
Surprisingly, two cyano groups can be replaced by halogens
as long as the reaction conditions are carefully controlled. Thus
bromination of [trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]- proceeds via intermedi-
ate formation of [trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)Br]- to the thermally
unstable [trans-Ag(CF3)2Br2]-. Unfortunately, a temperature
of 0 °C is required to achieve a measurable reaction rate, and
at this temperature about 20% of the product is decomposed
before completion of the reactionsCF3Br being evolved.
The chlorination of bis(trifluoromethyl)dicyanoargentates(III)
with acetyl chloride requires room temperature as well as a
highly polar and strong donor solvent such as DMF. In the
first step the trans isomer is converted cleanly to [trans-Ag-
(CF3)2(CN)Cl]-. Prolonged reaction times and excess CH3COCl
finally produces [trans-Ag(CF3)2Cl2]- which, however, is not
stable under the reaction conditionssdismutating to [Ag(CF3)3Cl]-
and presumably [Ag(CF3)Cl3]-. We have not been able to trap
the latter due to its apparent instability. Instead, CF3Cl is
evolved and crystals of [PPh4][AgCl2] have been collected and
identified by X-ray analysis.16
[PPh4][Ag(CF3)n(CN)4-n
]
(i) or (ii)8 [PPh4][Ag(CF3)nR4-n
]
THF
(5)
(i) CH3MgCl; n ) 2 or 3
(ii) LiCtCC6H11; n ) 2 or 3
Thus, methylation of [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3(CN)] gives [PPh4][Ag-
(CF3)3(CH3)] in almost quantitative yield. The salt is isolated
as pale-red crystals which are stable in air at ambient temper-
ature. Similarly, treatment of the dicyanobis(trifluoromethyl)-
argentates(III) with CH3MgCl produces the corresponding
methyl derivatives with complete (>98%) retention of the cis
or trans geometries. Their lower stabilityssolutions containing
the [trans-Ag(CF3)2(CH3)2]- ion may be handled shortly at
ambient temperature whereas the cis isomer decomposes rapidly
above 0 °Cshave prevented accumulation and isolation. The
replacement of the first CN group of [trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]-
by the Grignard reagent is much faster than that of the second.
Thus, controlled addition of 1 equiv of CH3MgCl at -30 °C
gives [trans-Ag(CF3)2(CH3)(CN)]- selectively which is further
transformed to [trans-Ag(CF3)2(CH3)2]- by a second equivalent
of CH3MgCl. In contrast, there is no evidence for the
intermediate species during a controlled methylation of [cis-
Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]-. Here, the first methylation step appears to
labilize the remaining cyano group.
Similarly, replacement of the cyano groups by means of
LiCtCC6H11 affords the corresponding ethynyl derivatives
[Ag(CF3)3(CtCC6H11)]- as well as cis- and trans-[Ag(CF3)2-
(CtCC6H11)2]- almost quantitatively. Though their stabilities
are somewhat higher than those of their methyl analogs, we
have not yet succeeded in isolating them in analytically pure
form. Their identity, however, is unambiguously established
by NMR spectroscopy.
The chlorination of [PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] as well as
the following dismutation are very selective and open a new
preparative route to the otherwise hardly accessible tris-
(trifluoromethyl)argentates(III), Scheme 2. On the basis of
[trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]-, 75% of the expected [Ag(CF3)3Cl]-
is formed along with some (ca. 5%) [Ag(CF3)4]- as the only
CF3-containing contaminant. The chloro complex is readily
transformed to [Ag(CF3)3(CN)]- by addition of KCN. In
contrast to [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3Cl], the stability of [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3-
(CN)] to moisture allows it to be washed free of water soluble
impurities.
The cis isomer of the [Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]- ion is converted by
acetyl chloride first to [cis-Ag(CF3)2(CN)Cl]- and then to a new
cis-(CF3)2AgIII species which is markedly stablesdecomposing
in DMF solution to form CF3Cl and CF3Ag‚DMF only when
warmed to 50 °C. Since the cis isomers of all other (CF3)2-
AgIII species are more reactive and thermally less stable than
their trans counterparts, the stability of this complex is higher
than we would expect for [cis-Ag(CF3)2Cl2]-. Unfortunately,
the lack of analytically pure material prevented a detailed
structural study. Essentially the same situation has been noticed
in case of the isoelectronic (trifluoromethyl)platinum compounds
where a [cis-(CF3)2PtCl2]2- could not be prepared as well.
Instead, evidence for a bridged dimer, [(CF3)2Pt(µ-Cl)2Pt-
(CF3)2]2-, had been presented.17 Though no 109Ag107Ag cou-
pling is discernible in the 109Ag NMR spectrum (see below),
we favor a corresponding dimer for the silver(III) complex
(iii) Halogenation of the Cyanoargentates(III). Dukat and
Naumann2 have already presented clear evidence for the
existence of the [Ag(CF3)3Cl]- ion, traces of which were
obtained from [Ag(CF3)4]- and HCl in CH3CN. A better route
to this anion is the mild chlorination of the cyano derivative
with acetyl chloride
CH3COCl
2[cis-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]-
8
DMF/RT
CH3COCl
2[cis-Ag(CF3)2(CN)Cl]-
8
DMF/RT
[(CF3)2Ag(µ-Cl)2Ag(CF3)2] (7)
[Ag(CF3)3(CN)]- + CH3COCl DMF/RT8
[Ag(CF3)3Cl]- + CH3COCN (6)
In contrast to all replacement reactions described above,
exchange of the chlorine atoms of this dimer by other ligands
does not occur with strict stereoselectivity. Thus, reaction with
KCN affords the cis and trans isomers of [Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]- in
Similarly, reaction of the cyano complex with elemental bromine
at 0 °C produces the corresponding bromide while the iodide
is obtained from the chloride by halide exchange with NaI.
Although these halides are stable at room temperature and
formed rather selectively, all attempts to prepare the corre-
sponding fluoride by halide exchange with fluorides have failed
(16) Helgesson, G.; Jagner, S. J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans. 1988, 2117.
(17) Appleton, T. G.; Berry, R. D.; Hall, J. R.; Neale, D. W. J. Organomet.
Chem. 1989, 364, 249.

-
(Trifluoromethyl)argentates(III) [Ag(CF3)nX4-n
]
Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 36, No. 7, 1997 1469
Scheme 2
Table 2. 19F NMR Shifts of Solvent adducts, (CF3)3Ag-Da
Ag[Ag(CF3)4] + Br2 CH CN8
3
CF3
[Ag(CF3)3NCCH3] + AgBr + CF3Br (9)
Ag
F3C
D
When AgNO3 is added to [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3Cl] in small
portions, an intermediate compound with reasonable thermal
stability is formed in the first step. The same intermediate is
observed upon treatment of the donor adducts (CF3)3Ag‚D with
small portions of PPh4Cl. The NMR parameters of this species
are hardly dependent on the solvent, making a formulation as
halide-bridged dimer [(CF3)3Ag(µ-Cl)Ag(CF3)3]- plausible
CF3
D
dimethoxyethane
pyridine
dimethyl sulfoxide
dimethylformamide
acetonitrile
-25.7 -29.7
-23.6 -33.9
-22.2 -35.5
-23.0 -36.9
-21.5 -36.4
a Chemical shifts in ppm vs external CFCl3, internal lock C6D6;
spectra recorded at 298 K.
+
2[Ag(CF3)3Cl]- y+Ag /-AgCl
z
+Cl-
+
[(CF3)3Ag(µ-Cl)Ag(CF3)3]- y+Ag /-AgClz 2[Ag(CF3)3D] (10)
a ratio of 1.5:1 while methylation with CH3MgCl proceeds with
ca. 80% retention of the cis configuration.
+Cl-
(iv) Dehalogenation of Bis- and Tris(trifluoromethyl)-
haloargentates(III). When solutions of the tris(trifluorometh-
yl)haloargentates [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3X] (X ) Cl, Br, I) in DMF
are treated with a slight excess of AgNO3, silver halide
precipitates, and the signal pattern of a new (CF3)3AgIII species
appears in the 19F NMR spectrum. This signal pattern is
independent of the nature of X. Upon addition of halide ions
in form of PPh4Cl, NMe4Br, or NaI, the new species is
reconverted to the corresponding haloargentate(III). The de-
halogenated (CF3)3Ag moiety slowly decomposes at room
temperature with loss of C2F6sCF3Ag‚DMF being formed.
While in general the 19F NMR resonances hardly depend on
the nature of the solvent, this is not true for the 19F chemical
shifts of this new (CF3)3Ag species, Table 2. The formation of
a nitrato complex is excluded by the fact that AgBF4 may be
used in place of AgNO3. Based on these observations, we
postulate the formation of neutral solvent complexes, (CF3)3-
Ag‚D (D ) donor, solvent).
The same species is formed exclusively when triisopropyl
phosphite is used as the dehalogenation reagent. A correspond-
ing bromine-bridged intermediate with almost degenerate 19F
resonances at -26.5 ppm is detected when [Ag(CF3)3Br]- is
debrominated with triisopropyl phosphite or when KBr is added
to [Ag(CF3)3D], D ) DMF. Upon addition of AgNO3 to the
bromo or iodo complex, the 19F signals broaden and gradually
shift to the positions of the neutral donor complex.
In principal, the dehalogenation of the bis(trifluoromethyl)-
dihaloargentates(III) proceeds in a similar manner (Scheme 2).
Treatment of the presumably bridged complex [(CF3)2Ag(µ-
Cl)2Ag(CF3)2] with AgNO3 affords a new Ag(III) compound.
On the basis of the large values of the 4J(FF) and 3J(CF)
coupling constants, a trans arrangement of the two CF3 groups
is most likely. The same species is also obtained from [trans-
Ag(CF3)2Br2]- and AgNO3, [Ag(CF3)3D] being formed as a
major byproduct. Its formulation as Ag(III) complex is validi-
fied by treatment with KCN which gives a 1:1 mixture of the
cis- and trans-[Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]- ions. This latter reaction is
well suited as a preparative route to the otherwise hardly
accessible [cis-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]-. The different solubility of the
[Ag(CF3)3X]- + Ag+ + D
9
D8 [Ag(CF3)3D] + AgX
+
D ) DMF, DMSO, CH3CN, glyme, pyridine
(8)
PPh4 salts of the cis and trans isomers in ether enables
separation via precipitation of the trans isomer. Thus, samples
of [PPh4][cis-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] are obtained which are contami-
nated with 5-10% of [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3(CN)] and [PPh4][Ag-
(CF3)4].
An alternative, albeit less selective route to the same species
is the bromination of Ag[Ag(CF3)4] in CH3CN at room
temperature. Requiring 2-4 days, the reaction is so slow that
extensive decomposition of the products occurs before comple-
tion. So the yield is optimized by removal of bromine after
70-80% of the [Ag(CF3)4]- is consumed. Consequently, such
samples are adulterated by appreciable amounts of the starting
material and decomposition products.
(b) NMR Spectra. The variety and abundance of spin-1/2
nuclei (19F, 13C, 1H, 109Ag, 107Ag) with distinct couplings across
and to the central atom and hence characteristic multiplet
patterns makes the NMR spectroscopy the preferred tool for
the investigation and characterization of (trifluoromethyl)-

1470 Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 36, No. 7, 1997
Eujen et al.
Table 3. NMR Data for (Trifluoromethyl)silver(I) Compoundsa
CF3
1J(109AgC)
CN
1J(109AgC)
δ(119Ag)
δ(19F)
2J(109AgF)
δ(13C)
1J(CF)
3J(CF)
δ(13C)
Ag(CF3)‚DMF
[Ag(CF3)2]- c,d
[Ag(CF3)(CN)]- d
[Ag(CN)2]- d
b
-22.4
-25.3
-25.0
121.7
100.1
106.7
b
b
b
565.5
566.0
584.3
154.9
153.9
277.2
325.5
370.0
369.2
8.0
143.9
143.0
203.9
a In DMF/diglyme at 298 K, internal lock C6D6. Chemical shifts are in ppm; coupling constants are in Hz. References are external TMS, CFCl3,
n
n
and 1 m AgNO3 in D2O; J(107AgX) ) J(109AgX)/1.15 within experimental error. b Not observed or not resolved. c 4J(FF) < 1 Hz. d Recorded at
223 K.
Table 4. NMR Data of the (CF3)nAg Part of (Trifluoromethyl)silver(III) Derivativesa
δ(119Ag)
δ(19F)
-32.7
2J(109AgF)
4J(FF)
δ(13C)
1J(109AgC)
1J(CF)
3J(CF)
45.2 (tr)
8.1 (cis)
50.8 (tr)/12.4 (cis)
10.8 (cis)
55.0 (tr)/15.5 (cis)
13.0 (cis)
b
12.7 (cis)
b
b
b
[Ag(CF3)4]- d
2233.1
40.7
12.9 (tr)
6.2 (cis)
15.4 (tr)
7.3 (cis)
17.5 (tr)
8.8 (cis)
139.0
119.9
393.0
[Ag(CF3)3(CN)]-
[Ag(CF3)3Cl]-
2250.4
2187.8
2135.2
2003.0
2264.4
2323.7
2403.5
2046.1
2232.4
-25.9c
-30.1
-29.0c
-26.0
-26.7c
-25.5
-20.3c
-28.6
-25.8c
-29.5
-36.4c
-21.5
-36.9c
-23.0
-31.5c
-33.9
-26.8c
-32.9
-18.9
-21.6
-18.6
-24.0
-17.1
-23.8
-26.3
-27.4
-30.3
-20.9
-22.2
-16.7
-27.8
-20.9
-34.2
-26.2
-10.2
35.8
55.7
30.8
70.8
31.0
72.6
31.6
67.1
35.7
57.7
25.5
85.3
25.0
83.6
49.0
33.1
41.2
50.7
30.9
24.6
23.4
14.9
15.8
50.8
49.4
45.8
54.8
42.3
48.3
62.5
39.5
51.6
36.8
48.7
39.8
136.8
133.5
137.2
129.3
136.6
126.3
134.8
117.5
137.1
133.1
137.5
124.1
137.5
124.4
142.9
151.1
137.4
139.2
133.7
134.4
b
96.7
163.2
93.2
199.4
93.1
204.0
95.2
195.0
95.6
165.9
91.1
228.5
90.4
230.6
136.0
104.8
106.7
144.2
71.1
63.5
b
b
55.3
b
161.2
121.3
148.2
95.4
131.3
b
399.0
384.7
406.0
394.7
b
401.6
b
b
b
b
409.3
391.2
408.2
392.4
387.8
395.1
b
[Ag(CF3)3Br]-
9.1 (cis)
8.4 (cis)
[Ag(CF3)3I]- e
[(CF3)3Ag(µ-Cl)Ag(CF3)3]-
[Ag(CF3)3(NCCH3)]f
[Ag(CF3)3(DMF)]
[Ag(CF3)3(CH3)]- g
[Ag(CF3)3(CtCC6H11)]- m
7.4 (cis)
19 (tr)
9.0 (cis)
19 (tr)
8.6 (cis)
9.4 (tr)
3.6 (cis)
b
58 (tr)/18 (cis)
15 (cis)
56 (tr)/19 (cis)
15.4 (cis)
36 (tr)
b
b
61.2
70.0
b
b
81.3
b
6.1 (cis)
19.2
23.1
b
b
29.9
22
20.7
10.1
6.9
13.0
9.9
b
trans-[Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]-
trans-[Ag(CF3)2(CN)Cl]- e
trans-[Ag(CF3)2(CN)Br]- e
trans-[Ag(CF3)2Cl2]-
2292.5
2263.5
b
407.0
419.0
b
b
b
b
b
b
trans-[Ag(CF3)2Br2]- e
129.9
b
433.3
411
417.8
390.4
382.3
393.5
390.3
b
trans-[Ag(CF3)2(NCCH3)2]+ e
trans-[Ag(CF3)2(DMF)2]+ e
trans-[Ag(CF3)2(CN)(CH3)]-
trans-[Ag(CF3)2(CH3)2]- h
trans-[Ag(CF3)2(CtCC6H11)2]- m
cis-[Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]-
2519.4
2034.0
2038.5
2255.9
2301.6
b
121.5
141.9
145.3
136.8
130.7
b
50
39.2
30.7
48.3
22.2
b
cis-[Ag(CF3)2(CN)Cl]- i
12.2
[Ag(CF3)2(µ-Cl)2Ag(CF3)2]i
cis-[Ag(CF3)2(CH3)2]- h,k
cis-[Ag(CF3)2(CtCC6H11)2]-
[Ag(CF3)(CN)3]-
2227.8
16.1
b
b
128.3
152.6
b
149.8
110
b
409.7
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
2343.7
126.4
89.9
394.9
+
a See Table 3, cations are PPh4 or PNP+. b Not observed or not resolved. c CF3 groups in cis position to the fourth ligand. d As Ag[Ag(CF3)4]
3
4
in CH3CN. e Spectra recorded at 253 K. f In CH3CN at 253 K. g 3J(CFH)cis ) 0.5 Hz, J(CFH)trans ) 5.9 Hz, and J(HF)trans ) 1.2 Hz. h In THF at
243 K. i In THF at 298 K. k 3J(CFH)cis ) 2.6 Hz; J(CFH)trans ) 5.2 Hz. m 4J(AgH) ) 1.0 Hz.
3
Table 5. 13C NMR Data of the Cyano Groups in
argentates. Even minor and thermally labile components of
complex mixtures are quite often safely identified. The high
Cyanoargentates(III)a
δ(13C) 1J(109AgC)
3J(CF)
quality of the spectra strongly indicates that paramagnetic
Ag(II) species are not formed. The connectivity of a CF3 group
to the central silver atom is apparent from the couplings to the
109Ag (48.2%) and 107Ag (51.8%) nuclei, which give raise to a
characteristic pair of doublets with coupling constants in a ratio
of 1.15:1. Despite their high abundance, the NMR resonances
of the two silver nuclei are usually not readily detected directly
due to their low and negative magnetogyric ratios as well as
their extremely long relaxation times. The more sensitive
109Ag nucleus resonates at the utmost low-frequency edge of
commercial broad-band probes where the quality factor of the
receiver coil is low. The coupling to the sensitive 19F nuclei,
however, allows a polarization transfer by the DEPT or INEPT
technique which widely overcomes these deficits and makes
the 109Ag resonance readily detectable as long as exchange of
[Ag(CF3)3(CN)]-
130.8
124.0
119.5
101.7
143.2
176.6
81.1
87.9
125.4
74.7
29 (tr)/8.3 (cis)
10.4 (cis)
12.3 (cis)
b
trans-[Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]-
trans-[Ag(CF3)2(CN)Cl]-
trans-[Ag(CF3)2(CN)(CH3)]- d 142.8
cis-[Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]-
126.9
118.2
120.3c
b
[Ag(CF3)(CN)3]-
18.5 (cis)
40.9 (tr)
a See Table 3. b Not observed or not resolved. c CN group in trans
position to CF3. d 3J(CH) ) 3.5 Hz.
the CF3 groups is slow on the NMR time scale. Similarly, the
DEPT technique with polarization transfer from 19F can be used
to increase the sensitivity of the 13C resonance and to suppress
all signals not coupled to fluorine. The results are presented in

-
(Trifluoromethyl)argentates(III) [Ag(CF3)nX4-n
]
Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 36, No. 7, 1997 1471
Table 6. NMR Data of the Methyl and Cyclohexylethynyl Groups in Argentates(III)a
CH3/CRtCâ
CH3
δ(13C)
1J(109AgC)
3J(CF)
1J(CH)
δ(1H)
2J(109AgH)
[Ag(CF3)3(CH3)]-
16.5
38.7
34.7 (tr)
8.1 (cis)
6.7
7.6
b
139.6
1.0
5.1
trans-[Ag(CF3)2(CH3)2]-
trans-[Ag(CF3)2(CH3)(CN)]-
cis-[Ag(CF3)2(CH3)2]-
11.0
20.3
9.2
91.2(R)
101.1(â)
93.1(R)
99.6(â)
38.2
49.2
46
132.5
142.9
135
0.3
1.3
0.5
4.3
6.7
5.7
[Ag(CF3)3(CRtCâC6H11)]-
107.2
b
20c
5.2 (tr)d
11.2 (cis)
1.2 (cis)d
trans-[Ag(CF3)2(CRtCâC6H11)2]-
117.3
25.3c
a See Table 3. b Not observed or not resolved. c 2J(109AgC). d 4J(CF).
Much more information is gained by a combined analysis of
the fluorine-coupled 13C spectra and the 13C satellites in the
19F spectra. As long as the multiplicities due to the long-range
couplings 3J(CF) and 4J(FF) across the central atom are
discernible, the number of CF3 groups attached to silver is
readily evaluated. When trans and cis couplings occur simul-
taneously, the resulting spin systems become very complex, and
high quality spectra are essential for their interpretation and for
the optimization of computer simulations. For example, in their
original work on the [Ag(CF3)4]- ion, Dukat and Naumann had
concluded from the septet-like appearance of the 13C satellites
of the 19F signal that the ion was square-planar with the trans
4J(FF) coupling being nonresolvable. The latter statement,
however, is incompatible with the general observationsin
compliance with our results presented heresthat the values of
trans coupling constants are larger than those of the corre-
sponding cis constants. Reexamination of the 13C satellites
indeed points to a higher multiplicity of the system. Further-
more, such a system cannot be treated by first-order analysis
but has to be analyzed as two overlapping XA3B6C3M systems
where X is 13C, A to C are 19F, and M is 109Ag or 107Ag. By
combined computer analyses of the fluorine-coupled 13C
spectrum and of the 13C satellites in the 19F spectrum, an
excellent simulation of the extremely dense experimental spectra
has been achieved with the parameters listed in Table 4strans-
4J(FF) being twice as large as cis-4J(FF).
The 19F chemical shifts for all observed CF3Ag species lie
between -10 and -35 ppm, and they do not differentiate
between Ag(I) and Ag(III) species. More informative are the
couplings to the silver nuclei which exceed 100 Hz for
2J(109AgF) in Ag(I) compounds (Table 3) but are distinctly lower
in Ag(III) compounds. Similarly, the 1J(AgC) constants of the
Ag(I) species are larger than those of the Ag(III) compounds.
4
The J(FF) coupling in the 13C satellites of [Ag(CF3)2]- is not
resolved (<1 Hz) and is thus much smaller than the trans-4J(FF)
coupling in the Ag(III) ions. The presence of two CF3 groups
in this argentate(I), however, is evident from the quartet of
quartet pattern found in the 13C spectrum of [Ag(CF3)2]-.
The mobility of the cyano groups in the [Ag(CN)2]- ion
prevents the observation of the 1J(AgC) coupling at room
temperature. However, upon cooling to -50 °C the typical
silver pattern becomes clearly visible in the 13C spectrum. The
1J(AgC) coupling constant (Table 3) is larger than those
involving the cyano groups of the Ag(III) moieties (Table 5).
The outstanding difference between Ag(I) and Ag(III) com-
plexes, however, is the range of 109Ag chemical shifts with
values of ca. 550 ppm for trifluoromethylated Ag(I) (Table 3)
and ca. 2000-2500 ppm for Ag(III) species (Table 4).
Figure 1. 19F NMR spectra of the (A) trans- and (B) cis-[Ag-
(CF3)2(CN)Cl]- anion with the typical 109Ag/107Ag coupling pattern for
two equivalent (A) and nonequivalent (B) CF3 groups attached to silver.
Table 3 for Ag(I) and in Tables 4-6 for Ag(III) species,
respectively.
The 19F NMR spectra often reveal the stereochemistry of the
argentates(III). Figure 1 displays the spectra of the trans (A)
and cis (B) [Ag(CF3)2(CN)Cl]- ions. The former (A) shows
the simple signal structure of a CF3Ag moiety whereas spectrum
(B) exhibits the quartet patterns of two nonequivalent CF3
groups bonded to silver. Similarly, the presence of a square-
planar Ag(CF3)3X unit is evident from two 19F NMR signals.
These signals with an intensity ratio of 1:2 show characteristic
septet and quartet multiplicities, respectively, that are overlaid
by the 109Ag and 107Ag couplings, and are easily assigned to
the nonequivalent CF3 groups trans and cis to the ligand X.
The influence of the ligands or the solvent on the 109Ag(III)
shifts is not very pronounced. An increasing number of CN
groups causes a low-field shift of ca. 30 ppm per CN group.
Replacement of one CF3 group of [Ag(CF3)4]- by a halide

1472 Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 36, No. 7, 1997
Eujen et al.
Figure 2. 109Ag NMR spectrum of [PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CtCC6H11)2]
with large 2J(AgF) septet multiplicity along with fine triplet (4J(AgH),
insert) splitting. The spectrum was recorded by means of DEPT
polarization transfer from 19F (1146 scans, relaxation delay 2 s,
evolution time 11.7 ms, variable pulse length 33°, no decoupling).
Figure 3. Proton-decoupled 13C NMR spectrum of the CH3 groups of
[PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CH3)2] in CDCl3 recorded at -10 °C (1H-DEPT,
828 scans, relaxation delay 2 s, evolution time 3.7 ms, variable pulse
length 45°).
not expected to be resolved even in high-resolution spectra,
especially if the overlap with the central signal due to the
109Ag109Ag isotopomer is taken into account.
results in a high-field shift which is largest for the iodide. The
neutral donor ligands seem to produce a low-field shift; for
example, the highest shift value (+2520 ppm) observed so far
was recorded for the DMF adduct of the trans-bis(trifluoro-
methyl)silver(III) cation. The assignment of the 109Ag signals
is usually straightforward due to the multiplicity patterns. For
example, Figure 2 displays the 109Ag spectrum of the trans-
[Ag(CF3)2(CtCC6H11)2]- ion where a triplet splitting due to
In square planar (CF3)3AgL units with their characteristic two
19F signals, the weighted average of the 19F shifts varies by ca.
10 ppmsthe low- and high-frequency edges being marked by
L ) CF3 and I, respectively. More pronounced are the
differences in the relative shifts for the CF3 groups cis and trans
to the fourth ligand. The resonance for the CF3 group trans to
L is much more sensitive than that of the cis unit. For example,
on going from the chloride to the iodide, the trans CF3 resonance
experiences a pronounced low-field shift while the cis resonance
shifts slightly in the opposite direction and thus cause a crossover
of the signals.
4
the long-range J(AgH) coupling is quite well discernible in
addition to the AgF septet structure.
For the methyl and cyclohexylethynyl derivatives, the 13C
spectra of the methyl and ethynyl carbons exhibit characteristic
couplings to the silver and fluorine nuclei with 109Ag13C
couplings of 40 to 50 Hz for the sp3 carbons whereas those to
the sp carbons are significantly larger, Table 6. The 13CH3
resonance of [trans-Ag(CF3)2(CH3)2] is displayed in Figure 3.
While CH3 substitution hardly changes the 19F resonance,
replacement of a CF3 group by halide, cyanide or ethynyl group
causes a low field shift, the highest 19F frequency being found
for [Ag(CF3)(CN)3]-. The resonance of the cis-[Ag(CF3)2L2]-
ion is always found upfield from that of the corresponding trans
isomer. The chloride is no exception since, as mentioned above,
the cis-conformer is not observed but rather dimerizes to form
the chlorine-bridged structure, [(CF3)2Ag(µ-Cl)2Ag(CF3)2]. In
principal, for such a dimer a 109Ag-107Ag coupling should be
observable in the 109Ag spectrum. The size of this coupling
may be estimated from the couplings found in similar platinum
dimers. The relation of corresponding coupling constants is
mainly determined by the ratio of the magnetogyric ratios,
An important information for the determination of the
configuration is contained in the couplings across the silver
atom. In CF3 derivatives of main group elements such as tin,20
both 4J(FF) and 3J(CF) couplings have the magnitude of a few
hertz and are readily estimated by first-order analysis of the
13C satellites of the 19F signals and of the fluorine-coupled 13
C
spectra, respectively. Inspection of the values given in Table
4 shows that these couplings are substantially larger in the
square-planar silver complexes. Therefore, first-order analysis
is no longer applicable. The determination of the trans
couplings in the (CF3)3AgL entity requires 13C and 19F spectra
of very high quality because of the very complicated XA3B3C3M
(X ) 13C cis to L; A, B, C ) 19F; M ) 109Ag or 107Ag)
subsystems whereas the evaluation of cis-3J(CF) from the
corresponding XA3B6M subsystem (X ) 13C trans to L) is much
more straightforward. Where determined, the trans couplings
exceed the values of the cis couplings by a factor of 2-3.
Transfer of this relation between cis and trans couplings to the
bis(trifluoromethyl)silver(III) compounds gives a reliable indica-
tion of whether a trans or cis configuration is involved,
especially if both isomers are observed. Following the computer
2
|γ(195Pt)/γ(109Ag)| ) 4.6, as well as the ratio of the |ψs(0)|
values;18 these combine to give a total factor between 15 and
2
2
20. This is indeed the ratio found for J(PtF) and J(AgF)
couplings, typical values being 80017 and 50 Hz, respectively.
Consequently, a factor of almost 400 is expected for the
respective metal-metal couplings. Since the 195Pt195Pt coupling
in R2Pt(µ-Cl)2PtR2 units amounts to ca. 200 Hz,19 the
109Ag107Ag coupling will be on the order of 1 Hz or less and is
4
3
simulations the signs of both J(FF) and J(CF) couplings are
positive with respect to the negative sign of 1J(CF), in
(19) Kidd, R. G.; Goodfellow, R. J. In NMR and the Periodic Table; Harris,
R. K., Mann, B. E., Eds.; Academic Press: London, U.K., 1978; p
256, and references cited therein.
(18) Jameson, S. J. In Multinuclear NMR; Mason, J., Ed.; Plenum Press:
New York, 1987; p 100.
(20) Eujen, R.; Thurman, U. J. Organomet. Chem. 1992, 433, 63.

-
(Trifluoromethyl)argentates(III) [Ag(CF3)nX4-n
]
Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 36, No. 7, 1997 1473
Figure 6. Schematic MO description of s orbital participation in CF3
derivatives of main group elements where the CF3 group competes with
a halide (left side) or a covalently bonded organic group (right side).
1
2
Figure 4. Correlation of | J(AgC)| vs | J(AgF)|. Crosses are for CF3-
AgIII; squares are for CF3AgI derivatives.
Figure 7. Qualitative MO description of the bonding in square-planar
[Ag(CF3)4]-.
2
as the tin derivatives (CF3)nSnR4-n, J(SnF) varies from 200
Hz for R ) alkyl to 850 Hz for R ) Cl with R ) CF3 adopting
a intermediate position, 540 Hz. This variation may well reflect
a preference of tin to reserve its 5s orbital for forming the less
polar bonds (R ) alkyl) with a concomitant release of its higher
lying p orbitals for formation of the more polar bonds (R )
Cl).19 The competition for s character is shown in a qualitative
MO description (Figure 6) for a tetrahedral (CF3)(R)M fragment.
Thus, the 5s contribution to the Sn-CF3 bond and concomitantly
the coupling constants 1J(SnC) and 2J(SnF) will increase as the
polarity of the Sn-R bond increases. The bonding situation is
quite different for an open d shell system like the d8 configu-
ration of Ag(III) in the [Ag(CF3)4]- anion. On the metal side,
the σ-bonding is dominated by the 4d and 5s orbitals with less
contributions from the 5p orbitals, Figure 7. But now the 4d
orbitals are lower in energy than the 5s orbital, which is opposite
to the s/p relation in main group chemistry. When the symmetry
is lowered by substituting one or two CF3 groups as illustrated
in the left and right part of Figure 8 respectively, the 4d orbitals
will be involved to a higher degree in the bonding to a less
electronegative, but strongly covalently bonded ligand such as
the CH3 group. Consequently, more s character is released into
the bond to the CF3 group. In a simplified picture it is helpful
to consider the square-planar skeleton being mainly formed by
Figure 5. Two-dimensional 19F-13C spectrum of Ag[Ag(CF3)4] in CH3-
CN with FF decoupling in the F1 (19F) domain (spectral resolutions
4.7 Hz/pt (F1) and 0.5 Hz/pt (F2), 96 scans, relaxation delay 3 s,
evolution delays 1.26 and 0.63 ms). The positive tilt of the cross-
1
2
peaks indicates equal signs for J(AgC) and J(AgF).
accordance with results found by the analysis of high-order
effects in the spectra of CF3 derivatives of main group
elements.21 For the argentates containing one or more CN
groups, essentially the same trends as for CF3 groups are
observed for the 13C nucleus of the CN groups, e.g. trans-3J(CF)
. cis-3J(CF), Table 5.
2
1
As displayed in Figure 4, J(AgF) and J(AgC) couplings
are well correlated and consequently should be interpreted on
a common basis. Variations in these values are presumably
dominated by changes in the contribution of the 5s orbital to
the AgC bonding orbital. It is interesting to notice that this
correlation also includes the Ag(I) species quite satisfactorily.
Two-dimensional 19F/13C COSY spectra which have been
recorded for [Ag(CF3)4]- (Figure 5) and [trans-Ag(CF3)2-
2
2
x
orthogonal ds-hybrids, dsx,y ) 1/ 2 (s ( dx -y ). These
hybrids extend along the x and y axis, respectively. Now we
turn the discussion to the case of trans-bis(trifluoromethyl)-
dihaloargentates(III) as shown in right half of the MO diagram
in Figure 8. Here, the CF3 bonding dsx hybrid will constitute
mainly the lower orbital 1a1g orbital which has lower 5s
character. Consequently, for [trans-Ag(CF3)2X2]- the couplings
between 109Ag and 19F or 13C are small when X ) halogen,
2
1
(CH3)2]- show that the relative signs of J(AgF) and J(AgC)
are equal. For the (CF3)3AgL unit the weighted average of the
2J(AgF) constants hardly changes though there is a pronounced
but opposite influence of the ligand L on the coupling to the
trans and cis CF3 groups. In main groups CF3 compounds such
(21) Eujen, R. To be published.

1474 Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 36, No. 7, 1997
Eujen et al.
Figure 8. Qualitative MO description (only bonding orbitals are shown)
of square-planar [Ag(CF3)3X]- (left side) and [trans-Ag(CF3)2X2]-
(right side) where X represents a less s electron demanding group or
atom, typically a halide.
Figure 9. Perspective drawing of the [trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]- anion
in [PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] with 20% probability thermal ellipsoids.
Table 7. Selected Bond Lengths (Å) and Angles (deg) for
[PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]
intermediate for X ) CF3, and high for X ) CH3 where the
2a1g orbital takes part to a larger extent in bonding to the CF3
group. For tris(trifluoromethyl)haloargentates (left side of
Figure 8) the corresponding argumentation implies a decrease
of the coupling constants of the CF3 group cis to the halogen
atom. The y component will have the greater s character
contained in the 2a1 orbital. In the competition of X and the
trans-CF3 group for s character, the more covalent CF3 bond
will dominate and cause the measured large coupling constants.
Again, the opposite relation is true for X ) CH3.
In principal, the same changes in s bonding characteristics
have been made responsible for the basic differences in the
structures of related organometallic main group and transition
metal derivatives with an “inversion” of Bent’s rules in transition
metal compounds.22-24
Ag-C(1)
Ag-C(2)
C(2)-N
2.105(4)
2.013(3)
1.128(4)
F(1A)-C(1)
F(2A)-C(1)
F(3A)-C(1)
F(1B)-C(1)
F(2B)-C(1)
F(3B)-C(1)
1.281(8)
1.302(8)
1.301(8)
1.262(7)
1.338(8)
1.271(9)
C(1)-Ag-C(2)
C(1)-Ag-C(2)′ a
C(1)-Ag-C(1)′ a
C(2)-Ag-C(2)′ a
N-C(2)-Ag
F(1B)-C(1)-F(3B) 107.4(8)
F(1A)-C(1)-F(3A) 102.7(8)
F(1A)-C(1)-F(2A) 106.4(9)
F(3A)-C(1)-F(2A) 103.6(9)
90.20(14) F(1B)-C(1)-F(2B) 103.2(7)
89.80(14) F(3B)-C(1)-F(2B) 104.4(8)
180.0
F(1B)-C(1)-Ag
F(3B)-C(1)-Ag
F(1A)-C(1)-Ag
F(3A)-C(1)-Ag
F(2A)-C(1)-Ag
F(2B)-C(1)-Ag
118.9(4)
111.3(6)
118.6(4)
113.2(6)
110.9(5)
110.3(4)
180.0
178.9(4)
1
1
a Symmetry code: x′, y′, z′ ) -x + /2, -y + /2, -z + 1.
These different trends for main group and transition metal
elements are also noticed when changing oxidation states. For
CF3SnII derivatives the s electron density condenses in the lone
pair and is hardly available for bonding. As a consequence,
2J(SnF) values are close to zero and 1J(SnC) (γSn < 0) couplings
are positive while the respective couplings in CF3Sn(IV)
compares well with the corresponding average value reported
for a disordered [Ag(CF3)4]- species.8 The present study is the
first on a cyano complex of silver(III), and a comparison of the
Ag-CN distance with those reported for [Ag(CN)2]- salts is
complicated by the secondary interactions which they often
enter. However, for structures26,27 in which the anion is
essentially isolated and σ(Ag-C) is less than 0.01 Å, the average
Ag-C bond length (2.053(7) Å) appears to be significantly
longer than that of the present structure.
1
compounds are large and negative. Furthermore, the J(CF)
coupling constants of CF3Sn derivatives are significantly larger
in the lower oxidation states.20,25 The opposite pattern is found
for the Ag(III)/Ag(I) pair. Here AgF and AgC couplings adopt
the larger values for Ag(I) complexes for which also the smaller
1J(CF) values are found.
The C-N distance found in this study, 1.128(4) Å, is
inconspicuous. More indicative are the vibrational spectra.
Unfortunately, the infrared intensity of the asymmetric CN
stretch mode is too low to be identified among the CF overtones
and combination bands of the phenyl groups. The symmetric
(c) Description of the Crystal Structures. While the
lipophilic tetraphenylphosphonium cation has proven invaluable
for the isolation and crystallization of the argentate anions, the
ions are widely separated in the crystals. The cation symmetry
in both structures is approximately S4. The S4 axis is coincident
with the crystallographic 2-fold axis which passes through the
P atom in [P(C6H5)4][Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] and lies close to the
bisectors of the C(11)-P-C(41) and C(21)-P-C(31) angles
in [P(C6H5)4][Ag(CF3)3(CH3)].
mode, however, sticks out in the Raman spectrum at 2181 cm-1
.
This value is to be compared with an average of 2140 ( 10
cm-1 reported for [Ag(CN)2]- salts.26,28 A similar increase of
the CN bond strength is observed when going from Au(I) to
Au(III) cyano complexes.28,29
Since the Ag atom lies on an inversion center, the four bonds
radiating from this atoms are required to be coplanar. While
the N atom does not deviate significantly from this plane
Figure 9 depicts the structure of the [trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]-
anion, and selected bond distances and angles are listed in Table
7. While the Ag-CF3 bond (2.105(4) Å) is markedly longer
than the Ag-CN linkage (2.013(3) Å), the length of the former
(26) Kappenstein, C.; Quali, A.; Guerin, M.; Cerna´k, J.; Chomic, J. Inorg.
Chim. Acta 1988, 147, 189.
(22) Jonas, V.; Boehme, C.; Frenking, G. Inorg. Chem. 1996, 35, 2097.
(23) McGrady, G. S.; Downs, A. J.; McKean, D. C.; Haaland, A.; Scherer,
W.; Verne, H.-P.; Volden, H. V. Inorg. Chem. 1996, 35, 4713.
(24) Gillespie, R. J.; Bytheway, I.; Tang, T.-H.; Bader, R. F. W. Inorg.
Chem. 1996, 35, 3954.
(27) Zabel, M.; Ku¨hnel, S.; Range, K.-J. Acta Crystallogr. 1989, C45, 1619.
(28) Nakamoto, K. Infrared and Raman Spectra of Inorganic and Coor-
dination Compounds, 4th ed.; John Wiley & Sons: New York, 1986;
p 273 ff.
(29) Adams, D. M. Metal-Ligand and Related Vibrations; E. Arnold:
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(25) Eujen, R.; Patorra, A. J. Organomet. Chem. 1994, 481, 75.

-
(Trifluoromethyl)argentates(III) [Ag(CF3)nX4-n
]
Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 36, No. 7, 1997 1475
To see to what extent the wide range of the C-F bond lengths
(0.072(9) Å) in the [Ag(CF3)3(CH3)]- anion are due to thermal
artifacts, the anisotropic displacement parameters of the anion
have been fitted with the program THMA1130 to a rigid-body-
motion model which has been augmented by correlated torsional
motion31 of the F atoms about the respective Ag-C bonds. The
84 Uij values are well fit by the 38 parameters of the model (R
) 0.052). After applying corrections for librational and torsional
motion, the C-F distances average 1.381(17) Å with a notably
smaller spread (0.048 Å). Furthermore, the average F‚‚F contact
in the CF3 groups lengthens from 2.091(25) Å to a much more
reasonable separation32 of 2.177(12) Å. Other corrections are
small and isotropic, and unless specified, only uncorrected
distances are referenced in this manuscript.
Conclusions
Figure 10. Perspective drawing of the [Ag(CF3)3(CH3)]- anion in
[PPh4][Ag(CF3)3(CH3)] with 20% probability thermal ellipsoids for the
non-hydrogen atoms.
The synthesis, NMR and structural characterization of new
silver(III)-based organometallics show that Ag(III) is not so
uncommon as assumed originally. These d8 species are more
closely related to the isoelectronic palladium or platinum
compounds than to the strongly oxidizing Ag(III) complexes
with weak ligands such as AgF4
Table 8. Selected Bond Lengths (Å) and Angles (deg) for
[PPh4][Ag(CF3)3(CH3)]
-
Ag-C(1)
Ag-C(2)
Ag-C(3)
Ag-C(4)
F(1)-C(2)
F(2)-C(2)
F(3)-C(2)
2.097(5)
2.112(5)
2.127(5)
2.118(5)
1.314(7)
1.329(6)
1.323(6)
F(4)-C(3)
F(5)-C(3)
F(6)-C(3)
F(7)-C(4)
F(8)-C(4)
F(9)-C(4)
1.355(6)
1.381(6)
1.336(6)
1.320(7)
1.309(7)
1.344(6)
.
The difference can be
-
rationalized in terms of simple ligand field theory. For AgF4
,
the high charge density of the small Ag3+ ion overcompensates
the low ligand field strength of fluoride thus giving raise to a
2
2
square-planar diamagnetic complex. The LUMO (dx -y ),
however, is low in energy and therefore quite susceptible for
electrons, which means that Ag(III) is readily reduced. On the
other hand this orbital is raised in energy by strong ligands such
as alkyl groups. In the MO description given in Figure 7, the
gap between the filled orbitals and the LUMO (b1g), which arises
from the covalence of the respective bonds, is responsible for
the observed stability. Additionally, the fluorination of the alkyl
groups obviously contributes to the stabilization of Ag(III). Such
a perfluoromethyl effect has been noted for (CF3)2PtII derivatives
where UV photoelectron studies showed that all bonding orbitals
are lowered in energy by ∼1 eV when compared with the
corresponding methylplatinum complexes.33
C(1)-Ag-C(2)
C(1)-Ag-C(3)
C(1)-Ag-C(4)
C(2)-Ag-C(3)
C(2)-Ag-C(4)
C(3)-Ag-C(4)
F(1)-C(2)-Ag
F(2)-C(2)-Ag
F(3)-C(2)-Ag
F(4)-C(3)-Ag
F(5)-C(3)-Ag
F(6)-C(3)-Ag
88.0(2)
173.8(2)
88.3(2)
93.2(2)
174.3(2)
90.9(2)
114.6(4)
115.0(4)
114.1(3)
114.3(3)
114.9(3)
117.4(3)
F(7)-C(4)-Ag
F(8)-C(4)-Ag
F(9)-C(4)-Ag
F(1)-C(2)-F(2)
F(1)-C(2)-F(3)
F(2)-C(2)-F(3)
F(4)-C(3)-F(5)
F(4)-C(3)-F(6)
F(5)-C(3)-F(6)
F(7)-C(4)-F(8)
F(7)-C(4)-F(9)
F(8)-C(4)-F(9)
114.8(4)
114.8(3)
116.7(4)
104.4(5)
105.5(5)
101.9(4)
101.4(4)
103.8(4)
103.1(4)
104.7(5)
101.8(5)
102.2(5)
In addition to the arguments based on the diamagnetism, the
square-planar coordination of silver, or the high-frequency offset
of the 109Ag chemical shifts, the high CN stretch frequency in
[PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]- supports the formulation as a
Ag(III) derivative. With respect to Ag(I) compounds the dπ
electrons are more tightly bound and thus less available for back-
bonding from the Ag(III) center to the anti-bonding CN orbitals.
The hardness of the Ag(III) is also expressed by the configu-
rational stability of the donor adducts (CF3)3Ag‚D where D is
a hard donor such as DMSO, CH3CN, DMF, or other nitrogen-
based ligands. Attempts to prepare complexes by replacement
of these ligands with soft donors such as PR3 (R ) Me, Ph, or
OMe) or AsF3 have failed so far.
(0.020(7) Å), the CF3 groups are rotated by roughly 10° about
their Ag-C(1) bond away from the conformation which would
have the F(1A) and F(1B) atoms in the coordination plane of
the metal. In view of the disorder of the CF3 groups, the
variations in the C-F distances should not be taken seriously.
Figure 10 gives a view of the [Ag(CF3)3(CH3)]- anion, and
selected bond distances and angles are given in Table 8. The
coordination plane of the metal atom exhibits a slight tetrahedral
distortion from square-planar geometrysthe overall symmetry
approaching D2d if differences in CF and CH are ignored. Thus
the best plane through the Ag,C(1),C(2),C(3),C(4) fragment
passes within 0.014(2) Å of the Ag atom while the carbon atoms
in the given order are alternately 0.095(5) Å above and below
the plane. Furthermore, the CF2 and CH3 groups are so oriented
that one of their Ag,C,F or Ag,C,H planes lies nearly perpen-
dicular to the coordination plane with the corresponding F or
H atom on the same side of the plane as is the C atom to which
it is bonded. This geometry is closely related to that reported
for the [Cu(CF3)4]- and [Ag(CF3)4]- 8 anions. The Ag-CH3
bond in the [Ag(CF3)3(CH3)]- anion is to our knowledge the
first structurally characterized Ag-R linkage where R is a
simple alkyl. Interestingly, the Ag-CH3 bond length is slightly
but significantly (0.030(7) Å) shorter than the Ag-CF3 bond
to which it is trans and probably shorter (0.018(7) Å) than the
average of the two Ag-CF3 bond distances to which it is cis.
The average Ag-CF3 bond length (2.119(10) Å) does not differ
significantly from those reported in the disordered [Ag(CF3)4]-
(2.10(1) Å)8 and [trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2]- (2.105(4) Å).
Acknowledgment. Financial support by the Deutsche For-
schungsgemeinschaft and Fonds der Chemischen Industrie is
gratefully acknowledged.
Supporting Information Available: X-ray crystallographic files
in CIF format for [PPh4][trans-Ag(CF3)2(CN)2] and [PPh4][Ag(CF3)3-
(CH3)] are available on the Internet only. Access information is given
on any current masthead page.
IC9610445
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Motion Analysis; ETH Zu¨rich: Zu¨rich, Switzerland, 1987.
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