Octahedral Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NHR) (Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate; L = L' = P(OMe)3 or PMe3 or L = CO and L' = PPh3; R = H,Ph, or tBu): synthesis,characterization, and reactions with weakly acidic C-H bonds

The octahedral Ru(II) amine complexes [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)R)][OTf] (L = L' = PMe(3), P(OMe)(3) or L = CO and L' = PPh(3); R = H or (t)Bu) have been synthesized and characterized. Deprotonation of the amine complexes [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(3))][OTf] or [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][OTf] yields the Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)) and TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu). Reactions of the parent amido complexes or TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu) with phenylacetylene at room temperature result in immediate deprotonation to form ruthenium-amine/phenylacetylide ion pairs, and heating a benzene solution of the [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][PhC(2)] ion pair results in the formation of the Ru(II) phenylacetylide complex TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(C[triple bond]CPh) in >90% yield. The observation that [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][PhC(2)] converts to the Ru(II) acetylide with good yield while heating the ion pairs [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(3))][PhC(2)] yields multiple products is attributed to reluctant dissociation of ammonia compared with the (t)butylamine ligand (i.e., different rates for acetylide/amine exchange). These results are consistent with ligand exchange reactions of Ru(II) amine complexes [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)R)][OTf] (R = H or (t)Bu) with acetonitrile. The previously reported phenyl amido complexes TpRuL(2)(NHPh) [L = PMe(3) or P(OMe)(3)] react with 10 equiv of phenylacetylene at elevated temperature to produce Ru(II) acetylide complexes TpRuL(2)(C[triple bond]CPh) in quantitative yields. Kinetic studies indicate that the reaction of TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NHPh) with phenylacetylene occurs via a pathway that involves TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(OTf) or [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)Ph)][OTf] as catalyst. Reactions of 1,4-cyclohexadiene with the Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)) (L = L' = PMe(3) or L = CO and L' = PPh(3)) or TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu) at elevated temperatures result in the formation of benzene and Ru hydride complexes. TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(H), [Tp(PMe(3))(2)Ru[double bond]C[double bond]C(H)Ph][OTf], [Tp(PMe(3))(2)Ru=C(CH(2)Ph)[N(H)Ph]][OTf], and [TpRu(PMe(3))(3)][OTf] have been independently prepared and characterized. Results from solid-state X-ray diffraction studies of the complexes [TpRu(CO)(PPh(3))(NH(3))][OTf], [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(3))][OTf], and TpRu(CO)(PPh(3))(C[triple bond]CPh) are reported.     

Novel double insertion of carbon disulfide into two Ru-H bonds of [(dppm)(2)Ru(H)(2)] (dppm = Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2)): synthesis and crystal structure of a methanedithiolate complex

Addition of excess carbon disulfide to cis/trans-[(dppm)(2)Ru(H)(2)] results in the methanedithiolate complex [(dppm)(2)Ru(eta(2)-S(2)CH(2))] 4 via the intermediacy of cis-[(dppm)(2)Ru(H)(SC(S)H)] 2. The X-ray crystal structure of this species has been determined.     

Synthesis and reactivity of the ruthenium(II) dithiocarbonate complex [Ru(kappa2-S2C=O)(dppm)2] (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane)

Reaction of cis-[RuCl2(dppm)2] (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) with CS2 and NaOH yields the first ruthenium dithiocarbonate complex, [Ru(kappa2-S2C=O)(dppm)2]. Protonation with tetrafluoroboric acid affords the xanthate complex [Ru(kappa2-S2COH)(dppm)2]BF4 in a reversible manner, suggesting that this may be an intermediate in dithiocarbonate formation. [Ru(kappa2-S2C=O)(dppm)2] reacts with methyl iodide or [Me3O]BF4 to give [Ru(kappa2-S2COMe)(dppm)2]+, also obtained from the reaction of cis-[RuCl2dppm)2] with CS2 and NaOMe. Two modifications of [Ru(kappa2-S(2)C=O)(dppm)2] were examined crystallographically and the structure of [Ru(kappa2-S2COMe)(dppm)2]BF4 and a new modification of cis-[RuCl2(dppm)2] are also reported.     

Stoichiometric and catalytic reactivity of the N-heterocyclic carbene ruthenium hydride complexes [Ru(NHC)(L)(CO)HCl] and [Ru(NHC)(L)(CO)H(eta2-BH4)] (L=NHC, PPh3)

Thermolysis of [Ru(AsPh3)3(CO)H2] with the N-aryl heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) IMes (1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene), IPr (1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) or the adduct SIPr.(C6F5)H (SIPr=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene), followed by addition of CH2Cl2, affords the coordinatively unsaturated ruthenium hydride chloride complexes [Ru(NHC)2(CO)HCl] (NHC=IMes , IPr , SIPr ). These react with CO at room temperature to yield the corresponding 18-electron dicarbonyl complexes . Reduction of and [Ru(IMes)(PPh3)(CO)HCl] () with NaBH4 yields the isolable borohydride complexes [Ru(NHC)(L)(CO)H(eta2-BH4)] (, L=NHC, PPh3). Both the bis-IMes complex and the IMes-PPh3 species react with CO at low temperature to give the eta1-borohydride species [Ru(IMes)(L)(CO)2H(eta1-BH4)] (L=IMes , PPh3), which can be spectroscopically characterised. Upon warming to room temperature, further reaction with CO takes place to afford initially [Ru(IMes)(L)(CO)2H2] (L=IMes, L=PPh3) and, ultimately, [Ru(IMes)(L)(CO)3] (L=IMes , L=PPh3). Both and lose BH3 on addition of PMe2Ph to give [Ru(IMes)(L)(L')(CO)H2](L=L'=PMe2Ph; L=PPh3, L'=PMe2Ph). Compounds and have been tested as catalysts for the hydrogenation of aromatic ketones in the presence of (i)PrOH and H2. For the reduction of acetophenone, catalytic activity varies with the NHC present, decreasing in the order IPr>IMes>SIMes.     

Thermodynamic hydride donor abilities of [HW(CO)4L]- complexes (L = PPh3, P(OMe)3, CO) and their reactions with [C5Me5Re(PMe3)(NO)(CO)]+

The thermodynamic hydride donor abilities of [HW(CO)(5)](-) (40 kcal/mol), [HW(CO)(4)P(OMe(3))](-) (37 kcal/mol), and [HW(CO)(4)(PPh(3))](-) (36 kcal/mol) have been measured in acetonitrile by either equilibrium or calorimetric methods. The hydride donor abilities of these complexes are compared with other complexes for which similar thermodynamic measurements have been made. [HW(CO)(5)](-), [HW(CO)(4)P(OMe(3))](-), and [HW(CO)(4)(PPh(3))](-) all react rapidly with [CpRe(PMe(3))(NO)(CO)](+) to form dinuclear intermediates with bridging formyl ligands. These intermediates slowly form [CpRe(PMe(3))(NO)(CHO)] and [W(CO)(4)(L)(CH(3)CN)]. The structure of cis-[HW(CO)(4)(PPh(3))](-) has been determined and has the expected octahedral structure. The hydride ligand bends away from the CO ligand trans to PPh(3) and toward PPh(3).     

Substitution reactions of [Ru(dppe)(CO)(H(2)O)(3)][OTf](2)

The labile nature of the coordinated water ligands in the organometallic aqua complex [Ru(dppe)(CO)(H(2)O)(3)][OTf](2) (1) (dppe = Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2); OTf = OSO(2)CF(3)) has been investigated through substitution reactions with a range of incoming ligands. Dissolution of 1 in acetonitrile or dimethyl sulfoxide results in the facile displacement of all three waters to give [Ru(dppe)(CO)(CH(3)CN)(3)][OTf](2) (2) and [Ru(dppe)(CO)(DMSO)(3)][OTf](2) (3), respectively. Similarly, 1 reacts with Me(3)CNC to afford [Ru(dppe)(CO)(CNCMe(3))(3)][OTf](2) (4). Addition of 1 equiv of 2,2'-bipyridyl (bpy) or 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (Me(2)bpy) to acetone/water solutions of 1 initially yields [Ru(dppe)(CO)(H(2)O)(bpy)][OTf](2) (5a) and [Ru(dppe)(CO)(H(2)O)(Me(2)bpy)][OTf](2) (6a), in which the coordinated water lies trans to CO. Compounds 5a and 6a rapidly rearrange to isomeric species (5b, 6b) in which the ligated water is trans to dppe. Further reactivity has been demonstrated for 6b, which, upon dissolution in CDCl(3), loses water and coordinates a triflate anion to afford [Ru(dppe)(CO)(OTf)(Me(2)bpy)][OTf] (7). Reaction of 1 with CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)SH gives the dinuclear bridging thiolate complex [[(dppe)Ru(CO)](2)(mu-SCH(2)CH(2)CH(3))(3)][OTf] (8). The reaction of 1 with CO in acetone/water is slow and yields the cationic hydride complex [Ru(dppe)(CO)(3)H][OTf] (9) via a water gas shift reaction. Moreover, the same mechanism can also be used to account for the previously reported synthesis of 1 upon reaction of Ru(dppe)(CO)(2)(OTf)(2) with water (Organometallics 1999, 18, 4068).     

A tungsten-183NMR study of cis and trans isomers of [W(CO)4(PPh3)(PR3)](PR3 = phosphine, phosphite)

Tungsten-183 NMR data are reported for the complexes cis- and trans-[W(CO)4(PPh3)(PR3)] (PR3 = PnBu3, PMe3, PMe2Ph, PMePh2, PPh3, P(4-C6H4OMe)3, P(4-C6H4Me)3, P(4-C6H4F)3, P(OMe)3, P(OEt)3, P(OPh)3 and for PCy3, P(NMe2)3(trans isomer only). The 183W chemical shift (obtained by indirect detection using 31P) is found to be related to the PR3 ligand parameters nu and theta (Tolman electronic factor and cone angle, respectively) for the cis isomers and to nu (but only poorly to theta) for the trans isomers. The 183W-31P spin coupling constant is also related, less clearly for P-C than for P-N and P-O bonded ligands, to nu. Chemical shifts are referenced to an absolute frequency Xi (183W) = 4.15 MHz, which is proposed as a calibration standard for 183W NMR. The structures of cis-[W(CO)4(PPh3)(PMe3)] and cis-[W(CO)4(PPh3){P(4-C6H4F)3}] are reported.     

Transition metal complexes of the chelating phosphine borane ligand Ph2PCH2Ph2P.BH3

Chromium and ruthenium complexes of the chelating phosphine borane H(3)B.dppm are reported. Addition of H(3)B.dppm to [Cr(CO)(4)(nbd)](nbd = norbornadiene) affords [Cr(CO)(4)(eta1-H(3)B.dppm)] in which the borane is linked to the metal through a single B-H-Cr interaction. Addition of H(3)B.dppm to [CpRu(PR(3))(NCMe)(2)](+)(Cp =eta5)-C(5)H(5)) results in [CpRu(PR(3))(eta1-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)](R = Me, OMe) which also show a single B-H-Ru interaction. Reaction with [CpRu(NCMe)(3)](+) only resulted in a mixture of products. In contrast, with [Cp*Ru(NCMe)(3)](+)(Cp*=eta5)-C(5)Me(5)) a single product is isolated in high yield: [Cp*Ru(eta2-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)]. This complex shows two B-H-Ru interactions. Reaction with L = PMe(3) or CO breaks one of these and the complexes [Cp*Ru(L)(eta1-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)] are formed in good yield. With L = MeCN an equilibrium is established between [Cp*Ru(eta2-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)] and the acetonitrile adduct. [Cp*Ru (eta2-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)] can be considered as being "operationally unsaturated", effectively acting as a source of 16-electron [Cp*Ru (eta1-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)]. All the new compounds (apart from the CO and MeCN adducts) have been characterised by X-ray crystallography. The solid-state structure of H(3)B.dppm is also reported.     

Novel ruthenium(ii) complexes containing the N-phosphorylated iminophosphorane-phosphine ligand Ph(2)PCH(2)P{[double bond, length as m-dash]NP([double bond, length as m-dash]O)(OEt)(2)}Ph(2): a new coordination mode of its methanide anion

The reactivity of complex [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(kappa(3)P,N,O-Ph(2)PCH(2)P{[double bond, length as m-dash]NP([double bond, length as m-dash]O)(OEt)(2)}Ph(2))][SbF(6)](2) towards a variety of mono- and bidentate neutral ligands has been studied, allowing the high-yield synthesis of the novel half-sandwich Ru(ii) derivatives [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(L)(kappa(2)P,O-Ph(2)PCH(2)P{[double bond, length as m-dash]NP([double bond, length as m-dash]O)(OEt)(2)}Ph(2))][SbF(6)](2) (L = N[triple bond, length as m-dash]CMe , N[triple bond, length as m-dash]CEt , PMe(3), PMe(2)Ph , PMePh(2), PPh(3), P(OMe)(3), P(OEt)(3), P(OPh)(3), py , kappa(1)P-dppm , kappa(1)P-dppe ), as well as the octahedral species [Ru(Ninsertion markN)(2)(kappa(2)P,O-Ph(2)PCH(2)P{[double bond, length as m-dash]NP([double bond, length as m-dash]O)(OEt)(2)}Ph(2))][SbF(6)](2) (Ninsertion markN = bipy , phen ). Deprotonation of complexes ,, upon treatment with an excess of NaOH in CH(2)Cl(2), generates the monocationic derivatives [Ru(Ninsertion markN)(2)(kappa(2)P,N-Ph(2)PC(H)[double bond, length as m-dash]P{NP([double bond, length as m-dash]O)(OEt)(2)}Ph(2))][Cl] (Ninsertion markN = bipy , phen ) in which the methanide anion adopts an unprecedented kappa(2)P,N bidentate coordination mode. The structures of compounds , and have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods.     

Dinitrogen formation by oxidative intramolecular N---N coupling in cis,cis-[(bpy)2(NH3)RuORu(NH3)(bpy)2]4+

The (15)N-labeled diammine(mu-oxo)ruthenium complex cis,cis-[(bpy)(2)(H(3)(15)N)Ru(III)ORu(III)((15)NH(3))(bpy)(2)](4+) ((2-(15)N)(4+)) was synthesized from cis,cis-[(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)Ru(III)ORu(III)(H(2)O)(bpy)(2)](4+) by using ((15)NH(4))(2)SO(4) and isolated as its perchlorate salt in 17% yield. A 1:1 mixture of (2-(15)N)(4+) and nonlabeled cis,cis-[(bpy)(2)(H(3)(14)N)Ru(III)ORu(III)((14)NH(3))(bpy)(2)](4+) were electrochemically oxidized in aqueous solution. The gaseous products (14)N(2) and (15)N(2) were formed in equimolar amounts with only a small amount of (14)N(15)N detected. This demonstrates that dinitrogen formation by oxidation of the diammine complex proceeds by intramolecular N---N coupling.     

Oxidation of linear trinuclear ruthenium complexes [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)] and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)]: synthesis, structures, electrochemical and magnetic properties

The neutral, monocationic, and dicationic linear trinuclear ruthenium compounds [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)], [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)][BF(4)], [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)], and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)](2) (dpa=the anion of dipyridylamine) have been synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Cyclic voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical studies on the neutral and oxidized compounds are reported. These compounds undergo three successive metal-centered one-electron-transfer processes. X-ray structural studies reveal a symmetrical Ru(3) unit for these compounds. While the metal--metal bond lengths change only slightly, the metal--axial ligand lengths exhibit a significant decrease upon oxidation of the neutral complex. The electronic configuration of the Ru(3) unit changes as the axial chloride ligands are replaced by the stronger "pi-acid" cyanide axial ligands. Magnetic measurements and (1)H NMR spectra indicate that [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)] and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)](2) are in a spin state of S=0 and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)], [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)], and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)][BF(4)] are in spin states of S=1/2, 1, and 3/2, respectively. These results are consistent with molecular orbital (MO) calculations.     

Homobinuclear cyanide-bridged linkage isomers containing the redox-active unit [(micro-XY)Ru(CO)2L(o-O2C6Cl4)] (XY=CN or NC)

The salts [NEt4][Ru(CN)(CO)2L(o-O2C6Cl4)] {L=PPh3 or P(OPh)3}, which undergo one-electron oxidation at the catecholate ligand to give neutral semiquinone complexes [Ru(CN)(CO)2L(o-O2C6Cl4)], react with the dimers [{Ru(CO)2L(micro-o-O2C6Cl4)}2] {L=PPh3 or P(OPh)3} to give [NEt4][(o-O2C6Cl4)L(OC)2Ru(micro-CN)Ru(CO)2L'(o-O2C6Cl4)] {L or L'=PPh3 or P(OPh)3}. The cyanide-bridged binuclear anions are, in turn, reversibly oxidised to isolable neutral and cationic complexes [(o-O2C6Cl4)L(OC)2Ru(micro-CN)Ru(CO)2L'(o-O2C6Cl4)] and [(o-O2C6Cl4)L(OC)2Ru(micro-CN)Ru(CO)2L'(o-O2C6Cl4)]+ which contain one and two semiquinone ligands respectively. Structural studies on the redox pair [(o-O2C6Cl4)(Ph3P)(OC)2Ru(micro-CN)Ru(CO)2(PPh3)(o-O2C6Cl4)]- and [(o-O2C6Cl4)(Ph3P)(OC)2Ru(micro-CN)Ru(CO)2(PPh3)(o-O2C6Cl4)] confirm that the C-bound Ru(CO)2(o-O2C6Cl4) fragment is oxidised first. Uniquely, [(o-O2C6Cl4){(PhO)3P}(OC)2Ru(micro-CN)Ru(CO)2(PPh3)(o-O2C6Cl4)]- is oxidised first at the N-bound fragment, indicating that it is possible to control the site of electron transfer by tuning the co-ligands. Crystallisation of [(o-O2C6Cl4)(Ph3P)(OC)2Ru(micro-CN)Ru(CO)2{P(OPh)3}(o-O2C6Cl4)] resulted in the formation of an isomer in which the P(OPh)3 ligand is cis to the cyanide bridge, contrasting with the trans arrangement of the X-Ru-L fragment in all other complexes of the type RuX(CO)2L(o-O2C6Cl4).     

Synthesis of the five-coordinate ruthenium(II) complexes [(PCP)Ru(CO)(L)][BAr'4] [PCP = 2,6-(CH2P(t)Bu2)2C6H3, BAr'4 = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3, L = eta1-ClCH2Cl, eta1-N2, or mu-Cl-Ru(PCP)(CO)]: reactions with phenyldiazomethane and phenylacetylene

Reaction of (PCP)Ru(CO)(Cl) (1) with NaBAr'4 yields the bimetallic product [[(PCP)Ru(CO)](2)(mu-Cl)][BAr'4] (2). The monomeric five-coordinate complexes [(PCP)Ru(CO)(eta1-ClCH2Cl)][BAr'4] (3) and [(PCP)Ru(CO)(eta1-N2)][BAr'4] (4) are synthesized upon reaction of (PCP)Ru(CO)(OTf) (6) with NaBAr'4 in CH2Cl2 or C6H5F, respectively. The solid-state structures of 2, 3, and 4 have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies of single crystals. The reaction of 3 with PhCHN2 or PhCCH affords carbon-carbon coupling products involving the aryl group of the PCP ligand in transformations that likely proceed via the formation of Ru carbene or vinylidene intermediates. Density functional theory and hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations were performed to investigate the bonding of weak bases to the 14-electron fragment [(PCP)Ru(CO)]+ and the energetics of different isomers of the product carbene and vinylidene complexes.     

Coordination chemistry of 4-methyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo[2,2,1]heptane: preparation and characterization of Ru(II) complexes

The complexes TpRu[P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)](PPh(3))Cl (2) [Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate; P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) (1) = (4-methyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo[2,2,1]heptane] and TpRu(L)(PPh(3))Cl [L = P(OCH(2))(3)CEt (3), PMe(3) (4) or P(OMe)(3) (5)], (η(6)-C(6)H(6))Ru(L)Cl(2) [L = PPh(3) (6), P(OMe)(3) (7), PMe(3) (8), P(OCH(2))(3)CEt (9), CO (10) or P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) (11)] and (η(6)-p-cymene)Ru(L)Cl(2) [L = P(OCH(2))(3)CEt (12), P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3))P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) (13), P(OMe)(3) (14) or PPh(3) (15)] have been synthesized, isolated, and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, mass spectrometry, and, for some complexes, single crystal X-ray diffraction. Data from cyclic voltammetry and solid-state structures have been used to compare the properties of (1) with other phosphorus-based ligands as well as carbon monoxide. Data from the solid-state structures of Ru(II) complexes show that P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) has a cone angle of 104°. Cyclic voltammetry data reveal that the Ru(II) complexes bearing P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) have more positive Ru(III/II) redox potentials than analogous complexes with the other phosphorus ligands; however, the Ru(III/II) potential for (η(6)-C(6)H(6))Ru[P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3))]Cl(2) is more negative compared to the Ru(III/II) potential for the CO complex (η(6)-C(6)H(6))Ru(CO)Cl(2). For the Ru(II) complexes studied herein, these data are consistent with the overall donor ability of 1 being less than other common phosphines (e.g., PMe(3) or PPh(3)) or phosphites [e.g., P(OCH(2))(3)CEt or P(OMe)(3)] but greater than carbon monoxide.     

Large effects of ion pairing and protonic-hydridic bonding on the stereochemistry and basicity of crown-, azacrown-, and cryptand-222-potassium salts of anionic tetrahydride complexes of iridium(III)

The compounds [K(Q)][IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)] (Q = 18-crown-6, R = Ph, (i)Pr, Cy; Q = aza-18-crown-6, R = (i)Pr; Q = 1,10-diaza-18-crown-6, R = Ph, (i)Pr, Cy; Q = cryptand-222, R = (i)Pr, Cy) were formed in the reactions of IrH(5)(PR(3))(2) with KH and Q. In solution, the stereochemistry of the salts of [IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)](-) is surprisingly sensitive to the countercation: either trans as the potassium cryptand-222 salts (R = Cy, (i)Pr) or exclusively cis (R = Cy, Ph) as the crown- and azacrown-potassium salts or a mixture of cis and trans (R = (i)Pr). There is IR evidence for protonic-hydridic bonding between the NH of the aza salts and the iridium hydride in solution. In single crystals of [K(18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)] (R = Ph, (i)Pr) and [K(aza-18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)], the potassium bonds to three hydrides on a face of the iridium octahedron according to X-ray diffraction studies. Significantly, [K(1,10-diaza-18-crown-6)][trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] crystallizes in a chain structure held together by protonic-hydridic bonds. In [K(1,10-diaza-18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(PPh(3))(2)], the potassium bonds to two hydrides so that one NH can form an intra-ion-pair protonic-hydridic hydrogen bond while the other forms an inter-ion-pair NH.HIr hydrogen bond to form chains through the lattice. Thus, there is a competition between the potassium and NH groups in forming bonds with the hydrides on iridium. The more basic P(i)R(3) complex has the lower N-H stretch in the IR spectrum because of stronger N[bond]H...HIr hydrogen bonding. The trans complexes have very low Ir-H wavenumbers (1670-1680) due to the trans hydride ligands. The [K(cryptand)](+) salt of [trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)](-) reacts with WH(6)(PMe(2)Ph)(3) (pK(alpha)(THF) 42) to give an equilibrium (K(eq) = 1.6) with IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) and [WH(5)(PMe(2)Ph)(3)](-) while the same reaction of WH(6)(PMe(2)Ph)(3) with the [K(18-crown-6)](+) salt of [cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)](-) has a much larger equilibrium constant (K(eq) = 150) to give IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) and [WH(5)(PMe(2)Ph)(3)](-); therefore, the tetrahydride anion displays an unprecedented increase (about 100-fold) in basicity with a change from [K(crypt)](+) to [K(crown)](+) countercation and a change from trans to cis stereochemistry. The acidity of the pentahydrides decrease in THF as IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)/[K(crypt)][trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 42) > IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2)/[K(crypt)][trans-IrH(4)(PCy(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 43) > IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)/[K(crown)][cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 44) > IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2)/[K(crown)][cis-IrH(4)(PCy(3))(2)]. The loss of PCy(3) from IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2) can result in mixed ligand complexes and H/D exchange with deuterated solvents. Reductive cleavage of P-Ph bonds is observed in some preparations of the PPh(3) complexes.     

Highly electrophilic, 16-electron [Ru(P(OMe)(OH)(2))(dppe)(2)](2+) complex turns H(2)(g) into a strong acid and splits a Si-H bond heterolytically. Synthesis and structure of the novel phosphorous acid complex [Ru(P(OH)(3))(dppe)(2)](2+)

The highly electrophilic, 16-electron, coordinatively unsaturated [Ru(P(OMe)(OH)(2))(dppe)(2)][OTf](2) complex brings about the heterolytic activation of H(2)(g) and spontaneously generates HOTf. In addition, trans-[Ru(H)(P(OMe)(OH)(2))(dppe)(2)](+) and an unprecedented example of a phosphorous acid complex, [Ru(P(OH)(3))(dppe)(2)](2+), are formed. The [Ru(P(OMe)(OH)(2))(dppe)(2)][OTf](2) complex also cleaves the Si-H bond in EtMe(2)SiH in a heterolytic fashion, resulting in the trans-[Ru(H)(P(OMe)(OH)(2))(dppe)(2)](+) derivative.     

Heterobimetallic, cubane-like Mo(3)S(4)M' cluster cores containing the noble metals M' = Ru, Os, Rh, Ir. Unprecedented tri(mu-carbonyl) bridge between ruthenium atoms in [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)Mo(3)S(4)Ru)2(mu-CO)3]2+

Reaction of the methylcyclopentadienyl (Cp') cluster compound [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)Mo(3)S(4)][pts] (pts = p-toluenesulfonate) with noble metal alkene complexes resulted in the formation of four new heterobimetallic cubane-like Mo(3)S(4)M' cluster cores (M' = Ru, Os, Rh, Ir). Thus, reaction with [(1,5-cod)Ru(CO)(3)] or [(1,3-cod)Os(CO)(3)] (cod = cyclooctadiene) afforded [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)Mo(3)S(4)M'(CO)(2)][pts] (M' = Ru: [1][pts]; M' = Os: [2][pts]). When [1][pts] was kept in CH(2)Cl(2)/pentane solution, partial loss of carbonyl ligands occurred and the carbonyl-bridged dicubane cluster [((eta(5)-Cp')(3)Mo(3)S(4)Ru)(2)(mu-CO)(3)][pts](2) was isolated. An X-ray crystal structure revealed the presence of the hitherto unobserved Ru(mu-CO)(3)Ru structural element. The formation of cluster compounds containing Mo(3)S(4)Rh and Mo(3)S(4)Ir cores was achieved in boiling methanol by reacting [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)Mo(3)S(4)][pts] with [M'Cl(cyclooctene)(2)](2) (M' = Rh, Ir) in the presence of PPh(3). In this way [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)Mo(3)S(4)M'Cl(PPh(3))][pts] (M' = Rh, Ir) could be isolated. An alternative route to the Mo(3)S(4)Rh cluster core was found in the reaction of [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)Mo(3)S(4)][pts] with [RhCl(1,5-cod)](2), which yielded [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)Mo(3)S(4)Rh(cod)][pts](2) ([7][pts](2)). Substitution of the cod ligand in [7][pts](2) by 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)propane (dppp) gave [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)Mo(3)S(4)Rh(dppp)][pts](2).     

Synthesis and structure of [Zn(OMe)(L)] x [Zn(OH)(L)] x 2(BPh4), L = cis,cis-1,3,5-tris[(E,E)-3-(2-furyl)acrylideneamino]cyclohexane: structural models of carbonic anhydrase and liver alcohol dehydrogenase

Direct reaction of [Zn(OH)(L)]+, L = cis,cis-1,3,5-tris[(E,E)-3-(2-furyl)acrylideneamino]cyclohexane, with methanol gives a mixture of the starting material and [Zn(OMe)(L)]+; structural analysis of the complexes shows that they are models of reactive intermediates in the catalytic cycles of the zinc enzymes carbonic anhydrase and liver alcohol dehydrogenase.     

Chemistry of dihydrogen complexes containing only phosphorus co-ligands

A series of new dicationic dihydrogen complexes of ruthenium of the typecis-[(dppm)₂Ru(η₂-H₂)(L)][BF₄]₂ (dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂; L = phosphite) have been prepared by protonating the precursor hydride complexescis-[(dppm)₂Ru(H)(L)][BF₄] using HBF₄•Et₂O. The precursor hydride complexes have been obtained fromtrans-[(dppm)₂Ru(H)(L)][BF₄] (L = phosphite) via a rare acid-catalysed isomerization reaction in six coordinate species. Thetrans-[(dppm)₂Ru(H)(L)][BF₄] complexes (L = phosphine) upon protonation gave the isomerized derivatives, however, further addition of acid resulted in a five-coordinate species, [(dppm)₂RuCl]⁺ presumably via an intermediate phosphine dihydrogen complex. The electronic as well as the steric properties of the co-ligands seem to strongly influence the structure-reactivity behaviour of this series of complexes.     

Study of the ligand substitution reactions of cis,cis-[(bpy)(2)(L)RuORu(L')(bpy)(2)](n+) (L,L' = H(2)O,OH(-), NH(3)) using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and (1)H NMR

We have successfully applied electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and (1)H NMR analyses to study ligand substitution reactions of mu-oxo ruthenium bipyridine dimers cis,cis-[(bpy)(2)(L)RuORu(L')(bpy)(2)](n+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; L and L' = NH(3), H(2)O, and HO(-)) with solvent molecules, that is, acetonitrile, methanol, and acetone. The results clearly show that the ammine ligand is very stable and was not substituted by any solvents, while the aqua ligand was rapidly substituted by all the solvents. In acetonitrile and acetone solutions, the substitution reaction of the aqua ligand(s) competed with a deprotonation reaction from the ligand. The hydroxyl ligand was not substituted by acetonitrile or acetone, but it exchanged slowly with CH(3)O(-) in methanol. The substitution reaction of the aqua ligands in [(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)Ru(III)ORu(III)(H(2)O)(bpy)(2)](4+) was more rapid than that of the hydroxyl ligand in [(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)Ru(III)ORu(IV)(OH)(bpy)(2)](4+). In methanol, slow reduction of Ru(III) to Ru(II) was observed in all the mu-oxo dimers, and the Ru-O-Ru bridge was then cleaved to give mononuclear Ru(II) complexes.