Synthesis and structure of the incomplete cuboidal clusters [W3Se4H3(dmpe)3]+, [W3Se4H(3-x)(OH)x(dmpe)3]+ and [W3Se4(OH)3(dmpe)3]+, and the mechanism of the acid-assisted substitution of the coordinated hydrides

The novel incomplete cuboidal cluster [W3Se4H3(dmpe)3](PF6), [1](PF6), has been prepared by reduction of [W3Se4Br3(dmpe)3](PF6) with LiBH4 in THF solution. The trihydroxo complex [W3Se4(OH)3(dmpe)3](PF6), [2](PF6), was obtained by reacting [W3Se4Br3(dmpe)3](PF6) with NaOH in MeCN-H2O solution. The complexes [1](PF6) and [2](PF6) were converted to their BPh4- salts by treatment with NaBPh4. Recrystallisation of [1](BPh4) in the presence of traces of water affords the mixed dihydride hydroxo complex [W3Se4H2(OH)(dmpe)3](BPh4). The crystal structures of [1](BPh4), [2](BPh4) and [W3Se4H2(OH)(dmpe)3](BPh4) have been resolved. Although the [1]+ trihydride does not react with an excess of halide salts, reaction with HX leads to [W3Se4X3(dmpe)3]+ (X = Cl, Br). The kinetics of this reaction has been studied at 25 degrees C in MeCN-H2O solution (1:1, v/v) and found to occur with two consecutive kinetic steps. The first step is independent of the nature and concentration of the X(-) anion but shows a first order dependence on the concentration of acid (k1 = 12.0 mol(-1) dm(3) s(-1)), whereas the second one is independent of the nature and concentration of both the acid and added salts (k2 = 0.024 s(-1)). In contrast, the reaction of [2]+ with acids occurs in a single step with kobs = 0.63 s(-1)(HCl) and 0.17 s(-1)(HBr). These kinetic results are discussed on the basis of the mechanism previously proposed for the reactions of the analogous [W3S4H3(dmpe)3]+ cluster, with special emphasis on the effects caused by the change of S by Se on the rate constants for the different processes involved.     

Unprecedented stereoselective synthesis of catalytically active chiral Mo3CuS4 clusters

Cluster excision of polymeric {Mo3S7Cl4}n phases with chiral phosphane (+)-1,2-bis[(2R,5R)-2,5-(dimethylphospholan-1-yl)]ethane ((R,R)-Me-BPE) or with its enantiomer ((S,S)-Me-BPE) yields the stereoselective formation of the trinuclear cluster complexes [Mo3S4{(R,R)-Me-BPE}3Cl3]+ ([(P)-1]+) and [Mo3S4{(S,S)-Me-BPE}3Cl3]+ ([(M)-1]+), respectively. These complexes possess an incomplete cuboidal structure with the metal atoms defining an equilateral triangle and one capping and three bridging sulfur atoms. The P and M symbols refer to the rotation of the chlorine atoms around the C3 axis, with the capping sulphur atom pointing towards the viewer. Incorporation of copper into these trinuclear complexes affords heterodimetallic cubane-type compounds of formula [Mo3CuS4{(R,R)-Me-BPE}3Cl4]+ ([(P)-2]+) or [Mo3CuS4{(S,S)-Me-BPE}3Cl4]+ ([(M)-2]+), respectively, for which the chirality of the trinuclear precursor is preserved in the final product. Cationic complexes [(P)-1]+, [(M)-1]+, [(P)-2]+, and [(M)-2]+ combine the chirality of the metal cluster framework with that of the optically active diphosphane ligands. The known racemic [Mo3CuS4(dmpe)3Cl4]+ cluster (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane) as well as the new enantiomerically pure Mo3CuS4 [(P)-2]+ and [(M)-2]+ complexes are efficient catalysts for the intramolecular cyclopropanation of 1-diazo-5-hexen-2-one (3) and for the intermolecular cyclopropanation of alkenes, such as styrene and 2-phenylpropene, with ethyl diazoacetate. In all cases, the cyclopropanation products were obtained in high yields. The diastereoselectivity in the intermolecular cyclopropanation of the alkenes and the enantioselectivity in the inter- or intramolecular processes are only moderate.     

A combined stopped-flow, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and (31)P NMR study on the acetic acid-mediated fragmentation of the hydroxo-chalcogenide cluster [W(3)Se(4)(OH)(3)(dmpe)(3)](+) (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane) to yield the dinuclear [W(2)Se(2)(mu-Se)(2)(mu-CH(3)CO(2))(dmpe)(2)](+) complex

The reaction of the incomplete-cuboidal [W(3)Se(4)(OH)(3)(dmpe)(3)](+) ([1](+)) cluster with acetic acid in acetonitrile solution leads to cluster fragmentation with formation of the dinuclear [W(2)Se(2)(mu-Se)(2)(mu-CH(3)CO(2))(dmpe)(2)](+) ([2](+)) complex. The X-ray structure of [2]PF(6) presents two equivalent metal centres bridged by one acetate ligand. Each W atom is additionally coordinated by one terminal selenium atom, two bridging selenido and two diphosphane phosphorus atoms in an essentially octahedral environment. Stopped-flow and conventional UV-vis studies indicate that fragmentation of [1](+) into [2](+) occurs through a complex mechanism. Three steps can be distinguished in the stopped-flow time scale, all of them showing a first order dependence with respect to the acetic acid concentration, followed by very slow spectral changes that lead to the formation of [2](+). Phosphorus NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) have been used to identify the nature of the reaction intermediates formed in the different steps. These studies indicate that the first two steps correspond to the formal substitutions of the hydroxo ligands at two metal centres by terminal acetate ligands. The third step involves bridging of one of the terminal acetate ligands, which actually prepares the trinuclear cluster to afford the acetate-bridged [W(2)Se(2)(mu-Se)(2)(mu-CH(3)CO(2))(dmpe)(2)](+) ([2](+)) complex. Although the precise details of the final conversion to [2](+) have not been established, the results obtained by combination of the different experimental techniques provide a complete picture of the speciation of the cluster [1](+) in acetonitrile solutions containing acetic acid.     

New iridacyclohexadienes and iridabenzenes by [2+2+1] cyclotrimerization of alkynes and facile interconversion between iridacyclohexadienes and iridabenzenes

Iridabenzenes [Ir[=CHCH=CHCH=C(CH2R)](CH3CN)2(PPh3)2]2+ (R=Ph 4 a, R=p-C6H4CH3 4 b) are obtained from the reactions of H+ with iridacyclohexadienes [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CH-p-C6H4R')](CO)(PPh3)2]+ (R'=H 3 a, R'=CH3 3 b), which are prepared from [2+2+1] cyclotrimerization of alkynes in the reactions of [Ir(CH3CN)(CO)(PPh3)2]+ with HC[triple chemical bond]CH and HC[triple chemical bond]CR. Iridabenzenes 4 react with CO and CH3CN in the presence of NEt3 to give iridacyclohexadienes [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CHR)](CO)2(PPh3)2]+ (6) and [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CHR)](CH3CN)2(PPh3)2]+ (7), respectively. Iridacyclohexadienes 6 and 7 also convert to iridabenzenes 4 by the reactions with H+ in the presence of CH3CN. Alkynyl iridacyclohexadienes [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CH-p-C6H4R')](-C[triple chemical bond]CH)(PPh3)2] (8) undergo a cleavage of C[triple chemical bond]C bond by H+/H2O to produce [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CH-p-C6H4R')](-CH3)(CO)(PPh3)2] (10) via facile inter-conversion between iridacyclohexadienes and iridabenzenes.     

New insights into the mechanism of proton transfer to hydride complexes: kinetic and theoretical evidence showing the existence of competitive pathways for protonation of the cluster [W3S4H3(dmpe)3]+ with acids

The reaction of the hydride cluster [W3S4H3(dmpe)3]+ (1, dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane) with acids (HCl, CF3COOH, HBF4) in CH2Cl2 solution under pseudo-first-order conditions of excess acid occurs with three kinetically distinguishable steps that can be interpreted as corresponding to successive formal substitution processes of the coordinated hydrides by the anion of the acid (HCl, CF3COOH) or the solvent (HBF4). Whereas the rate law for the third step changes with the nature of the acid, the first two kinetic steps always show a second-order dependence on acid concentration. In contrast, a single kinetic step with a first-order dependence with respect to the acid is observed when the experiments are carried out with a deficit of acid. The decrease in the T1 values for the hydride NMR signal of 1 in the presence of added HCl suggests the formation of an adduct with a W-H...H-Cl dihydrogen bond. Theoretical calculations for the reaction with HCl indicate that the kinetic results in CH2Cl2 solution can be interpreted on the basis of a mechanism with two competitive pathways. One of the pathways consists of direct proton transfer within the W-H...H-Cl adduct to form W-Cl and H2, whereas the other requires the presence of a second HCl molecule to form a W-H...H-Cl...H-Cl adduct that transforms into W-Cl, H2 and HCl in the rate-determining step. The activation barriers and the structures of the transition states for both pathways were also calculated, and the results indicate that both pathways can be competitive and that the transition states can be described in both cases as a dihydrogen complex hydrogen-bonded to Cl- or HCl2(-).     

Acetylide-bridged organometallic oligomers via the photochemical metathesis of methyl-iron(II) complexes

The acetylido methyl iron(II) complexes, cis/trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(CH(3))] (1) and trans-[Fe(depe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(CH(3))] (2) (dmpe = 1,2-dimethylphoshinoethane; depe = 1,2-diethylphosphinoethane), were synthesized by transmetalation from the corresponding alkyl halide complexes. Acetylido methyl iron(II) complexes were also formed by transmetalation from the chloride complexes, trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(Cl)] or trans-[Fe(depe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(Cl)]. The structure of trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(5))(CH(3))] (1a) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The methyl acetylido iron complexes, [Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(CH(3))] (1), are thermally stable in the presence of acetylenes; however, under UV irradiation, methane is lost with the formation of a metal bisacetylide. Photochemical metathesis of cis- or trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(CH(3))(C[triple bond]CR)] (R = C(6)H(5) (1a), 4-C(6)H(4)OCH(3) (1b)) with terminal acetylenes was used to selectively synthesize unsymmetrically substituted iron(II) bisacetylide complexes of the type trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(C[triple bond]CR')] [R = Ph, R' = Ph (6a), 4-CH(3)OC(6)H(4) (6b), (t)()Bu (6c), Si(CH(3))(3) (6d), (CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]CH (6e); R = 4-CH(3)OC(6)H(4), R' = 4-CH(3)OC(6)H(4), (6g), (t)()Bu (6h), (CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]CH (6i), adamantyl (6j)]. The structure of the unsymmetrical iron(II) bisacetylide complex trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(5))(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)OCH(3))] (6b) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The photochemical metathesis of the bis-acetylene, 1,7-octadiyne, with trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(CH(3))(C[triple bond]CPh)] (1a), was utilized to synthesize the bridged binuclear species trans,trans-[(C(6)H(5)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(mu-C[triple bond]C(CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(5))] (11). The trinuclear species trans,trans,trans-[(C(6)H(5)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(mu-C[triple bond]C(CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(mu-C[triple bond]C(CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(5))] (12) was synthesized by the photochemical reaction of Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CPh)(C[triple bond]C(CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]CH) (6e) with Fe(dmpe)(2)(CH(3))(2). Extended irradiation of the bisacetylide complexes with phenylacetylene resulted in insertion of the terminal alkyne into one of the metal acetylide bonds to give acetylide butenyne complexes. The structure of the acetylide butenyne complex, trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)OCH(3))(eta(1)-C(C(6)H(5))=CH(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)OCH(3)))] (9a) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Vinyl and carbene ruthenium(II) complexes from hydridoruthenium(II) precursors

The reactions of the hydrido compounds [RuHCl(CO)(L)2][L = PiPr3 (1), PCy3 (2)] with HC(triple bond)CR (R = H, Ph, tBu) afforded by insertion of the alkyne into the Ru-H bond the corresponding vinyl complexes [RuCl(CHCHR)(CO)(L)2], 3-8, which upon protonation with HBF4 gave the cationic five-coordinated ruthenium carbenes [RuCl(CHCH2R)(CO)(L)2]BF4, 9-14. Subsequent reactions of the carbene complexes with PR3(R = Me, iPr) and CH3CN led either to deprotonation and re-generation of the vinyl compounds or to cleavage of the ruthenium-carbene bond and the formation of the six-coordinated complexes [RuCl(CO)(CH3CN)2(PiPr3)2]BF4, 17, and [RuH(CO)(CH3CN)2(PiPr3)2]X, 18a,b. The acetato derivative [RuH(2-O2CCH3)(CO)(PCy3)2], 19, also reacted with acetylene and phenylacetylene by insertion to yield the related vinyl complexes [Ru(CHCHR)(kappa2-O2CCH3)(CO)(PCy3)2], 20, 21, of which that with R = H was protonated with HBF4 to yield the corresponding cationic ruthenium carbene 22. With [RuHCl(H2)(PCy3)2], 25, as the starting material, the five-coordinated chloro(hydrido)ruthenium(II) compounds [RuHCl(PCy3)(dppf)], 26(dppf = [Fe(eta5-C5H4PPh2)2]), [RuHCl[Sb(CH2Ph)3](PCy3)2], 27, and [RuHCl(CH3CN)(PCy3)2], 30, were prepared. The reactions of 27 with HCCR (R = H, Ph) gave the hydrido(vinylidene) complexes [RuHCl(CCHR)(PCy3)2], 28 and 29, whereas treatment of 30 with HC(triple bond)CPh afforded the vinyl compound [RuCl(CHCHPh)(CH3CN)(PCy3)2], 31. The molecular structures of 11(R = tBu, L = PiPr3) and 26 were determined crystallographically.     

Synthesis, structure and reactivity of cuboidal-type cluster aqua complexes with W3PdS4 4+ core

The reaction of PdCl(2) with [W3S4(H2O)9]4+ in the presence of hypophosphorous acid in 2 M HCl gives cuboidal cluster [W3(PdCl)S4(H2O)9]3+ (1) which undergoes condensation and crystallises from Hpts solutions as edge-linked double cubane cluster [{W3PdS4(H2O)9}2](pts)(8).19H2O (pts = p-toluenesulfonate) (1'). The substitution of Cl- in (1) by different ligands was explored. The Pd atom in the cluster shows an exceptionally high reactivity in the isomerisation of the hydrophosphoryl H2P(O)(OH), HP(O)(OH)2, HPPh(O)(OH) and HPPh2(O) molecules into the corresponding hydroxo tautomers HP(OH)2, P(OH)3, PhP(OH)2 and Ph2P(OH) stabilised by coordination at Pd. The reactions were followed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and 31P NMR. Formation constants of the 1 : 1 coordination of [M3(PdCl)S4(H2O)9]3+ (M = Mo, W) with HP(OH)2 and As(OH)3 were obtained. The structures of cucurbit[6]uril (C36H36N24O12, CUC[6]) adducts [W3(PdP(OH)3)S4(H2O)8Cl]-(C36H36N24O12)Cl3.12.5H2O (2), and [W3Pd(PhP(OH)2)S4(H2O)7Cl2]2(C36H36N24O12)Cl4.9H2O (3) were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

The Role of Solvent on the Mechanism of Proton Transfer to Hydride Complexes: The Case of the [W3PdS4H3(dmpe)3(CO)]+ Cubane Cluster

The kinetics of reaction of the [W₃PdS₄H₃(dmpe)₃(CO)]⁺ hydride cluster ( 1 ⁺) with HCl has been measured in dichloromethane, and a second‐order dependence with respect to the acid is found for the initial step. In the presence of added BF₄^? the second‐order dependence is maintained, but there is a deceleration that becomes more evident as the acid concentration increases. DFT calculations indicate that these results can be rationalized on the basis of the mechanism previously proposed for the same reaction of the closely related [W₃S₄H₃(dmpe)₃]⁺ cluster, which involves parallel first‐ and second‐order pathways in which the coordinated hydride interacts with one and two acid molecules, and ion pairing to BF₄^? hinders formation of dihydrogen bonded adducts able to evolve to the products of proton transfer. Additional DFT calculations are reported to understand the behavior of the cluster in neat acetonitrile and acetonitrile–water mixtures. The interaction of the HCl molecule with CH₃CN is stronger than the W? H???HCl dihydrogen bond and so the reaction pathways operating in dichloromethane become inefficient, in agreement with the lack of reaction between 1 ⁺ and HCl in neat acetonitrile. However, the attacking species in acetonitrile–water mixtures is the solvated proton, and DFT calculations indicate that the reaction can then go through pathways involving solvent attack to the W centers, while still maintaining the coordinated hydride, which is made possible by the capability of the cluster to undergo structural changes in its core.     

C6F5Xe]+ and [C6F5XeNCCH3]+ salts of the weakly coordinating borate anions, [BY4]- (Y = CN, CF3, or C6F5)

New examples of [C6F5Xe]+ salts of the weakly coordinating [BY4]- (Y = CN, CF3, or C6F5) anions were synthesized by metathesis of [C6F5Xe][BF4] with MI[BY4] (MI = K or Cs; Y = CN, CF3, or C6F5) in CH3CN at -40 degrees C, and were crystallized from CH2Cl2 or from a CH2Cl2/CH3CN solvent mixture. The low-temperature (-173 degrees C) X-ray crystal structures of the [C6F5Xe]+ cation and of the [C6F5XeNCCH3]+ adduct-cation are reported for [C6F5Xe][B(CF3)4], [C6F5XeNCCH3][B(CF3)4], [C6F5Xe][B(CN)4], and [C6F5XeNCCH3][B(C6F5)4]. The [C6F5Xe]+ cation, in each structure, interacts with either the anion or the solvent, with the weakest cation-anion interactions occurring for the [B(CF3)4]- anion. The solid-state Raman spectra of the [C6F5Xe]+ and [C6F5XeNCCH3]+ salts have been assigned with the aid of electronic structure calculations. Gas-phase thermodynamic calculations show that the donor-acceptor bond dissociation energy of [C6F5XeNCCH3]+ is approximately half that of [FXeNCCH3]+. Coordination of CH3CN to [C6F5Xe]+ is correlated with changes in the partial charges on mainly Xe, the ipso-C, and N, that is, the partial charge on Xe increases and those on the ipso-C and N decrease upon coordination, typifying a transition from a 2c-2e to a 3c-4e bond.     

Oxidative addition of iodo-acetonitrile and of elemental halogens to [Pt3(mu-CO)3(PCy3)3

The reaction of [Pt3(mu-CO)3(PCy3)3](1) with one mole-equivalent of iodo-acetonitrile was quantitative at -70 degrees C giving the oxidative addition product [Pt3(mu-CO)3(PCy3)3(I)(CH2CN)](2). Fragmentation of was observed in solution giving [Pt2I(CH2CN)(CO)2(PCy3)2](3) which is the major product at room temperature if the starting cluster/reactant ratio is equal to or less than 1 to 1.5. Dimer 3 decomposes slowly in solution giving [Pt2I2(CO)2(PCy3)2](4a) and succinonitrile. Monomer [PtI(CH2CN)(CO)(PCy3)] was the final product of the reaction when using excess of iodo-acetonitrile. The reactions of with one mole-equivalent of halogens X2 gave the new 44-electron clusters [Pt3X(micro-CO)2(micro-X)(PCy3)3](X = I2(7a) or Br2(7b)) by oxidative addition followed by substitution of CO by X-. Fragmentation of and took place in solution when using one and a half mole-equivalents of X2 giving dimers 4a and [Pt2Br2(CO)2(PCy3)2](4b) as well as [Pt2X2(mu-X)2(CO)2(PCy3)2]. Monomers cis-[PtX2(CO)(PCy3)] were the final products of the reaction of with excess of halogens. Insertion of SnCl2 was observed into the Pt-Pt bond but not into the Pt-X bond, when equimolar amounts of SnCl2 x 2H2O were added to a solution of 4a or its chloro-analogue giving [Pt2X2(micro-SnCl2)(CO)2(PCy3)2]. The Pt(I) dimers have unusually small J(Pt-Pt) values as observed by 195Pt NMR and calculated by DFT. These values showed periodic changes comparing 4a and its analogues with other halides and mixed halide dimers.     

Preparation and properties of the aqua ions [W(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(12)](n+) (n = 5, 6) and crystal structure of (Me(2)NH(2))(6)[W(4)S(4)(NCS)(12)].0.5H(2)O

The [3 + 1] reaction of [W(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) with [W(CO)(6)] in 2 M HCl under hydrothermal conditions (130 degrees C) gives the [W(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(12)](6+) cuboidal cluster, reduction potential 35 mV vs NHE (6+/5+ couple). The reduced form is obtained by controlled potential electrolysis. X-ray crystal structure was determined for (Me(2)NH(2))(6)[W(4)S(4)(NCS)(12)].0.5H(2)O. The W-W and W-S bond lengths are 2.840 and 2.379 A, respectively.     

Si(SiMe3)3]3Ge9M(CO)3(-) (M=Cr, Mo, W): coordination chemistry with metalloid clusters

Very recently it was shown that the metalloid cluster compound {Ge(9)[Si(SiMe(3))(3)](3)}(-)1 can be used for subsequent reactions as the shielding of the cluster core is rather incomplete. So the reaction of 1 with Cr(CO)(3)(CH(3)CN)(3) leads to a cluster enlargement where the chromium atom is incorporated into the cluster core. Here further applications of 1 as a flexible ligand in coordination chemistry are presented where the reaction of 1 with Mo(CO)(3)(EtCN)(3) and W(CO)(3)(CH(3)CN)(3) leads to [(CO)(3)MoGe(9)R(3)](-)4 and [(CO)(3)WGe(9)R(3)](-)5 respectively (R = Si(SiMe(3))(3)), showing that 1 can indeed be used as a flexible ligand in coordination chemistry. Structural and electronic properties of the Ge(9)M clusters 4 and 5 are discussed as well as mechanistic aspects of their formation.     

Synthesis and Structural Characterizations of the Heteronuclear Cubane－like Cluster W_2Ag_2S_4（tdt）_2（PPh_3）_2·CH_2Cl_2

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Chemical properties of the Pd4(dppm)4(H)2(2+) cluster and the homogeneous electrocatalytical behavior of hydrogen evolution and formate decomposition

Two new reductive electrochemical (CO2 + H2O + 2e-; HCO2H + 2e-) and two new chemical methods (Al(CH3)3 + proton donor; NaO2CH) to prepare the title compound from Pd2(dppm)2Cl2 are reported. For the latter method, an intermediate species formulated as Pd2(dppm)4(O2CH)2(2+) is identified spectroscopically (1H NMR, 31P NMR, IR, and FAB-MS). Limited stability of the title compound in the presence of Cl- and Br- as counteranions is noticed and is due to sensitivity of the cluster toward nucleophilic attack of the halide ions. This result is corroborated by the rapid decomposition of these clusters in the presence of CN- to form the binuclear species Pd2(dppm)2(CN)4 and by the preparation of the stable salts [Pd4(dppm)4(H)2](X)2(X- = BF4-, PF6-, BPh4-). Upon a two-electron electrochemical reduction of this cluster to the neutral species (E1/2 = -1.42 V vs SCE in DMF) in the presence of 1 equiv of HCO2H, a highly reactive species formulated as [Pd4(dppm)4(H)3]+ is generated and characterized by 1H NMR, 31P NMR, and cyclic voltammetry. Subsequent addition of H+ (via RCO2H; R = H, CH3, CF3, C6H5) under the same reducing conditions, induces the homogeneous catalysis of H2 evolution. The turnover number is found to be 134 in 2 h, with no evidence for catalyst decomposition. This same species also exhibits a one-electron oxidation process (E1/2 = -0.61 V vs SCE in DMF) that induces the catalytical decomposition of formate (HCO2- --> CO2 + 1/2H2 + 1e-). This double catalysis from the same cluster intermediate is unprecedented.     

Synthons for coordinatively unsaturated complexes of tungsten, and their use for the synthesis of high oxidation-state silylene complexes

Reduction of Cp*WCl4 afforded the metalated complex (eta6-C5Me4CH2)(dmpe)W(H)Cl (1) (Cp* = C5Me5, dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane). Reactions with CO and H(2) suggested that 1 is in equilibrium with the 16-electron species [Cp(dmpe)WCl], and 1 was also shown to react with silanes R2SiH2 (R2 = Ph2 and PhMe) to give the tungsten(IV) silyl complexes Cp*(dmpe)(H)(Cl)W(SiHR2) (6a, R2 = Ph2; 6b, R2 = PhMe). Abstraction of the chloride ligand in 1 with LiB(C6F5)4 gave a reactive species that features a doubly metalated Cp ligand, [(eta7-C5Me3(CH2)2)(dmpe)W(H)2][B(C6F5)4] (4). In its reaction with dinitrogen, 4 behaves as a synthon for the 14-electron fragment [Cp*(dmpe)W]+, to give the dinuclear dinitrogen complex ([Cp*(dmpe)W]2(micro-N2)) [B(C6F5)4]2 (5). Hydrosilanes R2SiH2 (R2 = Ph2, PhMe, Me2, Dipp(H); Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) were shown to react with 4 in double Si-H bond activation reactions to give the silylene complexes [Cp*(dmpe)H2W = SiR2][B(C6F5)4] (8a-d). Compounds 8a,b (R2 = Ph2 and PhMe, respectively) were also synthesized by abstraction of the chloride ligands from silyl complexes 6a,b. Dimethylsilylene complex 8c was found to react with chloroalkanes RCl (R = Me, Et) to liberate trialkylchlorosilanes RMe2SiCl. This reaction is discussed in the context of its relevance to the mechanism of the direct synthesis for the industrial production of alkylchlorosilanes.     

Catalytic synthesis of tricyclic quinoline derivatives from the regioselective hydroamination and C-H bond activation reaction of benzocyclic amines and alkynes

The cationic ruthenium-hydride complex [(PCy3)2(CO)(CH3CN)2RuH]+BF4- (1) was found to be an effective catalyst for the regioselective coupling reaction of benzocyclic amines and terminal alkynes to form the tricyclic quinoline derivatives. The scope of the reaction was explored by using the catalytic system Ru3(CO)12/NH4PF6. The catalytically active cationic ruthenium-acetylide complex [(PCy3)2(CO)(CH3CN)2RuCCPh]+BF4- was isolated from the reaction of 1 with phenylacetylene.     

Clusters as Ligands. 4. Synthesis, Structure, and Characterization of the Tungsten(II)-Tungsten(III) Cluster Carboxylate {[Na][W(2){OOCCCo(3)(CO)(9)}(2)(OOCCF(3))(4)(THF)(2)]}(2)

The reaction of W(2)(OOCCF(3))(4) with (CO)(9)Co(3)CCOOH and Na[OOCCF(3)] in a nonpolar solvent mixture leads to the formation of the cluster of clusters {[Na][W(2){OOCCCo(3)(CO)(9)}(2)(OOCCF(3))(4)(THF)(2)]}(2), 1, in 40% yield. The structure of 1.3C(6)H(5)CH(3) in the solid state corresponds to a dimer of W(2) dinuclear complexes (monoclinic P2(1)/c, a = 15.234(6) ?, b = 23.326(11) ?, c = 20.658(7) ?, beta = 102.46(3) degrees; V = 7,168(5) ?(3); Z = 4; R(F)() = 8.39%). Each W(2) unit is bridged by two cis cluster carboxylates, and the remaining four equatorial sites are occupied by monodentate [OOCCF(3)](-) ligands. The axial positions contain coordinated THF. The W(2) carboxylate is opened up (W-W distance of 2.449(2) ?) so that the free ends of the [OOCCF(3)](-) ligands on both W(2) carboxylate units can cooperate in chelating two Na(+) ions thereby forming a dimer of W(2) complexes. A distinctive EPR spectrum with g = 2.08 is consistent with each W(2) carboxylate being a mixed-valent W(II)-W(III) species. The reaction of W(2)(OOCCF(3))(4) with (CO)(9)Co(3)CCOOH in THF in the absence of Na[OOCCF(3)] leads to the expected diamagnetic W(II)-W(II) cluster carboxylate W(2){OOCCCo(3)(CO)(9)}(3)(OOCCF(3))(THF)(2), 3.     

Generation and coupling of [Mn(dmpe)2(C triple bond CR)(C triple bond C)]* radicals producing redox-active C4-bridged rigid-rod complexes

The symmetric d(5) trans-bis-alkynyl complexes [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CSiR(3))(2)] (R = Me, 1 a; Et, 1 b; Ph, 1 c) (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane) have been prepared by the reaction of [Mn(dmpe)(2)Br(2)] with two equivalents of the corresponding acetylide LiC triple bond CSiR(3). The reactions of species 1 with [Cp(2)Fe][PF(6)] yield the corresponding d(4) complexes [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CSiR(3))(2)][PF(6)] (R = Me, 2 a; Et, 2 b; Ph, 2 c). These complexes react with NBu(4)F (TBAF) at -10 degrees C to give the desilylated parent acetylide compound [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CH)(2)][PF(6)] (6), which is stable only in solution at below 0 degrees C. The asymmetrically substituted trans-bis-alkynyl complexes [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CSiR(3))(C triple bond CH)][PF(6)] (R = Me, 7 a; Et, 7 b) related to 6 have been prepared by the reaction of the vinylidene compounds [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CSiR(3))(C=CH(2))] (R = Me, 5 a; Et, 5 b) with two equivalents of [Cp(2)Fe][PF(6)] and one equivalent of quinuclidine. The conversion of [Mn(C(5)H(4)Me)(dmpe)I] with Me(3)SiC triple bond CSnMe(3) and dmpe afforded the trans-iodide-alkynyl d(5) complex [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CSiMe(3))I] (9). Complex 9 proved to be unstable with regard to ligand disproportionation reactions and could therefore not be oxidized to a unique Mn(III) product, which prevented its further use in acetylide coupling reactions. Compounds 2 react at room temperature with one equivalent of TBAF to form the mixed-valent species [[Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CH)](2)(micro-C(4))][PF(6)] (11) by C-C coupling of [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CH)(C triple bond C*)] radicals generated by deprotonation of 6. In a similar way, the mixed-valent complex [[Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CSiMe(3))](2)(micro-C(4))][PF(6)] [12](+) is obtained by the reaction of 7 a with one equivalent of DBU (1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene). The relatively long-lived radical intermediate [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CH)(C triple bond C*)] could be trapped as the Mn(I) complex [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CH)(triple bond C-CO(2))] (14) by addition of an excess of TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy) to the reaction mixtures of species 2 and TBAF. The neutral dinuclear Mn(II)/Mn(II) compounds [[Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CR(3))](2)(micro-C(4))] (R = H, 11; R = SiMe(3), 12) are produced by the reduction of [11](+) and [12](+), respectively, with [FeCp(C(6)Me(6))]. [11](+) and [12](+) can also be oxidized with [Cp(2)Fe][PF(6)] to produce the dicationic Mn(III)/Mn(III) species [[Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CR(3))](2)(micro-C(4))][PF(6)](2) (R = H, [11](2+); R = SiMe(3), [12](2+)). Both redox processes are fully reversible. The dinuclear compounds have been characterized by NMR, IR, UV/Vis, and Raman spectroscopies, CV, and magnetic susceptibilities, as well as elemental analyses. X-ray diffraction studies have been performed on complexes 4 b, 7 b, 9, [12](+), [12](2+), and 14.     

Photodissociation of CO from [Ru3(mu3-O)(mu-OOCCH3)6(CO)L2] in acetonitrile, where L = pyridine, 4-cyanopyridine and methanol

Photodissociation of CO from oxo-centered trinuclear ruthenium clusters [Ru3(mu3-O)(mu-OOCCH3)6(CO)L2] (L = pyridine (py): 1; 4-cyanopyridine (cpy): 2; methanol: 3) dissolved in organic solvents has been examined. Upon photolysis (> or = 290 nm, a 450-W Xe lamp), an absorption peak at 585 nm observed for 1 in CH3CN decreases its intensity and a new absorption band appears and grows at 896 nm. This spectral change, presenting isosbestic points, corresponds to photosubstitution of CO in 1 to form [Ru3(mu3-O)(mu-OOCCH3)6(CH3CN)(py)2] 4. Photoexcitation of carbonyl complexes 2 and 3 in CH3CN also affords the corresponding CH3CN-coordinated complexes [Ru3(mu3-O)(mu-OOCCH3)6(CH3CN)(cpy)2] 6 and [Ru3(mu3-O)(mu-OOCCH3)6(CH3CN)3] 7, respectively. The photosubstitution reactions (excitation wavelength, > or = 290 nm) are well described by the first-order kinetics: k = 7.3 x 10(-4) s(-1) for 1, 4.9 x 10(-4) s(-1) for 2 and 5.1 x 10(-4) s(-1) for 3 (298 K). In the presence of a 100-fold excess of py, photolysis of 1 yields a tris(py) complex [Ru3(mu3-O)(mu-OOCCH3)6(py)3] 5 via photochemical loss of CO followed by coordination of py. The overall reaction (photochemical and thermal) is also confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The dissociative character of the photosubstitution is supported by negligible effects of the concentration of the entering pyridine molecule, the nature of solvents and the type of terminal monodentate ligands (other than CO) attached to the cluster. Quantum yield measurements with varied excitation wavelengths have shown that absorption bands located in the UV region (< 400 nm) play a principal role in photosubstitution, whereas an absorption band in the visible region (centered at approximately 580 nm), ascribed to an "intracluster" charge transfer, is not at all responsible for photosubstitution.