Isolation of a Cationic Platinum(II) σ‐Silane Complex

The platinum complex [Pt(I^tBuⁱPr′)(I^tBuⁱPr)][BAr^F] interacts with tertiary silanes to form stable (<0 °C) mononuclear Pt^II σ‐SiH complexes [Pt(I^tBuⁱPr′)(I^tBuⁱPr)(η¹‐HSiR₃)][BAr^F]. These compounds have been fully characterized, including X‐ray diffraction methods, as the first examples for platinum. DFT calculations (including electronic topological analysis) support the interpretation of the coordination as an unusual η¹‐SiH. However, the energies required for achieving a η²‐SiH mode are rather low, and is consistent with the propensity of these derivatives to undergo Si?H cleavage leading to the more stable silyl species [Pt(SiR₃)(I^tBuⁱPr)₂][BAr^F] at room temperature.     

Ortho-aryl substituted DPEphos ligands: rhodium complexes featuring C–H anagostic interactions and B–H agostic bonds

The synthesis of new Schrock–Osborn Rh(i) pre-catalysts with ortho-substituted DPEphos ligands, [Rh(DPEphos-R)(NBD)][BAr^F₄] [R = Me, OMe, ⁱPr; Ar^F = 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃], is described. Along with the previously reported R = H variant, variable temperature ¹H NMR spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies show that these all have axial (C–H)⋯Rh anagostic interactions relative to the d⁸ pseudo square planar metal centres, that also result in corresponding downfield chemical shifts. Analysis by NBO, QTAIM and NCI methods shows these to be only very weak C–H⋯Rh bonding interactions, the magnitudes of which do not correlate with the observed chemical shifts. Instead, as informed by Scherer''s approach, it is the topological positioning of the C–H bond with regard to the metal centre that is important. For [Rh(DPEphos–ⁱPr)(NBD)][BAr^F₄] addition of H₂ results in a Rh(iii) ⁱPr–C–H activated product, [Rh(κ³,σ-P,O,P-DPEphos-ⁱPr′)(H)][BAr^F₄]. This undergoes H/D exchange with D₂ at the ⁱPr groups, reacts with CO or NBD to return Rh(i) products, and reaction with H₃B·NMe₃/tert-butylethene results in a dehydrogenative borylation to form a complex that shows both a non-classical B–H⋯Rh 3c-2e agostic bond and a C–H⋯Rh anagostic interaction at the same metal centre.

Rh(i) complexes of ortho-substituted DPEphos-R (R = H, Me, OMe, ⁱPr) ligands show anagostic interactions; for R =ⁱPr C–H activation/dehydrogenative borylation forms a product exhibiting both B–H/Rh 3c-2e agostic and C–H/Rh anagostic motifs.     

Cationic Platinum(II) σ‐SiH Complexes in Carbon Dioxide Hydrosilation

The low‐electron‐count cationic platinum complex [Pt(ItBu’)(ItBu)][BAr^F], 1 , interacts with primary and secondary silanes to form the corresponding σ‐SiH complexes. According to DFT calculations, the most stable coordination mode is the uncommon η¹‐SiH. The reaction of 1 with Et₂SiH₂ leads to the X‐ray structurally characterized 14‐electron Pt^II species [Pt(SiEt₂H)(ItBu)₂][BAr^F], 2 , which is stabilized by an agostic interaction. Complexes 1 , 2 , and the hydride [Pt(H)(ItBu)₂][BAr^F], 3 , catalyze the hydrosilation of CO₂, leading to the exclusive formation of the corresponding silyl formates at room temperature.     

Zum Einfluß der PR3‐Liganden auf Bildung und Eigenschaften der Phosphinophosphiniden‐Komplexe [{η2‐tBu2P–P}Pt(PR3)2] und [{η2‐tBu2P1–P2}Pt(P3R3)(P4R′3)]

Coordination Chemistry of P‐rich Phosphanes and Silylphosphanes XXI The Influence of the PR₃ Ligands on Formation and Properties of the Phosphinophosphinidene Complexes [{η²‐^tBu₂P–P}Pt(PR₃)₂] and [{η²‐^tBu₂P¹–P²}Pt(P³R₃)(P⁴R′₃)] (R₃P)₂PtCl₂ and C₂H₄ yield the compounds [{η²‐C₂H₄}Pt(PR₃)₂] (PR₃ = PMe₃, PEt₃, PPhEt₂, PPh₂Et, PPh₂Me, PPh₂ⁱPr, PPh₂^tBu and P(p‐Tol)₃); which react with ^tBu₂P–P=PMe^tBu₂ to give the phosphinophosphinidene complexes [{η²‐^tBu₂P–P}Pt(PMe₃)₂], [{η²‐^tBu₂P–P}Pt(PEt₃)₂], [{η²‐^tBu₂P–P}Pt(PPhEt₂)₂], [{η²‐^tBu₂P–P}Pt(PPh₂Et)₂], [{η²‐^tBu₂P–P}Pt(PPh₂Me)₂], [{η²‐^tBu₂P–P}Pt(PPh₂ⁱPr], [{η²‐^tBu₂P–P}Pt(PPh₂^tBu)₂] and [{η²‐^tBu₂P–P}Pt(P(p‐Tol)₃)₂]. [{η²‐^tBu₂P–P}Pt(PPh₃)₂] reacts with PMe₃ and PEt₃ as well as with ^tBu₂PMe, PⁱPr₃ and P(c‐Hex)₃ by substituting one PPh₃ ligand to give [{η²‐^tBu₂P¹–P²}Pt(P³Me₃)(P⁴Ph₃)], [{η²‐^tBu₂P¹–P²}Pt(P³Ph₃)(P⁴Me₃)], [{η²‐^tBu₂P¹–P²}Pt(P³Et₃)(P⁴Ph₃)], [{η²‐^tBu₂P¹–P²}Pt(P³Me^tBu₂)(P⁴Ph₃)], [{η²‐^tBu₂P¹–P²}Pt(P³ⁱPr₃)(P⁴Ph₃)] and [{η²‐^tBu₂P¹–P²}Pt(P³(c‐Hex)₃)(P⁴Ph₃)]. With ^tBu₂PMe, [{η²‐^tBu₂P–P}Pt(P(p‐Tol)₃)₂] forms [{η²‐^tBu₂P¹–P²}Pt(P³Me^tBu₂)(P⁴(p‐Tol)₃)]. The NMR data of the compounds are given and discussed with respect to the influence of the PR₃ ligands.     

Phosphoramidate‐Supported Cp*IrIII Aminoborane H2B=NR2 Complexes: Synthesis,Structure, and Solution Dynamics

Reaction of aminoboranes H₂B=NR₂ (R=iPr or Cy) with the cationic Cp*Ir^III phosphoramidate complex [IrCp*{κ²‐N,O‐Xyl(N)P(O)(OEt)₂}][BAr^F₄] generates the aminoborane complexes [IrCp*(H){κ¹‐N‐η²‐HB‐Xyl(N)P(OBHNR₂)(OEt)₂}][BAr^F₄] (R=iPr or Cy) in which coordination of a P=O bond with boron weakens the B=N multiple bond. For these complexes, solution‐ and solid‐state, as well as DFT computational techniques, have been employed to substantiate B?N bond rotation of the coordinated aminoborane.     

The Simplest Amino‐borane H2B=NH2 Trapped on a Rhodium Dimer: Pre‐Catalysts for Amine–Borane Dehydropolymerization

The μ‐amino–borane complexes [Rh₂(L^R)₂(μ‐H)(μ‐H₂B=NHR′)][BAr^F₄] (L^R=R₂P(CH₂)₃PR₂; R=Ph, ⁱPr; R′=H, Me) form by addition of H₃B?NMeR′H₂ to [Rh(L^R)(η⁶‐C₆H₅F)][BAr^F₄]. DFT calculations demonstrate that the amino–borane interacts with the Rh centers through strong Rh‐H and Rh‐B interactions. Mechanistic investigations show that these dimers can form by a boronium‐mediated route, and are pre‐catalysts for amine‐borane dehydropolymerization, suggesting a possible role for bimetallic motifs in catalysis.     

σ-Silane Platinum(II) Complexes as Intermediates in C−Si Bond-Coupling Processes

Platinum complexes [Pt(NHC′)(NHC)][BAr^F] (in which NHC′ denotes a cyclometalated N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, NHC) react with primary silanes RSiH₃ to afford the cyclometalated platinum(II) silyl complexes [Pt(NHC-SiHR′)(NHC)][BAr^F] through a process that involves the formation of C−Si and Pt−Si bonds with concomitant extrusion of H₂. Low-temperature NMR studies indicate that the process proceeds through initial formation of the σ-SiH complexes [Pt(NHC′)(NHC)(HSiH₂R)][BAr^F], which are stable at temperatures below −10 °C. At higher temperatures, activation of one Si−H bond followed by a C−Si coupling reaction generates an agostic SiH platinum hydride derivative [Pt(H)(NHC′-SiH₂R)(NHC)][BAr^F], which undergoes a second Si−H bond activation to afford the final products. Computational modeling of the reaction mechanism indicates that the stereochemistry of the silyl/hydride ligands after the first Si−H bond cleavage dictates the nature of the products, favoring the formation of a C−Si bond over a C−H bond, in contrast to previous results obtained for tertiary silanes. Furthermore, the process involves a trans-to-cis isomerization of the NHC ligand before the second Si−H bond cleavage.     

Cationic iridium complexes of the Xantphos ligand. Flexible coordination modes and the isolation of the hydride insertion product with an alkene

Reaction of the Ir(I)-Xantphos complex [Ir(κ²-Xantphos)(COD)][BAr^F₄] (Xantphos = 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene, Ar^F = C₆H₃(CF₃)₂) with H₂ in acetone or CH₂Cl₂/MeCN affords the Ir(III)-hydrido complexes [Ir(κ³-Xantphos)(H)₂(L)][BAr^F₄], L = acetone or MeCN, whereas in non-coordinating CH₂Cl₂ solvent dimeric [Ir(κ³-Xantphos)(H)(μ-H)]₂[BAr^F₄]₂ is formed. A common intermediate in these reactions that invokes a (σ, η²-C₈H₁₃) ligand is reported. Addition of excess tert-butylethene (tbe) to [Ir(κ³-Xantphos)(H)₂(MeCN)][BAr^F₄] results in insertion of a hydride into the alkene to form [Ir(κ³-Xantphos)(MeCN)(CH₂CH₂C(CH₃)₃)(H)][BAr^F₄], an Ir(III) alkyl-hydrido-Xantphos complex. This reaction is reversible, and heating (80 °C) results in the reformation of [Ir(κ³-Xantphos)(H)₂(MeCN)][BAr^F₄] and tbe. These complexes have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy, ESI-MS and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. They show variable coordination modes of the Xantphos ligand: cis-κ²-P,P, fac-κ³-P,O,P and mer-κ³-P,O,P with the later coordination mode like that found in related PNP-pincer complexes.     

Reactivity of the Latent 12‐Electron Fragment [Rh(PiBu3)2]+ with Aryl Bromides: Aryl?Br and Phosphine Ligand C?H Activation

Oxidative addition of aryl bromides to 12‐electron [Rh(PiBu₃)₂][BAr^F₄] (Ar^F=3,5‐(CF₃)₂C₆H₃) forms a variety of products. With p‐tolyl bromides, Rh^III dimeric complexes result [Rh(PiBu₃)₂(o/p‐MeC₆H₄)(μ‐Br)]₂[BAr^F₄]₂. Similarly, reaction with p‐ClC₆H₄Br gives [Rh(PiBu₃)₂(p‐ClC₆H₄)(μ‐Br)]₂[BAr^F₄]₂. In contrast, the use of o‐BrC₆H₄Me leads to a product in which toluene has been eliminated and an isobutyl phosphine has undergone C? H activation: [Rh{PiBu₂(CH₂CHCH₃C H₂)}(PiBu₃)(μ‐Br)]₂[BAr^F₄]₂. Trapping experiments with ortho‐bromo anisole or ortho‐bromo thioanisole indicate that a possible intermediate for this process is a low‐coordinate Rh^III complex that then undergoes C? H activation. The anisole and thioanisole complexes have been isolated and their structures show OMe or SMe interactions with the metal centre alongside supporting agostic interactions, [Rh(PiBu₃)₂(C₆H₄O Me)Br][BAr^F₄] (the solid‐state structure of the 5‐methyl substituted analogue is reported) and [Rh(PiBu₃)₂(C₆H₄S Me)Br][BAr^F₄]. The anisole‐derived complex proceeds to give [Rh{PiBu₂(CH₂CHCH₃C H₂)}(PiBu₃)(μ‐Br)]₂[BAr^F₄]₂, whereas the thioanisole complex is unreactive. The isolation of [Rh(PiBu₃)₂(C₆H₄O Me)Br][BAr^F₄] and its onward reactivity to give the products of C? H activation and aryl elimination suggest that it is implicated on the pathway of a σ‐bond metathesis reaction, a hypothesis strengthened by DFT calculations. Calculations also suggest that C? H bond cleavage through phosphine‐assisted deprotonation of a non‐agostic bond is also competitive, although the subsequent protonation of the aryl ligand is too high in energy to account for product formation. C? H activation through oxidative addition is also ruled out on the basis of these calculations. These new complexes have been characterised by solution NMR/ESIMS techniques and in the solid‐state by X‐ray crystallography.     

Bildung und Struktur des [{η2‐tBu2P–P}Pt(PHtBu2)(PPh3)]

Coordination Chemistry of P‐rich Phosphanes and Silylphosphanes. XX Formation and Structure of [{η²‐^tBu₂P–P}Pt(PH^tBu₂)(PPh₃)] [{η²‐^tBu₂P¹–P²}Pt(P³Ph₃)(P⁴Ph₃)] ( 2 ) reacts with ^tBu₂PH exchanging only the P³Ph₃ group to give [{η²‐^tBu₂P¹–P²}Pt(P³H^tBu₂)(P⁴Ph₃)] ( 1 ). The crystal stucture determination of 1 together with its ³¹P{¹H} NMR data allow for an unequivocal assignment of the coupling constants in related Pt complexes. 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 (no. 2) with a = 1030.33(15), b = 1244.46(19), c = 1604.1(3) pm, α = 86.565(17)°, β = 80.344(18)°, γ = 74.729(17)°.     

One‐Electron Oxidation of [M(PtBu3)2] (M=Pd,Pt): Isolation of Monomeric [Pd(PtBu3)2]+ and Redox‐Promoted C−H Bond Cyclometalation

Oxidation of zero‐valent phosphine complexes [M(P^tBu₃)₂] (M=Pd, Pt) has been investigated in 1,2‐difluorobenzene solution using cyclic voltammetry and subsequently using the ferrocenium cation as a chemical redox agent. In the case of palladium, a mononuclear paramagnetic Pd^I derivative was readily isolated from solution and fully characterized (EPR, X‐ray crystallography). While in situ electrochemical measurements are consistent with initial one‐electron oxidation, the heavier congener undergoes C−H bond cyclometalation and ultimately affords the 14 valence‐electron Pt^II complex [Pt(κ²_PC‐P^tBu₂CMe₂CH₂)(P^tBu₃)]⁺ with concomitant formation of [Pt(P^tBu₃)₂H]⁺.     

Magnesium–halobenzene bonding: mapping the halogen sigma-hole with a Lewis-acidic complex

Complexes of the Lewis base-free cations (^MeBDI)Mg⁺ and (^tBuBDI)Mg⁺ with Ph–X ligands (X = F, Cl, Br, I) have been studied (^MeBDI = HC[C(Me)N-DIPP]₂ and ^tBuBDI = HC[C(tBu)N-DIPP]₂; DIPP = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl). For the smaller β-diketiminate ligand (^MeBDI) only complexes with PhF could be isolated. Heavier Ph–X ligands could not compete with bonding of Mg to the weakly coordinating anion B(C₆F₅)₄⁻. For the cations with the bulkier ^tBuBDI ligand, the full series of halobenzene complexes was structurally characterized. Crystal structures show that the Mg⋯X–Ph angle strongly decreases with the size of X: F 139.1°, Cl 101.4°, Br 97.7°, I 95.1°. This trend, which is supported by DFT calculations, can be explained with the σ-hole which increases from F to I. Charge calculation and Atoms-In-Molecules analyses show that Mg⋯F–Ph bonding originates from electrostatic attraction between Mg²⁺ and the very polar C^δ+–F^δ− bond. For the heavier halobenzenes, polarization of the halogen atom becomes increasingly important (Cl < Br < I). Complexation with Mg leads in all cases to significant Ph–X bond activation and elongation. This unusual coordination of halogenated species to early main group metals is therefore relevant to C–X bond breaking.

Complexes of a highly Lewis acidic Mg cation and the full series of Ph–X (X = F, Cl, Br, I) have been structurally characterized. The Mg⋯X–Ph angle decreases with halogen size on account of the growing halogen σ-hole.     

Reactivity of Xantphos-Type Rhodium Complexes Towards SF4: SF3 Versus SF2 Complex Generation

S−F-bond activation of sulfur tetrafluoride at [Rh(Cl)(^tBuxanPOP)] ( 1 ; ^tBuxanPOP=9,9-dimethyl-4,5-bis-(di-tert-butylphosphino)-xanthene) led to the formation of the cationic complex [Rh(F)(Cl)(SF₂)(^tBuxanPOP)][SF₅] ( 2 a ) together with trans-[Rh(Cl)(F)₂(^tBuxanPOP)] ( 3 ) and cis-[Rh(Cl)₂(F)(^tBuxanPOP)] ( 4 ) which both could also be obtained by the reaction of SF₅Cl with 1 . In contrast to that, the conversion of SF₄ at the methyl complex [Rh(Me)(^tBuxanPOP)] ( 5 ) gave the isolable and room-temperature stable cationic λ⁴-trifluorosulfanyl complex [Rh(Me)(SF₃)(^tBuxanPOP)][SF₅] ( 6 ). Treatment of 6 with the Lewis acids BF₃ or AsF₅ produced the dicationic difluorosulfanyl complex [Rh(Me)(SF₂)(^tBuxanPOP)][BF₄]₂ ( 8 a ) or [Rh(Me)(SF₂)(^tBuxanPOP)][AsF₆]₂ ( 8 b ), respectively. Refluorination of 8 a was possible with the use of dimethylamine giving [Rh(Me)(SF₃)(^tBuxanPOP)][BF₄] ( 9 ). A reaction of 6 with trichloroisocyanuric acid (TClCA) gave the fluorido complex [Rh(F)(Cl)(SF₂)(^tBuxanPOP)][Cl] ( 2 b ) together with chloromethane and SF₅Cl.     

One‐Electron Oxidation of [M(PtBu3)2] (M=Pd,Pt): Isolation of Monomeric [Pd(PtBu3)2]+ and Redox‐Promoted C−H Bond Cyclometalation

Oxidation of zero‐valent phosphine complexes [M(P^tBu₃)₂] (M=Pd, Pt) has been investigated in 1,2‐difluorobenzene solution using cyclic voltammetry and subsequently using the ferrocenium cation as a chemical redox agent. In the case of palladium, a mononuclear paramagnetic Pd^I derivative was readily isolated from solution and fully characterized (EPR, X‐ray crystallography). While in situ electrochemical measurements are consistent with initial one‐electron oxidation, the heavier congener undergoes C?H bond cyclometalation and ultimately affords the 14 valence‐electron Pt^II complex [Pt(κ²_PC‐P^tBu₂CMe₂CH₂)(P^tBu₃)]⁺ with concomitant formation of [Pt(P^tBu₃)₂H]⁺.     

Synthesis, characterization, and norbornene polymerization of η-benzylnickel(II) complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes

Neutral η¹-benzylnickel carbene complexes, [Ni(η¹-CH₂C₆H₅)(IiPr)(PMe₃)(Cl)] (3) (IiPr = 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) and [Ni(η¹-CH₂C₆H₅)(SIiPr)(PMe₃)(Cl)] (4) (SIiPr = 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene), were prepared by the reaction between [Ni(η³-CH₂C₆H₅)(PMe₃)(Cl)] and an equivalent amount of the corresponding free N-heterocyclic carbene. The preparation of η³-benzylnickel carbene complexes, [Ni(η³-CH₂C₆H₅)(IiPr)(Cl)] (5) and [Ni(η³-CH₂C₆H₅)(SIiPr)(Cl)] (6) were carried out by the abstraction of PMe₃ from 3 and 4 by the treatment of B(C₆F₅)₃. The treatment of AgX on 5 and 6 produced the anion-exchanged complexes, [Ni(η³-CH₂C₆H₅)(NHC)(X)] (7, NHC = IiPr, X = O₂CCF₃; 8, NHC = IiPr, X = O₃SCF₃; 9, NHC = SIiPr, X = O₂CCF₃; 10, NHC = SIiPr, X = O₃SCF₃). The solid state structures of 3 and 10 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The η³-benzyl complexes of IiPr (5, 7, and 8) alone, in the absence of any activators such as borate and MAO, showed good catalytic activity towards the vinyl-type norbornene polymerization. The catalyst was thermally robust and the activity increases as the temperature rises to 130 °C.     

Crystalline Diuranium Phosphinidiide and μ‐Phosphido Complexes with Symmetric and Asymmetric UPU Cores

Reaction of [U(Tren^TIPS)(PH₂)] ( 1 , Tren^TIPS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiPrⁱ₃)₃) with C₆H₅CH₂K and [U(Tren^TIPS)(THF)][BPh₄] ( 2 ) afforded a rare diuranium parent phosphinidiide complex [{U(Tren^TIPS)}₂(μ‐PH)] ( 3 ). Treatment of 3 with C₆H₅CH₂K and two equivalents of benzo‐15‐crown‐5 ether (B15C5) gave the diuranium μ‐phosphido complex [{U(Tren^TIPS)}₂(μ‐P)][K(B15C5)₂] ( 4 ). Alternatively, reaction of [U(Tren^TIPS)(PH)][Na(12C4)₂] ( 5 , 12C4=12‐crown‐4 ether) with [U{N(CH₂CH₂NSiMe₂Bu^t)₂CH₂CH₂NSi(Me)(CH₂)(Bu^t)}] ( 6 ) produced the diuranium μ‐phosphido complex [{U(Tren^TIPS)}(μ‐P){U(Tren^DMBS)}][Na(12C4)₂] [ 7 , Tren^DMBS=N(CH₂CH₂NSiMe₂Bu^t)₃]. Compounds 4 and 7 are unprecedented examples of uranium phosphido complexes outside of matrix isolation studies, and they rapidly decompose in solution underscoring the paucity of uranium phosphido complexes. Interestingly, 4 and 7 feature symmetric and asymmetric UPU cores, respectively, reflecting their differing steric profiles.     

Koordinativ ungesättigte Dirutheniumkomplexe: Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [Ru2(CO)n(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)] (n = 4; 5) und [Ru2(CO)4(μ‐CH2)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)]

Coordinatively Unsaturated Diruthenium Complexes: Synthesis and X‐ray Crystal Structures of [Ru₂(CO)_n(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] (n = 4; 5) and [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐CH₂)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] The reaction of [Ru₂(μ‐CO)(CO)₅(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(^tBu₂PH)] ( 2 ) with dppm yields the dinuclear species [Ru₂(μ‐CO)(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 3 ) (dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂). Under thermal or photolytic conditions 3 loses very easily one carbonyl ligand and affords the corresponding electronically and coordinatively unsaturated complex [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 4 ). 4 is also obtainable by an one‐pot synthesis from [Ru₃(CO)₁₂], an excess of ^tBu₂PH and stoichiometric amounts of dppm via the formation of [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(^tBu₂PH)₂] ( 1 ). 4 exhibits a Ru–Ru double bond which could be confirmed by addition of methylene to the dimetallacyclopropane [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐CH₂)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 5 ). The molecular structures of 3 , 4 and 5 were determined by X‐ray crystal structure analyses.     

Delocalization tunable by ligand substitution in [L2Al]n− complexes highlights a mechanism for strong electronic coupling

Ligand-based mixed valent (MV) complexes of Al(iii) incorporating electron donating (ED) and electron withdrawing (EW) substituents on bis(imino)pyridine ligands (I₂P) have been prepared. The MV states containing EW groups are both assigned as Class II/III, and those with ED functional groups are Class III and Class II/III in the (I₂P⁻)(I₂P²⁻)Al and [(I₂P²⁻)(I₂P³⁻)Al]²⁻ charge states, respectively. No abrupt changes in delocalization are observed with ED and EW groups and from this we infer that ligand and metal valence p-orbitals are well-matched in energy and the absence of LMCT and MLCT bands supports the delocalized electronic structures. The MV ligand charge states (I₂P⁻)(I₂P²⁻)Al and [(I₂P²⁻)(I₂P³⁻)Al]²⁻ show intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) transitions in the regions 6850–7740 and 7410–9780 cm⁻¹, respectively. Alkali metal cations in solution had no effect on the IVCT bands of [(I₂P²⁻)(I₂P³⁻)Al]²⁻ complexes containing –PhNMe₂ or –PhF₅ substituents. Minor localization of charge in [(I₂P²⁻)(I₂P³⁻)Al]²⁻ was observed when –PhOMe substituents are included.

Organo-aluminum mixed-valent complexes combine properties of both organic and transition element mixed-valent compounds. This supports delocalized electronic structures that are structurally and electronically tunable.     

Defunctionalisation catalysed by boron Lewis acids

Selective defunctionalisation of organic molecules to valuable intermediates is a fundamentally important transformation in organic synthesis. Despite the advances made in efficient and selective defunctionalisation using transition-metal catalysis, the cost, toxicity, and non-renewable properties limit its application in industrial manufacturing processes. In this regard, boron Lewis acid catalysis has emerged as a powerful tool for the cleavage of carbon–heteroatom bonds. The ground-breaking finding is that the strong boron Lewis acid B(C₆F₅)₃ can activate Si–H bonds through η¹ coordination, and this Lewis adduct is a key intermediate that enables various reduction processes. This system can be tuned by variation of the electronic and structural properties of the borane catalyst, and together with different hydride sources high chemoselectivity can be achieved. This Perspective provides a comprehensive summary of various defunctionalisation reactions such as deoxygenation, decarbonylation, desulfurisation, deamination, and dehalogenation, all of which catalysed by boron Lewis acids.

The combination of boron Lewis acid catalysts and hydride sources enables the cleavage of various carbon–heteroatom bonds.     

Coligand role in the NHC nickel catalyzed C–F bond activation: investigations on the insertion of bis(NHC) nickel into the C–F bond of hexafluorobenzene

The reaction of [Ni(Mes₂Im)₂] (1) (Mes₂Im = 1,3-dimesityl-imidazolin-2-ylidene) with polyfluorinated arenes as well as mechanistic investigations concerning the insertion of 1 and [Ni(ⁱPr₂Im)₂] (1ipr) (ⁱPr₂Im = 1,3-diisopropyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene) into the C–F bond of C₆F₆ is reported. The reaction of 1 with different fluoroaromatics leads to formation of the nickel fluoroaryl fluoride complexes trans-[Ni(Mes₂Im)₂(F)(Ar^F)] (Ar^F = 4-CF₃-C₆F₄2, C₆F₅3, 2,3,5,6-C₆F₄N 4, 2,3,5,6-C₆F₄H 5, 2,3,5-C₆F₃H₂6, 3,5-C₆F₂H₃7) in fair to good yields with the exception of the formation of the pentafluorophenyl complex 3 (less than 20%). Radical species and other diamagnetic side products were detected for the reaction of 1 with C₆F₆, in line with a radical pathway for the C–F bond activation step using 1. The difluoride complex trans-[Ni(Mes₂Im)₂(F)₂] (9), the bis(aryl) complex trans-[Ni(Mes₂Im)₂(C₆F₅)₂] (15), the structurally characterized nickel(i) complex trans-[Ni^I(Mes₂Im)₂(C₆F₅)] (11) and the metal radical trans-[Ni^I(Mes₂Im)₂(F)] (12) were identified. Complex 11, and related [Ni^I(Mes₂Im)₂(2,3,5,6-C₆F₄H)] (13) and [Ni^I(Mes₂Im)₂(2,3,5-C₆F₃H₂)] (14), were synthesized independently by reaction of trans-[Ni(Mes₂Im)₂(F)(Ar^F)] with PhSiH₃. Simple electron transfer from 1 to C₆F₆ was excluded, as the redox potentials of the reaction partners do not match and [Ni(Mes₂Im)₂]⁺, which was prepared independently, was not detected. DFT calculations were performed on the insertion of [Ni(ⁱPr₂Im)₂] (1ipr) and [Ni(Mes₂Im)₂] (1) into the C–F bond of C₆F₆. For 1ipr, concerted and NHC-assisted pathways were identified as having the lowest kinetic barriers, whereas for 1, a radical mechanism with fluoride abstraction and an NHC-assisted pathway are both associated with almost the same kinetic barrier.

A combined experimental and theoretical study on the mechanism of the C–F bond activation of C₆F₆ with [Ni(NHC)₂] is provided.