The lively chemistry of the di-μ-methylene-bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium) complexes, analogues of surface reactions in heterogeneous catalysis

The chemistry of the di-μ-methylene-bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium) complexes is reviewed. The complex [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)RhCl₂}₂] (1a) reacted with MeLi to give, after oxidative work-up, blood-red cis-[{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)₂], 2. This has the two rhodiums in the +4 oxidation state (d⁵), and linked by a metal-metal bond (2.620 Å). Trans-2 was formed on isomerisation of cis-2 in the presence of Lewis acids, or by direct reaction of 1a with Al₂Me₆, followed by dehydrogenation with acetone. The Rh-methyls in [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)₂] were readily replaced under acidic conditions (HX) to give [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(X)₂] (X = Cl, Br or I); these latter complexes reacted with a variety of RMgX to give [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)₂] (R = alkyl, Ph, vinyl, etc.). Trans-2 also reacted with HBF₄ in the presence of L to give first [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)(L)]⁺ and then [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(L)₂]²⁺ (L = MeCN, CO, etc.). The {(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂ core is rather kinetically inert and also forms a variety of complexes with oxy-ligands, both cis-, e.g. [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(μ-OAc)]⁺ and trans-, such as [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺. The complexes [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)L]⁺ (R = Me or aryl) in the presence of CO, or [{(η⁵-C₄Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)₂] (R = Me, Ph or CO₂Me) in the presence of mild oxidants, readily yield the C---C---C coupled products RCH=CH₂. The mechanisms of these couplings have been elucidated by detailed labelling studies: they are more complex than expected, but allow direct analogies to be drawn to C---C couplints that occur during Fischer-Tropsch reactions on rhodium surfaces.     

Synthesis and decomposition of neutral palladium(IV) complexes containing fac-PdMe2R groups, including reductive elimination by η-propenylpalladium(IV) complexes to form η-propenylpalladium(II) species

Oxidative addition of ethyl iodide to PdMe₂(2,2′-bipyridyl) in (CD₃)₂CO gives the unstable “PdIMe₂Et(bpy)”, which undergoes reductive elimination to form PdIR(bpy) (R = Me, Et), ethane, and propane. Ethene and palladium metal are also formed, and are attributed to decomposition of PdIEt(bpy) via β-elimination. Similar results are obtained with n-propyl iodide, although a palladium(IV) intermediate was not detected, but CH₂=CHCH₂X (X = Br, I) and PhCH=CHCH₂Br give isolable complexes fac-PdXMe₂(CH₂CH=CHR)(L₂) (R = H, Ph; L₂ = bpy, phen). The propenyl complexes decompose at ambient temperature to form ethane, a trace of PdXMe(L₂), and mixtures of [Pd(η³-C₃H₅)(L₂)]X and [Pd(η³-C₃H₅)(L₂)]-[Pd(η³-C₃H₅)X₂]; for fac-PdBrMe₂(CH₂CH=CH₂)(bpy) the major palladium(II) product is [Pd(η³-C₃H₅)(bpy)]Br.     

Microwave spectrum, structure, dipole moment and internal rotation of allylsilane

Microwave spectra of allylsilane and its ¹³C and deuterium substituted species have been measured and assigned for the skew isomer. The r_s structure was determined with the aid of several assumptions. Some of the parameters determined are; r(C=C) = 1.328 ± 0.007 Å, r(C---C) = 1.492 ± 0.008 Å, (CCC) = 126.7 ± 0.8°, (CCSi) = 111.6 ± 0.5° and τ(CCCSi) = 106.8 ± 1.1°. Dipole moments and their components were also determined for the CH₂ = CHCH₂SiH₃ and CH₂=CHCH₂SiD₃ species. Hyperconjugation between the C=C π bond and the C---Si σ bond is discussed.     

C---H bond activation by rhodium(I) and the mechanism of the olefin isomerization: new synthesis of β,γ-unsaturated ketones via η- or η-alkylallylrhodium(III) complexes by reductive elimination

Acylrhodium(III)-η³-1-ethylallyl complex (7) was prepared by the reaction of 8-quinolinecarboxaldehyde (3) and 1,4-pentadienerhodium(I) chloride (2) by C---H bond activation, followed by hydrometallation, and double bond migration. Higher concentrations of pyridine as coordinating ligand transforms η³-1-ethylallylrhodium(III) complexes (8a,8b) into η¹-pent-2-enylrhodium(III) complex (11a). Acylrhodium(III)-η³-syn,anti-1,3-dimethylallyl complex (14) was also prepared from 1,3-pentadienerhodium(I) chloride (16) and 3. The reductive elimination of acylrhodium(III)-η¹- and -η³-1-alkylallyl complexes by trimethylphosphite gives various β,γ-unsaturated ketones.     

Mehrfachbindungen zwischen Hauptgruppenelementen und Übergangsmetallen : XLIV. Synthesen von Hydrogensulfido- und Hydrogenselenido-Komplexen der Metalle Chrom, Molybdän und Wolfram

Hydrogenchalcogenido complexes of general composition (η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃M(EH) (R = H, CH₃; M = Cr, Mo, W; E = S, Se) can be obtained by three different routes, sometimes in quite good yields. Thus, the sulfur and selenium derivatives can be synthesized by insertion of the respective elements into the metal-hydrogen bonds of the precursor compounds (η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃MH. This species also reacts with potassium selenocyanate to yield the hydrogenselenido derivatives (η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃M(SeH) which can also be obtained by treatment of the methyl complexes (η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃M(CH₃ (M = Mo, W) with HBF₄ and Li[SeH]. The corresponding hydrogentellurido compounds are probably formed by these preparative methods but appear to be quickly converted into either the dinuclear tellurium bridge products (μ-Te)[(η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃M]₂ (M = Mo) or into the hydrido complexes (η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃MH (M= Mo, W) by release of elemental tellurium.     

Organometalloidal derivatives of the transition metals : XXX. Mass spectrometry of transition metal substituted disilanes

Mass spectral fragmentation of a series of transition metal substituted disilanes, LMSiMe₂SiMe₂ML, LM = (η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂- (Fp), (η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄)- (Fc), RFe(CO)₂(η⁵-C₅H₄), are reported. They exhibit significant distinctions depending on the nature of LM. Direct cleavage of the Si---Si bond occurs in the order Fc å Fp å RFe(CO)₂(η⁵-C₅H₄) owing to the capacity of the LM fragment to stabilize positive charge. For complexes containing a direct Fe---Si bond, i.e. Fp-SiMe₂SiMe₂ML, disilene complexed ions are observed, and those complexes containing both an Fp group and a (η⁵-C₅H₄-SiMe₂SiMe₂) group exhibit significant formation of (C₅H₄=Si=SiMe₂) complexed ions. Little disproportionation is observed for any of the complexes studied, in contrast to organodisilanes.     

New heterodimetallic cyclopentadienyl carbonyl complexes: crystal structure of (C5Me4Et)(μ-CO)3Ru(C5Me5)

A series of heterodimetallic complexes of general formula (C₅R₅)M(μ-CO)₃RuC₅Me₅ (M = Cr, Mo, W; R = Me, Et) has been prepared in good yields by the reaction of [C₅R₅M(CO)₃]⁻ with [C₅Me₅Ru(CH₃CN)₃]⁺. (C₅Me₄Et)W(μ-CO)₃Ru(C₅Me₅) was characterized by a crystal structure determination. The W---Ru bond length of 2.41 Å is consistent with the formulation of a metal-metal triple bond, while the unsymmetrical bonding mode of the three bridging carbonyl groups reflects the inherent non-equivalence of the two different C₅R₅M-units. Using [CpRu(CH₃CN)₃]⁺ or [CpRu(CO)₂(CH₃CN)]⁺ as the cationic precursor leads to the formation of dimetallic species (C₅R₅)M(CO)₅RuC₅H₅ with both bridging and terminal carbonyl groups.     

Novel rearrangements of fused zwitterionic heterocyclic systems

(E)-2-Chlorodimethylstannyl-3-diethylboryl-2-pentene (1) reacts with the C-lithiated azoles 2 (derived from thiazole (2a), 4-methylthiazole (2b), 1,4-dimethylimidazole (2c), benzoxazole (2d) and benzthiazole (2e)) to eliminate LiCl, giving first mixtures containing compounds with either a coordinative N--- bond (3) or the zwitterionic isomer with an Sn---N bond (4), or both, and in some cases a rearranged product (5) with a 1,2,5-azastannaborole unit is also present. The zwitterionic compounds 4 tend to rearrange into the heterocycles 5 in which the heteroaromatic system is no longer present and two new C---C bonds, a new B---C and a new B---N bond are formed. The reactions were monitored by multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹¹B, ¹³C, ¹⁴N and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR) which also served for the characterization of the final products. In the case of 5e, the molecular structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis (monoclinic; space group P2₁/n; A=11.691(2), B=12.396(2), C=13.149(2) Å; β=93.41(2)°).     

Stereoselective synthesis of 3-amino-4-substituted-2-azetidinones via [2+2] cycloadditions of tricarbonyl(ηarene)chromium(0)complexed imines

The stereoselective [2+2] cycloaddition reaction between the chiral tricarbonyl(η⁶arene) chromium(0) complexed imines 1 and 6 and phthalimidoketene affords tricarbonyl (η⁶arene)chromium(0) complexed 3-phthalimido-2-azetidinones 3, 7 and 8, both in racemic and enantiopure form. Decomplexation and the cleavage of the phthalimido group give 3-amino-4-substituted-2-azetidinones 5 and 10. Some insights into the stereochemical outcome of the [2+2] cycloaddition process are discussed.     

1-Boraadamantane: reactivity towards mono-1-alkynyltin, -germanium and -silicon compounds — synthesis of 4-methylene-3-borahomoadamantanes

The reaction of 1-boraadamantane 1 with 1-alkynyltin (3), -germanium (4), and -silicon compounds (5) leads to enlargement of the tricyclic system by formation of 4-methylene-3-borahomoadamantanes (6–9). These are 1,1-organoboration reactions which proceed by cleavage of the M---C bond (M=Sn, Ge, Si). There is evidence for 1,1-deorganoboration which apparently take place much more readily than for non-cyclic analogues, most likely as the result of the strained tricyclic system. When 2-ethyl-1-boraadamantane (2) is used, again 3-borahomoadamantanes are formed, the isomers 15–18. The product distribution is sensitive to steric effects. However, it appears that the B---C(H)Et bond in 2 is slightly more reactive than the B---CH₂ bonds. All products were characterised by ¹H-, ¹¹B-, ¹³C-, ²⁹Si- and ¹¹⁹Sn-NMR.     

Versatile reactions of a para-bromophenylacetylide iron(II) derivative and X-ray structure of the fluoro analogue. Synthesis of new redox-active organoiron(II) synthons

The synthesis of the new (η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC---1,3-(C₆H₄X) (m-2a/2b; X=F/Br) and (η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC---1,4-(C₆H₄I) (2c) complexes, as well as the solid-state structure of the known (η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC---1,4-(C₆H₄F) (2a) complex are described. The catalytic coupling reactions of the bromo complexes with various alkynes were next investigated. Starting from the known (η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC---1,4-(C₆H₄Br) complex (2b), the synthesis of the (η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC---1,4-(C₆H₄)---CC---H complex (6d) and of the corresponding silyl-protected precursors (η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC---1,4-(C₆H₄)CC---SiR₃ (6b/6c; R=ⁱPr/Me) are reported. By use of lithium---bromine exchange reactions on 2b, the silyl- (7a; E=Si; R=Me) and tin- (7b–7d; E=Sn; R=Me, Bu, Ph) substituted analogues (η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC---1,4-(C₆H₄)ER₃ are also isolated. The spectroscopic and electrochemical characterisations of all these new Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox-active building blocks are presented and the electronic substituent parameters for the “(η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC” group are determined by means of ¹⁹F-NMR.     

Reactivity studies of [Pd2(μ-X)2(PBu3)2] (X = Br, I) with CNR (R = 2,6-dimethylphenyl), H2 and alkynes

Improved syntheses for the dimeric compounds [Pd₂(μ-X)₂(PBu^t₃)₂] (X = Br, I) have been developed and the X-ray crystal structure for the dimer with X = 1 is reported. The reactions of these dimers with CNR (R = 2,6-dimethylphenyl), H₂ and a series of terminal and substituted alkynes are also reported. The dimer with X = Br is an initiator for the catalytic polymerisation of phenylacetylene. The product of the dimers with disubstituted alkynes results in the synthesis of trimeric species with formula [Pd₃(μ-X){ν²-C₄(CO₂R)₄}₂][PBu^t₃)Me]₂ (X = Br, I; R = Me, Et). The X-ray crystal structure of one of these compounds (when R = Et and X = I) is presented, demonstrating that the palladium dimers assist the C---C coupling of the alkynes.     

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene and norbornadiene by tungsten(II) and molybdenum(II) complexes

The reaction of norbornene (NBE) and norbornadiene (NBD) in the presence of seven-coordinate tungsten(II) and molybdenum(II) complexes of the [(CO)₄M(μ-Cl)₃M(SnCl₃)(CO)₃] and [MCl(M′Cl₃)(CO)₃(NCMe)₂] (M=W, Mo; M′=Sn, Ge) types leads to ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and to the formation of high molecular weight polymers. The geometric structure of these polymers was determined by means of ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy. The monitoring of the reaction between cyclic olefins and the metal complex by means of ¹H-NMR spectroscopy allowed us to observe the coordination of NBD to metal atoms in the initiation step of the polymerization process. Compounds of the [MCl(SnCl₃)(CO)₃(η⁴-NBD)] type prepared directly from [(CO)₄M(μ-Cl)₃M(SnCl₃)(CO)₃] or [MCl(M′Cl₃)(CO)₃(NCMe)₂] (M=W, Mo) in the presence of an excess of NBD initiate the ROMP reaction immediately. The detection of the first-formed products in the reaction between the metal complex and cyclic olefins provides valuable information concerning the nature of the initiating species.     

Substituted metal carbonyls XXIII . Syntheses of unicoordinated diphosphine complexes of Cr and Mo and their entry into heterobimetallics MM′(CO)10(μ-P-P) [M, M′= Cr, Mo, W; P---P = Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2, n = 2–4] as metalloligands

A series of pentacarbonyl complexes of chromium and molybdenum with unicoordinated-diphosphines, M(CO)₅(η¹-P-P) (P-P = dppe, dppp, dppb) has been prepared by amine oxide-induced phosphine substitution of the binary carbonyls. The basicity of the pendant phosphine groups was demonstrated by their ready conversion to the diphosphine-bridged heterobimetallic complexes (OC)₅M(μ-P-P)M′(CO)₅ (M, M′= Cr, Mo, W; M ≠ M′) in the presence of MCO)₅(CH₃CN). The complexes were characterized by IR and NMR (¹H and ³¹P-{¹H}) spectroscopy.     

The synthesis of some complexed ketones or sulfones by oxidation of η-arene-η-cyclopentadienyliron cations or η-arenedi-η-cyclopentadienyliron dications

Di-η⁵-cyclopentadienyliron complexed dications of 9,10-dihydroanthracene, xanthene, thioxanthene and diphenylmethane derived from ligand exchange reactions but without their prior isolation were oxidized with KMnO₄ to give, respectively, the dications of anthraquinone, xanthone, thioxanthone and benzophenone, isolated as their dihexafluorophosphate salts. Cyclopentadienyliron complexes of arenes containing a sulfide function were oxidized by m-chloroperbenzoic acid to the corresponding complexed sulfones, and sulfones prepared in this way include the hexafluorophosphate salt of the η⁶-p-tolysulfonylbenzene, thioxanthene-10,10-dioxide, 9,9-dimethylthioxanthene-10,10-dioxide or dibenzothiophene-9,9-dioxide-η⁵-cyclopentadienyliron cation.     

The octant rule: XXIII. antioctant effects in γ,δ -unsaturated ketones.

The and -benzyl derivatives (1 and 2, respectively) of (+)-camphor have been synthesized and are found to exert a strong influence on the circular dichroism n→π^* Cotton effects: 1: Δε³⁰¹_max -0.36 (n- heptane) and 2: Δε³⁰²_max +3.22, relative to camphor: Δε³⁰⁴_max +1.8 (n-heptane). Evidence for electric dipole transition moment coupling in these γ, δ -unsaturated systems is found in the n→π^* UV: 1: ε²⁹¹_max 84 (n-heptane) and 2: ε²⁸⁵_max 303, relative to camphor: ε²⁹⁰_max 25.     

The reactivity of dimethylaluminum hydride with the aminoarsines Me2AsNMe2, MeAs(NMe2)2, and As(NMe2)3

The reactions of (Me₂AlH)₃ with Me₂AsNMe₂, MeAs(NMe₂)₂, and As(NMe₂)₃ were investigated as a function of time at room temperature and over the temperature range −90 to 24°C by use of ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. (Me₂AlH)₃ was found to be very reactive toward the aminoarsines, even at −90°C, and no stable Me₂AlH-aminoarsine adducts were observed. Instead, the initial stages of the reactions involved AS---N bond cleavage with the generation of highly reactive AlN- and AsH-bonded species. The subsequent course of each reaction and the final arsenic-containing product distribution depended upon the original AL:N stoichiometric ratio and the respective aminoarsine. When the Al:N ratio was 1:1, the reactions were straightforward for each aminoarsine. However, in every case, [Me₂AlNMe₂]₂ was the final AlN-containing product. Independent reactions were carried out to verify many of the proposed decomposition pathways that lead to thermodynamically stable products. The results of this study are compared with those of the analogous, previously reported (Me₃Al)₂-aminoarsine systems. Additionally, a new synthetic route to [Me₂AlAsMe₂]₃ has been established from the reaction of (Me₂AlH)₃ with Me₂AsH.     

Synthesis and spectroscopic properties of the novel cationic alkyne complexes [WI(CO)(NCMe)L2(η-RC2R)][BF4] (L = PEt3 or PMe2Ph; R = Me or Ph)

The complexes [WI₂(CO)L₂(η²-RC₂R)] (L = PEt₃ or PMe₂Ph; R = Me or Ph) react with an equimolar quantity of Ag[BF₄] in acetonitrile at room temperature to give good yields of the new purple cationic alkyne complexes [WI(CO)(NCMe)L₂(η²-RC₂R)][BF₄]. ³¹P NMR spectroscopy indicates that the phosphines are trans to each other in these compounds. ¹³C NMR spectroscopy suggests that the alkyne ligands are donating four electrons to the tungsten in these complexes.     

Iron carbonyl complexes from 2-[2,3-diaza-4-(2-thienyl)buta-1,3-dienyl]thiophene: N---N bond cleavage and cyclometalation

When thienyl Schiff base 1, derived from 2-formylthiophene and hydrazine, reacted with Fe₂(CO)₉ in n-hexane, three major complexes were obtained: (1) a diironhexacarbonyl complex with two 2-thienylmethylideneamido bridging ligands 2, which resulted from the =N---N= bond cleavage of ligand 1; (2) a doubly cyclometalated di-μ-di-(η¹:η²-thienyl; η¹:η¹(N))bis(hexacarbonyldiiron) complex (3); and (3) a cyclometalated (μ-η¹:η²-thienyl; η¹:η¹(N))hexacarbonyldiiron complex (4). Molecular structures of compounds 1a, 1c, and 2a have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Mehrfachbindungen zwischen Hauptgruppenelementen und Übergangsmetallen : XLV. Eigenschaften und Reaktionsverhalten von Hydrogenchalkogenid-Komplexen der Metalle Chrom, Molybdän und Wolfram

Hydrogensulfido and hydrogenselenido complexes of general composition (η⁵-C₅R₅(CO)3M(EH) (R = H, CH₃; M = Cr, Mo, W; E = S, Se) react at the EH functions by deprotonation, bimolecular elimination of H₂E, or by loss of the chalcogen atoms E. Reactions with Lewis-acidic complex cations such as [((η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃M]⁺ (R = H, CH₃; M = Mo, W) are useful for the synthesis of chalcogen bridged compounds (μ-E)[(η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃M]₂. The heterodinuclear chalcogen bridge complexes thus generated form metathesis equilibria with their corresponding homodinuclear systems.