Immobilized cobalt/rhodium heterobimetallic nanoparticle-catalyzed silylcarbocylization and carbonylative silylcarbocyclization of 1,6-enynes

Reaction of 1,6-enynes with a hydrosilane in the presence of immobilized cobalt/rhodium bimetallic nanoparticles gives 2-methyl-1-silylmethylidene-2-cyclopentanes in the absence of carbon monoxide and 2-formylmethyl-1-silylmethylidene-2-cyclopentanes under 1 atm of carbon monoxide, respectively. [reaction: see text]     

Silicon-initiated carbonylative carbotricyclization and [2+2+2+1] cycloaddition of enediynes catalyzed by rhodium complexes

The reaction of dodec-11-ene-1,6-diynes or their heteroatom congeners with a hydrosilane catalyzed by Rh(acac)(CO)2 at ambient temperature and pressure of CO gives the corresponding fused 5-7-5 tricyclic products, 5-oxo-1,3a,4,5,7,9-hexahydro-3H-cyclopenta[e]azulenes or their heteroatom congeners, in excellent yields through a unique silicon-initiated cascade carbonylative carbotricyclization (CO-SiCaT) process. It has also been found that the 5-7-5 fused tricyclic products can be obtained from the same type of enediynes and CO through a novel intramolecular [2+2+2+1] cycloaddition process. The characteristics of these two tricyclization processes and the fundamental differences in their reaction mechanisms are discussed. This novel higher-order cycloaddition reaction has also been successfully applied to the tricyclization of undeca-5,10-diyn-1-als, affording the corresponding 5-7-5 fused-ring products bearing a seven-membered lactone moiety. Related [2+2+2] tricyclizations of enediyne and diynal substrates are also discussed. These newly discovered reactions can construct multiple bonds all at once, converting linear starting materials to polycyclic compounds in a single step. Thus, these new processes provide innovative routes to functionalized polycyclic compounds that are useful for the syntheses of natural and unnatural products.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of two novel heterometallic clusters: [Rh4Pt2(CO)11(dppm)2] and [Ru2Rh2Pt2(CO)12(dppm)2

Two novel heterometallic octahedral clusters [Rh(4)Pt(2)(CO)(11)(dppm)(2)](1) and [Ru(2)Rh(2)Pt(2)(CO)(12)(dppm)(2)](2) were synthesized by the reaction of [Rh(2)Pt(2)(CO)(6)(dppm)(2)] with [Rh(6)(CO)(14)(NCMe)(2)] and Ru(3)(CO)(12), respectively. Solid state structures of 1 and 2 have been established by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study. Two dppm ligands in 1 are bonded to one platinum and three rhodium atoms, which form an equatorial plane of the Rh(4)Pt(2) octahedron. Two rhodium and two platinum atoms bound to the diphosphine ligands in 2 are nonplanar to give an octahedral C2 symmetric Ru(2)Rh(2)Pt(2)(dppm)2 framework. The (31)P NMR investigation of and (1D, (31)P COSY, (31)P-[(103)Rh] HMQC) and simulation of 1D spectral patterns showed that in both clusters the structures of the M(6)(PP)(2) fragments found in the solid state are maintained in solution.     

Multinuclear NMR studies of the products resulting from the reaction of pyridine or 2,2'-bipyridine with [Rh4(CO)12

The progressive addition of anhydrous pyridine, (py), to a solution of [Rh(4)(CO)(12)] in CH(2)Cl(2) under CO, even at low temperature, results in immediate disproportionation to give cis-[Rh(CO)(2)py(2)][Rh(5)(CO)(15)]; further addition of pyridine results in the progressive replacement of CO's by py on the same apical rhodium in [Rh(5)(CO)(15)](-) to give cis-[Rh(CO)(2)py(2)][Rh(5)(CO)(15-x)py(x)] (x = 1, 2). The analogous reactions with 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) give only [Rh(CO)(2)bipy][Rh(5)(CO)(13)bipy]. IR and low temperature, multinuclear NMR measurements have been used to establish the structures of all the above anions and the structures of [Rh(5)(CO)(13)(bipy)](-) and [Rh(5)(CO)(13)py(2)](-) are subtly different. Under N(2), [Rh(4)(CO)(12)] reacts with py to give [Rh(6)(CO)(16-y)py(y)] (y = 1, 2).     

Key factors determining the course of methyl iodide oxidative addition to diamidonaphthalene-bridged diiridium(I) and dirhodium(I) complexes

The course of methyl iodide oxidative addition to various nucleophilic complexes, [Ir2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(CO)2(PiPr3)2] (1), [IrRh(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(CO)2(PiPr3)2] (2), and [Rh2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(CO)2(PR3)2] (R = iPr, 3; Ph, 4; p-tolyl, 5; Me, 6), has been investigated. The CH3I addition to complex 1 readily affords the diiridium(II) complex [Ir2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)I(CH3)(CO)2(PiPr3)2] (7), which undergoes slow rearrangement to give a thermodynamically stable stereoisomer, 8. The reaction of the Ir-Rh complex 2 gives the ionic compound [IrRh(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(CH3)(CO)2(PiPr3)2]I (10). The dirhodium compounds, 3-5, undergo one-center additions to yield acyl complexes of the formula (Rh2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)I(COCH3)(CO)(PR3)2] (R = iPr, 12; Ph, 13; p-tolyl, 14). The structure of 12 has been determined by X-ray diffraction. Further reactions of these Rh(III)-Rh(I) acyl derivatives with CH3I are productive only for the p-tolylphosphine derivative, which affords the bis-acyl complex [Rh2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(CH3CO)2I2(P(p-tolyl)3)2] (15). The reaction of the PMe3 derivative, 6, allows the isolation of the bis-methyl complex [Rh2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(mu-I)(CH3)2(CO)2(PMe3)2]I (16a), which emanates from a double one-center addition. Upon reaction with methyl triflate, the starting materials, 1, 2, 3, and 6, give the isostructural cationic methyl complexes 9, 11, 17, and 18, respectively. The behavior of these cationic methyl compounds toward CH3I, CH3OSO2CF3, and tetrabutylamonium iodide is consistent with the role of these species as intermediates in the SN2 addition of CH3I. Compounds 18 and 17 react with an excess of methyl triflate to give [Rh2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(mu-OSO2CF3)(CH3)2(CO)2(PMe3)2][CF3SO3] (19) and [Rh2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(OSO2CF3)(COCH3)(CH3)(CO)(PiPr3)2][CF3SO3] (20), respectively. Upon treatment with acetonitrile, complexes 17 and 18 give the isostructural cationic acyl complexes [Rh2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(COCH3)(NCCH3)(CO)(PR3)2][CF3SO3] (R = iPr, 21; Me, 22). A kinetic study of the reaction leading to 21 shows that formation of these complexes involves a slow insertion step followed by the fast coordination of the acetonitrile. The variety of reactions found in this system can be rationalized in terms of three alternative reaction pathways, which are determined by the effectiveness of the interactions between the two metal centers of the dinuclear complex and by the steric constraints due to the phosphine ligands.     

Sequential silylcarbocyclization/silicon-based cross-coupling reactions

A sequential rhodium-catalyzed silylcarbocyclization of enynes parlayed with a palladium-catalyzed, silicon-based cross-coupling reaction has been developed for the synthesis of highly substituted cyclopentanes. 1,6-Enynes reacted with benzyldimethylsilane in the presence of rhodium catalysts to afford five-membered rings bearing a (Z)-alkylidenylbenzylsilyl group. A variety of substitution patterns and heteroatom substituents were compatible. The silylcarbocyclization in which an unsaturated ester participated was also achieved. The resulting alkylidenylsilanes underwent palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling using tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride. This cross-coupling reaction displayed a broad substrate scope. A wide variety of substitution patterns, electronic properties, and heteroatoms were compatible. All of the cross-coupling reactions proceeded in high yields under very mild conditions and with complete retention of double bond configuration, resulting in densely functionalized 3-(Z)-benzylidenecyclopentanes and heterocycles.     

Crescent-shaped rhodium(I) complexes with bis(o-carboxymethylphenyl)triazenide

Reaction of [[Rh(mu-Cl)(CO)2]2] with the triazene ArNNNHAr (Ar = o-CO2MeC6H4) produced the mononuclear complex [RhCl(ArNNNHAr)(CO)2] (1). Complex 1 reacted with KOH in methanol to give the dinuclear compound [[Rh(mu-ArNNNAr)(CO)2]2] (2), which showed a "mu-(1kappaN1,2kappaN3)-ArNNNAr" coordination mode for both bridging ligands. The dinuclear complex [[Rh(mu-ArNNNAr)(CO)2]2] (2) easily undergoes redistribution reactions in which the eight-membered "Rh2(NNN)2" core is broken. Thus, reaction of 2 with the anionic complex (NHEt3)[RhCl2(CO)2] gave the single-bridged complex (NHEt3)[Rh2(mu-ArNNNAr)Cl2(CO)4] (4), while the trinuclear complexes [Rh3(mu-ArNNNAr)(mu-Cl)(mu-CO)Cl(CO)4] (5) and [Rh3(mu-ArNNNAr)2(mu-Cl)(mu-CO)(CO)3] (6) were isolated by addition of the neutral compound [[Rh(mu-Cl)(CO)2]2] to 2, depending on the molar ratio employed. The formation of 5 and 6 involved the loss of carbonyl groups and the coordination of the oxygen atoms of the CO2Me groups. The structures of 4, 5, and 6 have been determined by X-ray diffraction methods, which show the ability of bis(o-carboxymethylphenyl)triazenide to act as bi-, tri-, and tetra-dentate ligand-spanning dinuclear moieties in trinuclear complexes.     

Gyroscope-like molecules consisting of three-spoke stators that enclose "switchable" neutral dipolar rhodium rotators; reversible cycling between faster and slower rotating Rh(CO)I and Rh(CO)2I species

trans-Rh(CO)(Cl)(P((CH(2))(14))(3)P) is prepared from trans-Rh(CO)(Cl)(P((CH(2))(6)CH[double bond, length as m-dash]CH(2))(3))(2) by a metathesis/hydrogenation sequence, and converted by substitution or addition reactions to Rh(CO)(I), Rh(CO)(2)(I), Rh(CO)(NCS), and Rh(CO)(Cl)(Br)(CCl(3)) species; the Rh(CO)(Cl) and Rh(CO)(I) moieties rapidly rotate within the cage-like diphosphine, but the other rhodium moieties do not.     

Rhodium(I) and Rhodium(III) complexes containing the chiral ligand 2,6-bis[4'(S)-isopropyloxazolin-2'-yl]pyridine (pybox): an unprecedented monohapto coordination of pybox

The complex [Rh(kappa(3)-N,N,N-pybox)(CO)][PF(6)] (1) has been prepared by reaction of the precursor [Rh(mu-Cl)(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(2)](2), 2,6-bis[4'(S)-isopropyloxazolin-2'-yl]pyridine (pybox), CO, and NaPF(6). Complex 1 reacts with monodentate phosphines to give the complexes [Rh(kappa(1)-N-pybox)(CO)(PR(3))(2)][PF(6)] (R(3) = MePh(2) (2), Me(2)Ph (3), (C(3)H(5))Ph(2) (4)), which show a previously unseen monodentate coordination of pybox. Complex 1 undergoes oxidative addition reactions with iodine and CH(3)I leading to the complexes [RhI(R)(kappa(3)-N,N,N-pybox)(CO)][PF(6)] (R = I (5); R = CH(3) (6)). Furthermore, a new allenyl Rh(III)-pybox complex of formula [Rh(CH=C=CH(2))Cl(2)(kappa(3)-N,N,N-pybox)] (7) has been synthesized by a one-pot reaction from [Rh(mu-Cl)(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(2)](2), pybox, and an equimolar amount of propargyl chloride.     

Sterically hindered electron-withdrawing ligands: the reactions of N-carbazolyl phosphines with rhodium and palladium centres

The series of N-carbazolyl phosphines PPh(3-n)(NC(12)H(8))(n)(n= 1, L1; n= 2, L2; n= 3, L3) has been synthesised using BuLi to generate the N-carbazolyl lithium salt, followed by reaction with the appropriate chlorophosphine. The reactions between [Rh(mu-Cl)(CO)(2)](2) and four equivalents of L1 or L2 gave [RhCl(CO)(L1)(2)] 1 and [RhCl(CO)(L2)(2)] 2, though attempts to synthesise the analogous complex using L3 resulted in the formation of [Rh(mu-Cl)(CO)(L3)](2) 3 instead. The inability of L3 to cleave the chloride bridges can be related to its considerable steric requirements. The electronic properties of L1-3 were assessed by comparison of the nu(CO) values of the [Rh(acac)(CO)(L1-3)] complexes 4-6. The increase in number of N-carbazolyl substituents at the phosphorus atom results in a decrease of the sigma-donor and increase in the pi-acceptor character in the order L1 < L2 < L3. In the reactions of L1-3 with [PdCl(2)(cod)] only L1 was able to displace cod from the metal centre and form [PdCl(2)(L1)(2)] 7. The use of [PdCl(2)(NCMe)(2)] instead of [PdCl(2)(cod)] resulted in the formation of the complexes [PdCl(2)(L1)(2)] 7 from L1, the cyclometallated complex [Pd(mu-Cl)[P(NC(12)H(8))(2)(NC(12)H(7))-kappa(2)P,C]](2) 8 from L3 , and a mixture of [PdCl(2)(L2)(2)] 9 and [Pd(mu-Cl)[PPh(NC(12)H(8))(NC(12)H(7))-kappa(2)P,C]](2) 10 from L2 . The reaction of L3 with [Pd(OAc)(2)] produced the cyclometallated complex [Pd(mu-O(2)CCH(3))[P(NC(12)H(8))(2)(NC(12)H(7))-kappa(2)P,C]](2) 11. The reaction of L3 with [Pd(2)(dba)(3)].CHCl(3) produced the 14-electron complex [Pd(L3)(2)] 12. The X-ray crystal structures of six complexes are reported, all of which show the presence of C-H...Pd hydrogen bonding.     

First transition-metal complexes of S=P(NHBu t)3

The first transition-metal (Rh(I), Mo(VI), Ni(II)) complexes of S[double bond, length as m-dash]P(NHBu(t))(3) have been synthesized via metathetical reactions of mono-lithiated and [Rh(CO)(2)Cl](2), (Bu(t)N)(2)MoCl(2)(dme) and NiBr(2)(dme). Surprisingly in the molecular structure of the Ni(II)-complex both hard-soft (N,S) and hard-hard (N,N[prime or minute]) chelation modes of are realized.     

Experimental Raman spectra of dilute and laser-light-sensitive [Rh(4)(CO)(9)(mu-CO)(3)] and [(mu(4)-eta(2)-3-hexyne)Rh(4)(CO)(8)(mu-CO)(2)]. Comparison with theoretically predicted spectra

The reaction of [Rh(4)(CO)(9)(mu-CO)(3)] with 3-hexyne to form the butterfly cluster [(mu(4)-eta(2)-3-hexyne)Rh(4)(CO)(8)(mu-CO)(2)] was monitored viain-situ Raman spectroscopy using an NIR laser source, at room temperature and under atmospheric argon using n-hexane as solvent. The collected raw spectra were deconvoluted using band-target entropy minimization (BTEM). The pure component mid-Raman spectra of the [Rh(4)(CO)(9)(mu-CO)(3)] and the butterfly cluster [(mu(4)-eta(2)-3-hexyne)Rh(4)(CO)(8)(mu-CO)(2)], were reconstructed with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Full geometric optimization and Raman vibrational prediction were carried out using DFT. The experimental and predicted Raman spectra were in good agreement. In particular, the far-Raman vibrational modes in the region 100-280 cm(-1) provided characterization of the metal-metal bonds and direct confirmation of the structural integrity of the polynuclear frameworks in solution.     

Sn-centred icosahedral Rh carbonyl clusters: synthesis and structural characterization and 13C-{103Rh} HMQC NMR studies

The reaction of [Rh(7)(CO)(16)](3-) with SnCl(2).2H(2)O in a 1 : 1 molar ratio under N(2) results in the formation of the new heterometallic cluster, [Rh(12)Sn(CO)(27)](4-), in very high yield (ca. 86%). Further controlled additions of SnCl(2).2H(2)O, or solutions of HCl, or [RhCl(COD)](2), give [Rh(12)(micro-Cl)(2)Sn(CO)(23)](4-). Similarly, addition of HBr to [Rh(12)Sn(CO)(27)](4-) gives the related cluster [Rh(12)(micro-Br)(2)Sn(CO)(23)](4-). Notably, if the addition of SnCl(2).2H(2)O to [Rh(12)Sn(CO)(27)](4-) is carried out under a CO atmosphere, the reaction takes a different course and leads to the formation of the new cluster, [Rh(12)Sn(micro(3)-RhCl)(CO)(27)](4-). All the above clusters have been shown by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies to have a metal framework based on an icosahedron, which is centred by the unique Sn atom. Their chemical reactivity and (13)C-{(103)Rh} HMQC NMR spectroscopic characterization are also reported.     

Synthesis of [Ag(NH=CMe(2))(2)]ClO(4) and its use as a source of acetimine. 1. Synthesis of the first acetimine rhodium complexes and the first crystal structure of a diacetonamine complex

The reaction of AgClO(4) and NH(3) in acetone gave [Ag(NH=CMe(2))(2)]ClO(4) (1). The reactions of 1 with [RhCl(diolefin)](2) or [RhCl(CO)(2)](2) (2:1) gave the bis(acetimine) complexes [Rh(diolefin)(NH=CMe(2))(2)]ClO(4) [diolefin = 1,5 cyclooctadiene = cod (2), norbornadiene = nbd (3)] or [Rh(CO)(2)(NH=CMe(2))(2)]ClO(4) (4), respectively. Mono(acetimine) complexes [Rh(diolefin)(NH=CMe(2))(PPh(3))]ClO(4) [diolefin = cod (5), nbd (6)] or [RhCl(diolefin)(NH=CMe(2))] [diolefin = cod (7), nbd (8)] were obtained by reacting 2 or 3 with PPh(3) (1:1) or with Me(4)NCl (1:1.1), respectively. The reaction of 4 with PR(3) (R = Ph, To, molar ratio 1:2) led to [Rh(CO)(NH=CMe(2))(PR(3))(2)]ClO(4) [R = Ph (9), C(6)H(4)Me-4 = To (10)] while cis-[Rh(CO)(NH=CMe(2))(2)(PPh(3))]ClO(4) (11) was isolated from the reaction of 1 with [RhCl(CO)(PPh(3))](2) (1:1). The crystal structures of 5 and [Ag[H(2)NC(Me)(2)CH(2)C(O)Me](PTo(3))]ClO(4) (A), a product obtained in a reaction between NH(3), AgClO(4), and PTo(3), have been determined.     

Theoretical study of rhodium(III)-catalyzed hydrogenation of carbon dioxide into formic acid. Significant differences in reactivity among rhodium(III), rhodium(I), and ruthenium(II) complexes

The title reaction was theoretically investigated, where cis-[RhH(2)(PH(3))(3)](+) and cis-[RhH(2)(PH(3))(2)(H(2)O)](+) were adopted as models of the catalyst. The first step of the catalytic cycle is the CO(2) insertion into the Rh(III)-H bond, of which the activation barrier (E(a)) is 47.2 and 28.4 kcal/mol in cis-[RhH(2)(PH(3))(3)](+) and cis-[RhH(2)(PH(3))(2)(H(2)O)](+), respectively, where DFT(B3LYP)-calculated E(a) values (kcal/mol unit) are given hereafter. These results indicate that an active species is not cis-[RhH(2)(PH(3))(3)](+) but cis-[RhH(2)(PH(3))(2)(H(2)O)](+). After the CO(2) insertion, two reaction courses are possible. In one course, the reaction proceeds through isomerization (E(a) = 2.8) of [RhH(eta(1)- OCOH)(PH(3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](+), five-centered H-OCOH reductive elimination (E(a) = 2.7), and oxidative addition of H(2) to [Rh(PH(3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](+) (E(a) = 5.8). In the other one, the reaction proceeds through isomerization of [RhH(eta(1)-OCOH)(PH(3))(2)(H(2)O)(H(2))](+) (E(a) = 5.9) and six-centered sigma-bond metathesis of [RhH(eta(1)-OCOH)(PH(3))(2)(H(2)O)](+) with H(2) (no barrier). RhH(PH(3))(2)-catalyzed hydrogenation of CO(2) proceeds through CO(2) insertion (E(a) = 1.6) and either the isomerization of Rh(eta(1)-OCOH)(PH(3))(2)(H(2)) (E(a) = 6.1) followed by the six-centered sigma-bond metathesis (E(a) = 0.3) or H(2) oxidative addition to Rh(eta(1)-OCOH)(PH(3))(2) (E(a) = 7.3) followed by isomerization of RhH(2)(eta(1)-OCOH)(PH(3))(2) (E(a) = 6.2) and the five-centered H-OCOH reductive elimination (E(a) = 1.9). From these results and our previous results of RuH(2)(PH(3))(4)-catalyzed hydrogenation of CO(2) (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 3867), detailed discussion is presented concerning differences among Rh(III), Rh(I), and Ru(II) complexes.     

Features and applications of [Rh(CO)(2)Cl](2)-catalyzed alkylations of unsymmetrical allylic substrates

A novel regio- and stereoselective [Rh(CO)2Cl]2-catalyzed allylic alkylation of unsymmetrical allylic carbonates was discovered. The regioselectivity of the reaction favors product ratios in which substitution occurs at the carbon bearing the leaving group. When an enantiomerically enriched carbonate (> or = 99% ee) was examined, the Rh(I)-catalyzed allylic alkylation proceeded stereoselectively to provide the alkylation product with retention of absolute stereochemistry (98% ee). To establish the scope of the [Rh(CO)2Cl]2-catalyzed allylic alkylation, a variety of carbon and heteroatom nucleophiles were examined and the results described. As an application of the Rh(I)-catalyzed allylic alkylation, a series of novel domino reactions have been developed that couple the unique regio- and stereoselective [Rh(CO)2Cl]2-catalyzed alkylation of allylic trifluoroacetates with an intramolecular Pauson-Khand annulation, a cycloisomerization, or a [5+2] cycloaddition. A unique aspect of the method described is the use of a single catalyst to effect sequential transformations in which the catalytic activity is moderated simply by controlling the reaction temperature. Implementation of such processes provides a rapid and efficient entry to a variety of bicyclic carbon skeletons from simple precursors.     

Synthesis, structure, and spectroscopic characterization of [H(8-n)Rh22(CO)35](n-) (n = 4, 5) and [H2Rh13(CO)24{Cu(MeCN)}2](-) clusters: assessment of CV and DPV as techniques to circumstantiate the presence of elusive hydride atoms

The previously ill-characterized [H(x)Rh(22)(CO)(35)](4-/5-) carbonyl cluster has been obtained as a byproduct of the synthesis of [H(3)Rh(13)(CO)(24)](2-) and effectively separated by metathesis of their sodium salts with [NEt(4)]Cl. Although the yields are modest and never exceed 10-15% (based on Rh), this procedure affords spectroscopically pure [H(3)Rh(22)(CO)(35)](5-) anion. Formation of the latter in mixture with other Rh clusters was also observed by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) in the oxidation of [H(2)Rh(13)(CO)(24)](3-) with Cu(2+) salts. The recovery of further amounts of [H(3)Rh(22)(CO)(35)](5-) was hampered by too similar solubility of the salts composing the mixture. Conversely, the reaction in CH(3)CN of [H(2)Rh(13)(CO)(24)](3-) with [Cu(MeCN)(4)](+)[BF(4)](-) leads to the [H(2)Rh(13)(CO)(24){Cu(MeCN)}(2)](-) bimetallic cluster. The X-ray crystal structures of [H(4)Rh(22)(CO)(35)](4-), [H(3)Rh(22)(CO)(35)](5-), and [H(2)Rh(13)(CO)(24){Cu(MeCN)}(2)](-) are reported. From a formal point of view, the metal frame of the former two species can be derived by interpenetration along two orthogonal axes of two moieties displaying the structure of the latter. The availability of [H(8-n)Rh(22)(CO)(35)](n-) salts prompted their detailed chemical, spectroscopic, and electrochemical characterization. The presence of hydride atoms has been directly proved both by ESI-MS and (1)H NMR. Moreover, both [H(4)Rh(22)(CO)(35)](4-) and [H(3)Rh(22)(CO)(35)](5-) undergo distinctive electrochemically reversible redox changes. This allows to assess electrochemical studies as indisputable though circumstantial evidence of the presence of (1)H NMR-silent hydride atoms in isostructural anions of different charge.     

The F/Ph rearrangement reaction of [(Ph3P)3RhF], the fluoride congener of Wilkinson's catalyst

The fluoride congener of Wilkinson's catalyst, [(Ph(3)P)(3)RhF] (1), has been synthesized and fully characterized. Unlike Wilkinson's catalyst, 1 easily activates the inert C-Cl bond of ArCl (Ar = Ph, p-tolyl) under mild conditions (3 h at 80 degrees C) to produce trans-[(Ph(3)P)(2)Rh(Ph(2)PF)(Cl)] (2) and ArPh as a result of C-Cl, Rh-F, and P-C bond cleavage and C-C, Rh-Cl, and P-F bond formation. In benzene (2-3 h at 80 degrees C), 1 decomposes to a 1:1 mixture of trans-[(Ph(3)P)(2)Rh(Ph(2)PF)(F)] (3) and the cyclometalated complex [(Ph(3)P)(2)Rh(Ph(2)PC(6)H(4))] (4). Both the chloroarene activation and the thermal decomposition reactions have been shown to occur via the facile and reversible F/Ph rearrangement reaction of 1 to cis-[(Ph(3)P)(2)Rh(Ph)(Ph(2)PF)] (5), which has been isolated and fully characterized. Kinetic studies of the F/Ph rearrangement, an intramolecular process not influenced by extra phosphine, have led to the determination of E(a) = 22.7 +/- 1.2 kcal mol(-)(1), DeltaH(++) = 22.0 +/- 1.2 kcal mol(-)(1), and DeltaS(++) = -10.0 +/- 3.7 eu. Theoretical studies of F/Ph exchange with the [(PH(3))(2)(PH(2)Ph)RhF] model system pointed to two possible mechanisms: (i) Ph transfer to Rh followed by F transfer to P (formally oxidative addition followed by reductive elimination, pathway 1) and (ii) F transfer to produce a metallophosphorane with subsequent Ph transfer to Rh (pathway 2). Although pathway 1 cannot be ruled out completely, the metallophosphorane mechanism finds more support from both our own and previously reported observations. Possible involvement of metallophosphorane intermediates in various P-F, P-O, and P-C bond-forming reactions at a metal center is discussed.     

Modelling proposed intermediates in the hydrocarbonylation of alkenes catalysed by rhodium complexes of PBui3 and PPri3

In ethanol, hydrocarbonylation reactions of alkenes catalysed by triethylphosphine complexes of rhodium give alcohols as the products with low linear selectivity, whilst rhodium complexes of PPri3 or PBui3 give mainly aldehydes, again with low linear selectivity. Modelling the proposed acyl intermediates by studying [Rh(C(O)Me)(CO)m(L)4-m] (L = PPri3 or PBui3) shows that they exist as monophosphine species under the normal reaction conditions. In the absence of CO, [Rh(=C(OH)Me)(CO)L2]+ can also be formed. The implications of these NMR studies for the chemo- and regio-selectivity of the hydrocarbonylation reactions are discussed.     

A mechanistic investigation of oxidative addition of methyl iodide to [Tp*Rh(CO)(L)

Reaction of methyl iodide with square planar [kappa(2)-Tp*Rh(CO)(PMe(3))] 1a (Tp* = HB(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)) at room temperature affords [kappa(3)-Tp*Rh(CO)(PMe(3))(Me)]I 2a, which was fully characterized by spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The pseudooctahedral geometry of cationic 2a, which contains a kappa(3)-coordinated Tp* ligand, indicates a reaction mechanism in which nucleophilic attack by Rh on MeI is accompanied by coordination of the pendant pyrazolyl group. In solution 2a transforms slowly into a neutral (acetyl)(iodo) rhodium complex [kappa(3)-Tp*Rh(PMe(3))(COMe)I] 3a, for which an X-ray crystal structure is also reported. Kinetic studies on the reactions of [kappa(2)-Tp*Rh(CO)(L)] (L = PMe(3), PMe(2)Ph, PMePh(2), PPh(3), CO)] with MeI show second-order behavior with large negative activation entropies, consistent with an S(N)2 mechanism. The second-order rate constants correlate well with phosphine basicity. For L = CO, reaction with MeI gives an acetyl complex, [kappa(3)-Tp*Rh(CO)(COMe)I]. The bis(pyrazolyl)borate complexes [kappa(2)-Bp*Rh(CO)(L)] (L = PPh(3), CO) are much less reactive toward MeI than the Tp* analogues, indicating the importance of the third pyrazolyl group and the accessibility of a kappa(3) coordination mode. The results strengthen the evidence in favor of an S(N)2 mechanism for oxidative addition of MeI to square planar d(8) transition metal complexes.