Electrochemical CO2 and Proton Reduction by a Co(dithiacyclam) Complex

While [Ni(cyclam)]²⁺ and [Ni(dithiacyclam)]²⁺ complexes were shown to be potent electrocatalysts for the CO₂ conversion, their respective Co complexes hitherto received only little attention. Herein, we report on the Co^II complexes of the cyclam and dithiacyclam platform, describe their synthesis and reveal their rich solvent dependent coordination chemistry. We show that sulfur implementation into the cyclam moiety leads to a switch from a low spin Co^II complex in [Co(cyclam)]²⁺ to a high spin form in [Co(dithiacyclam)]²⁺. Notably, while both complexes are capable to perform the reduction of CO₂ to CO, H₂ formation is generally preferred. Along this line, the complexes were shown to enable proton reduction from acetic acid. However, in comparison to [Co(cyclam)]²⁺, the altered electronics make [Co(dithiacyclam)]²⁺ complexes prone to deposit on the glassy carbon working electrode over time leading to an overall low faradaic efficiency for the reduction of protons or CO₂.     

The Structure of Nickel(Ii) and Copper(Ii) Complexes with 1,4,8,11-Tetraazacyclotetradecanein Aqueous Solution as Studied by the X-Ray Diffraction Method

The structure of 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) complexes with nickel(II) and copper(II) ions in aqueous solution has been determined by the x-ray diffraction method at 25°C. The [Ni-(cyclam)]²⁺ complex has a square-planar structure with four nitrogen atoms of the cyclam, and the Ni-N bond length has been determined to be 198 pm. Upon the addition of ammonia, the color of the nickel(II)-cyclam solution turns to deep purple and the [Ni(NH₃)₂(cyclam)]²⁺ complex is formed. The complex has a regular octahedral structure with an additional two NH₃ molecules along the axis vertical of the cyclam plane, and the Ni-N (NH₃ and cyclam) bond lengths are 209 pm. The copper(II)-cyclam complex in the aqueous solution is a distorted octahedron with two water molecules along the elongated axis. The axial Cu—O and equatorial Cu—N bond lengths are 277 and 210 pm, respectively.     

Asymmetric heterobimetallic mixed-valence complex trans-[(SO3)Co(cyclam)(NCS)Ru(NH3)4(NCS)](BF4): Synthesis and characterization

[(SO₃)Co(cyclam)(NCS)] and [(SO₃)Co(cyclam)-NCS-Ru(NH₃)₄(NCS)](BF₄) complexes were synthesized and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, electrochemistry, elemental analysis, and spectroscopic techniques. Crystallographic and FTIR data indicated NCS⁻ ligand is coordinated to Co through the nitrogen atom in the monomer species. Electrochemistry and FTIR data of the material isolated after reductive electrolysis of [(SO₃)Co(cyclam)(NCS)] hint that NCS⁻ and SO₃²⁻ are released thus forming [Co(cyclam)(L)₂]²⁺, where L is solvent molecules. The formation of the heterobimetallic mixed-valence complex induced a thermodynamic stabilization of Co and Ru metal atoms in the oxidized and reduced states, respectively. According to the Robin and Day classification, a Class II system with a comproportionation constant of 5.78 × 10⁶ is suggested for the mixed-valence complex based on the electrochemical and UV-Vis-NIR results.     

How Ligand Geometry Affects the Reactivity of Co(II) Cyclam Complexes

Cobalt complexes are extensively studied as bioinspired models for non-heme oxygenases as they facilitate both the stabilization and characterization of metal-oxygen intermediates. As an analog to the well-known Co(cyclam) complex Co{N₄} (cyclam=1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), the Co^II complex Co{i-N₄} with the isomeric isocyclam ligand (isocyclam=1,4,7,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) was synthesized and characterized. Despite the identical N₄ donor set of both complexes, Co{i-N₄} enables the 2e⁻/2H⁺ reduction of O₂ with a lower overpotential (η_eff of 385 mV vs. 540 mV for Co{N₄} ), albeit with a diminished turnover frequency. Characterization of the intermediates formed upon O₂ activation of Co{i-N₄} reveals a structurally identified stable μ-peroxo Co^III dimer as the main product. A superoxo Co^III species is also formed as a minor product, as indicated by EPR spectroscopy. In further reactivity studies, the electrophilicity of these in situ generated Co−O₂ species was demonstrated by the oxidation of the O−H bond of TEMPO−H (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-ol) via a H atom abstraction process. Unlike the known Co(cyclam), Co{i-N₄} can be employed in oxygen atom transfer reactions oxidizing triphenylphosphine to the corresponding phosphine oxide highlighting the impact of geometrical modifications of the ligand while preserving the ring size and donor atom set on the reactivity of biomimetic oxygen activating complexes.     

Dioxygen Reduction in Acetonitrile with Copper Pyridylalkylamine Complexes: The Influence of Acid Strength on the Catalytic Performance

The pyridylalkylamine copper complex [Cu(tmpa)(L)]²⁺ has previously been proposed to reduce dioxygen via a dinuclear resting state, based on experiments in organic aprotic solvents using chemical reductants. Conversely, a mononuclear reaction mechanism was observed under electrochemical conditions in a neutral aqueous solution. We have investigated the electrochemical oxygen and hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction catalyzed by [Cu(tmpa)(L)]²⁺ in acetonitrile, using several different acids over a range of pK_a. We demonstrate that strong acids lead to the loss of redox reversibility and to the destabilization of the copper complex under non-catalytic conditions. Under milder conditions, the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was shown to proceed via a mononuclear catalytic intermediate, similar to what we have previously observed in water. However, in acetonitrile the catalytic rate constants of the ORR are dramatically lower by a factor 10⁵, which is caused by the unfavorable equilibrium of formation of [Cu^II(O₂⋅⁻)(tmpa)]⁺ in acetonitrile. This results in higher catalytic rates for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide than for the ORR.     

Synthesis of a chiral rod-like metal–organic framework from a preformed amino acid-based hexanuclear wheel

Abstract

We report the two-step synthesis of a chiral rod-like metal-organic framework (MOF). The chemical approach consists on the use of a previously prepared oxamato-based homochiral hexanuclear wheel, the ligand being a derivative of the natural amino acid l-alanine, with formula (Me₄N)₆{Cu^II₆[(S)-alama])₆}·10H₂O (1) [where (S)-alama=(S)-N-(ethyl oxoacetate)alanine]. The anionic hexacopper(II) wheels, stabilized by the presence of templating tetramethylammonium counter-cations, disassemble in the presence of cationic square-planar [Ni(cyclam)]²⁺ complexes to yield, after a supramolecular reorganization process that involves axial coordination of the [Ni(cyclam)]²⁺ cations through the free carbonyl groups of the copper(II) moieties, a neutral chiral rod-like, three-dimensional (3D) MOF with formula [Ni(cyclam)][Cu(S)-alama]₂·16H₂O (2). The resulting MOF constitutes one of the few examples where such a high-nuclearity metal complex is used as precursor for the construction of rod-like MOFs.     

Electrochemistry of nickel(II) and copper(II) N,N′-ethylenebis(acetylacetoniminato) complexes and their electrocatalytic activity for reduction of carbon dioxide and carboxylic acid protons

The effect of the metal center of [ML] complexes [M = Ni(II), Cu(II); L = N,N′-ethylenebis(acetylacetoniminato)] on their electrochemistry and electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of CO₂ and protons has been studied using cyclic voltammetry and bulk electrolysis. The two complexes exhibit different electrochemistries, which are not significantly dependent on the nature of the solvent. The electrocatalytic activity of [NiL] is significantly higher than that of [CuL] for CO₂ reduction, due to the higher stability of the electrochemically generated [Ni(I)L] complex, relative to the Cu(I) analog. The diffusion coefficient of [NiL] calculated from the steady-state diffusion limiting current is 3.0 × 10^?6 cm² s^?1. The catalytic efficiency of [NiL] in non-aqueous solvents in terms of i _p(CO₂)/i _p(N₂) per nickel center is smaller than that of [Ni(cyclam)]²⁺, but greater than those of sterically hindered mononuclear [Ni(1,3,6,8,10, 13,15-heptaazatricyclo(11.3.1.1) octadecane)]²⁺ or multinuclear [Ni₃ (X)]⁶⁺ where X = 8,8′,8″-{2,2′,2″(-nitrilotriethyl)-tris(1,3,6,8,10,13,15-heptaazatricyclo(11.3.1.1) octadecane}. Both [NiL] and [CuL] are also electrocatalysts for the reduction of carboxylic acid protons, with the catalytic pathway being different for acetic and trifluoroacetic acids in MeCN.     

Trapping of a Highly Reactive Oxoiron(IV) Complex in the Catalytic Epoxidation of Olefins by Hydrogen Peroxide

The generation of a nonheme oxoiron(IV) intermediate, [(cyclam)Fe^IV(O)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ ( 2 ; cyclam=1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane), is reported in the reactions of [(cyclam)Fe^II]²⁺ with aqueous hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) or a soluble iodosylbenzene (sPhIO) as a rare example of an oxoiron(IV) species that shows a preference for epoxidation over allylic oxidation in the oxidation of cyclohexene. Complex 2 is kinetically and catalytically competent to perform the epoxidation of olefins with high stereo‐ and regioselectivity. More importantly, 2 is likely to be the reactive intermediate involved in the catalytic epoxidation of olefins by [(cyclam)Fe^II]²⁺ and H₂O₂. In spite of the predominance of the oxoiron(IV) cores in biology, the present study is a rare example of high‐yield isolation and spectroscopic characterization of a catalytically relevant oxoiron(IV) intermediate in chemical oxidation reactions.     

Template synthesis and characterization of diaza dioxa macrocyclic nanosized cobalt(II) complex dispersed within nanocavity of zeolite-Y

Nanocavity microreactor containing 15- and 16-membered diaza dioxa Schiff-base cobalt(II) complexes “[Co(Et[15]N₂O₂)]²⁺, [Co(Pr[16]N₂O₂)]²⁺, [Co(Ph[15]N₂O₂)]²⁺ and [Co(Ch[15]N₂O₂)]²⁺” have been prepared by the template synthesis of diamine (1,2-diaminoethane, 1,3-diaminopropane, 1,2-diaminobenzene or 1,2-diaminocyclohexane) with [(1,3-bis(2-carboxyaldehydephenoxy)propane)cobalt]²⁺;[Co(BCAPP)]²⁺@NaY within the pores of zeolite-Y. The nanosized cobalt(II) complex were entrapped in the supercage of Y-zeolite by a three-step process in the liquid phase: (i) exchange of Co(II) ions with NaY in water solution, (ii) reaction of Co(II)–NaY with excess BCAPP in methanol; [Co(BCAPP)]²⁺@NaY; (iii) template synthesis of [Co(BCAPP)]²⁺@NaY with diamine. The new nanosized complex entrapped in the nanocavity of zeolite Y was characterized by several techniques: chemical analysis and spectroscopic methods (FT-IR, UV–Vis, XRD, BET, DRS, XPS, TGA).     

Silver(II) Complexes of Tetraazamacrocycles: Studies on e.p.r. and Electron Transfer Kinetics with Thiosulfate Ion

The e.p.r. studies of Ag^II complexes of three tetraazamacrocycles, 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclo-tetradecane (cyclam)(I), 5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclo-teradecane-4,11-diene (Me₆CD)(II) and 5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclo-teradecane (Me₆Cy)(III) and the electron transfer between [Ag^II(cyclam)]²⁺ and thiosulfate ion are described. The e.p.r. studies reveal that the spectra are almost the same as those reported earlier, particularly, for polycrystalline material and are typical of a d ⁹ planar Ag^II complexes. Previous e.p.r. studies on these square planar polycrystalline complexes showed no ligand hyperfine splitting. Reinvestigation of the e.p.r. spectra of these complexes in both the solid state and in solution at room (T 297 K) and at low (T= 120 K) temperature reveals resolved hyperfine structures in solution for [Ag(Me₆CD)]²⁺ and [Ag(Me₆Cy)]²⁺ complexes. Surprisingly, such a structure was not observed in solutions of [Ag(cyclam)]²⁺. Computer simulations of the hyperfine structure observed in solutions are in good agreement with structural formulae proposed. The oxidation of thiosulfate ion by [Ag(cyclam)]²⁺ follows the rate law:–d/dt[Ag^II(cyclam)²⁺]=(k ₁ Q ₁[H+]+k ₂ Q ₂ K _a2)/([H+]+K _a2)[Ag^II(cyclam)²⁺][S₂O₃ ^2–] and an inner-sphere mechanism is proposed, based on the spectral and kinetic evidence.     

The Photochemistry of [FeIIIN3(cyclam‐ac)]PF6 at 266 nm

The photochemistry of iron azido complexes is quite challenging and poorly understood. For example, the photochemical decomposition of [Fe^IIIN₃(cyclam‐ac)]PF₆ ([ 1 ]PF₆), where cyclam‐ac represents the 1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane‐1‐acetate ligand, has been shown to be wavelength‐dependent, leading either to the rare high‐valent iron(V) nitrido complex [Fe^VN(cyclam‐ac)]PF₆ ([ 3 ]PF₆) after cleavage of the azide N_α? N_β bond, or to a photoreduced Fe^II species after Fe? N_azide bond homolysis. The mechanistic details of this intriguing reactivity have never been studied in detail. Here, the photochemistry of 1 in acetonitrile solution at room temperature has been investigated using step‐scan and rapid‐scan time‐resolved Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy following a 266 nm, 10 ns pulsed laser excitation. Using carbon monoxide as a quencher for the primary iron‐containing photochemical product, it is shown that 266 nm excitation of 1 results exclusively in the cleavage of the Fe? N_azide bond, as was suspected from earlier steady‐state irradiation studies. In argon‐purged solutions of [ 1 ]PF₆, the solvent‐stabilized complex cation [Fe^II(CH₃CN)(cyclam‐ac)]⁺ ( 2 red ) together with the azide radical (N₃^.) is formed with a relative yield of 80 %, as evidenced by the appearance of their characteristic vibrational resonances. Strikingly, step‐scan experiments with a higher time resolution reveal the formation of azide anions (N₃^?) during the first 500 ns after photolysis, with a yield of 20 %. These azide ions can subsequently react thermally with 2 red to form [Fe^IIN₃(cyclam‐ac)] ( 1 red ) as a secondary product of the photochemical decomposition of 1 . Molecular oxygen was further used to quench 1 red and 2 red to form what seems to be the elusive complex [Fe(O₂)(cyclam‐ac)]⁺ ( 6 ).     

Uncovering Dynamic Edge-Sites in Atomic Co−N−C Electrocatalyst for Selective Hydrogen Peroxide Production

Understanding the nature of single-atom catalytic sites and identifying their spectroscopic fingerprints are essential prerequisites for the rational design of target catalysts. Here, we apply correlated in situ X-ray absorption and infrared spectroscopy to probe the edge-site-specific chemistry of Co−N−C electrocatalyst during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) operation. The unique edge-hosted architecture affords single-atom Co site remarkable structural flexibility with adapted dynamic oxo adsorption and valence state shuttling between Co^(2−δ)+ and Co²⁺, in contrast to the rigid in-plane embedded Co₁−N_x counterpart. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the synergistic interplay of in situ reconstructed Co₁−N₂-oxo with peripheral oxygen groups gives a rise to the near-optimal adsorption of *OOH intermediate and substantially increases the activation barrier for its dissociation, accounting for a robust acidic ORR activity and 2e⁻ selectivity for H₂O₂ production.     

Koordinationspolymere 1, 2‐Dithiooxalato‐ und 1, 2‐Dithioquadratato‐Komplexe. Synthese und Strukturen von [BaCr2(bipy)2(1, 2‐dtox)4(H2O)2], [Ni(cyclam)(1, 2‐dtsq)]·2DMF, [Ni(cyclam)Mn(1, 2‐dtsq)2(H2O)2]·2H2O und [H3O][H5O2][Cu(cyclam)]3[Cu2(1, 2‐dtsq)3]2

Coordination Polymeric 1, 2‐Dithiooxalato and 1, 2‐Dithiosquarato Complexes. Syntheses and Structures of [BaCr₂(bipy)₂(1, 2‐dtox)₄(H₂O)₂], [Ni(cyclam)(1, 2‐dtsq)]·2DMF, [Ni(cyclam)Mn(1, 2‐dtsq)₂(H₂O)₂]·2H2₂, and [H₃O][H₅O₂][Cu(cyclam)]₃[Cu₂(1, 2‐dtsq)₃]₂ 1, 2‐Dithioxalate and 1, 2‐dithiosquarate ions have a pair of soft and hard donor centers and thus are suited for the formation of coordination polymeric complexes containing soft and hard metal ions. The structures of four compounds with building blocks containing these ligands are reported: In [BaCr₂(bipy)₂(1, 2‐dtox)₄(H₂O)₂] Barium ions and pairs of Cr(bipy)(1, 2‐dtox)₂ complexes form linear chains by the bisbidentate coordination of the dithiooxalate ligands towards Ba²⁺ and Cr³⁺. In [Ni(cyclam)(1, 2‐dtsq)]·2DMF short NÖH···O hydrogen bonds link the NiS₂N₄‐octahedra with C_2v‐symmetry to an infinite chain. In [Ni(cyclam)Mn(1, 2‐dtsq)₂(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O the 1, 2‐dithiosquarato ligand shows a rare example of S‐coordination towards manganese(II). The sulfur atoms of cis‐MnO₂S₄‐polyedra are weakly coordinated towards the axial sites of square‐planar NiN₄‐centers, thus forming a zig‐zag‐chain of Mn···Ni···Mn···Ni polyhedra. [H₃O][H₅O₂][Cu (cyclam)]₃[Cu₂(1, 2‐dtsq)₃]₂ contains square planar [Cu^II(cyclam)]²⁺ ions and dinuclear [Cu^I₂(1, 2‐dtsq)₃]^4— ions. Here each copper atom is trigonally planar coordinated by S‐donor atoms of the ligands. The Cu…Cu distance is 2.861(4)Å.     

ASYMMETRIC SYNTHESIS OF PROLINE USING COBALT(III)-TETRAAMINE COMPLEXES

Abstract

The decarboxylation reaction of δ -cis-β-[Co(L₁)(pdH)]²⁺ complex yielded δ -cis-β-[Co(L₁) (R-pro)]²⁺, while the δ -cis-β-[Co(L₂) (S-pro)]²⁺ was obtained from the reaction of δ -cis-β-[Co(L₂) (pdH)]²⁺, where L₁ is (3R)3-methyl-1, 6-bis[(2S)-pyrrolidin-2-yl]-2, 5-diazahexane, L₂ is (3S) 3-methyl-1, 6-bis-[(2S)-pyrrolidin-2-yl]-2, 5-diazahexane, and pdH is the pyrrolidine-2, 2-dicarboxylate ion. The asymmetrically synthesized prolines were isolated via the decomposition of the decarboxylated complexes. The proline isolated from δ -cis-β-[Co(L₁) (R-pro)]²⁺ showed a specific rotation of +12.0, representing a 24% excess of R-proline over S-proline, while the proline isolated from δ -cis-β-[Co(L₂) (S-pro)]²⁺ showed a specific rotation of -10.0, indicating a 20% excess of S-proline over R-proline.     

Sulfito- und Thiosulfato-Komplexe des Kobalts(III) mitα-Benzildioxim Überα-Dioximinkomplexe der Übergangsmetalle, 52. Mitt.

Some new ligand exchange reactions of [Co(diph·H)₂Cl(H₂O)] and [Co(diph·H)₂(SO₃)(H₂O)]^– complexes with N₃ ^–, S₂O₃ ^2– and with aromatic and heterocyclic amines were carried out. A series of derivatives of the types [Co(diph·H)₂(SO₃)X] ^n– (X=N₃ ^–, S₂O₃ ^2– oramine) and [Co(diph·H)₂(S₂O₃)₂]^3– were described and characterized. Some structural problems are resolved and discussed on the basis of UV and IR spectral data.     

Phosphite‐driven, [Cp*Rh(bpy)(H2O)]2+‐catalyzed reduction of nicotinamide and flavin cofactors: characterization and application to promote chemoenzymatic reduction reactions

The organometallic compound [Cp*Rh(bpy)(H₂O)]²⁺ is a versatile catalyst for the in situ regeneration of reduced nicotinamides and flavins by catalyzing the electron transfer between the cathode or formate to the oxidized cofactors and prosthetic groups. In the present contribution we demonstrate the feasibility of phosphite as an alternative source of reducing equivalents. Thus, [Cp*Rh(bpy)(H₂O)]²⁺ combines the catalytic activities of hydrogenases, formate and phosphite dehydrogenases in one catalyst. The catalytic properties of this novel regeneration approach are investigated, demonstrating that the general catalytic properties of [Cp*Rh(bpy)(H₂O)]²⁺ are preserved. The principal applicability to promote alcoholdehydrogenase‐catalyzed reduction reactions is demonstrated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sulfur-Induced Growth of Coordination Polymer Derived-Straight Carbon Nanotubes on Carbon Nanofiber Network for Zn-Air Batteries

Low-cost heteroatom-doped carbon nanomaterials have been widely studied for efficient oxygen reduction reaction and energy storage and conversion in metal-air batteries. A Masson pine twigs-like 3-dimensional network construction of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with abundant straight long Co, N, and S-doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is developed by thermal treatment of Co-based polymer coated onto polyacrylonitrile nanofiber network together with thiourea at 900 °C, denoted as CNFT-Co₉S₈-900. It is interesting to note that the introduction of a high concentration of sulfur does not lead to the complete toxicity of catalysts, but promotes the axial growth to selectively form straight CNTs instead of curly bamboo-like CNTs. The highly graphitized in-situ grown Co, N, S-doped CNTs and the 3-dimensional N-doped CNF network provide both active catalytic sites and highly conductive paths, which are beneficial for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Thus, the optimal CNFT-Co₉S₈-900 performs the excellent ORR catalytic activity with a half-wave potential of 0.84 V and a diffusion-limited current density of 5.49 mA cm⁻². Furthermore, the CNFT-Co₉S₈-900-based Zn-air devices also possess a high power density of 136.9 mW cm⁻² better than commercial Pt/C.     

Spectroscopic Characterisation of a Bio-Inspired Ni-Based Proton Reduction Catalyst Bearing a Pentadentate N2S3 Ligand with Improved Photocatalytic Activity

Inspired by the sulfur-rich environment found in active hydrogenase enzymes, a Ni-based proton reduction catalyst with pentadentate N₂S₃ ligand was synthesised. When coupled with [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine) as photosensitiser and ascorbate as electron donor in a 1:1 mixture of dimethylacetamide and aqueous ascorbic acid/ascorbate buffer, the catalyst showed improved photocatalytic activity compared with a homologous counterpart bearing a tetradentate N₂S₂ ligand. The mechanistic pathway of photoinduced hydrogen evolution was comprehensively analysed through optical transient absorption and time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy, which revealed important electronic and structural changes in the catalytic system during photoirradiation. The Ni^II catalyst undergoes a photoinduced metal-centred reduction to form a Ni^I intermediate with distorted square-bipyramidal geometry. Further kinetic analyses revealed differences in charge-separation dynamics between the pentadentate and tetradentate forms.     

Comparison of Nonheme Manganese- and Iron-Containing Flavone Synthase Mimics

Heme and nonheme-type flavone synthase enzymes, FS I and FS II are responsible for the synthesis of flavones, which play an important role in various biological processes, and have a wide range of biomedicinal properties including antitumor, antimalarial, and antioxidant activities. To get more insight into the mechanism of this curious enzyme reaction, nonheme structural and functional models were carried out by the use of mononuclear iron, [Fe^II(CDA-BPA*)]²⁺ (6) [CDA-BPA = N,N,N’,N’-tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl)-cyclohexanediamine], [Fe^II(CDA-BQA*)]²⁺ (5) [CDA-BQA = N,N,N’,N’-tetrakis-(2-quinolilmethyl)-cyclohexanediamine], [Fe^II(Bn-TPEN)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (3) [Bn-TPEN = N-benzyl-N,N’,N’-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-diaminoethane], [Fe^IV(O)(Bn-TPEN)]²⁺ (9), and manganese, [Mn^II(N4Py*)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (2) [N4Py* = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-di(2-pyridyl)ethylamine)], [Mn^II(Bn-TPEN)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (4) complexes as catalysts, where the possible reactive intermediates, high-valent Fe^IV(O) and Mn^IV(O) are known and well characterised. The results of the catalytic and stoichiometric reactions showed that the ligand framework and the nature of the metal cofactor significantly influenced the reactivity of the catalyst and its intermediate. Comparing the reactions of [Fe^IV(O)(Bn-TPEN)]²⁺ (9) and [Mn^IV(O)(Bn-TPEN)]²⁺ (10) towards flavanone under the same conditions, a 3.5-fold difference in reaction rate was observed in favor of iron, and this value is three orders of magnitude higher than was observed for the previously published [Fe^IV(O)(N2Py2Q*)]²⁺ [N,N-bis(2-quinolylmethyl)-1,2-di(2-pyridyl)ethylamine] species.     

Dithiocarbamate complexes of cyclopentadienylcobalt(III), [Co(η-C5H5)(L)(S2CNR2)] (L = ligand)

The reactions of [Co(η-C₅H₅)(L)I₂] with Na[S₂CNR₂] (R = alkyl or phenyl) give [Co(η-C₅H₅)(I)(S₂CNR₂)] (I) when L = CO and [Co(η-C₅H₅)(L)(S₂CNR₂)]I (II) when L is a tertiary phosphine, phosphite or stibine, or organo-isocyanide ligand. In similar reactions [Co(η-C₅H₅)(CO)(C₃F₇)I] gives [Co(η-C₅H₅)(C₃F₇)(S₂CNMe₂)] and [Mn(η-MeC₅H₄)(CO)₂(NO)]PF₆ forms [Mn(η-MeC₅H₄)(NO)(S₂CNR₂)]. The iodide ligands in I may be displaced by L, to give II, or by other ligands such as [CN]^?, [NCS]^?, H₂O or pyridine whilst SnCl₂ converts it to SnCl₂I. The iodide counter-anion in II may be replaced by others to give [BPh₄]^?, [Co(CO)₄]^? or [NO₃]^? salts. However [CN]^? acts differently and displaces (PhO)₃P from [Co(η-C₅H₅){P(OPh)₃}(S₂CNMe)]I to give [Co(η-C₅H₅)(CN)(S₂CNMe₂)] which may be alkylated reversibly by MeI and irreversibly by MeSO₃F to [Co(η-C₅H₅)(CNMe)(S₂CNMe₂)]⁺ salts. Conductivity measurements suggest that solutions of I in donor solvents are partially ionized with the formation of [Co(η-C₅H₅)(solvent)(S₂CNR₂)]⁺ I^? species. The IR and ¹H NMR spectra of the various complexes are reported. They are consistent with pseudo-octahedral “pianostool” molecular structures in which the bidentate dithiocarbamate ligands are coordinated to the metal atoms through both sulphur atoms.