Synthesis of palladium(II) complexes containing a new alpha-D-xylofuranose-modified diphosphine and their application as catalyst precursors in the co- and terpolymerization of CO-ethene and propene

The diphosphine 3,5-dideoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-3,5-bis(di(2-methoxyphenyl)phosphanyl)-alpha-D-xylofuranose (o-MeO-xylophos), which differs from the known 3,5-dideoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-3,5-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)-alpha-D-xylofuranose (xylophos) by the presence of 2-methoxy substituents on the P-aryl rings, has been synthesized and characterized. These two ligands have been employed to stabilize the Pd(II) complexes [PdCl2(o-MeO-xylophos)] (1a), [PdCl2(xylophos)] (2a), [PdClMe(o-MeO-xylophos)] (1b), [PdClMe(xylophos)] (2b), [Pd(OTs)(H2O)(o-MeO-xylophos)](OTs) (1c) and [Pd(OTs)(H2O)(xylophos)](OTs) (2c). All complexes have been characterized by multinuclear-NMR spectroscopy. The solid-state structure of 1a has been determined by a single crystal X-ray analysis. The Pd-aqua complexes 1c and 2c have been employed to catalyse the CO-ethene and CO-propene copolymerization as well as the CO-ethene-propene terpolymerization reaction in MeOH. The catalytic activity and the molecular weight of the polyketones have been compared to those of the products obtained with analogous catalysts, [Pd(H2O)2(o-MeO-dppp)](OTs)2 (3c) and [Pd(H2O)(OTs)(dppp)](OTs) (4c), bearing the classical 1,3-bis(diphenylphoshino)propane ligand (dppp). Under comparable catalytic conditions, all catalysts produce structurally similar polymeric materials, with 1c yielding the largest propene incorporation as well as the highest productivity of low-molecular-weight terpolymers.     

Development of homogeneous and heterogenized rhodium(I) and palladium(II) complexes with ligands based on a chiral proton sponge building block and their application as catalysts

Chiral compounds prepared from proton sponge building block 8-((2R,5R)-2,5-dimethylpyrrolidin-1-yl)naphthalen-1-amine were found to be effective chiral ligands for obtaining complexes of rhodium(I) and palladium(II) by reaction with [RhCl(cod)](2), PdCl(2)(cod) or Pd(OAc)(2). The complexes bearing triethoxysilane groups were immobilized on mesoporous MCM-41 in order to obtain new heterogeneous catalysts. Both materials are active in the hydrogenation of alkenes and could be recycled without loss of activity or enantioselectivity.     

Synthesis and characterization of nickel inverse 9-metallacrown-3, palladium-silver, and dinuclear platinum complexes containing pyrazole-functionalized NHC ligands

Three metallacrown nickel complexes [Ni(3)(μ-OH)(L1)(3)](PF(6))(2) (1, L1 = 3-((N-methylimidazolylidenyl)methyl)-5-methylpyrazolate), [Ni(3)(μ-OH)(L2)(3)](PF(6))(2) (2, L2 = 3-((N-mesitylimidazolylidenyl)methyl)-5-methylpyrazolate), and [Ni(3)(μ-OH)(L3)(3)](PF(6))(2) (3, L3 = 3-((N-pyrimidin-2-ylimidazolylidenyl)methyl)-5-methylpyrazolate) were obtained by the reactions of corresponding silver-NHC complexes with Raney nickel powder at 45 °C. The same reaction at 80 °C afforded [Ni(3)(L2)(4)](PF(6))(2) (4). The carbene-transfer reaction of the silver-carbene complex with [(η(3)-C(3)H(5))PdCl](2) yielded the heterotrimetallic complex [AgPd(2)(η(3)-C(3)H(5))(2)(L2)(2)](PF(6)) (5), whereas the carbene-transfer reaction with Pt(cod)Cl(2) gave [Pt(2)(L3)(2)](PF(6))(2) (6). All of these complexes have been fully characterized by ESI-MS, NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The molecular structures of 1-6 were also studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. In 1-3, three nickel centers are bridged together by three pyrazole-NHC ligands and a hydroxide group, forming a 9-metallacrown-3 topology. Complex 4 is paramagnetic, consisting of two square-planar nickel(II) ions and one tetrahedral nickel ion in which three Ni ions are bridged by four pyrazolate units. In the mixed Pd-Ag complex 5, two palladium and one silver centers are bridged by two pyrazole-NHC ligands. Complex 5 showed good catalytic activity in the Sonogashira coupling reaction of aryl bromides and phenylacetylene under mild conditions typically catalyzed by Pd-Cu systems.     

Palladium(II) complexes of bowls, pinwheels, cages, and N,C,N-pincers of starburst ligands 1,3,5-Tris(di-2-pyridylamino)benzene and 2,4,6-Tris(di-2-pyridylamino)-1,3,5-triazene

The reactions of Pd(II) ions with starburst ligands 1,3,5-tris(di-2-pyridylamino)benzene (tdab) and 2,4,6-tris(di-2-pyridylamino)-1,3,5-triazene (tdat) have been investigated. Complexes with the Pd:tdab (or tdat) ratio being 1:1 and 3:1 have been isolated and characterized. The structures of five new Pd(II) complexes containing the starburst ligands have been determined by X-ray diffraction analyses, which include chelate compounds [PdCl(2)(tdab)], 1, [(PdCl(2))(3)(tdab)], 2, [(Pd(OAc)(2))(3)(tdab)], 4, and [(Pd(OAc)(2))(3)(tdat)], 5, and a cyclometalated compound [Pd(OAc)(NCN-tdab)], 3. The Pd(II) ion in the 1:1 compound 1 is chelated by two pyridyl groups. Similarly, each Pd(II) center in the 3:1 compounds 2, 4, and 5 is chelated by two pyridyl groups. However, these three compounds display distinct structural features: 2 adopts a "bowl-shaped" structure, 4 has a "pinwheel"-like structure, and 5 has a "up-and-down" structure. Compounds 4 and 5 were examined in solution by variable-temperature (1)H NMR, which revealed that both compounds retain the "pinwheel" and the "up-and-down" structure, respectively. The observed structural preference by 4 and 5 is attributed to both electronic and steric factors.     

Synthesis of neutral (Pd(II), Pt(II)), cationic (Pd(II)), and water-induced anionic (Pd(II)) complexes containing new mesocyclic thioether-aminophosphonite ligands and their application in the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction

Mesocyclic thioether-aminophosphonite ligands, {-OC10H6(mu-S)C10H6O-}PNC4H8O (2a, 4-(dinaphtho[2,1-d:1',2'-g][1,3,6,2]dioxathiaphosphocin-4-yl)morpholine) and {-OC10H6(mu-S)C10H6O-}PNC4H8NCH3 (2b, 1-(dinaphtho[2,1-d:1',2'-g][1,3,6,2]dioxathiaphosphocin-4-yl)-4-methylpiperazine) are obtained by reacting {-OC10H6(mu-S)C10H6O-}PCl (1) with corresponding nucleophiles. The ligands 2a and 2b react with (PhCN)2PdCl2 or M(COD)Cl2 (M = Pd(II) or Pt(II)) to afford P-coordinated cis-complexes, [{(-OC10H6(mu-S)C10H6O-)PNC4H8X-kappaP}2MCl2] (3a, M = Pd(II), X = O; 3b, M = Pd(II), X = NMe; 4a, M = Pt(II), X = O; 4b, M = Pt(II), X = NMe). Compounds 2a and 2b, upon treatment with [Pd(eta3-C3H5)Cl]2 in the presence of AgOTf, produce the P,S-chelated cationic complexes, [{(-OC10H6(mu-S)C10H6O-)PNC4H8X-kappaP,kappaS}Pd(eta3-C3H5)](CF3SO3) (5a, X = O and 5b, X = NMe). Treatment of 2a and 2b with (PhCN)2PdCl2 in the presence of trace amount of H2O affords P,S-chelated anionic complexes, [{(-OC10H6(mu-S)C10H6O-)P(O)-kappaP,kappaS}PdCl2](H2NC4H8X) (6a, X = O and 6b, X = NMe), via P-N bond cleavage. The crystal structures of compounds 1, 2a, 2b, 4a, and 6a are reported. Compound 6a is a rare example of crystallographically characterized anionic transition metal complex containing a thioether-phosphonate ligand. Most of these palladium complexes proved to be very active catalysts for the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction with excellent turnover number ((TON), up to 9.2 x 10(4) using complex 6a as a catalyst).     

Photophysics and redox behavior of chiral transition metal polymers

The absorption and emission spectra, excited-state lifetimes, quantum yields, and electrochemical measurements have been obtained for a new series of chiral complexes based on three different chiral 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine ligands, (-)-ctpy, (-)-[ctpy-x-ctpy], and (-)-[ctpy-b-ctpy], with one, two, or multiple Ru metal centers. The room-temperature absorption and emission maxima of [[((-)-ctpy)Ru]-(-)-[ctpy-b-ctpy]-[Ru((-)-ctpy)]](PF(6))(4) and ((-)-[ctpy-b-ctpy])-[[Ru((-)-[ctpy-b-ctpy])](PF(6))(2)](n) were shifted to lower energies and also exhibited significantly longer luminescence lifetimes when compared to [Ru((-)-ctpy)(2)](PF(6))(2), [[((-)-ctpy)Ru]-(-)-[ctpy-x-ctpy]-[Ru((-)-ctpy)]](PF(6))(4), and ((-)-[ctpy-x-ctpy])-[[Ru((-)-[ctpy-x-ctpy])](PF(6))(2)](n). In terms of their electrochemical behavior, all of the complexes studied exhibited one Ru-centered and two ligand-centered redox waves and the [[((-)-ctpy)Ru]-(-)-[ctpy-x-ctpy]-[Ru((-)-ctpy)]](PF(6))(4), ((-)-[ctpy-x-ctpy])-[[Ru((-)-[ctpy-x-ctpy])](PF(6))(2)](n), and ((-)-[ctpy-b-ctpy])-[[Ru((-)-[ctpy-b-ctpy])](PF(6))(2)](n)() complexes were found to electrodeposit upon ligand-based reduction. The difference between the formal potentials of the Ru-centered and the first ligand-centered (least negative) waves corresponded linearly with the changes in the observed emission energies. The shifts in energy are discussed using a particle-in-a-box model, and the luminescence lifetimes are discussed in terms of the structure of the excited-state manifold.     

Chemistry of palladium phosphinite (PPh(2)(OR)) and phosphonite (P(OPh)(2)(OH)) complexes: catalytic activity in methoxycarbonylation and Heck coupling reactions

The new phosphinite and phosphonite complexes (1-8) are very efficient catalysts for the methoxycarbonylation of iodobenzene and Heck cross-coupling of bromobenzene with butyl acrylate. High catalytic activity of these complexes can be explained by their in situ transformations during the reaction, stimulated by the presence of water, acid (HCl) or base (NEt(3)). Hydrolysis of phosphinite palladium complexes of the form trans-PdCl(2)[PPh(2)(OR)](2) (R = C(6)F(5), 2, (t)Bu 3, or O-menthyl 4) results in the formation of the dimeric complex [mu-ClPd(PPh(2)OH)(PPh(2)O)](2) 5, which is deprotonated by NEt(3), producing a polymeric complex of formula [Pd(P(O)PPh(2))(2)](n) 8. The reverse reaction, protonolysis of 8 with HCl, leads back to 5 and the monomeric complex 5a. The phosphinite complex PdCl(2)[PPh(2)(OBu)](2)1 with a more lipophilic ligand, PPh(2)(OBu), does not undergo hydrolysis under the same conditions. In the reaction of PdCl(2)(cod) with P(OPh)(2)(OH), the new dimer [mu-ClPd(P(OPh)(2)OH)(P(OPh)(2)O)](2) 6 was obtained, whereas reaction of Pd(OAc)(2) with P(OPh)(2)(OH) leads to the polymeric complex [Pd[P(O)(OPh)(2)](2)](n) 7. Protonolysis of 7 with HCl results in the formation of 6.     

Preparation and characterization of dinuclear Pd(II) complexes of binucleating tetraaza-thiophenolate ligands

The thioethers 4-tert-butyl-2,6-bis((2-(dimethylamino)ethylimino)methyl)phenyl(tert-butyl)sulfane (tBu-L3) and 4-tert-butyl-2,6-bis((2-(dimethylamino)ethylimino)methyl)phenyl(tert-butyl)sulfane (tBu-L4) react with PdCl2(NCMe)2 to give the dinuclear palladium thiophenolate complexes [(L3)Pd2Cl2]+ (2) and [(L4Pd2(mu-Cl)]2+ (3) (HL3= 2,6-bis((2-(dimethylamino)ethylimino)methyl)-4-tert-butylbenzenethiol, HL4 = 2,6-bis((2-(dimethylamino)ethylamino)methyl)-4-tert-butylbenzenethiol). The chloride ligands in could be replaced by neutral (NCMe) and anionic ligands (NCS-, N3-, CN-, OAc-) to give the diamagnetic Pd(II) complexes [(L3)Pd2(NCMe)2]3+ (4), [(L3)Pd2(NCS)2]+ (5), [(L3)Pd2(N3)2]+ (6), [{(L3)Pd2(mu-CN)}2]4+ (7) and [(L3)Pd2(OAc)]2+ (9). The nitrile ligands in and in [(L3)Pd2(NCCH2Cl)2]3+ are readily hydrated to give the corresponding amidato complexes [(L3)Pd2(CH3CONH)]2+ (8) and [(L3)Pd2(CH2ClCONH)]2+ (10). The reaction of [(L3)Pd2(NCMe)2]3+ with NaBPh4 gave the diphenyl complex [(L3)Pd2(Ph)2]+ (11). All complexes were either isolated as perchlorate or tetraphenylborate salts and studied by IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. In addition, complexes 2[ClO4], 3[ClO4]2, 5[BPh4], 6[BPh4], 7[ClO4]4, 9[ClO4]2, 10[ClO4]2 and 11[BPh4] have been characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Oligodentate P,N ligands: N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(diphenylphosphanyl)-1,3-diaminobenzene complexes of rhodium, nickel and palladium

The oligodentate P,N ligand N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(diphenylphosphanyl)-1,3-diaminobenzene reacts with two equivalents of [{Rh(mu-Cl)(COD)}(2)], [NiBr(2)(DME)] or [PdCl(2)(NCMe)(2)](COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene, DME = dimethoxyethane) in dichloromethane to give the tetranuclear complex [1,3-{cis-Rh(COD)(mu-Cl)(2)Rh(PPh(2))(2)N}(2)C(6)H(4)](1) or the dinuclear complexes [1,3-{cis-NiBr(2)(PPh(2))(2)N}(2)C(6)H(4)](2) and [1,3-{cis-PdCl(2)(PPh(2))(2)N}(2)C(6)H(4)](3), respectively. Compounds 1-3 were characterised by NMR ((1)H, (13)C, (31)P) and IR spectroscopy. The molecular structure of 2 and 3 shows the formation of a bis-chelate complex with M-P-N-P four-membered rings (M = Pd, Ni). An N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(diphenylphosphanyl)-1,3-diaminobenzene/Pd(OAc)(2) mixture was used for the copolymerisation of carbon monoxide with ethene or ethylidenenorbornene. Compound 1 was employed as catalyst in the hydrogenation of styrene.     

Phenylphosphatrioxa-adamantanes: bulky, robust, electron-poor ligands that give very efficient rhodium(I) hydroformylation catalysts

The cage phosphines 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-6-phenyl-2,4,8-trioxa-6-phosphaadamantane (1a) and 1,3,5,7-tetraethyl-6-phenyl-2,4,8,trioxa-6-phosphaadamantane (1b) have been made by the acid catalysed addition of PhPH(2) to the appropriate beta-diketones; the acid used (HCl, H(3)PO(4) or H(2)SO(4)) and its concentration affect the rate and selectivity of these condensation reactions. Phosphines 1a and 1b react with [PdCl(2)(NCPh)(2)] to form complexes trans-[PdCl(2)(1a)(2)](2a) and trans-[PdCl(2)(1b)(2)](2b) as mixtures of rac and meso diastereoisomers. The platinum(II) chemistry is more complicated and when 1a or 1b is added to [PtCl(2)(cod)], equilibrium mixtures of trans-[PtCl(2)L(2)] and [Pt(2)Cl(4)L(2)](L = or ) are formed in CH(2)Cl(2) solution. Meso/rac mixtures of trans-[MCl(CO)(1a)(2)] M = Ir (6a) or Rh (7a) are formed upon treatment of MCl(3).nH(2)O with an excess of 1a and the anionic cobalt complex [NHEt(3)][CoCl(3)(1a)](9) was isolated from the product formed by CoCl(2).6H(2)O and 1a. The nu(CO) values from the IR spectra of 6a and 7a suggest that 1a resembles a phosphonite in its bonding to Rh and Ir. Crystal structures of meso-2a, meso-2b, rac-6a and 9 are reported and in each case a small intracage C-P-C angle of ca. 94 degrees is observed; this may partly explain the bonding characteristics of ligands 1a and 1b. The cone angles for 1a and 1b are similar and large (ca. 200 degrees). Rhodium complexes of ligands 1a and 1b are hydroformylation catalysts with similarly high activity to catalysts derived from phosphites. The catalysts derived from 1a and 1b gave unusually low linear selectivity in the hydroformylation of hexenes. This feature has been further exploited in quaternary-selective hydroformylations of unsaturated esters; catalysts derived from 1a give better yields and regioselectivities than any previously reported catalyst.     

Orthopalladation of iminophosphoranes: synthesis, structure and study of stability

The reaction of Pd(OAc)(2) with polyfunctional iminophosphoranes Ph(3)P=NCH(2)CO(2)Me (1a), Ph(3)P=NCH(2)C(O)NMe(2) (1b), Ph(3)P=NCH(2)CH(2)SMe (1c) and Ph(3)P=NCH(2)-2-NC(5)H(4) (1d), gives the orthopalladated dinuclear complex [Pd(mu-Cl){C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)=NCH(2)CO(2)Me-kappa-C,N)-2}](2) (2a) and the mononuclear derivatives [PdCl{C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)=NCH(2)CONMe(2)-kappa-C,N,O)-2}] (2b), [PdCl{C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)=NCH(2)CH(2)SMe-kappa-C,N,S)-2}] (2c) and [PdCl{C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)=NCH(2)-2-NC(5)H(4)-kappa-C,N,N)-2}] (2d). The reaction implies the activation of a C-H bond in a phenyl ring of the phosphonium group, this fact being worthy of note due to the strongly deactivating nature of the phosphonium unit. The palladacycle containing the metallated carbon atom is remarkably stable toward the coordination of incoming ligands, while that formed by the iminic N atom and another heteroatom (O, 2a and 2b; S, 2c; N, 2d) is less stable and the resulting complexes can be considered as hemilabile. The X-ray crystal structures of the cyclopalladated [Pd(mu-Cl){C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)=NCH(2)CO(2)Me-kappa-C,N)-2}](2) (2a), [PdCl{C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)=NCH(2)-2-NC(5)H(4)-kappa-C,N,N)-2}] (2d), [Pd{C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)=NCH(2)CONMe(2)-kappa-C,N,O)-2}(NCMe)](ClO(4)) (7b) and [Pd{C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)NCH(2)CONMe(2)-kappa-C,N,O)-2}(py)](ClO(4)) (3b), and the coordination compound cis-[Pd(Cl)(2)(Ph(3)P=NCH(2)CH(2)SMe-kappa-N,S)] (8) are also reported.     

1,10]-Phenanthrolin-2-yl ketones and their coordination chemistry

A synthetic protocol involving the Friedl?nder reaction of 8-amino-7-quinolinecarbaldehyde followed by potassium dichromate oxidation was applied to 2,3,4-pentanetrione-3-oxime and 1-(pyrid-2'-yl)propane-1,2-dione-1-oxime to provide the ligands di-(phenathrolin-2-yl)-methanone (1) and phenanthrolin-2-yl-pyrid-2-yl-methanone (8), respectively. Ligand 1 complexed as a planar tetradentate with Pd(II) to form [Pd(1)](BF4)2 and with Ru(II) and two 4-substituted pyridines (4-R-py) to form [Ru(1)(4-R-py)2](PF6)2 where R = CF3, CH3, and Me2N. With [Ru(bpy)2Cl2], the dinuclear complex [(bpy)2Ru(1)Ru(bpy)2](PF6)4 was formed (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine). Ligand 8 afforded the homoleptic Ru(II) complex [Ru(8)2](PF6)2, as well as the heteroleptic complex [Ru(8)(tpy)](PF6)2 (tpy = 2,2';6,2'-terpyridine). The ligands and complexes were characterized by their NMR and IR spectra, as well as an X-ray structure determination of [Ru(1)(4-CH3-py)2](PF6)2. Electrochemical analysis indicated metal-based oxidation and ligand-based reduction that was consistent with results from electronic absorption spectra. The complexes [Ru(1)(4-R-py)2](PF6)2 were sensitive to the 4-substituent on the axial pyridine: electron donor groups facilitated the oxidation while electron-withdrawing groups impeded it.     

Hydrogen oxidation and production using nickel-based molecular catalysts with positioned proton relays

Highly efficient electrocatalysts for both hydrogen evolution and hydrogen oxidation have been designed, synthesized, and characterized. The catalysts in their resting states are air-stable, mononuclear nickel(II) complexes containing cyclic diphosphine ligands with nitrogen bases incorporated into the ligand backbone. X-ray diffraction studies have established that the cation of [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2), 6a, (where P(Ph)(2)N(Ph)(2) is 1,3,5,7-tetraphenyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane) is a trigonal bipyramid with bonds to four phosphorus atoms of the two bidentate diphosphine ligands and the nitrogen atom of an acetonitrile molecule. Two of the six-membered rings formed by the diphosphine ligands and Ni have boat conformations with an average Ni- - -N distance to the two pendant bases of 3.4 A. The cation of [Ni(P(Cy)(2)N(Bz)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2), 6b, (where Cy = cyclohexyl and Bz = benzyl) is a distorted square planar complex. For 6b, all four six-membered rings formed upon coordination of the diphosphine ligands to the metal are in the boat form. In this case, the average Ni- - -N distance to the pendant base is 3.3 A. Complex 6a is an electrocatalyst for hydrogen production in acidic acetonitrile solutions, and compound 6b is an electrocatalyst for hydrogen oxidation in basic acetonitrile solutions. It is demonstrated that the high catalytic rates observed with these complexes are a result of the positioning of the nitrogen base so that it plays an important role in the formation and cleavage of the H-H bond.     

Molecular and electronic structure of square planar complexes [PdII(tbpy)(L N,O IP)]0, [PdII(tbpy)(LN,O ISQ)](PF6), and [PdII(tbpy)(L N,O IBQ)](PF6)(BF4).2CH2Cl2: an o-iminophenolato based ligand centered, three-membered redox series

Three Pd(II) complexes which are members of the same electron-transfer series have been synthesized. Refluxing of the reaction mixture containing equimolar amounts of PdCl(2), 2-(2-trifluoromethyl)anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol (H(2)L(N,O)), 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-dipyridyl ((t)bpy), and 3 equiv of triethylamine in MeOH under an argon atmosphere followed by exposure to air and addition of KPF(6) after cooling to room temperature yields reddish brown crystals of paramagnetic (S = 1/2) [Pd(L(N,O)(ISQ))((t)bpy)](PF6) (2). Reaction of 2 with one equiv of [CoCp2] in dry and degassed CH(2)Cl(2) using anaerobic conditions gives diamagnetic [Pd(L(N,O)(IP))((t)bpy)] (1), which is the one-electron reduced form of 2. One-electron oxidation of 2 in CH(2)Cl(2) under argon with one equiv of NOBF4 affords diamagnetic [Pd(L(N,O)(IBQ))((t)bpy)](PF6)(BF4).2CH(2)Cl(2) (3). Complexes 1, 2, and 3 constitute three members of the same electron-transfer series. They are ideally suited to distinctly distinguish the geometrical and spectroscopic features of the N,O-coordinated, closed-shell, diamagnetic o-iminophenolate (L(N,O)(IP))2-, the corresponding open-shell pi-radical o-iminobenzosemiquinonate (L(N,O)(ISQ))1-.(S(rad) = 1/2), and the closed-shell o-iminobenzoquinone (L(N,O)(IBQ))0 forms. All complexes were characterized by X-ray crystallography (100 K), cyclic voltammetry, EPR, and UV-vis spectroscopy. Complex 2 exhibits three reversible electron transfer waves in the cyclic voltammogram. Structural characterization of complex 3 reveals an interesting strong ion pairing between the BF4 anion and the complex dication with a short C-F distance of 2.7 A.     

Molecular structure and vibrational spectra of spin-crossover complexes in solution and colloidal media: resonance Raman and time-resolved resonance Raman studies

The spin-crossover system [Fe(btpa)](PF(6))(2) (btpa = N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-6,6'-bis(aminomethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) and the predominantly low-spin species [Fe(b(bdpa))](PF(6))(2) ((b(bdpa) = N,N'-bis(benzyl)-N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-6,6'-bis(aminomethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) have been characterized by means of X-ray diffraction. The unit cell of [Fe(btpa)](PF(6))(2) contains two crystallographically independent molecules revealing octahedral low-spin and quasi-seven-coordinated high-spin structures. The unit cell of [Fe(b(bdpa))](PF(6))(2) contains two crystallographically independent molecules one of which corresponds to a low-spin structure, while the other reveals a disordering. On the basis of magnetic susceptibility and M?ssbauer measurements, it has been proposed that this disorder involves low-spin and high-spin six-coordinated molecules. The structures of [Zn(btpa)](PF(6))(2) and [Ru(btpa)](PF(6))(2) have been determined also. Pulsed laser photoperturbation, coupled here with time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy (TR(3)), has been used to investigate, for the first time by this technique, the relaxation dynamics in solution on nanosecond and picosecond time scales of low-spin, LS ((1)A) --> high-spin, HS ((5)T) electronic spin-state crossover in these Fe(II) complexes. For the nanosecond experiments, use of a probe wavelength at 321 nm, falling within the pi-pi transition of the polypyridyl backbone of the ligands, enabled the investigation of vibrational modes of both LS and HS isomers, through coupling to spin-state-dependent angle changes of the backbone. Supplementary investigations of the spin-crossover (SCO) equilibrium in homogeneous solution and in colloidal media assisted the assignment of prominent features in the Raman spectra of the LS and HS isomers. The relaxation data from the nanosecond studies confirm and extend earlier spectrophotometric findings, (Schenker, S.; Stein, P. C.; Wolny, J. A.; Brady, C.; McGarvey, J. J.; Toftlund, H.; Hauser, A. Inorg. Chem. 2001, 40, 134), pointing to biphasic spin-state relaxation in the case of [Fe(btpa)](PF(6))(2) but monophasic in the case of [Fe(b(bdpa))](PF(6))(2). The picosecond results suggest an early process complete in 20 ps or less, which is common to both complexes and possibly includes vibrational relaxation in the initially formed (5)T(2) state.     

Synthesis, characterization and electrochemistry of 4'-functionalized 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine ruthenium(II) complexes and their biological activity

The synthesis and characterization of Ru(II) terpyridine complexes derived from 4'-functionalized 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine ligands by a multi step procedure have been described. The complexes are redox-active, showing both metal-centred (oxidation) and ligand-centred (reduction) processes. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the synthesized ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(attpy)2](PF6)2 (attpy = 4'-(4-acryloyloxymethylphenyl)-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine); [Ru(mttpy)2](PF6)2 (mttpy = 4'-(4-methacryloyloxymethylphenyl)-2,2':6',2'- terpyridine); [Ru(mttpy)(MeOPhttpy)](PF6)2 (MeOPhttpy = 4'-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine); and [Ru(mttpy)(ttpy)](PF6)2 (ttpy = 4'-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) were tested against four human pathogens (Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and five plant pathogens (Curvularia lunata, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium udum, Macrophomina phaseolina and Rhizoctonia solani) by the well diffusion method and MIC values of the complexes are reported. A biological study of the complexes indicated that the complexes [Ru(mttpy)2](PF6)2 and [Ru(mttpy)(MeOPhttpy)](PF6)2 exhibit very good activity against most of the test pathogens and their activity is better than those of some of the commercially available antibiotics like tetracycline and the fungicide carbendazim.     

Synthesis, structure and reactivity of palladium(II) complexes of chiral N-heterocyclic carbene-imine and -amine hybrid ligands

The synthesis and structures of chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-N-donor complexes of silver(I) and palladium(II) are reported. The X-ray structure of an NHC-imine silver(I) complex [((nPr)CN(CHPh))AgBr](2) exhibits an Ag(2)Br(2) dimer motif where the imine group is not coordinated to the silver atom. Reaction between 2 and [PdCl(2)(MeCN)(2)] gives the palladium(II) complex [(kappa(2)-(nPr)CN(CHPh))PdCl(2)](3) that contains a chelating NHC-imine ligand as shown by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Slow hydrolysis of related complexes [(kappa(2)-(nPr)CN(CHPh))PdCl(2)](3) and [(kappa(2)-((Ph)(2)CH)CN(CHPh))PdCl(2)](4) using triethylammonium chloride and water lead to the precipitation of single crystals of insoluble NHC-amino palladium(II) complexes [(kappa(2)-(nPr)CN(H(2)))PdCl(2)](6) and [(kappa(2)-((Ph)(2)CH)CN(H(2)))PdCl(2)](7), respectively. In the solid state, complexes 6 and 7 both exhibit intermolecular hydrogen bonding between chlorine and an amino-hydrogen atom resulting in an infinite chain structure. Substitution of an amino hydrogen for an ethyl group gives the soluble complex [(kappa(2)-(iPr)CN((H)Et))PdCl(2)](12). Reaction between two equivalents of 2 and [PdCl(2)(MeCN)(2)] gives the di-NHC complex [(kappa(1)-(nPr)CN(CHPh))(2)PdCl(2)](5) that does not contain a coordinated imine as shown by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Conproportionation between 5 and an equivalent of [PdCl(2)(MeCN)(2)] to does not occur at temperatures up to 100 degrees C in CD(3)CN.     

1,8-Dimethylnaphthalene-bridged diphosphine ligands: synthesis and structural comparison of their palladium complexes

The synthesis of a new series of ligands with a 1,8-dimethylnaphthalene backbone is reported, 1,8-(R2PCH2)2C10H6, where R = (t)Bu 1 (dbpn), (i)Pr 2 (dippn), Cy 3 (dchpn) and Ph 4 (dphpn). The ligand 1 is structurally characterised by X-ray crystallography. A comparative structural study of the respective (diphosphine)Pd(dba) and (diphosphine)PdCl2 complexes is carried out, comparing the X-ray crystal structures of complexes 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12. It is shown that the geometry at the metal is affected by not only ligand demands, but also by the palladium oxidation state and the electronic properties of the ligands. Two qualitative stability series are also identified: 9 < 10 < 11 approximately 12 is observed, and P2Pd(dba) complexes are more stable than the corresponding P2PdCl2 complexes towards opening of the chelate ring. It is also concluded that the bite angle is heavily influenced by the electron donating properties of the ligand.     

Heterobimetallic complexes containing an N-heterocyclic carbene based multidentate ligand and catalyzed tandem click/Sonogashira reactions

Mono- and polynuclear complexes containing 3-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)-1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)imidazolylidene (L), [NiL(2)](PF(6))(2) (2), [CoL(2)](PF(6))(3) (3), [PtLCl](PF(6)) (4), [PdAgL(2)](PF(6))(3) (5), [PdCuL(2)](PF(6))(3) (6), [Pd(2)L(2)Cl(2)](PF(6))(2) (7), and [Pd(3)L(2)Cl(4)](PF(6))(2) (8) have been prepared and fully characterized by NMR, ESI-MS spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. In complexes 2-4, the ligand binds to metals in a pincer NNC fashion with the pyridine group uncoordinated. Complexes 5 and 6 are isostructural to each other in which the palladium ions are surrounded by two pyridines and two imidazolylidenes and Ag(I) or Cu(I) is coordinated by two 1,10-phenanthroline moieties. In the trinuclear palladium complex 8, one palladium ion has an identical coordination mode as in 5 and 6, and the other two palladium ions are bonded to the 1,10-phenanthroline. Complex 6 exhibits excellent catalytic activity for the tandem click/Sonogashira reaction of 1-(bromomethyl)-4-iodobenzene, NaN(3), and ethynylbenzene in which three C-N bonds and one C-C bond are formed in a single flask.     

Syntheses, structures, and redox properties of dimeric triruthenium clusters bridged by bis(diphenylphosphino)acetylene and -ethylene

Reactions of oxo-centered triruthenium acetate complexes [Ru3O(OAc)6(py)2(CH3OH)](PF6) (py = pyridine, OAc = CH3COO-) (1) with nearly equimolar amounts of dppa [bis(diphenylphosphino)acetylene] or dppen [trans-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene] gave [Ru3O(OAc)6(py)2(L)](PF6) (L = dppa, 2; dppen, 3). With 2.4 equiv of 1, the reactions provided diphosphine-linked triruthenium dimers, [[Ru3O(OAc)6(py)2]2(L)](PF6)2 (L = dppa, 4; L = dppen, 5), respectively. Similarly, the reactions of [Ru3O(OAc)6(L')2(MeOH)]+ [L' = dmap (4-(dimethylamino)pyridine), 1a; L' = abco (1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), 1b] with dppen gave dppen-linked dimers, [[Ru3O(OAc)6(dmap)2]2(dppen)](SbF6)2 (6) and [[Ru3O(OAc)6(abco)2]2(dppen)](BF4)2 (7), respectively. The chemical reduction of 2, 4, and 5 by hydrazine afforded one- or two-electron-reduced, neutral products, Ru3O(OAc)6(py)2(dppa) (2a), [Ru3O(OAc)6(py)2]2(dppa) (4a), and [Ru3O(OAc)6(py)2]2(dppen) (5a), respectively. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, ES-MS, UV-vis, IR, and 31P NMR spectroscopies, and cyclic and differential-pulse voltammetries. The molecular structures of compounds 2, 4, 5, 5a, 6, and 7 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In 0.1 M (Bu4N)PF6-acetone, the monomers and dimers of triruthenium clusters show reversible and multistep redox responses. The two triruthenium cluster centers in dimers undergo stepwise reductions and oxidations due to the identical redox processes of the individual Ru3O cluster cores, suggesting the presence of electronic communications between them through the conjugated diphosphine spacer. The redox wave splitting mediated by dppa containing an ethynyl group (C triple bond C) is found to be more extensive than that by dppen containing an ethenyl (C=C) one. It appears that the redox wave splitting is enhanced by the introduction of electron-donating substituents on the auxiliary pyridine rings.