Carbocation-forming reactions in dimethyl sulfoxide

Mesylate derivatives of 3-aryl-3-hydroxy-beta-lactams and thiolactams react in DMSO-d(6) by first-order processes to give alcohol products. Substituent effect studies implicate carbocation intermediates (ion-pairs) that are captured by DMSO-d(6) to give transient oxosulfonium ions. Rapid reaction of the oxosulfonium ions with trace amounts of water leads to the alcohol product and regenerates DMSO-d(6). H(2)(17)O labeling studies show that (17)O is incorporated into the DMSO. The mesylate derivatives of endo- and exo-2-hydroxy-2-phenylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-3-one also react in DMSO-d(6) to give the alcohol products. Ion-pair intermediates that capture DMSO giving unstable oxosulfonium ions are again proposed. Exo-2-phenyl-endo-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl trifluoroacetate readily eliminates trifluoroacetic acid in DMSO-d(6) via a cationic mechanism involving loss of the endo-trifluoroacetate leaving group as well as an exo-hydrogen. The O-methyl oxime derivative of alpha-chloro-alpha,alpha-diphenylacetophenone reacts in DMSO-d(6) to give 1-methoxy-2,3-diphenylindole, a product derived from cyclization of a cationic intermediate. A common ion rate suppression provides further evidence for a cationic mechanism. The triflate derivative of pivaloin reacts by a cationic mechanism in DMSO-d(6) to give rearranged products. The rate is even faster than in highly ionizing solvents such as trifluoroethanol or trifluoroacetic acid. 1-Adamantyl mesylate reacts in DMSO-d(6) by a first-order process (Y(OMs) = -4.00) to give a long-lived oxosulfonium ion, 1-Ad-OS(CD(3))(2)(+), which can be characterized spectroscopically. This oxosulfonium ion reacts only slowly with water at elevated temperatures to give 1-adamantanol. DMSO is therefore a viable solvent for k(s), k(C), and k(Delta) cationic processes.     

Carbocation-forming reactions in ionic liquids

A number of trifluoroacetates, mesylates, and triflates have been studied in ionic liquids. Several lines of evidence indicate that all of these substrates react via ionization to give carbocationic intermediates. For example, cumyl trifluoroacetates give mainly the elimination products, but the Hammett rho+ value of -3.74 is consistent with a carbocationic process. The analogous exo-2-phenyl-endo-3-deutero-endo-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl trifluoroacetate gives an elimination where loss of the exo-hydrogen occurs from a cationic intermediate. 1-Adamantyl mesylate and 2-adamantyl triflate react to give simple substitution products derived from capture of 1- and 2-adamantyl carbocations by the residual water in the ionic liquid. The triflate derivative of pivaloin, trans-2-phenylcyclopropylcarbinyl mesylate, 2,2-dimethoxycyclobutyl triflate, the mesylate derivative of diethyl (phenylhydroxymethyl)-thiophosphonate, and Z-1-phenyl-5-trimethylsilyl-3-penten-1-yl trifluoroacetate all give products derived carbocation rearrangements (kDelta processes). anti-7-Norbornenyl mesylate gives products with complete retention of configuration, indicative of involvement of the delocalized 7-norbornenyl cation. 1,6-Methano[10]annulen-11-yl triflate reacts in [BMIM][NTf2] to give 1,6-methano[10]annulen-11-ol, along with naphthalene, an oxidized product derived from loss of trifluoromethanesulfinate ion. Analogous loss of CF3SO2- can be seen in reaction of PhCH(CF3)OTf. Ionic liquids are therefore viable solvents for formation of carbocationic intermediates via kC and kDelta processes.     

Chiral phosphane alkenes (PALs): simple synthesis, applications in catalysis, and functional hemilability

A simple synthesis of a chiral phosphane alkene (PAL) involves: 1) palladium-catalyzed Suzuki coupling of 10-bromo-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-ol (1) with phenylboronic acid to give quantitatively 10-phenyl-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-ol (2); 2) reaction of 2 with Ph(2)PCl under acidic conditions to give a racemic mixture of the phosphane oxide (10-phenyl-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)diphenylphosphane oxide ((Ph)troppo(Ph), 3), which is separated into enantiomers by using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) on a chiral column; 3) reduction with trichlorosilane to give the enantiomerically pure phosphanes (R)- and (S)-(10-phenyl-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)diphenylphosphane ((Ph)tropp(Ph), 4). This highly rigid, concave-shaped ligand serves as a bidentate ligand in Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes. Catalysts prepared from [Rh(2)(mu(2)-Cl)(2)(C(2)H(4))(4)] and (S)-4 have allowed the efficient enantioselective 1,4-addition of arylboronic acids to alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyls (Hayashi-Miyaura reaction) (5-0.1 mol % catalyst, up to 95% ee). The iridium complex (S,S)-[Ir((Ph)tropp(Ph))(2)]OTf ((S,S)-6; OTf=SO(3)CF(3)) has been used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of various nonfunctionalized and functionalized olefins (turnover frequencies (TOFs) of up to 4000 h(-1)) and moderate enantiomeric excesses have been achieved (up to 67% ee). [Ir((Ph)tropp(Ph))(2)]OTf reversibly takes up three equivalents of H(2). The highly reactive octahedral [Ir(H)(2)(OTf)(CH(2)Cl(2))(H(2)-(Ph)tropp(Ph))(2)] could be isolated and contains two hydrogenated monodentate H(2)-(Ph)tropp(Ph) phosphanes, one CH(2)Cl(2) molecule, one triflate anion, and two hydrides. Based on this structure and extensive NMR spectroscopic studies, a mechanism for the hydrogenation reactions is proposed.     

Dissociative electron attachment to triflates

Gas phase studies of dissociative electron attachment to simple alkyl (CF(3)SO(3)CH(3)) and aryl (C(6)H(5)SO(3)CF(3) and CF(3)SO(3)C(6)H(4)CH(3)) triflates, model molecules of nonionic photoacid generators for modern lithographic applications, were performed. The fragmentation pathways under electron impact below 10 eV were identified by means of crossed electron-molecular beam mass spectrometry. Major dissociation channels involved C-O, S-O, or C-S bond scissions in the triflate moiety leading to the formation of triflate (OTf(-)), triflyl (Tf(-)), or sulfonate (RSO(3)(-)) anions, respectively. A resonance leading to C-O bond breakage and OTf(-) formation in alkyl triflates occurred at electron energies about 0.5 eV lower than the corresponding resonance in aryl triflates. A resonance leading to S-O bond breakage and Tf(-) formation in aryl triflates occurred surprisingly at the same electron energies as C-O bond breakage. In case of alkyl triflates S-O bond breakage required 1.4 eV higher electron energies to occur and proceeded with substantially lower yields than in aryl triflates. C-S bond scission occurred for all presently studied triflates at energies close to 3 eV.     

Interconversion between the enantiomers of chiral five-coordinate Me3Pt(IV) complexes

The dinuclear Me(2)Pt(II) complexes of 3,4-bis(quinolin-8-yl)thiophene (1a), 3,4-bis(6 trifluoromethoxyquinolin-8-yl)thiophene (1b), and 3,4-bis(2-methylquinolin-8-yl)thiophene (1c) react with MeOTf (OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate) to afford the corresponding chiral mononuclear five-coordinate Me(3)Pt(IV) complexes [PtMe(3)(1a)]OTf (3a), [PtMe(3)(1b)]OTf (3b), and [PtMe(3)(1c)]OTf (3c), respectively. [PtMe(3)(1c)]BAr(F)(4) (3d) (where BAr(F)(4) = [B{C(6)H(3)-3,5-(CF(3))(2)}(4)]) has also been synthesized for structural study. While 3a appears to be symmetric in solution and asymmetric in solid state, 3c and 3d are asymmetric in both solution and solid state. The chirality originates from interligand repulsion, rather than any unsymmetrical ligand. Variable-temperature NMR and computational studies suggest a ligand-twisting isomerization pathway for the interconversion of the enantiomers, rather than the rotational exchange of three CH(3) ligands on the metal center.     

Electronic and medium effects on the rate of arene C [bond] H activation by cationic Ir(III) complexes

A detailed mechanistic study of arene C [bond] H activation in CH(2)Cl(2) solution by Cp(L)IrMe(X) [L = PMe(3), P(OMe)(3); X = OTf, (CH(2)Cl(2))BAr(f); (BAr(f) = B[3,5-C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)](4))(-)] is presented. It was determined that triflate dissociation in Cp(L)IrMe(OTf), to generate tight and/or solvent-separated ion pairs containing a cationic iridium complex, precedes C [bond] H activation. Consistent with the ion-pair hypothesis, the rate of arene activation by Cp(L)IrMe(OTf) is unaffected by added external triflate salts, but the rate is strongly dependent upon the medium. Thus the reactivity of Cp(PMe(3))IrMe(OTf) can be increased by almost 3 orders of magnitude by addition of (n-Hex)(4)NBAr(f), presumably because the added BAr(f) anion exchanges with the OTf anion in the initially formed ion pair, transiently forming a cation/borate ion pair in solution (special salt effect). In contrast, addition of (n-Hex)(4)NBAr(f) to [CpPMe(3)Ir(Me)CH(2)Cl(2)][BAr(f)] does not affect the rate of benzene activation; here there is no initial covalent/ionic pre-equilibrium that can be perturbed with added (n-Hex)(4)NBAr(f). An analysis of the reaction between Cp(PMe(3))IrMe(OTf) and various substituted arenes demonstrated that electron-donating substituents on the arene increase the rate of the C [bond] H activation reaction. The rate of C(6)H(6) activation by [Cp(PMe(3))Ir(Me)CH(2)Cl(2)][BAr(f)] is substantially faster than [Cp(P(OMe)(3))Ir(Me)CH(2)Cl(2)][BAr(f)]. Density functional theory computations suggest that this is due to a less favorable pre-equilibrium for dissociation of the dichloromethane ligand in the trimethyl phosphite complex, rather than to a large electronic effect on the C [bond] H oxidative addition transition state. Because of these combined effects, the overall rate of arene activation is increased by electron-donating substituents on both the substrate and the iridium complex.     

Synthesis and reactivity of the hydrido- and alkylrhenium methylidene complexes Cp*(PMe3)2(R)Re=CH2 (R = H, CH3)

Protonolysis of the dimethylrhenium(III) compound Cp(PMe(3))(2)Re(CH(3))(2) (3) led to formation of the highly reactive hydridorhenium methylidene compound [Cp(PMe(3))(2)Re(CH(2))(H)][OTf] (4), which was characterized spectroscopically at low temperature. Although 4 decomposed above -30 degrees C, reactivity studies performed at low temperature indicated it was in equilibrium with the coordinatively unsaturated methylrhenium complex [Cp(PMe(3))(2)Re(CH(3))][OTf] (2). Methylidene complex 4 was found to react with PMe(3) to afford [Cp(PMe(3))(3)Re(CH(3))][OTf] (6) and with chloride anion to give Cp(PMe(3))(2)Re(Me)Cl (7). When BAr(f) anion was added to 4, the thermally stable methylrhenium methylidene complex [Cp(PMe(3))(2)Re(CH(2))(CH(3))][BAr(f)] (8) was isolated upon warming to room temperature. The mechanisms of formation of both 4 and 8 are discussed in detail, including DFT calculations. The novel carbonyl ligated complex Cp(CO)(2)Re(CH(3))OTf (12) was prepared, isolated, and found to not undergo migration reactions to form methylidene complexes.     

Facile carbon-fluorine bond activation and subsequent functionalisation of 1,1-difluoroethylene and tetrafluoroethylene promoted by adjacent metal centres

The bridging fluoroolefin ligands in the complexes [Ir(2)(CH(3))(CO)(2)(μ-olefin)(dppm)(2)][OTf] (olefin = tetrafluoroethylene, 1,1-difluoroethylene; dppm = μ-Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2); OTf(-) = CF(3)SO(3)(-)) are susceptible to facile fluoride ion abstraction. Both fluoroolefin complexes react with trimethylsilyltriflate (Me(3)SiOTf) to give the corresponding fluorovinyl products by abstraction of a single fluoride ion. Although the trifluorovinyl ligand is bound to one metal, the monofluorovinyl group is bridging, bound to one metal through carbon and to the other metal through a dative bond from fluorine. Addition of two equivalents of Me(3)SiOTf to the tetrafluoroethylene-bridged species gives the difluorovinylidene-bridged product [Ir(2)(CH(3))(OTf)(CO)(2)(μ-OTf)(μ-C=CF(2))(dppm)(2)][OTf]. The 1,1-difluoroethylene species is exceedingly reactive, reacting with water to give 2-fluoropropene and [Ir(2)(CO)(2)(μ-OH)(dppm)(2)][OTf] and with carbon monoxide to give [Ir(2)(CO)(3)(μ-κ(1):η(2)-C≡CCH(3))(dppm)(2)][OTf] together with two equivalents of HF. The trifluorovinyl product [Ir(2)(κ(1)-C(2)F(3))(OTf)(CO)(2)(μ-H)(μ-CH(2))(dppm)(2)][OTf], obtained through single C-F bond activation of the tetrafluoroethylene-bridged complex, reacts with H(2) to form trifluoroethylene, allowing the facile replacement of one fluorine in C(2)F(4) with hydrogen.     

Reactions of halofluorocarbons with group 6 complexes M(C(5)H(5))(2)L (M = Mo, W; L = C(2)H(4), CO). Fluoroalkylation at molybdenum and tungsten, and at cyclopentadienyl or ethylene ligands.

The molybdenum(II) and tungsten(II) complexes [MCp(2)L] (Cp = eta(5)-cyclopentadienyl; L = C(2)H(4), CO) react with perfluoroalkyl iodides to give a variety of products. The Mo(II) complex [MoCp(2)(C(2)H(4))] reacts with perfluoro-n-butyl iodide or perfluorobenzyl iodide with loss of ethylene to give the first examples of fluoroalkyl complexes of Mo(IV), MoCp(2)(CF(2)CF(2)CF(2)CF(3))I (8) and MoCp(2)(CF(2)C(6)F(5))I (9), one of which (8) has been crystallographically characterized. In contrast, the CO analogue [MoCp(2)(CO)] reacts with perfluorobenzyl iodide without loss of CO to give the crystallographically characterized salt, [MoCp(2)(CF(2)C(6)F(5))(CO)](+)I(-) (10), and the W(II) ethylene precursor [WCp(2)(C(2)H(4))] reacts with perfluorobenzyl iodide without loss of ethylene to afford the salt [WCp(2)(CF(2)C(6)F(5))(C(2)H(4))](+)I(-) (11). These observations demonstrate that the metal-carbon bond is formed first. In further contrast the tungsten precursor [WCp(2)(C(2)H(4))] reacts with perfluoro-n-butyl iodide, perfluoro-iso-propyl iodide, and pentafluorophenyl iodide to give fluoroalkyl- and fluorophenyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl complexes WCp(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)R(F))(H)I (12, R(F) = CF(2)CF(2)CF(2)CF(3); 15, R(F) = CF(CF(3))(2); 16, R(F) = C(6)F(5)); the Mo analogue MoCp(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)R(F))(H)I (14, R(F) = CF(CF(3))(2)) is obtained in similar fashion. The tungsten(IV) hydrido compounds react with iodoform to afford the corresponding diiodides WCp(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)R(F))I(2) (13, R(F) = CF(2)CF(2)CF(2)CF(3); 18, R(F) = CF(CF(3))(2); 19, R(F) = C(6)F(5)), two of which (13 and 19) have been crystallographically characterized. The carbonyl precursors [MCp(2)(CO)] each react with perfluoro-iso-propyl iodide without loss of CO, to afford the exo-fluoroalkylated cyclopentadiene M(II) complexes MCp(eta(4)-C(5)H(5)R(F))(CO)I (21, M = Mo; 22, M = W); the exo-stereochemistry for the fluoroalkyl group is confirmed by an X-ray structural study of 22. The ethylene analogues [MCp(2)(C(2)H(4))] react with perfluoro-tert-butyl iodide to yield the products MCp(2)[(CH(2)CH(2)C(CF(3))(3)]I (25, M = Mo; 26, M = W) resulting from fluoroalkylation at the ethylene ligand. Attempts to provide positive evidence for fluoroalkyl radicals as intermediates in reactions of primary and benzylic substrates were unsuccessful, but trapping experiments with CH(3)OD (to give R(F)D, not R(F)H) indicate that fluoroalkyl anions are the intermediates responsible for ring and ethylene fluoroalkylation in the reactions of secondary and tertiary fluoroalkyl substrates.     

Osmabenzenes from the reactions of a dicationic osmabenzyne complex

Treatment of the osmabenzyne Os([triple bond]CC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)Cl(2)(PPh(3))(2) (1) with 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) and thallium triflate (TlOTf) produces the thermally stable dicationic osmabenzyne [Os([triple bond]CC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)](OTf)(2) (2). The dicationic osmabenzyne 2 reacts with ROH (R = H, Me) to give osmabenzene complexes [Os(=C(OR)CH=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf, in which the metallabenzene ring deviates significantly from planarity. In contrast, reaction of the dicationic complex 2 with NaBH(4) produces a cyclopentadienyl complex, presumably through the osmabenzene intermediate [Os(=CHC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf. The higher thermal stability of [Os(=C(OR)CH=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf relative to [Os(=CHC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf can be related to the stabilization effect of the OR groups on the metallacycle. A theoretical study shows that conversion of the dicationic osmabenzyne complex [Os([triple bond]CC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)](OTf)(2) to a carbene complex by reductive elimination is thermodynamically unfavorable. The theoretical study also suggests that the nonplanarity of the osmabenzenes [Os(=C(OR)CH=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf is mainly due to electronic reasons.     

Cationic complexes of iridium: diiodobenzene chelation, electrophilic behavior with olefins, and fluxionality of an Ir(I) ethylene complex

The synthesis of a series of dicationic Ir(III) complexes is described. Reaction of Ir(CO)(dppe)I (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane)) with RI (R = CH(3) and CF(3)) results in formation of the Ir(III) precursors IrR(CO)(dppe)(I)(2) (R = CH(3) (1a) and CF(3) (1b)). Subsequent treatment with AgOTf (OTf = triflate) generates the bis(triflate) analogues IrR(CO)(dppe)(OTf)(2) (R = CH(3) (2a) and CF(3) (2b)), which undergo clean metathesis with NaBARF (BARF = B(3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3))(4)(-)) in the presence of 1,2-diiodobenzene (DIB) forming the dicationic halocarbon adducts [IrR(CO)(dppe)(DIB)][BARF](2) (R = CH(3) (3a) and CF(3) (3b)). Complexes 3a and 3b demonstrate facile exchange chemistry with acetonitrile and carbon monoxide forming complexes 4 and 5, respectively. NMR investigation of the mechanism reveals that the process proceeds through an eta(1)-diiodobenzene adduct, where labilization at the coordination site trans to the alkyl group occurs first. Complex 3a reacts with ethylene forming the cationic iridium(I) product [Ir(C(2)H(4))(2)(CO)(dppe)][BARF] (6), which demonstrates fluxional behavior. Variable-temperature NMR studies indicate that the five-coordinate complex 6 undergoes three dynamic processes corresponding to ethylene rotation, Berry pseudorotation, and intermolecular ethylene exchange in order of increasing temperature based on NMR line shape analyses used to determine the thermodynamic parameters for the processes. The DIB adducts 3a and 3b were also found to promote olefin isomerization of 1-pentene, and polymerization/oligomerization of styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, norbornene, beta-pinene, and isobutylene via cationic initiation.     

Three-coordinate NiII: tracing the origin of an unusual, facile Si-C(sp3) bond cleavage in [(tBu2PCH2SiMe2)2N]Ni+

All attempts to synthesize (PNP)Ni(OTf) form instead ((t)Bu(2)PCH(2)SiMe(2)NSiMe(2)OTf)Ni(CH(2)P(t)Bu(2)). Abstraction of F(-) from (PNP)NiF by even a catalytic amount of BF(3) causes rearrangement of the (transient) (PNP)Ni(+) to analogous ring-opened [((t)Bu(2)PCH(2)SiMe(2)NSiMe(2)F)]Ni(CH(2)P(t)Bu(2)). Abstraction of Cl(-) from (PNP)NiCl with NaB(C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2))(4) in CH(2)Cl(2) or C(6)H(5)F gives (PNP)NiB(C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2))(4), the key intermediate in these reactions is (PNP)Ni(+), [(PNP)Ni](+), in which one Si-C bond (together with N and two P) donates to Ni. This makes this Si-C bond subject to nucleophilic attack by F(-), triflate, and alkoxide/ether (from THF). This σ(Si-C) complex binds CO in the time of mixing and also binds chloride, both at nickel. Evidence is offered of a "self-healing" process, where the broken Si-C bond can be reformed in an equilibrium process. (PNP)Ni(+) reacts rapidly with H(2) to give (PN(H)P)NiH(+), which can be deprotonated to form (PNP)NiH. A variety of nucleophilic attacks (and THF polymerization) on the coordinated Si-C bond are envisioned to occur perpendicular to the Si-C bond, based on the character of the LUMO of (PNP)Ni(+).     

Dinuclear PCP pincer complexes from Lewis acidic [Pd(OTf)(PCP)] and basic [Pd(4-Spy)(PCP)] (OTf = triflate; 4-Spy = 4-pyridinethiolate; PCP = (-)CH(CH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))(2))

The Lewis acidic pincer with a labile triflate ligand, viz. [Pd(OTf)(PCP)] (PCP = (-)CH(CH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))(2)) was prepared from [PdCl(PCP)] with AgOTf. It reacts readily with neutral bidentate ligands [L = 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bpy) and 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf)] to give dinuclear PCP pincers [{Pd(PCP)}(2)(micro-L)][OTf](2) (L = 4,4'-bpy, 2; dppf,3). [PdCl(PCP)] also reacts with 4-mercaptopyridine in the presence of KOH to give a Lewis basic pincer with a free pyridine functional group [Pd(4-Spy)(PCP)]4. Its metalloligand character is exemplified by the isolation of an asymmetric dinuclear double-pincer complex [{Pd(PCP)}(2)(micro-4-Spy)][PF(6)] 6 bridged by an ambidentate pyridinethiolato ligand. Complexes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.     

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).     

Ligand-modification effects on the reactivity, solubility, and stability of organometallic tantalum complexes in water

Tantalum complexes [TaCp*Me{κ(4)-C,N,O,O-(OCH(2))(OCHC(CH(2)NMe(2))=CH)py}] (4) and [TaCp*Me{κ(4)-C,N,O,O-(OCH(2))(OCHC(CH(2)NH(2))=CH)py}] (5), which contain modified alkoxide pincer ligands, were synthesized from the reactions of [TaCp*Me{κ(3)-N,O,O-(OCH(2))(OCH)py}] (Cp* = η(5)-C(5)Me(5)) with HC≡CCH(2)NMe(2) and HC≡CCH(2)NH(2), respectively. The reactions of [TaCp*Me{κ(4)-C,N,O,O-(OCH(2))(OCHC(Ph)=CH)py}] (2) and [TaCp*Me{κ(4)-C,N,O,O-(OCH(2))(OCHC(SiMe(3))=CH)py}] (3) with triflic acid (1:2 molar ratio) rendered the corresponding bis-triflate derivatives [TaCp*(OTf)(2){κ(3)-N,O,O-(OCH(2))(OCHC(Ph)=CH(2))py}] (6) and [TaCp*(OTf)(2){κ(3)-N,O,O-(OCH(2))(OCHC(SiMe(3))=CH(2))py}] (7), respectively. Complex 4 reacted with triflic acid in a 1:2 molar ratio to selectively yield the water-soluble cationic complex [TaCp*(OTf){κ(4)-C,N,O,O-(OCH(2))(OCHC(CH(2)NHMe(2))=CH)py}]OTf (8). Compound 8 reacted with water to afford the hydrolyzed complex [TaCp*(OH)(H(2)O){κ(3)-N,O,O-(OCH(2))(OCHC(CH(2)NHMe(2))=CH(2))py}](OTf)(2) (9). Protonation of compound 8 with triflic acid gave the new tantalum compound [TaCp*(OTf){κ(4)-C,N,O,O-(OCH(2))(HOCHC(CH(2)NHMe(2))=CH)py}](OTf)(2) (10), which afforded the corresponding protonolysis derivative [TaCp*(OTf)(2){κ(3)-N,O,O-(OCH(2))(HOCHC(CH(2)NHMe(2))=CH(2))py}](OTf) (11) in solution. Complex 8 reacted with CNtBu and potassium 2-isocyanoacetate to give the corresponding iminoacyl derivatives 12 and 13, respectively. The molecular structures of complexes 5, 7, and 10 were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

The bridged binding mode as a new, versatile template for the selective activation of carbon-fluorine bonds in fluoroolefins: activation of trifluoroethylene

We report the selective activation of carbon-fluorine bonds in trifluoroethylene using the diiridium complex [Ir(2)(CH(3))(CO)(2)(dppm)(2)][OTf] (1). Coordination of trifluoroethylene in a bridging position between the two metals in 1 results in facile fluoride ion loss in three different ways. Attack by strong fluorophiles such as Me(3)SiOTf and HOTf results in F(-) removal from one of the geminal fluorines to give the cis-difluorovinyl-bridged product [Ir(2)(CH(3))(OTf)(CO)(2)(μ-κ(1):η(2)-C(F)═CFH)(dppm)(2)][OTf]. A second activation can also be accomplished by addition of excess Me(3)SiOTf to give the fluorovinylidene-bridged product [Ir(2)(CH(3))(OTf)(CO)(2)(μ-C(2)FH)(dppm)(2)][OTf](2). Interestingly, activation of the trifluoroethylene-bridged precursor by water also occurs, yielding [Ir(2)(CH(3))(CO)(2)(κ(1)-C(H)═CF(2))(μ-OH)(dppm)(2)][OTf], in which the lone vicinal fluorine is removed, leaving a geminal arrangement of fluorines in the product. A [1,2]-fluoride shift can also be induced in the trifluoroethylene-bridged precursor upon the addition of CO to give the 2,2,2-trifluoroethylidene-bridged product [Ir(2)(CH(3))(CO)(3)(μ-C(H)CF(3))(dppm)(2)][CF(3)SO(3)]. Addition of hydrogen to the cis-difluorovinyl-bridged product results in the quantitative elimination of cis-difluoroethylene, while its reaction with CO yields a mixture of cis-difluoropropene and 2,3-difluoropropene by reductive elimination of the methyl and difluorovinyl groups with an accompanying isomerization in the case of the second product. Finally, protonation of the 2,2,2-trifluoroethylidene-bridged product liberates 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, in which one hydrogen (H(+)) is from the acid while the other hydrogen (H(-)) is derived from activation of the methyl group.     

Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure and preliminary reactivity behaviour of new heteropolytopic ligands based on the 1,3,5-triazine spacer and pyrazolyl, tris-pyrazolylmethyl and tris-pyrazolylethoxy bonding fragments

Four new potentially polytopic nitrogen donor ligands based on the 1,3,5-triazine fragment, L(1)-L(4) (L(1) = 2-chloro-4,6-di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine, L(2) = N,N'-bis(4,6-di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diamine, L(3) = 2,4,6-tris(tri(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)-1,3,5-triazine, and L(4) = 2,4,6-tris(2,2,2-tri(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethoxy)-1,3,5-triazine) have been synthesized and characterized. The X-ray crystal structure of L(3) confirms that its molecular nature consists of a 1,3,5-triazine ring bearing three tripodal tris(pyrazolyl) arms. L(1), L(2), and L(4) react with Cu(I), Cu(II), Pd(II) and Ag(I) salts yielding mono-, di-, and oligonuclear derivatives: [Cu(L(1))(Cy(3)P)]ClO(4), [{Ag(2)(L(2))}(CF(3)SO(3))(2)]·H(2)O, [Cu(2)(L(2))(NO(3))(2)](NO(3))(2)·H(2)O, [Cu(2)(L(2))(CH(3)COO)(2)](CH(3)COO)(2)·3H(2)O, [Pd(2)(L(2))(Cl)(4)]·2H(2)O, [Ru(L(2))(Cl)(OH)]·CH(3)OH, [Ag(3)(L(4))(2)](CF(3)SO(3))(3) and [Ag(3)(L(4))(2)](BF(4))(3). The interaction of L(3) with Ag(I), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ru(II) complexes unexpectedly produced the hydrolysis of the ligand with formation, in all cases, of tris(pyrazolyl)methane (TPM) derivatives. In detail, the already known [Ag(TPM)(2)](CF(3)SO(3)) and [Cu(TPM)(2)](NO(3))(2), as well as the new [Zn(TPM)(2)](CF(3)SO(3))(2) and [Ru(TMP)(p-cymene)]Cl(OH)·2H(2)O complexes have been isolated. Single-crystal XRD determinations on the latter derivatives confirm their formulation, evidencing, for the Ru(II) complex, an interesting supramolecular arrangement of the anions and crystallization water molecules.     

N2 provides insight into the mechanism of H-C(sp3) bond cleavage

Exchange of deuterium in d6-benzene with all C-H sites in (PNP)Ru(OTf), where PNP is N(SiMe2CH2PtBu2)2 and OTf is OSO2CF3, is rapid at 22 degrees C. Although intact planar triplet (PNP)Ru(OTf) binds N2 only very weakly, these reagents are observed to react rapidly to give a diamagnetic 1:1 adduct whose structure has one tBu C-H bond cleaved: the carbon binds to Ru but the hydrogen is on the PNP nitrogen, creating a secondary amine ligand bound to RuII. It is suggested that the benzene C-D cleavage and the N2 product of tBu C-H bond heterolysis both derive from a common intermediate, [HN(SiMe2CH2PtBu2)(SiMe2CH2PtBuCMe2CH2)] Ru(OTf); the formation energy and structure of this species are discussed on the basis of DFT results.     

Self-assembly in palladium(II) and platinum(II) chemistry: the biomimetic approach

The self-assembly of complex cationic structures by combination of cis-blocked square planar palladium(II) or platinum(II) units with bis(pyridyl) ligands having bridging amide units has been investigated. The reactions have yielded dimers, molecular triangles, and polymers depending primarily on the geometry of the bis(pyridyl) ligand. In many cases, the molecular units are further organized in the solid state through hydrogen bonding between amide units or between amide units and anions. The molecular triangle [Pt(3)(bu(2)bipy)(3)(mu-1)(3)](6+), M = Pd or Pt, bu(2)bipy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine, and 1 = N-(4-pyridinyl)isonicotinamide, stacks to give dimers by intertriangle NH.OC hydrogen bonding. The binuclear ring complexes [[Pd(LL)(mu-2)](2)](CF(3)SO(3))(4), LL = dppm = Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2) or dppp = Ph(2)P(CH(2))(3)PPh(2) and 2 = NC(5)H(4)-3-CH(2)NHCOCONHCH(2)-3-C(5)H(4)N, form transannular hydrogen bonds between the bridging ligands. The complexes [[Pd(LL)(mu-3)](2)](CF(3)SO(3))(4), LL = dppm or dppp, L = PPh(3), and 3 = N,N'-bis(pyridin-3-yl)-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide, and [[Pd(LL)(mu-4)](2)](CF(3)SO(3))(4), LL = dppm, dppp, or bu(2)bipy, L = PPh(3), and 4 = N,N'-bis(pyridin-4-yl)-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide, are suggested to exist as U-shaped or square dimers, respectively. The ligands N,N'-bis(pyridin-3-yl)isophthalamide, 5, or N,N'-bis(pyridin-4-yl)isophthalamide, 6, give the complexes [[Pd(LL)(mu-5)](2)](CF(3)SO(3))(4) or [[Pd(LL)(mu-6)](2)](CF(3)SO(3))(4), but when LL = dppm or dppp, the zigzag polymers [[Pd(LL)(mu-6)](x)](CF(3)SO(3))(2)(x) are formed. When LL = dppp, a structure determination shows formation of a laminated sheet structure by hydrogen bonding between amide NH groups and triflate anions of the type NH-OSO-HN.     

Hybrid dibismuthines and distibines as ligands towards transition metal carbonyls

The hybrid dibismuthines O(CH(2)CH(2)BiPh(2))(2) and MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)BiPh(2))(2) react with [M(CO)(5)(thf)] (M = Cr or W) to form [{M(CO)(5)}(2){O(CH(2)CH(2)BiPh(2))(2)}] and [{Cr(CO)(5)}(2){MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)BiPh(2))(2)}] containing bridging bidentate (Bi(2)) coordination. The unsymmetrical tertiary bismuthine complexes [M(CO)(5){BiPh(2)(o-C(6)H(4)OMe)}] are also described. Depending upon the molar ratio, the hybrid distibines O(CH(2)CH(2)SbMe(2))(2) and MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2) react with [M(CO)(5)(thf)] to give the pentacarbonyl complexes [{M(CO)(5)}(2){O(CH(2)CH(2)SbMe(2))(2)}] and [{Cr(CO)(5)}(2){MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}] or tetracarbonyls cis-[M(CO)(4){O(CH(2)CH(2)SbMe(2))(2)}] and cis-[M(CO)(4){MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}]. The latter can also be obtained from [Cr(CO)(4)(nbd)] or [W(CO)(4)(pip)(2)], and contain chelating bidentates (Sb(2)-coordinated) as determined crystallographically. S(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2) coordinates as a tridentate (SSb(2)) in fac-[M(CO)(3){S(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}] (M = Cr or Mo) and fac-[Mn(CO)(3){S(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}][CF(3)SO(3)]. Fac-[Mn(CO)(3){MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}][CF(3)SO(3)] contains NSb(2)-coordinated ligand in the solid state, but in solution a second species, Sb(2)-coordinated and with a κ(1)-CF(3)SO(3) replacing the coordinated amine is also evident. X-ray crystal structures were also determined for fac-[Cr(CO)(3){S(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}], fac-[Mn(CO)(3){S(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}][CF(3)SO(3)] and fac-[Mn(CO)(3){MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}] [CF(3)SO(3)]. Hypervalent N···Sb interactions are present in cis-[M(CO)(4){MeN(CH(2)-2-C(6)H(4)SbMe(2))(2)}] (M = Mo or W), but absent for M = Cr.