The strong-field tripodal phosphine donor, [PhB(CH2PiPr2)3]-, provides access to electronically and coordinatively unsaturated transition metal complexes

This paper introduces a sterically encumbered, strong-field tris(diisopropylphosphino)borate ligand, [PhBP(iPr)(3)] ([PhBP(iPr)(3)] = [PhB(CH(2)P(i)Pr(2))(3)](-)), to probe aspects of its conformational and electronic characteristics within a host of complexes. To this end, the Tl(I) complex, [PhBP(iPr)(3)]Tl (1), was synthesized and characterized in the solid-state by X-ray diffraction analysis. This precursor proves to be an effective transmetallating agent, as evidenced by its reaction with the divalent halides FeCl(2) and CoX(2) (X = Cl, I) to produce the monomeric, 4-coordinate, high-spin derivatives [PhBP(iPr)(3)]FeCl (2) and [PhBP(iPr)(3)]CoX (X = Cl (3), I (4)) in good yield. Complexes 2-4 were each characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and shown to be monomeric in the solid-state. For conformational and electronic comparison within a system exhibiting higher than 4-coordination, the 16-electron ruthenium complexes [[PhBP(iPr)(3)]Ru(mu-Cl)](2) (5) and [[PhBP(3)]Ru(mu-Cl)](2) (6) were prepared and characterized ([PhBP(3)] = [PhB(CH(2)PPh(2))(3)](-)). The chloride complexes 2 and 3 reacted with excess CO to afford the divalent, monocarbonyl adducts [PhBP(iPr)(3)]FeCl(CO) (7) and [PhBP(iPr)(3)]CoCl(CO) (8), respectively. Reaction of 4 with excess CO resulted in the monovalent, dicarbonyl product [PhBP(iPr)(3)]Co(I)(CO)(2) (9). Complexes 5 and 6 also bound CO readily, providing the octahedral, 18-electron complexes [PhBP(iPr)(3)]RuCl(CO)(2) (10) and [PhBP(3)]RuCl(CO)(2) (11), respectively. Dimers 5 and 6 were broken up by reaction with trimethylphosphine to produce the mono-PMe(3) adducts [PhBP(iPr)(3)]RuCl(PMe(3)) (12) and [PhBP(3)]RuCl(PMe(3)) (13). Stoichiometric oxidation of 3 with dioxygen provided the 4-electron oxidation product [PhB(CH(2)P(O)(i)Pr(2))(2)(CH(2)P(i)Pr(2))]CoCl (14), while exposure of 3 to excess oxygen results in the 6-electron oxidation product [PhB(CH(2)P(O)(i)Pr(2))(3)]CoCl (15). Complexes 2 and 4 were characterized via cyclic voltammetry to compare their redox behavior to their [PhBP(3)] analogues. Complex 4 was also studied by SQUID magnetization and EPR spectroscopy to confirm its high-spin assignment, providing an interesting contrast to its previously described low-spin relative, [PhBP(3)]CoI. The difference in spin states observed for these two systems reflects the conformational rigidity of the [PhBP(iPr)(3)] ligand by comparison to [PhBP(3)], leaving the former less able to accommodate a JT-distorted electronic ground state.     

Chemistry of 11-vertex rhodathiaboranes: reactions with monodentate phosphines

The reaction of [8,8-(PPh(3))(2)-nido-8,7-RhSB(9)H(10)] (1) with PR(3) in a 1:2 ratio affords mixtures that contain the mono-substituted bis-PR(3)-ligated rhodathiaboranes [8,8-(PPh(3))(L)-nido-8,7-RhSB(9)H(10)] [L = PMe(2)Ph (5), PMe(3) (6)] and the corresponding tris-PR(3)-ligated compounds [8,8,8-(L)(3)-nido-8,7-RhSB(9)H(10)] [L = PMe(2)Ph (7), PMe(3) (8)]. These latter species are more conveniently prepared from the reaction of 1 with three equivalents of the monodentate phosphines, PMe(2)Ph and PMe(3). Reaction between 1 and PMePh(2) in a 1:2 ratio yields the disubstituted rhodathiaborane [8,8-(PMePh(2))(2)-nido-8,7-RhSB(9)H(10)] (4), whereas the use of three equivalents of phosphine leads to the formation of B-ligated eleven-vertex [8,8,8-(PMePh(2))(2)(H)-nido-8,7-RhSB(9)H(9)-9-(PMePh(2))] (9). Compounds 4-9 have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and the structures of 8 and 9 confirmed by X-ray diffraction analyses. The characterization of the cluster compounds has been aided by the use of DFT calculations on some of the species. Variable-temperature NMR studies have demonstrated a lability of the PMePh(2) ligands in compounds 4 and 9, providing mechanistic insights about the ligand substitutional chemistry in these eleven-vertex rhodathiaboranes.     

Structural basis for unusually long wavelength charge transfer transitions in complexes [MCl(ECH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))(PR(3))] (E = Te,Se; M = Pt,Pd): experimental results and TD-DFT calculations

A series of new complexes, the blue compounds [PdCl(TeCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))(PR(3))] (PR(3) = PEt(3), PPr(n)(3), PBu(n)(3), PMe(2)Ph, PMePh(2), PPh(3), PTol(3)) and the red [PtCl(TeCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))(PR(3))] (PR(3) = PMe(2)Ph, PMePh(2)), were synthesized and studied spectroscopically ((1)H and (31)P NMR, UV/vis) and by cyclic voltammetry. The structures of [PdCl(TeCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))(PPr(n)(3))] (2b) [PdCl(TeCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))(PMePh(2))] (2e), [PtCl(TeCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))(PMePh(2))] (2i), and the related [PtCl(SeCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))(PEt(3))] (3) were determined crystallographically, revealing a typical pattern of trans-positioned neutral N and P donor atoms in an approximately square planar setting. The molecules 2b, 2e, and 2i were calculated by TD-DFT methodology to understand the origin of the weak (epsilon approximately 200 M(-1) cm(-1)) long-wavelength bands at about 600 nm for Pd/Te complexes such as 2b or 2e, at ca. 460 nm for Pt/Te systems such as 2i, and at about 405 nm for Pt/Se analogues such as 3. These transitions are identified as charge transfer transitions from the selenolato or tellurolato centers to unoccupied orbitals involving mainly the phosphine coligands for the Pt(II) compounds and more delocalized MOs for the Pd(II) analogues. Calculations and electrochemical data were used to rationalize the effects of metal and chalcogen variation.     

Bifunctional rhenium complexes for the catalytic transfer-hydrogenation reactions of ketones and imines

The silyloxycyclopentadienyl hydride complexes [Re(H)(NO)(PR(3))(C(5)H(4)OSiMe(2)tBu)] (R=iPr (3 a), Cy (3 b)) were obtained by the reaction of [Re(H)(Br)(NO)(PR(3))(2)] (R=iPr, Cy) with Li[C(5)H(4)OSiMe(2)tBu]. The ligand-metal bifunctional rhenium catalysts [Re(H)(NO)(PR(3))(C(5)H(4)OH)] (R=iPr (5 a), Cy (5 b)) were prepared from compounds 3 a and 3 b by silyl deprotection with TBAF and subsequent acidification of the intermediate salts [Re(H)(NO)(PR(3))(C(5)H(4)O)][NBu(4)] (R=iPr (4 a), Cy (4 b)) with NH(4)Br. In nonpolar solvents, compounds 5 a and 5 b formed an equilibrium with the isomerized trans-dihydride cyclopentadienone species [Re(H)(2)(NO)(PR(3))(C(5)H(4)O)] (6 a,b). Deuterium-labeling studies of compounds 5 a and 5 b with D(2) and D(2)O showed H/D exchange at the H(Re) and H(O) positions. Compounds 5 a and 5 b were active catalysts in the transfer hydrogenation reactions of ketones and imines with 2-propanol as both the solvent and H(2) source. The mechanism of the transfer hydrogenation and isomerization reactions was supported by DFT calculations, which suggested a secondary-coordination-sphere mechanism for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones.     

Synthesis and reactivity of rare earth metal alkyl complexes stabilized by anilido phosphinimine and amino phosphine ligands

Anilido phosphinimino ancillary ligand H(2)L(1) reacted with one equivalent of rare earth metal trialkyl [Ln{CH(2)Si(CH(3))(3)}(3)(thf)(2)] (Ln=Y, Lu) to afford rare earth metal monoalkyl complexes [L(1)LnCH(2)Si(CH(3))(3)(THF)] (1 a: Ln=Y; 1 b: Ln=Lu). In this process, deprotonation of H(2)L(1) by one metal alkyl species was followed by intramolecular C--H activation of the phenyl group of the phosphine moiety to generate dianionic species L(1) with release of two equivalnts of tetramethylsilane. Ligand L(1) coordinates to Ln(3+) ions in a rare C,N,N tridentate mode. Complex l a reacted readily with two equivalents of 2,6-diisopropylaniline to give the corresponding bis-amido complex [(HL(1))LnY(NHC(6)H(3)iPr(2)-2,6)(2)] (2) selectively, that is, the C--H activation of the phenyl group is reversible. When 1 a was exposed to moisture, the hydrolyzed dimeric complex [{(HL(1))Y(OH)}(2)](OH)(2) (3) was isolated. Treatment of [Ln{CH(2)Si(CH(3))(3)}(3)(thf)(2)] with amino phosphine ligands HL(2-R) gave stable rare earth metal bis-alkyl complexes [(L(2-R))Ln{CH(2)Si(CH(3))(3)}(2)(thf)] (4 a: Ln=Y, R=Me; 4 b: Ln=Lu, R=Me; 4 c: Ln=Y, R=iPr; 4 d: Ln=Y, R=iPr) in high yields. No proton abstraction from the ligand was observed. Amination of 4 a and 4 c with 2,6-diisopropylaniline afforded the bis-amido counterparts [(L(2-R))Y(NHC(6)H(3)iPr(2)-2,6)(2)(thf)] (5 a: R=Me; 5 b: R=iPr). Complexes 1 a,b and 4 a-d initiated the ring-opening polymerization of d,l-lactide with high activity to give atactic polylactides.     

Effects of Cyclopentadienyl and Phosphine Ligands on the Basicities and Nucleophilicities of Cp'Ir(CO)(PR(3)) Complexes

Basicities of the series of complexes CpIr(CO)(PR(3)) [PR(3) = P(p-C(6)H(4)CF(3))(3), P(p-C(6)H(4)F)(3), P(p-C(6)H(4)Cl)(3), PPh(3), P(p-C(6)H(4)CH(3))(3), P(p-C(6)H(4)OCH(3))(3), PPh(2)Me, PPhMe(2), PMe(3), PEt(3), PCy(3)] have been measured by the heat evolved (DeltaH(HM)) when the complex is protonated by CF(3)SO(3)H in 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) at 25.0 degrees C. The -DeltaH(HM) values range from 28.0 kcal/mol for CpIr(CO)[P(p-C(6)H(4)CF(3))(3)] to 33.2 kcal/mol for CpIr(CO)(PMe(3)) and are directly related to the basicities of the PR(3) ligands in the complexes. For the more basic pentamethylcyclopentadienyl analogs, the -DeltaH(HM) values range from 33.8 kcal/mol for the weakest base CpIr(CO)[P(p-C(6)H(4)CF(3))(3)] to 38.0 kcal/mol for the strongest CpIr(CO)(PMe(3)). The nucleophilicities of the Cp'Ir(CO)(PR(3)) complexes were established from second-order rate constants (k) for their reactions with CH(3)I to give [Cp'Ir(CO)(PR(3))(CH(3))](+)I(-) in CD(2)Cl(2) at 25.0 degrees C. There is an excellent linear correlation between the basicities (DeltaH(HM)) and nucleophilicities (log k) of the CpIr(CO)(PR(3)) complexes. Only the complex CpIr(CO)(PCy(3)) with the bulky tricyclohexylphosphine ligand deviates dramatically from the trend. In general, the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl complexes react 40 times faster than the cyclopentadienyl analogs. However, they do not react as fast as predicted from electronic properties of the complexes, which suggests that the steric size of the Cp ligand reduces the nucleophilicities of the CpIr(CO)(PR(3)) complexes. In addition, heats of protonation (DeltaH(HP)) of tris(2-methoxyphenyl)phosphine, tris(2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)phosphine, and tris(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)phosphine were measured and used to estimate pK(a) values for these highly basic phosphines.     

Probing the catalytic potential of chloro nitrosyl rhenium(I) complexes

The reduction of the mononitrosyl Re(II) salt [NMe(4)](2)[ReCl(5)(NO)] (1) with zinc in acetonitrile afforded the Re(i) dichloride complex [ReCl(2)(NO)(CH(3)CN)(3)] (2). Subsequent ligand substitution reactions with PCy(3), PiPr(3) and P(p-tolyl)(3) afforded the bisphosphine Re(i) complexes [ReCl(2)(NO)(PR(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)] (3, R = Cy a, iPr b, p-tolyl c) in good yields. The acetonitrile ligand in 3 is labile, permitting its replacement with H(2) (1 bar) to afford the dihydrogen Re(I) complexes [ReCl(2)(NO)(PR(3))(2)(η(2)-H(2))] (4, R = Cy a, iPr b). The catalytic activity of 2, 3 and 4 in hydrogen-related catalyses including dehydrocoupling of Me(2)NH·BH(3), dehydrogenative silylation of styrenes, and hydrosilylation of ketones and aryl aldehydes were investigated, with the main focus on phosphine and halide effects. In the dehydrocoupling of Me(2)NH·BH(3), the phosphine-free complex 2 exhibits the same activity as the bisphosphine-substituted systems. In the dehydrogenative silylation of styrenes, 3a and 4a bearing PCy(3) ligands exhibit high catalytic activities. Monochloro Re(I) hydrides [Re(Cl)(H)(NO)(PR(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)] (5, R = Cy a, iPr b) were proven to be formed in the initiation pathway. The phosphine-free complex 2 showed in dehydrogenative silylations even higher activity than the bisphosphine derivatives, which further emphasizes the importance of a facile phosphine dissociation in the catalytic process. In the hydrosilylation of ketones and aryl aldehydes, at least one rhenium-bound phosphine is required to ensure high catalytic activity.     

Iron complexes for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone: steric and electronic effects imposed by alkyl substituents at phosphorus

A series of iron(II) complexes, trans-[Fe(NCMe)(2)(PR(2)CH(2)CH═NCH(2)CH(2)N═CHCH(2)PR(2))][BPh(4)](2) (5, R = Cy; 7, R = iPr; 9, R = Et) were prepared via the template synthesis in one-pot involving air-stable phosphonium dimers, [cyclo-(-PR(2)CH(2)CH(OH)-)(2)](Br)(2) (4, R = Cy; 6, R = iPr; 8, R = Et), KOtBu, [Fe(H(2)O)(6)][BF(4)](2) and ethylenediamine in acetonitrile. In the synthesis of 9, a methanol/acetonitrile solvent mixture was required; otherwise an intermediate iron bis(tridentate) complex, [Fe(PEt(2)CH(2)CH═NCH(2)CH(2)NH(2))(2)](2+), formed as determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The crude iron(II) complexes from a template synthesis with ethylenediamine or (S,S)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine are stirred in acetone under a CO atmosphere (～2 atm) overnight to displace a NCMe ligand; however, in addition to this, bromide displaces an NCMe ligand as well to form a new class of the iron complexes trans-[Fe(CO)(Br)(PR(2)CH(2)CH═NCHR'CHR'N═CHCH(2)PR(2))](+) (10 R = Cy, R' = H; (S,S)-11, R = Cy, R' = Ph; 12, R = iPr, R' = H; (S,S)-13, R = iPr, R' = Ph; 14, R = Et, R' = H; (S,S)-15, R = Et, R' = Ph). These complexes were isolated in moderate yields (55-84%) as tetraphenylborate salts. Complexes 10-15 were tested for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone in basic iso-propanol at 25 and 50 °C. The complexes 10-13 (where R = Cy or iPr) were inactive while the complexes 14 and (S,S)-15 (where R = Et) were active at 25 °C but had better activity at 50 °C. Complex (S,S)-15 was higher in activity than complex 14, achieving turnover frequencies as high as 4100 h(-1), conversions of acetophenone to (R)-1-phenylethanol as high as 80% and an enantiomeric excess (e.e.) of 50% in the product. As catalysis progressed, the e.e. diminished to as low as 26%.     

Multiple pathways for dinitrogen activation during the reduction of an Fe Bis(iminepyridine) complex

Reduction of the bis(iminopyridine) FeCl(2) complex {2,6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))](2)(C(5)H(3)N)}FeCl(2) using NaH has led to the formation of a surprising variety of structures depending on the amount of reductant. Some of the species reported in this work were isolated from the same reaction mixture, and their structures suggest the presence of multiple pathways for dinitrogen activation. The reaction with 3 equiv of NaH afforded {2-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))]-6-[2,6-(iPr)(20PhN-C=CH(2)](C(5)H(3)N)}Fe(micro,eta(2)-N(2))Na (THF) (1) containing one N(2) unit terminally bound to Fe and side-on attached to the Na atom. In the process, one of the two imine methyl groups has been deprotonated, transforming the neutral ligand into the corresponding monoanionic version. When 4 equiv were employed, two other dinitrogen complexes {2-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))]-6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN-C=CH(2)](C(5)H(3)N)}Fe(micro-N2)Na(Et(2)O)(3) (2) and {2,6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))](2)(C(5)H(3)N)}Fe(micro-N(2))Na[Na(THF)(2)] (3) were obtained from the same reaction mixture. Complex 2 is chemically equivalent to 1, the different degree of solvation of the alkali cation being the factor apparently responsible for the sigma-bonding mode of ligation of the N(2) unit to Na, versus the pi-bonding mode featured in 1. In complex 3, the ligand remains neutral but a larger extent of reduction has been obtained, as indicated by the presence of two Na atoms in the structure. A further increase in the amount of reductant (12 equiv) afforded a mixture of {2-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))]-6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN-C=CH(2)](C(5)H(3)N)}Fe-N(2) (4) and [{2,6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))](2)(C(5)H(3)N)}Fe-N(2)](2)(micro-Na) [Na(THF)(2)](2) (5) which were isolated by fractional crystallization. Complex 4, also containing a terminally bonded N(2) unit and a deprotonated anionic ligand bearing no Na cations, appears to be the precursor of 1. The apparent contradiction that excess NaH is required for its successful isolation (4 is the least reduced complex of this series) is most likely explained by the formation of the partner product 5, which may tentatively be regarded as the result of aggregation between 1 and 3 (with the ligand system in its neutral form). Finally, reduction carried out in the presence of additional free ligand afforded {2,6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))](2)(C(5)H(3)N)}Fe(eta(1)-N(2)){2,6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))](20(NC(5)H(2))}[Na(THF)(2)] (6) and {2,6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))](2)(C(5)H(3)N)}Fe{2,6-[2,6-(iPr)(2)PhN=C(CH(3))](2)(NC(5)H(2))}Na(THF)(2)) (7). In both species, the Fe metal is bonded to the pyridine ring para position of an additional (L)Na unit. Complex 6 chemically differs from 7 (the major component) only for the presence of an end-on coordinated N(2).     

The synthesis, characterisation and reactivity of 2-phosphanylethylcyclopentadienyl complexes of cobalt, rhodium and iridium

2-Phosphanylethylcyclopentadienyl lithium compounds, Li[C(5)R'(4)(CH(2))(2)PR(2)] (R = Et, R' = H or Me, R = Ph, R' = Me), have been prepared from the reaction of spirohydrocarbons C(5)R'(4)(C(2)H(4)) with LiPR(2). C(5)Et(4)HSiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2), was prepared from reaction of Li[C(5)Et(4)] with Me(2)SiCl(2) followed by Me(2)PCH(2)Li. The lithium salts were reacted with [RhCl(CO)(2)](2), [IrCl(CO)(3)] or [Co(2)(CO)(8)] to give [M(C(5)R'(4)(CH(2))(2)PR(2))(CO)] (M = Rh, R = Et, R' = H or Me, R = Ph, R' = Me; M = Ir or Co, R = Et, R' = Me), which have been fully characterised, in many cases crystallographically as monomers with coordination of the phosphorus atom and the cyclopentadienyl ring. The values of nu(CO) for these complexes are usually lower than those for the analogous complexes without the bridge between the cyclopentadienyl ring and the phosphine, the exception being [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (Cp' = C(5)Me(4)), the most electron rich of the complexes. [Rh(C(5)Et(4)SiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2))(CO)] may be a dimer. [Co(2)(CO)(8)] reacts with C(5)H(5)(CH(2))(2)PEt(2) or C(5)Et(4)HSiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2) (L) to give binuclear complexes of the form [Co(2)(CO)(6)L(2)] with almost linear PCoCoP skeletons. [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] are active for methanol carbonylation at 150 degrees C and 27 bar CO, with the rate using [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] (0.81 mol dm(-3) h(-1)) being higher than that for [RhI(2)(CO)(2)](-) (0.64 mol dm(-3) h(-1)). The most electron rich complex, [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (0.38 mol dm(-3) h(-1)) gave a comparable rate to [Cp*Rh(PEt(3))(CO)] (0.30 mol dm(-3) h(-1)), which was unstable towards oxidation of the phosphine. [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))I(2)], which is inactive for methanol carbonylation, was isolated after the methanol carbonylation reaction using [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)]. Neither of [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (M = Co or Ir) was active for methanol carbonylation under these conditions, nor under many other conditions investigated, except that [Ir(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] showed some activity at higher temperature (190 degrees C), probably as a result of degradation to [IrI(2)(CO)(2)](-). [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] react with MeI to give [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(C(O)Me)I] (M = Co or Rh) or [Ir(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))Me(CO)]I. The rates of oxidative addition of MeI to [Rh(C(5)H(4)(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] are 62 and 1770 times faster than to [Cp*Rh(CO)(2)]. Methyl migration is slower, however. High pressure NMR studies show that [Co(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Cp*Rh(PEt(3))(CO)] are unstable towards phosphine oxidation and/or quaternisation under methanol carbonylation conditions, but that [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] does not exhibit phosphine degradation, eventually producing inactive [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))I(2)] at least under conditions of poor gas mixing. The observation of [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(C(O)Me)I] under methanol carbonylation conditions suggests that the rhodium centre has become so electron rich that reductive elimination of ethanoyl iodide has become rate determining for methanol carbonylation. In addition to the high electron density at rhodium.     

Redox-noninnocence of the S,S'-coordinated ligands in bis(benzene-1,2-dithiolato)iron complexes

The electronic structures of complexes of iron containing two S,S'-coordinated benzene-1,2-dithiolate, (L)(2)(-), or 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzenedithiolate, (L(Bu))(2)(-), ligands have been elucidated in depth by electronic absorption, infrared, X-band EPR, and Mossbauer spectroscopies. It is conclusively shown that, in contrast to earlier reports, high-valent iron(IV) (d(4), S = 1) is not accessible in this chemistry. Instead, the S,S'-coordinated radical monoanions (L(*))(1)(-) and/or (L(Bu)(*))(1)(-) prevail. Thus, five-coordinate [Fe(L)(2)(PMe(3))] has an electronic structure which is best described as [Fe(III)(L)(L(*))(PMe(3))] where the observed triplet ground state of the molecule is attained via intramolecular, strong antiferromagnetic spin coupling between an intermediate spin ferric ion (S(Fe) = (3)/(2)) and a ligand radical (L(*))(1)(-) (S(rad) = (1)/(2)). The following complexes containing only benzene-1,2-dithiolate(2-) ligands have been synthesized, and their electronic structures have been studied in detail: [NH(C(2)H(5))(3)](2)[Fe(II)(L)(2)] (1), [N(n-Bu)(4)](2)[Fe(III)(2)(L)(4)] (2), [N(n-Bu)(4)](2)[Fe(III)(2)(L(Bu))(4)] (3); [P(CH(3))Ph(3)][Fe(III)(L)(2)(t-Bu-py)] (4) where t-Bu-py is 4-tert-butylpyridine. Complexes containing an Fe(III)(L(*))(L)- or Fe(III)(L(Bu))(L(Bu)(*))- moiety are [N(n-Bu)(4)][Fe(III)(2)(L(Bu))(3)(L(Bu)(*))] (3(ox)()), [Fe(III)(L)(L(*))(t-Bu-py)] (4(ox)()), [Fe(III)(L(Bu))(L(Bu)(*))(PMe(3))] (7), [Fe(III)(L(Bu))(L(Bu)(*))(PMe(3))(2)] (8), and [Fe(III)(L(Bu))(L(Bu)(*))(PPr(3))] (9), where Pr represents the n-propyl substituent. Complexes 2, 3(ox)(), 4, [Fe(III)(L)(L(*))(PMe(3))(2)] (6), and 9 have been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Molybdenum(VI) dioxo and oxo-imido complexes of fluorinated β-ketiminato ligands and their use in OAT reactions

Substitution of a methyl by a trifluoromethyl moiety in well-known β-ketimines afforded the ligands (Ar)NC(Me)CH(2)CO(CF(3)) (HL(H), Ar = C(6)H(5); HL(Me), A r= 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3); HL(iPr), Ar = 2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3)). Subsequent complexation to the [MoO(2)](2+) core leads to the formation of novel complexes of general formula [MoO(2)(L(R))(2)] (R = H, 1; R = Me, 2; R = iPr, 3). For reasons of comparison the oxo-imido complex [MoO(N(t)Bu)(L(Me))(2)] (4) has also been synthesized. Complexes 1-4 were investigated in oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reactions using the substrate trimethylphosphine. The respective products after OAT, the reduced Mo(IV) complexes [MoO(PMe(3))(L(R))(2)] (R = H, 5; R = Me, 6; R = iPr, 7) and [Mo(N(t)Bu)(PMe(3))(L(Me))(2)] (8), were isolated. All complexes have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and 1-4 also by cyclic voltammetry. A positive shift of the Mo(VI)-Mo(V) reduction wave upon fluorination was observed. Furthermore, molecular structures of complexes 2, 4, 5, and 8 have been determined via single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 8 represents a rare example of a Mo(IV) phosphino-imido complex. Kinetic measurements by UV-vis spectroscopy of the OAT reactions from complexes 1-4 to PMe(3) showed them to be more efficient than previously reported nonfluorinated ones, with ligand L' = (Ar)NC(Me)CH(2)CO(CH(3)) [MoO(2)(L')(2)] (9) and [MoO(N(t)Bu)(L')(2)] (10), respectively. Thermodynamic activation parameters ΔH(?) and ΔS(?) of the OAT reactions for complexes 2 and 4 have been determined. The activation enthalpy for the reaction employing 2 is significantly smaller (12.3 kJ/mol) compared to the reaction with the nonfluorinated complex 9 (60.8 kJ/mol). The change of the entropic term ΔS(?) is small. The reaction of the oxo-imido complex 4 to 8 revealed a significant electron-donating contribution of the imido substituent.     

Spin-state tuning at pseudotetrahedral d(7) ions: examining the structural and magnetic phenomena of four-coordinate [BP3]CoII-X systems

Electronic structure, spin-state, and geometrical relationships for a series of pseudotetrahedral Co(II) aryloxide, siloxide, arylthiolate, and silylthiolate complexes supported by the tris(phosphino)borate [BP(3)] ligands [PhBP(3)] and [PhBP(i)()(Pr)(3)] ([PhB(CH(2)PPh(2))(3)](-) and [PhB(CH(2)P(i)()Pr(2))(3)](-), respectively) are described. Standard (1)H NMR, optical, electrochemical, and solution magnetic data, in addition to low-temperature EPR and variable temperature SQUID magnetization data, are presented for the new cobalt(II) complexes [PhBP(3)]CoOSiPh(3) (2), [PhBP(3)]CoO(4-(t)()Bu-Ph) (3), [PhBP(3)]CoO(C(6)F(5)) (4), [PhBP(3)]CoSPh (5), [PhBP(3)]CoS(2,6-Me(2)-Ph) (6), [PhBP(3)]CoS(2,4,6-(i)()Pr(3)-Ph) (7), [PhBP(3)]CoS(2,4,6-(t)()Bu(3)-Ph) (8), [PhBP(3)]CoSSiPh(3) (9), [PhBP(3)]CoOSi(4-NMe(2)-Ph)(3) (10), [PhBP(3)]CoOSi(4-CF(3)-Ph)(3) (11), [PhBP(3)]CoOCPh(3) (12), [PhBP(i)()(Pr)(3)]CoOSiPh(3) (14), and [PhBP(i)()(Pr)(3)]CoSSiPh(3) (15). The low-temperature solid-state crystal structures of 2, 3, 5-10, 12, and 15 are also described. These pseudotetrahedral cobalt(II) complexes are classified as featuring one of two limiting distortions, either umbrella or off-axis. Magnetic and spectroscopic data demonstrate that both S = (1)/(2) and S = (3)/(2) ground-state electronic configurations are accessible for the umbrella distorted structure type, depending on the nature of the X-type ligand, its denticity (eta(1) versus eta(3)), and the tripodal phosphine ligand employed. Off-axis distorted complexes populate an S = (1)/(2) ground-state exclusively. For those four-coordinate complexes that populate S = (1)/(2) ground states, X-ray data show two Co-P bond distances that are invariably shorter than a third Co-P bond. The pseudotetrahedral siloxides 2, 10, and 11 are exceptional in that they display gradual spin crossover in the solid state. The diamagnetic cobalt(III) complex {[PhBP(3)]CoOSiPh(3)}{BAr(4)} ({16}{BAr(4)}) (Ar = Ph or 3,5-(CF(3))(2)-C(6)H(3)) has also been prepared and structurally characterized. Accompanying electronic structure calculations (DFT) for complexes 2, 6, and {16}(+) support the notion of a close electronic structure relationship between these four-coordinate systems and octahedral, sandwich, and half-sandwich coordination complexes.     

Ground-state singlet L3Fe-(mu-N)-FeL3 and L3Fe(NR) complexes featuring pseudotetrahedral Fe(II) centers

Pseudotetrahedral iron(II) coordination complexes that contain bridged nitride and terminal imide linkages, and exhibit singlet ground-state electronic configurations, are described. Sodium amalgam reduction of the ferromagnetically coupled dimer, {[PhBP(3)]Fe(mu-1,3-N(3))}(2) (2) ([PhBP(3)] = [PhB(CH(2)PPh(2))(3)](-)), yields the diamagnetic bridging nitride species [{[PhBP(3)]Fe}(2)(mu-N)][Na(THF)(5)] (3). The Fe-N-Fe linkage featured in the anion of 3 exhibits an unusually bent angle of approximately 135 degrees , and the short Fe-N bond distances (Fe-N(av) approximately equal to 1.70 A) suggest substantial Fe-N multiple bond character. The diamagnetic imide complex {[PhBP(3)]Fe(II)(triple bond)N(1-Ad)}{(n)()Bu(4)N} (4) has been prepared by sodium amalgam reduction of its low-spin iron(III) precursor, [PhBP(3)]Fe(III)(triple bond)N(1-Ad) (5). Complexes 4 and 5 have been structurally characterized, and their respective electronic structures are discussed in the context of a supporting DFT calculation. Diamagnetic 4 provides a bona fide example of a pseudotetrahedral iron(II) center in a low-spin ground-state configuration. Comparative optical data strongly suggest that dinuclear 3 is best described as containing two high-spin iron(II) centers that are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled to give rise to a singlet ground-state at room temperature.     

Oxygen atom transfer in models for molybdenum enzymes: isolation and structural, spectroscopic, and computational studies of intermediates in oxygen atom transfer from molybdenum(VI) to phosphorus(III)

Intermediates in the oxygen atom transfer from Mo(VI) to P(III), [Tp(iPr)MoOX(OPR3)] (Tp(iPr) = hydrotris(3-isopropylpyrazol-1-yl)borate; X = Cl-, phenolates, thiolates), have been isolated from the reactions of [Tp(iPr)MoO2X] with phosphines (PEt3, PMePh2, PPh3). The green, diamagnetic oxomolybdenum(IV) complexes possess local C(1) symmetry (by NMR spectroscopy) and exhibit IR bands assigned to nu(Mo==O) (approximately 950 cm(-1)) and nu(P==O) (1140-1083 cm(-1)) vibrations. The X-ray crystal structures of [Tp(iPr)MoOX(OPEt3)] (X = OC6H4-2-sBu, SnBu), [Tp(iPr)MoO(OPh)(OPMePh2)], and [Tp(iPr)MoOCl(OPPh3)] have been determined. The monomeric complexes exhibit distorted octahedral geometries, with coordination spheres composed of tridentate fac-Tp(iPr) and mutually cis monodentate terminal oxo, phosphoryl (phosphine oxide), and monoanionic X ligands. The electronic structures and stabilities of the complexes have been probed by computational methods, with the three-dimensional energy surfaces confirming the existence of a low-energy steric pocket that restricts the conformational freedom of the phosphoryl ligand and inhibits complete oxygen atom transfer. The reactivity of the complexes is also briefly described.     

Preparation and characterization of diarylphosphazene and diarylphosphinohydrazide complexes of titanium, tungsten and ruthenium and phosphorylketimido complexes of rhenium

Reaction of the proligand Ph2PN(SiMe3)2 (L1) with WCl6 gives the oligomeric phosphazene complex [WCl4(NPPh2)]n, 1 and subsequent reaction with PMe2Ph or NBu4Cl gives [WCl4(NPPh2)(PMe2Ph)] (2) or [WCl5(NPPh2)][NBu4] (3), respectively. DF calculations on [WCl5(NPPh2)][NBu4] show a W=N double bond (1.756 A) and a P-N bond distance of 1.701 A, which combined with the geometry about the P atom suggests, there is no P-N multiple bonding. Reaction of L1 with [ReOX3(PPh3)2] in MeCN (X = Cl or Br) gives [ReX2(NC(CH3)P(O)Ph2)(MeCN)(PPh3)](X = Cl, 4, X = Br, 5) which contains the new phosphorylketimido ligand. It is bound to the rhenium centre with a virtually linear Re-N-C arrangement (Re-N-C angle = 176.6 degrees, when X = Cl) and there is multiple bonding between Re and N (Re-N = 1.809(7) A when X = Cl). The proligand Ph2PNHNMe2(L2H) reacts with [(C5H5)TiCl3] to give [(C5H5)TiCl2(Me2NNPPh2)] (6). An X-ray crystal structure of the complex shows the ligand (L2) is bound by both nitrogen atoms. Reaction of the proligands Ph2PNHNR2[R2 = Me2 (L2H), -(CH2CH2)2NCH3 (L3H), (CH2CH2)2CH2 (L4H)] with [{RuCl(mu-Cl)(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)}2] gave [RuCl2(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)L] {L = L2H (7), L3H (8), L4H (9)}. The X-ray crystal structures of 7-9 confirmed that the phosphinohydrazine ligand is neutral and bound via the phosphorus only. Reaction of complexes 7-9 with AgBF4 resulted in chloride ion abstraction and the formation of the cationic species [RuCl(6-p-MeC6H4iPr)(L)]+ BF4- {(L = L2H (10), L3H (11), L4H (12)}. Finally, reaction of complex 6 with [{RuCl(mu-Cl)(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)}2] gave the binuclear species [(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)Cl2Ru(mu2,eta3-Ph2PNNMe2)TiCl2(C5H5)], 13.     

Ruthenium hydride complexes of the hindered phosphine ligand tris(3-diisopropylphosphinopropyl)phosphine

The synthesis and characterization of the novel hindered tripodal phosphine ligand P(CH(2)CH(2)CH(2)P(i)Pr(2))(3) (P(3)P(3)(iPr)) (1) are reported, along with the synthesis and characterization of ruthenium chloro and hydrido complexes of 1. Complexes [RuCl(P(3)P(3)(i)Pr)][BPh(4)] (2[BPh(4)]), RuH(2)(P(3)P(3)(i)Pr) (3), and [Ru(H(2))(H)(P(3)P(3)(iPr))][BPh(4)] (4[BPh(4)]) were characterized by crystallography. Complex 2 is fluxional in solution, and low-temperature NMR spectroscopy of the complex correlates well with two dynamic processes, an exchange between stereoisomers and a faster turnstile-type exchange within one of the stereoisomers.     

Catalytic P--H activation by Ti and Zr catalysts

Catalytic dehydrocoupling of phosphines was investigated using the anionic zirconocene trihydride salts [Cp*2Zr(mu-H)3Li]3 (1 a) or [Cp*2Zr(mu-H)3K(thf)4] (1 b), and the metallocycles [CpTi(NPtBu3)(CH2)4] (6) and [Cp*M(NPtBu3)(CH2)4] (M=Ti 20, Zr 21) as catalyst precursors. Dehydrocoupling of primary phosphines RPH2 (R=Ph, C6H2Me3, Cy, C10H7) gave both dehydrocoupled dimers RP(H)P(H)R or cyclic oligophosphines (RP)n (n=4, 5) while reaction of tBu3C6H2PH2 gave the phosphaindoline tBu2(Me2CCH2)C6H2PH 9. Stoichiometric reactions of these catalyst precursors with primary phosphines afforded [Cp*2Zr((PR)2)H][K(thf)4] (R=Ph 2, Cy 3, C6H2Me3 4), [Cp*2Zr((PPh)3)H][K(thf)4] (5), [CpTi(NPtBu3)(PPh)3] (7) and [CpTi(NPtBu3)(mu-PHPh)]2 (8), while reaction of 6 with (C6H2tBu3)PH2 in the presence of PMe3 afforded [CpTi(NPtBu3)(PMe3)(P(C6H2tBu3)] (10). The secondary phosphines Ph2PH and (PhHPCH2)2CH2 also undergo dehydrocoupling affording (Ph2P)2 and (PhPCH2)2CH2. The bisphosphines (CH2PH2)2 and C6H4(PH2)2 are dehydrocoupled to give (PCH2CH2PH)2)(12) and (C6H4P(PH))2 (13) while prolonged reaction of 13 gave (C6H4P2)(8) (14). The analogous bisphosphine Me2C6H4(PH)2 (17) was prepared and dehydrocoupling catalysis afforded (Me2C6H2P(PH))2 (18) and subsequently [(Me2C6H2P2)2(mu-Me2C6H2P2)]2 (19). Stoichiometric reactions with these bisphosphines gave [Cp*2Zr(H)(PH)2C6-H4][Li(thf)4] (22), [CpTi(NPtBu3)(PH)2C6H4]2 (23) and [Cp*Ti(NPtBu3)(PH)2C6H4] (24). Mechanistic implications are discussed.     

Mixed phosphine and group-13 metal ligator complexes [(PR3)(a)M(ECp*)b] (M = Mo, Ni; E = Ga, Al; R = C6H5, cyclo-C6H11, CH3)

Treatment of [Mo(N(2))(PMe(3))(5)] with two equivalents GaCp* (Cp* = η(5)-C(5)(CH(3))(5)) leads to the formation of cis-[Mo(GaCp*)(2)(PMe(3))(4)] (1), while AlCp* did not react with this precursor. In addition, [Ni(GaCp*)(2)(PPh(3))(2)] (2a), [Ni(AlCp*)(2)(PPh(3))(2)] (2b), [Ni(GaCp*)(2)(PCy(3))(2)] (3a), [Ni(GaCp*)(2)(PMe(3))(2)] (3b), [Ni(GaCp*)(3)(PCy(3))] (4) and [Ni(GaCp*)(PMe(3))(3)] (5) have been prepared in high yields by a direct synthesis from [Ni(COD)(2)] and stoichiometric amounts of the ligands PR(3) and ECp* (E = Al, Ga), respectively. All compounds have been fully characterized by (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Reaction of [P(2)N(2)]Ta==CH(2)(Me) with ethylene: synthesis of [P(2)N(2)]Ta(C(2)H(4))Et, a neutral species with a beta-agostic ethyl group in equilibrium with an alpha-agostic ethyl group ([P(2)N(2)] = PhP(CH(2)SiMe(2)CH(2))(2)PPh).

The photolysis of [P(2)N(2)]TaMe(3) ([P(2)N(2)] = PhP(CH(2)SiMe(2)NSiMe(2)CH(2))(2)PPh) produces [P(2)N(2)]Ta=CH(2)(Me) as the major product. The thermally unstable methylidene complex decomposes in solution in the absence of trapping agents to unidentified products. However, in the presence of ethylene [P(2)N(2)]Ta=CH(2)(Me) is slowly converted to [P(2)N(2)]Ta(C(2)H(4))Et, with [P(2)N(2)]Ta(C(2)H(4))Me observed as a minor product. A mechanistic study suggests that the formation of [P(2)N(2)]Ta(C(2)H(4))Et results from the trapping of [P(2)N(2)]TaEt, formed by the migratory insertion of the methylene moiety into the tantalum-methyl bond. The minor product, [P(2)N(2)]Ta(C(2)H(4))Me, forms from the decomposition of a tantalacyclobutane resulting from the addition of ethylene to [P(2)N(2)]Ta=CH(2)(Me) and is accompanied by the production of an equivalent of propylene. Pure [P(2)N(2)]Ta(C(2)H(4))Et can be synthesized by hydrogenation of [P(2)N(2)]TaMe(3) in the presence of PMe(3), followed by the reaction of ethylene with the resulting trihydride. Crystallographic and NMR data indicate the presence of a beta-agostic interaction between the ethyl group and tantalum center in [P(2)N(2)]Ta(C(2)H(4))Et. Partially deuterated analogues of [P(2)N(2)]Ta(C(2)H(4))Et show a large isotopic perturbation of resonance for both the beta-protons and the alpha-protons of the ethyl group, indicative of an equilibrium between a beta-agostic and an alpha-agostic interaction for the ethyl group in solution. An EXSY spectrum demonstrates that an additional fluxional process occurs that exchanges all of the (1)H environments of the ethyl and ethylene ligands. The mechanism of this exchange is believed to involve the direct transfer of the beta-agostic hydrogen atom from the ethyl group to the ethylene ligand, via the so-called beta-hydrogen transfer process.