Si-H activation of hydrosilanes leading to hydrido silyl and bis(silyl) nickel complexes

A general route for the synthesis of novel NHC stabilized nickel bis(silyl) and nickel hydrido silyl complexes is presented. The reaction of [Ni(2)((i)Pr(2)Im)(4)(COD)] 1 ((i)Pr(2)Im = 1,3-di-isopropyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene) with hydrosilanes H(n)SiR(4-n) leads to complexes of the type [Ni((i)Pr(2)Im)(2)(SiH(n-1)R(4-n))(H)] or [Ni((i)Pr(2)Im)(2)(SiH(n-1)R(4-n))(2)].     

Efficient C-F and C-C activation by a novel N-heterocyclic carbene-nickel(0) complex

The NHC-stabilized complex [Ni2(iPr2Im)4(cod)] (1) was isolated in good yield from the reaction of [Ni(cod)2] with 1,3-diisopropylimidazole-2-ylidene (iPr2Im). Compound 1 is a source of the [Ni(iPr2Im)2] complex fragment in stoichiometric and catalytic transformations. The reactions of 1 with ethylene and CO under atmospheric pressure or with equimolar amounts of diphenylacetylene lead to the compounds [Ni(iPr2Im)2(eta2-C2H4)] (2), [Ni(iPr2Im)2(eta2-C2Ph2)] (3), and [Ni(iPr2Im)2(CO)2] (4) in good yields. In all cases the [Ni(iPr2Im)2] complex fragment is readily transferred without decomposition or fragmentation. In the infrared spectrum of carbonyl complex 4, the CO stretching frequencies are observed at 1847 and 1921 cm(-1), and are significantly shifted to lower wavenumbers compared with other nickel(0) carbonyl complexes of the type [NiL2(CO)2]. Complex 1 activates the C--F bond of hexafluorobenzene very efficiently to give [Ni(iPr2Im)2(F)(C6F5)] (5). Furthermore, [Ni2(iPr2Im)4(cod)] (1) is also an excellent catalyst for the catalytic insertion of diphenylacetylene into the 2,2' bond of biphenylene. The reaction of 1 with equimolar amounts of biphenylene at low temperature leads to [Ni(iPr2Im)2(2,2'-biphenyl)] (6), which is formed by insertion into the strained 2,2' bond. The reaction of diphenylacetylene and biphenylene at 80 degrees C in the presence of 2 mol % of 1 as catalyst yields diphenylphenanthrene quantitatively and is complete within 30 minutes.     

Efficient nickel mediated carbon-carbon bond cleavage of organonitriles

The reactions of the nickel complex [Ni(2)(iPr(2)Im)4(COD)] 1 with organonitriles smoothly and irreversibly proceed via intermediates with eta(2)-coordinated organonitrile ligands such as [Ni(iPr(2)Im)2(eta(2)-(CN)-PhCN)] 2 and [Ni(iPr(2)Im)2(eta(2)-(CN)-pTolCN)] 4 to yield aryl cyanide complexes of the type trans-[Ni(iPr(2)Im)2(CN)(Ar)] (Ar = Ph 3, pTol 5, 4-CF(3)C(6)H(4) 6, 2,4-(OMe)2C(6)H(3) 7, 2-C(4)H(3)O 8, 2-C(5)H(4)N 9). The compounds 3, 7, 9 and have been structurally characterized. For the conversion of 2 to 3 a free activation enthalpy DeltaG++(328 K) of 103.47 +/- 0.79 kJ mol(-1) was calculated from time dependent NMR spectroscopy. The analogous reaction of arylnitriles with electron releasing substituents or heteroaromatic organonitriles is significantly faster compared to the reaction with benzonitrile or toluonitrile. The reactions of 1 with acetonitrile or trimethylsilyl cyanide afforded [Ni(iPr(2)Im)2(CN)(Me)] 10 and structurally characterized [Ni(iPr(2)Im)2(CN)(SiMe(3))] 11. The usage of an organonitrile with a longer alkyl chain, adiponitrile, yielded [Ni(iPr(2)Im)2(eta(2)-(CN)-NCC(4)H(8)CN)] 12 as well as the C-CN activation product [Ni(iPr(2)Im)2(CN)(C(4)H(8)CN)]13 in thermal and photochemical reactions, although this pathway seems to be significantly interfered with by decomposition pathways under the formation of the dicyanide complex [Ni(iPr(2)Im)(2)(CN)(2)] 14.     

Iridium derivatives of fluorinated aromatics by C-H activation: isolation of classical and non-classical hydrides

A reaction of trans-[Ir(H)(5)(PiPr(3))(2)] (1) with 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoropyridine, pentafluorobenzene or 1,3-difluorobenzene in the presence of neohexene affords the square-pyramidal C-H activation products cis-trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(2)(PiPr(3))(2)] (2), cis-trans-[Ir(C(6)F(5))(H)(2)(PiPr(3))(2)] (4) and cis-trans-[Ir(2-C(6)H(3)F(2))(H)(2)(PiPr(3))(2)] (6). Irradiation of complex 1 with 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoropyridine or pentafluorobenzene gave the hydrides cis-trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(2)(H(2))(PiPr(3))(2)] (3) or cis-trans-[Ir(C(6)F(5))(H)(2)(H(2))(PiPr(3))(2)] (5). The presence of non-classical bound H(2) moieties has been demonstrated by the measurement of T(1) times at different temperatures. For 3 the H-H distance in the H(2) ligand can be estimated to be 0.82 A. The dihydride compounds 2, 4 and 6 react with CO to yield the complexes cis-trans-[Ir(Ar)(H)(2)(CO)(PiPr(3))(2)] (7: Ar = 4-C(5)NF(4), 8: Ar = C(6)F(5), 9: Ar = 2-C(6)H(3)F(2)). A reaction of 2 or 3 with an excess of ethylene leads to the formation of ethane and the Ir(i) ethylene complex trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(PiPr(3))(2)] (10). Treatment of 10 with CO furnishes the Ir(i) complex trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(CO)(PiPr(3))(2)] (11).     

Symmetrical P4 cleavage at cobalt: characterization of intermediates on the way from P4 to coordinated P2 units

Degradation of white phosphorus (P(4)) in the coordination sphere of transition metals is commonly divided into two major pathways depending on the P(x) ligands obtained. Consecutive metal-assisted P-P bond cleavage of four bonds of the P(4) tetrahedron leads to complexes featuring two P(2) ligands (symmetric cleavage) or one P(3) and one P(1) ligand (asymmetric cleavage). A systematic investigation of the degradation of white phosphorus P(4) to coordinated μ,η(2:2)-bridging diphosphorus ligands in the coordination sphere of cobalt is presented herein as well as isolation of each of the decisive intermediates on the reaction pathway. The olefin complex [Cp*Co((i)Pr(2)Im)(η(2)-C(2)H(4))], 1 (Cp* = η(5)-C(5)Me(5), (i)Pr(2)Im = 1,3-di-isopropylimidazolin-2-ylidene), reacts with P(4) to give [Cp*Co((i)Pr(2)Im)(η(2)-P(4))], 2, the insertion product of [Cp*Co((i)Pr(2)Im)] into one of the P-P bonds. Addition of a further equivalent of the Co(I) complex [Cp*Co((i)Pr(2)Im)(η(2)-C(2)H(4))], 1, induces cleavage of a second P-P bond to yield the dinuclear complex [{Cp*Co((i)Pr(2)Im)}(2)(μ,η(2:2)-P(4))], 3, in which a kinked cyclo-P(4)(4-) ligand bridges two cobalt atoms. Consecutive dissociation of the N-heterocyclic carbene with concomitant rearrangement of the cyclo-P(4) ligand and P-P dissociation leads to complexes [Cp*Co(μ,η(4:2)-P(4))Co((i)Pr(2)Im)Cp*], 4, featuring a P(4) chain, and [{Cp*Co(μ,η(2:2)-P(2))}(2)], 5, in which two isolated P(2)(2-) ligands bridge two [Cp*Co] fragments. Each of these reactions is quantitative if performed on an NMR scale, and each compound can be isolated in high yields and large quantities.     

Cationic aluminum alkyl complexes incorporating aminotroponiminate ligands

The synthesis, structures, and reactivity of cationic aluminum complexes containing the N,N'-diisopropylaminotroponiminate ligand ((i)Pr(2)-ATI(-)) are described. The reaction of ((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlR(2) (1a-e,g,h; R = H (a), Me (b), Et (c), Pr (d), (i)Bu (e), Cy (g), CH(2)Ph (h)) with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] yields ((i)()Pr(2)-ATI)AlR(+) species whose fate depends on the properties of the R ligand. 1a and 1b react with 0.5 equiv of [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] to produce dinuclear monocationic complexes [([(i)Pr(2)-ATI] AlR)(2)(mu-R)][(C(6)F(5))(4)] (2a,b). The cation of 2b contains two ((i)()Pr(2)-ATI)AlMe(+) units linked by an almost linear Al-Me-Al bridge; 2a is presumed to have an analogous structure. 2b does not react further with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)]. However, 1a reacts with 1 equiv of [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] to afford ((i Pr(2)-ATI)Al(C(6)F(5))(mu-H)(2)B(C(6)F(5))(2) (3) and other products, presumably via C(6)F(5)(-) transfer and ligand redistribution of a [((i)()Pr(2)-ATI)AlH][(C(6)F(5))(4)] intermediate. 1c-e react with 1 equiv of [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] to yield stable base-free [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlR][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] complexes (4c-e). 4c crystallizes from chlorobenzene as 4c(ClPh).0.5PhCl, which has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. In the solid state the PhCl ligand of 4c(ClPh) is coordinated by a dative PhCl-Al bond and an ATI/Ph pi-stacking interaction. 1g,h react with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] to yield ((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(R)(C(6)F(5)) (5g,h) via C(6)F(5)(-) transfer of [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlR][(BC(6)F(5))(4)] intermediates. 1c,h react with B(C(6)F(5))(3) to yield ((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(R)(C(6)F(5)) (5c,h) via C(6)F(5)(-) transfer of [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlR][RB(C(6)F(5))(3)] intermediates. The reaction of 4c-e with MeCN or acetone yields [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(R)(L)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] adducts (L = MeCN (8c-e), acetone (9c-e)), which undergo associative intermolecular L exchange. 9c-e undergo slow beta-H transfer to afford the dinuclear dicationic alkoxide complex [(((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(mu-O(i)()Pr))(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)](2) (10) and the corresponding olefin. 4c-e catalyze the head-to-tail dimerization of tert-butyl acetylene by an insertion/sigma-bond metathesis mechanism involving [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(C=C(t)Bu)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (13) and [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)Al(CH=C((t)()Bu)C=C(t)Bu)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (14) intermediates. 13 crystallizes as the dinuclear dicationic complex [([(i Pr(2)-ATI]Al(mu-C=C(t)Bu))(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)](2).5PhCl from chlorobenzene. 4e catalyzes the polymerization of propylene oxide and 2a catalyzes the polymerization of methyl methacrylate. 4c,e react with ethylene-d(4) by beta-H transfer to yield [((i)Pr(2)-ATI)AlCD(2)CD(2)H][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] initially. Polyethylene is also produced in these reactions by an unidentified active species.     

C-F Bond activation at Ni(0) and simple reactions of square planar Ni(II) fluoride complexes

The reaction of Ni(COD)(2)(COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) with triethylphosphine and pentafluoropyridine in hexane has been shown previously to yield trans-[NiF(2-C(5)NF(4))(PEt(3))(2)](1a) with a preference for reaction at the 2-position of the heteroaromatic. The corresponding reaction with 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoropyridine was shown to yield trans-[NiF(2-C(5)NF(3)H)(PEt(3))(2)](1b). In this paper, we show that reaction of Ni(COD)(2) with triethylphosphine and pentafluoropyridine in THF yields a mixture of 1a and 1b. Competition reactions of Ni(COD)(2) with triethylphosphine in the presence of mixtures of heteroaromatics in hexane reveal a kinetic preference of k(pentafluoropyridine):k(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoropyridine)= 5.4:1. Treatment of 1a and 1b with Me(3)SiN(3) affords trans-[Ni(N(3))(2-C(5)NF(4))(PEt(3))(2)](2a) and trans-[Ni(N(3))(2-C(5)NHF(3))(PEt(3))(2)](2b), respectively. The complex trans-[Ni(NCO)(2-C(5)NHF(3))(PEt(3))(2)](3b) is obtained on reaction of with Me(3)SiNCO and by photolysis of under CO, while trans-[Ni(eta(1)-C [triple bond CPh)(2-C(5)NF(4))(PEt(3))(2)](4a) is obtained by reaction of phenylacetylene with 1a. Addition of KCN, KI and NaOAc to complex 1a affords trans-[Ni(X)(2-C(5)NF(4))(PEt(3))(2)](5a X = CN, 6a X = I, 7a X = OAc), respectively. The PEt(3) groups of complex are readily replaced by addition of 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane (dcpe) to produce [NiF(2-C(5)F(4)N)(dcpe)](8a). Addition of dcpe to trans-[Ni(OTf)(2-C(5)F(4)N)(PEt(3))(2)](10a), however, yields the salt [Ni(2-C(5)F(4)N)(dcpe)(PEt(3))](OTf)(9a) by substitution of only one PEt(3) and displacement of the triflate ligand. The structures of 2b, 4a, 7a and 8a were determined by X-ray crystallography. The influence of different ancillary ligands on the bond lengths and angles of square-planar nickel structures with polyfluoropyridyl ligands is analysed.     

Intramolecular alkyl phosphine dehydrogenation in cationic rhodium complexes of tris(cyclopentylphosphine)

[Rh(nbd)(PCyp(3))(2)][BAr(F) (4)] (1) [nbd = norbornadiene, Ar(F) = C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2), PCyp(3) = tris(cyclopentylphosphine)] spontaneously undergoes dehydrogenation of each PCyp(3) ligand in CH(2)Cl(2) solution to form an equilibrium mixture of cis-[Rh{PCyp(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}(2)][BAr(F) (4)] (2 a) and trans-[Rh{PCyp(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}(2)][BAr(F) (4)] (2 b), which have hybrid phosphine-alkene ligands. In this reaction nbd acts as a sequential acceptor of hydrogen to eventually give norbornane. Complex 2 b is distorted in the solid-state away from square planar. DFT calculations have been used to rationalise this distortion. Addition of H(2) to 2 a/b hydrogenates the phosphine-alkene ligand and forms the bisdihydrogen/dihydride complex [Rh(PCyp(3))(2)(H)(2)(eta(2)-H(2))(2)][BAr(F) (4)] (5) which has been identified spectroscopically. Addition of the hydrogen acceptor tert-butylethene (tbe) to 5 eventually regenerates 2 a/b, passing through an intermediate which has undergone dehydrogenation of only one PCyp(3) ligand, which can be trapped by addition of MeCN to form trans-[Rh{PCyp(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}(PCyp(3))(NCMe)][BAr(F) (4)] (6). Dehydrogenation of a PCyp(3) ligand also occurs on addition of Na[BAr(F) (4)] to [RhCl(nbd)(PCyp(3))] in presence of arene (benzene, fluorobenzene) to give [Rh(eta(6)-C(6)H(5)X){PCyp(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}][BAr(F) (4)] (7: X = F, 8: X = H). The related complex [Rh(nbd){PCyp(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}][BAr(F) (4)] 9 is also reported. Rapid ( approximately 5 minutes) acceptorless dehydrogenation occurs on treatment of [RhCl(dppe)(PCyp(3))] with Na[BAr(F) (4)] to give [Rh(dppe){PCyp(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}][BAr(F) (4)] (10), which reacts with H(2) to afford the dihydride/dihydrogen complex [Rh(dppe)(PCyp(3))(H)(2)(eta(2)-H(2))][BAr(F) (4)] (11). Competition experiments using the new mixed alkyl phosphine ligand PCy(2)(Cyp) show that [RhCl(nbd){PCy(2)(Cyp)}] undergoes dehydrogenation exclusively at the cyclopentyl group to give [Rh(eta(6)-C(6)H(5)X){PCy(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}][BAr(F) (4)] (17: X = F, 18: X = H). The underlying reasons behind this preference have been probed using DFT calculations. All the complexes have been characterised by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and for 2 a/b, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 17 also by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Facile oxidative addition of water at iridium: reactivity of trans-[Ir(4-C5NF4)(H)(OH)(PiPr3)2] towards CO2 and NH3

A reaction of trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(η(2)-C(2)H(4))(PiPr(3))(2)] (1) with an excess of water in THF at room temperature affords the hydrido hydroxo complex trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(OH)(PiPr(3))(2)] (2). Treatment of 2 with CO furnishes trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(OH)(CO)(PiPr(3))(2)] (3). Reductive elimination of water from 3 leads to the formation of the iridium(I) carbonyl complex trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(CO)(PiPr(3))(2)] (4). The insertion of CO(2) into the Ir-O bond of 2 forms the hydrido hydrogencarbonato complex trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(κ(2)-(O,O)-O(2)COH)(PiPr(3))(2)] (5). Treatment of 2 with NH(3) in C(6)D(6) yields trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(OH)(NH(3))(PiPr(3))(2)] (6). Storage of the reaction mixture at room temperature reveals the formation of the N-H activation product [Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(μ-NH(2))(NH(3))(PiPr(3))](2) (7).     

Cationic Ti(IV) and neutral Ti(III) titanocene-phosphinoaryloxide frustrated Lewis pairs: hydrogen activation and catalytic amine-borane dehydrogenation

Titanium-phosphorus frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) based on titanocene-phosphinoaryloxide complexes have been synthesised. The cationic titanium(IV) complex [Cp(2)TiOC(6)H(4)P((t)Bu)(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] 2 reacts with hydrogen to yield the reduced titanium(III) complex [Cp(2)TiOC(6)H(4)PH((t)Bu)(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] 5. The titanium(III)-phosphorus FLP [Cp(2)TiOC(6)H(4)P((t)Bu)(2)] 6 has been synthesised either by chemical reduction of [Cp(2)Ti(Cl)OC(6)H(4)P((t)Bu)(2)] 1 with [CoCp*(2)] or by reaction of [Cp(2)Ti{N(SiMe(3))(2)}] with 2-C(6)H(4)(OH){P((t)Bu)(2)}. Both 2 and 6 catalyse the dehydrogenation of Me(2)HN·BH(3).     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of palladacycles that contain a chiral rhenium fragment in the backbone: New cyclometalation and catalyst design strategies

The bromocyclopentadienyl complex [(eta5-C5H4Br)Re(CO)3] is converted to racemic [(eta5-C5H4Br)Re(NO)(PPh3)(CH2PPh2)] (1 b) similarly to a published sequence for cyclopentadienyl analogues. Treatment of enantiopure (S)-[(eta5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(CH3)] with nBuLi and I2 gives (S)-[(eta5-C5H4I)Re(NO)(PPh3)(CH3)] ((S)-6 c; 84 %), which is converted (Ph3C+ PF6 -, PPh2H, tBuOK) to (S)-[(eta5-C5H4I)Re(NO)(PPh3)(CH2PPh2)] ((S)-1 c). Reactions of 1 b and (S)-1 c with Pd[P(tBu)3]2 yield [{(eta5-C5H4)Re(NO)(PPh3)(mu-CH2PPh2)Pd(mu-X)}2] (10; X = b, Br, rac/meso, 88 %; c, I, S,S, 22 %). Addition of PPh3 to 10 b gives [(eta5-C5H4)Re(NO)(PPh3)(mu-CH2PPh2)Pd(PPh3)(Br)] (11 b; 92 %). Reaction of (S)-[(eta5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(CH2PPh2)] ((S)-2) and Pd(OAc)(2) (1.5 equiv; toluene, RT) affords the novel Pd3(OAc)4-based palladacycle (S,S)-[(eta5-C5H4)Re(NO)(PPh3)(mu-CH2PPh2)Pd(mu-OAc)2Pd(mu-OAc)2Pd(mu-PPh2CH2)(Ph3P)(ON)Re(eta5-C5H4)] ((S,S)-13; 71-90 %). Addition of LiCl and LiBr yields (S,S)-10 a,b (73 %), and Na(acac-F6) gives (S)-[(eta5-C5H4)Re(NO)(PPh3)(mu-CH2PPh2)Pd(acac-F6)] ((S)-16, 72 %). Reaction of (S,S)-10 b and pyridine affords (S)-[(eta5-C5H4)Re(NO)(PPh3)(mu-CH2PPh2)Pd(NC5H5)(Br)] ((S)-17 b, 72 %); other Lewis bases yield similar adducts. Reaction of (S)-2 and Pd(OAc)2 (0.5 equiv; benzene, 80 degrees C) gives the spiropalladacycle trans-(S,S)-[{(eta5-C5H4)Re(NO)(PPh3)(mu-CH2PPh2)}2Pd] (39 %). The crystal structures of (S)-6 c, 11 b, (S,S)- and (R,R)-132 C7H8, (S,S)-10 b, and (S)-17 b aid the preceding assignments. Both 10 b (racemic or S,S) and (S)-16 are excellent catalyst precursors for Suzuki and Heck couplings.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new family of square-planar nickel(II) carbonyl derivatives

The reaction of [NBu(4)](2)[Ni(C(6)F(5))(4)] (1) with solutions of dry HCl(g) in Et(2)O results in the protonolysis of two Nibond;C(6)F(5) bonds giving [NBu(4)](2)[[Ni(C(6)F(5))(2)](2)(mu-Cl)(2)] (2 a) together with the stoichiometrically required amount of C(6)F(5)H. Compound 2 a reacts with AgClO(4) in THF to give cis-[Ni(C(6)F(5))(2)(thf)(2)] (3). Reacting 3 with phosphonium halides, [PPh(3)Me]X, gives dinuclear compounds [PPh(3)Me](2)[[Ni(C(6)F(5))(2)](2)(mu-X)(2)] (X=Br (2 b) or I (2 c)). Solutions of compounds 2 in CH(2)Cl(2) at 0 degrees C do not react with excess CNtBu, but do react with CO (1 atm) to split the bridges and form a series of terminal Ni(II) carbonyl derivatives with general formula Qcis-[Ni(C(6)F(5))(2)X(CO)] (4). The nu(CO) stretching frequencies of 4 in CH(2)Cl(2) solution decrease in the order Cl (2090 cm(-1))>Br (2084 cm(-1))>I (2073 cm(-1)). Compounds 4 revert to the parent dinuclear species 2 on increasing the temperature or under reduced CO pressure. [NBu(4)]cis-[Ni(C(6)F(5))(2)Cl(CO)] (4 a) reacts with AgC(6)F(5) to give [NBu(4)][Ni(C(6)F(5))(3)(CO)] (5, nu(CO)(CH(2)Cl(2))=2070 cm(-1)). Compound 5 is also quantitatively formed ((19)F NMR spectroscopy) by 1:1 reaction of 1 with HCl(Et(2)O) in CO atmosphere. Complex 3 reacts with CO at -78 degrees C to give cis-[Ni(C(6)F(5))(2)(CO)(2)] (6, nu(CO)(CH(2)Cl(2))=2156, 2130 cm(-1)), which easily decomposes by reductive elimination of C(6)F(5)bond;C(6)F(5). Compounds 3 and 6 both react with CNtBu to give trans-[Ni(C(6)F(5))(2)(CNtBu)(2)] (7). The solid-state structures of compounds 3, 4 b, 6, and 7 have been established by X-ray diffraction methods. Complexes 4-6 are rare examples of square-planar Ni(II) carbonyl derivatives.     

Energetics of halogen bonding of group 10 metal fluoride complexes

A study is presented of the thermodynamics of the halogen-bonding interaction of C(6)F(5)I with a series of structurally similar group 10 metal fluoride complexes trans-[Ni(F)(2-C(5)NF(4))(PCy(3))(2)] (2), trans-[Pd(F)(4-C(5)NF(4))(PCy(3))(2)] (3), trans-[Pt(F){2-C(5)NF(2)H(CF(3))}(PR(3))(2)] (4a, R = Cy; 4bR = iPr) and trans-[Ni(F){2-C(5)NF(2)H(CF(3))}(PCy(3))(2)] (5a) in toluene solution. (19)F NMR titration experiments are used to determine binding constants, enthalpies and entropies of these interactions (2.4 ≤ K(300) ≤ 5.2; -25 ≤ ΔH(o) ≤ -16 kJ mol(-1); -73 ≤ ΔS(o) ≤ -49 J K(-1) mol(-1)). The data for -ΔH(o) for the halogen bonding follow a trend Ni < Pd < Pt. The fluoropyridyl ligand is shown to have a negligible influence on the thermodynamic data, but the influence of the phosphine ligand is significant. We also show that the value of the spin-spin coupling constant J(PtF) increases substantially with adduct formation. X-ray crystallographic data for Ni complexes 5a and 5c are compared to previously published data for a platinum analogue. We show by experiment and computation that the difference between Pt-X and Ni-X (X = F, C, P) bond lengths is greatest for X = F, consistent with F(2pπ)-Pt(5dπ) repulsive interactions. DFT calculations on the metal fluoride complexes show the very negative electrostatic potential around the fluoride. Calculations of the enthalpy of adduct formation show energies of -18.8 and -22.8 kJ mol(-1) for Ni and Pt complexes of types 5 and 4, respectively, in excellent agreement with experiment.     

Activation of carbodiimide and transformation with amine to guanidinate group by Ln(OAr)3(THF)2 (Ln: lanthanide and yttrium) and Ln(OAr)3(THF)2 as a novel precatalyst for addition of amines to carbodiimides: influence of aryloxide group

Reaction of Ln(OAr(1))(3)(THF)(2) (Ar(1)= [2,6-((t)Bu)(2)-4-MeC(6)H(2)] with carbodiimides (RNCNR) in toluene afforded the RNCNR coordinated complexes (Ar(1)O)(3)Ln(NCNR) (R = (i)Pr (isopropyl), Ln = Y (1) and Yb (2); R = Cy (cyclohexyl), Ln = Y (3)) in high yields. Treatment of 1 and 2 with 4-chloroaniline, respectively, at a molar ratio of 1:1 yielded the corresponding monoguanidinate complex (Ar(1)O)(2)Y[(4-Cl-C(6)H(4)N)C(NH(i)Pr)N(i)Pr](THF) (4) and (Ar(1)O)(2)Yb[(4-Cl-C(6)H(4)N)C(NH(i)Pr)N(i)Pr](THF) (5). Complexes 4 and 5 can be prepared by the reaction of Ln(OAr(1))(3)(THF)(2) with RNCNR and amine in toluene at a 1:1:1 molar ratio in high yield directly. A remarkable influence of the aryloxide ligand on this transformation was observed. The similar transformation using the less bulky yttrium complexes Y(OAr(2))(3)(THF)(2) (Ar(2) = [2,6-((i)Pr)(2)C(6)H(3)]) or Y(OAr(3))(3)(THF)(2) (Ar(3) = [2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3)]) did not occur. Complexes Ln(OAr(1))(3)(THF)(2) were found to be the novel precatalysts for addition of RNCNR with amines, which represents the first example of catalytic guanylation by the lanthanide complexes with the Ln-O active group. The catalytic activity of Y(OAr(1))(3)(THF)(2) was found to be the same as that of monoguanidinate complex 4, indicating 4 is one of the active intermediates in the present process. The other intermediate, amide complex (Ar(1)O)(2)Ln[(2-OCH(3)-C(6)H(4)NH)(2-OCH(3)-C(6)H(4)NH(2))] (6), was isolated by protonolysis of 4 with 2-OCH(3)-C(6)H(4)NH(2). All the complexes were structurally characterized by X-ray single crystal determination.     

Competing C-F activation pathways in the reaction of Pt(0) with fluoropyridines: phosphine-assistance versus oxidative addition

A survey of computed mechanisms for C-F bond activation at the 4-position of pentafluoropyridine by the model zero-valent bis-phosphine complex, [Pt(PH3)(PH2Me)], reveals three quite distinct pathways leading to square-planar Pt(II) products. Direct oxidative addition leads to cis-[Pt(F)(4-C5NF4)(PH3)(PH2Me)] via a conventional 3-center transition state. This process competes with two different phosphine-assisted mechanisms in which C-F activation involves fluorine transfer to a phosphorus center via novel 4-center transition states. The more accessible of the two phosphine-assisted processes involves concerted transfer of an alkyl group from phosphorus to the metal to give a platinum(alkyl)(fluorophosphine), trans-[Pt(Me)(4-C5NF4)(PH3)(PH2F)], analogues of which have been observed experimentally. The second phosphine-assisted pathway sees fluorine transfer to one of the phosphine ligands with formation of a metastable metallophosphorane intermediate from which either alkyl or fluorine transfer to the metal is possible. Both Pt-fluoride and Pt(alkyl)(fluorophosphine) products are therefore accessible via this route. Our calculations highlight the central role of metallophosphorane species, either as intermediates or transition states, in aromatic C-F bond activation. In addition, the similar computed barriers for all three processes suggest that Pt-fluoride species should be accessible. This is confirmed experimentally by the reaction of [Pt(PR3)2] species (R = isopropyl (iPr), cyclohexyl (Cy), and cyclopentyl (Cyp)) with 2,3,5-trifluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine to give cis-[Pt(F){2-C5NHF2(CF3)}(PR3)2]. These species subsequently convert to the trans-isomers, either thermally or photochemically. The crystal structure of cis-[Pt(F){2-C5NHF2(CF3)}(P iPr3)2] shows planar coordination at Pt with r(F-Pt) = 2.029(3) A and P(1)-Pt-P(2) = 109.10(3) degrees. The crystal structure of trans-[Pt(F){2-C5NHF2(CF3)}(PCyp3)2] shows standard square-planar coordination at Pt with r(F-Pt) = 2.040(19) A.     

The structural characteristics of organozinc complexes incorporating N,N'-bidentate ligands

Dimethylzinc reacts with an excess of N-2-pyridylaniline 6 to give the homoleptic species, Zn[PhN(2-C(5)H(4)N)](2) 8. Single crystal X-ray diffraction reveals a solid-state dimer based on an 8-membered (NCNZn)(2) core motif. Zn[CyN(2-C(5)H(4)N)]Me (Cy =c-C(6)H(11)) 10, prepared by the combination of ZnMe(2) with the corresponding cyclohexyl-substituted pyridylamine, is also dimeric in the solid state but reveals a central (ZnN)(2) metallacycle. Employment of (p-Tol)NH(2-C(5)H(4)N)(p-Tol = 4-MeC(6)H(4)) 11 yielded the tris(zinc) adduct Zn(3)[(p-Tol)N(2-C(5)H(4)N)](4)Me(2) 12, which incorporates a central chiral molecule of 'Zn[(p-Tol)N(2-C(5)H(4)N)](2)' 12a, that bridges two 'Zn[(p-Tol)N(2-C(5)H(4)N)]Me' 12b units. A similar trimetallic structure is noted when the pyridylaniline substrate 11 is replaced with the bicyclic guanidine 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidine (hppH), affording Zn(3)(hpp)(4)Me(2) 13. Spectroscopic studies point to retention of the solid-state structure of in hydrocarbon solution. Reaction of 13 with dimesityl borinic acid, Mes(2)BOH (Mes = mesityl), affords Zn(3)(hpp)(4)(OBMes(2))(2) 14 in which the trimetallic core is retained. This reactivity is in contrast to the closely related reaction of dimeric Zn[Me(2)NC[N(i)Pr](2)]Me 15 with Mes(2)BOH, which yielded Zn[Me(2)NC[N(i)Pr](2)][OBMes(2)].Me(2)NC[N(i)Pr][NH(i)Pr] 16 as a result of protonation at the guanidine ligand in addition to the Zn-Me bond.     

Selective photochemistry at stereogenic metal and ligand centers of cis-[Ru(diphosphine)2(H)2]: preparative, NMR, solid state, and laser flash studies

Three ruthenium complexes Λ-[cis-Ru((R,R)-Me-BPE)(2)(H)(2)] Λ-R,R-Ru1H(2), Δ-[cis-Ru((S,S)-Me-DuPHOS)(2)(H)(2)] Δ-S,S-Ru2H(2), and Λ-[cis-Ru((R,R)-Me-DuPHOS)(2)(H)(2)] Λ-R,R-Ru2H(2) (1 = (Me-BPE)(2), 2 = (Me-DuPHOS)(2)) were characterized by multinuclear NMR and CD spectroscopy in solution and by X-ray crystallography. The chiral ligands allow the full control of stereochemistry and enable mechanistic studies not otherwise available. Oxidative addition of E-H bonds (E = H, B, Si, C) was studied by steady state and laser flash photolysis in the presence of substrates. Steady state photolysis shows formation of single products with one stereoisomer. Solid state structures and circular dichroism spectra reveal a change in configuration at ruthenium for some Δ-S,S-Ru2H(2)/Λ-R,R-Ru2H(2) photoproducts from Λ to Δ (or vice versa) while the configuration for Λ-R,R-Ru1H(2) products remains unchanged as Λ. The X-ray structure of silyl hydride photoproducts suggests a residual H(1)···Si(1) interaction for Δ-[cis-Ru((R,R)-Me-DuPHOS)(2)(Et(2)SiH)(H)] and Δ-[cis-Ru((R,R)-Me-DuPHOS)(2)(PhSiH(2))(H)] but not for their Ru(R,R-BPE)(2) analogues. Molecular structures were also determined for Λ-[cis-Ru((R,R)-Me-BPE)(2)(Bpin)(H)], Λ-[Ru((S,S)-Me-DuPHOS)(2)(η(2)-C(2)H(4))], Δ-[Ru((R,R)-Me-DuPHOS)(2)(η(2)-C(2)H(4))], and trans-[Ru((R,R)-Me-DuPHOS)(2)(C(6)F(5))(H)]. In situ laser photolysis in the presence of p-H(2) generates hyperpolarized NMR spectra because of magnetically inequivalent hydrides; these experiments and low temperature photolysis with D(2) reveal that the loss of hydride ligands is concerted. The reaction intermediates [Ru(DuPHOS)(2)] and [Ru(BPE)(2)] were detected by laser flash photolysis and have spectra consistent with approximate square-planar Ru(0) structures. The rates of their reactions with H(2), D(2), HBpin, and PhSiH(3) were measured by transient kinetics. Rate constants are significantly faster for [Ru(BPE)(2)] than for [Ru(DuPHOS)(2)] and follow the substrate order H(2) > D(2) > PhSiH(3) > HBpin.     

Role of the NH2 functionality and solvent in terdentate CNN alkoxide ruthenium complexes for the fast transfer hydrogenation of ketones in 2-propanol

The reaction of [RuCl(CNN)(dppb)] (1; HCNN=6-(4-methylphenyl)-2-pyridylmethylamine) with NaOiPr in 2-propanol/C6D6 affords the alcohol adduct alkoxide [Ru(OiPr)(CNN)(dppb)].n iPrOH (5), containing the Ru-NH2 linkage. The alkoxide [Ru(OiPr)(CNN)(dppb)] (4) is formed by treatment of the hydride [Ru(H)(CNN)(dppb)] (2) with acetone in C6D6. Complex 5 in 2-propanol/C6D6 equilibrates quickly with hydride 2 and acetone with an exchange rate of (5.4+/-0.2) s(-1) at 25 degrees C, higher than that found between 4 and 2 ((2.9+/-0.4) s(-1)). This fast process, involving a beta-hydrogen elimination versus ketone insertion into the Ru-H bond, occurs within a hydrogen-bonding network favored by the Ru-NH2 motif. The cationic alcohol complex [Ru(CNN)(dppb)(iPrOH)](BAr(f)4) (6; Ar(f)=3,5-C6H3(CF3)2), obtained from 1, Na[BAr(f)4], and 2-propanol, reacts with NaOiPr to afford 5. Complex 5 reacts with either 4,4'-difluorobenzophenone through hydride 2 or with 4,4'-difluorobenzhydrol through protonation, affording the alkoxide [Ru(OCH(4-C6H4F)2)(CNN)(dppb)] (7) in 90 and 85 % yield of the isolated product. The chiral CNN-ruthenium compound [RuCl(CNN)((S,S)-Skewphos)] (8), obtained by the reaction of [RuCl2(PPh3)3] with (S,S)-Skewphos and orthometalation of HCNN in the presence of NEt3, is a highly active catalyst for the enantioselective transfer hydrogenation of methylaryl ketones (turnover frequencies (TOFs) of up to 1.4 x 10(6) h(-1) at reflux were obtained) with up to 89% ee. Also the ketone CF3CO(4-C6H4F), containing the strong electron-withdrawing CF3 group, is reduced to the R alcohol with 64% ee and a TOF of 1.5 x 10(4) h(-1). The chiral alkoxide [Ru(OiPr)(CNN)((S,S)-Skewphos)]n iPrOH (9), obtained from 8 and NaOiPr in the presence of 2-propanol, reacts with CF3CO(4-C6H4F) to afford a mixture of the diastereomer alkoxides [Ru(OCH(CF3)(4-C6H4F))(CNN)((S,S)-Skewphos)] (10/11; 74% yield) with 67% de. This value is very close to the enantiomeric excess of the alcohol (R)-CF3CH(OH)(4-C6H4F) formed in catalysis, thus suggesting that diastereoisomeric alkoxides with the Ru-NH2 linkage are key species in the catalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reaction.     

Titanium and niobium imido complexes stabilized by heteroscorpionate ligands

The reaction of [Ti(NR)Cl(2)(py)(3)](R = (t)Bu, p-tolyl, 2,6-C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)) with [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)][bdmpza = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate] and [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)][bdmpzdta = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)dithioacetate] affords the corresponding complexes [Ti(NR)Cl(kappa(3)-bdmpzx)(py)](x = a, R = (t)Bu 1, p-tolyl 2, 2,6-C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2) 3; x = dta, R =(t)Bu 4, p-tolyl , 2,6-C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2) 6), which are the first examples of imido Group 4 complexes stabilized by heteroscorpionate ligands. The solid-state X-ray crystal structure of 1 has been determined. The titanium centre is six-coordinate with three fac-sites occupied by the heteroscorpionate ligand and the remainder of the coordination sphere being completed by chloride, imido and pyridine ligands. The complexes are 1-6 fluxional at room temperature. The pyridine ortho- and meta-proton resonances show evidence of dynamic behaviour for this ligand and variable-temperature NMR studies were carried out in order to study their dynamic behaviour in solution. The complexes [Nb(NR)Cl(3)(py)(2)](R = (t)Bu, p-tolyl, 2,6-C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)) reacted with [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)] and (Hbdmpze)[bdmpze = 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)ethoxide], the latter with prior addition of (n)BuLi, to give the complexes [Nb(NR)Cl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzx)](x = a, R =(t)Bu 7, p-tolyl 8, 2,6-C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2) 9; x = e, R = (t)Bu 10, p-tolyl 11, 2,6-C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)) 12 and these are the first examples of imido Group 5 complexes with heteroscorpionate ligands. The structures of these complexes have been determined by spectroscopic methods.     

Hydrothermal preparation of nickel(II)/uranium(IV) fluorides with one-, two-, and three-dimensional topologies

A modified compositional diagram for the reactions of Ni(C(2)H(3)O(2))(2).4H(2)O with UO(2)(C(2)H(3)O(2))(2).2H(2)O and HF in aqueous media under mild hydrothermal conditions (200 degrees C) has been completed to yield three Ni(II)/U(IV) fluorides, Ni(H(2)O)(4)UF(6).1.5H(2)O (1), Ni(2)(H(2)O)(6)U(3)F(16).3H(2)O (2), and Ni(H(2)O)(2)UF(6)(H(2)O) (3). The structure of 1 consists of one-dimensional columns constructed from two parallel chains of edge-sharing dodecahedral [UF(8)] units. The sides of the columns are terminated by octahedral Ni(II) units that occur as cis-[Ni(H(2)O)(4)F(2)] polyhedra. In contrast, the crystal structure of 2 reveals a two-dimensional Ni(II)/U(IV) architecture built from edge-sharing tricapped trigonal prismatic [UF(9)] units. The top and bottom of the sheets are capped by fac-[Ni(H(2)O)(3)F(3)] octahedra. The structure of 3 is formed from [UF(8)(H(2)O)] tricapped trigonal prisms that edge share with one another to form one-dimensional chains. These chains are then joined together into a three-dimensional network by corner sharing with trans-[Ni(H(2)O)(2)F(4)] octahedra. Crystallographic data: 1, orthorhombic, space group Cmcm, a = 14.3383(8) A, b = 15.6867(8) A, c = 8.0282(4) A, Z = 8; 2, hexagonal, space group P6(3)/mmc, a = 7.9863(5) A, c = 16.566(1) A, Z = 2; 3, monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 12.059(1) A, b = 6.8895(6) A, c = 7.9351(7) A, beta = 92.833(2) degrees, Z = 4.