Substitution reactions of [Ru(dppe)(CO)(H(2)O)(3)][OTf](2)

The labile nature of the coordinated water ligands in the organometallic aqua complex [Ru(dppe)(CO)(H(2)O)(3)][OTf](2) (1) (dppe = Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2); OTf = OSO(2)CF(3)) has been investigated through substitution reactions with a range of incoming ligands. Dissolution of 1 in acetonitrile or dimethyl sulfoxide results in the facile displacement of all three waters to give [Ru(dppe)(CO)(CH(3)CN)(3)][OTf](2) (2) and [Ru(dppe)(CO)(DMSO)(3)][OTf](2) (3), respectively. Similarly, 1 reacts with Me(3)CNC to afford [Ru(dppe)(CO)(CNCMe(3))(3)][OTf](2) (4). Addition of 1 equiv of 2,2'-bipyridyl (bpy) or 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (Me(2)bpy) to acetone/water solutions of 1 initially yields [Ru(dppe)(CO)(H(2)O)(bpy)][OTf](2) (5a) and [Ru(dppe)(CO)(H(2)O)(Me(2)bpy)][OTf](2) (6a), in which the coordinated water lies trans to CO. Compounds 5a and 6a rapidly rearrange to isomeric species (5b, 6b) in which the ligated water is trans to dppe. Further reactivity has been demonstrated for 6b, which, upon dissolution in CDCl(3), loses water and coordinates a triflate anion to afford [Ru(dppe)(CO)(OTf)(Me(2)bpy)][OTf] (7). Reaction of 1 with CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)SH gives the dinuclear bridging thiolate complex [[(dppe)Ru(CO)](2)(mu-SCH(2)CH(2)CH(3))(3)][OTf] (8). The reaction of 1 with CO in acetone/water is slow and yields the cationic hydride complex [Ru(dppe)(CO)(3)H][OTf] (9) via a water gas shift reaction. Moreover, the same mechanism can also be used to account for the previously reported synthesis of 1 upon reaction of Ru(dppe)(CO)(2)(OTf)(2) with water (Organometallics 1999, 18, 4068).     

Heterolytic activation of hydrogen as a trigger for iridium complex promoted activation of carbon-fluorine bonds

The cationic iridium(III) complex [IrCF(3)(CO)(dppe)(DIB)][BARF](2) where DIB = o-diiodobenzene, dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, and BARF = B(3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3))(4)(-) undergoes reaction in the presence of dihydrogen to form [IrH(2)(CO)(2)(dppe)](+) as the major product. Through labeling studies and (1)H and (31)P[(1)H] NMR spectroscopies including parahydrogen measurements, it is shown that the reaction involves conversion of the coordinated CF(3) ligand into carbonyl. In this reaction sequence, the initial step is the heterolytic activation of dihydrogen, leading to proton generation which promotes alpha-C-F bond cleavage. Polarization occurs in the final [IrH(2)(CO)(2)(dppe)](+) product by the reaction of H(2) with the Ir(I) species [Ir(CO)(2)(dppe)](+) that is generated in the course of the CF(3) --> CO conversion.     

Octahedral Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NHR) (Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate; L = L' = P(OMe)3 or PMe3 or L = CO and L' = PPh3; R = H,Ph, or tBu): synthesis,characterization, and reactions with weakly acidic C-H bonds

The octahedral Ru(II) amine complexes [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)R)][OTf] (L = L' = PMe(3), P(OMe)(3) or L = CO and L' = PPh(3); R = H or (t)Bu) have been synthesized and characterized. Deprotonation of the amine complexes [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(3))][OTf] or [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][OTf] yields the Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)) and TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu). Reactions of the parent amido complexes or TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu) with phenylacetylene at room temperature result in immediate deprotonation to form ruthenium-amine/phenylacetylide ion pairs, and heating a benzene solution of the [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][PhC(2)] ion pair results in the formation of the Ru(II) phenylacetylide complex TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(C[triple bond]CPh) in >90% yield. The observation that [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][PhC(2)] converts to the Ru(II) acetylide with good yield while heating the ion pairs [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(3))][PhC(2)] yields multiple products is attributed to reluctant dissociation of ammonia compared with the (t)butylamine ligand (i.e., different rates for acetylide/amine exchange). These results are consistent with ligand exchange reactions of Ru(II) amine complexes [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)R)][OTf] (R = H or (t)Bu) with acetonitrile. The previously reported phenyl amido complexes TpRuL(2)(NHPh) [L = PMe(3) or P(OMe)(3)] react with 10 equiv of phenylacetylene at elevated temperature to produce Ru(II) acetylide complexes TpRuL(2)(C[triple bond]CPh) in quantitative yields. Kinetic studies indicate that the reaction of TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NHPh) with phenylacetylene occurs via a pathway that involves TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(OTf) or [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)Ph)][OTf] as catalyst. Reactions of 1,4-cyclohexadiene with the Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)) (L = L' = PMe(3) or L = CO and L' = PPh(3)) or TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu) at elevated temperatures result in the formation of benzene and Ru hydride complexes. TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(H), [Tp(PMe(3))(2)Ru[double bond]C[double bond]C(H)Ph][OTf], [Tp(PMe(3))(2)Ru=C(CH(2)Ph)[N(H)Ph]][OTf], and [TpRu(PMe(3))(3)][OTf] have been independently prepared and characterized. Results from solid-state X-ray diffraction studies of the complexes [TpRu(CO)(PPh(3))(NH(3))][OTf], [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(3))][OTf], and TpRu(CO)(PPh(3))(C[triple bond]CPh) are reported.     

Reactions of [Ru(H(2)O)(6)](2+) with water-soluble tertiary phosphines

In aqueous solutions under mild conditions, [Ru(H(2)O)(6)](2+) was reacted with various water-soluble tertiary phosphines. As determined by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, reactions with the sulfonated arylphosphines L =mtppms, ptppms and mtppts yielded only the mono- and bisphosphine complexes, [Ru(H(2)O)(5)L](2+), cis-[Ru(H(2)O)(4)L(2)](2+), and trans-[Ru(H(2)O)(4)L(2)](2+) even in a high ligand excess. With the small aliphatic phosphine L = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphatricyclo-[3.3.1.1(3,7)]decane (pta) at [L]:[Ru]= 12:1, the tris- and tetrakisphosphino species, [Ru(H(2)O)(3)(pta)(3)](2+), [Ru(H(2)O)(2)(pta)(4)](2+), [Ru(H(2)O)(OH)(pta)(4)](+), and [Ru(OH)(2)(pta)(4)] were also detected, albeit in minor quantities. These results have significance for the in situ preparation of Ru(II)-tertiary phosphine catalysts. The structures of the complexes trans-[Ru(H(2)O)(4)(ptaMe)(2)](tos)(4)x2H(2)O, trans-[Ru(H(2)O)(4)(ptaH)(2)](tos)(4)[middle dot]2H(2)O, and trans-mer-[RuI(2)(H(2)O)(ptaMe)(3)]I(3)x2H(2)O, containing protonated or methylated pta ligands (ptaH and ptaMe, respectively) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Formation and reactivity of the cyclometallated N-heterocyclic carbene complexes [Ru(NHC)'(dppe)(CO)H

Thermolysis of [Ru(PPh(3))(dppe)(CO)HCl] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) with the N-heterocyclic carbenes I(i)Pr(2)Me(2) (1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethyl-imidazol-2-ylidene), IEt(2)Me(2) (1,3-diethyl-4,5-dimethyl-imidazol-2-ylidene) or ICy (1,3-dicyclohexylimidazol-2-ylidene) gave the cyclometallated carbene complexes [Ru(NHC)'(dppe)(CO)H] (NHC = I(i)Pr(2)Me(2), 4; IEt(2)Me(2), 5; ICy, 6). Dissolution of 4 in CH(2)Cl(2) or CHCl(3) gave the trans-Cl-Ru-P complex [Ru(I(i)Pr(2)Me(2))'(dppe)(CO)Cl] (7), which converted over hours at room temperature to the trans-Cl-Ru-CO isomer 7'. Chloride abstraction from 7 by NaBPh(4) under an atmosphere of H(2) produced the cationic mono-hydride complex [Ru(I(i)Pr(2)Me(2))(dppe)(CO)H][BPh(4)] (9), which could also be formed by protonating 4 with 1 eq HBF(4)·OEt(2). Treatment of 4 with excess HBF(4)·OEt(2) followed by extraction into MeCN produced the dicationic acetonitrile complex [Ru(I(i)Pr(2)Me(2))(dppe)(CO)(NCMe)(2)][BF(4)](2) (10). The structures of 6, 7, 7' and 10 have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and Structure of the Ruthenium(II) Complexes [(eta-C(5)Me(5))Ru(NO)(bipy)](2+) and [(eta-C(5)Me(5))Ru(NO)(dppz)](2+). DNA Cleavage by an Organometallic dppz Complex (bipy = 2,2'-Bipyridine; dppz = Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine)

The salts [(eta-C(5)Me(5))Ru(NO)(bipy)][OTf](2) (1[OTf](2)) and [(eta-C(5)Me(5))Ru(NO)(dppz)][OTf](2) (2[OTf](2)) are obtained from the treatment of (eta-C(5)Me(5))Ru(NO)(OTf)(2) with 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) or dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz) (OTf = OSO(2)CF(3)). X-ray data for 1[OTf](2): monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 11.553 (4) ?, b = 16.517 (5) ?, c = 14.719 (4) ?, beta = 94.01 (2) degrees, V = 2802 (2) ?(3), Z = 4, R1 = 0.0698. X-ray data for 2[OTf](2): monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 8.911 (2) ?, b = 30.516 (5) ?, c = 24.622 (4) ?, beta = 99.02 (1) degrees, V = 6613 (2) ?(3), Z = 8, R1 = 0.0789. Both 1[OTf](2) and 2[OTf](2) are soluble in water where they exhibit irreversible electrochemical oxidation and reduction. A fluorescence-monitored titration of a DNA solution containing 2[OTf](2) with ethidium bromide provides evidence that 2(2+) intercalates into DNA with a binding constant greater than 10(6) M(-)(1). DNA cleavage occurs when the DNA solutions containing 2[OTf](2) are photolyzed or treated with H(2)O(2) or K(2)S(2)O(8).     

Heterolytic activation of H-X (X = H, Si, B, and C) bonds: an experimental and theoretical investigation

The highly electrophilic, coordinatively unsaturated, 16-electron [Ru(P(OH)3)(dppe)2][OTf]2 (dppe = Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2) complex 1 activates the H-H, the Si-H, and the B-H bonds, in H2(g), EtMe2SiH and Et3SiH, and H3B.L (L = PMe3, PPh3), respectively, in a heterolytic fashion. The heterolysis of H2 involves an eta2-H2 complex (observable at low temperatures), whereas the computations indicate that those of the Si-H and the B-H bonds proceed through unobserved eta1-species. The common ruthenium-containing product in these reactions is trans-[Ru(H)(P(OH)3)(dppe)2][OTf], 2. The [Ru(P(OH)3)(dppe)2][OTf]2 complex is unique with regard to activating the H-H, the Si-H, and the B-H bonds in a heterolytic manner. These reactions and the heterolytic activation of the C-H bond in methane by the model complex [Ru(POH)3)(H2PCH2CH2PH2)2][Cl][OTf], 4, have been investigated using computational methods as well, at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level. While the model complex activates the H-H, the Si-H, and the B-H bonds in H2, SiH4, and H3B.L (L = PMe3, PPh3), respectively, with a low barrier, activation of the C-H bond in CH4 involves a transition state of 57.5 kcal/mol high in energy. The inability of the ruthenium complex to activate CH4 is due to the undue stretching of the C-H bond needed at the transition state, in comparison to the other substrates.     

Reaction properties of the trans-hyponitrite complex [Ru2(CO)4(mu-H)(mu-PBu(t)2)(mu-Ph2PCH2PPh2)(mu-eta2-ONNO)

The protonation of [Ru(2)(CO)(4)(mu-H)(mu-PBu(t)()(2))(mu-dppm)(mu-eta(2)-ONNO)] (1) with HBF(4) occurs at the oxygen of the noncoordinating side of the trans-hyponitrite ligand to give [Ru(2)(CO)(4)(mu-H)(mu-PBu(t)()(2))(mu-dppm)(mu-eta(2)-ONNOH)][BF(4)] (2) in good yield. The monoprotonated hyponitrite in 2 is deprotonated easily by strong bases to regenerate 1. Furthermore, 1 reacts with the methylating reagent [Me(3)O][BF(4)] to afford [Ru(2)(CO)(4)(mu-H)(mu-PBu(t)()(2))(mu-dppm)(mu-eta(2)-ONNOMe)][BF(4)] (3). The molecular structures of 2 and 3 have been determined crystallographically, and the structure of 2 is discussed with the results of the DFT/B3LYP calculations on the model complex [Ru(2)(CO)(4)(mu-H)(mu-PH(2))(mu-H(2)PCH(2)PH(2))(mu-eta(2)-ONNOH)](+) (2a). Moreover, the thermolysis of 2 in ethanol affords [Ru(2)(CO)(4)(mu-H)(mu-OH)(mu-PBu(t)()(2))(mu-dppm)][BF(4)] (4) in high yield, and the deprotonation of 4 by DBU in THF yields the novel complex [Ru(2)(CO)(4)(mu-OH)(mu-PBu(t)()(2))(mu-dppm)] (5).     

Mononuclear and dinuclear complexes with a [Ru(tBu2PCH2CH2PtBu2)(CO)] core

Thermolysis of solid [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)2Cl2](2, d(t)bpe =(t)Bu2PCH2CH2P(t)Bu2) under vacuum affords the five-coordinate complex [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)Cl2] (4), which was shown by X-ray crystallography to contain a weak remote agostic interaction. In solution, 4 can be readily trapped by CO, CH3CN or water to give [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)(L)Cl2](L = CO, 2; L = CH3CN, 6; L = H2O, 7). Reaction of 4 with AgOTf/H2O yields the tris-aqua complex [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)(H2O)3](OTf)2 (8), which has been structurally characterised and probed in solution by pulsed-gradient spin echo (PGSE) NMR spectroscopy. The water ligands in 8 are labile and easily substituted to give [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)(NCCH3)3](OTf)2 (10) and [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)(DMSO)3](OTf)2 (11). In the presence of CO, the tris-aqua complex undergoes water-gas shift chemistry with formation of the cationic hydride species [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)3H](OTf) (12) and CO2. X-Ray crystal structures of complexes 2, 4, 6, 8 and 11-12 are reported along with those for [{Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)}2(mu-Cl)2(mu-OTf)](OTf) (3), [{Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)}2(mu-Cl)3][Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)Cl3](5) and [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)(H2O)2(OTf)](OTf)(9).     

Trans --> cis isomerization of trans-[(dppm)2Ru(H)(L)][BF4] (L = P(OR)3) complexes: preparation of cis-[(dppm)2Ru(eta2-H2)(L)][BF4]2

A series of new dicationic dihydrogen complexes of ruthenium of the type cis-[(dppm)(2)Ru(eta(2)-H(2))(L)][BF(4)](2) (dppm = Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2); L = P(OMe)(3), P(OEt)(3), PF(O(i)Pr)(2)) have been prepared by protonating the precursor hydride complexes cis-[(dppm)(2)Ru(H)(L)][BF(4)] (L = P(OMe)(3), P(OEt)(3), P(O(i)Pr)(3)) using HBF(4).Et(2)O. The cis-[(dppm)(2)Ru(H)(L)][BF(4)] complexes were obtained from the trans hydrides via an isomerization reaction that is acid-accelerated. This isomerization reaction gives mixtures of cis and trans hydride complexes, the ratios of which depend on the cone angles of the phosphite ligands: the greater the cone angle, the greater is the amount of the cis isomer. The eta(2)-H(2) ligand in the dihydrogen complexes is labile, and the loss of H(2) was found to be reversible. The protonation reactions of the starting hydrides with trans PMe(3) or PMe(2)Ph yield mixtures of the cis and the trans hydride complexes; further addition of the acid, however, give trans-[(dppm)(2)Ru(BF(4))Cl]. The roles of the bite angles of the dppm ligand as well as the steric and the electronic properties of the monodentate phosphorus ligands in this series of complexes are discussed. X-ray crystal structures of trans-[(dppm)(2)Ru(H)(P(OMe)(3))][BF(4)], cis-[(dppm)(2)Ru(H)(P(OMe)(3))][BF(4)], and cis-[(dppm)(2)Ru(H)(P(O(i)Pr)(3))][BF(4)] complexes have been determined.     

X-ray Crystallographic Study of the Ruthenium Blue Complexes [Ru(2)Cl(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).4H(2)O, [Ru(2)Br(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).2H(2)O, and [Ru(2)I(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2): Steric Interactions and the Ru-Ru "Bond Length"

X-ray crystal structures are reported for the following complexes: [Ru(2)Cl(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).4H(2)O (tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane), monoclinic P2(1)/n, Z = 4, a = 14.418(8) ?, b = 11.577(3) ?, c = 18.471(1) ?, beta = 91.08(5) degrees, V = 3082 ?(3), R(R(w)) = 0.039 (0.043) using 4067 unique data with I > 2.5sigma(I) at 293 K; [Ru(2)Br(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).2H(2)O, monoclinic P2(1)/a, Z = 4, a = 13.638(4) ?, b = 12.283(4) ?, c = 18.679(6) ?, beta = 109.19(2) degrees, V = 3069.5 ?(3), R(R(w)) = 0.052 (0.054) using 3668 unique data with I > 2.5sigma(I) at 293 K; [Ru(2)I(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2), cubic P2(1)/3, Z = 3, a = 14.03(4) ?, beta = 90.0 degrees, V = 2763.1(1) ?(3), R (R(w)) = 0.022 (0.025) using 896 unique data with I > 2.5sigma(I) at 293 K. All of the cations have cofacial bioctahedral geometries, although [Ru(2)Cl(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).4H(2)O, [Ru(2)Br(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).2H(2)O, and [Ru(2)I(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2) are not isomorphous. Average bond lengths and angles for the cofacial bioctahedral cores, [N(3)Ru(&mgr;-X)(3)RuN(3)](2+), are compared to those for the analogous ammine complexes [Ru(2)Cl(3)(NH(3))(6)](BPh(4))(2) and [Ru(2)Br(3)(NH(3))(6)](ZnBr(4)). The Ru-Ru distances in the tacn complexes are longer than those in the equivalent ammine complexes, probably as a result of steric interactions.     

Reactions of a gold(I) thiolate complex [Au(Tab)(2)](2)(PF(6))(2) (Tab = 4-(trimethylammonio)benzenethiolate) with diphosphine ligands

Reactions of a gold(i) thiolate complex [Au(Tab)(2)](2)(PF(6))(2) (Tab = 4-(trimethylammonio)benzenethiolate) with equimolar 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphine)ethane (dppe), 1,3-bis-(diphenylphosphine)propane (dppp) or 1,4-bis-(diphenylphosphine)butane (dppb) in MeOH-DMF-CH(2)Cl(2) gave rise to three polymeric complexes [Au(2)(Tab)(2)(dppe)](2)(PF(6))(4)·2MeOH (1·2MeOH), [Au(2)(Tab)(2)(dppp)]Cl(2)·0.5MeOH·4H(2)O (2·0.5MeOH·4H(2)O), and [Au(4)(μ-Tab)(2)(Tab)(2)(dppb)](PF(6))(4)·4DMF (3·4DMF), respectively. Analogous reaction of 1 with dppb in DMF/C(2)H(4)Cl(2) produced one tetranuclear complex [Au(2)(μ-Tab)(Tab)(2)](2)Cl(4)·2DMF·4H(2)O (4·2DMF·4H(2)O). Complexes 1-4 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV-vis spectra, (1)H and (31)P{(1)H} NMR and single crystal X-ray analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 consist of [Au(Tab)](2) dimeric fragments that are bridged by dppe or dppp ligands to form a 1D linear chain extending along the a axis. For 3, each [Au(4)(Tab)(2)(μ-Tab)(2)] fragment is linked by a pair of dppb ligands to afford another 1D chain extending along the c axis. For 4, the four [Au(Tab)](+) fragments are linked by two Au-Au bonds and two doubly bridging Tab ligands to form a {[Au(Tab)](4)(μ-Tab)(2)} chair-like cyclohexane structure. Hydrogen-bonding interactions in 2 and 4 lead to the formation of interesting 2D hydrogen-bonded networks. The luminescent properties of 1-4 in solid state were also investigated.     

Electronic modification of the [Ru(II)(tpy)(bpy)(OH(2))](2+) scaffold: effects on catalytic water oxidation

The mechanistic details of the Ce(IV)-driven oxidation of water mediated by a series of structurally related catalysts formulated as [Ru(tpy)(L)(OH(2))](2+) [L = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), 1; 4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridine (bpy-OMe), 2; 4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine (bpy-CO(2)H), 3; tpy = 2,2';6',2'-terpyridine] is reported. Cyclic voltammetry shows that each of these complexes undergo three successive (proton-coupled) electron-transfer reactions to generate the [Ru(V)(tpy)(L)O](3+) ([Ru(V)=O](3+)) motif; the relative positions of each of these redox couples reflects the nature of the electron-donating or withdrawing character of the substituents on the bpy ligands. The first two (proton-coupled) electron-transfer reaction steps (k(1) and k(2)) were determined by stopped-flow spectroscopic techniques to be faster for 3 than 1 and 2. The addition of one (or more) equivalents of the terminal electron-acceptor, (NH(4))(2)[Ce(NO(3))(6)] (CAN), to the [Ru(IV)(tpy)(L)O](2+) ([Ru(IV)=O](2+)) forms of each of the catalysts, however, leads to divergent reaction pathways. The addition of 1 eq of CAN to the [Ru(IV)=O](2+) form of 2 generates [Ru(V)=O](3+) (k(3) = 3.7 M(-1) s(-1)), which, in turn, undergoes slow O-O bond formation with the substrate (k(O-O) = 3 × 10(-5) s(-1)). The minimal (or negligible) thermodynamic driving force for the reaction between the [Ru(IV)=O](2+) form of 1 or 3 and 1 eq of CAN results in slow reactivity, but the rate-determining step is assigned as the liberation of dioxygen from the [Ru(IV)-OO](2+) level under catalytic conditions for each complex. Complex 2, however, passes through the [Ru(V)-OO](3+) level prior to the rapid loss of dioxygen. Evidence for a competing reaction pathway is provided for 3, where the [Ru(V)=O](3+) and [Ru(III)-OH](2+) redox levels can be generated by disproportionation of the [Ru(IV)=O](2+) form of the catalyst (k(d) = 1.2 M(-1) s(-1)). An auxiliary reaction pathway involving the abstraction of an O-atom from CAN is also implicated during catalysis. The variability of reactivity for 1-3, including the position of the RDS and potential for O-atom transfer from the terminal oxidant, is confirmed to be intimately sensitive to electron density at the metal site through extensive kinetic and isotopic labeling experiments. This study outlines the need to strike a balance between the reactivity of the [Ru═O](z) unit and the accessibility of higher redox levels in pursuit of robust and reactive water oxidation catalysts.     

Aqua Ions. 1. The structures of the [Ru(OH(2))(6)](3+) and [V(OH(2))(6)](3+) cations in aqueous solution: an EPR and UV-Vis study

Spectroscopic data are presented for the [V(OH(2))(6)](3+) and [Ru(OH(2))(6)](3+) cations, from which inferences are drawn regarding their structures in aqueous solution. EPR and absorption spectra of solutions and glasses are supplemented by spectra of the aqua ions in various crystalline environments, and the electronic and molecular structures inter-related through elementary angular overlap model calculations. It is concluded that in aqueous solution the [Ru(OH(2))(6)](3+) cation is localized in the all-horizontal D(3)(d)geometry, whereas the structure of the [V(OH(2))(6)](3+) cation is close to T(h) symmetry. These results are consistent with the most energetically favored geometries predicted by ab initio calculations.     

Utilization of CS2 as a source of C1 chemistry for the generation of methyldithioformate

Insertion of CS(2) into the Ru-H bond of cis-[(dppe)(2)Ru(H)(2)] takes place to afford the hydride dithioformate complex trans-[(dppe)(2)Ru(H)(SC(S)H)]. The hydride dithioformate complex reacts under very mild conditions with MeX (X = OTf, I) to give the hydride methyldithioformate derivative trans-[(dppe)(2)Ru(H)(SC(SMe)H)][X]. Three different pathways have been found to cleave off the ester moiety from the metal complex. A method to recover the ruthenium starting material upon elimination of the methyldithioformate is presented. This is a novel case of C(1) chemistry using carbon disulfide.     

Reactivity of radicals generated on irradiation of trans-[Ru(NH3)4(NO2)P(OEt)3](PF6)

The electronic absorption spectrum of trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)(NO(2))(P(OEt)(3)](+) in aqueous solution is characterized by a strong absorption band at 334 nm (lambda(max) = 1800 mol(-1) L cm(-1)). On the basis of quantum mechanics calculations, this band has been assigned to a MLCT transition from the metal to the nitro ligand. Molecular orbital calculations also predict an LF transition at 406 nm, which is obscured by the intense MLCT transition. When trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)(NO(2))(P(OEt)(3)](+) in acetonitrile is irradiated with a 355 nm pulsed laser light, the absorption features are gradually shifted to represent those of the solventocomplex trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)(solv)(P(OEt)(3)](2+) (lambda(max) = 316 nm, epsilon = 650 mol(-1) L cm(-1)), which was also detected by (31)P NMR spectroscopy. The net photoreaction under these conditions is a photoaquation of trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)(NO(2))(P(OEt)(3)](+), although, after photolysis, the presence of the nitric oxide was detected by differential pulse polarography. In phosphate buffer pH 9.0, after 15 min of photolysis, a thermal reaction resulted in the formation of a hydroxyl radical and a small amount of a paramagnetic species as detected by EPR spectroscopy. In the presence of trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)(solv)P(OEt)(3)](2+), the hydroxyl radical initiated a chain reaction. On the basis of spectroscopic and electrochemical data, the role of the radicals produced is analyzed and a reaction sequence consistent with the experimental results is proposed. The 355 nm laser photolysis of trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)(NO(2))(P(OEt)(3)](+) in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 also gives nitric oxide, which is readily trapped by ferrihemeproteins (myoglobin, hemoglobin, and cytochrome C), giving rise to the formation of their nitrosylhemeproteins(II), (NO)Fe(II)hem.     

Metallonitrosyl fragment as electron acceptor: intramolecular charge transfer, long range electronic coupling, and electrophilic reactivity in the trans-[NCRu(py)(4)(CN)Ru(py)(4)NO](3+) ion

The new complex trans-[NCRu(py)(4)(CN)Ru(py)(4)NO](PF(6))(3) (I) was synthesized. In acetonitrile solution, I shows an intense visible band (555 nm, epsilon = 5800 M(-1) cm(-1)) and other absorptions below 350 nm, associated with d(pi) --> pi(py) and pi(py) --> pi(py) transitions. The visible band is presently assigned as a donor-acceptor charge transfer (DACT) transition from the remote Ru(II) to the delocalized [Ru(II)-NO(+)] moiety. Photoinduced release of NO is observed upon irradiation at the DACT band. Application of the Hush model reveals strong electronic coupling, with H(DA) = approximately 2000 cm(-1). The difference between the optical absorption energy and redox potentials for the donor and acceptor sites (Ru(III,II), 1.40 V, and NO(+)/NO, 0.50 V, vs Ag/AgCl, 3 M KCl, respectively) (hnu - DeltaE(red)) is 1.33 eV, a large value which probably relates to the significant changes in distances and angles for the Ru-N-O moiety upon reduction. UV-vis absorptions, IR frequencies, and redox potentials are solvent-dependent. Controlled potential reduction (of NO(+)) and oxidation (of Ru(II) associated with the dicyano-chromophore) of I afford stable species, [NCRu(II)(py)(4)(CN)Ru(py)(4)NO](2+) (I(red)) and [NCRu(III)(py)(4)(CN)Ru(py)(4)NO](4+) (I(ox)), respectively, which are characterized by UV-vis and IR spectroscopies. I(red) shows an EPR spectrum characteristic of [Ru(II)-NO(*)] complexes. Compound I is electrophilically reactive in aqueous solution above pH 5: values of the equilibrium constant for the reaction [NCRu(py)(4)(CN)Ru(py)(4)NO](3+)+ 2 OH(-) <--> [NCRu(py)(4)(CN)Ru(py)(4)NO(2)](+) + H(2)O, K = 3.2 +/- 1.4 x 10(15) M(-2), and of the rate constant for the nucleophilic addition of OH(-), k = 9.2 +/- 0.2 x 10(3) M(-1) s(-1)(25 degrees C, I = 1 M), are obtained, with DeltaH = 90.7 +/- 3.8 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS = 135 +/- 13 J K(-1) mol(-1). The oxidized complex, I(ox), shows an enhanced electrophilic reactivity toward OH(-). This addition reaction is followed by irreversible processes, which most probably lead to disproportionation of bound nitrite and other products.     

Preparation and characterization of the argentates: [Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-), [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))M(CO)(5)](2)](-) (M = Cr, W), and [Ag[(micro-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)](-): X-ray crystal structure of [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)

The first example of a mononuclear diphosphanidoargentate, bis[bis(trifluoromethyl)phosphanido]argentate, [Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-), is obtained via the reaction of HP(CF(3))(2) with [Ag(CN)(2)](-) and isolated as its [K(18-crown-6)] salt. When the cyclic phosphane (PCF(3))(4) is reacted with a slight excess of [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)], selective insertion of one PCF(3) unit into each silver phosphorus bond is observed, which on the basis of NMR spectroscopic evidence suggests the [Ag[P(CF(3))P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-) ion. On treatment of the phosphane complexes [M(CO)(5)PH(CF(3))(2)] (M = Cr, W) with [K(18-crown-6)][Ag(CN)(2)], the analogous trinuclear argentates, [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))M(CO)(5)](2)](-), are formed. The chromium compound [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)] crystallizes in a noncentrosymmetric space group Fdd2 (No. 43), a = 2970.2(6) pm, b = 1584.5(3) pm, c = 1787.0(4), V = 8.410(3) nm(3), Z = 8. The C(2) symmetric anion, [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)](-), shows a nearly linear arrangement of the P-Ag-P unit. Although the bis(pentafluorophenyl)phosphanido compound [Ag[P(C(6)F(5))(2)](2)](-) has not been obtained so far, the synthesis of its trinuclear counterpart, [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)], was successful.     

Facile oxidative addition of water at iridium: reactivity of trans-[Ir(4-C5NF4)(H)(OH)(PiPr3)2] towards CO2 and NH3

A reaction of trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(η(2)-C(2)H(4))(PiPr(3))(2)] (1) with an excess of water in THF at room temperature affords the hydrido hydroxo complex trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(OH)(PiPr(3))(2)] (2). Treatment of 2 with CO furnishes trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(OH)(CO)(PiPr(3))(2)] (3). Reductive elimination of water from 3 leads to the formation of the iridium(I) carbonyl complex trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(CO)(PiPr(3))(2)] (4). The insertion of CO(2) into the Ir-O bond of 2 forms the hydrido hydrogencarbonato complex trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(κ(2)-(O,O)-O(2)COH)(PiPr(3))(2)] (5). Treatment of 2 with NH(3) in C(6)D(6) yields trans-[Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(OH)(NH(3))(PiPr(3))(2)] (6). Storage of the reaction mixture at room temperature reveals the formation of the N-H activation product [Ir(4-C(5)NF(4))(H)(μ-NH(2))(NH(3))(PiPr(3))](2) (7).     

Homologous series of redox-active, dinuclear cations [M(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)](2+) (M = Mo, Ru, Rh) with the bridging ligand 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine (pynp)

A homologous series of dinuclear compounds with the bridging ligand 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine (pynp) has been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallographic and spectroscopic methods. [Mo(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)][BF(4)](2) x 3CH(3)CN (1) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 15.134(5) A, b = 14.301(6) A, c = 19.990(6) A, beta = 108.06(2) degrees, V = 4113(3) A(3), and Z = 4. [Ru(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)][PF(6)](2) x 2CH(3)OH (2) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 14.2228(7) A, b = 20.3204(9) A, c = 14.1022(7) A, beta = 95.144(1) degrees, V = 4059.3(3) A(3), and Z = 4. [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)][BF(4)](2) x C(7)H(8) (3) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 13.409(2) A, b = 21.670(3) A, c = 13.726(2) A, beta = 94.865(2) degrees, V = 3973.9(8) A(3), and Z = 4. A minor product, [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][BF(4)][PF(6)] x 2CH(3)CN (4), was isolated from the mother liquor after crystals of 3 had been harvested; this compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group, P1 with a = 12.535(3) A, b = 13.116(3) A, c = 13.785(3) A, alpha = 82.52(3) degrees, beta = 77.70(3) degrees, gamma = 85.76(3) degrees, V = 2193.0(8) A(3), and Z = 2. Compounds 1-3 constitute a convenient series for probing the influence of the electronic configuration on the extent of mixing of the M-M orbitals with the pi system of the pynp ligand. Single point energy calculations performed on 1-3 at the B3LYP level of theory lend insight into the bonding in these compounds and allow for correlations to be made with electronic spectral data. Although purely qualitative in nature, the values for normalized change in orbital energies (NCOE) of the frontier orbitals before and after reduction are in agreement with the observed differences in reduction potentials as determined by cyclic voltammetry.