Catalytic activities in direct arylation of novel palladium N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes

Eight novel palladium N‐heterocyclic carbene (Pd‐NHC) complexes were synthesized by the reaction of chloro 1,3‐dialkylbenzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene silver(I) complexes with bis(benzonitrile)palladium(II) chloride in dichloromethane. These eight Pd‐NHC complexes are as follows: bis[1‐phenyl‐3‐(2,4,6‐trimethylbenzyl)benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene]dichloropalladium(II), bis[1‐phenyl‐3‐(2,3,5,6‐tetramethylbenzyl)benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene]dichloropalladium(II), bis[1‐phenyl‐3‐(2,3,4,5,6‐pentamethylbenzyl)benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene]dichloropalladium(II), bis[1‐phenyl‐3‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxybenzyl)benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene]dichloropalladium(II), bis[1‐(2‐diethylaminoethyl)‐3‐(3‐methylbenzyl)benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene]dichloropalladium(II), bis[1‐(2‐diethylaminoethyl)‐3‐(2,3,5,6‐tetramethylbenzyl)benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene]dichloropalladium(II), bis[1‐(2‐morpholinoethyl)‐3‐naphthalenomethylbenzimidazol‐2‐ylidene]dichloropalladium(II) and bis[1‐(2‐morpholinoethyl)‐3‐(2‐methylbenzyl)benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene]dichloropalladium(II). Also, these synthesized complexes were fully characterized using Fourier transform infrared, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis techniques. These synthesized novel Pd‐NHC complexes were tested as catalysts in the direct arylation of 2‐n‐butylthiophene, 2‐n‐butylfuran and 2‐isopropylthiazole with various aryl bromides at 130°C for 1 h. The complexes showed very good catalytic activities in these reactions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of new iron–NHC complexes as catalysts for hydrosilylation reactions

A series of new piano‐stool iron(II) complexes comprising N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands [Fe(Cp)(CO)₂(NHC)]I (NHC = 1,3‐disubstituted imidazolidin‐2‐ylidene) have been synthesized and analyzed by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, IR, elemental analysis and mass spectrometric techniques. These compounds were easily prepared from the reaction of disubstituted imidazolidin‐2‐ylidene with [FeI(Cp)(CO)₂] in toluene at room temperature. These complexes were tested in the catalytic hydrosilylation reaction of aldehydes and ketones with phenylsilane in solvent‐free conditions. After a basic hydrolysis step, the corresponding alcohols were obtained in good yields. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthetic and antimicrobial studies on new gold(I) complexes of imidazolidin‐2‐ylidenes

Six new 1,3‐diorganylimidazolidin‐2‐ylidene (NHC) gold(I) complexes of the type [Au(NHC)₂]⁺ (1–6), were synthesized by reacting [AuCl(PPh)₃] with 1,3‐dimesitylimidazolidin‐2‐ylidene or bis(1,3‐dialkylimidazolidin‐2‐ylidene). The complexes 1–6 were fully characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic data. The placement of mesityl or para‐substituted benzyl groups on the nitrogen atoms of the ring of the complexes leads to the particularly active antibacterial agents evaluated in this work. It is worth noting that the p‐methoxybenzyl derivative (2) inhibited the growth of Pseudomona aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 3.12 µg ml^?1, 6.25 µg ml^?1, 3.12 µg ml^?1 and 3.12 µg ml^?1 respectively. In contrast, the analogous p‐dimethylaminobenzyl derivative (3) is effective only against Escherichia coli (MIC = 3.12 µg ml^?1). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Phenylimidorhenium(V) Complexes with 1,3‐Diethyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐2‐ ylidene Ligands

The phenylimidorhenium(V) complexes [Re(NPh)X₃(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br) react with the N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) 1,3‐diethyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐2‐ylidene (L^Et) under formation of the stable rhenium(V) complex cations [Re(NPh)X(L^Et)₄]²⁺ (X = Cl, Br), which can be isolated as their chloride or [PF₆]^? salts. The compounds are remarkably stable against air, moisture and ligand exchange. The hydroxo species [Re(NPh)(OH)(L^Et)₄]²⁺ is formed when moist solvents are used during the synthesis. The rhenium atoms in all three complexes are coordinated in a distorted octahedral fashion with the four NHC ligands in equatorial planes of the molecules. The Re–C(carbene) bond lengths between 2.171(8) and 2.221(3) Å indicate mainly σ‐bonding between the NHC ligand and the electron deficient d² metal atoms. Attempts to prepare analogous phenylimido complexes from [Re(NPh)Cl₃(PPh₃)₂] and 1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐2‐ylidene (L^i?Pr) led to a cleavage of the rhenium‐nitrogen multiple bond and the formation of the dioxo complex [ReO₂(L^i?Pr)₄]⁺.     

Synthesis,cytotoxicity and antibacterial studies of symmetrically and non‐symmetrically benzyl‐ or p‐cyanobenzyl‐substituted N‐Heterocyclic carbene–silver complexes

From the reaction of 1H‐imidazole ( 1a ), 4,5‐dichloro‐1H‐imidazole ( 1b ) and 1H‐benzimidazole ( 1c ) with p‐cyanobenzyl bromide ( 2 ), symmetrically substituted N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) [( 3a–c )] precursors, 1‐methylimidazole ( 5a ), 4,5‐dichloro‐1‐methylimidazole ( 5b ) and 1‐methylbenzimidazole ( 5c ) with benzyl bromide ( 6 ), non‐symmetrically substituted N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) [( 7a–c )] precursors were synthesized. These NHC? precursors were then reacted with silver(I) acetate to yield the NHC‐silver complexes [1,3‐bis(4‐cyanobenzyl)imidazole‐2‐ylidene] silver(I) acetate ( 4a ), [4,5‐dichloro‐1,3‐bis(4‐cyanobenzyl)imidazole‐2‐ylidene] silver(I) acetate ( 4b ), [1,3‐bis(4‐cyanobenzyl)benzimidazole‐2‐ylidene] silver(I) acetate ( 4c ), (1‐methyl‐3‐benzylimidazole‐2‐ylidene) silver(I) acetate ( 8a ), (4,5‐dichloro‐1‐methyl‐3‐benzylimidazole‐2‐ylidene) silver(I) acetate ( 8b ) and (1‐methyl‐3‐benzylbenzimidazole‐2‐ylidene) silver(I) acetate ( 8c ) respectively. The four NHC‐precursors 3a–c, 7c and four NHC–silver complexes 4a–c and 8c were characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The preliminary antibacterial activity of all the compounds was studied against Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli, and Gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus using the qualitative Kirby‐Bauer disc‐diffusion method. All NHC–silver complexes exhibited medium to high antibacterial activity with areas of clearance ranging from 4 to 12 mm at the highest amount used, while the NHC‐precursors showed significantly lower activity. In addition, all NHC–silver complexes underwent preliminary cytotoxicity tests on the human renal‐cancer cell line Caki‐1 and showed medium to high cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 53 ( ± 8) to 3.2 ( ± 0.6) µM. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Novel Benzyl‐ or 4‐Cyanobenzyl‐Substituted N‐Heterocyclic (Bromo)(carbene)silver(I) and (Carbene)(chloro)gold(I) Complexes: Synthesis and Preliminary Cytotoxicity Studies

N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes bromo(1,3‐dibenzyl‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐imidazol‐2‐ylidene)silver(I) ( 2a ), bromo[1‐(4‐cyanobenzyl)‐3‐methyl‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐imidazol‐2‐ylidene]silver(I) ( 2b ), and bromo[1‐(4‐cyanobenzyl)‐3‐methyl‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene]silver(I) ( 2c ) were prepared by the reaction of 1,3‐dibenzyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium bromide ( 1a ), 3‐(4‐cyanobenzyl)‐1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium bromide ( 1b ), and 3‐(4‐cyanobenzyl)‐1‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazol‐3‐ium bromide ( 1c ), respectively, with silver(I) oxide. NHC Complexes chloro(1,3‐dibenzyl‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐imidazol‐2‐ylidene)gold(I) ( 3a ), chloro[1‐(4‐cyanobenzyl)‐3‐methyl‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐imidazol‐2‐ylidene]gold(I) ( 3b ), and chloro[1‐(4‐cyanobenzyl)‐3‐methyl‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene]gold(I) ( 3c ) were prepared via transmetallation of corresponding (bromo)(NHC)silver(I) complexes with chloro(dimethylsulfido)gold(I). The complex 3a was characterized in two polymorphic forms by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction showing two rotamers in the solid state. The cytotoxicities of all three bromo(NHC)silver(I) complexes and three (chloro)(NHC)gold(I) complexes were investigated through 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bormide (MTT)‐based preliminary in vitro testing on the Caki‐1 cell line in order to determine their IC₅₀ values. (Bromo)(NHC)silver(I) complexes 2a – 2c and (chloro)(NHC)gold(I) complexes 3a – 3c were found to have IC₅₀ values of 27±2, 28±2, 34±6, 10±1, 12±5, and 12±3 μM , respectively, on the Caki‐1 cell line.     

Nitridorhenium(V) Complexes with 1,3‐Dialkyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐2‐ylidenes

The nitridorhenium(V) complexes [ReNCl₂(PR₂Ph)₃] (R = Me, Et) react with the N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) 1,3‐diethyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐5‐ylidene (L^Et) or 1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazole‐2‐ylidene (L^Me) in absolutely dry THF under complete replacement of the equatorial coordination sphere. The resulting [ReNCl(L^R)₄]⁺ complexes (L^R = L^Me, L^Et) are moderately stable as solids and in solution, but decompose in hot methanol under formation of [ReO₂(L^R)₄]⁺ complexes. With 1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐5‐ylidene (L^i‐Pr), the loss of the nitrido ligand and the formation of a dioxo species is more rapid and no nitridorhenium intermediate could be isolated. The Re‐C bond lengths in [ReNCl(L^Et)₄]Cl of approximately 2.195Å are relatively long and indicate mainly σ‐bonding in the electron‐deficient d² system under study. The hydrolysis of the nitrido complexes proceeds via the formation of [ReO₃N]^2? anions as could be verified by the isolation and structural characterization of the intermediates [{ReN(PMe₂Ph)₃}{ReO₃N}]₂ and [{ReN(OH₂)(L^Et)₂}₂O][ReO₃N].     

The first example of a two‐coordinated AuI atom bonded to an FeII atom and an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand

The aurophilicity exhibited by Au^I complexes depends strongly on the nature of the supporting ligands present and the length of the Au–element (Au—E) bond may be used as a measure of the donor–acceptor properties of the coordinated ligands. A binuclear iron–gold complex, [1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene‐2κC²]dicarbonyl‐1κ²C‐(1η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl)gold(I)iron(II)(Au—Fe) benzene trisolvate, [AuFe(C₅H₅)(C₂₇H₃₆N₂)(CO)₂]·3C₆H₆, was prepared by reaction of K[CpFe(CO)₂] (Cp is cyclopentadienyl) with (NHC)AuCl [NHC = 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene]. In addition to the binuclear complex, the asymmetric unit contains three benzene solvent molecules. This is the first example of a two‐coordinated Au atom bonded to an Fe and a C atom of an N‐heterocyclic carbene.     

CH–π and CF–π Interactions Lead to Structural Changes of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Palladium Complexes

The role of CH–π and CF–π interactions in determining the structure of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) palladium complexes were studied using ¹H NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, and DFT calculations. The CH–π interactions led to the formation of the cis‐anti isomers in 1‐aryl‐3‐isopropylimidazol‐2‐ylidene‐based [(NHC)₂PdX₂] complexes, while CF–π interactions led to the exclusive formation of the cis‐syn isomer of diiodobis(3‐isopropyl‐1‐pentafluorophenylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) palladium(II).     

Enhanced π‐back‐donation resulting in the trans labilization of a pyridine ligand in an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) PdII precatalyst: a case study

The molecular structure of the benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene–PdCl₂–pyridine‐type PEPPSI (pyridine‐enhanced precatalyst, preparation, stabilization and initiation) complex {1,3‐bis[2‐(diisopropylamino)ethyl]benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene‐κC²}dichlorido(pyridine‐κN)palladium(II), [PdCl₂(C₅H₅N)(C₂₃H₄₀N₄)], has been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and natural bond orbital (NBO) and charge decomposition analysis (CDA). Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) searches were used to understand the structural characteristics of the PEPPSI complexes in comparison with the usual N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes. The presence of weak C—H…Cl‐type hydrogen‐bond and π–π stacking interactions between benzene rings were verified using NCI plots and Hirshfeld surface analysis. The preferred method in the CDA of PEPPSI complexes is to separate their geometries into only two fragments, i.e. the bulky NHC ligand and the remaining fragment. In this study, the geometry of the PEPPSI complex is separated into five fragments, namely benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene (Bimy), two chlorides, pyridine (Py) and the Pd^II ion. Thus, the individual roles of the Pd atom and the Py ligand in the donation and back‐donation mechanisms have been clearly revealed. The NHC ligand in the PEPPSI complex in this study acts as a strong σ‐donor with a considerable amount of π‐back‐donation from Pd to C_carbene. The electron‐poor character of Pd^II is supported by π‐back‐donation from the Pd centre and the weakness of the Pd—N(Py) bond. According to CSD searches, Bimy ligands in PEPPSI complexes have a stronger σ‐donating ability than imidazol‐2‐ylidene ligands in PEPPSI complexes.     

Three p‐xylene‐solvated pseudopolymorphs of bis[1,3‐bis(pentafluorophenyl)propane‐1,3‐dionato]copper(II)

The Cu²⁺ ions in the title compounds, namely bis[1,3‐bis(pentafluorophenyl)propane‐1,3‐dionato‐κ²O,O′]copper(II) p‐xylene n‐solvate, [Cu(C₁₅HF₁₀O₂)₂]·nC₈H₁₀, with n = 1, (I), n = 2, (II), and n = 4, (III), are coordinated by two 1,3‐bis(pentafluorophenyl)propane‐1,3‐dionate ligands. The coordination complexes of (I) and (II) have crystallographic inversion symmetry at the Cu atom and the p‐xylene molecule in (I) also lies across an inversion centre. The p‐xylene molecules in (I) and (II) interact with the pentafluorophenyl groups of the complex via arene–perfluoroarene interactions. In the crystal of (III), two of the p‐xylene molecules interact with the pentafluorophenyl groups via arene–perfluoroarene interactions. The other two p‐xylene molecules are located on the CuO₄ coordination plane, forming a uniform cavity produced by metal...π interactions.     

Synthesis,Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Studies of Novel Symmetrically and Nonsymmetrically 4‐(Methoxycarbonyl)benzyl‐Substituted N‐Heterocyclic Carbene–Silver Acetate Complexes

From the reaction of 1H‐imidazole ( 1a ), 4,5‐dichloro‐1H‐imidazole ( 1b ), 1H‐benzimidazole ( 1c ), 1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazole ( 1d ), and 1‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazole ( 1f ) with methyl 4‐(bromomethyl)benzoate ( 2 ), symmetrically and nonsymmetrically 4‐(methoxycarbonyl)benzyl‐substituted N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors, 3a – 3f , were synthesized. These NHC precursors were then reacted with silver(I) acetate (AgOAc) to yield the NHC–silver acetate complexes (acetato‐κO){1,3‐bis[4‐(methoxycarbonyl)benzyl]imidazol‐2‐ylidene}silver ( 4a ), (acetato‐κO){4,5‐dichloro‐1,3‐bis[4‐(methoxycarbonyl)benzyl]‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl}silver ( 4b ), (acetato‐κO){1,3‐bis[4‐(methoxycarbonyl)benzyl]‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl}silver ( 4c ), (acetato‐κO){1‐[4‐(methoxycarbonyl)benzyl]‐3‐methyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl}silver ( 4d ), (acetato‐κO){4,5‐dichloro‐1‐[4‐(methoxycarbonyl)benzyl]‐3‐methyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl}silver ( 4e ), and (acetato‐κO){1‐[4‐(methoxycarbonyl)benzyl]‐3‐methyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl}silver ( 4f ), respectively. The three NHC–AgOAc complexes 4a, 4c , and 4d were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. All compounds studied in this work were preliminarily screened for their antimicrobial activities in vitro against Gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli using the qualitative disk‐diffusion method. All NHC–AgOAc complexes exhibited weak‐to‐medium antibacterial activity with areas of clearance ranging from 4 to 7 mm at the highest amount used, while the NHC precursors showed significantly lower activity. In addition, NHC–AgOAc complexes 4a and 4b , and 4d – 4f exhibited in preliminary cytotoxicity tests on the human renal‐cancer cell line Caki‐1 medium‐to‐high cytotoxicities with IC₅₀ values ranging from 3.3±0.4 to 68.3±1 μM .     

Breslow Intermediates from Aromatic N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes (Benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidenes,Thiazolin‐2‐ylidenes)

We report the first generation and characterization of elusive Breslow intermediates derived from aromatic N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), namely benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidenes (NMR, X‐ray analysis) and thiazolin‐2‐ylidenes (NMR). In the former case, the diamino enols were generated by reaction of the free N,N‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐ and N,N‐bis(mesityl)‐substituted benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidenes with aldehydes while the dimer of 3,4,5‐trimethylthiazolin‐2‐ylidene served as the starting material in the latter case. The unambiguous NMR identification of the first thiazolin‐2‐ylidene‐based Breslow intermediate rests on double ¹³C labeling of both the NHC and the aldehyde component. The acyl anion reactivity was confirmed by benzoin formation with excess aldehyde.     

Oxidation‐Triggered Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization

Eight new N‐Hoveyda‐type complexes were synthesized in yields of 67–92 % through reaction of [RuCl₂(NHC)(Ind)(py)] (NHC=1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenylimidazolin)‐2‐ylidene (SIMes) or 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenylimidazolin)‐2‐ylidene (SIPr), Ind=3‐phenylindenylid‐1‐ene, py=pyridine) with various 1‐ or 1,2‐substituted ferrocene compounds with vinyl and amine or imine substituents. The redox potentials of the respective complexes were determined; in all complexes an iron‐centered oxidation reaction occurs at potentials close to E=+0.5 V. The crystal structures of the reduced and of the respective oxidized Hoveyda‐type complexes were determined and show that the oxidation of the ferrocene unit has little effect on the ruthenium environment. Two of the eight new complexes were found to be switchable catalysts, in that the reduced form is inactive in the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of cis‐cyclooctene (COE), whereas the oxidized complexes produce polyCOE. The other complexes are not switchable catalysts and are either inactive or active in both reduced and oxidized states.     

Palladium(II)‐N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Efficient Catalysts for the Direct C‐H Bond Arylation of Furans with Aryl Halides

This paper contains the synthesis and characterization of the seven new benzimidazolium salts and their corresponding new palladium(II)‐NHC complexes with the general formula [PdX₂(NHC)₂], (NHC = N‐heterocyclic carbene, X = Cl or Br), and also their catalytic activity in direct C‐H bond arylation of 2‐substituted furan derivatives with aryl bromides and aryl chlorides. Under the optimal conditions, these palladium(II)‐NHC complexes showed the good catalytic performance for the direct C‐H bond arylation of 2‐substituted furans with (hetero)aryl bromides, and with readily available and inexpensive aryl chlorides. The C‐H bond arylation regioselectively produced C5‐arylated furans by using 1 mol% of the palladium(II)‐NHC catalysts in moderate to high yields.     

Novel 13,14‐dimethyl‐5,8‐dioxa‐2,11,13,14‐tetraaza‐1,12‐diphosphabicyclo [10.1.1] tetradecane 1,12‐dioxide ligand and its Ni(II), Co(II), and Cu(II) complexes: Synthesis,characterization, antimicrobial,DNA cleavage,and computational studies

A novel diazadiphosphetidine ligand derived from the reaction of 2,4‐dichloro‐1,3‐dimethyl‐1,3,2,4‐diazadiphosphetidine‐2,4‐dioxide and 2,2′‐(ethane‐1,2‐diylbis[oxy])bis(ethan‐1‐amine) and its Ni(II), Cu(II), and Co(II) complexes have been synthesized, characterized by spectroscopic, elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility, and conductivity methods, and screened for antimicrobial, DNA binding, and cleavage properties. Spectroscopic analysis and elemental analyses indicate the formula [M(H₂L)Cl₂] for the Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes and octahedral geometry for all the complexes. The non‐electrolytic nature of the complexes in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was confirmed by their molar conductance values, which are in the range 12.32–6.73 Ω^?1 cm² mol^?1. Computational studies have been carried out at the density functional theory (DFT)‐B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theory on the structural and spectroscopic properties of diazadiphosphetidine H₂L and its binuclear Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes. Six tautomers and geometrical isomers of the diazadiphosphetidine ligand were confirmed using semiempirical AM1 and DFT method from DMOL³ calculations. The copper complex had the best antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213). DNA cleavage activities of the compounds, evaluated on pBR322 DNA by agarose gel electrophoresis in the presence and absence of an oxidant (H₂O₂) and a free‐radical scavenger (DMSO), indicated no activity for the ligand and moderate activity for the complexes, with the copper complex cleaving pBR322 DNA more efficiently in the presence of H₂O₂.     

Ruthenium N‐heterocyclic–carbene catalyzed diarylation of arene C?H bond

Novel ruthenium‐1,3‐dialkylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene complexes ( 2a–e ) have been prepared and characterized by C, H, N analysis, ¹H‐NMR and ¹³C‐NMR. The ortho position of the aromatic ring of pyridyl group substituted aromatic compound was directly arylated with aryl bromides and chlorides in the presence of a catalytic amount of [RuCl₂(1,3‐dialkylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene)] complexes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of novel palladium N‐heterocyclic‐carbene complexes as catalysts for Heck and Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions

Novel palladium‐1,3‐dialkylperhydrobenzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene (2a–c) and palladium‐1,3‐dialkylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene complexes (4a,b) have been prepared and characterized by C, H, N analysis, ¹H‐NMR and ¹³C‐NMR. Styrene or phenylboronic acid reacts with aryl halide derivatives in the presence of catalytic amounts of the new palladium‐carbene complexes, PdCl₂(1,3‐dialkylperhydrobenzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene) or PdCl₂(1,3‐dialkylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene) to give the corresponding C? C coupling products in good yields. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Aggregation and Degradation of White Phosphorus Mediated by N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Nickel(0) Complexes

The reaction of zerovalent nickel compounds with white phosphorus (P₄) is a barely explored route to binary nickel phosphide clusters. Here, we show that coordinatively and electronically unsaturated N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) nickel(0) complexes afford unusual cluster compounds with P₁, P₃, P₅ and P₈ units. Using [Ni(IMes)₂] [IMes=1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene], electron‐deficient Ni₃P₄ and Ni₃P₆ clusters have been isolated, which can be described as superhypercloso and hypercloso clusters according to the Wade–Mingos rules. Use of the bulkier NHC complexes [Ni(IPr)₂] or [(IPr)Ni(η⁶‐toluene)] [IPr=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene] affords a closo‐Ni₃P₈ cluster. Inverse‐sandwich complexes [(NHC)₂Ni₂P₅] (NHC=IMes, IPr) with an aromatic cyclo‐P₅^? ligand were identified as additional products.     

Oxorhenium(V) Complexes with 1,3,4‐Triphenyl‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐ylidene

Reactions of the oxorhenium(V) complexes [ReOX₃(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br) with the N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) 1,3,4‐triphenyl‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐ylidene (L^Ph) under mild conditions and in the presence of MeOH or water give [ReOX₂(Y)(PPh₃)(L^Ph)] complexes (X = Cl, Br; Y = OMe, OH). Attempted reactions of the carbene precursor 5‐methoxy‐1,3,4‐triphenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole ( 1 ) with [ReOCl₃(PPh₃)₂] or [NBu₄][ReOCl₄] in boiling xylene resulted in protonation of the intermediately formed carbene and decomposition products such as [HL^Ph][ReOCl₄(OPPh₃)], [HL^Ph][ReOCl₄(OH₂)] or [HL^Ph][ReO₄] were isolated. The neutral [ReOX₂(Y)(PPh₃)(HL^Ph)] complexes are purple, airstable solids. The bulky NHC ligands coordinate monodentate and in cis‐position to PPh₃. The relatively long Re–C bond lengths of approximate 2.1Å indicate metal‐carbon single bonds.