Ligand-induced haptotropic rearrangements in bis(indenyl)zirconium sandwich complexes

Addition of principally sigma-donating ligands such as THF, chelating diethers, or 1,2-bis(dimethyl)phosphinoethane to eta(9),eta(5)-bis(indenyl)zirconium sandwich complexes, (eta(9)-C(9)H(5)-1,3-R(2))(eta(5)-C(9)H(5)-1,3-R(2))Zr (R = alkyl or silyl), induces haptotropic rearrangement to afford (eta(6)-C(9)H(5)-1,3-R(2))(eta(5)-C(9)H(5)-1,3-R(2))ZrL adducts. Examples where L = THF and DME have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and revealed significant buckling of the eta(6) benzo ring, consistent with reduction of the arene, and highlight the importance of the zirconium(IV) canonical form. For the THF-induced haptotropic rearrangements, the thermodynamic driving force for ring migration has been measured as a function of indenyl substituent and demonstrates silylated sandwiches favor THF coordination and the eta(6),eta(5) bonding motif over their alkylated counterparts. In the case of chelating diethers, measurement of the corresponding equilibrium constants establish more stable eta(6),eta(5) adducts with five- over four-membered chelates and with smaller oxygen and carbon backbone substituents. Kinetic studies on both THF and DME addition to (eta(9)-C(9)H(5)-1,3-(SiMe(3))(2))(eta(5)-C(9)H(5)-1,3-(SiMe(3))(2))Zr established a first-order dependence on the incoming ligand, consistent with a mechanism involving direct attack of the incoming nucleophile on the eta(9),eta(5) sandwich. These results further highlight the ability of the indenyl ligand to smoothly adjust hapticity to meet the electronic requirements of the metal center.     

Synthesis of bis(indenyl)zirconium dihydrides and subsequent rearrangement to eta5,eta3-4,5-dihydroindenediyl ligands: evidence for intermediates during the hydrogenation to tetrahydroindenyl derivatives

Exposure of eta9,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium sandwich complexes to 4 atm of H2 resulted in facile oxidative addition to furnish the corresponding zirconocene dihydrides, (eta5-C9H5-1,3-R2)2ZrH2 (R = SiMe3, SiMe2Ph, CHMe2). Continued hydrogenation completed conversion to the tetrahydroindenyl derivatives, (eta5-C9H9-1,3-R2)2ZrH2. Deuterium labeling studies established that dihydrogen (dideuterium) addition to the benzo rings is intramolecular and stereospecific, occurring solely from the endo face of the ligand, proximal to the zirconium. In the absence of dihydrogen, the bis(indenyl)zirconium dihydrides rearranged to new zirconium monohydride complexes containing an unusual eta5,eta3-4,5-dihydroindenediyl ligand, arising from metal-to-benzo ring hydrogen transfer. Mechanistic studies, including a normal, primary kinetic isotope effect measured at 23 degrees C, are consistent with a pathway involving regio- and stereoselective insertion of a benzo C=C bond into a zirconium hydride. The stereochemistry of the insertion reaction, and hence the eta5,eta3-4,5-dihydroindenediyl product, is influenced by the presence of donor ligands and controlled by the preferred conformation of the indenyl rings. Exposure of the zirconium hydrides containing the eta5,eta3-4,5-dihydroindenediyl rings to 1 atm of dihydrogen afforded the tetrahydroindenyl zirconium dihydride complexes, establishing the intermediacy of this unusual coordination environment during benzo ring hydrogenation.     

Carbon-oxygen bond cleavage with eta9,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium sandwich complexes

Treatment of the eta9,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium sandwich complex, (eta9-C9H5-1,3-(SiMe3)2)(eta5-C9H5-1,3-(SiMe3)2)Zr, with dialkyl ethers such as diethyl ether, CH3OR (R=Et, nBu, tBu), nBu2O, or iPr2O resulted in facile C-O bond scission furnishing an eta5,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium alkoxy hydride complex and free olefin. In cases where ethylene is formed, trapping by the zirconocene sandwich yields a rare example of a crystallographically characterized, base-free eta5,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium ethylene complex. Observation of normal, primary kinetic isotope effects in combination with rate studies and the stability of various model compounds support a mechanism involving rate-determining C-H activation to yield an eta5,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium alkyl hydride intermediate followed by rapid beta-alkoxide elimination. For isolable eta6,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium THF compounds, thermolysis at 85 degrees C also resulted in C-O bond cleavage to yield the corresponding zirconacycle. Both mechanistic and computational studies again support a pathway involving haptotropic rearrangement to eta5,eta5-bis(indenyl)zirconium intermediates that promote rate-determining C-H activation and ultimately C-O bond scission.     

Indenyl zirconium dinitrogen chemistry: N2 coordination to an isolated zirconium sandwich and synthesis of side-on, end-on dinitrogen compounds

Exposure of the isolable zirconocene sandwich compounds, (eta(5)-C5Me5)(eta(5)-C9H5-1-R(1)-3-R(2))Zr (R(1) = Me, (i)Pr, (t)Bu; R(2) = Me) to one atmosphere of dinitrogen resulted in N2 coordination. X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy establish that the resulting dimeric dinitrogen compounds contain an unusual mu2,eta(2)-bridging indenyl ring and a weakly activated N2 ligand. N2 coordination from the isolable zirconium sandwich compounds is extremely sensitive to the number and size of the indenyl subsituents. Compounds bearing two [(i)Pr] or three methyl substituents are stable as eta(9) sandwich compounds for weeks under dinitrogen likely due to the inability to dimerize through a two-atom N2 bridge. Performing the reduction of (eta(5)-C5Me5)(eta(5)-C9H5-1-R(1)-3-R(2))ZrCl2 (R(1) = (i)Pr, (t)Bu; R(2) = Me; R(1) = R(2) = SiMe3) under an N2 atmosphere produced a different outcome; rare examples of side-on, end-on zirconium dinitrogen compounds were isolated and in one case, crystallographically characterized. Protonolysis studies with weak Br?nsted acids were used to evaluate the relative activation of the bridging dinitrogen ligands.     

Synthesis, characterization, and structure of cyclopenta[c]thiophenes and their manganese complexes

1,3-Diaryl-4H-cyclopenta[c]thiophenes are efficiently prepared from 1,2-diaroylcyclopentadienes by use of Lawesson's reagent. eta5-Cyclopenta[c]thienyl complexes, [Mn(eta5-SC7H3-1,3-R2)(CO)3] (R = Me, Ph), are prepared in high yield by ligand substitution reactions of [MnBr(CO)5] with [SnMe3(SC7H3-1,3-R2)]. Alternatively, thiation with P4S10/NaHCO3 converts [Mn{eta5-1,2-C5H3(COR)2)(CO)3] to [Mn(eta5-SC7H3-1,3-R2)(CO)3] (R = Ph, 4-tolyl, 4-MeOC6H4, benzo[2,3-b]thienyl). The molecular structures of complexes with R = Me, Ph show planar eta5-cyclopenta[c]thienyl ligands, with the manganese atom slightly displaced away from the ring-fusion bond.     

Kinetics and mechanism of N2 hydrogenation in bis(cyclopentadienyl) zirconium complexes and dinitrogen functionalization by 1,2-addition of a saturated C-H bond

The rates of hydrogenation of the N2 ligand in the side-on bound dinitrogen compounds, [(eta(5)-C5Me4H)2Zr]2(mu2,eta(2),eta(2)-N2) and [(eta(5)-C5Me5)(eta(5)-C5H2-1,2-Me2-4-R)Zr]2(mu2,eta(2),eta(2)-N2) (R = Me, Ph), to afford the corresponding hydrido zirconocene diazenido complexes have been measured by electronic spectroscopy. Determination of the rate law for the hydrogenation of [(eta(5)-C5Me5)(eta(5)-C5H2-1,2,4-Me3)Zr]2(mu2,eta(2),eta(2)-N2) establishes an overall second-order reaction, first order with respect to each reagent. These data, in combination with a normal, primary kinetic isotope effect of 2.2(1) for H2 versus D2 addition, establish the first H2 addition as the rate-determining step in N2 hydrogenation. Kinetic isotope effects of similar direction and magnitude have also been measured for hydrogenation (deuteration) of the two other zirconocene dinitrogen complexes. Measuring the rate constants for the hydrogenation of [(eta(5)-C5Me5)(eta(5)-C5H2-1,2,4-Me3)Zr]2(mu2,eta(2),eta(2)-N2) over a 40 degrees C temperature range provided activation parameters of deltaH(double dagger) = 8.4(8) kcal/mol and deltaS(double dagger) = -33(4) eu. The entropy of activation is consistent with an ordered four-centered transition structure, where H2 undergoes formal 1,2-addition to a zirconium-nitrogen bond with considerable multiple bond character. Support for this hypothesis stems from the observation of N2 functionalization by C-H activation of a cyclopentadienyl methyl substituent in the mixed ring dinitrogen complexes, [(eta(5)-C5Me5)(eta(5)-C5H2-1,2-Me2-4-R)Zr]2(mu2,eta(2),eta(2)-N2) (R = Me, Ph), to afford cyclometalated zirconocene diazenido derivatives.     

Dihydrogen and silane addition to base-free, monomeric bis(cyclopentadienyl)titanium oxides

Synthesis of a family of monomeric, base-free bis(cyclopentadienyl)titanium oxide complexes, (eta5-C5Me4R)2Ti=O (R = iPr, SiMe3, SiMe2Ph), has been accomplished by deoxygenation of styrene oxide by the corresponding sandwich compound. One example, (eta5-C5Me4SiMe2Ph)2Ti=O, was characterized by X-ray diffraction. All three complexes undergo clean and facile hydrogenation at 23 degrees C, yielding the titanocene hydroxy hydride complexes (eta5-C5Me4R)2Ti(OH)H. For (eta5-C5Me4SiMe3)2Ti=O, the kinetics of hydrogenation were first-order in dihydrogen and exhibited a normal, primary kinetic isotope effect of 2.7(3) at 23 degrees C consistent with a 1,2-addition pathway. Isotope effects of the same direction but smaller magnitudes were determined for silane addition.     

N2 hydrogenation from activated end-on bis(indenyl) zirconium dinitrogen complexes

Sodium amalgam reduction of the bis(indenyl)zirconium dihalide complexes, (eta5-C9H5-1-iPr-3-Me)2ZrX2 (X = Cl, Br, I), yielded the corresponding end-on dinitrogen complexes, [(eta5-C9H5-1-iPr-3-Me)2Zr(NaX)]2(mu2, eta1, eta1-N2), with inclusion of 1 equiv of salt per zirconocene. The solid state structures of the chloro and iodo congeners establish short Zr N and elongated N N bonds, consistent with modest to strong activation of the coordinated dinitrogen molecule. Exposure of the N2 compounds to 1 atm of dihydrogen resulted in rapid N H bond formation to yield a hydrido zirconocene hydrazido compound concomitant with salt elimination. These studies establish a new structural type of zirconocene dinitrogen complex and demonstrate that side-on coordination of the N2 ligand in the ground state is not a prerequisite for dinitrogen hydrogenation.     

Solution structures and dynamic properties of chelated d(0) metal olefin complexes [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(+) (R = H, Me): Models for the [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(R')(olefin)(+) intermediates in "constrained geometry" catalysts.

To model the Ti-olefin interaction in the putative [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(R')(olefin)(+) intermediates in "constrained geometry" Ti-catalyzed olefin polymerization, chelated alkoxide olefin complexes [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(+) have been investigated. The reaction of [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]TiMe(2) (1a,b; R = H, Me) with HOCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2) yields mixtures of [eta(5)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)NH(t)Bu]TiMe(2)(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2)) (2a,b) and [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]TiMe(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2)) (3a,b). The reaction of 2a/3a and 2b/3b mixtures with B(C(6)F(5))(3) yields the chelated olefin complexes [[eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))][MeB(C(6)F(5))(3)] (4a,b; 71 and 89% NMR yield). The reaction of 2b/3b with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] yields [[eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (5b, 88% NMR yield). NMR studies establish that 4a,b and 5b exist as mixtures of diastereomers (isomer ratios: 4a/4a', 62/38; 4b/4b', 75/25; 5b/5b', 75/25), which differ in the enantioface of the olefin that is coordinated. NMR data for these d(0) metal olefin complexes show that the olefin coordinates to Ti in an unsymmetrical fashion primarily through C(term) such that the C=C pi bond is polarized with positive charge buildup on C(int). Dynamic NMR studies show that 4b/4b' undergoes olefin face exchange by a dissociative mechanism which is accompanied by fast inversion of configuration at Ti ("O-shift") in the olefin-dissociated intermediate. The activation parameters for the conversion of 4b to 4b' (i.e., 4b/4b' face exchange) are: DeltaH = 17.2(8) kcal/mol; DeltaS = 8(1) eu. 4a/4a' also undergoes olefin face exchange but with a lower barrier (DeltaH = 12.2(9) kcal/mol; DeltaS = -2(3) eu), for the conversion of 4a to 4a'.     

Carbenerhodium complexes of the half-sandwich-type: synthesis, substitution, and addition reactions

A series of carbenerhodium(I) complexes of the general composition [(eta5-C5H5)Rh(=CRR')(L)] (2a-2i) with R = R'= aryl and L = SbiPr3 or PR3 has been prepared from the square-planar precursors trans-[RhCl(=CRR')(L)2] and NaC5H5 in excellent yields. Reaction of the triisopropylsibane derivative 2a. which contains a rather labile Rh-Sb bond, with CO, PMe3, and CNR (R = Me, CH2Ph, tBu) leads to the displacement of the SbiPr3 ligand and affords the substitution products [(eta5-C5H5)Rh(=CPh2)(L)] (3-7). In contrast, treatment of the triisopropylphosphane compound 2c with CO and CNtBu leads to the cleavage of the Rh=CPh2 bond and gives besides [(eta5-C5H5)Rh(PiPr3)(L)] (10, 12) by metal-assisted C-C coupling diphenylketene Ph2C=C=O (11) or the corresponding imine Ph2C=C=NtBu (13). While the reaction of 2a, c with C2H4 yields [(eta5-C5H5)Rh(C2H4)(L)] (14, 15) and the trisubstituted olefin Ph2C=CHCH3 (16), treatment of 2a, c with RN3 leads to the cleavage of both the Rh-EiPr3 and Rh=CPh2 bonds and gives the chelate complexes [(eta5-C5H5)Rh(kappa2-RNNNNR)] (19, 20). The substitution products 3 (L=CO) and 4 (L= PMe3) react with an equimolar amount of sulfur or selenium by addition of the chalcogen to the Rh=CPh2 bond to generate the complexes [(eta5-C5H5)Rh(kappa2-ECPh2)(L)] (21-24) with thio- or selenobenzophenone as ligand. Similarly, treatment of 3 with CuCl affords the unusual 1:2 adduct [(eta5-C5H5)(CO)Rh(mu-CPh2)(CuCl)2] (25), which reacts with NaC5H5 to form [(eta5-C5H5)(CO)Rh(muCPh2)Cu(eta5-C5H5)] (26). The molecular structures of 3 and 22 have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Formation of a cyclobutylidene ring: intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of allyl and vinylidene C=C bonds under mild conditions

Intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of two C=C bonds in vinylidene complexes [Ru(eta5-C9H7){=C=C(R)H}(PPh3){kappa1-(P)-PPh2(C3H5)][BF4] affords cyclobutylidene complexes [Ru(eta5-C9H7){kappa2-(P,C)-(=CC(R)HCH2CHCH2PPh2)}(PPh3)][BF4], which can be also obtained by reaction of terminal alkynes with [Ru(eta5-C9H7)(PPh3){kappa3-(P,C,C)-PPh2(C3H5)}][PF6]. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions via vinylidene complexes, and the activation parameters were determined by kinetic studies.     

Synthesis, structure, and dynamics of nickelacarboranes incorporating the [nido-7,9-C(2)B(9)H(11)](2)(-) ligand

The nickelacarboranes [NEt(4)][2-(eta(3)-C(3)H(4)R)-closo-2,1,7-NiC(2)B(9)H(11)] (R = H (1a), Ph (1b)) have been synthesized via reaction between [Na](2)[nido-7,9-C(2)B(9)H(11)] and [Ni(2)(micro-Br)(2)(eta(3)-C(3)H(4)R)(2)] in THF (THF = tetrahydrofuran), followed by addition of [NEt(4)]Cl. Protonation of 1a in the presence of a donor ligand L affords the complexes [2,2-L(2)-closo-2,1,7-NiC(2)B(9)H(11)] (L = CO (2), CNBu(t) (3)). Addition of PEt(3) (1 equiv) to 2 produces quantitative conversion to [2-CO-2-PEt(3)-closo-2,1,7-NiC(2)B(9)H(11)], 4. Species 2-4 exhibit in solution hindered rotation of the NiL(2) fragment with respect to the eta(5)-C(2)B(9) cage unit. Protonation of 1a in the presence of a diene affords the neutral complexes [2-(eta(2):eta(2)-diene)-closo-2,1,7-NiC(2)B(9)H(11)] (diene = C(5)Me(5)H (5), dcp (6), cod (7), nbd (8), chd (9), and cot (10a); dcp = dicyclopentadiene, cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene, nbd = norbornadiene, chd = 1,3-cyclohexadiene, and cot = cyclooctatetraene). Variable temperature (1)H NMR experiments show that the [Ni(diene)] fragments are freely rotating even at 193 K. A small quantity of the di-cage species [2,2'-micro-(1,2:5,6-eta-3,4:7,8-eta-cot)-(closo-2,1,7-NiC(2)B(9)H(11))(2)] (10b) is formed as a coproduct in the synthesis of 10a. This species can be rationally synthesized by protonation of 1a and subsequent addition of 10a.     

Dicarbollylamine ligand as a tunable template for sigma,sigma- and pi,sigma-bonding modes: syntheses, structures, and theoretical studies of eta5:eta1-coordinated constrained-geometry group 13 metal complexes

A series of group 13 main group complexes with pi,sigma-type bonding interaction of the formula [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2)(eta (1)-NMe 2)}MMe] (M = Al, R = H 5, Me 6; Ga, R = H 7, Me 8; In, R = H 9, Me 10) was produced by the reaction of group 13 metal alkyls (MMe 3; M = Al, Ga, In) with the dicarbollylamine ligands, nido-8-R-7,8-C 2B 9H 10-7-(CH 2)NHMe 2 (R = H 1, Me 2). The reactions of 1 and 2 with AlMe 3 in toluene initially afforded tetra-coordinated aluminum complexes with sigma,sigma-type bonding interaction, [{(eta (1)-RC 2B 9H 10)(CH 2)(eta (1)-NMe 2)}AlMe 2] (R = H 3, Me 4), which readily underwent further methane elimination to yield the corresponding constrained geometry complexes (CGCs, 5 and 6) of aluminum with pi,sigma-bonding interaction. However, the reactions between 1 and 2 and MMe 3 (M = Ga, In) in toluene produced gallium and indium pi,sigma-CGCs of 7 and 10 directly, not proceeding through sigma,sigma-intermediates. The structures of group 13 metal CGCs were established by X-ray diffraction studies of 5, 6, and 8, which authenticated a characteristic eta (5):eta (1)-coordination mode of the dicarbollylamino ligand to the group 13 metals. A similar pi,sigma-bonding interaction was also established in ethylene-bridged dicarbollylethylamine series. Thus, aluminum pi,sigma-CGCs of dicarbollylethylamine, [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NBz 2)}AlMe] (R = H 17, Me 18), were prepared by the trans-metalation of the [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NBz 2)}Ti(NMe 2) 2] (R = H 15, Me 16) with AlMe 3. However, only sigma,sigma-bonded complexes of the formula [{(eta (1)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NBz 2)}AlMe 2] (R = H 13, Me 14) were isolated by the reaction between [ nido-7-8-R-7,8-C 2B 9H 10-(CH 2) 2HNBz 2] (R = H 11, Me 12) and AlMe 3. When methane-elimination reactions between metal alkyls and dicarbollylamines were carried out with either the gallium atom or monobenzyl aminoethyl tethered ligands, [ nido-7-H 2NBz(CH 2) 2-8-R-7,8-C 2B 9H 10] (R = H 21, Me 22), desired pi,sigma-CGCs, [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NBz 2)}GaMe] (R = H 19, Me 20) or [{(eta (5)-RC 2B 9H 9)(CH 2) 2(eta (1)-NHBz)}AlMe] (R = H 23, Me 24), were generated, respectively. DFT calculation on 5 provides evidence of existence of pi,sigma-bonding of dicarbollylamine ligand to the aluminum atom: pi-bonding interaction of a dicarbollyl unit becomes intensified in the presence of a weak sigma-bonding amine-tethered group. Furthermore, preference for the formation of pi,sigma-bonding was predicted by optimizing a reaction profile including sigma,sigma- and pi,sigma-structures as well as transition state structures for each methylene- and ethylene-spaced ligand system, 3-5 and 14- 18, to reveal that pi,sigma-bonding interaction is more favorable in the case of a methylene-tethered ligand system.     

An eta(6)-dienyne transition-metal complex

The ruthenium complexes, [(eta5-C5R5)Ru(CH3CN)3]PF6 (1-Cp*, R = Me; 1-Cp, R = H), underwent reaction with both 1-(2-chloro-1-methylvinyl)-2-pentynyl-(Z)-cyclopentene (6-Z) and 1-(2-chloro-1-methylvinyl)-2-pentynyl-(E)-cyclopentene (6-E) to give (eta5-C5R5)Ru[eta6-(5-chloro-4-methyl-6-propylindan)]PF6 (7-Cp*, R = Me; 7-Cp, R = H). In a similar fashion, reaction of 1-Cp and 1-Cp* with 1-isopropenyl-2-pent-1-ynylcyclopentene (8) led to the formation of (eta5-C5R5)Ru(eta6-4-methyl-6-propylindan)]PF6 (9-Cp*, R = Me; 9-Cp, R = H). The reaction of 1-Cp* with 8 at -60 degrees C in CDCl3 solution led to observation of the eta6-dienyne complex, (eta5-C5Me5)Ru[eta6-(1-isopropenyl-2-pent-1-ynylcyclopentene)]PF6 (10), by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Complexes 7-Cp and 10 were characterized by X-ray crystallographic analysis.     

Synthesis,molecular structure,and C-C coupling reactions of carbeneruthenium(II) complexes with C5H5Ru(=CRR') and C5Me5Ru(=CRR') as molecular units

The ethene derivatives [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuX(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))] with R=H and Me, which have been prepared from the eta(3)-allylic compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))Ru(eta(3)-2-MeC(3)H(4))(PPh(3))] (1, 2) and acids HX under an ethene atmosphere, are excellent starting materials for the synthesis of a series of new halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes. The olefinic ligand is replaced not only by CO and pyridine, but also by internal and terminal alkynes to give (for X=Cl) alkyne, vinylidene, and allene compounds of the general composition [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuCl(L)(PPh(3))] with L=C(2)(CO(2)Me)(2), Me(3)SiC(2)CO(2)Et, C=CHCO(2)R, and C(3)H(4). The allenylidene complex [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=C=C=CPh(2))(PPh(3))] is directly accessible from 1 (R=H) in two steps with the propargylic alcohol HC triple bond CC(OH)Ph(2) as the precursor. The reactions of the ethene derivatives [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuX(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))] (X=Cl, CF(3)CO(2)) with diazo compounds RR'CN(2) yield the corresponding carbene complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuX(=CRR')(PPh(3))], while with ethyl diazoacetate (for X=Cl) the diethyl maleate compound [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl[eta(2)-Z-C(2)H(2)(CO(2)Et)(2)](PPh(3))] is obtained. Halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuCl(=CHR')(PPh(3))] with secondary carbenes as ligands, as well as cationic species [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(=CPh(2))(L)(PPh(3))]X with L=CO and CNtBu and X=AlCl(4) and PF(6), have also been prepared. The neutral compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=CRR')(PPh(3))] react with phenyllithium, methyllithium, and the vinyl Grignard reagent CH(2)=CHMgBr by displacement of the chloride and subsequent C-C coupling to generate halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes with eta(3)-benzyl, eta(3)-allyl, and substituted olefins as ligands. Protolytic cleavage of the metal-allylic bond in [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(eta(3)-CH(2)CHCR(2))(PPh(3))] with acetic acid affords the corresponding olefins R(2)C=CHCH(3). The by-product of this process is the acetato derivative [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(kappa(2)-O(2)CCH(3))(PPh(3))], which can be reconverted to the carbene complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=CR(2))(PPh(3))] in a one-pot reaction with R(2)CN(2) and Et(3)NHCl.     

Coordinatively unsaturated semisandwich complexes of ruthenium with phosphinoamine ligands and related species: a complex containing (R,R)-1,2-bis((diisopropylphosphino)amino)cyclohexane in a new coordination form kappa(3)P,P',N-eta(2)-P,N

The syntheses of the chloro complexes [Ru(eta5-C5R5)Cl(L)] (R = H, Me; L = phosphinoamine ligand) (1a-d) have been carried out by reaction of [(eta5-C5H5)RuCl(PPh3)2] or {(eta5-C5Me5)RuCl}4 with the corresponding phosphinoamine (R,R)-1,2-bis((diisopropylphosphino)amino)cyclohexane), R,R-dippach, or 1,2-bis(((diisopropylphosphino)amino)ethane), dippae. The chloride abstraction reactions from these compounds lead to different products depending on the starting chlorocomplex and the reaction conditions. Under argon atmosphere, chloride abstraction from [(eta5-C5Me5)RuCl(R,R-dippach)] with NaBAr'4 yields the compound [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(kappa3P,P'-(R,R)-dippach)][BAr'4] (2b) which exhibits a three-membered ring Ru-N-P by a new coordination form of this phosphinoamine. However, under the same conditions the reaction starting from [(eta5-C5Me5)RuCl(dippae)] yields the unsaturated 16 electron complex [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(dippae)][BAr'4] (2d). The bonding modes of R,R-dippach and dippae ligands have been analyzed by DFT calculations. The possibility of tridentate P,N,P-coordination of the phosphinoamide ligand to a fragment [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru]+ is always present, but only the presence of a cyclohexane unit in the ligand framework converts this bonding mode in a more favorable option than the usual P,P-coordination. Dinitrogen [(eta5-C5R5)Ru(N2)(L)][BAr'4] (3a-d) and dioxygen complexes [(eta5-C5H5)Ru(O2)(R,R-dippach)][BPh4] (4a) and [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(O2)(L)][BPh4] (4b,d) have been prepared by chloride abstraction under dinitrogen or dioxygen atmosphere, respectively. The presence of 16 electron [(eta5-C5H5)Ru(R,R-dippach)]+ species in fluorobenzene solutions of the corresponding dinitrogen or dioxygen complexes in conjunction with the presence of [BAr'4]- gave in some cases a small fraction of [Ru(eta5-C5H5)(eta6-C6H5F)][BAr'4] (5a), which has been isolated and characterized by X-ray diffraction.     

Cyclisation of α,ω-dienes promoted by bis(indenyl)zirconium sandwich and ansa-titanocene dinitrogen complexes

Metallation of a variety of α,ω-dienes has been explored with an η(9),η(5)-bis(indenyl)zirconium sandwich compound and an ansa-titanocene dinitrogen complex. The η(9),η(5)-bis(indenyl)zirconium sandwich compound, (η(9)-C(9)H(5)-1,3-Pr(2))(η(5)-C(9)H(5)-1,3-(i)Pr(2))Zr, served as an isolable source of Negishi's reagent and readily formed a kinetic mixture of cis and trans diastereomers of the corresponding zirconacyclopentanes upon diene metallation. For pure hydrocarbon substrates such as 1,6-heptadiene and 1,7-octadiene, an equimolar amount of cis and trans diastereomers were the kinetic products; isomerization to the thermodynamically favoured trans isomers was observed over time at ambient temperature or upon heating to 105 °C, respectively. By contrast, substitution of the methylene or ethylene spacer in the α, ω-diene with a fluorenyl group (e.g. 9,9-diallylfluorene) resulted in exclusive kinetic formation of the trans diastereomer. Amino-substituted dienes were also readily cyclised and one example was characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Similar studies were also conducted with the ansa-titanocene dinitrogen complex, [Me(2)Si(η(5)-C(5)Me(4))(η(5)-C(5)H(3)-3-(t)Bu)Ti](2)(μ(2),η(1),η(1)-N(2)), and both kinetic and thermodynamic selectivities evaluated. The use of a C(1) symmetric ansa-metallocene increases the number of isomeric possibilities. For diallyl tert-butyl amine, diene metallation was more selective than for the bis(indenyl)zirconium sandwich compound and isomerization was also more rapid. Preliminary functionalisation reactivity for both the zircona- and titanocycles was also explored.     

Synthesis and structure of boron-bridged constrained geometry complexes of titanium

The boron-bridged constrained geometry titanium complexes [Ti[eta5:eta1-(C5H4)B(NR2)NPh](NMe2)2][R = iPr (3), SiMe3(4)] and [Ti[eta5:eta1-(C9H6)B(NiPr2)NPh](NMe2)2](12) have been prepared in good yields by amine elimination reaction from [Ti(NMe2)4]. Subsequent deamination-chlorination with excess Me3SiCl yielded the corresponding dichloro-complexes (5, 6, 13). Reaction of the analogous ligand precursors (C5H5)B(NiPr2)N(H)R (R = Cy, tBu) with [Ti(NMe2)4] did not result in the expected bridged compounds, but rather in the half-sandwich complexes [Ti[(eta5-C5H4)B(NiPr2)N(H)R](NMe2)3][R = Cy (9), tBu (10)]. All compounds were fully characterised by means of multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. Thorough investigation of substituent effects was achieved by comparative X-ray diffraction studies on complexes 3, 5, 6 and 12.     

Remarkable reactions of cyclooctatetraene diiron-bridging carbyne complexes with amino and amido compounds: nucleophilic addition to and breaking of the cyclooctatetraene ring

The reactions of the cationic, diiron-bridging carbyne complexes [Fe(2)(mu-CAr)(CO)(4)(eta(8)-C(8)H(8))]BF(4) (1, Ar=C(6)H(5); 2, Ar=p-CH(3)C(6)H(4); 3, Ar=p-CF(3)C(6)H(4)) with LiN(C(6)H(5))(2) in THF at low temperature gave novel N-nucleophilic-addition products, namely, the neutral, diiron-bridging carbyne complexes [Fe(2)(mu-CAr)(CO)(4)(eta(7)-C(8)H(8)N(C(6)H(5))(2))] (4, Ar=C(6)H(5); 5, Ar=p-CH(3)C(6)H(4); 6, Ar=p-CF(3)C(6)H(4))). Cationic bridging carbyne complexes 1-3 react with (C(2)H(5))(2)NH, (iC(3)H(7))(2)NH, and (C(6)H(11))(2)NH under the same conditions with ring cleavage of the COT ligand to produce the novel diiron-bridging carbene inner salts [Fe(2)[mu-C(Ar)C(8)H(8)NR(2)](CO)(4)] (7, Ar=C(6)H(5), R=C(2)H(5); 8, Ar=p-CH(3)C(6)H(4), R=C(2)H(5); 9, Ar=p-CF(3)C(6)H(4), R=C(2)H(5); 10, Ar=C(6)H(5), R=iC(3)H(7); 11, Ar=p-CH(3)C(6)H(4), R=iC(3)H(7); 12, Ar=p-CF(3)C(6)H(4), R=iC(3)H(7); 13, Ar=C(6)H(5), R=C(6)H(11); 14, Ar=p-CH(3)C(6)H(4), R=C(6)H(11), 15, Ar=p-CF(3)C(6)H(4), R=C(6)H(11)). Piperidine reacts similarly with cationic carbyne complex 3 to afford the corresponding bridging carbene inner salt [Fe(2)[mu-C(Ar)C(8)H(8)N(CH(2))(5)](CO)(4)] (16). Compound 9 was transformed into a new diiron-bridging carbene inner salt 17, the trans isomer of 9, by heating in benzene. Unexpectedly, the reaction of C(6)H(5)NH(2) with 2 gave a novel COT iron-carbene complex [Fe(2)[=C(C(6)H(4)CH(3)-p)NHC(6)H(5)](mu-CO)(CO)(3)(eta(8)-C(8)H(8))] (18). However, the analogous reactions of 2-naphthylamine with 2 and of p-CF(3)C(6)H(4)NH(2) with 3 produce novel chelated iron-carbene complexes [Fe(2)[=C(C(6)H(4)CH(3)-p)NC(10)H(7)](CO)(4)(eta(2):eta(3):eta(2)-C(8)H(9))] (19) and [Fe(2)[=C(C(6)H(4)CF(3)-p)NC(6)H(4)CF(3)-p](CO)(4)(eta(2):eta(3):eta(2)-C(8)H(9))] (20), respectively. Compound 18 can also be transformed into the analogous chelated iron-carbene complex [Fe(2)[=C(C(6)H(4)CH(3)-p)NC(6)H(5)](CO)(4)(eta(2):eta(3):eta(2)-C(8)H(9))] (21). The structures of complexes 6, 9, 15, 17, 18, and 21 have been established by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Unusual intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of allyl and vinylidene C=C bonds under mild conditions: a theoretical analysis

A theoretical analysis allows for the rationalization of the recently reported unusual formation under mild conditions of a cyclobutylidene ring from a diastereoselective [2 + 2] intramolecular cycloaddition of two C=C systems. The reaction takes place by heating in dichloromethane the vinylidene complexes [Ru((eta(5),eta(3)-C(9)H(7))[=C=C(R)H][kappa(1)-(P)-PPh(2)(C(3)H(5))](PPh(3))][BF(4)] (R = Ph, p-Me-C(6)H(4)) (1) yielding the bicyclic alkylidene complexes [Ru((eta(5),eta(3)-C(9)H(7))[kappa(2)-(P,C)-(=CC(R)HCH(2)CHCH(2)-PPh(2)](PPh(3))][BF(4)] (2). The proposed mechanism represents an alternative to the classical Woodward-Hoffmann's supra-antara approach.