Synthesis, characterization of novel half-sandwich iridium and rhodium complexes containing pyridine-based organochalcogen ligands

A series of neutral pyridine-based organochalcogen ligands, 2,6-bis(1-methylimidazole-2-thione)pyridine (Bmtp), 2,6-bis(1-isopropylimidazole-2-thione)pyridine (Bptp), and 2,6-bis(1-tert-butylimidazole-2-thione)pyridine (Bbtp) have been synthesized and characterized. Reactions of [Cp*M(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ (Cp* = η⁵-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, M = Ir, Rh) with three pyridine-based organochalcogen ligands result in the formation of the complexes Cp*M(L)Cl₂ (M = Ir, L = Bmtp, 1a·Cl₂; M = Rh, L = Bmtp, 1b·Cl₂; M = Ir, L = Bptp, 2a·Cl₂; M = Rh, L = Bptp, 2b·Cl₂; M = Ir, L = Bbtp, 3a·Cl₂; M = Rh, L = Bbtp, 3b·Cl₂), respectively. All compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, NMR and IR spectra. The molecular structures of Bbtp, 1a·Cl₂, 1b·Cl₂, 2b·Cl₂ and 3b·Cl₂ have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and characterization of half-sandwich Rh, Ir complexes containing mono-thiolate-ortho-carborane ligand

Two binuclear complexes [Cp^∗M(Cl)Carb^S]₂ (Cp^∗ = η⁵-C₅Me₅, M = Rh (1a), Carb^S = SC₂(H)B₁₀H₁₀, Ir (1b)) were synthesized by the reaction of LiCarb^S with the dimeric metal complexes [Cp^∗MCl(μ-Cl)]₂ (M = Rh, Ir). Four mononuclear complexes Cp^∗M(Cl)(L)Carb^S (L = BuⁿPPh₂, M = Rh (2a), Ir (2b); L = PPh₃, M = Rh (4a), Ir (4b)) were synthesized by reactions of 1a or 1b with L (L = BuⁿPPh₂ (2); PPh₃ (4)) in moderate yields, respectively. Complexes 3a, 3b, 5a, 5b were obtained by treatment of 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b with AgPF₆ in high yields, respectively. All of these compounds were fully characterized by IR, NMR, and elemental analysis, and the crystal structures of 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b were also confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Their structures showed 3a, 3b and 5a, 5b could be expected as good candidates for heterolytic dihydrogen activation. Preliminary experiments on the dihydrogen activation driven by these half-sandwich Rh, Ir complexes were done under mild conditions.     

Synthetic, structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical studies of mixed sandwich Rh(III) and Ir(III) complexes involving Cp* and tridentate macrocycles

The syntheses, structures, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry for six Ir(III) and Rh(III) mixed sandwich mononuclear complexes involving tridentate macrocycles and pentamethylcyclopentadienide (Cp*) are reported. The complexes are readily prepared by direct ligand substitution reactions from the dichloro bridged binuclear complexes, [{M(Cp*)(Cl)₂}₂]. All complexes have the general formula [M(L)(Cp*)]X₂ (M = Ir(III) or Rh(III), L = macrocycle, or Cl⁻) and exhibit a distorted octahedral structure involving three donor atoms from the macrocycle and the facially coordinating carbocyclic Cp* ligand. The complex cations include: [Rh(η⁵ -Cp*)(9S3)]²⁺ (1), [Rh(η⁵-Cp*)(9N3)]²⁺ (2), [Rh(η⁵-Cp*)(10S3)]²⁺ (3), [Ir(η⁵-Cp*)(9S3)]²⁺ (4), [Ir(η⁵-Cp*)(9N3)]²⁺ (5), and [Ir(η⁵-Cp*)(10S3)]²⁺ (6), where 9S3 = 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane, 9N3 = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane, and 10S3 = 1,4,7-trithiacyclodecane. The structures for all six complexes are supported by ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, and five complexes are also characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography (complexes 1-5). The ¹H NMR splittings between the two sets of methylene protons for both the Rh(III) and Ir(III) 9S3 complexes are much larger (0.4 vs. 0.2 ppm) compared to those in the two 9N3 complexes. Similarly, the ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectra in all four thioether complexes show that the ring carbons in the Cp* ligand are shifted by over 10 ppm downfield compared to the azacrown complexes. The electrochemistry of the complexes is surprisingly invariable and is dominated by a single irreversible metal-centered reduction near −1.2 V vs. Fc/Fc⁺.     

Syntheses and structures of half-sandwich iridium(III) and rhodium(III) complexes with organochalcogen (S, Se) ligands bearing N-methylimidazole and their use as catalysts for norbornene polymerization

The organochalcogen ligands derived from 3-methyl-imidazole-2-thione/selone groups, Mbit, Mbis, Ebit and Ebis [Mbit = 1,1'-methylenebis(3-methyl-imidazole-2-thione); Mbis = 1,1'-methylenebis(3-methyl-imidazole-2-selone), Ebit = 1,1'-(1,2-ethanediyl)bis(3-methyl-imidazole-2-thione), Ebis = 1,1'-(1,2-ethanediyl)bis(3-methyl-imidazole-2-selone)] have been synthesized and characterized. Reactions of [Cp*Ir(micro-Cl)Cl]2 and [Cp*Rh(micro-Cl)Cl]2 (Cp* = eta5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) with Mbit, Mbis, Ebit and Ebis result in the formation of the complexes [Cp*Ir(Mbit)Cl]Cl 1a x Cl), [Cp*Ir(Mbis)Cl]Cl (3a x Cl), [Cp*Ir(Ebit)Cl]Cl (1b x Cl), [Cp*Ir(Ebis)Cl]Cl (2a x Cl), [Cp*Rh(Mbit)Cl]Cl (2b x Cl), Cp*Rh(Mbis)Cl][Cp*RhCl(3)] (3b x[Cp*RhCl(3)]), [Cp*Rh(Ebit)Cl]Cl (4a x Cl) and [Cp*Rh(Ebis)Cl]Cl (4b x Cl), respectively. All compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, NMR and IR spectra. The molecular structures of 1b, 2b, 3a, 3b and 4a have been determined by X-ray crystallography. After activation with methylaluminoxane (MAO), the iridium complexes exhibit moderate activities for the vinyl polymerization of norbornene.     

Carbonyl rhodium(I) complexes containing (H)PNX (X = O or N) ligands deriving from natural aminoacid–amides. Synthesis, X-ray structure and spectroscopic characterization

The polyfunctional (H)PNX (X = O or N) ligands 1 and 2 react with [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ to give the corresponding chloro carbonyl complexes {Rh[κ²-(H)PN](CO)Cl} (1a and 2a), where the neutral ligands coordinate in a κ²-PN bidentate fashion, the square planar coordination being completed by the CO trans to N and the chloride trans to P. In chloroform solution 1a maintains its original structure, while 2a partially transforms into the cationic species {Rh[κ³-(H)PNO](CO)}Cl. The chloroform solutions of 1a and 2a react with AgPF₆ to give the purely cationic species {Rh[κ³-(H)PNO](CO)}PF₆ ([1a]⁺ and [2a]⁺), while addition of Et₃N originates the neutral species {Rh[κ³-PNN′](CO)} (1b and 2b). All the complexes have been characterized by microanalysis, IR, ¹H NMR as well as ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray structures of ligand 1 and complex 1b are also reported.     

Ruthenium(II), rhodium(III) and iridium(III) based effective catalysts for hydrogenation under aerobic conditions

The new cationic mononuclear complexes [(η⁶-arene)Ru(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ [η⁶-arene = benzene (1), p-cymene (2)], [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Ru(Ph-BIAN)PPh₃]BF₄ (3) and [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)M(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ [M = Rh (4), Ir (5)] incorporating 1,2-bis(phenylimino)acenaphthene (Ph-BIAN) are reported. The complexes have been fully characterized by analytical and spectral (IR, NMR, FAB-MS, electronic and emission) studies. The molecular structure of the representative iridium complex [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ir(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ has been determined crystallographically. Complexes 1–5 effectively catalyze the reduction of terephthaldehyde in the presence of HCOOH/CH₃COONa in water under aerobic conditions and, among these complexes the rhodium complex [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ (4) displays the most effective catalytic activity.     

Spectroscopic and structural characterization of cationic N-(2-aminoethyl)aziridine-N,N′ chelate complexes of the d-metals Rh(III) and Ir(III)

The syntheses of the compounds [M(Cp^∗)(aeaz)(az)](OTf)₂ (4, 5) (M = Rh(III), Ir(III); aeaz = C₂H₄NC₂H₄NH₂, az = C₂H₄NH (3)) containing cationic N-(2-aminoethyl)aziridine-N,N′ chelate complexes are described. The bis-aziridine complexes [MCl(Cp^∗)(az)₂]Cl (M = Rh (1), M = Ir (2)) react with an excess of the aziridine (az) in the presence of AgO₃SCF₃ (=AgOTf) via AgCl precipitation and az addition followed by a metal-mediated coupling reaction, to give the compounds [M(Cp^∗)(aeaz)(az)](OTf)₂ (4, 5). The new aeaz ligand is formally the dimerisation product of az. Using the same reaction conditions with the analogous, but weaker Lewis acidic ruthenium(II) complex [RuCl(C₆Me₆)(az)₂]Cl (6) an anion exchange reaction yielding [RuCl(C₆Me₆)(az)₂]OTf (8) is observed. After purification, all compounds are fully characterized using IR, FAB-MS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The single crystal X-ray structure analysis reveals a distorted octahedral geometry for all complexes.     

Synthesis and structural aspects of M-allyl (M = Ir, Rh) complexes

The synthesis, characterization and chemistry of novel η³-allyl metal complexes (M = Ir, Rh) are described. The structures of compounds (C₅Me₄H)Ir(PPh₃)Cl₂ (1), (C₅Me₄H)Ir(PPh₃)(η³-1-methylallyl)Br (3a), (C₅Me₄H)Ir(η⁴-1,3,5-hexatriene) (8), and (C₅Me₅)Rh(η³-1-ethylallyl)Br (5d) have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Structural comparisons among these complexes are discussed. It is found that the neutral metal allylic complex [Cp^∗IrCl(η³-methylallyl)] (5) ionizes in polar solvents to give [Cp^∗Ir(η³-methylallyl)]⁺Cl⁻ (6) and reaches equilibrium (5 ? 6) at room temperature. Addition of tertiary phosphine ligands to neutral complexes such as [Cp^∗Ir(η³-methylallyl)Cl], results in the formation of stable ionic phosphine adducts. Factors such as solvent, length of carbon chain, temperature and light are discussed with respect to the formation, stability and structure of the allyl complexes.     

Ligating properties of thionitrosoamines: III. Carbonyl complexes of rhodium(I) and rhodium(III) containing N-thionitrosodimethylamine

Me₂NNS reacts with [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ to produce the complex cis-Rh(SNNMe₂)(CO)₂Cl (1). The latter undergoes reversible CO substitution by Me₂NNS to give the complex trans-Rh(SNNMe₂)₂(CO)Cl (2a). Complexes 1 and 2a, in solution lose CO and Me₂NSS, respectively, to give the complex trans-(μ-Cl)₂[Rh(SNNMe₂)(CO)]₂ (3). Complex 1 can also be prepared by bubbling CO through a CH₂Cl₂ solution of Rh(SNNMe₂)(diene)Cl (diene = 1,5-cyclooctadiene (4a), norbornadiene (4b)) obtained by a bridge-splitting reaction of Me₂NNS with [Rh(diene)Cl]₂. 1 and 2a react with EPh₃ (E = P, As, Sb) to give the complexes trans-Rh(EPh₃)₂(CO)Cl. The complexes trans-Rh(E′Ph₃)₂(CO)X (X = Cl, E′ = As, Sb; X = Br, NCS, E′ = As) undergo reversible E′Ph₃ displacement upon treatment with Me₂NNS to give the complexes trans-Rh(SNNMe₂)₂(CO)X (X = Cl (2a), Br (2b), NCS (2c)). Oxidative additions of Br₂, I₂, or HgCl₂ to 2a produce stable adducts, while the reaction of 2a with CH₃I gives an inseparable mixture of the adduct Rh(SNNMe₂)₂(CO)(CH₃)ClI and the acetyl derivative Rh(SNNMe₂)₂(CH₃CO)ClI. A mixture of the acetyl derivative (μ-Cl)₂[Rh(SNNMe₂)(CH₃CO)I]₂ and the adduct (μ-Cl)₂[Rh(SNNMe₂)(CO)(CH₃)I]₂ is obtained by treating 1 with CH₃I. The IR spectra of all the compounds are consistent with S-coordination of Me₂NNS. Because of the restricted rotation around the NN bond, the ¹H NMR spectra of the new compounds exhibit two quadruplets in the range 3.5–4.3δ when ⁴J(HH) = 0.7–0.5 Hz. When ⁴J(HH) < 0.5 Hz, the perturbing effect of the quadrupolar relaxation of the ¹⁴N nucleus obscures the spin-spin coupling and two broad signals are observed in the range 3.6–4δ.     

Stepwise formation of metallo-prisms of iridium and rhodium complexes bearing pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ligands

Reactions of [M(Cp^∗)Cl(μ-Cl)]₂ (M = Ir(1a); M = Rh(1b)) with tridentate ligands tpt (tpt = 2,4,6-tripyridyl-1,3,5-triazine) gave the corresponding trinuclear complexes [M₃(Cp^∗)₃(μ₃-4-tpt-κN)Cl₆] (M = Ir(2a); M = Rh(2b)), which can be converted into hexanuclear complexes [M₆(Cp^∗)₆(μ₃-4-tpt-κN)₂(μ-Cl)₆](O₃SCF₃)₆ (M = Ir(3a); M = Rh(3b)) by treatment with AgO₃SCF₃, respectively. X-ray of 3b revealed that each of six pentamethylcyclopentadienyl metal moieties was connected by two μ-Cl-bridged atoms and a tridentate ligand to construct a cation triangular metallo-prism cavity with the volume of about 273 Å³ based on the distance of the two triazine moieties is 3.62 Å.     

Syntheses of new Mo(II) and W(II) mono(hydrosulfido) complexes and their conversion into di- and tetranuclear sulfido-bridged heterobimetallic complexes

Treatment of [Cp′MH(CO)₃] (M = Mo, W; Cp′ = η⁵-C₅H₅ (Cp), η⁵-C₅Me₅ (Cp*)) with 1/8 equiv of S₈ in THF, followed by the reaction with dppe under UV irradiation, gave new mono(hydrosulfido) complexes [Cp′M(SH)(CO)(dppe)] (Cp′ = Cp: M = Mo (5), W (6); Cp′ = Cp*: M = Mo (7), W (8); dppe = Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂). When 5 and 6 dissolved in THF were allowed to react with [RhCl(PPh₃)₃] in the presence of base, heterodinuclear complexes with bridging S and dppe ligands [CpM(CO)(μ-S)(μ-dppe)Rh(PPh₃)] (M = Mo (9), W(10)) were obtained. Semi-bridging feature of the CO ligands were also demonstrated. Upon standing in CH₂Cl₂ solutions, 9 and 10 were converted further to the dimerization products [(CpM)₂{Rh(dppe)}₂(μ₂-CO)₂(μ₃-S)₂] (M = Mo (13), W). Detailed structures of mononuclear 7 and 8, dinuclear 9 and tetranuclear 13 have been determined by the X-ray diffraction.     

Rhodium(I) carbonyl complexes of quinoline carboxaldehyde ligands and their catalytic carbonylation reaction

The dimeric rhodium precursor [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ reacts with quinoline (a) and its three isomeric carboxaldehyde ligands [quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde (b), quinoline-3-carboxaldehyde (c), and quinoline-4-carboxaldehyde (d)] in 1:2 mole ratio to afford complexes of the type cis-[Rh(CO)₂Cl(L)] (1a-1d), where L = a-d. The complexes 1a-1d have been characterised by elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, IR and NMR (¹H, ¹³C) spectroscopy together with a single crystal X-ray structure determination of 1c. The X-ray crystal structure of 1c reveals square planar geometry with a weak intermolecular pseudo dimeric structure (Rh?Rh = 3.573 Å). 1a-1d undergo oxidative addition (OA) with different electrophiles such as CH₃I, C₂H₅I and I₂ to give Rh(III) complexes of the type [Rh(CO)(COR)Cl(L)I] {R = -CH₃ (2a-2d), R = -C₂H₅ (3a-3d)} and [Rh(CO)Cl(L)I₂] (4a-4d) respectively. 1b exhibits facile reactivity with different electrophiles at room temperature (25 °C), while 1a, 1c and 1d show very slow reactivity under similar condition, however, significant reactivity was observed at a temperature ∼40 °C. The complexes 1a-1d show higher catalytic activity for carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid and methyl acetate [Turn Over Frequency (TOF) = 1551-1735 h⁻¹] compared to that of the well known Monsanto’s species [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ (TOF = 1000 h⁻¹) under the reaction conditions: temperature 130 ± 2 °C, pressure 33 ± 2 bar, 450 rpm and time 1 h. The organometallic residue of 1a-1d was also isolated after the catalytic reaction and found to be active for further run without significant loss of activity.     

Catalytic hydrogenation of CO and CN bonds via heterolysis of H2 mediated by metal-sulfur bonds of rhodium and iridium thiolate complexes

Coordinatively unsaturated rhodium and iridium complexes having a bulky thiolate, [Cp∗M(PMe₃)(SDmp)](BAr^F₄) (1a: M = Rh; 1b: M = Ir; Dmp = 2,6-(mesityl)₂C₆H₃, Ar^F = 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃), catalyzed the hydrogenation of benzaldehyde, N-benzylideneaniline, and cyclohexanone, under 1 atm of H₂ at low temperatures. In these catalytic reactions, the M-H/S-H complexes [Cp∗M(PMe₃)(H)(HSDmp)](BAr^F₄) (2a: M = Rh; 2b: M = Ir) generated via H₂ heterolysis by 1a or 1b were suggested to transfer both M-H hydride and S-H proton to substrates. The catalytic reactions were terminated by the dissociation of H-SDmp from the metal centers of 2a and 2b that occurs at ambient temperature under H₂ atmosphere.     

‘A rendezvous with an old flame’: revisiting olefin hydrogenation with new rhodium and iridium catalysts

A novel tridentate hemilabile ligand 2 containing phosphine, imine and pyridyl donor groups has been prepared in analogy with the synthesis of the known related ligand 1. The reaction of 1 or 2 with 〚Rh(COE)₂Cl〛₂ resulted in the formation of the neutral complexes 〚Rh(L)Cl〛. By a method using 〚M(diene)Cl〛₂ as starting material, cationic complexes of the type 〚M(diene)(L)〛X were also obtained (M = Rh, diene = NBD, L = 1, 2; M = Ir, diene = COD, L = 1; X = BF₄, OTf). A comparative study of the catalytic activity of the new complexes towards the hydrogenation of various olefins has been reported. In particular, the catalysts of the type 〚Rh(L)Cl〛 are remarkably active when prepared in situ, especially for the reduction of hindered olefins.     

Neutral and cationic half‐sandwich arene d6 metal complexes containing pyridyl and pyrimidyl thiourea ligands with interesting bonding modes: Synthesis,structural and anti‐cancer studies

The reaction of [(p‐cymene)RuCl₂]₂ and [Cp*MCl₂]₂ (M = Rh/Ir) with benzoyl (2‐pyrimidyl) thiourea (L1) and benzoyl (4‐picolyl) thiourea (L2) led to the formation of cationic complexes bearing formula [(arene) M (L1)к² _(N,S) Cl]⁺ and [(arene) M (L2)к²_(N,S)Cl]⁺ [(arene) = p‐cymene, M = Ru, ( 1 , 4 ); Cp*, M = Rh ( 2 , 5 ) and Ir ( 3 , 6 )]. Precursor compounds reacted with benzoyl (6‐picolyl) thiourea (L3) affording neutral complexes having formula [(arene) M (L3)к¹_(S)Cl₂] [arene = p‐cymene, M = Ru, ( 7 ); Cp*, M = Rh ( 8 ), Ir ( 9 )]. X‐ray studies revealed that the methyl substituent attached to the pyridine ring in ligands L2 and L3 affects its coordination mode. When methyl group is at the para position of the pyridine ring (L2), the ligand coordinated metal in a bidentate chelating N, S‐ mode whereas methyl group at ortho position (L3), it coordinated in a monodentate mode. Further the anti‐cancer studies of the thiourea derivatives and its complexes carried out against HCT‐116, HT‐29 (human colorectal cancer), Mia‐PaCa‐2 (human pancreatic cancer) and ARPE‐19 (non‐cancer retinal epithelium) cell lines showed that the thiourea ligands are inactive but upon complexation, the metal compounds displayed potent and selective activity against cancer cells in vitro. Iridium complexes were found to be more potent as compared to ruthenium and rhodium complexes.     

Synthesis, structure and ethylene polymerization behavior of titanium phosphinoamide complexes

(Phosphinoamide)(cyclopentadienyl)titanium(IV) complexes of the type Cp*TiCl₂(η²-Ph₂PNR) [Cp*=C₅Me₅; R = t-Bu (2a), R = n-Bu (2b), R = Ph (2c)] have been prepared by the reaction of Cp*TiCl₃ with the corresponding lithium phosphinoamides. The structure of Cp*TiCl₂(η²-Ph₂PN^tBu) (2a) and Cp*TiCl₂(η²-Ph₂PNPh) (2c) have been determined by X-ray crystallography. These complexes exhibited moderate catalytic activities for ethylene polymerization in the presence of modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO). Catalytic activity of up to 2.5 × 10⁶ g/(mol Ti h) was observed when activated by i-Bu₃Al/Ph₃CB(C₆F₅)₄.     

Rhodium(III) and iridium(III) complexes of thioarylazoimidazoles: Synthesis,structure, spectral characterization,electrochemistry and DFT calculation

[M(SRaaiNR′)Cl₃] (M = Rh(III), Ir(III) and SRaaiNR′ = 1-alkyl-2-{(o-thioalkyl)phenylazo}imidazole) complexes are described in this article. The single crystal X-ray structure of one of the complexes, [Rh(SMeaaiNEt)Cl₃] (3b), shows a tridentate chelation of SMeaaiNEt via N(imidazole), N(azo) and S(thioether) donor centres. Spectral characterization has been done by IR, UV–Vis and ¹H NMR data. The electronic structure, redox properties and spectra are well supported by DFT and TDDFT computation on the complexes.     

Rhodium-containing triple-decker complexes with a central borole ligand

Triple-decker complexes with a bridging borole ligand (C₄H₄BPh)Rh(μ-C₄H₄BPh)ML (ML = RuCp, 2a; RuCp^∗, 2b; FeCp^∗, 3; Co(C₄Me₄), 4; Ir(cod), 5) were synthesized by stacking reactions of [Rh(C₄H₄BPh)₂]⁻ (1) with cationic [ML]⁺ fragments. The structures of 2a,b and (C₄H₄BPh)Rh(μ-C₄H₄BPh)Rh(C₄H₄BPh) (6) were determined by X-ray diffraction.     

Reactions of half-sandwich rhodium(III) and iridium(III) compounds with pyridinethiolate ligands: Mono-, di-, and tri-nuclear complexes

Neutral trinuclear metallomacrocycles, [Cp^*RhCl(μ-4-PyS)]₃ (3) and [Cp^*IrCl(μ-4-PyS)]₃ (4) [Cp^* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, 4-PyS = 4-pyridinethiolate], have been synthesized by self-assembly reactions of [Cp^*RhCl₂]₂ (1) and [Cp^*IrCl₂]₂ (2) with lithium 4-pyridinethiolate, respectively. In situ reaction of complex 3 with three equivalent of lithium 4-pyridinethiolate resulted in [Cp^*Rh(μ-4-PyS)(4-PyS)]₃ (5) containing both skeleton and pendent 4-PyS groups. Chelating coordination of 2-pyridinethiolate broke down the triangular skeleton to give mononuclear metalloligands Cp^*Rh(2-PyS)(4-PyS) (6) and Cp^*Ir(2-PyS)(4-PyS) (7) [2-PyS = 2-pyridinethiolate], which could also be synthesized from Cp^*RhCl(2-PyS) (10) and Cp^*IrCl(2-PyS) (11) with lithium 4-pyridinethiolate. The coordination reactions of 6 with complexes 1 and 2 gave dinuclear complexes [Cp^*Rh(2-PyS)(μ-4-PyS)][Cp^*RhCl₂] (8) and [Cp^*Rh(2-PyS)(μ-4-PyS)][Cp^*IrCl₂] (9), respectively. Molecular structures of 3, 4, 6 and 11 were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. All the complexes have been well characterized by elemental analysis, NMR and IR spectra.     

Rhodium(I) carbonyl complexes of chalcogen functionalized tripodal phosphines, [CH3C(CH2P(X)Ph2)3] {X = O, S, Se} and their reactivity

The reaction of dimeric rhodium precursor [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ with two molar equivalent of 1,1,1-tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane trichalcogenide ligands, [CH₃C(CH₂P(X)Ph₂)₃](L), where X = O(a), S(b) and Se(c) affords the complexes of the type [Rh(CO)₂Cl(L)] (1a–1c). The complexes 1a–1c have been characterized by elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, IR and NMR (¹H, ³¹P and ¹³C) spectroscopy and the ligands a–c are structurally determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1a–1c undergo oxidative addition (OA) reactions with different electrophiles such as CH₃I, C₂H₅I and C₆H₅CH₂Cl to give Rh(III) complexes of the types [Rh(CO)(COR)ClXL] {R = –CH₃ (2a–2c), –C₂H₅ (3a–3c); X = I and R = –CH₂C₆H₅ (4a–4c); X = Cl}. Kinetic data for the reaction of a–c with CH₃I indicate a first-order reaction. The catalytic activity of 1a–1c for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid and its ester is evaluated and a higher turn over number (TON = 1564–1723) is obtained compared to that of the well-known commercial species [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ (TON = 1000) under the reaction conditions: temperature 130 ± 2 °C, pressure 30 ± 2 bar and time 1 h.