Synthesis and coordination behavior of Cu(I) bis(phosphaethenyl)pyridine complexes

Cu(I) complexes bearing BPEP as a PNP-pincer type phosphaalkene ligand undergo effective bonding interactions with SbF(6)(-) and PF(6)(-) as non-coordinating anions to give [Cu(SbF(6))(BPEP)] and [Cu(2)(BPEP)(2)(μ-PF(6))](+), respectively [BPEP = 2,6-bis(1-phenyl-2-phosphaethenyl)pyridine]. NMR and theoretical studies indicate a reduced anionic charge of the μ-PF(6) ligand, which is induced by the strong π-accepting ability of BPEP.     

Influence of second coordination sphere hydroxyl groups on the reactivity of copper(I) complexes

We report the enhanced reactivity of hydroxyl substituted CuN(3)(+) derivatives, where N(3) = tris(picolinyl)methane (tripic) and related derivatives, upon deprotonation of the O-H functionality. The work capitalizes on new methodology for incorporating hydroxyl groups into the second coordination sphere of copper centers. The key synthetic methodology relies on Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions of dilithiated 6-methyl-2-pyridone with bromopyridyl derivatives. These building blocks allow the preparation of tridentate N(3) ligands with OH and OMe substituents flanking the fourth coordination site of a tetrahedral complex. Coupling of these tridendate ligands gives the corresponding hydroxy- and methoxy-functionalized bistripodal ligands. [Cu[bis(2-methylpyrid-6-yl)(2-hydroxypyrid-6-yl)methane](NCMe)](+) ([Cu(2H)(NCMe)](+)) oxidizes readily in air to afford the mixed valence Cu(1.5) dimer ([Cu(2)(2)(2)](+)). Formation of [Cu(2)(2)(2)](+) is accelerated in the presence of base and can be reversed with a combination of decamethylferrocene and acid. The reactivity of [Cu(2H)(NCMe)](+) with dioxygen requires deprotonation of the hydroxyl substituent: neither [Cu(tripic)(NCMe)](+) nor the methoxy-derivatives displayed comparable reactivity. A related mixed valence dimer formed upon oxidation of the dicopper(I) complex of a tetrahydroxy bis(tridentate) ligand, [Cu(2)(6H(4))(NCMe)(2)](2+). The dicopper(I) complex of the analogous tetramethoxy N(6)-ligand, [Cu(2)(5)(NCMe)(2)](2+), instead reversibly binds O(2). Deprotonation of [Cu(2H)(CO)](+) and [Cu(2H)(NCMe)](+) afforded the neutral derivatives Cu(2)(CO) and Cu(2)(2)(2), respectively. The dicopper(I) derivative Cu(2)(2)(2) can be reoxidized, reprotonated, and carbonylated. The silver(I) complex, [Ag(2H)(NCMe)]BF(4), forms an analogous neutral dimer (Ag(2)(2)(2)) upon deprotonation of the hydroxyl group. The structures of ligand 2H, [Cu(2)(5)(NCMe)(2)](+), [Cu(2)(2)(2)](+), [Cu(2)(6H(2))](+), [Ag(2H)(NCMe)]BF(4), and Ag(2)(2)(2) were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Regioselective hydrophenylation of olefins catalyzed by an Ir(III) complex

The novel, anti-Markovnikov, arylation of olefins with benzene to produce straight-chain alkylbenzenes with higher selectivity than branched alkylbenzenes is catalyzed by [Ir(μ-acac-O,O′,C³)(acac-O,O′)(acac-C³)]₂ (acac=acetylacetonato), 1 [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 122 (2000) 7414]. The reaction of benzene with propylene gave n-propylbenzene and cumene in 61 and 39% selectivities, respectively. The reaction of benzene and styrene afforded 1,2-diphenylethane in 98% selectivity. Considering the anti-Markovnikov regioselectivity and lack of inhibition by water, we propose that the reaction does not proceed via a Friedel–Crafts, carbocation, mechanism. Complex 1, amongst the various transition metal complexes examined, is the most efficient for catalyzing the anti-Markovnikov olefin arylation. The crystal structure of complex 1 was solved and is consistent with a binuclear Ir(III) structure with three different types of coordinated acac ligands as reported by earlier solution IR and NMR analyses. [Ir(μ-acac-O,O′,C³)(acac-O,O′)Cl]₂, 2, was prepared by the reaction of complex 1 with benzoyl chloride, and the crystal structure was also reported.     

Tandem Nazarov cyclization-michael addition sequence catalyzed by an Ir(III) complex

The first examples of a tandem Nazarov cyclization/Michael addition process are described. The sequence is efficiently catalyzed by Ir[Me(CO)(dppe)(DIB)]2+ and occurs with high diastereoselectivity, creating three contiguous stereocenters. The mechanistic factors controlling the reactivity and diastereoselectivity are discussed.     

NMR and theoretical study on the coordination interactions between peroxovanadium(V) complex and bisubstituted pyridine ligands

To understand the substitution effects of pyridine ligands on coordination equilibrium, the coordination interactions between a series of bisubstituted pyridine ligands and peroxovanadium(V) [OV(O₂)₂(D₂O)]^?/[OV(O₂)₂(HOD)]^? in solution have been investigated by multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C, and ⁵¹V) magnetic resonance and HSQC. A series of new six-coordinate peroxovanadate complexes [OV(O₂)₂L] ^{n ?} (L?=?2, 3, 4, n?=?1 or 3) have been observed, and the coordination ability of the bisubstituted pyridines to peroxovanadium(V) is 3,4-dimethylpyridine (2)?>?3,5-dimethylpyridine (3)?>?pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (4)???2,3-dimethylpyridine (1). The coordination interactions among title system have been further studied by DFT (density functional theory) calculations, and the results indicate that solvent may play an important role in these coordination interactions.     

Selective ortho C-h activation of haloarenes by an Ir(I) system

The cationic PNP-Ir(I)(cyclooctene) complex 1 (PNP = 2,6-bis-(di-tert-butyl phosphino methyl)pyridine) reacts with benzene at 25 degrees C to quantitatively yield the crystallographically characterized, square pyramidal, iridium phenyl hydride complex cis-(PNP)Ir(Ph)(H), 2, in which the hydride is trans to the vacant coordination site. The cationic complex 2 is stable to heating at 100 degrees C, in sharp contrast to the previously reported unstable neutral, isoelectronic (PCP)Ir(H)(Ph) (PCP = eta(3)-2,6-((t)()Bu(2)PCH(2))(2)C(6)H(3)). Heating of 2 at 50 degrees C with other arenes results in arene exchange. Complex 1 activates C-H bonds of chloro- and bromobenzene with no C-halide oxidative addition being observed. Selective ortho C-H activation takes place, the process being directed by halogen coordination and being thermodynamically and kinetically favorable. The meta- and para-C-H activation products are formed at a slower rate than the ortho isomer and are converted to it. NMR data and an X-ray crystallographic study of the ortho-activated chlorobenzene complex, which was obtained as the only product upon heating of 1 with chlorobenzene at 60 degrees C, show that the chloro substituent is coordinated to the metal center.     

Dual catalysis with an Ir(III)-Au(I) heterodimetallic complex: reduction of nitroarenes by transfer hydrogenation using primary alcohols

A triazolyl-di-ylidene ligand has been used for the preparation of a homodimetallic complex of gold, and a heterodimetallic compound of gold and iridium. Both complexes have been fully characterized and their molecular structures have been determined by means of X-ray diffraction. The catalytic properties of these two complexes have been evaluated in the reduction of nitroarenes by transfer hydrogenation using primary alcohols. The two complexes afford different reaction products; whereas the Au(I)-Au(I) catalyst yields a hydroxylamine, the Ir(III)-Au(I) complex facilitates the formation of an imine.     

Crystal structures and magnetic properties of metal complexes bearing four nitronyl nitroxide moieties in the same coordination sphere

Mononuclear transition metal complexes of the type [M(2,6-NITpy)2](ClO4)2 x solvent (2,6-NITpy = 2,6-bis-(3'-oxide-1'-oxyl-4',4',5',5'-tetramethylimidazolin-2'-yl)pyridine; M = Ni (1), Co (2), Zn (3), Mn (4), Cu (5)) have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Crystal data: 1, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z = 4, a = 20.946(2) A, b = 12.0633(2) A, c = 21.173(2) A, beta = 113.55(1) degrees; 2, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z = 4, a = 20.902(2) A, b = 12.0981(8) A, c = 21.215(2) A, beta = 113.130(9) degrees; 3, triclinic, P1, Z = 2, a = 11.410(1) A, b = 12.932(1) A, c = 21.609(2) A, alpha = 96.040(2) degrees, beta = 102.24(1) degrees, gamma = 114.98(1); 4, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, Z = 4, a = 11.5473(8) A, b = 19.212(1) A, c = 25.236(2) A, beta = 98.772(9) degrees; 5, triclinic, P1, Z = 2, a = 12.1604(9) A, b = 12.6961(9) A, c = 18.103(2) A, alpha = 84.191(8) degrees, beta = 73.392(8) degrees, gamma = 66.072(8). The two 2,6-NITpy biradicals behave as terdentate ligands and bind almost perpendicular to each other in meridional positions. In compounds 1-4, the pyridine rings are axially ligated and four different nitronyl nitroxide radicals bind to the metal center through their O(nitroxyl) atoms, forming the equatorial plane of a distorted octahedron. On the contrary, in the copper(II) complex (5), the two N(pyridyl) atoms are found in equatorial positions. Only two nitroxide groups are then bound to the copper(II) ion in the equatorial plane, the other two being axially ligated. The two axially bound nitronyl nitroxide radicals couple ferromagnetically to the copper center (JCu-rad(ax) = + 10 K), whereas a strong antiferromagnetic coupling between this metal ion and the equatorial nitroxide groups (JCu-rad(eq) = -460 K) is observed. The other complexes exhibit strong antiferromagnetic metal-radical interactions: JNi-rad = -240 K, for 1; JMn-rad = -120 K, for 4. Interestingly, the study of the diamagnetic zinc(II) compound (3) reveals a moderate intramolecular antiferromagnetic interaction between radicals coordinated to the same metal center (Jrad-rad = -27.7 K). This interaction is transmitted through space and is also present in the other complexes: Jrad-rad = -14 K, for 1; Jrad-rad = -10 K, for 4; Jrad-rad = -20.5 K, for 5. Antiferromagnetic intermolecular interactions are also present in all the complexes herein studied.     

Calix[4]bis(thiacrown): assembly of an endocyclic disilver(I) complex and exocyclic 3D copper(I) coordination polymers

Calix[4]bis(thiacrown-5) (L) with 1,3-alternating conformation was employed as a strong dinucleating ligand for the soft metal ions AgI and CuI. The reaction of L with AgPF6 afforded a discrete endo-coordinated disilver(I) complex 1, [Ag2L](PF6)2. In contrast, mixed products (2a + 2b) consisting of 3D networks were obtained from the reaction of L and CuI; 2b linked with a Cu4I4 cubane unit was shown to generate photoluminescence, while 2a linked with a Cu2I2 rhomboid unit does not.     

Secondary coordination sphere interactions facilitate the insertion step in an iridium(III) CO2 reduction catalyst

There is considerable interest in both catalysts for CO(2) conversion and understanding how CO(2) reacts with transition metal complexes. Here we develop a simple model for predicting the thermodynamic favorability of CO(2) insertion into Ir(III) hydrides. In general this reaction is unfavorable; however, we demonstrate that with a hydrogen bond donor in the secondary coordination sphere it is possible to isolate a formate product from this reaction. Furthermore, our CO(2) inserted product is one of the most active water-soluble catalysts reported to date for CO(2) hydrogenation.     

Two successive single crystal phase transitions involving the coordination sphere of antimony in PhSb(dmit), the first organo-antimony(III) dithiolene complex

PhSb(dmit) (dmit(2)(-), 4,5-dithiolato-1,3-dithiole-2-thione), the first neutral organo-antimony dithiolene complex, has been synthesized by addition of PhSbCl(2) on a suspension of Na(2)(dmit). The complex was characterized by spectroscopic ((1)H and (13)C NMR and IR) methods and elemental analysis. Its crystal structure was determined by X-ray diffraction at room temperature in the monoclinic P2(1)/c space group, with a = 12.580(3), b = 8.9756(18), c = 15.905(3) A, beta = 109.06(3) degrees, V = 1697.5(6) A(3), Z = 4. A coordinating THF molecule was found in the structure and the coordination geometry around the antimony atom is of distorted pseudopentagonal bipyramid type, if taking into account the Sb.O and secondary Sb.S interactions, as well as the stereochemically active 5s(2) lone pair. The intermolecular Sb.S and S.S contacts, shorter than the sum of van der Waals radii of corresponding atoms, lead to the formation of a three-dimensional polymeric network in the solid state. A second X-ray diffraction experiment, performed at 85 K, revealed a very similar monoclinic unit cell with the noncentrosymmetrical space group P2(1) with a = 12.613(3), b = 8.9876(18), c = 15.109(3) A, beta = 107.01(3) degrees, V = 1637.8(6), Z = 4. The structural differences with the first one are basically due to the rotation of the THF ligand in the coordination sphere of the antimony center, leading to the loss of every inversion center found at room temperature. A temperature variable X-ray diffraction study on a PhSb(dmit) single-crystal allowed the detection, with a remarkable accuracy, of two successive first-order phase transitions, the first occurring at T = 162.5 K, while the second was observed at T = 182.5 K. Subsequently, a third set of X-ray data was collected at 180 K and the resulting structure (monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 16.736(3), b = 8.9653(18), c = 33.132(7) A, beta = 91.98(3) degrees, V = 4968.2(17), Z = 12) derives from the two others by a common b axis, a 3-fold cell volume increase, and the presence of only one-third of the inversion centers present at room temperature. A DSC analysis, showing two endothermic peaks at the expected temperatures, confirms the occurrence of the two structural phase transitions, also in agreement with preliminary Raman data.