SALEN COMPLEXES WITH DIANIONIC COUNTERIONS

Abstract

The present invention describes metal salen complexes having dianionic counterions. Such complexes can be readily precipitated and provide an economical method for the purification and isolation of the complexes, and are useful to prepare novel polymer compositions.

Claims

1-34. (canceled)

35. A metal salen complex comprising: a metal atom selected from cobalt and chromium; a salen ligand, wherein the salen ligand includes at least one tethered moiety that is either cationic, or capable of being protonated to form a cation; and a dianionic counterion.

36. The metal salen complex of claim 35, wherein the metal atom is cobalt.

37. The metal salen complex of claim 35, wherein the complex has a formula: ##STR00371## wherein: M is the metal atom selected from cobalt or chromium, R.sup.1a, R.sup.1a, R.sup.2a, R.sup.2a, R.sup.3a, and R.sup.3a are independently a (Z).sub.m group, hydrogen, R, halogen, OR, NR.sub.2, SR, CN, NO.sub.2, SO.sub.2R, SOR, SO.sub.2NR.sub.2, CNO, NRSO.sub.2R, NCO, N.sub.3, SiR.sub.3, C(O)R, NRC(O)R, OC(O)R, CO.sub.2R, OC(O)N(R).sub.2, C(O)NR.sub.2, NRC(O)NR, NRC(O)OR, or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; phenyl; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered monocyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 12-membered polycyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; and an 8- to 10-membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; each R is independently hydrogen, an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of: acyl; carbamoyl; arylalkyl; phenyl; C.sub.1-12 aliphatic; C.sub.1-12 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered monocyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; and an 8- to 10-membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, an oxygen protecting group, or a nitrogen protecting group, or two R on the same nitrogen atom are taken with the nitrogen to form a 3- to 7-membered heterocyclic ring; wherein any of [R.sup.2a and R.sup.3a], [R.sup.2a and R.sup.3a], [R.sup.1a and R.sup.2a], and [R.sup.1a and R.sup.2a] may optionally be taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached to form one or more rings which may in turn be optionally substituted as defined above, or substituted with (Z).sub.m or one or more R groups; and R.sup.G is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00372## R.sup.J is a bivalent linker selected from the group consisting of: C(O), C(O)C(O), C(O)R.sup.HC(O), SO, SO.sub.2, P(O)(OR.sup.J1), P(O)R.sup.J1, R.sup.J1CN, C(O)R.sup.HP(O)(OR.sup.J1), C(O)R.sup.HS(O), C(O)R.sup.HS(O).sub.2, SO.sub.2R.sup.HP(O)(OR.sup.J1), SOR.sup.HP(O)(OR.sup.J1), C(O)R.sup.H; R.sup.c groups are optionally present, and if present are, independently at each occurrence a (Z).sub.m group, halogen, OR, NR.sub.2, SR, CN, NO.sub.2, SO.sub.2R, SOR, SO.sub.2NR.sub.2, CNO, NRSO.sub.2R, NCO, N.sub.3, SiR.sub.3, C(O)R, NRC(O)R, OC(O)R, CO.sub.2R, OC(O)N(R).sub.2, C(O)NR.sub.2, NRC(O)NR, NRC(O)OR; or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of arylalkyl; phenyl; C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered monocyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; and an 8- to 10-membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; where two or more R.sup.c groups may be taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached and any intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted rings; and where when two R.sup.c groups are attached to the same carbon atom, they may be taken together along with the carbon atom to which they are attached to form a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a 3- to 8-membered spirocyclic ring, a carbonyl, an oxime, a hydrazone, an imine, and an optionally substituted alkene; R.sup.c is, independently at each occurrence, H or R.sup.c; Y is a bivalent linker selected from the group consisting of: (CR.sup.c.sub.2).sub.q; NR, N(R)C(O), C(O)NR, O, C(O), OC(O), C(R).sub.2, C(O)O, S, SO, SO.sub.2, C(S), C(NR), or NN; a polyether; C.sub.1-6 aliphatic; a C.sub.3 to C.sub.8 substituted or unsubstituted carbocycle; and a 3- to 8-membered substituted or unsubstituted heterocycle; R.sup.d groups are optionally present, and if present are independently at each occurrence selected from the group consisting of: a (Z).sub.m group, halogen, R, OR, NR.sub.2, SR, CN, NO.sub.2, SO.sub.2R, SOR, SO.sub.2NR.sub.2, CNO, NRSO.sub.2R, NCO, N.sub.3, SiR.sub.3, C(O)R, NRC(O)R, OC(O)R, CO.sub.2R, OC(O)N(R).sub.2, C(O)NR.sub.2, NRC(O)NR, NRC(O)OR, or an optionally substituted group selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur; 6-10-membered aryl; 5-10-membered heteroaryl having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; and 4-7-membered heterocyclic having 1-2 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur; where two or more R.sup.d groups may be taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached and any intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted rings optionally containing one or more heteroatoms; R.sup.H is selected from the group consisting of R.sup.G and (CR.sup.c.sub.2).sub.q, R.sup.J1 is independently at each occurrence selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, a metal atom, an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of acyl; carbamoyl; arylalkyl; phenyl; C.sub.1-12 aliphatic; C.sub.1-12 heteroaliphatic; 4- to 7-membered heterocyclyl; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or an oxygen protecting group; and q is an integer from 1 to 6, inclusive; q is an integer from 0 to 5, inclusive; x is 0, 1, or 2; represents the net charge of the metal complex exclusive of any non-covalently bound counterions and may be any number between 1 and +5; (Z).sub.m represents one or more activating moieties attached to the multidentate ligand, where is a linker moiety covalently coupled to the ligand, each Z is an activating functional group; and m is an integer from 1 to 4, inclusive, representing the number of Z groups present on an individual linker moiety.

38. The metal salen complex of claim 37, wherein at least one of [R.sup.2a and R.sup.3a] and [R.sup.2a and R.sup.3a] are taken together to form a ring.

39. The metal salen complex of claim 38 having the formula: ##STR00373## wherein: R.sup.4a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.7a, and R.sup.7a are each independently hydrogen, or an R.sup.d group; and wherein [R.sup.1a and R.sup.4a], [R.sup.1a and R.sup.4a] and any two adjacent R.sup.4a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.7a, and R.sup.7a groups can be taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted rings.

40. The metal salen complex of claim 39, wherein one or more of R.sup.1a, R.sup.1a, R.sup.2a, R.sup.2a, R.sup.3a, and R.sup.3a are independently a (Z).sub.m group.

41. The metal salen complex of claim 38, wherein the salen complex is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00374## wherein: R.sup.4a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.7a, and R.sup.7a are each independently hydrogen, or an R.sup.d group; wherein [R.sup.1a and R.sup.4a], [R.sup.1a and R.sup.4a] and any two adjacent R.sup.4a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.7a, and R.sup.7a groups can be taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted rings; and R represents one or more substituents optionally present on the phenyl rings and each R is independently selected from the group consisting of: R, halogen, OR, NR.sub.2, SR, CN, NO.sub.2, SO.sub.2R, SOR, SO.sub.2NR.sub.2, CNO, NRSO.sub.2R, NCO, N.sub.3, C(O)R, NRC(O)R, OC(O)R, CO.sub.2R, OC(O)N(R).sub.2, C(O)NR.sub.2, NRC(O)NR, NRC(O)OR, or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; phenyl; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered monocyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 12-membered polycyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; and an 8- to 10-membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

42. The metal salen complex of claim 41, wherein ##STR00375## is selected from the group: ##STR00376##

43. The metal salen complex of claim 41, wherein ##STR00377## is selected from the group: ##STR00378##

44. The metal salen complex of claim 41, wherein ##STR00379## is oxalate, malonate, maleate, fumurate, succinate, glutarate or phthalate.

45. The metal salen complex of claim 41, wherein Z is selected from the following: ##STR00380## or a combination of two or more of these, wherein: each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; and an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring; wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted rings optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms; each R.sup.3 is independently hydrogen or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; and an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring; wherein an R.sup.3 group can be taken with an R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 group to form one or more optionally substituted rings; and each R.sup.4 is independently hydrogen, a hydroxyl protecting group, or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 acyl; C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; and an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring.

46. The metal salen complex of claim 41, wherein Z is selected from the following: ##STR00381## ##STR00382## or a combination of two or more of these, wherein: X is an anion; each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; and an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring; wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted rings optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms; each R.sup.3 is independently hydrogen or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; and an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring; wherein an R.sup.3 group can be taken with an R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 group to form one or more optionally substituted rings; R.sup.5 is R.sup.2 or hydroxyl; wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.5 can be taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted carbocyclic, heterocyclic, aryl, or heteroaryl rings; each R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 is independently hydrogen or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; and an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring; wherein R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 can be taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted rings optionally containing one or more heteroatoms, and an R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 group can be taken with an R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 group to form one or more optionally substituted rings; each occurrence of R.sup.8 is independently selected from: halogen, NO.sub.2, CN, NCO, N.sub.3; or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; and an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring; where two or more adjacent R.sup.8 groups can be taken together to form an optionally substituted saturated, partially unsaturated, or aromatic 5- to 12-membered ring containing 0 to 4 heteroatoms; Ring A is an optionally substituted, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl group; and Ring B is an optionally substituted, 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 0-2 heteroatoms in addition to the depicted ring nitrogen atom independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

47. The metal salen complex of claim 35, wherein the complex is selected from: ##STR00383## ##STR00384## ##STR00385## ##STR00386## ##STR00387## ##STR00388## ##STR00389## ##STR00390## ##STR00391## ##STR00392## ##STR00393## ##STR00394## ##STR00395## ##STR00396## ##STR00397## ##STR00398## ##STR00399## ##STR00400## ##STR00401## ##STR00402## ##STR00403## ##STR00404## wherein X.sup. is, independently at each occurrence, an anion or dianion.

48. A method for the isolation of metal salen complexes, the method comprising the steps of: contacting a solution of a metal salen complex comprising one or more mono-anionic counterions with a dianion to convert the metal salen complex to a new species comprising at least one dianionic counterion; and precipitating the metal salen complex comprising the dianionic counterion, wherein, the metal salen complex is selected from the group consisting of cobalt salen complexes and chromium salen complexes.

49. A polymer composition comprising an alternating copolymer of one or more epoxides and CO.sub.2 having an Mn greater than 50,000 g/mol and a PDI less than 1.2, characterized in that the molecular weight distribution of the polymer is substantially monomodal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG. 1 depicts an NMR spectrum of compound N, a cobalt(III)salen complex with an oxalate counterion.

[0048] FIG. 2 depicts an NMR spectrum of compound O, a cobalt(III)salen complex with a malonate counterion.

[0049] FIG. 3 depicts an NMR spectrum of compound Q, a cobalt(III)salen complex with a carbonate counterion.

[0050] FIG. 4 depicts an NMR spectrum of compound R, a cobalt(III)salen complex with a carbonate counterion.

[0051] FIG. 5 depicts UV spectra. Top panel: UV-Vis spectrum of compound N, a cobalt(III)salen complex with an oxalate counterion. Bottom panel: UV-Vis spectrum of compound O, a cobalt(III)salen complex with a malonate counterion.

[0052] FIG. 6 depicts UV spectra. Top panel: UV-Vis spectrum of compound Q, a cobalt(III)salen complex with a carbonate counterion. Bottom panel: UV-Vis spectrum of compound R, a cobalt(III)salen complex with a carbonate counterion.

[0053] FIG. 7 depicts an x-Ray structure of compound Q, a Co(III) salen complex with a carbonate counterion.

[0054] FIG. 8a-c shows GPC traces of prior art aliphatic polycarbonates (APCs). FIGS. 8a and 8b are reproduced from JACS. 2007, 129, 8082-8083, supporting info. FIG. 8c is reproduced from Macromolecules, 2010, 43 (3), pp 1396-1402 supporting info.

[0055] FIG. 9a-c shows GPC traces of monomodal APCs of the present invention along with a comparative polymer made according to the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] The present invention provides, among other things, the recognition that a dianionic counterion can facilitate economical isolation and purification of Cr(III) and Co(III) salen complexes by causing precipitation of the complex directly from a reaction mixture. The present invention further provides, among other things, a method for the precipitation of tetradentate salen metal complexes by the use of a dianionic counterion for the complex.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides salen Cr(III) or Co(III) complexes characterized in that they comprise a dianionic couterion. In certain embodiments, such complexes are further characterized in that they comprise one or more nitrogen-, phosphorous-, or arsenic-containing functional groups covalently tethered to the salen ligand (for example such as those disclosed in published PCT applications WO/2010/022388 and WO 2008/136591 each of which is incorporated herein by reference). In certain embodiments, such nitrogen-, phosphorous-, or arsenic-containing functional groups comprise cationic groups (or moieties that can be protonated to form cationic groups). In certain embodiments, such tethered cationic or protonated groups balance a negative charge from the dianion-coordinated to the complex. In certain embodiments, the negative charge thus balanced resides on the metal atom. In other embodiments, the negative charge thus balanced may reside on an atom other than the metal atom, including an atom of the dianion.

[0058] In certain embodiments, where a tethered group comprises a nitrogen-containing functional group, the group comprises a quaternary nitrogen atom. In other embodiments, covalently tethered cationic groups comprise a protonated nitrogen atom. In certain embodiments, covalently tethered cationic groups comprise ammonium salts. In certain embodiments, covalently tethered cationic groups comprise guanidinium salts. In certain embodiments, covalently tethered cationic groups comprise amidinium salts. In certain embodiments, covalently tethered cationic groups comprise arsonium salts.

[0059] In certain embodiments, the metal complexes encompassed by the present invention comprise complexes described in WO 2010/022388 and/or WO 2008/136591 wherein one or more mono-anionic counterions of the catalysts disclosed therein are replaced by a dianion as described herein. The entire content of each of these documents is incorporated herein by reference.

Metal Complexes

[0060] In certain embodiments, provided compounds are of Formula I:

##STR00005## [0061] wherein: [0062] M is Co or Cr; [0063] R.sup.1a, R.sup.1a, R.sup.2a, R.sup.2a, R.sup.3a, and R.sup.3a are independently a (Z).sub.m group, hydrogen, R, halogen, OR, NR.sub.2, SR, CN, NO.sub.2, SO.sub.2R, SOR, SO.sub.2NR.sub.2; CNO, NRSO.sub.2R, NCO, N.sub.3, SiR.sub.3, C(O)R, NRC(O)R, OC(O)R, CO.sub.2R, OC(O)N(R).sub.2, C(O)NR.sub.2, NRC(O)NR, NRC(O)OR; or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; phenyl; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle, a 7- to 14-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered monocyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 12-membered polycyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or an 8- to 10-membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; where each R is independently hydrogen, an optionally substituted radical selected the group consisting of acyl; carbamoyl; arylalkyl; phenyl; C.sub.1-12 aliphatic; C.sub.1-12 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle, a 7- to 14-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered monocyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 10-membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an oxygen protecting group; and a nitrogen protecting group; or: two R on the same nitrogen atom are taken with the nitrogen to form a 3- to 7-membered heterocyclic ring, and wherein any of [R.sup.2a and R.sup.3a], [R.sup.2a and R.sup.3a], [R.sup.1a and R.sup.2a], and [R.sup.1a and R.sup.2a] may optionally be taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached to form one or more rings which may in turn be optionally substituted as defined above, or substituted with one or more R groups; and [0064] R.sup.G is selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00006## [0065] R.sup.J is a bivalent linker selected from the group consisting of: C(O), C(O)C(O), C(O)R.sup.HC(O), SO, SO.sub.2, P(O)(OR.sup.J1), P(O)R.sup.J1, R.sup.J1CN, C(O)R.sup.HP(O)(OR.sup.J1), C(O)R.sup.HS(O), C(O)R.sup.HS(O).sub.2, SO.sub.2R.sup.HP(O)(OR.sup.J1), SOR.sup.HP(O)(OR.sup.J1), C(O)R.sup.H; [0066] where, [0067] R.sup.c groups are optionally present, and if present are, independently at each occurrence selected from the group consisting of: a (Z).sub.m group, halogen, OR, NR.sub.2, SR, CN, NO.sub.2, SO.sub.2R, SOR, SO.sub.2NR.sub.2; CNO, NRSO.sub.2R, NCO, N.sub.3, SiR.sub.3, C(O)R, NRC(O)R, OC(O)R, CO.sub.2R, OC(O)N(R).sub.2, C(O)NR.sub.2, NRC(O)NR, NRC(O)OR; or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of arylalkyl; phenyl; C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle, a 7- to 14-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered monocyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 10-membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; where two or more R.sup.c groups may be taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached and any intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted rings; and where when two R.sup.c groups are attached to the same carbon atom, they may be taken together along with the carbon atom to which they are attached to form a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a 3- to 8-membered spirocyclic ring, a carbonyl, an oxime, a hydrazone, an imine; and an optionally substituted alkene; [0068] R.sup.d groups are optionally present, and if present are, independently at each occurrence selected from the group consisting of: a (Z).sub.m group, halogen, R, OR, NR.sub.2, SR, CN, NO.sub.2, SO.sub.2R, SOR, SO.sub.2NR.sub.2; CNO, NRSO.sub.2R, NCO, N.sub.3, SiR.sub.3, C(O)R, NRC(O)R, OC(O)R, CO.sub.2R, OC(O)N(R).sub.2, C(O)NR.sub.2, NRC(O)NR, NRC(O)OR; or an optionally substituted group selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur; 6-10-membered aryl; 5-10-membered heteroaryl having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; and 4-7-membered heterocyclic having 1-2 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur; where two or more R.sup.c groups may be taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached and any intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted rings optionally containing one or more heteroatoms; [0069] R.sup.c is, independently at each occurrence, H, or R.sup.c; [0070] Y is a bivalent linker selected from the group consisting of: (CR.sup.c.sub.2).sub.q; NR, N(R)C(O), C(O)NR, O, C(O), OC(O), C(R).sub.2, C(O)O, S, SO, SO.sub.2, C(S), C(NR), or NN; a polyether; C.sub.1-6 aliphatic; a C.sub.3 to C.sub.8 substituted or unsubstituted carbocycle; and a 3- to 8-membered substituted or unsubstituted heterocycle; [0071] R.sup.H is selected from the group consisting of R.sup.G and (CR.sup.c.sub.2).sub.q, [0072] R.sup.J1 is independently at each occurrence selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, a metal atom, an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of acyl; carbamoyl; arylalkyl; phenyl; C.sub.1-12 aliphatic; C.sub.1-12 heteroaliphatic; 4- to 7-membered heterocyclyl; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or an oxygen protecting group; and [0073] q is an integer from 1 to 6; [0074] q is from 0 to 5, inclusive; [0075] x is 0, 1, or 2; and [0076] represents the net charge of the metal complex exclusive of any non-covalently bound counterions and may be any number between 1 and +5; (Z).sub.m represents one or more activating moieties attached to the multidentate ligand, where is a linker moiety covalently coupled to the ligand, each Z is an activating functional group; and m is an integer from 1 to 4 representing the number of Z groups present on an individual linker moiety.

[0077] In some embodiments, at least one of [R.sup.2a and R.sup.3a] and [R.sup.2a and R.sup.3a] are taken together to form a ring. In some embodiments, both [R.sup.2a and R.sup.3a] and [R.sup.2a and R.sup.3a] are taken together to form rings. In some embodiments, the rings formed by [R.sup.2a and R.sup.3a] and/or [R.sup.2a and R.sup.3a] are substituted phenyl rings.

[0078] In certain embodiments, M is chromium. In certain embodiments, M is Cr(III), in certain embodiments, M is cobalt. In certain embodiments, M is Co(III).

[0079] In certain embodiments, one or more of R.sup.1a, R.sup.1a, R.sup.2a, R.sup.2a, R.sup.3a, and R.sup.3a are independently a (Z).sub.m group.

[0080] In some embodiments, Y is a bivalent linker selected from C.sub.1-6 aliphatic or a C.sub.3 to C.sub.8 substituted or unsubstituted carbocycle. In some, embodiments, Y is C.sub.1-6 alkyl or C.sub.1-6 alkenyl.

[0081] In certain embodiments of provided metal complexes with a dianionic counterion, a salen complex has a structure selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00007## [0082] wherein each of M, R.sup.G, R.sup.c, R.sup.d, R.sup.J, R.sup.1a, R.sup.1a, and is as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein; and [0083] R.sup.4a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.7a, and R.sup.7a are each independently hydrogen, or an R.sup.d group wherein [R.sup.1a and R.sup.4a], [R.sup.1a and R.sup.4a] and any two adjacent R.sup.4a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.7a, and R.sup.7a groups can be taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted rings;

[0084] In some embodiments of complexes of formulae Ia through Id, R.sup.1a, R.sup.1a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.6a, and R.sup.6a are each H. In some embodiments, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.7a and R.sup.7a are each optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 aliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.7a, and R.sup.7a are each independently selected from the group consisting of: H, SiR.sub.3; methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, isoamyl, t-amyl, thexyl, and trityl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1a, R.sup.1a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.6a, and R.sup.6aare each H. In some embodiments, R.sup.7a is selected from the group consisting of H; methyl; ethyl; n-propyl; i-propyl; n-butyl; sec-butyl; t-butyl; isoamyl; t-amyl; thexyl; and trityl. In some embodiments, R.sup.5a and R.sup.7a are independently selected from the group consisting of H; methyl; ethyl; n-propyl; i-propyl; n-butyl; sec-butyl; t-butyl; isoamyl; t-amyl; thexyl; and trityl. In certain embodiments, one or more of R.sup.5a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.7a and R.sup.7a is a (Z).sub.m group. In some embodiments, R.sup.5a and R.sup.5a are a (Z).sub.m group. In some embodiments, one of R.sup.5a or R.sup.5a is a (Z).sub.m group. In some embodiments, one of R.sup.7a or R.sup.7a is a (Z).sub.m group.

[0085] In certain embodiments of complexes having formulae Ia through Id, at least one of the phenyl rings comprising a salicylaldehyde-derived portion of the salen ligand is independently selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00008## ##STR00009## ##STR00010## ##STR00011##

wherein (Z).sub.m is as defined above and described in the embodiments and examples herein.

[0086] In certain embodiments, there is an activating moiety tethered to the position ortho to a metal-bound oxygen substituent of one or both of the salicylaldehyde-derived phenyl rings of a salen ligand as in formulae Ia-1 and Ia-2:

##STR00012## [0087] wherein M, R.sup.d, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6a R.sup.G, R.sup.J, , and (Z).sub.m are as defined above and described in the embodiments and examples herein.

[0088] In certain embodiments of compounds having formulae Ia-1 or Ia-2, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.6a, and R.sup.6a are each hydrogen, and R.sup.5a, R.sup.5a are, independently, optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.20 aliphatic.

[0089] In certain embodiments of complexes Ia-1 and Ia-2, at least one of the phenyl rings comprising a salicylaldehyde-derived portion of a catalyst is independently selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00013## ##STR00014##

wherein (Z).sub.m is as described herein.

[0090] In certain embodiments, there is an activating moiety tethered to the position para to the phenolic oxygen of one or both of a salicylaldehyde-derived phenyl rings of the salen ligand as in structures Ia-3 and Ia-4:

##STR00015## [0091] wherein R.sup.d, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6a R.sup.7a, R.sup.7a, R.sup.G, R.sup.J, , and (Z).sub.m are as defined above and described in the embodiments and examples herein.

[0092] In certain embodiments of compounds having formulae Ia-3 or Ia-4, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.6a, and R.sup.6a are hydrogen, and each R.sup.7a, R.sup.7a is, independently, optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.20 aliphatic.

[0093] In certain embodiments of catalysts Ia-3 or Ia-4, at least one of the phenyl rings comprising a salicylaldehyde-derived portion of a catalyst is independently selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00016## ##STR00017## [0094] wherein (Z).sub.m is as described herein.

[0095] In some embodiments, there are activating moieties tethered to the positions ortho and para to the phenolic oxygen of one or both of the salicylaldehyde-derived phenyl rings of a salen ligand as in formulae Ia-5 and Ia-6:

##STR00018## [0096] wherein M, R.sup.d, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6aR.sup.G, R.sup.J, , and (Z).sub.m are as defined above and described in the embodiments and examples herein.

[0097] In certain embodiments of compounds having formulae Ia-5 and Ia-6, each R.sup.6a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.4a, and R.sup.4a is, independently, hydrogen or optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.20 aliphatic.

[0098] In certain embodiments of compounds having formulae Ia-5 and Ia-6, each R.sup.6a, R.sup.6a, R.sup.4a, and R.sup.4a is hydrogen.

[0099] In certain embodiments, in the salen ligands of catalysts Ia-1 through Ia-6 above, the moiety:

##STR00019##

is selected from the group:

##STR00020##

[0100] In certain embodiments, in the salen ligands of catalysts Ia-1 through I-a6 above, the moiety:

##STR00021##

is selected from the group:

##STR00022##

Dianions

[0101] As noted above, the chromium and cobalt complexes of the present invention are characterized in that they comprise a dianionic counterion associated with the metal atom, and/or optionally one or more cationic groups that may be covalently tethered to the salen ligand.

[0102] In certain embodiments, the dianion comprises one or more groups selected from the group consisting of: carbonate, carboxylate, dicarboxylate, sulfur-containing anions, phosphorous-containing anions, and combinations of two or more of these.

[0103] In certain embodiments, a dianion

##STR00023##

bound to the metal in a provided compound forms the moiety:

##STR00024##

where R.sup.J is as defined above and described in the examples and embodiments herein.

[0104] In certain embodiments, in any of the chromium complexes described above including compounds of Formulae Ia through Id and Ia-1 through Ia-6, the moiety

##STR00025##

is carbonate. In certain embodiments, the moiety

##STR00026##

is oxalate. In certain embodiments, the moiety

##STR00027##

is malonate. In certain embodiments, the moiety

##STR00028##

is maleate. In certain embodiments, the moiety

##STR00029##

is fumarate. In certain embodiments, the moiety

##STR00030##

is succinate. In certain embodiments, in compounds of Formulae Ia through Id and Ia-1 through Ia-6, the moiety

##STR00031##

is glutarate. In certain embodiments, the moiety

##STR00032##

is phthalate.

[0105] In some embodiments, R.sup.J in any of the compounds described herein is C(O). In some embodiments, R.sup.J is C(O)C(O). In some embodiments, R.sup.J is C(O)R.sup.HC(O). In some embodiments, R.sup.J is SO. In some embodiments, R.sup.J is SO.sub.2. In some embodiments, R.sup.J is P(O)(OR.sup.J1). In some embodiments, R.sup.J is P(O)R.sup.J1. In some embodiments, R.sup.J is R.sup.J1CN. In some embodiments, R.sup.J is C(O)R.sup.HP(O)(OR.sup.J1). In some embodiments, R.sup.J is C(O)R.sup.HS(O). In some embodiments, R.sup.J is C(O)R.sup.HS(O).sub.2. In some embodiments, R.sup.J is SO.sub.2R.sup.HP(O)(OR.sup.J1). In some embodiments, R.sup.J is SOR.sup.HP(O)(OR.sup.J1). In some embodiments, R.sup.J is C(O)R.sup.H.

[0106] In some embodiments, R.sup.H is

##STR00033##

wherein q is from 1 to 6, wherein R.sup.d is as defined above. In some embodiments, R.sup.H is

##STR00034##

wherein q is from 1 to 5. In some embodiments, R.sup.H is

##STR00035##

wherein q is from 1 to 4. In some embodiments, R.sup.H is

##STR00036##

wherein q is from 1 to 3. In some embodiments, R.sup.H is

##STR00037##

wherein q is from 1 to 2.

[0107] In some embodiments, R.sup.H is

##STR00038##

where R.sup.d, is as defined above. In some embodiments, R.sup.H is

##STR00039##

where R.sup.d, is as defined above. In some embodiments, R.sup.H is

##STR00040##

where R.sup.d, is as defined above.

[0108] In certain embodiments, where a R.sup.J group comprises R.sup.c, R.sup.c, or R.sup.d, the R.sup.c, R.sup.c, and R.sup.d group(s) are other than (Z).sub.m.

Tethered Moieties

[0109] As noted above, in certain embodiments, metal complexes of the present invention comprise one or more nitrogen- or phosphorous-containing functional groups covalently tethered to the salen ligand. In certain embodiments, these tethered functional groups are defined as (Z).sub.m groups, where represents the covalent tether (also referred to herein as a linker, a linker moiety, or a Z-linker), each Z comprises a nitrogen-, phosphorous-, or arsenic-containing functional group, and m is an integer of one or greater indicating how many such nitrogen-, phosphorous-, or arsenic-containing functional groups are attached to a given linker.

[0110] In certain embodiments, (Z).sub.m is defined by the embodiments found in Appendix A, infra. It is to be understood that definitions in the appendix are to be read independently. For example, the definitions of R groups in the appendix may differ from correspondingly designated R groups in the body of the specification: in such instances, the definitions are to be regarded to be independent and specific to the appendix. As such, a limitation on an R-group in an appendix is not necessarily intended to limit any definition provided in the specification and vice-versa.

[0111] In certain embodiments, (Z).sub.m groups that may be present on complexes of the present invention include those disclosed in WO/2010/022388 incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] In certain embodiments, each tether (or Z-linker) moiety contains 1-30 atoms including at least one carbon atom, and optionally one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, Si, B, and P. Additional embodiments of such linker moieties are described in Appendix A hereafter, and in descriptions of the embodiments, and examples herein.

[0113] In certain embodiments, each Z is independently a quaternary amine, a guanadine, a guanidinium, an amidine, an amidinium, a neutral or cationic nitrogen-containing heterocycle or a variant or combination of any of these. In certain embodiments, one or more Z groups comprises a guanidine, or more specifically a cyclic guanidine, or more specifically a bicyclic guanidine. In certain embodiments, one or more Z groups comprises a guanidinium salt, or more specifically a cyclic guanidinium salt, or more specifically a bicyclic guanidinium salt. In certain embodiments, one or more Z groups comprises an amidine, or more specifically a cyclic amidine, or more specifically a bicyclic amidine. In certain embodiments, one or more Z groups comprises a amidinium salt, or more specifically a cyclic amidinium salt, or more specifically a bicyclic amidinium salt. In certain embodiments, one or more Z groups comprises a quaternary ammonium group, or more specifically a trialkyl ammonium group, or more specifically a trimethylammonium group, triethylammonium group, tripropyl ammonium group, tributyl ammonium group, a diethyl isopropyl ammonium group, a dimethylbutyl ammonium group, or similar mixed lower-alkyl ammonium groups.

[0114] In certain embodiments, one or Z groups comprises a moiety having a formula selected from:

##STR00041##

where R.sup.c and R are as defined hereinabove and in the examples and embodiments described herein, and each of n and m is independently an integer from 1 to 4 inclusive. In certain embodiments, one or more Z groups are independently selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00042##

[0115] In certain embodiments, one or more Z groups are independently selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00043##

where R is as defined above.

[0116] In certain embodiments, one or more Z groups are independently selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00044##

[0117] In certain embodiments, one or more Z groups are independently selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00045##

[0118] In certain embodiments, (Z).sub.m groups present on the metal complexes of the present invention are selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00046## ##STR00047##

wherein each of R and n is as defined above and in the classes and subclasses herein.

[0119] In certain embodiments, metal complexes of the present invention are selected from amongst those shown in Table 1. Many similar variations and related compounds will be apparent to the skilled artisan.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 [00048] [00049] [00050] [00051] [00052] [00053] [00054] [00055] [00056] [00057] [00058] [00059] [00060] [00061] [00062] [00063] [00064] [00065] [00066] [00067] [00068] [00069] [00070] [00071] [00072] [00073] [00074] [00075] [00076] [00077] [00078] [00079] [00080] [00081] [00082] [00083] [00084] [00085] [00086] [00087] [00088] [00089] [00090] [00091] [00092] [00093] [00094] [00095] [00096] [00097] [00098] [00099] [00100] [00101] [00102] [00103] [00104] [00105] [00106] [00107] [00108] [00109] [00110] [00111] [00112] [00113] [00114] [00115] [00116] [00117] [00118] [00119] [00120] [00121] [00122] [00123] [00124] [00125] [00126] [00127] [00128] [00129] [00130] [00131] [00132] [00133] [00134] [00135] [00136] [00137] [00138] [00139] [00140] [00141] [00142] [00143] [00144] [00145] [00146] [00147] [00148] [00149] [00150] [00151] [00152] [00153] [00154] [00155] [00156] [00157] [00158] [00159] [00160] [00161] [00162] [00163] [00164] [00165] [00166] [00167] [00168] [00169] [00170] [00171] [00172] [00173] [00174] [00175] [00176] [00177] [00178] [00179] [00180] [00181] [00182] [00183] [00184] [00185] [00186] [00187] [00188] [00189] [00190] [00191] [00192] [00193] [00194] [00195] [00196] [00197] [00198] [00199] [00200] [00201] [00202] [00203] [00204] [00205] [00206] [00207] [00208] [00209] [00210] [00211] [00212] [00213] [00214] [00215] [00216] [00217] [00218] [00219] [00220] [00221] [00222] [00223] [00224] [00225] [00226] [00227] [00228] [00229] [00230] [00231] [00232] [00233] [00234] [00235] [00236] [00237] [00238] [00239] [00240] [00241] [00242] [00243] [00244] [00245] [00246] [00247] [00248] [00249] [00250] [00251] [00252] [00253] [00254] [00255] [00256] [00257] [0120] where X.sup. is independently at each occurrence any anion or a portion of any dianion

Charge Balances

[0121] As noted above, the chromium(III) and cobalt(III) salen complexes encompassed by the present invention comprise at least one dianion. In the certain embodiments, both negative charges of the dianion associate with metal atom, leaving it with a net 1 charge. This net charge will need to be balanced by a cation and this may occur in several ways. In certain embodiments described above, there are one or more cationic groups covalently tethered to the salen ligand. In certain embodiments encompassing these examples, the 1 charge on the metal can be balanced by the +1 charge of one of these tethered cations. In other embodiments, the 1 formal charge on the metal atom can be balanced by a cation not covalently bound to the complex, such cations may include any of the multitude known in the art including cationic metals, a proton, onium salts, and the like. Suitable metals include, but are not limited to sodium, lithium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and transition metals. In certain embodiments, the positive charge necessary to balance the 1 charge, may come from a second molecule of a salen complex bearing a +1 charge on the metal. Such complexes may thus comprise one dianionic anion as described above, and two molecules of a cationic metal complex.

[0122] In some embodiments, particularly where there is another metal atom present, or where there are two or more cationic species covalently tethered to the salen ligand, the complex may comprise a number of additional cations or anions as required to provide an overall neutral molecule. For example, where there are two or more cationic species tethered to the ligand, one may serve to offset the 1 charge present on the chromium or cobalt atom associated with the dianion, while the other tethered cations may be associated with other anions. Likewise, as described above, in certain embodiments, there may be an additional metal atom present (to balance the formal 1 charge on the chromium or cobalt atom, for example). In cases where the additional metal has a 2+ (or higher) charge, additional anions may also be present to balance the charge(s) and provide a neutral compound. These other anions may comprise additional equivalents of the dianic species described herein, or they may be other anions unrelated to the dianion on the metal center. Examples of other anions that may be associated under such circumstances include halide, nitrate, tetrafluoroborate, carboxylate, phenolate, azide, and the like.

[0123] It is thus to be understood that while not explicitely shown in every structure or example, it is implied that the complexes described herein will be, in their isolated form, neutral compounds and that any number of additional ions (whether shown or not) may be present to balance charges shown or described in the complexes herein. For example, if a salen ligand is of formula Ia-6 and each (Z).sub.m moiety comprises one quaternary ammonium salt, the net charge of the complex (denoted in the formula) will be 3+, the accounting that leads to this includes the net +1 charge on the metal atom, the 2 charge of the dianion OR.sup.JO, and four +1 charges for the four ammonium salts. There must be anions present to balance these 3 cations, and as described above, these may be provided by additional dianionic groups, or by other anions such as halide, carboxylate and the like. If the +3 charge is balanced by the dianions, it may arise that an excess charge from more than one chromium salen complex is balanced by the same dianionfor example, two chromium(III) or cobalt(III) complexes each having four tethered cations might form a complex with 5 dianions OR.sup.JO, to form a neutral complex.

Catalyst Purification Methods

[0124] In certain embodiments, a salen complex of Formula I having a dianionic counterion has the unexpected advantage of being easily isolated from solution by precipitation (or crystallization). Therefore, in another aspect, the present invention provides useful methods for the purification of cobalt salen or chromium salen complexes. In certain embodiments the methods comprise a step of converting a cobalt or chromium complex having one or more mono-anioic counterions to a corresponding complex having one or more dianionic counterions. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise the additional step of isolating the complex comprising one or more dianionic counterions as a solid. In certain embodiments, the isolating step includes a substep of precipitating the metal complex from a solution. In certain embodiments, the precipitating step includes a substep of adding additional solvents to the solution. In certain embodiments, the precipitating step includes a substep of stripping a portion of the solvent from the solution. In certain embodiments, the precipitating step includes one or more substeps selected from the group consisting of: cooling, heating, or stirring the solution.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the solution from which the complex having one or more dianionic counterions is precipitated comprises one or more alcohols. In certain embodiments, the method comprises the step of precipitating the complex from a suitable alcohol solvent by addition of a suitable ether and/or ester. Suitable alcohol solvents are known to the skilled artisan and include, without limitation, C.sub.1-4 alcohols. In some embodiments, a suitable alcohol is selected from MeOH, EtOH, iPrOH, nPrOH, nBuOH, sec-BuOH, t-BuOH and mixtures of any two or more of these. Suitable ethers are known to the skilled artisan and include, without limitation, diethyl ether, MTBE, THF, methyl cyclopentyl ether, diisopropyl ether, di-n-butyl ether, 1,4-dioxane, higher weight ethers, and mixtures of any two or more of these. Suitable esters are also known to the skilled artisan and include, without limitation, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, ethyl propionate, higher weight esters, and mixtures of any two or more of these.

[0126] In certain embodiments, a salen complex of Formula I with a dianionic counterion is precipitated from a mixture of a suitable alcohol solvent and a suitable alkyl ester solvent in any relative proportion by addition of a suitable ether or more ester solvent. Suitable alcohol solvents are known to the skilled artisan and include, without limitation, C.sub.1-4 alcohols. In some embodiments, a suitable alcohol is selected MeOH, EtOH, iPrOH, nPrOH, nBuOH, sec-BuOH, t-BuOH and mixtures of any two or more of these. Suitable alkyl esters are known to the skilled artisan and include, without limitation, MeOAc, EtOAc, iPrOAc, nPrOAc, nBuOAc, sec-BuOAc, and mixtures of any two or more of these. Suitable ethers are known to the skilled artisan and include, without limitation, ether, MTBE, THF, methyl cyclopentyl ether, diisopropyl ether, di-n-butyl ether, 1,4-dioxane, higher weight ethers, and mixtures of any two or more of these.

[0127] In certain embodiments, a salen complex of Formula I with a dianionic counterion is precipitated from a mixture of a suitable alcohol solvent and toluene in any relative proportion by addition of a suitable ether. Suitable alcohol solvents are known to the skilled artisan and include, without limitation, C.sub.1-4 alcohols. In some embodiments, a suitable alcohol is selected from MeOH, EtOH, iPrOH, nPrOH, nBuOH, and sec-BuOH. Suitable ethers are known to the skilled artisan and include, without limitation, MTBE, THF, methyl cyclopentyl ether, diisopropyl ether, di-n-butyl ether, 1,4-dioxane, and higher weight ethers.

[0128] In certain embodiments of compounds of Formula I, the precipitated metal salen catalyst with a dianionic counterion obtained by filtration is characterized in that it is green in color.

[0129] In certain embodiments of compounds of Formula I, the precipitated salen catalyst with dianionic counterion obtained by filtration has an absorption spectrum in the range of 195-700 nm with four maxima (.sub.max). In some embodiments, ranges for the maxima are 195-205 nm (.sub.max1), 225-245 nm (.sub.max2), 255-270 nm (.sub.max3), and 390-425 nm (.sub.max4).

Polymer Compositions

[0130] One of the advantages of metal complex catalysts for epoxide CO.sub.2 copolymerization (i.e. as opposed to hetergenous zinc-based catalysts or double metal cyanide catalysts) is that they provide polymers with a high percentage of carbonate linkages (i.e. few ether linkages) and narrow molecular weight distributions. However, it is well known in the art while that, even though the resulting polymers have narrow molecular weight distributions, the polymers invariably have a bimodal molecular weight distribution. It is also understood why this is so. The first step in epoxide CO.sub.2 copolymerization with this class of catalysts consists of epoxide ring-opening by the anion associated with the metal atom of the catalytic complex. This anion is commonly referred to as a polymerization initiator. During polymerization the initiator opens an epoxide and is thereby covalently bound to the end of the polymer chain which then grows from the oxygen atom of the ring-opened epoxide, propagation continues in one direction to yield the final polymer chain.

[0131] It is also known that chain transfer agents can be added to epoxide CO.sub.2 copolymerizations and that their presence results in the formation of more than one polymer chain per catalyst molecule with a corresponding decrease in the average molecular weight of the polymer chains formed. Chain transfer agents with more than one nucleophilic site result in polymer chains that propagate in two or more directions and which therefore gain molecular weight at a higher rate than the chains initiated with a monoanion. Since these are living polymerizations and water is can act as a chain transfer agent, the polymers contain a population of chains initiated by water which grow at approximately twice the rate of chains initiated by anions from the catalytic complexes. Without being bound by theory, or thereby limiting the scope of this invention, it is believed the the bimodal characteristics prior art aliphatic polycarbonate polymer compositions are explained by a mechanism such as that shown in Scheme 1 which depicts the copolymerization of propylene oxide and CO.sub.2 by with a prior art catalyst having a mono-anionic initiator (acetate):

##STR00258##

[0132] Since it is impossible to completely exclude water from epoxide CO.sub.2 polymerization mixtures, the prior art aliphatic polycarbonates have had bimodal molecular weight distributions. For representative examples see for example (J. AM. CHEM. SOC. 2007, 129, 8082-8083, and supporting info.; and Macromolecules, 2010, 43 (3), pp 1396-1402 and supporting info) and the GPC traces of prior art polymers shown FIGS. 8a-8c. The GPC traces in FIGS. 8a and 8b show PPC made with a catalyst having multiple dinitrophenolate initiators. The polymers show the bimodality typical of this class of polymer and two molecular weight populations are clearly discernable in each chromatogram. The GPC trace in FIG. 8c shows PCHC (poly (cyclohexane carbonate) made with a similar catalyst. Again, the polymer is exhibits bimodality in its molecular weight distribution.

[0133] During epoxide CO.sub.2 copolymerizations, water is invariably present in the reaction mixtures and it has therefore been impossible to obtain truly unimodal aliphatic polycarbonates using this class of catalyst. This is particularly true for high molecular weight polymers where the catalyst must be provided in a very small molar ratio relative to the epoxide (e.g. 1:10,000 or less) and where even low parts-per-million levels of water in the reaction mixture will lead to a significant population of higher molecular weight chains in the final polymer compositions. It is also known that previous classes of catalysts used for epoxide CO.sub.2 copolymerizations such as those based on zinc carboxylates produce aliphatic polycarbonates having broad molecular weight distributions (i.e. high polydispersity indices PDIs) and/or relatively high proportions of ether linkages.

[0134] Therefore, polymer compositions made with the inventive catalysts described herein are different in key respects from any aliphatic polycarbonate compositions previously described. Without being bound by theory, or thereby limiting the scope of this invention, it is believed the unique monomodal characteristics of the inventive polymer compositions are explained by a mechanism such as that shown in Scheme 2.

##STR00259##

[0135] As shown in Scheme 2, using the inventive catalysts, the two populations of polymer have the same degree of polymerization and therefore essentially identical Mn. This leads to the observed monomodal molecular weight distribution.

[0136] FIGS. 9a and 9b show GPC traces for samples of poly(propylene carbonate) made with a catalyst of the present invention having a carbonate counterion. FIG. 9c shows a similar PPC composition made with an otherwise identical catalyst that had a nitrate initiator. The GPC of the polymer composition from the inventive carbonate catalyst is substantially monomodal, while the polymer composition from the nitrate catalyst shows the bimodal distribution typical of prior art polymer compositions.

[0137] The polymers of the present invention are useful since a bimodal Mn distribution in a polymer composition can be undesirable. For example, it is known that differences in the molecular weight distribution of polymers can affect their processing characteristics and physical properties. Furthermore, since it is impractical to precisely control the water content of reaction mixtures between polymerization batches in a commercial process, it is very difficult to make aliphatic polycarbonate products with consistent molecular weight profiles from batch to batch. This variability is not desirable since the differences in the molecular weight distributions between batches may lead to corresponding inconsistencies in processing characteristics or product performance.

[0138] It should be noted that, because of the way the polydispersity is defined, some prior art polymers with bimodal molecular weight distributions still have very low polydisperisty indices (PDIs). It is understood in the art that low polydispersity does not equate to a mono-modal molecular weight distribution. It is also noted that while it is possible to separate monodisperse polymer fractions using methods such as gel permeation chromatography (GPC), this is only practical for small analytical samples and has no utility at commercial scale. Nonetheless, in certain embodiments, the inventive polymer compositions of the present invention are further characterized in that they have not been fractionated or otherwise treated in a post-polymerization step to substantially change their molecular weight distribution.

[0139] Therefore, in certain embodiments, the present invention provides aliphatic polycarbonate compositions characterized in that they have narrow and monomodal molecular weight distributions.

[0140] In certain embodiments, the narrow molecular weight distribution is such that the PDI of the composition is less than 1.7. In certain embodiments, the PDI of the composition is less than 1.6, less than 1.5, less than 1.4, less than 1.3, less than 1.25, less than 1.2, less than 1.15, or less than 1.1.

[0141] In certain embodiments, the inventive aliphatic polycarbonate compositions of the present invention are characterized in that they conform to the PDI limitations just described and are also characterized in that, when the Mn is measure by GPC, at least 90% of the polymer chains belong to a single molecular weight population. In certain embodiments, aliphatic polycarbonate compositions of the present invention are characterized in that at least 92.5%, at least 95%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 97.5%, at least 98%, at least 98.5%, at least 99%, or at least 99.5% of the polymer chains belong to a single molecular weight population. In certain embodiments, essentially all of the chains belong to a single molecular weight population.

[0142] In certain embodiments, the inventive aliphatic polycarbonate compositions of the present invention are characterized in that they conform to the PDI limitations just described and are also characterized in that, when the Mn is measure by GPC, less than 10% of the polymer belongs to a lower molecular weight population with an Mn of approximately one half of the molecular weight of the predominate molecular weight population. In certain embodiments, less than 8%, less than 7.5%, less than 6%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2% or less than 1% of the polymer belongs to a lower molecular weight population with an Mn of approximately one half of the molecular weight of the predominate molecular weight population.

[0143] In certain embodiments, the inventive aliphatic polycarbonate compositions are further characterized in that they have high molecular weights. In certain embodiments, the aliphatic polycarbonate compositions have an Mn above about 40,000 g/mol. In certain embodiments, the aliphatic polycarbonate compositions have an Mn of at least 50,000 g/mol, at least 75,000 g/mol, at least 100,000 g/mol, at least 125,000 g/mol, at least 150,000 g/mol, at least 175,000 g/mol, at least 200,000 g/mol, or at least at least 250,000 g/mol.

[0144] In certain embodiments, the inventive aliphatic polycarbonate compositions comprise copolymers of CO.sub.2 and one or more epoxides wherein the PDI less than 1.5, less than 1.3, less than 1.2 or less than 1.1 and the Mn is above 50,000 g/mol, above 75,000 g/mol, above 100,000 g/mol, or above 150,000 g/mol; characterized in that a GPC of the composition shows a unimodal molecular weight distribution. In certain embodiments, the unimodal molecular weight distribution is characterized in that more than 95%, more than 98%, or more than 99% of the polymer chains belong to a single molecular weight population. In certain embodiments, the epoxide CO.sub.2 copolymers are further characterized in that at least 95% of the linkages between adjacent enchained epoxides are carbonate linkages. In certain embodiments, such aliphatic polycarbonate compositions are further characterized in that, if there is a minor secondary population of polymer chains belonging to a different molecular weight population present, the polymer chains in the minor population have a lower Mn than the predominate molecular weight population. In certain embodiments, the lower Mn population has an Mn approximately one half the Mn of the predominate molecular weight population.

[0145] In certain embodiments, the inventive aliphatic polycarbonates comprise poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) wherein the PDI less than 1.5, less than 1.3, less than 1.2 or less than 1.1 and the Mn is above 50,000 g/mol, above 75,000 g/mol, above 100,000 g/mol, or above 150,000 g/mol; characterized in that a GPC of the composition shows a unimodal molecular weight distribution. In certain embodiments, the unimodal molecular weight distribution is characterized in that more than 95%, more than 98%, or more than 99% of the polymer chains belong to a single molecular weight population. In certain embodiments, the PPC compositions are further characterized in that at least 95% of the linkages between adjacent enchained propylene oxide units are carbonate linkages. In certain embodiments, such PPC compositions are further characterized in that, if there is a minor secondary population of polymer chains belonging to a different molecular weight population present, the polymer chains in the minor population have a lower Mn than the predominate molecular weight population. In certain embodiments, the lower Mn population has an Mn approximately one half the Mn of the predominate molecular weight population.

[0146] In certain embodiments, the inventive aliphatic polycarbonates comprise poly(ethylene carbonate) (PEC) wherein the PDI is less than 1.5, less than 1.3, less than 1.2 or less than 1.1 and the Mn is above 50,000 g/mol, above 75,000 g/mol, above 100,000 g/mol, or above 150,000 g/mol; characterized in that a GPC of the composition shows a unimodal molecular weight distribution. In certain embodiments, the unimodal molecular weight distribution is characterized in that more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 98%, or more than 99% of the polymer chains belong to a single molecular weight population. In certain embodiments, the PEC compositions are further characterized in that at least 95% of the linkages between adjacent enchained propylene oxide units are carbonate linkages. In certain embodiments, such PEC compositions are further characterized in that, if there is a minor secondary population of polymer chains belonging to a different molecular weight population, the polymer chains in the minor population have a lower Mn than the predominate molecular weight population. In certain embodiments, the lower Mn population has an Mn approximately one half the Mn of the predominate molecular weight population.

[0147] In certain embodiments, the inventive aliphatic polycarbonates comprise poly(butylene carbonate) (PBC) wherein the PDI less than 1.5, less than 1.3, less than 1.2 or less than 1.1 and the Mn is above 50,000 g/mol, above 75,000 g/mol, above 100,000 g/mol, or above 150,000 g/mol; characterized in that a GPC of the composition shows a unimodal molecular weight distribution. In certain embodiments, the unimodal molecular weight distribution is characterized in that more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 98%, or more than 99% of the polymer chains belong to a single molecular weight population. In certain embodiments, such PBC compositions are further characterized in that, if there is a minor secondary population of polymer chains belonging to a different molecular weight population, the polymer chains in the minor population have a lower Mn than the predominate molecular weight population. In certain embodiments, the lower Mn population has an Mn approximately one half the Mn of the predominate molecular weight population.

[0148] Certain catalysts of the present invention provide novel polymer products that have narrow and unimodal molecular weight distributions. For example, when a catalyst with only dianionic counterions as described above is used for epoxide CO.sub.2 copolymerization, the polymer compositions arising from the copolymerization of CO.sub.2 and epoxides using the catalyst exhibit only one peak in the GPC. Therefore, in another aspect, the present invention comprises a method for the synthesis of aliphatic polycarbonates having narrow and monomodal molecular weight distributions. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise the step of contacting a mixture of one or more epoxides and CO.sub.2 with any of the metal complexes described hereinabove characterized in that they comprise dianionic counterions.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Preparation of Compound N, a Cobalt(III)Salen Complex with an Oxalate Counterion

[0149] ##STR00260##

[0150] A sample of the nitrate complex M (1 g, 1.2 mmol) was dissolved in isopropanol (7 mL) and isopropyl acetate (7 mL). A solution of sodium oxalate (7.4 g, 55 mmol) in water (80 mL) was prepared. The solution of nitrate complex M was washed with the aqueous oxalate solution (210 mL) and then water (210 mL). The organic solution was stripped to a minimal volume and diluted with isopropyl ether. The green precipitate that formed was collected by filtration to provide oxalate complex N (0.67 g, 68%) as a mixture of two isomers observed by NMR in approximately a 10:1 ratio in d.sub.6-DMSO. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, d.sub.6-DMSO): 1.0-1.25 (m, 27H), 1.25-2.40 (m, 14H), 2.7-3.2 (m, 13H), 3.94 (t, J=11 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 0.1H), 6.95 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 0.9H), 7.08 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 0.9H), 7.12 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 0.9H), 7.14 (t, J=2.5 Hz, 0.2H), 7.19 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (s, 0.9H), 7.47 (s, 0.1H), 7.74 (broad s, 1H), 7.90 (s, 0.1H), 7.91 (s, 0.9H). The UV-vis absorption spectrum of this compound shows absorption maxima centered at 200, 232, 263, and 406 nm.

Example 2: Preparation of Compound O, a Cobalt(III)Salen Complex with a Malonate Counterion

[0151] ##STR00261##

[0152] A sample of the nitrate complex M (1 g, 1.2 mmol) was dissolved in isopropanol (7 mL) and isopropyl acetate (7 mL). A solution of sodium malonate (8.15 g, 55 mmol) in water (50 mL) was prepared. The solution of nitrate complex M was washed with the aqueous oxalate solution (210 mL) and then water (210 mL). The organic solution was stripped to dryness and the resulting solid was re-dissolved in a minimal volume of isopropanol and methanol. Isopropyl ether was added and the green precipitate that formed was collected by filtration to provide malonate complex O (0.57 g, 57%) as a mixture of two isomers observed by NMR in approximately a 6:1 ratio in d.sub.6-DMSO. .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, d.sub.6-DMSO): 1.17-1.40 (m, 27H), 1.40-2.05 (m, 14H), 2.8-3.6 (m, 15H), 4.48 (t, J=10 Hz, 1H), 6.84 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 0.15H), 6.90 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 0.85H), 7.09-7.22 (m, 3H), 7.33 (s, 0.85H), 7.38 (s, 0.15H), 7.68 (broad s, 1H), 7.72 (s, 0.15H), 7.74 (s, 0.85H). The UV-vis absorption spectrum of this compound shows absorption maxima centered at 199, 235, 264, and 402 nm.

Example 3: Preparation of Compound Q, a Cobalt(III)Salen Complex with a Carbonate Counterion

[0153] ##STR00262##

[0154] A toluene and isopropyl alcohol solution (30 mL each) of the salen cobalt(III) complex M (10.3 mmol, XOAc, Cl, Br) was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate (150 mL, 125 mL). The dark solution was then stripped (27 mL solvent) and polish filtered; approximately 20 mL isopropanol was used in the transfer and washing of the filter cake. Another 40 mL of solvent was stripped and the concentrated solution was diluted with isopropyl acetate (60 mL). A green precipitate formed and was collected by filtration. After oven drying at 40 C. (100 mBar) overnight, the salen cobalt(III) carbonate complex was obtained as a green powder in 69% yield (5.75 g). Proton NMR shows a mixture of two isomers in approximately a 2:1 ratio in d.sub.6-DMSO. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, d.sub.6-DMSO): 1.16-1.33 (m, 27H), 1.34-2.43 (m, 14H), 2.56-3.3 (m, 13H), 3.74 (m, 1H), 6.87 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 0.35H), 6.94 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 0.65H), 7.03-7.20 (m, 3H), 7.42 (s, 0.65H), 7.46 (s, 0.35H), 7.78 (broad s, 1H), 7.96 (s, 0.35H), 7.98 (s, 0.65H). The UV-vis absorption spectrum of this compound shows absorption maxima centered at 199, 238, 263, and 410 nm.

Example 4: Preparation of Compound R, a Cobalt(III)Salen Complex with a Carbonate Counterion

[0155] ##STR00263##

[0156] A propanol and butyl acetate solution (50 mL each) of the salen cobalt(III) complex L (17.2 mmol, XOAc, Cl, Br) was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate (1100 mL, 150 mL). The dark solution was then stripped (70 mL solvent). Approximately 10 mL isopropanol was added along with more butyl acetate (50 mL). The dark solution was stripped further and then diluted with MTBE (120 mL). The resulting suspension was cooled to ca. 10 C. and the product R was collected by filtration. The filter cake was washed with MTBE (275 mL) and then dried overnight in a vacuum oven at 30 C. (100 mBar). The salen cobalt(III) carbonate complex R was obtained as a green powder in 68% yield (9.4 g) after correcting for volatiles. Proton NMR shows a mixture of two isomers in approximately a 2:1 ratio. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, d.sub.6-DMSO): 1.16-1.37 (m, 27H), 1.37-1.95 (m, 12H), 2.20-2.42 (m, 2H), 2.56 (s, 1H), 2.59 (s, 2H), 2.77-3.36 (m, 13H), 3.79 (m, 1H), 6.89 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 0.35H), 6.95 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 0.65H), 7.05-7.15 (m, 3H), 7.36 (s, 0.65H), 7.44 (s, 0.35H), 8.03 (s, 0.35H), 8.04 (s, 0.65H). NOV-067-235. R (Gen2b CO3): The UV-vis absorption spectrum of this compound shows absorption maxima centered at 199, 235, 265, and 416 nm.

Example 5: Preparation of Compound T, a Chromium(III) Salen Complex with an Oxalate Counterion

[0157] ##STR00264##

[0158] A sample of the nitrate complex S (1.2 mmol) is dissolved in isopropanol (7 mL) and isopropyl acetate (7 mL). A solution of sodium oxalate (7.4 g, 55 mmol) in water (80 mL) is prepared. The solution of nitrate complex S is washed with the aqueous oxalate solution (210 mL) and then water (210 mL). The organic solution is stripped to a minimal volume and diluted with isopropyl ether. The precipitate formed is collected by filtration to provide oxalate complex T as a green solid.

Example 6: Preparation of Compound U, a Chromium(III)Salen Complex with a Malonate Counterion

[0159] ##STR00265##

[0160] A sample of the nitrate complex S (1.2 mmol) is dissolved in isopropanol (7 mL) and isopropyl acetate (7 mL). A solution of sodium malonate (8.15 g, 55 mmol) in water (50 mL) is prepared. The solution of nitrate complex S is washed with the aqueous oxalate solution (210 mL) and then water (210 mL). The organic solution is stripped to dryness and the resulting solid is re-dissolved in a minimal volume of isopropanol and methanol. Isopropyl ether is added and the precipitate formed is collected by filtration to provide malonate complex U.

Example 7: Preparation of Compound Q, a Chromium(III)Salen Complex with a Carbonate Counterion

[0161] ##STR00266##

[0162] A toluene and isopropyl alcohol solution (30 mL each) of the salen chromium(III) complex S (10.3 mmol, XOAc, Cl, Br) is washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate (150 mL, 125 mL). The dark solution is then stripped and polish filtered; isopropanol is used in the transfer and washing of the filter cake. Another 40 mL of solvent is stripped and the concentrated solution is diluted with isopropyl acetate (60 mL). A precipitate forms and is collected by filtration. After oven drying at 40 C. (100 mBar) overnight, the salen chromium(III) carbonate complex V is obtained.

Example 8: Preparation of Compound Y, a Chromium(III)Salen Complex with a Carbonate Counterion

[0163] ##STR00267##

[0164] A propanol and butyl acetate solution (50 mL each) of the salen chromium(III) complex W (17.2 mmol, XOAc, Cl, Br) is washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate (1100 mL, 150 mL). The solution is then stripped (70 mL solvent). Approximately 10 mL isopropanol is added along with more butyl acetate (50 mL). The solution is stripped further and then diluted with MTBE (120 mL). The resulting suspension is cooled to ca. 10 C. and the product Y is collected by filtration. The filter cake is washed with MTBE (275 mL) and then dried overnight in a vacuum oven at 30 C. (100 mBar). The salen chromium(III) carbonate complex Y is obtained as a powder.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0165] The foregoing has been a description of certain non-limiting embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.

APPENDIX A

[0166] This appendix describes in more detail the compositions and connectivity of the tethered activating groups mentioned above.

[0167] In some embodiments, the moiety (Z).sub.m in compounds described hereinabove, (also referred to as an activating functional group) is selected from those described below in this appendix. In certain embodiments, an activating functional group is selected from the group consisting of neutral nitrogen-containing functional groups, cationic moieties, phosphorous-containing functional groups, and combinations of two or more of these.

A.1. Tether Moieties

[0168] In certain embodiments, each activating moiety (Z).sub.m comprises a tether coupled to at least one activating functional group Z as described above, with m denoting the number of activating functional groups present on a single Z-linker moiety.

[0169] In some embodiments, there is one or more activating moieties (Z).sub.m tethered to a given metal complex; similarly, each activating moiety itself may contain more than one activating functional group Z. In certain embodiments, each activating moiety contains only one activating functional group (i.e. m=1). In some embodiments, each activating moiety contains more than one activating functional groups (i.e. m>1). In certain embodiments, an activating moiety contains two activating functional groups (i.e. m=2). In certain embodiments, an activating moiety contains three activating functional groups (i.e. m=3). In certain embodiments, an activating moiety contains four activating functional groups (i.e. m=4). In certain embodiments where more than one activating functional group is present on an activating moiety, the activating functional groups are the same. In some embodiments where more than one activating functional group is present on an activating moiety, two or more of the activating functional groups are different.

[0170] In certain embodiments, each tether (or Z-linker) moiety contains 1-30 atoms including at least one carbon atom, and optionally one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, Si, B, and P.

[0171] In certain embodiments, a Z-linker is a bivalent, optionally substituted C.sub.2-30 aliphatic group wherein one or more carbons are optionally and independently replaced by Cy, NR, N(R)C(O), C(O)N(R), O, C(O), OC(O), C(O)O, S, SO, SO.sub.2, C(S), C(NR), or NN, wherein: [0172] each Cy is independently an optionally substituted 5- to 8-membered bivalent, saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or an optionally substituted 8-10 membered bivalent saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl bicyclic ring having 0-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; and [0173] R is as defined above.

[0174] In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety is a C.sub.4-C.sub.12 aliphatic group substituted with one or more moieties selected from the group consisting of halogen, NO.sub.2, CN, SR, S(O)R, S(O).sub.2R, NRC(O)R, OC(O)R, CO.sub.2R, NCO, N.sub.3, OR.sup.4, OC(O)N(R).sub.2, N(R).sub.2, NRC(O)R, and NRC(O)OR, where each R and R.sup.4 is independently as defined herein and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0175] In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety is an optionally substituted C.sub.3-C.sub.30 aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker is an optionally substituted C.sub.4-24 aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety is an optionally substituted C.sub.4-C.sub.20 aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety is an optionally substituted C.sub.4-C.sub.12 aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker is an optionally substituted C.sub.4-10 aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker is an optionally substituted C.sub.4-8 aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety is an optionally substituted C.sub.4-C.sub.6 aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety is an optionally substituted C.sub.6-C.sub.12 aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety is an optionally substituted C.sub.8 aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety is an optionally substituted C.sub.7 aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety is an optionally substituted C.sub.6 aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety is an optionally substituted C.sub.5 aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety is an optionally substituted C.sub.4 aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety is an optionally substituted C.sub.3 aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, a aliphatic group in the Z-linker moiety is an optionally substituted straight alkyl chain. In certain embodiments, the aliphatic group is an optionally substituted branched alkyl chain. In some embodiments, a Z-linker moiety is a C.sub.4 to C.sub.20 alkyl group having one or more methylene groups replaced by C(R.sup.o).sub.2 wherein R.sup.o is as defined above. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety consists of a bivalent aliphatic group having 4 to 30 carbons including one or more C.sub.1-4 alkyl substituted carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety consists of a bivalent aliphatic group having 4 to 30 carbons including one or more gem-dimethyl substituted carbon atoms.

[0176] In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety includes one or more optionally substituted cyclic groups selected from the group consisting of saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic, aryl, heterocyclic, or heteroaryl. In certain embodiments, a Z-linker moiety consists of a substituted cyclic group. In some embodiments a cyclic group is part of a Z-linker, wherein one or more non-ring heteroatoms or optionally substituted aliphatic groups comprise other parts of the Z-linker moiety.

[0177] In some embodiments, a Z-linker moiety is of sufficient length to allow one or more activating functional groups to be positioned near a metal atom of a metal complex. In certain embodiments, structural constraints are built into a Z-linker moiety to control the disposition and orientation of one or more activating functional groups near a metal center of a metal complex. In certain embodiments, such structural constraints are selected from the group consisting of cyclic moieties, bicyclic moieties, bridged cyclic moieties and tricyclic moieties. In some embodiments, such structural constraints are the result of acyclic steric interactions. In certain embodiments, steric interactions due to syn-pentane, gauche-butane, and/or allylic strain in a Z-linker moiety, bring about structural constraints that affect the orientation of a Z-linker and one or more activating groups. In certain embodiments, structural constraints are selected from the group consisting of cis double bonds, trans double bonds, cis allenes, trans allenes, and triple bonds. In some embodiments, structural constraints are selected from the group consisting of substituted carbons including geminally disubstituted groups such as sprirocyclic rings, gem dimethyl groups, gem diethyl groups and gem diphenyl groups. In certain embodiments, structural constraints are selected from the group consisting of heteratom-containing functional groups such as sulfoxides, amides, and oximes.

[0178] In certain embodiments, Z-linker moieties are selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00268## ##STR00269## [0179] wherein each s is independently 0-6, t is 0-4, R.sup.y as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein, * represents the site of attachment to a ligand, and each # represents a site of attachment of an activating functional group.

[0180] In some embodiments, s is 0. In some embodiments, s is 1. In some embodiments, s is 2. In some embodiments, s is 3. In some embodiments, s is 4. In some embodiments, s is 5. In some embodiments, s is 6.

[0181] In some embodiments, t is 1. In some embodiments, t is 2. In some embodiments, t is 3. In some embodiments, t is 4.

A.2. Neutral Nitrogen-Containing Activating Groups

[0182] In some embodiments, one or more tethered activating functional groups (i.e., Z) on provided metal complexes are neutral nitrogen-containing moieties. In certain embodiments, one or more Z group is independently a neutral functional group selected from the group consisting of amines, phosphines, guanidines, bis-guanidines, amidines, and nitrogen-containing heterocycles.

[0183] In some embodiments, such Z moieties are selected from one or more of the structures in Table Z-1:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE Z-1 [00270] [00271] [00272] [00273] [00274] [00275] [00276] [00277] [00278] [00279] [00280] [00281] [00282] [00283] [00284] [00285] [00286] or a combination of two or more of these,

[0184] wherein: [0185] each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; or an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring; wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted rings optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms; [0186] each R.sup.3 is independently hydrogen or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; or an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring; wherein an R.sup.3 group can be taken with an R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 group to form one or more optionally substituted rings; and [0187] each R.sup.4 is independently hydrogen, a hydroxyl protecting group, or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 acyl; C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; or an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring.

[0188] In certain embodiments, each R.sup.1 group is the same. In other embodiments, R.sup.1 groups are different. In certain embodiments, R.sup.1 is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic, 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl, phenyl, 8- to 10-membered aryl and 3- to 7-membered heterocyclic. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; or an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring.

[0189] In certain embodiments, R.sup.1 is an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-12 aliphatic and C.sub.1-12 heteroaliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-20 aliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-12 aliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-6 aliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-12 heteroaliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is optionally substituted phenyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is optionally substituted 8- to 10-membered aryl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is an optionally substituted 5- to 6-membered heteroaryl group. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is an optionally substituted 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl group. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is optionally substituted 3- to 8-membered heterocyclic.

[0190] In certain embodiments, each R.sup.1 is independently hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, optionally substituted phenyl, or optionally substituted benzyl. In certain embodiments, R.sup.1 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, phenyl or benzyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is butyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is isopropyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is neopentyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is perfluoro. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is CF.sub.2CF.sub.3. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is phenyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is benzyl.

[0191] In certain embodiments, each R.sup.2 group is the same. In other embodiments, R.sup.2 groups are different. In certain embodiments, R.sup.2 is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic, 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl, phenyl, 8- to 10-membered aryl and 3- to 7-membered heterocyclic. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; or an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring.

[0192] In certain embodiments, R.sup.2 is an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-12 aliphatic and C.sub.1-12 heteroaliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-20 aliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-12 aliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-6 aliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-12 heteroaliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is optionally substituted phenyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is optionally substituted 8- to 10-membered aryl. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is an optionally substituted 5- to 6-membered heteroaryl group. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is an optionally substituted 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl group. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is optionally substituted 3- to 8-membered heterocyclic.

[0193] In certain embodiments, each R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, optionally substituted phenyl, or optionally substituted benzyl. In certain embodiments, R.sup.2 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, phenyl or benzyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is butyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is isopropyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is neopentyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is perfluoro. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is CF.sub.2CF.sub.3. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is phenyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is benzyl.

[0194] In certain embodiments, each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are hydrogen. In some embodiments, each R.sup.1 is hydrogen each and each R.sup.2 is other than hydrogen. In some embodiments, each R.sup.2 is hydrogen each and each R.sup.1 is other than hydrogen.

[0195] In certain embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are both methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, phenyl or benzyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each butyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each isopropyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each perfluoro. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are CF.sub.2CF.sub.3. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each phenyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each benzyl.

[0196] In some embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted carbocyclic, heterocyclic, aryl, or heteroaryl rings. In certain embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are taken together to form a ring fragment selected from the group consisting of: C(R.sup.y).sub.2, C(R.sup.y).sub.2C(R.sup.y).sub.2, C(R.sup.y).sub.2C(R.sup.y).sub.2C(R.sup.y).sub.2, C(R.sup.y).sub.2OC(R.sup.y).sub.2, and C(R.sup.y).sub.2NR.sup.yC(R.sup.y).sub.2, wherein R.sup.y is as defined above. In certain embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are taken together to form a ring fragment selected from the group consisting of: CH.sub.2, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2, and CH.sub.2NR.sup.yCH.sub.2. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are taken together to form an unsaturated linker moiety optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms. In some embodiments, the resulting nitrogen-containing ring is partially unsaturated. In certain embodiments, the resulting nitrogen-containing ring comprises a fused polycyclic heterocycle.

[0197] In certain embodiments, R.sup.3 is H. In certain embodiments, R.sup.3 is optionally C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic, 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl, phenyl, 8- to 10-membered aryl or 3- to 7-membered heterocyclic. In some embodiments, R.sup.3 is an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; or an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring. In certain embodiments, R.sup.3 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-12 aliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.3 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-6 aliphatic. In certain embodiments, R.sup.3 is optionally substituted phenyl.

[0198] In certain embodiments, R.sup.3 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, phenyl or benzyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.3 is butyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.3 is isopropyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.3 is perfluoro. In some embodiments, R.sup.3 is CF.sub.2CF.sub.3.

[0199] In some embodiments, one or more R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 groups are taken together with R.sup.3 and intervening atoms to form an optionally substituted heterocyclic or heteroaryl ring. In certain embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 are taken together to form an optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered ring. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are taken together to form an optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered ring optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms. In some embodiments, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are taken together to form an optionally substituted fused ring system. In some embodiments, such rings formed by combinations of any of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are partially unsaturated or aromatic.

[0200] In certain embodiments, R.sup.4 is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R.sup.4 is an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-12 aliphatic, phenyl, 8- to 10-membered aryl, and 3- to 8-membered heterocyclic. In certain embodiments, R.sup.4 is a C.sub.1-12 aliphatic. In certain embodiments, R.sup.4 is a C.sub.1-6 aliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.4 is an optionally substituted 8- to 10-membered aryl group. In certain embodiments, R.sup.4 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-12 acyl or in some embodiments, optionally substituted C.sub.1-6 acyl. In certain embodiments, R.sup.4 is optionally substituted phenyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.4 is a hydroxyl protecting group. In some embodiments, R.sup.4 is a silyl protecting group. In some embodiments, R.sup.4 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, allyl, phenyl or benzyl.

[0201] In certain embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 are taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted heterocyclic or heteroaryl rings optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms.

[0202] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is an N-linked amino group:

##STR00287##

wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0203] In some embodiments, an N-linked amino activating functional group is selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00288## ##STR00289##

[0204] In some embodiments, one or more activating functional groups is an N-linked hydroxyl amine derivative:

##STR00290##

wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 are as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0205] In certain embodiments, one or more N-linked hydroxyl amine activating functional groups are selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00291##

[0206] In some embodiments, an activating functional group in a provided metal complex is an amidine. In certain embodiments, such amidine activating functional groups are selected from

##STR00292##

[0207] wherein each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 is as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0208] In certain embodiments, an activating functional group is an N-linked amidine:

##STR00293##

wherein each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 is as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein. In certain embodiments, such N-linked amidine groups are selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00294##

[0209] In certain embodiments, activating functional groups are amidine moieties linked through the imine nitrogen:

##STR00295##

wherein each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 is as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein. In certain embodiments, such imine-linked amidine activating functional groups are selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00296##

[0210] In certain embodiments, activating functional groups are amidine moieties linked through a carbon atom:

##STR00297##

wherein each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 is as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein. In certain embodiments, such carbon-linked amidine activating groups are selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00298##

[0211] In some embodiments, one or more activating functional groups is a carbamate. In certain embodiments, a carbamate is N-linked:

##STR00299##

wherein each of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein. In some embodiments, a carbamate is O-linked:

##STR00300##

wherein each of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0212] In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of: methyl, t-butyl, t-amyl, benzyl, adamantyl, allyl, 4-methoxycarbonylphenyl, 2-(methylsulfonyl)ethyl, 2-(4-biphenylyl)-prop-2-yl, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl, 2-bromoethyl, and 9-fluorenylmethyl.

[0213] In some embodiments, at least one activating functional group is a guanidine or bis-guanidine group:

##STR00301##

[0214] wherein each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0215] In some embodiments, each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen or optionally substituted C.sub.1-20 aliphatic. In some embodiments, each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen or optionally substituted C.sub.1-10 aliphatic. In some embodiments, any two or more R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 groups are taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted carbocyclic, heterocyclic, aryl, or heteroaryl rings. In certain embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 groups are taken together to form an optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered ring. In some embodiments, three or more R.sup.1 and/or R.sup.2 groups are taken together to form an optionally substituted fused ring system.

[0216] In certain embodiments, where an activating functional group is a guanidine or bis guanidine moiety, it is selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00302## ##STR00303##

[0217] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is a urea:

##STR00304##

wherein each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0218] In certain embodiments, activating functional groups are oxime or hydrazone groups:

##STR00305##

wherein each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 is as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0219] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is an N-oxide derivative:

##STR00306##

wherein each of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0220] In certain embodiments, an N-oxide activating functional group is selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00307## ##STR00308##

A.3. Cationic Activating Groups

[0221] In some embodiments, one or more tethered activating functional groups on provided metal complexes comprise a cationic moiety. In certain embodiments, one or more Z groups is independently a cationic functional group selected from the group consisting of quaternary amines, guanidines, bis-guanidines, amidines, and nitrogen-containing heterocycles.

[0222] In some embodiments, Z moieties are selected from one or more of the selected from a structure in Table Z-2:

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE Z2 [00309] [00310] [00311] [00312] [00313] [00314] [00315] [00316] [00317] [00318] [00319] [00320] [00321] [00322] [00323] [00324] [00325] [00326] [00327] [00328] [00329] [00330] [00331] [00332] [00333] [00334] [00335] [00336] [00337] [00338] [00339] or a combination of two or more of these,

[0223] wherein: [0224] each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein, both singly and in combination; [0225] R.sup.5 is R.sup.2 or hydroxyl; wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.5 can be taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted carbocyclic, heterocyclic, aryl, or heteroaryl rings; [0226] each R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 is independently hydrogen or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; or an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring; wherein R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 can be taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted rings optionally containing one or more heteroatoms, and an R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 group can be taken with an R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 group to form one or more optionally substituted rings; [0227] each occurrence of R.sup.8 is independently selected from the group consisting of: halogen, NO.sub.2, CN, SR.sup.y, S(O)R.sup.y, S(O).sub.2R.sup.y, NR.sup.yC(O)R.sup.y, OC(O)R.sup.y, CO.sub.2R.sup.y, NCO, N.sub.3, OR.sup.7, OC(O)N(R.sup.y).sub.2, N(R.sup.y).sub.2, NR.sup.yC(O)R.sup.y, NR.sup.yC(O)OR.sup.y; or an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic carbocycle; a 7- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic carbocycle; a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; a 6- to 14-membered saturated or partially unsaturated polycyclic heterocycle having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; phenyl; or an 8- to 14-membered polycyclic aryl ring; wherein each R.sup.y is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein, and where two or more adjacent R.sup.8 groups can be taken together to form an optionally substituted saturated, partially unsaturated, or aromatic 5- to 12-membered ring containing 0 to 4 heteroatoms; [0228] Ring A is an optionally substituted, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl group; and [0229] Ring B is an optionally substituted, 3- to 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 0-2 heteroatoms in addition to the depicted ring nitrogen atom independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

[0230] In certain embodiments, a cationic activating functional group is a protonated amine:

##STR00340##

where each of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0231] In specific embodiments, a protonated amine activating functional group is selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00341## ##STR00342##

[0232] In certain embodiments, an activating functional group is a guanidinium group:

##STR00343##

wherein each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein. In some embodiments, each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen or optionally substituted C.sub.1-20 aliphatic. In some embodiments, each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen or optionally substituted C.sub.1-10 aliphatic. In some embodiments, each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen or C.sub.1-12 aliphatic. In some embodiments, each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen or C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic. In some embodiments, each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen or phenyl. In some embodiments, each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen or 8- to 10-membered aryl. In some embodiments, each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl. In some embodiments, each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen or 3- to 7-membered heterocyclic. In some embodiments, one or more of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-12 aliphatic.

[0233] In some embodiments, any two or more R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 groups are taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more optionally substituted carbocyclic, heterocyclic, aryl, or heteroaryl rings. In certain embodiments, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 groups are taken together to form an optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered ring. In some embodiments, three or more R.sup.1 and/or R.sup.2 groups are taken together to form an optionally substituted fused ring system.

[0234] In certain embodiments, a R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 group are taken together with intervening atoms to form a compound selected from:

##STR00344##

wherein each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein, and Ring G is an optionally substituted 5- to 7-membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring.

[0235] It will be appreciated that when a guanidinium cation is depicted as

##STR00345##

all such resonance forms are contemplated and encompassed by the present disclosure. For example, such groups can also be depicted as

##STR00346##

[0236] In specific embodiments, a guanidinium activating functional group is selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00347##

[0237] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is a sulfonium group or an arsonium group:

##STR00348##

wherein each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0238] In specific embodiments, an arsonium activating functional group is selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00349##

[0239] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is an optionally substituted nitrogen-containing heterocycle. In certain embodiments, the nitrogen-containing heterocycle is an aromatic heterocycle. In certain embodiments, the optionally substituted nitrogen-containing heterocycle is selected from the group consisting of: pyridine, imidazole, pyrrolidine, pyrazole, quinoline, thiazole, dithiazole, oxazole, triazole, pyrazolem, isoxazole, isothiazole, tetrazole, pyrazine, thiazine, and triazine.

[0240] In some embodiments, a nitrogen-containing heterocycle includes a quaternarized nitrogen atom. In certain embodiments, a nitrogen-containing heterocycle includes an iminium moiety such as

##STR00350##

In certain embodiments, the optionally substituted nitrogen-containing heterocycle is selected from the group consisting of pyridinium, imidazolium, pyrrolidinium, pyrazolium, quinolinium, thiazolium, dithiazolium, oxazolium, triazolium, isoxazolium, isothiazolium, tetrazolium, pyrazinium, thiazinium, and triazinium.

[0241] In certain embodiments, a nitrogen-containing heterocycle is linked to a metal complex via a ring nitrogen atom. In some embodiments, a ring nitrogen to which the attachment is made is thereby quaternized, and in some embodiments, linkage to a metal complex takes the place of an NH bond and the nitrogen atom thereby remains neutral. In certain embodiments, an optionally substituted N-linked nitrogen-containing heterocycle is a pyridinium derivative. In certain embodiments, optionally substituted N-linked nitrogen-containing heterocycle is an imidazolium derivative. In certain embodiments, optionally substituted N-linked nitrogen-containing heterocycle is a thiazolium derivative. In certain embodiments, optionally substituted N-linked nitrogen-containing heterocycle is a pyridinium derivative.

[0242] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is

##STR00351##

In certain embodiments, ring A is an optionally substituted, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl group. In some embodiments, Ring A is an optionally substituted, 6-membered heteroaryl group. In some embodiments, Ring A is a ring of a fused heterocycle. In some embodiments, Ring A is an optionally substituted pyridyl group.

[0243] In some embodiments, when Z is

##STR00352##

ring A is other than an imidazole, an oxazole, or a thiazole.

[0244] In specific embodiments, a nitrogen-containing heterocycle activating functional group is selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00353## ##STR00354##

[0245] In certain embodiments, Ring A is a 5-membered saturated or partially unsaturated monocyclic heterocyclic ring. In certain embodiments, Ring A is a 6-membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocycle. In certain embodiments, Ring A is a 7-membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocycle. In certain embodiments, Ring A is tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidonyl, piperidinyl, pyrrolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, oxazolidinyl, piperazinyl, dioxanyl, dioxolanyl, diazepinyl, oxazepinyl, thiazepinyl, morpholinyl, and quinuclidinyl. In some embodiments, Ring A is piperidinyl.

[0246] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is

##STR00355##

where each R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0247] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is

##STR00356##

wherein each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0248] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is

##STR00357##

wherein each R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0249] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is

##STR00358##

wherein each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.6, and R.sup.7 is as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0250] In certain embodiments, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are each independently an optionally substituted group selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 aliphatic; C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic; phenyl, and 8-10-membered aryl. In some embodiments, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are each independently an optionally substituted C.sub.1-20 aliphatic. In some embodiments, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are each independently an optionally substituted C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic having. In some embodiments, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are each independently an optionally substituted phenyl or 8-10-membered aryl. In some embodiments, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are each independently an optionally substituted 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl. In some embodiments, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 can be taken together with intervening atoms to form one or more rings selected from the group consisting of: optionally substituted C.sub.3-C.sub.14 carbocycle, optionally substituted C.sub.3-C.sub.14 heterocycle, optionally substituted C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryl, and optionally substituted 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl. In some embodiments, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are each independently an optionally substituted C.sub.1-6 aliphatic. In some embodiments, each occurrence of R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 is independently methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, or benzyl. In some embodiments, each occurrence of R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 is independently perfluoro. In some embodiments, each occurrence of R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 is independently CF.sub.2CF.sub.3.

[0251] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is

##STR00359##

wherein each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein, both singly and in combination.

[0252] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is

##STR00360##

wherein each R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0253] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is

##STR00361##

wherein each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0254] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is

##STR00362##

wherein each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0255] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is

##STR00363##

wherein each R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

[0256] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is

##STR00364##

wherein each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein.

A.4. Phosphorus-Containing Activating Groups

[0257] In some embodiments, activating functional groups Z are phosphorous containing groups.

[0258] In certain embodiments, a phosphorous-containing functional group is chosen from the group consisting of: phosphines (PR.sup.y.sub.2); Phosphine oxides P(O)R.sup.y.sub.2; phosphinites P(OR.sup.4)R.sup.y.sub.2; phosphonites P(OR.sup.4).sub.2R.sup.y; phosphites P(OR.sup.4).sub.3; phosphinates OP(OR.sup.4)R.sup.y.sub.2; phosphonates; OP(OR.sup.4).sub.2R.sup.y; phosphates OP(OR.sup.4).sub.3; phosponium salts ([PR.sup.y.sub.3].sup.+) where a phosphorous-containing functional group may be linked to a metal complex through any available position (e.g. direct linkage via the phosphorous atom, or in some cases via an oxygen atom).

[0259] In certain embodiments, a phosphorous-containing functional group is chosen from the group consisting of:

##STR00365##

or a combination of two or more of these [0260] wherein each R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.4 is as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein, both singly and in combination; and where two R.sup.4 groups can be taken together with intervening atoms to form an optionally substituted ring optionally containing one or more heteroatoms, or an R.sup.4 group can be taken with an R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 group to an optionally substituted carbocyclic, heterocyclic, heteroaryl, or aryl ring.

[0261] In some embodiments, phosphorous containing functional groups include those disclosed in The Chemistry of Organophosphorus Compounds. Volume 4. Ter- and Quinquevalent Phosphorus Acids and their Derivatives. The Chemistry of Functional Group Series Edited by Frank R. Hartley (Cranfield University, Cranfield, U.K.). Wiley: New York. 1996. ISBN 0-471-95706-2, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0262] In certain embodiments, phosphorous containing functional groups have the formula:

(V).sub.b[(R.sup.9R.sup.10R.sup.11P).sup.+].sub.n,W.sup.n-,wherein:

V is O, N, or NR.SUP.z.,

[0263] b is 1 or 0, [0264] each of R.sup.9, R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 are independently present or absent and, if present, are independently selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.20 aliphatic, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8-C.sub.14 aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 14-membered heterocyclic, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl, halogen, O, OR.sup.z, NR.sup.z, and N(R.sup.z).sub.2 where R.sup.z is hydrogen, or an optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.20 aliphatic, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted 8- to 14-membered aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 14-membered heterocyclic, or optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl,
W is any anion, and
n is from 1 to 4, inclusive.

[0265] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is a phosphonate group:

##STR00366##

wherein each R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.4 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein, both singly and in combination.

[0266] In specific embodiments, a phosphonate activating functional group is selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00367##

[0267] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is a phosphonic diamide group:

##STR00368##

wherein each R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.4 is independently as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein. In certain embodiments, each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 group in a phosphonic diamide is methyl.

[0268] In some embodiments, an activating functional group is a phosphine group:

##STR00369##

wherein R.sup.1, and R.sup.2 are as defined above and described in classes and subclasses herein, both singly and in combination.

[0269] In specific embodiments, a phosphine activating functional group is selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00370##