Two stereoisomers of an S-bridged RhIII2PtII2 tetranuclear complex [{Pt(NH3)2}2{Rh(aet)3}2]4+ that lead to a discrete and a 1D RhIII2PtII2AgI structures by reacting with AgI (aet = 2-aminoethanethiolate)

An S-bridged RhIII2PtII2 tetranuclear complex having two nonbridging thiolato groups, [{Pt(NH3)2}2{Rh(aet)3}2]4+ ([1]4+), in which two fac(S)-[Rh(aet)3] units are linked by two trans-[Pt(NH3)2]2+ moieties, was synthesized by the 1:1 reaction of fac(S)-[Rh(aet)3] (aet = 2-aminoethanethiolate) with trans-[PtCl2(NH3)2] in water. Complex [1]4+ gave both the meso (DeltaLambda) and racemic (DeltaDelta/LambdaLambda) forms, which were separated by fractional crystallization. Of two possible geometries, syn and anti, which arise from the arrangement of two nonbridging thiolato groups, the meso and racemic forms of [1]4+ selectively afforded the anti and syn geometries, respectively. The DeltaLambda-anti and DeltaDelta/LambdaLambda-syn isomers of [1]4+ reacted with Ag+ using two nonbridging thiolato groups to produce a {RhIII2PtII2AgI}n) polymeric complex, {[Ag{Pt(NH3)2}2{Rh(aet)3}2]5+}n) ([2]5+), and a RhIII2PtII2AgI pentanuclear complex, [Ag{Pt2(mu-H2O)(NH3)2}{Rh(aet)3}2]5+ ([3]5+), respectively, which contain octahedral RhIII, square-planar PtII, and linear AgI centers. In [2]5+, each DeltaLambda-anti-[{Pt(NH3)2}2{Rh(aet)3}2]4+ tetranuclear unit is bound to two AgI atoms to form a one-dimensional zigzag chain, indicating the retention of the parental S-bridged structure in DeltaLambda-anti-[1]4+. In [3]5+, two Delta- or Lambda-fac(S)-[Rh(aet)3] units are linked by a [Pt2(mu-H2O)(NH3)2]4+ dinuclear moiety, together with an AgI atom, indicating that two NH3 molecules in [1]4+ have been replaced by a water molecule that bridges two PtII centers, while the parental DeltaDelta/LambdaLambda-syn configuration is retained. The complexes obtained were characterized on the basis of electronic absorption, CD, and NMR spectra, along with single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

Rhodium dinaphthocyclooctatetraene complexes: synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity in [5+2] cycloadditions

Rh COT in the act: a Ni(0)-catalyzed [2+2+2+2] cycloaddition provides a high-yielding, scalable synthesis of the ligand dinaphtho[a,e]cyclooctatetraene (dnCOT). dnCOT complexation with Rh(I) gives [Rh(dnCOT)(MeCN)(2)]SbF(6), an excellent catalyst for [5+2] cycloadditions of vinylcyclopropanes and π-systems with impressive functional group compatibility.     

Rhodium dimers with 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-diisocyano and bis(diphenylphosphino)methane bridging ligands

Four rhodium dimers have been synthesized with a bridging diisocyanide ligand, dmb (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-diisocyanopropane): [Rh2(dmb)4](BPh4)2, [Rh2(dmb)4Cl2]Cl2, [Rh2(dmb)4I2](PF6)2, and [Rh2(dmb)2(dppm)2](BPh4)2 (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane). The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis and mass spectrometry, as well as UV-visible, IR, and 1H NMR spectroscopies. X-ray crystal structures of the rhodium(I) complexes, [Rh2(dmb)4](BPh4)2 . 1.5CH3CN (3.2330(4), 3.2265(4) A) and [Rh2(dmb)2(dppm)2](BPh4)2.0.5CH3OH . 0.2H2O (3.0371(5) A), confirm the existence of short Rh...Rh interactions. The metal-metal separation for the rhodium(II) adduct, [Rh(2)(dmb)4Cl2]Cl2.6CHCl3 (2.8465(6) A), is consistent with a formal Rh-Rh bond. For the two luminescent rhodium(I) dimers and six previously investigated diisocyano-bridged dimers with and without dppm ligands, the intense spin-allowed dsigma-->psigma absorption band maximum shifts to longer wavelengths with decreasing Rh...Rh separation, and there is an approximate correlation between band energy and the inverse of the metal-metal separation cubed. Both [Rh2(dmb)4]2+ and [Rh2(dmb)4(dppm)2]2+ undergo oxidative addition in the presence of iodine. In the conversion of [Rh2(dmb)4]2+ to [Rh2(dmb)4I2]2+, the observed intermediate is tentatively assigned to a tetramer composed of two rhodium dimers. In the case of [Rh2(dmb)2(dppm)2]2+, no intermediate was detected.     

Synthesis and electrochemistry of new Rh-centered and conjuncto rhodium carbonyl clusters. X-ray structure of [NEt(4)](3)[Rh(15)(CO)(27)], [NEt(4)](3)[Rh(15)(CO)(25)(MeCN)(2)] x 2MeCN, and [NEt(4)](3)[Rh(17)(CO)(37)

A reinvestigation of the redox chemistry of [Rh7(CO)16]3- resulted in the finding of new alternative syntheses for a series of previously reported Rh-centered carbonyl clusters, i.e., [H4-nRh14(CO)25]n- (n = 3 and 4) and [Rh17(CO)30]3-, as well as new species such as a different isomer of [Rh15(CO)27]3-, the carbonyl-substituted [Rh15(CO)25(MeCN)2]3-, and the conjuncto [Rh17(CO)37]3- clusters. All of the above clusters are suggested to derive from oxidation of [Rh7(CO)16]3- with H+, arising from dissociation either of [M(H2O)n]2+ aquo complexes or nonoxidizing acids. The nature of the previously reported species has been confirmed by IR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and complete X-ray diffraction studies. Only the molecular structures of the new clusters are reported in some details. The ready conversion of [Rh7(CO)16]3- in [HRh14(CO)25]3- upon oxidation has been confirmed by electrochemical techniques. In addition, electrochemical studies point out that the close-packed [H3Rh13(CO)24]2- dianion undergoes a reversible monoelectronic reduction followed by an irreversible reduction. The irreversibility of the second reduction is probably a consequence of H2 elimination from a purported [H3Rh13(CO)24]4- species. Conversely, the body-centered-cubic [HRh14(CO)25]3- and [Rh15(CO)27]3- trianions display several well-defined redox changes with features of electrochemical reversibility, even at low scan rate. The major conclusion of this work is that mild experimental conditions and a tailored oxidizing reagent may enable more selective conversion of [Rh7(CO)16]3- into a higher-nuclearity rhodium carbonyl cluster. It is also shown that isonuclear Rh clusters may display isomeric metal frameworks [i.e., [Rh15(CO)27]3-], as well as almost identical metal frames stabilized by a different number of carbonyl groups [i.e., [Rh15(CO)27]3- and [Rh15(CO)30]3-]. Other isonuclear Rh clusters stabilized by a different number of CO ligands more expectedly exhibit completely different metal geometries [i.e., [Rh17(CO)30]3- and [Rh17(CO)37]3-]. The first pair of isonuclear and isoskeletal clusters is particularly astonishing in that [Rh15(CO)30]3- features six valence electrons more than [Rh15(CO)27]3-. Finally, the electrochemical studies seem to suggest that interstitial Rh atoms are less effective than Ni and Pt interstitial atoms in promoting redox properties and inducing molecular capacitor behavior in carbonyl clusters.     

Kinetic studies of some substituted hexarhodium carbonyl clusters

Reactions of the halides X- (X- = chloride, bromide or iodide) with the substituted cluster Rh6(CO)15(PPh3) in oxygen-free chloroform lead to [Rh5(CO)14(PPh3)]-, Rh(CO)2(PPh3)2X and [Rh(CO)2X2]- in the molar ratios 2:1: approximately 13. Oxidation by the solvent is assumed to lead to most of the Rh(I) product, and the stoichiometry for reactions with I- can be defined as 4Rh6(CO)15(PPh3) + 27I- + 12CHCl3 --> 2[Rh5(CO)14(PPh3)]- + Rh(CO)2(PPh3)2I + 13[Rh(CO)2I2]- + 6C2H2Cl4 + 4CO + 12Cl-. This can be rationalized quite simply with the aid of a few generally justifiable assumptions. Rate constants for reactions with bromide increase to a limiting value with increasing [Br-] in a way that shows that breaking of one Rh-Rh bond, with an unusual closo to nido structural change, is rate determining. This opening of the cluster might be spontaneous or solvent induced. To complete the reaction, the bromide has to compete with the reverse nido to closo change. The same closo to nido change is also a major rate determining step for reactions with P(OPh)3 in oxygen-free solutions, and for reactions with bromide in oxygenated solutions in the presence of trifluoroacetic and some other acids. The limiting rates increase slightly with increasing basicity of the ligands P(p-XC6H4)3 along the series X = F3C, Cl, F, H and MeO. Activation parameters for these reactions are reported.     

State of Rh(III) in Hydrofluoric Acid Solutions

A simple method is developed for synthesizing [Rh(H₂O)₆]F₃. 3H₂O with a yield of 80–90%. ¹⁹F, ¹⁰³Rh, and ¹⁷О NMR spectroscopic studies show that the following three processes simultaneously run in the Rh(III)–HF/K–H₂O system via parallel routes: the formation of mononuclear aquafluoro complexes [Rh(H₂O)₆]³⁺ + F–→ [Rh(H₂O)₅F]²⁺ + H₂O; the formation of aquahydrofluoro complexes [Rh(H₂O)₆]³⁺ + HF₂^-→ [Rh(H₂O)₅HF₂]²⁺ + H₂O; and hydrolysis of the aqua ion followed by coordination of fluoride ion and condensation of the hydroxo species [Rh(H₂O)₆]³⁺ + 2F^– → [Rh(H₂O)₄(OH)F]⁺ + HF → condensation. [Rh(H₂O)₆]³⁺ and [Rh(H2O)5F]²⁺ are the two species making a major contribution to the material balance at high acidity under equilibrium conditions. Parameters of the ¹⁹F NMR spectra of individual complex species are presented.     

Cationic Rh(I) catalyst in fluorinated alcohol: mild intramolecular cycloaddition reactions of ester-tethered unsaturated compounds

In fluorinated alcohols, the cationic Rh(I) species, which is derived from [Rh(COD)Cl]2 and AgSbF6, efficiently catalyzed intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition reactions of ester-tethered 1,3-diene-8-yne derivatives. The catalytic system was also effective in intramolecular [5+2] cycloaddition reactions of ester-tethered omega-alkynyl vinylcyclopropane compounds.     

Recognition of DNA base pair mismatches by a cyclometalated Rh(III) intercalator

Two cyclometalated complexes of Rh(III), rac-[Rh(ppy)2chrysi]+ and rac-[Rh(ppy)2 phi]+, have been synthesized and characterized with respect to their binding to DNA. The structure of rac-[Rh(ppy)2 phi]Cl.H2O.CH2Cl2 has been determined by X-ray diffraction (monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z = 4, a = 18.447(3) A, b = 9.770(1) A, c = 17.661(3) A, beta = 94.821(11) degrees, V = 3172.0(8) A3) and reveals that the complex is a distorted octahedron with nearly planar ligands, similar in structure to the DNA mismatch recognition agent [Rh(bpy)2chrysi]3+. The 2-phenylpyridyl nitrogen atoms are shown to be in the axial positions, as a result of trans-directing effects. This tendency simplifies the synthesis and purification of such complexes by limiting the number of possible isomers generated. The abilities of [Rh(ppy)2chrysi]+ and [Rh(ppy)2 phi]+ to bind and, with photoactivation, to cleave DNA have been demonstrated in assays on duplex DNA in the absence and presence of a single CC mismatch. [Rh(ppy)2chrysi]+ was shown upon photoactivation to cleave DNA selectively at the base pair mismatch whereas [Rh(ppy)2 phi]+ cleaves B-DNA nonspecifically. The reactivity of [Rh(ppy)2chrysi]+ was also compared to that of the known mismatch recognition agent [Rh(bpy)2chrysi]3+. Competitive photocleavage studies revealed that a 14-fold excess of [Rh(ppy)2chrysi]+ was required to achieve the same level of binding as that of [Rh(bpy)2chrysi]3+. However, the ratio of damage induced by [Rh(bpy)2chrysi]3+ to that induced by [Rh(ppy)2chrysi]+ is considerably greater than this value, indicating that decreased photoefficiency for the cyclometalated complex must contribute to its significantly attenuated photoreactivity. These cyclometalated intercalators provide the starting points for the design of a new family of metal complexes targeted to DNA.     

Synthesis of the tetracyclic framework of the erythrina alkaloids using a [4 + 2]-cycloaddition/Rh(I)-catalyzed cascade of 2-imidofurans

Several 2-imido substituted furans were found to undergo a rapid intramolecular [4 + 2]-cycloaddition to deliver oxabicyclo adducts in good to excellent yields. By using a Rh(I)-catalyzed ring opening of the resulting oxabicyclic adduct, it was possible to prepare several highly functionalized tetrahydro-1H-indol-2(3H)-one derivatives which were then used to prepare several erythrina alkaloids. By taking advantage of the Rh(I)-catalyzed reaction, it was possible to convert tert-butyl 3-oxo-5-carbomethoxy-10-oxa-2-azatricyclo[5.2.1.0(1,5)]dec-8-ene-2-carboxylate into the ring opened boronate by reaction with phenylboronic acid. Treatment of the boronate with pinacol/acetic acid afforded the corresponding diol which was used in a successful synthesis of racemic 3-demethoxyerythratidinone. During the course of these studies, several novel rearrangement reactions were encountered while attempting to induce an acid-initiated Pictet Spengler cyclization of a key lactam intermediate. The IMDAF/Rh(I)-catalyzed ring opening cascade sequence was also applied to the total synthesis of (+/-)-erysotramidine as well as the lycorine type alkaloid (+/-)-epi-zephyranthine.     

Structural chemistry of "defect" cyanometalate boxes: (Cs subset [CpCo(CN)3]4[Cp*Ru]3) and (M subset [Cp*Rh(CN)3]4[Cp*Ru]3) (M = NH4, Cs)

A series of heptametallic cyanide cages are described; they represent soluble analogues of defect-containing cyanometalate solid-state polymers. Reaction of 0.75 equiv of [Cp*Ru(NCMe)3]PF6, Et(4)N[Cp*Rh(CN)3], and 0.25 equiv of CsOTf in MeCN solution produced (Cs subset [CpCo(CN)3]4[Cp*Ru]3)(Cs subset Rh4Ru3). 1H and 133Cs NMR measurements show that Cs subset Rh4Ru3 exists as a single Cs isomer. In contrast, (Cs subset [CpCo(CN)3]4[Cp*Ru]3) (Cs subset Co4Ru3), previously lacking crystallographic characterization, adopts both Cs isomers in solution. In situ ESI-MS studies on the synthesis of Cs subset Rh4Ru3 revealed two Cs-containing intermediates, Cs subset Rh2Ru2+ (1239 m/z) and Cs subset Rh3Ru3+ (1791 m/z), which underscore the participation of Cs+ in the mechanism of cage formation. 133Cs NMR shifts for the cages correlated with the number of CN groups bound to Cs+: Cs subset Co4Ru4+ (delta 1 vs delta 34 for CsOTf), Cs subset Rh4Ru3 where Cs+ is surrounded by ten CN ligands (delta 91), Cs subset Co4Ru3, which consists of isomers with 11 and 10 pi-bonded CNs (delta 42 and delta 89, respectively). Although (K subset [Cp*Rh(CN)3]4[Cp*Ru]3) could not be prepared, (NH4 subset [Cp*Rh(CN)3]4[Cp*Ru]3) (NH4 subset Rh4Ru3) forms readily by NH4+-template cage assembly. IR and NMR measurements indicate that NH4+ binding is weak and that the site symmetry is low. CsOTf quantitatively and rapidly converts NH4 subset Rh4Ru3 into Cs subset Rh4Ru3, demonstrating the kinetic advantages of the M7 cages as ion receptors. Crystallographic characterization of CsCo4Ru3 revealed that it crystallizes in the Cs-(exo)1(endo)2 isomer. In addition to the nine mu-CN ligands, two CN(t) ligands are pi-bonded to Cs+. M subset Rh4Ru3 (M = NH4, Cs) crystallizes as the second Cs isomer, that is, (exo)2(endo)1, wherein only one CN(t) ligand interacts with the included cation. The distorted framework of NH4 subset Rh4Ru3 reflects the smaller ionic radius of NH4+. The protons of NH4+ were located crystallographically, allowing precise determination of the novel NH4...CN interaction. A competition experiment between calix[4]arene-bis(benzocrown-6) and NH4 subset Rh4Ru3 reveals NH4 subset Rh4Ru3 has a higher affinity for cesium.     

The lively chemistry of the di-μ-methylene-bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium) complexes, analogues of surface reactions in heterogeneous catalysis

The chemistry of the di-μ-methylene-bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium) complexes is reviewed. The complex [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)RhCl₂}₂] (1a) reacted with MeLi to give, after oxidative work-up, blood-red cis-[{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)₂], 2. This has the two rhodiums in the +4 oxidation state (d⁵), and linked by a metal-metal bond (2.620 Å). Trans-2 was formed on isomerisation of cis-2 in the presence of Lewis acids, or by direct reaction of 1a with Al₂Me₆, followed by dehydrogenation with acetone. The Rh-methyls in [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)₂] were readily replaced under acidic conditions (HX) to give [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(X)₂] (X = Cl, Br or I); these latter complexes reacted with a variety of RMgX to give [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)₂] (R = alkyl, Ph, vinyl, etc.). Trans-2 also reacted with HBF₄ in the presence of L to give first [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)(L)]⁺ and then [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(L)₂]²⁺ (L = MeCN, CO, etc.). The {(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂ core is rather kinetically inert and also forms a variety of complexes with oxy-ligands, both cis-, e.g. [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(μ-OAc)]⁺ and trans-, such as [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺. The complexes [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)L]⁺ (R = Me or aryl) in the presence of CO, or [{(η⁵-C₄Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)₂] (R = Me, Ph or CO₂Me) in the presence of mild oxidants, readily yield the C---C---C coupled products RCH=CH₂. The mechanisms of these couplings have been elucidated by detailed labelling studies: they are more complex than expected, but allow direct analogies to be drawn to C---C couplints that occur during Fischer-Tropsch reactions on rhodium surfaces.     

Rhodium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular [5+2] Cycloaddition of Inverted 3‐Acyloxy‐1,4‐enyne and Alkyne: Experimental and Theoretical Studies

By switching the position of the alkene and alkyne, a new type of 3‐acyloxy‐1,4‐enyne (ACE) five‐carbon building block was developed for Rh‐catalyzed intramolecular [5+2] cycloaddition. An electron‐withdrawing acyl group on the alkyne termini of the ACE was essential for a regioselective 1,2‐acyloxy migration. This new method provided bicyclic [5.3.0]decatrienes that are different from previous methods because of the positions of the alkenes and the acyloxy group. Multiple mechanistic pathways become possible for this new [5+2] cycloaddition and they are investigated by computational studies.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of a series of high-hydride content osmium-rhodium carbonyl complexes by the hydrogenation of arene-coordinated clusters

The reaction of [Os3Rh(mu-H)3(CO)12] with an excess amount of 4-vinylphenol (as hydride acceptor) in refluxing m-xylene, chlorobenzene or benzene yielded the three new clusters [Os5Rh2(mu-CO){eta6-C6H4(CH3)2}(CO)16] 1, [Os5Rh2(mu-CO)(eta6-C6H5Cl)(CO)16] 2 and [Os5Rh2(mu-CO)(eta6-C6H6)(CO)16] 3. The treatment of [Os3Rh(mu-H)3(CO)12] 4 in refluxing toluene with an excess amount of 4-vinylphenol afforded a new complex, [Os4Rh(mu-H)(eta6-C6H5CH3)(CO)12], which was isolated as a brown complex in 20% yield together with two known compounds, [Os5Rh2(eta6-C6H5CH3)(mu-CO)(CO)16] in 10% yield and [Os3Rh4(mu3-eta1:eta1:eta1-C6H5CH3)(CO)13] in 5% yield. Complexes 1-4 were fully characterized by IR, 1H NMR spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography. The molecular structures of compounds 1-3 are isomorphous, and only differ in the arene-derivatives that attach to the same metal core. Their metal cores can be viewed as a monocapped octahedral, in which an osmium atom caps one of the Os-Os-Os triangular faces of the Os4Rh2 metal framework. Complex 4 has a trigonal-bipyramidal metal core with a C6H5Me ligand that is terminally bound to the Rh atom that lies in the trigonal plane of the metal core. The hydrogenation of [Os5Rh2(eta6-C6H5CH3)(mu-CO)(CO)16] with [Os3(mu-H)2(CO)10] in chloroform under reflux resulted in two hydrogen-rich compounds: [Os7Rh3(mu-H)11(CO)23] 5 and [Os5Rh3Cl(mu-H)8(CO)18] 6, both in moderate yields. The reaction of [Os5Rh2(eta6-C6H5CH3)(mu-CO)(CO)16] with hydrogen in refluxing chloroform yielded a new cluster compound, [Os5Rh(mu-H)5(CO)18] 7, in 20% yield, together with a known osmium-rhodium cluster, [Os6Rh(mu-H)7(mu-CO)(CO)18], as a major compound. Clusters 5, 6, and 7 have been fully characterized by both spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. Additionally, a deuterium-exchange experiment was performed on [Os7Rh3(mu-H)11(CO)23] 5 and [Os5Rh3Cl(mu-H)8(CO)18] 6. Both the compounds proved to be able to exchange the H atom with D in the presence of D2SO4, and the absence of the hydride signal in the 1H NMR spectrum is consistent with this. Therefore, clusters 5 and 6 may serve as appropriate new hydrogen storage models.     

Tetranuclear [Rh4(mu-PyS2)2(diolefin)4] complexes as building blocks for new inorganic architectures: synthesis of coordination polymers and heteropolynuclear complexes with electrophilic d8 and d10 metal fragments

The reaction of [Rh4(mu-PyS2)2(cod)4] (PyS2 = 2,6-pyridinedithiolate, cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) with CF3SO3Me gave the cationic complex [Rh(4)(mu-PyS(2)Me)(2)(cod)4][CF3SO3]2 (1) with two 6-(thiomethyl)pyridine-2-thiolate bridging ligands from the attack of Me+ at the terminal sulfur atoms of the starting material. Under identical conditions [Rh4(mu-PyS2)2(tfbb)4] (tfbb = tetrafluorobenzobarrelene) reacted with CF3SO3Me to give the mixed-ligand complex [Rh(4)(mu-PyS2)(mu-PyS2Me)(tfbb)4][CF3SO3] 2. The nucleophilicity of the bridging ligands in the complexes [Rh4(mu-PyS2)2(diolefin)4] was exploited to prepare heteropolynuclear species. Reactions with [Au(PPh3)(Me2CO)][ClO4] gave the hexanuclear complexes [(PPh3)2Au2Rh4(mu-PyS2)2(diolefin)4][ClO4]2 (diolefin = cod (3), tfbb (4)). The structure of 4, solved by X-ray diffraction methods, showed the coordination of the [Au(PPh3)]+ fragments to the peripheral sulfur atoms in [Rh4(mu-PyS2)2(diolefin)4] along with their interaction with the neighbor rhodium atoms. Neutral coordination polymers of formula [ClMRh4(mu-PyS2)2(diolefin)4]n (M = Cu (5, 6), Au (7)) result from the self-assembly of alternating [Rh4(mu-PyS2)2(diolefin)4] ([Rh4]) blocks and MCl linkers. The formation of the infinite polymetallic chains was found to be chiroselective for M = Cu; one particular chain contains exclusively homochiral [Rh4] complexes. Cationic heterometallic coordination polymers of formula [MRh4(mu-PyS2)2(diolefin)4]n[BF4]n (M = Ag (8, 9), Cu (10, 11)) and [Rh5(mu-PyS2)2(diolefin)5]n[BF4]n (12, 13) result from the reactions of [Rh4] with [Cu(CH2CN)4]BF4, AgBF4, and [Rh(diolefin)(Me2CO)2]BF4, respectively. The heterometallic coordination polymers exhibit a weak electric conductivity in the solid state in the range (1.2-2.8) x 10(-7) S cm(-1).     

Spectrophotometric studies on complex formation in dilute benzene solutions of [{Rh(diene)(μ–Cl)}2]–PR3–SnCl2 systems

There is no correlation between the stability of complexes formed in dilute solutions of [{Rh(diene)(–Cl)}2]–PR3–SnCl2 systems [with ligand combinations cod+PPh3, nbd+PPh3, cod+PPhMe2 and cod+ PCy3 (Cy=cyclohexyl)] and the possibility of isolating them as solids. In general, high dilution favours the formation of pentacoordinate complexes that decompose upon attempted crystallization. [RhCl(cod)(PPhMe2)2], [Rh(SnCl3)(cod)(PPh3)2], [Rh(SnCl3)(cod)(PCy3)2], [Rh(SnCl3)(cod)(PPhMe2)2] and [Rh(SnCl3)(nbd)(PPh3)2] have been identified in solution, but only the last two, previously known, have been isolated in the solid state. The steric properties of the coordinated phosphine seem to be the most important factor in determining the stabilities of [RhCl(diene)(PR3)2] complexes, whilst in the case of [Rh(SnCl3)(diene)(PR3)2] complexes the steric properties of the phosphine and the diene appear to have similar importance.     

Carbon-carbon bond activation of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl by a Rh(II) metalloradical: a combined experimental and theoretical study

Competitive major carbon-carbon bond activation (CCA) and minor carbon-hydrogen bond activation (CHA) channels are identified in the reaction between rhodium(II) meso-tetramesitylporphyrin [Rh(II)(tmp)] (1) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) (2). The CCA and CHA pathways lead to formation of [Rh(III)(tmp)Me] (3) and [Rh(III)(tmp)H] (5), respectively. In the presence of excess TEMPO, [Rh(II)(tmp)] is regenerated from [Rh(III)(tmp)H] with formation of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-1-ol (TEMPOH) (4) via a subsequent hydrogen atom abstraction pathway. The yield of the CCA product [Rh(III)(tmp)Me] increased with higher temperature at the cost of the CHA product TEMPOH in the temperature range 50-80 degrees C. Both the CCA and CHA pathways follow second-order kinetics. The mechanism of the TEMPO carbon-carbon bond activation was studied by means of kinetic investigations and DFT calculations. Broken symmetry, unrestricted b3-lyp calculations along the open-shell singlet surface reveal a low-energy transition state (TS1) for direct TEMPO methyl radical abstraction by the Rh(II) radical (SH2 type mechanism). An alternative ionic pathway, with a somewhat higher barrier, was identified along the closed-shell singlet surface. This ionic pathway proceeds in two sequential steps: Electron transfer from TEMPO to [Rh(II)(por)] producing the [TEMPO]+ [RhI(por)]- cation-anion pair, followed by net CH3+ transfer from TEMPO+ to Rh(I) with formation of [Rh(III)(por)Me] and (DMPO-like) 2,2,6-trimethyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-pyridiniumolate. The transition state for this process (TS2) is best described as an SN2-like nucleophilic substitution involving attack of the d(z)2 orbital of [Rh(I)(por)]- at one of the C(Me)-C(ring) sigma* orbitals of [TEMPO]+. Although the calculated barrier of the open-shell radical pathway is somewhat lower than the barrier for the ionic pathway, R-DFT and U-DFT are not likely comparatively accurate enough to reliably distinguish between these possible pathways. Both the radical (SH2) and the ionic (SN2) pathway have barriers which are low enough to explain the experimental kinetic data.     

Rhodium(I)-catalyzed [2+2+1] cycloadditions of 1,3-dienes, alkenes, and CO

Initial examples of a Rh(I)-catalyzed [2+2+1] reaction of diene-enes and CO are described. This method allows for the facile, efficient, and diastereoselective construction of a variety of alkenyl cyclopentanones in good to excellent yields. Control studies show that the diene moiety is required for this process as bis-enes do not give the [2+2+1] products under the same conditions.     

Divalent dirhodium imido complexes: formation, structure, and alkyne cycloaddition reactivity

Dirhodium amido complexes [(Cp*Rh)2(mu2-NHPh)(mu2-X)] (X = NHPh (2), Cl (3), OMe (4); Cp* = eta5-C5Me5) were prepared by chloride displacement of [Cp*Rh(mu2-Cl)]2 (1) and have been used as precursors to a dirhodium imido species [Cp*Rh(mu2-NPh)RhCp*]. The imido species can be trapped by PMe3 to give the adduct [Cp*Rh(mu2-NPh)Rh(PMe3)Cp*] (5) and undergoes a formal [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction with unactivated alkynes to give the azametallacycles [Cp*Rh(mu2-eta2:eta3-R1CCR2NPh)RhCp*] (R1 = R2 = Ph (6a), R1 = H, R2 = t-Bu (6b), R1 = H, R2 = p-tol (6c)). Isolation of a relevant unsaturated imido complex [Cp*Rh(mu2-NAr)RhCp*] (7) was achieved by the use of a sterically hindered LiNHAr (Ar = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) reagent in a metathesis reaction with 1. X-ray structures of 2, 6a, 7 and the terminal isocyanide adduct [Cp*Rh(mu2-NAr)Rh(t-BuNC)Cp*] (8) are reported.     

Photochemical reactions of [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2]2 with silanes: evidence for Si-C and C-H activation pathways

Photochemical reaction of [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2]2 1 with dmso led to the stepwise formation of [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(dmso)] 2a and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(dmso)]2 2b. Photolysis of 1 with vinyltrimethylsilane ultimately yields three isomeric products of [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(CH2=CHSiMe3)2]2, 3a, 3b and 3c which are differentiated by the relative orientations of the vinylsilane. When this reaction is undertaken in d6-benzene, H/D exchange between the solvent and the alpha-proton of the vinylsilane is revealed. In addition evidence for two isomers of the solvent complex [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(eta2-toluene)] was obtained in these and related experiments when the photolysis was completed at low temperature without substrate, although no evidence for H/D exchange was observed. Photolysis of 1 with Et3SiH yielded the sequential substitution products [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiEt3)H] 4a, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiEt3)H]2 4b, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiEt3)H][Rh(SiEt3)2(H)2] 4c and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(SiEt3)2(H)2]2 4d; deuteration of the alpha-ring proton sites, and all the silyl protons, of 4d was demonstrated in d6-benzene. This reaction is further complicated by the formation of two Si-C bond activation products, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][RhH(mu-SiEt2)]2 5 and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][(RhEt)(RhH)(mu-SiEt2)2] 6. Complex 5 was also produced when 1 was photolysed with Et2SiH2. When the photochemical reactions with Et3SiH were repeated at low temperatures, two isomers of the unstable C-H activation products, the vinyl hydrides [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][{Rh(SiEt3)H}{Rh(SiEt3)}(mu-eta1,eta2-CH=CH2)] 7a and 7b, were obtained. Thermally, 4c was shown to form the ring substituted silyl migration products [(eta5-C5H4)CH2(C5H3SiEt3)][Rh(SiEt3)2(H)2]2 8 while 4b formed [CH2(C5H3SiEt3)2][Rh(SiEt3)2(H)2]2 (9a and 9b) upon reaction with excess silane. The corresponding photochemical reaction with Me3SiH yielded the expected products [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiMe3)H] 10a, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiMe3)H]2 10b, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(C2H4)(SiMe3)H][Rh(SiMe3)2(H)2] 10c and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][Rh(SiMe3)2(H)2]2 10d. However, three Si-C bond activation products, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][(RhMe)(RhH)(mu-SiMe2)2] 11, [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][(Rh{SiMe3})(RhMe)(mu-SiMe2)2] 12 and [CH2(eta5-C5H4)2][(Rh{SiMe3})(RhH)(mu-SiMe2)2] 13 were also obtained in these reactions.     

Step-by-step uncoordination of the pyrazolyl rings of hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate ligands in comlexes of Rh and RhIII

Compounds of rhodium(I) and rhodium(III) that contain ancillary hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate ligands (Tp') react with monodentate and bidentate tertiary phosphanes in a step-wise manner, with incorporation of P-donor atoms and concomitant replacement of the Tp' pyrazolyl rings. Accordingly, [Rh(kappa3-TpMe2)(C2H4)(PMe3)] (1b), converts initially into [Rh(kappa2-TpMe2)-(PMe3)2] (3), and then into [Rh(kappa1-TpMe2)-(PMe3)3] (2) upon interaction with PMe3 at room temperature, in a process which can be readily reversed under appropriate experimental conditions. Full disengagement of the Tp' ligand is feasible to give Tp' salts of rhodium(I) complex cations, for example, [Rh(CO)(dppp)2]-[TpMe2,4-Cl] (5; dppp = Ph2P(CH2)3PPh2), or [Rh(dppp)2][TpMe2,4-Cl] (6). Bis(hydride) derivatives of rhodium(III) exhibit similar substitution chemistry, for instance, the neutral complex [Rh(Tp)-(H)2(PMe3)] reacts at 20 degrees C with an excess of PMe3 to give [Rh(H)2-(PMe3)4][Tp] (9b). Single-crystal X-ray studies of 9b, conducted at 143 K, demonstrate the absence of bonding interactions between the [Rh(H)2(PMe3)4]+ and Tp ions, the closest Rh...N contact being at 4.627 A.