On the reactivity toward ketones of new methyl amino complexes of Rh(III) and Ag(I). Synthesis of ortho-rhodiated acetophenone methyl imine complexes

MeNH(2) reacts with silver salts AgX (2:1) to give [Ag(NH(2)Me)(2)]X [X = TfO = CF(3)SO(3) (1.TfO) and ClO(4) (1.ClO(4))]. Neutral mono(amino) Rh(III) complexes [Rh(Cp*)Cl(2)(NH(2)R)] [R = Me (2a), To = C(6)H(4)Me-4 (2b)] have been prepared by reacting [Rh(Cp*)Cl(mu-Cl)](2) with RNH(2) (1:2). The following cationic methyl amino complexes have also been prepared: [Rh(Cp*)Cl(NH(2)Me)(PPh(3))]TfO (3.TfO), from [Rh(Cp*)Cl(2)(PPh(3))] and 1.TfO (1:1); [Rh(Cp*)Cl(NH(2)R)2]X, where R = Me, X = Cl, (4a.Cl), from [Rh(Cp*)Cl(mu-Cl)]2 and MeNH2 (1:4), or R = Me, X = ClO4 (4a.ClO4), from 4a.Cl and NaClO4 (1:4.8), or R = To, X = TfO (4b.TfO), from [Rh(Cp*)Cl(mu-Cl)](2), ToNH(2) and TlTfO (1:4:2); [Rh(Cp*)(NH(2)Me)(tBubpy)](TfO)(2) (tBubpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine, 5.TfO), from 2a, TlTfO and tBubpy (1:2:1); [Rh(Cp*)(NH(2)Me)(3)](TfO)2 (6.TfO) from [Rh(Cp*)Cl(mu-Cl)](2) and 1.TfO (1:4). 2-6 constitute the first family of methyl amino complexes of rhodium. 1 and 4a.ClO(4) react with acetone to give, respectively, the methyl imino complexes [Ag{N(Me)=CMe(2)}()]X [X = TfO (7.TfO), ClO(4) (7.ClO(4))], and [Rh(Cp*)Cl(Me-imam)]ClO(4) [8.ClO(4), Me-imam = N,N'-N(Me)=C(Me)CH(2)C(Me)(2)NHMe]. 7.X (X = TfO, ClO(4)) are new members of the small family of methyl acetimino complexes of any metal whereas 8.ClO4 results after a double acetone condensation to give the corresponding bis(methyl acetimino) complex and an aldol-like condensation of the two imino ligands. The acetimino complex [Ag(NH=CMe(2))(2)]ClO(4) reacts with [Rh(Cp*)Cl(imam)]ClO(4) [1:1, imam = N,N'-NH=C(Me)CH(2)C(Me)(2)NH(2)] to give [Rh(Cp*)(imam)(NH=CMe(2))](ClO(4))(2) (9a.ClO(4)). 8.ClO(4) reacts with AgClO(4) (1:1) in MeCN to give [Rh(Cp*)(Me-imam)(NCMe)](ClO(4))2 (9b.ClO(4)), which in turn reacts with XyNC (Xy = C(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6) or with MeNH(2) (1:1) to give [Rh(Cp*)(Me-imam)L](ClO(4))(2) [L = XyNC (9c.ClO(4)), MeNH(2) (9d.ClO(4))]. 6.TfO reacts with acetophenone to give [Rh(Cp*){C,N-C(6)H(4)C(Me)=N(Me)-2}(NH(2)Me)]TfO (10a.TfO), the first complex resulting from such a condensation and cyclometalation reaction. In turn, 10a.TfO reacts with isocyanides RNC (1:1) at room temperature to give [Rh(Cp*){C,N-C(6)H(4)C(Me)=NMe-2}(CNR)]TfO [R = tBu (10b.TfO), Xy (10c.TfO)], or 1:12 at 60 degrees C to give [Rh(Cp*){C,N-C(=NXy)C(6)H(4)C(Me)=N(Me)-2}(CNXy)]TfO (11.TfO). The crystal structures of 9a.ClO(4).acetone-d6, 9c.ClO(4), and 10a.TfO have been determined.     

The first acetimino complexes of Rh(III). 4-imino-2-methylpentan-2-amino-Rh(III) complexes through metal-assisted intramolecular aldol-type condensation of two acetimino ligands

[Rh(Cp)Cl(mu-Cl)](2) (Cp = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) reacts (i) with [Au(NH=CMe(2))(PPh(3))]ClO(4) (1:2) to give [Rh(Cp)(mu-Cl)(NH=CMe(2))](2)(ClO(4))(2) (1), which in turn reacts with PPh(3) (1:2) to give [Rh(Cp)Cl(NH=CMe(2))(PPh(3))]ClO(4) (2), and (ii) with [Ag(NH=CMe(2))(2)]ClO(4) (1:2 or 1:4) to give [Rh(Cp)Cl(NH=CMe(2))(2)]ClO(4) (3) or [Rh(Cp)(NH=CMe(2))(3)](ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (4.H(2)O), respectively. Complex 3 reacts (i) with XyNC (1:1, Xy = 2,6-dimethylphenyl) to give [Rh(Cp)Cl(NH=CMe(2))(CNXy)]ClO(4) (5), (ii) with Tl(acac) (1:1, acacH = acetylacetone) or with [Au(acac)(PPh(3))] (1:1) to give [Rh(Cp)(acac)(NH=CMe(2))]ClO(4) (6), (iii) with [Ag(NH=CMe(2))(2)]ClO(4) (1:1) to give 4, and (iv) with (PPN)Cl (1:1, PPN = Ph(3)P=N=PPh(3)) to give [Rh(Cp)Cl(imam)]Cl (7.Cl), which contains the imam ligand (N,N-NH=C(Me)CH(2)C(Me)(2)NH(2) = 4-imino-2-methylpentan-2-amino) that results from the intramolecular aldol-type condensation of the two acetimino ligands. The homologous perchlorate salt (7.ClO(4)) can be prepared from 7.Cl and AgClO(4) (1:1), by treating 3 with a catalytic amount of Ph(2)C=NH, in an atmosphere of CO, or by reacting 4with (PPN)Cl (1:1). The reactions of 7.ClO(4) with AgClO(4) and PTo(3) (1:1:1, To = C(6)H(4)Me-4) or XyNC (1:1:1) give [Rh(Cp)(imam)(PTo(3))](ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (8) or [Rh(Cp)(imam)(CNXy)](ClO(4))(2) (9), respectively. The crystal structures of 3 and 7.Cl have been determined.     

The first acetimine gold(I) and gold(III) complexes and the first acetonine complexes

Ketimino(phosphino)gold(I) complexes of the type [Au[NR=C(Me)R']L]X (X = ClO4, R = H, L = PPh3, R'=Me (la), Et (2a); L=PAr3 (Ar=C6H4OMe-4), R'=Me (1b), Et (2b); L=PPh3, R=R'=Me (3); X= CF3SO3 (OTf), L=PPh3, R=R'=Me (3'); R=Ar, R'=Me (4)) have been prepared from [Au(acac)L] (acac = acetyl acetonate) and ammonium salts [RNH3]X dissolved in the appropriate ketone MeC(O)R'. Complexes [Au(NH=CMe2)2]X (X = C1O4 (6), OTf (6')) were obtained from solutions of [Au(NH3)2]X in acetone. The reaction of 6 with PPN[AuCl2] or with PhICl2 gave [AuCl(NH=CMe2)] (7) or [AuCI2(NH=CMe2)2]ClO4 (8), respectively. Complex 7 was oxidized with PhICl2 to give [AuCl3(NH=CMe2)] (9). The reaction of [AuCl(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene), NaClO4, and ammonia in acetone gave [Au(acetonine)2]ClO4 (10) (acetonine = 2,2,4,4,6-pentamethyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyrimidine) which reacted with PPh3 or with PPN[AuCl2] to give [Au(PPh3)(acetonine)]ClO4 (11) or [AuCl(acetonine)] (12), respectively. Complex 11 reacts with [Au(PPh3)(Me2CO)]ClO4 to give [(AuPPh3)2(mu-acetonine)](ClO4)2 (13). The reaction of AgClO4 with acetonine gave [Ag(acetonine)(OClO3)] (14). The crystal structures of [Au(NH2Ar)(PPh3)]OTf (5), 6' and 10 have been determined.     

Synthesis and reactivity of the monomeric late-transition-metal parent amido complex [Ir(Cp*)(PMe3)(Ph)(NH2)

The late-transition-metal parent amido compound [Ir(Cp*)(PMe3)(Ph)(NH2)] (2) has been synthesized by deprotonation of the corresponding ammine complex [Ir(Cp*)(PMe3)(Ph)(NH3)][OTf] (6) with KN(SiMe3)2. An X-ray structure determination has ascertained its monomeric nature. Proton-transfer studies indicate that 2 can successfully deprotonate p-nitrophenylacetonitrile, aniline, and phenol. Crystallographic analysis has revealed that the ion pair [Ir(Cp*)(PMe3)(Ph)(NH3)][OPh] (8) exists as a hydrogen-bonded dimer in the solid state. Reactions of 2 with isocyanates and carbodiimides lead to overall insertion of the heterocumulenes into the N--H bond of the Ir-bonded amido group, demonstrating the ability of 2 to act as an efficient nucleophile. Intriguing reactivity is observed when amide 2 reacts with CO or 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide. eta4-Tetramethylfulvene complexes [Ir(eta4-C5Me4CH2)(PMe3)(Ph)(L)] (L=CO (15), CNC6H3-2,6-(CH3)2 (16)) are formed in solution through displacement of the amido group by the incoming ligand followed by deprotonation of a methyl group on the Cp* ring and liberation of ammonia. Conclusive evidence for the presence of the Ir-bonded eta4-tetramethylfulvene moiety in the solid state has been provided by an X-ray diffraction study of complex 16.     

Acetonimine and 4-imino-2-methylpentan-2-amino platinum(II) complexes: synthesis and in vitro antitumor activity

The reaction of [Pt(dmba)(PPh3)Cl] [where dmba = N,C-chelating 2-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenyl] with aqueous ammonia in acetone in the presence of AgClO4 gives the acetonimine complex [Pt(dmba)(PPh3)(NH=CMe2)]ClO4 (1). The reaction of [Pt(dmba)(DMSO)Cl] with aqueous ammonia in acetone in the presence of AgClO4 gives a mixture of [Pt(dmba)(NH=CMe2)2]ClO4 (2) and [Pt(dmba)(imam)]ClO4 (3a) (where imam = 4-imino-2-methylpentan-2-amino). [Pt(dmba)(DMSO)Cl] reacts with [Ag(NH=CMe2)2]ClO4 in a 1:1 molar ratio to give [Pt(dmba)(DMSO)(NH=CMe2)]ClO4 (4). The reaction of [Pt(dmba)(DMSO)Cl] with 20% aqueous ammonia in acetone at 70 degrees C in the presence of KOH gives [Pt(dmba)(CH2COMe)(NH=CMe2)] (5), whereas the reaction of [Pt(dmba)(DMSO)Cl] with 20% aqueous ammonia in acetone in the absence of KOH gives [Pt(dmba)(imam)]Cl (3b). The reaction of [NBu4]2[Pt2(C6F5)4(mu-Cl)2] with [Ag(NH=CMe2)2]ClO4 in a 1:2 molar ratio produces cis-[Pt(C6F5)2(NH=CMe2)2] (6). The crystal structures of 1 x 2 Me2CO, 2, 3a, 5, and 6 have been determined. Values of IC50 were calculated for the new platinum complexes against a panel of human tumor cell lines representative of ovarian (A2780 and A2780 cisR) and breast cancers (T47D). At 48 h incubation time complexes 1, 4, and 5 show very low resistance factors against an A2780 cell line which has acquired resistance to cisplatin. 1, 4, and 5 were more active than cisplatin in T47D (up to 30-fold in some cases). The DNA adduct formation of 1, 4, and 5 was followed by circular dichroism and electrophoretic mobility.     

Synthesis of acetimino complexes of Pt(II) and Pt(IV) and the first heteronuclear mu-acetimido complexes

The reactions of [Ag(NH=CMe2)2]ClO4 with cis-[PtCl2L2] in a 1:1 molar ratio give cis-[PtCl(NH=CMe2)(PPh3)2]ClO4 (1cis) or cis-[PtCl(NH=CMe2)2(dmso)]ClO4 (2), and in 2:1 molar ratio, they produce [Pt(NH=CMe2)2L2](ClO4)2 [L = PPh3 (3), L2= tbbpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-dipyridyl (4)]. Complex 2 reacts with PPh3 (1:2) to give trans-[PtCl(NH=CMe2)(PPh3)2]ClO(4) (1trans). The two-step reaction of cis-[PtCl2(dmso)2], [Au(NH=CMe2)(PPh3)]ClO4, and PPh3 (1:1:1) gives [SP-4-3]-[PtCl(NH=CMe2)(dmso)(PPh3)]ClO4 (5). The reactions of complexes 2 and 4 with PhICl2 give the Pt(IV) derivatives [OC-6-13]-[PtCl3(NH=CMe2)(2)(dmso)]ClO4 (6) and [OC-6-13]-[PtCl2(NH=CMe2)2(dtbbpy)](ClO4)2 (7), respectively. Complexes 1cis and 1trans react with NaH and [AuCl(PPh3)] (1:10:1.2) to give cis- and trans-[PtCl{mu-N(AuPPh3)=CMe2}(PPh3)2]ClO4 (8cis and 8trans), respectively. The crystal structures of 4.0.5Et2O.0.5Me2CO and 6 have been determined; both exhibit pseudosymmetry.     

Synthesis and characterization of heterometallic clusters (Ir2Rh, Ir2W, Rh3) Containing 1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12)-1,2-dithiolate chelate ligands, [(B10H10)C2S2]2-

The 16-electron half-sandwich complex [Cp*Ir[S2C2(B10H10)]] (Cp* = eta5-C5Me5) (1a) reacts with [[Rh(cod)(mu-Cl)]2] (cod = cycloocta-1,5-diene, C8H12) in different molar ratios to give three products, [[Cp*Ir[S2C2(B10H9)]]Rh(cod)] (2), trans-[[Cp*Ir[S2C2(B10H9)]]Rh[[S2C2(B10H10)]IrCp*]] (3), and [Rh2(cod)2[(mu-SH)(mu-SC)(CH)(B10H10)]] (4). Complex 3 contains an Ir2Rh backbone with two different Ir-Rh bonds (3.003(3) and 2.685(3) angstroms). The dinuclear complex 2 reacts with the mononuclear 16-electron complex 1a to give 3 in refluxing toluene. Reaction of 1a with [W(CO)3(py)3] (py = C5H5N) in the presence of BF3.EtO2 leads to the trinuclear cluster [[Cp*Ir[S2C2(B10H10)]]2W(CO)2] (5) together with [[Cp*Ir(CO)[S2C2(B10H10)]]W(CO)5] (6), and [Cp*Ir(CO)[S2C2(B10H10)]] (7). Analogous reactions of [Cp*Rh[S2C2(B10H10)]] (1 b) with [[Rh(cod)(mu-Cl)]2] were investigated and two complexes cis-[[Cp*Rh[S2C2(B10H10)]]2Rh] (8) and trans-[[Cp*Rh[S2C2(B10H10)]]2Rh] (9) were obtained. In refluxing THF solution, the cisoid 8 is converted in more than 95 % yield to the transoid 9. All new complexes 2-9 were characterized by NMR spectroscopy (1H, 11B NMR) and X-ray diffraction structural analyses are reported for complexes 2-5, 8, and 9.     

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, reactivity, spectroscopic characterization, X-ray structures, PGSE, and NOE NMR studies of (eta5-C5Me5)-rhodium and -iridium derivatives containing bis(pyrazolyl)alkane ligands

Rhodium(III) and iridium(III) complexes containing bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands (pz = pyrazole, L' in general; specifically, L1 = H2C(pz)2, L2 = H2C(pzMe2)2, L3 = H2C(pz4Me)2, L4 = Me2C(pz)2), have been prepared in a study exploring the reactivity of these ligands toward [Cp*MCl(mu-Cl)]2 dimers (M = Rh, Ir; Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl). When the reaction was carried out in acetone solution, complexes of the type [Cp*M(L')Cl]Cl were obtained. However, when L1 and L2 ligands have been employed with excess [Cp*MCl(mu-Cl)]2, the formation of [Cp*M(L')Cl][Cp*MCl3] species has been observed. PGSE NMR measurements have been carried out for these complexes, in which the counterion is a cyclopentadienyl metal complex, in CD2Cl2 as a function of the concentration. The hydrodynamic radius (rH) and, consequently, the hydrodynamic volume (VH) of all the species have been determined from the measured translational self-diffusion coefficients (Dt), indicating the predominance of ion pairs in solution. NOE measurements and X-ray single-crystal studies suggest that the [Cp*MCl3]- approaches the cation, orienting the three Cl-legs of the "piano-stool" toward the CH2 moieties of the bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands. The reaction of 1 equiv of [Cp*M(L')Cl]Cl or [Cp*M(L')Cl][Cp*MCl3] with 1 equiv of AgX (X = ClO4 or CF3SO3) in CH2Cl2 allows the generation of [Cp*M(L')Cl]X, whereas the reaction of 1 equiv of [Cp*M(L')Cl] with 2 equiv of AgX yields the dicationic complexes [Cp*M(L')(H2O)][X]2, where single water molecules are directly bonded to the metal atoms. The solid-state structures of a number of complexes were confirmed by X-ray crystallographic studies. The reaction of [Cp*Ir(L')(H2O)][X]2 with ammonium formate in water or acetone solution allows the generation of the hydride species [Cp*Ir(L')H][X].     

Synthesis of [Ag(NH=CMe(2))(2)]ClO(4) and its use as a source of acetimine. 1. Synthesis of the first acetimine rhodium complexes and the first crystal structure of a diacetonamine complex

The reaction of AgClO(4) and NH(3) in acetone gave [Ag(NH=CMe(2))(2)]ClO(4) (1). The reactions of 1 with [RhCl(diolefin)](2) or [RhCl(CO)(2)](2) (2:1) gave the bis(acetimine) complexes [Rh(diolefin)(NH=CMe(2))(2)]ClO(4) [diolefin = 1,5 cyclooctadiene = cod (2), norbornadiene = nbd (3)] or [Rh(CO)(2)(NH=CMe(2))(2)]ClO(4) (4), respectively. Mono(acetimine) complexes [Rh(diolefin)(NH=CMe(2))(PPh(3))]ClO(4) [diolefin = cod (5), nbd (6)] or [RhCl(diolefin)(NH=CMe(2))] [diolefin = cod (7), nbd (8)] were obtained by reacting 2 or 3 with PPh(3) (1:1) or with Me(4)NCl (1:1.1), respectively. The reaction of 4 with PR(3) (R = Ph, To, molar ratio 1:2) led to [Rh(CO)(NH=CMe(2))(PR(3))(2)]ClO(4) [R = Ph (9), C(6)H(4)Me-4 = To (10)] while cis-[Rh(CO)(NH=CMe(2))(2)(PPh(3))]ClO(4) (11) was isolated from the reaction of 1 with [RhCl(CO)(PPh(3))](2) (1:1). The crystal structures of 5 and [Ag[H(2)NC(Me)(2)CH(2)C(O)Me](PTo(3))]ClO(4) (A), a product obtained in a reaction between NH(3), AgClO(4), and PTo(3), have been determined.     

Various forms of linear dipyridyls in discrete rectangles, dinuclear rods, and one-dimensional networks containing (eta5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)rhodium(III)

[Cp*Rh(eta1-NO3)(eta2-NO3)] (1) reacted with pyrazine (pyz) to give a dinuclear complex [Cp*Rh(eta1-NO3)(mu-pyz)(0.5)]2.CH2Cl2(3.CH2Cl2). Tetranuclear rectangles of the type [Cp*Rh(eta1,mu-X)(mu-L)(0.5)]4(OTf)4(4a: X = N3, L = bpy; 4b: X = N3, L = bpe; 4c: X = NCO, L = bpy) were prepared from [Cp*Rh(H2O)3](OTf)2 (2), a pseudo-halide (Me3SiN3 or Me3SiNCO), and a linear dipyridyl [4,4'-bipyridine (bpy) or trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpe)] by self-assembly through one-pot synthesis at room temperature. Treating complex with NH4SCN and dipyridyl led to the formation of dinuclear rods, [Cp*Rh(eta1-SCN)3]2(LH2) (5a: L = bpy; 5b: L = bpe), in which two Cp*Rh(eta1-SCN)3 units are connected by the diprotonated dipyridyl (LH2(2+)) through N(+)-H...N hydrogen bonds. Reactions of complex 2 with 1-(trimethylsilyl)imidazole (TMSIm) and dipyridyl (bpy or bpe) also produced another family of dinuclear rods [Cp*Rh(ImH)3]2.L (6a: L = bpy; 6b: L = bpe). Treating 1 and 2 with TMSIm and NH4SCN (in the absence of dipyridyl) generated a 1-D chain [Cp*Rh(ImH)3](NO3)2 (7) and a 1-D helix [Cp*Rh(eta1-SCN)2(eta1-SHCN)].H2O (8.H2O), respectively. The structures of complexes 3.CH2Cl2, 4a.H2O, 4c.2H2O, 5b, 6a, 7 and 8.H2O were determined by X-ray diffraction.     

C-H activation on a diphosphine and hydrido-bridged diiridium complex: generation and detection of an active IrII-IrII species [(Cp*Ir)2(micro-dmpm)(micro-H)]+

Reaction of [Cp*Ir(micro-H)](2) (5) (Cp* = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) with bis(dimethylphosphino)methane (dmpm) gives a new neutral diiridium complex [(Cp*Ir)(2)(micro-dmpm)(micro-H)(2)] (3). Treatment of 3 with methyl triflate at -30 degrees C results in the formation of [(Cp*Ir)(H)(micro-dmpm)(micro-H)(Me)(IrCp*)][OTf] (6). Warming a solution of above 0 degrees C brings about predominant generation of 32e(-) Ir(II)-Ir(II) species [(Cp*Ir)(micro-dmpm)(micro-H)(IrCp*)][OTf] (7). Further heating of the solution of 7 up to 30 degrees C for 14 h leads to quantitative formation of a new complex [(Cp*Ir)(H)(micro-Me(2)PCH(2)PMeCH(2))(micro-H)(IrCp*)][OTf] (8), which is formed by intramolecular oxidative addition of the methyl C-H bond of the dmpm ligand. Intermolecular C-H bond activation reactions with 7 are also examined. Reactions of 7 with aromatic molecules (benzene, toluene, furan, and pyridine) at room temperature result in the smooth sp(2) C-H activation to give [(Cp*Ir)(H)(micro-dmpm)(micro-H)(Ar)(IrCp*)][OTf] (Ar = Ph (9); Ar = m-Tol (10a) or p-Tol (10b); Ar = 2-Fur (11)) and [(Cp*Ir)(H)(micro-dmpm)(micro-C(5)H(4)N)(H)(IrCp*)][OTf] (12), respectively. Complex also reacts with cyclopentene at 0 degrees C to give [(Cp*Ir)(H)(micro-dmpm)(micro-H)(1-cyclopentenyl)(IrCp*)][OTf] (13). Structures of 3, 8 and 12 have been confirmed by X-ray analysis.     

Protonation reactions of dinuclear pyrazolato iridium(I) complexes

The complex [[Ir(mu-Pz)(CNBu(t))(2)](2)] (1) undergoes double protonation reactions with HCl and with HO(2)CCF(3) to give the neutral dihydride complexes [[Ir(mu-Pz)(H)(X)(CNBu(t))(2)](2)] (X = Cl, eta(1)-O(2)CCF(3)), in which the hydride ligands were located trans to the X groups and in the boat of the complexes, both in the solid state and in solution. The complex [[Ir(mu-Pz)(H)(Cl)(CNBu(t))(2)](2)] evolves in solution to the cationic complex [[Ir(mu-Pz)(H)(CNBu(t))(2)](2)(mu-Cl)]Cl. Removal of the anionic chloride by reaction with methyltriflate allows the isolation of the triflate salt [[Ir(mu-Pz)(H)(CNBu(t))(2)](2)(mu-Cl)]OTf. This complex undergoes a metathesis reaction of hydride by chloride in CDCl(3) under exposure to the direct sunlight to give the complex [[Ir(mu-Pz)(Cl)(CNBu(t))(2)](2)(mu-Cl)]OTf. Protonation of both metal centers in [[Ir(mu-Pz)(CO)(2)](2)] with HCl occurs at low temperature, but eventually the mononuclear compound [IrCl(HPz)(CO)(2)] is isolated. The related complex [[Ir(mu-Pz)(CO)(P[OPh](3))](2)] reacts with HCl and with HO(2)CCF(3) to give the neutral Ir(III)/Ir(III) complexes [[Ir(mu-Pz)(H)(X)(CO)(P[OPh](3))](2)], respectively. Both reactions were found to take place stepwise, allowing the isolation of the intermediate monohydrides. They are of different natures, i.e., the metal-metal-bonded Ir(II)/Ir(II) compound [(P[OPh](3))(CO)(Cl)Ir(mu-Pz)(2)Ir(H)(CO)(P[OPh](3))] and the mixed-valence Ir(I)/Ir(III) complex [(P[OPh](3))(CO)Ir(mu-Pz)(2)Ir(H)(eta(1)-O(2)CCF(3))(CO)(P[OPh](3))].     

One-electron versus two-electron mechanisms in the oxidative addition reactions of chloroalkanes to amido-bridged rhodium complexes

The compound syn-[{Rh(mu-NH{p-tolyl})(CNtBu)(2)}(2)] (1) oxidatively adds C--Cl bonds of alkyl chlorides (RCl) and dichloromethane to each metal centre to give the cationic complexes syn-[{Rh(mu-NH{p-tolyl})(eta(1)-R)(CNtBu)(2)}(2)(mu-Cl)]Cl and anti-[{Rh(mu-NH{p-tolyl})Cl(CNtBu)(2)}(2)(mu-CH(2))]. Reaction of 1 with the chiral alkyl chloride (-)-(S)-ClCH(Me)CO(2)Me (R*Cl) gave [{Rh(mu-NH{p-tolyl})(eta(1)-R*)(CNtBu)(2)}(2)(mu-Cl)]Cl ([3]Cl) as an equimolecular mixture of the meso form (R,S)-[3]Cl-C(s) and one enantiomer of the chiral form [3]Cl-C(2). This reaction, which takes place in two steps, was modeled step-by-step by reacting the mixed-ligand complex syn-[(cod)Rh(mu-NH{p-tolyl})(2)Rh(CNtBu)(2)] (4) with R*Cl, as a replica of the first step, to give [(cod)Rh(mu-NH{p-tolyl})(2)RhCl(eta(1)-R*)(CNtBu)(2)] (5) with racemization of the chiral carbon. Further treatment of 5 with CNtBu to give the intermediate [(CNtBu)(2)Rh(mu-NH{p-tolyl})(2)RhCl(eta(1)-R*)(CNtBu)(2)], followed by reaction with R*Cl reproduced the regioselectivity of the second step to give (R,S)-[3]Cl-C(s) and [3]Cl-C(2) in a 1:1 molar ratio. Support for an S(N)2 type of reaction with inversion of the configuration in the second step was obtained from a similar sequence of reactions of 4 with ClCH(2)CO(2)Me first, then with CNtBu, and finally with R*Cl to give [(CNtBu)(2)(eta(1)-CH(2)R)Rh(mu-NH{p-tolyl})(2)(mu-Cl)Rh(eta(1)-R*)(CNtBu)(2)]Cl (R = CO(2)Me, [7]Cl) as a single enantiomer with the R configuration at the chiral carbon. The reactions of 1 with (+)-(S)-XCH(2)CH(CH(3))CH(2)CH(3) (X = Br, I) gave the related complexes [{Rh(mu-NH{p-tolyl})(eta(1)-CH(2)CH(CH(3))CH(2)CH(3))(CNtBu)(2)}(2)(mu-X)]X, probably by following an S(N)2 profile in both steps.     

Half-sandwich bis(tetramethylaluminate) complexes of the rare-earth metals: synthesis, structural chemistry, and performance in isoprene polymerization

The protonolysis reaction of [Ln(AlMe(4))(3)] with various substituted cyclopentadienyl derivatives HCp(R) gives access to a series of half-sandwich complexes [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))]. Whereas bis(tetramethylaluminate) complexes with [1,3-(Me(3)Si)(2)C(5)H(3)] and [C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3)] ancillary ligands form easily at ambient temperature for the entire Ln(III) cation size range (Ln=Lu, Y, Sm, Nd, La), exchange with the less reactive [1,2,4-(Me(3)C)(3)C(5)H(3)] was only obtained at elevated temperatures and for the larger metal centers Sm, Nd, and La. X-ray structure analyses of seven representative complexes of the type [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))] reveal a similar distinct [AlMe(4)] coordination (one eta(2), one bent eta(2)). Treatment with Me(2)AlCl leads to [AlMe(4)] --> [Cl] exchange and, depending on the Al/Ln ratio and the Cp(R) ligand, varying amounts of partially and fully exchanged products [{Ln(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl)(Cp(R))}(2)] and [{Ln(mu-Cl)(2)(Cp(R))}(n)], respectively, have been identified. Complexes [{Y(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl)(C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3))}(2)] and [{Nd(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl){1,2,4-(Me(3)C)(3)C(5)H(2)}}(2)] have been characterized by X-ray structure analysis. All of the chlorinated half-sandwich complexes are inactive in isoprene polymerization. However, activation of the complexes [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))] with boron-containing cocatalysts, such as [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], [PhNMe(2)H][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], or B(C(6)F(5))(3), produces initiators for the fabrication of trans-1,4-polyisoprene. The choice of rare-earth metal cation size, Cp(R) ancillary ligand, and type of boron cocatalyst crucially affects the polymerization performance, including activity, catalyst efficiency, living character, and polymer stereoregularity. The highest stereoselectivities were observed for the precatalyst/cocatalyst systems [La(AlMe(4))(2)(C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3))]/B(C(6)F(5))(3) (trans-1,4 content: 95.6 %, M(w)/M(n)=1.26) and [La(AlMe(4))(2)(C(5)Me(5))]/B(C(6)F(5))(3) (trans-1,4 content: 99.5 %, M(w)/M(n)=1.18).     

Iridium(III) silyl alkyl and iridacyclic compounds supported by 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridyl

Treatment of IrCl(3)x H(2)O with one equivalent of 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (dtbpy) in N,N-dimethylformamide (dmf) afforded [IrCl(3)(dmf)(dtbpy)] (1). Alkylation of 1 with Me(3)SiCH(2)MgCl resulted in C--Si cleavage of the Me(3)SiCH(2) group and formation of the Ir(III) silyl dialkyl compound [Ir(CH(2)SiMe(3))(dtbpy)(Me)(SiMe(3))] (2), which reacted with tBuNC to afford [Ir(tBuNC)(CH(2)SiMe(3))(dtbpy)(Me)(SiMe(3))] ([2(tBuNC)]). Reaction of 2 with phenylacetylene afforded dimeric [{Ir(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)(dtbpy)(SiMe(3))}(2)(mu-C[triple chemical bond]CPh)(2)] (3), in which the bridging PhC[triple chemical bond]C(-) ligands are bound to Ir in a mu-sigma:pi fashion. Alkylation of 1 with PhMe(2)CCH(2)MgCl afforded the cyclometalated compound [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(4))(2-C(6)H(4)CMe(3))] (4), which features an agostic interaction between the Ir center and the 2-tert-butylphenyl ligand. The cyclic voltammogram of 4 in CH(2)Cl(2) shows a reversible Ir(IV)-Ir(III) couple at about 0.02 V versus ferrocenium/ferrocene. Oxidation of 4 in CH(2)Cl(2) with silver triflate afforded an Ir(IV) species that exhibits an anisotropic electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal in CH(2)Cl(2) glass at 4 K with g( parallel)=2.430 and g( perpendicular)=2.110. Protonation of 4 with HCl and p-toluenesulfonic acid (HOTs) afforded [{Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)Ph)Cl}(2)(mu-Cl)(2)] (5) and [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)Ph)(OTs)(2)] (6), respectively. Reaction of 5 with Li[BEt(3)H] gave the cyclometalated complex [{Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(4))}(2)(mu-Cl)(2)] (7). Reaction of 4 with tetracyanoethylene in refluxing toluene resulted in electrophilic substitution of the iridacycle by C(2)(CN)(3) with formation of [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(3){4-C(2)(CN)(3)})(2-C(6)H(4)CMe(3))] (8). Reaction of 4 with diethyl maleate in refluxing toluene gave the iridafuran compound [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(4)){kappa(2)(C,O)-C(CO(2)Et)CH(CO(2)Et)}] (9). Treatment of 9 with 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide (xylNC) led to cleavage of the iridafuran ring and formation of [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(4)){C(CO(2)Et)CH(CO(2)Et)}(xylNC)] (10). Protonation of 9 with HBF(4) afforded the dinuclear neophyl complex [(Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)Ph){kappa(2)(C,O)-C(CO(2)Et)CH(CO(2)Et)})(2)][BF(4)](2) (11). The solid-state structures of complexes 2-5 and 8-11 have been determined.     

Vanadium complexes of the N(CH2CH2S)3(3-) and O(CH2CH2S)2(2-) ligands with coligands relevant to nitrogen fixation processes

Vanadium(III) and vanadium(V) complexes derived from the tris(2-thiolatoethyl)amine ligand [(NS3)3-] and the bis(2-thiolatoethyl)ether ligand [(OS2)2-] have been synthesized with the aim of investigating the potential of these vanadium sites to bind dinitrogen and activate its reduction. Evidence is presented for the transient existence of (V(NS3)(N2)V(NS3), and a series of mononuclear complexes containing hydrazine, hydrazide, imide, ammine, organic cyanide, and isocyanide ligands has been prepared and the chemistry of these complexes investigated. [V(NS3)O] (1) reacts with an excess of N2H4 to give, probably via the intermediates (V(NS3)(NNH2) (2a) and (V(NS3)(N2)V(NS3) (3), the V(III) adduct [V(NS3)(N2H4)] (4). If 1 is treated with 0.5 mol of N2H4, 0.5 mol of N2 is evolved and green, insoluble [(V(NS3))n] (5) results. Compound 4 is converted by disproportionation to [V(NS3)(NH3)] (6), but 4 does not act as a catalyst for disproportionation of N2H4 nor does it act as a catalyst for its reduction by Zn/HOC6H3Pri2-2,6. Compound 1 reacts with NR1(2)NR2(2) (R1 = H or SiMe3; R2(2) = Me2, MePh, or HPh) to give the hydrazide complexes [V(NS3)(NNR2(2)] (R2(2) = Me2, 2b; R2(2) = MePh, 2c; R2(2) = HPh, 2d), which are not protonated by anhydrous HBr nor are they reduced by Zn/HOC6H3Pri2-2,6. Compound 2b can also be prepared by reaction of [V(NNMe2)(dipp)3] (dipp = OC6H3Pri2-2,6) with NS3H3. N2H4 is displaced quantitatively from 4 by anions to give the salts [NR3(4)][V(NS3)X] (X = Cl, R3 = Et, 7a; X = Cl, R3 = Ph, 7b; X = Br, R3 = Et, 7c; X = N3, R3 = Bu(n), 7d; X = N3, R3 = Et, 7e; X = CN, R3 = Et, 7f). Compound 6 loses NH3 thermally to give 5, which can also be prepared from [VCl3(THF)3] and NS3H3/LiBun. Displacement of NH3 from 6 by ligands L gives the adducts [V(NS3)(L)] (L = MeCN, nu CN 2264 cm-1, 8a; L = ButNC, nu NC 2173 cm-1, 8b; L = C6H11NC, nu NC 2173 cm-1, 8c). Reaction of 4 with N3SiMe3 gives [V(NS3)(NSiMe3)] (9), which is converted to [V(NS3)(NH)] (10) by hydrolysis and to [V(NS3)(NCPh3)] (11) by reaction with ClCPh3. Compound 10 is converted into 1 by [NMe4]OH and to [V(NS3)NLi(THF)2] (12) by LiNPri in THF. A further range of imido complexes [V(NS3)(NR4)] (R4 = C6H4Y-4 where Y = H (13a), OMe (13b), Me (13c), Cl (13d), Br (13e), NO2 (13f); R4 = C6H4Y-3, where Y = OMe (13g); Cl (13h); R4 = C6H3Y2-3,4, where Y = Me (13i); Cl (13j); R4 = C6H11 (13k)) has been prepared by reaction of 1 with R4NCO. The precursor complex [V(OS2)O(dipp)] (14) [OS2(2-) = O(CH2CH2S)2(2-)] has been prepared from [VO(OPri)3], Hdipp, and OS2H2. It reacts with NH2NMe2 to give [V(OS2)(NNMe2)(dipp)] (15) and with N3SiMe3 to give [V(OS2)(NSiMe3)(dipp)] (16). A second oxide precursor, formulated as [V(OS2)1.5O] (17), has also been obtained, and it reacts with SiMe3NHNMe2 to give [V(OS2)(NNMe2)(OSiMe3)] (18). The X-ray crystal structures of the complexes 2b, 2c, 4, 6, 7a, 8a, 9, 10, 13d, 14, 15, 16, and 18 have been determined, and the 51V NMR and other spectroscopic parameters of the complexes are discussed in terms of electronic effects.     

Lanthanide(III)/actinide(III) differentiation in the cerium and uranium complexes [M(C5Me5)2(L)]0,+ (L=2,2'-bipyridine, 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine): structural, magnetic, and reactivity studies

Treatment of [Ce(Cp*)(2)I] or [U(Cp*)(2)I(py)] with 1 mol equivalent of bipy (Cp*=C(5)Me(5); bipy=2,2'-bipyridine) in THF gave the adducts [M(Cp*)(2)I(bipy)] (M=Ce (1 a), M=U (1 b)), which were transformed into [M(Cp*)(2)(bipy)] (M=Ce (2 a), M=U (2 b)) by Na(Hg) reduction. The crystal structures of 1 a and 1 b show, by comparing the U-N and Ce-N distances and the variations in the C-C and C-N bond lengths within the bidentate ligand, that the extent of donation of electron density into the LUMO of bipy is more important in the actinide than in the lanthanide compound. Reaction of [Ce(Cp*)(2)I] or [U(Cp*)(2)I(py)] with 1 mol equivalent of terpy (terpy=2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) in THF afforded the adducts [M(Cp*)(2)(terpy)]I (M=Ce (3 a), M=U (3 b)), which were reduced to the neutral complexes [M(Cp*)(2)(terpy)] (M=Ce (4 a), M=U (4 b)) by sodium amalgam. The complexes [M(Cp*)(2)(terpy)][M(Cp*)(2)I(2)] (M=Ce (5 a), M=U (5 b)) were prepared from a 2:1 mixture of [M(Cp*)(2)I] and terpy. The rapid and reversible electron-transfer reactions between 3 and 4 in solution were revealed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The spectrum of 5 b is identical to that of the 1:1 mixture of [U(Cp*)(2)I(py)] and 3 b, or [U(Cp*)(2)I(2)] and 4 b. The magnetic data for 3 and 4 are consistent with trivalent cerium and uranium species, with the formulation [M(III)(Cp*)(2)(terpy(*-))] for 4 a and 4 b, in which spins on the individual units are uncoupled at 300 K and antiferromagnetically coupled at low temperature. Comparison of the crystal structures of 3 b, 4 b, and 5 b with those of 3 a and the previously reported ytterbium complex [Yb(Cp*)(2)(terpy)] shows that the U-N distances are much shorter, by 0.2 A, than those expected from a purely ionic bonding model. This difference should reflect the presence of stronger electron transfer between the metal and the terpy ligand in the actinide compounds. This feature is also supported by the small but systematic structural variations within the terdentate ligands, which strongly suggest that the LUMO of terpy is more filled in the actinide than in the lanthanide complexes and that the canonical forms [U(IV)(Cp*)(2)(terpy(*-))]I and [U(IV)(Cp*)(2)(terpy(2-))] contribute significantly to the true structures of 3 b and 4 b, respectively. This assumption was confirmed by the reactions of complexes 3 and 4 with the H(.) and H(+) donor reagents Ph(3)SnH and NEt(3)HBPh(4), which led to clear differentiation of the cerium and uranium complexes. No reaction was observed between 3 a and Ph(3)SnH, while the uranium counterpart 3 b was transformed in pyridine into the uranium(IV) compound [U(Cp*)(2){NC(5)H(4)(py)(2)}]I (6), where NC(5)H(4)(py)(2) is the 2,6-dipyridyl(hydro-4-pyridyl) ligand. Complex 6 was further hydrogenated to [U(Cp*)(2){NC(5)H(8)(py)(2)}]I (7) by an excess of Ph(3)SnH in refluxing pyridine. Treatment of 4 a with NEt(3)HBPh(4) led to oxidation of the terpy(*-) ligand and formation of [Ce(Cp*)(2)(terpy)]BPh(4), whereas similar reaction with 4 b afforded [U(Cp*)(2){NC(5)H(4)(py)(2)}]BPh(4) (6'). The crystal structures of 6, 6' and 7 were determined.     

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.     

Nitrogenase model complexes [Cp*Fe(mu-SR(1))2(mu-eta(2)-R(2)N=NH)FeCp*] (R(1) = Me, Et; R(2) = Me, Ph; Cp* = eta(5)-C5Me5): synthesis, structure, and catalytic N-N bond cleavage of hydrazines on diiron centers

The reactions of [Cp*Fe(mu-SR1)3FeCp*] (Cp* = eta5-C5Me5; R1 = Et, Me) with 1.5 equiv R2NHNH2 (R2 = Ph, Me) give the mu-eta2-diazene diiron thiolate-bridged complexes [Cp*Fe(mu-SR1)2(mu-eta2-R2N NH)FeCp*], along with the formation of PhNH2 and NH3. These mu-eta2-diazene diiron thiolate-bridged complexes exhibit excellent catalytic N-N bond cleavage of hydrazines under ambient conditions.