New approaches to high-activity transition-metal catalysts for carbon-carbon bond forming reactions. Rhenium-containing phosphorus donor ligands for palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross-couplings

The rhenium complexes (eta 5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)((CH2)nPR2:) (n/R = 0/Ph, 0/t-Bu, 0/Me, 1/Ph, 1/t-Bu), which contain electron-rich and sterically congested phosphido moieties, give active catalysts for the title reaction; typical conditions (toluene, 60-100 degrees C): aryl bromide (1.0 equiv.), PhB(OH)2 (1.5 equiv.), K3PO4 (2.0 equiv.), Pd(OAc)2 (1 mol%), and a Re(CH2)nPR2: species or a 1:2 [Re(CH2)nPR2H]+X-/t-BuOK mixture (4 mol% rhenium).     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of ruthenium carboxylato and 2-oxocarboxylato complexes bearing the bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetato ligand

A series of ruthenium(II) acetonitrile, pyridine (py), carbonyl, SO2, and nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(L)(PPh3)] (L = NCMe, py, CO, SO2) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(L)(PPh3)]BF4 (L = NO) containing the bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetato (bdmpza) ligand, a N,N,O heteroscorpionate ligand, have been prepared. Starting from ruthenium chlorido, carboxylato, or 2-oxocarboxylato complexes, a variety of acetonitrile complexes [Ru(bdmpza)Cl(NCMe)(PPh3)] (4) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(NCMe)(PPh3)] (R = Me (5a), R = Ph (5b)), as well as the pyridine complexes [Ru(bdmpza)Cl(PPh3)(py)] (6) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(PPh3)(py)] (R = Me (7a), R = Ph (7b), R = (CO)Me (8a), R = (CO)Et (8b), R = (CO)Ph) (8c)), have been synthesized. Treatment of various carboxylato complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(PPh3)2] (R = Me (2a), Ph (2b)) with CO afforded carbonyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(CO)(PPh3)] (9a, 9b). In the same way, the corresponding sulfur dioxide complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CMe)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10a) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10b) were formed in a reaction of the carboxylato complexes with gaseous SO2. None of the 2-oxocarboxylato complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)R)(PPh3)2] (R = Me (3a), Et (3b), Ph (3c)) showed any reactivity toward CO or SO2, whereas the nitrosyl complex cations [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CMe)(NO)(PPh3)](+) (11) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)Ph)(NO)(PPh3)](+) (12) were formed in a reaction of the acetato 2a or the benzoylformato complex 3c with an excess of nitric oxide. Similar cationic carboxylato nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(NO)(PPh3)]BF4 (R = Me (13a), R = Ph (13b)) and 2-oxocarboxylato nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)R)(NO)(PPh3)]BF4 (R = Me (14a), R = Et (14b), R = Ph (14c)) are also accessible via a reaction with NO[BF4]. X-ray crystal structures of the chlorido acetonitrile complex [Ru(bdmpza)Cl(NCMe)(PPh3)] (4), the pyridine complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CMe)(PPh3)(py)] (7a) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CC(O)Et)(PPh3)(py)] (8b), the carbonyl complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(CO)(PPh3)] (9b), the sulfur dioxide complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10b), as well as the nitrosyl complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)Me)(NO)(PPh3)]BF4 (14a), are reported. The molecular structure of the sulfur dioxide complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10b) revealed a rather unusual intramolecular SO2-O2CPh Lewis acid-base adduct.     

Bis(phosphino)borates: a new family of monoanionic chelating phosphine ligands

The reaction of dimethyldiaryltin reagents Me(2)SnR(2) (R = Ph (1), p-MePh (2), m,m-Me(2)Ph (3), p-(t)BuPh (4), p-MeOPh (5), p-CF(3)Ph (6)) with BCl(3) provided a high-yielding, simple preparative route to the corresponding diarylchloroboranes R(2)BCl (R = Ph (10), p-MePh (11), m,m-Me(2)Ph (12), p-(t)BuPh (13), p-MeOPh (14), p-CF(3)Ph (15)). In some cases, the desired diarylchloroborane was not formed from an appropriate tin reagent Me(2)SnR(2) (R = o-MeOPh (7), o,o-(MeO)(2)Ph (8), o-CF(3)Ph (9)). The reaction of lithiated methyldiaryl- or methyldialkylphosphines with diarylchloroboranes or dialkylchloroboranes is discussed. Specifically, several new monoanionic bis(phosphino)borates are detailed: [Ph(2)B(CH(2)PPh(2))(2)] (25); [(p-MePh)(2)B(CH(2)PPh(2))(2)] (26); [(p-(t)BuPh)(2)B(CH(2)PPh(2))(2)] (27); [(p-MeOPh)(2)B(CH(2)PPh(2))(2)] (28); [(p-CF(3)Ph)(2)B(CH(2)PPh(2))(2)] (29); [Cy(2)B(CH(2)PPh(2))(2)] (30); [Ph(2)B(CH(2)P[p-(t)BuPh](2))(2)] (31); [(p-MeOPh)(2)B(CH(2)P[p-(t)BuPh](2))(2)] (32); [Ph(2)B(CH(2)P[p-CF(3)Ph](2))(2)] (33); [Ph(2)B(CH(2)P(BH(3))(Me)(2))(2)] (34); [Ph(2)B(CH(2)P(S)(Me)(2))(2)] (35); [Ph(2)B(CH(2)P(i)Pr(2))(2)] (36); [Ph(2)B(CH(2)P(t)Bu(2))(2)] (37); [(m,m-Me(2)Ph)(2)B(CH(2)P(t)Bu(2))(2)] (38). The chelation of diarylphosphine derivatives 25-33 and 36 to platinum was examined by generation of a series of platinum dimethyl complexes. The electronic effects of substituted bis(phosphino)borates on the carbonyl stretching frequency of neutral platinum alkyl carbonyl complexes were studied by infrared spectroscopy. Substituents remote from the metal center (i.e. on boron) have minimal effect on the electronic nature of the metal center, whereas substitution close to the metal center (on phosphorus) has a greater effect on the electronic nature of the metal center.     

Mononuclear and dinuclear palladium and nickel complexes of phosphinimine-based tridentate ligands

The tridentate bis-phosphinimine ligands O(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)1, HN(1,2-C(2)H(4)N=PR(3))(2) (R = Ph 2, iPr 3), MeN(1,2-C(2)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)4 and HN(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)5 were prepared. Employing these ligands, monometallic Pd and Ni complexes O(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)PdCl(2)6, RN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PPh(3))(2)PdCl][Cl] (R = H 7, Me 8), [HN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PiPr(3))(2)PdCl][Cl] 9, [MeN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PPh(3))(2)PdCl][PF(6)] 10, [HN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PPh(3))(2)NiCl(2)] 11, [HN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PR(3))(2)NiCl][X] (X = Cl, R = iPr 12, X = PF(6), R = Ph 13, iPr 14), and [HN(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)Ni(MeCN)(2)][BF(4)]Cl 15 were prepared and characterized. While the ether-bis-phosphinimine ligand 1 acts in a bidentate fashion to Pd, the amine-bis-phosphinimine ligands 2-5 act in a tridentate fashion, yielding monometallic complexes of varying geometries. In contrast, initial reaction of the amine-bis-phosphinimine ligands with base followed by treatment with NiCl(2)(DME), afforded the amide-bridged bimetallic complexes N(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PR(3))(2)Ni(2)Cl(3) (R = Ph 16, iPr 17) and N(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)Ni(2)Cl(3)18. The precise nature of a number of these complexes were crystallographically characterized.     

Rearrangements of phosphinoimines to phosphine-imines in ruthenium chelate complexes

Thermal reaction of 1:1 mixtures of the RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(3) and phosphinoimine R(2)PN=CPh(2) (R = Ph, iPr, Me) at 140 °C results in isolation of the dimeric species [RuCl(μ-Cl)(PPh(3))(C(6)H(4)(PPh(2))C(Ph)NH)](2) (R = Ph 1, iPr 2, Me 3) containing phosphine-imine chelating ligands. Subsequent reaction of 1 and 3 with one equivalent of pyridine at room temperature give RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(py)(C(6)H(4)(PR(2))C(Ph)NH) (R = Ph 4, Me 5). Excess pyridine reacts with 2 to give a mixture of the cis and trans-isomers of RuCl(2)(py)(2)(C(6)H(4)(PiPr(2))C(Ph)NH) 6 and 7 respectively. Treatment of 5 with excess PPh(3) affords RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)(C(6)H(4)(PMe(2))C(Ph)NH) 8. Aspects of the mechanism of the thermal rearrangements of the phosphinoimine to the phosphine-imine ligands are considered and the isolation of RuCl(2)(Ph(2)PN=CPh(2))(SIMes)(CHPh) 9 and RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)(HN=C(Ph)C(6)H(4)) 10 provide support for a proposed mechanism involving a intermediate containing a Ru-bound metallated aryl-imine fragment.     

Nitrile-amidine coupling at Pt(IV) and Pt(II) centers. An easy entry to imidoylamidine complexes

Treatment of trans-[PtCl4(RCN)2] (R = Me, Et, Ph, NEt2) with 2 equiv of the amidine PhC(=NH)NHPh in a suspension of MeCN (R = Me), CHCl3 (R = Et, Ph), or in CHCl3 solution (R = NEt2) results in the formation of the imidoylamidine complexes trans-[PtCl4{NH=C(R)N=C(Ph)NHPh}2] (1-4) isolated in good yields (66-84%). The reaction of soluble complexes 3 and 4 with 2 equiv of Ph3P=CHCO2Me in CH2Cl2 (40 degrees C, 5 h) leads to dehydrochlorination resulting in a chelate ring closure to furnish the platinum(IV) chelates [PtCl2{NH=C(R)NC(Ph)=NPh}2] (R = Ph, 5; R = NEt2, 6), accordingly, and the phosphonium salt [Ph3PCH2CO2Me]Cl. Treatment of 5 with 3 equiv of Ph3P=CHCO2Me at 50 degrees C for 5 d resulted in only a 30% conversion to the corresponding Pt(II) complex [Pt{NH=C(NEt2)NC(Ph)=NPh}2] (15). The reduction can be achieved within several minutes, when Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2 in CDCl3 is used. When the platinum(II) complex trans-[PtCl2(RCN)2] is reacted with 2 equiv of the amidine, the imidoylamidinato complexes [PtCl(RCN){NH=C(R)NC(Ph)=NHPh}] (8-11) and [PhC(=NH)NHPh] x HCl (7) are formed. The reaction of trans-[PtCl2(RCN)2] with 4 equiv of the amidine under a prolonged reaction time or treatment of [PtCl(RCN){NH=C(R)NC(Ph)=NHPh}] (8-11) with 2 more equiv of the amidine yields the complex bearing two chelate rings [Pt{NH=C(R)NC(Ph)=NHPh}2] (12-15). The treatment of cis-[PtCl2(RCN)2] (R = Me, Et) with the amidine gives ca. 50-60% yield of [PtCl2{NH=C(R)NHC(Ph)=NHPh}] (16 and 17). All of the platinum compounds were characterized by elemental analyses; FAB mass spectrometry; IR spectroscopy; 1H, 13C{1H}, and 195Pt NMR spectroscopies, and four of them (4, 6, 8, and 15) were also characterized by X-ray crystallography. The coupling of the Pt-bound nitriles and the amidine is metal-mediated insofar as RCN and PhC(=NH)NHPh do not react in the absence of the metal centers in conditions more drastic than those of the observed reactions. The nitrile-amidine coupling reported in this work constitutes a route to the synthesis of imidoylamidine complexes, some of them exhibiting luminescent properties.     

Cationic Rh complexes with novel spiro tetraarylpentaborate anions prepared from arylboronic acids and aryloxorhodium complexes

Ar-B(OH)2 (1a: Ar = C6H4OMe-4, 1b: Ar = C6H3Me2-2,6) react immediately with Rh(OC6H4Me-4)(PMe3)3 (2) in 5 : 1 molar ratio at room temperature to generate [Rh(PMe3)4]+[B5O6Ar4]- (3a: Ar = C6H4OMe-4, 3b: Ar = C6H3Me2-2,6). p-Cresol (92%/Rh), anisole (80%/Rh) and H2O (364%/Rh) are formed from 1a and 2. The reaction of 1a with 2 for 24 h produces [Rh(PMe3)4]+[B5O6(OH)4]- (4) as a yellow solid. This is attributed to hydrolytic dearylation of once formed 3a because the direct reaction of 3a with excess H2O forms 4. An equimolar reaction of 2 with phenylboroxine (PhBO)3 causes transfer of the 4-methylphenoxo ligand from rhodium to boron to produce [Rh(PMe3)4]+[B3O3Ph3(OC6H4Me-4)]- (5). Arylboronic acids 1a and 1b react with Rh(OC6H4Me-4)(PR3)3 (6: R = Et, 8: R = Ph) and with Rh(OC6H4Me-4)(cod)(PR3) (11: R = iPr, 12: R = Ph) to form [Rh(PR3)4]+[B5O6Ar4]- (7a: R = Et, Ar = C6H4OMe-4, 7b: R = Et, Ar = C6H3Me2-2,6, 9a: R = Ph, Ar = C6H3Me2-2,6) and [Rh(cod)(PR3)(L)]+[B5O6Ar4]- (13b: R = iPr, L = acetone, Ar = C6H3Me2-2,6, 14a: R = Ph, L = PPh3, Ar = C6H4OMe-4, 14b: R = Ph, L = PPh3, Ar = C6H3Me2-2,6), respectively. Hydrolysis of 14a yields [Rh(cod)(PPh3)2]+[B5O6(OH)4]- (15) quantitatively.     

One-step synthesis of alkenyl ketone complexes from Cp*RhCl2(PPh3), alkyne and H2O in the presence of KPF6

The reaction of Cp*RhCl2(PPh3) 1 with 1-alkyne and H2O in the presence of KPF6 afforded the alkenyl ketone complex [Cp*Rh(PPh3)(CPh=CHCOCH2R)](PF6) [R = p-tolyl (3a), R = Ph (3b)], whereas Cp*IrCl2(PPh3) 2 or [(eta 6-C6Me6)RuCl2(PPh3) gave the corresponding [Cp*IrCl(CO)(PPh3)](PF6) 5a and [(eta 6-C6Me6)RuCl(CO)(PPh3)](PF6).     

Trithiotungsten(VI) complexes having phosphine-thiolate hybrid ligands: synthesis and cluster forming reactions with CuBr, FeCl(2), and [Fe(CH(3)CN)(6)](ClO(4))(2)

Five-coordinated trithiotungsten complexes (PPh(4))[(dmsp)W(S)(3)] (1a) and (PPh(4))[(dpsp)W(S)(3)] (1b) (R(2)PCH(2)CH(2)S(-); R = Me (dmsp-)), Ph (dpsp-))) were synthesized by addition of Hdmsp and Hdpsp to a THF solution of (PPh(4))[(EtS)W(S)(3)]. Treatment of 1a with CuBr in the presence of PPh(3) in CH(3)CN afforded a WCu(2) cluster (dmsp)WS(3)Cu(2)(PPh(3))(2)Br (2). The reaction of 1a with 1 equiv of FeCl(2) went smoothly to generate a 1:1 adduct (PPh(4))[(dmsp)WS(3)(FeCl(2))] (3), while 3 did not react further with excess FeCl(2). On the other hand, 3 was found to react with [Fe(CH(3)CN)(6)](ClO(4))(2), giving rise to an unusual tetranuclear cluster, [(dmsp)WS(3)](2)Fe(2)Cl (4), while the reaction of 1a with 2 equiv of [Fe(CH(3)CN)(6)](ClO(4))(2) led to a cyclic octanuclear cluster [(dmsp)WS(3)Fe](4) (5). Although the oxidation states of W(VI), Cu(I), and Fe(II) are retained in 2 and 3, reduction of the metal ions occurs in the formation of 4 and 5. All the complexes reported in this paper were structurally characterized by X-ray analysis. It is anticipated that the new type of trithiotungsten complexes, 1a and 1b, will serve as potential synthons for various heterometallic sulfide clusters.     

Phosphine-substituted dithiolene complexes as ligands: communication between ruthenium(II) centers through a dimolybdenum bis(dithiolene) core

The reaction of Mo2(SCH2CH2S)2Cp2 (1; Cp=eta-C5H5) with an excess of an alkyne in refluxing dichloromethane affords the bis(dithiolene) complexes Mo2(micro-SCR1=CR2S)2Cp2 (2a, R1=R2=CO2Me; 2b, R1=R2=Ph; 2c, R1=H, R2=CO2Me) whereas with 1 equiv of alkyne at room temperature the mixed dithiolene-dithiolate species Mo2(micro-SCR1=CR2S)(micro-SCH2CH2S)Cp2 (3a, R1=R2=CO2Me; 3b, R1=R2=Ph) are formed. The remaining dithiolate ligand in 3 can then be converted into a different dithiolene by reaction with a second alkyne. Applying this methodology, we have used bis(diphenylphosphino)acetylene to prepare the first examples of complexes containing phosphine-substituted dithiolene ligands: Mo2{micro-SC(CO2Me)=C(CO2Me)S}{micro-SC(PPh2)=C(PPh2)S}Cp2 (2g) and Mo2{micro-SC(PPh2)=C(PPh2)S}2Cp2 (2h). Tri- and tetrametallic complexes can then be assembled by coordination of these diphosphines to CpRuCl units by reaction with CpRu(PPh3)2Cl. Electrochemical studies of the Ru(II)/Ru(III) couple in Mo2{micro-SC(PPh2)=C(PPh2)S}2Cp2(RuClCp)2 (4b) reveals that the two separate ruthenium centers are oxidized electrochemically at different potentials, demonstrating communication between them through the dimolybdenum bis(dithiolene) core. Density functional theory calculations were carried out to explore the electronic structures of these species and to predict and assign their electronic spectra.     

Isomerism in rhodium(I) N,S-donor heteroscorpionates: ring substituent and ancillary ligand effects

The heteroscorpionate ligands [HB(taz)(2)(pz(R))](-) (pz(R) = pz, pz(Me2), pz(Ph)) and [HB(taz)(pz)(2)](-), synthesised from the appropriate potassium hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate salt and 4-ethyl-3-methyl-5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazole (Htaz), react with [{Rh(cod)(μ-Cl)}(2)] to give [Rh(cod)Tx] {Tx = HB(taz)(2)(pz), HB(taz)(2)(pz(Me2)), HB(taz)(2)(pz(Ph)), HB(taz)(pz)(2)}; the heteroscorpionate rhodaboratrane [Rh{B(taz)(2)(pz(Me2))}{HB(taz)(2)(pz(Me2))}] is the only isolable product from the reaction of [{Rh(nbd)(μ-Cl)}(2)] with K[HB(taz)(2)(pz(Me2))]. Carbonylation of the cod complexes gave a mixture of [Rh(CO)(2)Tx] and [(RhTx)(2)(μ-CO)(3)] which reacts with PR(3) to give [Rh(CO)(PR(3))Tx] (R = Cy, NMe(2), Ph, OPh). In the solid state the complexes are square planar with the particular structure dependent on the steric and/or electronic properties of the scorpionate and ancillary ligands. The complex [Rh(cod){HB(taz)(pz)(2)}] has the heteroscorpionate κ(2)[N(2)]-coordinated to rhodium with the B-H bond directed away from the rhodium square plane while [Rh(cod){HB(taz)(2)(pz(Me2))}] is κ(2)[SN]-coordinated, with the B-H bond directed towards the metal. The complexes [Rh(CO)(PPh(3)){HB(taz)(2)(pz)}] and [Rh(CO)(PPh(3)){HB(taz)(2)(pz(Me2))}] are also κ(2)[SN]-coordinated but with the pyrazolyl ring cis to PPh(3); in the former the B-H bond is directed towards rhodium while in the latter the ring is pseudo-parallel to the rhodium square plane, as also found for [Rh(CO)(2){HB(taz)(2)(pz(Me2))}]. The analogues [Rh(CO)(PR(3)){HB(taz)(2)(pz(Me2))}] (R = Cy, NMe(2)) have the phosphines trans to the pyrazolyl ring. Uniquely, [Rh(CO)(PPh(3)){HB(taz)(2)(pz(Ph))}] is κ(2)[S(2)]-coordinated. A qualitative mechanism is given for the rapid ring-exchange, and hence isomerisation, observed in solution.     

Half-sandwich o-N,N-dimethylaminobenzyl complexes over the full size range of group 3 and lanthanide metals. synthesis, structural characterization, and catalysis of phosphine P--H bond addition to carbodiimides

The acid-base reactions between the rare-earth metal (Ln) tris(ortho-N,N-dimethylaminobenzyl) complexes [Ln(CH2C(H4NMe2-o)3] with one equivalent of the silylene-linked cyclopentadiene-amine ligand (C5Me4H)SiMe2NH(C6H2Me3-2,4,6) afforded the corresponding half-sandwich aminobenzyl complexes [{Me2Si(C5Me4)(NC6H2Me3-2,4,6)}Ln(CH2C6H4NMe2-o)(thf)] (2-Ln) (Ln=Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Lu) in 60-87 % isolated yields. The one-pot reaction between ScCl(3) and [Me2Si(C5Me4)(NC6H2Me3-2,4,6)]Li2 followed by reaction with LiCH2C6H4NMe2-o in THF gave the scandium analogue [{Me2Si(C5Me4)(NC6H2Me3-2,4,6)}Sc(CH2C6H4NMe2-o)] (2-Sc) in 67 % isolated yield. 2-Sc could not be prepared by the acid-base reaction between [Sc(CH2C6H4NMe2-o)3] and (C5Me4H)SiMe2NH(C6H2Me3-2,4,6). These half-sandwich rare-earth metal aminobenzyl complexes can serve as efficient catalyst precursors for the catalytic addition of various phosphine P--H bonds to carbodiimides to form a series of phosphaguanidine derivatives with excellent tolerability to aromatic carbon-halogen bonds. A significant increase in the catalytic activity was observed, as a result of an increase in the metal size with a general trend of La>Pr, Nd>Sm>Gd>Lu>Sc. The reaction of 2-La with 1 equiv of Ph2PH yielded the corresponding phosphide complex [{Me2Si(C5Me4)(NC6H2Me3-2,4,6)}La(PPh2)(thf)2] (4), which, on recrystallization from benzene, gave the dimeric analogue [{Me2Si(C5Me4)(NC6H2Me3-2,4,6)}La(PPh2)]2 (5). Addition of 4 or 5 to iPrN=C=NiPr in THF yielded the phosphaguanidinate complex [{Me2Si(C5Me4)(NC6H2Me3-2,4,6)}La{iPrNC(PPh2)NiPr}(thf)] (6), which, on recrystallization from ether, afforded the ether-coordinated structurally characterizable analogue [{Me2Si(C5Me4)(NC6H2Me3-2,4,6)}La{iPrNC(PPh2)NiPr}(OEt2)] (7). The reaction of 6 or 7 with Ph2PH in THF yielded 4 and the phosphaguanidine iPrN=C(PPh2)NHiPr (3a). These results suggest that the catalytic formation of a phosphaguanidine compound proceeds through the nucleophilic addition of a phosphide species, which is formed by the acid-base reaction between a rare-earth metal o-dimethylaminobenzyl bond and a phosphine P--H bond, to a carbodiimide, followed by the protonolysis of the resultant phosphaguanidinate species by a phosphine P--H bond. Almost all of the rare earth complexes reported this paper were structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Mixed Bis(μ-silylene) and (μ-Silylene)/(μ-Germylene) Complexes Involving the Rh/Ir Metal Combination: Nature of the Si···Si Interactions in the Bis(μ-silylene) Species

A series of mixed bis(μ-silylene) complexes of rhodium and iridium [RhIr(CO)(2)(μ-SiHR)(μ-SiR(1)R(2))(dppm)(2)] (R = R(1) = R(2) = Ph (4); R = R(1) = Ph, R(2) = Cl (5); R = R(1) = Ph, R(2) = Me (6); R = 3,5-C(6)H(3)F(2), R(1) = Ph, R(2) = Me (7); R = 3,5-C(6)H(3)F(2), R(1) = 2,4,6-C(6)H(2)Me(3), R(2) = H (8)) have been synthesized by the reaction of the silylene-bridged dihydride complexes, [RhIr(H)(2)(CO)(2)(μ-SiHR)(dppm)(2)] (1, R = Ph; 2, R = C(6)H(3)F(2)), with a number of secondary or primary silanes (Ph(2)SiH(2), PhClSiH(2), PhMeSiH(2), C(6)H(2)Me(3)SiH(3)). The influence of substituents and π-stacking interactions on the Si···Si distance (determined by X-ray crystallography) in this series and the implications regarding the nature of the Si···Si interactions are discussed. A series of novel (μ-silylene)/(μ-germylene) complexes, [RhIr(CO)(2)(μ-SiHPh)(μ-GePh(2))(dppm)(2)] (9) and [RhIr(CO)(2)(μ-SiR(1)R(2))(μ-GeHPh)(dppm)(2)] (R(1) = Ph, R(2) = H (11); R(1) = R(2) = Ph (12); R(1) = Ph, R(2) = Me (13)), have also been synthesized by reaction of the silylene-bridged dihydride complex, [RhIr(H)(2)(CO)(2)(μ-SiHPh)(dppm)(2)] (1), with 1 equiv of diphenylgermane and by reaction of the germylene-bridged dihydride complex, [RhIr(H)(2)(CO)(2)(μ-GeHPh)(dppm)(2)] (3), with 1 equiv of the respective silanes. These complexes have been characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography.     

Amidoximes provide facile platinum(II)-mediated oxime-nitrile coupling

The nucleophilic addition of amidoximes R'C(NH(2))═NOH [R' = Me (2.Me), Ph (2.Ph)] to coordinated nitriles in the platinum(II) complexes trans-[PtCl(2)(RCN)(2)] [R = Et (1t.Et), Ph (1t.Ph), NMe(2) (1t.NMe(2))] and cis-[PtCl(2)(RCN)(2)] [R = Et (1c.Et), Ph (1c.Ph), NMe(2) (1c.NMe(2))] proceeds in a 1:1 molar ratio and leads to the monoaddition products trans-[PtCl(RCN){HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}]Cl [R = NMe(2); R' = Me ([3a]Cl), Ph ([3b]Cl)], cis-[PtCl(2){HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}] [R = NMe(2); R' = Me (4a), Ph (4b)], and trans/cis-[PtCl(2)(RCN){HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}] [R = Et; R' = Me (5a, 6a), Ph (5b, 6b); R = Ph; R' = Me (5c, 6c), Ph (5d, 6d), correspondingly]. If the nucleophilic addition proceeds in a 2:1 molar ratio, the reaction gives the bisaddition species trans/cis-[Pt{HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}(2)]Cl(2) [R = NMe(2); R' = Me ([7a]Cl(2), [8a]Cl(2)), Ph ([7b]Cl(2), [8b]Cl(2))] and trans/cis-[PtCl(2){HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}(2)] [R = Et; R' = Me (10a), Ph (9b, 10b); R = Ph; R' = Me (9c, 10c), Ph (9d, 10d), respectively]. The reaction of 1 equiv of the corresponding amidoxime and each of [3a]Cl, [3b]Cl, 5b-5d, and 6a-6d leads to [7a]Cl(2), [7b]Cl(2), 9b-9d, and 10a-10d. Open-chain bisaddition species 9b-9d and 10a-10d were transformed to corresponding chelated bisaddition complexes [7d](2+)-[7f](2+) and [8c](2+)-[8f](2+) by the addition of 2 equiv AgNO(3). All of the complexes synthesized bear nitrogen-bound O-iminoacylated amidoxime groups. The obtained complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, high-resolution ESI-MS, IR, and (1)H NMR techniques, while 4a, 4b, 5b, 6d, [7b](Cl)(2), [7d](SO(3)CF(3))(2), [8b](Cl)(2), [8f](NO(3))(2), 9b, and 10b were also characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Metal-promoted synthesis of amidines containing the model nucleobases 1-methylcytosine and 9-methyladenine

The amidine complexes cis-[L(2)PtNH==C(R){1-MeCy(-2H)}]NO(3) (R = Me, 1a; Ph, 1b, Me(3)C, 1c; Ph(2)(H)C, 1d) and cis-[L(2)PtNH==C(R){9-MeAd(-2H)}]NO(3) (R = Me, 2a; Ph, 2b; Me(3)C, 2c; Ph(2)(H)C, 2d), are formed when cis-[L(2)Pt(μ-OH)](2)(NO(3))(2) (L = PPh(3)) reacts with 1-methylcytosine (1-MeCy) and 9-methyladenine (9-MeAd) in solution of MeCN, PhCN, Me(3)CCN and Ph(2)(H)CCN. Reaction of 1a,b and 2a,b with HCl affords the protonated amidines [NH(2)==C(R){1-MeCy(-H)}]NO(3) (R = Me, 3a; Ph, 3b) and [NH(2)==C(R){9-MeAd(-H)}]NO(3) (R = Me, 4a; Ph, 4b) and cis-(PPh(3))(2)PtCl(2) in quantitative yield. Treatment of 3b and 4b with NaOH allows the isolation of the neutral benzimidamides NH(2)-C(Ph){1-MeCy(-2H)} (5b) and NH(2)-C(Ph){9-MeAd(-2H)} (6b). In the solid state 3b shows a planar structure with the hydrogen atom on N(4) cytosine position involved in a strong H-bond with the NO(3)(-) ion. Intermolecular H-bonds between the oxygen of the cytosine ring and one of the H atoms of the amidine-NH(2) group allow the dimerization of the molecule. A detailed analysis of the spectra of 3b in DMF-d(7) at -55 °C indicates the presence of an equilibrium between the species [NH(2)==C(R){1-MeCy(-H)}]NO(3) and [NH(2)==C(R){1-MeCy(-H)}](2)(NO(3))(2), exchanging with trace amounts of water at 25 °C. [(15)N,(1)H]-HMBC experiments for 5b and 6b indicate that the amino tautomer H(2)N-C(Ph){nucleobase(-2H)}, is the only detectable in solution and such structure has been confirmed in the solid state. The reaction of 5b and 6b with cis-L(2)Pt(ONO(2))(2) (L = PPh(3)), in chlorinated solvents, determines the immediate appearance of a pale yellow colour due to the coordination of the neutral amidine, likely in its imino form HN==C(Ph){nucleobase(-H)}, to give the adducts cis-[L(2)PtNH==C(Ph){nucleobase(-H)}](2+). In fact, addition of "proton sponge" leads to the immediate deprotonation of the amidine ligand with formation of the starting complexes 1b and 2b.     

Selective cyclopalladation of R3P=NCH2Aryl iminophosphoranes. Experimental and computational study

The orientation of the orthopalladation of iminophosphoranes R3P=NCH2Aryl (R=Ph, Aryl=Ph (1a), C6H(4)-2-Br (1b), C6H4-Me-2 (1e), C6H3-(Me)(2)-2,5 (1f); R=p-tolyl, Aryl=Ph (1c); R=m-tolyl, Aryl=Ph (1d); R3P=MePh2P, and Aryl=Ph (1g)) has been studied. 1a reacts with Pd(OAc)2 (OAc=acetate) giving endo-[Pd(micro-Cl){C,N-C6H4(PPh2=NCH2Ph)-2}]2 (3a), while exo-[Pd(micro-Br){C,N-C6H4(CH2N=PPh3)-2}]2 (3b) could only be obtained by the oxidative addition of 1b to Pd2(dba)3. The endo form of the metalated ligand is favored kinetically and thermodynamically, as shown by the conversion of exo-[Pd(micro-OAc){C,N-C6H4(CH2N=PPh3)-2}]2 (2b) into endo-[Pd(micro-OAc){C,N-C6H4(PPh2=NCH2Ph)-2}]2 (2a) in refluxing toluene. The orientation of the reaction is not affected by the introduction of electron-releasing substituents at the Ph rings of the PR3 (1c and 1d) or the benzyl units (1e and 1f), and endo complexes (3c-3f) were obtained in all cases. The palladation of MePh2P=NCH2Ph (1g) can be regioselectively oriented as a function of the solvent. The exo isomer [Pd(micro-Cl){C6H4(CH2N=PPh2Me)-2}]2 (exo-3g) is obtained in refluxing CH2Cl2, while endo-[Pd(micro-Cl){C,N-C6H4(PPh(Me)=NCH2Ph)-2}]2 (endo-3g) can be isolated as a single isomer in refluxing toluene. In this case, the exo metalation is kinetically favored while an endo process occurs under thermodynamic control, as shown through the rearrangement of [Pd(micro-OAc){C6H4(CH2N=PPh2Me)-2}]2 (exo-2g) into [Pd(micro-OAc){C,N-C6H4(P(Ph)Me=NCH2Ph)-2}]2 (endo-2g) in refluxing toluene. The preference for the endo palladation of 1a and the kinetic versus thermodynamic control in 1g has been explained through DFT studies of the reaction mechanism.     

Rhenium complexes with triazine derivatives formed from semicarbazones and thiosemicarbazones

Benzil bis(semicarbazone), H2L(1), reacts with common rhenium(V) nitrido complexes such as [ReNCl2(PPh3)2] or [ReNCl2(PR2Ph)3] (R = Me, Et) under the release of one semicarbazone unit, cyclization, and formation of stable triazine-3-onato complexes of rhenium(V). The resulting 5,6-diphenyltriazine-3-one, HL (2), acts as monodentate or chelating, monoanionic ligand depending on the reaction conditions applied. Complexes of the compositions [ReNCl(L(2)-kappaN(2),kappaO)(PR2Ph)2] (R = Me, Et) or [ReN(L(2)-kappa N(2),O)(L(2)-kappaN(2))(PPh3)2] were isolated. The N(2) nitrogen atom is the preferred binding site of the monodentate form of the ligand. This contrasts the behavior of the analogous thione HL(3), which preferably coordinates to nitridorhenium(V) centers via the sulfur atom. HL(3) is readily formed by the abstraction of methanol from 5-methoxy-5,6-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-2H-[1,2,4]triazine-3-thione, H2L(3)OCH 3. In the presence of [ReNCl2(PPh3)2] or [ReNCl2(PR2Ph)3] complexes (R = Me, Et), this reaction yields stable complexes of the composition [ReN(L(3)-kappaN(2),kappaS)(L(3)-kappaS)(PR2Ph)2] (R = Me, Et, Ph) in good yields. Reduction of the metal atom and formation of the seven-coordinate [Re(PPh3)(L(3)-kappaN(2),kappaS)3] was observed during reactions of H2L(3)OCH3 with [ReOCl3(PPh3)2] or [ReO2I(PPh3)2], while no rhenium complexes could be isolated during similar reactions with H2L(1), although cyclization of the bis(semicarbazone) and the formation of H 2L(2)OEt were observed.     

Subtle reactivity patterns of non-heteroatom-substituted manganese alkynyl carbene complexes in the presence of phosphorus probes

The non-heteroatom-substituted manganese alkynyl carbene complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn=C(R)C[triple bond]CR'(3; 3a: R = R'= Ph, 3b: R = Ph, R'= Tol, 3c: R = Tol, R'= Ph) have been synthesised in high yields upon treatment of the corresponding carbyne complexes [eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn[triple bond]CR][BPh4]([2][BPh4]) with the appropriate alkynyllithium reagents LiC[triple bond]CR' (R'= Ph, Tol). The use of tetraphenylborate as counter anion associated with the cationic carbyne complexes has been decisive. The X-ray structures of (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn=C(Tol)C[triple bond]CPh (3c), and its precursor [(eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn=CTol][BPh4]([2b](BPh4]) are reported. The reactivity of complexes toward phosphines has been investigated. In the presence of PPh3, complexes act as a Michael acceptor to afford the zwitterionic sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)=C=C(PPh3)R' (5) resulting from nucleophilic attack by the phosphine on the remote alkynyl carbon atom. Complexes 5 exhibit a dynamic process in solution, which has been rationalized in terms of a fast [NMR time-scale] rotation of the allene substituents around the allene axis; metrical features within the X-ray structure of (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(Ph)=C=C(PPh3)Tol (5b) support the proposal. In the presence of PMe3, complexes undergo a nucleophilic attack on the carbene carbon atom to give zwitterionic sigma-propargylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)(PMe3)C[triple bond]CR' (6). Complexes 6 readily isomerise in solution to give the sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R')=C=C(PMe3)R (7) through a 1,3 shift of the [(eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn] fragment. The nucleophilic attack of PPh2Me on 3 is not selective and leads to a mixture of the sigma-propargylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)(PPh(2)Me)C[triple bond]CR' (9) and the sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)=C=C(PPh(2)Me)R' (10). Like complexes 6, complexes 9 readily isomerize to give the sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R')=C=C(PPh2Me)R'). Upon gentle heating, complexes 7, and mixtures of 10 and 10' cyclise to give the sigma-dihydrophospholium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC=C(R')PMe2CH2CH(R)(8), and mixtures of complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC=C(Ph)PPh2CH2CH(Tol)(11) and (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC=C(Tol)PMe2CH2CH(Ph)(11'), respectively. The reactions of complexes 3 with secondary phosphines HPR(1)(2)(R1= Ph, Cy) give a mixture of the eta2-allene complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn[eta2-{R(1)(2)PC(R)=C=C(R')H}](12), and the regioisomeric eta4-vinylketene complexes [eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)Mn[eta4-{R(1)(2)PC(R)=CHC(R')=C=O}](13) and (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)Mn[eta4-{R(1)(2)PC(R')=CHC(R)=C=O}](13'). The solid-state structure of (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn[eta2-{Ph2PC(Ph)=C=C(Tol)H}](12b) and (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)Mn[eta4-{Cy2PC(Ph)=CHC(Ph)=C=O}](13d) are reported. Finally, a mechanism that may account for the formation of the species 12, 13, and 13' is proposed.     

Synthesis, characterisation and molecular structure of Re(III) 2-oxacyclocarbenes stabilised by a benzoyldiazenido ligand

A family of new Fischer-type rhenium(III) benzoyldiazenido-2-oxacyclocarbenes of formula [(ReCl2[eta1-N2C(O)Ph][=C(CH2)nCH(R)O](PPh3)2][n = 2, R = H (2), R = Me (3); n = 3, R = H (4), R = Me (5)] have been prepared by reaction of [ReCl2[eta2-N2C(Ph)O](PPh3)2] (1) with omega-alkynols, such as 3-butyn-1-ol, 4-pentyn-1-ol, 4-pentyn-2-ol, 5-hexyn-2-ol in refluxing THF. The correct formulation of the carbene derivatives 2-5 has been unambiguously determined in solution by NMR analysis and confirmed for compounds 2-4 by X-ray diffraction methods in the solid state. All complexes are octahedral with the benzoyldiazenido ligand, Re[N2C(O)Ph], adopting a "single bent" conformation. The coordination basal plane is completed by an oxacyclocarbene ligand and two chlorine atoms. Two triphenylphosphines in trans positions with respect to each other complete the octahedral geometry around rhenium. The reactivity of 1 towards different alkynes and alkenes including propargyl- and allylamine has been also studied. With propargyl amine, monosubstituted or bisubstituted complexes, [(ReCl2[eta1-N2C(O)Ph][eta1-NH2CH2C triple bond CH]n(PPh3)(3-n)][n= 1 (6); n = 2 (7)], have been isolated depending on the reaction conditions. In contrast, the reaction with allylamine gave only the disubstituted complex [(ReCl2[eta1-N2C(O)Ph][eta1-NH2CH2CH=CH2]2(PPh3)] (8). The molecular structure of the monosubstituted adduct has been confirmed by X-ray analysis in the solid state.     

Syntheses and structures of dinuclear gold(I) dithiophosphonate complexes and the reaction of the dithiophosphonate complexes with phosphines: diverse coordination types

The dinuclear gold(I) dithiophosphonate complex, [Au(2)(dtp)(2)] (1), where dtp = [S(2)P(R)(OR')](-) with R = p-C(6)H(4)OCH(3); R'= c-C(5)H(9), has been synthesized and its reaction studied with the phosphine ligands PPh(3) and Ph(2)P(CH(2))(n)PPh(2) (n = 1-4). Compound 1 contains two gold atoms homobridged by the anionic dithiophosphonate ligand, forming an eight-membered ring complex in a chair form. After the reaction of 1 with diphosphine ligands, the dinuclear open-ring complexes Au(2)(dppm)(dtp)(2) (2), Au(2)(dppe)(dtp)(2) (3), Au(2)(dppp)(dtp)(2) (4), Au(2)(dppb)(dtp)(2) (5) were formed (dppm = diphenylphosphinomethane; dppe = diphenylphosphinoethane; dppp = diphenylphosphinopropane; dppb = diphenylphosphinobutane). The reaction with dppm is stoichiometry-dependent. Thus, when 1 reacts with 2 equiv of dppm, the ionic complex [Au(2)(dppm)(2)(dtp)]dtp forms. This dtp counterion was exchanged with tetrafluoroborate to yield [Au(2)(dppm)(2)(dtp)]BF(4), the crystallization of which afforded two interconvertible isomers, 6-yellow and 7-white. Reaction of 1 with PPh(3) affords the tetracoordinate mononuclear complex [Au(dtp)(PPh(3))(2)] (8). The molecular structures of 1-8 were confirmed by X-ray crystallography and show multiple coordination modes and geometries. The crystal structures of 1 and its reaction products with dppm (2, 6, 7) show short intramolecular Au.Au aurophilic bonding interactions of 2.95-3.10 A while no intermolecular interactions were discernible. However, reaction products of 1 with longer-chain Ph(2)P(CH(2))(n)PPh(2) ligands, n = 2-4, exhibit structures that lack both intra- and intermolecular Au.Au interactions.