C-H activation and C=C double bond formation reactions in iridium ortho-methyl arylphosphane complexes

The Vaska-type iridium(I) complex [IrCl(CO){PPh(2)(2-MeC(6)H(4))}(2)] (1), characterized by an X-ray diffraction study, was obtained from iridium(III) chloride hydrate and PPh(2)(2,6-MeRC(6)H(3)) with R=H in DMF, whereas for R=Me, activation of two ortho-methyl groups resulted in the biscyclometalated iridium(III) compound [IrCl(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-CH(2)MeC(6)H(3))}(2)] (2). Conversely, for R=Me the iridium(I) compound [IrCl(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))}(2)] (3) can be obtained by treatment of [IrCl(COE)(2)](2) (COE=cyclooctene) with carbon monoxide and the phosphane in acetonitrile. Compound 3 in CH(2)Cl(2) undergoes intramolecular C-H oxidative addition, affording the cyclometalated hydride iridium(III) species [IrHCl(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-CH(2)MeC(6)H(3))}{PPh(2)(2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))}] (4). Treatment of 2 with Na[BAr(f) (4)] (Ar(f)=3,5-C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)) gives the fluxional cationic 16-electron complex [Ir(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-CH(2)MeC(6)H(3))}(2)][BAr(f) (4)] (5), which reversibly reacts with dihydrogen to afford the delta-agostic complex [IrH(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-CH(2)MeC(6)H(3))}{PPh(2)(2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))}][BAr(f)(4)] (6), through cleavage of an Ir-C bond. This species can also be formed by treatment of 4 with Na[BAr(f)(4)] or of 2 with Na[BAr(f)(4)] through C-H oxidative addition of one ortho-methyl group, via a transient 14-electron iridium(I) complex. Heating of the coordinatively unsaturated biscyclometalated species 5 in toluene gives the trans-dihydride iridium(III) complex [IrH(2)(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-MeC(6)H(3)CH=CHC(6)H(3)Me-2,6)PPh(2)}][BAr(f) (4)] (7), containing a trans-stilbene-type terdentate ligand, as result of a dehydrogenative carbon-carbon double bond coupling reaction, possibly through an iridium carbene species.     

The preparation and characterisation of hetero- and homobimetallic complexes containing bridging naphthalene-1,8-dithiolato ligands

Homo- and heterobimetallic complexes of the form [(PPh(3))(2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-nap){ML(n)}] (in which (1,8-S(2)-nap)=naphtho-1,8-dithiolate and {ML(n)}={PtCl(2)} (1), {PtClMe} (2), {PtClPh} (3), {PtMe(2)} (4), {PtIMe(3)} (5) and {Mo(CO)(4)} (6)) were obtained by the addition of [PtCl(2)(NCPh)(2)], [PtClMe(cod)] (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene), [PtClPh(cod)], [PtMe(2)(cod)], [{PtIMe(3)}(4)] and [Mo(CO)(4)(nbd)] (nbd=norbornadiene), respectively, to [Pt(PPh(3))(2)(1,8-S(2)-nap)]. Synthesis of cationic complexes was achieved by the addition of one or two equivalents of a halide abstractor, Ag[BF(4)] or Ag[ClO(4)], to [{Pt(mu-Cl)(mu-eta(2):eta(1)-C(3)H(5))}(4)], [{Pd(mu-Cl)(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))}(2)], [{IrCl(mu-Cl)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}(2)] (in which C(5)Me(5)=Cp*=1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl), [{RhCl(mu-Cl)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}(2)], [PtCl(2)(PMe(2)Ph)(2)] and [{Rh(mu-Cl)(cod)}(2)] to give the appropriate coordinatively unsaturated species that, upon treatment with [(PPh(3))(2)Pt(1,8-S(2)-nap)], gave complexes of the form [(PPh(3))(2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-nap){ML(n)}][X] (in which {ML(n)}[X]={Pt(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))}[ClO(4)] (7), {Pd(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))}[ClO(4)] (8), {IrCl(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}[ClO(4)] (9), {RhCl(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}[BF(4)] (10), {Pt(PMe(2)Ph)(2)}[ClO(4)](2) (11), {Rh(cod)}[ClO(4)] (12); the carbonyl complex {Rh(CO)(2)}[ClO(4)] (13) was formed by bubbling gaseous CO through a solution of 12. In all cases the naphtho-1,8-dithiolate ligand acts as a bridge between two metal centres to give a four-membered PtMS(2) ring (M=transition metal). All compounds were characterised spectroscopically. The X-ray structures of 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 reveal a binuclear PtMS(2) core with PtM distances ranging from 2.9630(8)-3.438(1) A for 8 and 5, respectively. The napS(2) mean plane is tilted with respect to the PtP(2)S(2) coordination plane, with dihedral angles in the range 49.7-76.1 degrees and the degree of tilting being related to the PtM distance and the coordination number of M. The sum of the Pt(1)coordination plane/napS(2) angle, a, and the Pt(1)coordination plane/M(2)coordination plane angle, b, a+b, is close to 120 degrees in nearly all cases. This suggests that electronic effects play a significant role in these binuclear systems.     

Synthesis of a bimetallic platinum-tungsten complex with a bridging micro-diboranyl-oxycarbyne moiety

The novel bimetallic micro-diboranyl-oxycarbyne bridged platinum-tungsten complex [W{eta(1),micro-CO-B(NMe(2))-B(NMe(2))-(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))}(CO)(2){Pt(PPh(3))(2)}] (W-Pt) () has been synthesised by a two-step reaction, starting from the dilithiated half-sandwich compound Li[W(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)Li)(CO)(3)] () via the ansa-diboranyl-oxycarbyne tungsten complex [W{eta(1)-CO-B(NMe(2))B(NMe(2))(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))}(OC)(2)] () by use of stoichiometric amounts of B(2)(NMe(2))(2)Br(2) and [Pt(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2)], respectively.     

Cationic rhodium mono-phosphine fragments partnered with carborane monoanions [closo-CB11H6X6]- (X = H, Br). Synthesis, structures and reactivity with alkenes

Addition of the new phosphonium carborane salts [HPR(3)][closo-CB(11)H(6)X(6)] (R = (i)Pr, Cy, Cyp; X = H 1a-c, X = Br 2a-c; Cy = C(6)H(11), Cyp = C(5)H(9)) to [Rh(nbd)(mu-OMe)](2) under a H(2) atmosphere gives the complexes Rh(PR(3))H(2)(closo-CB(11)H(12)) 3 (R = (i)Pr 3a, Cy 3b, Cyp 3c) and Rh(PR(3))H(2)(closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)) 4 (R = (i)Pr 4a, Cy 4b, Cyp 4c). These complexes have been characterised spectroscopically, and for 4b by single crystal X-ray crystallography. These data show that the {Rh(PR(3))H(2)}(+) fragment is interacting with the lower hemisphere of the [closo-CB(11)H(6)X(6)](-) anion on the NMR timescale, through three Rh-H-B or Rh-Br interactions for complexes 3 and 4 respectively. The metal fragment is fluxional over the lower surface of the cage anion, and mechanisms for this process are discussed. Complexes 3a-c are only stable under an atmosphere of H(2). Removing this, or placing under a vacuum, results in H(2) loss and the formation of the dimer species Rh(2)(PR(3))(2)(closo-CB(11)H(12))(2) 5a (R = (i)Pr), 5b (R = Cy), 5c (R = Cyp). These dimers have been characterised spectroscopically and for 5b by X-ray diffraction. The solid state structure shows a dimer with two closely associated carborane monoanions surrounding a [Rh(2)(PCy(3))(2)](2+) core. One carborane interacts with the metal core through three Rh-H-B bonds, while the other interacts through two Rh-H-B bonds and a direct Rh-B link. The electronic structure of this molecule is best described as having a dative Rh(I) --> Rh(III), d(8)--> d(6), interaction and a formal electron count of 16 and 18 electrons for the two rhodium centres respectively. Addition of H(2) to complexes 5a-c regenerate 3a-c. Addition of alkene (ethene or 1-hexene) to 5a-c or 3a-c results in dehydrogenative borylation, with 1, 2, and 3-B-vinyl substituted cages observed by ESI-MS: [closo-(RHC[double bond, length as m-dash]CH)(x)CB(11)H(12-x)](-)x = 1-3, R = H, C(4)H(9). Addition of H(2) to this mixture converts the B-vinyl groups to B-ethyl; while sequential addition of 4 cycles of ethene (excess) and H(2) to CH(2)Cl(2) solutions of 5a-c results in multiple substitution of the cage (as measured by ESI-MS), with an approximately Gaussian distribution between 3 and 9 substitutions. Compositionally pure material was not obtained. Complexes 4a-c do not lose H(2). Addition of tert-butylethene (tbe) to 4a gives the new complex Rh(P(i)Pr(3))(eta(2)-H(2)C=CH(t)Bu)(closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)) 6, characterised spectroscopically and by X-ray diffraction, which show coordination of the alkene ligand and bidentate coordination of the [closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)](-) anion. By contrast, addition of tbe to 4b or 4c results in transfer dehydrogenation to give the rhodium complexes Rh{PCy(2)(eta(2)-C(6)H(9))}(closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)) 7 and Rh{PCyp(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}(closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)) 9, which contain phosphine-alkene ligands. Complex has been characterised crystallographically.     

Coordination chemistry of the cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4))(-) ion: monomeric and oligomeric copper(I), silver(I) and gold(I) complexes

[Na{cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4))}] (1) reacts with [CuCl(PCyp(3))(2)] (Cyp=cyclo-C(5)H(9)) and [CuCl(PPh(3))(3)] (1:1) to give the corresponding copper(I) complexes with a tetra-tert-butylcyclopentaphosphanide ligand, [Cu{cyclo- (P(5)tBu(4))}(PCyp(3))(2)] (2) and [Cu{cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4))}(PPh(3))(2)] (3). The CuCl adduct of 2, [Cu(2)(mu-Cl){cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4))}(PCyp(3))(2)] (4), was obtained from the reaction of 1 with [CuCl(PCyp(3))(2)] (1:2). Compounds 2 and 3 rearrange, even at -27 degrees C, to give [Cu(4){cyclo- (P(4)tBu(3))PtBu}(4)] (5), in which ring contraction of the [cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4))](-) anion has occurred. The reaction of 1 with [AgCl(PCyp(3))](4) or [AgCl(PPh(3))(2)] (1:1) leads to the formation of [Ag(4){cyclo-(P(4)tBu(3))PtBu}(4)] (6). Intermediates, which are most probably mononuclear, "[Ag{cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4))}(PR(3))(2)]" (R=Cyp, Ph) could be detected in the reaction mixtures, but not isolated. Finally, the reaction of 1 with [AuCl(PCyp(3))] (1:1) yielded [Au{cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4))}(PCyp(3))] (7), whereas an inseparable mixture of [Au(3){cyclo-(P(5)tBu(4))}(3)] (8) and [Au(4){cyclo-(P(4)tBu(3))PtBu}(4)] (9) was obtained from the analogous reaction with [AuCl(PPh(3))]. Complexes 3-7 were characterised by (31)P NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystal structures were determined for 3-9.     

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.     

Dihydrogen complexes of rhodium: [RhH2(H2)x (PR3)2]+ (R = Cy, iPr; x = 1, 2)

Addition of H2 (4 atm at 298 K) to [Rh(nbd)(PR3)2][BAr(F)4] [R = Cy, iPr] affords Rh(III) dihydride/dihydrogen complexes. For R = Cy, complex 1a results, which has been shown by low-temperature NMR experiments to be the bis-dihydrogen/bis-hydride complex [Rh(H)2(eta2-H2)2(PCy3)2][BAr(F)4]. An X-ray diffraction study on 1a confirmed the {Rh(PCy3)2} core structure, but due to a poor data set, the hydrogen ligands were not located. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/DZVP level support the formulation as a Rh(III) dihydride/dihydrogen complex with cis hydride ligands. For R = iPr, the equivalent species, [Rh(H)2(eta2-H2)2(P iPr3)2][BAr(F)4] 2a, is formed, along with another complex that was spectroscopically identified as the mono-dihydrogen, bis-hydride solvent complex [Rh(H)2(eta2-H2)(CD2Cl2)(P iPr3)2][BAr(F)4] 2b. The analogous complex with PCy3 ligands, [Rh(H)2(eta2-H2)(CD2Cl2)(PCy3)2][BAr(F)4] 1b, can be observed by reducing the H2 pressure to 2 atm (at 298 K). Under vacuum, the dihydrogen ligands are lost in these complexes to form the spectroscopically characterized species, tentatively identified as the bis hydrides [Rh(H)2(L)2(PR3)2][BAr(F)4] (1c R = Cy; 2c R = iPr; L = CD2Cl2 or agostic interaction). Exposure of 1c or 2c to a H2 atmosphere regenerates the dihydrogen/bis-hydride complexes, while adding acetonitrile affords the bis-hydride MeCN adduct complexes [Rh(H)2(NCMe)2(PR3)2][BAr(F)4]. The dihydrogen complexes lose [HPR3][BAr(F)4] at or just above ambient temperature, suggested to be by heterolytic splitting of coordinated H2, to ultimately afford the dicationic cluster compounds of the type [Rh6(PR3)6(mu-H)12][BAr(F)4]2 in moderate yield.     

Transition metal vinylidene complexes as supramolecular building blocks: nucleobase-mediated self-assembly of crystals with hexagonal symmetry

Reaction of the ruthenium half sandwich compound RuCl(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(PPh(3))(2) with the uracil (Ur) substituted alkyne HC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CUr in the presence of halide scavengers NH(4)X (X = PF(6), BF(4), OTf) results in the formation of the vinylidene complexes [Ru([double bond, length as m-dash]C[double bond, length as m-dash]CHUr)(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(PPh(3))(2)][X] which crystallize in the hexagonal space group P6(3)/m. The hexagonal symmetry inherent to the system is due to the formation of a hydrogen bonded array mediated by the two sets of donor-acceptor units on the uracil, resulting in the formation of a cyclic "rosette" containing six ruthenium cations. In solution the (1)H and (31)P{(1)H} NMR spectra of the vinylidene complexes are both concentration and temperature dependent, in accord with the presence of monomer-dimer equilibria in which the rate of rotation of the vinylidene group is fast on the NMR timescale in the monomeric species, but slow in the dimers. The isoelectronic molybdenum-containing vinylidene complex [Mo(eta(7)-C(7)H(7))(dppe)([double bond, length as m-dash]C[double bond, length as m-dash]CHUr)][BF(4)] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) has also been prepared, but forms symmetric dimers in the solid state.     

Intermolecular alkene and alkyne hydroacylation with beta-S-substituted aldehydes: mechanistic insight into the role of a hemilabile P-O-P ligand

A straightforward to assemble catalytic system for the intermolecular hydroacylation reaction of beta-S-substituted aldehydes with activated and unactivated alkenes and alkynes is reported. These catalysts promote the hydroacylation reaction between beta-S-substituted aldehydes and challenging substrates, such as internal alkynes and 1-octene. The catalysts are based upon [Rh(cod)(DPEphos)][ClO(4)] (DPEphos=bis(2-diphenylphosphinophenyl)ether, cod=cyclooctadiene) and were designed to make use of the hemilabile capabilities of the DPEphos ligand to stabilise key acyl-hydrido intermediates against reductive decarbonylation, which results in catalyst death. Studies on the stoichiometric addition of aldehyde (either ortho-HCOCH(2)CH(2)SMe or ortho-HCOC(6)H(4)SMe) and methylacrylate to precursor acetone complexes [Rh(acetone)(2)(DPEphos)][X] [X=closo-CB(11)H(6)Cl(6) or [BAr(F) (4)] (Ar(F)=3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3))] reveal the role of the hemilabile DPEphos ligand. The crystal structure of [Rh(acetone)(2)(DPEphos)][X] shows a cis-coordinated diphosphine ligand with the oxygen atom of the DPEphos distal from the rhodium. Addition of aldehyde forms the acyl hydride complexes [Rh(DPEphos)(COCH(2)CH(2)SMe)H][X] or [Rh(DPEphos)(COC(6)H(4)SMe)H][X], which have a trans-spanning DPEphos ligand and a coordinated ether group. Compared to analogous complexes prepared with dppe (dppe=1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), these DPEphos complexes show significantly increased resistance towards reductive decarbonylation. The crystal structure of the reductive decarbonylation product [Rh(CO)(DPEphos)(EtSMe)][closo-CB(11)H(6)I(6)] is reported. Addition of alkene (methylacrylate) to the acyl-hydrido complexes forms the final complexes [Rh(DPEphos)(eta(1)-MeSC(2)H(4)-eta(1)-COC(2)H(4)CO(2)Me)][X] and [Rh(DPEphos)(eta(1)-MeSC(6)H(4)-eta(1)-COC(2)H(4)CO(2)Me)][X], which have been identified spectroscopically and by ESIMS/MS. Intermediate species in this transformation have been observed and tentatively characterised as the alkyl-acyl complexes [Rh(CH(2)CH(2)CO(2)Me)(COC(2)H(4)SMe)(DPEphos)][X] and [Rh(CH(2)CH(2)CO(2)Me)(COC(6)H(4)SMe)(DPEphos)][X]. In these complexes, the DPEphos ligand is now cis chelating. A model for the (unobserved) transient alkene complex that would result from addition of alkene to the acyl-hydrido complexes comes from formation of the MeCN adducts [Rh(DPEphos)(MeSC(2)H(4)CO)H(MeCN)][X] and [Rh(DPEphos)(MeSC(6)H(4)CO)H(MeCN)][X]. Changing the ligand from DPEphos to one with a CH(2) linkage, [Ph(2)P(C(6)H(4))](2)CH(2), gave only decomposition on addition of aldehyde to the acetone precursor, which demonstrated the importance of the hemiabile ether group in DPEphos. With [Ph(2)P(C(6)H(4))](2)S, the sulfur atom has the opposite effect and binds too strongly to the metal centre to allow access to productive acetone intermediates.     

C-X bond formation and cleavage in the reactions of the ditungsten hydride complex [W2(η5-C5H5)2(H)(μ-PCy2)(CO)2] with small molecules having multiple C-X bonds (X = C, N, O)

Two molecules of C(2)(CO(2)Me)(2) or isocyanides could be added to the title hydride complex under mild conditions to give dienyl-[W(2)Cp(2){μ-η(1),κ:η(2)-C(CO(2)Me)=C(CO(2)Me)C(CO(2)Me)=CH(CO(2)Me)}(μ-PCy(2))(CO)(2)] (Cp = η(5)-C(5)H(5)), diazadienyl-[W(2)Cp(2){μ-κ,η:κ,η-C{CHN(4-MeO-C(6)H(4))}N(4-MeO-C(6)H(4))}(μ-PCy(2))(CO)(2)] or aminocarbyne-bridged derivatives [W(2)Cp(2){μ-CNH(2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))}(μ-PCy(2)){CN(2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))}(CO)]. In contrast, its reaction with excess (4-Me-C(6)H(4))C(O)H gave the C-O bond cleavage products [W(2)Cp(2){CH(2)(4-Me-C(6)H(4))}(O)(μ-PCy(2))(CO)(2)] and [W(2)Cp(2){μ-η:η,κ-C(O)CH(2)(4-Me-C(6)H(4))}(O)(μ-PCy(2))(CO)].     

Rhodium(I) and Rhodium(III) complexes containing the chiral ligand 2,6-bis[4'(S)-isopropyloxazolin-2'-yl]pyridine (pybox): an unprecedented monohapto coordination of pybox

The complex [Rh(kappa(3)-N,N,N-pybox)(CO)][PF(6)] (1) has been prepared by reaction of the precursor [Rh(mu-Cl)(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(2)](2), 2,6-bis[4'(S)-isopropyloxazolin-2'-yl]pyridine (pybox), CO, and NaPF(6). Complex 1 reacts with monodentate phosphines to give the complexes [Rh(kappa(1)-N-pybox)(CO)(PR(3))(2)][PF(6)] (R(3) = MePh(2) (2), Me(2)Ph (3), (C(3)H(5))Ph(2) (4)), which show a previously unseen monodentate coordination of pybox. Complex 1 undergoes oxidative addition reactions with iodine and CH(3)I leading to the complexes [RhI(R)(kappa(3)-N,N,N-pybox)(CO)][PF(6)] (R = I (5); R = CH(3) (6)). Furthermore, a new allenyl Rh(III)-pybox complex of formula [Rh(CH=C=CH(2))Cl(2)(kappa(3)-N,N,N-pybox)] (7) has been synthesized by a one-pot reaction from [Rh(mu-Cl)(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(2)](2), pybox, and an equimolar amount of propargyl chloride.     

Sulfur-bridged early-late heterobimetallics synthesized by incorporation of titanium,vanadium, and molybdenum into bis(hydrosulfido) templates of group 9 metals

Reactions of the bis(hydrosulfido) complexes [Cp*Rh(SH)(2)(PMe(3))] (1a; Cp* = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) with [CpTiCl(3)] (Cp = eta(5)-C(5)H(5)) and [TiCl(4)(thf)(2)] in the presence of triethylamine led to the formation of the sulfido-bridged titanium-rhodium complexes [Cp*Rh(PMe(3))(micro(2)-S)(2)TiClCp] (2a) and [Cp*Rh(PMe(3))(micro2-S)(2)TiCl(2)] (3a), respectively. Complex 3a and its iridium analogue 3b were further converted into the bis(acetylacetonato) complexes [Cp*M(PMe(3))(micro(2)-S)(2)Ti(acac)(2)] (4a, M = Rh; 4b, M = Ir) upon treatment with acetylacetone. The hydrosulfido complexes 1a and [Cp*Ir(SH)(2)(PMe(3))] (1b) also reacted with [VCl(3)(thf)(3)] and [Mo(CO)(4)(nbd)] (nbd = 2,5-norbornadiene) to afford the cationic sulfido-bridged VM2 complexes [(Cp*M(PMe(3))(micro2-S)(2))2V](+) (5a(+), M = Rh; 5b(+), M = Ir) and the hydrosulfido-bridged MoM complexes [Cp*M(PMe(3))(micro2-SH)(2)Mo(CO)(4)] (6a, M = Rh; 6b, M = Ir), respectively.     

Transition metal complexes of the chelating phosphine borane ligand Ph2PCH2Ph2P.BH3

Chromium and ruthenium complexes of the chelating phosphine borane H(3)B.dppm are reported. Addition of H(3)B.dppm to [Cr(CO)(4)(nbd)](nbd = norbornadiene) affords [Cr(CO)(4)(eta1-H(3)B.dppm)] in which the borane is linked to the metal through a single B-H-Cr interaction. Addition of H(3)B.dppm to [CpRu(PR(3))(NCMe)(2)](+)(Cp =eta5)-C(5)H(5)) results in [CpRu(PR(3))(eta1-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)](R = Me, OMe) which also show a single B-H-Ru interaction. Reaction with [CpRu(NCMe)(3)](+) only resulted in a mixture of products. In contrast, with [Cp*Ru(NCMe)(3)](+)(Cp*=eta5)-C(5)Me(5)) a single product is isolated in high yield: [Cp*Ru(eta2-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)]. This complex shows two B-H-Ru interactions. Reaction with L = PMe(3) or CO breaks one of these and the complexes [Cp*Ru(L)(eta1-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)] are formed in good yield. With L = MeCN an equilibrium is established between [Cp*Ru(eta2-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)] and the acetonitrile adduct. [Cp*Ru (eta2-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)] can be considered as being "operationally unsaturated", effectively acting as a source of 16-electron [Cp*Ru (eta1-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)]. All the new compounds (apart from the CO and MeCN adducts) have been characterised by X-ray crystallography. The solid-state structure of H(3)B.dppm is also reported.     

High hydride count rhodium octahedra, [Rh6(PR3)6H12][BArF4]2: synthesis, structures, and reversible hydrogen uptake under mild conditions

A new class of transition metal cluster is described, [Rh(6)(PR(3))(6)H(12)][BAr(F)(4)](2) (R = (i)Pr (1a), Cy (2a); BAr(F)(4) = [B{C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)}(4)](-)). These clusters are unique in that they have structures exactly like those of early transition metal clusters with edge-bridging pi-donor ligands rather than the structures expected for late transition metal clusters with pi-acceptor ligands. The solid-state structures of 1a and 2a have been determined, and the 12 hydride ligands bridge each Rh-Rh edge of a regular octahedron. Pulsed gradient spin-echo NMR experiments show that the clusters remain intact in solution, having calculated hydrodynamic radii of 9.5(3) A for 1a and 10.7(2) A for 2a, and the formulation of 1a and 2a was unambiguously confirmed by ESI mass spectrometry. Both 1a and 2a take up two molecules of H(2) to afford the cluster species [Rh(6)(P(i)Pr(3))(6)H(16)][BAr(F)(4)](2) (1b) and [Rh(6)(PCy(3))(6)H(16)][BAr(F)(4)](2) (2b), respectively, as characterized by NMR spectroscopy, ESI-MS, and, for 2b, X-ray crystallography using the [1-H-CB(11)Me(11)](-) salt. The hydride ligands were not located by X-ray crystallography, but (1)H NMR spectroscopy showed a 15:1 ratio of hydride ligands, suggesting an interstitial hydride ligand. Addition of H(2) is reversible: placing 1b and 2b under vacuum regenerates 1a and 2a. DFT calculations on [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(x)()](2+) (x = 12, 16) support the structural assignments and also show a molecular orbital structure that has 20 orbitals involved with cluster bonding. Cluster formation has been monitored by (31)P{(1)H} and (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and mechanisms involving heterolytic H(2) cleavage and elimination of [HP(i)Pr(3)](+) or the formation of trimetallic intermediates are discussed.     

Organometallic chemistry of Ga(+): formation of an unusual gallium dimer in the coordination sphere of ruthenium

New insights into the distinct organometallic chemistry of the Ga(+) ion are presented. Ga(+) reacts as a strong electrophile with the electron rich ligand trismethylene-methane (C(CH(2))(3) (2-)) attached at Ru by insertion into a Ru--C bond. The resulting "gallamethylallyl" ligand behaves like strong nucleophile similar to known monovalent GaR species. This donor property leads to the dimeric structure of the product [{Ru(GaCp*)(3)[eta(3)-(CH(2))(2)C{CH(2)(mu-Ga)}]}(2)][(BAr(F))(2)] (4) (Cp*=C(5)Me(5), [BAr(F)]=[B{C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)}(4)]). Very unexpectedly, the two gallium ligands in this dimer are found in close vicinity to each other with a distance in the range of Ga--Ga bonds. Indeed, AIM calculations confirm a weak attractive closed shell Ga--Ga interaction. Finally, a novel example of a complex with substituent-free Ga(+) as a ligand was found in the compound [Ru(PCy(3))(2)(GaCp*)(2)(Ga)][BAr(F)] (6) (Cy=C(6)H(11), cyclohexyl), the very short Ru--Ga bond length confirming the assumption that Ga(+) represents a pure sigma/pi-accepting ligand in this case.     

Supraicosahedral and icosahedral nickelacarbaboranes bearing exopolyhedral metal fragments

Treatment of the isomeric 12-vertex nickelacarbaborane salts [NEt(4)][3-(eta3)-C(3)H(5))-closo-3,1,2-NiC(2)B(9)H(11)] and [NEt(4)][2-(eta3)-C(3)H(5))-closo-2,1,7-NiC(2)B(9)H(11)] with [CuCl(PPh(3))](4) and Tl[PF(6)] affords the zwitterionic bimetallic species [3-(eta3)-C(3)H(5))-3,4,8-[Cu(PPh(3))]-4,8-(mu-H)(2)-closo-3,1,2-NiC(2)B(9)H(9)] and [2-(eta3)-C(3)H(5))-2,6,11-(Cu(PPh(3)))-6,11-(mu-H)(2)-closo-2,1,7-NiC(2)B(9)H(9)], respectively. Similarly, the 13-vertex nickelacarbaborane [NEt(4)][4-(eta3)-C(3)H(5))-closo-4,1,6-NiC(2)B(10)H(12)] reacts with sources of mono-cationic metal fragments to form [4-(eta3)-C(3)H(5))-7,8,13-(Cu(PPh(3)))-7,8,13-(mu-H)(3)-4,1,6-closo-NiC(2)B(10)H(9)], [4-(eta3)-C(3)H(5))-3,8-(Rh(PPh(3))(2))-3,8-(mu-H)(2)-4,1,6-closo-NiC(2)B(10)H(10)] and [4-(eta3)-C(3)H(5))-3,7,8-(RuCl(PPh(3))(2))-3,7,8-(mu-H)(3)-4,1,6-closo-NiC(2)B(10)H(9)]. The molecular structures of these five new bimetallic compounds were determined by X-ray diffraction studies, confirming that exopolyhedral Cu, Rh and Ru fragments are attached to the cluster via B-H[right harpoon up]M agostic-type interactions and, in the case of the (NiC(2)B(9)) species, by a metal-metal bond.     

Heterolytic cleavage of dihydrogen promoted by sulfido-bridged tungsten-ruthenium dinuclear complexes

A series of sulfido-bridged tungsten-ruthenium dinuclear complexes Cp*W(mu-S)(3)RuX(PPh(3))(2) (4a; X = Cl, 4b; X = H), Cp*W(O)(mu-S)(2)RuX(PPh(3))(2) (5a; X = Cl, 5b; X = H), and Cp*W(NPh)(mu-S)(2)RuX(PPh(3))(2) (6a; X = Cl, 6b; X = H) have been synthesized by the reactions of (PPh(4))[Cp*W(S)(3)] (1), (PPh(4))[Cp*W(O)(S)(2)] (2), and (PPh(4))[Cp*W(NPh)(S)(2)] (3), with RuClX(PPh(3))(3) (X = Cl, H). The heterolytic cleavage of H(2) was found to proceed at room temperature upon treating 5a and 6a with NaBAr(F)(4) (Ar(F) = 3, 5-C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)) under atmospheric pressure of H(2), which gave rise to [Cp*W(OH)(mu-S)(2)RuH(PPh(3))(2)](BAr(F)(4)) (7a) and [Cp*W(NHPh)(mu-S)(2)RuH(PPh(3))(2)](BAr(F)(4)) (8), respectively. When Cp*W(O)(mu-S)(2)Ru(PPh(3))(2)H (5b) was treated with a Br?nstead acid, [H(OEt(2))(2)](BAr(F)(4)) or HOTf, protonation occurred exclusively at the terminal oxide to give [Cp*W(OH)(mu-S)(2)RuH(PPh(3))(2)](X) (7a; X = BAr(F)(4), 7b; X = OTf), while the hydride remained intact. The analogous reaction of Cp+W(mu-S)(3)Ru(PPh(3))(2)H (4b) led to immediate evolution of H(2). Selective deprotonation of the hydroxyl group of 7a or 7b was induced by NEt(3) and 4b, generating Cp*W(O)(mu-S)(2)Ru(PPh(3))(2)H (5b). Evolution of H(2) was also observed for the reactions of 7a or 7b with CH(3)CN to give [Cp*W(O)(mu-S)(2)Ru(CH(3)CN)(PPh(3))(2)](X) (11a; X = BAr(F)(4), 11b; X = OTf). We examined the H/D exchange reactions of 4b, 5b, and 7a with D(2) and CH(3)OD, and found that facile H/D scrambling over the W-OH and Ru-H sites occurred for 7a. Based on these experimental results, the mechanism of the heterolytic H(2) activation and the reverse H(2) evolution reactions are discussed.     

Hydride mobility in trinuclear sulfido clusters with the core [Rh3(μ-H)(μ3-S)2]: molecular models for hydrogen migration on metal sulfide hydrotreating catalysts

The treatment of [{Rh(μ-SH){P(OPh)(3)}(2)}(2)] with [{M(μ-Cl)(diolef)}(2)] (diolef=diolefin) in the presence of NEt(3) affords the hydrido-sulfido clusters [Rh(3)(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(diolef){P(OPh)(3)}(4)] (diolef=1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod) for 1, 2,5-norbornadiene (nbd) for 2, and tetrafluorobenzo[5,6]bicyclo[2.2.2]octa-2,5,7-triene (tfb) for 3) and [Rh(2)Ir(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(cod){P(OPh)(3)}(4)] (4). Cluster 1 can be also obtained by treating [{Rh(μ-SH){P(OPh)(3)}(2)}(2)] with [{Rh(μ-OMe)(cod)}(2)], although the main product of the reaction with [{Ir(μ-OMe)(cod)}(2)] was [RhIr(2)(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(cod)(2){P(OPh)(3)}(2)] (5). The molecular structures of clusters 1 and 4 have been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The deprotonation of a hydrosulfido ligand in [{Rh(μ-SH)(CO)(PPh(3))}(2)] by [M(acac)(diolef)] (acac=acetylacetonate) results in the formation of hydrido-sulfido clusters [Rh(3)(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(CO)(2) (diolef)(PPh(3))(2)] (diolef=cod for 6, nbd for 7) and [Rh(2)Ir(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(CO)(2)(cod)(PPh(3))(2)] (8). Clusters 1-3 and 5 exist in solution as two interconverting isomers with the bridging hydride ligand at different edges. Cluster 8 exists as three isomers that arise from the disposition of the PPh(3) ligands in the cluster (cis and trans) and the location of the hydride ligand. The dynamic behaviour of clusters with bulky triphenylphosphite ligands, which involves hydrogen migration from rhodium to sulfur with a switch from hydride to proton character, is significant to understand hydrogen diffusion on the surface of metal sulfide hydrotreating catalysts.     

Assembly of hybrid organic-organometallic materials through mechanochemical acid-base reactions

Manual grinding of the organometallic complex [Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)COOH)(2)] with a number of solid bases, namely 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, C(6)H(12)N(2), 1,4-phenylenediamine, p-(NH(2))(2)C(6)H(4), piperazine, HN(C(2)H(4))(2)NH, trans-1,4-cyclohexanediamine, p-(NH(2))(2)C(6)H(10), and guanidinium carbonate [(NH(2))(3)C](2)[CO(3)], generates quantitatively the corresponding adducts, [HC(6)H(12)N(2)][Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)COOH)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)COO)] (1), [HC(6)H(8)N(2)][Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)COOH)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)COO)] (2), [H(2)C(4)H(10)N(2)][Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)COO)(2)] (3), [H(2)C(6)H(14)N(2)][Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)COO)(2)].2 H(2)O, (4.2 H(2)O), and [C(NH(2))(3)](2)[Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)COO)(2)].2 H(2)O, (5.2 H(2)O), respectively. Crystallization from methanol in the presence of seeds of the ground sample allows the growth of single crystals of these adducts; therefore we were able to determine the structures of the adducts by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. This information was used in turn to identify and characterize the polycrystalline materials obtained by the grinding process. In the case of [HC(6)N(2)H(12)][Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)COOH)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)COO)] (1), the base can be removed by mild treatment regenerating the starting dicarboxylic acid, while in all other cases decomposition is observed. The solid-solid processes described herein imply molecular diffusion through the lattice, breaking and reassembling of hydrogen-bonded networks, and proton transfer from acid to base.     

Bridging mu-eta(5):eta(4)-coordination of an indenyl ligand and reductive coupling of diazabutadienes in the assembly of di- and tetranuclear mixed-valent ytterbium indenyldiazabutadiene complexes

The redox reaction of [Yb(C(9)H(7))(2)(thf)(2)] with the diazabutadiene PhN==C(Me)--C(Me)==NPh (DAD) has been found to depend on the molar ratio of the reactants. Reaction in a 1:2 molar ratio affords the dinuclear mixed-valent complex [Yb(2)(mu-eta(5):eta(4)-C(9)H(7))(eta(5)-C(9)H(7))(2){mu-eta(4):eta(4)-PhNC(Me)==C(Me)NPh}] containing an indenyl ligand with an unusual mu-eta(5):eta(4) bridging coordination. Reaction of equimolar amounts of these compounds results in an organolanthanide-mediated reductive coupling of the DAD ligands and formation of the tetranuclear mixed-valent complex [Yb(2)(mu-eta(5):eta(4)-C(9)H(7))(eta(5)-C(9)H(7))(2){mu-eta(4):eta(4)-PhNC(CH(2))==C(Me)NPh}](2) with a novel tetradentate tetraimine ligand.