Hemilability and nonrigidity in metal complexes of bidentate P,PS donor ligands

Hemilability and nonrigidity in a series of mixed P,PS donor ligands has been studied in the complexes [Pd(P,PS)Cl₂], [Pd(η³-C₃H₅)(P,PS)][SbF₆], and [Rh(cod)(P,PS)][SbF₆] (P,PS = Ph₂P-Q-P(S)Ph₂). The effect of bite angle, the rigidity of the ligand backbone, and the role of the ancillary ligands are discussed.     

Phosphorus-substituted carbene complexes: Chelates,pincers and spirocycles

The syntheses, structural characterizations and reactivity patterns of main group and late transition metal carbene complexes of the bis(phosphoranimino)methandiide, [C(Ph₂PNSiMe₃)₂]²⁻, and the carbodiphosphorane, Ph₃PCPPh₃, are described and compared to previously reviewed early transition metal analogues. Bimetallic spirocyclic aluminum complexes of the former ligand are accessed by spontaneous double deprotonation of the central carbon atom of the parent, CH₂(Ph₂PNSiMe₃)₂, by two equivalents of AlMe₃, whereas the synthesis of platinum complexes requires the intermediacy of the tetralithium dimer, [Li₂C(Ph₂PNSiMe₃)₂]₂, and elimination of LiCl from a metal chloride precursor. In contrast to the early transition metal analogues, which are N,C,N-pincer, Schrock-type alkylidenes, the C,N-chelated platinum complexes are more akin to Fischer carbenes, and their chemistry is dominated by the nucleophilicity of free nitrogen atom and insertions into labile N–Si bonds. Chelated and pincer carbene complexes of rhodium result from single and double orthometallations, respectively, of the phenyl rings in Ph₃PCPPh₃; the latter compounds represent a wholly new class of C,C,C-pincer complexes. Electronic structure calculations show that the metal–carbon interaction in these compounds may be described as a dative, two-electron, C → M σ-bond. The free bis(phosphoranimino)methandiide and carbodiphosphorane ligands, while not having formal six valence electron resonance forms, may be thought of as having “pull–pull” Fischer carbene character, but the metal to which they become coordinated ultimately dictates their chemistry.     

Rhodium(I) phosphine complexes containing bidentate unsaturated thio ligands: I. Synthesis and characterisation

The rhodium(I) complexes (Ph₃P)₂Rh(LL′), in which LL′ is an unsaturated chelate coordinating via L = S and L′ = N, O, P or S, have been prepared from RhCl(PPh₃)₃ by two routes.Direct substitution of one Ph₃P and Cl^? by the chelate anion gives (Ph₃P)₂Rh[Ph₂PC(S)S] (L = S, L′ = P). Oxidative addition of an NH bond followed by reductive elimination of HCl results in (Ph₃P)₂Rh[Me₂NC(S)NC(S)NMe₂] (L = S, L′ = S), (Ph₃P)₂Rh[PhNC(S)NMe₂] (L = S, L′ = N), (Ph₃P)₂Rh[Ph₂PC(S)NPh) (L = S, L′ = P) and (Ph₃P)₂Rh[Ph₂P(O)C(S)NPh] (L = S, L′ = O).Reaction of the complexes (Ph₃P)₂Rh(LL′) with CO gives (CO)(Ph₃P)Rh(LL′) with CO trans to the chelate donor atom with the lowest trans-influence. Pt(PPh₃)₄ reacts with Me₂NC(S)N(H)C(S)NMe₂ and HN(Ph)C(S)PPh₂, respectively, to give H(Ph₃P)Pt[Me₂NC(S)NC(S)NMe₂] (L = S, L′ = S) and H(Ph₃P)Pt[Ph₂PC(S)NPh] (L = S, L′ = P).The coordinating atoms and their configurations have been assigned by IR ³¹P NMR and ¹H NMR. Some trend in IR and ³¹P NMR paramaters are discussed.     

Nitrogen- and oxygen-bridged bidentate phosphaalkene ligands

An overview is given on synthesis and structures of new bidentate phosphaalkene ligands [(RMe₂Si)₂CP]₂E (E = O, NR, N^?) and (RMe₂Si)₂CPN(R′)PR′′₂. Exceptional properties of these ligands, extending beyond predictable properties of phosphaalkenes are: (i) the NSi bond cleavage of [(iPrMe₂Si)₂CP]₂NSiMe₃ with Au^I and Rh^I chloro complexes under mild conditions leading to binuclear complexes of the 6π-delocalised imidobisphosphaalkene anion [(iPrMe₂Si)₂CP]₂N^?, and (ii) the chlorotropic formation of molecular 1:2 Pd^II and Pt^II metallochloroylid complexes with novel ylid-type ligands [(RMe₂Si)₂CP(Cl)N(R)PR₂]^?, and the transformation of a P-platina-P-chloroylid complex into a C-platina phosphaalkene by intramolecular chlorosilane elimination. Properties of the heavier congeners [(RMe₂Si)₂CP]₂E (E = S, Se, Te, PR, P^?, As^?) and (RMe₂Si)₂CPEPR′′₂ (E = S, Se, Te) are also described.     

Reaction prospecting by 31P NMR: enantioselective rhodium-DuPhos catalysed addition of ZnMe2 to diphenylphosphinoylimines

Chiral shift ³¹P NMR spectroscopy allows the identification of ligand leads in asymmetric catalyst systems for ZnMe₂ addition to ArCHNP(O)Ph₂. Subsequent GC-based optimisation shows [RhCl(CH₂CH₂)₂]₂ and (R,R)-MeDuPhos to be the optimal pre-catalyst combination (product in 78–93% ee). Transmetallation of [(MeDuPhos)Rh{N(P(O)Ph₂–CHMeAr}] with ZnMe₂ appears to be the rate limiting step of the catalytic cycle as competing coordination by the imine starting material leads to Ph₂P(O)NHCH₂Ar via MVP hydrogen-transfer. This limitation can largely be overcome by the slow addition of the imine.     

Reaction of isocyanides with iminophosphorane-based carbene ligands: Synthesis of unprecedented ketenimine–ruthenium complexes

The RuC bond of the bis(iminophosphorano)methandiide-based ruthenium(II) carbene complexes [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(κ²-C,N-C[P{NP(O)(OR)₂}Ph₂]₂)] (R = Et (1), Ph (2)) undergoes a C–C coupling process with isocyanides to afford ketenimine derivatives [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(κ³-C,C,N-C(CNR′)[P{NP(O)(OR)₂}Ph₂]₂)] (R = Et, R′ = Bz (3a), 2,6-C₆H₃Me₂ (3b), Cy (3c); R = Ph, R′ = Bz (4a), 2,6-C₆H₃Me₂ (4b), Cy (4c)). Compounds 3–4a–c represent the first examples of ketenimine–ruthenium complexes reported to date. Protonation of 3–4a with HBF₄ · Et₂O takes place selectively at the ketenimine nitrogen atom yielding the cationic derivatives [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(κ³-C,C,N-C(CNHBz)[P{NP(O)(OR)₂}Ph₂]₂)][BF₄] (R = Et (5a), Ph (6a)).     

A theoretical study on the alkene insertion step in Rh-Yanphos catalyzed hydroformylation

This paper studied the mechanism of the alkene insertion elementary step in the asymmetric hydroformylation （AHF） catalyzed by RhH（CO）2[（R,S）-Yanphos] using four alkene substrates （CH2=CH- Ph, CH2=CH-Ph-（p）-Me, CH2=CH-C（==O）OCH3 and CH2=CH-OC（=O）-Ph, abbreviated as A1-A4）. Interestingly, the equatorial vertical coordination mode （A mode） with respect to the Rh center was found for AI and A2 but not for A3 and A4, although the equatorial in-plane coordination mode （E mode） was found for A1 -A4. The relative energy of the E mode of the -q2-intermediates is lower than that of the A mode. In the alkene insertion step, Path 1 is more favorable than Path 2 for this system. As for AI and A2, there could be a transformation between 2eq and 2ax.     

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of diaryldiazomethanes across N-ethoxy-carbonyl-N-(2,2,2-trichloroethylidene)amine and reactivity of the resulting 2-azabutadienes towards thiolates and cyclic amides

1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of diaryldiazomethanes Ar₂CN₂ across Cl₃C–CHN–CO₂Et 1 yields Δ³-1,2,4-triazolines 2. Thermolysis of 2 leads, via transient azomethine ylides 3, to diaryldichloroazabutadienes [Ar(Ar')CN–CHCCl₂] 4. Treatment of 4a (Ar = Ar' = C₆H₅) and 4c (Ar = Ar' = p-ClC₆H₄) with NaSR in DMF yields 2-azabutadienes [Ar₂CN–C(H)C(SR)₂] 5. In contrast, nucleophilic attack of NaStBu on 4 affords azadienic dithioethers [Ar₂CN–C(S^tBu)C(H)(S^tBu)] (7a Ar = C₆H₅; 7b Ar' = p-ClC₆H₄). The reaction of 4a with NaSEt conducted in neat EtSH produces [Ph₂CN–C(H)(SEt)–CCl₂H] 8, which after dehydrochloration by NaOMe and subsequent addition of NaSEt is converted to [Ph₂CN–C(SEt)C(H)(SEt)] 7c. Upon the reaction of 4c with NaSⁱPr, the intermediate dithioether [(p-ClC₆H₄)₂CN–CHC(SⁱPr)₂] 5k is converted to tetrakisthioether [(p-ⁱPrSC₆H₄)₂CN–CHC(SⁱPr)₂] 6. Treatment of 4a with the sodium salt of piperidine leads to [Ph₂CN–CHC(NC₅H₁₀)₂] 10. The coordination of 6 on CuBr affords the macrocyclic dinuclear Cu(I) complex 11. The crystal structures of 5i, 7a,b, 10 and 11 have been determined by X-ray diffraction.     

One-pot synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted oxazoles from N-acyl amino acids by a combination of cyclodehydration with N,N′-diisopropylcarbodiimide and Wittig olefination

By a combination of cyclodehydration of N-acyl amino acids with N,N′-diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC) and non-classical Wittig olefination of the resultant 5(4H)-oxazolones with Ph₃PCHCN and Ph₃PCHCOOEt, 5-oxazoleacetonitriles and 5-oxazoleacetates were synthesized in one-pot in 41–85% and 57–70% yields, respectively.     

Reaction of the RuTp(PR3)Cl fragment with alkynols: Formation of carbene,vinylidene, allenylidene,and carbyne complexes

The reaction of RuTp(COD)Cl (1) with PR₃ (PR₃ = PPh₂ⁱPr, PⁱPr₃, PPh₃) and propargylic alcohols HCCCPh₂OH, HCCCFc₂OH (Fc = ferrocenyl), and HCCC(Ph)MeOH has been studied.In the case of PR₃ = PPh₂ⁱPr, PⁱPr₃ and HCCCPh₂OH, the 3-hydroxyvinylidene complexes RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(CCHC(Ph)₂OH)Cl (2a) and RuTp(PⁱPr₃)(CCHC(Ph₂)OH)Cl (2b) were isolated.With PR₃ = PPh₂ⁱPr and HCCCFc₂OH as well as with PR₃ = PPh₃ and HCCCPh₂OH dehydration takes place affording the allenylidene complexes RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(CCCFc₂)Cl (3b) and RuTp(PPh₃)(CCCPh₂)Cl (3c).Similarly, with PPh₂ⁱPr and HCCC(Ph)MeOH rapid elimination of water results in the formation of the vinylvinylidene complex RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(CCHC(Ph)CH₂)Cl (4).In contrast to the reactions of the RuTp(PR₃)Cl fragment with propargylic alcohols, with HCC(CH₂)_nOH (n = 2, 3, 4, 5) six-, and seven-membered cyclic oxycarbene complexes RuTp(PR₃)(C₄H₆O)Cl (5), RuTp(PR₃)(C₅H₈O)Cl (6), and RuTp(PR₃)(C₆H₁₀O)Cl (7) are obtained. On the other hand, with 1-ethynylcyclohexanol the vinylvinylidene complex RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(CCHC₆H₉)Cl (8) is formed. The reaction of the allenylidene complexes 3a–c with acid has been investigated. Addition of CF₃COOH to a solution of 3a–c resulted in the reversible formation of the novel RuTp vinylcarbyne complexes [RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(C–CHCPh₂)Cl]⁺ (9a), [RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(C–CHCFc₂)Cl]⁺ (9b), and [RuTp(PPh₃)(C–CHCPh₂)Cl]⁺ (9c). The structures of 3a, 3b, and 5b have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Natural bond orbital analysis and density functional study of linear and bent oxo-bridged dimers of rhenium(V)

The calculations using the density functional theory (DFT) method were done on two diamagnetic oxo-bridged dinuclear rhenium complexes: [{Re(O)Br₂(3,5-Me₂pzH)₂}₂(μ-O)] (1) with a linear ORe–O–ReO core and [{Re(O)Br(3,5-Me₂pzH)}₂(μ-O)(μ-3,5-Me₂pz)₂] (2) with a bent Re₂O₃ unit (pzHmonodentate N-pyrazole and pzbidentate N,N′-pyrazole ligand). The optimized geometries of 1 and 2 agree with the X-ray structures. The MO sequence is almost the same for 1 with a linear ORe–O–ReO core and 2 with a bent Re₂O₃ unit. The bending of Re₂O₃ unit in 2 is a consequence of steric congestion introduced by two coordinated 3,5-dimethylopyrazole bridging ligands. Additional information about binding in the complexes 1 and 2 was obtained by NBO analysis.     

A convenient route to six-membered heterocyclic carbene complexes: Reactions of aminoallenylidene complexes with 1,3-bidentate nucleophiles

Pentacarbonyl dimethylamino(methoxy)allenylidene complexes of chromium and tungsten, [(CO)₅MCCC(NMe₂)OMe] (M = Cr (1a), W (1b)), react with 1,3-bidentate nucleophiles such as amidines and guanidine, H₂N–C(NH)R (R = Ph, C₆H₄NH₂-4, C₆H₄NO₂-3, NH₂), by displacing the methoxy substituent to give exclusively dimethylamino(imino)-allenylidene complexes, [(CO)₅MCCC{NC(NH₂)R}NMe₂] (2a–5a, 2b). Treatment of the chromium complexes 2a–5a with catalytic amounts of hydrochloric acid or HBF₄ gives rise to an intramolecular cyclization. Addition of the terminal NH₂ substituent to the C_α–C_β bond of the allenylidene chain affords pyrimidinylidene complexes 6–9 in high yield. In contrast to the chromium complexes 2a–5a, the corresponding tungsten complex 2b could not be induced to cyclize due to the lower electrophilicity of the α-carbon atom in 2b. The dimethylamino(phenyl)allenylidene complex [(CO)₅CrCCC(NMe₂)Ph] (10) reacts with benzamidine or guanidine similarly to 1a. However, the second reaction step – cyclization to give pyrimidinylidene complexes – proceeds much faster. Therefore, the formation of an imino(phenyl)allenylidene complex as an intermediate is established only by IR spectroscopy. The analogous reaction of 10 with 3-amino-5-methylpyrazole affords, via a formal [3+3]-cycloaddition, a pyrazolo[1,5a]pyrimidinylidene complex 13. Compound 13 is obtained as two isomers differing in the relative position of the N-bound proton (1H or 4H). The related reaction of 10 with thioacetamide yields a thiazinylidene complex and additionally an alkenyl(amino)carbene complex.     

Exploring the activities of vanadium,niobium, and tantalum PNP pincer complexes in the hydrogenation of phenyl-substituted CN,CN, CC,CC, and CO functional groups

The structures and stability of the designed PNP pincer amido M(NO)₂(PNP) and amino ^HM(NO)₂(PN^HP) complexes [M = V, Nb, and Ta, PNP = N(CH₂CH₂P(isopropyl)₂)₂, PN^HP = HN(CH₂CH₂P(isopropyl)₂)₂] and their hydrogenation mechanisms for phenyl-substituted unsaturated functional groups have been explored at the B3PW91 level of density functional theory. Under H₂ environment, these conjugated complexes can form equilibrium and fulfill the criteria of metal–ligand cooperated bifunctional hydrogenation catalysts. For the hydrogenation of Ph-CN, Ph-CHNH, Ph-CHNH-Ph, Ph-CHNCH₂Ph, Ph-CCH, Ph-CHCH₂, Ph-CHO, and Ph-COCH₃, the reaction prefers either a two-step or one-step mechanism for the hydridic MH and protonic NH transfer. These results clearly show that the V, Nb, and Ta complexes are promising catalysts for the hydrogenation reactions, and these provide experimental challenges.     

An isomerization—1,3-dipolar cycloaddition tandem reaction towards the synthesis of 3-aryl-4-methyl-5-O-substituted isoxazolines from O-allyl compounds

A new strategy for the synthesis of 3-aryl-4-methyl-5-O-substituted isoxazolines via tandem catalytic isomerization of O-allyl systems to O-(1-propenyl) systems—1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (1,3-DC) to nitrile oxides is presented. The influence of the heteroatom in Ph-X-CHCHCH₃ (X=O, S, or Se) on the regio- and stereoselectivity of ArCNO 1,3-cycloaddition to these dipolarophiles is analyzed as well. The dipolarophiles were obtained via [RuClH(CO)(PPh₃)₃]–, [RuH₂(CO)(PPh₃)]– or base (KOH/18-crown-6)-catalyzed double bond migration in corresponding allyl ethers, O-allyl acetals, PhS– and PhSe–allyl systems. Cycloadditions of nitrile oxides to O-(1-propenyl) systems were fully regioselective whereas in the reactions of ArCNO with the PhS–(1-propenyl) and PhSe–(1-propenyl) systems both possible regioisomers were formed. It was established that within the majority of dipolarophiles of ROCHCHCH₃ type 1,3-DC is concerted, while for some dipolarophiles of RXCHCHCH₃ (X=O and R=Ph₃C, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, tetrahydropyran-2-yl; X=S or Se and R=Ph) type 1,3-DC turns into a two-step reaction with simultaneous rotation about C–C bond. The results of the experiments have been analyzed theoretically using DFT calculations. The results of these calculations agreed well with the experimental data.     

An easy and direct synthetic route to phosphamido niobocenes through nucleophilic attack of phosphide niobocene complexes on acyl halides

The synthesis of the new cationic functionalized phosphane niobocene complexes [Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂(P(CH₂CO(C₆H₅))Ph₂)(L)]Cl, LCO (3) or CNXylyl (4), and new phosphamido-niobocene complexes [Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂(P{CO(C₆H₅)}Ph₂)(L)]Cl, LCO (5), CNXylyl (6), [Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂(P(COCH(C₆H₅)₂)Ph₂)(L)]Cl, LCO (7) or CNXylyl (8), has been achieved. The complexes were prepared by reaction of the Lewis base niobocene complexes [Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂(PPh₂)(L)], LCO (1) or CNXylyl (2), with the appropriate RX (PhCOCH₂Cl, chloroacetophenone) and RCOX (PhCOCl, benzoyl chloride, Ph₂CHCOCl, diphenylacetyl chloride) reagents through the formation of new P–C bonds in the corresponding nucleophilic substitution reactions. These processes afforded new metallophosphanes in which one of the substituents on the phosphorus atom contains a ketonic moiety. The presence of the carbonyl group in the coordination sphere of phosphorus increases the coordination possibilities of the phosphane and enriches the applications of these complexes.     

Olefin metathesis for metal incorporation: Preparation of conjugated ruthenium-containing complexes and polymers

Olefin Metathesis for Metal Incorporation (OMMI) was used for the stoichiometric attachment of ruthenium to both small and large polyenes. The dinuclear complexes (PCy₃)₂C1₂RuCH(CHCH)_nCHRu(PCy₃)₂Cl₂ (n = 1, 2), were prepared by reacting 2 equiv. of the Grubbs first-generation catalyst (PCy₃)₂C1₂Ru(CHPh)) with 1 equiv. of the appropriate polyene (1,3,5-hexatriene for n = 1 and 1,3,5,7-octatetraene for n = 2). Use of excess hexatriene led to the formation of the monoruthenium complex (PCy₃)₂C1₂RuCHCH CHCHCH₂. The mono- and di-ruthenium complexes exhibited marked differences in their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties, in addition to their Z–E isomerization rates. Nucleophilic attack of PCy₃ on the end CH₂ of the mono complex was observed, leading to both isomerization and phosphonium products. Extending the OMMI strategy to the second-generation catalyst was also done, despite the reduced initiation rate. The more reactive catalyst (H₂IMes)RuCl₂(CHPh)(3-bromopyridine)₂ allowed for ruthenium incorporation into polyacetylene, leading to the formation of polymers and oligomers with high ruthenium content.     

Coordination properties of the multifunctional S,N,S zwitterionic ligand EtNHC(S)Ph2PNPPh2C(S)NEt

The reaction of trialkylphoshanes and amino-phosphanes with isothiocyanates yields adducts containing the zwitterionic thioamidyl-phosphonium P⁺C(S)N^? functional group. Ligands containing this group were not previously studied, probably due to their instability towards dissociation, in the presence of metal species able to coordinate the P atom. The ligand EtNHC(S)Ph₂PNPPh₂C(S)NEt (HEtSNS) was obtained by reaction of Ph₂PNHPPh₂ with ethylisothiocyanate and proved to be very versatile: it can be protonated giving cation H₂EtSNS⁺ and deprotonated forming the dianion–cation EtSNS^?. HEtSNS and its derivatives behave as ligands showing five possible coordination fashions, S,N,S tridentate and S,S-bidentate (with a bite-angle varying from 180° to 90°), S-monodentate, S,S bridging and N,N,N interaction. Here we describe the coordination chemistry of HEtSNS, in particular towards Rh, Cu, Ag and Au, and some properties of its complexes which are still the only examples containing the P⁺C(S)N^? zwitterionic group.     

Observation of vinylidene emission in mixed phosphine/diimine complexes of Ru(II) at room temperature in solution

The mixed ruthenium(II) complexes trans-[RuCl₂(PPh₃)₂(bipy)] (1), trans-[RuCl₂(PPh₃)₂(Me₂bipy)](2), cis-[RuCl₂(dcype)(bipy)](3), cis-[RuCl₂(dcype)(Me₂bipy)](4) (PPh₃ = triphenylphosphine, dcype = 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, Me₂bipy = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) were used as precursors to synthesize the associated vinylidene complexes. The complexes [RuCl(CCHPh)(PPh₃)₂(bipy)]PF₆ (5), [RuCl(CCHPh)(PPh₃)₂(Me₂bipy)]PF₆ (6), [RuCl(CCHPh)(dcype)(bipy)]PF₆ (7), [RuCl(CCHPh)(dcype)(bipy)]PF₆ (8) were characterized and their spectral, electrochemical, photochemical and photophysical properties were examined. The emission assigned to the π–π1 excited state from the vinylidene ligand is irradiation wavelength (340, 400, 430 nm) and solvent (CH₂Cl₂, CH₃CN, EtOH/MeOH) dependent. The cyclic voltammograms of (6) and (7) show a reversible metal oxidation peak and two successive ligand reductions in the +1.5-(?0.64) V range. The reduction of the vinylidene leads to the formation of the acetylide complex, but due the hydrogen abstraction the process is irreversible. The studies described here suggest that for practical applications such as functional materials, nonlinear optics, building blocks and supramolecular photochemistry.     

Observation of vinylidene emission in mixed phosphine/diimine complexes of Ru(II) at room temperature in solution

The mixed ruthenium(II) complexes trans-[RuCl₂(PPh₃)₂(bipy)] (1), trans-[RuCl₂(PPh₃)₂(Me₂bipy)](2), cis-[RuCl₂(dcype)(bipy)](3), cis-[RuCl₂(dcype)(Me₂bipy)](4) (PPh₃ = triphenylphosphine, dcype = 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, Me₂bipy = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) were used as precursors to synthesize the associated vinylidene complexes. The complexes [RuCl(CCHPh)(PPh₃)₂(bipy)]PF₆ (5), [RuCl(CCHPh)(PPh₃)₂(Me₂bipy)]PF₆ (6), [RuCl(CCHPh)(dcype)(bipy)]PF₆ (7), [RuCl(CCHPh)(dcype)(bipy)]PF₆ (8) were characterized and their spectral, electrochemical, photochemical and photophysical properties were examined. The emission assigned to the π–π1 excited state from the vinylidene ligand is irradiation wavelength (340, 400, 430 nm) and solvent (CH₂Cl₂, CH₃CN, EtOH/MeOH) dependent. The cyclic voltammograms of (6) and (7) show a reversible metal oxidation peak and two successive ligand reductions in the +1.5-(−0.64) V range. The reduction of the vinylidene leads to the formation of the acetylide complex, but due the hydrogen abstraction the process is irreversible. The studies described here suggest that for practical applications such as functional materials, nonlinear optics, building blocks and supramolecular photochemistry.     

In silico quest for stable phosphastannaallenes

A computational study at different levels of theory was performed for the not yet synthesized phosphastannaallenes >SnCP– in order to evaluate the strength of the SnC bond, the main postulated factor to stabilize such species, and the geometry in R₂SnCPR derivatives. The influence of the substituents with various electronic effects (H, Me, Ph, F, Cl, OMe, SiMe₃) at the Sn or P atoms of the SnCP unit on the SnC bond order was evaluated in the quest for a substituent that would stabilize the phosphastannaallenic unit. PC bond orders have also been calculated.