Generation of Ir-Sn and Rh-Sn bonds from the oxidative addition of tin(IV) halides to [Ir(μ-Cl)(1,5-COD)]2 and [Rh(μ-Cl)(1,5-COD)]2

Facile oxidative addition of SnCl₄, MeSnCl₃, and SnBr₄ across Ir(I) and Rh(I) cyclooctadiene complexes resulted in the formation of the corresponding Ir-Sn and Rh-Sn heterobimetallic complexes. Treatment of SnCl₄ with [Ir(COD)(μ-Cl)]₂ and [Rh(COD)(μ-Cl)]₂ afforded [Ir(COD)(μ-Cl)Cl(SnCl₃)]₂ (1) and [Rh(COD)(μ-Cl)Cl(SnCl₃)]₂ (2), respectively. Reaction of the organotin halide MeSnCl₃ with [Ir(COD)(μ-Cl)]₂ led to the formation of [Ir(COD)(μ-Cl)Cl(MeSnCl₂)]₂ (3). The reaction of SnBr₄ to Ir^I and Rh^I precursors gave [Ir(COD)(μ-Br)Br(SnBr₃)]₂ (4) and [Rh(COD)(μ-Br)Br(SnBr₃)]₂ (5) respectively, which indicates halide exchange at post-oxidative addition stage. The structures of complexes 1-5 were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. A cis-addition of Sn-X bond across Ir^I/Rh^I is proposed from the analysis of the geometrical features of “X-M-Sn” triangular units in 1-5.     

Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of tribenzylphosphine rhodium and iridium complexes

New rhodium and iridium complexes, with the formula [MCl(PBz₃)(cod)] [M = Rh (1), Ir (2)] and [M(PBz₃)₂(cod)]PF₆ [M = Rh (3), Ir (4)] (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene), stabilized by the tribenzylphosphine ligand (PBz₃) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The addition of pyridine to a methanol solution of 1or 2, followed by metathetical reaction with NH₄PF₆, gave the corresponding derivatives [M(py)(PBz₃)(cod)]PF₆ [M = Rh (5), Ir (6)]. At room temperature in CHCl₃ solution, 4 converted spontaneously to the ortho-metallated complex [IrH(PBz₃)(cod){η²-P,C-(C₆H₄CH₂)PBz₂}]PF₆ (7) as a mixture of cis/trans isomers via intramolecular C-H activation of a benzylic phenyl ring. The reaction of 3 or 4 with hydrogen in coordinating solvents gave the dihydrido bis(solvento) derivative [M(H)₂(S)₂(PBz₃)₂]PF₆ (M = Rh, Ir; S = acetone, acetonitrile, THF), that transformed into the corresponding dicarbonyls [M(H)₂(CO)₂(PBz₃)₂]PF₆ by treatment with CO. Analogous cis-dihydrido complexes [M(H)₂(THF)₂(py)(PBz₃)₂]PF₆ (M = Rh, Ir) were observed by reaction of the py derivatives 5 and 6 with H₂.     

Chloride substitution of [CpRu(dppf)Cl] with sulfur-containing ligands

The reactions of CpRu(dppf)Cl (1) with the sulfur-containing ligands, thiophenol HSPh, 2-mercaptopyridine C₅H₄N(SH), thiourea SC(NH₂)₂, vinylene trithiocarbonate SCS(CH)₂S and ethylene trithiocarbonate SCS(CH₂)₂S, yielded chloro-substituted derivatives, viz. the mono-ruthenium(II) complexes CpRu(dppf)(SPh) (2), [CpRu(dppf)(SC₅H₄NH)]BPh₄ (3)BPh₄, [CpRu(dppf)(SC(NH₂)₂]PF₆ (4)PF₆, [CpRu(dppf)(SCS(CH)₂S)]Cl (5)Cl and [CpRu(dppf)(SCS(CH₂)₂S)]Cl (6)Cl, respectively. Treatment of 1 with AuCl(SMe₂) in the presence of NH₄PF₆ gave [(CpRu(dppf)(SMe₂)]PF₆ (7)PF₆. The reaction of 1 or 6 with SnCl₂ resulted in cleavage of chloro and dithiocarbonate ligands, respectively, to give CpRu(dppf)SnCl₃ (8). All complexes were spectroscopically characterized and the structures of 2 and cationic complexes 4-7 were determined by single-crystal diffraction analyses.     

Unsymmetrical complexes containing the linear tetraphosphine ligand DPPEPM

The tetraphosphine DPPEPM reacts with [PtMe₂(cod)] to produce [PtMe₂(DPPEPM-PP)] (1) in near quantitative yield. On standing in solution, the free P atoms become oxidized to give [PtMe₂(DPPEPM(O)₂-PP)] (1a), which has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. In contrast, reactions of DPPEPM with [MCl₂(cod)] (M = Pd, Pt) yield ionic products of the form [M(DPPEPM-PP)₂]MCl₄ (3, 4). When a solution of the platinum complex was allowed to stand, crystals of [Pt(μ-Cl)(μ-DPPEPM)₂]Cl₃ (5) were obtained. In a third set of reactions, treatment of [PtClR(cod)] (R = Me, Ph) or [PdClMe(cod)] with DPPEPM gives species of the type [MR(DPPEPM-PPP)]Cl (6-8), in which one of the internal P atoms is uncoordinated. Reactions of [PtR₂(DPPEPM-PP)] with or [MCl₂(cod)] (M = Pd, Pt), or of [PtR(DPPEPM-PPP)]Cl with [MCl₂(cod)], lead to unsymmetrical bimetallic complexes. [PtMe₂(μ-DPPEPM)PdCl₂] (11) and [PtClPh(μ-DPPEPM)PdCl₂] (14) have been characterized crystallographically. Trimetallic complexes of the form [{PtR₂(μ-DPPEPM)}₂M][MCl₄] (M = Pd, Pt, 15-17) are produced by reaction of [PtR₂(DPPEPM-PP)] with [MCl₂(cod)].     

A 2-iridafuran from reaction between a 1-iridaindene and methyl propiolate

The coordinatively unsaturated 1-iridaindene, Ir[C₈H₅(Ph-3)]Cl(PPh₃)₂ has a labile chloride ligand and is easily converted to the corresponding iodide, Ir[C₈H₅(Ph-3)]I(PPh₃)₂ (1) by reaction with NaI. When Ir[C₈H₅(Ph-3)]I(PPh₃)₂ (1) is treated with methyl propiolate a reactive five-coordinate complex with both a diphenylvinyl ligand from ring-opening of the 1-iridaindene, and a 3-methoxy-3-oxoprop-1-ynyl ligand from deprotonation of methyl propiolate, is first produced. Reaction of this complex with aqueous HCl generates the 2-iridafuran, Ir[OC₃H(CHCPh₂-3)(OMe-5)]ClI(PPh₃)₂ (2) probably from initial protonation at the β-carbon of the 3-methoxy-3-oxoprop-1-ynyl ligand to form a vinylidene ligand and subsequent migration of the diphenylvinyl ligand to the α-carbon of this ligand accompanied by oxygen coordination to iridium. Similar treatment of 1 with methyl propiolate followed by aqueous HI gives the corresponding complex, Ir[OC₃H(CHCPh₂-3)(OMe-5)]I₂(PPh₃)₂ (3). The X-ray crystal structures of 2 and 3 together with NMR spectroscopic data confirm the 2-metallafuran structures of these complexes.     

A new synthesis for thermolabile low-valent palladium complexes by electron transfer reactions from nickel(0) to palladium(II) compounds

The nickel(0) complex [Ni(bpy)(cod)] (bpy: 2,2′-bipyridine, cod: cycloocta-1,5-diene) was used as a mild reducing reagent for the synthesis of the extremely reactive low-valent palladium complexes [Pd₂X₂(cod)₂] (1: X = Cl, 2: X = Br), Pd(cod)₂ (3) and Pd(norbornene)₃ (4). The X-ray analysis of 1 showed that the two [Pd(cod)(Cl)] moieties are only connected by a short Pd(I)-Pd(I) bond (bond length: 2.5379(4) Å) with the chloride ions as monodentate ligands. The X-ray structure of 3 which is also known to be an extremely reactive compound could be determined by X-ray diffraction. As expected, the Pd(0) centre is surrounded by the two cod ligands to form a PdC₄ tetrahedron with typical Pd-C bond lengths. The crystal structure of 3 shows it to be very similar to the closely related complexes M(cod)₂ (M: Ni, Pt). The X-ray structure of 4 displays that the Pd(0) centre is in a trigonal planar environment of the three olefin groups. According to ¹H NMR measurements the complexes have the same structure in solution as found in the solid state.     

Organometallic ruthenium, rhodium and iridium complexes containing a P-bound thiophene-2-(N-diphenylphosphino)methylamine ligand: Synthesis, molecular structure and catalytic activity

Reaction of Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S with [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂, [Ru(η⁶-benzene)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂, [Rh(μ-Cl)(cod)]₂ and [Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ yields complexes [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)(η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₂], 1, [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)(η⁶-benzene)Cl₂], 2, [Rh(Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)(cod)Cl], 3 and [Ir(Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Cl₂], 4, respectively. All complexes were isolated from the reaction solution and fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. The structure of [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)(η⁶-benzene)Cl₂], 2 was also determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1-4 are suitable precursors forming highly active catalyst in the transfer hydrogenation of a variety of simple ketones. Notably, the catalysts obtained by using the ruthenium complexes [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)(η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₂], 1 and [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)(η⁶-benzene)Cl₂], 2 are much more active in the transfer hydrogenation converting the carbonyls to the corresponding alcohols in 98-99% yields (TOF ≤ 200 h⁻¹) in comparison to analogous rhodium and iridium complexes.     

Tandem transmetallation and oxidative addition reactions of [Sn(R)2(Ph2PC6H4-2-S)2] with transition metal complexes of the Group 9

The reactions of [Sn(Ph)₂(Ph₂PC₆H₄-2-S)₂] with trans -[M(Cl)(CO)(PPh₃)₂] M=Ir, Rh afford the complexes [Rh(Ph₂PC₆H₄-2-S)₂(SnClPh₂)] (1) and [Ir(CO)(Ph₂PC₆H₄-2-S)₂(SnClPh₂)] (2) as final products of two processes, a transmetallation reaction and an oxidative addition process. The crystal structures of both complexes have been determined, showing the rhodium compound to be into a slightly distorted square base pyramidal geometry, while that of the iridium derivative can be described as a distorted octahedron.     

New oxorhenium complexes with 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-2-benzoxazolinato ligand. X-ray structure and DFT calculations for [ReOX2(hbo)(AsPh3)] and [ReOX2(hbo)(PPh3)] complexes

The reactions of [ReOX₃(AsPh₃)₂] and [ReOX₃(PPh₃)₂] with 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-2-benzoxazoline (Hhbo) have been examined and [ReOX₂(hbo)(AsPh₃)] and [ReOX₂(hbo)(PPh₃)] (X = Cl, Br) complexes have been obtained. The crystal and molecular structures of [ReOCl₂(hbo)(AsPh₃)] (1) and [ReOBr₂(hbo)(PPh₃)] (4) have been determined. The electronic structures of 1 and 4 have been calculated with the density functional theory (DFT) method. The spin-allowed electronic transitions of 1 and 4 have been calculated with the time-dependent DFT method, and the UV–Vis spectra of these complexes have been discussed.     

Binuclear iridium complexes containing bridging 1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane-1,2-dichalocogenolato ligands: Molecular structures of the complexes [(CODIr)2(μ2-S2C2(B10H10))] and [(CpIr)2(μ2-Se2C2(B10H10))]

Four binuclear iridium complexes with a chelating 1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane-1,2-dichalcogenolate ligands [Ir₂(COD)₂(μ₂-E₂C₂B₁₀H₁₀)] [E = S (3a), Se (3b)] [(Cp^∗Ir)₂(μ₂- E₂C₂B₁₀H₁₀)] [E = S (5a), Se (5b)] have been synthesized through different method. The formal oxidation state of iridium in complexes 3 and 5 are I and II, respectively, due to the different electron donor coordinated to the iridium center. All four complexes 3a-5b are characterized by IR, ¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹B NMR spectra and elemental analyses. The molecular structures of complex 3a and 5b have been determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis, only 5b shows the metal-metal interaction between the two iridium atoms.     

Rhodium and iridium complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes: Structural investigations and their catalytic properties in the borylation reaction

Bridged and unbridged N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands are metalated with [Ir/Rh(COD)₂Cl]₂ to give rhodium(I/III) and iridium(I) mono- and biscarbene substituted complexes. All complexes were characterized by spectroscopy, in addition [Ir(COD)(NHC)₂][Cl,I] [COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene, NHC =  1,3-dimethyl- or 1,3-dicyclohexylimidazolin-2-ylidene] (1, 4), and the biscarbene chelate complexes 12 [(η⁴-1,5-cyclooctadiene)(1,1′-di-n-butyl-3,3′-ethylene-diimidazolin-2,2′-diylidene)iridium(I) bromide] and 14 [(η⁴-1,5-cyclooctadiene)(1,1′-dimethyl-3,3′-o-xylylene-diimidazolin-2,2′-diylidene)iridium(I) bromide] were characterized by single crystal X-ray analysis. The relative σ-donor/π-acceptor qualities of various NHC ligands were examined and classified in monosubstituted NHC-Rh and NHC-Ir dicarbonyl complexes by means of IR spectroscopy. For the first time, bis(carbene) substituted iridium complexes were used as catalysts in the synthesis of arylboronic acids starting from pinacolborane and arene derivatives.     

Subtle role of counteranions in molecular construction: Structures and properties of novel Cu(II) coordination complexes with bis-(1-benzoimidazolymethylene)-(2,5-thiadiazoly)-disulfide

The direct self-assembly of bis-(1-benzoimidazolymethylene)-(2,5-thiadiazoly)-disulfide (L) with CuSO₄, Cu(NO₃)₂ and CuCl₂ affords three novel supramolecular complexes: 1-D ladder-like chain complex {[Cu(SO₄)(L)] · (CH₃OH)}_n (1), dimer complexes {[Cu(L)(CH₃O)]₂(NO₃)₂} · 2H₂O (2) and [Cu(L)(Cl)(N₃)]₂ · 2CH₃OH (3). The nature of the anions is the underlying reason behind the differences in the structures of this series of complexes. Furthermore, utilizing the coordinatively unsaturated complexes 2 and 3 as precursor complexes, two new derivative complexes [Cu(L)(NCS)(CH₃O)]₂ · 2CH₃OH (2A) and [Cu(L)(ClO₄)(N₃)]₂ · 2CH₃OH (3A) are obtained by the addition and exchange reactions of complexes 2 and 3 with anions. X-ray crystallographic analysis shows that the two derivatives retain the skeletons of their precursor complexes, and the anions with the stronger coordination capacity only bind to the active position of precursor complexes. In addition, different from the obvious effects on the structures in the direct self-assembly of the metal and ligand, the change of counteranions has no great impact on the structures in the anion exchange reactions. We also study the catalytic activities of the complexes 2, 2A, 3, and 3A, which have similar skeletons, for the oxidative coupling polymerization of 2,6-dimethylphenol (DMP). And we find that the introductions of different coordination counterions produce significant impacts on the catalytic properties of these complexes.     

Oxorhenium complexes with the 8-quinolinolato ligand. X-ray structure and DFT calculations for [ReOX2(hqn)(AsPh3)] and [ReOX2(hqn)(PPh3)] complexes

The reactions of [ReOX₃(AsPh₃)₂] and [ReOX₃(PPh₃)₂] with 8-hydroxyquinoline (Hhqn) have been examined and the complexes [ReOX₂(hqn)(AsPh₃)] and [ReOX₂(hqn)(PPh₃)] (X = Cl, Br) have been obtained, respectively. The crystal and molecular structures of [ReOCl₂(hqn)(AsPh₃)] (1) and [ReOBr₂(hqn)(PPh₃)] (4) have been determined. The electronic structure of 1 has been calculated with the density functional theory (DFT) method. The spin-allowed electronic transitions of 1 have been calculated with the time-dependent DFT method, and the UV–Vis spectrum of [ReOCl₂(hqn)(AsPh₃)] has been discussed on this basis.     

Iridium(III) hydrido amino acid compounds: Chiral complexes and a helical extended lattice

[Ir(COD)(PMe₃)₃]Cl, 1, reacts with amino acids in water to yield cationic hydride amino acid complexes, [Ir(aa)(H)(PMe₃)₃]Cl, 2. In general, complexes 2 display octahedral geometry with a meridional arrangement of the PMe₃ ligands, with the amino acid chelating through O and N and with hydride trans to N. Disubstituted amino acids on the other hand favor the formation of octahedral complexes with a facial arrangement of PMe₃ ligands. The crystal structure of the valine complex, 2c, was obtained and, in addition to confirming the structure of the complex, showed a helical extended lattice structure due to intermolecular N-H-O bonding.     

1,3-Diarylimidazolidin-2-ylidene (NHC) complexes of Pd(II): Electronic effects on cross-coupling reactions and thermal decompositions

The synthesis of 1,3-diarylimidazolidin-2-ylidene (NHC) precursor, 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazolinium chloride, (3b) has been extended to the electronically and sterically modified NHC precursors 3a (X = H), 3c (X = Br) and 3e (X = Cl) in order to investigate the electronic effect of a p-substituent (X) on cross-coupling catalysts. Complexes of the type PdCl₂(NHC)₂ (5), PdCl₂(NHC)(PPh₃) (6) and [RhCl(NHC)(cod)] (7) were prepared from 3 or 4d (1,3-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-trichloromethylimidazolidin). Initial decomposition temperatures of the complexes 5 and 6 were determined by TGA. In situ formed complexes from Pd(OAc)₂ and 3 as well as the preformed complexes 5 and 6 have been tested as catalysts in coupling of phenylboronic acid with 4-haloacetophenones. The electron donating ability of NHCs derived from 3 was assessed by measuring C-O frequencies in the respective [RhCl(NHC)(CO)₂] complex 8 which was prepared by replacement of cod ligand of 7 with CO. An interesting correlation between the electron-donating nature of the aryl substituent and catalytic activity and also initial decomposition temperature of the complexes 5 and 6 was observed.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of novel ruthenium(II) complexes featuring an N,N,O-scorpionate ligand: A versatile synthetic precursor for open-face scorpionatoruthenium(II) complexes

The syntheses and characterization of novel ruthenium(II) complexes containing bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetato (bdmpza), a new class of scorpionate ligands, are reported herein. [RuCl(bdmpza)(η⁴-1,5-cyclooctadiene)] (1) was found to be a versatile precursor to synthesize a wide range of new ruthenium(II) complexes with the bdmpza ligand. The treatment of 1 with pyridine (py), diphenylphosphinoethane (dppe), 2,2′-bipyridyl (bpy), 1,10-phenanethroline (phen), or bispicolylamine (Hbpica) in refluxing N,N-dimethylformamide resulted in displacement of the 1,5-cyclooctadiene ligand to afford [RuCl(bdmpza)(py)₂] (2), [RuCl(bdmpza)(dppe)] (3), [RuCl(bdmpza)(bpy)] (4), [RuCl(bdmpza)(phen)] (5), and [Ru(bdmpza)(Hbpica)]Cl (6Cl) in good yields, respectively. The structures of 1–4, and 6 were determined by X-ray structure analyses.     

NH-functionalized tungsten complexes of 2-(dimethylphosphino)imidazole

Ligand substitution in W(CO)₄(NO)(ClAlCl₃) with 2-(dimethylphosphino)imidazole (dmpi) bearing an acidic NH functionality afforded W(Cl)(CO)(NO)(bdmpi)(dmpi) (1) (bdmpi = 1,2-bis(dimethyl-phosphino)imidazole), while the reaction of dmpi with W(Cl)(NO)(P(OMe)₃)₄ led to the isolation of W(Cl)(NO)(dmpi)₄ (2) together with W(Cl)(NO)(bdmpi)(dmpi)₂ (3). Attempts to replace the chloride by a hydride ligand in 1-3 applying various hydride reagents did not lead to stable products. The soluble compound W(Cl)(NO)(dmpe)(dmpi)₂ (5) was prepared by an alternative route from W(Cl)(NO)[P(OMe)₃)]₄ via the intermediacy of W(Cl)(NO)(P(OMe)₃)₂(dmpe) (4). The protection of the NH function in 5 was approached applying BuLi and subsequently Me₃SiCl to afford [W(Cl)(NO)(dmpe)(tmsdmpi)₂] (tmsdmpi = 1-trimethylsilyl-2-dimethylphosphino-imidazole) (6) which could not be isolated in pure form. The reaction of 5 with NaHBEt₃ led to the formation of a deprotonated and nitrogen-coordinated salt Na[W(NO)(dmpe)(dmpi)(tebdmpi)] (7) (tebdmpi = 2-dimethylphosphino-3-triethylboro-imidazole). Compound 7 crystallized from CH₃CN to establish a one-dimensional chain structure in the solid state. The structures of compounds 1-5 and 7 were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

A 2-iridathiophene from reaction between IrCl(CS)(PPh3)2 and Hg(CHCHPh)2

The thiocarbonyl analogue of Vaska’s compound is produced in high yield by first treating IrCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ with CS₂ and methyl triflate to give [Ir(κ²-C[S]SMe)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂]CF₃SO₃ (1), secondly, reacting 1 with NaBH₄ to give IrHCl(C[S]SMe)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (2), and finally heating 2 to induce elimination of both MeSH and CO to produce IrCl(CS)(PPh₃)₂ (3). When IrCl(CS)(PPh₃)₂ is treated with Hg(CHCHPh)₂ the novel 2-iridathiophene, Ir[SC₃H(Ph-3)(CHCHPh-5)]HCl(PPh₃)₂ (4) is produced. The X-ray crystal structure of the iodo-derivative of 4, Ir[SC₃H(Ph-3)(CHCHPh-5)]HI(PPh₃)₂ (5) confirms the unusual 2-metallathiophene structure. Treatment of IrCl(CS)(PPh₃)₂ with Hg(CHCPh₂)₂ produces both a coordinatively unsaturated 1-iridaindene, Ir[C₈H₅(Ph-3)]Cl(PPh₃)₂ (6) and a chelated dithiocarboxylate complex, Ir(κ²-S₂CCHCPh₂)Cl(CHCPh₂)(PPh₃)₂ (7). X-ray crystal structure determinations for 6 and 7 are reported.     

Synthesis and characterization of half-sandwich iridium complexes containing 2,6(7)-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-tetrathiafulvalene and ancillary ortho-carborane-1,2-dichalcogenolato ligands

The binuclear half-sandwich iridium complexes {Cp^∗IrCl₂}₂(μ-2,6(7)-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-tetrathiafulvalene) (3) and {Cp^∗Ir[E₂C₂(B₁₀H₁₀)]}₂(μ-2,6(7)-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-tetrathiafulvalene) (E = S(5a), Se(5b)) were prepared from the reaction of [Cp^∗IrCl(μ-Cl)]₂ or the “pseudo-aromatic” half-sandwich iridium complex Cp^∗Ir[E₂C₂(B₁₀H₁₀)] (E = S(4a), Se(4b)) with a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivative 2,6-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-tetrathiafulvalene (2) at room temperature. The complexes (3, 5a and 5b) have been fully characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis. And the molecular structures of 2 and 5a were established through X-ray crystallography. It is interesting that infinite tunnels are created by repeating ‘buckled bowl’ molecules of 5a.     

Ruthenium(II), rhodium(III) and iridium(III) based effective catalysts for hydrogenation under aerobic conditions

The new cationic mononuclear complexes [(η⁶-arene)Ru(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ [η⁶-arene = benzene (1), p-cymene (2)], [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Ru(Ph-BIAN)PPh₃]BF₄ (3) and [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)M(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ [M = Rh (4), Ir (5)] incorporating 1,2-bis(phenylimino)acenaphthene (Ph-BIAN) are reported. The complexes have been fully characterized by analytical and spectral (IR, NMR, FAB-MS, electronic and emission) studies. The molecular structure of the representative iridium complex [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ir(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ has been determined crystallographically. Complexes 1–5 effectively catalyze the reduction of terephthaldehyde in the presence of HCOOH/CH₃COONa in water under aerobic conditions and, among these complexes the rhodium complex [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ (4) displays the most effective catalytic activity.