Synthesis and characterization of palladium(II) complexes with chiral aminophosphine ligands: Catalytic behaviour in asymmetric hydrovinylation. Crystal structure of cis-[PdCl2(PPh((R)-NHCHCH3Ph)2)2]

Optically active ligands of type Ph₂PNHR (R = (R)-CHCH₃Ph, (a); (R)-CHCH₃Cy, (b); (R)-CHCH₃Naph, (c)) and PhP(NHR)₂ (R = (R)-CHCH₃Ph, (d); (R)-CHCH₃Cy, (e)) with a stereogenic carbon atom in the R substituent were synthesized. Reaction with [PdCl₂(COD)₂] produced [PdCl₂P₂] (1) (P = PhP(NHCHCH₃Ph)₂), whose molecular structure determined by X-ray diffraction showed cis disposition for the ligands. All nitrogen atoms of amino groups adopted S configuration. The new ligands reacted with allylic dimeric palladium compound [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)Cl]₂ to gave neutral aminophosphine complexes [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)ClP] (2a-2e) or cationic aminophosphine complexes [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)P₂]BF₄ (3a-3e) in the presence of the stoichiometric amount of AgBF₄. Cationic complexes [Pd(η⁴3-2-methylallyl)(NCCH₃)P]BF₄ (4a-4e) were prepared in solution to be used as precursors in the catalytic hydrovinylation of styrene. ³¹P NMR spectroscopy showed the existence of an equilibrium between the expected cationic mixed complexes 4, the symmetrical cationic complexes [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)P₂]BF₄ (3) and [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)(NCCH₃)₂]BF₄ (5) coming from the symmetrization reaction. The extension of the process was studied with the aminophosphines (a-e) as well as with nonchiral monodentate phosphines (PCy₃ (f), PBn₃ (g), PPh₃ (h), PMe₂Ph (i)) showing a good match between the extension of the symmetrization and the size of the phosphine ligand. We studied the influence of such equilibria in the hydrovinylation of styrene because the behaviour of catalytic precursors can be modified substantially when prepared ‘in situ’. While compounds 3 and bisacetonitrile complex 5 were not active as catalysts, the [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)(η²-styrene)₂]⁺ species formed in the absence of acetonitrile showed some activity in the formation of codimers and dimers. Hydrovinylation reaction between styrene and ethylene was tested using catalytic precursors solutions of [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)LP]BF₄ ionic species (L = CH₃CN or styrene) showing moderate activity and good selectivity. Better activities but lower selectivities were found when L = styrene. Only in the case of the precursor containing Ph₂PNHCHCH₃Ph (a) ligand was some enantiodiscrimination (10%) found.     

Palladium(II)/allylpalladium(II) complexes with xanthate ligands: Single-source precursors for the generation of palladium sulfide nanocrystals

In an effort to find simple and common single-source precursors for palladium sulfide nanostructures, palladium(II) complexes, [Pd(S₂X)₂] (X = COMe (1), COⁱPr (2)) and η³-allylpalladium complexes with xanthate ligands, [(η³-CH₂C(CH₃)CR₂)Pd(S₂X)] (R = H, X = COMe (3); R = H, X = COEt (4); R = H, X = COⁱPr (5); R = CH₃, X = COMe (6)), have been investigated. The crystal structures of [Pd(S₂X)₂] (X = COMe (1), CoⁱPr (2)) and [(η³-CH₂C(CH₃)CH₂)Pd(S₂COMe)] (3) have been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The complexes, 1, 2 and 3 all contain a square planar palladium(II) centre. In the allyl complex 3, this is defined by the two sulfurs of the xanthate and the outer carbons of the 2-methylallyl ligand, while in the complexes, 1 and 2 it is defined by the four sulfur atoms of the xanthate ligand. Thermogravimetric studies have been carried out to evaluate the thermal stability of η³-allylpalladium(II) analogues. The complexes are useful precursors for the growth of nanocrystals of PdS either by furnace decomposition or solvothermolysis in dioctyl ether. The solvothermal decomposition of complexes in dioctyl ether gives a new metastable phase of PdS which can be transformed to the more stable tetragonal phase at 320 °C. The nanocrystals obtained have been characterized by PXRD, SEM, TEM and EDX.     

Steric and electronic effects in stabilizing allyl-palladium complexes of “P-N-P” ligands, X2PN(Me)PX2 (X = OC6H5 or OC6H3Me2-2,6)

The chemistry of η³-allyl palladium complexes of the diphosphazane ligands, X₂PN(Me)PX₂ [X = OC₆H₅ (1) or OC₆H₃Me₂-2,6 (2)] has been investigated.The reactions of the phenoxy derivative, (PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂ with [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(μ-Cl)]₂ (R′ = R″ = H or Me; R′ = H, R″ = Me) give exclusively the palladium dimer, [Pd₂{μ-(PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂}₂Cl₂] (3); however, the analogous reaction with [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(μ-Cl)]₂ (R′ = R″ = Ph) gives the palladium dimer and the allyl palladium complex [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(1)](PF₆) (R′ = R″ = Ph) (4). On the other hand, the 2,6-dimethylphenoxy substituted derivative 2 reacts with (allyl) palladium chloro dimers to give stable allyl palladium complexes, [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(2)](PF₆) [R′ = R″ = H (5), Me (7) or Ph (8); R′ = H, R″ = Me (6)].Detailed NMR studies reveal that the complexes 6 and 7 exist as a mixture of isomers in solution; the relatively less favourable isomer, anti-[Pd(η³-1-Me-C₃H₄)(2)](PF₆) (6b) and syn/anti-[Pd(η³-1,3-Me₂-C₃H₃)(2)](PF₆) (7b) are present to the extent of 25% and 40%, respectively. This result can be explained on the basis of the steric congestion around the donor phosphorus atoms in 2. The structures of four complexes (4, 5, 7a and 8) have been determined by X-ray crystallography; only one isomer is observed in the solid state in each case.     

Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of divalent organolanthanide complexes with new tetrahydro-2H-pyranyl-functionlized indenyl ligands

Two series of new divalent organolanthanide complexes with the general formula [η⁵:η¹-{1-R-3-(C₅H₉OCH₂)C₉H₅}]₂Ln^II (R = H, Ln = Yb (3); R = Me₃Si, Ln = Yb (4); R = H, Ln = Eu (5); R = Me₃Si, Ln = Eu (6)) were prepared by reactions of 2 equiv. of 1-R-3-(C₅H₉OCH₂)C₉H₆ (R = H (1), R = Me₃Si (2)) with the lanthanide(III) amides [(Me₃Si)₂N]₃Ln(μ-Cl)Li(THF)₃ (Ln = Yb, Eu) via a one-electron reductive elimination process. Recrystallization of 6 from n-hexane afforded [η⁵:η¹-(C₅H₉OCH₂C₉H₅SiMe₃)]₂Eu^II · (C₆H₁₄)_0.5 (7). All compounds were fully characterized by elemental analyses, and spectroscopic methods. The structures of complexes 4 and 7 were additionally determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. The catalytic activity of the complexes on methyl methacrylate and ε-caprolactone polymerization was studied, and the temperatures, substituents on the indenyl ring, and solvents effects on the catalytic activity of the complexes were examined.     

Preparation and characterization of Cp-functionalized cycloheptatrienyl–cyclopentadienyl titanium sandwich complexes (troticenes)

Cp-functionalized monotroticenes [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄E)] (2, E = Ph₂SiCl; 3, E = tBu₂SnCl; 12, E = I) and bitroticenes [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄)]₂E′ (5, E′ = PPh; 6, E′ = BN(SiMe₃)₂; 7, E′ = Cp₂Ti) were prepared by salt elimination metathesis between the monolithiated troticene [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄Li)]·pmdta (1b) (pmdta = N,N′,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylene-triamine) and the appropriate electrophile. The troticenyl-substituted zirconocene monochloride [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄ZrClCp*₂)] (Cp* = η⁵-C₅Me₅) (8) and hafnocene ethoxide [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti{η⁵-C₅H₄Hf(OEt)Cp₂}] (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅) (11), and the heterobimetallic μ-oxo complexes [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄MCp₂)]₂O (9, M = Zr; 10, M = Hf) were obtained instead of the expected zircona- and hafna[1]troticenophanes by reaction of the dilithiated troticene [(η⁷-C₇H₆Li)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄Li)]·pmdta (1a) with [Cp₂MCl₂] (M = Zr, Hf) or [Cp*₂ZrCl₂] in stoichiometric amounts. These compounds were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and, in the case of 2, 3, 5–7, 9, 10 and 12, also by elemental analyses and ¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopy. Exposure of the troticenyl organotin chloride 3 to moisture resulted in its partial hydrolysis and formation of the organostannoxane-bridged bitroticene 4, while palladium-catalyzed Negishi C–C cross-coupling reaction between the troticenylzinc chloride [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄ZnCl)] (13) and the iodotroticene 12 or iodobenzene (PhI) led to the fulvalene complexes [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄)]₂ (14) and [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄Ph)] (15). Compound 4 displays an unsymmetrical structure with the troticenyl fragments cis with respect to the Sn–O–Sn core, whereas compound 14 is centrosymmetrically trans oriented.     

Preparation and characterization of Cp-functionalized cycloheptatrienyl–cyclopentadienyl titanium sandwich complexes (troticenes)

Cp-functionalized monotroticenes [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄E)] (2, E = Ph₂SiCl; 3, E = tBu₂SnCl; 12, E = I) and bitroticenes [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄)]₂E′ (5, E′ = PPh; 6, E′ = BN(SiMe₃)₂; 7, E′ = Cp₂Ti) were prepared by salt elimination metathesis between the monolithiated troticene [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄Li)]·pmdta (1b) (pmdta = N,N′,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylene-triamine) and the appropriate electrophile. The troticenyl-substituted zirconocene monochloride [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄ZrClCp*₂)] (Cp* = η⁵-C₅Me₅) (8) and hafnocene ethoxide [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti{η⁵-C₅H₄Hf(OEt)Cp₂}] (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅) (11), and the heterobimetallic μ-oxo complexes [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄MCp₂)]₂O (9, M = Zr; 10, M = Hf) were obtained instead of the expected zircona- and hafna[1]troticenophanes by reaction of the dilithiated troticene [(η⁷-C₇H₆Li)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄Li)]·pmdta (1a) with [Cp₂MCl₂] (M = Zr, Hf) or [Cp*₂ZrCl₂] in stoichiometric amounts. These compounds were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and, in the case of 2, 3, 5–7, 9, 10 and 12, also by elemental analyses and ¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopy. Exposure of the troticenyl organotin chloride 3 to moisture resulted in its partial hydrolysis and formation of the organostannoxane-bridged bitroticene 4, while palladium-catalyzed Negishi C–C cross-coupling reaction between the troticenylzinc chloride [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄ZnCl)] (13) and the iodotroticene 12 or iodobenzene (PhI) led to the fulvalene complexes [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄)]₂ (14) and [(η⁷-C₇H₇)Ti(η⁵-C₅H₄Ph)] (15). Compound 4 displays an unsymmetrical structure with the troticenyl fragments cis with respect to the Sn–O–Sn core, whereas compound 14 is centrosymmetrically trans oriented.     

Synthesis of palladium–biscarbene complexes derived from 1,1′-methylenebis(1,2,4-triazole) functionalized in the methylene bridge

Palladium–biscarbene complexes derived from N,N′-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methane, which bear an alkyl chain functionalized with a hydroxyl group, have been synthesized ([Pd(L1)Br₂] (6) and [Pd(L1)I₂] (7) [L1 = 1,1′-(3-hydroxypropylidene)bis(4-butyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene)]). Each product is obtained as a non-equimolecular mixture of two conformers. The hydroxyl group has been replaced by bromide and methanesulphonate and ( [Pd(L2)Br₂] [L2 = 1,1′-(3-bromopropylidene)bis(4-butyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene)] (9)) and ([Pd(L3)Br₂] [L3 = 1,1′-(3-methanesulphonyloxypropylidene)-bis(4-butyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene)] (10)) were obtained, respectively, as mixtures of conformers. All compounds consist of a six-membered metallacyclic structure in a boat conformation. Major conformers present the functionalized chain in the axial position, while in minor conformers it is located in the equatorial position.     

Hydride addition at μ-vinyliminium ligand obtained from disubstituted alkynes

New μ-vinylalkylidene complexes cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(R″)C_αHN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R = Me, R′ = R″ = Me, 3a; R = Me, R′ = R″ = Et, 3b; R = Me, R′ = R″ = Ph, 3c; R = CH₂Ph, R′ = R″ = Me, 3d; R = CH₂Ph, R′ = R″ = COOMe, 3e; R = CH₂ Ph, R′ = SiMe₃, R″ = Me, 3f) have been obtained b yreacting the corresponding vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(R″)C_αN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (2a-f) with NaBH₄. The formation of 3a-f occurs via selective hydride addition at the iminium carbon (C_α) of the precursors 2a-f. By contrast, the vinyliminium cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ (R′) = C_β(R″)C_α = N(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R′ = R″ = COOMe, 4a; R′ = R″ = Me, 4b; R′ = Prⁿ, R″ = Me, 4c; Prⁿ = CH₂CH₂CH₃, Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) undergo H⁻ addition at the adjacent C_β, affording the bis-alkylidene complexes cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(R′)C(H)(R″)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂], (5a-c). The cis and trans isomers of [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Et)C_β(Et)C_αN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (4d) react differently with NaBH₄: the former reacts at C_α yielding cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Et)C_β(Et)C_αHN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂], 6a, whereas the hydride attack occurs at C_β of the latter, leading to the formation of the bis alkylidene trans-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(Et)C(H)(Et)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (5d). The structure of 5d has been determined by an X-ray diffraction study. Other μ-vinylalkylidene complexes cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(R″)C_αHN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂], (R′ = R″ = Ph, 6b; R′ = R″ = Me, 6c) have been prepared, and the structure of 6c has been determined by X-ray diffraction. Compound 6b results from treatment of cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Ph)C_β(Ph)C_αN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (4e) with NaBH₄, whereas 6c has been obtained by reacting 4b with LiHBEt₃. Both cis-4d and trans-4d react with LiHBEt₃ affording cis-6a.     

C-C bond formation by cyanide addition to dinuclear vinyliminium complexes

The diiron vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(H)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R=Me, R′ = SiMe₃ (1a); R = Me, R′ = CH₂OH (1b); R = CH₂Ph, R′ = Tol (1c), Tol = 4-MeC₆H₄; R = CH₂Ph, R′ = COOMe (1d); R = CH₂Ph, R′ = SiMe₃ (1e)) undergo regio- and stereo-selective addition by cyanide ion (from ), affording the corresponding bridging cyano-functionalized allylidene compounds [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(H)C(CN)N(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (3a-e), in good yields. Similarly, the diiron vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(R′)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = R′ = Me (2a); R = Me, R′ = Ph (2b); R = CH₂Ph, R′ = Me (2c); R = CH₂Ph, R′ = COOMe (2d)) react with cyanide and yield [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(R′)C(CN)N(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (9a-d). The reactions of the vinyliminium complex [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(Tol)CHCN(Me)(4-C₆H₄CF₃)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (4) with NaBH₄ and afford the allylidene [Fe₂{μ-C(Tol)C(H)C(H)N(Me)(C₆H₄CF₃)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (5) and the cyanoallylidene [Fe₂{μ-C(Tol)C(H)C(CN)N(Me)(C₆H₄CF₃)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (6), respectively. Analogously, the diruthenium vinyliminium complex [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(SiMe₃)CHCN(Me)(CH₂Ph)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (7) reacts with to give [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(SiMe₃)CHC(CN)N(Me)(CH₂Ph)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (8).Finally, cyanide addition to [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(COOMe)C(COOMe)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (2e) (Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃), yields the cyano-functionalized bis-alkylidene complex [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(COOMe)C(COOMe)(CN)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (10). The molecular structures of 3a and 9a have been elucidated by X-ray diffraction.     

C2-Bridged sandwich and half-sandwich entities with Ti(IV) and Cr(0) centers

The intense purple colored bi- and trimetallic complexes {Ti}(CH₂SiMe₃)[CC(η⁶-C₆H₅)Cr(CO)₃] (3) ({Ti}=(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti) and [Ti][CC(η⁶-C₆H₅)Cr(CO)₃]₂ (5) {[Ti]=(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti}, in which next to a Ti(IV) center a Cr(0) atom is present, are accessible by the reaction of Li[CC(η⁶-C₆H₅)Cr(CO)₃] (2) with {Ti}(CH₂SiMe₃)Cl (1) or [Ti]Cl₂ (4) in a 1:1 or 2:1 molar ratio. The chemical and electrochemical properties of 3, 5, {Ti}(CH₂SiMe₃)(CCFc) [Fc=(η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄)] and [Ti][(CC)_nMc][(CC)_mM′c] [n, m=1, 2; n=m; n≠m; Mc=(η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄); M′c=(η⁵-C₅H₅)Ru(η⁵-C₅H₄); Mc=M′c; Mc≠M′c] will be comparatively discussed.     

Preparation of half-titanocenes of thiophene-fused trimethylcyclopentadienyl ligands and their ethylene copolymerization reactivity

Methylthiophene-fused or dimethylthiophene-fused trimethylcyclopentadienyltitanium trichloride complexes, (η⁵-Me₄RC₇S)TiCl₃ (R = Me or H), are prepared, from which a chloride ligand is replaced with 2,6-diisopropylphenoxy, di(tert-butyl)ketimide, or tri(tert-butyl)phosphinimide ligand to yield (η⁵-Me₄RC₇S)TiXCl₂ (11, R = Me, X = iPr₂C₆H₃O–; 12, R = H, X = iPr₂C₆H₃O–; 13, R = Me, X = tBu₂C = N–; 14, R = H, X = tBu₂C = N–; 15, R = Me, X = tBu₃P = N–; 16, R = H, X = tBu₃P = N–). The molecular structures of 11, 14, and 16 are confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The Cp(centroid)–Ti–N angles of 11, 14, and 16 (119.83°, 111.98°, and 125.34°, respectively) are significantly larger than the corresponding angle observed for the related thiophene-fused and tetrahydroquinaldine-linked cyclopentadienyl complex (1), [(η⁵-(Me₄C₇S)-(2-MeC₉H₉N-κN)]TiMe₂ (106.6°). The phenoxy complexes 11 and 12 show negligible activity, while the ketimido and phosphinimido complexes 13–16 exhibit good activities (5–20 × 10⁶ g/molTi h) for ethylene/1-octene copolymerization. The ketimido-complexes 13 and 14 are able to incorporate a high amount of 1-octene (15–16 mol%), while the phosphinimido-complexes 15 and 16 are not as capable (8 mol% 1-octene) under the identical polymerization conditions. The catalytic performance of 13–16 is inferior to 1 in terms of activity and comonomer incorporation.     

Photocatalytic properties of new cyclopentadienyl and indenyl rhodium(I) carbonyl complexes with water-soluble 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) and tris(2-cyanoethyl)phosphine

Reactions of [(η⁵-R)Rh(CO)₂] (R = cp, ind) with water-soluble phosphines (L = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane and tris(2-cyanoethyl)phosphine) give the new rhodium(I) complexes of the types [Rh(η⁵-cp)(CO)(PTA)] (1), [Rh(η⁵-cp)(CO)(P(CH₂CH₂CN)₃)] (2), [Rh(η⁵-ind)(CO)(PTA)] (3) and [Rh(η⁵-ind)(CO)(P(CH₂CH₂CN)₃)] (4) in isolated yields of 52-75%. All these compounds have been fully characterized by IR, ¹H, ³¹P{¹H} and ¹³C{¹H} NMR, FAB-MS spectroscopies and elemental analyses. Reactivity for the substitution of phosphine is greater for [(η⁵-ind)Rh(CO)(L)] comparing to [(η⁵-cp)Rh(CO)(L)] because of a flexibility of the indenyl ligand to undergo facile η⁵-η³ coordinative isomerizations. The obtained complexes are active catalyst precursors for the dehydrogenation of propan-2-ol, octane and cyclooctane under photoassisted conditions without any organic hydrogen transfer acceptors, giving TOFs of 26-56 using 3 as precatalyst.     

Asymmetric acetylenic thioethers in ruthenium cluster chemistry

The compounds [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ,η²-SCCR)(μ₃,η²-CCR^′)] (R=SiMe₃, R^′=SiⁱPr₃ (1); R=SiⁱPr₃, R^′=SiMe₃ (2); R=SiⁱPr₃, R^′=H (3); R=H, R^′=SiⁱPr₃ (4)) have been obtained by cleavage of one S-C bond of the thioethers ⁱPr₃SiCCSCCR (R=H, SiMe₃) in the presence of Ru₃(CO)₁₂. Thermal treatment of [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ,η²-SCCSiⁱPr₃)(μ₃,η²-CCH)] yields to the cluster [Ru₄(CO)₉(μ-CO)₂(μ₄-S)(μ₄-η²-C(H)C)(CCSiⁱPr₃)] (5) which contains a bridging sulfur atom and a polycarbon chain as a consequence of the rupture of the S-C bond and a C-C coupling reaction. All derivatives have been characterized by spectroscopic data. An X-ray diffraction study was carried out on the species [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ,η²-SCCSiⁱPr₃)(μ₃,η²-CCSiMe₃)] and of [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ,η²-SCCSiⁱPr₃)(μ₃,η²-CCH)].     

Synthesis of new chloro methyl niobium and tantalum complexes with silyl-cyclopentadienyl ligands: X-ray crystal structure of [Ta{η-C5H3(SiMe3)2}Cl2Me2]

Trichloro methyl [Nb{η⁵-C₅H₃(SiXMe₂)(SiMe₃)}Cl₃Me] (X = Cl, 2; Me, 3), dichloro dimethyl [Nb{η⁵-C₅H₃(SiXMe₂)(SiMe₃)}Cl₂Me₂] (X = Cl, 4; Me, 5) and tetramethyl [Nb{η⁵-C₅H₃(SiXMe₂)(SiMe₃)}Me₄] (X = Me, 6; Cl, 7) niobium complexes were synthesized by treatment of starting tetrachloro derivatives [Nb{η⁵-C₅H₃(SiXMe₂)(SiMe₃)}Cl₄] (X = Cl, 1a; Me, 1b) with dimethyl zinc or chloro methyl magnesium in different proportions and conditions. A mixture of trichloro methyl and dichloro dimethyl tantalum complexes [Ta{η⁵-C₅H₃(SiClMe₂)(SiMe₃)}Cl_4−xMe_x] (x = 1, 8; 2, 9) in a 2:1 molar ratio was obtained in the reaction of [Ta{η⁵-C₅H₃(SiClMe₂)(SiMe₃)}Cl₄] (1c) with 0.5 equivalents of ZnMe₂ in toluene at low temperature. 8 could be isolated as single compound when 1 equivalent of 1c was added to the mixtures of 8 and 9, while the reaction of 1c with 1.5 equivalents of dimethyl zinc gave 9 as unitary product. However, [Ta{η⁵-C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂}Cl₄] (1d) reacts with 0.5 equivalents of alkylating reagent giving the trichloro methyl compound [Ta{η⁵-C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂}Cl₃Me] (10) in good yield. On the other hand, [Ta{η⁵-C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂}Cl₄] (1d) reacts with 2 equivalents of MgClMe in hexane at room temperature giving a mixture of dichloro dimethyl and chloro trimethyl complexes[Ta{η⁵-C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂}Cl_4−xMe_x] (x = 2, 11; 3, 12), while the use of 4 equivalents of MgClMe converts 1c into the tetramethyl derivative [Ta{η⁵-C₅H₃(SiClMe₂)(SiMe₃)}Me₄] (13). Finally, a tetramethyl tantalum complex [Ta{η⁵-C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂}Me₄] (14) was prepared by reaction of [Ta{η⁵-C₅H₃(SiXMe₂)(SiMe₃)}Cl₄] (X = Cl, 1c; Me, 1d) with 5 (X = Cl) or 4 (X = Me) equivalents of MgClMe in diethyl ether (X = Cl) or hexane (X = Me), respectively, as solvent. All the complexes were studied by IR and NMR spectroscopy and the molecular structure of the complex 11 was determined by X-ray diffraction methods.     

Homolysis of the Ln-N bond: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of organolanthanide(II) complexes with furfuryl- and tetrahydrofurfuryl-functionalized indenyl ligands

A series of new organolanthanide(II) complexes with furfuryl- and tetrahydrofurfuryl-functionalized indenyl ligands were synthesized via one-electron reductive elimination reaction. Treatments of [(Me₃Si)₂N]₃Ln^III(μ-Cl)Li(THF)₃ (Ln = Yb, Eu) with 2 equiv. of C₄H₇OCH₂C₉H₇ (1) or C₄H₃OCH₂C₉H₇ (2), respectively in toluene at moderate high temperatures produced, after workup, the corresponding organolanthanide(II) complexes with formula [η⁵:η¹-(C₄H₇OCH₂C₉H₆)]₂Ln^II (Ln = Yb (5), Ln = Eu (6)) and [η⁵:η¹-(C₄H₃OCH₂C₉H₆)]₂Ln^II (Ln = Yb (7), Ln = Eu (8)) in reasonable to good yields. Treatments of [(Me₃Si)₂N]₃Ln^III(μ-Cl)Li(THF)₃ (Ln = Yb, Eu) with 2 equiv. of C₄H₇OCH₂C₉H₆SiMe₃ (3) or C₄H₃OCH₂C₉H₆SiMe₃ (4), respectively, in toluene at moderate high temperatures afforded, after workup, the corresponding organolanthanide(II) complexes with formula [η⁵:η¹-(C₄H₇OCH₂C₉H₅SiMe₃)]₂Ln^II (Ln = Yb (9), Ln = Eu (10)) and[η⁵:η¹-(C₄H₃OCH₂C₉H₅SiMe₃)]₂Ln^II (Ln = Yb (11), Ln = Eu (12)) in good to high yields. All the compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses. The structure of complex 9 was additionally determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. Studies on the catalytic activities of complexes showed that the complexes having silyl group functionalized indenyl ligands have high catalytic activities on ε-caprolactone polymerization. The temperatures, substituted groups on the indenyl ligands of the complexes, and solvents effects on the catalytic activities of the complexes were examined.     

Liquid crystal behaviour of ionic allylpalladium complexes containing 2-pyrazolylpyridine as bidentate N,N′-ligand

Two types of Pd-complexes containing the new N,N′-ligands 2-[3-(4-alkyloxyphenyl)pyrazol-1-yl]pyridine (pz^Rpy; R = C₆H₄OC_nH_2n+1, n = 6 (hp), 10 (dp), 12 (ddp), 14 (tdp), 16 (hdp), 18 (odp)) (1-6), namely c-[Pd(Cl)₂(pz^Rpy)] (7-10) and c-[Pd(η³-C₃H₅)(pz^Rpy)]BF₄ (11-16), have been synthesised and characterised by different spectroscopic techniques. Those members of the second type containing the largest chains (R = ddp 13, tdp 14, hdp 15, odp 16) have been found to have liquid crystal properties showing smectic A mesophases. By contrast, neither the free ligands pz^Rpy nor their related c-[Pd(Cl)₂(pz^Rpy)] complexes exhibited mesomorphism. The new synthesised metallomesogens are mononuclear complexes with an unsymmetrical molecular shape as deduced from the X-ray structures of c-[Pd(η³-C₃H₅)(pz^Rpy)]BF₄ (R = hp, 11; dp, 12). Both compounds, which are isostructural, show a distorted square-planar environment on the palladium centres defined by the allyl and the bidentate pz^Rpy ligands. The crystal structure reveals that both the counteranion and the pz^Rpy ligand function as a source of hydrogen-bonding and intermolecular π?π contacts resulting in a ²D supramolecular assembly.     

Alkynyl Ti-M complexes based on M(CO)4 and MO2 building blocks (M = Mo, W)

The synthesis and properties of heterobimetallic Ti-M complexes of type {[[Ti](μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)][M(μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)(CO)₄]} (M = Mo: 5, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 6, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti; M = W: 7, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 8, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti) and {[Ti](μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)₂}MO₂ (M = Mo: 13, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 14, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti). M = W: 15, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 16, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti) are reported. Compounds 5-8 were accessible by treatment of [Ti](CCSiMe₃)₂ (1, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 2, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti) with [M(CO)₅(thf)] (3, M = Mo; 4, M = W) or [M(CO)₄(nbd)] (9, M = Mo; 10, M = W; nbd = bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene), while 13-16 could be obtained either by the subsequent reaction of 1 and 2 with [M(CO)₃(MeCN)₃] (11, M = Mo; 12, M = W) and oxygen, or directly by oxidation of 5-8 with air. A mechanism for the formation of 5-8 is postulated based on the in-situ generation of [Ti](CCSiMe₃)((η²-CCSiMe₃)M(CO)₅), {[Ti](μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)₂}-M(CO)₄, and [Ti](μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)((μ-CCSiMe₃)M(CO)₄) as a result of the chelating effect exerted by the bis(alkynyl) titanocene fragment and the steric constraints imposed by the M(CO)₄ entity.The molecular structure of 5 in the solid state were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In doubly alkynyl-bridged 5 the alkynides are bridging the metals Ti and Mo as a σ-donor to one metal and as a π-donor to the other with the [Ti](CCSiMe₃)₂Mo core being planar.     

Polymerizable group 4 ansa-cyclopentadienyl-amido catalysts for the copolymerization of ethylene with 1-octene

A styrene unit has been successfully incorporated into the half metallocene constrained-geometry framework as [(η⁵-C₅Me₄)SiMe₂(η¹-NC₆H₄CHCH₂)]MX₂ (M = Ti, X = NMe₂, 6a; M = Zr, X = NMe₂, 6b; M = Ti, X = Cl, 7a; M = Zr, X = Cl, 7b). These complexes have been characterized with ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy together with single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 6a and 6b. A polystyrene-immobilized constrained-geometry catalyst 8 was formed by the radical copolymerization of 7a with styrene using AIBN as the initiator. The complexes 6a, 6b, 7a and 8 gave active homogeneous catalysts for the copolymerization of ethylene with 1-octene when treated with excess methylalumoxane (MAO). The polymerization results showed that 7a was highly active and effective for the incorporation of comonomer 1-octene whereas the zirconium complex 6b and the immobilized catalyst 8 yield low activities and low incorporations of 1-octene in the products with broad molecular weight distributions.     

Functionalized cyclodiphosphazanes cis-[BuNP(OR)]2 (R=C6H4OMe-o, CH2CH2OMe, CH2CH2SMe, CH2CH2NMe2) as neutral 2e, 4e or 8e donor ligands

Cyclodiphosphazanes having donor functionalities such as cis-[^tBuNP(OR)]₂ (R = C₆H₄OMe-o (2); R = CH₂CH₂OMe (3); R = CH₂CH₂SMe (4); R = CH₂CH₂NMe₂ (5)) were obtained in good yield by reacting cis-[^tBuNPCl]₂ (1) with corresponding nucleophiles. The reactions of 2-5 with [RuCl₂(η⁶-cymene)]₂, [MCl(COD)]₂ (M = Rh, Ir), [PdCl₂(PEt₃)]₂ and [MCl₂(COD)] (M=Pd, Pt) result in the formation of exclusively monocoordinated mononuclear complexes of the type cis-[{^tBuNP(OR)}₂ML_n-κP] irrespective of the reaction stoichiometry and the reaction conditions. In contrast, 2-5 react with [RhCl(CO)₂]₂, [PdCl(η³-C₃H₅)]₂, CuX (X=Cl, Br, I) to give homobinuclear complexes. Interestingly, CuX produces both mono and binuclear complexes depending on the stoichiometry of the reactants and the reaction conditions. The mononuclear complexes on treatment with appropriate metal reagents furnish heterometallic complexes.     

Structural diversity and versatility for organoaluminum complexes supported by mono- and di-anionic aminophenolate bidentate ligands

The present contribution describes the synthesis and structural characterization of structurally diverse organoaluminum species supported by variously substituted aminophenolate-type ligands: these Al complexes are all derived from the reaction of AlMe₃ with aminophenols 2-CH₂NH(R)-C₆H₃OH (1a, R = mesityl (Mes); 1b, R = 2,6-di-isopropylphenyl (Diip)) and 2-CH₂NH(R)-4,6-^tBu₂-C₆H₂OH (1c, R = Mes; 1d, R = Diip). The low temperature reaction of AlMe₃ with 1a–b readily affords the corresponding Al dimeric species [μ-η¹,η¹-N,O-{2-CH₂NH(R)-C₆H₄O}]₂Al₂Me₄ (2a–b), consisting of twelve-membered ring aluminacycles with two μ-η¹,η¹-N,O-aminophenolate units, as determined by X-ray crystallographic studies. Heating a toluene solution of 2a (80 °C, 3 h) affords the quantitative and direct formation of the dinuclear aluminium complex Al[η²-N; μ,η²-O-{2-CH₂N(Mes)-C₆H₄O}](AlMe₂) (4a) while species 2b, under the aforementioned conditions, affords the formation of the Al dimeric species [η²-N,O-{2-CH₂N(Dipp)-C₆H₄O}AlMe]₂ (3b), as deduced from X-ray crystallography for both 3b and 4a. In contrast, the reaction of bulky aminophenol pro-ligands 1c–d with AlMe₃ afford the corresponding monomeric Al aminophenolate chelate complexes η²-N,O-{2-CH₂NH(R)-4,6-^tBu₂-C₆H₂O}AlMe₂ (5c–d; R = Mes, Diip; Scheme 3) as confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis in the case of 5d. Subsequent heating of species 5c–d yields, via a methane elimination route, the corresponding Al-THF amido species η²-N,O-{2-CH₂N(R)-4,6-^tBu₂-C₆H₂O}Al(Me)(THF) (6c–d; R = Mes, Diip). Compounds 6c–6d, which are of the type {X₂}Al(R)(L) (L labile), may well be useful as novel well-defined Lewis acid species of potential use for various chemical transformations. Overall, the sterics of the aminophenol backbone and, to a lesser extent, the reaction conditions that are used for a given ligand/AlMe₃ set essentially govern the rather diverse “structural” outcome in these reactions, with a preference toward the formation of mononuclear Al species (i.e. species 5c–d and 6c–d) as the steric demand of the chelating N,O-ligand increases.