Addition of Pt(PBu(t)(3)) groups to Ru(5)(CO)(12)(eta(6)-C(6)H(6))(mu(5)-C). Synthesis, structures, and dynamical activity

The reaction of Ru(5)(CO)(12)(eta(6)-C(6)H(6))(mu(5)-C), 7, with Pt(PBu(t)(3))(2) yielded two products Ru(5)(CO)(12)(eta(6)-C(6)H(6))(mu(6)-C)[Pt(PBu(t)(3))], 8, and Ru(5)(CO)(12)(eta(6)-C(6)H(6))(mu(6)-C)[Pt(PBu(t)(3))](2), 9. Compound 8 contains a Ru(5)Pt metal core in an open octahedral structure. In solution, 8 exists as a mixture of two isomers that interconvert rapidly on the NMR time scale at 20 degrees C, DeltaH() = 7.1(1) kcal mol(-1), DeltaS() = -5.1(6) cal mol(-)(1) K(-)(1), and DeltaG(298)(#) = 8.6(3) kcal mol(-1). Compound 9 is structurally similar to 8, but has an additional Pt(PBu(t)(3)) group bridging an Ru-Ru edge of the cluster. The two Pt(PBu(t)(3)) groups in 9 rapidly exchange on the NMR time scale at 70 degrees C, DeltaH(#) = 9.2(3) kcal mol(-)(1), DeltaS(#) = -5(1) cal mol(-)(1) K(-)(1), and DeltaG(298)(#) = 10.7(7) kcal mol(-1). Compound 8 reacts with hydrogen to give the dihydrido complex Ru(5)(CO)(11)(eta(6)-C(6)H(6))(mu(6)-C)[Pt(PBu(t)(3))](mu-H)(2), 10, in 59% yield. This compound consists of a closed Ru(5)Pt octahedron with two hydride ligands bridging two of the four Pt-Ru bonds.     

Hydricities of BzNADH, CH5Mo(PMe3)(CO)2H, and C5Me5Mo(PMe3)(CO)2H in acetonitrile

The thermodynamic hydride donor abilities of 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BzNADH, 59 +/- 2 kcal/mol), C(5)H(5)Mo(PMe(3))(CO)(2)H (55 +/- 3 kcal/mol), and C(5)Me(5)Mo(PMe(3))(CO)(2)H (58 +/- 2 kcal/mol) have been measured in acetonitrile by calorimetric and/or equilibrium methods. The hydride donor abilities of BzNADH and C(5)H(5)Mo(PMe(3))(CO)(2)H differ by 13 and 24 kcal/mol, respectively, from those reported previously for these compounds in acetonitrile. These results require significant revisions of the hydricities reported for related NADH analogues and metal hydrides. These compounds are moderate hydride donors as compared to previously determined compounds.     

On the mechanism of (PCP)Ir-catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenation of alkanes: a combined computational and experimental study

Pincer complexes of the type ((R)PCP)IrH(2), where ((R)PCP)Ir is [eta(3)-2,6-(R(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)H(3)]Ir, are the most effective catalysts reported to date for the "acceptorless" dehydrogenation of alkanes to yield alkenes and free H(2). We calculate (DFT/B3LYP) that associative (A) reactions of ((Me)PCP)IrH(2) with model linear (propane, n-PrH) and cyclic (cyclohexane, CyH) alkanes may proceed via classical Ir(V) and nonclassical Ir(III)(eta(2)-H(2)) intermediates. A dissociative (D) pathway proceeds via initial loss of H(2), followed by C-H addition to ((Me)PCP)Ir. Although a slightly higher energy barrier (DeltaE(+ +)) is computed for the D pathway, the calculated free-energy barrier (DeltaG(+ +)) for the D pathway is significantly lower than that of the A pathway. Under standard thermodynamic conditions (STP), C-H addition via the D pathway has DeltaG(o)(+ +) = 36.3 kcal/mol for CyH (35.1 kcal/mol for n-PrH). However, acceptorless dehydrogenation of alkanes is thermodynamically impossible at STP. At conditions under which acceptorless dehydrogenation is thermodynamically possible (for example, T = 150 degrees C and P(H)2 = 1.0 x 10(-7) atm), DeltaG(+ +) for C-H addition to ((Me)PCP)Ir (plus a molecule of free H(2)) is very low (17.5 kcal/mol for CyH, 16.7 kcal/mol for n-PrH). Under these conditions, the rate-determining step for the D pathway is the loss of H(2) from ((Me)PCP)IrH(2) with DeltaG(D)(+ +) approximately DeltaH(D)(+ +) = 27.2 kcal/mol. For CyH, the calculated DeltaG(o)(+ +) for C-H addition to ((Me)PCP)IrH(2) on the A pathway is 35.2 kcal/mol (32.7 kcal/mol for n-PrH). At catalytic conditions, the calculated free energies of C-H addition are 31.3 and 33.7 kcal/mol for CyH and n-PrH addition, respectively. Elimination of H(2) from the resulting "seven-coordinate" Ir-species must proceed with an activation enthalpy at least as large as the enthalpy change of the elimination step itself (DeltaH approximately 11-13 kcal/mol), and with a small entropy of activation. The free energy of activation for H(2) elimination (DeltaG(A)(+ +)) is hence found to be greater than ca. 36 kcal/mol for both CyH and n-PrH under catalytic conditions. The overall free-energy barrier of the A pathway is calculated to be higher than that of the D pathway by ca. 9 kcal/mol. Reversible C-H(D) addition to ((R)PCP)IrH(2) is predicted to lead to H/D exchange, because the barriers for hydride scrambling are extremely low in the "seven-coordinate" polyhydrides. In agreement with calculation, H/D exchange is observed experimentally for several deuteriohydrocarbons with the following order of rates: C(6)D(6) > mesitylene-d(12) > n-decane-d(22) > cyclohexane-d(12). Because H/D exchange in cyclohexane-d(12) solution is not observed even after 1 week at 180 degrees C, we estimate that the experimental barrier to cyclohexane C-D addition is greater than 36.4 kcal/mol. This value is considerably greater than the experimental barrier for the full catalytic dehydrogenation cycle for cycloalkanes (ca. 31 kcal/mol). Thus, the experimental evidence, in agreement with calculation, strongly indicates that the A pathway is not kinetically viable as a segment of the "acceptorless" dehydrogenation cycle.     

Increased reactivity of the *Cr(CO)3(C5Me5) radical with thiones versus thiols: a theoretical and experimental investigation

2-pyridinethione (2-mercaptopyridine, H-2mp) undergoes rapid oxidative addition with 2 mol of the 17-electron organometallic radical *Cr(CO)3Cp (where Cp*=C5Me5), yielding hydride H-Cr(CO)3Cp* and thiolate (eta1-2mp)Cr(CO)3Cp*. In a slower secondary reaction, (eta1-2mp)Cr(CO)3Cp* loses CO generating the N,S-chelate complex (eta2-2mp)Cr(CO)2Cp* for which the crystal structure is reported. The rate of 2-pyridine thione oxidative addition with *Cr(CO)3Cp* (abbreviated *Cr) in toluene best fits rate=kobs[H-2mp][*Cr]; kobs(288 K)=22 +/- 4 M(-1) s(-1); DeltaH++=4 +/- 1 kcal/mol; DeltaS++=- 40 +/- 5 cal/mol K. The rate of reaction is the same under CO or Ar, and the reaction of deuterated 2-pyridine thione (D-2mp) shows a negligible (inverse) kinetic isotope effect (kD/kH=1.06 +/- 0.10). The rate of decarbonylation of (eta1-2mp)Cr(CO)3Cp* forming (eta2-2mp)Cr(CO)2Cp* obeys simple first-order kinetics with kobs (288 K)=3.1x10(-4) s(-1), DeltaH++=23 +/- 1 kcal/mol, and DeltaS++=+ 5.0 +/- 2 cal/mol K. Reaction of 4-pyridine thione (4-mercaptopyridine, H-4mp) with *Cr(CO)3Cp* in THF and CH2Cl2 also follows second-order kinetics and is approximately 2-5 times faster than H-2mp in the same solvents. The relatively rapid nature of the thione versus thiol reactions is attributed to differences in the proposed 19-electron intermediate complexes, [*(S=C5H4N-H)Cr(CO)3Cp*] versus [*(H-S-C6H5)Cr(CO)3Cp*]. In comparison, reactions of pyridyl disulfides occur by a mechanism similar to that followed by aryl disulfides involving direct attack of the sulfur-sulfur bond by the metal radical. Calorimetric data indicate Cr-SR bond strengths for aryl and pyridyl derivatives are similar. The experimental conclusions are supported by B3LYP/6-311+G(3df,2p) calculations, which also provide additional insight into the reaction pathways open to the thione/thiol tautomers. For example, the reaction between H* radical and the 2-pyridine thione S atom yielding a thionyl radical is exothermic by approximately 30 kcal/mol. In contrast, the thiuranyl radical formed from the addition of H* to the 2-pyridine thiol S atom is predicted to be unstable, eliminating either H* or HS* without barrier.     

Carbon-oxygen bond cleavage with eta9,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium sandwich complexes

Treatment of the eta9,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium sandwich complex, (eta9-C9H5-1,3-(SiMe3)2)(eta5-C9H5-1,3-(SiMe3)2)Zr, with dialkyl ethers such as diethyl ether, CH3OR (R=Et, nBu, tBu), nBu2O, or iPr2O resulted in facile C-O bond scission furnishing an eta5,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium alkoxy hydride complex and free olefin. In cases where ethylene is formed, trapping by the zirconocene sandwich yields a rare example of a crystallographically characterized, base-free eta5,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium ethylene complex. Observation of normal, primary kinetic isotope effects in combination with rate studies and the stability of various model compounds support a mechanism involving rate-determining C-H activation to yield an eta5,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium alkyl hydride intermediate followed by rapid beta-alkoxide elimination. For isolable eta6,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium THF compounds, thermolysis at 85 degrees C also resulted in C-O bond cleavage to yield the corresponding zirconacycle. Both mechanistic and computational studies again support a pathway involving haptotropic rearrangement to eta5,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium intermediates that promote rate-determining C-H activation and ultimately C-O bond scission.     

Oxidations of NADH analogues by cis-[RuIV(bpy)2(py)(O)]2+ occur by hydrogen-atom transfer rather than by hydride transfer

Oxidations of the NADH analogues 10-methyl-9,10-dihydroacridine (AcrH2) and N-benzyl 1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BNAH) by cis-[RuIV(bpy)2(py)(O)]2+ (RuIVO2+) have been studied to probe the preferences for hydrogen-atom transfer vs hydride transfer mechanisms for the C-H bond oxidation. 1H NMR spectra of completed reactions of AcrH2 and RuIVO2+, after more than approximately 20 min, reveal the predominant products to be 10-methylacridone (AcrO) and cis-[RuII(bpy)2(py)(MeCN)]2+. Over the first few seconds of the reaction, however, as monitored by stopped-flow optical spectroscopy, the 10-methylacridinium cation (AcrH+) is observed. AcrH+ is the product of net hydride removal from AcrH2, but hydride transfer cannot be the dominant pathway because AcrH+ is formed in only 40-50% yield and its subsequent oxidation to AcrO is relatively slow. Kinetic studies show that the reaction is first order in both RuIVO2+ and AcrH2, with k = (5.7 +/- 0.3) x 10(3) M(-1) s(-1) at 25 degrees C, DeltaH(double dagger) = 5.3 +/- 0.3 kcal mol(-1) and DeltaS(double dagger) = -23 +/- 1 cal mol(-1) K(-1). A large kinetic isotope effect is observed, kAcrH2/kAcrD2 = 12 +/- 1. The kinetics of this reaction are significantly affected by O2. The rate constants for the oxidations of AcrH2 and BNAH correlate well with those for a series of hydrocarbon C-H bond oxidations by RuIVO2+. The data indicate a mechanism of initial hydrogen-atom abstraction. The acridinyl radical, AcrH*, then rapidly reacts by electron transfer (to give AcrH+) or by C-O bond formation (leading to AcrO). Thermochemical analyses show that H* and H- transfer from AcrH2 to RuIVO2+ are comparably exoergic: DeltaG degrees = -10 +/- 2 kcal mol(-1) (H*) and -6 +/- 5 kcal mol(-1) (H-). That a hydrogen-atom transfer is preferred kinetically suggests that this mechanism has an equal or lower intrinsic barrier than a hydride transfer pathway.     

Solution structures and dynamic properties of chelated d(0) metal olefin complexes [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(+) (R = H, Me): Models for the [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(R')(olefin)(+) intermediates in "constrained geometry" catalysts.

To model the Ti-olefin interaction in the putative [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(R')(olefin)(+) intermediates in "constrained geometry" Ti-catalyzed olefin polymerization, chelated alkoxide olefin complexes [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(+) have been investigated. The reaction of [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]TiMe(2) (1a,b; R = H, Me) with HOCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2) yields mixtures of [eta(5)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)NH(t)Bu]TiMe(2)(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2)) (2a,b) and [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]TiMe(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2)) (3a,b). The reaction of 2a/3a and 2b/3b mixtures with B(C(6)F(5))(3) yields the chelated olefin complexes [[eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))][MeB(C(6)F(5))(3)] (4a,b; 71 and 89% NMR yield). The reaction of 2b/3b with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] yields [[eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (5b, 88% NMR yield). NMR studies establish that 4a,b and 5b exist as mixtures of diastereomers (isomer ratios: 4a/4a', 62/38; 4b/4b', 75/25; 5b/5b', 75/25), which differ in the enantioface of the olefin that is coordinated. NMR data for these d(0) metal olefin complexes show that the olefin coordinates to Ti in an unsymmetrical fashion primarily through C(term) such that the C=C pi bond is polarized with positive charge buildup on C(int). Dynamic NMR studies show that 4b/4b' undergoes olefin face exchange by a dissociative mechanism which is accompanied by fast inversion of configuration at Ti ("O-shift") in the olefin-dissociated intermediate. The activation parameters for the conversion of 4b to 4b' (i.e., 4b/4b' face exchange) are: DeltaH = 17.2(8) kcal/mol; DeltaS = 8(1) eu. 4a/4a' also undergoes olefin face exchange but with a lower barrier (DeltaH = 12.2(9) kcal/mol; DeltaS = -2(3) eu), for the conversion of 4a to 4a'.     

Dinuclear oxidative addition of N-H and S-H bonds at chromium. Reaction of (*)Cr(CO)(3)(C(5)Me(5)) with [o-(HA)C(6)H(4)S-Cr(CO)(3)(C(5)Me(5))] (A = S,NH) yielding [eta(2)-o-(mu-A)C(6)H(4)S-Cr(C(5)Me(5))](2) and H-Cr(CO)(3)(C(5)Me(5))

Reaction of the 17-electron radical (*)Cr(CO)(3)Cp* (Cp* = C(5)Me(5)) with 0.5 equiv of 2-aminophenyl disulfide [(o-H(2)NC(6)H(4))(2)S(2)] results in rapid oxidative addition to form the initial product (o-H(2)N)C(6)H(4)S-Cr(CO)(3)Cp*. Addition of a second equivalent of (*)Cr(CO)(3)Cp* to this solution results in the formation of H-Cr(CO)(3)Cp* as well as (1)/(2)[[eta(2)-o-(mu-NH)C(6)H(4)S]CrCp*](2). Spectroscopic data show that (o-H(2)N)C(6)H(4)S-Cr(CO)(3)Cp* loses CO to form [eta(2)-(o-H(2)N)C(6)H(4)S]Cr(CO)(2)Cp*. Attack on the N-H bond of the coordinated amine by (*)Cr(CO)(3)Cp* provides a reasonable mechanism consistent with the observation that both chelate formation and oxidative addition of the N-H bond are faster under argon than under CO atmosphere. The N-H bonds of uncoordinated aniline do not react with (*)Cr(CO)(3)Cp*. Reaction of the 2 mol of (*)Cr(CO)(3)Cp* with 1,2-benzene dithiol [1,2-C(6)H(4)(SH)(2)] yields the initial product (o-HS)C(6)H(4)S-Cr(CO)(3)Cp and 1 mol of H-Cr(CO)(3)Cp*. Addition of 1 equiv more of (*)Cr(CO)(3)Cp to this solution also results in the formation of 1 equiv of H-Cr(CO)(3)Cp*, as well as the dimeric product (1)/(2)[[eta(2)-o-(mu-S)C(6)H(4)S]CrCp*](2). This reaction also occurs more rapidly under Ar than under CO, consistent with intramolecular coordination of the second thiol group prior to oxidative addition. The crystal structures of [[eta(2)-o-(mu-NH)C(6)H(4)S]CrCp*](2) and [[eta(2)-o-(mu-S)C(6)H(4)S]CrCp*](2) are reported.     

Activation of C-H / H-H bonds by rhodium(II) porphyrin bimetalloradicals

Reactivity, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies are reported for reactions of a rhodium(II) bimetalloradical with H(2), and with the methyl C-H bonds for a series of substrates CH(3)R (R = H, CH(3), OH, C(6)H(5)) using a m-xylyl diether tethered diporphyrin ligand. Bimolecular substrate reactions involving the intramolecular use of two metalloradical centers and preorganization of the four-centered transition state (M*...X...Y*...M) result in large rate enhancements as compared to termolecular reactions of monometalloradicals. Activation parameters and deuterium kinetic isotope effects for the substrate reactions are reported. The C-H bond reactions become less thermodynamically favorable as the substrate steric requirements increase, and the activation free energy (DeltaG++) decreases regularly as DeltaG degrees becomes more favorable. An absolute Rh-H bond dissociation enthalpy of 61.1 +/- 0.4 kcal mol(-1) is directly determined, and the derived Rh-CH(2)R BDE values increase regularly with the increase in the C-H BDE.     

Mechanism of homogeneous Ir(III) catalyzed regioselective arylation of olefins

The mechanism of hydroarylation of olefins by a homogeneous Ph-Ir(acac)(2)(L) catalyst is elucidated by first principles quantum mechanical methods (DFT), with particular emphasis on activation of the catalyst, catalytic cycle, and interpretation of experimental observations. On the basis of this mechanism, we suggest new catalysts expected to have improved activity. Initiation of the catalyst from the inert trans-form into the active cis-form occurs through a dissociative pathway with a calculated DeltaH(0 K)() = 35.1 kcal/mol and DeltaG(298 K)() = 26.1 kcal/mol. The catalytic cycle features two key steps, 1,2-olefin insertion and C-H activation via a novel mechanism, oxidative hydrogen migration. The olefin insertion is found to be rate determining, with a calculated DeltaH(0 K)() = 27.0 kcal/mol and DeltaG(298 K)() = 29.3 kcal/mol. The activation energy increases with increased electron density on the coordinating olefin, as well as increased electron-donating character in the ligand system. The regioselectivity is shown to depend on the electronic and steric characteristics of the olefin, with steric bulk and electron withdrawing character favoring linear product formation. Activation of the C-H bond occurs in a concerted fashion through a novel transition structure best described as an oxidative hydrogen migration. The character of the transition structure is seven coordinate Ir(V), with a full bond formed between the migrating hydrogen and iridium. Several experimental observations are investigated and explained: (a) The nature of L influences the rate of the reaction through a ground-state effect. (b) The lack of beta-hydride products is due to kinetic factors, although beta-hydride elimination is calculated to be facile, all further reactions are kinetically inaccessible. (c) Inhibition by excess olefin is caused by competitive binding of olefin and aryl starting materials during the catalytic cycle in a statistical fashion. On the basis of this insertion-oxidative hydrogen transfer mechanism we suggest that electron-withdrawing substituents on the acac ligands, such as trifluoromethyl groups, are good modifications for catalysts with higher activity.     

Thermodynamic and kinetic studies of H atom transfer from HMo(CO)3(eta(5)-C5H5) to Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 and (PhCN)Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3: direct insertion of benzonitrile into the Mo-H bond of HMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 forming (Ph(H)C=N)Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3

Synthetic studies are reported that show that the reaction of either H2SnR2 (R = Ph, n-Bu) or HMo(CO)3(Cp) (1-H, Cp = eta(5)-C5H5) with Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (2, Ar = 3,5-C6H3Me2) produce HMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (2-H). The benzonitrile adduct (PhCN)Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (2-NCPh) reacts rapidly with H2SnR2 or 1-H to produce the ketimide complex (Ph(H)C=N)Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (2-NC(H)Ph). The X-ray crystal structures of both 2-H and 2-NC(H)Ph are reported. The enthalpy of reaction of 1-H and 2 in toluene solution has been measured by solution calorimetry (DeltaH = -13.1 +/- 0.7 kcal mol(-1)) and used to estimate the Mo-H bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) in 2-H as 62 kcal mol(-1). The enthalpy of reaction of 1-H and 2-NCPh in toluene solution was determined calorimetrically as DeltaH = -35.1 +/- 2.1 kcal mol(-1). This value combined with the enthalpy of hydrogenation of [Mo(CO)3(Cp)]2 (1(2)) gives an estimated value of 90 kcal mol(-1) for the BDE of the ketimide C-H of 2-NC(H)Ph. These data led to the prediction that formation of 2-NC(H)Ph via nitrile insertion into 2-H would be exothermic by approximately 36 kcal mol(-1), and this reaction was observed experimentally. Stopped flow kinetic studies of the rapid reaction of 1-H with 2-NCPh yielded DeltaH(double dagger) = 11.9 +/- 0.4 kcal mol(-1), DeltaS(double dagger) = -2.7 +/- 1.2 cal K(-1) mol(-1). Corresponding studies with DMo(CO)3(Cp) (1-D) showed a normal kinetic isotope effect with kH/kD approximately 1.6, DeltaH(double dagger) = 13.1 +/- 0.4 kcal mol(-1) and DeltaS(double dagger) = 1.1 +/- 1.6 cal K(-1) mol(-1). Spectroscopic studies of the much slower reaction of 1-H and 2 yielding 2-H and 1/2 1(2) showed generation of variable amounts of a complex proposed to be (Ar[t-Bu]N)3Mo-Mo(CO)3(Cp) (1-2). Complex 1-2 can also be formed in small equilibrium amounts by direct reaction of excess 2 and 1(2). The presence of 1-2 complicates the kinetic picture; however, in the presence of excess 2, the second-order rate constant for H atom transfer from 1-H has been measured: 0.09 +/- 0.01 M(-1) s(-1) at 1.3 degrees C and 0.26 +/- 0.04 M(-1) s(-1) at 17 degrees C. Study of the rate of reaction of 1-D yielded kH/kD = 1.00 +/- 0.05 consistent with an early transition state in which formation of the adduct (Ar[t-Bu]N)3Mo...HMo(CO)3(Cp) is rate limiting.     

Spectroscopic detection and theoretical confirmation of the role of Cr2(CO)5(C5R5)2 and .Cr(CO)2(ketene)(C5R5) as intermediates in carbonylation of N=N=CHSiMe3 to O=C=CHSiMe3 by .Cr(CO)3(C5R5) (R = H, CH3)

Conversion of N=N=CHSiMe3 to O=C=CHSiMe3 by the radical complexes .Cr(CO)3C5R5 (R = H, CH3) derived from dissociation of [Cr(CO)3(C5R5)]2 have been investigated under CO, Ar, and N2 atmospheres. Under an Ar or N2 atmosphere the reaction is stoichiometric and produces the Cr[triple bond]Cr triply bonded complex [Cr(CO)2(C5R5)]2. Under a CO atmosphere regeneration of [Cr(CO)3(C5R5)]2 (R = H, CH3) occurs competitively and conversion of diazo to ketene occurs catalytically as well as stoichiometrically. Two key intermediates in the reaction, .Cr(CO)2(ketene)(C5R5) and Cr2(CO)5(C5R5)2 have been detected spectroscopically. The complex .Cr(13CO)2(O=13C=CHSiMe3)(C5Me5) has been studied by electron spin resonance spectroscopy in toluene solution: g(iso) = 2.007; A(53Cr) = 125 MHz; A(13CO) = 22.5 MHz; A(O=13C=CHSiMe3) = 12.0 MHz. The complex Cr2(CO)5(C5H5)2, generated in situ, does not show a signal in its 1H NMR and reacts relatively slowly with CO. It is proposed to be a ground-state triplet in keeping with predictions based on high level density functional theory (DFT) studies. Computed vibrational frequencies are also in good agreement with experimental data. The rates of CO loss from 3Cr2(CO)5(C5H5)2 producing 1[Cr(CO)2(C5H5)]2 and CO addition to 3Cr2(CO)5(C5H5)2 producing 1[Cr(CO)3(C5H5)]2 have been measured by kinetics and show DeltaH approximately equal 23 kcal mol(-1) for both processes. Enthalpies of reduction by Na/Hg under CO atmosphere of [Cr(CO)n(C5H5)]2 (n = 2,3) have been measured by solution calorimetry and provide data for estimation of the Cr[triple bond]Cr bond strength in [Cr(CO)2(C5H5)]2 as 72 kcal mol(-1). The complex [Cr(CO)2(C5H5)]2 does not readily undergo 13CO exchange at room temperature or 50 degrees C implying that 3Cr2(CO)5(C5H5)2 is not readily accessed from the thermodynamically stable complex [Cr(CO)2(C5H5)]2. A detailed mechanism for metalloradical based conversion of diazo and CO to ketene and N2 is proposed on the basis of a combination of experimental and theoretical data.     

Reactions of vinyl acetate and vinyl trifluoroacetate with cationic diimine Pd(II) and Ni(II) alkyl complexes: identification of problems connected with copolymerizations of these monomers with ethylene

Vinyl acetate (VA) and vinyl trifluoroacetate (VA(f)) react with [(NwedgeN)Pd(Me)(L)][X] (M = Pd, Ni, (NwedgeN) = N,N'-1,2-acenaphthylenediylidene bis(2,6-dimethyl aniline), Ar(f) = 3,5-trifluoromethyl phenyl, L = Ar(f)CN, Et2O; X = B(Ar(f))4-, SbF6-) to form pi-adducts 3 and 5 at -40 degrees C. Binding affinities relative to ethylene have been determined. Migratory insertion occurs in a 2,1 fashion (DeltaG++ = 19.4 kcal/mol, 0 degrees C for VA, and 17.4 kcal/mol, -40 degrees C for VA(f)) to yield five-membered chelate complexes [(NwedgeN)Pd(kappa2-CH(Et)(OC(O)-CH3))]+, 4, and [(NwedgeN)Pd(kappa2-CH(Et)(OC(O)CF3))]+, 6. When VA is added to [(NwedgeN)Ni(CH3)]+, an equilibrium mixture of an eta2 olefin complex, 8c, and a kappa-oxygen complex, 8o, results. Insertion occurs from the eta2 olefin complex, 8c (DeltaG++ = 15.5 kcal/mol, -51 degrees C), in both a 2,1 and a 1,2 fashion to generate a mixture of five- and six-membered chelates, 9(2,1) and 9(1,2). VA(f) inserts into the Ni-CH3 bond (-80 degrees C) to form a five-membered chelate with no detectable intermediate. Thermolysis of the Pd chelates results in beta-acetate elimination from 4 (DeltaG++ = 25.5 kcal/mol, 60 degrees C) and beta-trifluoroacetate elimination from 6 (DeltaG = 20.5 kcal/mol, 10 degrees C). The five-membered Ni chelate, 9(2,1), is quite stable at room temperature, but the six-membered chelate, 9(1,2), undergoes beta-elimination at -34 degrees C. Treatment of the OAc(f) containing Pd chelate 6 with ethylene results in complete opening to the pi-complex [(NwedgeN)Pd(kappa2-CH(Et)(OAc(f)))(CH2CH2)]+ (OAc(f) = OC(O)CF3), 18, while reaction of the OAc containing Pd chelate 4 with ethylene establishes an equilibrium between 4 and the open form 16, strongly favoring the closed chelate 4 (DeltaH = -4.1 kcal/mol, DeltaS = -23 eu, K = 0.009 M(-1) at 25 degrees C). The open chelates undergo migratory insertion at much slower rates relative to those of the simple (NwedgeN)Pd(CH3)(CH2CH2)+ analogue. These quantitative studies provide an explanation for the behavior of VA and VA(f) in attempted copolymerizations with ethylene.     

Protonated tert-pentyl dication (C5H122+, isopentane dication)

Structures of the tert-pentyl cation (C(5)H(11)(+)) and its protonated dication (C(5)H(12)(2+), isopentane dication) were studied using ab initio methods at the MP2/cc-pVTZ level. Both C-C and C-H hyperconjugatively stabilized structures 1 and 2 , respectively, were found to be minima on the potential energy surface (PES) of the tert-pentyl cation. Structure 1 was computed to be about as stable as structure 2 (slightly more stable by 0.5 kcal mol(-1)). Inter-conversion between 1 and 2 through transition state 3 has a kinetic barrier of only 1.5 kcal mol(-1). The C-H protonated form (H(3)C)(2)C(+)CH(2)CH(4)(+)4 was found to be the global minimum for the protonated tert-pentyl dication. Charges and (13)C NMR chemical shifts of the dication 4 were calculated and compared to those of monocation 1 to study the effect of the additional charge in the dication.     

Proton transfer to nickel-thiolate complexes. 1. Protonation of [Ni(SC(6)H(4)R-4)(2)(Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))] (R = Me, MeO, H, Cl, or NO(2))

The kinetics of the equilibrium reaction between [Ni(SC(6)H(4)R-4)(2)(dppe)] (R= MeO, Me, H, Cl, or NO(2); dppe = Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2)) and mixtures of [lutH](+) and lut (lut = 2,6-dimethylpyridine) in MeCN to form [Ni(SHC(6)H(4)R-4)(SC(6)H(4)R-4)(dppe)](+) have been studied using stopped-flow spectrophotometry. The kinetics for the reactions with R = MeO, Me, H, or Cl are consistent with a single-step equilibrium reaction. Investigation of the temperature dependence of the reactions shows that DeltaG = 13.6 +/- 0.3 kcal mol(-)(1) for all the derivatives but the values of DeltaH and DeltaS vary with R (R = MeO, DeltaH() = 8.5 kcal mol(-)(1), DeltaS = -16 cal K(-)(1) mol(-)(1); R = Me, DeltaH() = 10.8 kcal mol(-)(1), DeltaS = -9.5 cal K(-)(1) mol(-)(1); R = Cl, DeltaH = 23.7 kcal mol(-)(1), DeltaS = +33 cal K(-)(1) mol(-)(1)). With [Ni(SC(6)H(4)NO(2)-4)(2)(dppe)] a more complicated rate law is observed consistent with a mechanism in which initial hydrogen-bonding of [lutH](+) to the complex precedes intramolecular proton transfer. It seems likely that all the derivatives operate by this mechanism, but only with R = NO(2) (the most electron-withdrawing substituent) does the intramolecular proton transfer step become sufficiently slow to result in the change in kinetics. Studies with [lutD](+) show that the rates of proton transfer to [Ni(SC(6)H(4)R-4)(2)(dppe)] (R = Me or Cl) are associated with negligible kinetic isotope effect. The possible reasons for this are discussed. The rates of proton transfer to [Ni(SC(6)H(4)R-4)(2)(dppe)] vary with the 4-R-substituent, and the Hammett plot is markedly nonlinear. This unusual behavior is attributable to the electronic influence of R which affects the electron density at the sulfur.     

Ab initio study of the structures and stabilities of the dimer of ethyl cation, (C(2)H(+)(5))(2) and related C(4)H(10)(2+) isomers.

Ab initio calculations at the MP4(SDTQ)/6-311G//MP2/6-31G level were performed to study the structures and stabilities of the dimer of ethyl cation, (C(2)H(+)(5))(2), and related C(4)H(10)(2+) isomers. Two doubly hydrogen bridged diborane type trans 1 and cis 2 isomers were located as minima. The trans isomer was found to be more favorable than cis isomer by only 0.6 kcal/mol. Several other minima for C(4)H(10)(2+) were also located. However, the global energy minimum corresponds to C-H (C(4) position) protonated 2-butyl cation 10. Structure 10 was computed to be substantially more stable than 1 by 31.7 kcal/mol. The structure 10 was found to be lower in energy than 2-butyl cation 13 by 34.4 kcal/mol.     

Imido transfer from bis(imido)ruthenium(VI) porphyrins to hydrocarbons: effect of imido substituents, C-H bond dissociation energies, and Ru(VI/V) reduction potentials

[Ru(VI)(TMP)(NSO2R)2] (SO2R = Ms, Ts, Bs, Cs, Ns; R = p-C6H4OMe, p-C6H4Me, C6H5, p-C6H4Cl, p-C6H4NO2, respectively) and [Ru(VI)(Por)(NTs)2] (Por = 2,6-Cl2TPP, F20-TPP) were prepared by the reactions of [Ru(II)(Por)(CO)] with PhI=NSO2R in CH2Cl2. These complexes exhibit reversible Ru(VI/V) couple with E(1/2) = -0.41 to -0.12 V vs Cp2Fe(+/0) and undergo imido transfer reactions with styrenes, norbornene, cis-cyclooctene, indene, ethylbenzenes, cumene, 9,10-dihydroanthracene, xanthene, cyclohexene, toluene, and tetrahydrofuran to afford aziridines or amides in up to 85% yields. The second-order rate constants (k2) of the aziridination/amidation reactions at 298 K were determined to be (2.6 +/- 0.1) x 10(-5) to 14.4 +/- 0.6 dm3 mol(-1) s(-1), which generally increase with increasing Ru(VI/V) reduction potential of the imido complexes and decreasing C-H bond dissociation energy (BDE) of the hydrocarbons. A linear correlation was observed between log k' (k' is the k2 value divided by the number of reactive hydrogens) and BDE and between log k2 and E(1/2)(Ru(VI/V)); the linearity in the former case supports a H-atom abstraction mechanism. The amidation by [Ru(VI)(TMP)(NNs)2] reverses the thermodynamic reactivity order cumene > ethylbenzene/toluene, with k'(tertiary C-H)/k'(secondary C-H) = 0.2 and k'(tertiary C-H)/k'(primary C-H) = 0.8.     

Zirconium bis(indenyl) sandwich complexes with an unprecedented indenyl coordination mode and their role in the reactivity of the parent bent-metallocenes: a detailed DFT mechanistic study

The mechanisms of three closely related reactions were studied in detail by means of DFT/B3 LYP calculations with a VDZP basis set. Those reactions correspond to 1) the reductive elimination of methane from [Zr(eta5-Ind)2(CH3)(H)] (Ind=C9H7-, indenyl), 2) the formation of the THF adduct, [Zr(eta5-Ind)(eta6-Ind)(thf)] and 3) the interconversion between the two indenyl ligands in the Zr sandwich complex, [Zr(eta5-Ind)(eta9-Ind)], which forms the link between the two former reactions. An analysis of the electronic structure of this species indicates a saturated 18-electron complex. A full understanding of the indenyl interchange process required the characterisation of several isomers of the Zr-bis(indenyl) species, corresponding to different spin states (S=0 and S=1), different coordination modes of the two indenyl ligands (eta5/eta9, eta5/eta5 and eta6/eta9), and three conformations for each isomer (syn, anti, and gauche). The fluxionality observed was found to occur in a mechanism involving bis(eta5-Ind) intermediates, and the calculated activation energy (11-14 kcal mol(-1)) compares very well with the experimental values. Two alternative mechanisms were explored for the reductive elimination of methane from the methyl/hydride complex. In the more favourable one, the initial complex, [Zr(eta5-Ind)2(CH3)(H)], yields [Zr(eta5-Ind)2] and methane in one crucial step, followed by a smooth transition of the Zr intermediate to the more stable eta5/eta9-species. The overall activation energy calculated (Ea=29 kcal mol(-1)) compares well with experimental values for related species. The formation of the THF adduct follows a one step mechanism from the appropriate conformer of the [Zr(eta5-Ind)(eta9-Ind)] complex, producing easily (Ea=6.5 kcal mol(-1)) the known product, [Zr(eta5-Ind)(eta6-Ind)(thf)], a species previously characterised by X-ray crystallography. This complex was found to be trapped in a potential well that prevents it from evolving to the 3.4 kcal mol(-1) more stable isomer, [Zr(eta5-Ind)2(thf)], with both indenyl ligands in a eta5-coordination mode and a spin-triplet state (S=1).     

Transition from hydrogen atom to hydride abstraction by Mn4O4(O2PPh2)6 versus [Mn4O4(O2PPh2)6]+: O-H bond dissociation energies and the formation of Mn4O3(OH)(O2PPh2)6

Synthesis, characterization, and reactions of the novel manganese-oxo cubane complex [Mn(4)O(4)(O(2)PPh(2))(6)](ClO(4)), 1+ (ClO(4)(-)), are described. Cation 1+ is composed of the [Mn(4)O(4)](7+) core surrounded by six bidentate phosphinate ligands. The proton-coupled electron transfer (pcet) reactions of phenothiazine (pzH), the cation radical (pzH(.+)(ClO(4)(-)), and the neutral pz* radical with 1+ are reported and compared to Mn(4)O(4)(O(2)PPh(2))(6) (1). Compound 1+ (ClO(4)(-)) reacts with excess pzH via four sequential reduction steps that transfer a total of five electrons and four protons to 1+. This reaction forms the doubly dehydrated manganese cluster Mn(4)O(2)(O(2)PPh(2))(6) (2) and two water molecules derived from the corner oxygen atoms. The first pcet step forms the novel complex Mn(4)O(3)(OH)(O(2)PPh(2))(6) (1H) and 1 equiv of the pz+ cation by net hydride transfer from pzH. Spectroscopic characterization of isolated 1H is reported. Reduction of 1 by pzH or a series of para-substituted phenols also produces 1H via net H atom transfer. A lower limit to the homolytic bond dissociation energy (BDE) (1H --> 1 + H) was estimated to be >94 kcal/mol using solution phase BDEs for pzH and para-substituted phenols. The heterolytic BDE was estimated for the hydride transfer reaction 1H --> 1+ + H(-) (BDE approximately 127 kcal/mol). These comparisons reveal the O-H bond in 1H to be among the strongest of any Mn-hydroxo complex measured thus far. In three successive H atom transfer steps, 1H abstracts three hydrogen atoms from three pzH molecules to form complex 2. Complex 2 is shown to be identical to the "pinned butterfly" cluster produced by the reaction of 1 with pzH (Ruettinger, W. F.; Dismukes, G. C. Inorg. Chem. 2000, 39, 1021-1027). The Mn oxidation states in 2 are formally Mn(4)(2II,2III), and no further reduction occurs in excess pzH. By contrast, outer-sphere electron-only reductants such as cobaltacene reduce both 1+ and 1 to the all Mn(II) oxidation level and cause cluster fragmentation. The reaction of pzH(.+) with 1+ produces 1H and the pz+ cation by net hydrogen atom transfer, and terminates at 1 equiv of pzH(.+) with no further reaction at excess. By contrast, pz* does not react with 1+ at all, indicating that reduction of 1+ by electron transfer to form pz+ does not occur without a proton (pcet to 1+ is thermodynamically required). Experimental free energy changes are shown to account for these pcet reactions and the absence of electron transfer for any of the phenothiazine series. Hydrogen atom abstraction from substrates by 1 versus hydride abstraction by 1(+ )()illustrates the transition to two-electron one-proton pcet chemistry in the [Mn(4)O(4)](7+) core that is understood on the basis of free energy consideration. This transition provides a concrete example of the predicted lowest-energy pathway for the oxidation of two water molecules to H(2)O(2) as an intermediate within the photosynthetic water-oxidizing enzyme (vs sequential one-electron/proton steps). The implications for the mechanism of photosynthetic water splitting are discussed.     

Role of coordination geometry in dictating the barrier to hydride migration in d6 square-pyramidal iridium and rhodium pincer complexes

Syntheses of the olefin hydride complexes [(POCOP)M(H)(olefin)][BAr(f)(4)] (6a-M, M = Ir or Rh, olefin = C(2)H(4); 6b-M, M = Ir or Rh, olefin = C(3)H(6); POCOP = 2,6-bis(di-tert-butylphosphinito)benzene; BAr(f) = tetrakis(3,5-trifluoromethylphenyl)borate) are reported. A single-crystal X-ray structure determination of 6b-Ir shows a square-pyramidal coordination geometry for Ir, with the hydride ligand occupying the apical position. Dynamic NMR techniques were used to characterize these complexes. The rates of site exchange between the hydride and the olefinic hydrogens yielded ΔG(++) = 15.6 (6a-Ir), 16.8 (6b-Ir), 12.0 (6a-Rh), and 13.7 (6b-Rh) kcal/mol. The NMR exchange data also established that hydride migration in the propylene complexes yields exclusively the primary alkyl intermediate arising from 1,2-insertion. Unexpectedly, no averaging of the top and bottom faces of the square-pyramidal complexes is observed in the NMR spectra at high temperatures, indicating that the barrier for facial equilibration is >20 kcal/mol for both the Ir and Rh complexes. A DFT computational study was used to characterize the free energy surface for the hydride migration reactions. The classical terminal hydride complexes, [M(POCOP)(olefin)H](+), are calculated to be the global minima for both Rh and Ir, in accord with experimental results. In both the Rh ethylene and propylene complexes, the transition state for hydride migration (TS1) to form the agostic species is higher on the energy surface than the transition state for in-place rotation of the coordinated C-H bond (TS2), while for Ir, TS2 is the high point on the energy surface. Therefore, only for the case of the Rh complexes is the NMR exchange rate a direct measure of the hydride migration barrier. The trends in the experimental barriers as a function of M and olefin are in good agreement with the trends in the calculated exchange barriers. The calculated barriers for the hydride migration reaction in the Rh complexes are ～2 kcal/mol higher than for the Ir complexes, despite the fact that the energy difference between the olefin hydride ground state and the agostic alkyl structure is ～4 kcal/mol larger for Ir than for Rh. This feature, together with the high barrier for interchange of the top and bottom faces of the complexes, is proposed to arise from the unique coordination geometry of the agostic complexes and the strong preference for a cis-divacant octahedral geometry in four-coordinate intermediates.