Steric and electronic effects in stabilizing allyl-palladium complexes of “P-N-P” ligands, X2PN(Me)PX2 (X = OC6H5 or OC6H3Me2-2,6)

The chemistry of η³-allyl palladium complexes of the diphosphazane ligands, X₂PN(Me)PX₂ [X = OC₆H₅ (1) or OC₆H₃Me₂-2,6 (2)] has been investigated.The reactions of the phenoxy derivative, (PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂ with [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(μ-Cl)]₂ (R′ = R″ = H or Me; R′ = H, R″ = Me) give exclusively the palladium dimer, [Pd₂{μ-(PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂}₂Cl₂] (3); however, the analogous reaction with [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(μ-Cl)]₂ (R′ = R″ = Ph) gives the palladium dimer and the allyl palladium complex [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(1)](PF₆) (R′ = R″ = Ph) (4). On the other hand, the 2,6-dimethylphenoxy substituted derivative 2 reacts with (allyl) palladium chloro dimers to give stable allyl palladium complexes, [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(2)](PF₆) [R′ = R″ = H (5), Me (7) or Ph (8); R′ = H, R″ = Me (6)].Detailed NMR studies reveal that the complexes 6 and 7 exist as a mixture of isomers in solution; the relatively less favourable isomer, anti-[Pd(η³-1-Me-C₃H₄)(2)](PF₆) (6b) and syn/anti-[Pd(η³-1,3-Me₂-C₃H₃)(2)](PF₆) (7b) are present to the extent of 25% and 40%, respectively. This result can be explained on the basis of the steric congestion around the donor phosphorus atoms in 2. The structures of four complexes (4, 5, 7a and 8) have been determined by X-ray crystallography; only one isomer is observed in the solid state in each case.     

Titanium complexes bearing aromatic-substituted β-enaminoketonato ligands: Syntheses, structure and olefin polymerization behavior

A series of titanium complexes [(Ar)NC(CF₃)CHC(R)O]₂TiCl₂ (4b: Ar = -C₆H₄OMe(p), R = Ph; 4c: Ar = -C₆H₄Me(p), R = Ph; 4d: Ar = -C₆H₄Me(o), R = Ph; 4e: Ar = α-Naphthyl, R = Ph; 4f: Ar = -C₆H₅, R = t-Bu; 4g: Ar = -C₆H₄OMe(p); R = t-Bu; 4h: Ar = -C₆H₄Me(p); R = t-Bu; 4i: Ar = -C₆H₄Me(o); R = t-Bu) has been synthesized and characterized. X-ray crystal structures reveal that complexes 4b, 4c and 4h adopt distorted octahedral geometry around the titanium center. With modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) as a cocatalyst, complexes 4b-c and 4f-i are active catalysts for ethylene polymerization and ethylene/norbornene copolymerization, and produce high molecular weight polyethylenes and ethylene/norbornene alternating copolymers. In addition, the complex 4c/MMAO catalyst system exhibits the characteristics of a quasi-living copolymerization of ethylene and norbornene with narrow molecular weight distribution.     

Synthesis and reactivity of asymmetrically substituted ansa-bridged zirconocene complexes: X-ray crystal structures of [Zr{R(H)C(η-C5Me4)(η-C5H4)}Cl2] (R = Bu, Bu) and [Zr{Bu(H)C(η-C5Me4)(η-C5H4)}(CH2Ph)2]

The dialkyl complexes, (R = Prⁱ, R′ = Me (2a), CH₂Ph (3a); R = Buⁿ, R′ = Me (2b), CH₂Ph (3b); R = Bu^t, R′ = Me (2c), CH₂Ph (3c); R = Ph, R′ = Me (2d), CH₂Ph (3d)), have been synthesized by the reaction of the ansa-metallocene dichloride complex, [Zr{R(H)C(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Cl₂] (R = Prⁱ (1a), Buⁿ (1b), Bu^t (1c), Ph (1d)), and two molar equivalents of the alkyl Gringard reagent. The insertion reaction of the isocyanide reagent, CNC₆H₃Me₂-2,6, into the zirconium-carbon σ-bond of 2 gave the corresponding η²-iminoacyl derivatives, [Zr{R(H)C(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}{η²-MeCNC₆H₃Me₂-2,6}Me] (R = Prⁱ (4a), Buⁿ (4b), Bu^t (4c), Ph (4d)). The molecular structures of 1b, 1c and 3b have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

New alkenyl-substituted group 4 C-ansa-metallocene complexes. Reactivity of the substituent at the carbon ansa bridge

The allyl-substituted group 4 metal complexes [M{(R)CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Cl₂] [M = Ti, R = CH₂CHCH₂, (2); R = CH₂C(CH₃)CH₂ (3); M = Zr, R = CH₂CHCH₂ (4), R = CH₂C(CH₃)CH₂ (5)] have been synthesized by the reaction of allyl ansa-magnesocene derivatives and the tetrachloride salts of the corresponding transition metal. The dialkyl complexes ] [M = Ti, R = CH₂=CHCH₂, R′ = Me (6), R′ = CH₂Ph (7); R = CH₂C(CH₃)CH₂, R′ = Me (8), R′ = CH₂Ph (9); M = Zr, R = CH₂CHCH₂, R′ = Me (10), R′ = CH₂Ph (11); R = CH₂C(CH₃)CH₂, R′ = Me (12), R′ = CH₂Ph (13)] have been synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding ansa-metallocene dichloride complexes 2-5 and two molar equivalents of the alkyl Grignard reagent. Compounds 2-5 reacted with H₂ under catalytic conditions (Wilkinson’s catalyst or Pd/C) to give the hydrogenation products [M{(R)CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Cl₂] [M = Ti and R = CH₂CH₂CH₃ (14) or R = CH₂CH(CH₃)₂ (15); M = Zr and R = CH₂CH₂CH₃ (16) or R = CH₂CH(CH₃)₂ (17)]. The reactivity of 2-5 has also been tested in hydroboration and hydrosilylation reactions. The hydroboration reactions of 3, 4 and 5 with 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9-BBN) yielded the complexes [M{(9-BBN)CH₂CH(R)CH₂CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Cl₂] [M = Ti and R = H (18); M = Zr and R = H (19) or R = CH₃ (20)]. The reaction with the silane reagents HSiMe₂Cl gave the corresponding [M{ClMe₂SiCH₂CHRCH₂CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Cl₂] [M = Ti and R = H (21); M = Zr and R = H (22) or R = CH₃ (23)]. The reaction of 22 with t-BuMe₂SiOH produced a new complex [Zr{t-BuMe₂SiOSi(Me₂)CH₂CH₂CH₂CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Cl₂] (24) through the formation of Si-O-Si bonds. On the other hand, reactivity studies of some zirconocene complexes were carried out, with the insertion reaction of phenyl isocyanate (PhNCO) into the zirconium-carbon σ-bond of [Zr{(n-Bu)CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}₂Me₂] (25) giving [{(n-Bu)CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)]}Zr{Me{κ²-O,N-OC(Me)NPh}] as a mixture of two isomers 26a-b. The reaction of [Zr{(n-Bu)(H)C(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}(CH₂Ph)₂] (27) with CO also provided a mixture of two isomers [{(n-Bu)CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)]}Zr(CH₂Ph){κ²-O,C-COCH₂Ph}] 28a-b. The molecular structures of 4, 11, 16 and 17 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Olefin-aminocarbyne coupling in diiron complexes: Synthesis of new bridging aminoallylidene complexes

The bridging aminocarbyne complexes [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Me, 1a; Xyl, 1b; 4-C₆H₄OMe, 1c; Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆ H₃) react with acrylonitrile or methyl acrylate, in the presence of Me₃NO and NaH, to give the corresponding μ-allylidene complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³- C_α(N(Me)(R))C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R′)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R = Me, R′ = CN, 3a; R = Xyl, R′ = CN, 3b; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, R′ = CN, 3c; R = Me, R′ = CO₂Me, 3d; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, R′ = CO₂Me, 3e). Likewise, 1a reacts with styrene or diethyl maleate, under the same reaction conditions, affording the complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(R′)C_γ(H)(R″)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = H, R″ = C₆H₅, 3f; R′ = R″ = CO₂Et, 3g). The corresponding reactions of [Ru₂{μ-CN(Me)(CH₂Ph)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (1d) with acrylonitrile or methyl acrylate afford the complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(Me)(CH₂Ph))C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R′)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = CN, 3h; CO₂Me, 3i), respectively.The coupling reaction of olefin with the carbyne carbon is regio- and stereospecific, leading to the formation of only one isomer. C-C bond formation occurs selectively between the less substituted alkene carbon and the aminocarbyne, and the C_β-H, C_γ-H hydrogen atoms are mutually trans.The reactions with acrylonitrile, leading to 3a-c and 3h involve, as intermediate species, the nitrile complexes [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NC-CHCH₂)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (M = Fe, R = Me, 4a; M = Fe, R = Xyl, 4b; M = Fe, R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, 4c; M = Ru, R = CH₂C₆H₅, 4d).Compounds 3a, 3d and 3f undergo methylation (by CH₃SO₃CF₃) and protonation (by HSO₃CF₃) at the nitrogen atom, leading to the formation of the cationic complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(Me)₃)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = CN, 5a; R = CO₂Me, 5b; R = C₆H₅, 5c) and [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(H)(Me)₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = CN, 6a; R = CO₂Me, 6b; R = C₆H₅, 6c), respectively.Complex 3a, adds the fragment [Fe(CO)₂(THF)(Cp)]⁺, through the nitrile functionality of the bridging ligand, leading to the formation of the complex [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(CNFe(CO)₂Cp)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (9).In an analogous reaction, 3a and [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃], in the presence of Me₃NO, are assembled to give the tetrameric species [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(CN[Fe₂{μ- CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂])}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Me, 10a; R = Xyl, 10b; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, 10c).The molecular structures of 3a and 3b have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

SPh functionalized bridging-vinyliminium diiron and diruthenium complexes

The SPh functionalized vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(SPh)C_αN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] [R = Xyl, R′ = Me, 2a; R = Me, R′ = Me, 2b; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, R′ = Me, 2c; R = Xyl, R′ = CH₂OH, 2d; R = Me, R′ = CH₂OH, 2e; Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃] are generated in high yields by treatment of the corresponding vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(H)C_αN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (1a-e) with NaH in the presence of PhSSPh. Likewise, the diruthenium complex [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Me)C_β(SPh)C_αN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (2f) was obtained from the corresponding vinyliminium complex [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Me)C_β(H)C_αN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (1f). The synthesis of 2c is accompanied by the formation, in comparable amounts, of the aminocarbyne complex [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(4-C₆H₄OMe)}(SPh)(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (3).The molecular structures of 2d, 2e and 3 have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Syntheses and characterization of η-cyclopentadienyl and η-indenyl ruthenium(II) complexes of arylazoimidazoles: The molecular structure of the complex [(η-C5H5)Ru(PPh3)(C6H5-NN-C3H3N2)]

The complex [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Ru(PPh₃)₂Cl] (1) reacts with several arylazoimidazole (RaaiR′) ligands, viz., 2-(phenylazo)imidazole (Phai-H), 1-methyl-2-(phenylazo)imidazole (Phai-Me), 1-ethyl-2-(phenylazo)imidazole (Phai-Et), 2-(tolylazo)imidazole (Tai-H), 1-methyl-2-(tolylazo)imidazole (Tai-Me) and 1-ethyl-2-(tolylazo)imidazole (Tai-Et), gave complexes of the type [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Ru(PPh₃)(RaaiR′)]⁺ {where R, R′ = H (2), R = H, R′ = CH₃ (3), R = H, R′ = C₂H₅ (4), R = CH₃, R′ = H (5), R, R′ = CH₃ (6), R = CH₃, R′ = C₂H₅ (7)}. The complex [(η⁵-C₉H₇)Ru(PPh₃)₂(CH₃CN)]⁺ (8) undergoes reactions with a series of N,N-donor azo ligands in methanol yielding complexes of the type [(η⁵-C₉H₇) Ru(PPh₃)(RaaiR′)]⁺ {where R, R′ = H (9), R = H, R′ = CH₃ (10), R = CH₃, R′ = H (11), R = CH₃, R′ = C₂H₅ (12)}, respectively. These complexes were characterized by FT IR and FT NMR spectroscopy as well as by analytical data. The molecular structure of the complex [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Ru(PPh₃)(C₆H₅-NN-C₃H₃N₂)]⁺ (2) was established by single crystal X-ray diffraction study.     

Hydride addition at μ-vinyliminium ligand obtained from disubstituted alkynes

New μ-vinylalkylidene complexes cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(R″)C_αHN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R = Me, R′ = R″ = Me, 3a; R = Me, R′ = R″ = Et, 3b; R = Me, R′ = R″ = Ph, 3c; R = CH₂Ph, R′ = R″ = Me, 3d; R = CH₂Ph, R′ = R″ = COOMe, 3e; R = CH₂ Ph, R′ = SiMe₃, R″ = Me, 3f) have been obtained b yreacting the corresponding vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(R″)C_αN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (2a-f) with NaBH₄. The formation of 3a-f occurs via selective hydride addition at the iminium carbon (C_α) of the precursors 2a-f. By contrast, the vinyliminium cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ (R′) = C_β(R″)C_α = N(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R′ = R″ = COOMe, 4a; R′ = R″ = Me, 4b; R′ = Prⁿ, R″ = Me, 4c; Prⁿ = CH₂CH₂CH₃, Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) undergo H⁻ addition at the adjacent C_β, affording the bis-alkylidene complexes cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(R′)C(H)(R″)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂], (5a-c). The cis and trans isomers of [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Et)C_β(Et)C_αN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (4d) react differently with NaBH₄: the former reacts at C_α yielding cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Et)C_β(Et)C_αHN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂], 6a, whereas the hydride attack occurs at C_β of the latter, leading to the formation of the bis alkylidene trans-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(Et)C(H)(Et)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (5d). The structure of 5d has been determined by an X-ray diffraction study. Other μ-vinylalkylidene complexes cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(R″)C_αHN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂], (R′ = R″ = Ph, 6b; R′ = R″ = Me, 6c) have been prepared, and the structure of 6c has been determined by X-ray diffraction. Compound 6b results from treatment of cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Ph)C_β(Ph)C_αN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (4e) with NaBH₄, whereas 6c has been obtained by reacting 4b with LiHBEt₃. Both cis-4d and trans-4d react with LiHBEt₃ affording cis-6a.     

Nitrile ligands activation in dinuclear aminocarbyne complexes

The diiron complexes [Fe(Cp)(CO){μ-η²:η²-C[N(Me)(R)]NC(C₆H₃R′)CCH(Tol)}Fe(Cp)(CO)] (R = Xyl, R′ = H, 3a; R = Xyl, R′ = Br, 3b; R = Xyl, R′ = OMe, 3c; R = Xyl, R′ = CO₂Me, 3d; R = Xyl, R′ = CF₃, 3e; R = Me, R′ = H, 3f; R = Me, R′ = CF₃, 3g) are obtained in good yields from the reaction of [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(p-NCC₆H₄R′)(Cp)₂]⁺ (R = Xyl, R′ = H, 2a; R = Xyl, R′ = Br, 2b; R = Xyl, R′ = OMe, 2c; R = Xyl, R′ = CO₂Me, 2d; R = Xyl, R′ = CF₃, 2e; R = Me, R′ = H, 2f; R = Me, R′ = CF₃, 2g) with TolCCLi. The formation of 3 involves addition of the acetylide at the coordinated nitrile and C-N coupling with the bridging aminocarbyne together with orthometallation of the p-substituted aromatic ring and breaking of the Fe-Fe bond. Complexes 3a-e which contain the N(Me)(Xyl) group exist in solution as mixtures of the E-trans and Z-trans isomers, whereas the compounds 3f,g, which posses an exocyclic NMe₂ group, exist only in the Z-cis form. The crystal structures of Z-trans-3b, E-trans-3c, Z-trans-3e and Z-cis-3g have been determined by X-ray diffraction experiments.     

C-C bond formation through olefin-thiocarbyne coupling in diiron complexes

The bridging diiron thiocarbyne complex [Fe₂{μ-CS(Me)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (1) reacts with activated olefins (methyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, styrene, diethyl maleate), in the presence of Me₃NO and NaH, to give the corresponding μ-allylidene complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(SMe)C_β(R′)C_γ(H)(R″)} (μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R″ = CO₂Me, R′ = H, 3a; R″ = CN, R′ = H, 3b; R″ = C₆H₅, R′ = H, 3c; R″ = R′ = CO₂Et, 3d). The coupling reaction of olefin with thiocarbyne is regio- and stereospecific, leading to the formation of only one isomer. C-C bond formation occurs between the less substituted alkene carbon and the thiocarbyne. Moreover, olefinic hydrogens of the bridging ligands are mutually trans.The reactions of 3a-b with MeSO₃CF₃ result, selectively, in the formation of the cationic μ-sulphonium allylidene complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(SMe₂)C_β (H)C_γ(H)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = CO₂Me, 4a; R = CN, 4b). Compound 4a undergoes displacement of the SMe₂ group by nucleophiles such as NaBH₄, NBu₄CN and NaOMe, affording the complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(R)C_β (H)C_γ(H)(CO₂Me)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R = H, 5a; R = CN, 5b; R = OMe, 5c), respectively. The molecular structures of 3a and 5a have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Synthesis and protonolysis of neutral aluminum dihydride compounds stabilized by tridentate-substituted pyrrolyl ligands: Synthesis, structural characterization and ring-opening polymerization of ?-caprolactone

A series of aluminum compounds containing tridentate pyrrolyl ligands were obtained from related aluminum dihydride compounds via protonolysis. Treatment of tetranuclear aluminum compound [C₄H₂N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}Al₂H₅]₂ (1) with two equivalents of [C₄H₃N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}] in methylene chloride at 0 °C led to the formation of [C₄H₂N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}]AlH₂ (2). Similarly, when the deuterated aluminum compound 1D was used, the corresponding aluminum compound [C₄H₂N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}]AlD₂ (2D) could be isolated. The reaction of 2 with one or two equivalents of phenylethyne, triphenylmethanethiol, 2,6-diisopropylaniline, or triphenylsilanol generated mononuclear aluminum compounds [[C₄H₂N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}]AlRR′ (3, R = -CCPh, R′ = H; 4, R = R′ = -CCPh; 5, R = -SCPh₃, R′ = H; 6, R = R′ = -SCPh₃; 7, R = -NH(2,6-ⁱPr₂Ph), R′ = H; 8, R = R′ = -NH(2,6-ⁱPr₂Ph); 9, R = -OSiPh₃, R′ = H; 10, R = R′ = -OSiPh₃). Related Al-D compounds of 3, 5, 7 and 9 were also synthesized and corresponding IR spectroscopic data well matched in comparison of the stretching frequencies of Al-H and Al-D. The molecular structures of 2D, 4, 5, 5D, 7, and 10 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 2, 5, and 7 initiated the ring-opening polymerization of ?-caprolactone and produced high-molecular weight of poly-?-caprolactone.     

Formation of 5-phenyl-1,2-dithiole-3-thione from molybdenum dithiopropiolato complexes

Molybdenum dithiopropiolato complexes, [(η⁵-C₅R₄R^′)Mo(CO)₂(η²-S₂CCCPh)] (R=H, R^′=Me 1a, R=R^′=H 1b; R=R^′=Me 1c) react with trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMNO · 2H₂O) under mild thermolysis to form 5-phenyl-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (2). The reaction proceeds through the formation of the oxo-complexes, [(η⁵-C₅R₄R^′)Mo(O)(η³-S₂CCCPh)] (R=H, R^′=Me 3a, R=R^′=H 3b; R=R^′=Me 3c). Direct reaction of 3a-c with TMNO · 2H₂O under thermolysis also results in formation of 2.     

New diruthenium vinyliminium complexes from the insertion of alkynes into bridging aminocarbynes

Primary alkynes R′CCH [R′ = Me₃Si, Tol, CH₂OH, CO₂Me, (CH₂)₄CCH, Me] insert into the metal-carbon bond of diruthenium μ-aminocarbynes [Ru₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(MeCN)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] [R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (Xyl), 1a; CH₂Ph (Bz), 1b; Me, 1c] to give the vinyliminium complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)CHCN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] [R = Xyl, R′ = Me₃Si, 2a; R = Bz, R′ = Me₃Si, 2b; R = Me, R′ = Me₃Si, 2c; R = Xyl, R′ = Tol, 3a; R = Bz, R′ = Tol, 3b; R = Bz, R′ = CH₂OH, 4; R = Bz, R′ = CO₂Me, 5a; R = Me, R′ = CO₂Me, 5b; R = Xyl, R′ = (CH₂)₄CCH, 6; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, 7a; R = Bz, R′ = Me, 7b; R = Me, R′ = Me, 7c]. The related compound [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C[C(Me)CH₂]CHCN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃], (9) is better prepared by reacting [Ru₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cl)(Cp)₂] (8) with AgSO₃CF₃ in the presence of HCCC(Me)CH₂ in CH₂Cl₂ at low temperature.In a similar way, also secondary alkynes can be inserted to give the new complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(R′)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Bz, R′ = CO₂Me, 11; R = Xyl, R′ = Et, 12a; R = Bz, R′ = Et, 12b; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, 13). The reactions of 2-7, 9, 11-13 with hydrides (i.e., NaBH₄, NaH) have been also studied, affording μ-vinylalkylidene complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(R″)C(H)N(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R = Bz, R′ = Me₃Si, R″ = H, 14a; R = Me, R′ = Me₃Si, R″ = H, 14b; R = Bz, R′ = Tol, R″ = H, 15; R = Bz, R′ = R″ = Et, 16), bis-alkylidene complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(R′)C(H)(R″)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = Me₃Si, R″ = H, 17; R′ = R″ = Et, 18), acetylide compounds [Ru₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(CCR′)(Cp)₂] (R = Xyl, R′ = Tol, 19; R = Bz, R′ = Me₃Si, 20; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, 21) or the tetranuclear species [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(Me)CCN(Me)(Bz)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂]₂ (23) depending on the properties of the hydride and the substituents on the complex. Chromatography of 21 on alumina results in its conversion into [Ru₂{μ-η³:η¹-C[N(Me)(Xyl)]C(H)CCH₂}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (22). The crystal structures of 2a[CF₃SO₃] · 0.5CH₂Cl₂, 12a[CF₃SO₃] and 22 have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Electronically variable imino-phenanthrolinyl-cobalt complexes; synthesis, structures and ethylene oligomerisation studies

The 2-imino-1,10-phenanthroline ligands, 1,10-C₁₂H₇N₂-2-CRN(2,6-i-Pr₂-4-R¹-C₆H₂) [R = R¹ = H (L1); R = H, R¹ = Br (L2); R = H, R¹ = CN (L3); R = H, R¹ = i-Pr (L4); R = Me, R¹ = H (L5); R = Me, R¹ = i-Pr (L6)], have been prepared in high yield from the condensation reaction of 1,10-C₁₂H₇N₂-2-CRO (R = H, Me) with one equivalent of the corresponding 4-substituted 2,6-diisopropylaniline. The molecular structures of L2, L5 and L6 reveal the imino nitrogen atoms to adopt a transoid configuration with respect to the phenanthrolinyl nitrogen atoms. Treatment of Lx with one equivalent of CoCl₂ in n-BuOH at 90 °C gives the high spin complexes, (Lx)CoCl₂ [Lx = L1 (1a), L2 (1b), L3 (1c), L4 (1d), L5 (1e), L6 (1f)], in which the metal centres exhibit distorted square pyramidal geometries. Activation of 1a-1f with excess methylaluminoxane (MAO) gives catalysts that are modestly active for the oligomerisation of ethylene affording mainly linear α-olefins along with some degree of internal olefins. While the donor capability of the 4-position of the N-aryl group does not appear to affect the activity of the catalyst, it does have an influence on the ratio of α-olefins to internal olefins. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies have been performed on L2, L5, L6, 1a, 1c and 1f.     

Reactivity studies of (η-arene)ruthenium dimeric complexes towards pyrazoles: isolation of amidines, bis pyrazoles and chloro bridged pyrazole complexes

The complex [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂1 reacts with pyrazole ligands (3a-g) in acetonitrile to afford the amidine derivatives of the type [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(L)(3,5-HRR′pz)](BF4)₂ (4a-f), where L = {HNC(Me)3,5-RR′pz}; R, R′ = H (4a); H, CH₃ (4b); C₆H₅ (4c); CH₃, C₆H₅ (4d) OCH₃ (4e); and OC₂H₅ (4f), respectively. The ligand L is generated in situ through the condensation of 3,5-HRR′pz with acetonitrile under the influence of [(η⁶-p-cymene)RuCl₂]₂. The complex [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂2 reacts with pyrazole ligands in acetonitrile to yield bis-pyrazole derivatives such as [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru (3,5-HRR′pz)₂Cl](BF₄) (5a-b), where R, R′ = H (5a); H, CH₃ (5b), as well as dimeric complexes of pyrazole substituted chloro bridged derivatives [{(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl) (3,5-HRR′pz)}₂](BF₄)₂ (5c-g), where R, R′ = CH₃ (5c); C₆H₅ (5d); CH₃, C₆H₅ (5e); OCH₃ (5f); and OC₂H₅ (5g), respectively. These complexes were characterized by FT-IR and FT-NMR spectroscopy as well as analytical data. The molecular structures¹ of representative complexes [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru{3(5)-Hmpz}₂Cl]⁺5b, [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl)(3,5-Hdmpz)]₂²⁺5c and [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl){3(5)Me,5(3)Ph-Hpz}]₂²⁺5e were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Organometallic SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulators): Cobaltifens, the (cyclobutadiene)cobalt analogues of hydroxytamoxifen

The McMurry coupling of (tetraphenylcyclobutadiene)cobalt(cyclopentadienyl) ketones, (C₄Ph₄)Co[C₅H₄C(O)R], where R = Me, 3a, or Et, 3b, with a range of substituted benzophenones furnished a series of cobaltifens, organometallic analogues of tamoxifen whereby a phenyl ring has been replaced by an organo-cobalt sandwich moiety. These systems of the general formula (η⁴-C₄Ph₄)Co[η⁵-C₅H₄C(R)C(Ar)Ar′], where R = Me or Et, and Ar = Ar′ = p-C₆H₄X where X is OH, 2a and 2b, OMe, 2c and 2d, OBn, 2e and 2f, or O(CH₂)₂NMe₂, 12a and 12b, and where Ar = C₆H₄OH and Ar′ = C₆H₄O(CH₂)₂NMe₂, 2g and 2h, have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy and/or X-ray crystallography. The effect of 2a and 2b, 2g and 2h, and 12a and 12b on the growth of MCF-7 (hormone-dependent) and MDA-MB-231 (hormone-independent breast cancer cells) was studied. The dihydroxycobaltifens 2a and 2b exhibit a strong estrogenic effect on MCF-7 cells while the aminoalkyl-hydroxycobaltifens, 2g and 2h, were found to be only slightly cytotoxic on MDA-MB-231 cells (IC₅₀ = 27.5 and 17 μM); surprisingly, however, the bis-(dimethylaminoethoxy)cobaltifens, 12a and 12b were shown to be highly cytotoxic towards both cell lines (IC₅₀ = 3.8 and 2.5 μM).     

C-C bond formation by cyanide addition to dinuclear vinyliminium complexes

The diiron vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(H)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R=Me, R′ = SiMe₃ (1a); R = Me, R′ = CH₂OH (1b); R = CH₂Ph, R′ = Tol (1c), Tol = 4-MeC₆H₄; R = CH₂Ph, R′ = COOMe (1d); R = CH₂Ph, R′ = SiMe₃ (1e)) undergo regio- and stereo-selective addition by cyanide ion (from ), affording the corresponding bridging cyano-functionalized allylidene compounds [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(H)C(CN)N(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (3a-e), in good yields. Similarly, the diiron vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(R′)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = R′ = Me (2a); R = Me, R′ = Ph (2b); R = CH₂Ph, R′ = Me (2c); R = CH₂Ph, R′ = COOMe (2d)) react with cyanide and yield [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(R′)C(CN)N(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (9a-d). The reactions of the vinyliminium complex [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(Tol)CHCN(Me)(4-C₆H₄CF₃)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (4) with NaBH₄ and afford the allylidene [Fe₂{μ-C(Tol)C(H)C(H)N(Me)(C₆H₄CF₃)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (5) and the cyanoallylidene [Fe₂{μ-C(Tol)C(H)C(CN)N(Me)(C₆H₄CF₃)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (6), respectively. Analogously, the diruthenium vinyliminium complex [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(SiMe₃)CHCN(Me)(CH₂Ph)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (7) reacts with to give [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(SiMe₃)CHC(CN)N(Me)(CH₂Ph)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (8).Finally, cyanide addition to [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(COOMe)C(COOMe)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (2e) (Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃), yields the cyano-functionalized bis-alkylidene complex [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(COOMe)C(COOMe)(CN)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (10). The molecular structures of 3a and 9a have been elucidated by X-ray diffraction.     

Allylpalladium (II) complexes with dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinate ligands: Synthesis, structure, spectroscopy and their transformation into palladium chalcogenides

The synthesis, characterization and thermal behavior of new monomeric allylpalladium (II) complexes with dichalcogenoamidodiphosphinate anions are reported. The complexes [R = H, R′ = Prⁱ, E = S (1a); R = H, R′ = Prⁱ, E = Se (1b); R = H, R′ = Ph, E = S (1c); R = H, R′ = Ph, E = Se (1d); R = Me, R′ = Prⁱ, E = S (2a); R = Me, R′ = Prⁱ, E = Se (2b); R = Me, R′ = Ph, E = S (2c); R = Me, R′ = Ph, E = Se (2d)] have been prepared by room temperature reaction of [Pd(η³-CH₂C(R)CH₂)(acac)] (acac = acetylacetonate) with dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinic acids in acetonitrile solution. The complexes have been characterized by multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C{¹H}, ³¹P{¹H}, ⁷⁷Se{¹H}), FT-IR and elemental analyses. The crystal structures of complexes 1a, 1d and 2d have been reported and they consist of a six-membered PdE₂P₂N ring (E = S for 1a and Se for 1d and 2d) and an allyl group, C₃H₄R(R = H for 1a and 1d and Me for 2d). Thermogravimetric studies have been carried out for few representative complexes. The complexes thermally decompose in argon atmosphere to leave a residue of palladium chalcogenides, which have been characterized by PXRD, SEM and EDS.     

Orthopalladation of phosphorus ylides in endo position with bidentate ligands

The ortho-metallated complexes [Pd₂{κ²(C,C)-C₆H₄(PPh₂CHC(O)C₆H₅R}₂(μ-Cl)₂] (R = Ph (1a), NO₂ (1b), Br (1c)) were prepared by refluxing equimolar mixtures of Ph₃PCHC(O)C₆H₅R, (R = Ph, NO₂, Br) and Pd(OAc)₂ in MeOH, followed by an excess of NaCl. The dinuclear complexes (1a-1c) react with silver trifluoromethylsulfonate and bidentate ligands [L = bipy (2,2′-bipyridine), phen (phenanthroline), dppe (bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), dppp (bis(diphenylphosphino)propane)] giving the mononuclear stabilized orthopalladated complexes in endo position [Pd{κ²(C,C)-C₆H₄(PPh₂CHC(O)R}L](OTf) [R = Ph, L = phen (2a), bipy (3a), dppe (4a), dppp (5a); R = NO₂, L = phen (2b), bipy (3b), dppe (4b), dppp (5b); R = Br, L = phen (2c), bipy (3c), dppe (4c), dppp (5c); OTf = trifluoromethylsulfonate anion]. Orthometalation and ylidic C-coordination are demonstrated by an X-ray diffraction study of 2c and 3c. In the structures, the palladium atom shows a slightly distorted square-planar coordination geometry.