We report the synthesis and characterization of a series of d8 metal complexes featuring robust and photophysically innocent strong-field chelating 1,1′-bis(o-carborane) (bc) ligand frameworks.

The reaction of the molybdenum−molybdenum triple-bonded dimer (CO) 2 CpMoMoCp(CO) 2 (Cp = η 5 -C 5 H 5 ) with the triple-bonded dimetallynes Ar iPr4 MMAr iPr4 or Ar iPr6 MMAr iPr6 (Ar3 ) 2 ; M = Ge, Sn, or Pb) under mild conditions (≤80 °C, 1 bar) afforded Ar iPr4 MMoCp(CO) 2 or Ar iPr6 MMoCp(CO) 2 in moderate to excellent yields. The reactions represent the first isolable products from a metathesis of two metal−metal triple bonds. Analogous exchange reactions with the single-bonded (CO) 3 CpMo−MoCp(CO) 3 gave ArM ̈−MoCp(CO) 3 (Ar = Ar iPr4 or Ar iPr6 ; M = Sn or Pb). The products were characterized by NMR ( 1 H, 13 C, 119 Sn, or 207 Pb), electronic, and IR spectroscopy and by X-ray crystallography.

This work describes select narratives pertaining to undergraduate teaching and mentorship at UCLA Chemistry and Biochemistry by Alex Spokoyny and his junior colleagues. Specifically, we discuss how individual undergraduate researchers contributed and jump-started multiple research themes since the conception of our research laboratory. This work also describes several recent innovations in the inorganic and general chemistry courses taught by Spokoyny at UCLA with a focus of nurturing appreciation for research and creative process in sciences including the use of social media platforms.