A ruthenium(II) allenylidene complex with a 4,5-diazafluorene functional group: A new building-block for organometallic molecular assemblies

The synthesis of the new ruthenium(II) allenylidene complex [ClRu(dppe)₂CCC₁₁H₆N₂][OTf] (4) (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) terminated with a 4,5-diazafluorene ligand is reported. Further coordination of that metal allenylidene to ruthenium and rhenium moieties leads to the bimetallic adducts [ClRu(dppe)₂CCC₁₁H₆N₂{Ru(bpy)₂}][B(C₆F₅)₄]₃ (5a), [ClRu(dppe)₂CCC₁₁H₆N₂{Ru(^tBu-bpy)₂}][PF₆]₃ (5b) and [ClRu(dppe)₂CCC₁₁H₆N₂{Re(CO)₃Cl}][OTf] (6). Their optical and electrochemical properties show that the allenylidene moiety is an attractive molecular clip for the access to larger original redox-active homo/heteronuclear multi-component supramolecular assemblies. The X-ray crystal structure of the allenylidene metal building block is also described.     

Further chemistry of ruthenium butatrienylidene complexes

Several complexes have been obtained from reactions carried out in early attempts to prepare the diynyl complexes Ru(CCCCR)(dppe)Cp* (R = H, SiMe₃). These have been identified crystallographically as the acyl complex Ru{CCC(O)Me}(dppe)Cp* (3), the cationic imido complex [Ru{CCC(NH₂)Me}(dppe)Cp*]PF₆ (4), the binuclear butenynylallenylidene [{Ru(dppe)Cp*}₂{μ-CCC(OMe)CHCMeCC}]PF₆ (5), and the bis(ethynyl)cyclobutenylidene [{Ru(dppe)Cp*}₂{μ-CCC₄H₂(SiMe₃)CC}]PF₆ (6). NMR studies of 5 have revealed the existence of two isomers. Plausible routes for their formation from the putative butatrienylidene intermediate [Ru(CCCCH₂)(dppe)Cp*]⁺ (A) are discussed.     

From alkenylphosphane aminoallenylidene ruthenium(II) complexes to highly unsaturated ruthenaphosphabicycloheptene complexes

The alkenylaminoallenylidene complex [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇){CCC(NEt₂)[C(Me)CPh₂]}{κ(P)-Ph₂PCH₂CHCH₂}(PPh₃)][PF₆] (2) has been prepared by the reaction of the allenylidene [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇)(CCCPh₂){κ(P)-Ph₂PCH₂CHCH₂}(PPh₃)][PF₆] (1) with the ynamine MeCCNEt₂. The reaction proceeds regio- and stereoselectively, and the insertion of the ynamine takes place exclusively at the C_βC_γ bond of the unsaturated chain. The secondary allenylidene [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇){CCC(H)[C(Me)CPh₂]}{κ(P)-Ph₂PCH₂CHCH₂}(PPh₃)][PF₆] (3) is obtained, in a one-pot synthesis, from the reaction of aminoallenylidene 2 with LiBHEt₃ and subsequent treatment with silica. Moreover, the addition of an excess of NaBH₄ to a solution of the complex 2 in THF at room temperature gives exclusively the alkynyl complex [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇){CCCH₂[C(Me)CPh₂]}{κ(P)-Ph₂PCH₂CHCH₂}(PPh₃)] (5). The heating of a solution of allenylidene derivative 3 in THF at reflux gives regio- and diastereoselectively the cyclobutylidene complex [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇) (PPh₃)][PF₆](4) through an intramolecular cycloaddition of the CC allyl and the C_αC_β bonds in the allenylidene complex 3. The structure of complex 4 has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Fluoro aromatic imine nickel(0) complexes: Synthesis and structural studies

The reaction of [Ni(dippe)]₂(μ-H)₂ with a series of fluoroaromatic imines affords nickel(0) complexes of the type [(dippe)Ni(η²-C,N)-PhHCNR′Ph], dippe = 1,2-bis(diisopropylphosphine)ethane. Solution NMR experiments as well as X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the π-coordination of the ligand through the CN moiety; the resulting complex found to adopt a distorted tetrahedral geometry around the nickel center. The compounds are thermally stable and decomposition is only observed after long periods of heating above 150 °C.     

Dimerisation and reactivity of HCCCCFc at ruthenium centres

In contrast to the simple diynyl complexes formed in reactions between HCCCCFc and MCl(dppe)Cp∗; (M = Fe, Ru), an analogous reaction with RuCl(PPh₃)₂Cp∗; in the presence of KPF₆ and dbu resulted in dimerisation of the diyne at the Ru centre to afford a mixture of [Ru{η¹,η²-C(CCFc)C(L)CHCCCHFc}(PPh₃)Cp∗]PF₆ (L = dbu 1, PPh₃2). Similar reactions with RuCl(PR₃)₂L gave [Ru{η¹,η²-C(CCFc)C(dbu)CHCCCHFc}(PR₃)L]PF₆ (L = Cp, R = Ph 3, m-tol 4; L = η⁵-C₉H₇, R = Ph 5). The reaction between 3 and I₂, followed by crystallization of the paramagnetic product from MeOH, afforded the dicationic [Ru{C(CCFc)C(dbu)CHC(OMe)C(OMe)CHFc}(PPh₃)Cp](I₃)₂6. The molecular structures of 2·2CH₂Cl₂ and 6.S (S = 2CH₂Cl₂, C₆H₆) were determined by single-crystal XRD studies.     

Synthesis and properties of conjugated bimetallic ruthenium complexes with σ,σ-bridging azobenzene chains

A versatile synthetic route to conjugated bimetallic ruthenium complexes with σ,σ-bridging azobenzene chains was developed, and new ruthenium complexes with various ligands were synthesized and characterized. These bimetallic complexes showed a remarkable absorption in the visible region (λ_max: 452-483 nm), and undergo trans-to-cis isomerization under UV light irradiation for short time. Electrochemical study showed that the metal centers in bimetallic complexes containing the CHCHC₆H₄NNC₆H₄CHCH bridge interact with each other.     

Bis(amino)allenylidene complexes by displacement of the MeO group in methoxy allenylidene complexes of chromium and tungsten. Synthesis, DFT calculations and solid-state structures of new bis(amino)allenylidene complexes

Pentacarbonyl dimethylamino(methoxy)allenylidene tungsten, [(CO)₅WCCC(OMe)NMe₂] (1b), reacts with one equivalent of primary amines, H₂NR, by selectively replacing the methoxy group to give dimethylamino(amino)allenylidene complexes, [(CO)₅WCCC(NHR)NMe₂]. When the amine is used in excess both terminal groups, OMe as well as NMe₂, are replaced by the primary amino group giving [(CO)₅WCCC(NHR)₂ ]. The NHR substituent in these complexes may be modified by deprotonation with LDA followed by alkylation. The replacement of the methoxy group in 1b by a secondary amino group, NR₂, can be achieved by a stepwise process. Addition of Li[NR₂] to the C_γ atom of 1b affords an alkynyl tungstate. Subsequent OMe⁻ elimination induced by TMS-Cl/SiO₂ yields the allenylidene complexes [(CO)₅WCCC(NR₂)NMe₂]. When bidentate diamines are used instead of monoamines both substituents, OMe and NMe₂, are replaced and allenylidene complexes are formed in which C_γ constitutes part of a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered heterocycle. The reaction of [(CO)₅CrCCC(OMe)NMe₂] (1a) with diethylene triamine affords an allenylidene complex with a heterocyclic endgroup carrying a dangling CH₂CH₂NH₂ substituent. All reactions follow a strict regioselective attack of the nucleophile at C_γ and proceed with good to excellent yields. The addition of N-H to the C_αC_β bond is not observed. By applying either one of these routes nearly any substitution pattern in bis(amino)allenylidene complex can be realized.     

Highly active phosphine-free carbene ruthenium catalyst for cross-metathesis of acrylonitrile with functionalized olefins

The carbene ruthenium complex [1,3-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene](C₅H₅N)₂(Cl)₂RuCHPh (8) was prepared by the reaction of [1,3-bis (2,6-dimethylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene](PPh₃)(Cl)₂RuCHPh (7) with pyridine and used as a highly effective catalyst for the cross-metathesis of acrylonitrile with various functionalized olefins.     

Nickel alkynyl and allenylidene complexes: Synthesis and properties

Copper-catalyzed reaction of [Cp(PPh₃)NiCl] with the terminal alkynes H-CC-C(O)R (R = O-Menthyl, NMe₂, Ph) yields the alkynyl complexes [Cp(PPh₃)Ni-CC-C(O)R]. Subsequent O-methylation with either [Me₃O]BF₄ or MeSO₃CF₃ affords cationic allenylidene complexes, [Cp(PPh₃)NiCCC(OMe)R]⁺X¯ (X = BF₄, SO₃CF₃). N-Alkylation of Cp(PPh₃)Ni-pyridylethynyl complexes likewise gives cationic allenylidene complexes. [Cp(PPh₃)Ni-CC-C(CH)₄N] adds BF₃ at nitrogen. Modification of the ligand sphere in these nickel allenylidene complexes is possible by replacing PPh₃ by PMe₃ in the alkynyl complex precursors. The first allenylidene(carbene)nickel cation, [Cp(SIMes)NCCC(OMe)NMe₂]⁺, is accessible by successive reaction of [Cp(SIMes)NiCl] with H-CC-C(O)NMe₂ and [Me₃O]BF₄. By the analogous sequence an allenylidene complex containing the chelating (diphenylphosphanyl)ethylcyclopentadienyl ligand can be prepared. DFT Calculations were carried out on the allenylidene complex cation [Cp(PPh₃)NiCCC(OMe)NMe₂]⁺ and on its precursor, the alkynyl complex [Cp(PPh₃)Ni-CC-C(O)NMe₂]. Based on the spectroscopic data and a X-ray structure analysis the bonding in the new nickel allenylidene complexes is best represented by several resonance forms, an alkynyl resonance form considerably contributing to the overall bond.     

Further reactions of some bis(vinylidene)diruthenium complexes

Whereas {Ru(dppm)Cp*}₂(μ-CCCC) (2) is the only product formed by deprotonation of [{Ru(dppm)Cp*}₂{μ(CCHCHC)}]⁺ with dbu, a mixture of 2 with Ru{CCCHCH(PPh₂)₂[RuCp*]}(dppm)Cp* (3) and {Cp*Ru(PPh₂CHCCH-)}₂ (4) is obtained with KOBu^t. A similar reaction with [{Ru(dppm)Cp*}₂{μ(CCMeCMeC)}]⁺ (5) gave Ru{CCCMeCH(PPh₂)₂[RuCp*]}(dppm)Cp* (6). X-ray structures of 4, 5 and 6 confirm the presence of the 1-ruthena-2,4-diphosphabicyclo[1.1.1]pentane moiety, which is likely formed by an intramolecular attack of the deprotonated dppm ligand on C(1) of the vinylidene ligand. Protonation of {Ru(dppe)Cp*}₂(μ-CCCC) (8-Ru) regenerates its precursor [{Ru(dppe)Cp*}₂{μ(CCHCHC)}]²⁺ (7-Ru). Ready oxidation of the bis(vinylidene) complex affords the cationic carbonyl [Ru(CO)(dppe)Cp*]PF₆ (9) (X-ray structure).     

Reactions of β-alkoxyvinyl trihalogenomethyl ketones with triethyl phosphite

The Perkow reaction of triethyl phosphite and β-alkoxyvinyl trihalogenomethyl ketones, which have common acyclic or cyclic structural fragment: -O-CC-C(O)CX₂Cl, yielded dienyl phosphates: -O-CC-C[OP(O)(OEt)₂]CX₂ where X = F or Cl, whereas γ-bromo-β-methoxy-α,β-unsaturated trifluoromethyl ketone CF₃C(O)CHC(OMe)CH₂Br gave diene CF₃C[OP(O)(OEt)₂]CH-C(OMe)CH₂.     

Synthesis and characterization of (CHCH)n-bridged (n = 1, 2, 3) heterobimetallic and trimetallic ferrocene-ruthenium complexes

A series of heterobinuclear ferrocene-ruthenium complexes Fc(CHCH)_nRuCl(CO)(PMe₃)₃ (n = 1, 3; n = 2, 12), Fc(CHCH)RuCl(CO)(Py)(PPh₃)₂ (4), and trimetallic Fc(CHCH)RuCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂(Py-E-(CHCH)Fc) (6) have been prepared. The length of the molecular rods is extended by successive insertion of CHCH spacers in the bridging ligands or the ancillary ligands. The respective products have been fully characterized and the structures of 3 and 12 have been established by X-ray crystallography. Electrochemical studies have revealed that ethenyl heterobimetallic complexes display two successive one-electron processes, and that intermetallic electronic communication between the two endgroups is attenuated with the increase of the length of the conjugated bridge. The electrochemical behavior of the trimetallic complex reveals strong electronic communication between ruthenium and ferrocene transmitted through the ethenyl bridge, however, it also reveals a very weak interaction between ruthenium and ferrocene transmitted through the (E)-CHCH-Py bridge.     

Preparation of E-(1,2-difluoro-1,2-ethenediyl)bis(tributylstannane)

Chlorotrifluoroethene is converted in situ to [F₂CCFSiMe₃]. The crude [F₂CCFSiMe₃] solution is reduced with lithium aluminum hydride to (HFCCFSiMe₃), which (without isolation) is converted to (Z)-HFCCFSnBu₃. Subsequent metallation and trapping of the vinyllithium reagent with Bu₃SnCl gives (E)-Bu₃SnCFCFSnBu₃ in 73% overall yield. Only two isolation steps are required and the use of Me₃SiCl and F₂CCFCl provides a cheap, economical route to this useful synthon.     

The first evidence for a transient stibaallene ArSbCCR2

Dechlorofluorination of ArSb(F)-C(Cl)CR₂ (CR₂ = fluorenylidene, Ar = 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl) by tert-butyllithium afforded a 3,4-bis(fluorenylidene)-1,2-distibacyclobutane. The formation of the latter probably involves the transient stibaallene ArSbCCR₂ followed by a head-to-head dimerization via two SbC double bonds. Molecular orbital calculations at the ab initio and DFT levels support the head-to-head dimerization of ArSbCCR₂ with the formation of a 1,2-distibacyclobutane.     

Synthesis and characterisation of the platinum complexes [PtCl(CClPAr)(PPh3)2] and [PtCl(CClPAr′)(PPh3)2] as potential intermediates in the preparation of phosphaalkynes

Oxidative addition reactions of Cl₂CPR (R = 2,4,6-tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Ar) or 2,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Ar′) with Pt(PPh₃)₄ yield the cis and trans (at platinum) complexes [PtCl(ClCPAr)(PPh₃)₂] and [PtCl(ClCPAr′)(PPh₃)₂]. All starting materials and intermediates have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy. The crystal and molecular structures of the trans-platinum complexes have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at low temperature.     

Rh(II)-Cp-TsDPEN catalyzed aqueous asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of chromenones into saturated alcohol: CC and CO reduction in one step

As an efficient catalyst for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reaction (ATH reaction) of α,β-unsaturated ketones, Rh-Cp^∗-TsDPEN (Cp^∗ = 1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopenta-1,3-diene, TsDPEN = N-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-1,2-diphenyl- ethylenediamine) shows high chemoselectivity on CO and CC reduction. In our method, both CO and CC bonds in a variety of chromenone derivatives were reduced efficiently in aqueous media, resulting in at least 98% ee and up to 99% yields in a convenient way without further purification. The product was a useful intermediate for deriving chiral chroman-4-amine, which was reported as an effective agent against hypotension and inflammatory pain by inhibiting human bradykinin B1 receptor.