Intramolecular alkyl phosphine dehydrogenation in cationic rhodium complexes of tris(cyclopentylphosphine)

[Rh(nbd)(PCyp(3))(2)][BAr(F) (4)] (1) [nbd = norbornadiene, Ar(F) = C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2), PCyp(3) = tris(cyclopentylphosphine)] spontaneously undergoes dehydrogenation of each PCyp(3) ligand in CH(2)Cl(2) solution to form an equilibrium mixture of cis-[Rh{PCyp(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}(2)][BAr(F) (4)] (2 a) and trans-[Rh{PCyp(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}(2)][BAr(F) (4)] (2 b), which have hybrid phosphine-alkene ligands. In this reaction nbd acts as a sequential acceptor of hydrogen to eventually give norbornane. Complex 2 b is distorted in the solid-state away from square planar. DFT calculations have been used to rationalise this distortion. Addition of H(2) to 2 a/b hydrogenates the phosphine-alkene ligand and forms the bisdihydrogen/dihydride complex [Rh(PCyp(3))(2)(H)(2)(eta(2)-H(2))(2)][BAr(F) (4)] (5) which has been identified spectroscopically. Addition of the hydrogen acceptor tert-butylethene (tbe) to 5 eventually regenerates 2 a/b, passing through an intermediate which has undergone dehydrogenation of only one PCyp(3) ligand, which can be trapped by addition of MeCN to form trans-[Rh{PCyp(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}(PCyp(3))(NCMe)][BAr(F) (4)] (6). Dehydrogenation of a PCyp(3) ligand also occurs on addition of Na[BAr(F) (4)] to [RhCl(nbd)(PCyp(3))] in presence of arene (benzene, fluorobenzene) to give [Rh(eta(6)-C(6)H(5)X){PCyp(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}][BAr(F) (4)] (7: X = F, 8: X = H). The related complex [Rh(nbd){PCyp(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}][BAr(F) (4)] 9 is also reported. Rapid ( approximately 5 minutes) acceptorless dehydrogenation occurs on treatment of [RhCl(dppe)(PCyp(3))] with Na[BAr(F) (4)] to give [Rh(dppe){PCyp(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}][BAr(F) (4)] (10), which reacts with H(2) to afford the dihydride/dihydrogen complex [Rh(dppe)(PCyp(3))(H)(2)(eta(2)-H(2))][BAr(F) (4)] (11). Competition experiments using the new mixed alkyl phosphine ligand PCy(2)(Cyp) show that [RhCl(nbd){PCy(2)(Cyp)}] undergoes dehydrogenation exclusively at the cyclopentyl group to give [Rh(eta(6)-C(6)H(5)X){PCy(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}][BAr(F) (4)] (17: X = F, 18: X = H). The underlying reasons behind this preference have been probed using DFT calculations. All the complexes have been characterised by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and for 2 a/b, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 17 also by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

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.     

Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of Fe complexes containing cyclic diazadiphosphine ligands: the role of the pendant base in heterolytic cleavage of H2

The iron complexes CpFe(P(Ph)(2)N(Bn)(2))Cl (1-Cl), CpFe(P(Ph)(2)N(Ph)(2))Cl (2-Cl), and CpFe(P(Ph)(2)C(5))Cl (3-Cl)(where P(Ph)(2)N(Bn)(2) is 1,5-dibenzyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphenyl-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane, P(Ph)(2)N(Ph)(2) is 1,3,5,7-tetraphenyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane, and P(Ph)(2)C(5) is 1,4-diphenyl-1,4-diphosphacycloheptane) have been synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, electrochemical studies, and X-ray diffraction. These chloride derivatives are readily converted to the corresponding hydride complexes [CpFe(P(Ph)(2)N(Bn)(2))H (1-H), CpFe(P(Ph)(2)N(Ph)(2))H (2-H), CpFe(P(Ph)(2)C(5))H (3-H)] and H(2) complexes [CpFe(P(Ph)(2)N(Bn)(2))(H(2))]BAr(F)(4), [1-H(2)]BAr(F)(4), (where BAr(F)(4) is B[(3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3))(4)](-)), [CpFe(P(Ph)(2)N(Ph)(2))(H(2))]BAr(F)(4), [2-H(2)]BAr(F)(4), and [CpFe(P(Ph)(2)C(5))(H(2))]BAr(F)(4), [3-H(2)]BAr(F)(4), as well as [CpFe(P(Ph)(2)N(Bn)(2))(CO)]BAr(F)(4), [1-CO]Cl. Structural studies are reported for [1-H(2)]BAr(F)(4), 1-H, 2-H, and [1-CO]Cl. The conformations adopted by the chelate rings of the P(Ph)(2)N(Bn)(2) ligand in the different complexes are determined by attractive or repulsive interactions between the sixth ligand of these pseudo-octahedral complexes and the pendant N atom of the ring adjacent to the sixth ligand. An example of an attractive interaction is the observation that the distance between the N atom of the pendant amine and the C atom of the coordinated CO ligand for [1-CO]BAr(F)(4) is 2.848 ?, considerably shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii of N and C atoms. Studies of H/D exchange by the complexes [1-H(2)](+), [2-H(2)](+), and [3-H(2)](+) carried out using H(2) and D(2) indicate that the relatively rapid H/D exchange observed for [1-H(2)](+) and [2-H(2)](+) compared to [3-H(2)](+) is consistent with intramolecular heterolytic cleavage of H(2) mediated by the pendant amine. Computational studies indicate a low barrier for heterolytic cleavage of H(2). These mononuclear Fe(II) dihydrogen complexes containing pendant amines in the ligands mimic crucial features of the distal Fe site of the active site of the [FeFe]-hydrogenase required for H-H bond formation and cleavage.     

Synthesis of eta1-borazine complexes of palladium and platinum

The eta(1)-borazine complexes trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)M(Br)(Br(2)B(3)N(3)H(3))] (Cy = cyclohexyl) were prepared by oxidative addition of a B-Br bond of (BrBNH)(3) to [M(PCy(3))(2)] (M = Pd, Pt). Furthermore the platinum compound was converted into the T-shaped cationic complex trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt(Br(2)B(3)N(3)H(3))][BAr(f)(4)] [Ar(f) = 3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)] by addition of Na[BAr(f)(4)].     

Role of coordination geometry in dictating the barrier to hydride migration in d6 square-pyramidal iridium and rhodium pincer complexes

Syntheses of the olefin hydride complexes [(POCOP)M(H)(olefin)][BAr(f)(4)] (6a-M, M = Ir or Rh, olefin = C(2)H(4); 6b-M, M = Ir or Rh, olefin = C(3)H(6); POCOP = 2,6-bis(di-tert-butylphosphinito)benzene; BAr(f) = tetrakis(3,5-trifluoromethylphenyl)borate) are reported. A single-crystal X-ray structure determination of 6b-Ir shows a square-pyramidal coordination geometry for Ir, with the hydride ligand occupying the apical position. Dynamic NMR techniques were used to characterize these complexes. The rates of site exchange between the hydride and the olefinic hydrogens yielded ΔG(++) = 15.6 (6a-Ir), 16.8 (6b-Ir), 12.0 (6a-Rh), and 13.7 (6b-Rh) kcal/mol. The NMR exchange data also established that hydride migration in the propylene complexes yields exclusively the primary alkyl intermediate arising from 1,2-insertion. Unexpectedly, no averaging of the top and bottom faces of the square-pyramidal complexes is observed in the NMR spectra at high temperatures, indicating that the barrier for facial equilibration is >20 kcal/mol for both the Ir and Rh complexes. A DFT computational study was used to characterize the free energy surface for the hydride migration reactions. The classical terminal hydride complexes, [M(POCOP)(olefin)H](+), are calculated to be the global minima for both Rh and Ir, in accord with experimental results. In both the Rh ethylene and propylene complexes, the transition state for hydride migration (TS1) to form the agostic species is higher on the energy surface than the transition state for in-place rotation of the coordinated C-H bond (TS2), while for Ir, TS2 is the high point on the energy surface. Therefore, only for the case of the Rh complexes is the NMR exchange rate a direct measure of the hydride migration barrier. The trends in the experimental barriers as a function of M and olefin are in good agreement with the trends in the calculated exchange barriers. The calculated barriers for the hydride migration reaction in the Rh complexes are ～2 kcal/mol higher than for the Ir complexes, despite the fact that the energy difference between the olefin hydride ground state and the agostic alkyl structure is ～4 kcal/mol larger for Ir than for Rh. This feature, together with the high barrier for interchange of the top and bottom faces of the complexes, is proposed to arise from the unique coordination geometry of the agostic complexes and the strong preference for a cis-divacant octahedral geometry in four-coordinate intermediates.     

A series of dinuclear homo- and heterometallic complexes with two or three bridging sulfido ligands derived from the tungsten tris(sulfido) complex [Et(4)N][(Me(2)Tp)WS(3)] (Me(2)Tp = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate)

The generation of heterobimetallic complexes with two or three bridging sulfido ligands from mononuclear tris(sulfido) complex of tungsten [Et(4)N][(Me(2)Tp)WS(3)] (1; Me(2)Tp = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate) and organometallic precursors is reported. Treatment of 1 with stoichiometric amounts of metal complexes such as [M(PPh(3))(4)] (M = Pt, Pd), [(PtMe(3))(4)(micro(3)-I)(4)], [M(cod)(PPh(3))(2)][PF(6)] (M = Ir, Rh; cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene), [Rh(cod)(dppe)][PF(6)] (dppe = Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2)), [CpIr(MeCN)(3)][PF(6)](2) (Cp = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)), [CpRu(MeCN)(3)][PF(6)], and [M(CO)(3)(MeCN)(3)] (M = Mo, W) in MeCN or MeCN-THF at room temperature afforded either the doubly bridged complexes [Et(4)N][(Me(2)Tp)W(=S)(micro-S)(2)M(PPh(3))] (M = Pt (3), Pd (4)), [(Me(2)Tp)W(=S)(micro-S)(2)M(cod)] (M = Ir, Rh (7)), [(Me(2)Tp)W(=S)(micro-S)(2)Rh(dppe)], [(Me(2)Tp)W(=S)(micro-S)(2)RuCp] (10), and [Et(4)N][(Me(2)Tp)W(=S)(micro-S)(2)W(CO)(3)] (12) or the triply bridged complexes including [(Me(2)Tp)W(micro-S)(3)PtMe(3)] (5), [(Me(2)Tp)W(micro-S)(3)IrCp][PF(6)] (9), and [Et(4)N][(Me(2)Tp)W(micro-S)(3)Mo(CO)(3)] (11), depending on the nature of the incorporated metal fragment. The X-ray analyses have been undertaken to clarify the detailed structures of 3-5, 7, and 9-12.     

Preparation and structure of mono- and binuclear half-sandwich iridium, ruthenium, and rhodium carbene complexes containing 1,2-dichalcogenolao 1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes

The synthesis of half-sandwich transition metal complexes containing both 1,2-dichalcogenolato-1,2-dicarba-closo-docecaborane (Cab(E,E)) [Cab(E,E)=E(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10)); E = S, Se] and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands is described. Addition of mono-NHC ligand to the 16e half-sandwich dichalcogenolato carborane complexes [Cp*Rh(Cab(E,E))], [Cp*Ir(Cab(S,S))], [(p-cymene)Ru(Cab(S,S))] (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) gives corresponding mononuclear 18e dithiolate complexes of the type [LM(Cab(E,E))(NHC)]: [Cp*M(Cab(S,S))(1-ethenyl-3-methylimidazolin-2-ylidene)] (M = Ir (2), Rh (3)), [Cp*Rh(Cab(E,E))(3-methyl-1-picolyimidazolin-2-ylidene)] [E = S (6), Se (7)], [(p-cymene)Ru(Cab(S,S))(NHC)] [NHC = 1-ethenyl-3-methylimidazolin-2-ylidene (4), 3-methyl-1-picolyimidazolin-2-ylidene (8)], whereas bis-NHC give centrosymmetric binuclear complexes [{Cp*M(Cab(S,S))}(2)(1,1'-dimethyl-3,3'-methylene(imidazolin-2-ylidene))] [M = Rh (10), Ir (11)]. The complexes were characterized by IR, NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. In addition, X-ray structure analyses were performed on complexes 2-4, 6, 8, 10 and 11.     

Iodination of triazenide-bridged rhodium and iridium complexes: oxidative addition vs. one-electron oxidation

The triazenide-bridged tetracarbonyls [(OC)(2)Rh(mu-p-MeC(6)H(4)NNNC(6)H(4)Me-p)(2)M(CO)(2)] (M = Rh or Ir) undergo oxidative addition of iodine across the dimetal centre, giving the [RhM](4+) complexes [I(OC)(2)Rh(mu-p-MeC(6)H(4)NNNC(6)H(4)Me-p)(2)M(CO)(2)I], structurally characterised for M = Ir. The anionic tricarbonyl iodide [I(OC)Rh(mu-p-MeC(6)H(4)NNNC(6)H(4)Me-p)(2)Rh(CO)(2)](-) forms [I(2)(OC)Rh(mu-p-MeC(6)H(4)NNNC(6)H(4)Me-p)(2)Rh(CO)I](-) by initial one-electron transfer whereas the analogous tricarbonyl phosphine complexes [(OC)(Ph(3)P)Rh(mu-p-MeC(6)H(4)NNNC(6)H(4)Me-p)(2)M(CO)(2)] (M = Rh or Ir) undergo bridge cleavage, giving mononuclear [Rh(p-MeC(6)H(4)NNNC(6)H(4)Me-p)I(2)(CO)(PPh(3))] and dimeric [I(OC){RNNN(R)C(O)}M(mu-I)(2)M{C(O)N(R)NNR}(CO)I] (M = Rh or Ir, R = C(6)H(4)Me-p) in which CO has been inserted into a metal-nitrogen bond.     

A mechanistic investigation of the carbon-carbon bond cleavage of aryl and alkyl cyanides using a cationic RhIII silyl complex

Cationic Rh(III) complex [Cp(PMe(3))Rh(SiPh(3))(CH(2)Cl(2))]BAr(4)' (1) activates the carbon-carbon bond of aryl and alkyl cyanides (R-CN, where R = Ph, (4-(CF(3))C(6)H(4)), (4-(OMe)C(6)H(4)), Me, (i)Pr, (t)Bu) to produce complexes of the general formula [Cp*(PMe(3))Rh(R)(CNSiPh(3))]BAr(4)'. With the exception of the (t)BuCN case, every reaction proceeds at room temperature (t(1/2) < 1 h for aryl cyanides, t(1/2) < 14 h for alkyl cyanides). A general mechanism is presented on the basis of (1) an X-ray crystal structure determination of an intermediate isolated from the reaction involving 4-methoxybenzonitrile and (2) kinetic studies performed on the C-C bond cleavage of para-substituted aryl cyanides. Initial formation of an eta(1)-nitrile species is observed, followed by conversion to an eta(2)-iminoacyl intermediate, which was observed to undergo migration of R (aryl or alkyl) to rhodium to form the product [Cp*(PMe(3))Rh(R)(CNSiPh(3))]BAr(4)'.     

Homoleptic hexa and penta gallylene coordinated complexes of molybdenum and rhodium

The reactions of molybdenum(0) and rhodium(I) olefin containing starting materials with the carbenoid group 13 metal ligator ligand GaR (R = Cp*, DDP; Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, DDP = HC(CMeNC(6)H(3)-2,6-(i)Pr(2))(2)) were investigated and compared. Treatment of [Mo(η(4)-butadiene)(3)] with GaCp* under hydrogen atmosphere at 100 °C yields the homoleptic, hexa coordinated, and sterically crowded complex [Mo(GaCp*)(6)] (1) in good yields ≥50%. Compound 1 exhibits an unusual and high coordinated octahedral [MoGa(6)] core. Similarly, [Rh(GaCp*)(5)][CF(3)SO(3)] (2) and [Rh(GaCp*)(5)][BAr(F)] (3) (BAr(F) = B{C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)}(4)) are prepared by the reaction of GaCp* with the rhodium(I) compound [Rh(coe)(2)(CF(3)SO(3))](2) (coe = cyclooctene) and subsequent anion exchange in case of 3. Compound 2 features a trigonal bipyramidal [RhGa(5)] unit. In contrast, reaction of excess Ga(DDP) with [Rh(coe)(2)(CF(3)SO(3))](2) does not result in a high coordinated homoleptic complex but instead yields [(coe)(toluene)Rh{Ga(DDP)}(CF(3)SO(3))] (4). The common feature of 2 and 4 in the solid state structure is the presence of short CF(3)SO(2)O···Ga contacts involving the GaCp* or rather the Ga(DDP) ligand. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 have been fully characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, variable temperature (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, as well as elemental analysis.     

Protonation and H/D exchange reactions promoted by a sulfur-rich osmium hydride complex: identification of a labile dihydrogen complex

The sulfur-rich osmium nitrosyl complexes Bu(4)N[Os(NO)((bu)S(2))(2)] (1) [(bu)S(2)(2-) = 3,5-tert-butyl-1,2-benzenedithiolate(2-)] and [Os(NO)(py(bu)S(4))]Br ()[py(bu)S(4)(2-) = 2,6-bis(2-sulfanyl-3,5-di-tert-butylphenylthio)dimethylpyridine(2-)] have been synthesized. The molecular structure of 1 exhibits a square-pyramidal geometry with the NO group at the apical position. A pseudo-octahedral geometry with two thiolate and two thioether donors in trans configuration is found for 2. Compound 2 shows two quasi-reversible one-electron redox waves at E(1/2) = 0.51 and -0.46 V vs. NHE for the redox couples [Os(NO)(py(bu)S(4))](+1/0) and [Os(NO)(py(bu)S(4))](0/-1), respectively. 2 reacts with NaAlH(4) to produce Na[Os(H)(py(bu)S(4))] (3), which exhibits a typical hydride resonance in the (1)H NMR spectrum at delta =-15.03 ppm. Protonation of 3 with HBF(4)/CD(3)OD at 20 degrees C rapidly releases H(2)/HD to afford the dinuclear complex [Os(py(bu)S(4))](2) (4). Low temperature (1)H and (2)H NMR spectra of in [D(8)]THF with CH(3)OH or CD(3)OD at -80 degree C allow the observation of the formation of [Os(H(2)/HD)(py(bu)S(4))]. A 1 : 1 : 1 triplet at delta = -7.84 ppm [J(HD) = 31.2 Hz] and a relaxation time of T(1)(min) = 6 ms (-65 degrees C, 270 MHz) firmly establish the presence of eta(2)-H(2)/HD ligand. At room temperature, 3 interacts with D(2) (1 atm) and undergoes heterolytic D(2) cleavage followed by H/D exchange to form Na[Os(D)(py(bu)S(4))] (3a). A plausible cyclic mechanism has been proposed.     

Rhodium/iridium-titanium azaheterometallocubanes

Treatment of [[Ti(eta5-C5Me5)(mu-NH)]3(mu3-N)] (1) with the diolefin complexes [[MCl(cod)]2] (M = Rh, Ir; cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) in toluene afforded the ionic complexes [M-(cod)(mu3-NH)3Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)]Cl [M = Rh (2), Ir (3)]. Reaction of complexes 2 and 3 with [Ag(BPh4)] in dichloromethane leads to anion metathesis and formation of the analogous ionic derivatives [M(cod)(mu3-NH)3Ti3-(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)][BPh4] [M = Rh (4), Ir (5)]. An X-ray crystal structure determination for 5 reveals a cube-type core [IrTi3N4] for the cationic fragment, in which 1 coordinates in a tripodal fashion to the iridium atom. Reaction of the diolefin complexes [[MCl(cod))2] (M = Rh, Ir) and [[RhCl(C2H4)2]2] with the lithium derivative [[Li(mu3-NH)2(mu3-N)-Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)]2] x C7H8 (6 C7H8) in toluene gave the neutral cube-type complexes [M(cod)(mu-NH)2(mu3-N)Ti3-(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)] [M = Rh (7), Ir (8)] and [Rh(C2H4)2(mu3-NH)2(mu3-N)Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)] (9), respectively. Density functional theory calculations have been carried out on the ionic and neutral azaheterometallocubane complexes to understand their electronic structures.     

Intervalent Bis(μ‐aziridinato)MII?MI Complexes (M=Rh,Ir): Delocalized Metallo‐Radicals or Delocalized Aminyl Radicals?

Reactions of the methoxo complexes [{M(mu-OMe)(cod)}(2)] (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene, M=Rh, Ir) with 2,2-dimethylaziridine (Haz) give the mixed-bridged complexes [{M(2)(mu-az)(mu-OMe)(cod)(2)}] [(M=Rh, 1; M=Ir, 2). These compounds are isolated intermediates in the stereospecific synthesis of the amido-bridged complexes [{M(mu-az)(cod)}(2)] (M=Rh, 3; M=Ir, 4). The electrochemical behavior of 3 and 4 in CH(2)Cl(2) and CH(3)CN is greatly influenced by the solvent. On a preparative scale, the chemical oxidation of 3 and 4 with [FeCp(2)](+) gives the paramagnetic cationic species [{M(mu-az)(cod)}(2)](+) (M=Rh, [3](+); M=Ir, [4](+)). The Rh complex [3](+) is stable in dichloromethane, whereas the Ir complex [4](+) transforms slowly, but quantitatively, into a 1:1 mixture of the allyl compound [(eta(3),eta(2)-C(8)H(11))Ir(mu-az)(2)Ir(cod)] ([5](+)) and the hydride compound [(cod)(H)Ir(mu-az)(2)Ir(cod)] ([6](+)). Addition of small amounts of acetonitrile to dichloromethane solutions of [3](+) and [4](+) triggers a fast disproportionation reaction in both cases to produce equimolecular amounts of the starting materials 3 and 4 and metal--metal bonded M(II)--M(II) species. These new compounds are isolated by oxidation of 3 and 4 with [FeCp(2)](+) in acetonitrile as the mixed-ligand complexes [(MeCN)(3)M(mu-az)(2)M(NCMe)(cod)](PF(6))(2) (M=Rh, [8](2+); M=Ir, [9](2+)). The electronic structures of [3](+) and [4](+) have been elucidated through EPR measurements and DFT calculations showing that their unpaired electron is primarily delocalized over the two metal centers, with minor spin densities at the two bridging amido nitrogen groups. The HOMO of 3 and 4 and the SOMO of [3](+) and [4](+) are essentially M--M d-d sigma*-antibonding orbitals, explaining the formation of a net bonding interaction between the metals upon oxidation of 3 and 4. Mechanisms for the observed allylic H-atom abstraction reactions from the paramagnetic (radical) complexes are proposed.     

C-H activation and C=C double bond formation reactions in iridium ortho-methyl arylphosphane complexes

The Vaska-type iridium(I) complex [IrCl(CO){PPh(2)(2-MeC(6)H(4))}(2)] (1), characterized by an X-ray diffraction study, was obtained from iridium(III) chloride hydrate and PPh(2)(2,6-MeRC(6)H(3)) with R=H in DMF, whereas for R=Me, activation of two ortho-methyl groups resulted in the biscyclometalated iridium(III) compound [IrCl(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-CH(2)MeC(6)H(3))}(2)] (2). Conversely, for R=Me the iridium(I) compound [IrCl(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))}(2)] (3) can be obtained by treatment of [IrCl(COE)(2)](2) (COE=cyclooctene) with carbon monoxide and the phosphane in acetonitrile. Compound 3 in CH(2)Cl(2) undergoes intramolecular C-H oxidative addition, affording the cyclometalated hydride iridium(III) species [IrHCl(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-CH(2)MeC(6)H(3))}{PPh(2)(2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))}] (4). Treatment of 2 with Na[BAr(f) (4)] (Ar(f)=3,5-C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)) gives the fluxional cationic 16-electron complex [Ir(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-CH(2)MeC(6)H(3))}(2)][BAr(f) (4)] (5), which reversibly reacts with dihydrogen to afford the delta-agostic complex [IrH(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-CH(2)MeC(6)H(3))}{PPh(2)(2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))}][BAr(f)(4)] (6), through cleavage of an Ir-C bond. This species can also be formed by treatment of 4 with Na[BAr(f)(4)] or of 2 with Na[BAr(f)(4)] through C-H oxidative addition of one ortho-methyl group, via a transient 14-electron iridium(I) complex. Heating of the coordinatively unsaturated biscyclometalated species 5 in toluene gives the trans-dihydride iridium(III) complex [IrH(2)(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-MeC(6)H(3)CH=CHC(6)H(3)Me-2,6)PPh(2)}][BAr(f) (4)] (7), containing a trans-stilbene-type terdentate ligand, as result of a dehydrogenative carbon-carbon double bond coupling reaction, possibly through an iridium carbene species.     

Dihydrogen complexes of rhodium: [RhH2(H2)x (PR3)2]+ (R = Cy, iPr; x = 1, 2)

Addition of H2 (4 atm at 298 K) to [Rh(nbd)(PR3)2][BAr(F)4] [R = Cy, iPr] affords Rh(III) dihydride/dihydrogen complexes. For R = Cy, complex 1a results, which has been shown by low-temperature NMR experiments to be the bis-dihydrogen/bis-hydride complex [Rh(H)2(eta2-H2)2(PCy3)2][BAr(F)4]. An X-ray diffraction study on 1a confirmed the {Rh(PCy3)2} core structure, but due to a poor data set, the hydrogen ligands were not located. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/DZVP level support the formulation as a Rh(III) dihydride/dihydrogen complex with cis hydride ligands. For R = iPr, the equivalent species, [Rh(H)2(eta2-H2)2(P iPr3)2][BAr(F)4] 2a, is formed, along with another complex that was spectroscopically identified as the mono-dihydrogen, bis-hydride solvent complex [Rh(H)2(eta2-H2)(CD2Cl2)(P iPr3)2][BAr(F)4] 2b. The analogous complex with PCy3 ligands, [Rh(H)2(eta2-H2)(CD2Cl2)(PCy3)2][BAr(F)4] 1b, can be observed by reducing the H2 pressure to 2 atm (at 298 K). Under vacuum, the dihydrogen ligands are lost in these complexes to form the spectroscopically characterized species, tentatively identified as the bis hydrides [Rh(H)2(L)2(PR3)2][BAr(F)4] (1c R = Cy; 2c R = iPr; L = CD2Cl2 or agostic interaction). Exposure of 1c or 2c to a H2 atmosphere regenerates the dihydrogen/bis-hydride complexes, while adding acetonitrile affords the bis-hydride MeCN adduct complexes [Rh(H)2(NCMe)2(PR3)2][BAr(F)4]. The dihydrogen complexes lose [HPR3][BAr(F)4] at or just above ambient temperature, suggested to be by heterolytic splitting of coordinated H2, to ultimately afford the dicationic cluster compounds of the type [Rh6(PR3)6(mu-H)12][BAr(F)4]2 in moderate yield.     

Organometallic chemistry of fluorinated allenes

Reaction of 1,1-difluoroallene and tetrafluoroallene with a series of transition metal complex fragments yields the mononuclear allene complexes [CpMn(CO)(2)(allene)] (1), [(CO)(4)Fe(allene)] (2), [(Ph(3)P)(2)Pt(C(3)H(2)F(2))] (4), [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(C(3)H(2)F(2))(2)Cl] (5), and the dinuclear complexes [mu-eta(1)-eta(3)-C(3)H(2)F(2))Fe(2)(CO)(7)] (3), [Ir(PPh(3))(C(3)H(2)F(2))(2)Cl](2) (6), and [mu-eta(2)-eta(2)-C(3)H(2)F(2))(CpMo(CO)(2))(2)] (9), respectively. In attempts to synthesize cationic complexes of fluorinated allenes [CpFe(CO)(2)(C(CF(3))=CH(2))] (7a), [CpFe(CO)(2)(C(CF(3))=CF(2))] (7b) and [mu-I-(CpFe(CO)(2))(2)][B(C(6)H(3)-3,5-(CF(3))(2))(4)] were isolated. The spectroscopic and structural data of these complexes revealed that the 1,1-difluoroallene ligand is coordinated exclusively with the double bond containing the hydrogen-substituted carbon atom. 1,1-Difluoroallene and tetrafluoroallene proved to be powerful pi acceptor ligands.     

Catching the first oligomerization event in the catalytic formation of polyaminoboranes: H3B·NMeHBH2·NMeH2 bound to iridium

We report the first insertion step at a metal center for the catalytic dehydropolymerization of H(3)B·NMeH(2) to form the simplest oligomeric species, H(3)B·NMeHBH(2)·NMeH(2), by the addition of 1 equiv of H(3)B·NMeH(2) to [Ir(PCy(3))(2)(H)(2)(η(2)-H(3)B·NMeH(2))][BAr(F)(4)] to give [Ir(PCy(3))(2)(H)(2)(η(2)-H(3)B·NMeHBH(2)·NMeH(2))][BAr(F)(4)]. This reaction is also catalytic for the formation of the free linear diborazane, but this is best obtained by an alternative stoichiometric synthesis.     

Cubane-type heterometallic sulfido clusters: incorporation of two metal fragments into a dinuclear ReS(mu-S)2ReS core affording bimetallic M2Re2(mu 3-S)4 clusters (M = Ru,Pt, Cu) or trimetallic MM'Re2(mu 3-S)4 clusters via incomplete cubane-type MRe2(mu 3-S)(mu 2-S)3 intermediates (M = Ru,Rh, Ir; M' = Mo,W, Pd,Ru, Rh)

Reactions of a dirhenium tetra(sulfido) complex [PPh(4)](2)[ReS(L)(mu-S)(2)ReS(L)] (L = S(2)C(2)(SiMe(3))(2)) with a series of group 8-11 metal complexes in MeCN at room temperature afforded either the cubane-type clusters [M(2)(ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)] (M = CpRu (2), PtMe(3), Cu(PPh(3)) (4); Cp = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) or the incomplete cubane-type clusters [M(ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(mu(2)-S)(3)] (M = (eta(6)-C(6)HMe(5))Ru (5), CpRh (6), CpIr (7)), depending on the nature of the metal complexes added. It has also been disclosed that the latter incomplete cubane-type clusters can serve as the good precursors to the trimetallic cubane-type clusters still poorly precedented. Thus, treatment of 5-7 with a range of metal complexes in THF at room temperature resulted in the formation of novel trimetallic cubane-type clusters, including the neutral clusters [[(eta(6)-C(6)HMe(5))Ru][W(CO)(3)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)], [(CpM)[W(CO)(3)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)] (M = Rh, Ir), [(Cp*Ir)[Mo(CO)(3)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)], [[(eta(6)-C(6)HMe(5))Ru][Pd(PPh(3))](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)], and [(Cp*Ir)[Pd(PPh(3))](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)] (13) along with the cationic clusters [(Cp*Ir)(CpRu)(ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)][PF(6)] (14) and [(Cp*Ir)[Rh(cod)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)][PF(6)] (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene). The X-ray analyses have been carried out for 2, 4, 7, 13, and the SbF(6) analogue of 14 (14') to confirm their bimetallic cubane-type, bimetallic incomplete cubane-type, or trimetallic cubane-type structures. Fluxional behavior of the incomplete cubane-type and trimetallic cubane-type clusters in solutions has been demonstrated by the variable-temperature (1)H NMR studies, which is ascribable to both the metal-metal bond migration in the cluster cores and the pseudorotation of the dithiolene ligand bonded to the square pyramidal Re centers, where the temperatures at which these processes proceed have been found to depend upon the nature of the metal centers included in the cluster cores.     

Early-late heterobimetallic alkoxides as model systems for late-transition-metal catalysts supported on titania

Titanium complexes with chelating alkoxide ligands [TiCp*(O(2)Bz)(OBzOH)] (1) and [TiCp*(Me)((OCH(2))(2)Py)] (2) were synthesised by reaction of [TiCp*Me(3)] (Cp*=eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) with 2-hydroxybenzyl alcohol ((HO)(2)Bz) and 2,6-pyridinedimethanol ((HOCH(2))(2)Py), respectively. Complex 1 reacts with [(M(mu-OH)(cod))(2)] (M=Rh, Ir) to yield the early-late heterobimetallic complexes [TiCp*(O(2)Bz)(2)M(cod)] [M=Rh (3), Ir (4)]. Carbon monoxide readily replaces the COD ligand in 3 to give the rhodium dicarbonyl derivative [TiCp*(O(2)Bz)(2)Rh(CO)(2)] (5). Compound 2 reacts with [(M(mu-OH)(cod))(2)] (M=Rh, Ir) with protonolysis of a Tibond;Me bond to give [TiCp*((OCH(2))(2)Py)(mu-O)M(cod)] [M=Rh (6), Ir (7)]. The molecular structures of complexes 3, 5 and 7 were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Iridium(III) silyl alkyl and iridacyclic compounds supported by 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridyl

Treatment of IrCl(3)x H(2)O with one equivalent of 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (dtbpy) in N,N-dimethylformamide (dmf) afforded [IrCl(3)(dmf)(dtbpy)] (1). Alkylation of 1 with Me(3)SiCH(2)MgCl resulted in C--Si cleavage of the Me(3)SiCH(2) group and formation of the Ir(III) silyl dialkyl compound [Ir(CH(2)SiMe(3))(dtbpy)(Me)(SiMe(3))] (2), which reacted with tBuNC to afford [Ir(tBuNC)(CH(2)SiMe(3))(dtbpy)(Me)(SiMe(3))] ([2(tBuNC)]). Reaction of 2 with phenylacetylene afforded dimeric [{Ir(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)(dtbpy)(SiMe(3))}(2)(mu-C[triple chemical bond]CPh)(2)] (3), in which the bridging PhC[triple chemical bond]C(-) ligands are bound to Ir in a mu-sigma:pi fashion. Alkylation of 1 with PhMe(2)CCH(2)MgCl afforded the cyclometalated compound [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(4))(2-C(6)H(4)CMe(3))] (4), which features an agostic interaction between the Ir center and the 2-tert-butylphenyl ligand. The cyclic voltammogram of 4 in CH(2)Cl(2) shows a reversible Ir(IV)-Ir(III) couple at about 0.02 V versus ferrocenium/ferrocene. Oxidation of 4 in CH(2)Cl(2) with silver triflate afforded an Ir(IV) species that exhibits an anisotropic electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal in CH(2)Cl(2) glass at 4 K with g( parallel)=2.430 and g( perpendicular)=2.110. Protonation of 4 with HCl and p-toluenesulfonic acid (HOTs) afforded [{Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)Ph)Cl}(2)(mu-Cl)(2)] (5) and [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)Ph)(OTs)(2)] (6), respectively. Reaction of 5 with Li[BEt(3)H] gave the cyclometalated complex [{Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(4))}(2)(mu-Cl)(2)] (7). Reaction of 4 with tetracyanoethylene in refluxing toluene resulted in electrophilic substitution of the iridacycle by C(2)(CN)(3) with formation of [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(3){4-C(2)(CN)(3)})(2-C(6)H(4)CMe(3))] (8). Reaction of 4 with diethyl maleate in refluxing toluene gave the iridafuran compound [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(4)){kappa(2)(C,O)-C(CO(2)Et)CH(CO(2)Et)}] (9). Treatment of 9 with 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide (xylNC) led to cleavage of the iridafuran ring and formation of [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(4)){C(CO(2)Et)CH(CO(2)Et)}(xylNC)] (10). Protonation of 9 with HBF(4) afforded the dinuclear neophyl complex [(Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)Ph){kappa(2)(C,O)-C(CO(2)Et)CH(CO(2)Et)})(2)][BF(4)](2) (11). The solid-state structures of complexes 2-5 and 8-11 have been determined.