Dianionic Mononuclear Cyclo‐P4 Complexes of Zero‐Valent Molybdenum: Coordination of the Cyclo‐P4 Dianion in the Absence of Intramolecular Charge Transfer

Relative to other cyclic poly‐phosphorus species (that is, cyclo‐P_n), the planar cyclo‐P₄ group is unique in its requirement of two additional electrons to achieve aromaticity. These electrons are supplied from one or more metal centers. However, the degree of charge transfer is dependent on the nature of the metal fragment. Unique examples of dianionic mononuclear η⁴‐P₄ complexes are presented that can be viewed as the simple coordination of the [cyclo‐P₄]^2? dianion to a neutral metal fragment. Treatment of the neutral, molybdenum cyclo‐P₄ complexes Mo(η⁴‐P₄)I₂(CO)(CNAr^Dipp2)₂ and Mo(η⁴‐P₄)(CO)₂(CNAr^Dipp2)₂ with KC₈ produces the dianionic, three‐legged piano stool complexes, [Mo(η⁴‐P₄)(CO)(CNAr^Dipp2)₂]^2? and [Mo(η⁴‐P₄)(CO)₂(CNAr^Dipp2)]^2?, respectively. Structural, spectroscopic, and computational studies reveal a similarity to the classic η⁶‐benzene complex (η⁶‐C₆H₆)Mo(CO)₃ regarding the metal‐center valence state and electronic population of the planar‐cyclic ligand π system.     

Oxidorhenium(V) and Rhenium(III) Complexes with m-Terphenyl Isocyanides

Reactions of the sterically encumbered m-terphenyl isocyanides CNAr^Dipp2 (Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) and CNAr^Mes2 (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) with (NBu₄)[ReOCl₄] in CH₂Cl₂ form stable complexes of the composition (NBu₄)[ReOCl₃(CNAr^R)] or [ReOCl₃(CNAr^R)₂] depending on the amount of isocyanide added. In the [ReOCl₃(CNAr^R)₂] complexes, cis coordination of the two isocyanides is observed for CNAr^Mes2, while the sterically more demanding CNAr^DIPP2 ligands are found in trans positions. The rhenium(III) species [ReCl₃(PPh₃)(CNAr^Mes2)₂] was obtained from the reaction of [ReOCl₃(PPh₃)₂] and CNAr^Mes2. The ν(CN) IR frequencies measured for the Re^V complexes appear at higher wavenumbers than for the uncoordinated isocyanides, which suggests a low degree of backdonation into anti-bonding orbitals of these ligands.     

Monomeric Chini‐Type Triplatinum Clusters Featuring Dianionic and Radical‐Anionic π*‐Systems

Owing to their unique topologies and abilities to self‐assemble into a variety of extended and aggregated structures, the binary platinum carbonyl clusters [Pt₃(CO)₆]_n^2? (“Chini clusters”) continue to draw significant interest. Herein, we report the isolation and structural characterization of the trinuclear electron‐transfer series [Pt₃(μ‐CO)₃(CNAr^Dipp2)₃]^n? (n=0, 1, 2), which represents a unique set of monomeric Pt₃ clusters supported by π‐acidic ligands. Spectroscopic, computational, and synthetic investigations demonstrate that the highest‐occupied molecular orbitals of the mono‐ and dianionic clusters consist of a combined π*‐framework of the CO and CNAr^Dipp2 ligands, with negligible Pt character. Accordingly, this study provides precedent for an ensemble of carbonyl and isocyanide ligands to function in a redox non‐innocent manner.     

Stabilities,Electronic Structures,and Bonding Properties of Iron Complexes (E1E2)Fe(CO)2(CNArTripp2)2 (E1E2=BF,CO, N2, CN−, or NO+)**

The coordination of 10-electron diatomic ligands (BF, CO N₂) to iron complexes Fe(CO)₂(CNAr^Tripp2)₂ [Ar^Tripp2=2,6-(2,4,6-(iso-propyl)₃C₆H₂)₂C₆H₃] have been realized in experiments very recently (Science, 2019 , 363, 1203–1205). Herein, the stability, electronic structures, and bonding properties of (E₁E₂)Fe-(CO)₂(CNAr^Tripp2)₂ (E₁E₂=BF, CO, N₂, CN⁻, NO⁺) were studied using density functional (DFT) calculations. The ground state of all those molecules is singlet and the calculated geometries are in excellent agreement with the experimental values. The natural bond orbital analysis revealed that Fe is negatively charged while E₁ possesses positive charges. By employing the energy decomposition analysis, the bonding nature of the E₂E₁–Fe(CO)₂(CNAr^Tripp2)₂ bond was disclosed to be the classic dative bond E₂E₁→Fe(CO)₂(CNAr^Tripp2)₂ rather than the electron-sharing double bond. More interestingly, the bonding strength between BF and Fe(CO)₂(CNAr^Tripp2)₂ is much stronger than that between CO (or N₂) and Fe(CO)₂(CNAr^Tripp2)₂, which is ascribed to the better σ-donation and π back-donations. However, the orbital interactions in CN⁻→Fe(CO)₂(CNAr^Tripp2)₂ and NO⁺→Fe(CO)₂(CNAr^Tripp2)₂ mainly come from σ-donation and π back-donation, respectively. The different contributions from σ donation and π donation for different ligands can be well explained by using the energy levels of E₁E₂ and Fe(CO)₂(CNAr^Tripp2)₂ fragments.     

Expanded‐Ring N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes for the Stabilization of Highly Electrophilic Gold(I) Cations

Strategies for the synthesis of highly electrophilic Au^I complexes from either hydride‐ or chloride‐containing precursors have been investigated by employing sterically encumbered Dipp‐substituted expanded‐ring NHCs (Dipp=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃). Thus, complexes of the type (NHC)AuH have been synthesised (for NHC=6‐Dipp or 7‐Dipp) and shown to feature significantly more electron‐rich hydrides than those based on ancillary imidazolylidene donors. This finding is consistent with the stronger σ‐donor character of these NHCs, and allows for protonation of the hydride ligand. Such chemistry leads to the loss of dihydrogen and to the trapping of the [(NHC)Au]⁺ fragment within a dinuclear gold cation containing a bridging hydride. Activation of the hydride ligand in (NHC)AuH by B(C₆F₅)₃, by contrast, generates a species (at low temperatures) featuring a [HB(C₆F₅)₃]^? fragment with spectroscopic signatures similar to the “free” borate anion. Subsequent rearrangement involves B?C bond cleavage and aryl transfer to the carbophilic metal centre. Under halide abstraction conditions utilizing Na[BAr^f₄] (Ar^f=C₆H₃(CF₃)₂‐3,5), systems of the type [(NHC)AuCl] (NHC=6‐Dipp or 7‐Dipp) generate dinuclear complexes [{(NHC)Au}₂(μ‐Cl)]⁺ that are still electrophilic enough at gold to induce aryl abstraction from the [BAr^f₄]^? counterion.     

From a Phosphaketenyl‐Functionalized Germylene to 1,3‐Digerma‐2,4‐diphosphacyclobutadiene

The first 4π‐electron resonance‐stabilized 1,3‐digerma‐2,4‐diphosphacyclobutadiene [L^H₂Ge₂P₂] 4 (L^H=CH[CHNDipp]₂ Dipp=2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃) with four‐coordinate germanium supported by a β‐diketiminate ligand and two‐coordinate phosphorus atoms has been synthesized from the unprecedented phosphaketenyl‐functionalized N‐heterocyclic germylene [L^HGe‐P=C=O] 2 a prepared by salt‐metathesis reaction of sodium phosphaethynolate (P≡C?ONa) with the corresponding chlorogermylene [L^HGeCl] 1 a . Under UV/Vis light irradiation at ambient temperature, release of CO from the P=C=O group of 2 a leads to the elusive germanium–phosphorus triply bonded species [L^HGe≡P] 3 a , which dimerizes spontaneously to yield black crystals of 4 as isolable product in 67 % yield. Notably, release of CO from the bulkier substituted [L^tBuGe‐P=C=O] 2 b (L^tBu=CH[C(^tBu)N‐Dipp]₂) furnishes, under concomitant extrusion of the diimine [Dipp‐NC(^tBu)]₂, the bis‐N,P‐heterocyclic germylene [DippNC(^tBu)C(H)PGe]₂ 5 .     

New Mixed‐Metal Carbonyl Complexes Containing Bridging 2‐Mercapto‐1‐methylimidazole Ligand

Reaction of [Mn₂(CO)₁₀] with 2‐mercapto‐1‐methylimidazole in the presence of Me₃NO at 25 °C afforded two new dimanganese complexes [Mn₂(CO)₆(μ‐SN₂C₄H₅)₂] ( 1 ) and [Mn₂(CO)₇(μ‐SN₂C₄H₅)₂] ( 2 ). Compound 1 consists of two μ‐SN₂C₄H₅ ligands, each bound through the sulfur atom to two Mn atoms and through the nitrogen atom to one Mn atom forming a four‐membered chelate ring. Compound 2 was found to consist of one μ‐SN₂C₄H₅ ligand in a similar bonding mode to 1 but another μ‐SN₂C₄H₅ ligand coordinates through the sulfur atom to one Mn atom and through the nitrogen atom to another Mn atom. Compound 1 was also obtained as the only product from the reaction of [Mn₂(CO)₈(NCMe)₂] with 2‐mercapto‐1‐methylimidazole. In contrast, a similar reaction of [Re₂(CO)₈(NCMe)₂] with 2‐mercapto‐1‐methylimidazole led to the formation of the di‐, tri‐, and tetranuclear complexes [Re₃(CO)₈(μ‐CO)(μ₃‐SN₂C₄H₅)₂(μ‐H)] ( 3 ), [Re₄(CO)₁₂(μ‐SN₂C₄H₅)₄] ( 4 ), and [Re₂(CO)₆(μ‐SN₂C₄H₅)₂] ( 5 ). Compound 3 provides a unique example of a hydrido trirhenium compound. The reaction of [Cr(CO)₃(NCMe)₃] and [Mo(CO)₃(NCMe)₃] with 1 in refluxing THF afforded the mixed metal complexes [CrMn₂(CO)₈(μ‐CO)₂(μ₃‐SN₂C₄H₅)₂] ( 6 ) and [MoMn₂(CO)₈(μ‐CO)₂(μ₃‐SN₂C₄H₅)₂] ( 7 ), respectively, in which two Mn–M (M = Mo, Cr) bonds were formed. In contrast, a similar treatment of [W(CO)₃(NCMe)₃] with 1 yielded two W‐Mn complexes [Mn₂W(CO)₈(μ‐CO)₂(μ₃‐SN₂C₄H₅)₂] ( 8 ) and [Mn₂W(CO)₇(μ‐CO)₂(SN₂C₄H₅)(μ₃‐SN₂C₄H₅)₂] ( 9 ). Treatment of 1 with [Fe₃(CO)₁₂] at 70‐75 °C afforded the trinuclear mixed‐metal complex [FeMn₂(CO)₈(μ‐CO)(μ₃‐SN₂C₄H₅)₂] ( 10 ) and the diiron side product [Fe₂(CO)₆(μ‐S₂N₂C₄H₅)₂] ( 11 ). Compounds 6 ‐ 10 have a bent open structure of three metal atoms linked by two metal‐metal bonds and all, except 9 and 10 , contain a noncrystallographic two‐fold axis of symmetry. Compound 9 is structurally similar to 8 , but it contains a SN₂C₄H₆ ligand, mono coordinated through the exocyclic sulfur atom to the W atom and a Mn–Mn bond instead of a Mn–W bond. Compound 11 comprises two bridging S₂N₂C₄H₅ ligands, which arise from the coupling of 2‐mercapto‐1‐methylimidazole with sulfur.     

Olefin polymerization and copolymerization with soluble transition‐metal complex catalysts

Olefin polymerizations catalyzed by Cp′TiCl₂(O‐2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃) ( 1 – 5 ; Cp′ = cyclopentadienyl group), RuCl₂(ethylene)(pybox) { 7 ; pybox = 2,6‐bis[(4S)‐4‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazolin‐2‐yl]pyridine}, and FeCl₂(pybox) ( 8 ) were investigated in the presence of a cocatalyst. The Cp*TiCl₂(O‐2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃) ( 5 )–methylaluminoxane (MAO) catalyst exhibited remarkable catalytic activity for both ethylene and 1‐hexene polymerizations, and the effect of the substituents on the cyclopentadienyl group was an important factor for the catalytic activity. A high level of 1‐hexene incorporation and a lower r_E · r_H value with 5 than with [Me₂Si(C₅Me₄)(N^tBu)]TiCl₂ ( 6 ) were obtained, despite the rather wide bond angle of Cp Ti O (120.5°) of 5 compared with the bond angle of Cp Ti N of 6 (107.6°). The 7 –MAO catalyst exhibited moderate catalytic activity for ethylene homopolymerization and ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization, and the resultant copolymer incorporated 1‐hexene. The 8 –MAO catalyst also exhibited activity for ethylene polymerization, and an attempted ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization gave linear polyethylene. The efficient polymerization of a norbornene macromonomer bearing a ring‐opened poly(norbornene) substituent was accomplished by ringopening metathesis polymerization with the well‐defined Mo(CHCMe₂Ph)(N‐2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)[OCMe(CF₃)₂]₂ ( 10 ). The key step for the macromonomer synthesis was the exclusive end‐capping of the ring‐opened poly(norbornene) with p‐Me₃SiOC₆H₄CHO, and the use of 10 was effective for this polymerization proceeding with complete conversion. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 4613–4626, 2000     

Experimental and Computational Studies on Quadruply Bonded Dimolybdenum Complexes with Terminal and Bridging Hydride Ligands

This contribution focuses on complex [Mo₂(H)₂(μ-Ad^Dipp2)₂] ( 1 ) and tetrahydrofuran and pyridine adducts [Mo₂(H)₂(μ-Ad^Dipp2)₂(L)₂] ( 1⋅thf and 1⋅py ), which contain a trans-(H)Mo≣Mo(H) core (Ad^Dipp2=HC(NDipp₂)₂; Dipp=2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃). Computational studies provide insights into the coordination and electronic characteristics of the central trans-Mo₂H₂ unit of 1 , with four-coordinate, fourteen-electron Mo atoms and ϵ-agostic interactions with Dipp methyl groups. Small size C- and N-donors give rise to related complexes 1⋅L but only one molecule of P-donors, for example, PMe₃, can bind to 1 , causing one of the hydrides to form a three-centered, two-electron (3c-2e) Mo-H→Mo bond ( 2⋅PMe₃ ). A DFT analysis of the terminal and bridging hydride coordination to the Mo≣Mo bond is also reported, along with reactivity studies of the Mo−H bonds of these complexes. Reactions investigated include oxidation of 1⋅thf by silver triflimidate, AgNTf₂, to afford a monohydride [Mo₂(μ-H)(μ-NTf₂)(μ-Ad^Dipp2)₂] ( 4 ), with an O,O’-bridging triflimidate ligand.     

Tritopic NHC Precursors: Unusual Nickel Reactivity and Ethylene Insertion into a C(sp3)–H Bond

The imidazolium chloride [C₃H₃N(C₃H₆NMe₂)N{C(Me)(=NDipp)}]Cl ( 1 ; Dipp=2,6‐diisopropyl phenyl), a potential precursor to a tritopic N^imineC^NHCN^amine pincer‐type ligand, reacted with [Ni(cod)₂] to give the Ni^I‐Ni^I complex 2 , which contains a rare cod‐derived η³‐allyl‐type bridging ligand. The implied intermediate formation of a nickel hydride through oxidative addition of the imidazolium C−H bond did not occur with the symmetrical imidazolium chloride [C₃H₃N₂{C(Me)(=NDipp)}₂]Cl ( 3 ). Instead, a Ni−C(sp³) bond was formed, leading to the neutral N^imineCHN^imine pincer‐type complex Ni[C₃H₃N₂{C(Me)(=NDipp)}₂]Cl ( 4 ). Theoretical studies showed that this highly unusual feature in nickel NHC chemistry is due to steric constraints induced by the N substituents, which prevent Ni−H bond formation. Remarkably, ethylene inserted into the C(sp³)−H bond of 4 without nickel hydride formation, thus suggesting new pathways for the alkylation of non‐activated C−H bonds.     

Halfsandwich Carbonylmetal Complexes of Vanadium,Chromium, and Manganese Containing Tri(1‐cyclohepta‐2, 4, 6‐trienyl)phosphane,P(C7H7)3

The photo‐induced substitution of a CO ligand has been used to prepare the halfsandwich complexes (η³‐C₃H₅)V(CO)₄[P(C₇H₇)₃] ( 1 ), (η⁵‐C₅H₅)V(CO)₃[P(C₇H₇)₃] ( 2 ), (η⁷‐C₇H₇)V(CO)₂[P(C₇H₇)₃] ( 3 ), (η⁶‐C₆H₃Me₃)Cr(CO)₂[P(C₇H₇)₃] ( 4 ), and (η⁵‐C₅H₅)Mn(CO)₂[P(C₇H₇)₃] ( 7 ), in which the olefinic phosphane is coordinated as a conventional two‐electron ligand through the lone pair of electrons at phosphorus. Some analogues, which are permethylated at the aromatic ring ( 2* , 4* , 7* ), were included for comparison. Subsequent photo‐elimination of another CO group from 4 or 7 converts the olefinic phosphane into a chelating four‐electron ligand, leading to (η⁶‐C₆H₃Me₃)Cr(CO)[P(C₇H₇)₂(η²‐C₇H₇)] ( 5 ) and (η⁵‐C₅H₅)Mn(CO)[P(C₇H₇)₂(η²‐C₇H₇)] ( 8 ), respectively. The η²‐coordinated double bond in 5 and 8 can be displaced by trimethylphosphite to give (η⁶‐C₆H₃Me₃)Cr(CO)[P(C₇H₇)₃][P(OMe)₃] ( 6 ) and (η⁵‐C₅H₅)Mn(CO)[P(C₇H₇)₃][P(OMe)₃] ( 9 ). The ³¹P and ¹³C NMR spectra of all complexes are discussed, and X‐ray structure analyses for 2 and 8 are presented. Prolonged irradiation of 7 and 8 led to a di(cycloheptatrienyl)phosphido‐bridged dimer, {(η⁵‐C₅H₅)Mn(CO)[P(C₇H₇)₂]}₂( 10 ).     

Homoleptic Two‐Coordinate Silylamido Complexes of Chromium(I), Manganese(I), and Cobalt(I)

Anionic two‐coordinate complexes of first‐row transition‐metal(I) centres are rare molecules that are expected to reveal new magnetic properties and reactivity. Recently, we demonstrated that a N(SiMe₃)₂^? ligand set, which is unable to prevent dimerisation or extraneous ligand coordination at the +2 oxidation state of iron, was nonetheless able to stabilise anionic two‐coordinate Fe^I complexes even in the presence of a Lewis base. We now report analogous Cr^I and Co^I complexes with exclusively this amido ligand and the isolation of a [Mn^I{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂]₂^2? dimer that features a Mn?Mn bond. Additionally, by increasing the steric hindrance of the ligand set, the two‐coordinate complex [Mn^I{N(Dipp)(SiMe₃)}₂]^? was isolated (Dipp=2,6‐iPr₂‐C₆H₃). Characterisation of these compounds by using X‐ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility measurements is provided along with ligand‐field analysis based on CASSCF/NEVPT2 ab initio calculations.     

Reactivity of titanium imidazolin-2-iminato complexes with 2,6-diisopropylaniline and 2-{(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-iminomethyl}pyrrole

Abstract

We report the reactions of imidazolin-2-iminato titanium complexes [(Im^RN)Ti(NMe₂)₃] (R = Mes, 2b; R = Dipp, 2c; Mes = mesityl, Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) with 2,6-diisopropylaniline in a 1:3 molar ratio to yield the titanium imido complexes of composition [(Im^RNH)Ti = N(^Dipp)(HN^Dipp)₂] (R = Mes, 3b; R = Dipp, 3c) in good yield by the Ti-Niminato bond cleavage at 60 °C. In contrast, the reaction of [(Im^RN)Ti(NMe₂)₃] with 2,6-diisopropylaniline in a 1:1 molar ratio afforded mono-substituted products [(Im^RN)Ti(NMe₂)₂(HN^Dipp)] (R = Mes, 4b; R = Dipp, 4c) in good yield. The reaction of [(Im^RN)Ti(NMe₂)₃] with the iminopyrrole ligand [2-(2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃-N = CH)C₄H₃NH] (N^DippPyH) in a 1:1 ratio afforded mixed ligands, titanium complexes [(Im^RN)Ti(NMe₂)₂(N^Dipp-Py)] (R = tBu, 5a; R = Dipp, 5c) with imidazolin-2-iminato and iminopyrrolide ligands. Molecular structures of 3b, 3c, 4c, 5a, and 5c were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The solid-state structures of 3b and 3c clearly indicate the formation of true Ti = N double bonds, measuring 1.730(2) Å and 1.727(1) Å, respectively. The solid-state structures of 5a and 5c reveal the formation of five-coordinate titanium complexes.     

Access to Stable Metalloradical Cations with Unsupported and Isomeric Metal–Metal Hemi‐Bonds

Metalloradical species [Co₂Fv(CO)₄]^.+ ( 1 ^.+, Fv=fulvalenediyl) and [Co₂Cp₂(CO)₄]^.+ ( 2 ^.+, Cp=η⁵‐C₅H₅), formed by one‐electron oxidations of piano‐stool cobalt carbonyl complexes, can be stabilized with weakly coordinating polyfluoroaluminate anions in the solid state. They feature a supported and an unsupported (i.e. unbridged) cobalt–cobalt three‐electron σ bond, respectively, each with a formal bond order of 0.5 (hemi‐bond). When Cp is replaced by bulkier Cp* (Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅), an interchange between an unsupported radical [Co₂Cp*₂(CO)₄]^.+ (anti‐ 3 ^.+) and a supported radical [Co₂Cp*₂(μ‐CO)₂(CO)₂]^.+ (trans‐ 3 ^.+) is observed in solution, which cocrystallize and exist in the crystal phase. 2 ^.+ and anti‐ 3 ^.+ are the first stable thus isolable examples that feature an unsupported metal–metal hemi‐bond, and the coexistence of anti‐ 3 ^.+ and trans‐ 3 ^.+ in one crystal is unprecedented in the field of dinuclear metalloradical chemistry. The work suggests that more stable metalloradicals of metal–metal hemi‐bonds may be accessible by using metal carbonyls together with large and weakly coordinating polyfluoroaluminate anions.     

From As‐Zincoarsasilene (LZn‐As=SiL′) to Arsaethynolato (As≡C−O) and Arsaketenylido (O=C=As) Zinc Complexes

The reactivity of the As‐zincosilaarsene LZn?As=SiL′ A (L=[CH(CMeNDipp)₂]^?, Dipp=2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃, L′=[{C(H)N(2,6‐ⁱPr₂‐C₆H₃)}₂]^2?) towards small molecules was investigated. Due to the pronounced zwitterionic character of the Si=As bond of A , it undergoes addition reactions with H₂O and NH₃, forming LZnAs(H)SiOH(L′) 1 and LZnAs(H)SiNH₂(L′) 2 . Oxygenation of A with N₂O at ?60 °C furnishes the deep blue 1,2‐disiloxydiarsene, [LZnOSi(L′)As]₂ 4 , presumably via dimerization of the arsinidene intermediate LZnOSi(L′)As 3 . Oxygenation of A with CO₂ leads to the monomeric arsaethynolato siloxido zinc complex LZnOSi(L′)(OC≡As) 5 , essentially trapping the intermediary arsinidene 3 with liberated CO following initial oxidation of the Si=As bond. DFT calculations confirm the ambident coordination mode of the anionic [AsCO] ligand in solution, with the O‐arsaethynolato [As≡C?O]^.? in 5 , and the As‐arsaketenylido ligand mode [O=C=As]^? present in LZnO?Si(L′)(?As=C=O) 5′ akin to the analogous phosphorus system, [PCO]^?.     

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.     

Stibinidene and Bismuthinidene as Two‐Electron Donors for Transition Metals (Co and Mn)

The reaction of stibinidene and bismuthinidene ArM [where Ar=C₆H₃‐2,6‐(CH=NtBu)₂; M=Sb ( 1 ), Bi ( 2 )] with transition metal (TM) carbonyls Co₂(CO)₈ and Mn₂(CO)₁₀ produced unprecedented ionic complexes [(ArM)₂Co(CO)₃]⁺[Co(CO)₄]^? and [(ArM)₂Mn(CO)₄]⁺[Mn(CO)₅]^? [where M=Sb ( 3 , 5 ), Bi ( 4 , 6 )]. The pnictinidenes 1 and 2 behaved as two‐electron donors in this set of compounds. Besides the M→TM bonds, the topological analysis also revealed a number of secondary interactions contributing to the stabilization of cationic parts of titled complexes.     

Dispersion‐Force‐Assisted Disproportionation: A Stable Two‐Coordinate Copper(II) Complex

The synthesis of the first linear coordinated Cu^II complex Cu{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₂ ( 1 Dipp=C₆H₅‐2,6Prⁱ₂) and its Cu^I counterpart [Cu{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₂]^? ( 2 ) is described. The formation of 1 proceeds through a dispersion force‐driven disproportionation, and is the reaction product of a Cu^I halide and LiN(SiMe₃)Dipp in a non‐donor solvent. The synthesis of 2 is accomplished by preventing the disproportionation into 1 by using the complexing agent 15‐crown‐5. EPR spectroscopy of 1 provides the first detailed study of a two‐coordinate transition‐metal complex indicating strong covalency in the Cu?N bonds.     

Electron‐Rich Diferrous–Phosphane–Thiolates Relevant to Fe‐only Hydrogenase: Is Cyanide “Nature's Trimethylphosphane”?

The two‐step one‐pot oxidative decarbonylation of [Fe₂(S₂C₂H₄)(CO)₄(PMe₃)₂] ( 1 ) with [FeCp₂]PF₆, followed by addition of phosphane ligands, led to a series of diferrous dithiolato carbonyls 2 – 6 , containing three or four phosphane ligands. In situ measurements indicate efficient formation of 1 ²⁺ as the initial intermediate of the oxidation of 1 , even when a deficiency of the oxidant was employed. Subsequent addition of PR₃ gave rise to [Fe₂(S₂C₂H₄)(μ‐CO)(CO)₃(PMe₃)₃]²⁺ ( 2 ) and [Fe₂(S₂C₂H₄)(μ‐CO)(CO)₂(PMe₃)₂(PR₃)₂]²⁺ (R=Me 3 , OMe 4 ) as principal products. One terminal CO ligand in these complexes was readily substituted by MeCN, and [Fe₂(S₂C₂H₄)(μ‐CO)(CO)₂(PMe₃)₃(MeCN)]²⁺ ( 5 ) and [Fe₂(S₂C₂H₄)(μ‐CO)(CO)(PMe₃)₄(MeCN)]²⁺ ( 6 ) were fully characterized. Relevant to the H_red state of the active site of Fe‐only hydrogenases, the unsymmetrical derivatives 5 and 6 feature a semibridging CO ligand trans to a labile coordination site.     

Influence of Cyclopentadienyl Ring‐Tilt on Electron‐Transfer Reactions: Redox‐Induced Reactivity of Strained [2] and [3]Ruthenocenophanes

In contrast to ruthenocene [Ru(η⁵‐C₅H₅)₂] and dimethylruthenocene [Ru(η⁵‐C₅H₄Me)₂] ( 7 ), chemical oxidation of highly strained, ring‐tilted [2]ruthenocenophane [Ru(η⁵‐C₅H₄)₂(CH₂)₂] ( 5 ) and slightly strained [3]ruthenocenophane [Ru(η⁵‐C₅H₄)₂(CH₂)₃] ( 6 ) with cationic oxidants containing the non‐coordinating [B(C₆F₅)₄]^? anion was found to afford stable and isolable metal?metal bonded dicationic dimer salts [Ru(η⁵‐C₅H₄)₂(CH₂)₂]₂[B(C₆F₅)₄]₂ ( 8 ) and [Ru(η⁵‐C₅H₄)₂(CH₂)₃]₂[B(C₆F₅)₄]₂ ( 17 ), respectively. Cyclic voltammetry and DFT studies indicated that the oxidation potential, propensity for dimerization, and strength of the resulting Ru?Ru bond is strongly dependent on the degree of tilt present in 5 and 6 and thereby degree of exposure of the Ru center. Cleavage of the Ru?Ru bond in 8 was achieved through reaction with the radical source [(CH₃)₂NC(S)S?SC(S)N(CH₃)₂] (thiram), affording unusual dimer [(CH₃)₂NCS₂Ru(η⁵‐C₅H₄)(η³‐C₅H₄)C₂H₄]₂[B(C₆F₅)₄]₂ ( 9 ) through a haptotropic η⁵–η³ ring‐slippage followed by an apparent [2+2] cyclodimerization of the cyclopentadienyl ligand. Analogs of possible intermediates in the reaction pathway [C₆H₅ERu(η⁵‐C₅H₄)₂C₂H₄][B(C₆F₅)₄] [E=S ( 15 ) or Se ( 16 )] were synthesized through reaction of 8 with C₆H₅E?EC₆H₅ (E=S or Se).