Synthesis, structure and DFT study of dinuclear iron, cobalt and nickel complexes with cyclopentadienyl-metal moieties

Reactions of 1,1'-bis(dipheny1phosphino)cobaltocene with Co(PMe(3))(4), Ni(PMe(3))(4), Fe(PMe(3))(4), Ni(COD)(2), FeMe(2)(PMe(3))(4) or NiMe(2)(PMe(3))(3) afford a series of novel dinuclear complexes [((Me(3)P)[lower bond 1 start]Co(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2)))((Me(3)P)M[upper bond 1 end](η(5)-C(5)H(4)P[lower bond 1 end]Ph(2)))] (M = Co(1), Ni(2) and Fe(3)) [Co(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2))(2)Ni[upper bond 1 end](COD)](4), [Co(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2))(2)Ni[upper bond 1 end](PMe(3))(2)] (5) and [((Me(3)P)[lower bond 1 start]Co(Me)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2)))((Me(3)P)Fe[upper bond 1 end](Me)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)P[lower bond 1 end]Ph(2)))] (6). Reactions of 1,1'-bis(dipheny1phosphino)ferrocene with Ni(PMe(3))(4), NiMe(2)(PMe(3))(3), or Co(PMe(3))(4) gives rise to complexes [Fe(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2))(2)M[upper bond 1 end](PMe(3))(2)] (M = Ni (7), Co (8)). The complexes 1-8 were spectroscopically investigated and studied by X-ray single crystal diffraction. The possible reaction mechanisms and structural characteristics are discussed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations strongly support the deductions.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of the first unsymmetrical diarylpalladium complex trans-Pd(C6F5)(2,4,6-C6F3H2)(PEt3)2, derived from transmetallation between 2,4,6-trifluorophenylboronic acid and trans-Pd(C6F5)I(PEt3)2

The reactions of 2,4,6-trifluorophenylboronic acid with aryl(iodo)palladium(ii) complexes, trans-Pd(C(6)F(5))I(PR(3))(2)(PR(3)= PEt(3), PMe(2)Ph, PMePh(2)) in the presence of Ag(2)O afforded trans-Pd(C(6)F(5))(2,4,6-C(6)F(3)H(2))(PR(3))(2) which are stabilized by fluorine atoms in the ortho positions.     

Imine-assisted C-F bond activation by electron-rich iron complexes supported by trimethylphosphine

C-F bond activation of ortho-fluorinated benzalimines 2,6-F(2)C(6)R1R2R3-CH=N-R (1-3) using the electron-rich complex Fe(PMe(3))(4) is reported. With the assistance of the imine group as the anchoring group, bis-chelated iron(II) complexes (C(6)FR1R2R3-CH=N-R)(2)Fe(PMe(3))(2) (4-6) were formed. The reaction of 2,6-difluorobenzylidenenaphthalen-1-amine 2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3)-CH=N-C(10)H(7) (9) with Fe(PMe(3))(4) affords [CNC]-pincer iron(II) complex (C(6)H(3)F-CH=N-C(10)H(6))Fe(PMe(3))(3) (10) through both C-F and C-H bond activation and π-(C=N) coordinate iron(0) complex (C(6)H(3)F-CH=N-C(10)H(7))(2)Fe(PMe(3))(2) (11) with C,C-coupling, while a similar reaction with perfluorobenzylidenenaphthalen-1-amine C(6)F(5)-CH=N-C(10)H(7) (14) gave rise to only [CNC]-pincer iron(II) complex (C(6)F(4)-CH=N-C(10)H(6))Fe(PMe(3))(3) (15). The proposed formation mechanisms of these complexes are discussed. The structures of complexes 5, 6, 10 and 11 were confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction.     

Reactivity of Mo(PMe3)6 towards benzothiophene and selenophenes: new pathways relevant to hydrodesulfurization

Mo(PMe(3))(6) cleaves a C-S bond of benzothiophene to give (kappa(2)-CHCHC(6)H(4)S)Mo(PMe(3))(4), which rapidly isomerizes to the olefin-thiophenolate and 1-metallacyclopropene-thiophenolate complexes, (kappa(1),eta(2)-CH(2)CHC(6)H(4)S)Mo(PMe(3))(3)(eta(2)-CH(2)PMe(2)) and (kappa(1),eta(2)-CH(2)CC(6)H(4)S)Mo(PMe(3))(4). The latter two molecules result from a series of hydrogen transfers and are differentiated according to whether the termini of the organic fragments coordinate as olefin or eta(2)-vinyl ligands, respectively. The reactions between Mo(PMe(3))(6) and selenophenes proceed differently from those of the corresponding thiophenes. For example, whereas Mo(PMe(3))(6) reacts with thiophene to give eta(5)-thiophene and butadiene-thiolate complexes, (eta(5)-C(4)H(4)S)Mo(PMe(3))(3) and (eta(5)-C(4)H(5)S)Mo(PMe(3))(2)(eta(2)-CH(2)PMe(2)), selenophene affords the metallacyclopentadiene complex [(kappa(2)-C(4)H(4))Mo(PMe(3))(3)(Se)](2)[Mo(PMe(3))(4)] in which the selenium has been completely abstracted from the selenophene moiety. Likewise, in addition to (kappa(1),eta(2)-CH(2)CC(6)H(4)Se)Mo(PMe(3))(4) and (kappa(1),eta(2)-CH(2)CHC(6)H(4)Se)Mo(PMe(3))(3)(eta(2)-CH(2)PMe(2)), which are counterparts of the species observed in the benzothiophene reaction, the reaction of Mo(PMe(3))(6) with benzoselenophene yields products resulting from C-C coupling, namely [kappa(2),eta(4)-Se(C(6)H(4))(CH)(4)(C(6)H(4))Se]Mo(PMe(3))(2) and [mu-Se(C(6)H(4))(CH)C(CH)(2)(C(6)H(4))](mu-Se)[Mo(PMe(3))(2)][Mo(PMe(3))(2)H].     

C-H vs C-C bond activation of acetonitrile and benzonitrile via oxidative addition: rhodium vs nickel and Cp* vs Tp' (Tp' = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate, Cp* = η(5)-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)

The photochemical reaction of (C(5)Me(5))Rh(PMe(3))H(2) (1) in neat acetonitrile leads to formation of the C-H activation product, (C(5)Me(5))Rh(PMe(3))(CH(2)CN)H (2). Thermolysis of this product in acetonitrile or benzene leads to thermal rearrangement to the C-C activation product, (C(5)Me(5))Rh(PMe(3))(CH(3))(CN) (4). Similar results were observed for the reaction of 1 with benzonitrile. The photolysis of 1 in neat benzonitrile results in C-H activation at the ortho, meta, and para positions. Thermolysis of the mixture in neat benzonitrile results in clean conversion to the C-C activation product, (C(5)Me(5))Rh(PMe(3))(C(6)H(5))(CN) (5). DFT calculations on the acetonitrile system show the barrier to C-H activation to be 4.3 kcal mol(-1) lower than the barrier to C-C activation. A high-energy intermediate was also located and found to connect the transition states leading to C-H and C-C activation. This intermediate has an agostic hydrogen interaction with the rhodium center. Reactions of acetonitrile and benzonitrile with the fragment [Tp'Rh(CNneopentyl)] show only C-H and no C-C activation. These reactions with rhodium are compared and contrasted to related reactions with [Ni(dippe)H](2), which show only C-CN bond cleavage.     

C-H activation of terminal alkynes by tris-(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)boraterhodiumneopentylisocyanide: new metal-carbon bond strengths

C-H bond activation of terminal alkynes by [Tp'Rh(CNneopentyl)] (Tp' = hydridotris-(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) resulted in the formation of terminal C-H bond activation products Tp'Rh(CNneopentyl)(C≡CR)H (R = t-Bu, SiMe(3), hexyl, CF(3), p-MeOC(6)H(4), Ph, and p-CF(3)C(6)H(4)). A combination of kinetic selectivity determined in competition reactions and activation energy for reductive elimination has allowed for the calculation of relative Rh-C(alkynyl) bond strengths. The bond strengths of Rh-C(alkynyl) products are noticeably higher than those of Rh-C(aryl) and Rh-C(alkyl) analogues. The relationship between M-C and C-H bond strengths showed a linear correlation (slope R(M-C/H-C) = 1.32), and follows energy correlations previously established for unsubstituted sp(2) and sp(3) C-H bonds in aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.     

Thermal activation of hydrocarbon C-H bonds by tungsten alkylidene complexes.

Thermal activation of CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(2) (1) in neat hydrocarbon solutions transiently generates the neopentylidene complex, CpW(NO)(=CHCMe(3)) (A), which subsequently activates solvent C-H bonds. For example, the thermolysis of 1 in tetramethylsilane and perdeuteriotetramethylsilane results in the clean formation of CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(CH(2)SiMe(3)) (2) and CpW(NO)(CHDCMe(3))[CD(2)Si(CD(3))(3)] (2-d(12)), respectively, in virtually quantitative yields. The neopentylidene intermediate A can be trapped by PMe(3) to obtain CpW(NO)(=CHCMe(3))(PMe(3)) in two isomeric forms (4a-b), and in benzene, 1 cleanly forms the phenyl complex CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(C(6)H(5)) (5). Kinetic and mechanistic studies indicate that the C-H activation chemistry derived from 1 proceeds through two distinct steps, namely, (1) rate-determining intramolecular alpha-H elimination of neopentane from 1 to form A and (2) 1,2-cis addition of a substrate C-H bond across the W=C linkage in A. The thermolysis of 1 in cyclohexane in the presence of PMe(3) yields 4a-b as well as the olefin complex CpW(NO)(eta(2)-cyclohexene)(PMe(3)) (6). In contrast, methylcyclohexane and ethylcyclohexane afford principally the allyl hydride complexes CpW(NO)(eta(3)-C(7)H(11))(H) (7a-b) and CpW(NO)(eta(3)-C(8)H(13))(H) (8a-b), respectively, under identical experimental conditions. The thermolysis of 1 in toluene affords a surprisingly complex mixture of six products. The two major products are the neopentyl aryl complexes, CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(C(6)H(4)-3-Me) (9a) and CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(C(6)H(4)-4-Me) (9b), in approximately 47 and 33% yields. Of the other four products, one is the aryl isomer of 9a-b, namely, CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(C(6)H(4)-2-Me) (9c) ( approximately 1%). The remaining three products all arise from the incorporation of two molecules of toluene; namely, CpW(NO)(CH(2)C(6)H(5))(C(6)H(4)-3-Me) (11a; approximately 12%), CpW(NO)(CH(2)C(6)H(5))(C(6)H(4)-4-Me) (11b; approximately 6%), and CpW(NO)(CH(2)C(6)H(5))(2) (10; approximately 1%). It has been demonstrated that the formation of complexes 10 and 11a-b involves the transient formation of CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(CH(2)C(6)H(5)) (12), the product of toluene activation at the methyl position, which reductively eliminates neopentane to generate the C-H activating benzylidene complex CpW(NO)(=CHC(6)H(5)) (B). Consistently, the thermolysis of independently prepared 12 in benzene and benzene-d(6) affords CpW(NO)(CH(2)C(6)H(5))(C(6)H(5)) (13) and CpW(NO)(CHDC(6)H(5))(C(6)D(5)) (13-d(6)), respectively, in addition to free neopentane. Intermediate B can also be trapped by PMe(3) to obtain the adducts CpW(NO)(=CHC(6)H(5))(PMe(3)) (14a-b) in two rotameric forms. From their reactions with toluene, it can be deduced that both alkylidene intermediates A and B exhibit a preference for activating the stronger aryl sp(2) C-H bonds. The C-H activating ability of B also encompasses aliphatic substrates as well as it reacts with tetramethylsilane and cyclohexanes in a manner similar to that summarized above for A. All new complexes have been characterized by conventional spectroscopic methods, and the solid-state molecular structures of 4a, 6, 7a, 8a, and 14a have been established by X-ray diffraction methods.     

Hydride transfer reactivity of tetrakis(trimethylphosphine)(hydrido)(nitrosyl)molybdenum(0)

The tetrakis(trimethylphosphine) molybdenum nitrosyl hydrido complex trans-Mo(PMe(3))(4)(H)(NO) (2) and the related deuteride complex trans-Mo(PMe(3))(4)(D)(NO) (2a) were prepared from trans-Mo(PMe(3))(4)(Cl)(NO) (1). From (2)H T(1 min) measurements and solid-state (2)H NMR the bond ionicities of 2a could be determined and were found to be 80.0% and 75.3%, respectively, indicating a very polar Mo--D bond. The enhanced hydridicity of 2 is reflected in its very high propensity to undergo hydride transfer reactions. 2 was thus reacted with acetone, acetophenone, and benzophenone to afford the corresponding alkoxide complexes trans-Mo(NO)(PMe(3))(4)(OCHR'R') (R' = R' = Me (3); R' = Me, R' = Ph (4); R' = R' = Ph (5)). The reaction of 2 with CO(2) led to the formation of the formato-O-complex Mo(NO)(OCHO)(PMe(3))(4) (6). The reaction of with HOSO(2)CF(3) produced the anion coordinated complex Mo(NO)(PMe(3))(4)(OSO(2)CF(3)) (7), and the reaction with [H(Et(2)O)(2)][BAr(F)(4)] with an excess of PMe(3) produced the pentakis(trimethylphosphine) coordinated compound [Mo(NO)(PMe(3))(5)][BAr(F)(4)] (8). Imine insertions into the Mo-H bond of 2 were also accomplished. PhCH[double bond, length as m-dash]NPh (N-benzylideneaniline) and C(10)H(7)CH=NPh (N-1-naphthylideneaniline) afforded the amido compounds Mo(NO)(PMe(3))(4)[NR'(CH(2)R')] (R' = R' = Ph (9), R' = Ph, R' = naphthyl (11)). 9 could not be obtained in pure form, however, its structure was assigned by spectroscopic means. At room temperature 11 reacted further to lose one PMe(3) forming 12 (Mo(NO)PMe(3))(3)[N(Ph)CH(2)C(10)H(6))]) with agostic stabilization. In a subsequent step oxidative addition of the agostic naphthyl C-H bond to the molybdenum centre occurred. Then hydrogen migration took place giving the chelate amine complex Mo(NO)(PMe(3))(3)[NH(Ph)(CH(2)C(10)H(6))] (15). The insertion reaction of 2 with C(10)H(7)N=CHPh led to formation of the agostic compound Mo(NO)(PMe(3))(3)[N(CH(2)Ph)(C(10)H(7))] (10). Based on the knowledge of facile formation of agostic compounds the catalytic hydrogenation of C(10)H(7)N=CHPh and PhN=CHC(10)H(7) with 2 (5 mol%) was tested. The best conversion rates were obtained in the presence of an excess of PMe(3), which were 18.4% and 100% for C(10)H(7)N=CHPh and PhN=CHC(10)H(7), respectively.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of M(PMe3)3(O2CR)2(OH2)H2 (M = Mo, W): aqua-hydride complexes of molybdenum and tungsten

Mo(PMe(3))(6) and W(PMe(3))(4)(eta(2)-CH(2)PMe(2))H undergo oxidative addition of the O-H bond of RCO(2)H to yield sequentially M(PMe(3))(4)(eta(2)-O(2)CR)H and M(PMe(3))(3)(eta(2)-O(2)CR)(eta(1)-O(2)CR)H(2) (M = Mo and R = Ph, Bu(t); M = W and R = Bu(t)). One of the oxygen donors of the bidentate carboxylate ligand may be displaced by H(2)O to give rare examples of aqua-dihydride complexes, M(PMe(3))(3)(eta(1)-O(2)CR)(2)(OH(2))H(2), in which the coordinated water molecule is hydrogen-bonded to both carboxylate ligands.     

Thermal activation of hydrocarbon C-H bonds initiated by a tungsten allyl complex

Gentle thermolysis of the allyl complex, CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(eta(3)-H(2)CCHCMe(2)) (1), at 50 degrees C in neat hydrocarbon solutions results in the loss of neopentane and the generation of transient intermediates that subsequently activate solvent C-H bonds. Thus, thermal reactions of 1 with tetramethylsilane, mesitylene, and benzene effect single C-H activations and lead to the exclusive formation of CpW(NO)(CH(2)SiMe(3))(eta(3)-H(2)CCHCMe(2)) (2), CpW(NO)(CH(2)C(6)H(3)-3,5-Me(2))(eta(3)-H(2)CCHCMe(2)) (3), and CpW(NO)(C(6)H(5))(eta(3)-H(2)CCHCMe(2)) (4), respectively. The products of reactions of 1 with other methyl-substituted arenes indicate an inherent preference of the system for the activation of stronger arene sp(2) C-H bonds. For example, C-H bond activation of p-xylene leads to the formation of CpW(NO)(CH(2)C(6)H(4)-4-Me)(eta(3)-H(2)CCHCMe(2)) (5) (26%) and CpW(NO)(C(6)H(3)-2,5-Me(2))(eta(3)-H(2)CCHCMe(2)) (6) (74%). Mechanistic and labeling studies indicate that the transient C-H-activating intermediates are the allene complex, CpW(NO)(eta(2)-H(2)C=C=CMe(2)) (A), and the eta(2)-diene complex, CpW(NO)(eta(2)-H(2)C=CHC(Me)=CH(2)) (B). Intermediates A and B react with cyclohexene to form CpW(NO)(eta(3)-CH(2)C(2-cyclohexenyl)CMe(2))(H) (18) and CpW(NO)(eta(3)-CH(2)CHC)(Me)CH(2)C(beta)H(C(4)H(8))C(alpha)H (19), respectively, and intermediate A can be isolated as its PMe(3) adduct, CpW(NO)(PMe(3))(eta(2)-H(2)C=C=CMe(2)) (20). Interestingly, thermal reaction of 1 with 2,3-dimethylbut-2-ene results in the formation of a species that undergoes eta(3) --> eta(1) isomerization of the dimethylallyl ligand following the initial C-H bond-activating step to yield CpW(NO)(eta(3)-CMe(2)CMeCH(2))(eta(1)-CH(2)CHCMe(2)) (21). Thermolyses of 1 in alkane solvents afford allyl hydride complexes resulting from three successive C-H bond-activation reactions. For instance, 1 in cyclohexane converts to CpW(NO)(eta(3)-C(6)H(9))(H) (22) with dimethylpropylcyclohexane being formed as a byproduct, and in methylcyclohexane it forms the two isomeric complexes, CpW(NO)(eta(3)-C(7)H(11))(H) (23a,b). All new complexes have been characterized by conventional spectroscopic methods, and the solid-state molecular structures of 2, 3, 4, 18, 19, 20, and 21 have been established by X-ray crystallographic analyses.     

Reactions of Elemental Indium and Indium(I) Bromide with Nickel-Bromine Bonds: Structure of (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(Ph(3)P)Ni-InBr(2)(O=PPh(3))

The reactions of elemental indium and In(I)Br with the carbonyl-free organonickel complexes (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(PR(3))Ni-Br (R = CH(3), C(6)H(5)) have been studied in some detail. Either redox reactions to yield the ionic products [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(PR(3))(2)Ni][InBr(4)] (2a,b) occurred or the Ni-In bound systems (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(PPh(3))Ni-InBr(2)(OPPh(3)) (3a) and [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(PPh(3))Ni](2)InBr (4) were obtained in good yields. The new compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, NMR, and mass spectrometry. A short Ni-In bond of 244.65(9) pm was found for 3a. Single crystal data for (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(PPh(3))Ni-InBr(2)(OPPh(3)).THF (3a): triclinic, P1 with a = 1124.9(3), b = 1353.2(4), c = 1476.4(4) pm, alpha = 94.74(2) degrees, beta = 101.78(2) degrees, gamma = 109.64(1) degrees, V = 2044(1) x 10(6) pm(3), Z = 2, R = 0.053 (R(w) = 0.063).     

Sulfur-bridged early-late heterobimetallics synthesized by incorporation of titanium,vanadium, and molybdenum into bis(hydrosulfido) templates of group 9 metals

Reactions of the bis(hydrosulfido) complexes [Cp*Rh(SH)(2)(PMe(3))] (1a; Cp* = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) with [CpTiCl(3)] (Cp = eta(5)-C(5)H(5)) and [TiCl(4)(thf)(2)] in the presence of triethylamine led to the formation of the sulfido-bridged titanium-rhodium complexes [Cp*Rh(PMe(3))(micro(2)-S)(2)TiClCp] (2a) and [Cp*Rh(PMe(3))(micro2-S)(2)TiCl(2)] (3a), respectively. Complex 3a and its iridium analogue 3b were further converted into the bis(acetylacetonato) complexes [Cp*M(PMe(3))(micro(2)-S)(2)Ti(acac)(2)] (4a, M = Rh; 4b, M = Ir) upon treatment with acetylacetone. The hydrosulfido complexes 1a and [Cp*Ir(SH)(2)(PMe(3))] (1b) also reacted with [VCl(3)(thf)(3)] and [Mo(CO)(4)(nbd)] (nbd = 2,5-norbornadiene) to afford the cationic sulfido-bridged VM2 complexes [(Cp*M(PMe(3))(micro2-S)(2))2V](+) (5a(+), M = Rh; 5b(+), M = Ir) and the hydrosulfido-bridged MoM complexes [Cp*M(PMe(3))(micro2-SH)(2)Mo(CO)(4)] (6a, M = Rh; 6b, M = Ir), respectively.     

A tungsten-183NMR study of cis and trans isomers of [W(CO)4(PPh3)(PR3)](PR3 = phosphine, phosphite)

Tungsten-183 NMR data are reported for the complexes cis- and trans-[W(CO)4(PPh3)(PR3)] (PR3 = PnBu3, PMe3, PMe2Ph, PMePh2, PPh3, P(4-C6H4OMe)3, P(4-C6H4Me)3, P(4-C6H4F)3, P(OMe)3, P(OEt)3, P(OPh)3 and for PCy3, P(NMe2)3(trans isomer only). The 183W chemical shift (obtained by indirect detection using 31P) is found to be related to the PR3 ligand parameters nu and theta (Tolman electronic factor and cone angle, respectively) for the cis isomers and to nu (but only poorly to theta) for the trans isomers. The 183W-31P spin coupling constant is also related, less clearly for P-C than for P-N and P-O bonded ligands, to nu. Chemical shifts are referenced to an absolute frequency Xi (183W) = 4.15 MHz, which is proposed as a calibration standard for 183W NMR. The structures of cis-[W(CO)4(PPh3)(PMe3)] and cis-[W(CO)4(PPh3){P(4-C6H4F)3}] are reported.     

Synthesis and characterization of mono- and binuclear platinum complexes containing terminal and bridging diynyldiphenylphosphine ligands

A series of mononuclear platinum complexes containing diynyldiphenylphosphine ligands [cis-Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CR)L](n)(n= 0, L = tht, R = Ph 2a, Bu(t)2b; L = PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CR, 4a, 4b; n=-1, L = CN(-), 3a, 3b) has been synthesized and the X-ray crystal structures of 4a and 4b have been determined. In order to compare the eta2-bonding capability of the inner and outer alkyne units, the reactivity of towards [cis-Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(thf)(2)] or [Pt(eta2)-C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2)] has been examined. Complexes coordinate the fragment "cis-Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)" using the inner alkynyl fragment and the sulfur of the tht ligand giving rise the binuclear derivatives [(C(6)F(5))(2)Pt(mu-tht)(mu-1kappaP:2eta2-C(alpha),C(beta)-PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CR)Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)](R = Ph 5a, Bu(t)5b). The phenyldiynylphosphine complexes 2a, 3a and 4a react with [Pt(eta2)-C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2)] to give the mixed-valence Pt(II)-Pt(0) complexes [((C(6)F(5))(2)LPt(mu-1kappaP:2eta2)-C(5),C(6)-PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CPh))Pt(PPh(3))(2)](n)(L = tht 6a, CN 8a and PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CPh 9a) in which the Pt(0) fragment is eta2-complexed by the outer fragment. Complex 6a isomerizes in solution to a final complex [((C(6)F(5))(2)(tht)Pt(mu-1kappaP:2eta2)-C(alpha),C(beta)-PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CPh))Pt(PPh(3))(2)]7a having the Pt(0) fragment coordinated to the inner alkyne function. In contrast, the tert-butyldiynylphosphine complexes 2b and 3b coordinate the Pt(0) unit through the phosphorus substituted inner acetylenic entity yielding 7b and 8b. By using 4a and 2 equiv. of [Pt(eta2)-C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2)] as precursors, the synthesis of the trinuclear complex [cis-((C(6)F(5))(2)Pt(mu-1kappaP:2eta2)-C(5),C(6)-PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CPh)(2))(Pt(PPh(3))(2))(2)]10a, bearing two Pt(0)(PPh(3))(2)eta2)-coordinated to the outer alkyne functions is achieved. The structure of 7a has been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Platinum complexes of naphthalene-1,8-dichalcogen and related polyaromatic hydrocarbon ligands

Platinum bisphosphine complexes bearing dichalcogen-derivatised naphthalene, acenaphthene or phenanthrene ligands have been prepared by either oxidative addition to zero-valent platinum species or from [PtCl(2)(PPhR(2))] (R=Ph or Me) and the disodium or dilithium salts of the parent disulfur, diselenide or mixed S/Se species. The parent naphthalene, acenaphthene and phenanthrene chalcogen compounds were treated with either [Pt(PPh(3))(4)] or [Pt(C(2)H(4))(PMe(3))(2)] (prepared in situ from [PtCl(2)(PMe(3))(2)], ethene and sodium naphthalide or super hydride [LiBEt(3)H]) to give the appropriate platinum(II) species. The dilithium salts of 1,8-E(2)-naphthalene (E=S or Se) prepared in situ by reduction of the E-E bond with [LiBEt(3)H] were treated with [PtCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)] to give [Pt(1,8-E(2)-nap)(PPh(3))(2)]. The tetraoxides [Pt(1,8-(S(O)(2))(2)-nap)(PR(3))(2)] (PR(3)=PPh(3) or PMe(2)Ph) were prepared in a similar metathetical manner from the appropriate [PtCl(2)(PR(3))] complexes and the disodium salt of naphthalene 1,8-disulfinic acid (1,8-(S(O)ONa)(2)-nap). The X-ray structures of selected examples reveal bidentate coordination with the naphthalene-E(2) unit hinged (111-137 degrees) with respect to the coordination plane. The naphthalene ring suffers significant distortion from planarity.     

C-H activations at iridium(I) square-planar complexes promoted by a fifth ligand

In the presence of ligands such as acetonitrile, ethylene, or propylene, the Ir(I) complex [Ir(1,2,5,6-eta-C8H12)(NCMe)(PMe3)]BF4 (1) transforms into the Ir(III) derivatives [Ir(1-kappa-4,5,6-eta-C8H12)(NCMe)(L)(PMe3)]BF4 (L = NCMe, 2; eta2-C2H4, 3; eta2-C3H6, 4), respectively, through a sequence of C-H oxidative addition and insertion elementary steps. The rate of this transformation depends on the nature of L and, in the case of NCMe, the pseudo-first-order rate constants display a dependence upon ligand concentration suggesting the formation of five-coordinate reaction intermediates. A similar reaction between 1 and vinyl acetate affords the Ir(III) complex [Ir(1-kappa-4,5,6-eta-C8H12){kappa-O-eta2-OC(Me)OC2H3}(PMe3)]BF4 (7) via the isolable five-coordinate Ir(I) compound [Ir(1,2,5,6-eta-C8H12){kappa-O-eta2-OC(Me)OC2H3}(PMe3)]BF4 (6). DFT (B3LYP) calculations in model complexes show that reactions initiated by acetonitrile or ethylene five-coordinate adducts involve C-H oxidative addition transition states of lower energy than that found in the absence of these ligands. Key species in these ligand-assisted transformations are the distorted (nonsquare-planar) intermediates preceding the intramolecular C-H oxidative addition step, which are generated after release of one cyclooctadiene double bond from the five-coordinate species. The feasibility of this mechanism is also investigated for complexes [IrCl(L)(PiPr3)2] (L = eta2-C2H4, 27; eta2-C3H6, 28). In the presence of NCMe, these complexes afford the C-H activation products [IrClH(CH=CHR)(NCMe)(PiPr3)2] (R = H, 29; Me, 30) via the common cyclometalated intermediate [IrClH{kappa-P,C-P(iPr)2CH(CH3)CH2}(NCMe)(PiPr3)] (31). The most effective C-H oxidative addition mechanism seems to involve three-coordinate intermediates generated by photochemical release of the alkene ligand. However, in the absence of light, the reaction rates display dependences upon NCMe concentration again indicating the intermediacy of five-coordinate acetonitrile adducts.     

Ligand controlled dioxygen oxidation of rhenium nitrosyl complexes

The addition of an excess of phenyldiazomethane to chlorobenzene solutions of the cationic dinitrosyl bisphosphine rhenium(-I) complexes [Re(NO)2(PR3)2][BAr(F)4] (R = Cy 1a, R = (i)Pr 1b) gave the corresponding benzylidene complexes [Re{=CH(C6H5)}(NO)2(PR3)2][BAr(F)4] (2a and 2b) in good yields. The treatment of 2b with dioxygen resulted in the oxidation of one of the nitrosyl ligands into the corresponding eta2-nitrito (3b) and nitrato complexes (4b) both in the solid state and in solution. In the case of the tricyclohexylphosphine derivative 2a the analogous conversion was not observed. A mechanism for the reaction of 2b with O2 is proposed which is based on an initial SET to the O2 molecule and subsequent formation of a peroxynitrite complex followed by the formation of a dinuclear mU-N2O4 intermediate. This in turn would undergo fission of the peroxo bond to afford 3b. A related sequence of steps is anticipated for the transformation of 3b to 4b. Furthermore, a similar mechanism seems reasonable for the seemingly topochemical reaction of 2b to 3b and 4b in the solid state. The initial SET to dioxygen and subsequent formation of the peroxynitrite complex is supported by DFT calculations on the trimethylphosphine model complexes [Re=CH{C6H5})(NO)2(PMe3)2]n+ (n = 1 and 2).     

Effects of Cyclopentadienyl and Phosphine Ligands on the Basicities and Nucleophilicities of Cp'Ir(CO)(PR(3)) Complexes

Basicities of the series of complexes CpIr(CO)(PR(3)) [PR(3) = P(p-C(6)H(4)CF(3))(3), P(p-C(6)H(4)F)(3), P(p-C(6)H(4)Cl)(3), PPh(3), P(p-C(6)H(4)CH(3))(3), P(p-C(6)H(4)OCH(3))(3), PPh(2)Me, PPhMe(2), PMe(3), PEt(3), PCy(3)] have been measured by the heat evolved (DeltaH(HM)) when the complex is protonated by CF(3)SO(3)H in 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) at 25.0 degrees C. The -DeltaH(HM) values range from 28.0 kcal/mol for CpIr(CO)[P(p-C(6)H(4)CF(3))(3)] to 33.2 kcal/mol for CpIr(CO)(PMe(3)) and are directly related to the basicities of the PR(3) ligands in the complexes. For the more basic pentamethylcyclopentadienyl analogs, the -DeltaH(HM) values range from 33.8 kcal/mol for the weakest base CpIr(CO)[P(p-C(6)H(4)CF(3))(3)] to 38.0 kcal/mol for the strongest CpIr(CO)(PMe(3)). The nucleophilicities of the Cp'Ir(CO)(PR(3)) complexes were established from second-order rate constants (k) for their reactions with CH(3)I to give [Cp'Ir(CO)(PR(3))(CH(3))](+)I(-) in CD(2)Cl(2) at 25.0 degrees C. There is an excellent linear correlation between the basicities (DeltaH(HM)) and nucleophilicities (log k) of the CpIr(CO)(PR(3)) complexes. Only the complex CpIr(CO)(PCy(3)) with the bulky tricyclohexylphosphine ligand deviates dramatically from the trend. In general, the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl complexes react 40 times faster than the cyclopentadienyl analogs. However, they do not react as fast as predicted from electronic properties of the complexes, which suggests that the steric size of the Cp ligand reduces the nucleophilicities of the CpIr(CO)(PR(3)) complexes. In addition, heats of protonation (DeltaH(HP)) of tris(2-methoxyphenyl)phosphine, tris(2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)phosphine, and tris(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)phosphine were measured and used to estimate pK(a) values for these highly basic phosphines.     

Octahedral Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NHR) (Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate; L = L' = P(OMe)3 or PMe3 or L = CO and L' = PPh3; R = H,Ph, or tBu): synthesis,characterization, and reactions with weakly acidic C-H bonds

The octahedral Ru(II) amine complexes [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)R)][OTf] (L = L' = PMe(3), P(OMe)(3) or L = CO and L' = PPh(3); R = H or (t)Bu) have been synthesized and characterized. Deprotonation of the amine complexes [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(3))][OTf] or [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][OTf] yields the Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)) and TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu). Reactions of the parent amido complexes or TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu) with phenylacetylene at room temperature result in immediate deprotonation to form ruthenium-amine/phenylacetylide ion pairs, and heating a benzene solution of the [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][PhC(2)] ion pair results in the formation of the Ru(II) phenylacetylide complex TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(C[triple bond]CPh) in >90% yield. The observation that [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][PhC(2)] converts to the Ru(II) acetylide with good yield while heating the ion pairs [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(3))][PhC(2)] yields multiple products is attributed to reluctant dissociation of ammonia compared with the (t)butylamine ligand (i.e., different rates for acetylide/amine exchange). These results are consistent with ligand exchange reactions of Ru(II) amine complexes [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)R)][OTf] (R = H or (t)Bu) with acetonitrile. The previously reported phenyl amido complexes TpRuL(2)(NHPh) [L = PMe(3) or P(OMe)(3)] react with 10 equiv of phenylacetylene at elevated temperature to produce Ru(II) acetylide complexes TpRuL(2)(C[triple bond]CPh) in quantitative yields. Kinetic studies indicate that the reaction of TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NHPh) with phenylacetylene occurs via a pathway that involves TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(OTf) or [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)Ph)][OTf] as catalyst. Reactions of 1,4-cyclohexadiene with the Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)) (L = L' = PMe(3) or L = CO and L' = PPh(3)) or TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu) at elevated temperatures result in the formation of benzene and Ru hydride complexes. TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(H), [Tp(PMe(3))(2)Ru[double bond]C[double bond]C(H)Ph][OTf], [Tp(PMe(3))(2)Ru=C(CH(2)Ph)[N(H)Ph]][OTf], and [TpRu(PMe(3))(3)][OTf] have been independently prepared and characterized. Results from solid-state X-ray diffraction studies of the complexes [TpRu(CO)(PPh(3))(NH(3))][OTf], [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(3))][OTf], and TpRu(CO)(PPh(3))(C[triple bond]CPh) are reported.     

Dinuclear palladium-azido complexes containing thiophene derivatives: reactivity toward organic isocyanides and isothiocyanates

Cyclopalladated tetranuclear Pd(II) complexes, [Pd2(micro-Cl)2(Y)]2 (Y = L1 or L2; H2L1 = di(2-pyridyl)-2,2'-bithiophene; H2L2 = 5,5'-di(2-pyridyl)-2,2':5',2'-terthiophene), containing two pyridyl-alpha, alpha'-disubstituted derivatives of thiophene were prepared. Treating these products with PR3 and subsequently with NaN3 produced the dinuclear Pd-azido complexes [(PR3)2(N3)Pd-Y-Pd(N3)(PR3)2] (Y = L1 or L2) or a cyclometallated complex [(PR3)(N3)Pd-Y'-Pd(N3)(PR3)] (Y' = C,N-L2). Reactions of these Pd-azido complexes with CN-Ar (Ar = 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3), 2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3)) or R-NCS (R = i-Pr, Et, allyl) led to the complexes containing end-on carbodiimido groups [(PMe3)2(N[double bond]C[double bond]N-Ar)Pd-Y-Pd(N[double bond]C[double bond]N-Ar)(PMe3)2] or S-coordinated tetrazole-thiolato groups {(PMe3)2[CN4(R)]S-Pd-Y-Pd-S[CN4)(R)](PMe3)2}. Interestingly, when treated with elemental sulfur, the carbodiimido complexes transformed into the cyclometallated derivatives, [(PMe3)(N[double bond]C[double bond]N-Ar)Pd-Y'-Pd(N[double bond]C[double bond]N-Ar)(PMe3)] (Y' = C,N-L1, C,N-L2). We also report the preparation of linear, thienylene-bridged dinuclear Pd complexes [L2(N3)Pd-X(or X')-Pd(N3)L2] (L = PMe3 or PMe2Ph; H2X = 2,2'-bithiophene or H2X' = 2,2':5',2'-terthiophene) and their reactivity toward organic isocyanide and isothiocyanates.