Synthesis and Study of Cationic,Two‐Coordinate Triphenylphosphine– Gold–π Complexes

Cationic, two‐coordinate triphenylphosphine–gold(I)–π complexes of the form [(PPh₃)Au(π ligand)]⁺ SbF₆^? (π ligand=4‐methylstyrene, 1? SbF₆), 2‐methyl‐2‐butene ( 3? SbF₆), 3‐hexyne ( 6? SbF₆), 1,3‐cyclohexadiene ( 7? SbF₆), 3‐methyl‐1,2‐butadiene ( 8? SbF₆), and 1,7‐diphenyl‐3,4‐heptadiene ( 10? SbF₆) were generated in situ from reaction of [(PPh₃)AuCl], AgSbF₆, and π ligand at ?78 °C and were characterized by low‐temperature, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy without isolation. The π ligands of these complexes were both weakly bound and kinetically labile and underwent facile intermolecular exchange with free ligand (ΔG^≠≈9 kcal mol^?1 in the case of 6? SbF₆) and competitive displacement by weak σ donors, such as trifluoromethane sulfonate. Triphenylphosphine–gold(I)–π complexes were thermally unstable and decomposed above ?20 °C to form the bis(triphenylphosphine) gold cation [(PPh₃)₂Au]⁺SbF₆^? ( 2? SbF₆).     

Stable Actinide π Complexes of a Neutral 1,4‐Diborabenzene

The π coordination of arene and anionic heteroarene ligands is a ubiquitous bonding motif in the organometallic chemistry of d‐block and f‐block elements. By contrast, related π interactions of neutral heteroarenes including neutral bora‐π‐aromatics are less prevalent particularly for the f‐block, due to less effective metal‐to‐ligand backbonding. In fact, π complexes with neutral heteroarene ligands are essentially unknown for the actinides. We have now overcome these limitations by exploiting the exceptionally strong π donor capabilities of a neutral 1,4‐diborabenzene. A series of remarkably robust, π‐coordinated thorium(IV) and uranium(IV) half‐sandwich complexes were synthesized by simply combining the bora‐π‐aromatic with ThCl₄(dme)₂ or UCl₄, representing the first examples of actinide complexes with a neutral boracycle as sandwich‐type ligand. Experimental and computational studies showed that the strong actinide–heteroarene interactions are predominately electrostatic in nature with distinct ligand‐to‐metal π donation and without significant π/δ backbonding contributions.     

Selectively Measuring π Back‐Donation in Gold(I) Complexes by NMR Spectroscopy

Even though the Dewar–Chatt–Duncanson model has been successfully used by chemists since the 1950s, no experimental methodology is yet known to unambiguously estimate the constituents (donation and back‐donation) of a metal–ligand interaction. It is demonstrated here that one of these components, the metal‐to‐ligand π back‐donation, can be effectively probed by NMR measurements aimed at determining the rotational barrier of a C?N bond (ΔH_r^≠) of a nitrogen acyclic carbene ligand. A large series of gold(I) complexes have been synthesized and analyzed, and it was found that the above experimental observables show an accurate correlation with back‐donation, as defined theoretically by the appropriate charge displacement originated upon bond formation. The proposed method is potentially of wide applicability for analyzing the ligand effect in metal catalysts and guiding their design.     

Structures and Dynamic Solution Behavior of Cationic,Two‐Coordinate Gold(I)–π‐Allene Complexes

A family of seven cationic gold complexes that contain both an alkyl substituted π‐allene ligand and an electron‐rich, sterically hindered supporting ligand was isolated in >90 % yield and characterized by spectroscopy and, in three cases, by X‐ray crystallography. Solution‐phase and solid‐state analysis of these complexes established preferential binding of gold to the less substituted C?C bond of the allene and to the allene π face trans to the substituent on the uncomplexed allenyl C?C bond. Kinetic analysis of intermolecular allene exchange established two‐term rate laws of the form rate=k₁[complex]+k₂[complex][allene] consistent with allene‐independent and allene‐dependent exchange pathways with energy barriers of ΔG^≠₁=17.4–18.8 and ΔG^≠₂=15.2–17.6 kcal mol^?1, respectively. Variable temperature (VT) NMR analysis revealed fluxional behavior consistent with facile (ΔG^≠=8.9–11.4 kcal mol^?1) intramolecular exchange of the allene π faces through η¹‐allene transition states and/or intermediates that retain a staggered arrangement of the allene substituents. VT NMR/spin saturation transfer analysis of [{P(tBu)₂o‐binaphthyl}Au(η²‐4,5‐nonadiene) ]⁺SbF₆^? ( 5 ), which contains elements of chirality in both the phosphine and allene ligands, revealed no epimerization of the allene ligand below the threshold for intermolecular allene exchange (ΔG^≠_298K=17.4 kcal mol^?1), which ruled out the participation of a η¹‐allylic cation species in the low‐energy π‐face exchange process for this complex.     

Competitive Gold‐Activation Modes in Terminal Alkynes: An Experimental and Mechanistic Study

The competition between π‐ and dual σ,π‐gold‐activation modes is revealed in the gold(I)‐catalyzed heterocyclization of 1‐(o‐ethynylaryl)urea. A noticeable effect of various ligands in gold complexes on the choice of these activation modes is described. The cationic [Au(IPr)]⁺ (IPr=2,6‐bis(diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene) complex cleanly promotes the π activation of terminal alkynes, whereas [Au(PtBu₃)]⁺ favors intermediate σ,π species. In this experimental and mechanistic study, which includes kinetic and cross‐over experiments, several σ‐gold, σ,π‐gold, and other gold polynuclear reaction intermediates have been isolated and identified by NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, or MALDI spectrometry. The ligand control in the simultaneous or alternative π‐ and σ,π‐activation modes is also supported by deuterium‐labeling experiments.     

Novel D − π − A dye sensitizers of polymeric metal complexes based on 8‐hydroxyquinoline and phenylethyl or fluorene units: synthesis,characterization and photovoltaic applications for dye‐sensitized solar cells

Four novel donor ? π‐bridge ? acceptor (D ? π ? A) polymeric metal complexes (P1–P4) based on 8‐hydroxyquinoline metal complexes were synthesized and tested for their performance in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The polymeric metal complexes dyes use alkoxy benzene or alkyl fluorene as the electron donor and C=C as π linker; the 8‐hydroxyquinoline derivative complex part was used as the electron acceptor and diaminomaleonitrile was used as ancillary ligand. The two strongly electron‐withdrawing cyano groups in the polymer structure can provide an efficient charge transport in the intramolecular between donor and acceptor parts. The thermal, photophysical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties of these copolymers were investigated by TGA, differential scanning calorimetry, cyclic voltammetry and cureent density‐voltage curves, and the results showed that dye containing complex Zn(II) and alkoxy benzene unit benefited the generation of photocurrent and open‐circuit voltages, and a maximum power conversion efficiency of 1.91% (P2) was obtained, with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.71 V, a short‐circuit current density of 4.23 mA cm^?2, and a fill factor of 38.6% under AM1.5G irradiation. The study results also show that the four polymers exhibit good thermal stability, indicating that these polymeric metal complexes are suitable for the fabrication processes of optoelectronic devices. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Nona‐nuclear Heterometallic Pd3Pt6 “Donut”‐Shaped Cage: Molecular Recognition and Photocatalysis

We report a simple, low‐symmetry 2‐(1‐(pyridine‐4‐methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine ligand that has both monodentate and bidentate binding sites. With platinum(II) and/or palladium(II) ions, two examples of a new nona‐nuclear metallo‐assembly have been accessed. These complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), and in key cases, X‐ray crystallography. The cages possess three clefts comprised of planar cationic panels. This structural feature enables the binding of planar aromatic guests such as anthracene. More interestingly, the heterometallic assembly was able to catalyze the light‐induced [4+2] cycloaddition of anthracene with singlet oxygen.     

Effect of CO on the Oxidative Addition of Arene C?H Bonds by Cationic Rhodium Complexes

Sequential addition of CO molecules to cationic aryl–hydrido Rh^III complexes of phosphine‐based (PCP) pincer ligands was found to lead first to C? H reductive elimination and then to C? H oxidative addition, thereby demonstrating a dual role of CO. DFT calculations indicate that the oxidative addition reaction is directly promoted by CO, in contrast to the commonly accepted view that CO hinders such reactions. This intriguing effect was traced to repulsive π interactions along the aryl‐Rh‐CO axis, which are augmented by the initially added CO ligand (due to antibonding interactions between occupied Rh d_π orbitals and occupied π orbitals of both CO and the arene moiety), but counteracted by the second CO ligand (due to significant π back‐donation). These repulsive interactions were themselves linked to significant weakening of the π‐acceptor character of CO in the positively charged rhodium complexes, which is concurrent with an enhanced σ‐donating capability. Replacement of the phosphine ligands by an analogous phosphinite‐based (POCOP) pincer ligand led to significant changes in reactivity, whereby addition of CO did not result in C? H reductive elimination, but yielded relatively stable mono‐ and dicarbonyl aryl–hydrido POCOP–Rh^III complexes. DFT calculations showed that the stability of these complexes arises from the higher electrophilicity of the POCOP ligand, relative to PCP, which leads to partial reduction of the excessive π‐electron density along the aryl‐Rh‐CO axis. Finally, comparison between the effects of CO and acetonitrile on C? H oxidative addition revealed that they exhibit similar reactivity, despite their markedly different electronic properties. However, DFT calculations indicate that the two ligands operate by different mechanisms.     

Synthesis,Coordination Chemistry and Bonding of Strong N‐Donor Ligands Incorporating the 1H‐Pyridin‐(2E)‐Ylidene (PYE) Motif

A range of N‐donor ligands based on the 1H‐pyridin‐(2E)‐ylidene (PYE) motif have been prepared, including achiral and chiral examples. The ligands incorporate one to three PYE groups that coordinate to a metal through the exocyclic nitrogen atom of each PYE moiety, and the resulting metal complexes have been characterised by methods including single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy to examine metal–ligand bonding and ligand dynamics. Upon coordination of a PYE ligand to a proton or metal‐complex fragment, the solid‐state structures, NMR spectroscopy and DFT studies indicate that charge redistribution occurs within the PYE heterocyclic ring to give a contribution from a pyridinium–amido‐type resonance structure. Additional IR spectroscopy and computational studies suggest that PYE ligands are strong donor ligands. NMR spectroscopy shows that for metal complexes there is restricted motion about the exocyclic C? N bond, which projects the heterocyclic N‐substituent in the vicinity of the metal atom causing restricted motion in chelating‐ligand derivatives. Solid‐state structures and DFT calculations also show significant steric congestion and secondary metal–ligand interactions between the metal and ligand C? H bonds.     

Metal-Boron Compounds – Problems and Perspectives

“True” metal-boron compounds have been known for about ten years. The bonding between the metal and boron atoms can vary widely in nature: Not only simple covalent bonds are encountered but also coordinate bonds and boron-metal multicenter bonds. Furthermore, π complexes of transition metals with boron-nitrogen systems and metal complexes containing boron(I) compounds as ligands have recently also been prepared.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Luminescent Properties of Silver(I) Complexes based on Diphosphine Ligands and 2,9‐Dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline

Five mono‐nuclear silver(I) complexes with the ligand 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline, namely [Ag(DPEphos)(dmp)]BF₄ ( 1 ), [Ag(DPEphos)(dmp)]CF₃SO₃ ( 2 ), [Ag(DPEphos)(dmp)]ClO₄ ( 3 ), [Ag(DPEphos)(dmp)]NO₃ ( 4 ), and [Ag(dppb)(dmp)]NO₃ · CH₃OH ( 5 ) {DPEphos = bis[2‐(diphenylphosphanyl)phenyl]ether, dppb = 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)benzene, dmp = 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline} were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, IR, ¹H NMR, ³¹P NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. Their terahertz (THz) time‐domain spectra were also studied. In these complexes the silver(I), which is coordinated by two kinds of chelating ligands, adopts four‐coordinate modes to generate mono‐nuclear structures. In complexes 1 , 3 – 5 , offset π ··· π weak interactions exist between the neighboring benzene rings. In the ³¹P NMR spectra, there exist splitting signals (dd), which can be attributed to the coupling of the ^107,109Ag–³¹P. All the emission peaks of these complexes are attributed to ligand‐centered excited states.     

DFT Mechanistic Study on Diene Metathesis Catalyzed by Ru‐Based Grubbs–Hoveyda‐Type Carbenes: The Key Role of π‐Electron Density Delocalization in the Hoveyda Ligand

The catalytic activity and catalyst recovery of two heterogenized ruthenium‐based precatalysts ( H and NO₂(4) ) in diene ring‐closing metathesis have been studied by means of density functional calculations at the B3LYP level of theory. For comparison and rationalization of the key factors that lead to higher activities and higher catalyst recoveries, four other Grubbs–Hoveyda complexes have also been investigated. The full catalytic cycle (catalyst formation, propagation, and precatalyst regeneration) has been considered. DFT calculations suggest that either for the homogeneous and heterogenized systems the activity of the catalysts mainly depends on the ability of the precursor to generate the propagating carbene. This ability does not correlate with the traditionally identified key factor, the Ru???O interaction strength. In contrast, precatalysts with lower alkoxy‐dissociation energy barriers and lower stabilities compared with the propagating carbene also present larger C1? C2 bond length (i.e., lower π character of the C? C bond that exists between the metal–carbene (Ru?C) and the phenyl ring of the Hoveyda ligand). Catalyst recovery, regardless of whether a release–return mechanism occurs or not, is also mainly determined by the π delocalization. Therefore, future Grubbs–Hoveyda‐type catalyst development should be based on fine‐tuning the π‐electron density of the phenyl moiety, with the subsequent effect on the metalloaromaticity of the ruthenafurane ring, rather than considering the modification of the Ru???O interaction.     

Synthesis and Structure of New Trimethylplatinum(IV) Iodide Complexes of 2,2′‐Bipyridine Ligands

The synthesis and structural characterization of four new trimethylplatinum(IV) iodide complexes of 2,2′‐bipyridine ligands {[PtMe₃(4,4′‐Clbipy)I] ( 1 ), [PtMe₃(4,4′‐Brbipy)I] ( 2 ), [PtMe₃(4,4′‐CNbipy)I] ( 3 ) and [PtMe₃(4,4′‐NO₂bipy)I] ( 4 )} are reported. The ¹H NMR spectra of the complexes reveal the presence of two chemically distinct methyl groups in the complexes. X‐ray crystal structures of complexes 1 – 4 show that the platinum metal center in each of the complexes form distorted octahedral structure being surrounded by methyl groups, bipyridine ligand, and iodine atom. Furthermore, the crystal packing study shows that self‐assembly of the complexes are governed by weak hydrogen bonding and other non‐covalent interactions such as π ··· π, halogen ··· π and C–H ··· π interactions. Complex 1 exhibits infinite one‐dimensional zigzag chain structure and other three complexes form infinite ladder type structures.     

Selective Reduction of CO2 to a Formate Equivalent with Heterobimetallic Gold‐ ‐ ‐Copper Hydride Complexes

A series of heterobimetallic complexes containing three‐center, two‐electron Au−H−Cu bonds have been prepared from addition of a parent gold hydride to a bent d¹⁰ copper(I) fragment. These highly unusual heterobimetallic complexes represent a missing link in the widely investigated series of neutral and cationic coinage metal hydride complexes containing Cu−H−Cu and M−H−M⁺ moieties (M=Cu, Ag). The well‐defined heterobimetallic hydride complexes act as precatalysts for the conversion of CO₂ into HCO₂Bpin with HBpin as the reductant. The selectivity of the heterobimetallic complexes for the catalytic production of a formate equivalent surpasses that of the parent monomeric Group 11 complexes.     

Catalytic Activity of Cationic and Neutral Silver(I)–XPhos Complexes with Nitrogen Ligands or Tolylsulfonate for Mannich and Aza‐Diels–Alder Coupling Reactions

Cationic and neutral silver(I)–L complexes (L=Buchwald‐type biaryl phosphanes) with nitrogen co‐ligands or organosulfonate counter ions have been synthesised and characterised through their structural and spectroscopic properties. At room temperature, both cationic and neutral silver(I)–L complexes are extremely active catalysts in the promotion of the single and double A³ coupling of terminal (di)alkynes, pyrrolidine and formaldehyde. In addition, the aza‐Diels–Alder two‐ and three‐component coupling reactions of Danishefsky’s diene with an imine or amine and aldehyde are efficiently catalysed by these cationic or neutral silver(I)–L complexes. The solvent influences the catalytic performance due to limited complex solubility or solvent decomposition and reactivity. The isolation of new silver(I)–L complexes with reagents as ligands lends support to mechanistic proposals for such catalytic processes. The activity, stability and metal–distal arene interaction of these silver(I)–L catalysts have been compared with those of analogous cationic gold(I) and copper(I) complexes.     

Concurrent Stabilization of π‐Donor and π‐Acceptor Ligands in Aromatized and Dearomatized Pincer [(PNN)Re(CO)(O)2] Complexes

Aromatized cationic [(PNN)Re(π acid)(O)₂]⁺ ( 1 ) and dearomatized neutral [(PNN*)Re(π acid)(O)₂] ( 2 ) complexes (where π acid=CO ( a ), tBuNC ( b ), or (2,6‐Me₂)PhNC ( c )), possessing both π‐donor and π‐acceptor ligands, have been synthesized and fully characterized. Reaction of [(PNN)Re(O)₂]⁺ ( 4 ) with lithiumhexamethyldisilazide (LiHMDS) yield the dearomatized [(PNN*)Re(O)₂] ( 3 ). Complexes 1 and 2 are prepared from the reaction of 4 and 3 , respectively, with CO or isocyanides. Single‐crystal X‐ray structures of 1 a and 1 b show the expected trans‐dioxo structure, in which the oxo ligands occupy the axial positions and the π‐acidic ligand occupies the equatorial plane in an overall octahedral geometry about the rhenium(V) center. DFT studies revealed the stability of complexes 1 and 2 arises from a π‐backbonding interaction between the d_xy orbital of rhenium, the π orbital of the oxo ligands, and the π* orbital of CO/isocyanide.     

Gold‐Catalyzed Cascade Reactions for Synthesis of Carbo‐ and Heterocycles: Selectivity and Diversity

This account describes our recent efforts devoted to gold chemistry since 2009. Based on furyl–Au 1,3‐dipole analogues and related gold carbene intermediates, a rich variety of gold‐catalyzed cascade reactions have been developed, which provide facile access to a diverse range of novel carbo‐ and heterocycles. In these reactions, the selectivity can be well controlled by the catalyst (ligand and metal), substrate or reagent. In addition, we have also developed the corresponding enantioselective variants, which are guided by bis(phosphinegold) complexes derived from axially chiral scaffolds and asymmetric gold/chiral Brønsted acid relay catalysis.     

Oxidative Addition to Gold(I) by Photoredox Catalysis: Straightforward Access to Diverse (C,N)‐Cyclometalated Gold(III) Complexes

Herein, we report the oxidative addition of aryldiazonium salts to ligand‐supported gold(I) complexes under visible light photoredox conditions. This method provides experimental evidence for the involvement of such a process in dual gold/photoredox‐catalyzed reactions and delivers well‐defined (C,N)‐cyclometalated gold(III) species. The remarkably mild reaction conditions and the ability to widely vary the ancillary ligand make this method a potentially powerful synthetic tool to access diverse gold(III) complexes for systematic studies into their properties and reactivity. Initial studies show that these species can undergo chloride abstraction to afford Lewis acidic dicationic gold(III) species.     

Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Regiodivergent Rearrangements: 1,2‐ and 1,2′‐Alkyl Migration in Skipped Alkynyl Ketones

A series of 2‐alkynyl carbonyl compounds that contain a cyclopentene ring or a heterocycle can be transformed into various fused dihydrobenzofurans and tetrahydrofuro[2,3‐c]pyridines by means of a 1,2‐alkyl migration process. Both of these reactions proceed with excellent regioselectivity and stereospecificity when using a cationic gold(I) catalyst. Treatment of 4‐styrylcyclopent‐1‐enecarboxylates under different conditions affords a range of highly functionalized dihydrobenzofurans and dihydroisobenzofurans. A divergence in product selectivity, which depends on the anion of the silver salts used, was observed. Interestingly, ring‐fused tetrahydroquinolines undergo only 1,2′‐alkyl migration reaction by means of a C? C cleavage/cyclization sequence to provide tetrahydroazepine derivatives. Mechanistic studies suggest that the gold complexes catalyze 1,2‐alkyl migration reactions through a concerted reaction pathway and 1,2′‐alkyl migration reactions through a stepwise reaction pathway.     

Covalently Linked 5,15‐Diazaporphyrin Dimers: Promising Scaffolds for a Highly Conjugated Azaporphyrin π System

The first examples of β–β directly linked, acetylene‐bridged, and butadiyne‐bridged 5,15‐diazaporphyrin dimers have been prepared by palladium‐catalyzed coupling reactions of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of 3‐bromo‐10,20‐dimesityl‐5,15‐diazaporphyrin (mesityl=2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl). The effects of the linking modes and meso‐nitrogen atoms on the structural, optical, electrochemical, and magnetic properties of the distributed π systems were investigated by using X‐ray crystallography, UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, DFT calculations, cyclic voltammetry, and ESR spectroscopy. Both the electronic and steric effects of the meso‐nitrogen atoms play an important role in the highly coplanar geometry of the directly linked dimers. The direct β–β linkage produces enhanced π conjugation and electron‐spin coupling between the two diazaporphyrin units.