Ag(I) and Pd(II) complexes of a 1,3-dibenzhydryl substituted benzannulated N-heterocyclic carbene: Unexpected rearrangement, structures and catalytic studies

Reaction of the sterically bulky 1,3-dibenzhydrylbenzimidazolium bromide (Bh₂-bimyH⁺Br⁻) (A) with Pd(OAc)₂ in DMSO yielded a mono(carbene) Pd(II) complex 1 with a N-bound benzimidazole derivative, which resulted from an unusual NHC rearrangement reaction. Reaction of A with Ag₂O, on the other hand, cleanly gave the Ag(I) carbene complex [AgBr(Bh₂-bimy)] (2), which has been used as a carbene-transfer agent to prepare the acetonitrile complex trans-[PdBr₂(CH₃CN)(Bh₂-bimy)] (3). Dissociation of acetonitrile from complex 3 and subsequent dimerization afforded the dinuclear Pd(II) complex [PdBr₂(Bh₂-bimy)]₂ (4) in quantitative yield. All complexes were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopies, ESI mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of complex 4 in aqueous Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions was studied and compared with that of its previously reported less bulky analogue [PdBr₂(ⁱPr₂-bimy)]₂.     

Pd(II) complexes of a sterically bulky, benzannulated N-heterocyclic carbene and their catalytic activities in the Mizoroki-Heck reaction

The bis(N,N′-diisopropylbenzimidazolin-2-ylidene)Pd(II) complexes trans-[PdBr₂(ⁱPr₂-bimy)₂] (trans-1) and trans-[PdI₂(ⁱPr₂-bimy)₂] (trans-2) have been prepared in good yields by in situ deprotonation of the corresponding N,N′-diisopropylbenzimidazolium salt (ⁱPr₂-bimyH⁺X⁻) (A: X = Br, B: X = I) with Pd(OAc)₂ in DMSO at elevated temperature. Salt metathesis of trans-1 or trans-2 with AgO₂CCF₃ in refluxing CH₃CN afforded the novel mixed carbene-carboxylato complex cis-[Pd(O₂CCF₃)₂(ⁱPr₂-bimy)₂] (cis-3). This halo/trifluorocarboxylato ligand substitution can be regarded as a selective method for the synthesis of cis-configured bis(carbene) complexes. All compounds have been fully characterized by multinuclei NMR spectroscopies and ESI mass spectrometry. X-ray diffraction studies on single crystals of trans-1, trans-2 and cis-3 revealed a square planar geometry and a fixed orientation of the N-isopropyl substituents with the C-H protons pointing to the metal center to maximize rare C-H?Pd preagostic interactions. These interactions are also retained in solution as indicated by the large downfield shift of the isopropyl C-H protons in the ¹H NMR spectrum compared to those in precursor salts A or B. A preliminary catalytic study revealed that all complexes are highly active in the Mizoroki-Heck coupling of aryl bromides and chlorides. However, these complexes gave slower conversions as compared to catalysts with less bulky benzimidazolin-2-ylidenes. This is most likely due to the steric bulk of the ligands, which hamper a fast reductive formation of catalytically active Pd(0) species.     

Organometallic Gold（Ⅲ） Derivatives with Anionic Oxygen Ligands-mononuclear Hydroxo,Alkoxo, and Acetato Complexes： Synthesis and Spectral Study

A variety of gold（Ⅲ） adducts having a-ligated oxygen-donor ligands have been prepared from [Au（ppy）Cl2]（ppy.phenylpyridine）（1） either by partial or total replacement of the chloride ions. The new species comprise hydroxo-[Au（ppy）（OH）Cl]（2）, and [Au（ppy）（OH）2]（3）, oxo-[Au2（ppy）2（μ-O）2]（4）, acetate-[Au（ppy）（O2CMe2）] （5）, and alkoxo complexes-[Au（ppy）（OR）Cl]（6, 7） and [Au（ppy）（OR）2]（8--10）（R=Me, 6 and 8; Et, 7 and 9; Pr, 10）. The dihydroxo and the oxo complexes can be interconverted by refluxing the former in anhydrous THF and the latter in water. The hydroxides 2 and 3 and the acetato complex 5 undergo σ-ligand metathesis in ROH solution（R=Me, Et or Pr） to give the corresponding alkoxides.     

Synthesis and structural characterisation of rhodium hydride complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands

Addition of excesses of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) IEt₂Me₂, IⁱPr₂Me₂ or ICy (IEt₂Me₂ = 1,3-diethyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene; IⁱPr₂Me₂ = 1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene; ICy = 1,3-dicyclohexylimidazol-2-ylidene) to [HRh(PPh₃)₄] (1) affords an isomeric mixture of [HRh(NHC)(PPh₃)₂] (NHC = IEt₂Me₂ (cis-/trans-2), IⁱPr₂Me₂ (cis-/trans-3), ICy (cis-/trans-4) and [HRh(NHC)₂(PPh₃)] (IEt₂Me₂(cis-/trans-5), IⁱPr₂Me₂ (cis-/trans-6), ICy (cis-/trans-7)). Thermolysis of 1 with the aryl substituted NHC, 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene (IMesH₂), affords the bridging hydrido phosphido dimer, [{(PPh₃)₂Rh}₂(μ-H)(μ-PPh₂)] (8), which is also the reaction product formed in the absence of carbene. When the rhodium precursor was changed from 1 to [HRh(CO)(PPh₃)₃] (9) and treated with either IMes (=1,3-dimesitylimidazol-2-ylidene) or ICy, the bis-NHC complexes trans-[HRh(CO)(IMes)₂] (10) and trans-[HRh(CO)(ICy)₂] (11) were formed. In contrast, the reaction of 9 with IⁱPr₂Me₂ gave [HRh(CO)(IⁱPr₂Me₂)₂] (cis-/trans-12) and the unusual unsymmetrical dimer, [(PPh₃)₂Rh(μ-CO)₂Rh(IⁱPr₂Me₂)₂] (13). The complexes trans-3, 8, 10 and 13 have been structurally characterised.     

Exploring the reactivity of an N-pyrazole, P-phosphine hybrid ligand with Cu(I), Ag(I) and Au(I) precursors

The reactivity of (3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyldiphenylphosphine (L) hybrid ligand against Cu(I), Ag(I) and Au(I) has been assayed and compounds [Cu(L)₂](PF₆) (1), [Ag(L)]₂(PF₆)₂·2C₂H₄Cl₂·2C₄H₁₀O (2) and [AuCl(L)]₂ (3) have been isolated and fully characterised. A fully characterisation by analytical and spectroscopic methods of 1-3 are presented and X-ray crystal structures of 1 and 2 are also reported. The similar data obtained between 2 and 3 permits to do a serious purpose of the structure of 3 in solid and solution.     

Synthesis and properties of novel 5-(cyclohepta-2′,4′,6′-trienylidene)pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-triones: methodology for synthesizing cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates

Novel condensation reaction of tropone with N-substituted and N,N′-disubstitued barbituric acids in Ac₂O afforded 5-(cyclohepta-2′,4′,6′-trienylidene)pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-trione derivatives (8a-f) in moderate to good yields. The ¹³C NMR spectral study of 8a-f revealed that the contribution of zwitterionic resonance structures is less important as compared with that of 8,8-dicyanoheptafulvene. The rotational barriers (ΔG^‡) around the exocyclic double bond of mono-substituted derivatives 8a-c were obtained to be 14.51-15.03 kcal mol⁻¹ by the variable temperature ¹H NMR measurements. The electrochemical properties of 8a-f were also studied by CV measurement. Upon treatment with DDQ, 8a-c underwent oxidative cyclization to give two products, 7 and 9-substituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates (11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻) in various ratios, while that of disubstituted derivatives 8d-f afforded 7,9-disubstituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborate (11d-f·BF₄⁻) in good yields. Similarly, preparation of known 5-(1′-oxocycloheptatrien-2′-yl)-pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-trione derivatives (14a-d) and novel derivatives 14e,f was carried out. Treatment of 14a-c with aq. HBF₄/Ac₂O afforded two kinds of novel products 11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a,c·BF₄⁻ in various ratios, respectively, while that of 14d-f afforded 11d-f. The product ratios of 11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻ observed in two kinds of cyclization reactions were rationalized on the basis of MO calculations of model compounds 20a and 21a. The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of 11a-f·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻ were studied, and structural characterization of 11c·BF₄⁻ based on the X-ray crystal analysis and MO calculation was also performed.     

Gold(I) N-heterocyclic carbene based initiators for bulk ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide

Synthesis, structures, and catalysis studies of gold(I) complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes namely, a di-O-functionalized [1-(2-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-3-(acetophenone)imidazol-2-ylidene], a mono-O-functionalized [1-(2-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-3-(benzyl)imidazol-2-ylidene] and a non-functionalized [1,3-di-i-propyl-benzimidazol-2-ylidene], are reported. Specifically, the gold complexes, [1-(2-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-3-(acetophenone)imidazol-2-ylidene]AuCl (1c), [1-(2-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-3-(benzyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]AuCl (2c), and [1,3-di-i-propyl-benzimidazol-2-ylidene]AuCl (3b), were prepared from the respective silver complexes 1b, 2b, and 3a by treatment with (SMe₂)AuCl in good yields following the commonly used silver carbene transfer route. The silver complexes 1b, 2b, and 3a were synthesized from the respective imidazolium halide salts by the reactions with Ag₂O. The N-heterocyclic carbene precursors, 1-(2-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-3-(acetophenone)imidazolium chloride (1a) and 1-(2-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-3-(benzyl)imidazolium chloride (2a), were synthesized by the direct reactions of cyclohexene oxide and imidazole with chloroacetophenone and benzyl chloride respectively. The gold (1c, 2c, and 3b) and the silver (3a) complexes along with a new O-functionalized imidazolium chloride salt (1a) have been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. The structural studies revealed that geometries around the metal centers were almost linear in these gold and silver complexes. The gold (1c, 2c, and 3b) complexes efficiently catalyze ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of l-lactide under solvent-free melt conditions producing polylactide polymer of moderate to low molecular weights with narrow molecular weight distributions.     

Palladium(II) complexes containing a bulky pyridinyl N-heterocyclic carbene ligand: Preparation and reactivity

Coordination chemistry of a pyridine imidazole-2-ylidene ligand (pyN ˆC) with sterically hindered substituents toward palladium(II) metal ions has been investigated. The palladium carbene complex [(C-pyN ˆC)Pd(η³-allyl)Cl] (3) is prepared via the transmetallation from the corresponding silver carbene complexes with [ClPd(η³-allyl)]₂. Upon the abstraction of chloride, coordination of pyridinyl-nitrogen becomes feasible to form [C,N-(pyN ˆC)Pd(η³-allyl)](BF₄) (4). Ligand substitution reaction of 4 with triphenylphosphine results in the formation of [(C-pyN ˆC)Pd(PPh₃)(η³-allyl)](BF₄)], which the pyridinyl-nitrogen donor is substituted by the phosphine. This palladium complex appears to be base sensitive. Treatment of 4 with t-butoxide causes the decomposition to yield the metal nano-particles. Furthermore, de-complexation of 4 takes place under hydrogen atmosphere to generate the carbene precursor, 1-(6-mesityl-2-picolyl)-3-mesitylimidazolium salt. Nevertheless, the palladium complex 4 shows good catalytic activity on the Suzuki-Miyaura and Mizoroki-Heck reactions.     

Ring transformation of cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium ion to the corresponding pyrrole derivatives via troponeimine intermediates: photo-induced autorecycling oxidizing reactions of some amines

Ring transformation of 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan- 8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborate 4⁺·BF₄⁻ to 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrrole-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborate 6a-d⁺·BF₄⁻ consists of the reaction of 4⁺·BF₄⁻ with amines and subsequent exchange of the counter-ion using aq. HBF₄. Reactions of 4⁺·BF₄⁻ with aniline and 4-substituted anilines afforded the corresponding pyrrole derivatives 6a-c⁺·BF₄⁻ directly in good yields. On the other hand, reaction of 4⁺·BF₄⁻ with benzylamine gave the troponeimine intermediate 9, which was not converted to 6d⁺·BF₄⁻ and reverted to 4⁺·BF₄⁻ by adding HBF₄; however, it was converted to 6d⁺·BF₄⁻ upon treatment with (COCl)₂ or SOCl₂, followed by exchange of the counter-ion. In a search for the characteristics of 9, inspection and comparison of the X-ray crystal analyses, NMR and UV-vis spectra, and CV measurement of 9 and N,N-disubstituted troponeimine derivatives 12 were carried out to suggest the remarkable structure of 12 having ionic C-O bonding between the imine-carbon atom and the oxygen atom of the barbituric acid moiety in the solid state. Thus, characteristics of 9 were ascribed to the sterically hindered and favorable conformation of N-protonated troponeimine intermediates. Furthermore, novel photo-induced oxidation reactions of a series of 4⁺·BF₄⁻, 5⁺·BF₄⁻, and 6a,e⁺·BF₄⁻ towards some amines under aerobic conditions were carried out to give the corresponding imines in 455-8362% yields [based on compounds 4⁺, 5⁺, and 6a,e⁺], suggesting the oxidation reaction occurs in an autorecycling process. Mechanistic aspects of the amine-oxidation reaction are also postulated.     

Synthesis, properties, and oxidizing function of 6-substituted 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrole-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates

Uracil-annulated heteroazulenes, 6-substituted 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrole-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates 7a,b·BF₄⁻, which are the isoelectronic compounds of 5-dezazaflavin, were synthesized. X-Ray crystal analysis and MO calculations were carried out to clarify the structural characteristics of 7a,b·BF₄⁻. The stability of cations 7a,b is expressed by the pK_R+ values which were determined spectrophotometrically to be 10.9 and 11.2, respectively. The electrochemical reduction of 7a,b exhibited high reduction potentials at −0.84 and −0.87 (V vs Ag/AgNO₃) upon cyclic voltammetry (CV). A good linear correlation between the pK_R+ values and reduction potentials (E1_red) of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ and reference compounds 4·BF₄⁻ and 5·BF₄⁻ was obtained. In a search of the reactivity, reactions of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ with some nucleophiles, hydride and diethylamine, were carried out to clarify that the introduction of nucleophiles to give regio-isomers is dependent on the nucleophile. The photo-induced oxidation reactions of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ toward some alcohols under aerobic conditions were carried out to give the corresponding carbonyl compounds in more than 100% yield [based on compounds 7a,b·BF₄⁻], suggesting the oxidizing function of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ toward alcohols in the autorecycling process.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of gallium and indium complexes obtained from redistribution reactions of mixed chalcogen-imidodiphosphinate ligands

The ionic complex [Ga{N(SPⁱPr₂)(SePⁱPr₂)-S, Se}₂]⁺[GaCl₄]⁻ (5) was prepared by a ligand redistribution process from the mono-chelate [Cl₂Ga{N(SPⁱPr₂)(SePⁱPr₂)-S, Se}] (3) complex in benzene. A similar phenomenon was observed for the heavier indium homologues, where the neutral complexes [ClIn{N(SPⁱPr₂)(SePⁱPr₂)-S, Se}₂] (7) and [ClIn{N(OPⁱPr₂)(SPⁱPr₂)-O, S}₂] (8) were isolated along with InCl₃ as the main reaction by-product. Complexes 5, 7 and 8 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray structural analysis.     

Luminescence of neutral and ionic gold(I) complexes containing pyrazole or pyrazolate-type ligands

A series of pyrazole (Hpz) and pyrazolate (pz⁻) Au(I) complexes of types [Au(Hpz^2R(n))(PPh₃)]⁺ (I), [Au(Hpz^2R(n))₂]⁺ (II), [Au(μ-pz^R(n))]₃ (III), [Au(pz^R(n)/2R(n))(PPh₃)] (IV), [AuCl(Hpz^R(n)/2R(n))] (V) and [(PPh₃)Au(μ-pz^R(n))Au(PPh₃)]⁺ (VI), R(n) and 2R(n) represent C₆H₄OC_nH_2n+1 substituents at the 3- or 3- and 5-positions of the heterocyclic ring, respectively, have been shown to be luminescent in the solid state at 77 K, independently of the presence or not of inter-metallic Au-Au interactions. The emission spectra of all complexes consist of structured bands in the region 395-500 nm, attributed to ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) transitions involving the Hpz or pz⁻ ligands, the pattern of bands of compounds being related with the molecular structure and/or the nature of the ligands. The thermal behaviour of several complexes of the types III, IV and V containing long-chain substituents (n ? 12) was examined by polarising light optical microscopy (POM). The derivative [AuCl(Hpz^R(12))] was proved to have liquid crystal properties exhibiting a mesophase SmA but the remaining complexes were not liquid crystal materials. This complex is one of the scarce examples of Au(I) derivatives exhibiting both liquid crystal and luminescent properties.     

Novel photo-induced oxidative cyclization of 1,3-dimethyl-5-(1-arylmethylidene)pyrimidine-2,4,6(1,3,5H)-triones: synthesis and properties of areno[5,6]pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1,3H)-dionylium ions and their photo-induced autorecycling oxidizing reaction toward some amines

Novel photo-induced oxidative cyclization was accomplished to synthesize areno[b]pyrimido[5,4-e]pyran-2,4(1,3H)-dionylium ions 13a-c⁺·ClO₄⁻. Furthermore, 13a-c⁺·BF₄⁻ and their phenyl-substituted derivatives 19a,b⁺·BF₄⁻ were alternatively synthesized by the reaction of salicylaldehyde and its naphthyl derivatives with barbituric acids and subsequent treatment with aq. HBF₄. Structural characteristics of 13a-c⁺ and 19a,b⁺ were clarified on inspection of the UV-vis and NMR spectral data as well as X-ray crystal analyses. The electrochemical properties were studied by the CV measurement. In a search for reactivity, reactions of 13a-c⁺·BF₄⁻ with some nucleophiles, hydride, benzylamine, and H₂O, were also carried out. The photo-induced autorecycling oxidation reactions of 13a-c⁺·BF₄⁻ toward some amines under aerobic conditions were carried out to give the corresponding imines (isolated by converting to the corresponding 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones) in 643-3600% yield (recycling number of 13a-c⁺·BF₄⁻: 6.4-36.0).     

Coordination properties of N2S (1,5-bis(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)-3-thiapentane) or N2S2 (1,8-bis(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)-3,6-dithiaoctane or 1,2-bis[3-(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)-2-thiapropyl]benzene) donor ligands toward Rh(I)

The 1,5-bis(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)-3-thiapentane ligand (bdtp) reacts with [Rh(COD)(THF)₂][BF₄] to give [Rh(COD)(bdtp)][BF₄] ([1][BF₄]), which is fluxional in solution on the NMR time scale. Its further treatment with carbon monoxide leads to a displacement of the 1,5-cyclooctadiene ligand, generating a mixture of two complexes, namely, [Rh(CO)₂(bdtp)][BF₄] ([2][BF₄]) and [Rh(CO)(bdtp-κ³N,N,S)][BF₄] ([3][BF₄]). In solution, [2][BF₄] exists as a mixture of two isomers, [Rh(CO)₂(bdtp-κ²N,N)]⁺ ([2a]⁺) and [Rh(CO)₂(bdtp-κ³N,N,S)]⁺ ([2b]⁺; major isomer) rapidly interconverting on the NMR time scale. At room temperature, [2][BF₄] easily loses one molecule of carbon monoxide to give [3][BF₄]. The latter is prone to react with carbon monoxide to partially regenerate [2][BF₄]. The ligands 1,2-bis[3-(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)-2-thiapropyl]benzene (bddf) and 1,8-bis(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)-3,6-dithiaoctane (bddo) are seen to react with two equivalents of [Rh(COD)(THF)₂][BF₄] to give the dinuclear complexes [Rh₂(bddf)(COD)₂][BF₄]₂ ([4][BF₄]₂) and [Rh₂(bddo)(COD)₂][BF₄]₂ ([5][BF₄]₂), respectively. In such complexes, the ligand acts as a double pincer holding two rhodium atoms through a chelation involving S and N donor atoms. Bubbling carbon monoxide into a solution of [4][BF₄]₂ results in loss of the COD ligand and carbonylation to give [Rh₂(bddf)(CO)₄][BF₄]₂ ([6][BF₄]₂). The single-crystal X-ray structures of [3][CF₃SO₃], [5][BF₄]₂ and [6][BF₄]₂ are reported.     

Bis-aryloxo-functionalized NHC complexes of ytterbium(III): Syntheses and structures of Yb[O-4,6-Bu2-C6H2-2-CH2{C(RNCHCHN)}]2N(Pr)2 (R = Pr, Me)

The transamination of anionic homoleptic amido ytterbium complex, LiYb[N(i-Pr)₂]₄ with aryloxo-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursor, HO-4,6-di-^tBu-C₆H₂-2-CH₂{CH[i-Pr-NCHCHN]}Cl (H₂LCl) 1 and HO-4,6-di-^tBu-C₆H₂-2-CH₂{CH[Me-NCHCHN]}Cl (H₂L′Cl) 2, and BuLi in 1:2:1 molar ratio in THF at 0 °C afforded the first bisaryloxo- NHC monoamido ytterbium complexes, L₂Yb [N(i-Pr)₂] 3 and , respectively. The same reactions in the molar ratio of 1:1 without BuLi yields also the complex 3 and 4, not the bis-amido mono aryloxo-NHC complex {LYb[N(i-Pr)₂]₂} and {L′Yb[N(i-Pr)₂]₂}. The in situ low-temperature reaction of 2 with two equivalents of BuLi, followed by addition of one equivalent of YbCl₃ in THF does not afford the expected LYbCl₂, instead, [Li(DME)₃][YbCl₄(DME)] 5 and a dimeric imidazole-aryloxo lithium {[O-4,6-di-^tBu-C₆H₂-2-CH₂{CH(MeNCHCHNH)}]Li(THF)}₂6 which results from the 1,2-benzyl migration in N-heterocyclic carbene, are obtained. Complexes 3, 4, 5 and 6 have been characterized by elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography, and by NMR spectroscopy for 6.     

Synthesis and structure of isopropyldimethylsilyl-substituted octamethyltitanocene

Reduction of isopropyldimethylsilyl-substituted titanocene dichloride [TiCl₂(η⁵-C₅Me₄SiMe₂Prⁱ)₂] (1) by excess magnesium in the presence of excess bis(trimethylsilyl)ethyne (btmse) in tetrahydrofuran at 60 °C yielded a mixture of products amongst them only the trinuclear Ti-Mg-Ti hydrido-bridged complex Mg[Ti(μ-H)₂(η⁵-C₅Me₄SiMe₂Prⁱ)]₂ (3) was isolated and characterized. The precursor of titanocene, [Ti(η⁵-C₅Me₄SiMe₂Prⁱ)₂(η²-btmse)] (6), was obtained from the identical system which, after initial formation of [TiCl(η⁵-C₅Me₄SiMe₂Prⁱ)₂] (2), reacted at −18 °C overnight and then the solution was rapidly separated from the remaining magnesium. Titanocene [Ti(η⁵-C₅Me₄SiMe₂Prⁱ)₂] (7) was obtained by thermolysis of 6 at 75 °C in vacuum. Crystal structures of 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 were determined.     

Stoichiometric and catalytic C-Cl activation of Aryl Chlorides using an NHC-stabilized nickel(0) complex

[Ni₂(ⁱPr₂Im)₄(COD)] 1 catalyzes the Suzuki-Miyaura-type cross coupling reaction of chlorobenzene and phenylboronic acid efficiently. Compound 1 compares well with other nickel catalyst reported so far with the advantage that no further excess of ligand such as PPh₃ has to be added. Oxidative addition of different aryl chlorides to complex 1 is highly selective for a broad range of substrates, ranging from activated to deactivated aryl chlorides. The stoichiometric reaction of 1 with aryl chlorides (ArCl) afforded complexes of the type trans-[Ni(ⁱPr₂Im)₂(Cl)(Ar)] (for Ar = Ph 2, 4-Me(O)CC₆H₄3, 4-H(O)CC₆H₄4, 4-MeOC₆H₄5, 4-H₂NC₆H₄6, 4-F₃CC₆H₄7, 4-ClC₆H₄8, 3-ClC₆H₄9, 2-ClC₅NH₃10 4-FC₆H₄11). All resulting nickel(II) complexes have been fully characterized, in most cases including X-ray diffraction. In contrast to the work described by Matsubara and coworkers just recently on the sterically slightly more demanding [Ni(Dip₂Im)₂] system, we have found for the [Ni(ⁱPr₂Im)₂] complexes no indication for the formation of three coordinated nickel(I) complexes.     

Further studies of tetrakis(N,N′-dialkylbenzamidinato)diruthenium(III) chloro and alkynyl compounds: molecular engineering of metallayne monomers

Three diruthenium(III) compounds Ru₂(L)₄Cl₂, where L is mMeODMBA (N,N′-dimethyl-3-methoxybenzamidinate, 1a), DiMeODMBA (N,N′-dimethyl-3,5-dimethoxy benzamidinate, 1b), or DEBA (N,N′-diethylbenzamidinate, 1c), were prepared from the reactions between Ru₂(OAc)₄Cl and respective HL under reflux conditions. Metathesis reactions between 1 and LiC₂Y resulted in bis-alkynyl derivatives Ru₂(L)₄(C₂Y)₂ [Y=Ph (2), SiMe₃ (3), SiⁱPr₃ (4) and C₂SiMe₃ (5)]. The parent compounds 1 are paramagnetic (S=1), while bis-alkynyl derivatives 2-5 are diamagnetic and display well-solved ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectra. Molecular structures of compounds 1b, 1c, 2c, 3c and 4b were established through single crystal X-ray diffraction studies, which revealed RuRu bond lengths of ca. 2.32 Å for parent compounds 1 and 2.45 Å for bis-alkynyl derivatives. Cyclic voltammograms of all compounds feature three one-electron couples: an oxidation and two reductions, while the reversibility of observed couples depends on the nature of axial ligands.     

Synthesis, structural characterization and reactivity of new tin bridged ansa-bis(cyclopentadiene) compounds: X-ray crystal structures of Me2Sn(C5Me4R-1)2 (R = H, SiMe3)

The organo-tin compounds, Me₂Sn(C₅H₄R-1)₂ (R = Me (1), Prⁱ (2), Bu^t (3), SiMe₃ (4)) and Me₂Sn(C₅Me₄R-1)₂ (R = H (5), SiMe₃ (6)), were prepared by the reaction of Me₂SnCl₂ with the lithium or sodium derivative of the corresponding cyclopentadiene. Compounds 1-6 have been characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn). In addition the molecular structures of 5 and 6 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The transmetalation reaction of 1-6 with ZrCl₄ or [NbCl₄(THF)₂] gave the corresponding metallocene complexes in high yields.