Transition‐Metal‐Mediated Cleavage of Fluoro‐Silanes under Mild Conditions

Si?F bond cleavage of fluoro‐silanes was achieved by transition‐metal complexes under mild and neutral conditions. The Iridium‐hydride complex [Ir(H)(CO)(PPh₃)₃] was found to readily break the Si?F bond of the diphosphine‐ difluorosilane {(o‐Ph₂P)C₆H₄}₂Si(F)₂ to afford a silyl complex [{[o‐(iPh₂P)C₆H₄]₂(F)Si}Ir(CO)(PPh₃)] and HF. Density functional theory calculations disclose a reaction mechanism in which a hypervalent silicon species with a dative Ir→Si interaction plays a crucial role. The Ir→Si interaction changes the character of the H on the Ir from hydridic to protic, and makes the F on Si more anionic, leading to the formation of H^δ+???F^δ? interaction. Then the Si?F and Ir?H bonds are readily broken to afford the silyl complex and HF through σ‐bond metathesis. Furthermore, the analogous rhodium complex [Rh(H)(CO)(PPh₃)₃] was found to promote the cleavage of the Si?F bond of the triphosphine‐monofluorosilane {(o‐Ph₂P)C₆H₄}₃Si(F) even at ambient temperature.     

Iridium Complexes of 2,2′‐Bidipyrrins

The reaction of [{Ir(cod)(μ‐Cl)}₂] and K₂CO₃ or of [{Ir(cod)(μ‐OMe)}₂] alone with the non‐natural tetrapyrrole 2,2′‐bidipyrrin (H₂BDP) yields, depending on the stoichiometry, the mononuclear complex [Ir(cod)(HBDP)] or the homodinuclear complex [{Ir(cod)}₂(BDP)]. Both complexes react readily with carbon monoxide to yield the species [Ir(CO)₂(HBDP)] and [{Ir(CO)₂}₂(BDP)], respectively. The results from NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction reveal different conformations for the tetrapyrrolic ligand in both complexes. The reaction of [{Ir(coe)₂(μ‐Cl)}₂] with H₂BDP proceeds differently and yields the macrocyclic [4e^?,2H⁺]‐oxidized product [IrCl₂(9‐Meic)] (9‐Meic = monoanion of 9‐methyl‐9,10‐isocorrole), which can be addressed as an iridium analog of cobalamin.     

Synthesis and characterization of phosphorescent cyclometalated iridium complexes containing 2,5‐diphenylpyridine based ligands

A series of phosphorescent cyclometalated iridium complexes with 2,5‐diphenylpyridine‐based ligands has been synthesized and characterized to investigate the effect of the simple ligand modification on photophysics, thermostability and electrochemistry. The complexes have the general structure (C^∧N)₂Ir(acac), where C^∧N is a monoanionic cyclometalating ligand [e.g. 2,5‐diphenylpyridyl (dppy), 2,5‐di(4‐methoxyphenyl)pyridyl (dmoppy), 2,5‐di(4‐ethoxyphenyl)pyridyl (deoppy) and 2,5‐di(4‐ethylphenyl)pyridyl (deppy)]. The absorption, emission, cyclic voltammetry and thermostability of the complexes were systematically investigated. The (dppy)₂Ir(acac) has been characterized using X‐ray crystallography. Calculation on the electronic ground state of (dppy)₂Ir(acac) was carried out using B3LYP density functional theory. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level is a mixture of Ir and ligand orbitals, while the lowest occupied molecular orbital (LUMO) is predominantly dppy ligand‐based. Electrochemical studies showed the oxidation potentials of (dmoppy)₂Ir(acac), (deoppy)₂Ir(acac), (deppy)₂Ir(acac) were smaller than that of (ppy)₂Ir(acac), while the oxidation potential of (dppy)₂Ir(acac) was larger relative to (ppy)₂Ir(acac). The 10% weight reduction temperatures of these complexes were above that of (ppy)₂Ir(acac). All complexes exhibited intense green photoluminescence, which has been attributed to MLCT triplet emission. The maximum emission wavelengths in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature were in the range 531–544 nm, which is more red‐shifted than that of (ppy)₂Ir(acac). Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mononuclear Iridium Dinitrogen Complexes Bonded to Zeolite HY

The adsorption of N₂ on structurally well‐defined dealuminated HY zeolite‐supported iridium diethylene complexes was investigated. Iridium dinitrogen complexes formed when the sample was exposed to N₂ in H₂ at 298 K, as shown by infrared spectra recorded with isotopically labeled N₂. Four supported species formed in various flowing gases: Ir(N₂), Ir(N₂)(N₂), Ir(C₂H₅)(N₂), and Ir(H)(N₂). Their interconversions are summarized in a reaction network, showing, for example, that, in the presence of N₂, Ir(N₂) was the predominant dinitrogen species at temperatures of 273–373 K. Ir(CO)(N₂) formed transiently in flowing CO, and in the presence of H₂, rather stable iridium hydride complexes formed. Four structural models of each iridium complex bonded at the acidic sites of the zeolite were employed in a computational investigation, showing that the calculated vibrational frequencies agree well with experiment when full calculations are done at the level of density functional theory, independent of the size of the model of the zeolite.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Reactivity of Hydridoiridium Complexes Bearing a Pincer‐Type PSiP Ligand

A series of iridium tetrahydride complexes [Ir(H)₄(PSiP‐R)] bearing a tridentate pincer‐type bis(phosphino)silyl ligand ([{2‐(R₂P)C₆H₄}₂MeSi]⁻, PSiP‐R, R=Cy, iPr, or tBu) were synthesized by the reduction of [IrCl(H)(PSiP‐R)] with Me₄N ⋅ BH₄ under argon. The same reaction under a nitrogen atmosphere afforded a rare example of thermally stable iridium(III)–dinitrogen complexes, [Ir(H)₂(N₂)(PSiP‐R)]. Two isomeric dinitrogen complexes were produced, in which the PSiP ligand coordinated to the iridium center in meridional and facial orientations, respectively. Attempted substitution of the dinitrogen ligand in [Ir(H)₂(N₂)(PSiP‐Cy)] with PMe₃ required heating at 150 °C to give the expected [Ir(H)₂(PMe₃)(PSiP‐Cy)] and a trigonal bipyramidal iridium(I)–dinitrogen complex, [Ir(N₂)(PMe₃)(PSiP‐Cy)]. The reaction of [Ir(H)₄(PSiP‐Cy)] with three equivalents of 2‐norbornene (nbe) in benzene afforded [Ir^I(nbe)(PSiP‐Cy)] in a high yield, while a similar reaction of [Ir(H)₄(PSiP‐R)] with an excess of 3,3‐dimethylbutene (tbe) in benzene gave the C H bond activation product, [Ir^III(H)(Ph)(PSiP‐R)], in high yield. The oxidative addition of benzene is reversible; heating [Ir^III(H)(Ph)(PSiP‐Cy)] in the presence of PPh₃ in benzene resulted in reductive elimination of benzene, coordination of PPh₃, and activation of the C H bond of one aromatic ring in PPh₃. [Ir^III(H)(Ph)(PSiP‐R)] catalyzed a direct borylation reaction of the benzene C H bond with bis(pinacolato)diboron. Molecular structures of most of the new complexes in this study were determined by a single‐crystal X‐ray analysis.     

A Zeolite‐Supported Molecular Ruthenium Complex with η6‐C6H6 Ligands: Chemistry Elucidated by Using Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory

An essentially molecular ruthenium–benzene complex anchored at the aluminum sites of dealuminated zeolite Y was formed by treating a zeolite‐supported mononuclear ruthenium complex, [Ru(acac)(η²‐C₂H₄)₂]⁺ (acac=acetylacetonate, C₅H₇O₂^?), with ¹³C₆H₆ at 413 K. IR, ¹³C NMR, and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra of the sample reveal the replacement of two ethene ligands and one acac ligand in the original complex with one ¹³C₆H₆ ligand and the formation of adsorbed protonated acac (Hacac). The EXAFS results indicate that the supported [Ru(η⁶‐C₆H₆)]²⁺ incorporates an oxygen atom of the support to balance the charge, being bonded to the zeolite through three Ru? O bonds. The supported ruthenium–benzene complex is analogous to complexes with polyoxometalate ligands, consistent with the high structural uniformity of the zeolite‐supported species, which led to good agreement between the spectra and calculations at the density functional theory level. The calculations show that the interaction of the zeolite with the Hacac formed on treatment of the original complex with ¹³C₆H₆ drives the reaction to form the ruthenium–benzene complex.     

Chemistry of transition‐metal complexes containing functionalized phosphines: synthesis and structural analysis of rhodium(I) complexes containing allyl and cyanoalkylphosphines

A series of related acetylacetonate–carbonyl–rhodium compounds substituted by functionalized phosphines has been prepared in good to excellent yields by the reaction of [Rh(acac)(CO)₂] (acac is acetylacetonate) with the corresponding allyl‐, cyanomethyl‐ or cyanoethyl‐substituted phosphines. All compounds were fully characterized by ³¹P, ¹H, ¹³C NMR and IR spectroscopy. The X‐ray structures of (acetylacetonato‐κ²O,O′)(tert‐butylphosphanedicarbonitrile‐κP)carbonylrhodium(I), [Rh(C₅H₇O₂)(CO)(C₈H₁₃N₂)] or [Rh(acac)(CO)(^tBuP(CH₂CN)₂}] ( 2b ), (acetylacetonato‐κ²O,O′)carbonyl[3‐(diphenylphosphanyl)propanenitrile‐κP]rhodium(I), [Rh(C₅H₇O₂)(C₁₅H₁₄N)(CO)] or [Rh(acac)(CO){Ph₂P(CH₂CH₂CN)}] ( 2h ), and (acetylacetonato‐κ²O,O′)carbonyl[3‐(di‐tert‐butylphosphanyl)propanenitrile‐κP]rhodium(I), [Rh(C₅H₇O₂)(C₁₁H₂₂N)(CO)] or [Rh(acac)(CO){^tBu₂P(CH₂CH₂CN)}] ( 2i ), showed a square‐planar geometry around the Rh atom with a significant trans influence over the acetylacetonate moiety, evidenced by long Rh—O bond lengths as expected for poor π‐acceptor phosphines. The Rh—P distances displayed an inverse linear dependence with the coupling constants J_P‐Rh and the IR ν(C[triple‐bond]O) bands, which accounts for the Rh—P electronic bonding feature (poor π‐acceptors) of these complexes. A combined study from density functional theory (DFT) calculations and an evaluation of the intramolecular H…Rh contacts from X‐ray diffraction data allowed a comparison of the conformational preferences of these complexes in the solid state versus the isolated compounds in the gas phase. For 2b , 2h and 2i , an energy‐framework study evidenced that the crystal structures are mainly governed by dispersive energy. In fact, strong pairwise molecular dispersive interactions are responsible for the columnar arrangement observed in these complexes. A Hirshfeld surface analysis employing three‐dimensional molecular surface contours and two‐dimensional fingerprint plots indicated that the structures are stabilized by H…H, C…H, H…O, H…N and H…Rh intermolecular interactions.     

Synthesis and structures of photoactive rhenium carbonyl complexes derived from 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole, 2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole and 1,10‐phenanthroline

Carbon monoxide (CO) has recently been identified as a gaseous signaling molecule that exerts various salutary effects in mammalian pathophysiology. Photoactive metal carbonyl complexes (photoCORMs) are ideal exogenous candidates for more controllable and site‐specific CO delivery compared to gaseous CO. Along this line, our group has been engaged for the past few years in developing group‐7‐based photoCORMs towards the efficient eradication of various malignant cells. Moreover, several such complexes can be tracked within cancerous cells by virtue of their luminescence. The inherent luminecscent nature of some photoCORMs and the change in emission wavelength upon CO release also provide a covenient means to track the entry of the prodrug and, in some cases, both the entry and CO release from the prodrug. In continuation of the research circumscribing the development of trackable photoCORMs and also to graft such molecules covalently to conventional delivery vehicles, we report herein the synthesis and structures of three rhenium carbonyl complexes, namely, fac‐tricarbonyl[2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole‐κ²N ,N ′](4‐vinylpyridine‐κN )rhenium(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate, [Re(C₇H₇N)(C₁₂H₈N₂S)(CO)₃](CF₃SO₃), ( 1 ), fac‐tricarbonyl[2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole‐κ²N ,N ′](4‐vinylpyridine‐κN )rhenium(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate, [Re(C₇H₇N)(C₁₆H₁₀N₂S)(CO)₃](CF₃SO₃), ( 2 ), and fac‐tricarbonyl[1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ²N ,N ′](4‐vinylpyridine‐κN )rhenium(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate, [Re(C₇H₇N)(C₁₂H₈N₂)(CO)₃](CF₃SO₃), ( 3 ). In all three complexes, the Re^I center resides in a distorted octahedral coordination environment. These complexes exhibit CO release upon exposure to low‐power UV light. The apparent CO release rates of the complexes have been measured to assess their comparative CO‐donating capacity. The three complexes are highly luminescent and this in turn provides a convenient way to track the entry of the prodrug molecules within biological targets.     

The Versatile Coordination Modes of Monophosphine‐o‐Carborane in the Formation of Iridium and Rhodium Complexes: Synthesis,Reactivity, and Characterization

Monophosphine‐o‐carborane has four competitive coordination modes when it coordinates to metal centers. To explore the structural transitions driven by these competitive coordination modes, a series of monophosphine‐o‐carborane Ir,Rh complexes were synthesized and characterized. [Cp*M(Cl)₂{1‐(PPh₂)‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₁}] (M=Ir ( 1 a ), Rh ( 1 b ); Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅), [Cp*Ir(H){7‐(PPh₂)‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₁₁}] ( 2 a ), and [1‐(PPh₂)‐3‐(η⁵‐Cp*)‐3,1,2‐MC₂B₉H₁₀] (M=Ir ( 3 a ), Rh ( 3 b )) can be all prepared directly by the reaction of 1‐(PPh₂)‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₁ with dimeric complexes [(Cp*MCl₂)₂] (M=Ir, Rh) under different conditions. Compound 3 b was treated with AgOTf (OTf=CF₃SO₃^?) to afford the tetranuclear metallacarborane [Ag₂(thf)₂(OTf)₂{1‐(PPh₂)‐3‐(η⁵‐Cp*)‐3,1,2‐RhC₂B₉H₁₀}₂] ( 4 b ). The arylphosphine group in 3 a and 3 b was functionalized by elemental sulfur (1 equiv) in the presence of Et₃N to afford [1‐{(S)PPh₂}‐3‐(η⁵‐Cp*)‐3,1,2‐MC₂B₉H₁₀] (M=Ir ( 5 a ), Rh ( 5 b )). Additionally, the 1‐(PPh₂)‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₁ ligand was functionalized by elemental sulfur (2 equiv) and then treated with [(Cp*IrCl₂)₂], thus resulting in two 16‐electron complexes [Cp*Ir(7‐{(S)PPh₂}‐8‐S‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₉)] ( 6 a ) and [Cp*Ir(7‐{(S)PPh₂}‐8‐S‐9‐OCH₃‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₉)] ( 7 a ). Compound 6 a further reacted with nBuPPh₂, thereby leading to 18‐electron complex [Cp*Ir(nBuPPh₂)(7‐{(S)PPh₂}‐8‐S‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₁₀)] ( 8 a ). The influences of other factors on structural transitions or the formation of targeted compounds, including reaction temperature and solvent, were also explored.     

Ligand‐Centred Reactivity of Bis(picolyl)amine Iridium: Sequential Deprotonation,Oxidation and Oxygenation of a “Non‐Innocent” Ligand

Treatment of [Ir(bpa)(cod)]⁺ complex [ 1 ]⁺ with a strong base (e.g., tBuO^?) led to unexpected double deprotonation to form the anionic [Ir(bpa?2H)(cod)]^? species [ 3 ]^?, via the mono‐deprotonated neutral amido complex [Ir(bpa?H)(cod)] as an isolable intermediate. A certain degree of aromaticity of the obtained metal–chelate ring may explain the favourable double deprotonation. The rhodium analogue [ 4 ]^? was prepared in situ. The new species [M(bpa?2H)(cod)]^? (M=Rh, Ir) are best described as two‐electron reduced analogues of the cationic imine complexes [M^I(cod)(Py‐CH₂‐N?CH‐Py)]⁺. One‐electron oxidation of [ 3 ]^? and [ 4 ]^? produced the ligand radical complexes [ 3 ]^. and [ 4 ]^.. Oxygenation of [ 3 ]^? with O₂ gave the neutral carboxamido complex [Ir(cod)(py‐CH₂‐N‐CO‐py)] via the ligand radical complex [ 3 ]^. as a detectable intermediate.     

Homo‐ and Heterodinuclear Ir and Rh Imine‐functionalized Protic NHC Complexes: Synthetic,Structural Studies,and Tautomerization/Metallotropism Insights

The influence of the potentially chelating imino group of imine‐functionalized Ir and Rh imidazole complexes on the formation of functionalized protic N‐heterocyclic carbene (pNHC) complexes by tautomerization/metallotropism sequences was investigated. Chloride abstraction in [Ir(cod)Cl{C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}] ( 1 a ) (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene, Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) with TlPF₆ gave [Ir(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^?). Plausible mechanisms for the tautomerization of complex 1 a to 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^? involving C2?H bond activation either in 1 a or in [Ir(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}₂]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 6 a ⁺[PF₆]^?) were postulated. Addition of PR₃ to complex 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^? afforded the eighteen‐valence‐electron complexes [Ir(cod)(PR₃){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 7 a ⁺[PF₆]^? (R=Ph) and 7 b ⁺[PF₆]^? (R=Me)). In contrast to Ir, chloride abstraction from [Rh(cod)Cl{C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}] ( 1 b ) at room temperature afforded [Rh(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}₂]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 6 b ⁺[PF₆]^?) and [Rh(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 3 b ⁺[PF₆]^?) (minor); the reaction yielded exclusively the latter product in toluene at 110 °C. Double metallation of the azole ring (at both the C2 and the N3 atom) was also achieved: [Ir₂(cod)₂Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 10 ) and the heterodinuclear complex [IrRh(cod)₂Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 12 ) were fully characterized. The structures of complexes 1 b , 3 b ⁺[PF₆]^?, 6 a ⁺[PF₆]^?, 7 a ⁺[PF₆]^?, [Ir(cod){C₃HN₂(DippN=CMe)(DippN=CH)(Me)‐κ²(N3,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 9 ⁺[PF₆]^?), 10? Et₂O ? toluene, [Ir₂(CO)₄Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 11 ), and 12? 2 THF were determined by X‐ray diffraction.     

DFT/TD‐DFT investigation on Ir(III) complexes with N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands: Geometries,electronic structures,absorption, and phosphorescence properties

Iridium(III) complexes with N‐heterocyclic (NHC) ligands including fac‐Ir(pmb)₃ (1), mer‐Ir(pmb)₃ (2), (pmb)₂Ir(acac) (3), mer‐Ir(pypi)₃ (4), and fac‐Ir(pypi)₃ (5) [pmb = 1‐phenyl‐3H‐benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene, acac = acetoylacetonate, pypi = 1‐phenyl‐5H‐benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene; fac = facial, mer = meridional] were investigated theoretically. The geometry structures of 1–5 in the ground and excited state were optimized with restricted and unrestricted DFT (density functional theory) methods, respectively (LANL2DZ for Ir atom and 6‐31G for other atoms). The HOMOs (highest occupied molecular orbitals) of 1–3 are composed of d(Ir) and π(phenyl), while those of 4 and 5 are contributed by d(Ir) and π(carbene). The LUMOs (lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals) of 1, 2, 4, and 5 are localized on carbene, but that of 3 is localized on acac. The calculated lowest‐lying absorptions with TD‐DFT method based on Perdew‐Burke‐Erzenrhof (PBE) functional of 1 (310 nm), 2 (332 nm), and 3 (347 nm) have ML_carbeneCT/IL_{phenyl→carbene}CT (MLCT = metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer; ILCT = intraligand charge transfer) transition characters, whereas those of 4 (385 nm) and 5 (389 nm) are assigned to ML_carbeneCT/IL_{carbene→carbene}CT transitions. The phosphorescences calculated by TD‐DFT method with PBE0 functional of 1 (386 nm) and 2 (388 nm) originate from ³ML_carbeneCT/³IL_{phenyl→carbene}CT excited states, but those of 4 (575 nm) and 5 (578 nm) come from ³ML_carbeneCT/³IL_{carbene→carbene}CT excited states. The calculated results showed that the carbene and phenyl groups act as two independent chromophores in transition processes. Compared with 1 and 2, the absorptions of 4 and 5 are red‐shifted by increasing the effective π‐conjugation groups near the C_carbene atom. We predicated that (pmb)₂Ir(acac) is nonemissive, because the LUMO of 3 is contributed by the nonemissive acac ligand. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010     

Phosphorescent Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes That Contain Substituted 2‐Acetylbenzo[b]thiophen‐3‐olate Ligand for Red Organic Light‐Emitting Devices

We report the synthesis of a new class of thermally stable and strongly luminescent cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes 1 – 6 , which contain the 2‐acetylbenzo[b]thiophene‐3‐olate (bt) ligand, and their application in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). These heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes with bt as the ancillary ligand have a decomposition temperature that is 10–20 % higher and lower emission self‐quenching constants than those of their corresponding complexes with acetylacetonate (acac). The luminescent color of these iridium(III) complexes could be fine‐tuned from orange (e.g., 2‐phenyl‐6‐(trifluoromethyl)benzo[d]thiazole (cf₃bta) for 4 ) to pure red (e.g., lpt (Hlpt=4‐methyl‐2‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)quinolone) for 6 ) by varying the cyclometalating ligands (C‐deprotonated C^N). In particular, highly efficient OLEDs based on 6 as dopant (emitter) and 1,3‐bis(carbazol‐9‐yl)benzene (mCP) as host that exhibit stable red emission over a wide range of brightness with CIE chromaticity coordinates of (0.67, 0.33) well matched to the National Television System Committee (NTSC) standard have been fabricated along with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) and current efficiency of 9 % and 10 cd A^?1, respectively. A further 50 % increase in EQE (>13 %) by replacing mCP with bis[4‐(6H‐indolo[2,3‐b]quinoxalin‐6‐yl)phenyl]diphenylsilane (BIQS) as host for 6 in the red OLED is demonstrated. The performance of OLEDs fabricated with 6 (i.e., [(lpt)₂Ir(bt)]) was comparable to that of the analogous iridium(III) complex that bore acac (i.e., [(lpt)₂Ir(acac)]; 6 a in this work) [Adv. Mater.­ 2011 , 23, 2981] fabricated under similar conditions. By using ntt (Hnnt=3‐hydroxynaphtho[2,3‐b]thiophen‐2‐yl)(thiophen‐2‐yl)methanone) ligand, a substituted derivative of bt, the [(cf₃bta)₂Ir(ntt)] was prepared and found to display deep red emission at around 700 nm with a quantum yield of 12 % in mCP thin film.     

Reactivity Studies of Iridium Pyridylidenes [TpMe2Ir(C6H5)2(C(CH)3C(R)NH] (R=H,Me, Ph)

The reactivity of a series of iridium? pyridylidene complexes with the formula [Tp^Me2Ir(C₆H₅)₂(C(CH)₃C(R)N H] ( 1 a – 1 c ) towards a variety of substrates, from small molecules, such as H₂, O₂, carbon oxides, and formaldehyde, to alkenes and alkynes, is described. Most of the observed reactivity is best explained by invoking 16 e^? unsaturated [Tp^Me2Ir(phenyl)(pyridyl)] intermediates, which behave as internal frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs). H₂ is heterolytically split to give hydride? pyridylidene complexes, whilst CO, CO₂, and H₂C?O provide carbonyl, carbonate, and alkoxide species, respectively. Ethylene and propene form five‐membered metallacycles with an IrCH₂CH(R)N (R=H, Me) motif, whereas, in contrast, acetylene affords four‐membered iridacycles with the IrC(?CH₂)N moiety. C₆H₅(C?O)H and C₆H₅C?CH react with formation of Ir? C₆H₅ and Ir? C?CPh bonds and the concomitant elimination of a molecule of pyridine and benzene, respectively. Finally the reactivity of compounds 1 a – 1 c against O₂ is described. Density functional theory calculations that provide theoretical support for these experimental observations are also reported.     

A modular design of metal catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones

The ability of transition metal catalysts to add or remove hydrogen from organic substrates by transfer hydrogenation is a valuable synthetic tool. Towards a series of novel metal complexes with a P―NH ligand, [Ph₂PNHCH₂―C₄H₃O] derived from furfurylamine were synthesized. Reaction of [Ph₂PNHCH₂―C₄H₃O] 1 with [Ru(η⁶‐p‐cymene)(μ‐Cl)Cl]₂, [Ru(η⁶‐benzene)(μ‐Cl)Cl]₂, [Rh(μ‐Cl)(cod)]₂ and [Ir(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(μ‐Cl)Cl]₂ gave a range of new monodentate complexes [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂―C₄H₃O)(η⁶‐p‐cymene)Cl₂] 2 , [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂―C₄H₃O)(η⁶‐benzene)Cl₂] 3 , [Rh(Ph₂PNHCH₂‐C₄H₃O)(cod)Cl] 4 , and [Ir(Ph₂PNHCH₂‐C₄H₃0)(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Cl₂] 5 , respectively. All new complexes were fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. ³¹P‐{¹H} NMR, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT) or ¹H‐¹³C heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) experiments were used to confirm the spectral assignments. Following activation by KOH, compounds 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 catalyzed the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives to 1‐phenylethanol derivatives in the presence of iso‐PrOH as the hydrogen source. Notably [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂‐C₄H₃O)(η⁶‐benzene)Cl₂] 3 acts as an excellent catalyst, giving the corresponding alcohols in 98–99% yield in 20 min at 82°C (time of flight ≤ 297 h^?1) for the transfer hydrogenation reaction in comparison to analogous rhodium or iridium complexes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and Platinum Complexes of an Alane‐Appended 1,1′‐Bis(phosphino)ferrocene Ligand

An aryldimethylalane‐appended analogue of 1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene, FcPPAl, was prepared, and reaction with [Pt(nb)₃] (nb=norbornene) afforded [Pt(η²‐nb)(FcPPAl)] ( 1 ). Heating a solution of 1 to 80 °C resulted in crystallization of [{Pt(FcPPAl)}₂] ( 2 ), whereas treatment of 1 with C₂H₄, C₂Ph₂, H₂, or CO provided [PtL(FcPPAl)] [L=C₂H₄ ( 3 ), C₂Ph₂ ( 4 )], [PtH₂(FcPPAl)] ( 5 ), and [Pt(CO)(FcPPAl)] ( 6 ). In all complexes, the FcPPAl ligand is coordinated through both phosphines and the alane. Whereas 2 adopts a T‐shaped geometry at platinum, 3 – 5 are square‐pyramidal, and 6 is distorted square‐planar. The hydride and carbonyl complexes feature unusual multicenter bonding involving platinum, aluminum, and a hydride or carbonyl ligand.     

Role of the Support in Catalysis: Activation of a Mononuclear Ruthenium Complex for Ethene Dimerization by Chemisorption on Dealuminated Zeolite Y

A set of supported ruthenium complexes with systematically varied ratios of chemisorbed to physisorbed species was formed by contacting cis‐[Ru(acac)₂(C₂H₄)₂] ( I ; acac=C₅H₇O₂^?) with dealuminated zeolite Y. Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra used to characterize the samples confirmed the systematic variation in the loadings of the two supported species and demonstrated that removal of bidentate acac ligands from I accompanied chemisorption to form [Ru(acac)(C₂H₄)₂]⁺ attached through two Ru? O bonds to the Al sites of the zeolite. A high degree of uniformity in the chemisorbed species was demonstrated by sharp bands in the infrared (IR) spectrum characteristic of ruthenium dicarbonyls that formed when CO reacted with the anchored complex. When the ruthenium loading exceeded 1.0 wt % (Ru/Al≈1:6), the additional adsorbed species were simply physisorbed. Ethene ligands on the chemisorbed species reacted to form butenes when the temperature was raised to approximately 393 K; acac ligands remained bonded to Ru. In contrast, ethene ligands on the physisorbed complex simply desorbed under the same conditions. The chemisorption activated the ruthenium complex and facilitated dimerization of the ethene, which occurred catalytically. IR and EXAFS spectra of the supported samples indicate that 1) Ru centers in the chemisorbed species are more electron deficient than those in the physisorbed species and 2) Ru–ethene bonds in the chemisorbed species are less symmetric than those in the physisorbed species, which implies the presence of a preferred configuration for the catalytic dimerization.     

Kinetic analyses of biomass tar pyrolysis using the distributed activation energy model by TG/DTA technique

Volatile compounds of iridium(I): (acetylacetonato)(1,5-cyclooctadiene)iridium(I) Ir(acac)(cod), (methylcyclopentadienyl) (1,5-cyclooctadiene)iridium(I) Ir(Cp’)(cod), (pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)(dicarbonyl) iridium(I) Ir(Cp*)(CO)₂ and (acetylacetonato)(dicarbonyl)iridium(I) Ir(acac)(CO)₂ were synthesized and identified by means of element analysis, NMR-spectroscopy, mass spectrometry. Thermal properties in solid phase for synthesized iridium(I) complexes were studied by means of thermogravimetric analysis in inert atmosphere (He). By effusion Knudsen method with mass spectrometric registration of gas phase composition the temperature dependencies of saturated vapor pressure were measured for iridium(I) compounds and the thermodynamic characteristics of vaporization processes enthalpy ΔH _T* and entropy ΔS _T⁰ were determined. The energy of intermolecular interaction in the crystals of complexes was calculated.     

Syntheses,Spectroscopic, Electrochemical,and Third‐Order Nonlinear Optical Studies of a Hybrid Tris{ruthenium(alkynyl)/(2‐phenylpyridine)}iridium Complex

The synthesis of fac‐[Ir{N,C₁′‐(2,2′‐NC₅H₄C₆H₃‐5′‐C?C‐1‐C₆H₂‐3,5‐Et₂‐4‐C?CC₆H₄‐4‐C?CH)}₃] ( 10 ), which bears pendant ethynyl groups, and its reaction with [RuCl(dppe)₂]PF₆ to afford the heterobimetallic complex fac‐[Ir{N,C₁′‐(2,2′‐NC₅H₄C₆H₃‐5′‐C?C‐1‐C₆H₂‐3,5‐Et₂‐4‐C?CC₆H₄‐4‐C?C‐trans‐[RuCl(dppe)₂])}₃] ( 11 ) is described. Complex 10 is available from the two‐step formation of iodo‐functionalized fac‐tris[2‐(4‐iodophenyl)pyridine]iridium(III) ( 6 ), followed by ligand‐centered palladium‐catalyzed coupling and desilylation reactions. Structural studies of tetrakis[2‐(4‐iodophenyl)pyridine‐N,C₁′](μ‐dichloro)diiridium 5 , 6 , fac‐[Ir{N,C₁′‐(2,2′‐NC₅H₄C₆H₃‐5′‐C?C‐1‐C₆H₂‐3,5‐Et₂‐4‐C?CH)}₃] ( 8 ), and 10 confirm ligand‐centered derivatization of the tris(2‐phenylpyridine)iridium unit. Electrochemical studies reveal two ( 5 ) or one ( 6 – 10 ) Ir‐centered oxidations for which the potential is sensitive to functionalization at the phenylpyridine groups but relatively insensitive to more remote derivatization. Compound 11 undergoes sequential Ru‐centered and Ir‐centered oxidation, with the potential of the latter significantly more positive than that of Ir(N,C′‐NC₅H₄‐2‐C₆H₄‐2)₃. Ligand‐centered π–π* transitions characteristic of the Ir(N,C′‐NC₅H₄‐2‐C₆H₄‐2)₃ unit red‐shift and gain in intensity following the iodo and alkynyl incorporation. Spectroelectrochemical studies of 6 , 7 , 9 , and 11 reveal the appearance in each case of new low‐energy LMCT bands following formal Ir^III/IV oxidation preceded, in the case of 11 , by the appearance of a low‐energy LMCT band associated with the formal Ru^II/III oxidation process. Emission maxima of 6 – 10 reveal a red‐shift upon alkynyl group introduction and arylalkynyl π‐system lengthening; this process is quenched upon incorporation of the ligated ruthenium moiety on proceeding to 11 . Third‐order nonlinear optical studies of 11 were undertaken at the benchmark wavelengths of 800 nm (fs pulses) and 532 nm (ns pulses), the results from the former suggesting a dominant contribution from two‐photon absorption, and results from the latter being consistent with primarily excited‐state absorption.     

Carbonyl–carbonyl and carbonyl–π interactions as directing motifs in the supramolecular structure of carbonyl(3‐oxopenta‐1,4‐diene‐1,5‐diyl)[tris(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl‐κN2)methane]iridium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate

In the title complex salt, [Ir(C₅H₄O)(C₁₆H₂₂N₆)(CO)](CF₃O₃S), the Ir^III centre adopts a distorted octahedral geometry with a facial coordination of the tris(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methane ligand. The C—C distances of the iridacycle are in agreement with its iridacyclohexa‐2,5‐dien‐4‐one nature, which presents a nonsymmetric boat‐like conformation with the C—Ir—C vertex more bent than the C—C(=O)—C vertex. The supramolecular architecture is mainly directed by CO...CO and CO...π and Csp³—H...O interactions, the arrangement of which depends on the anion.